I have been very fortunate to have traveled most of my life. I grew up with parents who saw the value in travel and took me on trips all over the world. Because of them, I now have a love for traveling that I don’t think will ever go away. In fact, it’s gotten to the point where I get antsy if I don’t have a trip planned at least once a month. It doesn’t have to be anything big. It could be a trip two hours north to play in the mountains. I just can’t sit still. Because of my love for travel, I have collected quite a few travel items to make the journeys easier. Combined with our readers’ favorites, I’ve put together a list that will help you make the most out of your upcoming trip. From luggage to toiletry bags to neck pillows, there’s something for every kind of travel—whether you’re hopping on a plane, train, bus, or car.
Carry All Your Belongings
To ensure that your belongings stay in one easy-to-access place that you can keep a close eye on, use this messenger bag. It has a cut-proof strap, slash-proof body, and RFID-blocking card and passport slots.
Keep Your Creams in These Containers
Liquids aren’t the only things that need cute containers that prevent spillage. These containers are ideal for creams and gels such as hair products, skincare items, or lotions. And for only $2.50 a jar, they’re a steal.
Make More Space in Your Bag
As a serial over-packer, I will forever shove as much as humanly possible into a suitcase. I need options when I’m on vacation after all. Well, with these compression bags, you can now pack more and save room all at the same time. For only $20, you get 12 bags perfect for your entire wardrobe.
Keep Your Phone Battery Up
Whether you’re constantly looking up directions or taking countless photos and videos, this portable charger ensures that your phone stays charged no matter how much you use it. Just plug it straight into your phone and never worry about needing a charging cable ever again.
Charge Your Phone and Watch
This one is for anyone who wears their Apple Watch religiously. The on-the-go charger is compact and easy to use, so you can stay connected at all times. It also has a small charging cord so you can charge your phone at the same time.
Ensure Your Makeup Looks Perfect
Speaking of makeup lovers, to ensure that your makeup looks flawless every single time, bring this travel mirror with you. The foldable, rechargeable mirror has 72 LEDs, offering white lights, warm lights, and cool lights so you have perfect conditions every time you go to apply—no matter how bad the hotel lighting is.
Your Belongings Will Stay Dry
Going hiking, kayaking, sailing, tubing, or rafting? Then you need this waterproof pouch. The triple lock protection offers up to 32 feet of protection underwater. It’s perfect for a day at the beach or when you’ve got a jam-packed day full of excursions.
These Travel Bottles Are TSA Approved
Is there anything worse than having your liquids leak all over your suitcase? I can think of very few things. That’s why I got these travel bottles for my trips. They’re not only adorable and TSA-approved, but they also have a triple-layer leak-proof design. No more shampoo all over your clothes.
Avoid Tangles
As I mentioned earlier, I always have countless electronics with me when I travel. And they usually end up in a tangled corded mess. That’s why for my next upcoming trip I decided to get this electronics organizer. Use it for cables, cords, USB drives, portable chargers, and more.
Stay Safe with This Portable Door Lock
As someone who listens to far too many true crime podcasts, I am extra cautious while traveling. I first saw this door lock on TikTok and then I realized just how popular it is with travelers all over the world. It provides extra security and privacy by preventing unwanted entry.
Charge More Than One Device
When I’m traveling, I typically have at least three or four devices with me at all times. Between my iPad, phone, laptop, and Airpods, the list is endless. And sometimes you just need to charge more than one at a time but don’t have the room to do so. That’s where this power strip comes in. It lets you charge three things at once using one singular outlet.
Bring Your Favorite Scents Along
Keep your favorite perfumes close by while you travel with these atomizers. Because it comes in a pack of four, you can even bring multiple perfume options. One review says, “This was really easy to use and completely met my needs to be able to bring my favorite fragrance along when I travel. I had been carrying the full bottle in a bag with a band to hold the fancy top on. I have a lot better peace of mind traveling now. I can even carry my fragrance in my purse!”
Avoid Dehydration
When you’re constantly moving, it can be hard to remember to drink water. And, of course, this can lead to dehydration. No one wants to deal with that while on vacation. That’s why packing Liquid I.V. is smart. It’s tasty and equivalent to multiple glasses of water, leaving you feeling refreshed and energized almost immediately. If your travels involve a lot of drinking, this is definitely a must-have.
