Best Travel Accessories | Our curated list of travel gear and gadgets

There are thousands of travel accessories and gadgets on the market, but most are gimmicks that waste money and valuable space. That’s why I want to talk about some of the best travel accessories that I think deserve a place in your luggage.

European local eSIM/SIM card (for high-speed mobile data)

Having reliable, high-speed mobile data on your phone is a must when traveling in Europe, where so much of daily life revolves around smartphones.

For example, you need data because:

• Train tickets and air tickets/bookings have gone digital.
• Museum tickets, concert tickets, event passes and more are all digitized.
• Restaurant menus and payment methods have gone digital.
• Hotel and rental apartment bookings have gone digital.
• Everyday communication has gone digital.
• Browsing cities and checking out bar/restaurant reviews has gone digital using Google Maps.

But I don’t always recommend relying on your Domestic mobile carriers’ international data plans, as it can be expensive and often nearly unusable. For example, on my recent trip to France, I used a US T-Mobile plan that offered free international data, but it struggled to load email, and Google Maps took a long time to load (and often didn’t work properly).

renew: Most new phones are eSIM compatible, and eSIM is more convenient than a physical SIM card—you just buy a prepaid data plan online, scan the QR code sent to your email to install the digital “card,” and you’re ready to go (and many other benefits). If you have an eSIM phone, you can purchase eSIM plans online from the following sellers Simulation options and Horafle.

To learn more about eSIM, please visit The Savvy Backpacker’s Guide Best eSIM Data Plans in Europe and learn more about My guide to using cheap mobile data plans in Europe.

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External battery pack

Your phone usage increases dramatically when traveling, which is why an external battery charger is a must-have accessory. Trust me, it is very annoying and inconvenient to constantly look for a place to charge your phone.

External power banks come in a variety of battery capacities, but I recommend sticking with a small power bank that can easily fit in your bag.

Small power banks can fully charge your phone 1.5-3 times, while larger power banks can fully charge your phone 4-5 times. most External battery charger costs approximately $20-35 Amazon.

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iPad (with keyboard)

I hate traveling with a laptop (even my Macbook Air is cumbersome), but sometimes I want more than just an iPhone.

That’s why my iPad is one of my favorite travel gadgets. It makes travel planning on the go much easier, it’s great for web browsing, and it’s great for watching movies. It’s also lightweight and portable, so I can easily throw it into my backpack and not have to worry about it. You can also add an external keyboard if you do a lot of typing.

If you don’t want to buy a brand new iPad, you can find affordable last-generation iPads (mine is a few years old and still works great).

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travel backpack

A travel backpack is more of a necessity than an “accessory,” but I still wanted to include it in this list because it’s one of the most important items you take with you on your travels.

Luckily, there are a variety of amazing travel backpacks on the market to suit different travel styles. I’ve personally tested a dozen of the most popular travel backpacks My guide to the best travel backpacks.

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travel app

Today, I think travel apps are just as important as many physical travel accessories. Of note, I will also download offline Google Maps and big tail Book your train tickets. I wrote more about Best travel apps If you want more recommendations.

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24-hour viewing

I still occasionally get tripped up by the 24-hour time, so having a watch that shows both 12-hour and 24-hour time helps me clear my mind.

You can also set your phone to a 24-hour clock, but I find it very helpful to easily check the time on my wrist.

There are many styles of watches at all price points:

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Electronic plug adapter with USB charging port

You’ll need a plug adapter to power all your electronic devices.

There’s no need to buy anything expensive/fancy, but I would recommend buying a device that also has a USB port since many modern devices are powered via USB.

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Extra long charging cable

Do yourself a favor and get an extra-long cable for your phone, as you’ll often find yourself encountering oddly placed power plugs, especially in hotels and airports. I find 6 feet to 10 feet is a good length.

I also recommend bringing an extra charging cable as they can be easily lost.

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small foldable backpack

Bring a collapsible backpack that can hold your daily essentials but is small enough not to get in the way of wearing it on public transportation or at museums. Rey There are many backpacking options but I use AER travel bag.

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compression socks

Compression socks help increase Circulates blood and reduces leg swelling while flying – which ultimately helps you feel better during and after a long flight. I wore them for the first time on a recent transatlantic flight and I could really feel the difference.

Compression socks can also help your legs recover more quickly after a long day of walking, so many travelers wear them for a few hours at the end of the day.

Compression socks come in different levels of compression – 15-20mmHg for light compression, 20-30mmHg for moderate/heavy compression.

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Wireless (noise canceling) headphones

Wireless noise-canceling headphones are a game-changer on flights and long-distance train journeys. I personally really like wireless in-ear headphones because they are small, but over-ear headphones have better noise cancellation and are generally more comfortable.

I use it personally Apple Airbuds But there are many cheaper ones earplugs on amazon as well as.

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Wired headphones (for aircraft entertainment systems)

I use AirPods, but if you want to watch the airline’s in-flight movies, you’ll need wired headphones (make sure it has a standard headphone plug). Airlines will often give you a pair of super cheap headphones for free, but they don’t sound great and are uncomfortable.

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sunglasses with protective cover

Traveling can wreak havoc on your sunglasses, so I recommend picking up a pair Protective case to prevent damage. If you have expensive glasses, you might consider buying a cheap pair that you don’t mind losing/damaging.

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pen+notebook

The world may be going digital, but having a pocket notebook and pen can come in handy when you’re on the go.

I use a notebook to write down addresses, confirmation numbers, recommendations from other travelers, and even just random thoughts.

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insole

Your feet take a beating when traveling, so a nice set of insoles can add some much-needed comfort. Test your insoles first to make sure they fit your shoes, as some can feel too tight.

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Anti-chafing powder or gel/cream

A lot of walking can lead to bruises – especially in the summer. I personally am body gliding Because it helps prevent friction that can cause irritation, rashes, abrasions, blisters, and rough skin. Some people find it a bit greasy, so try it at home.

I like it too Reverse monkey ass Anti-chafing powder or gold bond Because they resist friction, they also help absorb moisture – which is really helpful during the sweaty summer months.

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packing cubes

Any experienced traveler will praise packing boxes (especially backpackers) because they help organize items and provide some compression. Once you start using packing cubes, you’ll never want to go back.

Personally, I mainly use packing boxes to store socks and underwear, but I also often use them for items like T-shirts. Check out my guide The best packing cubes to get my top pick.

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Pedialyte Electrolyte Powder

Traveling can dehydrate you, so adding electrolytes to your water can give you much-needed energy. I would drink something like Pedialyte AdvancedCare Plus Electrolyte Powder Before flight. It’s also great for hangovers.

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travel guide books

Although you can find a wealth of travel information online, a trustworthy travel guide is still a great way to get a lot of curated information about a destination in a short period of time.

There are multiple guides, each targeting a different niche.

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leak proof bottle

Humangear GoToob Travel Bottle Probably the best travel bottles to store shampoo and other liquids/gels as they won’t leak. Available in various sizes GoToob travel bottle so check it out Amazon See what best suits your needs.

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pillowcase

I like to bring my own When I stay in any type of hotel, the pillowcase Budget hotels, Airbnbs or hostels – especially since these types of accommodations tend to use cheap, rough fabrics. It’s a small thing that adds an extra layer of comfort and I find it helps me sleep better.

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More travel packing lists

I’ve written extensively about what to pack and how to pack on a trip to Europe. Check out some of my articles below: