travel items collection

31+ Cool Travel Souvenir Collection Ideas

Brainstorming souvenir collection ideas for your next trip and looking for unique things to collect while traveling?

I have lots of ideas to share!

After visiting 50+ countries and traveling full-time for years, I am an unapologetic lover of travel souvenirs, from the free (pretty ticket stubs to various attractions, Broadway programs) to the inexpensive (vintage maps) to the traditional (the number of ceramics I have bought around the world is mildly ridiculous).

And really, I didn’t always think this way: during the first year my husband Jeremy and I backpacked the world , I bought very few souvenirs.

Other than photos and a few items like ticket stubs, a carved elephant from Thailand and a vase from Nicaragua are the only physical reminders I still have of that incredible time.

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And, while I cherish them both, I regret not carving out a bit of room in our budget and backpacks for a bit more.

No, you don’t need to buy souvenirs while you travel, but mine bring me immeasurable joy that continue to pay happiness dividends over time.

Sometime around the point where I carried that Nicaraguan vase (it’s not a particularly small vase either) in my backpack through 4 countries, I realized that shopping for unique items from around the world is clearly worth it to me.

If you feel the same and are looking for a fun theme for your travel souvenirs, here are some of the best things to collect while traveling!

Table of Contents

The Ideal Features Of Something to Collect on the Road

Display-worthy things to collect while traveling, (sort of) useful sounveir collection ideas, tips for building the perfect souvenir collection for you.

When deciding what to collect while traveling, I’d recommend landing on something that is either worth displaying as a group, or something that you can actually use many of.

To me, the ultimate purpose of a souvenir collection is to add joy to your life by sparking travel memories throughout your day-to-day existence, and either a beautiful display or a collection of something you reach for frequently in daily use can accomplish that goal.

(Or both, of course—there’s no rule that you can only have one kind of travel souvenir collection!).

And why a collection instead of just randomly purchasing souvenirs as you go?

In my experience, a souvenir collection pays dividends that are greater than the sum of its parts, by wrapping up disjointed travel memories into one physical representation of your adventures as a whole.

Don’t get me wrong: I still purchase all different kinds of souvenirs, but collections are worth the effort.

By creating a cohesive collection, you can also add a method to the madness of souvenir shopping, make it easier to narrow in on what you actually want (and/or will use), and you’ll also find it can make it easier to say no to things that would end up as regrettable impulse purchases.

And, of course, it’s also easiest if most of the items you’d like to add to your collection are (reasonably) small.

You can certainly ship your new treasures home from many places around the world, but it definitely adds both costs and logistical headaches to your quest for the perfect collection of travel souvenirs.

If you’re looking for travel souvenirs to display at home, these ideas have you covered!

Local Figurines or Dolls

Local figurines or dolls, either of animals, people, or both, are one of the most interesting things to collect from around the world.

Virtually every culture has some sort of handicraft that represents either local animals or people, and both options are a wonderful way to create a unique travel souvenir collection that shows the heart of the cultures you have visited.

This can be as contemporary as collecting modern maps of the towns you visit and using them to create a collage or other artwork at home.

… or it can be as vintage as browsing antique markets for out-of-date maps from decades or centuries past!

These are often very affordable (they’re frequently ripped out of old books of maps and sold page-by-page, and can look wonderful when framed), and also fascinating.

My 19th-century Italy map with the pre-WWI boundaries is one of my favorite souvenirs from Italy , and I only spent 4 Euro on it.

Vintage Papers

In a similar vein to local maps, you can often find fascinating vintage papers at markets around the world, ranging from postcards filled out 80 years ago to photographs of strangers to advertisements and pamphlets printed decades ago.

This is very much in the vein of “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”, but if you collect items in a similar vein from around the world, the resulting collection can be incredibly cool!

Original Art

I’m still kicking myself for not springing for an oil painting I fell in love with in Montmartre almost a decade ago!

Buying original art when traveling can be one of the most unique souvenirs you can find, and due to its nature, it’s absolutely something you should jump on when you find something you love… because you may not be able to find it again soon.

While collecting original art can certainly be an expensive idea for a travel souvenir collection, it doesn’t have to be: you can find both vintage and contemporary art at all price points when traveling.

Books (New or Used)

As a self-professed bibliophile, I will always advocate for books as travel souvenirs.

What kind of books, exactly?

Well, that’s up to you!

Options include beautiful copies of books purchased at famous bookstores, books focused on the local culture (history, art, cooking, guidebooks, you name it), or vintage books that strike your fancy.

One of my favorite books that I’ve bought while traveling is a 1995 copy of Lonely Planet Slovenia , which was the very first Lonely Planet Slovenia guidebook published after Slovenia became an independent country.

If you’re into local history, art, and culture, don’t shy away from poking around the book sections in gift shops of churches and museums, either.

Some are pretty bare, yes, but you’ll sometimes find them stocked with books about the local area that were done in a limited printing (so you may not be able to find them on Amazon, for example).

Vintage Tchotchkes

Souvenir markets around the world are overflowing with often beautiful and interesting vintage items, from mirrors to figurines to old electronics to decor pieces to flowers, and so much more.

These items, picked up at markets, antique shops, or anywhere else you may stumble upon, can be some of the most unique travel souvenirs of all!

Some are expensive and (rarely) valuable, most are just an opportunity for a clever decorator to give new life to a discarded item (and many finds are very affordable).

In many ways, the more random or unexpected the item, the more memorable of a souvenir it is.

Going on a wine-centered trip?

Consider keeping the corks of the bottles you drink along the way, and then displaying them in a glass vase or jar when you get home!

Whether you prefer coins, paper money, or both, holding back a bit of currency from the place you were visiting makes for a fun travel souvenir!

Leaving this one under “display” instead of “sort of useful”, because no one actually uses the pretty tea towels they buy abroad, right?

In our house, at least, those are purely for display.

Pressed Pennies

I’ll admit, I haven’t pressed a penny in about 20 years–but if you’re looking for an inexpensive, very portable, and fun souvenir, a bowl of pressed pennies kept on a coffee table or shelf will certainly do the job!

Masks, like dolls and figurines, are one of those items that exists in a wide variety of cultures, but is interpreted very differently depending on where you are.

This can make for a dynamic souvenir collection (and masks look so striking hanging on a wall).

Yes, of course, all photos you take on a trip (and who doesn’t take hundreds these days?) are a souvenir of sorts!

However, to create a cohesive collection, consider picking a theme or two of photos that you will always shoot so that over time, you have examples of something specific from many locations.

This doesn’t need to be a scenery shot–in fact, as someone who has taken literally hundreds of thousands of photos while traveling, I’ll be the first to say that the candids are often the most sentimental.

Consider taking a photo of your first breakfast at each destination, or one of each method of transportation you use (boats, taxis, tuk tuks, planes, trains–it all counts).

Other options include animals you meet along the way, the less-photographed back of popular monuments, or a close-up of an architectural detail that catches your eye at each “iconic” spot.

Take all the other typical photos too, of course–but creating a themed collection of shots can make for a memorable travel souvenir.

Souvenir spoons may just be the most classic souvenir to collect when traveling.

If they don’t appeal to you though, there’s always the option of collecting spoon rests!

Spoon rests are both eye-catching and easy to source: you’ll find them at virtually any souvenir shop around the world.

Kitschy Icon Statues

A figurine of the Eiffel Tower or Colosseum displayed in your office?

Maybe a little kitschy, but fun.

A full collection of kitsch featuring several landmarks from around the world like Big Ben, Chichen Itza, Petra, and Angkor Wat, all grouped together as one souvenir collection?

Absolutely delightful, over-the-top kitsch.

If your idea of what to collect when traveling leans more toward function than decor, then these souvenir options are for you!

Water Glasses

Mugs may be a more traditional collection option, but an eclectic collection of water glasses sourced from all over the world is a fun way to mix up your kitchen!

Similar to water glasses, an eclectic mix of dishes can be a wonderful way to remember your trip!

I already mentioned my ceramic habit above–and it has led to many colorful new additions to our kitchenware!

Consider options like serving dishes, teapots, or teacups and saucers (one of my friends has been collecting these for years).

Alternatively, consider buying one of the same kind of item–one salad plate, one soup bowl, etc, in each location.

Easy to buy, easy to pack, and popular as souvenirs all over the world: placemats make wonderful travel souvenirs!

Notebooks/Journals

This only counts as “useful” if you actually write in them, of course, rather than put them on a shelf and stare at them (not that I have any experience with that…).

But, if you use notebooks in your daily life, picking up new ones as you travel can be a fantastic way to incorporate your travel memories into your daily life!

I keep a daily to-do list, and the notebook I keep them in right now came from Libreria Acqua Alta in Venice –and it makes me smile every morning when I pick it up.

Whether your interests run toward fine jewelry, local handicrafts, or some combination of the 2, jewelry makes for a fantastic travel souvenir collection.

It’s something small, extremely unique to your style, and fun to pick out!

Reusable Bags

Reusable canvas bags are a popular souvenir that you’ll see in all the usual souvenir shops these days!

Buy several in a few different locations around the world, and you’ll have a full collection of grocery bags to shop with at home.

Do you like to wear aprons when you cook?

If so, a collection of aprons from around the world can help bring your travels home with you!

Available around the world and at a variety of price points, aprons are easy and fun to shop for when traveling.

Prepare a hot drink and fondly remember a fun travel destination: what could be a better combination than that?

I hesitate to include clothing here because while it’s an excellent souvenir idea, it’s harder to make a “collection” of.

If you have a passion for clothing, though, it can be done!

For example, you can collect the same category of item from each place (say, a new scarf in every city), or you can instead choose to purchase something iconic from each destination (say, a wool sweater in Ireland).

I never once considered collecting coasters until I randomly stumbled upon one I liked in Porto, Portugal , and started keeping it on my desk.

I quickly realized I smiled and thought of Porto every time I sat down with my coffee in the morning–and if that isn’t the mark of a successful souvenir, I don’t know what is.

I now plan to collect more coasters at my favorite destinations while traveling and keep them scattered around the house!

Christmas Ornaments

Christmas ornaments are one of the most classic souvenir collection ideas for good reason!

The combination of their small size, varied price points, and the fact that you only get them out once a year (and get to relive your travel memories in the process) makes Christmas ornaments one of the ideal things to collect while traveling.

If you’re the type that likes to keep a mug of pens somewhere in the house, what better to fill it with than a different pen from every destination you visit?

A bit more unique than a postcard, yet still inexpensive to buy and very easy to carry home, bookmarks are a fun option for souvenirs to collect on the road!

This goes quadruple for bibliophiles, of course.

Beach Towels

This really only qualifies as useful if you swim regularly at home and/or like to visit lots of tropical locations.

That being said, if you have a pool or beach that you use regularly at home, a different beach towel from each place you visit can add a dash of whimsy to your towel cabinet!

An oldie but goodie: there are several reasons magnets are one of the most popular souvenir collection options out there!

Relatively cheap, easy to transport, and available everywhere, a magnet collection for your fridge will always be a fun way to display your travel memories.

Attraction Tickets

For a souvenir collection that doesn’t cost a penny more than your travels do, save all the attraction tickets you collect along the way!

Creative display options can include a shadow box, using them as bookmarks, and letting them pile up in the backs of drawers so when you eventually clean them out, you’ll smile to see them again.

(We may have used that last one a time or two–I think our Angkor Wat tickets, which I kept in part because they printed our photos onto them, are still somewhere mixed in with our general paperwork from that year).

If you love to burn candles at home, where better to shop for new scents than as you travel?

Foodie Souvenirs

I’m not going to cover all the many delicious possibilities for food and drink that can act as a souvenir in this guide, mostly because (with the possible exceptions of wine and spices), you can’t really “collect” something that won’t last more than a few weeks after your return.

That being said, we love shopping for local food around the world and recommend you do the same!

It doesn’t literally have to be the same item.

Collections have exactly as much or as little meaning as we give them–so that means you’re the only one who has to recognize the theme between your items of choice!

A group of animal-themed souvenirs, for example, that is collected in a mix of mediums and styles, may not be immediately apparent as a collection to others (especially if it’s not displayed in one place).

To you, though, the theme can add depth to your shopping while traveling.

You can create a capsule collection of souvenirs in a single trip.

While it can be fun to create long-term travel souvenir collections over a period of years, it can also be very rewarding to create a capsule collection in a single trip!

If you’re planning a trip to Europe with stops in Paris , Venice , and Amsterdam , for example, choosing a theme and picking up similar souvenirs in each place can be a wonderful way to remember your trip as a whole.

Things you collect while traveling gain meaning with time.

There isn’t a single souvenir that I own that means less to me now than it did the day I picked it out.

In fact, it’s usually the opposite–and by quite a wide margin, too!

This is partially due to the fact that I haven’t kept less-meaningful purchases, of course, or let them go when they were no longer useful (RIP, adorable elephant romper that shrunk in the wash).

Still, if you know you’re the kind of person who enjoys sentimental items, don’t hesitate to buy some souvenirs while traveling: in 10 years, you’ll be glad you did.

Make a souvenir shopping list.

Generally, I find that I’m most successful with collecting souvenirs from travel when I go in with a plan.

This doesn’t need to be extremely detailed, but doing a bit of cursory research on what products and handicrafts a destination is known for and what prices you can expect to pay can go a long way in helping make sure you curate the perfect souvenir collection for you!

I find knowing a bit about what to expect and what I plan to buy makes it easier to make purchase decisions when in, say, a bustling market stall next to a person who wants to haggle over the price of an object.

That being said, I’ve definitely been very satisfied with spontaneous travel souvenirs, too!

If you’re shopping for gifts while traveling, a theme can help here, too.

Whether it’s a magnet for each of your coworkers or a mug for each of your best friends, picking a theme when shopping for groups can definitely make it easier to pick out souvenirs for others.

When you find something you love, pounce.

When shopping for souvenirs, it can be hard to strike a balance between not over-buying early in the trip as opposed to not buying something you’ll wish you had snapped up.

I tend toward the second issue–I hem and haw over purchases at the best of times–but there are several souvenirs I wish I had grabbed while I had the chance over the years!

Learn from my mistakes: if you’re looking over something that will be hard to replicate elsewhere, like work by a particular artist, and you still want it within a couple of hours… get it while you can.

My personal collections of travel souvenirs are definitely missing a few pieces that I wish I would have sprung for!

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

5 thoughts on “31+ Cool Travel Souvenir Collection Ideas”

Hello Kate and Jeremy, I Love your travel site. I have been reading all of your tips for traveling to Italy. Thank you, it has been very helpful as I finalize our itinerary. My Husband and I have a trip planned for September 2023 (our first time to Italy). We fly into and out of Rome and are planning our land itinerary prior to boarding our cruise out of Venice returning to Rome. I may have planned an overachiever trip. I would love your input if you have time. We’ve decided to rent a car in Rome. We love red wine and want to spend time in Tuscany in the villages and towns. We have always wanted to see Cingue Terre and hoped to fit a night or two there before heading to Florence for a couple days then onto Venice by train. We have approximately 11 days on land. My plan as of now is as follows; Rome to Orvieto, day stop then on to Montepulciano 2 nights? (recommendation) (because the cruise returns to Rome, we may do Rome touring at the end of our cruise?) Montepulciano to Val d’orcia (day stop?) or Montalcino (day stop?)or both and stay a night? (recommendation) Siena for 2 nights San Gimignano, Volterra and Livorno are on our list but not sure if day trips or stay? (recommendation) Cinque Terra for two nights? Cinque Terra to Florence and return the car. Florence for 2-3 nights Florence to Venice by Train (we will have a night and full day in Venice before we set sail. Your hotel, restaurant, car rental, and site ticket purchase recommendations have been so helpful, I have started a travel to Italy folder with all your suggestions. Thank You so very much. We have a Golden Retriever, Brady, however he will not be traveling with us this trip lol I would greatly appreciate any tips you have re: our Itinerary. We are so excited for our trip to Italy.

Sincerely, Lenora and Neil

Thank you so much, I’m glad we’ve been helpful in planning your trip!

Your plan looks pretty solid, though you’ll want to trim a day trip or two for time and ease.

In Montepulciano: the town itself isn’t in the Val d’Orcia but it’s very close, so it makes a great base. Montalcino is in the Val d’Orcia and makes a great stop there, along with Pienza. I’d pick one base in this area and then day trip to the others.

San Gimignano and Volterra are both doable as day trips from Siena, I’d choose one of those to visit. I’d skip Livorno this time, as there’s so much else to see and you’ll already be visiting the coast in Cinque Terre!

Between San Gimignano and Volterra, both are lovely but San Gimignano will almost certainly be more crowded. It will be easiest to drive to either place, whichever you choose. You could also stop for a few hours in either village on the day you drive from Siena to Cinque Terre rather than doubling back.

For Cinque Terre, you won’t drive into the villages, but you can leave your car for a couple of days in either La Spezia or Levanto and take the train into the villages. I’d check the prices on returning the car entirely at this point and then taking the train to Florence, too.

Hope that helps and that you guys have a fantastic time!

Your awesome and we so appreciate your input. You’ve been so very helpful as we plan our dream trip to Italy. I’m sure it won’t be our last trip but we have realized there is so much to see and it’s not going to happen in one trip. Again, thank you so much for your recommendations. We appreciate you! Wishing you many more amazing travels! Lenora and Neil

You are so welcome! Thrilled that we can help. 🙂

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25 Travel souvenir collection ideas

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It’s great to collect souvenirs from your travels. Most of us have photographs and video clips on our phones, but there is something really special about having your own unique items that you have collected on your travels! In fact, it wasn’t until I started writing this post, that I realised just how many travel souvenirs I have scattered around my house!

From watching my toddler play with the singing bowl that my husband picked up several years ago in Nepal, to the comments I receive from other parents when she is wearing her Table Mountain T-shirt whilst playing on the swings, these little reminders of our travels always make me smile 🙂

So I thought it would be interesting to see what other avid world travellers collect on their adventures too! In this post I bring to you 25 travel souvenirs collection ideas from different travel bloggers and influencers .

Travel souvenir collection ideas

#1 starbucks mugs.

I will start the list of travel souvenir collection ideas with my Starbucks mug collection.

I started collecting these mugs during my Cabin Crew career and have continued to do so ever since. You can only buy them in country, which is why they are so special.

On some occasions I have gone out searching for a Starbucks mug, making it my mission to add one more addition to my price ious collection which holds pride of place on these shelves on my kitchen wall. Not everywhere has one though (I have learnt that Italy does not allow any Starbucks to open in fear of the mega chain superseding many of the country’s independents).

If the mugs were sold out on your travels you can sometimes buy them on Amazon or on Ebay, although if they are difficult to find they can be quite expensive!

You can collect country names or cities. I have made myself a rule not to have multiple cities in one country (USA is an exception) and to only get a mug when I have travelled to a place myself. Sometimes friends and family have offered to get a mug for me on their travels, but unless I have personally been to the place that they are visiting, I always say no.

Sadly, my collection hasn’t grown much in recent years. This is because, in many destinations, the Starbucks mugs on sale are a completely different design! Perhaps I should give in and just start buying the new design, but I fear it just wouldn’t go with the rest of my collection!

I love my mugs. Nobody is allowed to actually drink from them, oh no- they are display only! My husband thinks I am crazy. My friends think they are cool. Ironically, I don’t even drink coffee…

To learn more about the tourism industry and the impacts of large international businesses, such as Starbucks, subscribe to my mailing list .

As I became an adult and started to take many more trips, I started to feel little need for bulky souvenirs that would only take up room in my suitcase and in my home. Still, the thought of having a little something to remind me of my travels was very much an interest of mine. 

As a child, my father had a cup on his desk that was filled with flat pennies from different places he had been to before he became a family man. I always looked at these pennies in wonder, since, to my father, they were more beloved items than tacky objects. When I met my husband and we started traveling together, I decided to continue the family tradition of collecting flat pennies and they became my beloved travel souvenir collection.

In case you are wondering, a flat penny is a penny that you put into a machine and turn a crank to print an image onto it. This image is normally a symbol of some sort that represents the place you are at that moment.

My first penny was from a weekend trip that my husband and I took to Chicago , and since then, I have gotten flat pennies on all the trips where we have found machines. We have found pennies all over the US, Canada, Germany, France , Denmark and Hungary. I am now a mother, and I am happy to say that collecting flat pennies on our trips is something we do as a family.

Read more from Kelly here .

Since I was a kid we’ve always collected dolls/figurines that are in the traditional dress of the country/area that we had visited.The idea of having a representation of where we’ve gone is what we love. Not the current ‘look’ or feel of the place but the roots, background and soul of a country. 

We have been blessed to have traveled a lot since I was a kid and my parents have traveled even more. 

So we love to display ours in a few curios. I counted them and there are around 40 dolls/figurines in them. And this does not include at least another 10-20, if not more, that are actually packed away for safe keeping.

Where to find them: sometimes they can be found in cultural/traditional mall stores that can be found in some counties. Mostly though, your best bet, will be to find a local market or side-street market.Not only will you probably be able to bargain but you will find more handmade items available than in the malls.

Typically they aren’t overly expensive, say $10-15. But there will, more than likely, be more expensive options, possibly made of stone, wood or metal.

They are the perfect collectible. Not only are they cute but they don’t take up much luggage space. Plus, what better way to remember your tip than with an item that can be displayed? For that matter, they make for great conversation makers too! 🙂

Read more from Cassie here .

Read also- Travel-themed gift ideas: For kids

#4 jewellery.

While travelling, I collect jewellery and the area’s specialty item(s).

It all started when I was in Switzerland when I was 11. My mum bought me a Swatch watch. It was an item made in Switzerland and it was something I could use long after the trip was over. I couldn’t tell you where I’ve purchased any of my other watches over the years, but I remember that one (and it’s been nearly 30 years!)

It was an accident that I continued collecting jewellery from places I’ve travelled. It’s also not something I actively seek out. However, I usually end up in a shop with some gorgeous necklaces or earrings. It has become a cool way to remember the place I was visiting when I purchased the item. I tend to remember the purchase more if I bought it while travelling.

One of my favorite purchases was a necklace I bought in Jamaica, on my honeymoon. It isn’t an expensive piece, just a nice trinket that I thought was beautiful. It has been almost a decade and I still love this piece. I look at it and I’m taken right back to the store and the surrounding sights and sounds.

I really like to have jewellery to remind me of my travels.

Read more from Natalie here .

#5 T-shirts

Another one of my travel souvenir collection ideas was T-shirts.

As soon as baby Isla was out of baby grows and into proper clothes, I started collecting T-shirts for her from our travels.

My intention is that once she out outgrown them I will turn them into a blanket! I think this will make a really cool souvenir that she will gets lots of use out of and can keep forever.

I will be doing the same with baby Saya too 🙂

For more on our family travel adventures take a look at some of these posts .

#6 Shot glasses

As a kid, I would always get a postcard whenever we went somewhere new, however as an adult, almost by accident I began collecting shot glasses. It may have been something to do with my first international holiday being to Poland , where vodka shots are certainly a popular occurrence! 

My collection has been growing for around 10 years now and I always make sure to get a shot glass whenever we visit a new big city or country. We don’t use the ones we bring home. They have a home inside our two glass cabinets where they are on display.

Almost every individual city will have their own collection of destination themed shot glasses available. They are easy to pack and take up very little room in your luggage too. Most souvenir shops will stock them and usually for a fairly reasonable price of around $3-6US each. 

While many are fairly basic clear glass with a printed image showing where they are from, I try to find unique options as well. A favourite would have to be my engraved crystal ones from different Polish cities or any with coloured glass, rather than the usual clear style. 

When bringing them home, roll your shot glasses in your clothing. Ideally inside packing cubes if you use them, and take care when unpacking so you don’t end up shaking them out and breaking one. 

Read more from Holly here .

#7 Postcards

We collect postcards. We’ve been collecting them since our eldest child’s first holiday and now have almost a hundred of them. Both our son and daughter have a special ‘postcard’ box where we store all the postcards that we’ve collected from around the world. The postcards are a great (and very cheap) way for us to keep our family travel memories alive. Postcards are getting a little trickier to find nowadays as fewer people send them. However, we normally manage to pick them up for less than US$1 in souvenir shops.

To make the collection even more personal and unique. We write a message to the children on each postcard. A brief description of that holiday destination and especially anything funny that they did during that trip. The postcards include all kinds of anecdotes such as when our son was two and totalled a hire car in Denmark ! Or the fun things to do in KL with kids that we discovered when we moved to Malaysia.

For us, the postcards boxes are like memory boxes . A chance to record and remember the children’s big milestones as well as great times together as a family. We hope to continue this tradition for years to come and to give the children their boxes when they turn 21.

Read more from Kirsty here .

#8 Tea towels

When I travelled to Pisa a few years ago I saw some souvenir tea towels that I thought looked cool. What a great travel souvenir collection idea! I thought.

Unfortunately, it seems that tea towels are not as common on your travels as you might think, so the collection never really took off for me and I still have just the one tea towel from Pisa.

Nevertheless, it does invoke happy memories when I am drying the dishes!

I started collecting art on my trip to India I took in 2017. At Fort Madhogarh near Jaipur, India, there was an artist with a small shop. I purchased my first piece of art, a small hand-made picture of animals found in India, there. Price: Around $15 US dollars.

I purchased a second piece of art in Udaipur, India that features two of the major sites of Udaipur, the City Palace and the Lake Palace. Price: Around $20 US dollars.

My trip through Thailand , Cambodia, and Vietnam yielded three more pieces of art. The reproduction Communist poster was purchased in Ho Chi Minh City at a store called Saigon Kitsch. Price: Around $15 US dollars.

The piece of art I got from Cambodia was found completely by accident. I was in their version of a dollar store and I came across a sticker that had the symbol for ‘no smoking’ and something to the effect of ‘no smoking’ written in Khmer on it. Price: $1 – $2 US dollars.

I was doing research online for things to do in Bangkok and I came across a store called Classic Movie Poster. It is a small shop near the Asoke SkyTrain station that sells movie posters, both English and Thai versions. Some are reproductions, while a lot are originals. 

I wanted something unique to remember my trip by, so I put my love of movies and travel together and purchased an original Thai movie poster for the 1981 Harrison Ford movie Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. I was able to barter with the owner a bit. I also purchased an original Thai poster for the Star Wars movie The Force Awakens as a gift for a friend.        

The piece of art from my latest trip was purchased in Luxor, Egypt , at a papyrus shop. We were taken there by our tour guide from Intrepid Travel, so this shop is definitely the real deal. Price: Around $25 US dollars. 

Read more from Ryan here .

Read also- Types of tourism: A Glossary

#10 soft toys.

The next one my list of travel souvenir collection ideas is soft toys.

