There are many benefits to traveling, whether it’s seeing beautiful sites, learning about new cultures or spending time with friends and family. However, traveling isn’t always smooth sailing. Airport delays, lost luggage, jet lag or language barriers can add layers of stress that make you never want to leave home again.
At NBC Select, we’ve rounded up some of the best travel accessories that can help ease your stress and give you peace of mind before your next trip.
SKIP AHEAD Best travel products as seen on NBC News Now | Best tech accessories | Best storage and organizers | Best accessories for comfort | Best beauty and wellness accessories | How to choose the best travel products | Why trust NBC Select?
NBC Select editorial coordinator Rebecca Rodriguez says the AirFly, which plugs into the in-flight entertainment’s audio jack and connects to earbuds via Bluetooth, has become a travel essential. “I can never use my Apple Airpods Max on airplanes because they don’t come with an auxiliary cable. My AirFly seamlessly pairs with my Airpods with the touch of a button, then recognizes them whenever I use it next. I used it on six, three- to four-hour flights before needing to recharge it, so it has great battery life.”
This collapsible water bottle frees you from lugging around a heavy metal bottle when you’re trying to pack light. “This bottle collapses down super flat,” says managing editor Leah Ginsberg. “And I was surprised by how easy it is to carry when filled, as well as its stability, because it looks a little awkward.” It fits in a car cup holder, says Ginsberg and held up in the dishwasher. “It’s especially good for a trip where you have to go through TSA or where you’ll be doing a lot of hiking,” she says.
This Bluetooth tracker is a good alternative to Apple’s AirTag, especially for anyone who does not use an iPhone. Within 400 feet of the tracker, you can ping it to make noise and use the Tile app to help find its precise location. Outside that distance, the Tile Network can help you find your tag. It has a replaceable coin-shaped battery inside and is water and dust-resistant.
Marina Radlinski, home organizing expert and owner of Palm Beach Organized, recommends this Basgmart seven-piece packing cube set with different-sized cubes. “Think about the space you need for underwear and socks versus the space you need for sweaters,” she says. They’re made of nylon and mesh, allowing you to see your clothing options inside.
If you’re taking a long flight and want to aid your circulation, the Bombas compression socks are a great pick. “I loved how easy these are to put on, and the material feels amazing, not as tight as some other brands,” says senior photo editor, Becca Delman. “As an avid compression sock user, I wore these on a recent flight to Orlando and my legs actually felt great. They didn’t swell and I didn’t feel numb from sitting. After a wash, the material help up, too.”
We spoke to travel experts, who have collectively explored more than 200 countries via various transportation modes, and asked them what products are most important to have on hand. When packing, our experts recommend keeping the following in mind:
We rounded up a variety of products no traveler should leave home without, along with some accessories that Select staffers love. We’ve also included some highly rated travel products that align with expert guidance.
4.7-star average rating from 3,709 reviews on Amazon
Lost luggage can be a nightmare. The Apple AirTag can help you find and/or keep track of your items by syncing it with your smart devices. If your tagged items (like luggage or skis) go missing, you can set your AirTag into “lost mode,” which will automatically notify you when it’s detected back in your network.
4.4-star average rating from 6,866 reviews on Amazon
This 3-in-1 wireless charger for MagSafe Apple devices is foldable and just 4.5 ounces, so you can just throw it in your bag or purse when traveling. It takes less than three hours to fully charge and also works as a phone stand that you can angle horizontally or vertically for FaceTime calls or movies on the go.
4.4-star average rating from 11,546 reviews on Amazon
Select staffers Shari Uyehara and Harry Rabinowitz both love Anker portable power banks for their versatility and charging capacity. At 7.5 ounces, the PowerCore Slim 10000 is the company’s slimmest version yet, making it perfect for travel.
4.5-star average rating from 19,864 reviews on Amazon
This phone holder clips onto your plane’s tray table so you can go hands-free while watching movies, sports or any other media you’ve downloaded. It has a 360-degree rotation to offer different viewing angles (including vertically and horizontally), plus it’s compatible with multiple phone sizes, according to the brand.
4.7-star average rating from 15,064 reviews on Amazon
Another favorite of Rabinowitz is this Epicka Universal Travel Adapter. According to the brand, it works in more than 150 countries and has four USB ports, one USB-C slot and a socket to charge six devices simultaneously at high speed. It’s also compatible with all USB devices. Keep in mind that this is not a voltage converter and that your devices must have dual or variable-voltage capabilities to use it.
4.6-star average rating from 70,549 reviews on Amazon
This silicone case, which comes in a two pack, provides protection for your AirPods while on the go. It has an LED light to indicate when it’s charging, and each case comes with a carabiner so you can clip your devices to a backpack or carry-on with ease. They’re available in an assortment of colors, including earthy, pastel and neon hues.
