The 27 Best Travel Accessories for 2023
Travel accessories are a great way to improve any trip. Here are our favorite options currently on the market, as well as some additional information you should know before you go shopping.
Written by Echo Wang | Edited by Bianca Versoza
Travel accessories are a great way to improve any trip. Here are our favorite options currently on the market, as well as some additional information you should know before you go shopping.
What Is A Travel Accessory?
What is a travel accessory, exactly? Is it something small and portable that you can carry with you on plane flights around the world? Is it equipment for campers or boats? Can it be electrical? When does something change from being an accessory to being equipment? Does it need to be travel-related, specifically, or can it include accessories for activities at your destination?
Furthermore, how far do you need to travel for it to be an accessory? Driving three hours to a campground is travel just as much as flying halfway around the world, but both have wildly different expectations.
People have varying opinions on the answers to these questions, so it’s difficult to create a list of travel gadgets that everyone agrees with. That’s why this list of the best travel accessories sorts things by section. Not every accessory matters to every traveler, and that’s okay.
Product Selection And Options
This guide focuses on the best accessories, so quality is the main criteria we’re selecting them by. However, if you’re traveling on a budget, remember that many similar accessories are available at lower prices from other manufacturers. They won’t be the best option overall, but those could be better choices for you.
Necessary Travel Basics
These are the basics that you should get for any trip, near or far.
Apadi Travel Document Organizer

This particular document organizer is available in several colors to appeal to different owners, which is a nice touch.
Now, the reason this product is the #1 thing to buy is that even if you lose everything else you have on a trip, having your document organizer means you can still find some way home from almost anywhere with travel options and general payment systems.
One thing to keep an eye on with a document organizer is an RFID layer. RFID tags are an increasingly popular component for credit cards and ID cards, but it’s also possible to read them from a significant distance if you have the right technology.
RFID-blocking layers in document organizers stop this from being a problem and help reduce the risk of financial theft from people scanning your stuff somewhere in the world.
As if that wasn’t reason enough to get a document organizer, remember that you might not be able to get home on time if you lose your passport. Keeping documents like that in a larger container is much better than letting them rattle around your luggage.
Jasgood Money Belt

As the name implies, money belts are essentially zippered compartments inside a belt. These are extraordinarily difficult for pickpockets to reach because the zippers face inward and are usually snug about your waist. If you want extra security, you can wear shirts that cover the belt so even people who might recognize the specific brand can’t tell if you’re wearing it.
Jasgood’s belt has no brand label on the outside, but it does have a durable nylon webbing that’s suitable for use in most travel environments. It’s also long enough to fit quite a lot of money on the inside, which is important for having a reserved cash fund in case of emergencies.
Overall, we like money belts like this over most competitors. The key difference is that the zipper here faces inward, whereas most other products like coats and bags have the zipper face outward. The best way to protect yourself from pickpocketing is to not look like a target to begin with. The more inconvenient it is to access your money, the safer you’ll be.
This belt is also compatible with non-cash items, including keys, small jewelry, and other valuables. Losing keys is almost as bad as losing all of your money, so being open enough to fit other products is a nice touch.
The one notable flaw with this product is that it has no storage options for credit or ID cards. You’ll need another type of storage for those. As far as storing cash goes, though, the Jasgood money belt is easily a top choice for travel.
Brita 20-Ounce Water Bottle With Filter

Brita is one of the most well-known names in water purification thanks to their line of home filtering products. However, they also produce long-lasting travel bottles, and that’s what we’re recommending here.
This particular bottle holds 20 ounces of liquid, which is enough to be useful without taking up too much space. The soft-squeeze exterior is comfortable and lets you increase the water flow as needed, while the filter itself can handle 150-300 refills. That’s enough for several trips with each filter, and replacements are reasonably affordable.
One thing to be aware of here is that the bottle filters water when you drink it, not when you fill it. That means you won’t have an especially fast water flow, so don’t expect to drink the whole bottle in a couple of seconds. However, it’s fine if you only want a few gulps of water at a time.
We like this slower-flow style because it can help stop you from going through all of your water too quickly. Even better, you can fill your bottle up almost anywhere. If the bottle itself gets dirty, it’s dishwasher safe and easy to clean out.
Larger filter bottles are available, but these can take up too much space, especially if you’re on a trip where every inch of cargo space matters.
LifeStraw

