After more than 5 years of traveling with a backpack, I’ve learned that you don’t need much to travel comfortably. In fact, the longer I travel, the more I appreciate packing light.
But there are a few things that make a surprisingly big difference. From getting a decent night’s sleep in a noisy hostel to finding somewhere to hang your wet clothes, the right travel accessories can make life on the road a whole lot easier.
I’ve tried quite a few things over the years, some great and some that turned out to be a waste of money. The recommendations below are based on my own travel experience and products I’ve genuinely found useful. There are no affiliate links here, just things I think are worth considering.
Whether you’re planning a two-week holiday, backpacking around Southeast Asia or working remotely from different countries, here are 12 of the best travel accessories I’d recommend bringing along.
1. Packing cubes
Packing cubes are probably one of the best travel accessories you can buy. I honestly can’t imagine traveling without them anymore.
They make it much easier to organize your backpack or suitcase, keep different types of clothing separate and avoid having to unpack everything just to find one T-shirt.
I’m personally a big fan of Pastael packing cubes. They look good, but more importantly, are super sturdy and durable.
I used to have a cheap set from Amazon, but the quality wasn’t great and they broke pretty quickly. I eventually bought a set from Pastael, whose business I wanted to support. Maddie, the founder, promised they were sturdy and high quality, and so far, they’ve definitely lived up to that. They’re still in great shape, and I haven’t had any issues with them.
My tip: Don’t just buy the cheapest set you can find. Look for durable zippers and fabric that can handle being squeezed into a backpack repeatedly. A few good-quality cubes are better than a whole set that falls apart after a couple of trips.
Source: https://pin.it/5xiTBgzp7
2. Mouldable wax earplugs
If you’re a light sleeper, do yourself a favour and get some mouldable wax earplugs. I’ve tried regular foam earplugs before, but they never really worked for me. Then I tried wax earplugs for the first time, and it was honestly mindblowing. It was literally quiet.
I use Mack’s, which I discovered in a store, and I’ve been very happy with them ever since. They’re particularly useful when traveling around Southeast Asia, where things can get pretty loud. Think barking dogs, traffic, early-morning construction, noisy neighbours and the occasional karaoke session.
There is a little learning curve when it comes to fitting wax earplugs properly. It might take a few attempts to get the hang of it, but once you crack the code, you probably won’t go back.
My tip: Follow the product instructions when fitting them. Unlike foam earplugs, mouldable wax ones sit over the entrance of your ear canal rather than being pushed inside it.
3. A comfortable sleep mask
A good sleep mask is another small thing that can make a big difference when traveling. I mostly use mine on planes and in hotel rooms, but it’s also handy when staying somewhere that doesn’t have proper blackout curtains. And let’s be honest, not every accommodation has the best sleeping conditions.
I personally prefer silk sleep masks because they feel soft against the skin. I’d also pay attention to the strap. It should be relaxed enough to stay in place without feeling like it’s squeezing your head.
There’s also a psychological aspect to it: putting on a sleep mask has become part of my bedtime routine. Even when the room isn’t particularly bright, wearing one helps me switch off and get ready to sleep.
My tip: Look for a mask that blocks out light around the nose as well as around the eyes.
Source: https://pin.it/3aGt1gpp4
4. A travel laundry line
This one might not be the most exciting travel accessory, but it’s incredibly practical, especially if you’re a long-term traveler. I’ve been traveling with a backpack for more than five years, which means I don’t carry many clothes and end up doing laundry quite often.
The problem? Hotel rooms and Airbnbs don’t always have a good place to hang wet clothes. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve ended up with socks, T-shirts and underwear covering practically every available surface in a room. Lol.
A compact travel laundry line solves that problem. The ones with hooks at both ends are particularly useful because you can attach them to all sorts of things without needing a dedicated clothesline. I have the Coghlan’s Bungee Clothesline, and it’s been a lifesaver on the road.
