Top Travel Accessories for the Adventure Traveler

travel essentials

Anyone can travel but not everyone is as prepared for the journey as they could be.

A few simple travel accessories can make or break a vacation.

From making your flight or road trip more comfortable to enhancing your experience at the destination, you can increase your travel satisfaction by choosing the right carry on luggage, USB charger, and other travel accessories.

Getting There

While the saying, “it’s the journey, not the destination,” may be a great motto for life, it’s not necessarily true when it comes to travel. Getting from point A to point B is often more of a nuisance than an experience in which to look forward. Make the travel portion of your vacation more enjoyable by being prepared with these must-have travel accessories. Trust us, you’ll arrive at your destination in a much better mood!

    • Noise Canceling Headphones – There are few things more irritating than being stuck in an airplane seat for hours on end with a wailing baby in the next row or a snoring seatmate next to you. Thankfully, these auditory annoyances can be easily blocked with a pair of noise-canceling headphones.
      Our Top Pick: Bose QuiteComfort 35 II, available here
    • Compression Socks – Lower the odds of developing blood clots by wearing a pair of compression socks while up in the air. Compression socks improve circulation, which is often hindered by long periods of sitting in one position, such as on a long flight.
      Our Top Pick: Sockwell, available here
    • Portable USB Charger – When traveling, never leave home without a portable USB charger. Not only will this handy battery pack charge your dying cell phone but it can also be used to give other electronics a boost mid-air or on the road.
      Our Top Pick: AUKEY Power Bank 20,000mAh, available here
    • Carry On Luggage – Be sure to check with your airline regarding their carry on luggage size requirements to avoid being charged with checked baggage fees at the gate. Then measure and double-check your carry on luggage dimensions before you head to the airport.
      Our Top Pick: Calpak Carry On, available here
    • Toiletry Travel Bottles – Not all toiletry travel bottles are created equally. Look for leak-proof refillable shampoo, conditioner and lotion bottles under 100mL or 3.4 oz each to avoid having to clean up a gooey mess upon arrival at your destination.
      Our Top Pick: Dot&Dot 3oz Travel Bottles, available here
    • Luggage Tags – The number of similar-looking bags on an airport baggage claim carousel is surprisingly high. Make sure that you always collect the correct bag by attaching easily distinguishable luggage tags to your suitcase. You can also tie a colorful ribbon to the handle to make it easier to spot.
      Our Top Pick: Eccolo World Traveler Luggage Tags, Set of 3, available here
  • Neck Pillow – Anyone who has ever attempted to sleep on an airplane knows that a good neck pillow can be the difference between a restless red eye and the ability to catch at least a few zzz’s.
    Our Top Pick: Travelrest Therapeutic Memory Foam Travel & Neck Pillow, available here

While You Are There

Of course, the whole point of traveling is getting to experience a new place and there are things that you can pack to make your stay more comfortable once you arrive at your destination. Here are some travel accessories to consider to make your vacation more enjoyable whether you’re relaxing at the hotel or out exploring the local culture.

  • Travel Adapter – If you’re traveling outside of the United States, be sure to pack the appropriate travel adapter to make sure that you can access the electrical outlets at your destination. There are various travel adapters needed throughout the world so do your research ahead of time and come prepared. If you plan to do a lot of traveling to different countries, look for a universal travel adapter that can be useful in multiple locations.
    Our Top Pick Domestic: Accell 3-Outlet Travel Surge Protector, available here
    Our Top Pick European
    OREI European Plug Adapter Schuko Type E/F, available here
  • Multi USB Charger – Hotel rooms rarely have enough electrical outlets to keep up with the charging needs of a modern traveler. Come prepared with a multi USB charger that only requires one outlet but provides multiple USB ports for all your electronic needs.
    Our Top PickAnker 40W 4-Port USB Wall Charger with Foldable Plug, available here
  • Toiletries – While hotels may supply mini bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and other toiletries, rarely are these top-notch products. Bring your own collection of travel-sized toiletries to make sure that you have what you need. John Paul Mitchell Systems, for instance, offers many of their hair care products in convenient travel-sized packaging.
    Our Top Pick: Awapuhi Wild Ginger Travel In Style Set, available here
  • White Noise Machine – Sleeping away from the comfort of your own home is often a challenge, particularly if it’s not exactly a quiet setting. Drown out the background noise of your environment with a portable white noise machine to create a peaceful setting that will allow you to get the much-needed rest you need to give you the energy to continue on your travels.
    Our Top Pick: Marpac Rohm Portable White Noise Sound Machine. Available here
  • Water Purifier Bottle – Not all countries have safe drinking water and it gets expensive (not to mention damaging to the environment) to continually purchase water bottles. Bring a water purifier bottle to turn tap water into clean, drinkable water wherever you may go.
    Our Top Pick: OKO H2O Level-2 Advanced Filtration Water Bottle, available here
  • Backpack – The right travel backpack can make it easier for you to get out and about in a new location. Look for one that has convenient pouches for safely storing your important travel documents as well as anything else you may need on your adventure.
    Our Top Pick: Deuter Transit 40 Carry-On Travel Backpack available here

When packing your bag for your next trip, keep these handy travel accessories in mind to avoid any unnecessary hassles. After all, a vacation is meant to be fun, not stressful. So, grab your USB charger, attach your luggage tags to your carry-on luggage or backpack and enjoy your adventure!

Don’t forget to check out our travel videos here.

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