Best Travel Accessories For Any Traveler
Hello Vacationists! It’s finally 2022 and we’re breaking free from the confines of our shrinking homes and hometowns to get out and explore the world. Sooooo… Let’s talk about the best travel accessories that will make your vacations safer, more comfortable and convenient. From long-haul flights to hotel rooms, over the years I have uncovered some great travel gear all at a great value!
Nowadays, travel accessories are far more elegant and certainly more useful than ever before. And let’s face it, there are so many choices out there how do we decide? Well, after many trips and trial and error I have found some of the most must have and most useful (along with a few unique) travel accessory solutions.
Of course, everyone is different and I’ll try to give some sage advice for differing thoughts along the way. Below you’ll find some of the most useful and helpful, best all-around travel accessories to make any vacation more enjoyable.
And lest we forget that many of these great travel accessories make great gifts, too! <wink, wink>
The Best Travel Backpack Period – Durable, Affordable and Functional – Tzowla
Hands down my favorite travel backpack ever – a truly hidden gem – the Tzowla Travel Backpack (don’t ask me to pronounce the name) is hands down the best piece of travel gear you will ever buy.
If you want your backpack to make a “statement” about how smart, cool and rich you are, then by all means buy a Tumi or some other high end brand. They will cost 10 to 25 times more.
If, on the other hand, you’re looking for that value find, then look no further. The Tzowla is an extremely well designed and highly durable backpack.
Features include large compartments, many pockets, external charging and headphone ports, fixed combination lock for the main compartment, durable metal zippers, padded laptop compartment, water resistant nylon, and much more.
There are many blogs out there that review backpacks. The reality is that there are a bazillion styles and types of backpacks with all kinds of features. It honestly depends on what you are going to use it for and what features matter to you most.
That said, my spouse and I have had our Tzowla’s for many years and tens of thousands of miles of travel. They look and work just as good today as they did when we bought them. At around $25-$30 this is one of the best valued travel accessories out there!
Great Travel Accessories You Need For Any Vacation
Lifestraw Filtration Water Bottle
Whether you’re traveling the globe or going local – hydration is key. However, disposable plastic is bad for the planet and reusable water bottles don’t do much good if you’re hiking or traveling in countries with questionable plumbing practices. Solution: Lifestraw Filtration Water Bottle – I use mine whenever I travel.
Let’s be honest, I’m not hiking…lol. However, you can refill at a stream or just refill it at any tap. It clips conveniently on your backpack so no muss no fuss.
Now, some of you may be looking for those collapsible water bottles, but those don’t filter the water. So, you’re leaving it up to chance on microbes. Yuck.
BESTEK Power Adapter AND Converter
The next must have accessory is a travel adapter and power converter. If you travel anywhere outside the U.S. then spend a few bucks on an adapter/converter.
There are many promotions for just adapters (the right plug for the socket), but not the converters! This is a problem for U.S. travelers, as much of the world works on 220v outlets and we use 110v.
That means you need a power converter, too, so you don’t fry all of your electronics. I have had an Odaga brand unit for years, but it doesn’t appear that they are sold anywhere now unless you find them on Ebay. That said, BESTEK is a great brand and this BESTEK Travel Adapter and Power Converter that is nearly identical in specs to my Odaga.
Now, if you’re not a big tech person, then you can probably get away with using a smaller unit. However, if you are using a tablet, laptop and a couple phones then this is the way to go.
If you want to know more about adapters and converters check out this article – Adapters vs Converters.
Tile Bluetooth Locators
There is nothing worse than losing something when you travel – your luggage, wallet, purse, keys, phone….
Well, problem solved. Tile Bluetooth Locators can find your things nearby and far away using an app on your phone. This set contains 2 Tile Mates for keys, backpacks and purses; 1 Tile Slim for wallets, passports, and luggage tags; and 1 Tile Sticker for glasses case, charges and hand held games.
Some things to note about these locators…
If you have an RFID protected wallet or passport wallet it will affect Tile’s ability to locate items. Also, these are not accurate enough for pets and certainly not for your kids. That said, they work darn good for all the other important ‘stuff’ you take with you on vacation.
Great Travel Gear For International Flights To Make Them Fly By
Sony Noise Canceling Earphones
This is an important travel accessory for your long-haul and international flights. I am a big fan of my Sony Noise Canceling Earphones – they are wired earphones because I can use them to plug in to the airplanes when I am traveling and watch on board movies and stuff.
Noise canceling is a must for airplanes and earbuds are the practical and comfortable. Easy to pack and don’t press on your ears – really uncomfortable for those of us who wear glasses.
In the old days I used to bring my own portable DVD player, but those just aren’t practical anymore unless I’m taking a road trip.
By the way, if you’re not planning on using the on board entertainment and prefer not to have cords dangling around, just enjoy a pair of wireless earbuds. It all comes down to your personal preference overall.
