Travel Essentials: The Best Travel Gear and Travel Accessories for 2024
Travel can be stressful, but having the right gear can make all the difference. Plus, packing for a trip can be overwhelming, especially if you're not sure what to bring. That's where I come in! I have been traveling for a LONG time and tried out a lot of gear so I've rounded up the best travel essentials, travel gear, and the best accessories for travelers that will make your trip more comfortable and efficient.
Whether you're doing short trips, going on a long flight, an international trip, or just need essentials for a road trip, a beach trip, or a weekend getaway I've got you covered. Get these items on your travel essentials list!
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Travel Essentials for Long Flights
Long flights can be uncomfortable, especially if you have a connecting flight or a long layover. To make the journey more bearable, pack items such as a neck pillow, noise-canceling headphones, an eye mask, and a good book.
A neck pillow will support your neck and head, making it easier to sleep on the plane. Noise-canceling headphones will block out the sounds of the plane and other passengers, allowing you to enjoy some peace and quiet. An eye mask will block out any light, creating a dark environment that will make it easier for you to sleep or relax. Lastly, bring a good book, magazine, or tablet to keep you entertained during the flight.
Here are my tried and true picks:
Cabeau Air Evolution Inflatable Travel Pillow
I prefer an inflatable neck pillow as I don't want my travel gear to take up a lot of space. I have had my Cabeau for years and love it because it is washable. Cabeau has another pillow that is not inflatable, the Cabeau Evolution Memory Foam Travel Pillow which is well-regarded as well.
Sony Noise Canceling Headphones
I avoided these for years! I preferred something more compact but in reality, the quality sucked. Mr. Misadventures had these and finally convinced me to invest in them and of course, getting them in navy blue was a huge bonus. I do not know why I waited so long to get them!
Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eye Mask
I love my Lunya silk sleep mask for home (and hotels) but it is a little too bulky for my taste when it comes to the plane. My choice for my carry-on bag is still silk. I have the Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eyemask. It feels super soft and is also machine washable which is a big bonus in my book.
Bucky Comfort Travel Blanket Scarf
I love to travel with scarves. On a plane, I want something soft and compact. This jersey blanket scarf does the job and comes in its own bag for transport and packing in my carry-on bag. They also have a matching neck pillow you can buy too although it is not inflatable.
More flight essentials
The Best Travel Gear: Tech
When it comes to traveling, having the right tech accessories can make all the difference in making your trip a smooth and enjoyable one. There are a variety of travel items to choose from to enhance your traveling experiences.
Power banks are one of the most important travel essentials to keep your devices charged while on the go. A smaller portable power bank is perfect for ensuring battery life during a day out.
Additionally, accessories with built-in tracking capabilities can provide added peace of mind when navigating unfamiliar airports and train stations. With so many travel necessities and accessories available, it's easy to customize your travel kit to fit your specific needs and preferences.
These should definitely be on your tech travel checklist:
Anker USB C Charger (Nano)
A portable charger that has the power to quickly charge your phone, tablet, and USB-C notebook. Perfect when you need your device ASAP!
FEATURED PRODUCT
Wander and Perch Wander Wet Bag
Eileen, the founder and creator of Wander & Perch shares her philosophy on carrying around a bag for your summer suits: “Life is too short for ugly plastic bags. Travel life beautifully.”
I could not agree with her more! I love my Wander Wet Bag Nomad in Indigo blue! I only wish I had it when I was visiting all the thermal spas in the Azores last year, much prettier than my plastic shopping bags! The water resistant interior is awesome!
Bonus: these bags are designed in Encinitas, California and proudly Made in the USA.
International Travel
International travel requires some additional preparation. Also, consider bringing a universal power adapter, which will allow you to charge your devices in any country. These are really the key international travel essentials.
A travel-friendly travel backpack or tote bag will also come in handy for carrying all your essentials while exploring a new city. And if you are going to be in Europe or any other region where the money is predominantly coins, do not forget a dual-sided coin purse it is a lifesaver!
Orange SIM Card for Europe
If you own your phone and want an internet connection when you can't access free WiFi, then think about buying a sim card for Europe.
FEATURED PRODUCT
LEVEL8 Luggage
I put all my gear, shoes, and clothes into my LEVEL8 cases. I have the Road Runner carry-on and the Voyageur Check-in and love them!
