The Key to Stress-Free Travel Is the Right Gear—These Travel Accessories Pull Their Weight

Make every trip smoother with these editor-tested accessories.The secret to a seamless travel journey is having the right travel accessories at your side. Whether you're boarding an early flight, hopping on a cruise ship, or catching a cross-country train, it pays to be prepared with smart gadgets and gear that make all the difference. From the packing cubes and laundry bags that help me fit the excessive amount of clothes I insist on bringing to the eye mask and neck pillow that make getting sleep at 30,000 feet possible, the best travel accessories pull their weight every time. After more than six years as a travel editor, I've figured out which essentials are worth bringing along. My lineup of foolproof travel accessories keeps me comfortable on long-haul flights, protects my suitcase from getting lost in transit, and ensures all my things are exactly where they should be.To help every trip you take be a smoother one, I've put together a list of the very best travel accessories to pack on your next vacation. From in-flight necessities and organization hacks to tracking devices that deliver even the most anxious travelers peace of mind, these are the essentials I recommend most.Top picks:Best makeup bagAfform The Medium Traveller makeup bagJump to reviewEditor's Choice Best compression socksBombas Everyday compression socksJump to reviewBest luggage scaleEtekcity Luggage scaleJump to reviewBest luggage trackerApple AirTagJump to reviewBest packing cubesBagsmart Compression packing cubes (set of six)Jump to reviewTo keep you organizedA trusted toteA tote bag is the ideal personal item—it's roomy enough to store all of your in-flight essentials and is usually pretty pliable, meaning you can squeeze it under the seat without taking up all of your foot room. Look for one with comfortable shoulder straps, a zipper or magnetic snap closure, and a few interior pockets to store your phone and passport. A trolley sleeve is a nice feature, too, so you can slide it over your suitcase while cruising through the airport. My personal favorite is MZ Wallace's Metro Tote—it's got more pockets than I know what to do with, and its super-soft straps never dig in to my shoulders. Cuyana's sleek System tote, L.L.Bean's iconic Boat and Tote, and Calpak's expandable Luka tote all come highly recommended by my fellow editors too.MZ WallaceMedium Metro Tote DeluxeCalpakLuka expandable laptop toteBrowse more tote bag recommendations.A travel toiletry bagA good toiletry bag keeps your products organized and your suitcase spill-free. These smaller options from Dagne Dover and Away offer enough space for your skincare essentials without taking up a ton of space in your suitcase. If you're going on a longer vacation or want to keep all of your products in one place (skincare, makeup, shower essentials, etc.), you might want to opt for Bagsmart's hanging toiletry bag that can be hooked onto the back of the bathroom door at the hotel. It keeps the counter clutter-free, and makes finding exactly what you need a breeze. Peak Design's best-selling wash pouch is another smart pick for longer journeys—commerce director Madison Flager has used hers for over five years and it's still in good shape.Dagne DoverHunter toiletry bagBagsmartHanging toiletry bagBrowse more toiletry bag recommendations.Jewelry caseA rule to live by: Never check your valuables, especially jewelry. Keep necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings safe and neatly organized inside a jewelry case that gets stowed in your carry-on luggage or personal item. These durable, compact cases have enough room to store a few different jewelry options. Mark and Graham's case is on the larger side, making it ideal for destination weddings, special events, or longer vacations.BenevolenceTravel jewelry caseMark & GrahamJewelry caseBagsmartTravel jewelry organizerLanjieshLeather mini jewelry caseBrowse more jewelry case recommendations.Reusable travel bottlesRather than buy plastic minis every time you travel, get yourself a set of leakproof travel bottles to hold your at-home favorites on the go. My holy grail product, the Cadence capsules, are great for storing toiletries and beauty products, as well as small loose items like vitamins and bobby pins. I also regularly travel with a few of these silicone bottles from Amazon to hold shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. They're leakproof, easy to refill, and aren't super bulky in my toiletry bag.Tocelffe18-pack travel bottlesBrowse more toiletry bottle recommendations.A pill caseInstead of bringing entire bottles of medication or vitamins, pack a compact pill case that holds only as much as you'll need for the length of your trip. No matter where I'm headed, I always pack the Holii pill organizer—it's small enough to fit in my Dopp kit and has enough compartments to separate what I'll need for each day. Dosey's seven-day pill case is a nice pick for weeklong trips—and it looks so cute on any hotel bathroom counter.HoliiDaily Pill OrganizerDoseySeven-day pill compactBrowse more pill case recommendations.A makeup bagI've recommended Afform's makeup bag to my mom, my sisters, my friends, and even strangers in the airport bathroom. It really is that good! The standout feature is its foldable shape: After you unzip the bag, each side can be pulled down to lie flat, allowing you to see all of your products at once. It's designed to keep each product secured in an upright position, reducing the risk of any spills. The bag's structured silhouette and flat base offer the stability and durability I want all of my breakable—and pricey—beauty products to have while in transit. For something less expensive, Eachy's best-selling makeup bag has a lot to offer—with plenty of room for full-size blushes and bronzers, as well separate compartments and multiple pockets to hold smaller products.AfformThe Medium Traveller makeup bagEachyLarge travel makeup bagBrowse more makeup bag recommendations.A makeup brush holderFor years, I tossed my makeup brushes in a cosmetic pouch when I traveled—and I suffered the consequences. Not only did it make finding the right brush I need difficult, it also meant the rest of my makeup products ended up covered in leftover powder, blush, and bronzer. This all changed when I finally caved and tried out a dedicated brush holder a few years ago. With this $15 Amazon find, all of my makeup brushes stay in one place and can lay flat in the same direction, keeping them organized and away from other products. It’s large enough to hold several long, thin eyeshadow brushes and thick, dense foundation brushes (and a Beauty Blender too). The case's magnetic flap keeps my brushes secure and the soft silicone material means I can wash it off with ease.AgiketMakeup brush holderSoimeatClear travel makeup brush holderA tech kitAll of those tech items you're bringing along mean you're going to have plenty of charging cubes and cables to keep track of. Save space in your backpack by keeping everything wrapped up in a travel organizer designed specifically for your electronic accessories, like the ones below from Peak Design and Bellroy. These are especially great for long flights where you're more likely to switch between devices.Browse more travel tech organizer recommendations.A travel walletThere's no sense in bringing your full-size day-to-day wallet on vacation—chances are, you only need a few cards and some cash. A slim travel wallet allows you to carry just those essentials, and makes it less of headache if it gets lost or stolen. Bellroy's RFID-blocking wallet is a smart choice for travelers, while Coach's sleek leather card holder fits in even your tiniest purses.BellroyHide & Seek walletCoachRefined Calf Leather card caseBrowse more travel wallet recommendations.A crossbody bagA crossbody bag makes the most sense for travel—whether you're sightseeing around London or exploring the Disney parks, you want something to keep you hands-free and ready to go no matter what's on the agenda. These lightweight bags take up little suitcase space and have enough room for your daily essentials: wallet, keys, sunnies, lip balm, and hand sanitizer. Senior features editor Megan Spurrell swears by Baggu's nylon Crescent bag for its versatility and roominess, while commerce director Madison Flager's go-to crossbody is this sleek convertible style from Lo & Sons (you can remove the long strap and re-clip the sides to make it a shoulder bag whenever you need!).BagguMedium Nylon Crescent BagLo & SonsAoyama 2 leather bagBrowse more crossbody bag recommendations.A phone bagSome instances call for a slim bag that holds your phone and little else. Whether you're headed to dinner on a cruise ship, down to the hotel pool, or to an outdoor concert, these tiny bags will keep your phone and a few cards secure, without the extra bulk that comes with carrying around a larger purse or tote. Senior commerce editor Hannah Chubb is a big fan of the Hailey crossbody phone case from Bandolier—she's had it for over four years and it's still going strong.BandolierHailey crossbody phone caseBrowse more slim phone bag recommendations.A passport holderAlso handy: a high-quality passport case (bonus points if it has space to hold your credit cards) to keep your most important document protected. Made of genuine Italian leather, Mark & Graham's sleek passport case is a thoughtful gift for any traveler in your life (especially since it can be monogrammed).Mark & GrahamFillmore vegan leather passport caseCalpakLuka passport walletBrowse more passport holder recommendations.A hat clipIs there anything more humbling that trying to fit a floppy sunhat into your suitcase? It takes up so much space and often leaves your favorite hat completely squished. Last summer, Chubb shared her top tip on how to pack the bulkiest thing in your vacation wardrobe: Use a hat clip. With one, your hat can hang securely from your personal item or suitcase without any fuss. Chubb's favorite one, the Toptote, fits in the palm of your hand. Its design is simple: Stick the brim of your hat between the two magnets, and it gets