10 Travel Accessories That Make Life SO Much Easier

Travel can be one of life’s greatest pleasures, and it can be incredibly stressful. Stack the deck in your favor with these clever travel accessories that streamline the entire experience. From neck pillows and device chargers to smart storage solutions, you’ll want to stock up on these items before your next trip.

trtl Neck Pillow

If you struggle to get comfortable enough to sleep on planes and long car trips, the trtl Pillow is a must-try. It’s essentially a fleece scarf with a curved plastic panel designed to support your head and neck. The wrap is secured with a velcro strip, so it’s fully adjustable and actually quite cozy! The trtl Pillow is available in several colors (including a fun zebra print) for $59.99 on Amazon.

Folding LED mirror

Lighting is everything, and these ultra-slim LED mirrors are incredibly useful, especially on the go. They slide easily into your bag and provide ample lighting for makeup application, tweezing, or whatever else the occasion calls for — perfect for a long day of planes, trains, and automobiles or accommodations with less-than-ideal interior lighting.

External Power Source

There are a wide variety of external power banks available online these days, so you won’t have trouble finding one that suits your needs (and your taste), but for seamless travel, this is a must. A slim power bank is easy to slide into your purse, coat pocket, or even the back pocket of a pair of jeans — just be sure it’s charged up before you head out for the day, and if your power bank requires one, keep a cord handy, too.

You can even opt for “smart luggage” with a built-in power source! Most luggage from the much-loved travel brand, Away, comes with the option to add a USB charger to the design for an additional $20.

Flat Water Bottle

This one sounds a little strange at first, but think about the last time you loaded up a tote bag or backpack for a trip — bulky water bottles can throw a wrench in even the best-laid organizational plans. Flat water bottles can be incredibly space-saving, especially if you travel with a laptop, iPad, books, large wallets, or other “flat” items. And even if you don’t, these are still a great way to streamline the contents of your bag. (Before you purchase one, be sure to check the measurements. There are a variety of sizes available!)

Compact Crossbody

Don’t underestimate the value of a bag that truly suits the needs of your travel itinerary. If you’re a minimalist, you’ll want to check out the options at Bandolier — they specialize in phone cases with credit card storage and adjustable cross-body straps. You can keep it simple with a pared-down design, go full glam with a metallic chain and finish, or opt for a strap that offers additional storage. Their designs range in price from $98 to $228, depending on your preferred style.

If your “essentials” list is a bit longer, look for a compact crossbody bag that you love, but there’s no need to break the bank if you’re expecting wear and tear — there are TONS of cute, affordable options out there! If you’re traveling to a place where pick-pocketing may be a concern, go for a waist or sling bag that can be worn across your chest or low on your stomach. The sporty version below can be worn both ways.

Chic Rain Jacket

As if inclement weather on vacation isn’t bad enough, a bulky rain jacket (or worse, a plastic poncho snatched up in a pinch) is an absolute mood-killer when you’ve planned your outfits to a tee. Invest in a lightweight, slim-fitting, hooded rain jacket in a versatile shade that complements your wardrobe, and you’ll be so glad you did. Herschel Supply Co.’s unisex rain jackets take up very little real estate in your luggage — and you’ll get loads of compliments.

Containers, Containers, Containers

You’ve probably heard it said that containers are the key to home organization. The same goes for organized travel. Invest in these specialized containers, and thank us later.

Packing Cubes

A good set of packing cubes will totally change your travel game. They allow you to organize your clothing in whichever way suits you (by garment type, activity, etc.), and they also compress your items, creating significantly more space in your suitcase.

Hanging Storage

A hanging toiletry bag not only organizes your items so that they’re easily seen and readily accessible, but it’s also a great way to save counter space and avoid the chore of packing and unpacking. These are also great for organizing jewelry, hair accessories, and medications. You can easily find these online in a variety of styles and price points — the one pictured below is a best-seller on Amazon.

Drawstring Makeup Bag

You likely already have a makeup bag, but is it optimized for travel? Drawstring designs like the one pictured here are well-suited for taking your makeup on the go, whether to the gym or on a holiday abroad. When you release the drawstring, the storage compartment lays flat, allowing you to spread the contents for easy access. This design also acts as a mess deterrent, preventing loose powders or spills from landing on the counter.

When you’re finished, you can simply pull the drawstring tight to scoop up all your products in one go!

Bonus Points: Makeup Brush Storage

Do your skin a favor. Don’t keep makeup brushes loose in your bags where they can pick up dirt and bacteria, which could then be transferred to your face. Opt for a specialty container instead. The silicone version pictured here is lightweight, flexible, and easy to clean!

Happy (and organized) travels!

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