Whether you’re traveling near or far, for business or pleasure, I have some of the best travel accessories and tips to make traveling easier and more enjoyable. I’ve broken them down into the categories listed below. Feel free to jump to the items that interest you most.
TIP: Since remembering everything you need to buy before a trip can be a lot, check out my suggestions on how to simplify shopping.
Simplify Packing
Packing Cubes & Organizers
One of my favorite travel accessories is packing cubes. In fact, I love them so much that I got each member of my family their own set in their own color (because sometimes you need to share a suitcase or a drawer). I’ve managed to accumulate quite a collection over the years.
Packing cubes keep everything neat and organized, making it easy to unpack and repack, which is especially useful when traveling to multiple locations. When you arrive, simply put your packing cubes in the drawers and unzip them. Time to move on or go home, zip them up and put them back in your suitcase.
Packing cubes come in a variety of sizes, shapes, sets, and colors. Above are some of the highest-rated sets on Amazon, all with 4.7 stars from a combined 59,000+ reviews!
Packing bulky items, such as sweaters or sweats? Or maybe you’re just overpacking and need to get more in your bag. Try these compression cubes. They are the sucky bags of packing cubes! This comes as a set of three or four sizes in a variety of colors on Amazon, where the cubes have a 4.5-star rating from over 8,000 reviews.
I have this undergarment organizer and it’s great because the structured shape keeps my bras from getting mashed. And, if your luggage gets searched, you won’t be embarrassed that your underwear is out for all to see. It comes in several colors (my girls and I each have different colors). It can also be used as a makeup or toiletry bag if you prefer.
Just ordered this Stow-N-Go luggage organizer since I’ve always wanted to try it. What could be easier than lifting this out of your suitcase and hanging it in the closet? Depending on your suitcase size, you can use one in a carry-on or two in checked luggage. Everything is in one place and it has a zippered compartment at the bottom for dirty laundry. There are even two pouches at the top of the first compartment for little things. It has 4.5 stars from over 3,600 reviewers on Amazon and those who recommend it, love it.
Shoe bags
I like to use shoe bags so my clothes and suitcase don’t get dirty, especially if we’re doing a lot of outdoor sightseeing or on a beach vacation (I hate sand in my suitcase). Shoe bags also protect leather shoes from getting scratched.
with Transparent Window
Set of 12
Set of 4 Bags
Holds 3 Pairs of Shoes
If you’re city or country hopping and living out of your suitcase, the shoe bags by Diommell (above left) are great because they have a transparent window. It’s nice to be able to see which shoes are in which shoe bag without opening them. Diommell also has boot bags available.
To optimize space, I sometimes prefer shoe bags that hold only one shoe, like the black Zenpac Flannel Shoe Bags (above center). This way I can separate the pair and put one shoe in each corner of my suitcase. These bags are made from 100% certified organic cotton so they’re also great for storing out-of-season shoes. They’re available in black and beige flannel, and both come in three sizes.
Depending on what you’re packing, you might prefer something more structured, such as the Mossio Shoe Bag, above. It even has a luggage strap on the back you can slide over the telescoping handle of your luggage. And, of course, you could use this structured bag for other things instead of shoes, it’s available in nine colors.
TIP: If you really need to find space because you’re overpacking, stuff socks in your shoes.
Laundry Bags
Travel laundry is kinda personal, everyone has their own way of doing things. Some people put anything they’ve worn into a laundry bag. My rule on travel laundry is only dirty socks and underwear go in the laundry bag. Dirty clothes go in the suitcase, not back in the pack cubes. This way, if you have to wear something again you can because it hasn’t been contaminated by dirty socks and underwear. Furthermore, this saves the laundry bag from becoming over-stuffed so it’s less bulky and easier to pack.