Most of the interior of the straw is one long filter, which stops anything larger than 0.2 microns from passing through. The manufacturer rates this for 1000 gallons of water, which is more than many people actually drink in each year. Even better, the filter doesn’t expire, so you won’t have to buy a new one every year or two.
This is a great emergency tool, but there are a few things to keep in mind before you buy it. First, just like the Brita bottle, actual water flow can be a little slow because you need to filter the water and that slows it down a little.
Second, this straw involves pulling all of the water up with your lung capacity, which is harder than turning a bottle upside-down and letting gravity pull it through an existing filter. That makes the LifeStraw a little more challenging to use in some areas.
Some people address this by attaching pumps. but that takes up more space and isn’t as useful for emergencies. Issues like these are why we don’t recommend the LifeStraw for daily use, but it’s still a fantastic option for regular use.
Just make sure you prove the filter before your trip. For those who aren’t familiar with the terminology, proving a filter involves soaking it in water for about ten minutes, then blowing through it and letting it dry. Once you do that, it should be ready to use. It may not work properly, or at all, if you don’t prove it before you start using it.
Ben’s 100 DEET Insect Repellent

This DEET-heavy spray offers about ten hours of protection through a fragrance-free repellent system. They’re also travel-safe thanks to general TSA approval, although the link here is for a convenient multi-pack.
Now, some people worry about DEET, to the point that other manufacturers on the market specifically advertise their products as “DEET-free” or some equivalent. However, as Consumer Reports explains as part of an in-depth examination, DEET is broadly safe and extraordinarily effective when you use it as directed.
One thing that stands out here is that DEET is genuine repellent. Many other repelling products are actually poisons that kill insects on contact, but DEET convinces insects to stay away and won’t cause any disruptions to the ecosystem.
Scientists are uncertain of the exact reason DEET works. Some think that it confuses insects, while others believe it smells horrible to them and they’ll avoid it at practically any cost. However, scientists broadly agree on the effectiveness, which is why it’s one of the most-used insect repellents in the world.
The real trick here is bringing along enough for your entire trip. These bottles will provide several uses each, but they’re not particularly large and you may need at least two coats per day to maintain effectiveness. Try to bring along a few spares if possible.
Travel Electronics
People don’t always bring electronics on trips, but if you do, these are vital.
SublimeWare International Power Adapter

However, the real value of this product lies in its mix of plugs. It has four USB outlets and one AC outlet, all of which you can use at the same time. Note that this is an adapter, but not a converter, so you’ll get the same voltage out that you get in. This isn’t a big problem most of the time, but higher-voltage outlets could burn out some older devices like hair dryers.
Two of the USB sockets on this device are 2.4A smart sockets, versus the regular 2.1A that other devices use. The main difference is that the smart sockets can match power intake for compatible devices, which means faster and better charging for some things. That’s a great feature and helps this product stand out from its competitors.
The pin locking mechanism is also nice. This keeps the pins in place while you’re pushing them into the socket, ensuring overall functionality without having to push the pins back out again. Little details like these make international power adapters better, and best of all, the entire thing is compact enough to fit into almost any storage container. Just mind the knobs on the side.
Targus 4-Port USB Hub

Whether you need more ports or just more space, the simple solution is a product like this USB adapter. As a USB 2.0 device, it’s compatible with most modern devices through their existing cables. However, the real value here is its balance of price and smart design.
Each port here is far enough away from the others that plugs shouldn’t interfere with each other, and the general build quality is good enough to hold up under international travel.
There are some USB 3.0 versions, which have higher data transmission speeds, but those often require dedicated power outlets and that’s hard to guarantee during international travel. This hub is entirely self-powered through its own connection. Between this and the international power adapter, you should have all the USB ports you need.
GL.iNET Mini Portable Hotspot

Portable hotspots allow you to stay connected to the internet almost anywhere you can get a signal. Even better, this unit is OpenVPN compatible and lets you use many types of VPN software to keep your information private while you’re traveling around.
What really makes this device stand out is its overall versatility. Plenty of devices work exclusively as hotspots, but since this unit can do anything from extending the range of an existing hotel signal to transforming existing ethernet connections into wireless networks, you can use it to adapt to your existing environment.
This unit offers data speeds of about 300 Mbps, which is plenty for streaming videos from services like Netflix or Disney Plus. Of course, that assumes the network you’re connecting to supports those speeds, but that’s not a problem in most developed areas.
The other thing we like here is the bright yellow coloring. That helps this device stick out so you can quickly locate it when you need it. Most portable hotspots are either white or black, which means they blend in with all of your other electronics and can be hard to fetch in a hurry.
Sony WH1000XM3 Noise Canceling Headphones