4.6-star average rating from 1,413 reviews on Amazon
These foldable wireless Bluetooth headphones have up to 40 hours of battery life and are compatible with iOS and Android devices. According to Beats, five minutes of charging gives you three hours of playback. They are adjustable, with cushioned ear cups for added comfort. The Beats Solo3 comes in four colors, including black, rose gold, silver and red.
4.7-star average rating from 61,043 reviews on Amazon
Depending on your luggage, carrying a ton of books may not be ideal. If you like to read while on the go, this Kindle Paperwhite will give you access to lots of books without weighing you down. It is one of the best e-readers thanks to its glare-free screen that makes reading in the park or at the beach easy. You can also pair this device with Bluetooth earbuds and listen to audiobooks with an Audible subscription. The battery lasts up to 10 weeks on a single charge too, according to the brand.
4.7-star rating from 14,043 reviews on Amazon
These TSA compatible travel locks are durable, easy to carry and work with nearly every type of luggage, according to the brand. It’s good for those staying in shared accommodations, like hostels, or anyone in need of extra luggage security. NBC Page Hannah Fuechtman uses them while backpacking and staying at hostels around Europe, and she highly recommends these for the peace of mind they bring.
4.6-star average rating from 124,532 reviews on Amazon
Bring music wherever your travels take you with one of the best bluetooth speakers. Select updates editor Mili Godio enjoys its portability and sound quality. “I’ve brought it to outdoor picnics and parties, and the music is always audible and crisp even when there’s other competing noises,” she says. It’s built to boost low-end frequencies (bass) and deliver little to no distortion at all volumes and it is also water-resistant, according to the brand. This speaker has physical touch controls up top to help you play/pause your music.
4.5-star average rating from 24,811 reviews on Amazon
This compact organizer has two layers of storage space to hold all your devices and chargers in one place. At just 3.2 ounces, the waterproof case is compact and lightweight,giving you easy access to cords, cables and more.
4.7-star average rating from 10,488 reviews on Amazon
This five-piece travel organizer includes one small, two medium and two large packing cubes to compartmentalize items and streamline your packing. Each cube is made of nylon and has two-way zippers for fast opening and closing so you can easily unpack when you arrive at your destination, according to the brand.
4.8-star average rating from 56,535 reviews on Amazon
I love my Bagsmart travel bag because it securely holds all my toiletries in one place. When I get to my hotel, I just hang it on the bathroom door hook, which keeps the countertop open and free for other items. This bag has four separate compartments with elastic straps that hold my bottles upright, and transparent sides so I can easily see all my contents. It’s also well padded and protects everything inside when I’m on the go.
4.6-star average rating from 6,132 reviews on Amazon
Select associate updates editor Zoe Malin says these reusable silicone Stasher Bags are her “go-to eco-friendly storage product.” “I have food allergies, so I always pack snacks to take with me on flights in these reusable bags. They’re also great for organizing toiletries. I’m obsessed with the small ones for packing pills, vitamins and medications.” These come in over 20 colors and are microwave-, freezer- and dishwasher-safe.
4.5-star average rating from 12,675 reviews on Amazon
These leakproof travel bottles are TSA-approved and designed to hold 3 ounces of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion and more for your carry-on. They are also made of BPA-free food-grade silicone so they are safe for other liquids like sauce, salad dressing and even baby food, as detailed on the brand’s website. Sold as a four-pack with a choice of colors, each bottle has a no-drip valve and wide opening for easy filling, according to the brand.
4.3-star average rating from 8,039 reviews on Amazon
Many perfumes and colognes come in bottles too big for a carry-on luggage, but with these travel perfume containers you’re able to bring your favorite scent on the go. The bottles are made from a leak-proof aluminum, according to the brand, and are easy to fill and refill.
4.5-star average rating from 41,921 reviews on Amazon
Susan Henkel, founder of Ola Travel & Tours, always carries a sling bag when traveling. “I don’t like a heavy bag,” she says. “I like to be nimble and not have anything heavy on my shoulder or neck.” According to Henkel, her ideal bag must have a padded strap, lots of pockets, fit close to her body and withstand rain. She recommended this nylon crossbody from Waterfly, which comes in 17 colors and has an adjustable, reversible shoulder strap, loads of pockets (including two mesh side pockets) and a hidden earphone hole.
4.7-star average rating from 12,014 reviews on Amazon
Luggage tags make it easy to spot your suitcase coming off the bag carousel and also help ensure that it makes its way back to you if it gets lost. These eco-friendly faux leather tags come in a set of two and have a double-sided printing card and privacy flap, as well as an adjustable stainless-steel buckle. They are available in 32 bold colors, including Rose Red, Light Blue, Hot Orange and Blooming Green.