Dirty laundry is a part of traveling. It’s best to take a travel laundry bag that’s large enough to hold your dirty stuff, but not so big that it won’t fit in your suitcase when it’s full. These travel laundry bags are 15.7″ x 19.6″, have a handle for hanging, come two in a pack, and are available in several colors/designs. I like that it zips closed so it stays flat in your suitcase (unlike a drawstring laundry bag) and nothing falls out.
Collapsible Catch-All
A collapsible catch-all crate is another one of my favorite and most recommended travel accessories, I always bring one. I am one of those people who pack a lot of appliances and little miscellaneous items. This is why I always travel with a collapsible mesh crate as a catch-all (this one is available in black and grey). In the past, all my miscellaneous items would get scattered throughout the hotel room, get buried in my suitcase, or lost. Now, all my miscellaneous items go in the crate.
12.6″ sq in Black
12.6″ sq in Grey
TIP: What I do is pack the crate last so I can open it up first. As I unpack, I toss all my loose items – round brush, belts, charging cables, outlet adapter, etc. – in the crate. Now, all my miscellaneous items are in one place when I need something. And when it’s time to re-pack, I just put the crate beside my luggage and load up.
In addition to keeping the room neater and me organized, the collapsible crate prevents me from leaving anything behind. It weighs next to nothing and folds flat so it always fits in my suitcase or carry-on.
Outlet Adapter
For international travel, I highly recommend an all-in-one universal adapter plug. It’s so much easier to have one multi-functional adapter than bringing lots of little plugs and hoping you have the correct one for each country.
With foldable prongs, this adapter is compatible in over 150 countries and has a built-in surge protector. Plus, it has two USB-A ports and three USB-C ports. Note: This adapter works with dual-voltage electronics. It is not a voltage converter, you would need to buy that separately.
TIP: Along with my universal adapter, I always bring an extension cord because you never know where the outlets are going to be.
Lighted Makeup Mirror
Hotel lighting is notoriously awful so a compact light-up mirror is a must when traveling. The Rechargeable, Dimmable Compact LED Lighted Travel Makeup Mirror with 1X and 10X Magnification by Kedsum is the best travel mirror I’ve ever owned. The non-magnification (1X) side is perfect for applying makeup. The 10X magnification side is ideal for tweezing my eyebrows and putting on mascara (my eyesight isn’t what it used to be).
I love that the LED lights around both mirrors are dimmable so you can adjust the brightness. The lights hold their charge for a long time – I charged it before my trip, was away for 10 days, and did not need to recharge. I recommend you slide the mirror’s light switch to “off” after using it to prolong the life of the charge. Since the lights are rechargeable, I appreciate only needing to pack the included USB-C cable and not batteries, which add weight and bulk. Lastly, the carrying case is nice for keeping the mirror and charging cable together in one place.
Packing Lists
Do you make a packing list of things to remember when you travel? I do. But, like my grocery list, I got tired of rewriting the same things every time I pack. So, to simplify packing and ensure I don’t forget anything, I typed it up. Now, all I have to do is print my packing lists whenever I’m going on a trip. I have a packing list for beach vacations, ski trips, for my toiletries, and one of last-minute things to do before we leave (stop the mail, lower the thermostats, set the house alarm, etc.). I know, I’m nuts.
Packing Tips
- Fold and pack clothes with tissue paper to minimize wrinkles.
- For items you don’t want creases in, like jackets, pack them laid flat with tissue paper and just fold the arms in. I also find they take up less room that way.
- Pack valuables and difficult-to-replace items in your carry-on bag, such as electronics, your favorite moisturizer or flattening iron.
- Always, and I do mean always, pack all liquids, lotions and potions in Ziploc bags, especially in your checked luggage. Pack the bags between layers of clothing to keep them cushioned and position the products so they will be upright when your suitcase is upright (on its wheels) to help prevent leakage.
Bags ~ Personal, Carry-On & Checked
Streamlining your luggage helps simplify travel. Airlines allow you to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item with you on the plane. Carry-on items, of course, must fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you, so check size requirements with your carrier before flying.