locked in place, letting your bag do all the heavy lifting.Browse more hat clip recommendations.To keep you comfy in-flightAn eye maskFor a comfortable journey at 30,000 feet—especially long trips where you’re hoping to get some shut-eye—an eye mask is crucial. The 100% silk option from Zimasilk and the soft, sculpted eye mask from MZoo are two highly rated Amazon finds. Both mold to fit to your face, provide total darkness, and stay in place.ZimasilkAdjustable Mulberry Silk sleep maskBrowse more eye mask recommendations.A neck pillowAnother comfort essential: a travel pillow. It can take some time to find the style you like best, and your pick might vary depending on whether you're in-flight or in a car or on a train. Cabeau's Evolution S3 and Ostrichpillow's Go memory foam pillow are among our editors' go-to's. They offer great head and neck support and are soft on the skin.CabeauEvolution S3 travel pillowOstrichpillowGo memory foam travel pillowBrowse more neck pillow recommendations.A pair of foldable slippersAlright, alright, a pair of foldable slippers isn't exactly a necessity for travel, but it is a simple in-flight luxury that makes your time in the clouds a little bit cozier. This one is for the travelers out there who insist on taking off their shoes on the plane (leave your socks on, please!), but still want to be kind to their neighbors. As you prepare for takeoff, slide on a pair of these lightweight slippers. They're not too structured, meaning you can fold them back up and tuck them into a small compartment of your personal item.ComfysailFoldable slippersRockDoveTeddy Fleece closed back slipperA travel blanketFrequent fliers who run cold would be wise to invest in a travel blanket—it'll keep you warm, and if you're on a red-eye, may help you actually get some sleep. Go for something lightweight that can be packed into a small pouch when you're not using it.EverSnugPremium travel blanketPavilia2-in-1 travel blanketBrowse more travel blanket recommendations.Compression socksWe love a good pair of compression socks to fight that pins-and-needles feeling that comes from sitting still for too long, be it on a long-haul flight or a road trip. Our editors swear by socks from Bombas and Comrad—they're comfortable, stay in place, and help reduce swelling.BombasEveryday compression socksBrowse more compression sock recommendations.Hydrating skincare productsEven if you're not the type of person with a multistep in-flight skincare routine, a few basics can go a long way in keeping your skin happy and healthy after a long day of travel (just make sure all your products are in a TSA-approved size). For a quick dose of hydration, spray Summer Friday's Jet Lag mist before or after takeoff. I also love the brand's lip butter balm to keep my lips moisturized without feeling sticky. For some serious hydration, commerce producer ElleAnna Revell recommends Dieux's lipid-rich face moisturizer. And don't forget your hands—a shea butter cream will do the trick.Summer FridaysLip butter balmSummer FridaysJet Lag hydration mistL'OccitaneShea butter hand creamDieuxInstant Angel lipid-rich firming moisturizerUnder-eye patchesA few years ago, I slipped on a set of eye patches before takeoff—and I've never looked back. Now I always travel with a few under-eye patches stashed in my toiletry bag. I do it for the first-class feeling it gives me, but also for the much-needed dose of hydration and brightening it offers my dark circles. All of these options are great, but I recommend Peter Thomas Roth's if you have dry skin; if you hate the slipping and sliding eye patches tend to do, try Rhode's, these bad boys don't budge.Peter Thomas RothWater Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Hydra-gel eye patchesRhodeThe peptide eye prep setA tray table coverThis $30 airplane tray table cover is one of my favorite in-flight travel accessories. It slides onto your tray table like a pillowcase, and completely covers the surface—so you can eat and work off of it without worrying about all those germs. Another bonus: It features four pockets to store essentials like your tablet, passport, water bottle, and phone. This means you won't accidentally leave your most important documents or electronics in the seat's safety manual compartment.Airplane PocketsAirplane tray table coverEarplugsWhen you need some peace and quiet, swap your noise-canceling headphones in for earplugs. Traveler editor Jamie Spain is a big fan of Loop's earplugs for all kinds of situations—planes, crowded coffee shops, and nightclubs alike. They block out unwanted noise and are comfortable enough to wear for hours at a time.VibesHi-Fidelity ear plugsBrowse more earplug recommendations.Hand sanitizer and wipesAnother must for general wellness: hand sanitizer. Buy a set and drop one in all your most-used totes and crossbody bags so you're never without. Wet Ones wipes are nice to have on hand too, especially if you're traveling with little ones.TouchlandPower Mist hydrating hand sanitizerWet OnesWet Ones wipes (pack of three)To keep your luggage secureA luggage scaleIf you’re prone