Best Travel Accessories

Traveling can be a real delight, but long distances by plane, train or car can really take their toll on even the most experienced of travelers. In this guide we’re going to be taking a look at some of the coolest, most innovative and best travel accessories around that help make traveling a much more enjoyable and satisfying experience.

We’ve got top-quality travel accessories especially designed for men, for women, for children, for families and for business travelers too. We hope you find this guide informative and fun, and we hope that you’ll love the accessories so much that you’d think about livening up your travel life and getting one or two quality pieces.

Top 10 Travel Accessories

Traveling around the world is one of the most pleasurable activities you can enjoy in this life, whether for business or simply for pleasure. Heading off to a far-flung destination is a real treat from the daily grind that really cheers the heart, even when you’re only at the case-packing stage.

Just knowing that you’re going to be landing in an exotic location, or a place you’ve always wanted to go, is enough to provide that much-needed motivation which carries you through the days and weeks leading up to the big day. Take a look at our top 10 list of accessories that will help get your holiday off to a flying start.

Bluesmart Smart Carry-On

No ordinary carry-on, the BlueSmart has a multitude of nifty features that you’ll fall head over heels for. You can weigh the bag simply by picking it up by the handle and it can be opened and locked remotely using your smartphone.

It has USB ports to charge phones and tablets and can be tracked anywhere in the world thanks to the GPS/3G SIM tracking system. An awesome piece of luggage that is simply unmatched in technological innovation.

UV SteriPen

Capable of purifying over 3k liters of potentially risky water, the SteriPen uses UV technology to safely sterilize. It works quickly in under a minute, doesn’t use any chemicals and doesn’t change the pH value.

This item can prove invaluable when attempting to drink tap, river or bottled water when the source isn’t known, especially in countries with known drinking water issues such as India and Laos.

Franklin Speaking Translator

Language barriers are often a huge struggle when traveling abroad, but there won’t be any embarrassing and annoying misunderstandings with the Franklin Speaking Translator in your pocket.

It can speak in many languages including Spanish, Chinese, Russian and Italian so there’s no need for your own uncertain pronunciations. Simply speak clearly into it for an accurate translation to any one of the 14 languages it covers.

AMPL SmartBag

An ingenious idea that combines rucksack style with travel functionality, the AMPL Smart Bag lets you carry a range of electronic devices with the ability to charge all of them for hours on end.

Not only does it have shock absorbers to minimize damage to devices, but the charging power can also be controlled directly from your smartphone. A top piece of kit when traveling long distances with no viable power sources to charge your phone, tablet, laptop or any USB device.

Trackstick

Cleverly connected to over 20 satellites that are orbiting the earth, the Trackstick monitors and maps any route you take in real-time. You can see the results via your computer and print out a detailed map.

This is an awesome device if you want to look back on your holiday and see the exact routes you took such across the Atlantic Ocean, wandering through a busy city or even a strenuous mountain hike.

J-Pillow

A worldwide best-selling travel product, the J-Pillow is a must-have for those travelers who love to get comfy within seconds in even the most awkward of places- trains, planes, cars and coaches.

The pillow is filled with a soft and plush material that allows you to relax comfortably for the duration of your journey. It can be squashed into the smallest of bags and retains its shape again when taken out.

Reusable Quiet Zone Ear Plugs

High-quality and great value for money, these Quiet Zone plugs work a treat when battling with a noisy plane engine or excessive chattering all around you.

You will be able to place these earplugs in and within a matter of seconds you’ll be deaf to the world, allowing you get a decent nap or get stuck into a good book in peace and quiet when traveling the globe.

FREETOO Digital Luggage Scale

Capable of weighing 50kg of luggage accurately, this tiny 98 gram luggage scale slips into your baggage and can be used easily whenever needed. It has an LED screen plus colored lights to inform you within seconds if your suitcases or carry-on bags are the correct weight.

It gives you a chance to pack each of your luggage cases to the required weight with no embarrassing hassle at check-in swapping items from case to case.

Grid-It Accessory Organizer

When all the different objects needed for daily life and travel are thrown into a single bag it can be a bit of a mess. You find yourself routing through to find the item you need and often items can get scratched or broken.

This Grid-It organizer is an indispensible item for traveling as it can hold everything from your iPhone and earphones to pens, chargers, pocket guides and hand lotions.

Silicone Travel Bottles

This may not seem like a top travel accessory to many people, however you’ll be thanking your lucky stars you’ve bought them when the TSA decides not to throw away your newly-bought expensive hand lotions and hair products because of safety issues.

These travel bottles hold 2 to 2.8 ounces of liquid or cream. They’re easily filled and have silicone suction cups for easy shower use when traveling.

For Men

Men are notoriously difficult travelers and can get stressed quickly in cramped conditions with nothing but time to pass. Just take a look at some of these cool items which aim to make traveling as safe and as enjoyable as possible for you jet-setting guys out there.

