Is there a better time to write about must-have travel gadgets than after you’ve just gotten off the plane from a whirlwind trip to the Big Apple? (O.K., maybe writing about it before traveling would’ve been more helpful, at least to me … but I digress.) Travel! It’s the best, isn’t it? Exploring new places, trying new things, sampling new foods; I think now, more than ever, people are turning to experiences over things. Some “things,” however, are still crucial — especially when it comes to simplifying those experiences.
This list is full of travel gadgets that are equal parts weird and wonderful. They include ingenious solutions for everything from entertainment to safety to organization to privacy. So, dust off your passport and LET’S GO!
Oh, and over half of these items are on sale right now…
Air Your Dirty Laundry
Traveling doesn’t always mean you’re free of adult responsibilities like laundry. This retractable and portable clothesline expands to upward of 12 feet, has positioning beads so your clothes don’t bunch up, and includes 13 anti-skid clips that are windproof. Two strong stainless steel hooks let you attach this anywhere and remove it easily when it’s time to go. Twelve clips let you wash multiple pieces.
Don’t Miss This Must-Have Airplane Window Cupholder
Tired of limited space during flights? Meet Bevledge, your in-flight window organization station. It holds multiple items, including 2 beverages, phone, eyewear, and more. Fits in most aircraft window shade-slots, folds flat, and keeps your valuables secure and clean. Get yours for stress-free flights!
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.
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.
A Stuffed Shirt
It never fails — every time I go somewhere I end up coming back with more than I set out with. This travel neck pillow is weirdly genius because you can pack it full of souvenir T-shirts or beach towels and use it as a pillow instead of having yet another thing to carry. This thing will fit up to three days of travel essentials. Heck, you may not even need a suitcase!
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.
Cable Company
I won’t travel with any charging cables except these universal charging cables because they cover a multitude of devices without requiring a multitude of cords. This two-pack features six-foot cables with Type-C, micro USB and lightning ports for cell phones and more. You’ll never root around in your bag only to pull out the wrong cable ever again.
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.
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.
Netflix And Flex Flap
If you’ve been on a plane lately, you know the struggle to not only get comfortable but also to make the trip enjoyable. The Flex Flap is a portable phone holder and tablet stand designed by a flight attendant who saw a need and filled it. This works beyond a plane, too, making it simpler to watch movies in the car or even scope out recipes in the kitchen.
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 Compact Car Air Compressor Is A Lifesaver
Effortlessly inflate your tires with this powerful Car Air Compressor! Quick and stable inflation, precision metal cylinder, and real-time pressure monitoring. The 10ft cord and LED light ensure convenience and safety.
Save On This Handy-Dandy Luggage Scale
Ever been at the airport and had that cold sweat moment when you’re not sure if your bag is over the weight limit? Say goodbye to those fears with this Luggage Scale! It’s like having a mini airport in your pocket.
Stay Connected Anywhere
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.
Pretty Fly For An AirFly
Raise your hand if you hate cords and cables; my hand is up. The AirFly is a wireless Bluetooth transmitter that lets you get in on the in-flight entertainment by connecting directly to your earbuds or wireless headphones. This even works with gym equipment and gaming devices — virtually anything with a 3.5mm audio jack. A battery life of more than 20 hours keeps you up and running for a long time between charges.
Stay Connected With This Outlet Extender
This multi-plug outlet extender gives you 6 AC outlets, USB-C, and 2 USB-A ports. With a removable shelf, it clears space and organizes your essentials. Fast, smart USB charging and surge protection ensure safety.
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.
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.
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.
Never Lose Your Keys Again
Ever lost your keys and wished you had a treasure map leading right to them? Enter: AirTags. With a simple tap, these bad boys can play a sound to help you locate your missing items. Plus, they have a replaceable battery that lasts over a year! So go ahead, tap into your inner detective and never lose your stuff again!
Get Wrinkle-Free On The Go
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.
27% Off This Bestselling LED Neck Reading Light Under $22
Experience ultimate comfort and convenience with this rechargeable LED neck light! Choose from 3 color temperatures and 6 adjustable brightness levels to create the perfect lighting for reading, crafting, or camping. With a long-lasting battery life of up to 80 hours, you’ll have reliable illumination whenever you need it. The ergonomic design ensures a comfortable fit, while the narrow beam angle avoids disturbing your partner.
47% Off This Versatile Camping Lantern
Meet the ultimate camping lantern! Waterproof, drop-tested, and ultra-bright with 1200LM. USB rechargeable, 3 light modes, and SOS for emergencies. Compact and lightweight for your next adventure.
This Mega-popular Neck Pillow
There’s a reason this ingeniously designed and rigorously tested travel pillow has sold over a million…
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.
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.
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.
