When you travel as much as I do, you figure out which travel accessories you can live without, and which are truly worth their weight to take along. Here are a few of my favorites — useful accessories that can make your trip easier, simpler, and more comfortable. Taking the right travel accessories with you can make your trip easier, simpler, and more comfortable too — and that makes for a happier vacation!
1) Travel Steamer. No matter how you pack, wrinkles happen. When you want to look your best, a travel steamer can fix the situation, quickly removing stubborn, packed-in wrinkles without harming fabrics. A good travel-specific model such as Travelon will minimize the space and weight it takes in your luggage.
2) Earplugs. I never go anywhere without earplugs. Whether you’re on the plane, or in a hotel room, earplugs that block out unfamiliar noises can give you the sleep you need. Foam earplugs are easy to use, and surprisingly comfortable and effective — they compress to half their size for easy insertion, and then slowly expand to block out noise. Hearos is a good brand that provides 33 dB of noise reduction (the highest available).
3) Security Purse. When you’re traveling, the last thing you need is your purse picked! That’s a quite way to ruin a trip. Some travel purses now come with security features built in to keep your belongings safe. You can get slash proof straps, wire-reinforced side and bottom panels, tamper-proof zippers, or more. CitySafe has a line of bags designed for security, and you can find a model with a look you like too!
4) Packing Cubes. Packing and unpacking are a breeze when you use packing cubes, and so is finding what you want in that big suitcase. Keep everything organized in mesh cubes that let you see the contents — socks in one, t-shirts in another, etc. No more rummaging through a big bag, and getting everything messed up as you go. And if you like to unpack at the hotel, it’s done in a jiffy.
5) Packable Tote Bag. Plastic shopping bags are ubiquitous in the US (though being phased out in places); but other countries don’t always provide them, or charge extra. Be prepared, and be environmentally friendly too, by bringing your own packable tote bag. Tiny when folded, you’ll always have a bag at the ready to hold all your purchases.
6) Healthy back bag. For traveling, I use a purse that’s bigger than I use at home, since I’ve got so much to carry — passport, plane and hotel information, camera, iPod, guidebooks, and more. That purse can get heavy! That’s why a healthy back bag is great, because it distributes the weight efficiently. The leather ones are amazingly durable. Mine’s been to the ends of the earth and it’s still going strong.
7) Miniature Flashlight. Always carry a flashlight. It’s a safe thing to have, in case of power outages, fire alarms, or just ending up on a dark street at night. It’s also useful if you want to read in bed without disturbing your roommate. A miniature flashlight fits on your key chain, takes almost no space or weight, and is an all-around good thing to have.
8) Waterproof Compression Sacks. Compression sacks can save space in your luggage by squeezing bulky items into a smaller space. Waterproof sacks are great to have along, to keep wet or dirty clothes away from your other belongings. Combine the two, and voila — waterproof compression sacks that fit both purposes!
9) Security Daypack. A daypack is great if you’re going to be out walking for the day, and need to carry things like an extra jacket, snacks or lunch, water bottle, or souvenirs you buy along the way. If you’re going to be in the city instead of out on the trails, a security model gives added peace of mind. My favorite is the TourSafe Backpack, which has interior pockets to keep things organized, and security features to keep them safe.
10) Hidden Money Pouch. Tourists can be targets for pickpockets, so take some precautions so this doesn’t ruin your vacation. A hidden money pouch lets you keep cash, credit cards or passport safe and secure. Put your valuables in the pouch, then slip it around your neck and under a sweater. This way even if your wallet was stolen, the thieves would get just a small amount. You can tour with confidence knowing your stash is safe.