best travel items uk

57 Brilliant Travel Accessories Every Traveller Must Have [2024 Edition]

Travel smarter and safer in 2024 with 57 of the best brilliant travel accessories and travel gadgets. From the best adapters, earplugs, space-savers, travel safety to portable chargers.

1. this ergonomic travel pillow.

The smart design of this washable pillow prevents your head from falling forwards as you sleep. Suitable for adults and children and perfect to use on airplanes, buses, trains, cars, camping, while backpacking, wheelchairs, airport terminals, or even while watching TV.

Buy it here

2. Pack more with these awesome space bags ! I have 20 of them!

Saving space in your suitcase is no longer a challenge with these amazing space bags that push out the air when rolled up. You effectively gain up to 50% more space in your baggage. I use the larger ones at home and the smaller ones for travel. They make for great organisers too!

Buy them here

3. Keep your dirty clothes separate with this handing laundry bag

Keep your dirty clothes organized and separate. This handy GOMATIC hanging laundry bag has a strap to attach it to a doorknob. Once your laundry bag is full, you can easily pack it and have it ready to empty straight into your washing machine when you get home. Buy it here.

4. Get this cute secret pocket infinity scarf

5. This Travel-sized Wireless Router with USB Media Storage

Convert any wired network to a wireless network and stay connected! Not only that you can also stream your videos, photos, and music to your connected media devices. If that wasn’t enough, back up and free up space on your mobile devices by using an attached USB flash drive or hard disk.

6. This Travel Door Alarm

Travelling alone or just wanted added peace of mind in your accommodation? Attach this pocket-sized alarm to your door or window and be alerted the second there is an intruder. There’s also a built-in LED flashlight so there’s no fumbling in the dark.

7. This Multi-Bag Stacker

No more bag juggling or pushing multiple trolleys/carts, just attached this nifty strap that connects suitcases and bags together through their handles.

8. These Amazing Space-Saving Laundry Soap Sheets

Add water and the sheet will dissolve instantly. They also come in shaving, body wash and hand soap versions.

9. Protect your phone from water, drops and scratches with this Lifeproof Case

10. this digital luggage scale.

You’ll never be surprised with having to pay for excess weight at the airport again. This compact and lightweight luggage scale can weigh up to 110 lb / 50 kg luggage. No batteries required.

11. No more breaks and leak with this inflatable bottle bag

This versatile roll-up travel bag suspends items in an inflatable air cushion to protect your bottles such as wine and olive oil. No more nasty surprises and messy spills when you open your suitcase.

12. Boost Circulation with these highly-rated compressions socks

13. Keep your Laptop and Other Items safe with a Portable Safe

14. This Vintage Laptop and Travel Backpack that Charges your Gadgets

15. The Only Travel Adapter You’ll Ever Need PLUS Dual USB Ports (Covers 150 Countries)

16. This inspirational luggage tag with card slot

17. Always Be Ready with a Pocket, Picnic and Beach Blanket

18. For Those Who Love a Mini Electric Toothbrush

19. Keep Your Drinks Hot on Long Haul Flights with this Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Mug (Different Colours Available)

20. Get This Gorgeous Multi-Use Travel, Hiking, Camping Bag Rucksack

21. This Smartest Carry-on suitcase Built-in USB Charger

22. Keep your toiletries organized with this waterproof organizer

23. Stay clean with these laundry sachets 

24. This personalised passport holder and protector  

25. Charge multiple accessories super fast with this portable compact charger

26. Get some shuteye with this contoured sleep mask

27. Avoid the knots and get this nifty cable organizer

28. Sleep anywhere with the ultimate ergonomic neck supporter

29. Pack like a boss with these space-saving packing cubes with shoe bag

Keep your gear organised with these travel cubes in assorted sizes. Buy it here

30. Keep your stuff safe with this TSA approved luggage lock

31. Keep your jewellery organized with this compact jewellery box

32. Never buy cabin luggage again with this durable and lightweight case

33. Stay hydrated with this collapsible water bottle

34. Breathe easy with this USB or battery operated mini humidifier

35. Take your music with you with this wireless and waterproof Bluetooth speaker

36. Get safe drinking water wherever you go with the LifeStraw water filter

37. Get 18 in 1 multi-purpose credit card size pocket tool

38. These cabin-approved leak-proof travel bottles for makeup and cosmetics

39. Stay charged on the go with this mini power bank

40. Take your phone underwater with a universal waterproof case

41. Protect your camera with this anti-theft shoulder strap by PacSafe

This camera strap is essential for supporting heavy cameras like DSLRs and even popular travel cameras such as Mirrorless ones.

Buy it here $26.87

42. Take this lightweight tripod anywhere and wirelessly take pictures and video

43. Protect your gear with this anti-theft shockproof backpack that’s ScanSmart TSA friendly and water resistant

44. Charge your phone and tablet with this USB solar charger

45. Keep your phone clean with this sanitizer and universal phone charger

46. Put your feel up with this compact foot hammock

47. hang up your washing with this travel clothes line.

No more hanging your delicates over hotel room chairs. This pegless washing line stretches up to 2.5metre and can be to affixed to either a  wall or furniture with its metal hooks or suction cups.

48. Get this beautiful waterproof travel and passport wallet

49. This Convenient Water Bottle with Built-in Pill Organizer

Great way to take your medication while on the go! This water bottle can store your medication for each day of the week. The medication holder can also be detached. Holding 23 oz. or 600ml, the bottle cap also doubles as a cup. Ingenious!

50. Keep all your documents in once place with this travel wallet

51. Alert others when in trouble with this safety whistle

52. Stay entertained with movies, TV shows, songs, Kindle e-books, apps and games on Kindle Fire

Buy on Amazon for $79.99

53. Wash your clothes wherever you are with this machine quality wash bag

Buy on Amazon for $42.44

54. This Clever Tank Top  with Secret Pockets

Keep your  passport, cash and credit cards safe with this versatile tank top. Perfect for both warm and cool climates. It can even fit your cell phones and keys.

Buy on Amazon

55. This Anti-Crease Shirt Transporter

Save time on ironing! This Tupperware for shirts and blouses is called the Shirt Shuttler, perfect for those trips when you know you’ll be spending a night out on the town or in a boardroom, or both!

Buy on Amazon for $24.99

56. This Optical Camera Lens for Smartphones and Tablets

57. The only worldwide travel charger and power adapter you’ll ever need  (UK/US/AU/EU/JP) + Dual USB Ports

Buy on Amazon for $25.99

Want more? Check out these 43 Amazing Money-Saving Tips for Smart Travellers

Stay tuned! I’m constantly updating this page as I discover the latest and greatest travel accessories. If you’re going backpacking or long-term travelling, check out my ultimate travel packing list . Got a favourite travel accessory? Share it below! 🙂

Want more travel tips? Don’t miss these

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• 20 Clever Ways to Staying Fit While Travelling You Should Try

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Over to you!

What other travel accessories do you recommend? Have you used any of these? Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

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Howdy Michele, I love to travel. I’ve read so many posts about travel gadgets, but you are the best one. Your article was beneficial in finding the necessary devices. I personally like an anti-theft shockproof backpack, which is ScanSmart TSA friendly and water-resistant. It is useful for everyone.

Thank you so much, Kim 🙂

Hello, I have gone through your guide and seems to be interesting though I have one more concern on the WiFi devices. Can you recommend me on the best Pocket Device that will work well on anywhere I travel. I have using AllDayWifi but its very slow on their international data plan. I have been considering RentnConnect though I know very little about it

Hi Collins, have you considered this Skyroam device ? It one of the leaders in the market and very compact.

What about this Trackimo 3G Travel Tracker device this has Light Exposure Sensor – detect/alerts when package or luggage is opened. I am currently using this tracker and i found this very useful to me every time i go travel around the world 🙂

Excellent addition Helen, thank you 🙂

A tracking device would be a great addition to this list.

Amazing! This makes traveling easier.

Definitely brilliant ideas worth sharing

This IS such a cool list! I thought I had everything, but then I found out the door travel alarm (never would’ve thought of it)!. And I wonder how good the neck support (#33) is because there were PLENTY of times I could have used something like that on my trips.

Hey Trang, the door alarm is such a great idea especially for those times when you just don’t feel safe 🙂 Is there anything you’d add to the list?

I just carry a small rubber door stop wedge.

WOW! This is one extensive list of all things travel and certainly one that I will be using to give hints to my friends and family round the holiday season. The new ScanSmart backpack along with the waterproof phone case and solar charger are on top of my list. However my top two purchases are going to be the smart suitcase and the backpack which are absolutely brilliant. Thanks for such a cool list.

Hi Michele, There are all great ideas. I have one more suggestion for you. Smart Blanket! I used it when flying to Zurich to see my son and his family. The plane was freezing, and there were no blankets to be had. I was the only one that was warm and cozy for the whole 8 hours. I love mine. Got it on Amazon http://amzn.to/2hTYlOP I paid $49.00 for mine. Think they are having a sale on them now. Hope you like my suggestion.

The door alarm and aeroplane pillow are a great idea to stay comfy and safe! I always take an extension lead when I travel; so that I have more plug sockets in a hotel room, and it also means you don’t need as many adapters when you travel. You also can’t go wrong with baby wipes and small-ish plastic bags in case a seat is wet, a bottle is leaking or you’ve got a mark on your clothes! ✈️?

All brilliant ideas Emily 🙂 Thanks for sharing. I love the baby wipes idea!

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24 Top London & U.K. Packing List Items for 2024 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

London is where old-world charm and modern lifestyles live side by side. Some of the greatest literary minds have originated from London, and this place is brimming with history!

From Buckingham palace to The Harry Potter Studio, incredible sights can be enjoyed in almost every part of the city. To help you pack, my husband and I (pictured) created the below checklist of must-have items for the United Kingdom.

You’ll also find sections on what to wear in London , along with what NOT to bring and some pro-tips and guidance from our own experiences. Cheers!

What to Pack for London – 24 Essentials

1. windproof travel umbrella.

London’s rain is a well-expected charm. From light drizzles to hardy downpours, the U.K. certainly necessitates an umbrella. Be sure to pack one that’s wind-resistant, lightweight, and compacts down so that you can carry it easily when you’re not using it.

If you bring a full-sized one, you may end up regretting the bulk. And if you wait to buy one from a street vendor, it will be extremely overpriced and low quality. This set comes with a nice carrying case and is perfectly packable!

View on Amazon.com ➜

2. Jet Lag Relief

A time change and an international journey put most people into a fog of jet lag. I use this natural remedy since it works proactively to prevent that exhaustion and discomfort. Made with chamomile and natural energizers, you’ll be ready to explore palaces and romanticize your life without all the dreary drowsiness. Bonus points for being able to use it on the way there and on the return trip home!

3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

The U.K. has been vulnerable to massive cyberattacks and hackers are only getting more ruthless by the day. After having my credit card number stolen while staying in Paris, I never take a chance with my online security when overseas. I now use a Virtual Private Network everywhere I travel, and anytime I connect to unfamiliar Wi-Fi networks in little pubs, libraries, airports, hotels, and more. A good VPN (such as NordVPN ) is an affordable way to add a layer of encryption to your online data. It will ensure you don’t wake up with a drained PayPal account or a stolen identity just because you surfed the web at a random dive bar.

Additionally, a VPN is designed to remove restrictions to your internet access in places where browsing may be censored, monitored, or limited. Did you know you might not be able to access Netflix or YouTube in parts of Europe? We love using a VPN to have a TRULY private network, and will never risk our security or unlimited access again.

View NordVPN.com Options ➜

4. Luxury Packing Cubes

Organization is the key to effectively packing for international trips. These packing cubes make life so much easier by compressing bulky items into smaller sizes and keeping similar items like t-shirts, pants, and essentials compartmentalized. They are a total GAME-CHANGER!

Available on HeroTravelSupply.com with an exclusive 15% discount using the coupon code “HERO” .

Or view them on Amazon.com ➜

5. Gorgeous Outfit

London nightlife has made history since the times of Charles Dickens and The Beatles. It is absolutely not to be missed and there are countless amazing restaurants, pubs, clubs, and theatre opportunities to check out.

I suggest bringing at least one really killer outfit that you feel comfortable walking in, as you will more than likely be taking the tube and walking a fair bit. I love this jumpsuit because it’s inexpensive, doesn’t wrinkle easily, and looks stunning on many different body types.

6. Travel Insurance for London

London is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Can you imagine paying out-of-pocket if something like a broken arm or stolen luggage occurs? Trust me. I know from experience how a change in flight or an accident will quickly rack up mega bills. And a hospital trip alone could reach five-figures since most domestic providers do not follow you across the pond (including Medicare and Medicaid, eh-hm ).

Faye is the best insurer we’ve found for a multitude of reasons. While most providers make you plead your case, fill out heaps of paperwork, and make the process as difficult as possible – Faye is the opposite. They allow you to make claims directly on your phone and get reimbursed quickly. They even allow you to “cancel for any reason” so long as it’s within 15 days of booking your trip. Faye is the real deal, and for such a low cost, it’s well worth it for peace of mind against cancellations, theft, baggage loss, medical emergencies, and more.

Get a quote in less than 60 seconds with Faye ➜

7. UK Power Adapter

The U.K. power outlets are not the same as those in the U.S.; while you don’t need a power converter, you will need a reliable power adapter. Many low-quality adapters will be risky and could damage your devices. Keep your phone and other valuables safe by using an adapter with a built-in fuse protector.

This one is our go-to because it works in over 100 popular countries and is backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee , so it’s the last adapter you’ll ever need to buy.

8. Hanging Toiletry Bag

I love this gorgeous toiletry bag! And for the price, it can’t be beat. Most London flats and hotels have small bathrooms with countertop space that would make you consider pulling your hair out… Sometimes, you’ll only have a sink with no storage, this is why the Brits appropriately name their bathrooms ‘water closets!’

Use this hanging toiletries bag to convert any door, shower pole, or hook into a shelf. It will help you maintain your self-care routine (and your sanity), transforming the packing experience into something painless… Something almost… dare I say, fun! It holds plenty of TSA-approved bottles and is generally way better than fumbling around with multiple plastic bags in your suitcase.

9. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

Travel towels are a life-hack you didn’t know you needed. Hotel towels are bulky, fluffy, and get in the way. Some hotels won’t even allow you to take towels with you, so a smaller one is more multi-purposeful. This one is made of quality microfibers and dries 10x faster than cotton, making it great for travelers that need a quick towel, seat cover, beach blanket, rain shield, wrap, etc. It’s very absorbent and weighs next to nothing.

10. Stylish Raincoat

The U.K. rains year-round, so you must be prepared for unpredictable weather. But London’s play does not stop on account of some grey clouds! This is part of the city’s appeal and can be quite romantic if embraced. Regardless, London is also the cosmopolitan hub of the country, so an overly-casual rain jacket is not ideal if you’re trying to blend in. Opt for a more upscale rain jacket; this navy trenchcoat is sophisticated but practical since it’s water-resistant and adds a bit of warmth.

11. Luggage Straps

These adjustable luggage straps have saved the day for us on numerous occasions! Including when we had to jimmy-rig my friend’s suitcase together after it broke.

The belt is heavy-duty and TSA-approved and the straps are made to withstand more than 700-lbs of force-tension (which you may need with the way suitcases are handled these days!) It will extend the life of your luggage since your zippers won’t have to work as hard to compress all of your British souvenirs and Harrod’s shopping finds. And not to scare you, but Heathrow has been called “the UK’s worst airport for lost luggage,” so you’ll be thankful for the built-in contact card and brightly-colored straps that will make your belongings super easy to identify.

12. Comfortable, Attractive Flats

Since you’ll be on your feet all day navigating a mix of cobblestone, pavement, or brick, you won’t want to risk wearing heels or uncomfortable shoes. That said, it’s still nice to look cute in London and a pair of fun flats are a thoughtful addition to your packing list. They come in a dozen colors, add a bit of spice to your outfit, and simultaneously ensure your safety and comfort. Break them in a bit before departing and pack along blister balm for good measure.

13. Neck Wallet to Avoid Pickpockets!

Pickpockets are unfortunately extremely common in London, especially at crowded touristic attractions like Big Ben, Picadilly Square, and Westminster. That’s why I highly recommend you bring a wearable neck wallet.

I don’t take chances with my credit cards, phone, cash, and passport, and this cute little pouch hides all these items securely around my neck (or under my shirt), yet it’s still easy to get to when I need something from it. This one also comes with RFID-blocking technology so “e-thieves” can’t scan your wallet from a distance!

14. Discounted Tickets to London Attractions

Many of the best things to see and do in London also have atrociously long lines. Get Your Guide is our favorite booking service for the best excursions in town. Instead of baking in the sun or dripping in the rain for hours – opt for skip-the-line tickets that allow you to jump to the front door without a wait!

Newcomers may consider a Hop-on-Hop-off sightseeing tour to get an immediate lay of the land, while every visitor should see the classics like The London Eye , the historic Tower of London , or the sacred Westminster Abbey , (the final resting place of many royals and famous literary minds). History lovers may want to venture on a daytrip to Stonehenge and The Roman Baths or Shakespeare’s home .

See all London attractions at GetYourGuide.com ➜

15. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

We never travel without a portable charger because you never know when you’ll end up in a pickle with a low battery. Whether you need GPS or you’re stranded far from the hotel (sometimes I’ve forgotten the address or needed to look up something but my phone was dead) – this portable charger will keep you from scrambling in an emergency. Even if you have access to an outlet, you’ll need an adapter in the U.K., so this lipstick-sized charger will be the simplest way to repower your devices on-the-go.

16. Luggage Locks

From trains to planes to taxis, it’s important to keep your belongings secure and safe from theft with luggage locks. This set of two luggage locks will do just the trick. They’re TSA-approved, lightweight, but super durable. I wear them on my backpack while exploring town since petty thieves will often prey upon baggage that is behind you or out of sight. You can explore stress-free because they’re 10x harder to crack than a typical 3-digit lock.

17. Stylish Anti-Theft Daybag

Navigating London is exciting and you will need a fashionable daybag like this one to carry your essentials (water, phone, camera, snacks, etc.) . Nonetheless, the locals are stylish and you don’t want to appear as a blatant tourist because pickpockets are more likely to target you. This bag is actually made for theft prevention, with layers of discreet straps and braided tape. Plus, nothing feels quite like genuine leather!

18. Activated Charcoal (Food Poisoning Fix)

Digestive ailments are extremely common among travelers due to the exposure to new foods and drinks and the stress of traveling itself. I love how easily activated charcoal can handle travelers’ diarrhea and stomach upset. It works by absorbing toxins that may be in your system and calming your digestive tract so you can return to normal as quickly as possible.

Note: We mainly recommend these in cases of food poisoning or immediate detox of harmful bacteria. But when needed, they can certainly save you a day of pain and distress.

19. Reusable Bottle Bags (Leak-Proof)

After tasting the local spirits, inevitably, you will want to bring home a bottle or two. These anti-impact bottle sleeves protect your most precious glass varietals. You can use it for more than alcohol , such as protecting your luxury perfumes, oils, soaps, or any glass items that need cushioning.

Easily pack these in your checked bag without worrying about any leaks in transit since they have thick bubble padding to prevent broken bottles. They’re also reusable – what’s not to love?

20. Packable “Just in Case” Bag

London is a place where you should do some shopping – point blank . The Europeans are blessed with getting fashionable trends 2-3 years before Americans and souvenirs make wonderful gifts for your loved ones. This “just in case” bag is perfect for all of those unpredictable purchases since it counts as a personal item on the plane.

I’d recommend checking out some U.K. goods like locally-blended tea leaves, Yorkshire rhubarb gin, wine, Harry Potter merch, books, fresh jams, Shakespeare mementos, and whatever gems you find at Harrods!

21. Cooling Towels

I’m guessing that a trip to London does not conjure up expectations of tropical weather. This is true of course, but London can get hot and air-conditioning does not exist in every location. The most surprising to me was on the trains. Public transport is the best way to get around this vibrant city but when you discover that there are no cooling systems, it can be quite intense.

These towels provide instant relief and the effect lasts for 30-60 minutes. To extend the benefit, I just wet the towel, wring out, and wrap it around my neck for cooling comfort.

22. Natural Hangover Relief Pills

If you care to indulge in the British pub scene, it’s something to behold. You should definitely check out local drinking holes like ‘Experimental Cocktail Club,’ ‘Nine Lives,’ and roof-top views like ‘12th Knot.’ But be sure to start (or end) your night with some hangover-prevention pills.

These work to detoxify your liver and remove the alcohol more quickly, relieving potential headaches and fatigue. Time is precious in Europe and you want to feel tip-top every day of your trip! Bring these as a precaution and you won’t be sorry.

23. Prepaid European SIM Phone Card

London is calling. But your domestic provider would love to charge you outrageous roaming rates. Don’t give them the pleasure – a traveler’s hack is to get a prepaid SIM card for your phone. It will have a given amount of data (typically 10-50 gigabytes for short-duration stays), and any local vendor can instantly connect your phone.

This one is compatible with 30 major European cities and allows you to send 1,000 texts. Unlock your phone before you leave and prepare to do as the Londoners do!

24. Wellies (AKA Rainboots)

London ladies will need a pair of wellingtons (or “wellies” as the locals call them). These rain boots originated in 19th century and are a staple in British footwear. Pack a pair and whip them out if the weather looks risky, they will keep your feet dry in sudden downpours or muddy areas. You will feel cute and comfortable while exploring since this brand offers the chicest wellies I’ve ever seen in a variety of beautiful designs.

Other Items to Pack for a Trip to London and the UK

• Travel Insurance
• Facial cleansing wipes
• Steripod toothbrush cover
• Dental floss
• Hand sanitizer
• Mini hairbrush
• Nail clippers
• Contact solution
• Loofah glove
• Compression flight socks
• Sweater Women
• Sweater Men
• Sunglasses Women
• Sunglasses Men
• Noise-canceling headphones
• Headphone splitter
• Flash drive
• Memory card
• Kindle cover
• Vitamins Women
• Vitamins Men
• UK power adapter
• Travel pillow
• Travel sheet
• Stain remover wipes
• Motion sickness patches
• TSA-approved bottles

What to Wear in London

UK fashion tends to be a bit dressier in most areas – London is a good example of this. Most places you’ll visit will be ones in which you’ll want to look nice. Think business casual or at least nice casual – no ripped or torn jeans, bare midriffs, or gawdy apparel. Locals follow these quidelines, so it’s better to fit in by dressing accordingly.

Women in London have a smart, stylish look. Create versatile outfits and save on packing space by choosing black or dark grey pants, shirts, and dresses that form the basis of any outfits. Pair them with a pop of color with sweaters, scarves, and jewelry. Ankle boots are a popular choice for footwear that works well with leggings and a dress or skinny pants and long sweaters. Finish the look with a scarf and leather jacket to blend in with other Londoners. What should MEN wear in London? – (Click to expand) Below is a sample men’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

Packing for the Seasons in London

Spring – march, april, may:.

Spring is a season of great variation in weather in Great Britain. One day may be warmer and sunny, while the next could be rainy and overcast. Tourism is light during this season, so if you can handle the weather it’s a great time to visit.

Plan to be prepared for anything with regard to your wardrobe: cute layers (think nice cardigans and shirts ) and a dependable rain coat , just in case rains interrupt your day. Temperatures average around 45°F to 60°F (7°C to 15°C).

SUMMER – June, July, August:

Summers are delightfully mild in London. Rains can happen so it’s still best to plan accordingly. For the most part, summer travelers will enjoy easy conditions, which is why this is also the height of tourist season.

FALL – September, October, November:

This is the rainiest part of the year in London. Tourists during this time of year will enjoy smaller crowds, but will need to pack for a wet trip! Umbrella , scarves , fashionable raincoat , and boots are a good idea. Temperatures average around 55°F to 65°F (12°C to 18°C).

WINTER – December, January, February:

Temperatures are milder here in the winter than in many parts of the world, and rain is also common in this season. Snow is not unheard of, so be sure to pack warm clothes such as: heavier waterproof coats , hats and gloves , and scarves if you’ll be traveling during this time! Temperatures average around 40°F to 50°F (4°C to 10°C).

Parks & Picnic – London has many beautiful parks all over the city and a favorite pastime for Londoners is picnicking and Pimm’s (a very popular summer drink). Some of the best parks include Hyde Park, Hampstead Heath, and the Crystal Palace. Wear dark colors that won’t stain if you sit on the grass. Fitted jeans or shorts and t-shirt are the best options for both men and women. Also, don’t forget to bring a nice pair of shades.

Museums – The majority of museums in London are free to visit. The British Museum, National Gallery, and Victoria and Albert Museum can’t be missed! Dress smart in fitted clothing and avoid t-shirts with graphics. Trousers and cardigans are a good choice. Also, bring a pashmina or scarf in case it is cool inside.

What NOT to Take to London and the U.K.

1. don’t pack lots of electronics.

I recommend packing your phone, a Kindle , and maybe a laptop, but don’t bring much more than that. It’s not worth the risk of bringing unnecessary electronics and having them lost or stolen.

2. DON’T BRING too many/heavy items

The one exception here is winter clothes. If you’re going during the colder months, you will definitely need them. Otherwise, save yourself the luggage fees – and the back pain!

3. DON’T TAKE hiking-style gear

While this stuff is certainly appropriate for outdoor sports in the UK, and you may need it if you’re on a more extensive trip that includes hiking, it’s otherwise pointless to have in London, and you’ll stick out like a sore thumb.

4. DON’T PACK anything that screams “hapless tourist!”

Please leave your fanny packs, money belts, and I love New York t-shirts at home. Likewise, decking yourself out in Union Jack or American flag paraphernalia is just not done here. They’re not as obsessed with either flag as we seem to be.

5. DON’T TAKE hairdryers

These eat up a good deal of space in your luggage and most hostels/hotels have them on hand for guests anyway.

6. DON’T BRING valuable or irreplaceable items

This is a no-brainer. Leave your expensive and irreplaceable things at home to avoid the risk of loss, theft, or damage.

FAQs about London Travel

1. what is a good basic daily budget for london.

Even budget travelers will easily find themselves coming in at over $100 per day. All those Tube rides add up and it’s hard to find a hostel dorm bed in a central spot for less than $30. If you plan on staying in a private hotel room, expect to pay a lot more for the privilege. Admissions to popular attractions like the Tower of London can also be pretty pricey.

The good news here is that most of the local parks, some of them famous in their own right, are free to the public. So are the major museums in town, such as the British Museum.

2. Do I need to tip in London restaurants?

When purchasing takeaway or drinks at the pubs, you aren’t expected to leave a tip. The rules are slightly different in sit-down restaurants. It’s becoming standard practice to leave 10% of your total bill or just the change if you didn’t order much.

Wait staff in most of Europe, including Britain, are paid minimum wage by law so they’re not completely dependent on tips like their American counterparts. However, don’t let your generosity run away with you. Check your bill first. Some places will automatically put a so-called service charge on your tab. This is the equivalent of a prepaid tip, but you don’t have to pay it if your service was bad or you feel it’s unfairly high.

Of course, feel free to leave as much as you like for excellent service. Just keep in mind that American sized tips of 20% or more are considered exorbitant in England. Likewise, if you want to make sure the waiters keep the money for themselves, it is best to hand them cash even if you’re paying with a card.

3. When’s the best time to visit London?

In general, the spring is a great time to visit most of Europe. This includes London, particularly if you were planning on stopping at places like Kew Gardens to see the flowers in full bloom. Although warmer and drier weather is far more likely in the summer, you’re going to pay for it with higher prices and larger crowds in popular spots.

I hate cold weather so I’d probably never come to England in the depths of winter. But I definitely think that it’s worth dealing with a few overcast days to have relatively quiet travel conditions. Of course, your own thoughts may vary on that score.

4. What are my transportation options for getting to/from London from the nearby airports?

Where it is possible to use either the Tube or the Express Trains, those are your best options. If you’re not in a hurry or money is tight, taking the bus is also perfectly fine. However, taxis aren’t recommended because they’re both expensive and time-consuming.

5. What if I don’t particularly like fish and chips, can I still find decent food to eat?

Yes! Although I personally wouldn’t skip that particular dish, English food has changed a lot in recent years and become more than just your typical pub grub. There are plenty of different cuisine styles available in London and many of them are even at reasonable prices.

However, if you’re pressed for cash, try the French chain Pret-a-Manger. It’s basically like the European version of Panera Bread. I am now hooked on their pickle sandwiches (about £3).

6. Are there any areas of London that I should avoid?

Like any major city, London has its fair share of petty crime but the city center is generally considered a very safe place to visit. Just hold on to your belongings and make sure your luggage is secure at all times (even in your hostel room) to avoid any issues.

7. Can you suggest some good day trips from London?

Oxford, Bath, Cambridge, and Brighton seem to be the ones most commonly mentioned. I personally enjoyed Bath a great deal. It’s a beautiful spa town that dates back to Roman times but was particularly popular during the 1800s. It also makes a good base for visiting nearby places such as Glastonbury, Wells, and Stonehenge. Brighton is another popular day trip from London. It was a favorite beach destination for the Crown Prince in the early part of the 19th century but really gained steam four decades later when the rail lines came into town. Now it’s a bit faded but is nonetheless known for its antiques and bohemian vibe.

Oxford and Cambridge are famous college towns with lengthy histories. Students of both are known to enjoy spending their free time punting on the nearby rivers. Oxford most notably served as a filming location for the Harry Potter movies and there’s plenty for fans of the series to see. Meanwhile, Cambridge makes a good base for visiting the rest of East Anglia including the nearby countryside towns of Ely and Peterborough, which are both home to ancient cathedrals and other interesting sites.

8. Is London a safe place to visit?

Yes. London is among the safest places to travel to, though all travelers should take basic precautions. Along with those recommendations made above, travelers ahould aoid walking alone at night and should never carry excessive cash or valuables. Plan your routes and transportation ahead of time to feel more condifent about your day and your whereabouts.

Likewise, familiarize yourself with common scams that might be used against you to avoid becoming a victim. Just use the same caution you would exercise in any city and you should be just fine, even at night. London is even a safe place for women traveling alone – very few problems arise as long as basic safety measures are followed. Research safety here if you’re concerned!

9. What should I do if my clothing or luggage vanished or was forgotten en route?

While second-hand shops can be found in England if you’re willing to hunt for them, there aren’t any major ones like there are in the United States. Your best bet for finding clothes at affordable prices are nationally recognized discount chains like Primark.

10. Do I need to buy a map of the Tube before I go?

Not at all! There are perfectly good pocket-sized Tube maps that are available for free at most stations. There are also large city maps on the station walls by the outside doors. These can help you figure out which way to go in order to reach your destination after you depart the premises. What is also really handy, is using your phone to download a free Tube map or using an app like Google Maps that will help you navigate the Tube.

11. What’s the deal with the Oyster Card?

The Oyster Card is a good way to save money on public transport in London because tickets for bus and Tube rides are considerably cheaper if they’re not bought individually. If you plan on using or needing a lot of rides in a 24 hour period, using the card means that transportation will never cost you more than a set amount. Oyster Cards can be bought at any Tube station for a £5 deposit as well as how much you want to put on the card. You fill up the card on the machine readers when you enter the Tube or bus and again when you exit. Once you’re done with it, you can cash it out at one of the machines and get your £5 back as well as any money that’s left on it.

