No matter the destination, the best travel accessories can make your next getaway more comfortable and enjoyable. Traveling, after all, can do a number on the body, both physically and emotionally, but the right gear helps you arrive at your final destination feeling relaxed and refreshed. After careful review, our top picks— including this tech kit and these noise-cancelling earbuds—keep you organized on long-haul or multi-destination trips that involve planes, trains and automobiles.
To narrow down options, we read countless travel product reviews and evaluated options from both established and newer-to-market brands. We also tapped into our expertise as globetrotters and frequent flyers who have traveled far and wide. Below, the best travel accessories to stock up on, and for more options, check out our guides to the best packing cubes and the best luggage.
Best Travel Accessories, At A Glance
Best Travel Blankets
A travel blanket that packs down and rolls up is handy when the temperatures fluctuate on a flight or in your hotel room. The best travel blankets are lightweight, easy to pack and machine washable for quick cleaning.
There’s a high probability that your flight’s air conditioning will rival the temperatures found in the Arctic. To stave off shivers, opt for a lightweight travel blanket that keeps you covered and cozy. Gravel’s top-rated blanket has an insulated core, kangaroo pockets to slip your hands into and a spill-proof nylon backing. It also folds up into an easy-to-transport bag that can double as a pillow during long plane or bus rides. As a bonus, it’s made from recycled materials and backed by a lifetime warranty, so it’s a purchase you can feel good about.
UnHide Lil Marsh Traveler is incredibly soft and comfortable, and it provides warmth without feeling too bulky or cumbersome. This pick is machine-washable and crafted from 300 GSM polyester (GSM refers to grams per square meter; a higher number denotes a more durable and warmer fabric). For more of our favorite blankets, check out our roundup of the best travel blankets.
The 2024 Forbes Vetted Best Product Awards are here: Explore our 150 top-recommended items across categories after extensive research and testing.
Best Cord Organizers
To prevent your cables and chargers from becoming a tangled mess in your backpack or luggage, go for a cord organizer. The best options have separate compartments and a sturdy shell or case to prevent electronics from being crushed en-route.
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If you’re the type of traveler who packs practically every electronic device that you own, the Bellroy Tech Kit is for you. It organizes your wires, chargers and batteries with magnetic slip and mesh pockets, as well as elastic cable loops to keep your devices safe, protected and secure. This is a bag you’ll not only toss into your carry-on, but also your everyday handbag, too.
For a budget-friendly option that clocks in under $15, this compact cord organizer has two zippered compartments that open up to reveal smaller mesh pockets for all of your cords, cables and memory cards. Smaller pockets can fit things like batteries or Apple AirTags. This bag comes in multiple colors that make it easy to identify in the bottom of your bag and the wrist strap is a handy feature. For longer journeys, the medium size offers extra storage space.
Best Toiletry Bags
Toiletry bags and dopp kits keep grooming supplies in one place and protect other items in your luggage from spills or leaks. (There’s nothing worse than realizing your shampoo leaked mid-flight and soaked into your clothing.) The best options are durable, spacious, water-resistant and stylish.
Away’s hanging toiletry bag provides see-through compartments to organize your favorite beauty products and grooming tools—and it also unfolds and hangs for quick and easy access. Thanks to its nylon-coated, spill-proof interior, it’s not a disaster if something cracks or explodes along the way.
Although Dagne Dover is known for its totes, backpacks and duffles, the brand has an impressive assortment of smaller travel accessories, including the Seoul Dopp Kit. The spacious interior compartment keeps personal items in the same place and the recycled polyester lining is easy to wipe clean. Other thoughtful features include a separate toothbrush compartment and a hook for hanging this on a door or towel rack. It’s available in four colors and a larger size.
Best Compression Socks
Compression socks can help with leg fatigue and discomfort during travel by increasing circulation in the legs. These specially-designed socks hug the lower leg and have a bit of stretch so they can be pulled on easily. Look for options that are comfortable, breathable and offer targeted compression.
Perfect for long flights to relieve aches and pains and stimulate blood flow, Bombas’ compression sock are as stylish as they are functional. Available in a handful of neutral colors and prints, they’re made from extra-long staple cotton to keep calves and feet warm and supported. Also, as part of Bombas’ mission to give back, a pair of socks is donated for every pair purchased.
With firm compression and durable nylon construction, these socks are a low-cost but effective for travel. The elasticized fabric hugs the lower legs, so putting them on might require some effort, but they’re comfortable once they’re on your legs. Users appreciate the bright color options (there are a few patterns to choose from as well) and say they hold up well to frequent use. For more options, check out our guide to the best compression socks.