My tip: Get one that’s lightweight, compact and easy to attach. It’s especially useful if you wash clothes by hand or stay in accommodation without a washing machine or drying rack.
5. A lightweight reusable water bottle
A reusable water bottle is one of those things I carry pretty much everywhere. Staying hydrated is important, especially when you’re walking around a new city all day, hiking or spending time somewhere hot. Having a bottle with you makes it much easier to remember to drink water instead of constantly buying plastic bottles. It’s also a simple way to reduce plastic waste while traveling.
For me, the most important thing is that the bottle is lightweight. When you’re carrying everything on your back, even small differences in weight add up. I don’t need anything particularly fancy, just something durable, easy to clean and convenient to carry.
My tip: Think about how you’ll use it. A bottle with a wide opening is easier to clean and refill, while one with a leakproof lid is useful when keeping it inside your backpack. Remember to check whether you can refill it safely at your destination.
6. A universal travel adapter
If you travel internationally, a universal travel adapter is one of the most useful things to have. Different countries use different plug types, and there’s nothing more annoying than arriving at your accommodation with a nearly empty phone battery and realizing your charger doesn’t fit the socket.
A universal adapter lets you use your electronics in different countries without carrying several separate plug adapters. Some models also include USB-A or USB-C ports, which can be handy if you need to charge multiple devices.
My tip: Check that the adapter supports the plug types used in the countries you’re visiting. Also, remember that a plug adapter doesn’t automatically convert voltage. Check your devices’ voltage compatibility before plugging them in.
7. A reliable power bank
A power bank is one of those accessories you don’t think about much until you really need it.
Your phone is probably doing a lot of work while traveling. You’re using it for maps, translation, bookings, photos, communication and looking up places to eat. Naturally, the battery can disappear pretty quickly.
A power bank gives you some extra peace of mind, especially when you’re out exploring all day, taking long bus journeys or spending time somewhere without easy access to a power outlet.
I’d prioritize reliability and a reasonable size over buying the biggest one available. You want something that gives you enough extra battery without adding unnecessary weight to your bag.
My tip: Check the capacity, charging speed and weight before buying. If you fly regularly, check your airline’s current rules for carrying power banks. They generally need to travel in your carry-on rather than checked luggage, but restrictions can vary.
Source: https://pin.it/1O268lOtW
8. A quick-dry travel towel
A quick-dry towel is particularly useful if you’re backpacking, staying in hostels or moving between destinations frequently. Not every accommodation provides towels, and even when they do, you might want your own for the beach, swimming or spontaneous outdoor adventures.
Regular towels can take ages to dry and take up quite a bit of space in your backpack. Travel towels are designed to be more compact and dry faster. They’re not always as soft or comfortable as the towel you have at home, but that’s a trade-off I’m happy to make when traveling.
My tip: Don’t automatically go for the largest size. Think about what you’ll actually use it for. A smaller towel might be enough for a hostel shower, while a larger one is more practical for the beach.
Source: https://pin.it/53SJXY74n
9. A packable daypack
If you’re traveling with a backpack or suitcase, a small packable daypack is worth bringing.
You probably don’t want to carry your main travel bag every time you leave your accommodation. A lightweight daypack gives you somewhere to keep your water bottle, snacks, camera, sunscreen and other essentials while exploring. It’s also useful for day trips, short hikes and beach days.
I’d look for something that folds down small enough to fit inside your main bag but is still comfortable to carry when you need it.
My tip: Pay attention to the straps and material. Some ultra-light packable bags are convenient but uncomfortable when carrying anything heavier than a few essentials.
10. A compact toiletry bag
A toiletry bag might not sound particularly exciting, but having one that works well makes packing and unpacking much easier.
Instead of having shampoo, toothpaste, skincare and other bits scattered around your backpack, you can keep everything together in one place.
I’d look for something lightweight, easy to clean and with enough compartments to keep smaller items organized. A hanging toiletry bag can also be useful in bathrooms where there’s not much counter space.
