Gone are the days of wrestling with bulging suitcase zippers and worrying about how to get some peace on the plane. Travel gear is ever evolving, making packing like a pro that much easier. From high-performance luggage to must-have tech, we have tried and tested 10 items that are a must for your next trip.
Knack Bags Expandable Travel Duffel ($165, Knackbags.com)
Knack Bags is known for creating highly functional travel gear that eliminates the need for multiple pieces.
The Expandable Travel Duffel Bag features a streamlined design that fits 4-5 days’ worth of essentials in its spacious 35L main compartment. It also has a hidden 13L area on the bottom, which, once unzipped, is ideal for shoes or laundry.
The Travel Duffel, suitable for the overhead compartment on all jets, is lightweight and sturdy, with multiple carrying options, including a trolley sleeve, handles, a shoulder strap, and a side handle. There are also very purposeful pockets for easy organization. Available in four colors.
Tesport Cloud Flex Carry-On ($288, Amazon)
A worthwhile splurge is a seriously good suitcase. This super-stylish one from Tesport is perfectly sized to carry on, and it can expand from 46 liters to 51 liters to accommodate a few purchases from your trip.
This suitcase is a favorite of mine for several reasons. It’s incredibly lightweight, has a TSA-approved combination lock, and the interior has everything you need, including a removable compression divider with zippered pockets for wet and dry items, plus two packing cubes, a laundry bag, and a protective dust cover. The 360° spinner wheels are very smooth, as is the 3-stage telescoping handle. It even has exterior hooks and a cup holder, especially handy if you’re stuck at the airport for a while. Available in several colors.
UAG Travel Charging Pad ($169.95, Urbanarmorgear.com)
Apple users: this compact charging set is a must-have. This foldable 3-in-1 desktop charger powers your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch on a space-saving surface. It also serves as an iPhone stand.
The set comes in a sleek, zippered travel case and includes a USB-C to USB-C cable, a folding wall charger, and three adapters for worldwide use.
AcousticSheep SleepPhones Wireless ($99.95, value $119.95, Sleepphones.com)
If listening to music or a podcast helps you drift off to sleep – or if you are on a noisy plane or have a roommate who snores – bring these wireless headphones on your journey! relaxing, and, of course, traveling.
The SleepPhones were developed by family doctor Wei-Shin Lai, who needed to get back to sleep after taking patient calls in the middle of the night. Earbuds aren’t typically comfortable to sleep in, so she designed this soft, lightweight headband that keeps the sound close to the ears without requiring insertion. SleepPhones Wireless connects to any Bluetooth-enabled device and offers 24-hour battery life. Available in 3 sizes and several colors.
Johnson & Johnson First Aid to Go First Aid Kit ($1.99, CVS)
It’s so important to have a few first aid supplies with you on any trip. After all, you never know when someone is going to cut themselves or scrape a knee while sightseeing!
This kit is the ideal size for travel and includes 12 must-have items, including Band-Aids, cleansing wipes, and gauze pads.
Lysol To Go Disinfecting Wipes To-Go ($2.49, Walgreens)
Germs lurk unseen on frequently used surfaces, so it’s good to get into the habit of wiping your seat, armrest, and travel table down when you travel. Sometimes, wipes are provided, but not always! And these wipes kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria when used as directed.
This travel pack holds 15 wipes – plenty for your whole trip and then some!
Soundcore Select 4 Go speaker ($34.99, Amazon)
You’ll be glad you tossed this little wireless speaker into your suitcase! The Select 4 Go produces excellent sound, perfect for enjoying tunes by the pool or in the shower at your destination. It’s waterproof, and you can even submerge it in 3 feet of water for 30 minutes.
The speaker has 20 hours of playtime on a single charge, powerful sound, a handy loop for hanging, and floats! Available in several fun colors.
Key Smart SmartLock ($29.99, Amazon)
This TSA-compatible lock not only keeps your belongings secure, but Apple users can also use it as a tracker!
The durable, water-resistant lock uses the Apple Find My network to locate your device. Very convenient if you are prone to leaving things behind or if TSA loses your luggage. Available in two colors.
Propr x Cleaning Mitts ($19 for a 5-pack, Amazon)
Fastidious travelers will love these single-use cleaning mitts! Your leather goods take a beating on a trip, and these individually wrapped wipes help remove scuffs from shoes, jackets, handbags, and belts, keeping your items looking fresh and clean. They also have a very light, refreshing scent, unlike other leather cleaning products, which can smell unpleasant.
The Mitts are a bit pricey for single use, so I recommend cleaning multiple items simultaneously. I was able to clean a handbag and a full leather jacket with one mitt. And for context, the leather jacket was vintage and quite beat up. The Mitt made it look almost as good as new. Non-toxic and leaping bunny certified.
Breescape Cooling Eye Mask ($69.99, Breescape.com)
I strongly suggest an eye mask for travel because you never know when you want to block out light and rest! It’s also a good way to send a signal to a chatty seatmate on the plane.
This mask is made from the most delightful fabric, similar to that of the brand’s sheets and comforter, which I am obsessed with. You can choose from a buttery-soft side or a cooling side (which is also buttery-soft). The mask, which packs down flat and comes with its own storage pouch, fits virtually any head size, attaches without noisy velcro, and doesn’t get caught in my curly hair. Available in two colors: Mint Green and Misty Grey.
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