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Many people like to travel, but there are some who find the process of traveling quite frustrating. It doesn’t have to be though. While you can’t control it all, having the right travel items and accessories can make a huge difference in your travel experience. Here’s a list of the best travel items and accessories that will help you have a smooth trip.

1. Luggage

Your luggage is one of the main travel essentials you need for your travels. Believe it or not the type of luggage you have can make or break your trip. Think about it, you’re packing the night before and your zipper breaks, or you’re rushing to check your suitcase and it suddenly rips. If you have the right type of luggage that you can depend on, you’re less likely to have these mishaps.

So what should you consider when purchasing luggage? Durability, weight, size, ease, and affordability. I like softside spinners because they are easy to carry. I can just pull or push them along. I also prefer lightweight luggage that’s large enough to hold my items (but not too large). Luggage in colors other than the standard black (and I guess blue) are helpful because they stand out from all the other bags.

I like Samsonite. This particular Samsonite StackIt 2-Piece Softside Spinner Luggage Set  has every must-have feature to suit my needs. It’s durable yet lightweight, and its spinner and stackable features make both pieces (suitcase and carry-on) easy to carry.

Samsonite provides a wide selection of hardside and softside luggage, so you have options. Here’s a helpful luggage buying guide that will give you more information on what to consider when buying your luggage.

You should also consider getting TSA Approved Luggage Locks for Travel.

2. Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are a useful travel accessory. They’re great for organizing your clothes when packing. I use the Packing Cubes Organizer, which comes in two sets of three (each set in a different color). Each set has different sizes (small, medium, and large) so I can pack different items of clothing according to size.

For instance, I pack my jeans/pants/shorts in the large cube; shirts/blouses in the medium-size cube and underwear in the small cube.

I also use the Pro Packing Cubes  for family travel (especially when traveling with my son). These also come in various sizes and are great for organizing and compressing clothes when you pack your suitcase.

Tip: You could also use a cube as a laundry bag!

3. Digital Travel Scale

If you told me years ago that I would own a digital travel scale, I would have laughed. I’ve gone through years of propping books underneath my regular bathroom scale so I can read the weight while balancing the luggage on top. It was always a struggle and it was always a bit off. Lo and behold, I recently discovered the Etekcity Digital Hanging Luggage Scale.

It’s so easy to use. Just attach your bag to the steel hook and it will tell you exactly what your luggage weighs. Good to know before you head to the airport. If you’re overweight, you can just take some items out of your luggage at home. This saves you the stress of scrambling to stuff clothes into your carry-on to avoid an overweight fee at the airport. I think you’ll like the price too. Definitely one of the best travel accessories I can think of.

4. Travel Document Holder

Have you ever had that dreaded feeling that you forgot something important? Like your passport? Yikes! That would be a travel nightmare. Nothing is more frustrating than scrambling to find your passport/license/boarding pass at the airport when you need it.  You can kiss that frustration good-bye and keep important documents in one place with your Travel Document Holder.

This Travel Wallet & Family Passport Holder can store up to 6 passports, as well as cards, tickets, and other documents. Perfect for family travel (but you can use it for solo travel too)! It even has a micro travel pen for filling out immigration and customs forms. It’s easy-to-carry and fits easily in your purse or travel bag. This travel wallet keeps everything in one place so you’re super-organized and can travel with confidence!

5. Travel Bag

You’re allowed one personal item on the plane along with your carry-on. If you’re thinking about not taking a personal item to lighten your load, think again. This travel accessory is absolutely necessary. Think easy access – this bag is what you’ll use to keep your important items close to you (passports, documents, money, medication, snacks etc.)

Aside from the obvious security, who wants to keep getting up during a flight to haul down your carry-on each time you need something?  You can use a purse, laptop bag, backpack, or a simple, small travel bag. Take your pick, it’s totally up to you. Just don’t forget that you must be able to fit your personal item under the seat in front of you.

6. Comfy Shoes and Socks

To me this seems obvious, but you’d be surprised at the number of people I’ve seen struggle to get through the airport because they are wearing uncomfortable shoes. Why would you do that to yourself?

Even if you’re early and don’t need to rush to catch your flight, you still have to get to your gate. Don’t underestimate the distance you have to cover in most airports. Do yourself a favor and leave those stylish but terribly uncomfortable shoes at home (or in your luggage).

I like to wear sneakers because they are comfy and makes walking through the airport oh so easy. Of course everyone is different, so go for what works and is comfortable for you. Just use common sense (flats vs. heels). Don’t forget you have to take your shoes off at security at most airports. Wear simple shoes that you can easily slip off and on. Do not wear shoes that have a lot of straps or buckles (because you’ll be one of those folks that take forever at the security line). Just keep it simple. Comfort over style in this case.

Another thing I always do is wear socks. Why? Because you have to take your shoes off at the security line, then walk across the gross airport floor. I always make sure I have socks on at the airport (another reason I prefer to wear sneakers). If you’re more of a flip-flops person, or you just prefer more stylish shoes, consider walking with a pair of socks in your travel bag. You can put them on to go through security then take them off after.