However, active noise cancellation alone isn’t enough to make a headset stand out. It’s all the other features that make this option worth considering for your travel.
A built-in microphone lets you take calls without having a long mic sticking out by your face, while Alexa compatibility means you can get music, information, and more sent straight to your headphones from compatible devices. Touch controls on the ear cup make it even easier to take precise control.
The part we like the best is the quick attention mode. Holding your hand up to the right ear cup instantly turns down the volume for a conversation, and removing your hand returns the volume to its original setting. That’s especially useful in busy environments.
The main drawback of these headphones is their price. These are at the higher end of what you should ever pay for a set of headphones. If you just want the active noise cancellation, cheaper options will get the job done. Most cheap headphones aren’t nearly as comfortable on long flights, though.
Long-term comfort matters when you’re on a plane for anywhere from six to eighteen hours, so don’t skimp on getting good headphones.
Make sure to get an adapter if necessary, though. This is particularly relevant for Apple products, whose Lightning connectors may need an additional adapter to work with regular headsets.
Jelly Comb Electronics Organizer

The outside shell isn’t hard, but it does have plastic bones that give it a semi-rigid structure and help prevent crushing in your bag. As a bonus, the square design fits well in most suitcases and makes it easier to organize things.
The outside of this organizer is waterproof nylon. While it won’t keep water out if you totally submerge things, the premium zippers and tightly woven surface will protect the interior from rain, mist, and most other realistic threats. For added security, you can padlock the zippers, although this isn’t a true security product and won’t stop a determined thief.
This electronics organizer is most useful for wires and cables, but it’s flexible enough to store numerous other types of products as needed. Creativity is always useful when space is tight for a trip, and that definitely helps this stand out as one of the best travel accessories currently on the market.
RAVPower 32000mAh Portable Power Bank

10000mAh is the smallest any travel bank should be, but going well above that helps ensure you’ll have the power to keep things running in emergencies. The obvious downside here is that it’s relatively large and heavy, which can be a problem if you’re treading close to a weight limit for flights.
This isn’t a high-speed charger, but it will still charge up most phones in about two hours, which is fast enough for most travel. It does take some time to charge up this power bank, but that’s normal for anything with such massive capacity. This gets more useful the more devices you have, so it’s definitely worth considering for an electronics-focused trip.
Tranmix Portable Solar Power Bank

This isn’t the same as having a generator and you may not generate enough power for uninterrupted use of any device, but this product essentially guarantees that you cannot run out of electricity long-term.
There are plenty of other portable solar panels on the market, but this one stands out somewhat thanks to its compact folding design. That makes it much easier to pack and store when you’re getting on a plane, which is fundamentally better.
Other features here include a rainproof, shockproof, and dustproof design, as well as a bright flashlight with a built-in SOS flashing option in case you need to call for help.
For context, expect about 40 hours of sunlight for a full charge, or 12 hours if you can plug it into the wall. This is an emergency power bank, versus the regular-use option above, so try to avoid depleting the charge on this one unless you have to.
If 12 hours sounds like a long charging time, remember that this unit provides about 8 full charges for most smartphones. It has a vastly higher storage capacity than they do, so it naturally takes much longer to charge. The built-in battery is better than a solar panel without that, though, since it means you can use your stored electricity anytime.
Storage Accessories
While minimalist travel is possible, most trips are going to require some storage.
OEE Packing Organizers

The regular bags come with transparent tops so you can see exactly what’s inside them without having to open them, and that’s the kind of touch we like seeing. There are plenty of larger packing organizers on the market, but most of those work better outside of suitcases instead of fitting inside them, which disqualifies them in our view.
One other thing that sets these packing organizers apart is the variety of colors. These organizers come in about a dozen different colors, which means they’re more likely to appeal to your aesthetic preferences than products that only come in one color.
Under Armour Adult Duffle Bag

Notable features on this bag include a water-resistant finish, abrasion-resistant panels on the bottom and sides, and an organization pocket for quick access. A vented pocket helps store smellier laundry and shoes, too, which means this bag can double as a laundry tote on some trips.
The overall build is 95% polyester and 5% elastane. For those who aren’t familiar with it, elastane (also known by brand names like Spandex and Lycra) is an extremely elastic fabric that helps this bag stretch without tearing. Durability is crucial when you’re on trips because finding replacements on short notice can be difficult, so it’s always nice to see things like that.
Under Armour’s bag is one of the most cost-effective options on the market, offering a good balance between its performance and its price. It’s also available in a wide variety of colors, so you can match it to the rest of your luggage or just get a bag that’s bright and easy to see.
Travelon Anti Theft Classic Backpack