More travel products to pack
I do not leave home without these travel essentials!
Matador
Soap Bag
Mr. Misadventures loves bar soap and this case has been a savior. It is waterproof and leakproof so it goes inside your toiletry kit without fear! Plus with their Dry-Through Technology, you no longer have to deal with mushy bars!
TRAVEL ACCESSORY
FlipBelt Running Belt
This accessory is marketed to athletes and fitness buffs, BUT I think it is AWESOME for travel! A more modern version of the old money belt that our parents or grandparents used when they traveled, the FlipBelt is light and moisture-wicking. You can wash it too! Fit money and credit cards, your cell phone or passport, your important docs on a USB key, or just your room key and some spare taxi money. It comes in multiple sizes so you can get one that really fits you! Love this thing!
Kitsch 11pc Travel Size Bottles
I like this set because I often buy beauty products in France (and Portugal) when I visit and these travel bottles are lighter than the original bottles which are often glass and heavy!
FEATURED PRODUCT
LEVEL8 Packing Cubes
I am a packing cube believer! I have been using them for decades and can't imagine packing for a trip without them. But not all packing cubes are equal and quality matters! I just tried the packing cubes from LEVEL8 (the suitcase brand I recommend) for the first time and they are perfectly sized for multiple needs, whether clothing or accessories!
Comfortable Walking Shoes
If you aren't sick of me writing about Jambu yet, I will remind you again that I think that Jambu shoes are the best travel shoes around! Plus they also come with their own shoe bags!
The Right Travel Bag
Finding the right bag is like finding that perfect shade of lipstick. It is a lifelong search and through my many years of traveling, I have decided there isn't just one! It depends on the trip. Short trip, long trip, business trip, the bag you will need will differ.
And in my case, within a single trip, I will bring many of all different sizes. It starts with the plane or car with a carry-on backpack or small suitcase and moves into the trip with maybe a tote bag, fanny pack, or crossbody bag.
I have dedicated an entire article about what I think the best travel bags are and why.
Taking the time to plan your travel gear can make your trip more comfortable and efficient. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, having the right travel gear can make all the difference.
By packing the right, you can avoid overpacking and save space in your luggage. Additionally, having the necessary gear and the best travel accessories will reduce stress and help you feel more prepared for your trip. I hope my gear choices and list of travel essentials help you for your next trip!
How about you? Do you have a favorite brand or product you always have on your packing list that would like to share? Do tell!
Author Bio: Andi Fisher
I grew up a military brat and then a young adult with a gypsy spirit. I settled into my career in marketing at many international companies where I traveled a lot. When I was not traveling for work, I was doing it for fun…so I have tested A LOT of gear!
I need some of these. We’re headed to Scotland and Ireland in July!
I really need to get some of these! Having a universal adaptor and an airtag will surely gonna become handy
I so need a travel pillow. I like that your pick is inflatable so I can toss it into my travel bag.
having a universal adapter has proven so useful to us, and those shoes look so cool..
You are right! These are must have gadgets when travelling. But the FlipBelt Running Belt is something that I use very often even when I just go out for a walk!
The Wander and Perch wet bag looks like it would be so useful on the go!
One of these is definitely something I need to pick up soon! Thank you so much for sharing
Your expertise in travel gear and essentials shines through in this well-crafted guide! Your insights on items like neck pillows, noise-canceling headphones, and tech accessories make packing less overwhelming. Your personal recommendations and thorough explanations show that you truly understand the needs of travelers. Fantastic resource! ✈️🎒
Such a great list of traveling essentials and I especially love that FlipBelt! Such a stylish looking piece that I would love for sure!
I’d love to have some good noise canceling headphone. I’ll have to save up for them.
I will have to check that inflatable travel pillow. I’ve been on the lookout for a good one.
i will have to check out the shoes, and some of the tech items, before my next trip. Thanks for sharing them with us.
We have many of these travel items for both domestic and international travel. It is nice to be prepared and know what is best to bring. I love packing cubes!
I have the flipbelt but I now use a bigger chest belt when out and about. Love these items, my travel bag differs depending on where I’ll go…but always one that’s secure enough.