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Whether you’re traveling for six days or six months, every item you pack should serve a specific purpose. Take a look at these 15 travel necessities and add a few of them to your packing list!
Top Travel Accessories
Table Of Contents
Travel Fashion Girl help! A reader asks:
What are some travel accessories that you swear by and cannot live without?
Travel accessories can easily make or break a trip. They’re the little things that are easy to forget but are essential for any trip. From technology to fashion items, our readers are sharing their must-have travel accessories they take on every trip.
Packing cubes
Packing cubes are must-have travel necessities for every traveler. Packing cubes keep your things neat and compact making your bag organized, more efficient, and light-weight.
Watch the packing tutorial on Youtube!
In 2017, I launched Compass Rose Travel Accessories and my very first product was a 4-Piece Set of Carryon Packing Cubes. These are the only packing cubes sized to fit the exact width of a carryon suitcase and they also have a unique color-coded and numbered organization system – the only kind currently available anywhere on the market.
I put together a five-part YouTube series showing you the different methods to use packing cubes. If you use this specific packing strategy, they can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carryon only! Buy Compass Rose Packing Cubes here!
If you’ve never used packing cubes they’ll completely change the way you travel. Read this post to see how!
Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones
Bose Noise Canceling Headphones
We love Bose headphones (and even reviewed the Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones!) and so do our readers. Our readers have recommended several Bose headphone styles, but regardless of which style you prefer, they all say they’re well worth the investment. One says, “I always travel with my Bose noise canceling headphones.”
Band-Aid Brand Comfort-FlexAdhesive Bandages
Band-Aids
No matter how many times you’ve worn those shoes, walking all day can cause some blisters. You’ll be so glad you have Band-Aids. One reader brings both bandaids and moleskin, saying “I cut up the moleskin into small pieces so I can take the backing off and put it on easily.”
Tip: The moment you feel like you might be getting a blister, stop and put on a Band-Aid. That will prevent it from getting worse.
TravelMate Memory Foam Neck Pillow
Inflatable neck pillow
Sure, the airline gives you a pillow to use while in flight. But if you’re stuck with a middle seat, you might not have anything to lean against. A neck pillow keeps you in your own space. One reader says, “I love my neck pillow for car, plane, and train rides.”
Here’s a full list of the most recommended neck pillow styles!
Face wipes
After sleeping on the plane, you can use face wipes (like the Yes to Cucumbers Face Towelettes) to wipe off your old make-up. It’s moisturizing, too. You can re-apply your makeup and leave the plane feeling fresh.
Along with face wipes, readers recommended general clean wipes. One reader says, “I bring wipes to wipe down every surface I will be touching. I got very ill after a flight last year and never travel anywhere without them since.”
Read a few more tips on how to stay fresh on a long flight!
Belkin SurgePlus USB Swivel Surge Protector and Charger
Surge Protector and Charger
When you’re on the go, it can be difficult to charge all of your tech devices. One reader swears by this surge protector and charger, which features USB ports and outlets. She says, “Not only will it be helpful for your own electronics, but if you have any airport delays, everyone will be your friend as their electronics die and you share your ports.”
Large scarf
A large scarf has so many uses and is an awesome addition to your travel capsule wardrobe! It not only can stylishly keep your neck warm, but can be used as a blanket in chilly airports or on overly air conditioned buses. One reader says, “A scarf really can instantly pick up an outfit,” while another adds, “I bring a big warm scarf that can double as a blanket.”
For ultra-compact options, check out these travel towels.
Kindle
A Kindle or other e-reader is a top travel accessory for surviving long flights. One reader says, “I always bring a Kindle uploaded with entertainment.
Pair it with earbuds for travel sanity.” The Kindle is so lightweight, so it won’t take up too much space in your carry-on. Plus, the battery life is incredible, so you likely won’t have to charge it at all on your trip.
