Passports, chargers, toiletries, medication! When you travel, there's a lot of important stuff that's somehow easy to overlook in the chaos of getting ready. But aside from the obvious items, there several you may not even be aware that you need.
Here are 9 handy accessories that will make traveling a little easier once you know to pack them.
9 Handy Travel Items You Never Knew You Needed
Smartrip Collapsible Hook Handy Luggage Scale
There is nothing worse than being told your bag is too heavy, then finding yourself strategically trying to fit things in your carry-on, shopping bags, or purse in the middle of the check-in line. I once was in tears coming home from a semester abroad, when I had to bid adieu to a favorite pair of shoes. This collapsible luggage scale will allow you to rearrange in the comfort of your hotel room until you find the perfect configuration of your items, ensuring no tears will be shed at the airport. It also has a convenient measuring tape for assuring your bag will meet the requirements. Available in 3 colors.
Amazon User Review: “Convenient, small enough to pack also. Great for ending guessing game about luggage weight.”
Price: Starting at $8 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4
Slim Business Backpack with USB Charging Port by Mancro
When traveling, I’m always super annoyed having to carry around a portable charger while sightseeing. This backpack by Mancro has a built-in charger, allowing you to power up your phone while out and about. Plus, it's both theftproof and waterproof. Available in 7 colors.
Amazon User Review: “Actually waterproof! I've walked for 20+ minutes in rain with this on my back a few times, to find that nothing inside was even slightly damp. Fair comfortable to wear with 20+ lbs stuffed inside. Great organization setup. Would buy again.”
Price: Starting at $22 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4.5
BAGSMART Small Electronics Cable Organizer
The days of frantically digging through your carry-on bag for your phone charger end here. This Cable Organizer is everything you didn’t know you were looking for. It has loops for 5 chargers, a mesh pocket, and 5 small elastic mesh segments for all of your small electronic accessories. Available in 5 colors.
Amazon User Review: “I used to keep all my cords and chargers in ziplock bags in my briefcase. They got all tangled up and it was not a good solution. I knew there had to be a better answer....so to the internet! Found this on Amazon. It is very high quality but remains thin enough for my briefcase. It swallowed up a Mac Air charger, as well as lots of cables, adapters and other odds and ends.”
Price: $18 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4.5
Bago Hanging Toiletry Bag for Men and Women
If, for some reason, you still do not have a hanging toiletry bag, please put this in your shopping cart immediately. The Hanging Toiletry Bag by Bago is everything you need and more. Made from a lightweight Rip-Stop Honeycomb waterproof fabric, it will last you through many vacations. With several pockets and compartments, it will perfectly fit all of your personal care and grooming products. Available in 7 colors.
Amazon User Review: “I love all the little mesh compartments that keep my toiletries from being a jumbled mess. I was worried that the bag might be flimsy but I am happy to report that the bag is well constructed with thick rip stop fabric and holds its shape very well.”
Price: $25 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4.5
Related Article: 4 Simple Travel Accessories That Will Solve All Your Problems
W&P Carry On Cocktail Kit
Let’s face it. Airplane cocktails don’t usually cut it. With this Carry On Cocktail Kit, all you’ll need to order is the alcohol, and then you can mix the perfect drink. Each kit has a little something different, depending on what you’re mixing, but all come with a spoon/muddler, a ½ oz jigger, recipe card, and of course, to keep things classy, a linen coaster. Available in single or double size, and 7 flavors.
Amazon User Review: “Perfect - kitschy but still functional gift! Comes in an adorable tin with the listed items.”
Price: Starting at $20 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 3.5
ZICOME 10 Pack Travel Shoe Bags with Drawstring
I cannot tell you how many times I’ve had to go searching for plastic bags for my shoes as I pack at the very last minute. These Travel Shoe Bags make it much easier to just throw my dirtied shoes into and put them in my suitcase without worrying about what they may touch.
Amazon User Review: “I purchased the travel shoe bags for our recent cruise. They worked great at keeping our shoes covered and away from our clothes. My husband wears a size 13 and his shoes fit great. I was able to store two pairs of sandals in one bag...I wear a size 9.”
Price: $9 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4
Nooformer Mini Compact Travel Umbrella
I realize an umbrella seems like a rather boring item, but you will definitely regret not packing one when the skies open up. This mini compact umbrella is ideal for travel, as it doesn’t take up space, and is remarkably sturdy for its size. Protect yourself if the weather doesn’t go your way. Available in 29 color combos.
Amazon User Review: “Good for traveling. Small yet cute."
Price: Starting at $17 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4
Bag/Jacket Gripper
How many times have you worn your jacket to the airport, taken it off at security, then had to carry it around with you while waiting for your flight. This Luggage Strap from Westonetek is just what you need. Hook it onto your carry-on and attach your purse, backpack, or jacket to it, freeing your hands for more important things like checking your phone and swigging coffee. Available in 8 colors.
Amazon User Review: “Love this little gadget. I used it to attach my jacket and computer bag to my luggage on an extended business trip. Made my airport walks so much easier. Now that I'm back home, I've been using it daily to attach my jacket or cardigan to my work bag or purse. Love it!”
Price: From $9 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4.5
Cell Phone Charging Shelf
For those times when you’re staying somewhere without a table near the plug, this charging shelf from Bobino will be a savior. You loop it around your charger and place your phone on the little shelf. Convenient and useful even when you aren’t traveling! Available in 10 colors.
Amazon User Review: “This Bobino Folding Phone Holder keeps your phone charging and the cord out of the way. This is perfect when there is no counter to set it on but there is an outlet. I carry this with me when I travel so I always have a place to recharge my phone.”
Price: From $9 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 3.5
Product photos via Amazon.com
Header image via I am Kulz/Shutterstock