On baby Isla’s first big travel adventure to Costa Rica we came across this really cool soft sloth toy. You don’t see many sloth teddies around and we had been on the lookout for sloths all trip, so we decided to buy one for her.

…and so the collection begun!

It has now become a traditional to buy Isla a new soft toy from every destination that we travel to. Preferably it is an animal that we have seen whilst travelling and it will have some kind of badge or something to mark the country. Slothy is her favourite toy, but this is closely followed by a cheetah from South Africa and Canada bear!

For more cute pictures of the kids on their travels, follow along on Instagram !

#11 Magnets

We started buying magnets a few years ago, but it’s really since having children that our collection has taken off. We chose magnets because we wanted a souvenir we could collect that would usually be available and inexpensive. We collect them whenever we visit a new town or city and at tourist attractions. At last count we have nearly 70 (not including those that the children have “borrowed” from the fridge to keep with their toys). They usually cost £2-£3 but we have paid up to £4.50 at a major attraction.

We are always disappointed if an attraction doesn’t have a magnet with their name on. I also have a strong preference for a magnet that represents our visit. For example, my magnet from Brownsea Island has a red squirrel on it because we were lucky enough to see one there. If we hadn’t spotted the squirrel I would have chosen a different one, perhaps one with a peacock on it. 

My son (age 4) and I often disagree about which magnet we should take home. He will often want one that doesn’t fit my criteria which is how we ended up with an owl from I don’t know where. Our tastes also differ wildly. I prefer attractive pictures, he prefers colourful and garish. My choice for our holiday to Barcelona was an understated black and white picture of the Sagrada Familia, one of my favourite buildings in the world. My son’s choice was a brightly coloured and one of the ugliest things I have ever seen. Both live on our fridge.

My favourite thing about collecting magnets is that each one tells a story.

Read more from Liona here .

#12 Thimballs

Wherever I travel I like to bring back a gift for my family. However, travelling for months at a time it’s not possible to bring something from every place I visit. That’s why I buy thimbles from around the world. I’ve been collecting them since my first trip over eight years ago and we now have more than 100 different thimbles from 6 continents. Some from the same city but each with their own unique design.

Sometimes they’re harder to find and can be rare in parts of the world. On my recent trip to southern Africa I didn’t find any until my last day, whereas almost every town in Europe has them. The majority are made of white ceramic with a little piece of artwork on the front. However, some are a little different, such as the one I found in Easter Island which looks like a miniature Moai.

The good thing about collecting thimbles is there are generally a few choices for each place. They’re usually found in souvenir shops or marketplaces for around £2-3 and best of all they add little to no weight to my bag.

The only problem comes when asking how much they are. I was in Spain looking for something suitable and found a shop with three or four thimbles displayed in the window. But when I asked the price I forgot the Spanish word for thimble (“dedal”) and accidentally used the word for finger (“dedo”). I’ve never forgotten the correct word since.

#13 Loyalty cards

My wife and I travel full time. We have been traveling for the last 2.5 years. After covering most of Asia, we are currently in Mexico City. The first thing we do when we land in a new place is to find a Starbucks (if Starbucks has a presence in the country).

We do this because Starbucks Wifi is usually reliable and this ends up being our workplace until we can find a better one!

So we end up buying the Starbucks loyalty card which is different for different countries. Usually, these cards have imagery from the country, like national monuments, parks or famous personalities from the country. This makes the loyal card unique to the country and a nice collectible which we can carry around as we move from one country to another.

The collection used to be a lot bigger but our wallet was stolen in Malaysia and we are rebuilding the collection ever since. 

Read more from Avinasha and his wife here .

#14 African beadwork

I’ve had the great good fortune to visit Southern Africa more than 20 times in the past 14 years. From my very first visit, I got hooked on collecting beadwork. Though I admire all the gorgeous jewellery (who wouldn’t?), it’s the figures that captivate me. 

Beadwork has had a long, important history across the African continent . For thousands of years, it’s been an integral part of currency, status and ritual. Vivid color, a mix of materials and ingenious craftsmanship are the links that connect ancient bead artifacts with the fabulous pieces being created today. 

I’ve centered my collection on beaded dolls, animals and birds created by Zulu and Ndebele people in South Africa . These figures hold pride of place in my home. When friends visit, they love to hear about the pieces I’ve brought back. Where did I get it? Where was the artisan from? What was their story? 

Being a dedicated shopper, I definitely have places I know will get great selection, good quality and affordable prices. As you might imagine, price fluctuations can be staggering. For example, an 8” beaded doll in a safari lodge gift shop could retail for $80. At one of my favorite spots, I’ve paid $20 for something similar. The items pictured range from $6 (for a small bird) up to $30 (for the fish eagle). 

Read more from Elaine here .

#15 Lonely Planet guides

When I was travelling Australia back in 2012 I checked in at a hostel that had an amazing Lonely Planet collection behind the front desk. I already had several books from my travels and from that day forward Lonely Planet guides became my travel souvenir collection.

My Lonely Planet guides take pride of place on the shelves in my office. Prior to leaving for each trip I either buy one second hand from Amazon or, if there are no good deals on Amazon or they are all too outdated, I order a new Lonely Planet from the publishers . I then annotate our route and highlight any attractions that we plan on visiting. This acts as a nice little record of our travels.

Whilst Lonely Planet used to be the ‘travel bible’, like most tourists nowadays, we also tend to rely on Trip Advisor and other, similar online forums/sites. Unlike published books, online information is much more up to date and reliable. HOWEVER, you can’t put your collection of Trip Advisor reviews and Internet research on a shelf!

So whilst my Lonely Planet guides are not as useful as they once were, I still purchase one before every trip to add to my collection.

#16 Christmas ornaments

Christmas ornaments are our family favorite travel souvenir collection! Why? They are always easy to find in shops year-round and are usually under twenty dollars. Ornaments are also easy to pack in your suitcase or in a carry-on bag. You can even pick one up at the airport! We also love that ornaments are one item for our entire family instead of each individual family member buying something.

From Paris to Aruba to California , we’ve collected ornaments from all over the world. My personal favorite is the ornament we bought during our visit to Ruby Falls and Rock City in Chattanooga, Tennessee! The best part of collecting ornaments is, each year when we decorate for Christmas, we’re able to reminisce as a family about our favorite trip memories. Hearing my children say “Oh, I remember when…” is absolutely priceless and I wouldn’t trade it for the world!

We’re big advocates for choosing experiences over things and often give travel as a present in our family. We have never been big on buying souvenirs during our travels, but Christmas ornaments have become our go-to travel collectable! They are something we look forward to purchasing and they always provide meaningful and lasting memories.

Read more from Julie here .

Our family travels on a budget, but like everyone else, we love having meaningful travel souvenirs from the places we visit.  A few years ago, we travelled to a remote location in Oregon famous for sunstones. There’s a free collection area, and we took a day to visit.  We collected a whole bag of shiny yellow sunstones.  And to this day, every time we tell anyone about that trip, we show them the sunstones.  It was the perfect (free!) souvenir!   That experience led us to other similar trips where we’d collect a local rock, mineral, or fossil.  Always legally, we never take anything unless specifially allowed. But since then, we’ve collected obsidian, ancient fossils, thundereggs, petrified wood and more.  They aren’t always free, sometimes we do pay to dig, but the fees are low and the experience is priceless.  

Alongside our children, we’ve learned about geology, rock formation, and rockhounding.  And we’ve collected some of the most unique travel souvenirs!  We dream of someday setting up a display in our home to showcase our growing collection.  

We travel almost exclusively in Oregon state, and rocks are collectable from nearly every part of the state.  Near the Pacific Ocean , look for natural agates in the sand.  In the creeks and rivers, petrified wood and red jasper are abundant.  Eastern Oregon has hot spots of obisidian, opals, sunstones, and thundereggs.  Oh, and those sunstones?  We later took some to a jeweller and had the best ones cut into faceted stones.  

Read more from Heather here .

#18 Children’s books

We started collecting children’s books as a travel souvenir on one of our first trips with our baby. Our son was 2 months old then. He is now five years old and has books from so many different places in America.

He has a New York City book, a Boston book, a Florida book, a Grand Canyon book, an Austin, TX book, a Maine book, a California book and even a camping book to commemorate our first camping experience in the Appalachian mountains.

We collect books because we love to read and reminisce. Cuddling and reading before bed is one of our most intimate times as a family and reading children’s books tied to a special memory allows us to relive that memory again and again. It’s that mushy gushy mom and kiddo bonding dreams are made of!      

Prices for souvenir children’s books usually cost us $10-$30, which considering how often we use them, that’s pretty good bang for the buck. My favorite souvenir book to read is  My Taxi Ride  by husband and wife duo Paul DuBois Jacobs and Jennifer Swender. We bought this in New York. My son’s favourite is  How I Became A Pirate   by Melinda Long  which we got in a souvenir shop at one of the great mansions in Newport, Rhode Island.

#19 Scratches (on a scratch map)

I keep hearing or reading from avid travellers: “We don’t collect things, we collect memories”. This is an amazing wish, I totally agree. But let’s face it: we do want to take a tiny part of where we have been as it stirs all those feelings we had gone through when we visited that place. 

We came up with an amazing idea of collecting the places we have been and, most importantly, motivating ourselves to travel more – scratches on a scratch map! 

I got this fabulous map as a gift from my family for Christmas. It was our baby’s first holiday, he was only two months old, and it seemed like a perfect start to scratch off our journey as a family. It is also a perfect gift for your family friends. It is light, it has a hard box, and looks amazing on our wall. 

Until now, wherever we have travelled, first thing we are so excited to do when reaching home being super-exhausted is getting down to the floor and scratching off destinations we have just visited. We also sometimes put some exciting notes near the location with a magic marker that comes in a package.

Read more from Ana here .

#20 Trench art

Buying souvenirs is something we love to do to remind us of where we’ve been. We especially love to find unique items that have some kind of history attached to it, which is why we love visiting antique markets on our travels. 

My hubby is a history buff, and especially loves World War history, so we’re always on the lookout for some collectibles, especially Trench art. Trench art is a term used to describe objects made from the debris and by-products of modern warfare, usually bullet casings. During our time in Europe, we visited quite a few antique stores and markets in search of them. 

We hit the jackpot at an antique market in Waterloo Belgium, and found so many World War collectibles with prices ranging from about €10 up! Some of the trench art we’ve found are just absolutely amazing with all the details and intricate designs. 

They’re not as easy to find as most souvenirs, but you can usually find them at antique markets. Europe is usually the best place to find trench art, but you can also find them in the US as well. We recently visited Gettysburg and found a few at an antique market there.

We’ve been collecting trench art for a few years now and our collection has grown to about eighteen pieces. Souvenirs are such a great way to remember all the places you’ve been, but also tells a story of that specific place and time.

Read more from Skylar here .

Read also- What is ‘begpacking’ and why is it so bad?

#21 european figurines.

We love to travel and it seems that we always end up back in Europe! Europe is where we love to travel as it is so rich in history, architecture, food and much more! On our first trip to Europe we first started collecting figurines for each country we have visited which now proudly sit on our bookshelf in our guest bedroom and remind us of our travels every time we go in the room.

The best part is that each figurine is unique to the country it was collected from for example we got a tea light candle holder with wine grapes inside to remind us of St.Goar, Germany where we did wine tasting in a wine cellar. We have a light up wine glass to remind us of our champagne drink on the Eiffel Tour in Paris, France. Amsterdam was remembered with a small little ditch girl figurine wearing the traditional clogs and holding a tulip. We started our collection with 8 items as we travelled through 8 countries in 10 days.

As we continue our travels through Europe we make sure to bring something home to add to our collection such as a small Kate Kearney’s cottage from Ireland on our last visit. Our collection is currently about 12, and we already looking at plans for Europe next summer.

Read more from Kate here .

#22 Christmas Decorations

When we travel, we always enjoy bringing home a piece of the destination we visit.  However, sometimes it’s hard to find a place to display items, especially if you have a smaller home like we do.  We knew if we wanted to bring something home with us from every place we visit, it would have to be something small.  

After some thought, we decided we would collect Christmas ornaments.  Christmas is our favourite holiday, we go full on Griswold style in our neighborhood.  We are even applying to be on the Tacky Light Tour this coming year!  So, it seemed fitting to collect Christmas ornaments.  They are small, don’t take up a lot of room, and have a natural display area – the Christmas tree!

We have been collecting Christmas ornaments for about 10 years and they have completely taken over our Christmas tree.  We have hardly any room for generic ornaments anymore!  We buy an ornament everywhere we go be it a new country, state, resort and sometimes even restaurants!  

We haven’t been anywhere so far that didn’t have Christmas ornaments available for purchase and you can spend as little as $5 or as much as $20 depending on the ornament (or even more if you want to go super fancy!) It’s always fun to decorate the tree every year and place the ornaments on the tree and reminisce about our past travels!

#23 Rubik’s cubes

I wouldn’t call myself a collector, but Rubik’s cubes are the exception. The fascination started when I was a child, and my father brought one home. One side came quite quickly and then two, but try as I might, I didn’t get futher than that.

Fast forward nearly thirty years to when we started travelling.  I would see them in all the gift shops. They didn’t seem so mysterious now; surely, they must be easier?  On Youtube, it seems anyone can do it, even while juggling blindfolded. As if solving the puzzle would depend on the cube, not through my effort!  I bought one, but it seemed I still had the difficult type.