Best Travel Water Bottles
Staying hydrated has numerous benefits, but when you’re traveling, it can help with jet lag and keep you alert and active. The best water bottles for travel are easy to refill, durable, leakproof and insulating.
Stainless Steel Memobottle
Hydration can make or break your health, but nothing is more cumbersome than an oversized water bottle that can’t fit in your travel bag. Enter Slim’s stainless steel Memobottle: With a minimalist design and slim water container, this flask-like pick slides into practically any space, including backpacks, briefcases, carry-on bags, purses and even side pockets.
This 24-ounce water bottle is another great option that’s easy to throw in your luggage or slip into a side compartment on your travel bag. The 18/8 stainless steel construction keeps beverages cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 hours and won’t alter the taste of your water. It’s dishwasher safe, and the leakproof lid prevents spills in transit.
Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Whether you’re on a noisy plane, immersing yourself in a museum exhibit or simply want to tune out the sounds of other tourists, a pair of noise-canceling headphones or earbuds is a must. The best options have a robust battery life, touch-based controls that easily adjust volume or answer calls and a secure fit.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Bose’s earbuds do an excellent job of both blocking outside sounds and playing crystal-clear music. The case also comes with three sizes of ear tips to accommodate your ear shape and every play option, from bass to treble levels, can be custom-tailored through Bose’s easy-to-use app. Our favorite feature is its ActiveSense technology that automatically adjusts the volume level according to your surroundings.
If you prefer over-ear headphones to earbuds, these Bowers & Wilkins offer some of the best sound, comfort and noise cancellation. Even when you’re not playing music, the noise-cancellation feature works so you can slip them on to focus while reading at the airport or sending emails. A full charge gives you 30 hours of battery life, which is ideal for long flights and road trips, and the memory foam padding on the ear cups prevents irritation. We also like the compact hard-shell case that zippers shut to keep your headphones and charging cable safe.
Best Neck Pillows
If you plan to sleep on your flight or prevent neck pain in transit, the best neck pillows keep your head in proper alignment with your spine while also being cozy and soft.
Not all neck pillows are created equal and Trtl’s take is lightyears beyond the common foam crescents that can sometimes do more harm than good. Designed to look like a scarf, it’s much more supportive than most U-shaped pillows. Simply loop and wrap it around your neck and adjust the fit so it rests underneath your jaw and shoulder. Trtl’s inner material is machine-washable and its fabric is breathable and cooling to the touch.
If you’re a frequent traveler, the Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow is worth the splurge for its 360-degree memory foam neck support. The velcro closure allows you to customize how tight (or loose) it fits around your neck, and it can be worn with the closure facing frontward or backward. When it’s not being used, it compresses down to 60% of its size to fit in the included travel bag. Or, you can wrap it around the handle of your luggage. For more expert-backed recommendations, read our guide to the best neck pillows.
Best Packing Cubes
Packing cubes maximize the space in your luggage and keep your garments wrinkle-free, protected and organized. You can group items by type of clothing (for example, keep all t-shirts together in one cube) or by outfit. Look for lightweight, flexible options with sturdy zippers that hold up to frequent use.
Packing cubes not only make for easy storage and organization, but they also help to limit the amount of clothing and personal items you bring on a trip. If you’re a notorious over packer, these zippable compartments are an essential. Available in a set of four sizes with mesh tops and side carry handles, these lightweight space savers hold anything and everything, from underwear and shoes to jeans and an entire three-piece suit. They’re also 100% stain proof and machine washable.
This set of six packing cubes keeps things organized and secure in your suitcase and looks good while doing it. The variety of sizes, ranging from 6.9 x 4.1 x 4.3 inches to 17 x 4.1 x 12.8, is ideal for longer trips requiring more items. The durable nylon is water resistant, and the mesh tops let you to see what’s inside quickly. If you’re packing for a shorter weekend trip, opt for the four-piece set instead. Looking for more options? Check out our list of the best packing cubes.
Best Luggage Trackers
The best luggage trackers help you stay on top of your belongings when you’re on the go and can emit an alarm or tone when you need to locate a lost bag. The best options are lightweight, compact and easy to set up.
Using a luggage tracker can give you peace of mind by ensuring your bags make it from one destination to the next. The Apple AirTag is an excellent option that earns top marks for its easy setup, accuracy and sleek design. Simply pull the security tag to set it up, and it automatically pairs with your iPhone. (It doesn’t require a paid subscription or a separate app since it integrates into the Find My app on all Apple phones and devices.) You can also customize the notifications and trigger a sound should you need help locating a lost item.
