Are you going on vacation and want to know what to pack to ensure your trip goes smoothly? Whether it’s when packing, during the journey, or once you arrive, each stage of the adventure requires a number of essential items. Here’s my list of 25 must-have travel gadgets and accessories .
The best accessories for safe travel
To travel with peace of mind and fully enjoy the moments offered by a getaway in France or on the other side of the world, it’s best to be properly equipped. No one wants to spend their trip dealing with paperwork after their belongings are stolen. Discover the best gadgets and accessories to use to ensure the safety of your possessions while traveling.
The banana or travel pouch
No matter which country you’re visiting, keeping your belongings safe is essential. To prevent your vacation from being ruined by the theft of your passport, credit card, mobile phone, keys, or wallet, use a pouch or fanny pack. This indispensable travel accessory ensures the protection of your possessions so you can enjoy your trip with complete peace of mind. A secret pouch to slip under your clothes or a fanny pack worn across your body—the choice is yours!
The TSA lock
Security is an important consideration when traveling, whether by train, bus, or plane. When flying, your belongings will pass through several airports and change hands many times. Using a padlock is strongly recommended, and may be mandatory in some countries.
This is particularly true in the United States, which requires travelers to use a TSA lock for optimal security. It is therefore an important item on the list of essential travel accessories.
Luggage tag
Luggage tags serve several purposes. They are mandatory for suitcases placed in the cabin of an airplane, as well as in the overhead luggage compartments of a train. The tag, bearing your contact information, allows for the identification of your luggage and prevents the need for a bomb squad if it is deemed abandoned. Luggage tags are also a very useful way to spot your suitcase on the airport carousel if it looks like many others.
Passport protector
Our passport is our most precious possession when we travel beyond French and European borders. A passport cover is therefore an essential accessory to keep it in excellent condition. In addition to offering a unique and original design, a passport cover acts as a barrier against water and dirt that could damage this invaluable document. Mine now sports the lovely patterns from the Paddle Girl travel kit by All the Ways to Say, a brand I absolutely love!
The luggage scale
Whether you’re traveling with a carry-on suitcase, a backpack, or checked baggage, your luggage must comply with a weight limit imposed by the airlines. It’s therefore important to know the weight of your suitcase or travel bag before heading to the airport to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Say goodbye to hefty bills with this luggage scale! This useful, practical and ergonomic gadget will become your best travel companion.
Essential travel accessories for optimal comfort
There are a great many essential accessories for a traveler’s comfort. Car, van, plane, train, bicycle—each mode of transport requires specific items to ensure a smooth journey. So, I’m going to talk about the must-haves in a traveler’s kit, and more specifically, the products that make up my personal list.
Earplugs
Sleeping comfortably on a long journey isn’t always easy. There are many factors beyond your control (legroom, seat comfort, food smells, turbulence, etc.). However, you can block out ambient noise with earplugs. That makes a big difference!
Loop Earplugs reusable earplugs offer a more sustainable alternative to disposable earplugs. With their design and optimal comfort, these Quiet earplugs are sure to become essential accessories for all globetrotters.
The travel pillow
This small travel accessory proves indispensable on journeys lasting several hours. There’s nothing more uncomfortable than sleeping on a plane, bus, or train. A travel pillow improves the quality of sleep for travelers, ensuring they arrive at their destination feeling refreshed. Inflatable, microbead, or memory foam pillow—which one should you choose? Each type of travel pillow has its advantages and disadvantages.
Personally, I opted for the Le Petit Dormeur travel pillow because of its ergonomic design, the recycled materials used, and its French manufacturing!
The sleep mask
If, like me, you have trouble sleeping when the room isn’t completely dark, then a sleep mask will become your best friend! Useful whether you’re traveling by plane, train, or staying in a hotel without blackout curtains, this little accessory will be a game-changer. You’ll be prepared for anything thanks to this piece of fabric tucked into your suitcase or luggage.
