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The 15 Best Travel Accessories for Your Next Trip, Tested and Reviewed

We test thousands of products every year and these are our top travel accessory picks to make any journey as smooth as possible.

The Best Travel Accessories
Photo:

Travel + Leisure / Alli Waataja

It doesn’t matter if you’re a minimalist or a maximalist when it comes to travel, there is certain gear that is non-negotiable when packing. Think items you’ll always be grateful to have thrown into your suitcase or carry-on whether it’s your first or fifteenth trip abroad.

The right travel accessories should help to streamline your trip without weighing you down or malfunctioning while on the go — but getting the right gear on the first go can be tough. That’s why we personally tested thousands of different items in our lab and in the real world, all for at least six months. We continuously checked and rated for attributes like comfort, portability, and durability to best ensure our picks will actually go the distance.

The following items rose to the top for their overall quality and longevity so, here, find the best travel accessories, all reviewed by us.

Infinity Pillow Travel Pillow
PHOTO: Infinity Pillow
Why We Love It
  • The modular design is very versatile.

What to Consider
  • It’s not as firm as a memory foam option.

The best travel pillow should support your head and neck comfortably without causing you to overheat or feel restricted — and that’s exactly why we love the Infinity Pillow Travel Pillow. During the testing process, we found that the scarf-like design makes it easy to adjust to your personal preference when traveling; you can wrap it around your neck once for a looser fit or wrap it twice for a bit more support while napping. We also love that this pillow is machine washable which makes it easy to ensure it stays clean and sanitary between trips. The only thing we didn’t love was that this option isn’t as firm or supportive as a memory foam neck pillow would be so you’ll want to keep that in mind if you prefer more support.

Why We Love It
  • There is impressive compression to fit even more clothing inside than a standard cube.

What to Consider
  • The set is very large and might be too expansive for shorter trips or light packers.

The best packing cube set that we tested, the Gonex Compression Packing Cubes, earned top points across the board thanks to the impressive compression and seemingly endless room in each cube. The clothing cubes are ultra lightweight and the material has held up extremely well even through heavy-duty use. We also love that the zipper doesn’t show any signs of stress when the packing cubes are stuffed to their limit.

The only slight downfall is that the cubes are on the larger side and might be too big to really make a difference if you tend to use a carry-on or pack really light. If you’re looking for something that’ll help organize a small amount of clothes, you might want to choose packing cubes that are on the smaller side, or only bring one from this three- or four-pack.

Why We Love It
  • These TSA-approved bottles are incredibly easy to fill.

What to Consider
  • The set includes two 89-milliliter and two 60-milliliter bottles so, if you want four bigger bottles, you’ll need to buy two sets.

The quality and utility of toiletry bottles can vary greatly. While we’ve tried dozens while traveling in the past, none of them held a candle to the LiquiSnugs Premium Silicone Travel Bottles. These have a wide opening which makes it easy to squeeze your favorite shampoos and conditioners into portable, TSA-approved amounts. The silicone material is also much more flexible and durable than hard plastic bottles while the malleable material ensures you won’t have to deal with any leakage once you land.

Keep in mind that the price point for this set is higher than the average set of travel bottles (considering it only includes four bottles with no case), but it’s worth the splurge if you want something that’s easy to refill and durable enough not to spill when packed in your own case.

Why We Love It
  • There are an abundance of pockets which makes it easy to stay organized on the go.

What to Consider
  • It’s expensive if you travel infrequently.

We’re already major fans of Away luggage — and the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree in this case. We particularly like that The Large Toiletry Bag by Away is waterproof and has loads of different pockets inside including one for brushes and a clear pocket for makeup products, along with others for additional toiletry needs. The bag also has a convenient top handle which makes it easy to grab while on the go plus it’s worth noting the nylon material is super lightweight and can handle a lot of products without getting too heavy.

We think this bag is worth the splurge if you want something that’ll last for the long run while also providing an easy way to keep all your toiletries properly organized while in transit, and possibly even at home, too.

Why We Love It
  • The oval container offers a surprisingly spacious interior.

What to Consider
  • We wish there were a few more organizational features.

Investing in a great travel jewelry case is one of the best things you can do if you’re hoping to up your organization game. Not only does a good case keep all your jewelry in one designated spot at your destination, but it also ensures your jewelry is safe and secure while in transit. The Cuyana Travel Jewelry Case earns the top spot in our books as the best travel jewelry case for its deceptively spacious interior and elegant genuine leather exterior. It also has a soft suede interior that will further protect your jewelry from getting scratches or scuffs while on the go. The only drawback is that this option doesn’t have latches for necklaces or bracelets which means any chains you plan to bring along might get tangled in the side pouches.

Best Money Belt

Raytix RFID Money Belt

Raytix RFID Money Belt
PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It
  • This breathable option won’t irritate the skin even with long-term use.

What to Consider
  • The belt is large enough to see when it’s under your clothes.

Shopping for a money belt can be daunting — you want something that’s secure and able to store your goods properly but it’s just as important to find something you can wear for hours on end. We found the Raytix Money Belt comfortable and smooth on the skin, while also noting that it can expand to accommodate many different sizes. The material also feels extremely sturdy and durable so you won’t have to worry about the bag wearing out, even after multiple trips.

Although we like that this money belt is large enough to accommodate bigger items (like a passport) without having to struggle to squeeze these in, the size is a little bit bulky and is actually visible with certain clothing types. This might not be ideal if you’re looking for something extremely discreet under a light layer, or a belt to pair with a travel dress.

Why We Love It
  • This unique water bottle comes with two different lids to suit a variety of beverages.

What to Consider
  • The exterior might get a bit dinged up with heavy use.

When it comes to water bottles, the Thermoflask Double Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle is one of the best. It’s not flashy or overly expensive like other popular reusable water bottles on the market right now but it’s extremely durable and versatile. We really liked that this option comes with two different lids, one with a built-in straw and one that resembles a more traditional water bottle mouth. We also liked that this option was thin enough to fit in a standard cup holder and also very easy to grip.

During the testing process, we noticed that the stainless steel bottle did get a few aesthetic dings with heavy usage. That being said, the bottle didn’t leak at all nor did it become damaged beyond use throughout the entire process. This makes it well worth the price in our books.

Thermoflask Double Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle Tested

Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

Why We Love It
  • These headphones are intuitive to use and very comfortable to wear.

What to Consider
  • They don’t fit super tightly on the head.

If you’re willing to spend a bit of money on noise-cancelling headphones, this pair from Bose is going to be a great option. We find the price point totally justifiable as we could hear every instrument as clearly as if we were hearing the music live. We also really liked that the headphones offer different levels of noise cancellation depending on your preference and setting. (Plus, you can easily tap directly on the headphones to change the level or you can do it in the smartphone app.) We found a very dramatic difference from level 0 to level 10 which is great for transitioning from, say, walking in the city to settling into a sold-out red-eye flight. It’s worth noting that at the highest level of cancellation, the tester couldn’t hear a single thing so it’s important to be mindful of your surroundings.

These headphones also earned the top spot in our books due to the fact that they’re extremely comfortable and didn’t cause irritation even when wearing them for hours on end but that also means they don't fit as tightly as some others we tried.

Why We Love It
  • These earbuds are super fast-charging and easy to connect to all devices.

What to Consider
  • The size is a bit more bulky than comparable wireless earbuds.

During the testing process, it was clear that the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II were the best option out of all the competing products. The earbuds were extremely quick to charge and had a 16-hour battery life which is more than enough to get you through most flights or the day-to-day. We also found the wireless Bluetooth functionality was very efficient and easy to pair with everything from a smartphone to a Roku TV, plus the noise-canceling capabilities were sufficient for drowning out the subway sounds or city streets while on the go.

The main drawback we noticed with this set is the bulkier size; these earbuds are quite a bit larger than the average earbud and might take some getting used to. The good part is that they come with three different tip sizes so you can adjust the in-ear part of the bud to properly fit your ear.

Best Sunglasses for Women

Raen Keera Sunglasses

Raen Keera Sunglasses
PHOTO: Raen
Why We Love It
  • They're stylish and well-priced for the quality.

What to Consider
  • These sunglasses aren’t polarized.

Few things are worse than getting to the airport and realizing you’ve forgotten your sunglasses (except perhaps realizing you’ve forgotten your passport). The Raen Keera Sunglasses are the shades we’re always packing in our carry-on bags. During the testing process, we found these were our favorite pair of sunglasses for women thanks to the comfortable and secure fit that doesn’t loosen or lose its integrity with regular wear. We also found that the oversized fit meant these shades didn’t pinch or rub at any point, and the arms weren’t sticky or hard to open and close. Keep in mind that this option isn’t polarized, which might not be the best choice if you have notably sensitive eyes.

Best Sunglasses for Men

Huckberry Weekenders

Huckberry Weekenders Sunglasses
PHOTO: Huckberry
Why We Love It
  • They seamlessly block sun and glare.

What to Consider
  • The paint chips with heavy use.

Looking for a great pair of sunglasses for men that won’t break the bank while still protecting your peepers? The Huckberry Weekenders are our top pick as the best sunglasses for men. The stylish shades are lightweight and incredibly comfortable to wear (even for hours at a time) while the polarized lenses do a great job at blocking out all sun and glare so you can spend time in the sun without any discomfort or squinting. It’s worth noting that during the testing process, we found that these sunglasses do chip a bit over time if you don’t care for them gingerly.

Best Compression Socks

Levsox Compression Socks

Levsox Compression Socks
PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It
  • These offer great support in the arches and heels without feeling too tight.