Travelon’s anti-theft bag stands apart from other backpacks thanks to its focus on practicality for travelers. It includes RFID-blocking slots for cards and passports, as well as a slash-resistant body and strap pair to resist knives.
That’s pretty good all by itself, but this bag also has locking compartments so people can’t simply unzip them when you’re not paying attention. The locks will typically take at least a few seconds to figure out and undo, which is enough time to notice the tugging and respond to any theft attempt.
Travelon’s bag is significantly better as an anti-theft option than Under Armour’s duffle bag, so if you’re only getting one, this is the better of the two choices. It’s not quite a full-size backpack, though, so don’t expect this to have enough room if you’re going hiking and need to bring a lot of stuff.
Spacesaver Vacuum Storage Bags

Spacesaver claims that you can get up to 80% more space through their vacuum bags, although the reality is that it depends on what you’re storing. Regardless, using these can often get you several more inches of space in your luggage, and that’s huge when you want to pack as much as possible.
As a bonus, this set comes with a manual travel pump. Sadly, that means you’ll have to devote some of the space you saved to storing the pump, but you’ll usually come out ahead regardless. These are especially useful if you want to bring your own sheets or pillows on a trip.
One thing to keep in mind here is that the vacuum bags are available in several sizes. It’s generally better to get the smallest bags necessary for storing certain items, so you may need to get several different packs.
That can increase the cost of these fairly significantly, though. In short, vacuum bags are a great choice if you have money to spare but need more room in your bags. They’re a little harder to justify on a tighter budget, though.
Letsfit Portable Luggage Scale

Letsfit’s digital scale is a straightforward example of these products, capable of weighing bags accurately up to about 110 pounds. That’s heavier than most luggage ever gets, so it’s more than good enough for the job.
A clear backlit LCD provides an easy-to-see readout, while the zero/tare function immediately resets the scale whenever you’re not using it. The slim design will fit into nearly any bag without trouble, while the metal connections to the scale itself provide outstanding durability.
This isn’t as important if you don’t plan to buy anything or aren’t close to weight limits for your flights. If there’s any question, though, investing in a digital scale can help you avoid unexpected charges.
Cleanliness & Hygiene
Cleanliness is a vital part of any trip, from the shortest to the longest. These are some of the best travel accessories for staying clean.
OlimpiaFit Microfiber Towels 3-Size Pack

One thing you may notice is that these towels are significantly thinner than standard towels. That’s also great for travel because it means they’ll take up less space in your bag. Less obviously, it means they have drastically more surface area and can dry off several times faster than towels made from other materials.
These towels are surprisingly durable for their size, too, thanks to an exterior ring that stops tears. Whether you want to wipe off some sweat or dry off after a shower, this three-set of towels gets the job done and even works for sharing towels in a pinch.
Purell Hand Sanitizer, 36-Pack of Travel Size Bottles

Purell is a better-known brand, which means their formula is demonstrably reliable. This 36-pack comes with handy 1-ounce travel bottles, which are small enough to fit on practically any flight without problems. You can also get large bottles and empty small bottles if you want, but we think it’s easier to just get the travel-ready pack yourself.
One thing that sets this pack apart from other hand sanitizers is the mix of other ingredients. Purell has a surprisingly long history, but it stands out from some other hand sanitizers thanks to the thickening agents that make it easy to use without waste. Purell also has moisturizers in it, which is ultimately more comfortable than products that only clean.
Purell is about 70% ethyl alcohol, which is the best recognized concentration for killing most pathogens. It’s not quite as good as proper washing with soap, but it’s generally good enough when you’re on the move.
Breezeo Laundry Detergent Sheets

Each of these laundry sheets comes in four perforated sections that you can tear apart to get as much soap as you need. While they’re mainly intended for use with washing machines, these also work well for washing garments by hand. That’s a vital consideration for travel because you can’t always be sure you’ll have access to machines.
As a bonus, these detergent sheets are much lighter than liquid containers. Every ounce matters for travel on planes with tight weight limits, and even small savings on weight in different areas can lead to a big impact.
The one thing to keep in mind here is that you shouldn’t let these detergent sheets get too warm or too wet. We recommend storing them in a waterproof plastic bag, regardless of whether or not you’re keeping them in their original container.
HOMEST 2 Pack XL Travel Laundry Bag