Lyric Fergusson

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Best travel accessories and gadgets for any and every holiday

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Settling down on the plane with an overpriced sandwich and a bottle of water, you may be fooled into a false sense of security that you’re about to embark on a relaxing trip where nothing can go wrong.

But, unless you are the most meticulous of packers (we salute you if you are), then at some point during the journey you’ll sit bolt upright in a panic remembering you forgot that one essential item.

If you’re anything like us, you’ll view travelling as one of the greatest gifts in life but equally, nothing we hate more than packing our bags. The endless lists and restrictive baggage allowances can most definitely be a stressful affair but with our latest roundup of travel essentials, we hope to make the process, and the holiday, far more enjoyable.

From adaptors that work in every country to travel pillows that won’t leave you with everlasting neck pain , we’ve got the best gadgets for all types of holidays. So, whether you’re topping up your tan on a beach or exploring a new city, you’re going to want to take these smart products with you.

Best women’s sunglasses suitable for all face shapes

Best portable photo printers to use on the go that are compatible with smart phones

Best luxury luggage brands: Stylish suitcases for weekends away or longer trips

Kindle (2022 release)

Amazon’s own-brand e-readers have been around for a while now, but this 2022 release will ignite jealousy from your fellow travellers - and for a very good reason. This Kindle is the lightest and most compact to date, making it perfect for diving into the latest good read while you’re on the go.

The ultimate companion for the bookworm jetsetter, it is small enough to fit in any crossbody bag to offer an entire library at your fingertips for the entire trip. No longer will you need to choose between a book and that extra pair of shoes as whether you have the chance to dive into your most recent literary downloads or not, the featherlight 158g won’t make too much of a dent in those already tight baggage restrictions.

It measures under 16 x 11 x 0.8cm with a 6” display and a built-in light so you can continue to flick between the pages even when lighting is low. You can use it totally wirelessly with no need to connect to a computer and the 16GB gives you the option to download thousands of books to enjoy with no WiFi necessary. Battery life is impressive too and should last throughout your adventures. The brand says up to six weeks but this will be less depending on how usage and if you employ the use of the illumination. Set-up and navigating the system couldn’t be easier - even for the less technology adept among us and recharging is through USB-C so the same cable as the newest iPhones and Android devices.

The cherry on top of the cake is the eco-conscious construction where this Kindle is made from 75 per cent post-consumer recycled plastics. This sustainable approach is continued into the packaging too with wood-fibre-based material and entirely recyclable boxes used.

Pocketalk S Voice Translator

Gone are the days of awkward hand gestures and elaborate games of charades to order your dinner or ask for directions on holiday as the Pocketalk S device can translate 82 languages bi-directionally - all at the touch of a button.

This pocket-sized device also has a text-to-translate camera which instantly recognises and translates, making this a perfect gadget for helping you explore a new city. Utilising the best translation engines in the world, Pocketalk S ensures accurate translations and helps create the best experience by picking up localised dialects and slang.

The Pocketalk also comes with an embedded SIM that provides a two-year mobile data plan so you can use the translator in over 130 countries without needing to rely on Wi-Fi or your precious mobile data. Its small size and lightweight characteristics means it is perfect for carrying around, wherever you’re going.

iBlockCube Worldwide Travel Adapter

If you’re anything like us, at least once during every holiday packing process you wish that every country used the same sockets to make life easier. Even if that’s not possible, the iBlockCube travel adaptor takes away the need to buy several adaptors for different countries and devices as it works in over 150 countries including the US, EU, UK, Australia and much of Asia.

The travel adaptor has four plugs which can be accessed by the multiple sliders and lock buttons on the side. It also has three fast-charging USB-A ports and two Type C ports meaning you don’t have to pack hundreds of plugs and adaptors for your next trip as you can charge up to six devices simultaneously and quickly.

Trtl Pillow Original

Whilst long car, plane or train journeys are rarely the best part of a holiday, they can definitely be made more comfortable (and therefore enjoyable) with the Trtl Pillow Original. The Trtl pillow has a soft fleece feel and contains internal support which keeps your head upright while sleeping so you don’t end up straining your neck or falling asleep in awkward positions.

What we loved most about this pillow was its compact size compared to other travel pillows on the market. The Trtl easily folds up so it is no bigger than a scarf and fits neatly into the travel bag provided. It is also fully adjustable so you can place the internal support mechanism against your neck where it suits you best. The velcro attachment then allows you to decide how tight you want the pillow wrapped.

Aeropress Go Coffee Maker

For those early morning starts, whether it’s to catch a plane or begin your morning commute, nothing beats a cup of coffee. The AeroPress Go ensures we are never without your trusted cup of coffee no matter how jam packed your bags are. This portable coffee maker measures a mere 14cm x 10cm x 10cm and comes with its own travel mug that all parts of the product can fit into.

The coffee maker is simple to use with only 6 components including a scooper, stirrer, 350 filter papers and a plunger. Not only is the product an ideal travel size, but it is also highly efficient as it brews up to 237ml (standard mug size) of American-style coffee per pressing - and all in just one minute. It can also brew espresso style coffee which can be used in lattes and cappuccinos.

Urbanears Boo Headphones

As sustainability continues to be at the forefront of many of our minds whilst shopping, we want products that not only look good, but also do good. Branding the slogan “made from trash”, these headphones are made with 97 per cent recycled plastics such as water bottles and air conditioning units. Urbanears are currently sold in three highly on-trend colours: slightly blue, almost green and charcoal black.

The headphones provide up to thirty hours of playtime, 4.5 hours from the headphones and 25.5 hours from the wireless case, meaning your headphones won’t run out of battery whilst you’re having a silent disco for one. The headphones are also dual noise filtering so it is easier to take that work call no matter how loud your surroundings.

Russell Hobbs Travel Iron

Let’s face it, no matter how well we try and pack our clothes into our suitcase using all sorts of folds and Tetris-style positioning, they always inevitably end up creased and crumpled within the first few days of the holiday. That’s why a travel iron is an absolute must and this Russell Hobbs Travel Iron is sturdy, good quality and budget friendly.

This iron is perfectly compact and lightweight, at only 0.36kg, meaning it will fit easily into your luggage or travel bag. Despite its small size it can hold an impressive 80ml of water and features a stainless steel soleplate allowing your ironing experience to be quick and smooth. The variable steam features help remove even the most stubborn of creases so it is a great addition for business trips.

RUGD Power Brick

If your next holiday involves camping, hiking, or anything outdoorsy then you won’t want to miss taking the RUGD Power Brick. This charging bank is designed specifically for outdoor enthusiasts and comes with two charging ports which can fast charge up to 50 per cent in just thirty minutes. The power brick also doubles up as a camping light and provides super power night light, two brightness modes and 16 LEDs so it will be sure to brighten up your holiday regardless of the weather!

Weighing only 280g, it is easily portable and its nifty carabiner clip means it will attach to any backpack or equipment. It is also water, dust and shockproof so no matter how adventurous your holiday, RUGD will be by your side.

Colgate Hum Brush

It can be a hassle packing your electric toothbrush alongside all the other electronic equipment you’re taking when going on holiday. But, if you can’t live without it, then the Colgate Hum Brush is the perfect addition to your toiletries bag. This smart toothbrush connects to your phone via Bluetooth and helps you brush better as it tracks the frequency and duration of brushing, while learning your personal brushing style in order to provide tailored advice.

The Hum toothbrush is perfect for travel not only because of its small size but also the duration of the rechargeable batteries, which can last up to 10 days. The handy travel bag means it is easily stored and won’t take up unnecessary space. The starter kit also comes with an extra refill head which will help you brushing for longer.

Marshall Emberton Portable Bluetooth Speaker

No holiday is complete without a great soundtrack and we think this retro style Marshall portable Bluetooth speaker is a great way to listen to all of your favourite tunes wherever you are in the world. With 20 hours of charge and Bluetooth 5.0, you don’t have to worry about unstable connections or charging equipment.

A perfect addition to your travel bases, this speaker weighs a mere 0.7kg and measures 68 x 76 x 160 mm. Despite its light weight and small size the Marshall speaker offers high quality, 360° multi-directional audio, meaning you don’t have to compromise on anything with this product.

What’s more is that the solid metal grille of the speaker gives it a tough enough exterior to protect it from inevitable jostling about in luggage. The Marshall is also great for those relaxing pool days as it is waterproof up to one metre.

Osprey Ultralight Drysack 12L

If you’re looking forward to all the surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding and every other water-based activity you’ll do on holiday then the Osprey Ultralight Drysack is perfect for keeping all of your belongings dry and safe. This 12L bag is made from Ripstop nylon which means it is both tough and ultralight so won’t weigh you down as you go about your adventure.

The roll-top closure of the bag and taped seams ensures your prized possessions will be completely safe from water no matter how wet it gets. Its rectangular shape can make packing more efficient and the range of bright colours offered means your bag will stay visible even as night falls.

15 Must-Have England Packing List Travel Gadgets For The Perfect Trip In 2021

Updated on: January 26, 2023

Before we start with the packing list, we would like to eliminate some confusion. Many may ask what is the difference between England, Great Britain (GB), and the United Kingdom (UK). We would like to clear this up, so that it is understandable to which country exactly our 16 must-have England packing list refers to and for which travel destination you will find tips for the perfect trip 2021 🙂

First, there are not 3 names for one country. But all 3 names include England. Let’s start with the most obvious one, England refers only to England – no Scotland, no Wales, no Northern Ireland. When we talk about Great Britain we add 2 more countries – Scotland and Wales. You can remember that very easily. They are all countries that are on the same island. And the United Kingdom is then completed with Northern Ireland – Very important: not Ireland! Now that we have clarified that, let’s focus on England 🙂

England has to fight with many prejudices… Always bad weather, terrible food, English people are very arrogant, they drink a lot of alcohol and then misbehave, the country is dull and gray. However, anyone who has been to England knows that none of these prejudices are true (of course there are exceptions, as in every country). Southern England and the lake district national park alone are such breathtakingly beautiful places that you can easily spend several days there. Also, you will have a hard time finding Indian food outside of India as good as in England. In addition, the English are incredibly polite and helpful. Even in an anonymous city like London, you will get help within seconds if you ask for it.

In this article, we give you helpful tips on travel gadgets for your packing list (which we, of course, tested ourselves in England) as well as valuable information about activities in England, the seasons in England and of course some general advice to assist you on your trip.

In order to enjoy all this without any problems, good planning is essential. So you can save time and money and enjoy your vacation in England to the fullest.

Regardless of your next destination, we also have some general information and tips for you in this article:

Smart Travel Planning – 5 Tips to Save Money on your next Trip

15 Travel Gadgets you need on your England Packing List!

Trekking Poles

Like already mentioned, England has some amazing places to go hiking. Our favorite hike is along Hadrian’s Wall. Here you are about 135 km on the road and can well use the support of a few trekking poles. Of course, there are many other possibilities to hike in England. We would love to read about your next hike here on Traxplorio 🙂

Packing Cubes

Originally we bought these Packing Cubes in order to get along with a small piece of luggage even on a short weekend trip. But we quickly fell in love with the practical Cubes. You can not only save a lot of space but also organize your luggage and save unnecessary packing and unpacking time. That’s why they should not only be part of your England packing list but also of your general travel equipment.

Universal Travel Adapter

A Travel Adapter is a must-have on every journey! With it, you don’t have to worry about the sockets at your destination and you can charge your devices quickly on your own. Especially handy are the USB ports, which allow you to charge several devices at the same time at one socket. In England, the sockets are different than in many other European countries, so you should check beforehand if your adapters fit.

Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot

With all the beautiful places and trails in England, this packing list should not be without a good pair of hiking boots. If you don’t have one yet, here is our absolute recommendation. Lowa stands for quality and durability. I myself have been using it for years and am more than satisfied. If you put these hiking boots on your England packing list, we recommend you put them on to save some space in your luggage.

Water Filter Bottle

The WATER TO GO Water Filter Bottle is truly one of our favorites. You may not necessarily need a filter to drink the water in England… However, it won’t hurt either. And if you’re on a long hike, you can refill your water supply at the nearest creek. It filters the bacteria out of the water and allows you to always have access to freshwater 🙂 Of course, it is also more sustainable than buying plastic bottles on-site!

Women Backpack

Backpacking Backpack

Depending on how you want to travel in England, a backpacking backpack can be a great option. We have linked our loyal companions for you. When buying a backpack for hiking, it is very important to make sure that the weight is well distributed and your back is not put under the wrong load. Both backpacks have a large volume. We recommend not to exceed this volume, otherwise, it will be too heavy.

Dual-Port USB Car Charger Adapter

Are you planning to do a little road trip in England? Of course, it is also important that you do not run out of navigation while driving 😉 It is a small but very useful companion which you should always have in your car even when at home. There are several USB ports with which you can even charge your camera equipment for the next stop while driving. Make sure to add it to your England packing list.

Magnetic In-Car Phone Holder

A perfect addition to this is this little helper! Although public transportation in England is very well developed, some places can be reached much easier by car. Besides, having your own car gives you another way to travel and more freedom. After all, you don’t want to arrive at the sights together with the other tourists. This In Car Phone Holder is highly recommended as it is compatible with any car and smartphone.

Ultra Lightweight Packable Backpack

If you have a big backpack with you, of course, you don’t want to walk around with it all the time. This small practical ultra lightweight packable backpack is perfect for every trip! The daypack’s adjustable breathable straps ensure a proper fit and comfortable all-day use. We are really surprised by how comfortable and robust it is. A clear recommendation!

Repel Windproof Umbrella

Okay, we admit it. It can happen that it rains in England 😀 If it is then of course we want you to be well prepared. Just then you will be glad not to have forgotten this umbrella while packing. So even a walk during unpleasant weather is not a problem anymore. For an England trip, this umbrella should always be worth considering.

Earth Pak Dry Bag

Above we have already mentioned the possibility of rain. But so that you do not have to let this affect your outdoor adventures, we recommend the Earth Pak Dry Bags! To protect your equipment from water, a dry bag is mandatory. In case of bad weather, this dry bag is the best alternative from our point of view.

Women Jacket

Waterproof Jacket

And one more clothing tip to make sure you’re prepared for all weather conditions. With a waterproof jacket, you don’t have to fear anything. These two models for men and women are tested by ourselves. They are really our absolute favorite jackets! Other jackets are nevertheless of course also highly recommended (otherwise you are wearing  – like us – the same outfit many vacation pictures 😀 )

Travel Security Belt

Another great item for your safety in England is this practical Travel Security Belt. It protects you from pickpockets and you always have enough money with you. Compared to a chest pouch or similar, another big advantage is that you can even swim in the sea (even if that’s kind of cold in England 😀 ) with the belt and always have your money with you. This item should definitely be on your England packing list as it does not even take up space in your luggage.

Refillable Bottles with Hook (e.g. for hand sanitizer)

These Refillable Bottles with hook are a good idea on any trip! In the current situation, they are perfect to fill with hand sanitizer and clip to your backpack. This way you have your sanitizer at hand in seconds. But of course, you can also fill them with all other types of liquids, such as shower gel. A great addition to your England packing list.

Be it on a city trip like London, Manchester, or Liverpool where you extensively using your cell phone to navigate or if you are hiking a lot. At some point, you run out of battery. Simply connect your cell phone to this powerbank and the battery is no longer a problem. Ever since we are using our smartphones, a powerbank is a must-have on your packing list.

More England Packing List Gadgets which may come in handy

Body Deodorant Wipes

Sunscreen Lotion

Bose QuietComfort 35 (Noise Cancelling)

Microfiber Towel

Action Camera 4K WiFi

RFID Blocking Sleeves

Waterproof Rain Poncho

Travel Pillow

Bonus Tip: Travel Insurance

Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic has shown us how quickly something unexpected can happen. However, in order for you to worry as little as possible during your well-deserved vacation, we have fought our way through the insurance jungle for you and looked for a reliable partner. Thereby we have stumbled upon WorldNomads.com . Insurance is always a very sensitive topic and honestly, we would rather do without it and spend the money on vacation for other nice things. But if something should happen, you are more than happy to have a partner like WorldNomads on your side!

Why WorldNomads has impressed us so much?

• Backed by specialized insurance providers and global assistance partners
• You can always buy the insurance online , even if you are already traveling
• You can adjust your insurance coverage during the trip and claim online
• They cover a range of adventure sports and activities
• Very high availability worldwide

6 Things you DO NOT need in England

Activated Charcoal

We don’t know why it’s on so many packing lists. Food in England is greasy, but of very good quality. We have been to England many times and never had any problems. Of course you can always get something everywhere and if you have a sensitive stomach it is better to be prepared.

Another thing that is on many packing lists… but why? 😀 we would say that the availability of hairdryers in England is above average 😉 So if you don’t need to dry your hair on the go, you can save the extra weight.

Valuable jewelry

Of course, it depends on your interests when traveling. But in general, we recommend that you only bring what you really need (e.g. camera equipment). However, England is very safe and you don’t have to worry about being robbed.

Too many clothes

If you like shopping you should leave some space in your luggage, because in England there are a lot of shopping possibilities. We also love the English design – it is simply timeless.

Actually, you do not need to have money with you because there are ATMs everywhere. In addition, card payment is also accepted in many places. So if you have one more beer in the pub, you don’t have to worry about not being able to pay for it 🙂

Hanging toilet case

This product was found on many England packing lists. And I also thought it was a good idea, since it’s a bit narrow in London, for example. It turned out that the bag also did not fit in our bathroom 😀 Therefore it is not a recommendation of ours.

3 Special Accommodations to stay in England

Holiday Inn Express Southwark

Of course, many people are drawn to London when they travel to England for the first time. Most likely you will end up here too, so why not spend a few nights here? The Holiday Inn Express Southwark is our top recommendation. The rooms are very large by London standards and the value for money is unbeatable. No matter where you are in London, you can get anywhere with the excellent local transport. We especially liked the breakfast 🙂

Hotel Indigo Manchester – Victoria Station

The Hotel Indigo Manchester leaves nothing to be desired. No wonder it is one of the top picks in Manchester. It is located directly at the Manchester Victoria station. You can get to Old Trafford in a few minutes and experience the unique atmosphere of an English football match. The location is really great for exploring the city and the hotel itself also has an excellent cocktail bar to enjoy the evening.

The Devon Court

And finally, accommodation for those who also want to treat themselves. The Devon Court is family run and located in the heart of Torquay. The region around Torquay is also one of the most beautiful in England. The highlight of this accommodation is the heated outdoor swimming pool! If you want you can also be at the sea within 5 minutes. The English breakfast was delicious. We stayed one night longer than planned because we also underestimated how much there is to do in Torquay and the surrounding area.

Budget flights to England

4 seasons in england. what to experience and what to be aware of.

The days are getting longer, the first rays of the sun are peeking through the clouds and the tourist crowds are still absent: spring is one of the most beautiful and best seasons to visit England! While temperatures in March are still often around 6 – 11°C, they can already rise to 18°C in May, so you can explore England in mild temperatures and sunshine – and often even at a bargain price!

Basically, there is no perfect time to travel due to the varied weather in England. However, because of the Gulf Stream, the weather in the UK is generally milder than the rest of Europe but also rainier for that very reason. You may get lucky and be able to head out in golden sunshine in a t-shirt. But it’s also possible that the sun won’t show up at all for two weeks and you’ll get a lot of rain instead. So all year round, never go out without an umbrella or rain jacket! Take a look at our packing list so that you are well prepared for the English weather.

Which activities are most recommended in spring?

As winter turns to spring, nature awakens and the gardens of England burst into colors. For all nature and botany lovers among you, spring is definitely recommended. So get out there and take a walk to see the spectacle! Trees are budding, crocuses, daffodils, magnolias, and rhododendrons are blooming and birds are chirping at you. The bluebells are particularly popular in England and cover many meadows and forests from April like a purple carpet of flowers – breathtakingly beautiful!

For a walking vacation, the south of England is particularly suitable in spring, because there it is already a little warmer in April and there is more to discover … plus a higher probability of sunshine. Travel to the Jurassic Coast and see the fascinating rock formations. And if the weather doesn’t cooperate, take a trip to the mystical stone circle Stonehenge. Either way, don’t forget your walking shoes in spring, because there is so much to discover in nature! Alternatively, the region is also ideal for cycling or other outdoor sports.

The most popular time to travel to England is probably the summer from June to early autumn in September. These months are characterized by less precipitation than the other months and the temperatures are very pleasant with 20 ° C. You can expect up to seven hours of sunshine a day, so it’s a great way to travel!

… the only catch: the good weather unfortunately also brings a large number of people with it. You should take this into account if you want to visit famous sights such as Madame Tussaud’s in London during your trip to England. Longer waiting times are to be expected.

Which activities are most recommended in summer?

For travelers who want to enjoy a beach vacation on the coast, the summer months are ideal. The best place for a simple beach vacation is on the southwest coast in Devon. Together with Cornwall, these two counties are most influenced by the Gulf Stream, so you can expect Mediterranean weather and beautiful sandy beaches. If you need a little more action, then you will certainly find it on the north coast of Cornwall. There the sea is rougher and invites you to surf.

Similar to spring, England is a great place for hiking in summer, as temperatures are not excessively hot in summer. How about, for example, the highest mountain in England in the Lake District or the Cotswolds Hills, which are also called the “Heart of England”? You can expect rolling hills, flower-filled gardens, and picturesque typical British villages.

Are you more drawn to the city? Well, there’s London, which is popular all year round. If you don’t mind crowds of tourists and selfie sticks, then London in the summer is certainly a good choice. Otherwise, I recommend a less crowded city like Liverpool as an alternative. Or you can combine the city with the beach and travel to Brighton, the largest seaside resort in the UK and one of the most beautiful cities in England. By the way, London is only two hours away, so you could combine that for a side trip as well.

Last but not least: festivals! … in Bristol, one of the hippest cities in England. In summer, for example, there is the Harbour Fest and the International Balloon Fiesta city, where hundreds of hot air balloons can be seen in the sky. Add cider and the party can start.

To sum up, in summer you really have all the doors open for a successful trip to England!

Autumn in England (September – November)

Weather conditions vary greatly in the fall. While in September temperatures of up to 19 °C can be reached, it can be very cool in November with temperatures under 10 °C. In addition, the probability is very high in October that you get a few rain showers during your trip to England. So you have to dress up warm and practical. To make your trip as easy as possible, our packing list will help you. Be sure to add weather-appropriate clothing to your luggage so that you can enjoy your vacation.

The high humidity in the UK, by the way, means that fog is a common occurrence in late autumn and winter… no wonder English authors like Agatha Christie and Edgar Wallace took this as inspiration for their spooky stories and detective novels.

Which activities are most recommended in autumn?

The south of England is a colorful place in autumn, and the peace and quiet of the countryside begin to return. So if you travel to the south coast in September, you’ll have the chance of almost empty sandy beaches and warm temperatures for walking and swimming (but only if you’re not sensitive to the cold). At this time of year, you can also see migratory birds and wildlife such as foxes, deer, and stags.

Dartmoor National Park also offers great scenery in the fall. The southern moorland is lined with beautiful heathland and is great for activities such as climbing, horse riding, cycling, fishing, and hiking. There are lots of spooky stories around the moorland, so a visit in rain and fog is also worthwhile.

Autumn is also a great time for a city break, as there are fewer visitors, prices are lower (whether for flights, accommodation or sightseeing) and you can wander around museums, castles, football stadiums, and pubs while it’s pouring outside. London, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool – you’re spoiled for choice!

When you think of winter travel, the UK or England is probably not the first place that comes to mind. Admittedly, the weather at this time of year is not too great either, rather unstable, cold, wet, and also windy. The days are relatively short and the temperatures reach a maximum of 15 °C, at night they even drop to below -10 °C.

Nevertheless, a trip to England is worthwhile in winter as well, because there is a lot to discover and experience even at this time of year. And winter has one big advantage: there are almost no tourists on the road and with a little bit of luck you can catch a super last-minute deal.

Which activities are most recommended in winter?

What do you immediately think of in winter? Snow and Christmas! Well, unfortunately, England doesn’t really have snow, but it does have beautiful Christmas markets, especially beautiful ones you can find in York, in the north of England. The city is full of Christmas stalls where you can buy presents and delicious English specialties. In the dark evening hours (and there are many of them in England in winter) the city shines in the magical glow of lights.

And speaking of city breaks: You should visit London in winter! In the run-up to Christmas, the city is beautifully lit and decorated. You have the opportunity to ice skate and watch performances. But London also has great advantages in January and February. The city is much emptier, so you can get tickets and restaurant reservations more easily or, for example, watch the famous changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace in peace. If the weather is too much for you, London also has a lot of indoor activities to offer. How about a Harry Potter Studio Tour or the London Dungeon, which will teach you about the creepy legends of Jack the Ripper?

For all football lovers, of course, a real English football match is not to be missed. After all, football was born right there. So combine your city trip with a Premier League football event. You have the opportunity to see world-famous teams like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal London.

Are you looking for relaxation after your city trip? Then let’s go to Bath! The city is famous for its history as a Roman spa town. You can still visit the hot springs in the Roman walls and warm-up and pamper yourself in the adjacent spa.

As you can see, England has a lot to offer, especially in the winter months, so a trip is really worth it.

10 Interesting Facts about England!

Some of the most visited landmarks in the world are located in England

Of course, the sights of London immediately come to mind. For example, the home of the Queen, Buckingham Palace, or the most famous Ferris wheel in the world – the London Eye. But if you are outside of London there is much more to explore. Stonehenge, York Minster, and Anwick Castle are just a few examples.

London is the biggest city in Europe

Before some loudly contradict, it is of course not the largest city in europe in terms of area…. but by population. More than 9 million people live in London.

England is home to the largest inhabited castle in the world

It’s Windsor Castle! The Queen lives not only in Buckingham Palace but also here. For over 1000 years, Windsor Castle has been the home of England’s kings and queens. There are also many books and movies about Windsor Castle.

The Queen is a vampire? 😛

Speaking of the Queen, did you know that she is distantly related to Vlad the Impaler? Vlad the Impaler serves as the inspiration for Dracula. Conspiracy theories about the Queen also being a vampire and therefore immortal are found quite often. Even though many English people might even want this to be true, we think this “fact” is rather unlikely 🙂

115 is a special number for all ocean lovers

This number describes the maximum number of kilometers you can be away from the ocean in England. So no matter where you are in England, within 115km (or about 2-3h. drive) you are at the ocean 🙂

Tourists in London are very lazy 😀

Tourists in London seem to really love the good public transportation infrastructure. The reason for this is that the most popular tube route is the one from Leicester Square to Covent Garden…. although you could cover this distance much faster on foot. In addition, the tube system in London is also the first and largest underground system in the world.

There are 13 British overseas territories

Due to colonization and other historical reasons, there are still many British territories outside of England. These include the Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. But also Gibraltar and Saint Helena.

The famous “Brexit”

Since 31 December 2020, the United Kingdom and therefore also England is no longer part of the European Union (EU). This leads to a variety of new arrangements and also rules for the entry and exit to/from England. It is still far from being clarified exactly, so you better inform yourself before your entry/exit once again at the official sources.

England has the biggest airport on the European continent

Many already know – it is London Heathrow. One of the reasons for this is that London is also the most international and connected financial center in the world. Normally, over 600 flights land there every day.

The “www” was invented by an English scientist

An English scientist named Tim Berners-Lee is to thank for the fact that we can use the Internet the way we do today. He invented the World Wide Web. Without Tim, many things that are taken for granted today would not be possible. That’s why you can read this article right now and hopefully prepare yourself full of anticipation for your next trip to England 🙂

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UK Travel Packing Essentials

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: January 10, 2023

Not sure what to pack for your UK travels? Use this article in conjunction with our UK packing list to ensure you have all your UK travel packing essentials.

To compliment our UK travel packing list we have put together this ‘shop’ of UK travel essentials which has literally everything we think you may need when visiting the UK.

Obviously, there will be things on this list that you already own so we are not suggesting you go out and buy new items for your upcoming trip! We simply want to ensure you have every base covered! (It is helpful to remember that there are also lots of great shops in the UK so if you forget something don’t panic!)

Itinerary Planners

Guide to uk train travel, best travel luggage, travel packing solutions, document organisers, tech organisers, toiletry and make-up organisers, medication organisers, travel bag for the plane, travel pillows, noise-cancelling headphones, earbuds & earplugs, foot hammocks & inflatable foot rests, theft proof bags, theft proof clothing & accessories, electronic items & accessories, what to wear on your uk vacation – how to blend in and avoid looking like a tourist, practical things you will need to add to your uk packing list, travel books, more practical uk travel planning tips and resources.

UK Travel Planning Products – Add them to your packing list!

Our itinerary planners are the perfect companion for 9 popular UK destinations and include everything you need to know to plan your visit – what to see (and how long to spend at each attraction), best experiences, best viewpoints and recommended places to eat and drink.

⭐️ Click to buy

Are you are planning to travel the UK by train?If so our ebook is an essential purchase. Containing practical tips and advice to help you to plan your trip (including 12 done for you UK train itineraries) it has everything you need tp know to start planning your UK rail adventure.

Things to consider when choosing luggage for your UK trip –

• If you are travelling the UK by train choose an easily portable and manouevrable luggage option.
• If you are travelling by car consider the size of car you are renting – the boot (trunk) may not fit several huge suitcases!
• I highly recommend that you travel light. Pack clothes than can be layered.
• Leave room for all the souvenirs and presents you will be purchasing!

I cannot recommend packing cubes enough. I was a late convert but boy do I always use them now! These are the perfect solution if you are travelling around the UK. Pack entire outfits in a separate packing cube – it saves time as you can leave the rest of your case undisturbed and just lift out the cube you need.

I also have one packing cube which I use for clothes I have worn so they are kept separate. This also makes it easy to lift them out if you need to get some washing done.

Travel organisers

Staying organised is essential and it is so easy when travelling to misplace things, lose things or simply end up with paperwork and travel documents all over the place.

We keep everything in an organiser. I do scan backups of our passport information, tickets and any other important information to my dropbox account but day to day we use an organiser to keep everything in one place and easily accessible.

There is nothing worse than arriving at your hotel after a long journey to then start scrabbling around looking for your passport or other necessary documentation.

Here are some great travel organisers to will keep all your important paperwork, itineraries and ID documents in one place.

So many leads to take and it is so easy for them to get tangled up. Using an organiser for all those leads and cords makes things so much easier!

I recommend taking a few items in your hand luggage (travel size of course) and putting the rest in your luggage. I take a lipstick, a small bottle of moisturiser, a toothbrush and toothpaste in my carry-on and find that works for me.

Essentials for the plane journey

I pack my bag for the plane very carefully so I know where everything is. A great tip is to pack a smaller bag (I often use a packing cube for this) will all the essential things you will want on hand during the flight.

This means you can put your bag in the overhead locker and not need to get up and down to rummage through it when you need something.

I keep my iPad, Kindle, a pen, notepad, earphones, chewing gum/sweets, any medications, eye mask, eyedrops and my toiletries (I pack travel-size ones for on the plane) in this smaller bag. It makes life so much easier especially when you are in the window seat and you don’t have to disturb your travel companions to get those essential items.

I find sleeping on planes is easier for some people than for others. I tend to sleep for a few hours at a time but for me being as comfortable as possible means having my own pillow. There are lots of options to choose from (better than using a rolled-up jumper as I remember doing in the 1980s!)

