Must-Have Travel Accessories for 2024

Travel has never been more straightforward, thanks to expanding transportation links, advances in technology, and social media. What makes jet-setting even more seamless is having the right accessories. The list of practical travel gear available grows every year, and while some items are lifesavers for specific trips, there are a bunch of accessories that are musts for every kind of traveler. Continue reading to find our picks for the top travel accessories, including essentials that have stood the test of time and innovative gadgets that allow for hassle-free journeys.

Packing Cubes

If there's one thing you can do to alleviate your packing woes, it's to pick up some packing cubes ahead of your next getaway. Not only will they help you to save some space in your suitcase, but they also keep your belongings organized. Best of all, packing cubes come in all shapes and sizes, making them perfect for traveling light or for longer periods of time. To make things more convenient, bring an extra packing cube for your dirty laundry and keep worn items separate from your clean clothes.

Power Bank

We've all been there. You try to plug your phone or laptop in on a flight, train, or bus, only to find that the outlet doesn't actually work. Investing in a quality power bank will ensure you never get stuck in this ever-so-frustrating situation again, and it also comes in handy for day trips when you're out and about for hours on end.

Filtered Water Bottle

Unfortunately, many countries don't have drinkable tap water, and even if they do, in many cases, it's recommended that international visitors stick to bottled water. Do your wallet and the environment a favor, and bring a water bottle with a built-in filter when you travel abroad. If you typically visit warm destinations, it's worth getting a stainless steel filtered bottle, as they'll also keep your water chilled.

Foldable Rain Jacket

A foldable rain jacket is an incredibly useful item that takes up little to no room in your bag. Even if you're setting off on a sun-soaked beach retreat, there's no guarantee that the weather will always be on your side. Come prepared with a compact jacket rather than be stuck searching for a coat or umbrella on your vacation if the rain strikes.

High-Quality Travel Pillow

Travel pillows have been around for decades, but if you've ever tried to sleep using a flimsy or low-quality neck cushion, you'll be all too familiar with how impractical most are. By being a little more selective with your travel pillow, you'll find options that provide proper neck support and give you a chance to sleep comfortably during your flight. This will also prevent the inevitable neck pain that results from poorly designed alternatives.

Phone Mount

When traveling with budget airlines or catching a short flight, there is often no in-flight entertainment or screens. As great as our phones are, trying to hold them upright to watch something quickly becomes tiring. Phone mounts are becoming an increasingly popular gadget as a solution to this issue. Most of them clip onto your tray table and can be adjusted to suit different-sized phones, making it that bit easier to enjoy any movies or series you've downloaded.

Universal Adapter

If you're somewhat of a globe-trotter and tend to visit different regions of the world, a universal adapter should go right to the top of your packing list. This way, you'll only need to pack one adapter regardless of where you're headed and won't have to worry about having the specific plug type for your destination.

Hanging Toiletry Bag

A hanging toiletry bag is such a simple but useful accessory. It keeps all of your must-have products in order and usually packs up easier than bulky containers. These are a fantastic option for anyone who travels frequently, but they're especially useful if you're planning to stay in rooms with shared bathroom facilities or hostel dorms.

Jewelry Organizer

Although it never seems like much of an issue when filling your suitcase, jewelry can be one of the most infuriating things to unpack. Unraveling earrings, necklaces, and bracelets from one another can sometimes take hours! The best way to avoid this is to scale back the amount of pieces you need before separating each item into different compartments of a jewelry organizer.

Sturdy Padlocks

Safety should always be your top priority, no matter where you're traveling, and packing a few durable padlocks will always come in handy. From locking your suitcase before a flight to keeping your valuables secure when exploring a new area, there are a plethora of reasons why robust padlocks are worth stocking up on.

Money Belt

In the same vein, a money belt will also ensure your belongings are kept safe and out of reach. We've all heard tales of pickpocketing and petty theft being prevalent in almost all corners of the globe, so it's good practice to keep your passport, cash, and phone tucked away. Of course, this means you'll need to bring suitable clothes that can easily disguise a money belt, which is important to keep in mind when packing.

Rechargeable Fan

Many of us head overseas searching for warmer weather, but sometimes, the temperatures can be significantly higher than expected. That's when a handheld rechargeable fan will be your saving grace! While they won't bring you quite as much relief as escaping to an air-conditioned room, a small portable fan will give you a much-needed pick-me-up if you're lying poolside or enjoying some sightseeing in the sun. Battery-powered versions are also readily available, but the rechargeable editions are generally a more user-friendly option.

Enjoy a Smooth Travel Experience With These Useful Accessories

Depending on your travel style and the nature of your trip, you're certain to find some of these accessories more valuable to you than others. Everyone's packing list will look a little different, but we're confident that, equipped with these essentials, you can make your trip as comfortable and convenient as possible.