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?
Just had to comment that you must have been a child bride…..58th Anniversary!
That’s amazing.
Typo…just 48th 🙂
I love the makeup bag that hangs on the door. I bought one a few years ago and hang it on my own bathroom door. I took it for a months vacation for my granddaughters wedding this year. It really holds a lot. I even put jewelry in mine in snack baggies…because there’s never enough jewelry. I also use one of those and it holds all my watercolor paraphernalia.
The Paul Green Hiker Boots are really attractive. Might be a little hard to take on and off on the plane for trips to the lavatory. Do you have a favorite pair of slip-ons for that? We leave for Barcelona and Viking cruise early December so I’m reading back through all your travel suggestions. Thanks!
This was a driving trip to SF. For flying, I like comfortable, slip on sneakers. I also have some Rothy slip ons that are super comfy.
Hi Jennifer-
Congratulations on your anniversary trip. My husband and I went to Bali 2 years ago during our Fall season. We enjoyed the people, food and scenery. It was very hot and we went thru clothes quickly. I was thankful that a few extra clothes were packed. Enjoy!
Thanks for the heads up about the weather
Great tips! I have that same makeup bag and LOVE it. It holds everything and is so organized. I also recommend a travel makeup mirror because you can never be sure of the mirror or light in a room.
Air Tags, yes! But no to a hair dryer or steamer when you’re only taking a 21” carry on and a tote bag. Every inch and oz in my bag is critical! We travel twice a year abroad for 4-6 weeks and travel light (so I can shop and buy stuff while abroad LOL!).
My go to is my cleaning kit (a small packing cube with two folding plastic hangers, a travel clothesline, powdered lingerie wash and liquid Tide packets, and a small piece of Magic Eraser to clean my leather sneaks). I’d be lost without it!
And lots of ziplock bags incl a 2 gallon size to hold everything under the sun or serve as a washing bag when the sink stopper won’t work.
Now I’m intrigued to hear more about your anniversary trip!
Jennifer! You are not old enough to have been married 58 years. Did you mean 48 years? Enjoy the heck out of that trip, can’t wait to see pictures.
LOL. It’s 48. That’s what happens when you’re working late.
Good ideas! I also pack a travel size clothes freshener spray such as Fabreeze. I also use compression bags when only using a carry on and yes, definitely bring that travel scale for checking weight!
I just got some compression bags to try. I wasn’t thrilled with the first set I bought they had very flimsy zippers.
I always check luggage so Apple Air Tags give me a little confidence that I know where my bag is in transit.
What an exciting trip you have planned! 58th You must have been very young when you married.
Typo! It’s 48! My husband is going to groan when he reads that.
Good morning, Jennifer. These are all helpful gadgets. If you travel very much, the air tags are an absolute must. They’ve certainly reduced my stress while waiting at the carousel. Thanks again for always finding great items for us.
The few times I’ve had to check my carry on I loved that I could see my bag was near the plane on the tarmac. I wouldn’t be without AirTags
Another benefit of Air Tags – leave one in your suitcase at the hotel when you are out walking around a new city. Using Find My, you can get turn by turn directions back to your hotel – very helpful for the directionally deprived like me.
Brilliant Linda!!!
I love the outfit on you in the first picture, and with new glasses and your hair style/cut looks amazing.
I’m in love with those shoes-really makes you look so up to date “for your age”….lol, hopefully you know what I mean and meant in a good way.
I do Robin. Thanks!
Great travel ideas. I love the makeup and toiletry bag. Also the little travel jewelry case. These things I know I would use regularly. Safe travels!
So many unique and valuable travel suggestions – several now in my Amazon cart! Thanks Jennifer!
So many useful items! I’d never heard of a toothbrush sanitizer, now I’ve ordered two – one for me and one for my husband. Thank you for all the tips. And you look comfortable, happy and casually stylish in the photo.
Your suggestions hit the nail on the head! Small comforts give big results. This comment may seem…out of place?…but it is something important to me. I always make sure to wear lever back earrings. Hoops can go missing easily and posts as well. Posts are sometimes uncomfortable when leaning on your side.
Brilliant idea!
58th wedding anniversary?? You must truly have been a child bride! LOL
Sorry typo! It’s 48
Well, you know that we’re carefully reading!!
LOL
We are taking our first Viking River Cruise next Spring so these tips and recommendations are very helpful! Viking is arranging our flights. Does the airline really weigh the carry on? Never experienced that situation domestically so am a bit concerned. Plus carry ons seem to vary in size. Thank you.
Yes, most do weigh your checked bags
Cute eyeglasses. Very flattering on you. Can I say I enjoy your tongue in cheek sense of humor.
“ hair dryer designed for Barbie. “
😂
😘
There are some great ideas there Jennifer. I never travel without my own pillow. I use one of those rolling suction bugs and the pillow squishes down so it fits into my overnight bag. Oy recent trip, alarmed by the stories of marauding mosquitos (and dengue fever) in Italy, I packed a travel pop up mosquito net and some loose mosquito netting. Didn’t end up using the pop up, but the loose netting was perfect for placing over the open windows. It allowed fresh air, but no pesky mozzies in. Hair straightener yes, travel iron not so much -find them a bit heavy, so I always choose a hotel which will lend you an iron and ironing board. Always used to take a toiletries bag, but ditched it for clear, zip lock plastic bags. Made finding things much easier to see and to pack.
You’re travel essentials are so well planned out! Bravo Susan
This was very helpful as I am flying to London next May- things I never thought of needing! Thank you for the suggestions- I will be purchasing several of them!