Another essential item is to pack a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Cut out the noise of the engines and your fellow passengers and get some sleep on that long-haul flight.

If you (like me) suffer from swollen feet and puffy ankles after a long flight I recommend purchasing one of these foot hammocks or inflatable footrests.

An absolutely fantastic idea which will not only make the journey more comfortable but the first few days after you arrive at your destination (trying to squeeze swollen feet into shoes and boots is not what you need when you have so many places to see)

Theft-proof travel items

When travelling it is easy to become flustered and stressed especially in a new city or country. At these times our ability to focus can be impacted. This is why pickpockets often hang around train stations and airports.

Similarly in tourist areas where you may be distracted by the sights and therefore not prepared or unsure what to do when approached by organised groups who may be looking for vulnerable targets.

We have experienced this in France ( pickpockets rifled through my backpack but because everything of value was in my pickpocket-proof crossbody bag didn’t get anything )and Italy ( scammed by a cab driver who tricked us by swapping a 20 Euro note for a 5 Euro note ) and the UK is certainly no different.

Therefore plan ahead – purchase theft-proof bags and accessories. Don’t carry large amounts of cash. Leave valuables and passports in your hotel room safe. And stay aware especially in train stations and around busy tourist areas when visiting London.

I NEVER travel without my theft-proof bags anywhere in the world and I highly recommend purchasing one or two for your trip.

It is better to be safe than sorry and using a theft-proof bag will give you some peace of mind (and protection) when travelling. Whilst I do not want to be alarmist it is important to understand that the UK is not free of crime. A theft proof bag is always on my London packing list.

Pickpockets and petty thieves are around and if you make yourself an easy target (an open purse/handbag or wallet in a back pocket) you may find yourself spending valuable holiday time replacing personal effects and credit cards plus dealing with insurance claims .

There are some great theft-proof accessories and even items of clothing available. Consider purchasing a wallet or purse with RFID Blocking Pockets which can help prevent electronic identity theft. An essential on your packing list for London.

Don’t forget an adaptor as this will be something you will definitely need unless you are coming from one of the few countries with the same plugs as the UK. In England the power plugs and sockets are of  type G . The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Read more about UK voltage .

Take a charging battery to ensure you can keep your phone and electronics charged especially if you have a day of travel.

Other items worth considering are a Kindle (save on weight allowances) and I love this phone and iPad holder which is perfect for on a plane or train.

If you are wondering how to dress in the UK (with the UK weather in mind) and what to pack clothes-wise my suggestion is to think practically. Take clothes that can be layered (whatever the season – cold weather forecast or not!)

Don’t overpack – take a few pairs of jeans, T-shirts, long-sleeved tops, a winter jacket that will keep you warm (and dry!), comfortable walking shoes (a pair of waterproof boots, sneakers) and a couple of scarves. Also consider where you are visiting – smart London clothes will probably not work if you are hiking in the Lake District !

Think – casual and comfortable. Choose neutral colours – black, navy and add colour with your accessories and scarves.

Avoid wearing anything with a Union Jack on it, football shirts (soccer), anything of political nature or combat gear.

Note – if you plan to visit somewhere a little posh (the Ritz for afternoon tea for example) you will need to be dressed smartly (no jeans, sneakers) so pack one ‘dressier’ outfit if that is something you plan to do!

There are lots of ideas and packing tips in our UK packing guide so do check that out for London wardrobe, summer clothes and winter packing essentials but here are some accessory ideas!

In this section, I have added all the practical items that you will need. Don’t forget a reusable water bottle whatever time of year – it’s a year-round essential!

In addition to this website, you may wish to buy a travel guide book or two. We have lots of suggestions in our article about the best travel guides for UK travel too so do check that out.

Check out our selections of the best books about (or set in) Scotland or England too for some travel reading inspiration.

• Plan your trip – Follow our 10 steps to plan the UK vacation of your dreams
• Packing – Packing list for UK in all seasons & London in winter packing list
• Transport – Guide to UK transportation & how to get around
• Driving – Guide to renting a car in the UK
• Using your phone in the UK – Guide to all the options
• Cash or card? – Our guide to bringing money to the UK

Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

London Packing List: What to Pack for London and the UK at any time of year

Last updated: October 19, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - 29 Comments

We’ve spent a great deal of time travelling throughout the UK, plus we’ve taken many trips to London, a city we love to visit. I even lived in London for a number of years.

There’s so much to see and do in London that we find ourselves returning time and again for new adventures – everything from seeking out Harry Potter sites to hitting the Winston Churchill trail .

Based on our experiences, we wanted to put together a guide to what to pack for London, to help you when planning what to bring.

This London packing list will also work for visiting other cities and parts of the UK and is designed for visiting London and the UK any time of year, with some items being more required in winter or summer, and noted as such.

The climate does not vary too greatly across the country, although it is usually a little cooler as you get further north, especially up into northern Scotland.

The key thing with travelling in the UK is to be prepared for anything. The weather in the UK is famous for being fickle, and weather forecasts are notoriously unreliable.

So even in summer you can expect cold, grey days, whilst winter can provide unexpected sunshine and even a little warmth!

Now we’re going to go through our packing list in some detail, after which you’ll find a checklist so you don’t forget anything!

London Packing List

1. clothing.

Generally, for cities in the UK you will find that folks will tend to be fairly well dressed, so you will likely want to pack your nicer looking clothes – although you don’t need to be super dressy for most occasions.

Just bear in mind that if your travel plans include fine dining, nice bars or trips to shows like the opera or the west end then you might want to bring some smarter clothes.

I normally pack a button-up shirt and a light cotton jacket whilst Jess will pack a smart dress.

Clothes for London in Winter

When we travel to London in winter, we usually wear jeans or pants and Jess will wear layers with a warm sweater  like this on top ,  while I will usually have a shirt and a fleece .

We will also both wear a warm winter coat . A warm scarf and good gloves are also essential winter items for London!

In terms of gloves, there are a number of options on the market. These are a good pair specifically designed for photography, with a warm merino wool lining and magnetic finger caps, and are the pair that I own.

However, you’ll find plenty of gloves to choose from if you don’t need a photography specific pair. Our main suggestion is to get a pair with touchscreen capability so you don’t need to take them off to use your phone when navigating or looking up information.

For scarves, we love our cashmere scarves as they are really warm and look great, you can get them for women here and for men here . We have a guide to travel scarves here if you need some more inspiration!

If you suffer from the cold, you will also likely want a warm hat .

Clothes for London in Summer

For visiting London in summer, Jess will usually bring along a pair of pants, capris, and have a light dress with a shoulder wrap to wear depending on the weather.

I usually wear jeans, although on the odd rare hot day I can find that jeans become uncomfortably hot to walk in sometimes, so I will also pack light pants or shorts. For bright days (they do happen, we promise!), you’ll also likely want a pair of sunglasses .

The key thing for either time of year is to bring a series of clothing you can layer so you can adjust to the climate accordingly.

As mentioned at the beginning of the post, if you are doing anything more formal such as a nice afternoon tea at a nice hotel, you should definitely check the dress code in advance so you are prepared.

You are unlikely to need outdoor gear such as hiking pants or boots for your London trip, although if you are heading out to the countryside for a little while, (perhaps following one of our UK itineraries ), then a good pair of hiking pants will likely be a good addition to your UK packing list.

A decent pair of shoes can make or break a holiday. You’re going to be doing a fair bit of walking as you explore the UK and her cities, and the last thing you want is sore feet or blisters.

Recently, we’ve been loving travelling in our Allbirds shoes (see our detailed Allbirds review here ). For cool weather, we like the Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles , and for warmer weather the Allbirds Tree Runners . The Tree Runners are the most comfortable travel shoes I’ve ever worn, even in very hot weather exploring hot European cities in summer.

Of course, sometimes you want something a little bit smarter. In that case, I have a pair of Timberland shoes that I love.

They are dressy enough for a night out or a nice meal, but also comfortable enough for walking in all day. They’re also 100% waterproof, which can be a real benefit, as rain showers can happen at any time in the UK!

For slightly more formal situations, Jess loves her versatile black Rockport shoes. Whatever shoes Jess wears though, she finds she suffers from arch pain, probably because of high arches. After a lot of research, we settled on these cool insoles , which have solved that problem.

For more shoe tips, check out our guide to the best travel shoes for men and the best travel shoes for women for tips on picking a great pair to travel in.

3. Toiletries / Make up

Naturally you’re going to want to bring your toiletries with you on your trip to London!

You don’t need much different for London and the UK than anywhere else, so just remember your essentials – toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, moisturizer, travel razor and any make-up or sanitary products that you might need.

Of course, all these things are easily available to buy in the UK as well, although as brands might differ slightly, if there is a product you love from home it is best to bring it with you to be sure. If you are on any medication, you should definitely bring this as well.

We’d also advise sunscreen for travel in the summer months, and a good Chapstick for travel in winter as the cold winter air can very quickly dry out your lips which isn’t fun.

4. Electronic Gear

The UK uses a 220v three pin system, so if you’re travelling from nearly anywhere else in the world you are going to need a travel adapter. We normally use an adapter like this  and then pair it with an extension setup like this , which gives us all the plugs and USB ports we need to charge our all devices.

Note that if you are travelling to England from the USA, which uses a 110v system, not all your equipment will work.

Most laptops, phones and cameras will be fine, but in our experience, many hair dryers, curling irons, and hair straighteners don’t support dual voltages. You can check on the plug or in the manual to find out.

Jess has a dual voltage hair dryer and a dual voltage hair straightener  for just this reason.

See more on travel adapters and how to choose one for your trip in our guide to the best travel adapters .

You will also of course want your smartphone. If you have an unlocked phone, the cheapest way to get online will be to pick up a SIM card on arrival, or if you want to be fully prepared you can order one in advance . SIM cards are easy to come by in the UK and data is cost effective.

See our advice on getting online when you travel for tips on the best options.

If you’re thinking of a new smartphone for your trip, check our guide to the best cameras for travel , which has a section on smartphones that are good for travel and taking photos.

We would also recommend you travel with an external powerpack to keep everything charged, and a set of decent noise cancelling headphones can be a life saver if you want to watch a movie or listen to a bit of music.

If you like to read, you may also want to travel with a table or e-reader like a Kindle . For most trips you probably won’t need a laptop, but of course if you find it easier to travel with a laptop or tablet then bring one by all means!

5. Photography Gear

London is a very photogenic city (see my guide to the best photography locations here for some ideas), so you’re definitely going to want to bring some kind of photography gear with you on your trip. Even if that’s just a smartphone!

Our photography setup is likely overkill for most, but if you want to get the best photos, then we advise investing in a dedicated camera and ideally a tripod. See our guide to why you need a tripod for suggestions on the best travel tripods.

We also travel with a selfie stick to get nice photos of the two of us together if we don’t want have time or space to set up the tripod.

Don’t forget when travelling with your camera to bring a few accessories. We’d advise spare batteries, spare memory cards, a UV filter for the lens, and a decent bag or case to keep it all safe. If you don’t get a dedicated camera bag, a camera insert  that goes inside your daypack or carry-on is a wise investment.

We also travel with a number of large Ziploc bags which can be really handy to put electronics and wet clothes in should the weather turn bad.

6. Luggage & Backpacks

Picking the right luggage for you is a big decision. The right bag should last you for many years of travel, and suit your particular style – be that carry-on only or checked luggage.

We travel with a fair amount of gear, so we invariably have one checked bag each, and then one piece of hand luggage which has our high value items in. One tip I learnt from my mum’s years of travel wisdom is to split our belongings across our two checked bags – that way if one of them doesn’t make it, we still both have clothes!

For my camera and electronic gear, I currently use a Vanguard Alta Sky 49 , which works well as both a carry-on and a day pack. Prior to that, I used an Osprey day pack with a camera insert, which was also super comfortable.

Jess loves her Eagle Creek bags , and has both a carry-on sized backpack and a larger wheeled backpack that we check-in. For a long time my main checked bag was an Osprey Sojourn 60 . This travelled with me from 2013 until 2021 through multiple countries and countless baggage handlers, and never let me down.

Currently though, we travel with two main checked bags. We have a Level8 trunk bag , and a Delsey Hardside bag . We picked luggage with four spinner wheels as it’s honestly so much easier to move around, and both these bags have survived the rigours of travel very well, including a five week African safari, which is tough on any bag!

If you’re in the market for a new bag, we have no hesitation recommending Eagle Creek , Osprey , Level8 , Delsey and Vanguard as great choices.

7. Reusable Water Bottle

We highly recommend bringing a reusable bottle for water with you so you can fill it in sinks and water fountains and not need to pay for drinks or purchase bottled water. Tap water across the UK is safe to drink, so there’s no need to spend money on water.

If you need to get a water bottle for your trip, we personally like the Klean Kanteen bottles like these .

We have a few different sizes and find the anti-leak lids and easy washability make them perfect for travel. You’ll be saving money and creating less plastic waste, which is always a good thing!

8. Miscellaneous

Obviously, there are a few items you need to bring with you when travelling to the UK, such as your passport. Depending on where you are coming from, you might also need proof of onward travel, a visa, and proof of funds for your time in the UK.

Check the UK government website here to get an idea of what documentation you might need.

We’d also advise having a note of your hotel address available in non-electronic format, as you may need this during immigration proceedings.

Beyond the documentation requirements, don’t forget all the cables for your electronic devices. You are unlikely to need a towel for travel in London and the UK unless you are staying in particularly budget accommodation like backpacker hostels or some of the more budget hotel options that charge for add-ons like towels.

We would recommend you bring a  travel umbrella  or a travel poncho – these can be very useful in London and the UK as rain can happen at pretty much any time! You can also buy these at many shops in London although the quality might not stand the test of time.

If you would like to keep track of your adventures, we also recommend bringing along a travel journal. We always journal our travels so we can remember what we have seen and done. See our guide to the best travel journals for some ideas.

For London, we can also recommend the Streetwise Map , which is handy for helping you get around. We also recommend a physical guidebook, either the latest Rick Steves London guide , or the Lonely Planet London guide .

London Packing Checklist

Here’s a full list for you to use as a reminder for your trip to London. You can also download this London packing list in PDF form to print off here .

• Shirts / t-shirts
• Sweater / fleece for layering
• Jeans / Pants
• Underwear / socks
• Shoes (bring a pair that is versatile so you can travel with just one or at most two pairs)
• Swimwear (if needed, such as hotel has pool for instance)
• More formal wear (if needed, such as planned fine dining or theatre experience)
• Warm winter Coat
• Additional Sweaters/ Fleece
• Short sleeve t-shirts / tank tops
• Spring/Summer skirts/dresses
• Capris / Shorts
• Light jacket / sweater
• Sunglasses / hat
• Reusable water bottle
• Toothpaste / toothbrush
• Deodorant/Fragrance
• Moisturiser
• Medications
• Hygiene Products
• Other __________________
• Tripod / selfie-stick
•  Memory cards
• Spare batteries
• Camera accessories
• Portable power pack
• Travel adaptor
• Extension lead
• Laptop / tablet / e-reader
• Checked bag
• Carry-on bag
• Visa / proof of onward travel etc (if required)
• Travel towel (backpackers only)
• Jewelry / watch
• Travel journal / reading materials
• Cards / games
• Travel umbrella or poncho
• Other ___________________

Further Reading for your Visit to London and the UK

We have written many guides that will help you plan and prepare for your trip to London, plus we have some other go-to resources we think you will find useful.

• To help you plan your time in London effectively, check out our itineraries for 1 Day in London , 2 Days in London , 3 Days in London and 6 Days in London
• If you’re flying into London, see our post on advice on getting to London from the airport,  which includes detailed information for all six of London’s airports
• Getting around can be a bit daunting on your first visit to London. See our guide to public transport options in London , as well as our overview of how to buy and use an Oyster card to help get prepared
• We have detailed guides to visiting the Tower of London and the London Eye which includes information on planning your visit and how to save money on these popular attractions
• If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’re going to want to take a look at our guide to the best Harry Potter locations in London
• We have a complete guide to where to stay in London , with over 60 recommendations across all the main areas in London we recommend.
• Fans of Winston Churchill will want to see our detailed guide to seeing all London’s Winston Churchill sights
• Military history buffs will want to check out our guide to   London’s Best Military Museums and Memorials
• London has four UNESCO world heritage sites, we have a guide to visiting all of them here
• If you want to get the best photos during your time in London, see my guide to the best Photography Locations in London
• We have a full guide to some of the best walking tours in London , which is also worth reviewing if you are interested in a walking tour while you are in the city.
• Many of London’s attractions are quite expensive, so if you plan on doing a lot of sight-seeing, you can save money with a London Pass . See our full review of the London Pass here to see if it will save you money on your trip
• If your visit to London is part of a wider trip to the UK, check out our detailed 1 week and 2 week UK itinerary posts for inspiration
• For accommodation, we recommend Booking.com. See all their London listings here
• The Eyewitness Travel Guide to London , which has all sorts of information within, including more itineraries and ideas for your trip
• Rick Steve’s London  guide, the #1 bestseller on Amazon for UK travel guides, and always an excellent source of relevant information

And that’s it for our detailed packing guide for London, which hopefully covers everything you need to know for what to pack for London and the UK in general!

As always, we’re happy to take your questions and feedback – just leave us a comment below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. Safe travels!

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Prashuk says

12th September 2023 at 7:28 am

Your London packing list is incredibly helpful for travelers! Packing for varying UK weather can be a challenge, and your guide covers all the essentials. Thanks for making trip planning easier

Laurence Norah says

12th September 2023 at 9:29 am

It’s my pleasure Prashuk, have a safe trip to the UK and let me know if you have any questions!

23rd April 2022 at 3:09 pm

Thank you for your blog! We leave next week for 3 week driving tour in UK, & then 1 week in London (car-less) before returning to US. We are bringing iPad & iPhone, Roku streaming stick for evening Prime Video/Netflix/YouTubeTV in the airbnbs, & wired adapter(lightning to hdmi) to connect to bigger screens when they are available. What should we buy/bring to adapt those items for UK use? Thanks!

23rd April 2022 at 3:17 pm

So all you should need is some kind of adaptor to convert a US plug socket to a UK plug socket, also known as a travel adaptor. I have a guide to travel adaptors here , but most people opt for something simple like this .

I say should because in my experience most lower power electronics like iPads, iPhones and laptops are already capable of handling the voltage difference. As you probably know, the UK uses 220-240v power, whilst the US uses 110-120v. If you look on the plug or adaptor for the device, it should tell you what the input voltage if accepts is. If it’s in the range of 100v – 250v, or therabouts, it should be fine. However, if it’s fixed around 110 – 120v, it will not work and would in fact be dangerous to try plugging it in to a higher voltage output.

Other than the power adaptor so you can charge your devices, the rest should work fine. HDMI and USB ports are the same around the world, so that should all just work as expected.

Let me know if this makes sense or if I can help any more, and have a great trip to the UK!

Eddie Moricle says

21st April 2022 at 3:38 pm

Thanks for the Info. We are headed to London next month for 8 days!

21st April 2022 at 3:43 pm

My pleasure Eddie, have a great trip!

su Hal says

29th November 2021 at 1:47 pm

hello is it ok to bring cooked from in a container from India ie chicken curry on a flight.

29th November 2021 at 11:23 pm

This might be possible, but it will depend on the quantity of the food and also whether it is very liquid, in which case it may be classified as a liquid which has to then meet the airline requirements. If in doubt, it’s best to reach out to the airline. In addition, if you plan to bring it into the UK you will need to check the regulations in the UK as to what you are allowed to bring in.

Have a great trip to London!

vertoe says

14th November 2021 at 12:22 pm

Great blog! Thanks for sharing informative content with beautiful pictures.

14th November 2021 at 12:26 pm

My pleasure!

Elyonda Mckenzie says

30th May 2021 at 1:47 am

Hi, I’m going to London the last week of September and first week of October, how heavy of a coat should I take. I’ll be in Paris the first week of October. Thanks

31st May 2021 at 8:27 pm

Hi Elyonda! Great question. I’d say a medium size coat. At that time of year you’re looking at temperatures probably between 12C (53F) and 20C (68F). So it shouldn’t be too cold, however rain is always a possibility. So I’d recommend a waterproof coat but it shouldn’t need to be too thick 🙂

Have a great trip!

Renee Cundy says

5th December 2019 at 5:24 am

I booked a visit to London for end of summer 2020, this site is very helpful & informative, so thank you for that. I am a huge fan of the band Queen & plan to seek out any & every place associated with them that I can find while I’m there. Would love it if you could add a link among your other places of interest that would include “A guide to all things Queen related”. I don’t want to miss a thing on my once in a lifetime trip to London.

5th December 2019 at 10:35 am

Thanks very much for your comment 🙂 I do like the band Queen, but I am definitely not an expert! However, if you search for Queen locations in London, a number of helpful results come up which should help in your search 🙂

Kathy Draper says

29th June 2019 at 8:24 pm

Excellent and clear information (especially about how to handle cell phone decisions while in Britain). Thanks much!

29th June 2019 at 8:29 pm

Thanks very much Kathy – have a great trip to the UK, and do let us know if you have any questions!

Betsy Kerr says

27th March 2019 at 3:27 pm

FB Messaged you: First-time overseas travelers going to Scotland and England (Edinburgh area and London) in late July-August. Saw USA Today article regarding attire that said, “First, unless the sun shines and the temperature rises into the 80s, it’s fairly rare to find an Englishman in shorts. However, schoolboys under age 13 may wear long shorts with knee-high socks all year-round, typically as part of a school uniform.” Fine for Englishmen but what about male tourists? Or female tourists for that matter? Do they wear shorts? Thanks! Betsy Kerr

27th March 2019 at 5:18 pm

You’re welcome to wear shorts whenever you like! I’m not sure that USA Today article is exactly representative of reality today 😉 If it’s a warm day, we wear shorts over here too. It’s just not warm as often as we’d like, and shorts aren’t something you would see as business attire, but certainly, if you’re on holiday shorts are perfectly acceptable attire!

27th March 2019 at 5:22 pm

Thank you! Don’t want my hubby to stand out like a sore thumb! 🙂

Pam Heathcote says

11th January 2019 at 10:40 am

Off to London for the first time since primary school ( now in my 60s). Have found your website very helpful, not only for packing advice but also for the photography tips. Many thanks Pam

11th January 2019 at 10:57 am

Our pleasure Pam. Do let us know if you have any questions, and have a fantastic trip!

Ryan Jones says

5th January 2019 at 5:58 am

Just wondering about the travel adapter and extension. Coming from the US to the UK will I need a power converter to bring the power down from 220v to 120v or will a travel adapter and power strip work?

5th January 2019 at 10:52 am

So it really depends on your electronics. In our experience, most smaller electronics like laptops, camera chargers and so on are rated for both 110v and 220v, so all you would need is the adapter and power strip. However, you definitely need to check each device – the voltage it accepts will be written on the charger part somewhere.

Higher power devices usually are not dual voltage, in our experience this includes things like hair dryers and straightening irons. There are travel versions of these devices available which support two voltages, but it’s not a standard.

Usually a power convertor isn’t necessary, and in our experience they tend to be fairly bulky, so best avoided if possible – it’s best to get a travel version of the device instead in our opinion if one exists.

Hope this helps!

Timothy Aull says

6th November 2018 at 5:19 pm

I was fortunate enough to live in London for three months as a study abroad student while I was in college. I am now headed back to London for my honeymoon. Just wanted to say that I have found your website a great resource for planning my wife’s first trip to London. Thank you for such a wonderful source for those who love to travel and explore new things.

7th November 2018 at 4:02 pm

Hi Timothy!

What a lovely comment, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and let us know. It’s always wonderful to hear from readers that we are able to help them, and we hope you and your wife have a wonderful trip to London (we’re actually in London as I type this, investigating all the latest attractions and ensuring our content is all up to date!)

Barbara says

17th June 2018 at 1:24 am

Thank you very much for this list – I’d forgotten ziploc bags – great item to pack!

17th June 2018 at 11:52 pm

Thanks Barbara – they are very useful for all sorts of things 😀

7th June 2018 at 1:38 pm

Thanks for taking the time to create this blog . . . headed to London next month and you have provided some information and tips!

8th June 2018 at 10:29 am

Our pleasure Peter – have a great trip!

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Tested: the best travel products you should be packing

From the latest gadgets to our all-time favourite staples

Over the years, the team at Telegraph Travel have embarked on many a voyage, and along the way tested out a multitude of the latest portable gadgets, gizmos and wearables. Some proved unworthy (the 'tan through' swimwear that was actually see-through springs to mind) but others genuinely streamlined the art of being on the road and might just be worthy of a spot in your suitcase . 

Read on for a selection of the best....

VSSL flask kit

What is it? A flask-torch combo complete with shot glasses, a bottle opener, and a compass.

Why should I pack it? Because you're going camping and you like your whisky. This gadget, described by its makers (somewhat late in the game) as "paying tribute to the end of prohibition", really is a thing of beauty.

Sleek, solid and satisfying to handle, all packed up it functions as a powerful torch with several modes, one as a floodlight to illuminate large areas, another as an SOS beam. Open it up however and it contains an unbreakable glass-lined flask (best for maintaining the taste of spirits), two collapsible shot glasses, a bottle opener and a compass should you wander off course.

Buy it : £56, VSSL

CARV digital ski instructor

What is it? A coaching app which measures your ski performance and gives audio feedback to coach you.

Why should I pack it? This system works by using a robust insert that fits between the shell of your ski boots and the liner and gathers data from 48 pressure sensitive pads, and nine motion sensors, relaying the information via Bluetooth to the Carv App on your phone.

The Telegraph's ski editor Henry Druce tested it and concluded: "It's game-changing device, that used as a complement to lessons, really could transform your skiing."

Buy it: £229, Amazon .

JBL Portable speaker and light

What is it? A bluetooth speaker which lights up to the beat of the music

Why should I pack it? It's the most versatile high-quality speaker this camper has tested. The technicolour light show is bright enough to illuminate a large area at night and the 360-degree sound sends music in all directions. It's also waterproof to three metres and floats, with a reliable battery that lasts a full 12 hours.

Buy it: £199, JBL .

Insta360 ONE R camera

What is it? A foolproof action camera that captures 360-degree footage

Why should I pack it? Move over GoPro, this piece of kit will take your travel videos to a new level. The dual-lens device, which comes with an 'invisible selfie stick' that is automatically edited out of your footage, gives you two options: a 360-view of your surroundings, so you don't even need to point it in any particular direction, or a wide-angle front-facing lens. It has inbuilt stabilisation (so you don't need a gimble), produces high-quality 4K videos, is waterproof to 3m and even works at night under dim-light conditions.

Buy it: From £200, Viking Direcet .

Zap-it bite relief

What is it? A device to relieve the itch of insect bites

Why should I pack it? It really works, where most creams take up space and just don't cut the mustard. Placed over the bite and 'clicked', an electrical charge is omitted which inhibits histamine, the compound that causes itching and swelling. It requires no batteries and works for about 1,000 bites until you need to replace it.

Buy it : £4.67, Amazon .

Thomas Clipper Travel Safety Razor

What is it? A solid metal, collapsible razor that unscrews and fits into a carton the size of a matchbox

Why should I pack it? Aside from being a space-saver, it's beautifully weighted and plastic-free. You can use this at home and on the go - it should last you a lifetime. All that needs replacing is the safety blades.

Buy it: £49, Thomas Clipper .

Foreo Issa 2 electric toothbrush

What is it? An unusually portable electric toothbrush

Why should I pack it? From the same brand that gave us the cult facial cleansing device , Foreo's Issa 2 toothbrush is similar in many ways - it feels weird to use at first, it certainly looks weird, but it's a beautifully-designed gizmo with a battery that seemingly lasts forever, and it's worthy of the hype. The Telegraph's Lisa Armstrong surmises: "It's easy to clean, durable, more hygienic than your common-or-garden toothbrush, and has bi-directional yet gentle bristles and multiple speeds, which means it's soft on gums and tough on plaque."

What makes it so travel-friendly - when most electric toothbrushes are a faff in terms of charging - is that its battery lasts for an entire year. It's also entirely silicone, so no soggy bristles to contend with.

Buy it : £149, Amazon .

Chargeasap Flash Pro power bank

What is it? The mother of all charging banks (and we've tested a lot of them).

Why should I pack it? Have you got your nerd hat on? With a stonking 25000 mAh battery, three USB ports and 15W MagSafe compatibility, this portable fast-charging device delivers 190W of combined power to charge up to six devices simultaneously - camera, phone, laptop, Apple watch, you name it.

Buy it : From £110, available for pre-order here .

Moon 3D mobile theatre headset

What is it ? An immersive entertainment headset.

Why should I pack it? Obscenely expensive and highly desirable, addictive even - we couldn't get enough of this headset. Think of it as a very futuristic, portable, wearable theatre-for-one. It stores and plays full HD (1080p) 3D Blue-ray movies via the screen unit that folds down and sits over your eyes, with high-end noise-cancelling headphones, the combination of which will have you awestruck and dodging 3D figures in your seat - taking you (seemingly) out of the plane environment and into a different realm entirely. It's the sort of thing you have to experience to fully appreciate, and might just transform your long-haul travel experience.

Buy it: £649.99, Amazon .

Ekster smart wallet

What is it? A trackable, ultra-slim travel wallet which, upon pressing a button, fans all your cards out with a satisfying click. 

Why should I pack it? It's about as anti-theft as a wallet comes. As well as its RFID blocking technology, it can be purchased with a solar-powered tracker that allows you to call your wallet or locate it using the app if you lose it. Extra eco points: it is not made of leather, but from recycled car windshields. 

Buy it : £66 Ekster .

Hoomband sleep headphones

What is it? A woven band with flat built-in headphones

Why should I pack it? So you can fall asleep on the plane (or anywhere) without the discomfort of standard headphones. HoomBand brands itself  'the Netflix of sleep' because the accompanying app; loaded with travel-themed stories developed by sleep specialists to help send you off to the land of nod.

Buy it : £67, Hoomband .

Clever Travel Companion theft-proof clothing

What is it? A range of garmets with hidden compartments to protect valuables from pick-pockets

Why should I pack it? There's no reason why this line of attire shouldn't come in handy at home or away, but there are destinations where theft is particularly prevalent and where this range comes into its own. Clothes with hidden pockets are nothing new, but having trialled the hoodie, scarf (pictured) and leggings from this brand, we were highly impressed with the quality, comfort and fit. The fabric is super soft and the concealed compartments are varied, well-placed and large enough to fit phones, wallets, keys and passports. 

Buy it : Clever Travel Companion

Craghoppers insect repellent clothes

What is it? A range of clothes which protects against insect bites

Why should I pack it? This wide range of NosiLife shirts and trousers from Craghoppers was tested on safari, and earned its stripes. The active ingredient is a synthetic pyrethroid permanently woven into the garments to repel mosquitos and other biting insects. Not only did it work on that front, but the garments proved to be rugged, comfortable, fast-drying and lined with useful pockets. All round, a high-quality, hard-working range of travel clothes.

Buy it: Craghoppers .

Unbound 'stay-clean' apparel

What is it? A line of clothing that claims it hardly needs washing

Why should I pack it? Our expert Sally Peck reports: "Unbound bills its merino shirts as the product that liberates travellers to see more of the world without the burden of hauling around bulky luggage because the tops can be worn for weeks at a time without needing a wash.

