Helpful Travel Essentials for Your Next Trip
Travel has a funny way of reminding us that we’re not quite in charge. Flights run late, someone hogs the armrest like it’s a competitive sport, and the hotel pillow can feel like it’s stuffed with packing materials.
Over time, I’ve learned that a few helpful travel essentials can smooth out the rough edges and make the whole experience feel calmer. None of these are meant to reinvent your routine. They’re simply the little things that help me feel more at ease when I’m far from home. And it turns out that most, if not all, of these are currently on sale for Black Friday!
Luggage
AWAY Suitcase The Medium Flex
I’ve traveled with my Bigger Carry-On Flex for years and still reach for it first. For an upcoming trip, I finally ordered the Medium Flex in cherry red so I can actually spot it on the carousel without climbing over strangers. My assistant has this size and swears it holds more than you expect and glides quietly across every airport floor known to man. Everything on their website is currently 25% off!
If you’re a chronic “forgetter” like me, I also put together a list of the 12 items I used to leave behind. It’s a good pre-trip nudge.
Digital Luggage Scale
There’s nothing quite like realizing your suitcase is overweight as you’re hoisting it onto the scale. This tiny digital version saves me from that particular panic. Clip it on, lift, and hope for the best.
Apple Air Tags
These Apple AirTags have taken years off my travel stress. I slip one into my checked bag and another into my carry-on so I always know where they are, even when the airport feels like controlled chaos.
Travel Basics to Have
Sanitizing Toothbrush Case
I’m a bit persnickety about keeping my toothbrush clean, especially when I’m traveling. Hotel sinks and toiletry bags don’t always inspire confidence, so this rechargeable UV-C sanitizing case has become a quiet little lifesaver. It keeps my brush germ-free between uses, works with both manual and electric toothbrushes, and slips easily into any travel kit. Compact, rechargeable, and pleasantly low-maintenance.
Windproof Travel Umbrella
A tiny umbrella that doesn’t immediately flip inside out feels like a modern miracle. This travel umbrella has been tested to withstand 85 mph winds, opens and closes with a button, and fits in any tote.
Mini Travel Keychain Container
Mini Travel Keychain Container
This tiny waterproof case might not look exciting, but it’s one of those unglamorous but oddly helpful little things. Perfect for pills, earplugs, or jewelry when you don’t want anything loose in your bag.
Travel Jewelry Case
A small travel jewelry case is one of those things you don’t realize you need until you have it. This one keeps earrings from wandering and necklaces from becoming tiny metal tumbleweeds. I love to know all my jewelry is safe in one place, so I feel more organized. It’s also easy to pop into the hotel safe.
Airplane Phone Mount
If you’ve ever tried balancing your phone on a tray table while juggling a cup of tea, this genius gadget will feel like a revelation. It clips onto the seat in front of you for hands-free watching.
Universal Power Adapter
A power adapter is one of those essentials that’s easy to overlook when packing for international travel. This universal adapter covers more than 150 countries and has enough ports for every device we seem unable to leave home without.
FlyWell Vitamin Travel Tonic
Between jet lag, dry air, and questionable airplane food, travel can take a toll. These vitamin tonic sticks help restore hydration and balance, so you step off the plane feeling refreshed and ready to hit the ground running.
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Skin Care Set
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Skin Care Set
Dry cabin air meets its match.
This mini skincare set feels like such a treat in the middle of a long flight, and it’s one of those small luxuries you’ll really appreciate after hours on the plane. With a hydrating mask, mist, serum, and eye patches, it’ll have you looking more rested than you probably feel. Compact, TSA-friendly, and a thoughtful gift for any frequent flyers.
Hand Sanitizer Spray
This hand sanitizer spray is something I always keep close when I travel. I bought the lavender, but it comes in many scents. Between airports, airplanes, and unfamiliar stops along the way, it always feels good to have a quick, clean refresh. I love that this slim container is refillable and comes with extra product, so you can top it off whenever you are running low.