Next trip I picked up another,  but strangely it was no easier. When we got home to Oman with kids, and I had more time, I decided to take the challenge seriously.  For the fresh start, I bought a new cube, and so now I was becoming a collector, I had to justify my investment.  At last, with time and patience, I mastered the puzzle. Now, whenever I have a birthday or celebration, my family give me different models from the growing selection available.  Some are simple variants on the original and use the same technique exactly. Others have similar mechanisms, but the puzzle is not equivalent.

This thing has crept up on me.  By way of justification, I can only say that the amount of brainwork necessary works very well for me.  I like the smooth feeling of rotating the cube too. Now I always pack one to travel. This saves me from the temptation to buy new ones, while I take my therapeutic fix in long airport layovers.

Read more from Ania here .

#24 Currency

One of our favorite things to collect from our travels is currency. It’s a great way to represent all the different cultures we have visited without the added bulk of actual stuff. 

My daughter, now 7, has always been fascinated by the different currencies all over the world so we decided to always keep some for her to have to look back on.  She’s been to 20 countries so far, so we have quite the collection from all over the world!  Collecting currency is a great way to learn about geography and economics of that country and it takes up very little space in your luggage.

The notes vary so much from country to country, it’s great to see the different colors and coin sizes from all over the world.  We always have some money left over at the end of the trip and with exchange rates being not so great, especially for small amounts, it makes sense to just save it.  Once home, currency is easy to store and takes up very little space. We keep ours in a tiny suitcase. 

Read more from Maggie here .

#25 Memories

My last travel souvenir collection idea is to collect memories!

Yes, I know, it might sound cheesy, but memories are the most precious thing that we collect on our travels!

I know that the kids won’t remember the travel adventures that take place early in their lives, so I love to document our travels through this blog, by making travel videos on our Go Pro and by taking lots of photos on our camera or, if I don’t have the camera to hand, on my iPhone . You can see some of our videos on my YouTube channel.

Travel is the perfect opportunity to make memories that will last a lifetime. Embrace it and enjoy it!

To follow our travels you can connect with us on Facebook !

Travel souvenir collection ideas- A few more to consider

In this post I have brought to you 25 travel souvenir collection ideas from a range of travel bloggers and influencers. Whilst these are all amazing ideas, there are also lots of other things that you can consider collecting.

Here is a list of some more travel souvenir collection ideas.

• Diary notes
• Drink coasters
• Drink umbrellas
• Drink labels (wine, beer etc)
• Snow globes
• Beach towels
• Wall hangings
• Kitchen utensils
• Candle sticks
• Tickets/receipts
• Hotel ‘do not disturb’ signs
• Football shirts
• Bracelet charms

Do you have any other travel souvenir collection ideas? I would LOVE to hear them!

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The Best Gear for Travel

By Wirecutter Staff

Traveling well can be one of life’s great pleasures, whether you’re alone or with family and friends.

But what does it mean to travel well? We’d say that along with traveling safely (of course), traveling well involves avoiding hassle, carrying a single bag (if possible), and bringing only the necessities.

“Traveling well is a fine balance between finding inspiration in the unknown while being grounded in something,” said Wirecutter founder Brian Lam. “Sometimes that is a memory of home, a family, a significant other, friends, etc. Sometimes it’s just the familiar, reliable stuff in your bag.”

Over the past 10 years, we’ve spent hundreds of hours researching and testing dozens of products to find the most dependable items that will help you travel well. On top of that, we sought the advice and wisdom of Doug Dyment, author and creator of OneBag—a traveling businessman and public speaker, he has logged millions of miles over the past few decades—as well as travel-gear reviewer Eytan Levy, the Snarky Nomad.

And we relied heavily on the experiences of Wirecutter staff, an especially mobile group of individuals. Our staffers have worked remotely from every continent except Antarctica—the five most frequent flyers among us travel about half a million miles in any given (normal) year.

The research

Flying/riding, just in case, travel tips.

A well-packed bag is one that contains less than you think you need but everything you actually need. If possible, fitting everything into one carry-on and personal item will give you more freedom compared to checking a bag or two. You’ll be glad you did if (and when) things don’t go according to plan. While carry-on-only isn’t feasible (or advisable) for every trip—especially extended business trips or weddings where you need multiple outfits to maintain appearances—if in doubt, it’s better to cut.

Carry-on backpack (non-roller)

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

The Allpa’s clamshell design makes organizing your things simple. The strap design lets you easily wear this durable bag on your back or carry it in your hand while you’re on the move.

Buying Options

You save $50 (25%)

(limited colors)

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

An easily customizable large bag for long trips and expensive gear.

This bag was built with photographers in mind, but most travelers will appreciate its easy accessibility and clever tuck-away straps, and the elegant way the bag expands and contracts depending on how much you’ve packed. The accessory cubes cost extra, though.

We spent six months testing 22 bags, and in the end we chose two as our top picks for travelers determined to never check luggage again: the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L (for most trips) and the larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L . Both bags are exemplary carry-on travel backpacks that are designed for comfort, durability, and organization.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L features an easy-to-pack clamshell design and highly adjustable straps that make it a great all-around bag for any traveler who’s dedicated to packing light, or for a smaller person who wants less to carry. Handles on all four sides of this bag make it easy to grab no matter where you’ve stowed it, and the Allpa’s straps are contoured to comfortably fit people who have large or small chests. It’s not a specifically gendered design, but our female tester noticed the improvement right away.

The bag is protected by a full lifetime warranty and has the build quality to back that up. Its front panel is made of a waterproof, TPU-coated 1,000-denier polyester (a strong fabric covered in a flexible plastic coating), which means you can lay it on its back in a wet field or in gravel without worrying about moisture soaking through or jagged edges ripping the fabric. The rest of the paneling is made with 1,680-denier ballistic nylon, which feels similar to a strong canvas but with a more prominent weave. After four years of testing, this single backpack (plus a personal item to store under the seat) has replaced nearly every travel bag or piece of luggage that Kit Dillon, Wirecutter’s senior staff writer who covers luggage, uses.

One caveat: The Allpa has a minimal amount of administrative organization—places to keep pens and papers, spaces to hold tickets, and so forth—which is where the personal item comes in handy. As the name suggests, “personal items” are very, well, personal, and no one bag will work for all travelers; we offer a range of recommendations in our full guide to them .

The larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is the Swiss Army knife of backpacks: adjustable, customizable, and (if you spring for the extra cubes and organizers) an almost perfect system for a photographer or gearhead on the move. Most bags’ expanding mechanisms aren’t worth the extra zipper they’re built on, and they look about as attractive as a boiled ham splitting out of its plastic packaging. Not so with the Peak Design: It looks just as good fully packed at 45 liters as it does compressed to a 30-liter daypack. You can access the bag through a back panel, which doubles as a computer and tablet pouch, as well as through a front one, if you unzip the pass-through divider. You can also get into the main compartment via two wing-like trapezoidal flaps that run along each side of the pack. In its natural shape, the Travel Backpack holds 35 liters, but an expansion zipper lets the bag swell to 45 liters.

If you want to use the bag as a daypack, you fold in the top corners and snap them down, reducing the bag’s volume to a slim 30 liters. It still feels larger than a normal daypack, but we think that’s a small compromise for the ability to use one backpack as both your travel bag and your daily explorer. The bag itself consists of 400D nylon and polyester fabrics—it feels tough, but not as tough as the Cotopaxi Allpa. As for flaws, it is expensive, especially if you commit to the entire system of packing cubes and camera cubes . The adjustable design and multiple zippers do add complexity, and complexity adds potential weaknesses, though Peak Design covers all of its bags with a lifetime warranty.

Finding the right bag is a personal choice, and no single bag will appeal to everyone. That’s why we have picks in our full review of carry-on travel bags that can double as traveling offices , bags that are easy to carry while you’re walking long distances , and budget options for travelers who want to give the one-bag strategy a try.

Carry-on bag (rolling)

Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner

Great features, great value.

This spinner carry-on offers the best balance of size, value, reliability, and durability, with high-end details. It’s backed by a lifetime warranty.

Since 2015, we’ve researched several dozen suitcases and gone hands-on with the 67 most promising candidates in a variety of tests—including having active flight attendants test bags for us in a fake plane fuselage in their training facility. We determined that for most people the  Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Expandable Spinner  offers the best balance of features, durability, and price for most flyers who log less than 25,000 miles annually.

It features smooth-rolling, user-replaceable wheels; solid and comfortable, telescoping handles; and a hard-wearing nylon exterior propped up by a solid internal chassis. The Elite only improves on past iterations in the Platinum line by reducing the size of the stowed handle (which used to jut out about an inch) and adding a second zippered, exterior pocket for easy access on the go and a USB pass-through extension that lets you insert your own battery pack for charging your phone. And at 7.8 pounds when empty, this carry-on bag is about half a pound lighter than its predecessor. Compared with other bags in this price range, you also get surprisingly high-end components and a warranty that covers anything, even airline damage, for the life of the bag (as long as you register the suitcase within 120 days of purchase, which is easy to do on any smartphone).

Upgrade pick

Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner

For frequent flyers.

If you fly more than 25,000 miles a year, invest in a bag with unique features, superior details, and plenty of expandable room. This manufacturer guarantees your satisfaction.

If you fly more than 25,000 miles annually and you’re willing to invest in a higher-quality product, we recommend the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22-Inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner. It can fit more clothing than any bag we tested, thanks to a cavernous interior and clever expansion and compression system that can adjust to variable levels beyond open and shut. Over a five-year period before the pandemic, Wirecutter’s founder, Brian Lam, put more than 150,000 miles on his. His only complaint was that longer pants will need an extra fold, or to be rolled. In taller bags, pants will only need to be folded over once.

Checked luggage

If you need to pack more stuff than a carry-on and a personal item can hold, our first piece of advice would be to reconsider whether you need that extra outfit “just in case.” But you’ll have times when you need to travel with several pairs of shoes, formalwear, a winter coat, special equipment (like diving or camping gear), or all of the above. In these cases, there’s no way to avoid checking a bag.

Osprey Farpoint 55 Men’s Travel Pack

The best travel backpack for those with taller torsos.

Comfortable, adjustable, and carry-on capable, the Farpoint has everything we needed for a week, or even months, of travel.

Osprey Fairview 55 Women’s Travel Pack

The best travel backpack for those with shorter torsos.

Comfortable, adjustable, and carry-on capable, the Fairview has everything we needed for a week, or even months, of travel.

If you’re going somewhere where you’ll need to walk a lot (particularly if there’s dirt or cobblestone roads), we recommend a travel backpack. We like the Farpoint 55 and the sized-for-smaller-torsos Fairview 55 because they’re comfortable and have plenty of room to store, and separate, our essentials. The front of the main pack unzips like a suitcase, so you can easily fit and access a week’s worth of clothes and toiletries. The daypack, which attaches to the front of the larger pack, has room for camera gear, daily essentials, and a small laptop (via a built-in sleeve). It’s also easy to stow. The main pack’s straps can tuck behind a zippered flap, so they won’t catch on anything if you check your luggage.

These bags are made of a heavy-duty recycled polyester that stands up even to long trips–one of our testers has traveled with a Farpoint 55 for years, across dozens of countries for months at a time, without damaging it. If something does happen, though, Osprey has a lifetime warranty.

Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner

The best checked bag for most travelers.

The bag provides a luxury feel at a reasonable price, with a capacity, warranty, and reliability that should suit most travelers. The 25-inch model should offer plenty of room for most people without going over airline weight limits.

If you don’t plan on walking around while carrying all your stuff, the  25-inch Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Spinner Suiter is our favorite piece of checked luggage for all of the same reasons we loved the carry-on size: It has excellent organizational features, it’s especially durable, and it has a better warranty than anything in its price range.

Luggage tags

Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag

Strong and easy to see.

Rugged silicone and a metal cable mean this tag (which comes two to a pack) may well outlive your luggage. The brightly colored case displays its owner’s name but keeps other personal information out of sight.

A good luggage tag should be durable, simple to use, and discreet. Ultimately, a tag should allow someone to get your luggage back to you quickly and easily, and it should withstand the wear and tear of being thrown onto conveyor belts time and again. After researching the top-rated and best-selling models, reading existing luggage-tag reviews, and comparing fourteen tags , we recommend the Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag for most travelers because it’s the only one we’d trust to survive being smashed by other bags, jammed into walls, and generally abused by baggage handlers. It’s the most durable tag we tested, and it comes in a wide selection of colors to help any bag stand out from the rest.

The Ovener tag’s silicone body seems nearly indestructible and is available in a rotating selection of colors (you get two tags per pack). Whereas other tags also feature metal cables, this tag has a metal grommet to keep the cable from eventually wearing through the silicone case.

Should you lose your bag, the Ovener makes it easy for a Good Samaritan to find your contact information. To fully access the info card, you have to unscrew and remove the metal strap; this lets the card slide out of the case. Most luggage tags we tested secure their info card in this way. It isn’t a difficult or time-consuming process, but it is an extra step compared with using a tag that displays all of your information openly. Still, for anyone who wants to keep their contact information out of view, the extra step is worth it.

Another approach to increasing privacy is to hide information in a QR code, as the Dynotag Smart Deluxe Steel Luggage Tag  does, or to provide a user ID number, as the Okoban UID Luggage Tags do. But these seem like overly complex solutions to a problem that doesn’t really exist.

Compression sacks

Originally designed for reducing the bulk of lofty sleeping bags, compression sacks are stuff sacks modified with additional nylon end caps that can be pulled together by strings or straps to remove air and create a smaller, denser package that’s easier to pack. Most travelers use compression sacks to condense socks, underwear, and other stuff you don’t mind getting wrinkled into a package with half as much overall volume. For example, an 8- to 12-liter sack can compress a fleece jacket and a long-weekend’s worth of socks and underwear into something that fits in one hand. They also make a decent pillow in a pinch.

Osprey StraightJacket (8L)

Easier access, less compression.

It has a full-length zipper on its side that allows access to the bag’s entire contents. However, it doesn’t compress as tightly as traditional designs.

Most compression sacks require you to empty out the stuff at the top to get to the stuff below it, but the side-zipper design on the Osprey StraightJacket allows access to the entire contents of the bag at once. The compression straps attach sideways, and are less likely to get tangled and twisted like on most compression sacks with lengthwise straps. It can also sit up on its own, and the handle design lets you break it out as a last minute carry-on to avoid an overweight-baggage fee. However, it doesn’t compress down as compactly as the traditional designs we tested so it’s not the best option if compression is your top priority.

GobiGear’s SegSac takes a different approach to solving the same access issue: It has four inner dividers that run the length of the sack in order to keep your socks separate from your underwear, winter accessories, towel, what have you. This means you don’t have to take out your T-shirts to get to your socks. Unlike the Osprey, it compresses just as much as a normal compression sack, but it loses points for versatility because the segmentation prevents it from handling large items like a down jacket or sleeping bag.

Packing cubes

Packing cubes could change your life. (Okay, maybe just your traveling life.) Packing cubes are basically bags to hold your clothes that you organize within your luggage. Though seemingly superfluous, they’re brilliant in action. If you imagine your suitcase as a dresser, you can think of these cubes as individual drawers: Put all your underwear and socks in one container, all your shirts in another, and your workout clothes in yet another. Then pull out only the cube you want. They make packing and repacking wonderfully simple.

Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set

Well built with easy access.

Simple and solidly constructed, these packing cubes keep your bag organized while you’re traveling.

The three-piece Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set keeps a week’s worth of clothes organized and moves easily from suitcase to hotel dresser. We’ve been recommending the previous version of these cubes for years, and after testing this updated set, we now recommend this version.

The full-size cube is great for shirts, shorts, and insulating layers. The half-cube and quarter-cube are perfect for underwear, socks, and other thin fabrics such as stockings or sleepwear. These cubes are made of 300-denier polyester (a strong fabric) and stay upright when empty, so they’re easy to pack. The Pack-It cubes’ windows are made of the tightest mesh link we tested—better for resisting snags—and the smooth zippers close easily around all corners, even when a cube is overstuffed.

The Eagle Creek cubes have the ability to unzip fully to allow full access to their contents while sitting in a dresser drawer. That means your clean clothes stay protected against some potentially dicey motel dressers. In 2022, Eagle Creek updated the design of these cubes, and now the company no longer uses YKK zippers, which are widely accepted as the best around . That said, we couldn’t tell any difference between Eagle Creek’s zippers and other brands’ YKK zippers, even with a magnifying glass, and their performance was indistinguishable. (For what it’s worth, an Eagle Creek product manager assured us that the proportion of zipper-related warranty claims hasn’t changed since the company made the switch from YKK.)

Most travelers are likely to be well served by the Reveal set. But if you value lightness above all, the more expensive Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set is about 50% lighter than similar-size competitors (just over 1 ounce for a medium cube, whereas the Eagle Creek classic style weighs about 4 ounces). Unlike the Reveal set, this set is water resistant. However, the Isolate design’s thin sides—which don’t allow the cubes to stand up on their own—make those cubes a bit more challenging to pack than the Reveal cubes.

Buying the right gear can help organize your existing travel kit, but it’s a red herring if your goal is better portability. “It’s mostly the clothing that allows you to reduce what you need to carry,” explains veteran traveller Eytan Levy, better known as the Snarky Nomad . That’s because clothing, which is very voluminous, makes up the bulk of what’s in your bag. He recommends traveling with basic-looking clothes because you can always buy or rent something nice in a pinch, whereas lugging around formalwear just in case will always be a pain. It also helps if you can avoid cotton and stick to merino and synthetic fabrics, which dry faster. This allows you to do laundry by hand in the sink as needed to reduce the amount of clothes you need to carry.

Travel underwear

Good travel underwear keeps you feeling fresh and clean, even when your destination is gritty.  To find the best , we researched an array of underwear designed for men and women to find 37 pairs meeting our criteria: moisture-wicking and breathable, quick-drying, odor-resistant, stretchy, stylish, and cut to fit a variety of body types.

We then conducted rigorous pretesting (wearing the underwear for two days at a time, machine-washing them repeatedly, and tracking their drying speed when hung on a clothesline) before taking them out into the real world. Our testers went backpacking 215 miles throughout Portland, Oregon; hiking in the Canadian Rockies, including walking from the lowest point in the Continental US to the highest; and road-tripping to the national parks of the West. Testers who flew to their destinations wore the underwear on the plane, too.

Afterward, we checked for signs of wear, such as seam breakage and pilling on the fabric. As we continued to test the finalists, we repeatedly checked for durability problems. In addition to comfort and fit, we noted whether each pair seemed lightweight and packable.

ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief

Best for most men.

Durable, quick-drying, and relatively inexpensive, this soft-fabric version of ExOfficio’s time-tested Give-N-Go undies will get the job done for years.

The ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief is the best men’s underwear for travel because it balances fit, comfort, odor-proofing, and value better than anything else we’ve tested. The Sport Mesh fabric excels at breathing and wicking and has better odor-resistance than other fabrics. It feels soft on the inside and smooth on the outside so it slides against your pants instead of creating friction, reducing potential for chafing. It also features a sculpted crotch area that gives wearers some much-appreciated support, without feeling stifling. These boxer briefs dry quickly, pack compactly, and weigh less than almost all the other boxer briefs we tried—basically they’re everything you’d want from a pair of excellent travel underwear.

Patagonia Women's Active Hipster

Best for most women.

These light, stylish, quick-drying hipsters stay in place whether you’re walking, flying, or hanging upside down.

The Patagonia Active Hipster doesn’t appear special upon first glance. Only after trying everything else and living through their failures to stay put did we remember what “special” really means in a pair of underwear: Feeling as if you’re wearing nothing at all. The Patagonias have the best fit, comfort, and style out of all the panties we tested. The nylon material is fast-wicking and better than most synthetics for odor-proofing, making it well suited for athletic activities. The Active Hipster is lightweight and packable, and is the fastest-drying underwear we tested—making them perfect for minimalist travelers who go weeks at a time with just one or two pairs. But these same characteristics make them great for any traveler looking for comfortable, packable panties, regardless of where you’re going or what you’re doing.

Budget pick

Uniqlo Men Airism Boxer Brief

Comfortable, compact, and fast-drying, these are a great value but don’t fit quite as nicely and aren’t as supportive in the crotch.

Uniqlo Women Airism Ultra Seamless HipHugger

Similar fabric to the Men’s Airism, with a no-ride cut for women, these underwear are the least expensive of any we tested and among the best performing.

May be out of stock

If you want to spend as little as possible without sacrificing performance, the Uniqlo Airism line has long been a great choice for men and women who can wear sizes small and medium. In recent years, both lines have expanded their size range somewhat (men to 3XL, and women to XL). If these fit, you can replace an entire underwear drawer on a tight budget, as long as you can deal with the slightly odd cut and less-effective odor-control treatment.

If you’ve never traveled with merino wool socks, you’re missing out. These aren’t the scratchy wool socks your grandpa wore in the army; they are soft and stretchy ones that have natural sweat-wicking and odor-resisting properties that keep your toes comfortable under all conditions—even when wet. This combination of odor, moisture, and temperature regulations makes them ideal for traveling. "Because of its natural anti-bacterial properties, washing merino wool on a daily basis isn’t absolutely necessary,” explains Snarky Nomad , "after letting it air dry overnight while you sleep, it’ll seem brand new.” The only major downside is that merino tends to be a bit pricier than synthetic counterparts. But it’s a worthy trade-off, since you can go for longer with fewer pairs.

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock (Women’s)

The best quality for women.

The best mix of comfort, durability, and cushioning in a versatile height.

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock (Men’s)

For the best quality.

The same great versatile sock as the women’s model, but in different color options and more sizes.

Darn Tough’s Light Hiker Micro Crew socks (both the men’s and women’s versions) have been our favorite hiking socks for years. Darn Tough made its name through its quality guarantee : “Our socks are guaranteed to be the most comfortable, durable, and best fitting socks you can buy. In a nutshell, if you wear a hole in them, we will replace them free of charge, for life.” Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers (hardcore backpackers who walk from Mexico to Canada in one continuous trip) praise them for their durability, comfort, and blister resistance. When you hold a pair of Darn Toughs next to a pair of Smartwools (which only have a two-year guarantee ), the difference is clear. The Darn Toughs are more tightly knit, the yarns are finer and feel sturdier, and the stitching is tighter.

Darn Tough Women's Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock

The best non-wool women’s hiking sock.

This midlevel cushioned sock for women is the best synthetic option for most climates and terrains.

Darn Tough Men's Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock

The best non-wool men’s hiking sock.

This synthetic men’s sock is perfect for day hiking in most weather.

If you are sensitive to wool, prefer a vegan product, or want a cooler option for the summer, we also like the Darn Tough Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock, which comes in women's and men’s sizes.

We appreciated how breathable this sock felt. While wearing the Coolmax Micro Crew in hot summer weather, our testers’ feet stayed dry and sweat-free. The shorter micro-crew height makes the Coolmax Micro Crew suitable for both boots and shoes, too. And like all Darn Tough socks, this model comes with a lifetime warranty.

Indosole Flip Flops (women’s)

A quality flip flop in women’s sizes.

These stylish beach sandals come in a wide range of colors. Be careful, though: Indosole sizes tend to run a little small.

Indosole Flip Flops (men’s)

A quality flip flop in men’s sizes.

These beach sandals are the same as the women’s version but cut a bit wider; we still think they run a little smaller than regular shoe sizes.

A good pair of travel flip-flops should be lightweight, comfortable, and waterproof. The men’s and women’s Indosole Flip Flops offer the best combination of quality, comfort, and easy packability. Unlike many flip flops, which slap against the ground with every step, the subtle arch support of this flip flop kept it secure against our feet. Plus they’re made from waterproof, recycled materials. Keep in mind, though, that our testers found these shoes to run a bit small, so we suggest sizing up for the best fit.

Clothesline

While doing laundry at home can be a large weekly event, OneBag author Doug Dyment recommends approaching travel laundry as a part of your daily routine, especially if you’re trying to pack as little as possible: “The laundry should be more like cleaning your teeth—something you do everyday. It only takes about five minutes to do it. Every night, do your socks and underwear and you’ll have clean socks and underwear everyday.”

A secure, hassle-free option

The Flexo-Line attaches easily to a door handle or faucet and grips garments securely between its loops.

Check out OneBag’s laundry packing list if you want specific tips on how to do it and what you’ll need, but it’s a pretty simple setup: All you need is a toiletry bottle of powdered detergent, a towel to help expedite drying, and a travel clothesline to finish the drying process while you sleep at night.

Specifically, you want a braided—not twisted—surgical latex clothesline with looped ends, which means you want a Flexo-Line . The Flexo-Line can stretch up to 7 feet long, which is enough to span most hotel bathtubs, and it has loops that you can attach easily to a door handle, bath spigot, or faucet. The braided construction is superior to twisted designs made from other materials because the latex does a better job of gripping garments securely between the loops, which means you don’t need any additional clothespins.

Dyment has tried them all, but the Flexo-Line is the one he comes back to. As he explained to me in an interview, “There are others that are fine, but there are far more that are not fine.” More specifically, Dyment says to avoid anything that’s not made of latex , because clothes will inevitably slip out of them. He also says to never, ever trust a suction cup: “They don’t work, period.” If the Flexo-Line is unavailable, Dyment says that the Rick Steves collection from Kiva Designs also makes a nice braided line that is a bit more expensive. If you have a latex allergy, Dyment recommends going with a length of cord ( paracord is nice because it’s durable and you can use it for other things as well) and stainless steel safety pins meant for cloth diapers , because they take up far less space than a clothespin and won’t rust. In fact, it’s worthwhile to get these items even if you can use a latex line because they’re great for making luggage repairs and performing other MacGyver-ish tasks in a pinch. To hang up the clothesline, we recommend using a bowline knot on one end and a taut line hitch on the other. These knots work well together because the bowline creates a simple, slip-proof loop to anchor one end while the taut line hitch allows you to adjust for tension and locks tightly in place. If you could commit any two knots to memory forever, these are the ones to learn.

Laundry detergent

Minisoak Travel Packs

A travel size version of the best delicates detergent.

Perfect for traveling because you don’t even need to rinse it out.

When you’re washing your underwear in a hotel sink, you want a fast and easy experience. For this, we recommend the no-rinse detergent Soak . That’s right, we said no rinse . You just add a drop to the sink, fill with water, and leave your garments to soak. Then press out the water and hang. Done.

In our tests of delicates detergents , Soak cleaned almost as well as our top laundry detergent, Tide; plus, it comes in individual packets of powder  that are great for traveling, as well as in  travel-size bottles of the liquid version . In addition to unscented, it's available in a variety of scents, although Lacey and Celebration are not the most descriptive of scent names. They all smell nice, not overpowering. Soak also comes in an assorted travel pack with two single-use packets of each scent, if you want to test-drive one or two before you buy. In that mini size, you get eight packets for $11 currently, but you really need only a squeeze, not the the whole packet, to wash a couple of pairs of socks and underwear.

