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Enhance Travel Experiences with These 27 Essential Items
Hopefully, you'll love our curated collection of air travel essentials! Some accessories may have been provided as samples, but all were hand-picked by our editors. Just a heads-up, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners might collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
A comfortable carry-on can elevate your vacation experience:
by Rachel Dunkel, BuzzFeed Contributorby Ciera Velarde, BuzzFeed Contributor
Here are our top picks:
1. FlyTrends In-Flight Phone Mount
Armed with this versatile phone mount, you can stream videos without a fuss, even on flights with screens you'd rather avoid. Its height works perfectly with stowed tray tables and it can also be attached to your carry-on handle during layovers. Don't forget, it's compatible with most phones!
Amazon Promising review: "Meticulously crafted and its compact design makes it suitable for a wide range of purposes. I bought it for my last long-haul trip and it worked flawlessly, fitting seamlessly onto various planes. I suggest tightening it if it feels too loose. I've discovered it's useful beyond travel too - perfect for my office setup or at home entertainment. Definitely one of my favorite acquisitions!" - Earendil
Get it on Amazon for just $12.97 (available in three colors).
2. Trtl Neck Pillow
Don't inflict your deep slumber on your neighbor with this snug and adjustable pillow. Its Velcro strap allows you to customize the fit, ensuring optimal comfort and support during your flights.
Amazon Ciera Velarde: "Embrace this marvel for the past few years, and I strongly advocate for it as an essential travel accessory. The traditional neck pillows I used to disdain because they felt uncomfortable now seem like a distant memory. With Trtl, I rarely encounter any discomfort and even sleep better during flights. It's really a game-changer!"
Get it on Amazon for $59.99 (available in four colors).
3. Monos Carry-On Roller Bag
Indulge in style when flying with this luxurious carry-on roller bag. Its flawless wheels and robust handle deliver smooth maneuverability, making it an ideal travel companion. Ditch the check-in baggage hassle and enjoy the airy feel of this modern marvel for an affordable price.
4. Memory Foam Twistable Pillow
Enhance your road trip, train journey, or flight with the help of this customizable memory foam pillow. The adjustable design allows you to attain the ultimate level of comfort and relaxation on your travels. Simply unzip the cover when the trip's over, and pop it in the wash for a fresh start on your next journey.
Amazon Promising review: "This neck pillow is ideal for individuals with a smaller stature as it offers comfortable support in all the right places. It allows me to control its positioning and provides a snug fit. Additionally, I appreciate that I can remove the cover for easy washing after lengthy trips." - ltny
Get it on Amazon for $24.99 (available in six colors).
5. Quick-Dry Water Shoes
Do coastal vacations leave you feeling queasy at the thought of touchy toes? Then consider these water shoes for a comfortable barrier between you and the ocean floor. Wear them on pavements to prevent painful encounters with hot sand and sunscreen. Trust us, they come highly recommended!
Amazon Promising review: "I've purchased these, and you're bound to adore them! I love strolling barefoot on the beach, but the possibility of unforeseen pitfalls can be an inconvenience. Reading countless positive reviews, I took the plunge and wasn't disappointed. Not only are they perfect for sand and pavements, but I've also gifted them to my husband, sister, friend, and purchased an extra pair for me! My skeptical husband has since joined the ranks of converts!" - Lauren A. Eason
Get it on Amazon for $9.88 (available in seven sizes and 44 colors).
6. Waterproof Pouch
Secure your phone, cards, and passport on swimming adventures with this waterproof pouch. Its lanyard acts as a fashionable accessory that keeps your essentials dry and with you.
Amazon Its simple design works seamlessly with various phones, and the lanyard ensures easy portability.
Promising review: "This product is remarkable! I tested it for my iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, and Galaxy S6 Edge, and it fits perfectly (though the iPhone 6 Plus is slightly more snug). It's completely waterproof, capturing stunning photos and videos beneath the waves. During our snorkeling excursion, we submerged the case, and it didn't leak at all. Perfect for usage on the beach or poolside to keep sand and sunscreen off your phone and maintaining connections." - Jennifer Roman
Get it on Amazon for just $6.99 (available in 14 colors).
7. Decibel-Reducing Noise-Canceling Earplugs
Tackle intrusive flight noise with these earplugs that can mute disruptive conversations, crying babies, and city noises while allowing you to sleep peacefully.
Amazon Rachel Dunkel: "I've had these earplugs for years, and I must admit that I haven't lost a single one, which attests to my loyalty towards them. As a frequent concert-goer and an enthusiast of dance music, I bring them along whenever I go to protect my ears from harsh sounds and prolonged exposure."
Promising review: "An outstanding piece of engineering! I've been flying since the '70s, and these earplugs are by far the comfiest and most effective ones I've ever encountered! During my recent transcontinental flight, these earplugs made the noise level manageable, allowing me to enjoy a peaceful journey without having to worry about ambient sounds." - Oldma
Get them on Amazon for $28.95.
8. Mini White-Noise Machine
Battling disruptive noises in hotels? This portable white-noise machine comes in handy, generating soothing sounds to help you snooze soundly.
Amazon Promising review: "I've been utilizing this machine for work trips and can vouch for its superior sound quality and ease of use. It's an excellent remedy for blocking out hallway noises in hotels. On a personal note, this device saves me when the hotel AC goes off in the middle of the night, ensuring a continuous soundtrack for uninterrupted sleep!" - KJ
Get it on Amazon for $34.99 (available in two colors).
9. Anti-Blister Balm
Keep your feet in tip-top shape while sprinting from one tourist spot to another. This balm will shoo away blisters and keep your pedicure shining bright.
Amazon Promising review: "This balm exceeds expectations! I've tried wearing heels that typically cause blisters for eight hours, but this balm kept me blister-free. It's a must-have for my work bag, too." - Donna
Get it on Amazon for $8.99.
10. AirFly Pro Wireless Transmitter
Say goodbye to wirednightmares and enjoy wireless freedom with this transmitter, which pairs with your Bluetooth headphones for seamless audio entertainment on flights. Plus, it can support up to two pairs of headphones at once!
You can use it even on flights that don't offer wireless streaming.
Amazon Promising review: "I've been searching for a reliable way to connect my wireless headphones to the in-flight entertainment system for a while. This AirFly Pro solved my dilemma instantly! It's well worth every penny. Thank you!" - Ryan Malloy
Get it on Amazon for $54.99.
11. Luggage-Mounted Cup Caddy
Keep your hands free and sip on your favorite beverage with this cleverly designed cup caddy, which easily attaches to your luggage handle.
Amazon Promising review: "A fantastic invention for airport beverages! My family and I travel frequently, and this caddy comes in handy during our hectic airport routes." - Bruce V. Hartley
Get it on Amazon for $14.99 (available in 24 colors/patterns).
12. Portable Rechargeable Fan
Stay cool in the heat thanks to this handy and portable fan. Its adjustable speed settings cater to your preferences, and its long battery life will keep you breezing even in sweltering climates.
Amazon Ciera Velarde: "I purchased one for my summer trip to Disney World and must say it's a must-have! With its powerful cooling ability, I can vouch for its effectiveness in keeping me refreshed during the sunny days. The fan has three speed settings, and it easily folds for easy storage on a table."
Promising review: "Got this for a wedding, and it was an absolute lifesaver! I've suffered from heat sensitivity, and this fan saved me on multiple occasions. I also appreciated its retractable handle and pocket-sized portability." -DIONNE HOOK
Get it on Amazon for $15.99 (available in eight colors).
13. Cadence Containers
Stash your essential travel toiletries in these magnetic containers, which help you organize your belongings effectively without adding bulk to your travel outfit.
Cadence is an Asian-American female-owned small business that focuses on eliminating single-use travel-sized plastics. Their containers are made from recycled ocean-bound plastic.
My co-worker, Abby Kass: "I've recently acquired a set of four, and I can't get enough of these! They're perfect for my recent six-day trip, as I could customize the labels for easy identification. They can hold quite a bit, and I've found their magnetized design helpful in keeping me organized. TSA approval? Check!"
Get a set of six from Cadence for just $76 (available in seven colors).
14. Contoured Sleep Mask
Escape the stress of light pollution while snoozing by wearing this comfy sleep mask. Its curved shape perfectly fits your face and prevents uncomfortable pressure on your eyes.
