The Best Compact Travel Accessories for Any Trip
Unfortunately, we are in a very unpredictable time right now with regard to travel (among other things). While I enjoy my time spent at home with my husband, nephew, and canine companions, I miss spending my free time planning and looking forward to trips.
If you are like me, looking forward to a trip is an incentive that motivates you through stressful times. We may not be able to plan a trip for the near future, but that just gives us extra time to plan something really amazing for next year (and with all those saved vacation days), right?! A great place to start is with some new travel accessories that are very useful, but do not take up much space in your luggage. I have used each of these items on multiple occasions. While they may not be the most stylish, they are extremely functional. All the items except for the travel adapter can be used for domestic or international trips.
Shoes and Bags
I purchased these Tieks flats before traveling to Paris and London a few years ago. Our travel itineraries are jam-packed and I knew I would need a shoe that would be comfortable enough to walk several miles at a time. Before we left, I did some (a ton) of research about comfortable walking shoes and I decided that these would probably be a good marriage between style and comfort. The signature blue Tieks sole is very thick and they provide a lot more support than typical flats. They also fold up for convenience.
I understand the urge to carry your best handbags on a trip, especially if you are going to a location filled with stylish residents and other travelers. However, my recommendation is to carry something that is safe and convenient. These Travelon bags are small and slash proof, and they have RFID blocking pockets and locking compartments. I can typically carry my passport, currency, phone, small camera, and folding sunglasses (more on those below!) even though the bag looks small.
Selfie Stick
This “selfie stick” is amazing. On our first trip to Europe we realized that EVERY tourist had a selfie stick and there was no shame! If you do not have one, every photo from you trip will be a picture of part of your group in front of some beautiful or important landmark, a close-up selfie (where you cannot see the landmark), or a picture that another tourist takes that also might not have the landmark. This selfie stick also works as a tripod and comes with a bluetooth remote. We have used it MANY times when we were not traveling.
Water Bottle, Backpack, and Adapter
These travel items were all purchased on Amazon and have been useful on many trips (they also come in other colors). I always travel with an empty water bottle when I travel so I can fill it up at the airport, but this silicone water bottle folds up when it is not in use and it has a carabiner so I can clip it to my purse. These characteristics are extremely useful if you are cutting back on luggage and/or you are doing a lot of walking.
This packable backpack is very handy if you will be hiking, visiting the beach, etc. during your trip. It folds up really small but is large and durable when unfolded.
This power adapter works for many different countries and is less than $15. It is particularly useful if you will be traveling to multiple countries during one trip.
Travel Pillow and Bottle Protector
You might already have a travel pillow that you love (I did), but I grab this one time after time because it is comfortable AND inflatable. It deflates and fits into a pouch and I can throw it in my travel bag.
I LOVE these bottle protector bags. They are designed to fit a standard size bottle of wine (and we have used them for that), but we have also used them to bring back fragile souvenirs and other liquids, like olive oil. They have never leaked, and nothing has ever broken. There are several options available on Amazon.
Folding Sunglasses
These Ray-Ban folding sunglasses are perfect for compact travel. They fit into a small purse or bag and are the classic Wayfarer style. This style of sunglasses is flattering on most face shapes (and I have trouble finding sunglasses). They are also small enough that you can bring both pairs if necessary.
My husband and I travel frequently, and we rarely leave home without the above items. The vast majority of the time I am a “49.5lb/50lb” luggage packer, so I need to have as many compact items as possible. We love some of these items so much we use them when we are not traveling.
Which item will change the way you travel?
Katie G.