One downside to Soak is that you won’t find it in a grocery store or big-box store. But it is available online at Soak’s site . And if you really want to walk into a store and put your mitts on a bottle, you can find it at most local yarn stores.

Don’t feel like buying Soak or bringing along a bit of your own detergent? Shampoo also works pretty well for cleaning garments in a pinch, so make use of that free bottle from the hotel. But a caveat: Neither Soak nor shampoo contains enzymes , which are biological molecules in laundry detergent that break down certain stains. If you have especially stinky or stained clothes, you might need to break out the Tide .

When we first published this guide, this section addressed only toiletry kits and bottles, razors, and packable towels. The times, and traveling, became more complicated. One thing we've learned in the past few years is that face masks can be useful whenever you’re sick and don’t want to share your misery. Fortunately, compared with early 2020, medical-style N95s and KN95s (which many experts recommend as the best protection) are widely available. They’re easy to tuck into a bag, which we do now whenever we travel. 

Toiletry kit

We’ve researched dozens of travel toiletry bags and dopp kits over the past several years, and we tested 23 of the top-rated contenders in our most recent round of tests. After packing and unpacking a week’s worth of travel-size toiletries, conducting spill tests, and living out of the top performers on the road, we have a few different picks that stand out thanks to their style, packability, and quality of construction.

Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag (small)

A space-saving hanging bag.

This lightweight, well-organized bag fits a week’s worth of travel-size toiletries into a compact package. It’s meant to be hung, which makes it good for tight spaces, but it doesn’t have much in the way of internal structure.

The Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag (small) is compact and durable. It’s small enough to stash in a backpack or laptop bag, but it holds enough travel-size toiletries to keep us supplied for a week. You can open it and hang it from a shower curtain or towel rod to easily see and grab your items. It comes with a shatterproof mirror, two micro-mesh zip pockets and an open pocket for toothbrushes, lip balm, and tweezers, and a large compartment for bulky lotions and hair-care items.

L.L.Bean Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag

For more stuff and longer trips.

With a 6.4-liter capacity and over a dozen compartments, this toiletry bag has a place for everything—and everything will stay put during transit, too. It can also accommodate non-travel-size bottles.

The L.L.Bean Personal Organizer (medium) is a great option for longer trips and people who travel with full-size bottles. Its 6.4 liters of storage spread across a dozen compartments means there’s a dedicated place for pretty much everything you could want to bring on a trip—it even has a removable mesh shower caddy for shampoo and body wash. This level of organization is crucial for larger toiletry bags because, as we discovered after years of traveling with our picks, contents that aren’t securely fastened can shift around in transit, which increases the chance of spilling. The downside of all this organization is that the L.L.Bean weighs 14 ounces when empty, so it’s not ideal for carry-on travel.

If neither of these bags seems right for you, read our full review of the best toiletry bags and dopp kits to learn more about our picks and everything we tested.

Toiletry bottles

Sea to Summit TPU Clear Zip Pouch with Bottles

These six TSA-friendly bottles are sturdy and smartly designed, dispensing liquids more precisely than any of the other bottles we tested.

For traveling with liquids in your carry-on, the Sea to Summit set is your best bet. All six bottles conform to TSA size limitations; three of them can hold 3 ounces of liquid each, and three can hold 1.5 ounces each, for a total of 13.5 ounces. Despite the set’s name, the bottles themselves are made not of thermoplastic polyurethane—“TPU" refers to the zip pouch—but a high-density polyethylene material, much like what you’d see used in most plastic milk jugs. It has an almost-smooth, semi-transparent surface just textured enough that it’s not slippery when wet. The plastic is also flexible enough that you don’t have to squeeze very hard to get your shampoo or liquid soap or whatever going. An insert at the mouth of each bottle helps regulate the flow, and the screw tops prevent liquids from leaking in transit.

Razor (faces)

Gillette Mach3

The best manual razor for most faces.

This classic razor’s three widely spaced blades provide the best balance of speed, smoothness, and safety. Its handle is comfortable and well designed, and replacement blades can be had for a fair price.

We researched more than 100 and tested 11 manual razors for our full razor guide , concluding that the Gillette Mach3 is our top pick for manual razors. Although the three blades require a little extra time for a closer shave, it performs comparably to the latest and greatest offerings for as little as half the price.

The Gillette Mach3 provides the best balance of speed, smoothness, and safety. The Mach3’s simple, round handle is easy to grip and maneuver, and its three blades offer a close shave without over-irritating the skin or getting clogged with hair. And the price of Mach3 blades—$2 per cartridge or less, whether you buy them online or in a store—came close to, or even beat, the pricing of shave-club rivals, and the Mach3 shaved better than those competitors.

Razor (legs/body)

Gillette Venus Smooth

The best body razor.

This classic Venus is one of the easiest razors to grip and maneuver and its three-blade design keeps the blades remarkably free of hair.

Disposable razors (both the completely disposable and replaceable-cartridge variety) are fine to take through airport security , and among them we like the Gillette Venus Original best for traveling. Although it’s now the runner-up pick in our guide to body razors —it was formerly the top pick—we believe that its simple aloe lubricating strips, which don’t become tacky when wet, make the Venus more travel friendly than our new top pick . Plus, as with any Venus, the Original’s body is compatible with any other Venus head and many heads from Gillette’s facial razors, making replacement heads easier to find when you’re on the road.

The Original’s head has three blades separated by considerable slats of space, making it far easier to clean the head between strokes. The Original is intuitive to hold and secure to maneuver, thanks to a contoured handle with corrugated chevrons of rubber. Though our testers have a wide range of hand sizes, no one found the Original difficult to grasp. Despite the significant ribbing, it doesn’t feel too bulky. Gillette claims its razors have lasted for five weeks; we think one razor for a weeklong trip should be fine.

(Know that, confusingly, the Venus appears for sale on some retail sites under the name Venus Close and Clean or Venus Smooth. It’s the same razor. If you’re unsure which Venus model you’re looking at, check for the Original’s three blades and trademark sea-foam blue color.)

Towel (packable)

PackTowl Personal

The best all-around packable towel.

The PackTowl Personal Towel is lightweight, soft, absorbent, quick to dry, and odor-resistant.

With store pickup or REI membership (limited patterns)

We put 20 top-rated towels through a battery of tests including regular shower use, a trip to the beach, camping, and a 48-hour stay in a ziplock bag under the hot Hawaiian sun. After all was said and done, the Packtowl Personal Towel is still the best all-around travel towel for most people. In addition to being the softest lightweight towel we tested, it was more absorbent than competitors made of similar materials. It had the best odor-resisting abilities and comes with a convenient mesh carrying pouch. We also have alternate picks for ultralight and all-natural towels below.

The Personal Towel’s suede-like material was the softest of the thinner towels. The Personal Towel also had superior absorption when compared with other similarly constructed towels such as the Sea to Summit DryLite —in our tests, it absorbed 2.8 times its weight in water, while the others absorbed between 2.3 times and 2.7 times.

One of just two we tested that featured an added antimicrobial treatment, the Personal Towel was only a little musty smelling after 24 hours in a sealed ziplock bag, and remained unchanged at 48 hours.

If you’re looking for a budget option, consider the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel , which is a tad smaller than our other picks and is made from a seemingly lighter-feeling fabric. Unlike most budget options, it has an antibacterial coating and still managed to carry a pleasant smell after being testing in different environments.

Regardless of how you get to your final destination, it’s likely you’ll be stuck in a seat that’s less than ideal. Travel gadgets that claim to reduce this misery, such as compression socks, are popular. But when they take up precious luggage space for the duration of your trip—not just the flight or train ride–they need to be worth every cubic inch of space. The less you can make do with, the better off you’ll be.

Neck pillow

Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow

More support for most necks.

Its tall memory-foam walls let it offer more support than any other pillow we tested. It’s also shaped to sit flush against a headrest, and it compresses to a manageable size.

The uniquely angled back on the Travelrest Ultimate sets it apart from other travel pillows we tested because it can lay flat against the seat back. Most other pillows have a rounded back, which pushes your head away from the headrest. The Travelrest also has rubber grip dots to prevent slipping while sleeping. This pillow’s spongy memory foam cushions the entire circumference of your neck, preventing your head from leaning far in any direction, and its adjustable Velcro strap ensures it can fit most necks. The pillow’s cozy velour exterior is removable and machine-washable. Although it doesn’t pack flat, the Travelrest weighs less than a pound and compresses to a quarter of its size when rolled into its Velcro-strapped carrying case. Our only complaint is that the Travelrest’s high walls, though supportive, can push over-ear headphones off of the ears of people with shorter necks.

Noise-cancelling headphones

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

The best over-ear noise-cancelling headphones.

The Bose 700 headphones deliver excellent noise cancellation in a comfortable, lightweight design that’s traveler friendly—but they carry a high price.

The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 over-ear set has the most versatile active noise cancellation we’ve ever tested. With 10 levels of noise reduction to choose from, everyone should be able to find a setting that meets their needs. We also enjoyed the lightweight and comfortable design and the easy-to-use controls. What distinguishes the Bose 700’s ANC is the amount of adjustability it gives you: Most noise-cancelling headphones offer controls for only on/off or maybe high/low/off, but with the Bose 700 pair you can set the ANC level from 0 to 10, so you have more flexibility to dial in the ideal setting for your comfort. The 20-hour battery life, while not the best we’ve seen, is more than sufficient to get you to most destinations. We have additional options—including earbuds and surprisingly good budget options for  over-ear headphones and earbuds —in our full guide to noise-cancelling headphones .

Mack’s Slim Fit Soft Foam Earplugs

For blocking out the most noise.

These blocked the most noise in our controlled testing and got the most votes from our subjective sleep panel.

When you’re traveling, it can be difficult to fall asleep to unfamiliar noises. That’s why we spent several hours researching new contenders and tested four top-rated models while sleeping in a house that was next to an airport in order to determine that Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam earplugs are the best earplugs  for sleeping.

The Mack’s 37.1 dB noise reduction rating was the highest among the models we tested. According to Cooper Safety , that’s enough to reduce the volume of a gas lawnmower to that of a normal conversation. What made the Mack’s earplugs so effective is the fact that we could insert them and rest assured that they would stay in the whole night. Meanwhile, the Howard Leight MAX1 might be a favorite from crowdsourced sleep-aid review site Sleep Like the Dead , but the earplugs would inevitably fall out in the middle of the night. Thus, they failed to block out the noise of planes landing and taking off throughout the night, despite the MAX1’s 33 dB noise reduction rating. The Howard Leights also made our ears ache on occasion, whereas the Mack’s has a tapered shape that was consistently comfortable night after night.

The Mack’s Slim Fit Soft Foam Earplugs cost about 20¢-35¢ per pair when purchased in a 50-pair pack. They come in a plastic case is about the size of a large coffee mug, which is small enough to toss in a large bag or suitcase. Many other ear plugs like our runner-up, the 3M’s E-A-Rsoft OCS1135 , can only be ordered in industrial-size lots that, while perhaps appealing to those who travel constantly (or run a hostel), are annoying to store and often lack a reusable container of any sort.

Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask

For air travelers and back-sleepers.

The lightweight and contoured Nidra mask is a light-blocking win for most face shapes, with deep eye cups that allow the wearer to blink freely and arrive feeling refreshed.

When bright lights hamper peaceful shut-eye, we recommend the light-blocking, contoured Nidra Deep Rest sleep mask. Of the 14 masks we tested , the Nidra blocked the most light on the most faces. It’s contoured to rest on your face like a pair of soft goggles, with fabric lenses that sit around your eyes (instead of directly over them). This design provides more space for your eyes to flutter during REM sleep, ensuring that you come through red-eye flights with less redness in your eyes. Makeup wearers will also appreciate that, with the Nidra’s elevated eye cups, there’s a smaller chance of smudging.

Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask

A flat, silk mask.

A silken exterior material, a flat design, and an adjustable strap make this mask a fit for almost any face, but it puts pressure on the eyes.

Mzoo Sleep Mask

A smooth, contoured eye mask.

Soft, structured, and contoured, this mask stays on all night and prevents any light from seeping through

If the Nidra Deep Rest doesn’t fit your face quite right, we also recommend the Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask and the Mzoo Sleep Mask . The Alaska Bear mask lacks contoured eyecups and thus applies some pressure to the eyes overnight like any regular eye mask does. But its flat design easily conforms to fit your face, and its silk exterior feels smooth and soft against skin (the padding is made of cotton). Its relative lack of structure makes it more difficult to knock off when you’re tossing and turning.

The Mzoo mask’s eyecups have a convex gap so your eyes can open and close. That gap is surrounded by a memory foam padding that rests on the perimeter of your eye sockets. The effect is such that you don’t feel like your eyes are being forced closed, but there is a bit of compression near your temples, eyebrows, and cheekbones. Most—though not all—of our testers found this sensation soothing. One liked how the contour of the eyecup kept the mask from brushing against their eyelashes, which makes it a good choice for people who wear eyelash extensions.

Few things are better than landing at an airport, turning on your phone, and having it just work. No hassles, no stress, no worries about brutal roaming fees. You can check in with loved ones, scope out the route to your lodgings, and maybe post an Instagram story or two—because your phone works just like it does at home. This is especially freeing, and it makes travel so much easier. (Of course, phones aren’t the only useful tech to bring: Check out our accessories reviews for guides to the best cables ( USB-C , Lightning , and Micro-USB ), Wi-Fi hotspots , Bluetooth speakers , and more.)

