Travel Accessories That Make Your Journey Better
Traveling can be stressful, but the right accessories make all the difference. Whether you’re flying across the world or taking a weekend road trip, good travel gear helps you stay organized, comfortable, and prepared.
From packing cubes to portable chargers, these items solve common travel problems.
Travel accessories come in many forms, but the best ones strike a balance between function and convenience. We’ve found that lightweight, durable items that serve multiple purposes tend to be the most valuable.
The compact neck pillow that also works as a lumbar support or the power bank that charges multiple devices at once are examples of smart design.
When shopping for travel accessories, pay attention to size, weight, and durability. Nobody wants bulky items taking up precious luggage space or products that break after one trip. Quality materials like ripstop nylon, silicone, and reinforced zippers make a huge difference in how long your travel gear lasts on the road.
We tested dozens of travel accessories over thousands of miles to find the ones that truly enhance the travel experience. The Bellroy Travel Wallet emerged as our top pick for organizing everything from passports to boarding passes with thoughtful design.
Best Overall Travel Accessories
The travel accessories market is huge, but some items stand out as must-haves for almost any trip. After testing countless products, we’ve identified the essentials that make traveling smoother.
Our top travel accessories include packing cubes, a quality travel pillow, noise-canceling headphones, a portable charger, and a lightweight luggage scale. These five items solve the most common travel headaches.
Packing Cubes
Packing cubes changed how we travel. These fabric containers keep clothes organized and compressed, letting you fit more in your suitcase.
We love Eagle Creek’s Pack-It Specter Tech set for their ultralight design and sturdy construction.
The semi-transparent material lets you see what’s inside without unpacking everything. We’ve used these cubes for over three years, and the zippers still work perfectly even after being stuffed to capacity.
Travel Pillows
A good travel pillow can mean the difference between arriving refreshed or with a painful neck. The Cabeau Evolution S3 pillow offers superior support with memory foam that conforms to your neck.
Its raised sides prevent your head from falling sideways during sleep. The best feature is the back strap that attaches to your airplane seat, stopping the pillow from pushing your head forward.
When not in use, it compresses to half its size in the included case. At $40, it’s pricier than basic pillows but worth every penny for comfortable sleep on long flights.
Noise-Canceling Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones consistently outperform competitors for travelers. The noise cancellation technology blocks out airplane engines, crying babies, and chatty neighbors.
Battery life reaches 30 hours on a single charge, enough for the longest international flights with plenty to spare. The collapsible design fits easily in the included case, which takes up minimal bag space.
Don’t forget to download your music or podcasts before your flight – streaming services won’t work without Wi-Fi!
Portable Chargers
The Anker PowerCore 10000 strikes the perfect balance between capacity and size. This portable charger is smaller than a deck of cards but can fully charge most phones 2-3 times.
The fast-charging technology means less time tethered to an outlet. We’ve found it particularly useful during layovers when power outlets are scarce or during long sightseeing days.
At under $25, it’s an affordable insurance policy against dead devices when you need them most for tickets, maps, or translation apps.
Luggage Scale
Surprise baggage fees can ruin a travel budget. The Etekcity Digital Luggage Scale helps avoid these charges by accurately weighing your bag before you reach the airport.
The compact device weighs less than 5 ounces and easily fits in any suitcase pocket. Its backlit display is easy to read, and the auto-shutoff feature preserves battery life.
| Accessory | Weight | Approximate Cost | ||||||||
| Eagle Creek Packing Cubes | 8 oz (set) | $40 | ||||||||
| Cabeau Evolution Pillow | 11.5 oz | $40 | ||||||||
| Sony WH-1000XM4 | next trip more comfortable and organized. These innovative products solve common travel problems while being compact enough to fit in your luggage.
From packing cubes to noise-canceling headphones, our recommendations will help you travel smarter in 2025. Veken 8-Set Packing Cubes
These Veken packing cubes are worth every penny for travelers who want to stay organized and maximize suitcase space. Pros
Cons
We recently took these Veken packing cubes on a week-long trip, and they completely changed our packing game. The set includes eight pieces that fit perfectly in our carry-on, with different sizes that helped us sort clothes, shoes, and toiletries. The cubes compressed our clothes, giving us about 30% more space than usual. The quality really impressed us. The twill polyester fabric feels sturdy, and the metal zippers glide without catching. We packed one cube with t-shirts, another with underwear and socks, and used the large cube for pants. The mesh panels made it super easy to find what we needed without unpacking everything. The included toiletry bag was a nice surprise. It has five separate compartments and a hanging hook that was perfect for our hotel bathroom. We loved the laundry bag too – it kept dirty clothes separate and converted into a small backpack for a day trip. The shoe bag protected our clean clothes from dirty soles. After using these for two trips now, we’re convinced they’re a travel essential. They make unpacking at hotels so much faster since everything stays organized. The pre-printed labels are helpful reminders of what goes where. For the price, this complete set offers tremendous value compared to buying pieces separately. Perilogics Universal Phone Holder
This versatile phone holder is an essential travel accessory that makes hands-free viewing a breeze during flights and beyond. Pros
Cons
We recently took this little gadget on a cross-country flight and were amazed by how much it improved our travel experience. The Perilogics holder is surprisingly sturdy for its compact size. It easily clamped to our tray table and held our phone at the perfect angle for watching movies during the whole flight. What sets this holder apart is its impressive flexibility. Both joints rotate a full 360 degrees, which means we could switch between portrait and landscape modes without having to detach our phone. When the person in front of us reclined their seat, we simply adjusted the angle and kept watching without any neck strain. The clamp has a strong grip that attaches to various surfaces up to 1.5 inches wide. We’ve used it on luggage handles while waiting at the gate, on gym equipment, and even as a makeshift stand on our desk at home. It’s become one of those “why didn’t I buy this sooner” travel accessories that we now pack for every trip. While traveling with friends, we noticed it worked great with most phones, from smaller iPhone models to larger Samsung devices. However, our friend with an extra-thick protective case had some trouble getting a secure fit. Despite this minor issue, at this price point, it’s hard to find a more useful travel gadget for in-flight entertainment. The holder folds down small enough to slip into a pocket or pouch, making it easy to grab when you need it. We’ve found it especially useful for video calls while traveling – no more propping the phone against a water bottle and having it slide down mid-conversation! With over 1.2 million travel enthusiasts recommending this holder, it’s clearly a traveler favorite for good reason. Tocelffe Travel Bottles Set
This 18-pack travel bottle set is worth every penny for frequent travelers who need reliable, leak-proof containers for their toiletries. Pros
Cons
We recently tested this Tocelffe travel set on a week-long trip, and it exceeded our expectations. The 18-piece kit includes various silicone bottles (2oz and 3oz), spray bottles, cream jars, and helpful tools like funnels and spatulas. Everything fits neatly in the included toiletry bag, which worked perfectly as our TSA liquids bag at security. The bottles’ three-layer leak-proof design really works! We filled one with shampoo and tossed it in our suitcase without worry. The soft silicone material is easy to squeeze, making it simple to get every last drop of your expensive products. We particularly appreciated how the bottles compress as they empty, unlike rigid plastic containers that waste product. Labeling was a breeze with the included stickers. The gray color scheme looks more sophisticated than the typical clear plastic bottles. For makeup or skincare routines, the small jars worked perfectly for thick creams and moisturizers. Just remember they aren’t meant for liquids! The spray bottles came in handy for facial toner and leave-in conditioner. Everything is made from BPA-free materials, which is important when you’re storing products that go on your skin. After our trip, cleaning was simple with the included brush. For the price, this set offers tremendous value compared to buying individual travel containers. We’ve used many travel bottle sets before, but this one strikes the perfect balance between function and convenience. FYY Cable Organizer
