I love to travel but man, does it ever stress me out. Am I going to have to wear the same thing four times? How many pairs of shoes can I take? What if I need a scarf or a sweater OR MORE DEODORANT? I can’t pack it all despite how hard I might try. And, don’t get me started on baggage weight limits; now I have to worry about packing light stuff versus heavy stuff? You know what? I’ll just stay home.
<Exhales.> Forget that! I want to see new places and experience new things so if that means reining in my luggage game, I guess that’s what I’ll have to do. Amazon has my back (or backpack?) with a host of gadgets and gizmos that’ll up my travel game. From bags that “shrink” your stuff to a cup holder that’ll hold your coffee safely through the airport, these products are travel-worthy and travel-ready.
Make More Room With These Bags
I’m not going to lie, compression bags are not only great for travel but also for home use. (You know all those ginormous blankets you have in your way? Problem solved.) This 12-pack of bags (six large, six medium) have a double-zip design for simpler opening and squeeze out the air by simply rolling them up. You need these for your next trip.
Bottles Even TSA Will Love
Toiletries are my archnemesis when it’s time to hit the road. Do I have enough to last? Do I have too much and TSA is going to be angry? Have no fear! These travel bottles are TSA approved and adorable to boot with fun tonal sets like apricot, green and purple. Your shampoo, conditioner and location have never looked so good.
Weight A Minute
This. right. here. This is the stuff that stresses me out the most about traveling. How much does my bag weigh? Now, you don’t have to wait until you get to the airport to figure it out, giving you time to adjust, remove and re-pack. This luggage scale is an $11 investment that could save you thousands at the check-in counter.
Keep Your Documents Handy
The best part of traveling is having to dig your paperwork out a hundred times when your hands are full. Just kidding, that’s the worst part but this passport holder solves that problem. Tuck your passport, ID, travel documents and more inside this wallet-sized case. Pop it in your pocket for easy access after choosing from one of 16 different colors.
Have Coffee, Will Travel
What if you had just one more hand? You have a suitcase, a laptop bag, a purse, a backpack … how are you supposed to enjoy your Starbucks? This luggage cup holder attaches right to the handle of your suitcase with room for two beverages and a bonus pocket (maybe for that passport wallet above?). This is one purchase you won’t regret when it’s time to pull out your suitcase.
Add A Bag
Everyone could use a helping hand through the airport but if you don’t have that, the next best thing is this small luggage strap that lets you attach one bag to another in a flash. Heck, since you’re buying a four-piece set attach a bag to a bag to a bag. You’re grown so do what you want.
Tidy Your Toiletries
It took me decades to find the perfect toiletry bag but I’m happy to report that I found it and here it is. This water-resistant organizer has all the pockets and is roomy enough to handle even full-sized products. Zip is completely closed when it’s time to move. When you arrive at your destination, hang the bag with the included hook.
Tag, You’re It
It’s practically a given to lose something when you travel; just make sure that “thing” isn’t the big thing like your phone, keys or wallet. Apple Airtags get the job done beautifully, practically if you’re an all-Apple kind of person anyway. Travel hack: Slip one of these in your checked baggage and you’ll know exactly where it is at all times.
Stick To Selfies
When you get where you’re going, it’s time to make memories. That’s why you’re going right?! It’s been the butt of many a joke but a selfie stick really is the best way to snap pics that include everyone and your surroundings. This one extends when you need it but stays compact when you don’t and comes with a wireless remote shutter for extra convenience.
Wear Headphones To Avoid Awkward Conversations
Here’s the deal: I hate small talk. Which also means I hate having to make small talk on airplanes. But, this trick will get you out of it every time. Pop a pair of headphones in your ears (wired works best so the cord can be seen) and enjoy your book or nap or just total silence. You can even take calls with these.