Overpackers Absolutely Need These Packing Cubes
This pack of five packing cubes is another must-have for anyone who struggles with overpacking. The large is great for sweaters and jackets, the medium is great for shirts and shorts, and the small is perfect for underwear, socks, etc. They’ll save so much space in your bag.
This Backpack Easily Hooks onto Luggage
With over 65,000 reviews and a perfect 5-star rating, there’s a reason that Amazon users are loving this travel backpack. It’s affordable (under $40), has a separate compartment for your laptop, and even comes with a luggage belt so you can hook it over the handle of your luggage, freeing up a hand.
Heading Out of the Country? Use This
Don’t get stuck without chargers while traveling internationally. Use this travel adapter instead. It covers more than 150 countries including the US, UK, EU, and AU, and has four USB ports, one USB-C port, and one AC socket, allowing you to charge up to six devices at once.
This Toiletry Bag Is a Game-Changer
I bought this toiletry bag for a recent trip to Ireland and I don’t know how I ever lived without it. The four different compartments can be used for anything from toiletries to makeup to hair products. It holds an absurd amount of things while keeping you organized, which is a must when on the go.
This Portable Steamer Is Easy to Pack
Don’t let wrinkled clothes ruin your vacation photos. Instead, use this portable steamer. For less than $40, this steamer offers 1000 watts of steam power within 30 seconds from the time you turn it on. It’s also foldable, so you can bring it with you in your carry-on.
This Passport Holder Has an Ultra Sleek Design
I am a big fan of all things to do with organization—especially when it comes to traveling. When you’re rushing through an airport, you want to ensure that you can find everything that you need ASAP. That’s why I love this passport holder. It keeps it in one easy-to-find place and even has a slot for your vaccine card.
Stay Hands-Free
In an ideal world, every airplane would have a television on the back of the seat. However, that’s not the world we live in. But rather than curl up with your phone in your lap, use this phone mount to keep your phone on the seat in front of you. It makes Netflix binging much more comfortable.
Store Your Favorite Pieces
The easiest way to dress up an outfit is through jewelry. But packing said jewelry is less than ideal. Or should I say was? With this jewelry case, it’s now easier than ever. It has room for rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces and can even be rearranged based on your needs.
Capture Memories
Sometimes you don’t have a whole group to take photos of you and you have to rely on yourself. But that doesn’t mean you just stick to hard-to-see selfies. While yes, this technically is a selfie stick, it also extends into a tripod, so you can get the perfect shot without anyone’s help.
Twist This into Different Shapes and Positions
Rather than get the donut-shaped neck pillows, opt for this one instead. It contours to almost any shape and position, giving you ultimate personalization when it comes time to relax. It also has luxurious memory foam, which is always a plus.
Do Laundry On the Go
For long trips, bring these Tide sink packets. With them, you can turn any bathroom sink or bathtub into a washing machine so you can wash your belongings without having to go to a local laundromat or pay your hotel.
Keep Your Luggage Light
Stop getting to the airport only to find out that your bag is overweight. It’s a hassle and everyone behind you in line secretly hates you while you rearrange and try to get it under. Solve this problem before with this scale. It’s easy to use and saves you the headache.
Feel Refreshed with This Jet Lag Remedy
Don’t let jet lag ruin your vacation. Stay energized with this jet lag remedy! With over eight million packs sold worldwide, the homeopathic helps alleviate body stress and reduces fatigue so you can spend more time exploring and less time sleeping.
This Toothbrush Is Easy to Take Anywhere
Having a high-quality toothbrush that is also easy to pack with you is extremely important when traveling. And quip has done an amazing job of making a name for itself thanks to its affordable yet effective toothbrush that you can now get on Amazon. It works for up to three months on a single charge, comes with a multi-use travel cover, and costs less than $35.
Keep Your Dirty Clothes Separated
It may seem a little OCD, but I hate when my dirty clothes touch my clean clothes while I’m on vacation. It makes me feel like they instantly smell the minute they touch one another. That’s why I always bring these laundry bags with me. I can keep all my clothes separated and smelling fresh. Plus it makes unpacking super easy.