Side note: If you’re traveling on a long international flight, consider getting compression socks.

7. Sweater/Scarf

Airports and planes can be freezing! So always take a sweater or scarf with you. You may not always need it, but if you do, you’ll be glad you have it. Sweaters have the added benefit of functioning as a blanket.

Scarves are also handy when it comes to giving you that extra layer you need to stay warm. I discovered a really cool scarf the other day, it’s an infinity scarf with pockets. You can put important items such as your passport in the pocket. If you do, please don’t loose that scarf.

Side-note: this travel accessory would make a really awesome gift!

8. Clear Toiletries bag / Zip lock bags

Another unique travel accessory is the clear toiletries bag. It is compliant with TSA rules and really convenient. I’m an absolute fan of zip lock bags. I still use them here and there when traveling as they always come in handy. To think of how many zip lock bags I’ve used during my travels in the past though (such a waste). This Clear Toiletries bag just makes more sense.

9. Portable charger

Ever had your phone die while waiting to catch your flight? What if you’re using a mobile boarding pass? Frustrating. That’s why portable chargers are a must when traveling. Most of us depend on our phone, whether it’s to make an important phone call, pull up travel documents, or order an Uber to pick you up. You don’t want to be in that situation where your phone dies and you have nothing.

The RAVPower 26800 Portable Charger will charge your phone at high-speed to save you from that headache. It recharges quickly too. It can also charge three devices at the same time. This is one travel accessory you definitely don’t want to be without.

10. Universal Adapter/Converter

Don’t forget that plugs and outlet shapes are different in other countries. Voltage levels also vary, so your electronic devices may not be compatible with foreign outlets. That’s where a Universal Adapter/Converter combo comes in handy. The travel adapter will allow you to fit foreign outlets and the converter will convert the voltage to prevent your device from getting damaged.

The Bestek Travel Adapter is a favorite! The adapter allows you to switch between plug types/sizes to fit foreign outlets. The converter protects your device from damage by converting the voltage. In addition to providing the adapter and converter functions you’ll need for over 160 countries, it also allows you to charge three devices at the same time (it has one plug and two USB ports).

11. Hand Sanitizing Wipes

We all know how gross airports and planes are. Thank God for hand wipes! Not only can you use them to clean your hands, you can also use them to wipe down the tray and arm rests around you on the plane (and elsewhere).

12. Notebook and Pen

I always like to carry a notebook and a pen with me, just to jot down my thoughts and plans on the plane while traveling. You could also use it to keep important emergency contacts. Pens are a definite must because you will always need to fill out something, whether it’s a luggage tag or an immigration/customs form.

If I had a penny for every time someone asked me to borrow a pen on the plane, I’d be a rich woman!

13. Neck Pillow

You should always take the opportunity to sleep on the plane when tired. Aside from getting rest when you need it, sleeping on the plane makes the time go by so much faster. The problem is that planes aren’t exactly the most comfortable places to sleep.

That’s where a neck pillow comes in. It will give your neck the support and comfort it needs, making it easier for you to fall asleep. Even if you don’t sleep on the plane, a neck pillow can make your plane experience much more comfortable.

14. Noise-canceling Headphones

Speaking of sleep, nothing is worse than trying to catch a few Z’s only to be kept up by the chatty guy beside you or woken up by the flight attendant’s intercom. The right noise-cancelling headphones can be a life-saver. The Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones for Apple Devices and for Samsung and Android Devices are great for tuning out noise, with the option of hearing what’s around you when you need to.

15. Entertainment

This is something you don’t want to overlook, especially for long flights. Whether it’s digital or not, entertainment can make the travel time pass quickly.Some favorites include: iPads and tablets. The Apple iPad Mini 2 with Retina Display  is one of the best choices for travel. It’s compact, light and thin design, along with its stunning retina display makes it a winner.

If you’re old-school like me, you’re probably happy with simply reading a good book. There’s something about a good book that I find so therapeutic and relaxing, especially on the plane. However, there are lots of people that don’t read actual books anymore and that’s fine. That’s where the
All-new Kindle Paperwhite  comes in. This kindle is super-light and has twice the storage. Perfect for traveling!

There you have it! These are my essential travel items that will help you have a smooth trip. Of course don’t forget to bring snacks! It’s not exactly travel gear but it is a necessity. Some folks may also like to carry a travel water bottle, so they can fill up on water after going through security.

Additional tips: I’m a firm believer in checking-in online because it can save so much time at the airport. Also, If you’re traveling with kids, check out what to pack when traveling with a toddler.

Other than that, I think that’s pretty much it. What are your must-have travel items for your trips?

BONUS: Most of the items on this list will make perfect gifts! Just in time for the Holidays!

You can thank me later.

This page contains affiliate links. I only recommend products that I’ve used and love! Please read my disclosure for more information.