to overpacking like I am, give yourself some added peace of mind with a digital luggage scale; it’ll let you know how much damage your souvenirs did before arriving at the check-in counter on the way home. I recently used this one from Etekcity on a trip to Charleston, South Carolina, and it gave me a nice warning that my bag was nearly overweight (no extra fees here!).Travel InspiraPortable luggage scaleBrowse more luggage scale recommendations.A luggage trackerSpeaking of luggage, it's a good idea to attach a smart tag to your checked bag so you can easily track it. You'll have peace of mind knowing your personal belongings have made it safely to the right destination, and are right where you left them when you venture outside your accommodations.Browse more smart tag recommendations.A luggage connectorWhether you're traveling solo or with kids, using a luggage connector to keep your suitcases looped together makes navigating through the airport a breeze. This three-piece set of luggage straps allow you to attach multiple suitcases together—and it's super simple to attach to any carry-on or checked bag.Puffin TripThree-piece luggage strapsA luggage tagAlways travel with a luggage tag on your suitcase. It's helpful if your bag is lost and makes spotting your suitcase on a luggage carousel easier. If you want to make your luggage tag even easier to spot, I recommend personalizing it with your initials or snagging one in a bright color.Royce New YorkAirTag luggage tag ID holderMark & GrahamLeather luggage tagTo keep you entertainedA portable chargerThere's nothing like a dead battery to slow down a trip. Whenever my phone battery is running low, I pull out my tiny portable charger from iWalk. It charges my phone quickly and is only about the size of a lipstick. Both of the options below are compact enough to fit in a small fanny pack or crossbody bag.iWalkSmall portable chargerBrowse more portable charger recommendations.A power adapterA power adapter is a must for international travel to make sure you can get devices charged up in the airport and your hotel room. These both offer several different plugs, so you'll be good to go for travel to most anywhere in the world. Plus, you can charge multiple devices at once.Browse more travel adapter recommendations.A Bluetooth adaptorGo cordless with this itty bitty audio transmitter. It plugs into the same jack that corded headphones would, allowing travelers to use their own wireless headphones to watch in-flight entertainment. I always slip this into my carry-on so I can watch movies with my over-ear noise-canceling headphones.Twelve SouthAirFly SE Bluetooth wireless audio transmitterA phone mountAnother gadget I love: This handy phone mount, which lets you position your phone at eye level rather than having to lean it on your tray table or hold it in your lap.Perilogics UniversalIn-flight airplane phone mountHeadphonesWhether the plan is to listen to music, watch a movie, or just drown out noisy neighbors, most of us won't board a plane without headphones—especially a pair that are noise-canceling. Make sure you have your go-to on hand, plus a pair of corded earbuds (if you forego the aforementioned Bluetooth adapter).BoseQuietComfort headphonesBrowse more noise-canceling headphone recommendations.An e-readerEven travelers with a library full of books at home have to admit it: E-readers are an essential travel accessory for bookworms. I love bringing my Kindle Paperwhite with me when I travel—it's lighter than even one paperback book, and lets me bring as many options as I want along for the ride.Browse more e-reader recommendations.A portable speakerThis isn't a must for every trip, but a portable speaker is a nice addition to your packing list for beach vacations, bachelorette parties, or any time you're staying in a rental home. JBL's Go 4 portable speaker is small enough to slip into a fanny pack, while this Turtlebox option offers some serious sound.TurtleboxBluetooth SpeakerBrowse more portable speaker recommendations.To keep your clothes protectedA portable steamerIf you're traveling to a wedding or heading out on a business trip, you may want to bring a portable steamer along to make sure your formalwear looks its best after you take it out of your suitcase. These editor-tested steamers are lightweight, packable, and actually get the job done.Proctor SilexCompact 2-in-1 steamerBrowse more travel steamer recommendations.Packing cubesDon't underestimate the power of a good packing cube. As a chronic overpacker, compression packing cubes save me every single time. They're designed to press clothing items down tightly so you can fit more inside my suitcase. Packing cubes also help keep me organized; you can sort them by outfit or by clothing type. I usually put bulky items like jeans and dresses in the larger cubes and socks, underwear, and tees in the small ones. These sets from Amazon Basics and Bagsmart are affordable and work just as well as more expensive options on the market.Amazon EssentialsPacking cubes (set of four)BagsmartCompression packing cubes (set of six)Browse