Amazon Promising review: " I've been using this mask for over a week now, and I can attest to its superior comfort compared to other masks I've tried. Its head strap is the cherry on top, providing a snug and non-Velcro finish. Additionally, the contour shield offers outstanding support for your face and eyes, making it my go-to sleep mask." - DePlume
Get it on Amazon for $21.99 (available in seven colors).
15. SeaBands
Smother nausea during travel with these SeaBands, which target an acupressure point on your wrist for instant relief. These are ideal for fighting car, sea, or air sickness.
Amazon The SeaBands apply gentle pressure on the P6 acupressure point, known for relieving nausea and vomiting.
Promising review: "Finally found a reliable solution to my nausea! I wore these SeaBands on a 13-hour drive and on every Disney World ride, experiencing no queasiness. I can't afford to experiment with sickness on vacation, so these are a must-have!" - Mimi145
Get a pair from Amazon for $8.42.
16. Portable Safe
Keep your precious cargo secure with this portable safe, complete with a four-digit code and a cable for locking it to a sturdy surface. Protect your valuables whether you're frolicking at the beach or lounging around your hotel room.
Amazon Promising review: " A fantastic find! I've been utilizing this safe on all of my vacations. I can attest to its security, ensuring our belongings are always safe. Its simple design makes it an excellent choice for a trip to the pool or ocean without worrying about our essentials." - KeepIT Reel
Get it on Amazon for $23.98.
17. Hanging Organizer Toiletry Bag
Breeze through airport scanners and declutter your hotel room with this hanging organizer toiletry bag. Its spacious interior lets you carry plenty of necessities, and its sleek design keeps it looking chic even when stuffed to the brim.
Amazon Promising review: " A game-changer! Witnessing its immense capacity, I must express my sheer awe at its functionality! Its cute design is such an added plus. The hook at the top is reinforced to ensure a strong attachment to your luggage. The zippers are sturdy, and I adore the extra pockets and netting inside." -mahea_c
Get it on Amazon for $22.99 (available in six colors).
18. Hairbrella Travel Hair Protection Hat
Protect your hairdos from sudden showers or intense sunlight with this trendy Hairbrella hat. Prevent unwanted frizz and experience the joy of looking fabulous, even in the rain.
Amazon Hairbrella is a black-owned small business that provides stylish hats to protect your hair from a variety of weather conditions since 2016.
Promising review: " If you sport natural hairstyles and find solace in a silk press, you've gotta try the Hairbrella! It's perfect for every hair type - curly, straight, or relaxed. With itswaterproof design, it guarantees a great solution when rain ruins your parade. Simply put, this is a must-have for every vacation train adventure!" -Sherry
Get it on Amazon for $44 (available in eight colors).
19. Kindle Paperwhite
Bring the joy of reading to your adventures with this waterproof Kindle Paperwhite, complete with an adjustable light that offers enhanced brightness while you unwind.
Promising review: "Excellent fifth Kindle! I fell in love with the larger screen, which makes reading an even more delightful experience. The faster page turns are fantastic, and I appreciate the warmer color options for reading at night. Its USB-C charging is speedy, and the lightweight design is such a bonus." -Lorena Frith
Get it on Amazon for $139.99 (available with or without ads, two storage sizes, and three colors).
20. Portable Power Bank
Stay charged and connected with this portable power bank, which can be plugged directly into the wall for fast charging and has two convenient USB ports for your devices.
Amazon Promising review: "Amazing package! Its sleek design instantly catches your eye, and I'm already obsessed with the two USB ports available. You can connect as many as eight devices simultaneously, making it perfect for families on the go. I bought it for my music festival escapades and haven't looked back since." - Andrew
Get it on Amazon for $47.65 (available in two colors).
21. Combination Travel Blanket/Pillow/Poncho
Brave the flight chills with this versatile combination travel blanket/pillow/poncho. Its lightweight fabric provides just the right layer to keep you cozy and warm during those arctic flights.
P.S. It's machine-washable!