"Yes, it sounds scary, but the products are odour resistant, antibacterial and moisture wicking, which means the sweat is pulled into the outer surface of the shirt, where it dries rapidly. Cotton, by contrast, becomes saturated with sweat, making it particularly uncomfortable to wear when carrying a pack.

"I trialed Unbound T-shirts on a strenuous walking trip in Mallorca and was impressed: they stayed dry and odourless throughout the four-day trip, though I did alternate days with each."

Buy it: T-shirts start at about £50, Unbound Merino .

Stay fresh underwear

What is it? A heat-regulating, antibacterial, odourless collection of basics for men and women that require less frequent washing

Why should I pack it? The Telegraph's Tom Ough gave one pair of boxers a whirl for a week without washing them and declared at the end of the trial: "Every morning, without fail, they’d smell fresher than the night before." You can read his full review here .

Buy it: Organic Basics .

What is it? Waterproof footwear designed to resemble the feeling of being barefoot.

Why should I pack it? "The human foot is a biomechanical masterpiece," state the founders behind this brand - arguing that we carry ourselves much better without shoes. This not being acceptable in the modern world, however, they've designed footwear which mimics the bare foot as closely as possible, with an ultra-thin protective sole that allows for maximum 'sensory feedback'. The leather-free materials mean you can get them wet without ruining them, they're supremely comfortable, breathable and very versatile. This owner wears them on the plane, on the streets, out in nature and on occasion, even in the sea where sea urchins lurk.

Buy it : £120, Vivo .

Storyteller flags keyring

What is it : A keyring with a handy clip for travellers who like collecting trophies

Why should I pack it? It's a charm bracelet, but for your keys. Flags can be purchased separately (and engraved) and added over time. The clip is useful is too when it comes to securing and switching between keys.

Buy it : £12.99, Storyteller .

The Magic5 custom goggles

What is it? A brand that will scan your face using its app to custom-create the perfectly-sized swimming goggles for your face. 

Why should I pack it? They're lightweight and supremely comfortable. No water leakage, no suction marks; and they come in two finishes - one for indoor pools and another for strong sunlight.

Buy it : £56, The Magic5 .

Packing aids

What is it? A case for your suit, but not a suitcase

Why should I pack it? One for the business traveller. This nifty case folds your garment to the size of laptop bag (16 x 12 x 3in) and is classified by all major airlines as such, so you can bring it in addition to hand luggage. It also has a multitude of extra pockets and compartments to squirrel other items away in. This would be just as useful for a cyclist commuter as a business flyer - anyone who doesn't want to travel in smart attire but needs to have it crease-free at the other end.

Buy it: £150, PLIQO

PortaScent perfume vial

What is it? A travel-friendly perfume atomiser

Why pack it? There are lots of products that do this - allow you to pump fragrance directly from your standard-sized bottle into a small unit - but they often leak. This bullet-shaped aluminium unit doesn't. It's strong, sleek, glass-free, air travel-approved for carry-on luggage, and stores 120 sprays of perfume.

Buy it: £7.99, leakproof.co.uk

Side by Side cable organiser

What is it? A travel pouch to keep your tech in order

Why should I pack it? Because catagorising makes you happy. More than 20 pockets and elastic loops hold everything from SD cards and USB drives to wires and adapters, while compression panels conform to any shape, allowing you to stash bulky items such as laptop chargers in the most compact manner. 

Buy it : Side by Side .

Away carry-on suitcase

What is it? The best carry-on we've tried

Why should I use it? The Telegraph Travel team roadtested eight carry-on suitcases that fit the size restrictions of all major UK airlines. Rachel Cranshaw crowned this the overall winner in terms of value for money, declaring: "The Away is the Steve Jobs of carry-on: straight out of Silicon Valley; minimalist; beautiful and useful." You can read the rest of the reviews here .

Buy it: £225, Away Travel .

Bear Stonebeck Duffle bag

What is it? A seriously durable weekend bag

Why pack it? We've also been through a great many weekend bags over the years. This is the one our tester always comes back to. It's roomy, with a 31L capacity, crafted from tough water-resistant dry-waxed canvas with nigh-indestructible weatherproof zips and comes with a lifetime warranty. This has been through the wars and continues to look like new.

Buy it: £195, Bear Made .

Transport essentials

The facecradle.

What is it? A travel pillow

Why should I pack it? This looks very silly indeed, but take it from a regular long-haul flyer - it changes everything. The FaceCradle, said to have been the best-selling travel pillow in crowd-funding history, is a flexible, memory foam device with five modes to suit a variety of positions.

As well as folding down to function as a standard neck pillow, it can also be strapped to the back of a plane seat to form a cradle into which you can lean and snooze, putting a stop to that infernal head-jerk which wakes you every time you nod off in an upright position. The fairly major catch, of course, is that you have to get a seat in the back row of the plane so as not to obstruct the screen of whoever it sitting behind you. If you can do this, it's your lucky day. If not, it can be used as a regular neck support without the strap in four alternate poses.

Buy it: £35, Amazon .

Trtl travel pillow

What is it? A fleece neck support

Why should I pack it? Far from looking silly this option more resembles a scarf, but has an inbuilt structure to prop up your head when it lolls to one side. It's soft, easy to carry (just loop it around any bag strap) and offers more support than a standard U-shaped microbead pillow, but less, alas, than the aforementioned FaceCradle. 

Buy it: Amazon , £24.95.

Ostrich ergonomic eye mask

What is it? An eye mask that's actually comfortable

Why should I pack it? Ostrich, the brand behind those mad astronaut-style head cushions, describe this as 'the world's first truly 3D ergonomic eye mask' . Having tried other versions in every conceivable shape and size, I've never found a better one and wouldn't fly without this. It's cushy, adjustable and moulded around your eye sockets so it doesn't squish your lids, and it provides total blackout, leading to a much better in-flight snooze. 

But it : £31, Ostrich Pillow .

Adventure aids

The lifestraw .

What is it? A filtration device that renders any water safe to drink

Why should I pack it? If you're heading somewhere where clean water is hard to come by, or you just don't want to be buying it bottled, this 'straw' fits almost any flask and will remove almost all waterborne bacteria, protozoa and microplastics from fresh water sources. The two-stage carbon filter also removes bad taste, odour, chlorine and organic chemical matter - whether straight from a stream in the great outdoors or from hotel tap water.

It lasts for 1,000 gallons (4,000 liters) of water - equivalent of 8,000 single use plastic water bottles, and for every unit sold, a child in need receives safe water for an entire school year.

Buy it: £39.95, Amazon . 

Red Original Dry Pouch

What is it? A waterproof container to stash valuables

Why should I pack it? Because a plastic bag probably won't cut it. Ideal for watersports, fishing or boating persuits, this 100 per cent water-tight attachable container (pictured, with a silver face) is sensibly sized and will keep your tech and other valuables dry even when fully submerged.

Buy it: £65, Red Original .

Typhoon Spectre Drysuit

What is it? A serious step up from the lowly wetsuit, this eye-wateringly pricey garment keeps you warm and dry in cold water

Why should I pack it? Granted, there are few scenarios that call for this get-up but for people who do regularly find themselves in the ocean - it being the uniform of choice for those who work in polar regions - it's a total game-changer. You'd think it would be easy to make a one-piece that seals out water, but it's not, and the cost of this high-tech suit reflects that.

This tester braved the freezing South Atlantic in it and didn't so much as shudder. It's a bit of a mission to get into but once you're all zipped up, the suit keeps you (and your clothes underneath) bone dry and makes it impossible for you to feel the temperature of the water - a somewhat surreal sensation. It's comfortable, folds down so you don't boil to death in the moments before you get into the water, is fitted with a valve for scuba diving purposes as and, as drysuits go, is fairly light. Warning though, it does render you very buoyant, which makes swimming a comical affair to behold.

Buy it : £695, Mike's Dive Store .

E-Trends Fly foldable bike

What is it? An electric bike that folds down to half its size for portability and storage.

Why should I pack it? You're struggling for space. Plus, this model is one of the more reasonably priced e-bikes we've come across. It charges in four hours and has a range of about 19 miles, making it a good entry-level option.

Buy it : £649.99, Amazon . 

3-in-1 sleeping bag

What is it? The Night Owl is a sumptuous sleeping bag that transforms from a double duvet to one large or two small sleeping bags.

Why should I pack it? It's a luxurious three-season combination with a light, airy filling made from recycled PET bottles and it packs down small for camping. Handy for several different sleeping scenarios, all in one. 

Buy it : £95, The Fine Bedding Company .

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The 13 Best Travel Accessories for Your Next Trip, Tested and Reviewed

We test thousands of products every year and these are our top travel accessory picks to make any journey as smooth as possible.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Brian Kopinski

It doesn’t matter if you’re a minimalist or a maximalist when it comes to travel, there is certain gear that is non-negotiable when packing. Think items you’ll always be grateful to have thrown into your suitcase or carry-on whether it’s your first or fifteenth trip abroad.

The right travel accessories should help to streamline your trip without weighing you down or malfunctioning while on the go — but getting the right gear on the first go can be tough. That’s why we personally tested thousands of different items in our lab and in the real world, all for at least six months. We continuously checked and rated for attributes like comfort, portability, and durability to best ensure our picks will actually go the distance.

The following items rose to the top for their overall quality and longevity so, here, find the best travel accessories, all reviewed by us.

Best Travel Pillow

Cabeau tne s3 travel pillow.

• Comfort 4.5 /5
• Quality 4.8 /5
• Portability 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

There’s a headrest strap to keep the pillow in place and help reduce neck cramping.

It’s on the stiffer side at first so adjustments are necessary.

The Cabeau TNE S3 Travel Pillow earned the top spot in our books as the best travel pillow we tested — and once you’ve used it on a red-eye (or even a long car ride), it’ll be easy to see why. This travel pillow is supportive with seat-attachment straps to prevent your head from drooping, along with another strap for under your chin. Because your head and neck stay properly supported, we found this pillow to be comfortable even after spending more than 10 hours on an overnight international flight. Plus, despite its larger size, it rolls up into a compact and portable ball that can either clip onto a bag or even slip inside a larger backpack or tote.

This pillow also stands out for breathability if you sleep hot and we love that it was possible to machine wash the cover after using it on a full journey of planes, trains, and buses, too. It is on the stiffer side though, which while good for support, may require extra maneuvering to find your perfect position.

Best Packing Cubes

Gonex compression packing cubes.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Quality 5 /5

There is impressive compression to fit even more clothing inside than a standard cube.

The set is very large and might be too expansive for shorter trips or light packers.

The best packing cube set that we tested, the Gonex Compression Packing Cubes, earned top points across the board thanks to the impressive compression and seemingly endless room in each cube. The clothing cubes are ultra lightweight and the material has held up extremely well even through heavy-duty use. We also love that the zipper doesn’t show any signs of stress when the packing cubes are stuffed to their limit.

The only slight downfall is that the cubes are on the larger side and might be too big to really make a difference if you tend to use a carry-on or pack really light. If you’re looking for something that’ll help organize a small amount of clothes, you might want to choose packing cubes that are on the smaller side, or only bring one from this 3- or 4-pack.

Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Best Toiletry Bottles

Liquisnugs premium leak-proof silicone travel bottles.

• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Performance 5 /5

These TSA-approved bottles are incredibly easy to fill.

The set includes two 89-milliliter and two 60-milliliter bottles so, if you want four bigger bottles, you’ll need to buy two sets.

The quality and utility of toiletry bottles can vary greatly. While we’ve tried dozens while traveling in the past, none of them held a candle to the LiquiSnugs Premium Silicone Travel Bottles. These have a wide opening which makes it easy to squeeze your favorite shampoos and conditioners into portable, TSA-approved amounts. The silicone material is also much more flexible and durable than hard plastic bottles while the malleable material ensures you won’t have to deal with any leakage once you land.

Keep in mind that the price point for this set is higher than the average set of travel bottles (considering it only includes four bottles with no case), but it’s worth the splurge if you want something that’s easy to refill and durable enough not to spill when packed in your own case.

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best Toiletry Bag

Away large toiletry bag.

There are an abundance of pockets which makes it easy to stay organized on the go.

It’s expensive if you travel infrequently.

We’re already major fans of Away luggage — and the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree in this case. We particularly like that The Large Toiletry Bag by Away is waterproof and has loads of different pockets inside including one for brushes and a clear pocket for makeup products, along with others for additional toiletry needs. The bag also has a convenient top handle which makes it easy to grab while on the go plus it’s worth noting the nylon material is super lightweight and can handle a lot of products without getting too heavy.

We think this bag is worth the splurge if you want something that’ll last for the long run while also providing an easy way to keep all your toiletries properly organized while in transit, and possibly even at home, too.

Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

Best Travel Jewelry Case

Pottery barn mckenna personalized jewelry binder.

Pottery Barn

It’s portable and sleek with a high-end leather finish.

It’s spacious but there’s only room for four necklaces.

The Pottery Barn Mckenna Personalized Jewelry Binder is our top pick for the best travel jewelry case for a number of reasons — but especially if you tend to bring a lot of baubles while traveling and have limited space for yet another pouch in your carry-on. The slim pick opens up like a binder rather than a traditional jewelry box which takes up way less room in your luggage. We also really liked how durable the exterior is, as it felt like it would quite literally take a truck running over the pouch for it to incur any visible damage to the exterior.

The compact jewelry case has a lot of room for things like rings and stud earrings — but it only has four distinct spots for necklaces. You may need to double up or slip them into one of the other various pockets built into the binder but, if you like using a jewelry case to keep more than four necklaces from tangling, this might not be the best option for you.

Best Money Belt

Raytix rfid money belt.

• Comfort 5 /5

This breathable option won’t irritate the skin even with long-term use.

The belt is large enough to see when it’s under your clothes.

Shopping for a money belt can be daunting — you want something that’s secure and able to store your goods properly but it’s just as important to find something you can wear for hours on end. We found the Raytix Money Belt comfortable and smooth on the skin, while also noting that it can expand to accommodate many different sizes. The material also feels extremely sturdy and durable so you won’t have to worry about the bag wearing out, even after multiple trips.

Although we like that this money belt is large enough to accommodate bigger items (like a passport) without having to struggle to squeeze these in, the size is a little bit bulky and is actually visible with certain clothing types. This might not be ideal if you’re looking for something extremely discreet under a light layer, or a belt to pair with a travel dress .

Best Reusable Water Bottle

Thermoflask stainless steel water bottle.

• Drinkability 5 /5
• Portability 4.5 /5
• Insulation 4 /5
• Durability 4.5 /5

This unique water bottle comes with two different lids to suit a variety of beverages.

The exterior might get a bit dinged up with heavy use.

When it comes to water bottles , the Thermoflask Double Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle is one of the best. It’s not flashy or overly expensive like other popular reusable water bottles on the market right now but it’s extremely durable and versatile. We really liked that this option comes with two different lids, one with a built-in straw and one that resembles a more traditional water bottle mouth. We also liked that this option was thin enough to fit in a standard cup holder and also very easy to grip.

During the testing process, we noticed that the stainless steel bottle did get a few aesthetic dings with heavy usage. That being said, the bottle didn’t leak at all nor did it become damaged beyond use throughout the entire process. This makes it well worth the price in our books.

Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

Best Noise-canceling Headphones

Bose noise cancelling headphones.

• Functionality 5 /5
• Sound Quality 5 /5
• Noise Cancelation 5 /5

These headphones are intuitive to use and very comfortable to wear.

They don’t fit super tightly on the head.

If you’re willing to spend a bit of money on noise-cancelling headphones , the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones are going to be a great option. We find the price point totally justifiable as we could hear every instrument as clearly as if we were hearing the music live. We also really liked that the headphones offer different levels of noise cancellation depending on your preference and setting. (Plus, you can easily tap directly on the headphones to change the level or you can do it in the smartphone app.) We found a very dramatic difference from level 0 to level 10 which is great for transitioning from, say, walking in the city to settling into a sold-out red-eye flight. It’s worth noting that at the highest level of cancellation, the tester couldn’t hear a single thing so it’s important to be mindful of your surroundings.

These headphones also earned the top spot in our books due to the fact that they’re extremely comfortable and didn’t cause irritation even when wearing them for hours on end but that also means they don't fit as tightly as some others we tried.

Best Wireless Earbuds

Bose quietcomfort earbuds ii.

• Battery Life 5 /5

These earbuds are super fast-charging and easy to connect to all devices.

The size is a bit more bulky than comparable wireless earbuds.

During the testing process, it was clear that the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II were the best option out of all the competing products. The earbuds were extremely quick to charge and had a 16-hour battery life which is more than enough to get you through most flights or the day-to-day. We also found the wireless Bluetooth functionality was very efficient and easy to pair with everything from a smartphone to a Roku TV, plus the noise-canceling capabilities were sufficient for drowning out the subway sounds or city streets while on the go.

The main drawback we noticed with this set is the bulkier size; these earbuds are quite a bit larger than the average earbud and might take some getting used to. The good part is that they come with three different tip sizes so you can adjust the in-ear part of the bud to properly fit your ear.

Travel + Leisure / Lydia Price

Best Sunglasses for Women

Eleventh hour essential polarized sunglasses.

Eleventh Hour

• Appearance 4.5 /5
• Value 4.8 /5

The thick material and sturdy arms last through heavy-duty usage.

The width of these sunglasses might be too large for those with a more petite face.

It’s hard to find a good pair of women's sunglasses that won’t break the bank — but we found something worth writing home about in the Eleventh Hour Essential Polarized Sunglasses. We really liked this pair for the thick material and sturdy arms; it felt as if they would last even with frequent, less careful usage. We were able to place these sunglasses on our heads multiple times throughout the testing period and haven’t noticed any stretching or widening of the arms so, if they fit now, you know they’ll fit a year from now, too.

Keep in mind that these sunglasses unfortunately only come in one size and the width might be too large for anyone with a particularly petite face structure.

Travel + Leisure / Alessandra Amodio

Best Sunglasses for Men

Raen aren polarized sunglasses.

• Appearance 5 /5
• Value 4.7 /5

The lightweight design is so comfortable, you may forget you’re even wearing sunglasses.

The frames are a bit small and might not feel comfortable on those who have a broad face structure.

The Raen Aren Polarized Sunglasses were our top pick for the best sunglasses for men. We tested dozens of sunglasses and this pair rose to the top for a lightweight design and stylish but versatile aesthetic. We found this pair to be so comfortable that we actually forgot we were wearing sunglasses at all. The dark polarized lenses also offered the right amount of sun protection without necessarily being too dark or difficult to see out of while in the shade.

Although we found these sunglasses to be very comfortable (even during long days), it’s worth noting that the frames are a bit small compared to other sunglasses for men. This shouldn’t be an issue for most but if you do have a more broad face structure, it’s something to be aware of.

Travel + Leisure / Chris Abell

Best Compression Socks

Away travel the compression socks.

• Support 5 /5

These compression socks look just like regular socks.

The price tag is a bit steep for a single pair of socks.

Looking for compression socks that don’t, well, look like compression socks? The Away The Compression Socks are basically compression stockings for people who don’t want to compromise style for comfort. We loved that this pair was functional and efficient but still looked like any other sock. We were able to wear them with regular outfits and nobody would be the wiser, plus the lightweight, cotton/polyester blend held up extremely well, even after multiple wears and washes.

It’s admittedly quite expensive for a single pair of socks — but these compression socks are comfortable, durable, and surprisingly stylish so it’s worth the investment for a pair that’ll last for years.

Best Car Phone Mount

Andobil car phone holder mount.

• Stability 5 /5

This car phone mount is very sturdy and won’t fall off once properly installed.

The installation process might involve some trial and error at first.

The Andobil Car Phone Holder Mount will be the last phone holder mount you’ll purchase — or at least that’s how we felt after trying this for ourselves. It can be set in any position once installed and it doesn’t wobble around or fall off. It also has space on the bottom for a charging cable and a built-in release button so you don’t have to worry about squeezing your phone in and out each time you leave your car.

The only downside we noticed was that the installation process might involve some trial and error. This phone holder mount has three different options for installation in your vehicle: there’s a suction cup using a 3M pad to stick on the dashboard or directly onto the windshield, or there’s a different attachment to click into the vent instead. This is great for variety’s sake but can mean trying out a few different methods to see what you like best.

The Travel + Leisure team tests thousands of different travel accessories, gadgets, and gear both in our New York City lab and in the real world. Any products we test and like, we continue to test for at least another six months to best gauge exactly which items will hold up for the long term while on the road. We evaluate each product category using attributes like comfort, durability, and portability in order to rank which items work best for trips of all types, and our results from various tests lead to this best-of-the-bunch list.

Tips for Buying Travel Accessories

Prioritize usability.

There are a lot of really nifty travel accessories on the market, but when you’re shopping for your next trip you’ll want to really focus on usability over novelty (not to say unique and practical items don't exist). Consider whether or not each item is actually essential for your trip or the destinations you frequent. For example, if you always have to have a drink in hand then a drink caddy for your luggage and stroller could prove indispensable. You’ll also want to reference real-world reviews — like ours — to get an idea of how well a given item works and whether or not it’ll last through the rigors of regular travel. Your carry-on and checked luggage space is precious so there’s no sense filling it with accessories that won’t streamline your experience.

Consider your trip length and type

Each trip will require a slightly different packing list so to avoid overpacking you’ll want to be sure to think about what each item will actually bring to the table. For example, if you’ve scored an upgrade to business class for your red-eye, you can probably leave your travel pillow at home this time. If you’re jetting off for a quick weekend trip, you likely won’t have to bother with packing cubes the same way you would for a multi-destination trip with different climates to consider.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, Kaitlyn McInnis worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best travel accessories based on a series of tests completed by expert product testers in our New York City lab.

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23 Best Travel Accessories for Every Kind of Trip

Whether you’re crammed in economy class or on a long drive, these gadgets and accessories will make the time pass quickly.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

Whether you’re a frequent traveler or you save up for one trip every few years, chances are you already know that what you pack impacts your comfort, your enjoyment, and, perhaps most important, your stress levels both while traveling and when you’ve actually settled in at your new destination. That’s why it’s critical to pack useful, helpful travel accessories. Take the wrong ones, and you may find yourself carrying extra weight for gear you never end up using.

As a full-time travel writer, I enjoy the wonderful perk of being able to travel quite a bit. While chasing down stories, I’ve stayed in five-star suites in the Maldives and slept on the top bunk of a 15-hour budget sleeper train in Vietnam . So I’ve experienced quite a variety of travel conditions while using what’s likely hundreds of travel accessories in the process.

Over time, I’ve been able to narrow down my must-have travel accessories to include a perfect blend of ones that are useful, easy to carry, and multifunctional. For example, a packable mini- backpack can serve as a lightweight bag for day hikes or as an extra carry-on if you buy too much abroad.

These are the 23 best travel accessories I recommend to all my friends planning their next weekend or bucket-list getaways.

Best Travel Accessories

• Best In-Flight Bluetooth Audio Adapter: Twelve South AirFly Pro
• Best Travel Footrest: Airplane Footrest
• Best Cord Organizer for Small Items: Bellroy Classic Pouch
• Best Containers for Toiletries: Cadence Weekender Bundle
• Best Blanket for Cold Flights: Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy Blanket

The Expert: I’m a freelance travel writer and editor who usually focuses on adventure travel. That’s led me to take some pretty lengthy flight patterns (most recently, 54 hours of travel on the way to Rwanda) and fairly remote road trips (through central Alaska). But traveling frequently doesn't mean anything goes. Like everyone else, I have my personal annoyances while traveling: I get cold easily, I’m sensitive to noise when sleeping in new places, and I always need to be able to work on-the-go. What all of that means is that my experience with travel accessories isn’t just about finding those that make flights more comfortable, but also those that improve my productivity, help me enjoy myself in new destinations, and make packing as painless as possible. I think I've used just about every type of travel product out there, and truly feel the ones I have selected are the best of the best.

What to Consider When Buying Travel Accessories

The best travel accessories eliminate the inconveniences and annoyances of life on-the-go. For me, this includes headphones that drown out engine noise (or crying babies), containers that allow me to bring my favorite soap and shampoo on flights, and anything that makes long trips more comfortable. Consider what you value most and look for accessories in that space.

No matter what you’re in the market for, don’t overlook size, especially for liquids. The TSA limits your liquids to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) per container and prefers them all packed into one quart-size bag. As for luggage, make sure any travel bags you intend to carry on are no larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches, and checked bags no heavier than 50 pounds. Even if you aren’t checking a suitcase, you’ll have an easier, more comfortable experience with less to lug around. Most of the accessories below are relatively lightweight, but they’ll add a few pounds combined.

Finally, a word on price. Some travelers don’t want to spend too much money on items they might accidentally leave in a seat-back pocket, whereas other people tend to take better care of things that cost more. I generally recommend ruling out the very cheapest items in most categories, lest you find your shampoo bottle started leaking mid-flight.

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How We Selected These Travel Accessories

In addition to my own experiences using these products as a travel writer and gear tester, I weighed consumer reviews, investigated market research, and did a thorough evaluation of each product's price, features, and overall value. If you’re looking for stuff to make your next trip easier and more comfortable, start with these recommendations.

Twelve South AirFly Pro

Given how small and lightweight this Bluetooth adapter is, I make sure to pack it for every flight where I expect to watch a movie. The adapter plugs into airplane screens and pairs via Bluetooth so you can use your preferred noise-canceling earphones with the in-flight entertainment.

It has excellent battery life, but the connection does suffer from some lag. I’ve noticed a very slight audio delay in older planes—and you may need a two-prong adapter on older entertainment systems.

If you plan to use the AirFly only for sending audio to your headphones, you can get by with the less-expensive AirFly Classic, which has slightly better battery life. But if you want to use Bluetooth to send audio to the AirFly (for example, to play audio from your phone in a car without built-in Bluetooth), you’ll need the Pro.

Sekoess Airplane Footrest

My foot hammock is probably the nerdiest travel accessory I own, but it's a lifesaver—or should I say leg saver. The adjustable-length hammock attaches to your airplane seat's tray table and eases pressure on your low back, knees, and glutes.

I'm much less stiff after flights when I use the foot hammock and have never noticed it bothering the person in the seat in front of me, even while making adjustments. You can also buy versions with more rigid footrests, though I find the more flexible, hammock-style footrest is easier to stuff into a carry-on.

Bellroy Classic Pouch

Whether it’s a road trip or an international flight, I always use a small, simple zippered case for my tech gear so I don’t have to fish around for it in the bottom of my bag.

Cord organizers have become trendy lately, but some have so many straps and pockets that I still have to search for the exact item I need. Instead, I just use a small case like the Bellroy Classic Pouch. Since I have a separate case for my computer charger and cord, this one has enough space for most of my other small items, including the AirFly and Bose earbuds in this roundup. It has a few basic organizational pockets and zips wide enough so you can find what you need in a hurry.

Oh, and if you want a case to fit your computer charger as well as all your other travel accessories, never fear: There’s a larger option. The Bellroy Tech Kit is deeper and longer, with a clamshell-style opening, so it can hold slightly larger accessories like computer charger cubes or a GoPro camera.

Cadence Weekender Bundle

Carry-on-only travelers are familiar with packing small amounts of their favorite toiletries, but mini squeeze bottles make it challenging to use gels and creams that get stuck to the bottoms.

Fortunately, you can alleviate that issue with Cadence’s magnetic honeycomb-style capsules, which stick together and take up little space. These convenient containers are made from ocean plastic cleaned from beaches, and you can customize the tile labels and colors of each capsule. I recommend the six-pack for carrying both hair and skincare products, but you could connect three times that number if you so desire.

Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy Blanket

I carry a packable insulated blanket on almost every trip, even to tropical destinations. Aside from being useful as a plane blanket, it comes in handy in hotels where the A/C is definitely working or when there’s only a sheet on the bed.

I like the Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy Blanket since the fill is light and compressible. It’s on the smaller side at roughly 4.5-feet by 3-feet, but it’s worth the trade-off for the packability (less than 4-inches wide when packed.) I usually carry it in one of the bottle pockets on the side of my carry-on backpack.

Because it’s not a full-size blanket, the NanoLoft is best as a lap blanket on cold flights or car rides, and works well as a pillow when packed. For more coverage, consider the full-size NanoLoft (6- by 14-inches packed, $179+). I recommend getting a tiny stuff sack or compression packing cube to make it into a more manageable carry-on size.

Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack

The Osprey Ultralight Stuff Sack is proof that the best travel accessories don’t have to be high-tech or overly complex—just useful. This is a water-resistant, packable backpack with mesh straps, a side pocket, and one small internal pocket. That’s it.

Because it’s so simple, it folds down incredibly small to about 5- by 5- by 3-inches. I often wear it when sightseeing around a city when I don’t want to carry a purse or shoulder bag.

But even if I don’t have a plan for using it, I toss it in my luggage every time. It can come in handy when you’re packing in a hurry and can’t fit everything as neatly into your bag as you did the first time, or if you’re road tripping and want to pull over and walk to a quirky roadside attraction. Most of my other ultra-packable bags are totes, but I prefer the security of a zippable backpack.

Cabeau S3 Evolution

These pillows are phenomenal, and reviewers say they're the only way they can ever get some sleep when crammed into a middle seat.

An adjustable headrest strap keeps the pillow upright and in place, and the comfortable foam never seems to lose its shape. Though most people wear the Evolution around their neck as intended, it works well as a traditional pillow, especially considering the gap in the middle leaves room for bulky over-ear headphones.

Alongza Portable Charger

I take thousands of vacation photos per trip, and often, the only camera I’m carrying is the one in my cell phone. To avoid running out of battery before getting back to my hotel room, I carry the ridiculously small Alongza charger.

It holds about two phone charges, and it won’t power bigger devices like laptops. But because it’s roughly the size of a credit card (though a smidge thicker), it’s easy to carry and is able to charge my phone while walking around.

I find most power banks too big to fit in my pocket, but this is probably the tiniest one I’ve ever used. I also like the built-in UBC-C and Lightning connectors so I can leave my cords at the hotel.

HiBar Maintain Shampoo and Conditioner Set

If carrying a 3-ounces of shampoo won’t get you through a whole trip, consider using a solid shampoo and conditioner bar that won’t raise any eyebrows going through the TSA checkpoint.

There are five different sets for different hair types, each safe to use for color-treated hair. Be sure to toss them into a plastic bag if you’re planning to pack them before they’re dry.

I have very thin, fine hair, and find the HiBar Volumizie set works just as well as the far more expensive salon set I use in my home shower.

Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Earbuds

I love my over-the-ear headphones, but on long flights, they can start to feel a bit sore on my ears. I took a risk on the Bose QuietComfort headphones, since at nearly $300 they’re even more expensive than Apple AirPods. But I’m glad I bought them.

They provide a level of noise-cancellation I never thought would be possible from an in-ear headphone, and the case can fully charge the headphones three times before it needs to be plugged in again—enough to get you through even the longest of trans-Atlantic flights and chatty seatmates.

The only real minus is the size, as they don’t sit as closely to your head as the popular Apple AirPods. But the sound quality more than makes up for it.

Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Flex Sip Lid Bottle

At this point, it’s a given to carry a reusable water bottle, but I’ve started bringing my own coffee mug too, especially since I like my coffee piping hot. In many countries, coffee is served in a teacup and not guzzled like I’m used to, and having my own mug is a great way to fill my coffee once at the hotel without bothering the staff to bring more and more.