Personal Bags
Tote / Carry-On / Day / Overnight Bag-in-One
I am obsessed with the MZ WALLACE Large Metro Tote Deluxe, this bag does it all! It is the ultimate double-duty tote bag with lots of great features.
- It’s perfect as your “personal bag” with or without a carry-on suitcase because it holds so much.
- The bag has a luggage sleeve to go over a telescoping suitcase handle.
- When you’re not using the luggage sleeve, the bottom zips to become an additional pocket, complete with magnetic snap closure. So smart!
- The Metro Tote Deluxe comes with a removable, adjustable crossbody strap and three zippered pouches that secure within the bag or they can be taken out and used separately.
- There are three interior pockets and two exterior pockets. Plus, when the luggage sleeve bottom is zipped, you have a third exterior pocket. That makes six pockets and three zippered pouches for storing and organizing.
- While on vacation, the Metro Tote doubles as a day, pool or beach bag.
- It’s spacious enough to use as an overnight bag.
- The Metro Tote is made of soft, lightweight quilted nylon, so it weighs less than two pounds. Plus, the bag is water- and stain-resistant.
Note: There is no RFID protection in this tote, so be sure to put your passport and credit cards in an RFID wallet or sleeve (see below) when traveling. The MZ Wallace Large Metro Tote Deluxe is available in several colors at Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. If you want the luggage sleeve, be sure you buy the Deluxe tote.
3-in-1 Convertible Bag
If you want a day bag that is smaller than the above MZ Wallace Deluxe Tote, try this versatile Baggallini 3-in-1 Convertible Bag. It converts from a hand/shoulder bag to a crossbody bag to a backpack. It’s water-resistant and super lightweight so it’s great for loading up with everything you need for your flight or for a full day of sightseeing.
The Baggallini has a luggage sleeve on the back so it slides over the retractable handle of your suitcase to sit securely on top of your luggage or rolling tote. It comes with an RFID-protected wristlet that secures within the bag or can be taken out and used separately as a small clutch bag/wristlet or wallet in another bag.
Travel Backpack
This versatile 17-inch travel laptop backpack did double duty for school and travel when my daughter spent a semester abroad. When she traveled on the weekends, she used it as her personal carry-on item coupled with the Lite Gear 20-inch Hybrid Carry-On bag (below). The two bags gave her enough room for everything she needed.
The backpack has a rear luggage strap that slides over the telescoping handle of a suitcase, making it easy to roll through the airport. She loved the convenient USB charging port, multiple pockets, mini combination lock, RFID pockets, and that it’s water-resistant. I appreciated the reflective markings, especially when she walked home from class after dark. Plus, the bag is well-made. Four years later, my younger daughter is using it! The backpack is available in several colors and sizes.
Rolling Tote
As I mentioned above, I like to take my valuables and hard-to-replace items with me on the plane, so my personal carry-on bag can get heavy. In an effort to save my back, sometimes I use this 20-inch rolling tote with a retractable handle by Pacific Coast. It’s SO much easier to pull than carry. I can even put my MZ Wallace Tote on top. It’s available in several colors/prints.
Waterproof Pouch for Mobile Phone & Personal Items
These waterproof pouches by Niveaya are fantastic (see pix below). They are a must-have travel accessory for the beach, boating, water activities, and wet weather destinations.
Each one is really two waterproof pouches in one, connected at the top by a sealing clasp and an adjustable waterproof strap. The two pouches stay together with Velcro when not in use or while checking texts/emails, and then separate for taking clear pictures and videos. Each order comes with two waterproof pouches, which are available in three color options.
I purchased these waterproof pouches for our trip to Costa Rica. In addition to lots of rain in the rainforest, I knew we’d be getting wet during a few of our excursions, such as waterfall rappelling. These pouches were a perfect and inexpensive solution for keeping our phones and personal items dry. Plus, the adjustable crossbody strap enabled us to be hands-free while ziplining, rappelling and ATV’ing.