Unlocked mobile phone

One of the most useful gadgets for international travel is an unlocked smartphone that’s compatible with cheap, prepaid phone plans you can sign up for at your destination. Unless your carrier offers plans including high-speed data that you can access internationally (i.e., you’re with T-Mobile or Google Fi), traveling with a phone under contract with a major carrier means paying an arm and a leg for data. Being able to access data-guzzling apps like Google Maps or Google Translate on the fly is worth the hassle to unlock a phone. Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp are free, easy ways to communicate with people you meet on your trip and people from home. Plus there’s checking email, TripAdvisor, banking, social media, and so on.

An “unlocked” phone means you can buy prepaid SIM cards in the country you’re visiting, letting you access their local network for significantly less money than the roaming fees incurred by your home carrier. With a prepaid SIM, your phone effectively becomes a new phone with a new (now local) phone number. Instead of seeing “Verizon,” “AT&T,” or “Sprint” at the top of your phone, you might see “Vodafone,” “Yes Optus,” “M1,” or whatever provider you choose in the country you’re visiting. The first thing to check is if your phone will work where you’re going. If you’re unsure if your phone will work where you’re going, check the Wikipedia page for your phone or contact your provider.

Your phone will also require a removable SIM. (If your phone has an eSIM, as all new iPhones do, check out our blog post about those.) Most countries require a passport or other ID to buy a prepaid SIM without a contract, but switching the SIMs is easy. Most stores will do it for you while you’re there. Depending on the country/provider, this could take as long as 10 minutes but is often faster. The next question is easily the most complicated: Can you unlock your phone? Each carrier has different rules and criteria. Generally, if you have a brand new, expensive phone, they may not let you unlock it (there’s usually a waiting period after the purchase date). But if it’s a little older, or if you’ve paid it off, they probably will. The thing to remember is that a provider can deny an unlock request without giving a reason. You might be lucky, though; certain phones on certain providers are unlocked by default. Here are Verizon and AT&T’s pages on unlocking. Alternately, you can buy a pre-unlocked phone just for travel. Amazon and Best Buy, for example, sell unlocked phones. This is also a good option if you think you might lose your expensive phone and a cheaper one will suffice while you travel.

Plug adapter

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

Best universal travel adapter.

With four plugs that will work in most countries, plus faster-charging USB ports (and more of them) than its competitors, this adapter is the best all-around choice.

In a sea of almost-identical travel adapters, the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter stands out, combining the best of the features we look for. It contains the three most common international plugs and a US-style plug, which should cover you in the majority of countries around the world. It has the most USB ports—four of the standard USB-A and one USB-C—of any universal adapter we tested, and it charged more of our devices faster. A replaceable fuse and an included spare should take the brunt of any accidental, unfortunate, or shockingly bad connections. The Epicka is fairly compact and well built, and it even comes with an extra USB cable and a nylon case.

However, no universal travel adapter is truly universal, and they’re all a lot bulkier and more expensive than simple plug adapters. If you want the smallest adapter possible, or if you’re going someplace where a universal adapter won’t work (more on that in a minute), a plug adapter could be what you need.

Ceptics International Worldwide Travel Plug Adapter 5 Piece Set

The best plug adapter.

Individually, these tiny plug adapters are smaller, lighter, and cheaper than any universal travel adapter. To juice up multiple devices, though, you’d need a separate multiport charger too.

The tiny plug adapters from Ceptics are barely larger than the prongs they convert. Small, simple, and cheap, they’re perfect for someone who wants to carry only the adapter they’ll need and who already has a multiport USB wall charger they like. Like our universal adapter picks, this set contains the three most common international plugs and the US plug. However, it also includes a somewhat rarer plug used in some European countries that has two thick, cylindrical prongs. This means that the Ceptics set will likely cover you in even more places—as long as you pack the appropriate plug adapter. These charts should help you find the shape you need before you order.

However, getting your gear to work in different countries isn’t quite as simple as it should be, and there’s no single solution that’s guaranteed to work for everyone. Our picks should work for you, but you may have some random piece of equipment, or be traveling to some country, for which our “good for most” picks just won’t work. (Case in point: One Wirecutter editor visited Iceland a few years back. The house she stayed in had outlets unlike anything on those charts, and the plug adapters she had used elsewhere in Reykjavik didn’t fit at all. It turns out the mystery sockets belonged to an obscure Italian system from the 1960s that was popular in Iceland for a time. Luckily, the hosts had power strips in the house that her adapters fit into.) The world is a big place, and when it comes to electricity and wall outlets, there’s a lot of variation. That’s important to keep in mind.

Whether two-prong or three-prong, an adapter just changes the shape of your plug, not anything about the electricity coming through the wires. However, this usually isn’t a problem because almost every power brick that comes with modern electronic gear is capable of accepting both the 110-volt standard used in the US and the 240-volt commonly used abroad. If your device has a power block on the cord, it likely says something like  “100-240 V ~ 50/60 Hz”—that’s the all-clear to use it without a voltage converter so long as the range covers the voltage of the country you’re visiting . This includes the vast majority of modern laptop and USB chargers.

Products without some sort of power block at the end or with a non-detachable cord—in particular, things with heating elements like hair dryers and curling irons—are more likely to need a voltage converter. Putting 220 V through a US 110 V device would be like attaching a firehose to a drinking fountain—you’re likely to blow your face off. But voltage converters are tricky devices, and most of the inexpensive ones have awful (or dishonest) reviews. Since hotels and hostels will often have hair dryers and most newer gear can do the full range of voltages, we strongly recommend that, whenever possible, you only bring items that work with a much simpler (and more reliable) adapter.

Wire/gadget organization system

Now that every device has a battery, every battery has a charger, and every charger has a cable—never mind power-plug adapters if you’re traveling abroad—the sheer quantity of accessories needed just to keep your gadgets running can take up more space than the devices themselves. And unless you organize them, you can bet on having to blindly fish them out of the least convenient spot at the bottom of your bag. Recently, our pick for carrying tech necessities, the Incase Nylon Accessory Organizer, which had been out of stock for a few years, returned to the Incase website and appears to be in stock. If you prefer mesh to easily see your contents, , we also like the Container Store Micro Mesh Pouches .

The Incase cable organizer is a poly-nylon blend, so it’s durable. It is a soft-shell bag, however, so its contents can distort the bag’s shape when it’s full. But the bag’s edges remain rigid—so the seams don’t pucker—its contents don’t fall out, and zipping and unzipping the bag is still easy. We have other picks in our full guide to bag and cable organizers , including a roll-up bag and a stylish duo of cosmetics travel pouches ; we’ll also start testing other options to replace this one.

USB battery packs

A USB battery pack (also called a power bank) can keep your small electronics—from phones and cameras to tablets and more—going while you’re on the road. Although the length of your trip will determine exactly how much extra juice you’ll need to have on hand, whatever your requirements, we have a great USB battery recommendation for you. The Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K weighs about half a pound, and its rounded edges make it easy to hold or slip into a pocket. Its USB-C Power Delivery (PD) port can charge most handheld devices and recharge itself at top speed (with the right USB-C cable and wall charger), and it can pass power to another device while being recharged from a wall outlet. It only comes in one color, but it has enough capacity to fully charge most smartphones up to three times, as well as built-in USB-C and Lightning cables that are easy to slide in and out of their holsters.

If you’re traveling for leisure, try not to get too wrapped up in technology because you might miss what you’re actually there to do: experience a new place. OneBag’s Doug Dyment said in an interview, “Wearing headphones and staring at a screen is like putting a digital wall around yourself when you’re traveling. It makes you seem unapproachable and uninterested in what’s around you.” That may be a good thing if you do truly want to be left alone, but Dyment went on to say that some of his most memorable traveling experiences were the result of just looking lost and getting help from the locals. “One minute, you’re a lost foreigner in an unfamiliar village, then someone asks if you need directions. Before you know it, you’re eating dinner with his family.”

Travel binoculars

Athlon Optics Midas ED

The overall best binoculars.

Amazingly affordable with great optics, these binoculars have performance comparable with that of many models that cost thousands more.

Our top pick for binoculars is durable and great for near-home hikes. In hot or dusty environments that may call for a clearer optical boost, the Athlon Optics Midas ED 8×42 binoculars deliver top quality. Its focus dial offers a wide range of depths that makes it easier to see whatever it is you desire—birds, grass or darkened areas of the forest. Our recommendation comes with the assistance of a professional ornithologist who spent over 100 hours putting 17 pairs of binoculars to the test in the mountains of Southern California and the rain forests of southern Mexico.

Although the Celestron TrailSeeker ED binoculars don’t offer a clear edge-to-edge view to the same degree of the Athlon Optics Midas EDs , they’re a comparable runner-up model that’ll be lighter on your wallet if having binoculars while traveling is a must. The TrailSeekers are equipped with great light-gathering qualities, close focus, and impressive optical resolution. Or, if you’re concerned about saving space, we liked the Pentax AD 8x25 WP binoculars. While not quite as powerful as our other picks, this compact pair of binoculars is well made and easy to fit into a carry-on while traveling via plane.

Ebook reader

Amazon Kindle (2022)

The best e-reader for most people.

Amazon’s most affordable Kindle is also its most portable, and it’s finally been upgraded with sharper text on its 6-inch screen and support for USB-C charging. Those features bring it in line with much-pricier e-readers.

The entry-level Amazon Kindle finally got an upgrade and is now our favorite e-reader , with the same crisp display and USB-C charging as the pricier Kindle Paperwhite has (and with double the storage space of the previous entry-level model). Amazon’s well-stocked ebooks store remains its biggest selling point, along with the ease of checking out library books via Libby and sending them directly to a Kindle.

Even if you don’t have time for pleasure reading on your trip, it’s worth investing in a Kindle because many major travel guides are available in fully searchable ebook formats now. Furthermore, e-texts will also work on your phone, tablet, and computer, thanks to the Kindle ecosystem.

Packable daypack

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack

A pack that fits in your palm.

Toss this lightweight, phone-sized packable bag into your luggage or coat pocket, and you’ll never get caught without a spare bag again. If you need something to carry every day, though, we think you’ll prefer one of our more-structured picks.

Packing a stowable daypack, one that stuffs down to fit in your luggage when not in use, is a relatively small investment of space in exchange for a high return of function and flexibility. After researching dozens of packable daypacks across a spectrum of portability, features, and prices, and then packing, unpacking, loading, wearing, and drenching the top-rated finalists during multiple rounds of testing, the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack is the smallest and lightest packable backpack we recommend. Packed up, it is very discreet: nearly the size of a keychain accessory.

The bag itself is a no-frills sack made from a paper-thin siliconized Cordura nylon, which means it’s very light and water-resistant. It has reinforced stitching at stress points, allowing the Ultra-Sil to carry more weight than you would expect. That said, since this pack is made of such thin, light material, carrying large or awkwardly shaped loads is somewhat uncomfortable, especially when compared with our more structured picks.

If comfort or waterproofing is important to you, check out the alternative picks in our review of packable daypacks for travel .

Field Notes 3-Pack Original Kraft Memo Books

For ultimate portability.

Field Notes are cheap but contain high-quality paper that earns praise from pen and stationery geeks across the web.

For writing your adventures as you travel, you can’t beat the portability, practicality, and romanticism of a pocket notebook. There’s nothing better in that category than Field Notes (three-packs available in a variety of styles and types ). These pocket-sized notebooks are widely praised for their excellent paper quality, and the Pen Addict’s Brad Dowdy tells me “Field Notes is pretty much the runaway pocket notebook champ.” Dowdy has praised it for the lack of feathering or bleedthrough with almost any pen, as well as for the light brown ruled lines, which are easier to write over than solid black. Austin Smith of Art Supply Critic told us in an email that his recommendation is “Field Notes has it, no question.” The Well-Appointed Desk has reviewed a slew of different Field Notes variants for those looking for something a bit more interesting.

Field Notes Expedition

A weather-resistant option.

Weather-resistant Expedition Field Notes are great if you’re writing in wet conditions, but don’t get them if you don’t need them. The synthetic paper feels weird and can cause some inks to smear.

If you think you’re going to be writing in foul weather, Field Notes also has the waterproof Expedition version with pages made from a synthetic water-and-tear resistant paper. You should only get these if you really need them, because otherwise, they just feel unnaturally slick and are more prone to smearing ink. At least one user has said that the paper shows less soaking through when wet than the similar Rite in the Rain books . The one caveat is that the synthetic paper will only work with pencils and certain inks ; thankfully, the Uni-ball Jetstream RT , our pick for best pen , definitely makes the grade.

Things can go wrong while you’re traveling, both where you are and where you’re not. Though you can’t prepare for every worst-case scenario, the peace of mind that a little bit of preparation grants will allow you to focus on what’s in front of you, instead of having to worry about what could go wrong. But preparation doesn’t simply mean buying more stuff just in case; it also means making efficient use of what you already have.

Merchant & Mills for Purl Soho Rapid Repair Kit

For the best combination of sewing tools.

The Merchant & Mills Rapid Repair Kit is the only travel kit we found that had objectively high-quality thread and scissors.