Sleep Mask Light Blocking Eye Mask
Molded Eye Mask
For long flights, sleeping is a must for feeling refreshed when you arrive at your destination. And beyond flights, there’s nothing worse than a bright hotel room at night. For these occasions, you need an eye mask. One reader says, “A molded eye mask is the best. I sleep way better if my eyelids have space to flutter in my sleep.”
FitFlop iQushion Ergonomic Flip Flop
Flip flops
Flip flops are helpful year-round, not just for summers at the beach. If you’ve ever traveled to a cold weather destination then stayed somewhere with a hot tub, you might not have had the right footwear.
To avoid wearing your clunky boots down to the hotel pool, pack some flip flops! Our readers love Ipanema flip-flops, with one saying, “They’re so simple and easy to pack. I bring them everywhere!”
These are some of our favorite women’s flip flops!
Landing Gear RFID Safe Money Belt Hidden Waist Stash
Money belt
Keep your large bills, passports, and additional cards in your money belt and keep it hidden. Keep a day’s worth of money in an accessible place so if you do get pickpocketed, you won’t lose everything.
Read this post for other tips to keep your valuables safe while traveling.
Tote Bag
You can use a packable tote bag to bring your belongings to a shared bathroom if you’re staying at a hostel or B&B, as a beach/laundry/grocery bag, or as a purse, too. These are compact and foldable and one of TFG’s top travel necessities.
For more ideas, take a look at our round-up of packable travel accessories!
Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe Herbs and Rosewater
Mario Badescu Facial Spray
Long flights or winter destinations can dry out your skin. For on-the-go moisture, a facial spray keeps your skin happy. One reader says, “I always travel with Mario Badescu facial spray for airplane trips. I can’t bear the dryness and this helps.”
Lip balm/hand salve combo
A lip and hand moisturizer combo like Rosebud Salve is a quick way to keep your hands, cuticles, lips, elbows, and parts of your face moisturized. It’s better than having to bring multiple products with you. It’s a two-for-one!
Plastic bags
From a place to put your dirty clothes and shoes, to extra security for a leaky bottle of shampoo, you’ll be glad you packed a Ziploc Slider storage bags. You can also re-use the ones you obtain on the go.
One reader says, “There are so many uses for them and they take up no space!” while another adds, “You never know when you’ll need an ice bag, something to hold earrings, a lunch bag, bag for wet clothes, or something to protect something breakable.”
What are you travel necessities? Please comment below!
For more travel necessities, please read:
- Best Money Belts and Anti-theft Travel Accessories
- The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Shoes for Travel
- The Best Anti-theft Travel Bags for Women
- 10 Best Leggings for Women that Travel
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I bring all this stuff on the list but I also add a small bootle with apple cider vinegar, you can use it as anticeptic in case of cuts or as astrigen on ur face, also a small umbrella, klinex, a small lantern, a little bit of diuck tape wrapped in a pen, and ear plugs
Hi Maria, thank you for sharing your must have items which you pack with us!! 🙂
I bring some plastic ponchos, just in case the weather decides to change.
Hi Grace, thank you for sharing your great Random Travel Necessity with us! 🙂
I have a small swiss army knife which goes in my cosmetic bag in the checked in luggage. So useful as it has scissors, knife, file etc. and a corkscrew!!
Hi Karyn, thank you for sharing your great travel necessities! 🙂
I pack a travel clothes line, and some powdered laundry detergent in a ziplock bag. A Tide Stain Stick is also helpful.
Hi Lela, thank you so much for sharing your great travel tips! 🙂
I attach safety pins to the zipper pulls on my cosmetic bag and to the inside zippers in my suitcase. That way I always have a few If needed.
Scented diaper bags come in handy for bagging all sorts of things and help keep your suitcase smelling fresh. Also, we had inexpensive cards printed with our address etc to hand to new friends.