The waterproof pouches are ideal for any watersport or beach vacation. I also think they’re great to use at a concert or while sightseeing. Basically, any time you don’t want to worry about dropping or leaving your phone or, worse, having it stolen. I really can’t recommend them enough.
RFID Bags, Wallets & Sleeves – Keep Your Info Safe!
RFID is an acronym for Radio Frequency Identification and refers to a wireless technology that uses radio waves to identify and track objects at a short distance, such as your credit card and passport information. This is why I recommend keeping your credit cards and passport in an RFID wallet or sleeve while traveling.
When my family travels, we all use RFID wallets and passport protectors. My husband uses the above unisex Travelon Anti-Theft Waist Pack that can be worn around the waist or crossbody like a sling. In addition to being RFID-blocking, it has a slash-resistant strap. My girls and I use the items below.
I use the Travelon RFID-Blocking Clutch Wallet with a removable wrist strap. It’s small enough to fit in most of my pocketbooks as a wallet or used alone as a clutch. It’s available in four colors.
When using a regular wallet or bag, I use RFID-blocking sleeves for my credit cards and passport. The above set includes 14 credit card holders and 4 passport protectors. It’s available on Amazon where it has a 4.6-star rating from over 14,000 reviews.
When my daughter went abroad, she preferred the Travelon RFID-Blocking Passport Zip Wallet, above. Available on Amazon in three colors. When my girls and I aren’t carrying our passports, we each use a small RFID-Blocking Bifold Wallet. It comes in 30 different colors and has a 4.6-star rating from over 3,500 reviews.
Carry-On Luggage
Oh, to find the perfect carry-on bag. The size and weight requirements vary by airline and are different for domestic and international flights. It could make your head spin!
When my daughter did a semester abroad, we knew she was going to be traveling every weekend on a variety of airlines. So I looked for the largest rolling carry-on bag that met the smallest carry-on dimensions.
The winner was this Lite Gear 20-inch Hybrid Carry-On. It’s got a hard shell bottom and a soft, expandable top. In addition to being the right size (20” x 13.5” x 10.5-13.5” D, or 44 – 47 linear inches), it weighs only 6 pounds. This bag has a lot of great features and served my daughter well. I recently bought another one for my younger daughter. The Lite Gear comes in black or purple at Amazon ($106) and Walmart ($96).
I’m intrigued by this Carry-On Closet suitcase by Solgaard, so I thought I’d share. It combines all the benefits of the Stow-N-Go luggage organizer in a carry-on suitcase…very clever. The Carry-On Closet comes in several colors and is available in a 20-inch for international travel and 22-inch for domestic. It’s expensive but, if you travel a lot, could be worth the investment.
Checked Luggage
Lugging a lot of luggage is not fun, which is why having the right suitcase is key. For long trips (about two weeks) or a long weekend (of course, I overpack), I like a medium (25-27 inches), expandable hard-sided spinner with a retractable handle and built-in TSA combination lock. More on TSA locks below.
Everyone in my family has this Traveler’s Choice 25-inch Sedona Spinner (26 inches, including the wheels). We each have one in a different color, which makes it easy to keep track of whose bag is whose. And I think it looks nice when everyone has matching luggage. We’ve had these suitcases for several years and we love them.
A 25-inch suitcase holds a lot, especially when expanded. If I can pack for two weeks in this suitcase, anyone can. The hard sides withstand the harsh treatment of airport luggage handlers. Plus, my clothes are less wrinkled since the hard-sided luggage keeps its shape, versus soft-sided bags that get mashed. The 25-inch Sedona is currently available only as a set at Amazon but the Delsey, below, is similar and very highly rated.
Another highly rated 25-inch, expandable hard-sided bag with TSA locks is the Delsey Paris Helium Aero. It’s available in several colors and a variety of sizes, including 2- or 3-piece sets, on Amazon, where it has a 4.5-star rating from over 7,600 reviews.