If you’re traveling with liquids, remember that airport security rules can restrict the size and quantity of liquids in your carry-on. Check the current rules for your departure airport and airline.
My tip: Keep it simple. You don’t need a massive toiletry bag with dozens of compartments if you’re trying to travel light. Bring what you actually use.
Source: https://pin.it/49aSCoSVE
11. Noise-cancelling headphones
If you travel frequently, a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones can be worth the investment. Planes, trains, buses and busy cafés aren’t exactly peaceful places. Noise-cancelling headphones help make long journeys more comfortable and can also be useful when you’re trying to concentrate while working remotely.
I particularly like the idea of having them for long-haul flights or when working from cafés and coworking spaces. Of course, they take up more room than a small pair of earbuds, so whether they’re worth packing depends on how much you use them.
My tip: Comfort matters just as much as sound quality. If you’re planning to wear them for several hours at a time, make sure they don’t feel too heavy or tight. Also, remember to keep your surroundings in mind when walking around or crossing roads.
12. A foldable laptop stand
If you’re a digital nomad, this one deserves a place on your packing list.
Working from different places sounds great in theory, but not every desk, café or Airbnb is designed for working comfortably. Sometimes you’re stuck with a low table, an awkward chair or a laptop positioned far too low.
A foldable laptop stand can help raise your screen to a more comfortable height and make your temporary workspace feel a little more functional.
It’s especially useful if you spend several hours a day working on your laptop.
My tip: Look for something lightweight, stable and easy to fold away. You don’t need a huge desk setup when you’re traveling, but a small improvement to your working position can make a difference.
Source: https://pin.it/3eH3hLz42
13. Wentfar – your digital travel companion
Not all useful travel accessories have to fit inside your backpack. Some of the best tools for making travel easier are the apps you use along the way.
When you’re traveling for weeks or months, keeping everything organized can get surprisingly messy. Your photos are scattered across different albums, expenses are in random notes, and sharing your experiences with friends and family back home often means jumping between several apps.
That’s one of the reasons I built Wentfar.
Wentfar helps you:
- document your travels
- organize your travel memories
- share your adventures with people back home.
- track costs, and much more
Instead of having everything scattered across different platforms, you can bring more of your travel experience together in one place.
Whether you’re backpacking through Southeast Asia, exploring Europe or working remotely from different countries, Wentfar helps you keep track of the journey.
Your travels deserve more than a random collection of camera roll photos.
Get Wentfar today: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sokkio.wentfar&hl=en
How to choose the best travel accessories
Before buying every travel gadget you see online, here’s something I’ve learned after years on the road: more stuff doesn’t necessarily mean a better travel experience.
It’s tempting to buy all sorts of clever accessories before a big trip. But some things end up sitting at the bottom of your backpack for months without ever being used.
A few things I’d keep in mind:
- Prioritize weight and size. If you’re backpacking or traveling long-term, every extra item takes up space and adds weight.
- Think about your travel style. A digital nomad working remotely has different needs from someone going on a beach holiday.
- Invest in things you’ll use regularly. A good pair of earplugs or reliable packing cubes can be more useful than a fancy gadget you’ll only use once.
- Don’t buy everything before you leave. You can often pick up basic travel essentials along the way. Try to avoid overpacking just because you think you might need something.
- Choose quality where it matters. Some accessories are worth spending a little more on, particularly things you use every day.
Final thoughts: What are the best travel accessories?
The best travel accessories aren’t necessarily the most expensive or innovative ones. They’re the things that solve small, everyday problems and make your time on the road more comfortable.
For me, packing cubes, wax earplugs, a sleep mask and a travel laundry line are some of the things I wouldn’t want to travel without. They’re not particularly glamorous, but they’ve made a real difference over the years.
My biggest advice? Start with the basics, figure out what makes your own travels easier and add things as you go. You don’t need to buy an entire travel accessories checklist before your next trip.
And if you’re looking for a way to keep your travel memories and adventures organized, give Wentfar a try.