The insulated water bottle
An insulated water bottle is a must-have for all travelers! Besides being eco-friendly, an insulated water bottle is incredibly practical for getaways. It keeps water cold and easily passes through security checks when empty. So you can take it everywhere!
Finding a quality insulated water bottle that lasts and, above all, doesn’t leak isn’t always easy. After many disappointments with inexpensive bottles, I decided to invest in a high-quality stainless steel insulated bottle from Qwetch, and I’m very happy with it!
Travel accessories for hygiene and health
For impeccable hygiene and health while traveling, it’s important to pack the right products and accessories. Here’s my list of must-haves!
The toiletry bag
Finding the perfect travel toiletry bag isn’t always easy, despite the wide variety of models available on the market! A travel toiletry bag needs to be practical, durable, attractive, versatile, and make organizing your toiletries a breeze! So, which model should you choose: a hanging toiletry bag, a large pouch, or a vanity case? Ideally, you should opt for a versatile product or select a bag suited to your specific type of trip.
Personally, I own 3 different toiletry bags and each one meets a specific need.
- The Reisenthel XL hanging toilet bagfor romantic getaways.
- The Cabaia wide-opening toiletry bagwhen I have a lot of things to take with me.
- The Deuter wash bag kitfor compact bags.
Need help choosing your travel toiletry bag? My blog post on this topic should help you find the perfect product!
Solid and reusable hygiene products
Eco-friendly, economical, and practical, solid hygiene products are fantastic allies for travelers. They save space in your toiletry bag, last longer, and don’t cause any problems at airport security—all advantages for your trips, both in France and abroad! Many brands of solid products and reusable accessories are available; simply choose the one that suits you best.
Here’s my personal travel kit!
- 🪮Umaï Rebalancing Solid Shampoo
- 🧼Umaï Solid Body Soap
- 💪Breathe Solid Deodorant
- 🪥Neopulse electric toothbrush
- 👂️Washable cotton swabs
The microfiber bath towel
Whatever type of trip you’re planning, a microfiber bath towel will always have a place in your luggage. It will be useful at the beach, on a hike around a mountain lake, at a spa, while camping, or even on a road trip in a van. This accessory takes up little space in your luggage, dries quickly, and adapts to all situations. A must-have accessory for every trip.
I used to use good old Decathlon microfiber bath towels, but they eventually wore out, so I switched to the beautiful Minimiz brand towels made of recycled polyester. Unfortunately, the brand has gone out of business.
High-tech gadgets to have in your travel bag
Electronic devices are now an integral part of our daily lives and, consequently, our travels. Unless it’s a digital detox trip, but that’s another story. Here are some essential high-tech gadgets for your trip.
The external battery
Our phones have become our personal assistants. They contain our plane and train tickets, our tickets for tours, and our GPS. Our smartphones are therefore constantly in use during our travels. Running out of battery can be very inconvenient. A power bank is thus a top priority on the list of essential travel gadgets. Today, there is a wide variety of pocket-sized external batteries that allow you to recharge a smartphone via a USB port or wirelessly. You’re spoiled for choice!
The international adapter
An international adapter with standard plugs and USB ports is a must-have when traveling. You don’t need to go to the other side of the world to need one. If you’re spending a few days in London, an adapter will be necessary to power or charge your electronic devices: camera battery, smartphone, smartwatch, wireless headphones, travel hairdryer, etc.
The adapter with a standard plug and USB ports is one of the basic items in a traveler’s kit.
The smartphone case
A true travel companion, our phone requires constant attention to ensure its safety during a getaway. Equipping it with a shockproof case is an excellent way to prevent damage in case of a fall.
My phone is a real assistant when I travel, so I prefer to protect it as best I can to avoid any accident that could ruin my trip. For this reason, I equipped it with aRhinoshield shockproof caseand a prettySeleneFiberStudio macrame cord.