I’ve recently been using the Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Mug. It keeps coffee hot, but most important, it has a tight seal. I can buy coffee in the airport, put the mug in my carry-on, and pull it out mid-flight without worrying that it leaked in the bag I have shoved under my seat.

Sony WH-1000XM4 Over-Ear Headphones

When it comes to audio, two big names still reign supreme, at least in my book: Sony and Bose. Bose makes my favorite in-ear headphones, but Sony’s WH-1000XM4 is far and away the best over-the-ear option. The battery life is impressive at 30 or more hours per charge, and the charging is quick—20 minutes powers about 8 hours of listening.

The noise canceling is fabulous, as I’ve learned when trying to talk to someone wearing them, and they fold into a flat case. That said, they’re still a bit on the bulky side, stored or worn, but if you’re planning to carry over-the-ear headphones, their size probably isn’t your top priority.

JBL Clip 4 Speaker

I work remotely and set my own schedule, which means I’m often working for a few hours here and there in hotel rooms on vacation. I also love to listen to podcasts when I’m getting ready in the morning, so I always make sure to pack a small Bluetooth speaker.

The JBL Clip 4 has better sound than expected for its size, including strong bass. The built-in clip makes it easy to hang on a shower rod or suitcase handle, and because it’s waterproof, it’s ideal for use around pools, beaches, hot tubs, and whatever other amenities you may avail yourself to on vacation.

The negative: it uses a lithium ion battery, which means you have to take it in your carry-on, not in your checked bags.

Panasonic Lumix G7 4K Camera

I’m constantly amazed by the quality of photos you can get from an iPhone, but when it comes to shooting in suboptimal conditions (or trying to show depth and scale in landscapes), you’ll probably want a more advanced camera.

The Lumix G7 is a ridiculously good camera with a surprisingly low price, especially considering it’s mirrorless, which makes it lighter and smaller than non-mirrorless options. It shoots photos and videos in 4K, has Wi-Fi so you can send your photos straight to your phone or computer, and has multiple auto settings for beginners, including one specifically for night-sky photography.

It’s packed with features and is the number one camera I recommend to all travelers who want to take better travel photos without spending more serious money on a camera, even if you don’t have any actual interest in using its more professional features.

Peak Design Packing Cube

I’ve become a big fan of Peak Design. The brand's packing cubes are the its first item I ever tried. They have strong zippers that don’t seem to get caught in the fabric while compressing as much as other cubes, and you can fit far more than you’d expect into each one.

I prefer the small size, as it’s easier to stack in a suitcase and fits better in a backpack or shoulder bag. These packing cubes are also light and thin, so you can throw an empty one in your bag (as I found especially useful in Patagonia) just in case you end up buying an extra sweater during your travels.

Pro packing tip: Don't pack small clothing items like underwear, socks, and swimsuits in the cubes. Instead, shove them into negative space around the cubes to maximize all available luggage areas.

Thule Subterra Carry-on Roller

Hard-sided carry-on spinners have become all the rage in the last few years, and while I do love my July bag, I’ve found two drawbacks to hard-sided bags: the second set of wheels eats into the luggage space and there’s no ability to stuff them into an overhead bin or car if they don’t quite fit.

Fortunately, I’ve had the Thule Subterra for a while now and it’s become my most-used bag. That’s thanks to a built-in compression panel with pocket; a small front pocket for passports, keys, and sunglasses; and durable back wheels that seem to have no problem crashing over curbs and steps.

I’ve also come to appreciate its slightly smaller size. While some travelers may balk at the idea of not maximizing their carry-on capacity, I find that it's actually easier for travel, especially when I see my fellow travelers’ larger bags getting forcibly gate checked on smaller planes.

Baseus Blade

I’ve used plenty of backup chargers while traveling (who hasn’t?), but the Blade from Baseus is the one I rely on most. That’s partially because I have a computer with a USB-C charging port, and the Blade is optimized for quick charging of USB-C computers.

I can charge my MacBook Pro from 0- to 100-percent with about a 20-percent charge left on the Blade (which is enough to almost fully charge my iPhone).

Other features I appreciate are its slim design (so I can travel with it in my laptop pocket), a display that shows you both how much battery is left and how much time until the Blade is fully charged, and the fact that it takes only about 1.5 hours to fully charge it.

If I use the entire capacity on a flight, as long as I have at least a 1.5-hour layover, I can be back up and running on the next flight.

Ombraz Armless Sunglasses

I've broken more than a few pairs of sunglasses by shoving them into the pocket of an overstuffed bag or sitting on them at dinner if I put them in my back pocket after a day of sightseeing. That's why when traveling, I nearly always carry Ombraz sunglasses. If I bring a fancier pair, it stays in a hard case in my luggage.

The smartly designed Ombraz shades have a soft adjustable cord in place of arms, so they’re nearly impossible to break or bend. They slide into a flat padded case and come in five unisex styles. You can also buy side shields (ideal for reflective surroundings, like snow or water) and have your prescription added.

The only downside is that you’ll need both hands to put them on, but to me, it’s worth it. I’ve had the classic pair for about three years, and they haven’t showed much wear or abrasion—but there’s a lifetime guarantee on the cord and frame if they ever do.

CM Pack of Two Mini Pouch Case Bag

I almost always have my laptop with me when I travel, and since the chunky MacBook charging cube and long cord are too bulky to store with the rest of my small cords, I used to just toss them into my bag. But then I found these tiny travel pouches sized for a computer power adapter.

I can easily fit my computer power adapter and cord in one pouch, and now, I don’t have to pull everything out of my bag to untangle the laptop cord, or use tweezers to remove dirt from the bottom of my backpack that got stuck in the charging port.

The pouches in this set are as simple and lightweight as can be, which is why I like them. They’re also useful for other small items such as GoPros, flash drives, memory cards, and camera batteries.

Originally from the East Coast, Suzie Dundas is a Lake Tahoe-based freelance writer and editor who now splits her time between enjoying the outdoors and writing about them—she's the senior outdoor editor at Matador Network and a regular adventure and travel contributor at TripSavvy.com . She has written feature stories for publications like Outside Magazine , SkyLife Magazine , Playboy , Frommers, INSIDER, and more, and contributes couples travel and honeymoon content for TheKnot.com . Suzie co-authored Lonely Planet Sustainable Travel Guide and is the author of 2021's "Hiking Lake Tahoe." She has undergraduate degrees from the University of Maryland and an M.A. in media and political communication from George Washington University. Follow her on Instagram at @HikeUpYourSkirt or find more of her work at suziedundas.com . 

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The 56 Best Travel Accessories of 2024

Packing for a vacation can be overwhelmingly difficult at times, especially when you’re a paranoid person. At the same time, having some essential travel accessories in your bag turns out to be of utmost importance when hitting the road.

It’s like, you don’t realize what is missing until you need it.

If you are anything like us, we adore traveling but absolutely loathe packing. Our goal is to save our readers some heartache by thoughtfully listing 56 best travel accessories you can consider having when you plan a trip next time. These are grouped into different categories, so you can quickly identify the items according to your needs.

Fight Germs, Bacteria and Viruses

During traveling, it is important to carry out basic protective measures by washing your hands with soap or hand sanitizer to curb the spread of deadly diseases. Wear a surgical face mask if you are sick and take Vitamin C to boost your immune system.

Best Essential Travel Items

Best travel backpack: the north face borealis backpack.

Staying true to its brand name, The North Face Borealis Backpack is an excellent travel backpack to have on your list. It is built to accomplish all types of explorations including hiking high up in the mountains without having to worry about its sustainability, thanks to its tough 210D Cordura® nylon ripstop.

The backpack has injection-molded shoulder straps and lumbar support for extended hours of backpacking. Storage wise, it sports a highly protective padded laptop compartment and another front compartment with multi-use pockets . It also has a mesh water bottle holder and an elastic bungee holder for external packing. All this and waterproof material make it the most durable and versatile travel backpack available.

Best Luggage Lock: Master Lock TSA Accepted Luggage Lock

Let’s face it: You hate checked baggage or carry-on luggage inspection. Everyone does. You do not know if your lock will be cut without your permission or luggage getting damaged in the process. For peace of mind, The Master Lock is a TSA accepted luggage lock that allows authorized TSA screeners to inspect the luggage without damaging the lock.

It comes with a 1/8″ diameter shackle made of vinyl-covered flexible braided steel that resists any form of abuse and is highly durable. Choose from four striking colors- red, blue, black, and silver for easy identification of the baggage and also to showcase your personality. The secure lock has a set-your-own number combination feature so that you don’t have to worry about the keys. The maker even throws in a limited lifetime warranty for every purchase, so you can rest assured that this brand provides extended support.

Best Luggage Scale: Etekcity Digital Luggage Scale

Never again worry about your luggage exceeding maximum allowance with this Etekcity Digital Luggage Scale. It is small in size and convenient enough to be carried along. The scale is sensitive to measure changes as low as 0.1 lb (0.5g) and can measure up to 110 lb (50kg) of baggage weight with an overload indicator .

The rubber handle provides a formidable grip, and the digital LCD shows room temperature with zero and tare function. Conveniently, it has a built-in low power indicator when the battery is required to be changed. Besides just knowing your luggage weight, you can also easily weigh your laundry basket with the secure strap.

Best Travel Pouch: Venture 4 th  Travel Neck Pouch

Make your check-in and transit smooth and secure with the Venture 4th Travel Neck Pouch. Made with high-quality RFID Blocking material, this pouch keeps unwanted and harmful digital thieves and scans at bay. It has three compartments including two zipper pockets and a transparent pocket for putting IDs and boarding passes. The pouch can securely store all your important documents, cash, and passport in a concealed manner so that you can travel worry-free.

The material is lightweight, waterproof, and very sturdy . It is most suitable for carrying with you on a cruise ship vacation or public transport. A money-back guarantee makes this a risk-free purchase.

Best Water Bottle: Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle

Quench your thirst timelily with this Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle. Manufactured with high-quality BPA-free silicone , this bottle is strong enough to carry water without leakage as well as comfortable enough to hold it while drinking. The most innovative feature is that it can smoothly collapse into a roll, making it easy to pack in a bag without occupying much space.

It is made from non-toxic materials, so you don’t taste or smell plastic while using it, as is the case with other bottles. Moreover, it is freezable, dishwasher safe, and can handle any drink at any temperature without breaking a sweat!

Best Umbrella: Repel Windproof Automatic Travel Umbrella

Now shield yourself from unexpected weather conditions with the Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella. Its framework is made of a triple-fold chrome metal shaft and nine reinforced fiberglass ribs that do not turn inside out even during powerful gusts of wind. Just like its brand name, the umbrella has exceptional water repellency .

That is the magic property of the coated Teflon material that allows 100% waterproof cover over your head. You may wonder what is so ‘ Automatic ’ about the Repel umbrella? Well, the handle has an anti-slip grip and a built-in open-close switch that automatically opens/closes your umbrella. It is very compact and lightweight to be carried along, and it comes with a lifetime warranty to keep you dry, year after year.

Best Beach Blanket: ScorchedEarth Pocket Beach Blanket

The ScorchedEarth Pocket Beach Blanket is the true definition of what you might not realize you are missing until you need it. It’s a must-have for any kind of outdoor activities – beaches, camping, hiking, picnics, tanning, open parties, and more. It is pocket-sized when packed in a pouch, yet it can be stretched out to 60” x 55” in dimension when fully unfolded, which perfectly accommodates up to 4 people.

It comes with rust-proof anchors on the corners that can be secure in the ground to stabilize it in windy conditions. The mini sand pockets prevent the blanket from turning upside down at the beach. The polyester material is waterproof and puncture-resistant , thus making it the best beach blanket to have.

Best Laundry Bag: Gogooda Mesh Laundry Bags

Increase the lifespan of your delicate clothes with this Gogooda 7pcs Mesh Laundry Bags set. These laundry bags come in seven distinguishable sizes and shapes so that you can carry along the ones you need. The strong polypropylene nylon mesh prevents clothing from tearing, tangling, and releasing colors into each other.

The zippers come with an auto-lock so they don’t open up while still in the washer. These bags are a perfect choice for washing lingerie, baby clothes, compression socks, and sweaters while on a trip.

Best Travel Mug: Contigo Travel Mug

Contigo Travel Mug is the tumbler you need to keep your drink temperature-proof for hours. It is made of THERMALOCK vacuum-insulated stainless steel that keeps your beverage hot for 5 hours and cold for 12 hours . It has a tight lid that uses AUTOSEAL technology which makes it spill-proof . No more coffee stain on your shirt. To start drinking, just push the button and then take a sip. The lid is dishwasher-safe and easy to clean. Pick your preferred color and capacity from 16 oz to 24 oz.

Best Personal Water Filter: Lifestraw

Lifestraw is a fantastic choice for adventure seekers to bring along to consume safe drinking water anywhere. What makes it unique is it contains a hollow fiber membrane technology that uses a filter pore of just 0.2 microns that filters 99.9999% disease-causing microbes and other substances and microplastics that cause contamination. It can be used to filter up to 4000 liters of water from any source.

For the skeptical, rest assured they have passed the rigorous testing protocols set by the US EPA , NSF , ASTM . This personal water filter weighs only 2 oz, making it ideal for travel and adventures like hiking, camping, and extreme survival.

Best Raincoat: Baleaf Unisex Rain Jacket

Do not let the rain come your way with the Baleaf Unisex Rain Jacket. It is made of 100% water-resistant nylon material that keeps you dry. Weighing at just 0.48 pounds, it doesn’t burden you as you wear it. It also has reflective logos and branding to increase visibility in the dark. The funnel hood and elastic cuffs keep water from seeping inside. It can be packed compactly into its back pocket, making it easy to carry at different places.

Best Hiking Backpack: AmazonBasics Hiking Backpack

The ultimate travel accessory for backpackers, AmazonBasics Hiking Backpack is the one you need for a great backpacking experience. Made in very durable polyester material, this backpack has an internal frame that doesn’t lose shape and ensures a comfortable fit. It has a main compartment and multiple storage pockets along with a sleeping bag compartment to pack in all your necessities.

The outer coating is water-repellant and it also has a water-resistant rainfly for heavy downpours. The shoulder straps are heavily padded , and the straps are adjustable too. It comes in 3 sizes- 50L, 60L, 70L and in 2 different colors. Pair it with the portable sleeping bag by Winner Outfitters and ‘Outdoorsman Lab Ultralight Sleeping Pad’ for a great night’s sleep while camping.

Best Space Saver Bags: Samsonite Compression Packing Bags

One bag travel fanatics rejoice! Now gain extra space in your bag with Samsonite Compression Packing Bags. Available in a pack of 12, these bags can maximize storage space up to 80% without requiring a vacuum or pump. The plastic used is 70 microns in thickness and is durable.

The bags are air-tight and water-tight , hence preventing any odor, dust, moisture, or insects from affecting your clothes. Using these space saver bags dramatically helps in keeping your bag well-organized and orderly.

Best Clothesline: HAWATOUR Portable Travel Clothesline

The HAWATOUR Portable Travel Clothesline has earned the reputation of being the best clothesline for drying clothes on a camping trip . Made in a lightweight yet strong material, you can move it outside or indoor effortlessly. It has 12 clothespins that can firmly hold wet clothing .

The black stoppers between each clothespin prevent it from sliding towards the center, hence the clothes remain separate for effective and fast drying. It weighs just 7 ounces, and the elastic string can be stretched for up to 10 feet.

Best Travel Hangers: Trubetter Folding Hangers

The Trubetter Folding Hangers is a smart choice for anyone who wants to go on an extended vacation . Made of high-quality ABS plastic, these hangers are absolutely lightweight and sturdy enough to hold clothes. The non-slip design prevents clothes from falling or drooping when hung for a long time.

Available in a pack of 10, these hangers are foldable so that they can be packed in a bag without it occupying much space. The innovative and practical design means you can unfold half of it for hanging baby clothes and fully unfold it for hanging adult clothes.

Best Headphone Splitter: AmazonBasics 5-way Multi Headphone Splitter

Enjoy your music with friends without sharing your headphones with this AmazonBasics 5-way Multi Headphone Splitter. The headphone splitter can be plugged into a 3.5 mm AUX port on any device like a smartphone, laptop, tablet, etc., and it splits the cable line into five similar 3.5 mm ports that can act as the female component for up to five headphones. It is made of ABS plastic that is durable. It can also be used to mix songs from different devices, making it the perfect choice for travel.

Best Travel Adapter: NEWVANGA International Universal Travel Adapter

The NEWVANGA International Universal Travel Adapter is a no-frills universal power adapter to use for any device while traveling. It accepts sockets from more than 150 countries with US/EU/UK/AU plugs.

It has a maximum power rating of 6A, suitable for AC input of 100V-240V. It comes with a built-in fuse that protects your device when the current exceeds 6.3A. All purchases come with two years limited warranty for the product.

Best Shoe Bag: YAMIU Travel Shoe Bags

These YAMIU Travel Shoe Bags will keep your shoes separated from your clothes as you pack your bag the next time. Manufactured using the highest quality nylon material, these shoe bags are 100% waterproof and dustproof that will keep them well protected and clean.

You can use it to carry your shoes while packing, during beach visits, or even for your daily visit to the gym . The zippers are extra durable and long-lasting. It comes in a pack of 2, 4, or 10 bags, and the brand offers a lifetime warranty for the product.

Best Garment Bag: WallyBags Garment Bag

Attend those board meetings in style with the WallyBags Garment Bag. Your suits and gowns will stay crease-free and sharp in this easy-to-carry garment bag. It is made with a weather-proof and water-resistant polyester material that is lightweight and foldable so that you can even pack it in your luggage.

The handle can easily be used to attach it to your trolley bag or tie it to your cabin luggage. It can handle up to six garments with hangers that can be locked so that the garments won’t fall to the bottom of the bag.

Best Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Folding Wayfarer Sunglasses

The Ray-Ban Folding Wayfarer Sunglasses can protect your eyes from the harsh sun rays with its 100% UV coating . From the best brand in the world, these sunglasses are high on style as well as very handy to carry while traveling.

There is a case, a cleaning cloth, and a Ray-Ban warranty card inside the package. The nylon frames are durable and can be folded easily so that they can be harmlessly packed inside a bag even if you don’t have the case. Multiple frame designs and lens colors make the purchase a no-brainer for all men and women.

Best Wet Wipes: Surviveware Biodegradable Wet Wipes

You know the struggle is real with all the dust and sweat you accumulate on your body when touring in a humid country. Founded by backpackers, Surviveware biodegradable wet wipes are the only solution to a traveler’s hygiene requirements.

Unlike other wet napkins, these wipes are hypoallergenic, scent-free, and alcohol-free . Its pH-balanced formula, along with Vitamin E and Aloe keeps your skin moisturized and nourished for a long time. These wipes are for multi-use, be it for a casual traveler or an intense backpacker on a hike. The best part- it can be used on any skin type without any irritation.

Best Travel Slippers- Sunshine Code Memory Foam Slippers

Cheap hotels don’t usually provide any slippers. And the ones that are given for free are paper-thin and fragile. Make your travel comfortable with Sunshine Code’s memory foam slippers. It is made of ultra-soft cotton that feels great on your feet as you wear them. The slippers are lightweight enough to be carried for multiple uses- travel, hotel room, home, etc.

The outer sole is made of anti-slip rubber and is durable enough to be worn in all seasons. These slippers are washable and are available in many different colors and sizes for both men and women.

Best Messenger Bag: Travelon Anti-theft Classic Messenger Bag

Travelon specializes in bags that safeguard your personal belongings from pickpockets and bag snatchers. This messenger bag has many anti-theft features. First, the locking straps can be used to lock the bag with stationary objects to prevent theft.

All the compartments are lined by stainless steel mesh that protects from slash-n-grab thieves. It can holds items like Kindle, phones, books, and more. The messenger bag also has RFID blocking slots for cards and passports, taking identity theft seriously. Select from many designs and colors to suit your fashion taste.

Best Compression Socks: Wanderlust Travel Compression Socks

Doctors recommend these premium Wanderlust branded travel compression socks to eliminate problems caused to feet due to long walking, sitting, and standing. The gradual compression formula is effective in compressing feet up to calves.

Its seamless design, soft foot padding, and comfortable material significantly stimulate blood flow and circulation , prevent swelling and injuries, eliminate pain, and provide long-lasting comfort for travels longer than 6 hours. The cotton blend material provides excellent breathability at the same time. The testing result data show that it is also suitable for athletes recovering from injuries .

Best Travel Bike Helmet: Foldable Bike Helmet by Park & Diamond

When style and safety meet, you get the new Park & Diamond Foldable Bike Helmet . Traditional bike helmets have always been bulky and dull. Park & Diamond designed it to look and feel like a baseball cap but with a reinforced frame and material underneath. It has passed cycling helmet safety standards from the U.S. CPSC and EU EN-1078.

Bikers who love to cycle on vacation can finally pack a helmet in their luggage and enjoy cycling without getting weird stares in public.

Best Laptop Backpack: Harber London Slim Laptop Backpack

This slim laptop backpack from Harber London has no bulky padding, which helps it to keep a slimmer profile.

That said, there are still some great features that we really like! It’s water-resistant with weather-proof zippers for all your gadgets on the go. The front pocket is perfect for chargers and miscellaneous items, and the detachable magnetic system key holder is perfect if you’re looking to be hands-free.

There are also lots of interior pockets fitted just right inside! You can fit an iPad Pro 12.9″ with a keyboard attached or smaller tablets, so nothing goes missing when you head out for work or play while keeping everything organized in one place thanks to its custom made aviation-grade aluminum buckles.

Made with full-grain cowhide leather from an expert craftsman in Spain, you can be sure of the bag’s durability and never have to worry about losing anything again.

See Related: Harber London Slim Laptop Backpack Review

Best Travel Gadgets

Best travel door alarm: lewis n clark travel door alarm.

Travel door alarm is the most underrated and most forgotten gadget that most people don’t put in their essential accessories list. The Lewis N Clark’s Portable Door Alarm has thin blades that clips between the door and doorframe. It alerts you with a blaring alarm when it is forced open from the outside. It is so loud that it will wake you up from the deepest slumber.

Most budget hotels don’t have heavy-duty door locks so this is an added protection. The built-in flashlight also helps in seeing in the dark during an emergency. You might think this non-eye-catching device is unnecessary, but as the saying goes, it is better to be safe than sorry .

Best Action Camera: GoPro HERO 11 BLACK

A must-have for content creators, the GoPro HERO11 Black can capture the most stunning best-in-class video with a mere click, thanks to its upgraded HDR 27MP sensor . It is rugged and waterproof up to 33 ft for use in any weather conditions and extreme sports . It can record 5.3K super-resolution videos with gimbal-like stabilization dubbed ‘ HyperSmooth 5.0 ’.

The all-new voice control feature lets you do hands-free photo taking and video recording when it recognizes your voice commands. Other specifications include GPS, Live Streaming, 8X Slo-mo, and many other innovative features. Don’t forget to also download the GoPro app for footage editing on the go. Now you can ditch your heavy DSLR camera.

Best Mobile Hotspot: GlocalMe G4 Pro Portable WiFi Hotspot

This WiFi hotspot is made specifically for those who need fast 4G LTE internet access while traveling to the US, Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. It is so small to fit inside the pocket yet capable of providing download speeds up to 150 Mbps on 4G and 43.2 Mbps on 3G.

It can be used to create a secure Hotspot for family or friends wherever you want. The Glocalme App for iOS and Android allows you to manage hotspot contracts and usage details. Impressively, it has enough juice to last up to 15 hours on a single full charge.

Best Power Bank: Bonai 30000mAh Portable Charger

Are you craving infinite power like the mighty Thanos from Marvel Universe?

Well, you can have it too, sort of. The Bonai Portable Charger has a monstrous 30000mAh high capacity power made to last for several days or even weeks to provide extra battery juice for all your electronic devices. Power Banks are an absolute necessity when traveling. It has four USB 5V / 5.6A ports and two lighting ports that can simultaneously charge all your devices at the same time.

The hardware is made up of a sturdy alloy that is fire resistant . The high-density Li-Polymer battery performs amazingly even after hundreds of charge cycles. With its built-in LED flashlight, this brilliant little device can help you see what’s wrong even if it’s dark or nighttime.

The intelligent circuitry of this device is designed to protect against overcharging, short-circuiting, and voltage instabilities. It also has the capability to withstand electromagnetic damage during storms!

If you want a smaller, less capacity external power bank, then the Anker PowerCore 10000 is a crowd-favorite among frequent travelers.

Best Book Reader: KINDLE By Amazon

Books make long travel enjoyable, but carrying a lot of books is inconvenient at the same time. With the Kindle by Amazon, you can store thousands of digital books in this E-reader without any hassle.

Unlike other tablets, this device has a 6-inch glare-free high contrast 300 PPI display that does not emit blue light which is harmful to the eyes. The battery can last for weeks , making it ideal for travel. You can choose books from an extensive collection of best sellers on Amazon’s Kindle website. This latest generation E-book reader now has a built-in front light and also supports audiobooks through Audible so that you can listen to your favorite book hands-free.

Get the Kindle Oasis for a bigger 7”, 300 PPI display and waterproofing with adjustable warm light.

Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker: OontZ Angle 3 Bluetooth Speaker by Cambridge Soundworks

The OontZ Angle 3 Bluetooth Speaker by Cambridge Soundworks is the latest wireless portable speaker that delivers high-quality sound on the go. Powered by two precision neodymium drivers, the speaker promises crystal clear sounds even at the highest volumes.

It is ultra-lightweight, water-resistant (IPX5 certified), and rugged for using it anywhere. Its triangular design makes the base stable and easy to carry. The 2200mAh battery delivers up to 12 hours of playtime. For serious listening, go for the JBL Flip 4, which sounds louder and fuller and has better bass.

Best Wireless Headphone DAC: FiiO BTR5 Bluetooth Receiver

Whether you like it or not, the 3.5mm headphone jack is not making a comeback to future phones. The guys at FiiO have been pumping out value-oriented audio products and cool devices for years, and the new FiiO BTR5 solves the problem of not having the earphone input.

Equipped with the latest Qualcomm CR8675 Bluetooth chip, powerful ES9218P*2 DAC , and all kinds of Bluetooth codecs (AptX/aptXHD/aptXLL/LDAC/LHDC/AAC), this is the best alternative to the in-built earphone jack. To use it, simply establish a Bluetooth connection with your phone and plug in your earphone to the device’s audio jack. That’s it!

Bluetooth audio may be frowned upon but make sure you give this a listen before bashing it. We guarantee you will be surprised by how close the audio quality is to the wired connection.

With its beautiful screen and dual outputs at 3.5mm and 4.4mm, the new BTR7 Portable DAC is even more powerful than its predecessor. Perfect for all flagship IEMs.

Audiophiles who want to power up their high-impedance headphones should go for the EarStudio ES100 MK2 24-bit Bluetooth portable DAC with a 2.5mm balanced jack providing two times more voltage. What’s more, the mobile app for the ES100 MK2 has one of the sleekest designs and is packed full of useful features like EQ, a loudness calculator, and the ability to change audio codecs with a few taps.

Best USB Solar Charger: Riapow Solar Charger

Praise the sun! This wireless and USB solar charger collects the power of the Sun and is capable of converting 20% solar power into usable energy. With a battery capacity of 26800mAh, it has enough juice to fast charge your devices multiple times. It is weatherproof, lightweight, and portable so that you can carry it almost anywhere you go. Best used for camping and all outdoor adventures.

Best Emergency Light: GearLight High Powered LED Flashlight

Find your way in the darkness with GearLight’s high-powered LED flashlight. You may think your phone’s LED flashlight is enough, but it is not.

This powerful and versatile flashlight features a 12 times brighter LED bulb that is efficient to work in any darkness. It has a high-grade solid aluminum construction that is weatherproof, shockproof, and water-resistant . Other features like SOS , zooming, and multiple sizes of the lumen are a nice inclusion. It also has a tactical tail switch for single-hand use in any situation.

Best Travel Accessories for Men

Best shaver: panasonic electric travel shaver.

The Panasonic Electric Travel Shaver has been specially made for any man who is often traveling. It uses a floating single-blade system positioned at a unique angle to match facial contours and gives a close shave consistently. The wet/dry feature lets you wash the shaver to clean it or use it with lather foam for a nice and clean shave even in the shower. The battery life is equally impressive; just 2 AA batteries allow you to shave every day for more than 60 days !

Storage-wise, it comes with a soft travel pouch. Being lightweight , it is slim enough to slip inside your backpack when hitting the road.

Best Grooming Kit: Toiletry Bag For Men By Emissary

Staying well-groomed on long business tours is an absolute necessity for men. This stylish toiletry bag for men by Emissary is the answer to all those grooming needs. Made from tough canvas and PU leather bottom, this bag can comfortably accommodate all the tools and toiletry required for grooming.

It is 100% waterproof and sturdy enough to be carried for long tours without losing its shape. The zipper compartments are made of high-quality YKK zip, and the main compartment has little pockets to keep everything organized. After all, it comes with a money-back guarantee. It is nicely packed in a classy-looking gift box, thus making it a great gift too.

Best Deodorant for Men: Dove Men Plus Care Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick

Dove is consistently voted as one of the best cosmetic brands in the industry. This is why you can trust Dove Men Plus Care Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick as an essential travel accessory to have in your bag for men.

It is enriched with an improved formula that keeps your skin protected and moisturized . The fresh scent is believed to keep your skin odor and sweat-free for up to 48 hours. You can use it every time after a bath as it is dermatologically tested, so it does not harm your skin.

As a stick form moisturizer, it is much better to use than any of those alcohol propellants containing spray tins. Since the deodorant stick is a consumable product, we highly recommend you to use the “Subscribe now” checkout at Amazon for delivery every three months.

Best Versatile Travel Backpack: Peak Design’s The Travel Line Backpack

Peak Design is having tremendous success on Kickstarter showcasing their new Travel Line Backpacks . We bet you have never seen such a versatile, classy, and durable backpack ever.

What makes it so attractive is the inclusion of multitudes of compartments , pockets, magnetic catches, weatherproof zippers, and tons of customizability. You can just get the backpack itself or entire series of add-ons like a duffle pack, shoe/tech/wash pouches, and packing cubes to store gadgets like cameras, lenses, toiletries, power chargers, and even jeans.

Best Travel Jacket: SCOTTeVEST Windbreaker Jacket

The most versatile travel jacket is here: loaded with 19 pockets and many more features and partitions, the Windbreaker Jacket from SCOTTeVEST is the best fashionable travel jacket to have on your accessory list. The zippered pockets are made from water-resistant polyester material. They can hold almost anything- be it a passport, tablet, mobile phone, wallet, documents, camera, pens, and the list goes on. This jacket can practically be worn anywhere in any season due to its removable hood and sleeve.

Best Travel Accessories for Women

Best portable steamer: steamfast mini steam iron.

Our readers always ask us how to keep clothes from wrinkling in the luggage. You can bring low-maintenance clothing items for a start, or upon arriving at your destination, iron your clothes in ten minutes with the Steamfast Travel Iron.

Weighing at less than 1 pound, it is a palm-sized compact steam iron that is very portable to carry along for your travel. It provides 30% more steam flow as compared to other steamers. The benefit of dual voltage functionality is that it is usable anywhere in the world. The travel steam iron has an anti-slip handle and non-stick soleplate for safe use. Steamfast also offers a money-back guarantee and helpful customer service to the buyers.