4.6-star average rating from 86 reviews on Amazon
This weekender bag has a zippered pocket on the front and back and a slot so you can slide it onto any suitcase’s pop-up handle. It weighs 3.3 pounds and is made of polyurethane leather with a nylon interior. It also has a padded adjustable shoulder strap and a shoe compartment to keep your dirty shoes or clothes separate from the main compartment. It comes in nine color combinations, including some canvas options.
4.6-star average rating from 9,545 reviews on Amazon
This men’s Dopp kit measures 10 by 5 by 5.5 inches and is made of canvas with a polyurethane leather bottom. Its main compartment is roomy enough to fit a facial cleanser, electric shaver, travel shampoo and other toiletries, according to the brand, and it has four additional mesh pockets on the inside, and one outside zipper pocket.
4.7-star average rating from over 6,928 reviews on Amazon
At 65 inches long and 40 inches wide, this microfleece blanket has a carrying case that also doubles as a pillow, along with a sleeve at the back so you can slip it into your suitcase’s pop-up handle, according to the brand. You can also attach it directly to your carry-on with the included carabiner. It comes in six colors, including gray, teal, burgundy and black.
4.2-star average rating from 30,429 reviews on Amazon
This ergonomic neck pillow provides double support with its overlapping arms that you can adjust several ways, according to the brand: If you’re a side sleeper, you can fold the pillow in half, place it on your shoulder and lean your head to the side; if sleeping upright, the double arms can hold your chin up for extra support. The shell is made of a mix of microsuede and microfleece and is filled with a down alternative, as detailed on the brand’s website. It comes in several colors, including navy, leopard and black.
4.5-star average rating from 64,409 reviews on Amazon
When Select managing editor Leah Ginsberg travels, she always brings a structured sleep mask — like this Lky Digital option — to block out light. Designed with 3D-contouring and comfort in mind, this mask lets you blink freely without adding pressure to your eyes, according to the brand. It’s washable, made of a breathable soft foam and has an adjustable strap to accommodate different head sizes too, as detailed on the brand’s website. It comes in a pack of three with multiple color options.
4.3-star average rating from 4,870 reviews on Amazon
Airplane foot rests can help relieve pressure on your lower back and increase blood circulation, says Satchell. “There is limited space on the plane, which means [you can have] muscle and joint problems because we sit for hours without moving.” This inflatable foot rest adjusts to three different heights and weighs 12.8 ounces, making it easy to carry. When compressed, it’s 7 inches by 4.2 inches and fits into a drawstring bag.
4.4-star average rating from 22,480 reviews
Former NBC Select editor Christina Colizza always brings this travel fan with her on warm-weather trips. “It’s compact and has an easy-to-use foldable design that sits flat in your suitcase. It only has two speeds, but they’re mighty,” she says. “This little powerhouse got me through an Airbnb stay in Portugal during a heatwave and wildfires and my friend’s woodsy Maine wedding where I slept in a cabin with no electricity or running water.” This fan is five inches tall, has a built-in handle and comes in four colors.
4.2-star average rating from 14,886 reviews on Amazon
“Foldable travel flats are a must,” says Ginsberg. These are made of polyurethane leather with a rubber sole and come in 36 colors with its own drawstring bag so you can easily stash them in your purse. “No one wants sore, blistered feet,” says Henkel.
4.3-star average rating from 7,517 reviews on Amazon
Colizza swears by this memory foam travel pillow that attaches to the plane’s headrest to prevent slouching. “I owned several cheap travel pillows before finding this option from Cabeau. As someone who is 5’10, I’ll take all the help I can in getting to sleep while flying, and this pillow has made a huge difference. Plus, it compresses down into a small pouch, which makes it convenient enough to schlep around airports.”
4.3-star average rating from 1,289 reviews on Amazon
Ginsberg also brings along a lumbar pillow, especially on long flights, for added back support. This self-inflating pillow is made of memory foam so it fits your body’s curve and reduces pressure along the spine, according to the brand. You can store it in its own bag and use it as a neck pillow too.
4.6-star average rating from 7,646 reviews on Amazon
When traveling internationally, you have to carry multiple important documents like a passport, visa, proof of vaccination and more. Keep them all together and safe with this passport holder, a product Fuechtman can’t leave for a trip without. Not only is there a slot for your passport, but there’s also room for cards, cash, boarding passes and more. It also comes in 24 colors and patterns like purple, sage green, orange, floral and more.
4.5-star average rating from 73,951 reviews on Amazon
These are registered with the FDA and come highly recommended by experts in our guide to the best KN95 masks. They have an adjustable nose bridge and are available in nine colors. “I love that they come in multipacks so I can stash a ton in my bag,” says Malin. According to the company, these five-ply masks filter out 95% of particles and have 25 per pack.
