7 Travel Accessories You Need in Your Life

If you know anything about me, you know I’m all about making my life easier. This also applies when I’m traveling. While I think the whole minimalist, travel light thing is awesome it’s just really not my scene. I like my stuff. I like to have my stuff with me. Most of all, I like to have my travel stuff with me.

There are so many travel gadgets out there that will for sure make your travel life easier and more comfortable. I’ve put a list together of the things that everyone needs to have in their travel bag of tricks. Check it out and if I’m missing anything, please let me know in the comments below!

1. Packing Cubes

I was resistant to packing cubes for the longest time. They looked like they took up way too much of my precious space. Then I noticed every time I traveled, after a day or two my suitcase would look like it threw up my clothes. “How can I keep this organized??” I would fret. Enter packing cubes. Not only do they keep all of you clothes nice and organized your whole trip but they usually SAVE me space in my luggage. I really like these Veken 6 piece cubes because they are the perfect sizes. It also helps they come in my favorite color!

2. Tote-Size Carry On

Everyone needs a great carry on bag. That is all.

But really- carry ons like this are so versatile. For shorter trips this is all you need. You can throw in your clothes and toiletries and go. For longer trips, bags like this are perfect for carrying everything you’re going to need on the plane (check out my list of must-have carry on items here). I personally use a bag like this to carry home all of the souvenirs I’ve bought and can’t fit in my suitcase.

3. Cord Organizer

You know the pictures in the airport security line that show you what your carry on shouldn’t look like? For the longest time, my carry on could have been the bag they used for that picture. Between my phone, camera, Nook and everything else I bring with me, I always had cords EVERYWHERE. Not anymore! This nifty little organizer keeps your cords nicely organized and in one place. Believe me when I say it’s life changing. This particular one comes in some nice colors as well.

4. Travel Space-Saving Bags

Not sold on the packing cubes? If not, this might be the next best thing. These space saving bags give you some much sought after luggage space. They’re perfect for traveling because they don’t require any kind of vacuum. Just put your clothes in, roll it up and go! My only word of caution (and the reason I still prefer luggage cubes) is that once everything is squished in nice and small, it’s really easy to forget that it still weighs the same. I used these one time and although everything fit in my suitcase with room to spare, I was way over weight. That being said these are perfect for the end of your trip to store your dirty clothes in and to make some extra room for bulkier souvenirs.

5. Travel Scarf

My travel scarf with the hidden pocket is probably one of the most used travel accessories that I own. I love that I can keep everything close without having to rely on a money belt. These scarves are also amazing to wear while you’re in a plane. Not only can you keep your chapstick, phone, earbuds, etc right in reach, but it will also keep you safe from any cold drafts coming your way. I love these scarves because they come in so many cute colors and they’re pretty inexpensive too!

6. Comfy Neck Pillow

Yes, sometimes neck pillows can be bulky and annoying to travel with, but I honestly need one when I travel long (or small) distances. I’m the first to admit that the second I get tired, I turn into a crazy person. I need my sleep, even if it’s only a couple of hours worth. I love these travel pillows because you can manipulate them in so many different ways. This really ups the potential comfort factor. It’s also perfect to fold up so it can fit easily into your bag.

7. Travel Footrest

Full disclosure on this one: I’ve never actually used a travel footrest but it got such amazing reviews that I had to include it. I’m sure every one who has traveled coach on an airplane knows that feeling mid-flight when you just really need to stretch out your legs. This little guy is supposed to help with that by letting you literally put your feet up and relax. I’m actually going to pick one up for my big Italy trip so I will be sure to let everyone know how it goes.

So now it’s up to you. Am I missing anything on my list that is a must? If so, let me know in the comments below!