Best Dry Shampoo: Dry Shampoo By Batiste

If your hair often turns greasy and damaged while on the move, then this dry shampoo is the thing for you. Its starch-based formulation requires no water while using it. With the help of the special ingredients, the shampoo removes excess oil and dirt from your hair, leaving them supple and bouncy .

The classic fragrance leaves hair fresh, full of volume and texture, and provides a long-lasting shine to it. It comes in a 6.73 oz bottle- just a few quick sprays, style your hair, and you’re ready to go.

Best Jewellery Organizer: Ellis James Designs Travel Jewellery Organizer

On the outside, the Ellis James Travel Organizer looks luxurious . Featuring two zipper pockets, a large main compartment, necklace straps, ring, bracelet, watch strap, and an earring roll conveniently store and organize all your jewelry and prevent it from getting tangled together. It has a quilted design that looks elegant. This is the perfect budget gift for her or your own valuables.

Best Scarf: Travel Scarf By WAYPOINT GOODS

This travel scarf makes every sense when it comes to fashion and convenience at the same time. Also known as the Infinity scarf, it is perfect to be used as a shawl or even a blanket to keep you warm . Featuring a non flimsy fabric that feels great against the skin, this scarf is a great travel companion on long-distance flights or during the winter months.

It contains a concealed zipper pocket that can be used to securely store your passport, keys, boarding pass, cards, and even some cash. This is one of the best Christmas or Mother’s Day gifts available.

Best Lingerie Pouch: Freegrace Travel Organizer Underwear Bag

Made especially for frequent female travelers, the Freegrace Travel Lingerie Pouch is the best way to pack your lingerie when on the go. This pouch neatly organizes your undergarments as per your requirements so that you don’t have to waste your time finding them from that messy trolley bag.

Due to being lightweight , waterproof, and robust nylon material, it helps to prevent your bras from being blemished, and it can even be folded when not in use. It can hold up to three bras and four panties simultaneously or be used to store makeup items, cosmetics, socks, and toiletries.

Best Laundry Detergent Sheets: LG Fresh Fiji Power Sheet

The laundry detergent sheets by LG (Yes, the same LG electronics company) are the best detergent sheets to use during the inconvenience of carrying liquid detergent for laundry when on vacation. Available in a pack of 30, a single sheet from this pack can be used to wash a load of about 18 pieces of clothes.

It is lightweight and very convenient to carry along. It contains detergent, fabric softener, and dye fixer that are eco-friendly and harmless to clothes, making them fresh and shiny after every wash. This is hands-down the most cost-effective way to take care of laundry during a trip.

Best Mini Hair Dryer: Conair 1600 Watt Compact Hair Dryer

The Conair 1600 Watt Compact Hair Dryer is a lifesaver for ladies who travel often. Getting long wet hair to dry naturally can take hours! Due to its compact size and foldable design , this hairdryer is easy to pack without taking up a lot of space in your luggage.

It weighs just 1 lb; hence your arms don’t get tired when holding the dryer up high for some time. It has two heat settings and two speed settings suitable for all types of hair. The dual voltage function allows it to be used in different countries . Plus, the noise level is quite tolerable.

Best Travel Mini Container for Cosmetics: Oursunshine Travel Bottles

Feel at home anywhere you go with these mini travel containers. Available in a pack of 6, these bottles come in three sizes (2 each)- 3 fl oz (89ml), 2 fl oz (60ml), and 0.3 fl oz (10g). They can be taken along anywhere and can safely get through the security check at airports.

Made of BPA-free food grade silicone material, the bottles are proven to be leak and spill-proof. The best feature is its squeezability for forcing out the last drop. Refilling is easy with the wide-mouth design .

Best Travel Accessories for Long Flights

Best noise-canceling headphones: bose quietcomfort 45 wireless headphones.

There’s no doubt about the sound quality and customer support when it comes to Bose . Its noise-canceling headphone comes with a three-level noise-canceling dual-microphone system that literally cuts away any audio distraction outside. The headphones are Alexa-enabled, which enhances the hands-free experience and virtual assistance.

The battery lasts up to 24 hours of wireless playback- perfect for a long flight. Its effortless Bluetooth pairing and range of 30 ft. give added convenience.

In comparison, the new Sony WH1000XM5 has a slight edge in sound quality, especially in the high-frequency region and deeper bass impact, but lacks the Bose’s superior comfort and call quality.

You might want to listen to a high-resolution music streaming service if you have these headphones.

Qobuz is the perfect solution for audiophiles and music lovers who want to experience their music in the best possible quality . With over 80 million tracks available in Hi-Res or CD quality, Qobuz has something for everyone. Plus, their exclusive content and hand-picked playlists make it easy to find new music to love. Try Qobuz today for free and see what you’ve been missing!

Best Airplane Footrest: Basic Concepts Airplane Footrest

If you think that most economy-class airplane seats are too cramped , you have to try this airplane footrest. The thick memory foam is soft and contours around your feet as they rest on it. It provides ultimate support to your feet and lower back as well and prevents soreness and swelling .

Do bring the footrest hammock during long transatlantic flights, as it easily packs in your luggage without occupying much space. The straps can also be easily hung on the arms of the tray table and can be adjusted according to your comfort. You can store it in the included compact drawstring bag . Gift this to your frequent flying friends, and they will appreciate how such a little piece of fabric makes a whole lot of difference during long flights .

Best Lumbar Pillow: Cushion Lab Extra Dense Lumbar Pillow

Long journeys are stressful for those people with back problems. This ergonomic lumbar cushion is specially designed to relieve back pain and stiffness while sitting in a car or plane for long hours or traveling by any other means.

Its Hyperfoam material quickly adjusts to your spine alignment and even corrects your posture while providing support at the same time. It comes with a long adjustable strap to fit on any size of chair or seat. The cushion comes in a small bag so that you can carry it anywhere you like.

Best Neck Pillow: BCOZZY Chin Supporting Travel Pillow

Those long-duration flight journeys won’t bother you with discomfort again with this neck pillow. Its revolutionary and patent design provides adjustable support to the chin , preventing extreme movement of your neck. The soft cushions on the side are large enough to keep the head position stable while you sleep comfortably.

The flat back prevents your head from being pushed forward and helps relax the neck muscles as you use it while traveling. It also has a button strap that easily attaches to your backpack. There are 9 different colors available, so finding one that suits your style shouldn’t be an issue.

Best Travel Blanket: Travel Blanket Set by PAVILIA

Never again feel too cold in an airplane cabin when you use this travel blanket. Founded by avid travelers, PAVILIA’s ultra-soft blanket can be used as a blanket, a pillow, lumbar support, and neck support. It is very lightweight, warm, and smooth as you feel it. It is 60” by 43” in dimension but can be packed into a small zipper pouch for easy packing.

Made of extra warm plush coral fleece, the blanket is designed in a poncho style that sits on your shoulders and does not slip as you sleep cozily on planes or trains.

Best Travel Accessories for Happy Snappers

Best phone camera lens: xenvo camera lens kit.

The Xenvo Camera Lens Kit is the perfect choice for professional quality smartphone photography when on the move. Smartphone’s photo-taking ability has come a long way, and the iPhones, Samsung Galaxies, and Google Pixels provide photo quality that rivals dedicated ones.

This kit comes with a Truview 0.45x wide-angle lens capable of capturing beautiful photos, no matter what the subject is- scenery, portraits, architecture, sunsets, landscape, or even selfies. It also comes with a Clarus 15x macro lens that takes detailed close-up photos of small subjects like petal patterns and insects.

The lens is made up of airplane-grade coated glass that eliminates artifacts and vignetting resulting in phenomenal HD photos. For long-distance shots, the AiKEGlobal telephoto lens provides 20X zoom power which is mandatory for bird watching, golf, and concerts. If you happen to own an iPhone or the Pixel phone and want the absolute best regarding image quality, then take a look at the Moment’s case and lens combo.

Best Tripod for Smartphone: UBeesize Tripod S

Use your smartphone camera to maximum potential with the UBeesize Tripod S. This premium tripod’s innovative design and flexibility allow users to bend the octopus-style legs and wrap them over an uneven surface or object. The joint is made of a high-grade metal ball and screw that safely mounts your iPhones and all smartphones. The tripod is light in weight and easy to set up. It also comes with a wrist strap and a wireless remote control that can be used from a range of 30 feet.

Best Phone Case: JOTO Universal Waterproof Cellphone Case

Protect your precious smartphone with this universal waterproof smartphone pouch. This highly innovative and durable cell phone case is IPX8 Certified waterproof (up to 100 ft.), snowproof, and dirtproof at the same time.

It has a simple snap-lock that provides 100% protection to your smartphone or cash or anything else that you keep inside. The large transparent windows on both sides make it ideal for capturing photos and videos. The included neck strap can keep your hand free as you enjoy your vacation without worrying about dropping your phone ( Read our full review here ).

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Why have I not thought of using a door alarm before? Already put in my shopping cart for my next trip. As you said, it is better to be safe than sorry. Plus it is cheap too.

Yeah, whenever I mentioned the door alarm to people, they were so surprised like they never even heard it before.

I always bring one along on any trip as it is so compact to put inside my bag.

Nice huge list of the travel accessories,,thanks man.

No problem Lettie.

Thanks for sharing this wonderful information.

You’re welcome!

Bookmarked as a reminder for my packing list. Thank u.

Thanks, I’m pleased you liked this article.

The Peak Design backpack looks really nice but it is so expensive!

It’s not cheap, but looks great and made in high-quality material so it will last!

Great ideas for every vacation!

Thanks very much Hettie

That travel blanket looks so goofy to me. Not sure I want to wear it on a plane..lol

It looks fine in person and for people who needs the additional warmth, this blanket is a must have on flights.

I love this list..Really awesome writeup.

I’m buying the Bose QuietComfort 35 through your link today. You convinced me enough to get one. Thanks!

Thanks Johnny!

I like how you organized the accessories into different categories. Makes it easier to find things I need.

Glad to group them together, and give a clearer picture of the things matter to you most.

Awesome post! Going on holiday next month so this is very useful to me indeed.

I hope you found some accessories to suit your needs to bring along.

I have the North Face backpack. Already used for two years and still holding up well. Many designs to choose from..One of the best for solo traveling for sure

Cool recommendations. I would add Nintendo Switch to the list as it is an amazing portable gaming console to bring along.

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25 Best Travel Accessories for Europe

Last Updated on December 1, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

We have been travelling around Europe for years and know exactly what the best travel accessories for Europe are and what items you should leave behind!

Regardless of whether you are about to embark on your own trip to Europe or are looking for a gift for a friend or family member, this list of must-have items will help narrow exactly what accessories you should be packing for Europe!

Table of Contents

Arguably one of the most important travel accessories is going to be a camera. While mobile phone cameras are getting better and better these days, if you want to come home with some truly spectacular photos from your Europe trip, then you’re going to want to invest in a good camera.

If you’re interested in learning photography and want a top-notch camera without the weight and hassle of a DSLR, then we recommend the Sony A6400 .

It is the camera that we personally use for all of our photos and its lightweight, mirrorless quality makes it the ideal camera for travel as it won’t add a lot of weight to your luggage.

Lightweight Tripod

Another Europe travel necessity if you’re interested in upping your photography game is a lightweight tripod.

While it might seem like a tripod is a heavy, awkward, and clunky thing to pack with you on your trip to Europe, there are numerous tripods on the market these days that are incredibly lightweight and small, making them ideal for travel.

Our pick for the best lightweight tripod to bring with you is the Joby Gorillapod (also available from REI here ), however, there are numerous other options available.

With a solid tripod combined with a great camera and you are sure to have some enviable photos of your Europe trip to post on your Instagram.

Kindle E-Reader

If you love to read while on holiday or if you just don’t want to bother carrying around a heavy guidebook wherever you go, then an Amazon Kindle e-reader is an essential item.

I was late to the Kindle game and thought I would only ever want to read paper books, however, I did end up purchasing a Kindle for my travels and my life has been forever changed.

Not only do you have an entire world worth of books available to you at just a click of a few buttons, but Kindles are also incredibly lightweight and take up minimal space in your bag.

The Kindle Paperwhite has a backlight so you can read into the night without disturbing your partner and the matte screen mimics paper so you can easily read outside in the sunshine.

International SIM Card

In this day and age, staying connected is more of a necessity rather than a luxury. And though it might even seem tempting to plan to go to Europe and be able to turn off your phone and get away from it all, the fact of the matter is that having a data plan makes travelling throughout Europe so much easier.

And this is why having a good international SIM card with data is an absolute must-have.

We recommend buying an Orange SIM with 30GB data or Three SIM with 12GB data before heading to Europe because they have affordable data plans and work throughout the European Union, meaning that you will not have to get a new SIM every time you cross the border to a different country.

It is also a great idea to pre-order a SIM to your home before you leave, so that way you can be connected as soon as you land and not waste any of your valuable holiday time trying to get an affordable data plan.

Another of the electronic travel necessities, a power bank can be absolutely essential while on the road, especially if you want to make sure that your many devices are properly charged.

There is nothing worse than being lost and not being able to use Google Maps because your phone is going to die, or wanting to read a book on you long bus ride only to find that your Kindle is at 5%.

A power bank is one of those items that you don’t think you will need until you absolutely need it, however, it will become an invaluable asset to any of your holidays — and your everyday life!

Travel Adapter

A travel adapter is another must-have Europe accessory that is so easy to forget that you need.

However, if you’re visiting the European continent from pretty much everywhere outside of the European continent, you will find that the plugs are different from the ones you use at home. And, because of this, you will need an adaptor for any of your electronics to get power.

While you can get a plug adaptor that is only for the European-style plug outlet, we recommend getting a universal adapter that can accept and adapt to any plug type, so you can use it wherever you go.

This is especially helpful if you plan to visit places like the UK , Malta or Cyprus along with other European countries, as they use different plug types to the rest of Europe. We also recommend finding one that has USB slots so you can easily charge your devices.

Portable WiFi Hotspot

If you work online or need to be more connected than the average person while travelling through Europe, then you might find that a portable WiFi hotspot is an incredibly helpful accessory to bring with you.

With a mobile hotspot, you never need to be at the mercy of a shoddy hotel connection or worry about the safety of an open wireless network. There are numerous mobile WiFi hotspots for travel available out there, but we recommend the GlocalMe G4 Mobile Hotspot for the best all-around features.

If you choose to rely on public WiFi instead, make sure to invest in a quality VPN such as ExpressVPN so you can browse the internet securely!

Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Whether you want to block out noise on your long-haul flight, want to listen to music while on a train, or want to block out the snoring of a hostel bunkmate, a pair of noise-cancelling can be an invaluable addition to your Europe luggage .

Personally, I like in-ear headphones as they are small, lightweight, and take up virtually no space in my bag. However, it can also be worth it to bring a pair of over-the-ear headphones if you want to completely block out noise and get some better sound quality.

Packing Cubes

If you want to keep everything (not only your electronic cords!) organised and compressed in your luggage, then you cannot go wrong with packing cubes.

These have revolutionised our packing completely and allow us to keep everything clean, dry and organised while also maximising valuable suitcase space.

There are so many different packing cubes available , however, we recommend and personally use the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter cubes .

Anti-Theft Handbag

If you’re travelling to Europe, you’re likely going to need to be vigilant in the more popular tourist areas as pickpocketing can happen.

While we don’t necessarily think this is something you be actively worried about (if you are smart and don’t flash your valuables, you are unlikely to be pickpocketed), having an anti-theft handbag or day pack can take a lot of stress away from having to watch over your belongings.

I personally use the PacSafe Citysafe Convertible Backpack (also available direct from Pacsafe here ) and absolutely love it — I’ve also never been pickpocketed (knock on wood)!

Lightweight Shopping Bag

For the environmentally-conscious (and we all should be), you will find that bringing a packable lightweight shopping bag to be the perfect European travel accessory for you.

Most European countries have bans on single-use plastic and will make you pay for bags at the supermarket, so having your own shopping bag will not only cut down on excessive plastic usage, but it will also save you money.

Having your own shopping bag is also useful if you want to shop at local markets where you’re unlikely to get a plastic bag at all.

Reusable Water Bottle

Along the same lines as the shopping bag, the tap water in Europe is safe to drink across the board and because of this, it is completely unnecessary to buy plastic water bottles. Not only is buying water incredibly wasteful, but it also can add a lot to your overall daily expenses.

So please bring a reusable water bottle — you won’t be sorry.

And if you’re someone who doesn’t like the taste of tap water or if you’re nervous about the water safety (in the EU and pretty much everywhere else in Europe, the tap water is completely safe anyway) you can get a water bottle with a filter !

Travel French Press

If you’re a coffee fan like me, then you might get a little tired of the instant coffee that is normally on offer at hotels and other accommodations in Europe. If you want to brew a good cup of coffee in your hotel room or Airbnb, I recommend bringing a travel French press!

I personally use and love the Espro Travel Coffee Press and wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Reusable Toiletry Bottles

If you’re only going to Europe for a short time or are flying carry-on only, then investing in a set of reusable toiletry bottles is an affordable and convenient way to avoid plastic waste and take your favourite shampoo with you.

I personally recommend GoToobs as they are leak-proof and under 100ml, meaning that you can put them in your carry-on luggage on aeroplanes.

Headphone Splitter

If you’re travelling as a couple and you both want to watch the same show or movie (or listen to the same music!) while on a plane, bus, or train, then a headphone splitter is one of the best travel items for Europe for you.

Instead of sharing a pair of in-ear headphones to be able to watch the same movie, a headphone splitter allows both parties to watch and enjoy the same thing with good sound quality, as well! This is obviously only necessary though if you don’t have wireless headphones!

One of our most valued items we take to Europe is an HDMI cable , which allows us to connect our laptops to a TV so we can stream things like Netflix or YouTube on a big screen.

While a lot of Airbnbs or hotels will have smart TVs with streaming subscriptions, most do not and it can be really nice to be able to watch a movie or TV show once every so often while you are on the road.

Cord Organiser

Because the average person travels with so many electronic devices these days, it can be very difficult to keep all of the cords and chargers organised.

Rather than shoving everything into a zip-top bag and risking a tangled mess, we recommend investing in a cord organiser to keep your things together. It is also a lot more environmentally friendly than a plastic bag!

Scarves have always been a pinnacle of European fashion for both men and women and they are also the perfect European travel accessory.

Scarves can be used for lots of things — they’re great at adding a chic pop to your outfit, you can use them to cover your head or shoulders if you’re touring churches or religious sites, and they can be used as a light blanket or even a pillow.

While a padlock has always been a Europe travel essential for backpackers wanting to secure their belongings, a TSA-approved luggage lock is a great thing for all kinds of travellers. I personally like to lock my luggage while on trains or walking to my accommodation.

If there isn’t a safe in my room, I will also lock my valuables in my luggage if while I am out for the day. Having a padlock can give you the extra layer of security that you might need.

International Driver’s Permit

A European travel essential if you’re planning on renting a car on your holiday is an International Driver’s Permit, or IDP.

While not a substitute for your actual driver’s license, an IDP translates your license into a number of different languages and is a requirement in some European countries. While you may never be asked for one, it is always better to have — just like a good travel insurance policy!

Travel Umbrella

Even if you’re travelling in the height of summertime, Europe (like everywhere else in the world) is still susceptible to the occasional rainstorm.

And while we always recommend packing a good waterproof travel jacket in Europe , it can also be a very good idea to stick a solid travel umbrella into your luggage.

You don’t want your trip to Europe to be ruined by the rain, so an umbrella is really an essential item for Europe or any international travel!

Travel Pillow

If you plan to take any long bus or train journeys or have a long-haul flight to kick off your European adventure, then a good travel pillow is going to be a Europe travel necessity for you.

Nothing is worse than getting a sore neck after being crammed into a seat on an uncomfortable flight or bus trip, and a good and supportive neck pillow is a great way to add some comfort to your journey.

If you want to have a good night’s sleep, then finding a good eye mask can be one of the things you’ll miss most if you don’t have!

Eye masks are helpful to block out the light and to get some sleep on a plane, they are also helpful if your accommodation doesn’t have good curtains or there is one blinking light that drives you crazy during the night.

Having a good eye mask can make or break the sleep you get on your trip, and having a good night’s sleep means that you will have all the more energy to go out and explore Europe!

Much like an eye mask, earplugs are really helpful to ensure a good night’s sleep on your Europe trip.

Not only are earplugs incredibly useful when it comes to getting some shut-eye on a long-haul flight or drowning out noisy bunkmates in your hostel dorm, but they can also be just as helpful if you’re staying in a hotel with a lot of street noise.

Like I said earlier, nothing is worse than exploring a European city when you’re tired and cranky and making sure you have earplugs to drown out the noise can prevent this.

Hand Sanitiser

One thing that I bring with me everywhere I go, making it an essential Europe travel accessory, is hand sanitiser , particularly given recent events!

You’re going to be seeing and touching a lot of things while on your Europe trip and you’re not always going to have direct access to a sink to wash your hands. So if you want to have a picnic and you’re hands are feeling a bit grimy, your trusty hand sanitiser will come to the rescue.

These are just some of the items to add to your packing list that can make your trip to the continent a lot easier and more convenient !

Are you looking for items to take to Europe? Is there anything you never travel without? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

18 Must-Have Backpacking Europe Essentials

LEVEL8 Luggage Review: Textured Carry-On 20″ Suitcase

The Best Packing Cubes For Backpacking

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Thanks for this article about traveling to Europe! We are going to Europe in six weeks and reading this information helps so much.

Glad you found it helpful Kim!

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Our editors' favourite travel gift ideas

By Lauren Burvill

If you're set to give a gift to someone who loves travel or is planning a big trip, then consider this your cue to forgo a generic voucher gift and give something with a practical or travel-inspired twist. From must-haves for plane travel to inspiring books and time-saving gadgets, the following are our top picks of the best travel gifts to give in 2024.

The gift of stress-free travel

For all the joy a holiday can bring, the actual travel element can be rife with stress, from lost luggage to misplaced passports and navigating busy airports. As frequent flyers ourselves, our editors have navigated a multitude of bumps on our travels, and found that the below buys are great for making the journey a lot smoother.

For the loved one who’s a frequent flyer, Antler’s zippy hard shell Clifton cabin bag is a winner. The durable yet lightweight polycarbonate case features a twist-grip handle, making it very easy to wheel it around the airport at speed. A favourite of our editors, this case is both a great size and quality, and also looks smart, with seven subdued shades to choose from.

Aspinal of London’s travel collection makes for a classic gift to give any travel lover. Including a passport holder, luggage tags and travel wallet, the collection is made from full-grain leather and comes in six elegant shades and finishes. The brand also offers a personalisation option, so you can add the recipient's initials for a special personalised touch.

Anya Hindmarch’s in-flight travel bag is a game changer when it comes to staying organised on the go. Designed with air travel in mind, the carry-on bag has an array of clever features including a sleeve designed to sit over the bag of a luggage trolley and a clear removable pouch to store liquids. We also love the numerous internal and external organisational pockets, each with its own embossed label covering all of the travel essentials like ‘passport’ ‘keys’ ‘glasses,’ ‘headphones’ and ‘water.’

Since its release in 2021, Apple’s Bluetooth AirTag has become a must-have for frequent travellers or anyone prone to misplacing their keys. Simply attach the small button-shaped AirTag to your suitcase and connect to your iPad or iPhone via Bluetooth. Once connected you can find your item via the built-in speaker when it’s nearby or via the Precision Finding function on the app when it’s further away.

Finished, naturally, in beautifully soft Nappa leather, Mulberry’s passport cover has a soft grain effect and comes in a selection of chic colours to match your handbag. There are three slip pockets inside for all your docs along with four card slots. A must-have companion for keeping all your important travel documents together safely.

There's nothing like a dead battery to slow down a trip. Keep all your accessories charged up with a power bank. Anker is our favourite – it weighs just over 300 grams (or as little as a can as soup) but can charge an iPhone 8 almost seven times, the Galaxy S8 five times, or the iPad mini 4 twice.

A travel wash bag is key to staying organised — and avoiding spills in your luggage. We like this option from Away for its water-resistant materials and ample space for your toothbrush and toothpaste, razor, soaps, and more. A hanging bag also allows you to keep items tidy and off the bathroom counter.

For international travel, a power adapter is a must to make sure you can get devices charged up in the airport and your hotel room. Apple's World Travel Adapter Kit comes with seven AC plugs with prongs that fit into different electrical outlets around the world, and each one is labelled with the regions they are compatible with.

This is a fun idea for the friend who likes to be organised. Papier’s travel journals have pages for planning and memorialising six special trips, with space for noting down budgets, itineraries, packing lists and other important details. Long flight? There are travel games at the back, along with pages for journalling and scrapbooking.

The gift of sleeping on a plane

Standing down the hours of a long haul flight is made all the more easier with a gift that doubles as a travel hack. When it comes to feeling comfortable and getting some shut eye, the littlest luxuries can make a huge difference.

Trtl has revamped its clever wrap-style neck pillow to accommodate people of all heights more comfortably. The latest iteration is adjustable, to better suit your particular requirements, and the pillow section itself has been given a high-density foam makeover. Trtl’s offering is a lot smaller than standard U-shaped pillows, and weighs a petite 225 grams, so it won’t take up precious space in your hand luggage – or you could use the included clip to attach it to your rucksack .

Neal's Yard products make a lovely treat, whether you're travelling or not. This mini travel kit comprises all the skincare routine you'll need – bar SPF – for a 10 to 14 day trip, in a hand luggage-friendly size. This particular set is from the brand's Rose range, which uses highly fragrant roses grown and distilled in Bulgaria, farming co-operatives in Turkey and at high altitude on Mount Lebanon. Something globetrotters will surely appreciate.

When it comes to what to wear on a long flight , an oversized hoodie is hard to beat. Team it with a pair of comfortable leggings or a matching jogger, add a cashmere blanket and get ready to drift off. For a hoodie that makes a great gift, we love this elevated organic cotton style, embroidered with the Vogue logo for the ultimate fashion stamp of approval.

Skip the in-flight blankets provided by airlines – not only are they wasteful but also made from scratchy polyester. A much more luxurious alternative is a cashmere blanket, which not only feels softer but has an insulation capacity that's three times higher than wool, ideal for maintaining body temperature during a long flight.

Elizabeth Scarlett’s signature delicate embroidered designs features here on a 100 per cent cotton eye mask, helping travellers claw back a few precious hours’ shuteye while en route. Cleverly, the mask is filled with a sweet lavender blend to maximise the relaxation in use – a real treat.

The gift of jet-set style

Airport style had a big moment in 2023, with travellers walking the line between classic style and total comfort, and a subtle nod to celebrity paparazzi photos. The outfit formula is all about a designer loungewear set in a muted shade, teamed with comfortable trainers, a cap, sunglasses and a hardshell suitcase in a classic neutral shade .

German designer luggage brand Rimowa has some of the slickest suitcases on the market, with their classic aluminium cases proving the envy of all frequent flyers.

Merch fans will love the latest collaboration between designer denim brand Frame and legendary hotel the Ritz Paris. This Cashmere knit, embroidered with the hotelier's iconic logo, is the epitome of jet-set chic.

For a designer luggage tag that doesn't take itself too seriously, this cheerful lobster tag is part of a collaboration between cult cool-brand Loewe and the irreverent Paula's Ibiza. It's made in Italy from 100% leather and embossed with the brand's signature Anagram logo. It also comes with a dustbag, to keep him safe when not on his travels

Gucci has elevated the humble souvenir sticker with their ultra-stylish set of retro-logo luggage stickers. Perfect for personalising a suitcase, or adding to any travel accessory – travel wallet or luggage tag – these stickers are a playful way to add personality to any journey.

A secret beauty weapon for well-heeled travellers, this thick, creamy and super-hydrating mask is the key to caring for skin while in-transit. The mask features chestnut extract exfoliates to take away dullness, allowing for deeper penetration of Vitamin C to brighten. Green tea soothes and calms redness, and niacinamide reduces pores and fine lines. You can wear it throughout a flight, overnight or as a 10-minute mask.

This portable all-in-one dressing table by Beautifect is a game changer for regular travellers – it might even replace your makeup bag at home. The easy-to-carry box features a table, adjustable mirror, and storage, as well as an impressive lighting system that offers five different environments including true daylight. We also love that the box is powered by a standard USB-C and can last up to a month on just one single charge.

The gift of avoiding baggage fees

Packing hacks were a big talking point this year, with the below buys ranking top of our list when it came to travelling carry on luggage only.

It might be called an overnight bag, but if you pack strategically Antler's Chelsea bag can easily work as a weekender bag. This is a worthy investment for frequent flyers – in addition to numerous internal and external pockets and compartments, including a laptop sleeve and a water bottle pouch, it also has an over-handle sleeve, making it an ideal option to take on a long-haul flight . The bag is made in a durable water-resistant nylon and comes in nine different colour options, which of course match their Chelsea suitcase range .

For a do-it-all tote bag, it’s easy to see why this style from July is a best seller. Firstly the size – the large tote has room for 22 litres, plenty of space for packing a whole weekend’s worth of items. Then there are the organisation options – a dedicated laptop sleeve, a drink bottle holder, a pocket for a phone and wallet, as well as a zip-up pocket ideal for storing a passport. There are two external pockets, one that’s hidden and secured with a magnet, as well as a sleeve to slip over a luggage handle, so it can easily sit safely on top of a suitcase.

Australian luggage brand July has developed the world’s lightest carry-on suitcase. Weighing in at a dainty 1.8kg, the July Carry On Light, £195, offers a 32L capacity, aerospace-grade polycarbonate shell, specially-designed noise-reducing wheels, and a lifetime guarantee. The case is available in nine colours and also offers a personalisation service as well.

Packing cubes are a game-changer for hand luggage aficionados, helping you squeeze more into your case in a way that’s pleasingly effective. This set of four gives you space to separate your clothes, underwear, electronics and toiletries, while the mesh windows ensure you can see what you need to grab at-a-glance.

Even travellers with a library full of books at home have to admit it: E-readers are an essential travel accessory for bookworms . They are so much lighter than even one paperback book, and let you bring as many options as you want along for the ride.

The gift of armchair travel

Our pick of the best transportive gifts that bring the essence of travel to your home.

Loewe's collaboration with Paula's Ibiza perfectly captures summer in Ibiza in a rainbow ombre bottle. The woody-meets-floral fragrance combines notes of citrusy orange flower, jasmine sambac, incense essential oil and frankincense, creating an evocative bohemian scent that any sun-worshipper will love.

Transport your gift recipient to the fragrant fields of Southern India via Diptyque's delicately scented tuberose candle. Inspired by visits to Indochina in the 1930s, the heady yet fresh and green scent is available in a dreamy oceanic blue jar as part of the limited edition Don Son collection , which draws upon the childhood memories of Yves Coueslant, one of the Maison's founders.

Cult favourite London restaurant BAO released its first recipe book earlier this year, offering up the secrets to 100 of its most beloved Taiwanese-inspired dishes. Keen cooks can now recreate their famous steamed buns at home, as well as Taiwanese fried chicken, beef noodles, snack-size xiao chi, and more.

Assouline’s much sought-after coffee table books make for the ultimate wanderlust-meets-decor gift. On the outside these beautiful hardcover travel books add a fun splash of colour to any room, while inside they feature dreamy imagery and inspiring stories from some of the world’s most beloved destinations.