What to Consider
  • The material is thinner than many other compression socks, which you might not enjoy if you're looking for something thick and sturdy.

Compression socks can help ward away stiffness and swelling during long periods of sitting, making them an essential item for travel in our book. Levsox is our favorite brand to turn to, offering socks that give just enough support without suffocating our feet. Some compression socks are uncomfortably tight, but these are easy to slip on and off, thanks to a lightweight material that feels silky against the skin. And if you're looking for a variety of colors and patterns, Levsox has you covered — you'll find everything from colorful tie dye to animal prints to nurse-themed patterns in each pack.

While the smooth material of these socks is comfortable, it may be a little thin for those used to wearing thicker or more padded socks throughout the day. Ultimately, this comes down to personal preference, so we're still excited to slip these on before a flight.

Why We Love It
  • This car phone mount is very sturdy and won’t fall off once properly installed.

What to Consider
  • The installation process might involve some trial and error at first.

The Andobil Car Phone Holder Mount will be the last phone holder mount you’ll purchase — or at least that’s how we felt after trying this for ourselves. It can be set in any position once installed and it doesn’t wobble around or fall off. It also has space on the bottom for a charging cable and a built-in release button so you don’t have to worry about squeezing your phone in and out each time you leave your car.

The only downside we noticed was that the installation process might involve some trial and error. This phone holder mount has three different options for installation in your vehicle: there’s a suction cup using a 3M pad to stick on the dashboard or directly onto the windshield, or there’s a different attachment to click into the vent instead. This is great for variety’s sake but can mean trying out a few different methods to see what you like best.

Why We Love It
  • Its multi-functional design lets you charge six devices at once.

What to Consider
  • It’s not safe to use with things like hair dryers.

Charging devices while traveling can be a huge pain if you’re not prepared — and sometimes even when you think you are prepared. Seriously, how many times have you found yourself in a hotel room or Airbnb that seems to have one single outlet for the whole place? That’s why the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter is our most preferred travel adapter. This handy little cube can charge up to six devices at once thanks to its combination of USB-A and USB-C ports and AC sockets. It’s easy to switch prongs based on the countries you’re in, and it doesn’t require any additional attachments which makes it quick and easy to pack.

Best Luggage Tracker

Eufy SmartTrack Link

Eufy SmartTrack Link
PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It
  • It pairs seamlessly with iPhone and Android devices at a much lower cost.

What to Consider
  • The locator sound is a bit quiet.

Everyone talks about the benefits of AirTags while traveling — but we actually tested out a whole bunch of options and found the Eufy Smarttrack Link to be the best overall luggage tracker. This option seamlessly pairs with iPhone and Android devices, and is hassle-free and easy to use right from the get-go. This tracker is also nearly half the price of the leading competitors, which makes it an even sweeter deal. It’s also worth noting that the Eufy Smarttrack Link is equipped with a keyring hole in the upper corner which allows you to easily attach these onto a handbag or set of keys. The only downfall? The locator sound is a bit quiet, especially if it’s stuffed into the middle of a packed suitcase.

Our Testing Process

The Travel + Leisure team tests thousands of different travel accessories, gadgets, and gear both in our New York City lab and in the real world. Any products we test and like, we continue to test for at least another six months to best gauge exactly which items will hold up for the long term while on the road. We evaluate each product category using attributes like comfort, durability, and portability in order to rank which items work best for trips of all types, and our results from various tests lead to this best-of-the-bunch list.

Tips for Buying Travel Accessories

Prioritize usability

There are a lot of really nifty travel accessories on the market, but when you’re shopping for your next trip you’ll want to really focus on usability over novelty (not to say unique and practical items don't exist). Consider whether or not each item is actually essential for your trip or the destinations you frequent. For example, if you always have to have a drink in hand then a drink caddy for your luggage and stroller could prove indispensable. You’ll also want to reference real-world reviews — like ours — to get an idea of how well a given item works and whether or not it’ll last through the rigors of regular travel. Your carry-on and checked luggage space is precious, so there’s no sense filling it with accessories that won’t streamline your experience.

Consider your trip length and type

Each trip will require a slightly different packing list so to avoid overpacking you’ll want to be sure to think about what each item will actually bring to the table. For example, if you’ve scored an upgrade to business class for your red-eye, you can probably leave your travel pillow at home this time. If you’re jetting off for a quick weekend trip, you likely won’t have to bother with packing cubes the same way you would for a multi-destination trip with different climates to consider.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, Kaitlyn McInnis worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best travel accessories based on a series of tests completed by expert product testers in our New York City lab.

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Edited by
Jasmine Grant
Jasmine Grant
Jasmine is a senior commerce editor at Travel + Leisure, specializing in luggage and travel accessories. Jasmine has over a decade of experience as a writer and editor in lifestyle and travel media. In her spare time, she's probably planning her next voyage to a nearby Caribbean island.

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