4.8-star average rating from 2,106 reviews on Amazon
Satchell recommends bringing along a reusable water bottle to fight off dehydration. Listed in our guide to the best water bottles of 2023, the Hydro Flask comes in four sizes — 20 ounces, 32 ounces, 40 ounces and 64 ounces — and is made with a double-walled vacuum insulation, which keeps beverages cold for up to 24 hours, and hot drinks warm for up to 12 hours, according to the brand. It comes in 16 colors and has a flexible strap that makes it easy to carry too.
4.7-star average rating from 26,381 reviews on Amazon
Ginsberg loves this lip balm from Select-reader favorite brand Laneige for sealing in moisture on her lips when she flies. “The shape is streamlined and less messy [for travel], but feels and works as amazing as the Laneige sleep mask,” she says.
4.5-star average rating from 16,278 reviews on Amazon
Dry shampoo can provide an instant pick-me-up after a long flight. This talc-free one from Amika absorbs oil and refreshes hair with natural rice starch, leaving no white residue, according to the brand. Its main ingredient is a superfruit that contains the fatty-acid omega 7, which promotes elasticity and provides superior hydration, according to Amika.
4.7-star average rating from 15,032 reviews on Amazon
“The air on the plane will literally suck you dry,” says Satchell. This intense hydrating cream comes recommended by dermatologists in our guide to the best face moisturizers for dry skin. It works for all ages and skin types and you can use it on both your face and body, according to Cetaphil.
4.4-star average rating from 43,716 reviews on Amazon
This manicure kit weighs around 9 ounces and contains 18 tools including nail clippers, eyebrow tweezers and scissors, a blackhead acne remover, a callus remover and a cuticle trimmer. Each item is made of professional-grade stainless steel, according to the brand, and the case is made of polyurethane leather that zippers shut.
4.5-star average rating from 81,174 reviews on Amazon
According to podiatrist Dr. Khurram Khan, if you don’t get up and walk around every 60 to 90 minutes, fluid can start to build up in your legs. Since that’s not always possible on a plane, our experts recommend trying compression socks. These Physix Gear socks promote circulation by gently applying pressure to your legs, feet and ankles, according to the brand. They are made from nylon and spandex and come in S/M and L-XXL sizes.
4.4-star average rating from 148 reviews on Amazon
Malin says she always brings her Bala Bangles with her to do mini workouts in her hotel room. These wearable weights strap around your wrist or ankles with Velcro and are designed to add extra weight to any workout, according to the brand. They come in eight different colors, and you can opt for a set of 1-lb or 2-lb weights. Bala also uploads videos of fitness routines on its website.
4.8-star average rating from 205 reviews on Amazon
Satchell also recommends applying a facial sheet mask to hydrate on the plane. This one from Patchology was recommended in our guide to dermatologist-approved skin-care routines and includes moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5. It’s designed to nourish and replenish dry or dehydrated skin after just 5 minutes, according to Patchology.
4-star average rating from 4,898 reviews on Amazon
Listen to your podcasts and music in peace — these noise-canceling earbuds, a Select Giftable Tech Award winner, amplify just what you want to hear, according to Sony. Touch control pause, play, skip tracks, control volume, activate your voice assistant and answer phone calls, and the earbuds have up to six hours of battery life (20 hours with the charging case), says the brand. They’re also water-resistant enough to handle sweat and splashes and they come with ear tips in multiple sizes for a snug fit.
4.1-star average rating from 1,446 reviews on Amazon
Traveling to a noisy city? Not sure if your hotel room will have paper thin walls? These silicone, washable earbuds are a Select Wellness Award winner and reduce noise by 27 decibels to help you sleep, focus and protect your ears. They come with different sized ear tips to fit your ears and a carrying case for travel.
4.6-star average rating from 17,512 reviews on Amazon
Hand cream is something Fuechtman always has in her carry-on bag, and highly recommends this one from L’Occitane. It comes in a 30ml tube, making it TSA friendly, and is also made with shea butter, which keeps the hands smooth and soft, according to the brand.
Satchell recommends swapping large containers for reusable TSA-approved ones if using a carry-on bag. She also suggests carrying ginger gummies in case of nausea. Here are some other important things to remember when shopping for the best travel products, according to our experts.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Barbara Booth is a former NBC Select editor who has written a number of guides on bestselling and highly rated products you can buy on Amazon that simplify your life, including bestselling kitchen gadgets and car accessories. For this piece, Barbara interviewed three experts and researched dozens of top-rated travel products on Amazon. We also included some Select staff favorites, along with those that are highly recommended by our experts.
CORRECTION (March 29, 2023, 11:05a.m. ET): An earlier version of this article misstated that Leah Ginsberg has used the Lky Digital Sleep Mask. She has not, but has used a similar style to the one included.
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