The gift of adventure

Practical gift ideas for those who prefer a hike over a sun lounger.

With an impressive 42L capacity, this Stubble & Co carry-on travel backpack is ideal for hands-free travel on trips that last three-to-five days. It's packed with clever features, including a 16" laptop sleeve, a clamshell opening for easy packing, a hidden valuables compartment, and a reflective rain cover to ensure you stay visible and your gear stays dry in wet weather. Compression straps keep everything as compact as possible, and there's a passthrough band to attach it to your case as well.

When we asked Victoria Beckham , earlier this year, about her most beloved travel item, she name dropped Yeti. The popular American drinkwear brand is the ultimate go-to for any adventure traveller, especially for camping or hiking trips. Their classic Rambler bottle is a winner when it comes to travel; made from stainless steel and vacuum insulated, so your water will stay cold for hours.

Okay, yes – it’s a gift card. But no gift guide is complete without one option and, as far as stereotypical vouchers-as-presents go, this is a pretty good one to receive. With a feast of stunning properties available to book across the globe, from London to New York and beyond, the keys to a new Airbnb makes an ideal gift for a globetrotting loved one ready to tick off the next trip on their list.

The gift of distraction

For the little travellers in your life, these clever buys will help to ensure an easier journey. For more ideas, see our pick of the best travel toys .

It’s rare to take a trip to the airport without spotting at least one of Trunki’s cheery suitcases in the waiting room. The designs are practical and fun, with a roomy 18 litre storage capacity for toys, clothes and games. As a bonus, the cases have a saddle seat and tow strap, allowing for easy tot transportation from check-in desk to gate.

This made-for-kids tablet could be the key to a peaceful flight, car journey, ferry ride and more. It comes with 1 year of Amazon Kids+ content so your little one can watch all the Peppa Pig they want, and has a sturdy kid-proof case (available in three different coloured) to protect it against the inevitable drops and bumps.

The mini size of the popular Yoto audio player is perfect for travelling. Compact and easy-to-use for kids aged 3+, the collectable cards which play stories and interactive games are also easy to pack.  It also doubles as a speaker and alarm clock and the extended battery life means it's a great companion for long journeys.

If the goal is to get maximum entertainment from just one toy, then busy boards are a miraculous invention for children from a few months to a few years old. The ARVRI Sensory Busy Board offers 15 different activities in a book-style carrying case that’s just a tiny bit larger than an A4 sheet of paper.

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The best gifts for travellers that are sure to take flight

By Jessie Atkinson , Daphne Bugler and Thomas Barrie

From luxury luggage to toiletries, here are the best gifts for travellers who are always on the move.

Whether they’re always away on business, they have family abroad or half of their heart is in Havana, finding a gift for travellers often boils down to the same thing: what would make their lives easier or more exciting while on the road? It’s a question we’ve considered closely when compiling the following list of items that we think would delight any frequent flyer come their birthday or Valentine's Day.

From big overhauls such as a brand new Away suitcase to smaller bits that’ll aid the journey (an Arket hoodie is an aeroplane must), to commemorative items for remembering the big gap year abroad, we’d like to think we have all bases covered. So, before we dive in on a niche corner of the best gifts for men and best gifts for women , here are our top picks.

What are the best gifts for travellers in 2024?

Antler Packing Cubes

The secret of the impeccably prepared is finally out: they've been using packing cubes this whole time. We like Antler's for longevity, practicality and attractiveness.

Abercrombie hoodie

Abercrombie

The aeroplane essential that will keep on providing stylish comfort well after the wheels have touched tarmac.

Aspinal of London Leather Passport Cover

Aspinal of London

A personalised must for anyone whose passport spends more time out of the man drawer than in it.

Only now becoming wildly popular on platforms such as TikTok, packing cubes have long been the secret for the impeccably-prepared. Best for longer trips in which outfits or clothing types can be separated neatly from toiletries and underwear, Antler’s set of four are some of our current faves. £50. antler.co.uk

Lululemon ABC jogger

You can rest assured that where comfort is concerned, Lululemon, our go-to for athleisurewear, always comes through. These skinny joggers are designed using ABC technology to remove tension and ensure they have a comfortable fit across the body with a four-way stretch design. Pair these with a hoodie and consider their airport look sorted. £118. lululemon.co.uk

The White Company Cashmere Socks

Long haul flights sometimes call for compression socks, but for those who throw caution to the winds, nothing beats cashmere. An extra comfort during a time of deep discomfort. £36. thewhitecompany.com

Gymproluxe Resistance Bands

Not all hotel gyms are created equal, a fact that frequent flyers and those who conduct plenty of business overseas will know more than most. Well, what if we told you they didn’t even have to step foot into the lobby gym ever again? Gymproluxe’s set of resistance bands provide a full-body workout in a bundle that’ll fit in a weekend bag. £179.99 £129.95. gymproluxestore.com and amazon.co.uk

Custom Map Tumbled Marble Coasters

When your globetrotter returns, they may want to talk about their travels ad nauseam. Allowing them to do so is a generous show of love on your part, one you can supercharge by giving them another prompt: this set of tumbled marble coasters with a portion of their favourite destination printed on it. £77. At uncommongoods.com

Chilly’s Water Bottle

Simple but essential, a water bottle that will last forever is both a convenience and an ethical obligation in a world where plastic abounds. Chilly’s make some of the best in the business, in every colour under the sun. £24. At chillys.com and amazon.co.uk

Abercrombie Hoodie

A touchstone of modern comfort, the hoodie is so much more than just an easy outfit topper come that 15th hour of consecutive travel. A soft and cosy respite from the cold, dry aeroplane AC and a portable duvet on overnight transfers. £65 £49.99. abercrombie.com

By Jessie Atkinson

Lonely Planet YOLO Book

There are travel gifts for the travelling itself, and there are travel gifts for plotting and reminiscing when back at home. Here’s a perfect example of the latter in the form of one of Lonely Planet’s ever-tremendous books, which will act as rocket fuel when it comes to planning their next adventure. £19.99. At oliverbonas.com and amazon.co.uk

Casio A164WA-1VES Watch

One end of the financial spectrum that makes up the world of watches, a Casio has as much recognisability as a timepiece worth 100 times its cost. A sensible idea for someone going off-grid where charging points are sparing and only their phone to tell the time. £32.90. casio.co.uk

Rains Wash Bag

We love Rains’ apparel, so it’s no surprise that its travel accessories get a thumbs-up too. Like its jackets, this unisex wash bag is made from a smooth, waterproof fabric and is finished with a water-repellent zipper and webbing carry handle. A smaller bag is available, but this one will easily accommodate all the toiletries they’re taking. £39. rains.com

Apple AirTag

Even the most organised of travellers can get lost in the fog of jet lag. Gift them a few AirTags to affix to their most important things and you'll give them peace of mind on the way out of remote locations it wouldn't be so easy to return to. £29. At johnlewis.com

Papier Travel Journal

It’s hard to argue that planning and reminiscing are just as enjoyable as the thing itself, and that’s why many a travel nut will also be an obsessive archivist. For those sketching out a regiment for their upcoming trip, Papier’s personalised journal should scratch the itch. £29. papier.com

Built for Athletes Rucksack

An in-between rucksack for the medium-term backpacker, Built for Athletes' multi-pocketed bag may be designed for the gym, but it also makes an ideal carry-on for those who don't mind forgoing the convenience of 360 degree wheels. Just add packing cubes. £119.99. builtforathletes.com

Arcwave Voy Male Masturbator

A masturbator for the road, the Arcwave Voy isn’t only our favourite male masturbator , it’s also discrete enough to travel with. What, this? A portable speaker, of course, officer. £65. arcwave.com & amazon.co.uk

Insta360 Go 3

Weighing a mere 35g and boasting a compact structural design, the Insta360 Go 3 stands as the epitome of portability in the market, particularly when you take into account the cleverly designed magnets and grip accessories that will allow you to mount this in any corner you can think of. Boasting a video resolution of 2.7k at 30fps and gyro stabilisation, this will safely cover all the needs of most content creators on the go. £359.99. store.insta360.com

Treat Republic sundial and compass

Take things back to basics with a gift that can be stowed away in their luggage for many an expedition. Constructed from polished brass, it comes in a protective pouch to keep it safe on their travels and can be personalised with up to 90 characters, accommodating anything from initials to a heartfelt message or their favourite quote. £65. At johnlewis.com

Liberty Travel Chess Set

To travel often or for long periods is to encounter bags of time that need to be filled. When films, crosswords and TikToks get old, they could always pull out the Liberty London printed chess set you kindly bought them. Complete with pegs to offset potential turbulence. £34.99. libertylondon.com

The North Face Nuptse jacket

In the context of The North Face’s resurgence as the grail coat of roadmen and rappers alike, it can be hard to remember just how warm and practical they are, fashion considerations aside. Whether they’re planning a ski trip or just a week or two in baltic New York in January, the Nuptse somehow manages to be both simultaneously breathable and impenetrable to cold. £315. thenorthface.co.uk

Apple AirPods Max

The big daddy of over-ear headphones, Apple's AirPods Max aren't only the accessory to be seen with in the airport, but some of our favourites for tuning out the world. £499. At amazon.co.uk

Antler Chelsea Backpack

Sometimes a product comes along that everyone feels they must cop: a bottle of Le Labo Santal 33, a Carhartt duck canvas jacket. Gentlemen, this time it has happened with a backpack, namely Antler’s ‘Chelsea’, a simple and slick travelling grail that slips onto suitcase handles and has acres of space inside. £140. antler.co.uk & amazon.co.uk

Hidden Pocket Scrunchies

An inevitable result of women's clothing failing to come with pockets? Anything that isn’t a handbag with the capacity to carry things around in is a real thrill. Imagine our delight upon finding this set of scrunchies with hidden compartments! Imagine hers! £23. At uncommongoods.com

Leather tech roll organiser

Leather tech roll might sound like an up-and-coming underground band (and it very well might be), but in this instance, its meaning is more literal. Crafted from soft, natural cowhide leather and suede, this rollbag is specifically designed to house all manner of tech accessories, from chargers and cables to plugs and miniature battery packs. With the option for personalised name debossing, it’s the ultimate gift for organised travellers with a hankering for luxury. £59. At notonthehighstreet.com

The Hanging Toiletry Bag

The point of Away’s hanging toiletry bag is simple: arrive at the Airbnb/hotel room/friend’s borrowed apartment, chuck your stuff in the wardrobe, then unzip the toiletry bag and hang it in the bathroom for instant access to your razor, shampoo , moisturiser , and whatever else you need to freshen up after your journey. A nice idea, at a reasonable price. £60. a waytravel.com

Aspinal Of London Passport Cover

When all else fails, get a passport holder. Aspinal Of London does some of the very best, with a cornucopia of colours to choose from and free embossing currently on offer. Crafted from the finest Italian leather, the inside is lined with butter-soft suede, plus there’s a handy grosgrain ribbon marker allowing you to find those stamped pages with ease. £85. aspinaloflondon.com

Fragrance Miniatures

A worthy gift for the presents that cost £20 and under file if ever we saw one, hand over a set of five miniature fragrances to the person who’s forever travelling — and forever bemoaning their inability to pack full-size bottles in their cabin bag. This LookFantastic-curated set comes with a £10 voucher that they can redeem against a full-size version of their favourite spritz. £10. At lookfantastic.com

Arket Duffle Bag

While the 72-hour in this product's name is more of a guideline than a hard upper limit, we agree that Arket’s duffle bag is best utilised for a long weekend away. Compact and hardy in nylon, it features several pockets for items including a laptop, passport, paperback and charger – as well as for whatever outfit you plan to wear around Milan/Copenhagen/Porto/Vienna (take your pick). £159. arket.com

Gymshark Joggers

Swim shorts , SPF and sandals aside, a pair of joggers may well be the most popular travel companion. Why? Well, first of all, there’s the plane journey. But there’s also those long, slow hours between pool and dinner time, when being comfortable in the hotel room is of utmost importance. We like Gymshark's for comfort and affordability. £36. gymshark.com

Personalised Stamp Destination print

Completely customisable, these prints are designed specifically for travellers, incorporating nine stamps, each representing a destination of your choosing. Whether you want them to remember a specific trip or you just pick their favourite cities, this is a gift that really shows you care (and that you actually listen when they’re recounting their holidays). £25. At notonthehighstreet.com

Away luggage tag

We love the pale blue pebbled look of Away’s luggage tag, which (like, uh, all luggage tags) will help make sure your bags don’t go missing in transit or on the baggage carousel. Personalisation options are included, and it matches the colour of Away’s very handsome suitcases, too. £20. awaytravel.com

Osprey Daylite Plus day pack

In forest green, Osprey’s light day pack can be put to good use as a hiking rucksack or a workday bag just the right size for a laptop (it includes a dedicated inner sleeve), book and papers. It also happens to be the perfect size for a carry-on bag on most airlines. £70. At osprey.com & amazon.co.uk

Harber London Leather Macbook Sleeve

Mac products are famously beautiful, but they’re also famously expensive, so help your loved one avoid tragedy with Harber’s sleek leather case. If Don Draper had a laptop cover, it would look like this. £85. harberlondon.com

Away suitcase

As far as good suitcases go, few come close to Away’s collection. The Bigger Carry-On is sized to perfection: it’s spacious enough for all of the essentials and then some while also being designed to fit in the overhead bins of most airlines. Basics aside, its features go above and beyond the usual, with an ejectable USB charger, a TSA-approved combination lock, 360-degree spinner wheels and a hidden laundry bag that means dirty clothes can be kept separately. £235. At awaytravel.com and amazon.co.uk

Resort Co. Swim Shorts

Sustainably made and likely to last a lifetime, The Resort Co. makes some of our favourite swim shorts . As primed for poolside drinks and dinner in the old town as much as it is actual swimming, these are a travel gift for the perennial sunseeker. £156. theresortco.com

Fjällräven Kånken travel wallet

Swedish clothing and luggage brand Fjällräven (it means “Arctic fox”) has been making to-die-for bags and outdoor gear since 1960. This travel wallet encapsulates the brand perfectly: colourful, sturdy and tastefully understated, it’s a practical way to keep track of travel essentials like headphones, chargers, money and passports. £60. fjallraven.com

Sol De Janeiro Miniatures

The world has gone stark raving mad for Sol De Janeiro and its smoothing, deliciously-scented lotions and potions. In this jet-setting bundle of miniatures, find shower cream gel, body mist and the impossibly popular Bum Bum body cream, all in carry-on-friendly sizes. £30. At lookfantastic.com

Amazon Kindle

Amazon's latest Kindle is its lightest and most compact model to date, making it an ideal companion for travellers looking to entertain themselves in a world of near-unlimited books, without taking up too much precious space in their luggage. With an even longer battery life of up to six weeks per charge, you won't need to worry about juicing it up either. £159.99. At amazon.co.uk

Liberty Lee Manor compact umbrella

You can never have too many umbrellas, not least Liberty print umbrellas which are ideal to throw into a suitcase or an overcoat pocket when the weather forecast for a city break is patchy. We’ve plumped for the somewhat ornate paisley Lee Manor design, but there are options for everyone, including both more and less ostentatious umbrellas. £45 £36. libertylondon.com

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV Mirrorless Camera

If they’re a bit more serious about their snapping than their smartphone will allow, this mirrorless camera from Olympus packs advanced camera tech into a compact and very backpack-friendly frame. You get a 20MP sensor and 5-axis image stabilisation, 4K video recording and a flip-down LCD monitor, because selfies aren’t just for phones. £799 £749. At jessops.com

111Skin De-Puffing Face Mask

There’s nothing quite as drying on your skin as aeroplane air. Thankfully, that also means that there’s little as satisfying as the moisturising you do as you prepare to land. What better time to use something suitably OTT than then? 111Skin’s hydrogel mask more than deserves a look-in. £20. At selfridges.com

Theragun Mini Massage Gun

Muscle soreness doesn’t dissipate just because they’re out of office, especially if they’re the type to frequent the hotel gym. For such an overachiever, we recommend a massage gun : in this miniature edition, Theragun presents a solution to lactic acid build-up and aeroplane neck that fits in their hand luggage. £194.99. amazon.co.uk

Coco & Eve Tan Boosting Oil

Tan-boosting and anti-ageing is a big claim, one that we’re sure your sun-happy giftee would be more than willing to test out. That Coco & Eve’s body oil is also imbued with SPF makes this a beauty buy essential for hols. £28. uk.cocoandeve.com

Sea to Summit dry bag

For outdoorsy types, a dry bag can be worth its weight in gold. Bad luck for them, then, that Sea To Summit’s versatile storage bag is actually extremely lightweight, coming in at a mere 84 grams. The good news is that it won’t weigh down a sea kayak or a rucksack even as it keeps vulnerable gear bone-dry in the rain (though be warned: it’s not for submersion!). £19. seatosummit.co.uk

Ostrichpillow Go Neck pillow

There are travel pillows and then there are Ostrichpillows. The former, either inflatable or filled with beans, tends to be picked up as an afterthought at the airport. Opt for an Ostrichpillow, however, and you’ve all the makings of some comfortable slumber, whatever your altitude, thanks to its memory foam and 360-degree design which offers complete neck support. The material also compresses to 60 per cent of its size so is easily stored in a travel bag when not in use. It sure takes some of the blow away from long-haul travel in economy, and you can't put a price on that. £69. ostrichpillow.com

Eurostar voucher

It’s a voucher to be redeemed on the Eurostar. Simple. Effective. You’re welcome. Up to £500. vouchers.eurostar.com

Nintendo Switch Lite

If you head over to our strictly tech-focused gift guide you’ll find us getting excited about the brand-new OLED Nintendo Switch. But while that’s undoubtedly the best version of Nintendo’s brilliant console, it’s not the most travel-friendly. The Switch Lite plays all the same games as its bigger brother, but in a more portable package. You lose the detachable Joy-Con controllers that enable big-screen play on the TV, so this is a strictly handheld device. But it’s a more comfortable handheld for it, not to mention a good deal cheaper than the standard model. £213. At amazon.co.uk

Anker 737 Power Bank

In the last ten years, power banks have become increasingly essential travel accessories, ensuring you don’t end up navigating an unfamiliar city with a dead phone no matter how many podcasts or TV series you consume on the plane. This from Anker, can fully charge an iPhone 13 nearly five times before it needs recharging itself. £134.99. anker.com & amazon.co.uk

Assouline Travel Series

Inspiration for their next trip won’t be lacking when they open Assouline’s Travel Series on the 25th, as each book focuses on a different destination, whether it be the Athens Riviera, Dubai or Miami Beach. If this won’t send them immediately packing for their next adventure, nothing will. From £81. assouline.com

LinkOn Ganius 136W international charger

Even less seasoned travellers probably already have a drawer with a bunch of plug adaptors knocking around, but none of them will come close to this. Capable of providing an impressive 136W through its USB-C and dual USB-A ports at the same time, it’ll quickly juice up your tech without breaking a sweat. The fact that it can blast out 100W through the USB-C port alone is incredibly impressive, meaning it’s more than capable of charging fully-fledged laptops at breakneck speed. Despite this technical wizardry, it’s compact in size, and the interchangeable US, UK and EU adaptors mean that you can travel lighter too. £61. At amazon.co.uk

Apple has no doubt stolen away some prospective Tile customers with its AirTags, but the original Bluetooth tracker is still a great buy for iOS and Android users alike. Attached to your valuable of choice, the Tile Mate will make a sound when you ring it from your phone (a godsend for serial keys misplacers), but if an item is properly lost or stolen you can track its location via the app and have fellow Tile users contact you when found. Nobody should travel without one. £19.99. At amazon.co.uk

Airbnb Gift Card

Know they like to travel but less confident of where they’re thinking of jetting off to next? An easy and sure-to-be well-received win would be an Airbnb gift card, which can be redeemed for anything listed anywhere on the Airbnb website and never expires. Prices vary. airbnb.co.uk

Soho Home pool towel

Known for its picture-perfect rooftop pools, from Shoreditch to Dumbo New York, Soho House has a signature stripy towel design for every house in its portfolio, all available to purchase via its interiors offshoot, Soho Home. We’re particularly fond of the mint, pink and white combo that adorns the towels used at Soho House Mumbai, but for something more personalised to your recipient’s travel ambitions, browse the full range here. £65. sohohome.com

By Daphne Bugler

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Travel in style: The 21 best travel essentials of 2023

Every experienced traveller knows that the perfect travel accessory can make your journey all the better.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best travel essentials for 2023. Whether you’re planning a staycation, setting out on the ultimate UK road trip, hoping to jet off to international destinations or simply want to freshen up your travel gear, these travel accessories will make your post-lockdown holidays easier than ever.

Our 2023 favourites will include some travel essential mainstays and some new items that you might not have included in your carry on before. So, read on to see what you’ll want to put on your packing list this year!

The best travel essentials of 2023

Scrubba Mini Wash Bag

Remember that time you had to hand wash your favourite white shirt after spilling red wine on it while on holiday? Well, the Scrubba Mini Wash Bag is the perfect portable washing bag to take with you on any trip. With a built-in washboard, this washing bag helps you remove dirt and spots from your clothes and also helps you wring out what you wash. Whether you need to wash your socks or that reusable face mask, it’s a good idea to include this travel essential on your next trip.

HulGO Volt Worldwide-Travel-Adapter

Even if you don’t need to change plugs on your upcoming trip, this adapter is a great accessory for being able to charge multiple devices at once thanks to its four USB ports. Of course, if you are crossing borders, this adapter can be used in a large range of countries and comes with a small carry case.

The Flat Lay Co. Open Flat Makeup Bag

The Open Flat Makeup Bag is unique in its design. It makes carrying your makeup easy while helping you keep track of your favourite foundation and eyeshadow palette. It’s quickly become a favourite for travel and we love the matching Standing Brush Case by The Flat Lay Co., too!

Boots First Aid Kit

Whether you’re setting out on your own or with the family, a travel first aid kit is essential. This kit includes a wide array of products to treat minor cuts, sprains, blisters and burns. Of course, if you or one of your loved ones experience a major injury, always seek out medical assistance.

The Lab Co Signature Laundry Mist Spray

Keep your clothes smelling fresh between washes while on-the-go with this fresh-scented fabric spray. While it won’t be a substitute for a good machine wash, this spray will help keep your clothes in good shape while travelling.

trtl Neck Pillow

Gone are the days of uncomfortable neck pillows that do very little in helping you snooze on a train or in a car. This neck pillow is more compact than a traditional neck pillow and boasts an internal structure that helps you get comfortable without straining your neck. Encased in a machine-washable, super-soft fleece, this neck pillow will make your journey — and catching some shut eye — much more comfortable!

Oliver Bonas Smartphone Crossbody Bag

Looking to travel light? This smartphone crossbody bag is the perfect way to keep track of your phone without toting around a large bag. It also has a small slide pocket that’s ideal for an ID or credit card.

Kindle Paperwhite

If you love to tuck into a good book on your holidays, a Kindle is a great option for taking your entire library with you while also cutting down on weight. The Kindle Paperwhite 8GB is among the most popular e-readers and it’s a great investment for years and weekends away to come.

Boots Travel Squeezy Set Of 3

This trio of squeezy travel bottles are a great and stylish way to carry your hair products or lotions with you while travelling. Appropriate for airline travel, these bottles are also easier to clean than pump-bottles

GETIHU Power Bank

Nothing brings a holiday to a halt like a dead phone. A good power bank is a great way to make sure you won’t be stranded without a GPS or unable to snap a family photo. This GETIHU Power Bank is compatible with a variety of brands, has two USB ports, a LED screen, enough juice to charge your phone, tablet or headphones a few times and even has a built-in flashlight.

Hydro Flask Insulated Bottle

A reusable bottle is an essential part of traveling to make sure you stay hydrated. What we love about this insulated, reusable bottle, is that it’s actually intended for a bottle of wine. With a 21oz capacity, it’ll fit most any bottle of wine and help keep your white wines chilled. Of course, there’s nothing to say that this bottle won’t work well for water, juice or other beverages. It’s made of stainless steel, so it won’t carry over tastes after you rinse it.

Emma Hardie Amazing Travel Kit

If you really want to take the headache out of packing, this Amazing Travel Kit from Emma Hardie will be your favourite travel companion. Including body butter, vitamin c cream, facial oil, cleansing balm, bath and shower oil and a reusable cleaning cloth, it's your one-stop-shop for toiletries.

Jo Malone Travel Candle

Romantic weekend away? Why not pack a candle to bring an added layer of comfort and ambiance to your holiday. Jo Malone’s candles are classic and offer wonderful scents that make any space more inviting. And what’s better, the brand offers seven of its signature scents in 60g travel candles.

ProCase Gadget Accessories Bag

Keeping organised helps you know where all of your belongings are and helps you save time as well. This roll-up style gadget accessories bag by ProCase has enough compartments, elastic bands and pockets to house all of your tech accessories. From power cords to headphones to memory cards, you’ll have a spot for everything without taking up too much space.

Fulton Minilite Compact Umbrella

Just in case the weather doesn’t cooperate on your weekend away, having a compact travel umbrella is a great idea. Slip this durable umbrella in your suitcase and you’re ready to go, rain or shine.

Stackers Jewellery Roll

Don’t waste time with tangled necklaces and missing earrings, treat yourself to a new jewellery organiser so that you can keep your accessories safe and organised. We love the variety included in Stackers’ Jewellery Roll, there’s room for rings, earrings and necklaces as well as a number of pockets for bracelets or keepsakes.

DIMJ 8 Pack Packing Cubes

Sometimes, packing a hard-shell suitcase can be difficult. That’s where packing cubes come in. Although they can be used with any type of suitcase, packing cubes can help you keep your clothes and belongings organised. They can also help if you're packing for two or more in one suitcase.

Slip Silk Sleep Mask

A true treat, the Slip sleep mask is a great bit of luxury to introduce to your travels.

If you’re someone who likes complete darkness while sleeping, this mask’s material won’t irritate your skin, an added bonus while wearing face masks is a must.

If you want to further indulge yourself before your next holiday, Slip also makes a silk travel pillow, which is also offered as a set with its eye mask.

Avène Spray SPF50+

Don’t forget to pack the sun cream, no matter if you’re headed to the beach, country or mountains. Wherever you go, protecting your skin should be a top priority, but it's made easy with this sun cream. If you have children or simply want more sun cream options, check out our review of this year's best sun creams .

Away Carry-On

Set off in style with Away’s Carry-On suitcase perfect for weekends away. As stylish as it is sensible, an Away suitcase is an investment piece that’ll make you excited to pack. What’s great about the Away Carry-On is all the space it features and its handy battery for on-the-go charging. Read our full review of Away luggage here !

Mini Imitation Ivory Travel Fusion Razor in Leather Pouch

Marketed towards men, this kit includes an elegant imitation ivory razor and leather travel case, making it a great option for travel. This particular razor takes Gillette Fusion blades, so you can replace them as needed.

Prices updated on 25/01/2023. We are not responsible for any changes on the prices mentioned above.

With a knack for researching and keen eye for detail, Kat Miller is a go-to resource when you’re on the hunt for something new, wedding trends, kitchen appliances and more. When she’s not testing out a new recipe, you’ll find her lost in her favourite podcasts.

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Tripadvisor names UK B&Bs among best places to stay in the world

T ravel website Tripadvisor has named the best places to stay around the world in 2024 in its annual Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Hotel Awards.

And the UK has come out on top of the B&B category with four properties ranked in the top 10.

While the Voile Bleue in Mauritius took top spot in the category, The Toulson Court in Scarborough – which came top in last year’s rankings – came second, while Highcliffe House in Exmoor National Park came sixth, Gloucester House in Weymouth, Dorset , ranked seventh and The Berburry Hotel in Torquay, Devon , rounded off the top 10.

The number one hotel in the world for 2024 is the Hotel Colline de France , a boutique hotel located in the town of Gramado, a mountain resort in the far south of Brazil .

The property is “renowned for its personalized service and French elegance,” says Tripadvisor, and it has been ranked among the top five for three consecutive years.

Rounding off the top five hotels in the world are the OBLU SELECT Lobigili in the Maldives , La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa in Vietnam , Adiwana Suweta in Bali and the Iberostar Grand Packard in Havana, Cuba .

The Tripadvisor awards aim to “shine a light on travellers’ favorite experiences around the world”, with other categories including the best hotels in the US , the best luxury hotels, the best pet-friendly hotels and the best sustainable hotels .

The best hotel in the UK is The Resident Covent Garden in London . Seven out of the top 10 properties are located in the capital, including The Chesterfield Mayfair and The Cadoga n in Chelsea.

Among the winners in other categories were the Shore Hotel in Santa Monica as the best in the US , and the Reef House Adults Only Bespoke Escapes in Cairns as best in Australia .

The top pet-friendly hotel in the world for 2024 is the Hotel Fioreze Quero Quero, another property in the Brazilian town of Gramado.

The best sustainable hotel is Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape, located in the highlands of Bali, while the best luxury hotel is the OBLU SELECT Lobigili in the Maldives. For wellness, 2024’s top choice is the Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa.

Overall there are nine categories in total. Top hotels, all-inclusive, B&Bs and inns, family-friendly, luxury, and small and boutique all return, with pet-friendly, sustainable and wellnes all new for 2024.

Rankings are determined “based on the quality and quantity of traveller reviews and ratings posted on Tripadvisor over the 12-month period between 1 January and 31 December 2023, as well as an additional editorial process”.

The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking news brand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. We have grown a huge, global readership of independently minded individuals, who value our trusted voice and commitment to positive change. Our mission, making change happen, has never been as important as it is today.

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

11 of the best travel beauty sets to throw in your hand luggage

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Whether you’ve got a long-haul holiday coming up or a weekend away , making sure you’ve got the all your favourite beauty bits in a mini size is a must.

Even if you’re travelling with a hold bag and don’t have to fall in line with the stingy 100ml liquid rules , ditching bulky bottles for travel-sizes saves a tonne of space in your bags and makes life easier.

And while back in the day we may have settled for decanting our products into travel-size bottles and not knowing what to do with the leftovers when we’re home, now we’re positively spoiled rotten when it comes to travel miniatures.

From dinky versions of classics like the Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream to diddy Granado fragrances that fit in your purse and can be rotated throughout the holiday, beauty minis have come a long way.

Even deodorant is titchy now – gone are the days cramming a bulky spray into your liquid bag. Now we have teeny AKT Natural Deodorants , and they’ll keep you smelling fresh in even sweltering climates.

Even your favourite makeup items have been shrunken for convenience – including everyone’s fav Pillowtalk lippy from Charlotte Tilbury and all the benefit favourites you can shake a stick at.

To help you get holiday ready, we’ve collated a few of our favourite and best value travel miniature sets to grab for your next holiday, including skincare, makeup, hair and fragrance.

With all the brands you know and love – from Elemis and Ultra Violette to Milk and Moroccanoil , you’ll find the essentials for looking and feeling stunning wherever that flight may take you.

11 of the best travel beauty sets for 2024

ELEMIS x Shrimps Travel Icons Collection

Travel in style with the help of this iconic Elemis x Shrimps collab. This adorable limited-edition 6-piece travel collection features all your favourite Elemis skincare essentials, including Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads, Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, Exotic Frangipani Monoi Shower Cream, Pro-Collagen Energising Marine Cleanser and Pro-Collagen Vitality Eye Cream, each in ultra portable travel sizes. Even better? It all comes displayed in a travel bag featuring an iconic checkerboard print created by British fashion brand Shrimps.