Great list, as always! One of my packing cubes has a lot of this stuff in it all the time. I also keep an extra set of device chargers and a small outlet strip packed and ready to go with all of my other essentials. I carry Tiger Balm, nail clippers and a “turbie twister” hair towel. Tiger Balm is great for sore muscles, bug bites and blisters and also blocks out unpleasant smells.
Great tips Sharon, thanks!
I travel a lot and do carry almost everything on the list. I also keep a bandana in my purse or bag. It can be used for so many things. Wet it to wipe something off or cool yourself when hot. Headband. First aid. Handkerchief. Fashion accessory. Placemat.
Great recommendation Mary! Thanks for sharing! Happy travels!
I bring most of the items on your list. I would include Wisps disposable Toothbrushes and sanitizing wipes, the planes are germ factories.
Great tip Yvette! Thanks for sharing!
I bring assorted size baggies ,plastic cutlery, rubber bands and scissors. I just returned from a tour in Italy and used these items several times. 1 pizza is enough for 4 people so I was able to take leftovers and condense into baggies- who doesn’t like cold pizza!
Great tips Cyn! Those all help to cut down on waste as well! Thanks for sharing! Happy travels!
Love the list!
For me noise cancelling headphones are life/sanity saviors.
And cheap sunglasses are also a good addition to that list since they help more than they don’t.
I totally agree Julia! Glad you like the list 🙂
I always carry my e-reader. For long travel on a plane it’s essential
An absolute must!
Fantastic list! I always forget a pen and small notepad, but I find I always need both to jot notes or scribble something important down. All of these are fantastic suggestions and incredibly necessary for travel. Thanks for your great suggestions!
Thanks Brooke! A pen is especially handy on the plane when you’re filling out the immigration forms…it’s an easy item to forget!
Or You could use your phone to jot something or txt/email yourslef the notes…
Fine idea, but constant use uses your phone’s battery, which could be useless just when you need it.
Love all these suggestions. I’d add a small nail brush, which I tend to use for nails, both hands and feet and for washing. Have used it frequently when travelling. I do put my safety pins in a small washing kit, and use most of it. I’ve also been known to also pack a metal mug, and a water heating thingy – and drunk herb teas galore in hotels, for nothing.
Great adds!
#5!!! In this digital age, many of us save everything on our smart phones, but it’s so useful to have something to write in.
I’ve never thought of bringing cutlery, might have to add that to my packing list!
Love your blog 🙂
Thanks Ingrid glad you love the blog! If you like street food a spork can be very handy 🙂
I always have my Must Haves packed in my small carry on which I NEVER unpack after I get home. Just before my next trip I “replenish” my “supplies” So….I’m pretty much always Packed & ready to go. Just need to pack my clothes. Some of the items I have in carry on—hair stuff including hair dryer, device chargers, over the counter meds, lotions, shampoo, make up, baby wipes for removing make up, etc. I also keep a list of trip items on my computer. On my next trip I just bring up the most recent list give it a new name & date & remove/add new items. This is the list I will bring up on my next trip!
That’s a great strategy! So organized and efficient 🙂
Planning a trip with my son and I used to be a regular traveler. Some of these I used to do and some I had not thought of – brilliant!
That’s great! Glad it helped 🙂
I carry a blunt end metal spoon in my purse. (The pointy one was confiscated by airport security. As was the plastic knife. Overly zealous.) Great for all kinds of things beside eating – the end works as a screwdriver to tighten luggage wheels, I’ve used it as a mini hammer, holds earrings at night if I have nowhere else to put them.
lol, I like the earring holder idea 🙂
Yes!! to #23. ‘They’ laughed when I opened my bag in Hong Kong to pull out my plastic cutlery. Then a minute later, ‘they’ had to borrow it, because they had nothing to eat with in the hotel room:D
Another absolute necessity for me, whether traveling abroad or just around town: CAFFEINE tablets. Available at any pharmacy. Best pain reliever ever.
Caffeine tablets as pain relievers? That’s useful especially if you need a dash of energy too!