When packing for a trip, we tend to spend most of our time focused on the essentials — clothes, shoes, hats, electronics, medicines, and the like. That makes perfect sense, but it also makes it easy to overlook smaller items that can turn a stressful travel day into a smooth one. Here are 10 of our must-have gadgets and accessories that will help your next trip go off without a hitch.
Note: All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. Daily Passport may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.
Packing Cubes
Compression packing cubes work by shrinking your clothes and accessories into compact sections, allowing you to fit more in your carry-on and avoid checked bag fees. They’re fast and easy to use — simply fill them with clothes and zip them like a regular packing cube, then press down to get rid of excess air and zip up the second zipper, creating an even more compact cube. These cubes come in handy with items with a lot of air, such as puffer jackets, blankets, scarves, or sweaters. They also keep items organized and reduce wrinkles.
Apple AirTag (or Other Bluetooth Tracker)
While lost or delayed luggage cases are rare, they unfortunately still happen on occasion. That’s why it’s important to take matters into your own hands when possible by tossing an Apple AirTag in your luggage. (Or if you’re an Android user, there are plenty of similar Bluetooth trackers to use instead.)
These devices use a technology called ultra-wideband, which sends out signals every two nanoseconds. The frequent signals provide information about the exact location of the AirTag or Bluetooth tracker and whether it’s on the move or stationary. This is then communicated to any nearby devices, and that data is then relayed to a larger network. If you slide an AirTag into any luggage that you’re planning to check, you can easily keep tabs on your bags throughout your journey. Often, it can help you figure out where your missing bags are before the airline does.
RFID-Blocking Wallet
When walking around an unfamiliar city, arm yourself against electronic thieves by using an RFID-blocking wallet. Using an electromagnetic shield, an RFID-blocking wallet keeps your contactless cards safely stored and prevents credit card theft. RFID scanner signals can’t read the tags inside your cards when they are in this type of wallet, so your information remains safe. Most of the time, these wallets are lightweight and can hold many cards at once, so they’re practical as well as protective.
Phone Adapter and Charger
Nothing reminds you how much you depend on a smartphone quicker than a low battery and no way of charging it. These days, cellphones are far more than a tool for keeping in touch; they act as a place to store boarding passes and hotel confirmations, a method of payment, a navigational aid, a camera, and so on. To make sure you don’t find yourself in a sticky situation, check that you have remembered to pack your charger and cable. Pro tip: Keep your smartphone or tablet fully juiced throughout your travels with this solar power bank that can quickly charge up to three devices at once.
And if you’re traveling overseas, always check the type of electrical sockets you’re likely to encounter and make sure you pack the correct adapter and/or converter, too. For instance, this adapter from Newvanga works in over 150 countries and includes USB and USB-C slots, in addition to a slot for more traditional power plugs. You can also plug in multiple devices and charge your computer, smartphone, and tablet all at once.
Noise-Canceling Headphones
A crying baby, a snoring seatmate, or in-flight announcements have the ability to majorly impact your quality of rest on a flight. Block out disruptions and pop in a pair of wireless noise-canceling earbuds, preferably with a self-contained charging case for when you might not have access to a charger. Some over-ear headphones options are pricey, but they offer impeccable sound quality and noise cancellation. Plus, can you really put a price on decent sleep? If the answer is yes, then these more affordable headphones might be the perfect compromise.
Bluetooth Headphone Adapter
If your noise-canceling headphones utilize Bluetooth technology, you may wind up frustrated when you board your flight and have no way to plug them into the seatback entertainment screen. Enter the AirFly from Twelve South — a clever device that plugs into your seatback screen and lets you use your wireless headphones to listen to the on-demand entertainment on your flight. You simply attach the dongle to the screen’s 3.5 mm audio input and pair the AirFly to your Bluetooth headphones like you would any other Bluetooth accessory.
Sleep Kit: Eye Mask, Earplugs, and Travel Pillow
If you’re sensitive to light, a quality eye mask will do wonders to help you fall (and stay) asleep on a plane, bus, car, or train. Look for one made of plush memory foam, which is easily adjustable and able to conform to any head shape. The mask should fit tightly yet comfortably around your eyes, stopping any light from creeping in.
Memory foam pillows are also helpful for sleeping, as they contour to your neck and help create a soft cushion between your head and the hard wall of the cabin. You can opt for an inflatable pillow if you want to squeeze more space in your bag, or, if you get cold easily, a 2-in-1 travel blanket and pillow combo.
Lastly, if you’re a light sleeper, don’t underestimate the power of noise-canceling earplugs. Loop earplugs, for instance, come in various colors and styles, with one model made specifically for travel.
Refillable Water Bottle
Air travel can be dehydrating, and cabin crew members don’t always have the time during a busy flight to deliver drinks on demand. Instead, pop a large reusable water bottle into your carry-on and fill it up at an airport water fountain before you board your flight (but after you pass through security). Not only will you stay hydrated, but over time this will also save money on the cost of buying bottles of water at the airport — and you’ll be doing your bit to save the planet by cutting down on single-use plastics.
Compression Socks (for Long Flights)
Studies show that compression socks help improve blood flow and prevent conditions such as swelling and DVT. These socks are often made of a flexible fabric that forms a tight seal around the leg without being too restrictive. Many variations are also tighter around the ankles and loosen as they make their way up the calves, which encourages upward blood flow toward the heart. When you wear a pair, your legs are much less likely to feel achy and swollen once you disembark the plane, and the odds of developing related medical issues also decrease.
Portable Safe
While most hotel rooms have a safe for you to store valuables when you’re out and about exploring your destination, some experts say it might not always be as secure as you think. Another option is to travel with a portable safe of your own, such as this soft, canvas bag from Pacsafe. This travel safe easily fits into your luggage, but is still big enough to hold a laptop, a passport, and any other valuables you may be traveling with.
Featured image credit: David-Prado/ iStock via Getty Images Plus
Featured Stories
More from our network
Daily Passport is part of Optimism, which publishes content that uplifts, informs, and inspires.