Pacsafe Metrosafe 200 GII Shoulder Bag

Whilst traveling can be safe for the most part, there are some criminals who actively target tourists and travelers. Having items stolen on vacation can really sour the atmosphere, so this bag has some nifty little features to stop thieves dead in their tracks.

In addition to having a self-locking zip, this bag is made from a slash-proof material all over, on the main bag as well as the shoulder straps too. There’s also an RFID blocker pad which cleverly stops cyber criminals accessing your phone remotely!

Ravi Ratan Silver Cufflinks

Who would have thought that trendy silver cufflinks could double as a WiFi hotspot whilst wearing them! These function as a USB device which stores up to 2GB of data, and you simply plug it into your laptop to receive a great wireless Internet connection wherever your travels take you.

You can also get it engraved with your name or initials for a truly personalized experience.

SEYVR Wallet

Available for either Android or iPhone, the SEYVR wallet is made from great quality brown or black leather and is lightweight at just 7oz. It boasts a Lithium-ion battery capable of fully recharging your smartphone when you’re caught out traveling with just a few percent left.

It can also hold cash bills and six bank cards. Always stay connected to your friends and family wherever you travel.

Inflatable Hoodie Pillow

An extremely useful travel accessory for the modern traveler, the Hoodie Pillow is a great idea for those who love to catch forty winks coming back from work or plane travel.

Snug and warm when worn, the hoodie covers your head and face for privacy while the inflatable neck cushion provides invaluable support and comfort.

For Women

Women are undoubtedly the most efficient and thoughtful travelers, ensuring that everything is packed in the most effective fashion before jetting off on vacation. Here is our pick of some of the most innovative and helpful travel accessories for women who love to globetrot in style.

PowerGloss Universal Power Bank

Available in a variety of classy colours including pink and turquoise, the PowerGloss is a wonderful item that is discreet and powerful in equal measures.

It looks like an ordinary lip gloss so you can keep it safe with other makeup items; however it also has the potential to provide hour after hour of charge to tablets, smartphones, speakers and other USB devices with its internal battery.

Go Clean Heels

The bane of many women who travel is discovering that their favourite silk blouse has been snagged by the high heels they’ve packed beside it.

Keep your heels from damaging and puncturing other items in your luggage with the GoClean bags which fit high heels up to a size 11. Any dirt on the shoe cannot escape through the bag, neither can odors.

Citysafe LS100 anti-theft travel handbag

Women are much more likely to be targeted by thieves than men, so when traveling it’s always good to know you and your belongings are safely tucked away in style.

This Citysafe bag has been reinforced with steel wiring so that the shoulder strap can never be cut unexpectedly, neither can the main body of the bag. A neat RFID blocker also protects your device from unwanted remote cyber crime.

Gillette Venus Snap with Embrace

Ideal for traveling, the Embrace is a miniature version from the best-selling Venus brand of razors. It slips easily into your travel case or purse and has layers of protective moisture for a smooth shave wherever in the world you end up.

The blade lasts for many shaves on even the most stubborn of hairs, so you can always look and feel at your best on vacation.

For Families

Family vacations are where lifelong memories are made, but they can take a real toll on the parents whether they have a younger family of toddlers and babies or grumpy teens. Take a look at some of the most helpful travel accessories for traveling families across both short and long distances.

Anker Astro3 External Charger

Parents know how much of a godsend electronic devices such as tablets and smartphones can be when traveling with children- toddlers and teenagers alike!

This device allows you to keep everyone fully charged around the clock with 4 USB ports. It can charge a smartphone multiple times and it cannot be easily broken if dropped or bashed.

LOC8ING Air Travel Tag

It’s really a shame that we no longer have ultimate trust in the airlines to ensure our luggage goes where it is supposed to go. But missing luggage is now thankfully a thing of the past with the Loc8ing travel tag that simply attaches to you bag, or can even be placed inside.

The Bluetooth technology lets you know exactly where your baggage is at all times, the information being displayed via a handy smartphone app for both Android and Apple.

Travis Travel Gear Space Saver Bags

Available in a range of sizes to suit your family’s needs, these space-saving bags can easily be rolled up rather than vacuum sucked. If you have a large family with lots of clothes to pack for each individual, especially children, then you can organize and pack cases with maximum efficiency in no time at all.

You can even use it as a washing bag for carrying dirty items until you arrive home. The large size holds a full ski suit, plus many sweaters, pants, T-shirts and jackets.

TSA Padlock

A highly reliable travel accessory that cuts down on waiting times when traveling through TSA checkpoints- especially with a large family. There is a secret combination lock which can be bypassed by TSA agents only so that they can check and approve you much faster than the regular traveler.