Luggage Trackers
Worried about the airlines losing your bag? There are several tracking devices available to help you keep track of your luggage. I read several articles reviewing and recommending luggage trackers and Apple’s AirTag is my first choice based on effectiveness, cost and reviews (the AirTag has a 4.7-star rating from over 131,300 reviews!). Plus, it does not require a subscription. You can buy one or a set of four.
Want to learn more about luggage trackers? Of all the articles I read, I found this one on Expert World Traveler the most informative.
Luggage Scale
Most airlines consider luggage larger than 62 linear inches and weighing over 50 pounds to be oversized. The 62 linear inches is the SUM of the height + width + depth of your suitcase. Remember to include the wheels and the extra two inches you get when the bag is expanded. If your suitcase is larger than 62 linear inches or weighs more than 50 pounds, it will be considered oversized and you may be charged a fee.
To be sure your luggage is under 50 pounds, I highly recommend this inexpensive digital luggage scale that I got on Amazon. It works great and is lightweight so you can pack it in your bag…you know, in case you do a lot of shopping and need to re-weigh before the flight home.
Luggage Tips
Buy a suitcase with a built-in TSA combination lock. For starters, with a combination lock, there are no keys to lose or forget at home. While the TSA screens all luggage electronically, there are times when they need to physically inspect the contents.
With a TSA lock, security officials can use a universal “master” key to open your bag instead of breaking or cutting off your luggage lock, which could potentially damage your bag and leave it lockless for the rest of your trip (not good if your city or country hopping). For more info on TSA locks, visit the TSA website.
If you already have luggage you love but it doesn’t have TSA locks, buy your own. These TSA-approved combination locks will work the same way as the built-in locks. The TSA can still use their universal key instead of having to cut your lock off.
Get Comfortable
Whether you’re flying or driving, you want to be comfortable. When taking a long flight, you want to sleep on the plane so you arrive rested and ready to go. Here are a few of the best travel accessories for international flights that help me and my family get comfortable.
Inflatable Neck Pillow
If I want to sleep on the plane and not wake up with a stiff neck, I use a neck pillow. I highly recommend one that is inflatable as well as contoured for three reasons:
- It takes up less room in your carry-on bag when deflated.
- You can adjust how soft or firm the pillow is.
- A contoured neck pillow provides support so it’s more comfortable.
The neck pillow I use came with my Baubax travel sweatshirt (see below) but it’s similar to this AirComfy inflatable neck pillow. I like that this one has a finger inflation valve (no need to blow).
Sleep Mask & Ear Plugs
I use a sleep mask and earplugs to shut out the plane’s lights and sounds so I can sleep. Try these with a neck pillow and you’ll be counting sheep before you know it. I like the 3D design of this sleep mask because it hugs your face without touching your eyelids. It comes very highly recommended on Amazon with over 57,000 reviews!
Travel Foot Rest/Hammock
It might seem a bit extra, but using a travel footrest or foot hammock on a long flight not only makes you more comfortable but it has health benefits as well, such as improving your circulation and reducing stress on your back, knees and ankles. The adjustable strap goes over the snack tray and secures at a length you feel most comfortable. This is the one I use and recommend has a flat, stable base so your feet and ankles don’t meet in the middle and mash together.
Travel Sweatshirt
Baubax travel jackets and sweatshirts were popular several years ago so we got them. I really like my sweatshirt because it’s comfortable and functional. It has lots of zippered pockets and open compartments to hold everything you need to access quickly items while traveling, especially in the airport.
On the plane, the sweatshirt is super cozy for napping. The hood has a visor to keep light out and muffle sound, the sleeves have built-in fingerless gloves, and the included inflatable neck pillow goes on over the hood, which is detachable should you want to wear the sweatshirt without the hood while you’re on vacation. FYI, they run slim so order accordingly. The best prices for the sweatshirts, windbreakers and blazers are at Walmart.
I hope you find these items as helpful as I do for simplifying your travels and making each trip more enjoyable and memorable.
All prices are accurate and items in stock (unless noted otherwise) at time of publication.
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