You know what is the most dreadful thing about travelling? The whole process of packing and the unpacking luggage. It’s crucial to ensure you have packed all you need. And then your packing list varies each time depending on where you are going, or if you are travelling for leisure or business. Thank God for smart travel accessories that make the process seamless.
There’s always a travel hack to make this whole process a little easier. You can be a smart traveller with this list of the best travel accessories to carry along. With organisers, travel pouches, and a few essentials, you can be prepared for any trip, no matter which part of the world you are off to.
Packing cubes, travel pillows, or even a first-aid kit – all these items may seem ordinary but they will make your journey less stressful. Especially when you are travelling with kids or to make travel with family easy. So here are some basic travel accessories you must have on your trip to make life easy.
1. Travel adapter
Got international travel on your mind? It’s best to carry a travel adapter that will take care of those high-voltage electrical outlets they have abroad. Whether you are travelling to the Americas or backpacking around Europe, a travel adapter can be crucial and will ensure you are not left stranded with a phone that screams ‘low battery’.
2. Travel pillow
Long flights, car rides, or even train and bus journeys can be tough on the neck and the back. A travel pillow can help you stay comfortable and get some much-needed rest till you reach your hotel bed. Invest in a quality pillow that is medium-soft as it’s probably one of the best travel accessories for your neck if you doze off on the way.
3. Passport holder
When your travel plans are taking flight, the passport holder instantly becomes one of the best travel accessories to own. Most passport holders come with sections and pockets to be able to hold other documents too but more importantly, it will protect your passport against any folds or damage. And, keeping your passport holder in your pocket or purse can make walking at airports easier because you will have to show your passport and boarding pass multiple times at various stops.
4. Portable power bank
We seriously undermine the importance of portable power banks, no? Imagine what you could do if you ran out of phone battery while you are coordinating your hotel pick-up. Keeping your phone and other electronic devices charged is essential while traveling. So, a portable power bank instantly should be on your list of must-have travel accessories as it can help you stay connected even when there isn't an outlet in sight.
5. Shoe covers
You are obviously not carrying along only new, clean shoes when you are travelling. So, how do you pack them? Add shoe covers to your list of must-have travel accessories because these covers can help pack shoes you use regularly without dirtying your clothes and other items in your luggage. Shoe covers also help keep each pair together and prevent the shoes from shuffling around in your travel luggage.
6. Packing cube
The wonders of modern-day comforts would leave anyone from a different era absolutely stunned. Whoever thought of creating packing cubes clearly loved being organised, and that’s exactly why packing cubes are easily one of the best travel accessories. They make the process of packing and unpacking so much easier and allow you to organise your clothes and other items in your luggage. You can have separate packing cubes for clothes, undergarments, electronic gadgets, toiletries, and more. And, packing cubes are also a great way to compress your clothes, saving space in your suitcase.
7. Travel blanket
If you are travelling on a budget, chances are your flight or train journey will not provide a blanket. So, why not pack in a travel blanket to save you from freezing ACs? You can dream in peace and stay comfortable through the journey with a snuggly blanket by your side. What makes a travel blanket different from a regular one? Travel blankets are more compact and come with a case or cover of their own, which makes packing and carrying them around easier. Besides, you never know when you might need an extra blanket in your hotel room too, so it’s best to add it to your list of must-have travel accessories.
8. Noise cancelling headphones
Noise-cancelling headphones were designed to keep crying babies in flights at bay. We are not kidding! Carrying along your pair of noise-cancelling headphones can be a lifesaver when you are trying to sleep on a plane or in a busy hotel. If you are travelling for work, these headphones can give you some peace and quiet, and help you concentrate when you need to work or relax. Why wouldn’t you add this to your list of travel accessories to carry along?
9. Suitcase cover
Which luggage is yours? It’s quite common to find yourself wondering whether the suitcase on the luggage conveyor is yours or someone else’s after your flight. If you want to save time and identify your travel bags from a mile away, why not add a suitcase cover to your must-have travel accessories list? Get yourself a print or colour you love, so you won’t forget which bag is yours. It’s also an easier way to stay organised as you can remember which travel bag contains what by identifying each with the help of their suitcase covers.
10. Eye mask
Who doesn’t think of a long nap while they are set to travel? Sleep becomes even more important if you have long connecting flights or a train journey to go on. An eye mask instantly becomes a must-have travel accessory on such trips. Whether you are travelling through the night or want to catch some shut-eye during the day, an eye mask is super handy. It will keep those lights in trains, aeroplanes, and buses at bay and give you the darkness you need to rest.
11. Luggage scales
Each airline has its own rule about the weight of luggage and the number of suitcases you are allowed to carry. If you want to be a smart traveller and not get fooled, a luggage scale can be a must-have travel accessory. Luggage scales can be a lifesaver and save you time and last-minute rush over transferring your items from one luggage bag to the other to adjust the weight of each suitcase. It’s also advisable to check the weight of each luggage and note it before you board a flight.
12. Travel first-aid kit
Accidents and injuries can happen anywhere, and it's always a good idea to be prepared. A travel first aid kit is one must-have travel accessory you absolutely should not miss out on packing. Include a few basic supplies like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers. It also doesn’t hurt to carry crepe-roll bandages, safety pins, and some emergency tablets for headaches, motion sickness, vomiting, or even a bad stomach.