In A Sound Sleep
Nothing says, “Please don’t talk to me,” like slapping on a wireless eye mask that not only blocks out light for a good snooze but also has built-in Bluetooth so you can listen to your favorite music, book or podcast. You can even take a call with this but why would you want to? You can remove the wires and module for washing the mask by hand with warm water.
Stand Under My Umbrella
You can’t cancel your vacay if rain’s in the forecast but you can be better prepared for it with this portable travel umbrella. Windproof, strong, compact and equipped with an automatic operation system, this is an easy pack and perfect for opening and closing quickly as you travel to your destination. I love the blue sky version but the rainbow and starry night options are cool, too.
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.
You’re In Charge
No one wants to lug a heavy power bank along on a trip but how else will you keep your phone up and running? This portable charger gets the job done in a package the size of a credit card with a built-in cable for an all-in-one solution. Having a small charger eliminates those “My phone just died” conversations during layovers and long days of exploring.
Passport To Travel
Carry your passport in style with this passport holder that’s slim and waterproof and has a snap button closure. I love this one because it gives you additional room for boarding passes, your ID, debit card and more, and is equipped with RFID-blocking technology to safeguard your identity and finances. Choose from nine different color options for this lightweight wallet.
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.
You’ve Got The Power
If you’re lucky, you’re not always going to be around an outlet to keep your devices charged. This solar power bank is great for camping and hiking and other outdoor pursuits where you’re “off the grid” but not really “off the grid.” This power bank has a built-in flashlight and an included lanyard so you can hang it from your backpack.
Get Rolling
Don’t you hate getting somewhere only to notice you’ve picked up every piece of lint along the way? This retractable lint roller is small enough to stash in your handbag to keep you looking neat and tidy wherever you are. With its reusable and refillable design, it also eliminates the need to continually buy new lint rollers. This is a travel and office must-have.
Cut The Cords
It is virtually impossible to travel these days without a plethora of cords and cables. This storage pouch at least corrals the corded mess into something that resembles order so you can find what you need quickly. It’s small enough to stay out of your way but large enough to hold that obnoxiously-large MacBook charger. This has an interior mesh pocket and a zipper closure.
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.
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.
Lock Down
If you’ve got a flight coming up, TSA is a fact of life. This keyless combination lock lets TSA agents lock and unlock luggage without having to break anything to do so. There’s no key to lose, thanks to the easy three-digit combination that can generate 1,000 different code possibilities. Choose from seven colors and packs from one to six to protect all your gear.
Hold Your Own
There’s never been a more tedious time to have to hold your phone than when you’re sitting on an airplane. Don’t ask me why; it’s science. This universal phone holder lets you watch your favorite shows and videos with a hands-free design that can also rotate 360 degrees. Attach it directly to a seat back or tray table for convenience in the air.
Ring The Alarm
Traveling can sometimes be dangerous but there are ways to safeguard yourself, like this personal emergency alarm. When triggered, this alarm lets out a loud 130-decibel alarm sure to scare off would-be criminals. Simply pull the pin to activate; it’ll sound for 30 minutes or until the pin is returned to the device. What might perhaps be the world’s smallest SOS alarm, this is a no-brainer when you’re in a new place.
Recharge Your Batteries
I’ve always heard the phrase, “Recharge your batteries,” but now I’ve actually seen it in person! These rechargeable batteries have USB adapters built right inside so you can plug these into any USB outlet (even your computer!) to start charging. Each battery is designed to use more than 500 times and has a built-in light indicator that shows when the batteries are fully charged.
Get A Leg Up
All I want to do when I’m on a plane is stretch out but “stretching out” was never a part of the plan when they were designing planes. This portable footrest may make things a bit more comfortable if you’re on a long flight, thanks to its evenly-padded design and sufficient size. Despite that, it’s lightweight and compact and comes in a travel bag for convenience in carrying.
Hold The Phone
Keep your phone on a short leash with this cell phone lanyard, a universal phone holder (with built-in ID or credit card pocket) you can wear right around your neck. Nowhere is this more convenient than in an airport or on vacation when you really need your hands free for other things. Choose from more than 10 colors of extra-strong silicone.
Throwing Shade
I simply can’t imagine traveling with five pairs of sunglasses but I can respect those of you who do. This five-slot storage box has a hanging apparatus for convenience and lets you tote up to five pairs of glasses or sunglasses so you’re always chic no matter what the moment brings. These come in multiple colors to match your luggage or your personality.
Sock It To Me
You wouldn’t think that something as basic as socks would improve your travels but here we are. These aren’t just any socks, though; they’re compression socks, which apply pressure to your lower legs to reduce discomfort and swelling. These have a graduated silhouette for the ideal fit from foot to calf. Stock up on a few pairs and see how much more comfortable traveling can be.
Your Cup Of Tea
Your luggage is important. Your coffee is important-er. This luggage cup holder frees your hands and puts your coffee, water or soda directly atop your suitcase. This pouch has adjustable Velcro that’ll fit just about any suitcase and multiple compartments you can even use for your phone, passport, cash and more. For less than $8, this is nearly a must-have travel gadget.
You’re Not The Bose Of Me
Even if you haven’t been on vacation recently, I suspect you already understand the importance of a good quality pair of headphones. These noise-canceling earbuds from Bose are top-of-the-line with high-fidelity audio, an adjustable fit and simple touch controls. If you’re serious about your music, you know Bose is hard to beat. Listen for up to six hours on a single charge and get an additional 12 hours from the charging case.
Sink Your Teeth In
You aren’t always going to be in a place where you can pull out the toothbrush and paste and go to town. These disposable oral care swabs let you clean, moisten and refresh your mouth, teeth and gums wherever you are. The simple four-angle-shaped device effectively sanitizes and is disposable for portable use and tossing in the trash. These are unflavored so no weird “bubble gum” taste.
So Fresh And So Clean
I think we’ve all become a little more aware of germs around us lately, haven’t we? And, it’s not always possible to wipe everything down. This mini ultraviolet sterilizer is small enough to slip into your pocket, letting you eliminate germs and viruses on the go. Fast-acting, it has a smart timer on the LED screen so you can ensure you’re being extra thorough.
It All Comes Out In The Wash
If you’re serious about clean clothes on the go or you want to pack less and wear things multiple times, this portable wash bag gives you a way to wash your gear with a light, small and eco-friendly laundry solution. Wash in just minutes (and hang with that laundry line a few products above) whether you’re in a dorm, hostel, campsite or RV.
Tag, You’re It
Luggage tags are a travel necessity and they run the gamut from boring old black to something as vibrant as these bright green ones. Made from durable silicone, these include name cards with privacy covers and stainless steel loops for secure fastening. The best part, though, is the shocking color, which will be super easy to spot on the baggage carousels.
Blow Off Some Steam
So many of these products are related to your clothes and why not? You can’t travel naked (can you?). This mini steam iron will keep you looking sleek and fresh with dual voltage so you can use it anywhere in the world. This has an anti-slip handle, a 7.5-ft. power cord for reachability and a 1.4-ounce water tank that heats up in just 15 seconds.
Pack Your Suitcase
You’re not going to get very far if you don’t have the right suitcase and this hardside expandable carry-on might be the perfect fit. A convenient 20-inch carry-on side, it has spinner wheels, an expandable design and side-mounted TSA locks. Inside, it offers a mesh divider and cross-straps along with a zipped modesty pocket. Choose from multiple sizes and a variety of cute colors.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!”
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.
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.
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.
Hands-free Umbrella Holder
This will seem like a silly idea…until you need it. When it’s raining and you’re out and about in a new place, you need your hands for your phone, your bags, holding your kids’ hands. Let this device hold your umbrella for you. It only makes sense.
A New Way to Get Comfortable on the Plane
You probably have a regular travel pillow, but sometimes on a long flight, you need to change positions from what that allows. And this pillow does it. Hook it to the seat ahead of you and lay forward. Take a nap or watch a show in your lap…
Portable Personal Sauna
OK, this is one thing we’ve never considered taking on the road, but here we are. A portable sauna. It heats up in 5 minutes and has a max 30-min timer for your safety. It weighs less than 20 pounds and folds up to the size of a small duffel.
The best part is that it’s hundreds of dollars less than the other highly reviewed similar saunas on Amazon.
Secret Wine Purse
When you’re out and about with your friends and want some discreet libations, this is the bag for you. It fits 2 bottles of wine in a compartment at the bottom. Then all the things you’d normally have in a purse go above that. It won’t get past TSA, but we bet you could pass inspection at a ballgame or concert. Just kidding, don’t break the rules.
Luggage Cup Holder
It’s important to keep your hands as free as possible when you’re traveling. If you have a water bottle and a carry-on, how are you going to hold your coffee?? Not a problem anymore…
The World’s Tiniest Pen
This amazingly small pen is a must-have gadget for minimalist, survivalists, and just travelers in general. It isn’t for lengthy writing, but it’s perfect when you need to jot something down in a pinch. And since it’s on your keychain, it’ll always be at hand when you need it.
Small-animal Backpack
Sometimes when you’re traveling your little animal friends need to come along. And according to over 7,000 5-star reviews this is the backpack you want to carry them with.
The Only Device Stand You’ll Ever Need
This affordable, packable, and ultra-simple stand will keep your devices just where you need them and leave your hands free.