HOMEST sells these nylon bags in several sizes, although the XL is the most useful if you have a lot of laundry and want to do it all at once. They’re also a great choice for washing your laundry by hand, which you can do with products like the Breezeo detergent sheets above.
HOMEST uses double-stitched seams and thick nylon for durability here, while the locking drawstring can tie shut to keep everything inside the bag. The extra large options hold about 3-4 average loads of laundry each, while most travel bags hold closer to two loads of laundry.
Finally, we like the “wash me” text on the outside of the bags. These provide a useful reminder of what they’re for. It’s easy to lose track of the purpose of every bag and item during a long trip, so little things like that make products significantly more useful.
Cottonelle Flushable Wet Wipes

With that said, wet wipes are a useful sanitation measure when you’re out on a trip. Whether you need to clean your hands or other parts of your body, they’ll get the job done when you don’t have access to anything else. This is especially useful if you plan to camp out in places with no access to running water.
Cottonelle’s 252-pack of wet wipes is more than enough for most trips, although you may want to bring two packs for longer trips just in case. These contain no alcohol, parabens, or dyes, just mild amounts of cleaners that can get dirt and other debris off of your body.
Safety And Security While Traveling
A little extra safety and security can go a long way when you’re traveling the world.
Sure Lock TSA Compatible Travel Locks

With a closed length of 1.5 inches, these locks have enough space to go through almost anything on your bags and still shut snugly. They also let you set your own combination, which is much better than having to stick with whatever the factory decides.
Even better, these locks don’t use keys. This means you’ll need to remember the combination, but it also means there’s nowhere for thieves to use lockpicks or other basic tools. There’s no plastic on this lock, either, which would be easy to break with a little pressure.
Again, these are not perfect locks by any stretch of the imagination. You’d need to pay a lot more for something truly secure. They’re more than good enough for their real role, though, and that’s all we really want to see from a travel lock.
Lewis N Clark Travel Door Alarm

If it goes off, this device makes noise at about 91 decibels, which is about as loud as a welder and extremely likely to wake you (and everyone else) up if it goes off out of nowhere. This alarm is also compact and lightweight, with an adjustable cord lock to help it fit over different handles.
While this is technically a door alarm, it works just as well in windows. It might be worth bringing two of these if you’re especially uncertain about the area or plan to sleep near ground level.
Travel Comfortably
Finally, what’s travel without a little comfort? Most people don’t get ultra-luxurious accommodations every step of the trip, but you don’t have to pay a ton of money to make a trip easier on yourself.
Restorz Melatonin Gummies

These gummies work best when you take them 30-60 minutes before you want to go to sleep. This particular package is a four-pack of fourteen gummies each, and two weeks is about right for longer trips. You can always bring more packs if necessary.
As a bonus, melatonin is non-addictive and doesn’t form habits. The main reason for this is that Melatonin is a natural chemical that your body already produces every day. You might appreciate the restful sleep enough to keep using them even after your trip, though, so keep an eye out for that.
ANBOW Reusable Silicone Earplugs
Earplugs aren’t as much fun as using noise-reducing headphones to listen to music, but they’re much lighter and you can wear them in practically any environment. These earplugs reduce noise by about 32 decibels, which is enough to turn regular conversation into whispers.
Sadly, small items are easy to lose and that can ruin an otherwise-great trip. That’s why this particular pack comes with three pairs of earplugs, including a connecting cable and a convenient travel pouch to keep all of them together.
Earplugs are especially valuable for people who are sensitive to environmental noises. Suddenly being in a new place can be overwhelming, but these soft silicone plugs are definitely worth considering as a way to mitigate sensory input and focus your mind on other things.
Sunany Inflatable Travel Pillow

As a bonus, this inflatable pillow is easy to adjust to your preferred firmness and comes with a simple hood to help block light coming in from above when you’re trying to sleep. Both of these are rare features on travel pillows, and they’re ultimately the deciding factor that puts this ahead of the competition.
For convenience, this pillow also comes with a durable travel bag. This reduces the risk of accidental pokes and punctures, which are the main weakness of an otherwise-excellent pillow. Memory foam pillows are also decent options, but they tend to have thick middles that push the neck forward. That makes them a little harder to recommend over Sunany’s design.