Watch Your On-The-Go Charger
What I love about my Apple Watch is everything. What I hate about my Apple Watch is wearing it when I travel. How do I charge it? Why do I have to pack 47 chargers for everything? This portable wireless charger takes up no space and attaches right to your keyring. It’ll give you a quick emergency charge so you can get on with your day.
Make A Stand
I’ve spent roughly two-and-a-half years of my life working in airports. (O.K. maybe that’s an exaggeration. Time stands still in there.) This “invisible” laptop stand folds down flat and virtually out of the way when you don’t need it and assembles quickly when you do. This has two heights and works with laptops up to 16 inches in size.
All Bottled Up
I know, I know, water bottles are a dime a dozen but this one has some special features. First of all, that matte black is sharp. Inside, it has a low-pressure straw and double-layer filtration — activated carbon and Nano Zero technology. There’s also a handy silicone-coated carabiner for attaching to your purse or bag. If you’re not a fan of the black, pop over and check out the white one.
An Adapter For Any Location
International travel plans? Don’t forget the universal travel adapter that works as well at home as it does overseas. This unit covers more than 150 countries with fast charging including four USB ports, an AC socket and a USB-C port. Take your digital cameras, tablets, phones and more. One reviewer said, “I’ve been in Romania for the last 7 months and I’ve used this adapter every day … without ever having a problem.”
Let Off Some Steam
I hope my mom isn’t reading this but, even at 45 years old, I sometimes throw wrinkled clothes in the dryer because I don’t want to iron them. (Sorry, mom.) This handheld steamer is a reasonable alternative to ironing and is perfect to take on the go. It comes with three attachments and can handle all of your clothes, from cotton to silk.
Recharge Your Batteries
Anker has — hands down — my favorite power banks on the market. This ultra-thin one is great to toss in your purse without weighing it down and its 10,000mAh gives you nearly two-and-a-half complete charges on an iPhone 12. It’s reasonably priced, too, at just $17 so you can save your money for the road and not spend it all on travel gear.
Air Your Dirty Laundry
I always feel weird when I’m traveling putting dirty clothes back in the same suitcase as my clean clothes. Shouldn’t they be separated? But how? This travel laundry bag might be the answer. With handles, it can hang right on the back of a bathroom door so you can toss in your dirties like you would a hamper. When you get home, use it for trips to the laundromat.
Make Some Noise
I travel with a box fan. Yes, a full-sized fan like your grandma used to have. The problem is, it’s not really possible when you’re hopping on a plane, train or bus. This portable white noise machine helps filter out the noise around you when you’re in the hotel and things are just a bit too quiet. It has three different noises and can run all night on a single charge.
Ring The Alarm
I don’t know any other way to say this so I’m just going to come out with it: People are weird. And, honestly, you can’t be too careful when you’re in unfamiliar surroundings. This travel alarm won’t take up much room in your suitcase but gives an immeasurable amount of peace. Set it up on any door and, hopefully, you’ll never have to hear its loud shriek.
Stop Invasions Of Privacy
I’m not toting around any national security secrets but I hate to pull out my laptop when I’m sitting around people I don’t know. This magnetic privacy screen can pop on and off when you need it (or don’t) and gives you a modicum of protection from people looking over your shoulder. Toggle between sizes to fit your MacBook Pros, from 13 to 16 inches.
Don’t Forget A Toothbrush
I have a dedicated travel toothbrush for one reason — because I can never remember to get my regular toothbrush off my bathroom vanity. This electric toothbrush is pretty robust for only $16 with a built-in timer, a vented cap for hygiene and sonic technology, packed into a slim, lightweight package. One reviewer said, ‘This is a great travel toothbrush. You should buy it.” Maybe I should’ve led with that.
Just Plane Relaxation
If you want to make everyone around you jealous when you’re traveling, just pick up one of these memory foam footrests. If you’re on a long flight, you’ll especially appreciate it as you’ll be able to stretch out your legs while everyone else is scrunched up. It’s been engineered for comfort with a compact size that won’t eat up real estate in your bags.