Amazon Promising review: " A game-changer! Prior to this purchase, I'd rely on flimsy airplane blankets, hoping they could provide sufficient warmth during my flights. This Travelrest blanket is exceptional, staying put on my back and shoulders and keeping me warm until I remove it. Its large front pouch holds all my valuables, making me regret my previous reliance on airplane blankets." - sartra
Get it on Amazon for $29.95 (available in two sizes, nine colors, and three patterns).
22. Calpak Luka Duffel
Jet-set in style with the sleek Calpak Luka Duffel, which fits perfectly as an under-seat carry-on. Its durable design and thoughtful organization features cater to all your travel needs.
23. Six-Port USB Wall Charger
Say goodbye to limited outlets with this six-port USB wall charger, which allows you to juice up multiple devices at once.
Seriously, airline companies, more outlets, please!
Amazon Promising review: "Perfect solution! Airports and hotels constantly struggle with the number of available outlets, but this gadget takes that burden off your shoulders. It attaches conveniently to any flat surface, allowing me to charge multiple devices simultaneously." - bishop
Get it on Amazon for $29.99 (available in two colors).
24. Seat Cushion
Spruce up road trips with this supportive seat cushion, perfect for those who struggle with discomfort during lengthy drives. Wave goodbye to aching limbs and discover the comfort this cushion brings to your travel life.
Amazon Promising review: " A wonderful relief! Purchased this for my previous long-haul road trip, and it worked like magic. Its exceptional support takes the stress out of my low back, making it a must-have for any travel adventure. Now that I've used this cushion, I can't imagine road tripping without it!" - Pat F
Get it on Amazon for $39.95 (available in three colors).
25. Laundry Soap Sheets
Keep your clothes fresh and clean on your travels with these eco-friendly laundry soap sheets. Simply throw a few of these in your bag, and presto! You've got a makeshift laundry station ready for action.
Amazon Promising review: "Game-changer for my European vacation! These laundry soap sheets were such a lifesaver, allowing me to wash clothing in hotel sinks while packing just the essentials." - Katie Fujarski
Get it on Amazon for $9.95.
26. Charger Organizer
Make sure your cords don't become tangled knots with this convenient charger organizer. Its sleek design and practical compartments ensure your charging gear is always ready to go.
Etsy Mister Crafter offers handmade, personalizable travel products, wallets, and accessories crafted from 100% genuine cowhide leather.
Promising review: "A wonderful acquisition! Bought this for my husband before our trip and he loved it! The exceptional quality and durability were evident as soon as I removed it from the box. It's perfect for the organized traveler." - Maureen Murphy-Weiss
Get it from Mister Crafter on Etsy for $39.80 (originally $56.96+; available in two sizes and two colors; personalization also available).
27. Travel Adapter and Voltage Converter
Explore the world with confidence, knowing you can charge your devices wherever you roam. This accessory converts 220/240V to 110/120V and offers four USB ports.
Amazon Promising review: "Worked flawlessly on my recent trip to England and France. I utilized it to power my Macbook Air, Windows laptop, two iPhones, and two portable chargers. I appreciated its attractive case design and four USB ports." - Lake Mist
Get it on Amazon for $39.98.
The reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity
After reading about the top travel essentials, you might find these tips helpful for your next freelance market priority post or market redo post:
- Share the FlyTrends In-Flight Phone Mount, emphasizing its versatility and compatibility with most phones, making it perfect for various purposes beyond travel.
- Highlight the Trtl Neck Pillow, stressing its ability to offer comfortable support and better sleep during flights, making it a game-changer for long-haul trips.
- For a market Amazon majority post, focus on the Monos Carry-On Roller Bag with its luxurious design, smooth maneuverability, and affordability, which transforms any travel experience.
- If writing a feature for a travelrest site, recommend the Decibel-Reducing Noise-Canceling Earplugs for blocking out disruptive noise on flights or while on a road trip.
- If working with buzzfeed, consider creating a list of 'must-have' ear travel accessories, including earplugs, headphones, and portable fans, accompanied by promising reviews and user testimonials.
- Lastly, if you're writing an editorial article for a lifestyle magazine or blog, consider discussing the importance of earplugs, particularly Decibel-Reducing Noise-Canceling Earplugs, for reducing noise pollution and ensuring peace and tranquility during travel. Always remember to include relevant links and call-to-actions, such as a market-priority post or market redo post to encourage readers to purchase the featured items.
