One of the joys of traveling is the thrill of discovering new destinations. But let’s be real: it can also be stressful. Packing, long flights, noisy accommodations can turn a dream trip into a nightmare! Fortunately, a suite of modern travel gadgets can streamline these challenges and add layers of comfort to your adventures.
After many years of international (and sometimes complicated) travel (and thousands of dollars spent on the latest travel gadgets), I’ve learned what works for me and what doesn’t. Let’s dive into my Top 10 favorites and how they can enhance your travel experience (hyperlinked to where you can buy them).
1. Compression Packing Cubes
Say goodbye to overstuffed suitcases and hello to organized travel! After having tried many different types and shapes, these LeanTravel compression cubes are by far my favorites.
a. Maximize space: These cubes compress clothing, allowing you to pack more efficiently. By efficiently organizing your clothes and accessories, you can fit more items into your suitcase.
b. Organized Packing: Keeps your belongings organized by category and outfit type. As I wear things, I consolidate clean clothes and segregate dirty clothes into one of the empty cubes.
c. Easy Access: quickly access just what you want without rummaging through your entire suitcase.
2. Ceptics Travel Voltage Converter
When traveling internationally, dealing with different electrical outlets and voltages can be a hassle. This voltage converter is affordable and provides a convenient solution.
a. Universal Compatibility: Converts electrical voltage for all your devices, adapters for different countries. This is great for when you are traveling to multiple countries on the same trip, so you don’t have to bring multiple plugs.
b. Multiple Ports: Charge multiple devices with plugs and USB connectors.
c. Compact Design: Very portable (I put mine in my backpack).
3. Away Luggage
This brand has consistently provided one of the best suitcases I’ve ever owned. With 360-degree spinner wheels, you can navigate it through the most complicated airports with east.
a. Built in lock on each suitcase: never again forget your TSA lock – it is already built into the suitcase!
b. Durable: They are made from high quality durable materials and can withstand the beating that is often associated with checking a suitcase on an airline.
c. Choose unique colors: Your luggage won’t get lost in a sea of look-a-like black suitcases as they come in a variety of colors.
4. Travel eye mask with cups
Achieving quality sleep while traveling can be challenging, especially in bright environments (on planes or in hotels without blackout shades).
a. Comfortable: you can open your eyes with the mask on and not feel your eyelashes rubbing on the mask.The contoured design and adjustable straps ensure a comfortable fit, while the built-in cups prevent the mask from pressing against your eyes, allowing you to rest peacefully during long flights or train journeys.
b. Light blocking: effectively blocks out light so you can sleep on any flight, especially if your window seat mate insists on keeping the shade up.
5. Air Pods Pro (2nd generation or later)
For those moments when you need to tune out the world and immerse yourself in your own personal soundtrack, Air Pods Pro with noise-canceling technology is a game-changer.
a. Noise canceling feature: whether you’re navigating bustling airports or seeking refuge form chatty seatmates, these wireless earbuds provide crisp, clear sound and customizable noise cancelation allowing you to enjoy your music, podcasts, or audiobooks without distractions. Drowning out the crying baby behind you is a bonus!
b. Compact size: being able to fit these in my pocket vs. my Bose over ear headphones taking up half of my backpack is a plus.
6. Magnetic hat clip
I love hats, but one of the things that keeps me from taking one on my vacations is how to pack one without crushing it.
a. Keeps your hat easily accessible and secure: I attach mine to my backpack so it hangs effortlessly and securely.
b. Saves space: Not only does hanging your hat from your tote or backpack, but the magnetic clip will prevent your hat from being crushed.
7. Flight One Seat Pak
Bid farewell to tangled cords and misplaced accessories with the Flight One cord organizer.
a. All of your stuff in one place: I not only keep my phone and watch cords in there, but also air pods, portable batteries, and thumb drives in mine. Tidy and accessible!
b. Convenient and secure: with designated pockets and elastic straps, it’s easy to keep track of your devices and ensure they are ready to use whenever you need them. Designed to fit in the plane’s seatback pocket.
8. Silicone earplugs
Whether you’re sensitive to noise or simply seeking some peace and quiet, silicone earplugs are a must-have travel accessory.
a. Stays put: If you’re like me, your ears aren’t the right shape for those foamy earplugs that come in most airline amenity kits. Silicone earplugs have a tackiness to them that allow them to stay in your ears.
b. Blocks noise: Because they seal your ear completely, silicone earplugs can block out the most annoying noises, allowing you to relax and unwind in any environment.
9. Thin hand sanitizer
In today’s world, maintaining clean hands is more important than ever. It’s not always convenient to carry a bottle of Purell.
a. Slim design: This hand sanitizer’s design allows it to fit easily into your pocket or purse ensuring you will always have access to sanitizer.
b. Scented: The Noshinku brand has several pleasant scents (including eucalyptus, bergamot, lavendula and spice blends), so you won’t smell like rubbing alcohol when you use it.
c. Refillable: You can refill the dispenser, so you’ll always have sanitizer with you.
10. 3-in-1 toiletry bag
I’m on “team carry-on” so I’m always in search of a 3-1-1 TSA approved toiletry bag that can fit more in it than a typical quart-sized Ziplock bag.
a. Durable: You can cram all your toiletries without puncturing this bag.
b. Water-resistant The water-resistant materials ensure that your belongings stay protected from spills and leaks.
11. Sink Suds
I always bring a couple of packets of sink suds on any trip lasting longer than a week. This way, I can wash my unmentionables and lighter weight clothes in the sink and hang them to dry (many European hotels have heated towel bars in the bathrooms and the drying process takes no time at all in that case). This allows me to save a lot of room in my suitcase and in many cases allows me to pack in a carry-on vs. checking a bag.
12. Apple Air Tags
Finally, this is the single most important travel gadget, especially if you check your luggage. There are many examples of folks whose luggage was misplaced during a connection, and they were able to prove where their bags were by locating them with air tags.
These travel gadgets are not only practical but also enhance the overall travel experience by addressing common challenges and inconveniences. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional adventurer, investing in these innovative gadgets can help you travel smarter, more comfortably, and with greater peace of mind. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and let these gadgets take your travels to new heights!
