By NICOLE KLIEST
Published Aug 14
Despite the thrill of going somewhere new, traveling takes a toll on both mind and body.
Whether it’s a long drive or a multi-leg flight journey, the ‘getting there’ portion of a getaway can be draining. But with a little schlep comes a high reward, and if you equip yourself with a bevy of travel accessories that alleviate stress and enhance the experience, you’ll be well on your way to a memorable journey.
With summer holidays in full swing and adventures on the horizon, we curated a guide to ensure smooth travels. From tried-and-true picks with clever design refreshes, to unexpected (but lifesaving!) gadgets, the best travel accessories ahead all deserve a spot in your luggage.
Suitcase
Let’s start with the basics, shall we? A thoughtfully-designed suitcase lays the groundwork for an enjoyable travel experience. If you’re adamant about only packing a carry-on, look for options that make good use of limited space, and that have useful design details like zip compartments and built-in compression panels.
Packing Cubes
If you thrive in an organized environment, packing cubes are likely already in your repertoire of travel accessories. Rather than stuffing your loose garments into a suitcase, categorizing your clothes and placing them in designated cubes makes packing and unpacking a stress-free experience.
Travel Laundry Bags
In a similar vein as packing cubes, bringing along a zip bag dedicated to dirty laundry will ward off unpleasant aromas in your suitcase and make it easy to drop all of your wash-ready clothes in the hamper when you get home.
Jewelry Case
There are few greater tragedies than arriving at your vacation destination with a tangled web of jewelry. Skip the headache of detangling and invest in a small jewelry pouch that allows you to keep your necklaces, earrings, and bracelets separated with ease.
Hard Fragrance
Eschew the dreaded ‘suitcase smell’ and slip a hard fragrance into your luggage to keep your garments smelling fresh. While you don’t want anything overly pronounced, aromas that are clean and simple should do the trick.
Carry-On Tote or Duffel
No matter your mode of transportation—car, train, plane, or otherwise—a large tote or duffel bag that can hold all of your essentials is key. Look for options that have thoughtfully designed interior compartments, durable materials, and clever details like a trolley sleeve.
Luggage Scale and Tag
For those who have a knack for overpacking, a luggage scale is godsend. Not only does it give you the peace of mind that you won’t be charged extra at the airport, it also saves you time at the check-in counter. As well, a luggage tag—both analog and AirTag—are useful accessories for ensuring your baggage never gets permanently lost.
Organization Pouches
Limited leg space makes extracting anything from your tote bag an irritating feat. The solution? Zip pouches that are organized by item category. For example, keep chargers and adaptors in one pouch, essential items like your wallet and keys in another, and toiletries such as chapstick, hand lotion, and face mist in another.
Reusable Water Bottle
Avoid paying double the price for a water bottle at the airport and invest in a reusable water bottle that’s easy to slip into a tote bag or carry-on. Not only will it remind you to prioritize hydration before flying, it’s also friendlier to the environment.
Passport Holder
Among the more stressful travel situations one can experience is a missing passport. But if you have yours tucked away in a beautifully-crafted holder, it’s harder to misplace. Look for passport covers that allow you to monogram your initials and those designed with additional pockets for things like boarding passes and foreign currency.
Socks and Slippers
Embarking on a long-haul flight and anxious about how you’ll fare? Begin with your wardrobe. Changing into a new pair of socks and simple slippers goes a long way—just be sure to secure your travel footwear in an odor-free plastic bag as a courtesy to your fellow passengers.