Tatcha Dewy Cleanse & Hydrate Travel-Size Discovery Duo

Who says that luxurious Tatcha feeling is just for home? This must-have travel set features the brand's bestselling skin-softening Rice Wash Cleanser in 50ml alongside the iconic, rich and plumping Dewy Skin Cream in 10ml, helping you reveal a dewy glow from wherever you are.

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip & Cheek Secrets

Bring Pillowtalk beauty with you wherever you lay your hat with this four-piece lip and face kit from the iconic Charlotte Tilbury. The secret to a dreamy glow and perfect pout on the go, this must-have set features minis of the Matte Revolution lipstick in Pillow Talk Original, Beauty Light Wand in Pillow Talk and Beauty Light Wand in Spotlight, as well as a full-sized Pillow Talk Lip Lustre.

AKT The Discovery Set

Deodorant is always a bulky addition to your travel bag, except for with Natural Deodorant brand AKT and their discovery minis. Featuring five 5ml Mini Deodorant Balms in an array of scents, the small-yet-effective balms are enriched with premium, fragrant botanicals and Deo-Barrier Complex™ to keep you smelling amazing and feeling dry all day long.

benefit Moonlight Delights

benefit have always brought us cult makeup essentials for every day, and this Moonlight Delights set supplies you with a few of your favourite formulas in travel-friendly mini size. Designed to help you create gorgeous and long-lasting makeup looks, the set features a Mini BADgal BANG! Volumising Mascara 4g, Mini The POREfessional Smoothing Face Primer 7.5ml, Benetint Rose-Tinted Lip and Cheek Stain 6ml and Mini 24-HR Brow Setter 3.5ml, all housed in a deluxe cosmetics bag.

Granado Discovery Colognes Kit 5 x 10ml

Holidays are the perfect time to experiment with fragrance, but there's nothing worse than your bottle being too big to bring. That's where this Discovery Colognes Kit from Brazilian apothecary Granado comes in. Featuring Lavender eau de cologne 10ml, Lemon Tahiti & Neroli eau de cologne 10ml, Verbena eau de parfum 10ml, Geranium & Grapefruit eau de parfum 10ml and Oud eau de parfum 10ml, you'll have all the stunning scents you need to smell amazing all holiday long.

Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Discovery Kit

For ensuring your hair is smooth, sleek and smelling utterly delicious, there's no better choice than Moroccanoil – and this Discovery Kit provides you with all the holiday minis you could need. The set features the Moisture Repair Shampoo 70ml, Moisture Repair Conditioner 70ml, Treatment 25ml and Hand Cream 40ml, all boasting Moroccanoil's signature scent and ensuring your hair stays healthy and hydrated all holiday long.

MALIN+GOETZ The Essentials Sephora Exclusive Kit

For everything your face and body could need for your next getaway, this MALIN+GOETZ The Essentials Sephora Exclusive Kit is one you're going to want in your basket. The set includes an array of MALIN+GOETZ best-sellers, including the Grapefruit face cleanser 30ml, Vitamin E face moisturizer 30ml, Bergamot hand + body wash 30ml, Vitamin B5 body moisturizer 30ml, Peppermint shampoo 30ml, and Cilantro conditioner 30ml.

Ultra Violette Vi's Closet of Cuties

If a sunny destination is in the pipeline, then Ultra Violette's gorgeous SPF essentials are an absolute must – and this Closet of Cuties set has everything you could need and more. You'll find seven SPF products designed to protect the face, body and lips from UVA and UVB rays, including Extreme Screen 30ml, Supreme Screen 15ml, Clean Screen 15ml, Lean Screen 15ml, Preen Screen 30ml, Fave Fluid 30ml and Sheen Screen Bejewelled 7g.

Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Jet Set

Nothing says vacay quite like the smell of Sol de Janeiro's much-loved formulas, so bring the iconic holiday essentials with you on your next trip with the Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Jet Set. This set includes the Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, Brazilian 4 Play Shower Cream-Gel and Brazilian Crush Body Fragrance Mist, all in compact mini sizes displayed in an adorable case.

Milk Makeup The Travel Stash

Keep three Milk makeup essentials with you wherever you are with this Travel stash set, yours for just £32. This travel-friendly gift set features the Pore Eclipse Mattifying Primer, KUSH Mascara and Lip and Cheek Cream Stick in ‘Werk', everything you need to create a gorgeous base and fluttering lashes.

The Elemis x Shrimps collab ? We are, and we cannot stress this enough, OBSESSED.

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10 best travel-sized skincare sets that deserve a place in your suitcase

Whether you’re looking for all your skincare go-tos in miniature form, or are using your holiday as an excuse to try a new brand – we’ve found a set for everyone, article bookmarked.

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Holidays are glorious; packing for them, less so. How to distil your extensive skincare routine into a not comically large wash bag, or worse still into a hand-luggage friendly 20cm bag, without the faff of decanting?

These skincare sets from some of our absolute favourite brands contain standout products in mini sizes, and most are comprehensive sets so you won’t even have to think about what you need.

For those with more specific concerns, such as sun damage or dehydrating aeroplane cabins, there are smaller sets with targeted products, too.

• 8 best bikini brands for bigger busts that deliver on fit and style
• 10 best textured hair sprays for post-beach volume without the dryness
• 10 best facial sunscreens that will protect your skin all year round
• 10 best body sunscreens for SPF and UV protection that lasts

Even if you’re not jetting off this year, we’d recommend many of these sets, such as Tata Harper’s or Drunk Elephant’s, as a more affordable way to get acquainted with a new brand.

All of these contain products that are already firm favourites of ours, and we’ve discovered a few new ones too.

You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent .

REN Clean Getaway: £29.75, John Lewis & Partners

Clean getaway is our go-to for a relaxing weekend in the country or a luxury hotel break: it’s the closest thing you’ll get to a spa experience in travel-size minis. The products are all focused on gentle, soothing results, with skincare (cleanser, moisturiser and mask) from REN’s Evercalm range, its & Now To Sleep pillow spray to encourage a good night’s kip, and the energising kelp and magnesium body wash and lotion for your shower come morning.

Drunk Elephant The Littles: £71, Cult Beauty

We’d recommend buying this one even if you’re not planning to leave the house this summer; it’s a brilliant way to discover the best of cult-favourite US brand Drunk Elephant, which has won us over with its no-nasties, effective products and colourful packaging. We’d be hard-pushed to choose our favourites, but B-Hydra intensive hydration serum and C-Firma day cream are both up there.

Patchology On The Fly: £18, Space NK

Patchology’s kit goes one step beyond travel-friendly minis of your usual products with its set of masks specifically designed to ward off parched post-flight skin. With two soothing, moisturising sheet masks (illuminate and hydrate) and two patch masks (eye and lip), there’s everything you need for some serious damage control.

Elemis The Luxury Travel Collection: £65, Elemis

There’s not even any packing required with this set from Elemis, which comes housed in a beautiful wash bag designed by fashion illustrator Megan Morrison. Inside you’ll find seven much-loved products plus a face cloth for proper cleansing. Our favourites are the pro-collagen marine cream and cleansing balm, and the frangipani monoi body cream, all of which we regularly use in full-size too.

Murad Travel Light Travel Bright: £25, Feel Unique

You couldn’t find a much better companion for a sunny break. Murad’s travel light kit contains minis of its Essential-C day moisture SPF 30 – which is hydrating, rich in antioxidants (to protect skin from environmental aggressors) and has all-important sun protection – and its age-spot correcting serum to help improve areas where the damage has already been done.

Omorovicza Mix and Match Travel: From £26, Omorovicza

For a personalised approach, Hungarian luxury skincare brand Omorovicza allows you to choose three travel-size products to suit you (the price varies depending on what you pick). Our dream selection features all our favourites: thermal cleansing balm, copper peel and illuminating moisturiser.

Balance Me Hydrated Skin Set: £15, Balance Me

This, from the natural beauty brand, is a no-fuss solution to both packing and skincare. Its pared-down combination of face wash, eye cream, moisturiser and a refreshing face mist is all you’ll need for a carefree holiday, no thinking required.

Tata Harper Daily Essentials: £65, Cult Beauty

Another great choice to discover the best of a cult US brand, the Daily Essentials set includes some of our Tata favourites, such as the rejuvenating serum and resurfacing mask, all in the same gorgeous, green frosted glass packaging you get with full-size. “Queen of Green”, Tata Harper’s 100 per cent natural and organic line, is much-loved by beauty editors.

Sunday Riley Flash Fix Kit: £28, Cult Beauty

A power pairing of cult products, this duo is all about exfoliating and brightening your skin. Ceramic slip cleanser uses three kinds of clay (of the kind often seen in purifying masks) to draw out excess oil and grime, and has a silky gel texture. Follow it up with exfoliating serum good genes, which uses glycolic acid to dissolve dead skin cells and revive dull skin.

Kate Somerville Face the Glow: £56, Space NK

This radiance-boosting trio would be just as good for someone needing a quick turnaround pre-party season as for getting a summer holiday glow. Containing three products from A-list facialist Kate Somerville’s ExfoliKate range – the face wash, quick wash-off exfoliating treatment and AHA moisturiser – it gives soft, bright skin.

The verdict: Travel-sized skincare sets

REN’s ​Clean Getaway is our Best Buy as it contains all the essentials and a little bit of luxury too. For something that is a great introduction to a brand too, we’d pick Elemis’s Travel Collection or Drunk Elephant’s The Littles .

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What is Labour’s plan for rail travel and will it make tickets cheaper?

Party wants to fully nationalise train network within five years of coming to power, in ‘biggest rail reform for a generation’

Labour has made one of its most radical proposals yet in the run-up to an election campaign: to fully nationalise the train network within five years of coming to power.

The party has pledged to guarantee the cheapest fares as part of “the biggest reform of our railways for a generation”, bringing all passenger rail into national ownership under the Great British Railways (GBR) body.

So, how difficult would the plan be to enact and what does it mean for passengers?

How would Labour’s plan for Great British Railways change the way the trains are run?

The headline change is nationalisation: the ambition that all passenger train operations, at least, should return to public ownership. But the wider aim is that control of trains and tracks – “wheels and steel”, as some put it – is brought back under one unified structure, at arm’s length from the government.

The actual railway infrastructure is already managed by the state-owned Network Rail, since the disastrous tenure of Railtrack in the early days of privatisation, and train operations in Scotland, Wales and a large chunk of England are in public ownership. So a fully renationalised railway (bar the rolling stock and freight) is not as big a step as it may once have sounded – and arguably the pragmatic extension of the plans drawn up by the Conservatives in 2021, to end the fragmentation and waste in the system.

How long will the changes take?

Labour said it would get the ball rolling on day one. Given the years it has taken for the Conservatives’ GBR plans to crystallise into a draft bill that has scant chance of passing before an election, supporters of the changes would be forgiven for not holding their breath for legislation. But some of the spadework has been done by the GBR transition team, and Labour will be hoping for a more stable tenancy in Downing Street to see the policy through. It is, it stresses, a long-term plan.

As far as nationalisation of the train operators goes, most of the contracts of remaining operators will expire naturally within the next term, while the government can exercise break clauses in others, such as Avanti West Coast and Cross Country.

What would the trains look like?

Eventually, they would all be GBR-branded trains rather than the individual liveries and logos of different operators. Labour hopes that this will make things simpler for passengers, avoiding confusion over ticketing, as well as cutting costs.

Would it make train travel cheaper?

Possibly, but not for a while yet. Labour says it wants to make the railway more affordable but has definitively avoided any pledges to cut or even freeze the overall level of fares.

However, it believes that its plans will eventually save £2.2bn a year by avoiding the duplication and bureaucracy brought on by the current system, where the Department for Transport tightly controls and specifies contracts for the private firms, and reams of staff are employed in back-end roles. That could give ministers some scope to use more of the billions in annual taxpayer subsidy to bring fares down long-term.

What about this best-price guarantee?

Make that an “ambition”, according to the policy document . It’s testament to the complexity, or occasional absurdity, of UK rail fares that even after years of industry focus on improving the system, renationalising looks an easier promise than telling a passenger they’ve paid the right amount.

Things can be improved, Labour says, as contactless tap-in and tap-out payments extend through more and more of the country, opening up the possibility of a Transport for London-style system, where fares are streamlined and automatically capped or refunded.

The shadow transport secretary, Louise Haigh, pointedly chose the headquarters of Trainline in central London to launch her plans on Thursday, paying tribute to the travel app firm’s “relentless focus on passengers [and] improving their experience”. Trainline shares fell 10%, even though Labour says it has no plans to replace the private firm with a single state retailer.

But given that the app’s business depends on people paying extra to cut through the railway’s confusing fares, fragmentation and lack of a decent central ticketing site, Trainline shareholder nerves might be taken as a vote of confidence that GBR will improve the industry’s own offering.

How else might passengers benefit?

Labour says it would leave the running of the railway to the experts – but the transport secretary would set strategy and take on the role of passenger-in-chief, and the industry would not be “marking its own homework”.

The plan aims to strengthen the voice of passengers by rolling together the various bodies currently meant to be standing up for them – the watchdog Transport Focus and the little-known Rail Ombudsman, as well as a few divisions of the Office of Rail and Road.

What will happen to the private operators?

Their representatives at Rail Partners warn that it will be “messy” and the railway will lose their expertise. But the people actually running train operators, right up to the managing directors, have typically stayed in post with a different coloured badge when the owning groups moved on, and passengers at say, Southeastern or LNER may not feel life is very different. Firms once regarded as pillars of privatised rail such as Stagecoach, National Express (now Mobico) and Virgin have long exited UK rail already, pursuing business elsewhere.

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Most viewed.

10 Best Vacuum Storage Bags of 2024

Our top picks will increase your closet and suitcase space in minutes.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Our top picks:

Best Overall

Spacesaver vacuum storage bags.

GONGSHI Vacuum Storage Bags

Best for Travel

Ziploc space bag.

Top-Seller on Amazon

Cozy essential vacuum storage bags.

Best Variety Pack

Hibag vacuum storage bags.

Best for Bedding

Hefty shrink-pak vacuum storage bags.

Best for Stacking

Storage master jumbo vacuum storage bags.

Best Extra-Large

Vacwel vacuum storage bags.

Best Hanging

Taili hanging vacuum storage bags.

The best vacuum storage bags make the most of your space by removing the air inside and sealing it tight. Many use a vacuum or hand pump to suck out all the air, while some travel-friendly space bags can actually be hand-pressed shut. Because of this, they're great for packing out-of-season clothes, bedding and more into small spaces like under your bed or inside your suitcase .

After consulting our in-house experts and scouring online reviews, we've rounded up the best vacuum storage bags to shop on Amazon, starting at just $8 (with fast, free shipping to boot!).

The original Spacesaver vacuum storage bags are our top pick for heavy-duty storage needs where damage protection is imperative, like cross-country moves and travel. You can use either the included hand pump or your vacuum to reduce volume by up to 80%, according to the brand. Choose from small to jumbo sizes and variety packs for all your storage needs.

Reviewers appreciate its ease of use and sturdy plastic . "I'm moving all the way across the country and was stressed out wondering how much of my clothing I could actually take with me. These Space Saver bags are a life saver!" wrote one five-star reviewer . "They are so easy to pack, zip and vacuum out the air. One of my best purchases ever here on Amazon (and I've made thousands)."

Stow bulky bedding, sweaters, pillows and more with these space-saving storage bags. You can either use the included hand pump or a standard vacuum cleaner to compress each bag and reduce volume by up to 80%, according to the brand. For under $20, this pack comes with four bag sizes to store different items: the smallest size fits six to eight sweaters while the largest fits a queen-sized bedding set.

The triple-sealed valve is designed to keep bags airtight so your items stay condensed, and the double-layered material is designed to be puncture- and scratch-resistant, making it more durable against damage. "They're strong and sturdy," one Amazon reviewer said . "They have great sizes and storage space, and they hold the seal (some for a year now)."

Skip the checked luggage line at the airport with these travel-friendly storage bags. Forté named the Ziploc Space Bag a long-standing Lab favorite. There's no need for a pump or a vacuum to take the air out — simply fill each with up to five pounds of clothing or bedding, seal it with the Ziploc slider and fold to press out the air. It also costs under $10 for a pack of two.

Since they don't require any bulky equipment, these bags are a great option for users on the go. The brand claims the bags reduce the volume of clothing and bedding by up to 75%. They're also waterproof and airtight per the brand, meaning they should help protect your items from damage caused by travel and storage.

Boasting more than 38,000 five-star reviews and counting, Amazon's #1 best-selling space saver bags claim to shrink the size of your items by up to 80%. This variety pack includes 20 bags, making them great for anyone moving houses or with lots of vacuum storage needs. The pack includes standard vacuum-sealable bags as well as travel bags that can be rolled to press out air — no pump required.

Waterproof and reusable (purported by the brand), the bags' valves and seals are designed to prevent expansion and keep moisture and debris out. "The quality of these bags is outstanding," one online shopper wrote . "I feel confident storing my clothing, bedding and other textiles knowing they are safe and well-preserved."

Whether you need to increase your under-bed storage space or condense your clothes on the go, this pack offers the most variety with six different-sized bags for all your needs . The standard bags range from pouch-sized bags for lingerie and T-shirts to extra-large bags for bedding sets and pillows . Each waterproof bag has a handy line to show you where to stop filling them, making it more intuitive to pack than other options on our list.

While it can be sealed with the included hand pump or a vacuum, we love that the travel bags can be rolled to seal out excess air sans tool if needed. "These were a game changer during our move," an Amazon reviewer wrote . "The sizes vary drastically, accommodating many different types of items from quilts to pillows as well as clothes."

Hefty is known for its durable garbage bags and freezer bags, but the brand also has a line of high-rated vacuum storage bags. Including three large and three extra-large sizes, Hefty's Shrink-Pak bags claim to be waterproof and reusable season after season, so you don't have to worry about moisture, dust or bugs ruining your items. Plus, you can simply press the air out with your hands and seal.

We love how the extra large bags have a zipper on the long side rather than the shorter top, making it easier to pack bedding supplies like pillows and comforters. Shoppers agreed, with one writing : "We just went through a very long, drawn-out move and the shrink bags have been a true lifesaver! We were able to put lots of our clothes, towels and blankets in storage while we shopped for a new house. When we finally started unpacking, everything looked exactly the way it did when it was packed!"

Outfitted with a stylish plaid print, we wouldn't mind keeping these space bags out in plain sight. And it's not just for aesthetics. Their unique woven texture provides a bit of grip to their exterior, helping them to stay in place better while stacked. The bags come in four sizes and packs of six to 26, making them great for small organization projects and large undertakings.

Plus, they compress with a vacuum or its included pump. Reviewers appreciate the variety of sizes and ease of use, too. "I love these sealable storage bags!" one shopper wrote . "The quality is fantastic, very well-made and sturdy. I really like the assortment of colors and sizes, too, so much so that I ordered a second box!"

If you need to store cumbersome items like king-sized duvets, foam cushions or dog beds , Vacwel's XXL bags offer an impressive storage capacity of 47 by 35 inches . Featuring a nylon lining for extra durability, the brand claims these bags are waterproof and protect against dirt, bugs and dust. They even come with sticker labels to easily identify stored items.

"These bags are durable and got the job done," an Amazon shopper added . "I was able to vacuum seal large comforters and sheets! Very surprised at how many bedding items that I was able to put in the bags." Note that a pump is not included, so you'll need a vacuum handy to seal these bags.

Protect your out-of-season garments and make room for new pieces with these clever hanging storage bags on Amazon. You can stash up to five pieces of clothing inside each, including coats, jackets and suits . Just place one included hanger on each rotating ring, zip it up and vacuum all the air out. The vertical storage design keeps your clothes clean and organized until you're ready to wear them again.

"I get immense joy out of packing away my winter clothes in the Taili hanging bags," an Amazon reviewer said . "[It] shrink wraps everything into compact boards ... It was very easy and effective to use."

How we chose the best vacuum storage bags

With so many different options on the market, it can be difficult to determine which vacuum storage bags are worth buying. To help you find the right pick for your needs, we consulted our experts in the GH Institute Cleaning Lab and vetted customer reviews to bring you a range of vacuum storage bags that suit a variety of purposes.

How do you choose the best vacuum storage bags?

Choosing the best vacuum storage bags depends on your individual needs — do you just need to store a few seasonal sweaters, or pack up your whole house for a move? According to, the size and dimensions can help you figure out which options are right for you.

" They should be large enough to hold multiple items and be durable enough to use from year to year ," Forté says. For those who don't own a vacuum (or have one readily accessible), opt for a bag that can be rolled to compress or can be hand pumped.

What do you put in a space bag?

While you might want to use your vacuum storage bag to compress bulky items like winter coats and duvets, Forté warns against vacuum-sealing down-filled items . Instead, she recommends only compressing them halfway.

"Otherwise, you risk crushing and breaking the down feathers and they may then not be as lofty or insulate as well," Forté says. Additionally, be sure not to store wet items, or you risk creating mold and causing long-term damage.

How long can you store items in a vacuum storage bag?

Forté recommends using storage bags for short-term and seasonal storage . "Keep items in them too long, and you risk permanently setting creases or crushing and flattening items that are supposed to be lofty and puffy," Forte says. For best results, be sure to check the recommended storage time on your bag's instructions.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Associate Commerce Editor Lauren Gruber put together this list of the best vacuum storage bag picks, based on insights and recommendations from Carolyn Forté .

Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she oversees all of GH's cleaning and home care product testing.

Lauren is a Brooklyn-based journalist and Associate Editor at Hearst. You can find her previous work at Entertainment Tonight , Shop TODAY , USA Today , Self Magazine , L’Officiel USA , V Magazine, and Modern Luxury Media . 

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How did the Costa Rica President Pay For His House?

Costa rica’s declining press freedom highlighted in us report, costa rica, uae sign economic partnership agreement, why costa rica farmers are going out of business, netflix spends $1.2m on security for costa rica filming, costa rican hotels shine in travel+leisure’s best 100 list.

According to Travel+Leisure’s most recent publication, the Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo and Silvestre Nosara Hotel & Residences, located in Guanacaste, are among the best 100 hotels in the world.

These are the only ones in Central America and one of the few in Latin America featured on the list. Both ranked 9th and 19th, respectively, in the category “Best International Resorts of 2023.”

About the Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Travel + Leisure details that this resort underwent heavy investment that concluded last year with the remodeling of its facilities. These improvements included an expanded children’s club, an adults-only infinity-edge pool with cabanas and rental chairs, and a beach club.

Magazine contributor Samantha Leal was in charge of visiting the Four Seasons hotel, where a night’s stay costs $1,200, as she noted in the text. She noted she liked the Virador Beach Club, with delicious Mediterranean cuisine and a neutral palette.

Leal highlighted the “wellness shala,” which is a serene tree house that looms over the resort and overlooks the water. The writer also enjoyed the spa, with its relaxing sounds of nature, massages, and hydrotherapy pools.

She was never bored as the hotel offers countless activities such as golf on the Arnold Palmer-designed 18-hole green, local rum tastings, biking, and surf lessons.

Meanwhile, Dobrina Zhekova recalled her experience at the Silvestre Nosara Hotel & Residences . Each night costs $960, and the minimum stay consists of three nights. Zhekova felt the warmth and hospitality provided by the owners, who have created a place perfectly designed to offer comfort and privacy to families.

The writer loved the spacious apartments, with two bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms, as well as lush private gardens with a sauna and whirlpool tub.

“Guests can have breakfast on the two-level rooftop terrace, which is also home to the hotel’s infinity pool and cabanas, surrounded by a canopy of trees that provide shade from the ground,” she noted.

 The journalist also underscored the hotel’s proximity to the beach and its “jungle trails,” leading to Playa Guiones, promising a wonderful day relaxing in the sun and catching waves.

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If you’re looking to take your desk setup to the next level, this is the guide for you. Head below for some of my favorite products that can improve your working setup, ranging from accessories to decorations and more. All the things on this list are things I’ve personally used and can vouch for.

Table of contents

Wi-fi 6e routers, satechi desk mat, 200w usb-c 6-port gan charger, owc thunderbolt 4 dock, laptop stands from twelve south, nomad stand one, keychron q5 mechanical keyboard, satechi headphone stand, under-desk headphone mount, homekit light strips, philips hue play light bar, homekit desk lamp, logitech mx master 3s, under-desk storage shelf, ember temperature control smart mug, under $20 wfh upgrades.

Wi-Fi is here, and it offers some substantial performance and reliability improvements. If you’re looking to make an upgrade to your home setup, now’s a great time to do it. Here’s a rundown of Apple’s devices that support Wi-Fi 6E:

• iMac (24-inch, 2023)
• MacBook Pro (14-inch, Nov 2023)
• MacBook Pro (16-inch, Nov 2023)
• MacBook Pro (14-inch, 2023) or MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2023) 
• Mac mini (2023)
• Mac Studio (2023)
• Mac Pro (2023)
• iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation) or iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation)

Our favorite Wi-Fi 6E hardware comes from Eero, which offers whole-home mesh systems at compelling prices.

Visually, one of my favorite upgrades to a work-from-home desk setup is the addition of a nice desk mat. My recommendation in this category comes from Satechi, which offers an eco-leather desk mat in a trio of different colors at a compelling $39.99 price point.

I’ve been using these for a while and find them to be very durable and versatile, thanks to the dual-sided design. Notably, one of the sides doesn’t feature a Satechi logo, which makes it the best side.

You can never have too many USB-C ports for charging your various accessories and devices. Satechi’s USB-C 200W GaN Charger packs six USB-C ports that can charge any of your accessories or devices at full speed.

I’ve grown to love having this thing on my desk, so I always have a place to charge whatever device needs some juice at any given time. It’s pricey, but it’s worth the investment .

One of the more integral additions to my setup this year was the  OWC Thunderbolt Dock , a version we also  went hands-on with earlier this year . 

The OWC Thunderbolt Dock I’m using in my setup offers four Thunderbolt 4 ports with support for up to 40Gb/s transfer speeds, four USB-A ports, an SD card slot, a 3.5mm audio jack, and gigabit Ethernet. I have the dock mounted on the underside of my desk, so it’s hidden and out of the way, but its ports are still accessible.

If you or the person you’re buying for uses a MacBook at their desk, the addition of a dedicated laptop stand can be a considerable ergonomics improvement. I’ve been a fan of the Twelve South Curve for over four years and can highly recommend it to MacBook users.

Twelve South also offers the ParcSlope as another option for MacBook users, and it even comes in an updated matte black finish that looks sleek on any desk.

Another option from – you guessed it –  Twelve South is the Curve Flex , which you can see above. This one features a premium aluminum build that is adjustable. It can be raised or lowered right to your liking.

Nomad makes some of my favorite accessories for iPhone, and the company’s latest Stand One is no exception. The Stand One is a premium vertical charger with built-in MagSafe support. It’s made from aluminum and features an integrated 2-meter braided USB-C cable. It can charge your iPhone at up to 15W speeds.

The Nomad Stand One is available in two colors: silver/white or carbide.

While the Nomad Stand One is a gorgeous iPhone charger, you might prefer something with a 2-in-1 design. My favorite option here is the Belkin 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand with MagSafe , while another more affordable option is available from Satechi.

This stand from Belkin is pricey, but it features a sturdy design with an upright MagSafe stand for your iPhone and an integrated spot for your AirPods in the base. It can charge your iPhone at the fastest possible MagSafe speeds, up to 15 watts. It uses a single-cable design for powering the MagSafe charger and AirPods charger.

I made the jump to a mechanical keyboard this year, and I haven’t looked back since. I’m personally using the Keychron Q5 , which features a backlit design, a built-in volume knob, USB-C connectivity, and a customizable design.

In addition to those benefits, I’ve found my switch to the Keychron Q5 to be a significant ergonomics improvement. The elevated design has significantly reduced wrist pain during long writing sessions in comparison to something like Apple’s Magic Keyboard.

The Keychron Q5 is somewhat pricey at just under $230, but there are also more affordable mechanical keyboard options out there. One of our favorites is the Logitech MX Mechanical wireless keyboard, which is also more compact than the Keychron option as well as wireless.

Satechi’s 2-in-1 Headphone Stand is one of the things on my desk that I get asked about most often. It features a hook design to hold your headphones, with a base that doubles as a Qi charger for your iPhone or AirPods.

On the back of the 2-in-1 Headphone Stand are two separate USB-C ports. One of these is a UBS-C input port that can be connected to power, while the other is a USB-C output port. 

The single USB-C input provides enough power for the Qi charger in the base, as well as to power the second USB-C output. The Qi charging pad provides up to 7.5W of power and works with any Qi-supported device, including iPhones, AirPods, and more. 

Another option for headphone storage comes from Elevation Lab. The Anchor Under-Desk Headphone Stand mounts to the underside of your desk using adhesive and can hold up to two pairs of headphones at the same time.

For accent lighting, you can never go wrong with some HomeKit light strips for your desk. Whether you place them behind your desk or underneath, they can provide ambience and personalization for your desk setup. HomeKit compatibility allows you to control the brightness and color from your iPhone or using Siri.

HomeKit light strips have gotten significantly cheaper over the years, with options now coming in at under $50 from reliable manufacturers on Amazon.

A higher-end option for desktop accent lighting comes from Philips Hue and the company’s Play Light Bar . These can provide some beautiful accent lighting for your office and desk, either with a stand or by being mounted to the back of your display.

These, however, are pricier than a basic light strip, and you’ll also need a Philips Hue Bridge for full functionality.

Rounding out our focus on lighting is a basic HomeKit-capable desk lamp. You can pick up a sleek HomeKit desk lamp from a company like Meross on Amazon for under $50. I’ve personally been using this Meross desk lamp for a long time and haven’t had any problems with it.

The reason I’ve included multiple different lighting accessories in this guide is that I think having subtle and customizable lighting around you can be great for productivity. This is especially true if you’re working in a room or office with bright fluorescent overhead lighting.

I’ve been singing the praises of Logitech’s MX lineup of mice for years, and absolutely nothing has changed. The latest Logitech MX Master 3S is a supremely excellent mouse for your Mac. Ergonomically, I find it to be significantly better than something like Apple’s Magic Mouse.

The MX Master 3S is also fully customizable using Logitech’s Options software on the Mac. You can assign the different buttons to macOS features, like mission control, expose, the app switcher, and much more.

Looking for a way to keep clutter off your desk? This HumanCentric Under Desk Storage Shelf is a great option. It attaches to the underside of your desk using adhesive strips and can be used to store things like your keys, wallet, AirPods case, and more.

This might not seem like the most exciting accessory choice, but trust me when I say I’ve loved adding this to my setup.

If you’re a coffee drinker who finds themselves getting distracted and letting your coffee get cold, the Ember Smart Mug can help solve that problem. There’s a companion app for iPhone that lets you control the temperature, and the battery inside the mug can keep your coffee warm for up to 80 minutes.

To round out this guide, I thought it’d be helpful to include some more affordable desk and work-from-home accessories.

• WHOOSH Screen Cleaner Kit
• Adhesive Cable Cord Holders for cable management
• Anker Wireless Charger with Qi
• Clamable Desk Light for video calls
• Apple Polishing Cloth

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