This Duffle Bag Is Ideal for Weekend Trips
With over 16,000 reviews and a perfect 5-star rating, this duffle bag is a number one best seller on Amazon for a reason. It’s the perfect size for long weekends, is water-resistant, durable, and even has a padded compartment for your electronics.
Nourish Your Skin On the Go
I’m not sure what it is about traveling but my skin becomes drier than the Sahara. But finding the right travel-sized products can feel impossible. That’s why I love that e.l.f. put together this travel pack with a cleanser, eye cream, hydrating balm, moisturizer, and more.
Fight Germs with Toilet Seat Covers
To ensure that you stay germ-free no matter where you go, pack these toilet seat covers. They’re 100% biodegradable so they’re not only great for you but also great for the environment.
Use This When You’re Hitting The Water
Capturing memories shouldn’t stop just because you are playing in the water. And luckily, with this phone case, it doesn’t have to. The two-pack is ideal for phones, wallets, passports, money, and more. And the innovative design allows you to access the phone even when it’s tucked away.
Get Comfortable During Your Flight
Minimize discomfort and fatigue with this airplane footrest. The high-quality foam rest has adjustable straps so it can easily slide over the tray table, making installation a piece of cake. In just seconds you’ll be kicking back and relaxing—literally.
Makeup Lovers Need This Travel Case
I may not be a makeup addict but I know there are many out there, and this travel case has been selling like crazy as of late. The deep pockets are perfect for foundation, lipstick, eyeshadow, palettes, and more. Not to mention the lid has pockets for all of your brushes.
Stay Prepared
Don’t get caught unprepared in a storm. This travel umbrella is compact enough that you won’t even know it’s there—until you need it, that is. It opens and closes with a touch of a button and only measures 11.5 inches, making it small enough to throw in your purse.
Bring Your Music With You
If you’re like me and can’t sit in silence, bring this speaker along with you on your travels. Because it’s so small, it hardly takes up room in your carry-on and makes the perfect addition for the hotel or trip to the beach. It also doesn’t skimp on the sound quality.
Protect Your Shoes and Clothes
To keep your shoes clean from stains (along with your clothes), use this shoe bag. It’s made of durable, translucent mesh, which helps you easily identify your shoes while also keeping them clean and protected.
This Underwear Organizer Keeps it Under Wraps
Get your hands on this Underwear Case and say goodbye to disorganized lingerie. This stylish and fashionable portable storage box is perfect for carrying bras and other delicate items while on-the-go. It’s compact enough to fit into your travel bag yet spacious enough to accommodate your essentials. Whether you’re jet-setting to your next adventure or just need a way to keep your wardrobe in check, this organizer is the perfect solution.
This Lips Luggage Tags Make Your Bags Stand Out in a Crowd
Stop the mix-up madness with these adorable ID tags! With their large and bright designs, you’ll never lose track of your luggage again. These cuties are made from sturdy and waterproof silicone, perfect for all your wild adventures. And don’t worry about losing your bags, each tag has a handy plastic-covered window to write your deets. Whether you’re off to the gym or a far-off land, travel in style with these fun and funky ID tags!
This Scarf with a Secret Pocket
Shh, don’t tell anyone, but this scarf has a secret – it’s got a hidden zippered pocket! Made from soft and breathable polyester, this stylish scarf is perfect for any traveler who wants to keep their valuables safe and sound. Stash your passport, keys, credit cards, or other important items in the secret pocket, and no one will be the wiser. It’s like having your own personal ninja cloak, but in scarf form! So why settle for a boring old scarf when you can have one with a hidden pocket? Get yours now and travel in style and security!
Take a Nap and Make Everyone Around You Jealous with this Pillow!
Get ready to be the envy of all your fellow travelers with this goofy-looking but oh-so-comfy airplane neck pillow! With its perfect 45° angle, this pillow will have you snoozing soundly in no time, no matter how bumpy the ride gets. And best of all, it helps you maintain proper posture and avoid those nasty aches and pains that come with bad sleeping positions. It’s like having your very own personal chiropractor! Plus, with its easy-to-use air valve and lightweight design, you can take it with you wherever you go. So don’t settle for uncomfortable flights — get this pillow and sleep like a baby on your next trip!