The FYY Travel Cable Organizer is a must-have for travelers who want to keep their electronic accessories neatly organized and protected. Pros
Cons
We took this compact cable organizer on our recent weekend getaway, and it was a game-changer for keeping our tech accessories in order. The black color looks sleek and professional, while the size (7.5″ x 4.3″ x 2.2″) fits perfectly in our backpack without taking up much space. The waterproof material gave us peace of mind when we got caught in an unexpected rain shower. Opening the organizer reveals two well-designed layers with various sized pockets. We easily fit multiple charging cables, earbuds, adapters, and even a small power bank inside. The mesh pockets held our shorter cables securely, while the larger compartments accommodated bulkier items. Everything stayed firmly in place during travel thanks to the soft sponge interior. The zipper quality impressed us with smooth operation that didn’t catch on the fabric. When rushing to find our phone charger at the airport, the clear pocket dividers made locating the right cable simple. We appreciated how the double-layer design kept everything accessible without items becoming tangled or buried beneath each other. For travelers who carry multiple devices, this organizer eliminates the frustration of digging through your bag for loose cables. We found it particularly useful when working from cafes or hotel rooms, as everything needed was in one convenient spot. The hand strap made it easy to grab quickly when moving between locations. At just over 3 ounces, it adds almost no weight to your travel gear. For the price point, the construction quality exceeded our expectations with solid stitching and durable materials that should hold up well over time. Venus Mini Travel Razor
The Venus Extra Smooth On The Go razor is a must-have travel accessory for anyone who wants to stay smooth while traveling without sacrificing quality or taking up precious luggage space. Pros
Cons
We recently took this little razor on a weekend trip, and it’s incredibly convenient. The mini handle fits perfectly in your palm, giving you surprising control despite its small size. The protective case snaps securely shut, preventing the blades from nicking other items in your toiletry bag – a problem we’ve faced with regular razors. The five-blade design cuts hair efficiently close to the skin. We noticed our legs stayed smoother longer compared to disposable travel razors. The lubrication strip with avocado oil helped the razor glide smoothly without needing extra shaving cream, which is another travel bonus. The pivoting head is a standout feature. It adjusted naturally around ankles and knees without awkward maneuvering. This made shaving in tiny hotel showers much easier than we expected. One cartridge lasted our entire 10-day vacation with regular use. While the mini handle feels different at first, we quickly got used to it. The grip is actually quite secure even when wet. We love that it accepts standard Venus blade refills (except Simply Venus and Venus Pubic Hair Razor), so you don’t need special travel-specific replacements. The case design deserves special mention – it completely covers the razor head, keeping it clean and dry between uses. For frequent travelers, this razor kit saves valuable packing space while delivering a salon-quality shave. The initial investment is worth it considering how long the handle and case last – you’ll only need to replace the blades. Buying GuideFinding the right travel accessories can make your journey much more comfortable. When shopping, think about what problems you’re trying to solve with each item. Weight and size matter a lot when traveling. We recommend choosing lightweight items that won’t add too much to your luggage weight limits. Compact designs that expand or fold are ideal. Durability is essential for items that will face the rigors of travel. Look for quality materials like reinforced nylon, water-resistant fabrics, and strong zippers that won’t break halfway through your trip. Always check product reviews from actual travelers before purchasing. They often reveal how items hold up in real-world conditions. Key Features to ConsiderMulti-functionality saves both space and money. Items that serve multiple purposes offer better value. Battery life is crucial for electronic accessories. We suggest devices that can last multiple days or charge quickly when needed.
Compatibility matters with tech accessories. Check if that universal adapter actually works with your devices and in your destination countries. Consider the climate of your destination when choosing accessories. Different environments require different gear.
Budget wisely by investing in high-quality versions of essential items while being more economical with less-used accessories.  We are a team of automotive enthusiasts, driving enthusiasts and technicians. We love what we do, and it shows in everything we do and more. We share our knowledge, here on Ran When Parked. Latest posts by Ran When Parked (see all)
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