Everlasting Comfort Airplane Footrest
Traveling long distances on an airplane require long periods of sitting, which can lead to constant discomfort and lack of support. The Everlasting Comfort Airplane Footrest improves the miserable seating common to most airplanes.
I am a bigger man and the adjustability of the hammock allows for varying heights to take pressure off my lower back. The dual foot rest area provides comfort and support for your back and legs, which means all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight.
Things to note: if you’re in a bulkhead seat with no tray table you won’t be able to use the footrest. Also, as with any carry-ons, it must be stowed (easily kept in your backpack or carry-on luggage) during take-offs and landings.
Burt’s Bees Lip Balm
You might be scratching your head a little bit on this one. It’s not really a gadget or great travel accessory. However, it is a necessity for long-haul airplane travel.
The extremely low humidity and the high altitude saps moisture from the skin, especially the lips, resulting in chapped lips upon arrival at your final destination. Make sure you pack some Burt’s Bees Lip Balm in your carry-on bag and drink ample amounts of water throughout the flight to hydrate your lips from the inside and the outside.
The Best Travel Pillow And How To Use Others
trtl Neck Support Travel Pillow
To each their own on neck pillows; however, the trtl Neck Support Travel Pillow is certainly my choice. More of a neck support than a pillow, but the soft fleece is what makes it comfortable. It’s important to note that this ‘pillow’ came about because many people are unhappy with their traditional U-shaped travel pillow.
“Why,” you may ask? Simple, you’ve probably been using it wrong all along.
Just as the trtl travel pillow is ergonomically designed to rest your head to the left or right from a sitting position, this is how you should use the common U-shaped travel pillows that are synonymous with airline travel.
Now you’re saying to yourself, “Wait! What?! My LIFE HAS BEEN A LIE ALL ALONG.”
Dr Michael Breus, YouTube’s “TheSleepDr,” says: “By rotating the pillow it stops your head from bobbing. If you have a U-shaped pillow, turn it around so the bottom of the U is under your chin.”
Mind blown, right?!. You’re life will never be the same after today. So, if you choose to keep your old U-shaped pillow, just make sure to use it the right way for maximum comfort.
Unique and Useful Travel Accessories That Keep You Safe And Comfortable
Lewis and Clark Travel Door Alarm
Uncertainty when you travel can be challenging for some. Staying in new and strange places or Airbnb’s can leave some to wonder…. I’m a take things as they come kind of person. However, I’m not trying to make it easy for would be thieves or others who might want to hurt me.
To help with that peace of mind use the Lewis and Clark Travel Door Alarm. This is not only perfect for hotel room doors, but also for personal security when in unfamiliar environments or late at night.
It will conveniently fit in any bag. One downside is that on occasion they ‘wear out’ and need to be replaced. So, it’s a good idea to pack a couple on your next vacation.
Skyclip+ Phone And Tablet Holder
This is truly one of the best travel accessories. If the in-flight entertainment won’t do it for you on that long-haul flight or you’re flying domestic with no entertainment options, this is a must have item. The Skyclip+ Phone and Tablet Holder is a perfect size and fits almost all personal devices.
Unlike its predecessor the updated version folds! It fits easily into any bag and is far more versatile than just an “airplane phone holder.” It has many uses and some non-slip surfaces to keep it in place.
Be mindful of the thickness on your protective cases because although it fits most lengths and widths, it does have some limitations when it comes to a thicker protective case. Sad I know.
That said, this is one of the most useful little gadgets you’ll ever use on your next vacation getaway. Just remember to skip the email <winky face>!
Mini LE LED Flashlight
No surprises here. When I travel, I often find myself in areas of the city or countryside with limited to no lighting. It is such a convenience to have the LE Mini LED Flashlight that fits easily in my fanny pack (and yes I still have a fanny pack – they are the best!).
It’s small and lightweight for sure, but it is extremely durable. I’ve had mine for a long time. It’s a little beat up, but takes a licking and keeps on ticking. The beam extends to almost 500 feet and super bright!
Not much else to say about a flashlight except – you need this!
Extra Long Phone Charging Cords and Cases – AINOPE and BUBM
This may seem like a “duh” item on the list, but I can’t tell you how many times some longer cords have come in handy. You just never know where a power outlet will be. I’ve been in rooms that only have a single outlet (remember that adapter/converter up above!) and it’s across the room from the bed.
Now, this is a new find – AINOPE USB C Cables (IPhone users – here is a similar product for you). I have never seen cords like this and I can’t tell you how excited I was to get them. I have to buy those little rubber things to protect my bendy cords when they are plugged in – or just replace them altogether.
No more! The right angle design means no more worrying about bendy cords that break and don’t charge. They also come with no tangle braided cords and 4 different lengths! Perfect for what the world throws at you.
Now that you have all your cables, check out the BUBM Travel Cable Bag and Electronics Accessory Organizer! Unlike many organizers out there, this one is compact and fits easily in a carry on.