If you’re looking forward to an upcoming trip, you may also enjoy Travel Accessories to Bring on Your Next Trip.
For Hair & Beauty
Silicone Heat-Resistant Travel Mat
Silicone Heat-Resistant Travel Mat
Hotel bathrooms never have the right setup for hot tools. This heat-resistant silicone mat protects surfaces and doubles as a wrap, so you can pack up quickly without waiting for everything to cool completely.
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Flat Iron
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Flat Iron
This lightweight titanium flat iron heats quickly, glides smoothly, and works for every hair type, especially when humidity or hotel dryers try to ruin your morning.
Wavytalk Dual-Voltage Blowout Brush
Wavytalk Dual-Voltage Blowout Brush
If you like a polished blowout but don’t want to pack every tool you own, this thermal brush is a solid compromise. Dual voltage makes it easy for international trips.
Conair Compact Travel Hair Dryer
Conair Compact Travel Hair Dryer
Most hotels provide a dryer, but many are pretty lousy. If you need your own, this Conair folds and packs easily and works well.
Makeup Bag
Makeup/Toiletry Bag with Hanging Hook
A compact toiletry bag that hangs is one of those small travel luxuries I never appreciated until I used one. Hotel bathrooms rarely have enough counter space, and this keeps everything visible and off the sink. The clear compartments make it easy to spot what you need without rummaging, and it holds far more than you’d expect while still packing down neatly.
If you like staying organized on the road, you may enjoy reading What to Pack: Travel Beauty Tips for Women Over 50
For Clothes
Conair Mini Garment Steamer
Wrinkles happen, especially when you’ve been living out of a suitcase. This small steamer heats quickly and works either standing or laying flat.
If you’re traveling this winter, you may also enjoy Dressing Tips for Winter Travel, and for more guidance on fashion for travel, check out Supportive Travel Shoes That Aren’t Frumpy or Fussy.
Travel will always throw a few surprises our way, but having a handful of reliable essentials makes the bumps feel a little less dramatic. These are the things that help me stay comfortable, organized, and only mildly bewildered when I’m far from home.
What do you always pack to keep your travels running smoothly… or at least prevent you from losing your patience at the baggage carousel?
I have a hanging makeup bag and lovebit! The medium red luggage is calling my name!
Jennifer, I really enjoy your posts! The Wavytalk Blowout Brush you’ve mentioned looks very interesting! I’m at a loss these days with my hair as it is fine, straight and now thinner. Do you use this very brush? Our hair styles are similar; my hair is just a bit shorter.
Thanks for the great travel tips. Now to plan a trip!
I don’t, I have an older version
All good ideas…But I do not understand why you would pick Away luggage over Monos…..Monos gets the best reviews in all the Travel publications, travel guides, etc. And for Black Friday they have a really good Sale right now
I have a monos too, but it’s smaller. I have the one with the side compartment for my laptop. My laptop actually got smashed in that compartment so I tried an Away, and never looked back. I agree they roll beautifully.
Great ideas Jennifer! My sister and I did the Fly Well regimen for jet lag when we traveled to Japan last year. I highly recommend it, I felt like it worked well both going there and arriving home. Definitely going to look into a few of your suggestions.
At 79 I’m no longer an adventurous traveler but I do enjoy spending a week at a spa every year. We dress for dinner so I need a variety of mix and match outfits. There are never more than 5 coat hangers in our room and I used to drape clothes over furniture to let wrinkles relax. Then I discovered folding hangers and they make it so much easier. My best travel find in a long time.
They sound great!
You really hit the nail on the head!
So many helpful ideas for traveling. I really like the Cuyana tote. The red is really pretty.
Jennifer! EVERY morning I can’t wait to open your post & read it! Forget the wonderful ideas for fashion & lifestyle. Your sense of humour & clever writing style brings smiles to my face! It’s like reading a personal story!
Thank you for bringing some giggles & fun into my life EVERY day!!!
Hugs
Nancy from Brentwood Bay
Thanks for reading and being a great part of our community!