The Tile Pro is compatible with iOS and Android and has a loud alarm that makes it easy to locate lost luggage. It’s slightly bigger than the Apple AirTag but easily slips into a backpack, suitcase or small bag. Other helpful features include an integrated keychain hole, a replaceable battery and waterproof construction. The free version of the app allows you to track your luggage on a map and view past locations, but you have to pay a monthly fee to access more premium features. For more options, check out our list of the best luggage trackers.
Best Travel Jewelry Cases
Keep necklaces, bracelets and other valuables protected and tangle-free: These compact cases have small compartments for your items that can often be rearranged or removed for extra storage space.
Rather than tossing necklaces, bracelets and earrings into a bag, Mark & Graham’s travel jewelry case has separate compartments to keep your precious items tangle-free and unscratched. This pick can also be monogrammed and the pebbled vegan leather interior features a built-in mirror.
The Monos Travel Jewelry Case is another sleek option with a customizable interior. The oval case measures 5.6 x 2 x 3.4 inches and has an earring panel, ring tray and small leather pouch that can all be removed to accommodate larger pieces. With ultra-microfibre vegan leather and buttery microfibre suede lining, this luxurious case keeps all of your essential pieces safely tucked away during your travels. For more options, check out our review of the best travel jewelry cases.
Best Power Adapters
If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll want to pack a power adapter so you can easily charge your gadgets—just be sure to check each device’s voltage listing.
Another country, another unfamiliar outlet. Not only does the OneWorld100 adapter charge up to five devices simultaneously (two for larger ones like a MacBook Pro), it’s also compatible in over 200 countries. But one feature that makes a significant difference is its over-current, over-temperature and fuse protector so that you don’t accidentally start a fire if left unsupervised. This is precisely the peace of mind needed when traveling.
This universal travel adapter is hard to beat at under $25. It contains four different plugs, which should cover you in most countries, and its compact size makes it easy to pack. It has four USB-A ports, one USB-C port and one AC socket for charging up to six devices at once. Users say it’s a sturdy and reliable pick that makes international travel much less of a hassle.
Best Portable Steamers
Packing a travel steamer can keep your garments smooth and wrinkle-free while you’re on the go. The best travel steamer are compact, lightweight and powerful enough for different types of fabrics, such as wool and denim.
Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam
The greatest threat to your clothing, other than snags and stains, is wrinkles. More delicate fabrics like silk or linen are especially vulnerable. This portable steamer from Conair has a compact water tank that emits 15 minutes of continuous steam and the device only takes 40 seconds to heat up. A built-in creaser also forms perfect pleats and folds so that pants and skirts maintain that straight-from-the-dry-cleaner look during your stay.
The Forbes Vetted team dubbed this model our top value pick in our roundup of the best clothing steamers. Beyond its affordable price, this model can hold a surprising amount of water (10 ounces or 300 milliliters) and heats up in seconds. The continuous steam allows you to tackle multiple garments in one session, and it’s safe to use on a wide range of fabrics. The 12-foot cord also lets you move about while steaming your items—or reach an outlet across the room.
Best Backpacks For Travel
The best travel backpacks hold your essentials with lightweight and durable materials like nylon, polyester or leather, and plenty of interior pockets for organization.
Outfitted with a separate shoe compartment, smaller interior pockets and a 15-inch laptop sleeve, this sleek backpack keeps you well-organized and ready for anything. The roomy main compartment can fit clothing, books and other travel essentials, while the included pouch is perfect for smaller odds and ends. Choose from water-resistant nylon or vegan leather.
Another Forbes Vetted favorite is the Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Pack. Unlike traditional backpacks, it opens like a suitcase and has multiple zippered pockets inside to keep your belongings organized. There’s also a padded laptop sleeve and removable waist belt to prevent back strain. Plus, the nylon and polyester construction is extremely durable and easy to wipe clean. For other options, check out our roundup of the best carry-on backpacks.
Best Travel Totes
A travel tote is an excellent way to corral all your belongings and keep them easily organized. The best options are lightweight, durable, spacious and stylish.
For a versatile travel bag that also functions as a daily work tote, Cuyana’s System Tote is crafted from pebbled leather or croco leather and comes in two size options: 13-inch and 16-inch. The interior is fully customizable so you can create a setup that works for you; popular add-on accessories range from a small zippered pouch to a 13-inch laptop sleeve. Just keep in mind that extra pieces are not included in the price of the bag.
If you’re a chronic overpacker, an expandable tote allows you to pack additional items without overfilling your bag. This soft, polyester bag expands up to four inches, giving you added flexibility when packing. Users appreciate the thoughtful internal compartments, padded shoulder straps and luggage sleeve for seamless airport travel. What’s more, the fun colors allow you to match this bag to your luggage. If you want to explore other options, check out our list of the best travel totes.