Sometimes the difference between a smooth trip and a stressful one comes down to having the right stuff. Over the years, I’ve perfected my basic packing checklist as well as some of my favorite travel accessories I take with me on almost every trip, the ones I’m always glad I grabbed. In this constantly updated guide, we’ve curated a list of must-have travel accessories that will make your next trip more comfortable, efficient, and stress-free.
Battery Bank
This battery pack is the best because it can charge multiple things at once, and it has built in cables so you don’t need to carry extra things. I can charge my phone and my GoPro at the same time with the built-in cables.
Massage Ball
One of my absolute favorite travel accessories. It’s perfect for when you’re doing a lot of walking, especially on cobblestone streets.
Bug Bite Thing
If I’m going somewhere with bugs (most places), my Bug Bite Thing is going with me. Mosquitos LOVE me, and unfortunately I will scratch my bites until I bleed.
Bottle Protector
We use our bottle protectors on almost every trip. We use them for all types of bottles—including wine, olive oil, whiskey, beer, pretty much anything! And they’ve all made it home safely.
Phone Strap/Wallet
I’m so wary of pickpockets that I like having my phone physically attached to me at all times. I like a case like this that has a zip up wallet too, which I will usually keep my hotel room key in and maybe my ID.
Gallon Sized Ziplock Bags
Ziplock bags can serve many purposes on a trip. They are great for anything that might leak, but I’ve also kept one in my purse for rainy days to keep my stuff protected.
Carabiner
I swear by carabiners as a travel accessory. They are great for so many things. I have used them to hook my water bottle, to secure my purse to a table or chair, to hold multiple shopping bags—it’s truly a multi-purpose tool.
Flexible Tripod Mount
I’ve used my little tripod on more trips than I can count. Some of my favorite photos were taken using my tripod and my GoPro.
Stain Wipes
I’m always glad I bring my stain wipes. And you are always the hero when you pull when out when someone else needs one.
Hand Fan
I am kind of known for loving hand fans. I have them in every color. I have one tattooed on me. They’re the best. Besides cooling you down, they’re also great for when you’re in places with no air flow, and also when you’re in places with lots of bugs.
Luggage Scale
I never take a trip that involves a checked bag without my luggage scale. As someone who tends to buy a lot of souvenirs, I like to make sure my bag is under the weight limit on the way home.
Sink Detergent
Doing some sink laundry halfway through a trip can really extend your wardrobe.
Waterproof Phone Pouch
Great for hiking, kayaking, beaches, amusement parks, pretty much everywhere.
Collapsible Hairdryer Diffuser
For curly haired people, this is a must have! It fits over most hotel hairdryers and it collapses flat so it doesn’t take up too much room in your luggage.
Heatless Curler
You will never catch me on an overnight flight without my heatless curls in. I wear them in the airport, overnight, when I’m at home, when I’m traveling—it is my go to.
Blanket Scarf
I love having a blanket scarf on my trips. They are great for the plane ride, because they can be used as a blanket, or rolled up into a little pillow. Plus it’s a great extra layer if you need it!
Universal Adapters
A universal adapter is a given, but I especially like this kind that has multiple USP ports so you can charge multiple things at once.
Water Bottle
It’s important to stay hydrated when you’re traveling, and I love my Brita Water Bottle because it has a filter.
Moleskin
It only takes one trip with unexpected blisters to permanently keep moleskin in my bag. Never again. The most comfortable shoes can give you blisters if you’re walking 5+ miles a day.
Dual Voltage Flat Iron
This flat iron is my favorite because I can use it to straighten or curl. It’s also dual voltage and has an automatic shut-off, which always gives me peace of mind.
Check out some of my other travel must-haves!
This is an incredible list! I already rely on several items that have been lifesavers, such as the detergent to go, Moleskin, and battery pack(s). But I never thought of bringing heartless curls!
Wow that is a list! Great holiday gift ideas. I am sharing.
Great list! One of our go-to travel items are eco-friendly laundry detergent sheets. They are much smaller and lighter than taking along pods, and can be used for hand washing as well.
Not a bad list! I own most of these items and although I wouldn’t say some of them are “must have”, they’re definitely convenient! I’d add some kind of sound barriers too – earplugs, headphones, something of that sort!
Great list! I usually have many of these things permanently in my bag as well!
Love the foot roller & wine sleeve ideas!! Fabulous list of travel necessities
Such a great list! The bottle protector is so smart! I am bringing so many of these items on my upcoming trip!
I LOVE all of these travel accesories! The only extra thing I can think of is an eye mask!! I can´t sleep without one!
Goodness you must have a pretty large bag! I’m not going to lie, some of these sounds useful, but I don’t think I could carry all of them for most trips. I just need the travel adaptor and battery for my phone! 😀
Now I’m not moving as much, a massage ball was one of the first things I bought!
I bought one for everyone in my family and they tell me it’s one of the best things I’ve ever bought them!
Great list! Moleskin is so good and we always bring ziplock bags. We like to buy fruit, veggies and other to munch on and you can store them well in zip lock bags.