It is a top-rated lock with a tough locking mechanism for the trips that you make in the US or even continentally.

For Children

Traveling with children can be a curse and a blessing at the same time. Memories are being made, great times of bonding can be had, but stress levels and tempers can rise too. Take a look at some of cute and cool travel accessories for children to make everyone happy- especially mum and dad!

Trunki Luggage

Thousands of these cool child-friendly suitcases have been sold already because of the bright colours and 5kg capacity for parents to pack. The Trunki comes in a huge variety of colours and tired children can plonk themselves down on the fun seat instead of stressing out the parents.

It is very durable and hard-wearing, plus it makes family holidays a real pleasure instead of a headache.

Snack & Play Travel Tray

Made entirely from wipe-clean Nylon, this travel tray can be used in the car, on trains or even on a plane seat. It had raised edges to prevent items falling to the floor and getting lost, and food can be placed on the clean surface without excessive mess. It also has pockets for storage of toys.

Support Pillow and Travel Pal

Cute and effective, these Travel Pals come in a range of animal styles for your child to have fun with. They are highly supportive for children wishing to sleep in comfort when traveling, and they’re machine washable too.

In addition to there being no more uncomfortable flopping heads from your little ones, it is also a soft toy which can be played with when not sleeping.

Other great items to purchase when traveling with children include a durable travel camera and a handy car valet.

For Business Travelers

Traveling for business and traveling for pleasure are usually two different things, but our list of handy accessories helps international businesspeople get to their business destination fresh and ready for action.

Briggs & Riley Carry-on

Traveling on business can be a stressful task so this carry-on aims to make it a great experience from start to finish. This case can fit your freshly-ironed suit and trousers in without wrinkling or creasing, holding it upright inside a strong fiberglass frame.

The material is resistant to moisture and dirt, so you can guarantee you’ll look your best at that next meeting even after flying half way around the world.

SleepPhones

An imaginative travel accessory that has received worldwide acclaim, the SleepPhone is a product which provides a perfect snooze when traveling by plane, train or car. Simply slip the comfortable blackout headband over your eyes and let your favourite music lull you to sleep.

There are no irritating earplugs that cause painful pressure in the ears when sleeping because the speakers are fixed flat inside the band.

AoMagic Anti-tear Nylon Fabric Cosmetic Bag

With the ability to hold the vast quantity of bathroom items you need for traveling, this cosmetic bag is waterproof yet has been crafted with a breathable material. It comes with a convenient hook so that you can hang it up in your hotel room, or even when camping, to get easy access to everything you need in a flash.

In addition to the list above, some other items we just had to mention for business travelers were a wireless router, a portable battery, a worldwide adapter and some noise-cancelling earphones.

A Buyers Guide for Travel Accessories

Until teleportation is invented, traveling long-haul by plane, train, boat, car or coach will be a drawn out and stressful affair if you’re not properly prepared with awesome travel accessories. Many travelers think of things they would really like to have in the moment of traveling- such as a headrest on a crowded plane or earphones on a noisy train- but the trick is to anticipate what you’re going need before you begin traveling. Once you know where you’re traveling to and have booked in advance, you should start looking online for the things that will make your journey a pleasurable one rather than a painstaking one.

Online shopping

You can browse Google for the specific items you want, but the trick is to find the item you want for the lowest possible price. Why pay twice as much for the same product? Online shopping sites such as Amazon.com and eBay.com are generally the staple of low-priced products that ship travel accessories internationally, and you’re sure to find a good bargain there. On sites such as these there is competition over pricing which is good news for you- if you know where to look.

Do you really need it?

When buying your travel accessories, think first if you really need them or if they’re just a cool item you’d like to own. The best travel accessories are the ones that are going to minimize stressful situations and allow you to feel calm and relaxed whatever is going on around you. The most expensive travel accessories can sometimes prove a disappointment and look far better online than they do in your hand. It may seem like a good idea to buy a large digital suitcase, but if you rarely travel then the technology will most likely be surpassed quickly as it gathers dust under your bed. The small and simple items often prove most useful, such as a GPS locator tag or a resourcefully large and spacious washbag that can hold all your items.

The fun element!

There are also the fun items which make your vacation that little bit more exciting. A good example is a waterproof phone case so you can take pictures underwater with your smartphone, or a GPS smartstick which tracks your every movement during the holiday so you can refer back to it later. The fun items can be for yourself, for the children or even for the whole family and you can all make special memories together, such as a scratch map of the world or magnetic puzzle games so the pieces don’t get lost when traveling.

Look around for the best deal

No matter where you’re going, always make sure that you buy your travel accessories from a recognized online or in-store dealer with good feedback and reviews. Genuine reviews can be a real eye-opener and show you things about the best travel accessories and products you hadn’t necessarily thought of before. Do your homework and get the best deal every time!