more packing cube recommendations.Laundry bagsLaundry bags are the newest addition to my lineup of travel accessories. I used to think it was a little unnecessary to pack a small laundry bag with me on a trip, but don't knock it til you try it. I love having a dedicated spot for my dirty clothes so they stay separate from the clean items in my suitcase. And this way, I don't end up leaving my already-worn outfits on the hotel floor (I hate clutter!). I recently bought this two-pack of laundry bags, and I'm planning to bring them on an upcoming trip to Newport, Rhode Island. They are so teeny tiny when empty, and when I'm back from my trip, I can easily dump the whole thing right into the washing machine—easy peasy!GogoodaTravel Laundry Bags with drawstring closureA stain removerI can't tell you how many times these on-the-go stain removers have saved me. From destination weddings to formal cruise dinners, it's always a good idea to have a little something to help with accidental spills. For small stains, I typically reach for a Tide To-Go stick. It's easy to discreetly pull out of my purse and is completely mess-free. For larger or tougher stains I really need to work on, I swear by Shout Wipe & Go wipes. I'm convinced they have magical powers.ShoutWipe & Go Instant stain removerBrowse more stain remover recommendations.To keep you hydratedA reusable water bottleThis might seem like a no-brainer, but don't forget to pack a trusty reusable water bottle, so you can stop buying overpriced plastic bottles at the airport. Our editors love Owala—its bottles are durable, easy to hold, and keep water cold for hours. If you're tired of lugging around a 30-ounce water bottle, throw Hydro Flask's Micro Hydro in your tote or shoulder bag. In most situations, a few gulps on the go is really all you need! The brand just launched a new version with a built-in straw, so you don't have to unscrew the cap every time you need a sip.OwalaFreeSip Sway, 30 oz.Hydro FlaskMicro Hydro 300 mLBrowse more water bottle recommendations.A travel mugThe smoothest travel days start with a healthy dose of caffeine—I don't make the rules! I usually bring Owala's SmoothSip Slider tumbler with me because it's so compact and most importantly, it's actually leakproof. If I need to, I can safely toss it in a backpack or tote without worrying that my coffee might spill all over my laptop or Kindle. Plus, it keeps my coffee hot all day long every single time. Stanley 1913's travel mug with a top handle is another slim, lightweight pick you can trust.OwalaSmoothSip Slider coffee tumblerStanley 1913Café-to-Go travel mugBrowse more travel mug recommendations.Luggage cup holderWe've all been there: You're fast-walking through the airport, hands full, hurrying to get to your gate on time while juggling your suitcase, phone, and a precarious iced coffee. This $10 travel accessory is here to lend a helping hand when you need it most. Simply slide it onto the handle of your suitcase and you'll have two cup holders, one for a coffee and one for a water bottle, as well as a hidden pocket for your phone and wallet, giving you the hands-free moment you need while navigating through the airport.ElectrolytesTime changes, long-haul flights, and jam-packed days can leave us feeling more run-down than we might like on vacation. LMNT electrolytes and Nuun Sport tablets are great at keeping you hydrated on long, active days in warm climates. Plus, they're easy to slip into any bag you're traveling with.LMNTZero sugar electrolytesNuunElectrolyte drink tabletsTo keep you cool and dryA portable fanDo yourself a favor and pack a portable fan. A lightweight, handheld option will give you the breeze you need, whether you're in the back of a crowded bus or van, standing in line at Disneyland, or kicking back in a beach chair. Flager praises her Jisulife mini fan for its impressive battery life—it truly lasts all day long. I, on the other hand, love my small Gaiatop portable fan; it's simple to use, works really well, and has three different speed settings.JisulifeHandheld mini fanGaiatopGaiatop mini portable fanBrowse more portable fan recommendations.A travel umbrellaDepending on your destination, a travel-size umbrella might be worth the space in your suitcase. And if you're driving, tossing one in the backseat is a no-brainer. Weatherman's travel umbrella is by far the best model I've ever tried and it's super lightweight. For something slightly more affordable, Repel's windproof travel umbrella is a great alternative.Weatherman UmbrellaTravel umbrellaBrowse more umbrella recommendations.This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.7 Airport Essentials That Make Morning Departures, Quick Connections, and Layovers SmootherMeaghan Kenny is the commerce editor at Condé Nast Traveler, where she covers shopping content including luxury luggage, fashion, beauty, travel accessories, and gift guides. She also leads coverage on all retail sales, including Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Amazon Prime Day. Kenny also leads Traveler's annual Luggage Week, where ... Read More