Ah, the joys of traveling. Is there anything better than listening to your friends snore while you count the miles to the next gas station with a functional bathroom? Or just even being in an airport?
The good news is that the right travel accessories can make your next trip a little less horrific. The bad news? You’re going to want to buy all of them. We’re talking about stuff like…
1. Bose Noise-Canceling Headphones
If you’re looking for some peace and quiet as you travel, you’d better bring it with you. While these Bose headphones are a little pricey, the sound quality is incredible, and they effectively cut out the noise of the road, the airplane, and even the interstate bus. If only they could block out smells…
Everything is better when it’s cubed, you know? These make packing easier and let you keep clothes and other items separate—quite useful when you’re on the fifth day of your vacation and you don’t want your dirty stuff contaminating the rest of your luggage.
3. Travel Adapter/Voltage Converter
It’s great for traveling out of the country, but it’s also an excellent choice when you’re staying at a hotel with limited outlets. The various USB outputs ensure that your devices charge as quickly as possible.
If you’re sleeping in a vehicle (airplane, car, train, it doesn’t matter) you’re going to be a little uncomfortable. Minimize discomfort with this smart neck pillow. It keeps your neck mostly straight, so you won’t wake up with uncomfortable cramps.
Our top three travel fears are crazy psychopaths, hotels with no hot water, and “low battery” indicators. We can’t do much about the first two, but this little guy takes care of the last one. The high-capacity battery should provide most phones with three charges, and it’s small enough to keep in your pocket.
6. RFID Blocking Travel Organizer
This chic wallet protects your payment cards from would-be thieves, and it contains large compartments for passports, plane tickets, and other essentials. We also dig the vintage look of the eco-friendly polyurethane leather.
During your vacation, you’re going to have to deal with the occasional stain. Stop those coffee drips and fast-food oil stains from ruining your day with these easy-to-carry stain remover pens.
Sure, you could use the hotel’s iron, but it looks like it should have been outlawed in 1975 or so. Avoid wrinkles without spending hours on the ironing board—this little steamer gets the job done, and it’s small enough to pack with the rest of your luggage.
9. Portable Digital Luggage Scale
The airlines will charge extra for heavy bags (bad news for traveling weightlifters). Avoid having to unpack and repack your bags by using this inexpensive luggage scale. It’s accurate, and the digital readout makes it easy to use.
10. Rosebud Salve
Wherever you’re traveling, you’re probably going to encounter some dry air on your way. Stop your lips from drying out with this versatile salve. It’s remarkably affordable, and you can use it for elbows, knees, and any other skin that tends to get uncomfortably dry.
11. Caudalie Grape Water Misting Spray
Airplane air is notoriously dry (unless something goes horribly, horribly wrong, in which case you should stop reading this and grab your flotation pillow). This organic misting spray refreshes your skin, preventing irritation and dryness.
Airliners have unpredictable temperatures, and while your plane might have one of those strange little air conditioner knobs, that’s not too helpful when you’re freezing. This travel wrap can be used as a scarf, shawl, or wrap, and while they’re a little pricey, they’re worth the splurge.
If you’re checking bags, these are a must. They let you quickly identify your luggage from a distance, and you can include contact information in case your stuff ends up several thousand miles away from your intended destination.
Get them at The Container Store.
14. Samsonite Omni PC 3 Piece Spinner Luggage Set
Worried about cramming your luggage into the trunk? This luggage set is incredibly durable, yet lightweight, and the spinner wheels make airport travel (slightly) easier. Everyone needs quality luggage, and this set certainly fits the bill.