There’s nothing quite like a wardrobe malfunction to put a damper on vacation, especially when traveling with limited clothing. A good travel-size sewing kit allows you to mend a popped button or ripped seam on the fly—or even tackle more pressing issues like fixing a tent, sleeping bag, or backpack. After 15 hours of research, interviews with sewing teachers and avid home sewers, and tests of six travel and full-size kits, we found the Merchant & Mills for Purl Soho Rapid Repair Kit had by far the best tools and was the easiest to keep organized. Standard travel sewing kits usually contain mediocre thread and plastic-handled scissors that break easily. They can also be hard to keep organized (a truth we confirmed when testing six top-rated travel and full-sized kits). The Merchant & Mills set was the only one that had high-quality thread, all-metal mini scissors (don’t worry, the TSA shouldn’t stop you ), and a durable tin case (about the size of a deck of cards) to keep everything well organized.

Because the sewing pins are neatly stuck into paper inside a slim envelope and the three needles are housed in a mini glass vial, this kit also limits the risk of losing a sharp object in your bags. We found the Merchant & Mills needles easier to thread than others (no need for a fussy needle threader!) and we also like the vintage-looking safety pins that come clipped together along with two small white buttons. Although this kit only comes with black and white thread, the thread is strong and there’s more of it than you’d get in a flimsier set with shorter strands of multiple colors. We do think it would be nice if the kit included a more durable measuring tape than the paper one included, but overall everything about this kit is leagues ahead of anything else we considered. We didn’t find editorial reviews for any of the kits we tested, but the Merchant & Mills rapid repair kit was recommended by several sewing bloggers and is sold in many reputable indie fabric shops.

Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella

The best umbrella for most people.

This is a solidly built, easy-to-find umbrella that holds up in high winds. It also comes in a variety of colors.

price may vary by color or style

An umbrella you take traveling should be small, light, sturdy, and affordable. After putting in 66 hours of research and evaluating a total of 48 umbrellas across five rounds of testing (including one thunder-snowstorm), we found that the Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella is the best umbrella for most people. Its durable, nine-rib construction held up admirably against gale-force winds, and it’s as sturdy as umbrellas that sell for more than twice as much.

The Repel folds up to an 11½-inch long, 14-ounce package that fits easily into most bags and glove boxes. And it forcefully expands at a touch of a button to reveal an ample 37-inch-diameter canopy that protects your head and torso from precipitation in all but the windiest of conditions. Its lengthy, textured handle is easy to grip for hands of all sizes. We also appreciate that the Repel comes in a wide variety of colors, so it’s easier to pick yours out of a crowded umbrella bucket. Finally, despite its affordable price, it’s backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee, but only if you purchase directly from Repel and register the item under the company’s warranty.

Packing method for clothes

While packing cubes and other organization tools are helpful for maximizing your bag’s usable space, efficient packing is also achievable without the aid of tools and compartments. One Bag’s Doug Dyment tried all manners of folding aids and compression products but was unsatisfied with their claims of compression and wrinkle prevention. Frustrated, he developed his own method of packing clothes compactly called the Bundle Method, which he’s used and perfected over several decades of traveling.

The Bundle Method involves layering your shirts and pants at opposing angles on a flat surface, then wrapping them around a small “core” parcel (e.g. a packing cube full of underwear and socks). We won’t get into details, but Dyment does on his website ; you can watch this easy-to-follow video from NBC . The resulting bundle is compact and has no sharp creases that will require ironing out later on. Additionally, Dyment explains that “the slight tension created in the fabric by the wrapping process, along with the anchoring of the resulting bundle, greatly reduces the chances of wrinkling.” You then put it in your bag and use the tie-down straps to provide just enough pressure to keep it together.

While simple to perform, this packing method isn’t something you can master in one go. It takes a bit of practice, but once you get it, it’s like riding a bike. The downside is that you can’t just leave your clothing packed and expect to be able to access your underwear without fully unpacking your clothes first. But unpacking is a good habit to get into anyway, as it allows your clothes to breathe and avoid wrinkles or mildew. Wirecutter founder and frequent traveler Brian Lam says that unpacking the moment he enters a room has a grounding effect that allows him to feel a bit more at home in a new environment.

If this sounds like too much of a hassle for you, you can do what we did before we found out about bundling: roll up your socks and underwear tightly and place them in packing cubes, then put your wrinkle-prone items (shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, jackets) in a garment folder—we used the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Garment Folder . This is also travel guru Rob King’s preferred method of packing. Though the garment folder is not quite as space-efficient as the bundle method due to the added bulk of the folder and folding board, the plastic backboard does go a long way towards preventing wrinkles. Just be aware that if you leave your clothes in there for longer than a day, they’ll begin to develop unsightly creases that require an iron to get rid of.

A big thank-you to the Hotel Lucia in downtown Portland, Oregon, for lending us a suite to use for the photos in this guide.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Meet your guide

Wirecutter Staff

Mentioned above

• There’s more to a great in-flight personal item than being small enough to stuff under a plane seat. Here’s how to choose the right one for your travel needs. The Best Underseat Luggage and Personal-Item Bags  
• The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is our backpack pick for most travelers. We also have picks for other travelers, including those who want to carry a bit more. The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks  
• After 10 years of airport dashes and overhead-compartment stashes, the Travelpro Platinum Elite is still the suitcase we want to carry. The Best Carry-On Luggage  
• After researching 30 models, we found that Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner is the best suitcase for most travelers who check bags. The Best Suitcases for Checking  
• We chose five luggage tags that will help you identify your belongings in a sea of similar suitcases. The Best Luggage Tags  
• After researching and traveling with packing cubes for more than five years, the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set is what we keep in our luggage. The Best Packing Cubes  

Further reading

How to Sleep Well (or at Least Better) While Traveling

by Christine Ryan

Our sleep and travel editors recommend gear for coping with travel-induced insomnia, vetted through hours of testing and years of personal experience.

The Gadgets We Bring on Every Trip

by Haley Perry

You don't have to be a digital nomad to travel like one. Here are a few gadgets and accessories to make travel as painless as possible.

Road-Trip Essentials

by Eve O'Neill

We spend a lot of time driving each year, and this is our list of essential road-trip gear to include in your packing list.

Air Travel Is Chaos. This Gear Will Help Get You Through the Exasperating Delays.

by Elissa Sanci

These things don’t make your flight take off any faster, but they can make the wait a little more tolerable.

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10 Fun Travel Souvenir Collections to Start on Your Next Trip

Celebrate your travel adventures with these decor-worthy souvenirs.

Related To:

What's the best way to remember all of the adventures you and your family have? We think it's starting a collection that you can add to with each new spot you visit. But sometimes it's difficult to figure out exactly what you should be collecting on your trips and not only what you should collect but also how you can display your collection once you get home. So we've rounded up 10 ideas for fun collections to start for travel addicts, along with great display hacks you can steal.

Create a gallery wall with pretty maps from each spot you visit. You can even choose vintage maps to display, as they tend to be more stylish. Use the same black frame for each map to help bring your collection together.

2: Postcards

Postcards are another easy collection to start, and there are a variety of ways to display them. Clip your postcards to strings or frame and hang them on the wall. Look for cards with images that best represent your trips, and don't be afraid to get more than one for each location.

Pick up a stylish hat in each locale you visit, and choose one that best represents each city or country. As your collection grows, display your hats in a variety of ways. Try hanging them on the wall in your bedroom like artwork, or group them together on a shelf.

Track down patches of the national parks, monuments and various cities and countries you've visited. You can also find patches for sports teams and other local organizations. Take a walk down memory lane and add your patches to a vintage jean jacket, or display them on a felt board.

Back in the day, most restaurants, bars and hotels gave out matches to patrons. While the tradition is not quite as common today, it's still fun to collect matches from locations you visit that happen to have them. Display your matches in a vintage bowl on your coffee table or in a dish in your guest bathroom.

6: Shot Glasses

We're not going to lie -- shot glass collections can potentially end up looking a bit cheesy; however, we think this fresh idea stops the cheese right in its tracks: put a plant in them. You can use air plants, fresh herbs or simple succulents to fill up your shot glasses. You can even add some pebbles to add some different layers.

Pick up a piece of art from each new city you visit, and create your own evolving art collection. Mix it up and choose different pieces, mediums and styles from the locations you travel to or try to keep things more similar and choose the same types of art (i.e. all black-and-white photography or all line drawings). Display your art on a beautiful gallery wall in your home to help remember all of the amazing trips you've taken through the years.

Pins are easy to find in most spots you visit, and they often have a retro vibe. We love this display idea, which uses an embroidery hoop to showcase the collection in full. You can hang the hoop on your wall and add to it after each trip.

If your vacations usually include the beach, seashells are the perfect piece to collect. Try to bring at least five shells home from each trip, and find a fun way to display them. This beautiful shell arrangement almost looks like a piece of art and would look stunning on a coffee table.

10: Perfume

For any travel addicts who also like to mix up their daily scents, perfumes are a fun item to collect from each country you visit. Choose scents that remind you of your trip or scents from perfumeries that are specific to the area. Display them on a pretty vanity tray and every time you use one, you'll be reminded of your special trip.

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17 travel souvenir ideas you’ll want to collect

It’s always fun to bring home a great souvenir from our travels. Purchasing a memento to remind us of an adventure or journey is a special occasion. However, finding the ideal item is not always easy. There are numerous items to collect while traveling; here is a list of 17 travel souvenirs that make great collections.

17 travel souvenir ideas

1. Shot Glasses

Shot glasses make an excellent collectible item and they’re functional too! They’re also quite common so you’re likely to find the perfect one as you travel. They’re also small so a shot glass won’t take up much space in your baggage.

2. Postcards

Postcards are easy and inexpensive souvenirs to collect. And even if travelers aren’t mailing postcards as much as we used to, they’re still lovely photographs of the places we visit. So why not collect or better yet, frame them as art?

A mug is another perennially popular collectible. Mugs, which can be found in almost any souvenir shop, make an excellent gift or memento, and who doesn’t enjoy reminiscing over a hot cup of coffee or tea?

4. Clothing

Clothing is always a great souvenir, whether it’s a unique item made only where you’re traveling or a simple t-shirt. An Aran Knit sweater from Ireland, a tartan kilt from Scotland, a kimono from Japan – wherever you go, you’ll find a wonderful piece of clothing to remember your trip by.

5. Ballcaps

A ballcap is a versatile souvenir. It not only serves as a reminder of your travels, but it also protects you from the sun, wind, and rain. Ballcaps are also readily available in most souvenir shops and take up no space in your luggage. They’re also very reasonably priced.

Have you ever seen those machines where you insert a penny, turn the crank, and a flattened souvenir penny comes out? Perhaps you collect these amusing keepsakes. It’s not only entertaining to turn the crank and see what happens to your penny, but it’s also a fun way to keep track of where you’ve been.

Coffee can be a great way to bring home a little of the flavor of your trip. It also makes an excellent gift. If you had a favorite brew while traveling, pick up a bag and bring it home to enjoy while reminiscing over a hot cup of joe.

8. Magnets, patches, and pins

Technically, these are three souvenir ideas, but since they’re similar I’ve grouped them together. Easy to collect, small enough to fit in your pocket, and affordable. Magnets, patches, and pins are the ideal souvenirs. 

9. Christmas Ornaments

I collect Christmas ornaments. Every year when I put up my Christmas tree, I enjoy reminiscing about my travels. It’s also entertaining to count how many new ornaments I add each year.

While traveling, Christmas ornaments are fairly easy to find and come in a variety of styles and prices. When I can’t find the ornament I want, I’ve been known to make my own using photos from the trip and websites like Shutterfly. I made a lovely ornament to remember our family trip to Ireland a few years ago.

10. Koozies

These are by far the lightest and easiest to pack souvenirs you’ll find, whether you call them koozies, cozies, or can coolies. They’re also reasonably priced and widely available in gift shops. I have a large plastic tub full of unique koozies, some from travel, some from weddings, and some from who knows where. Nonetheless, it’s a useful memento.

11. Food or Beverages

If you’re going somewhere famous for a particular food or beverage, it stands to reason that you’d want to bring something back with you. Some food and beverages travel better than others, and if the location is well-known for the item, they may be able to package it for travel or ship it directly.

Whether you’re visiting Napa Valley and want to bring wine home, Hershey and want to bring chocolate home, or Scotland and want to ship salmon back to the United States, food and beverage are one of the most popular souvenir items of all.

Every destination has a story to tell! Why not read a book set in the location you’re visiting or find an excellent book about the place and read up on it? Guide books are also great to collect because they contain all of the fantastic attractions you’ve seen there.

Anything can be turned into a souvenir. Use your imagination and be creative; matchbooks, drink coasters, wine corks, and hotel key cards are all possibilities! Anna Marie

13. Thimbles & Spoons

When I was a kid, I used to collect spoons. I had to pick up a spoon whenever I traveled. Even though I’ve moved on to new travel collectibles, seeing spoons in gift shops reminds me of happy childhood travels.

Spoons and thimbles are great for kids because they’re usually under $10, small enough to fit in a pocket or backpack, and fun to show off when you get home.

14. Jewelry

Jewelry is an excellent choice of souvenir, especially if it is unique to the location you are visiting. My mother and I bought the silver Claddagh ring I wear on our first trip to Ireland, and I treasure it. We got it from a small shop in her mother’s hometown. What a special keepsake!

Jewelry has a number of advantages. You can find something that is suitable for all budgets, is small enough to be worn home, and would make an excellent gift for someone. Jewelry is always a good bet.

15. Tea Towels

The tea towel is a frequently overlooked but underappreciated souvenir collectible. Tea towels are a fun and practical item to collect because they are lightweight, pretty, functional, and machine washable. They’re not only useful, but they’re also a lovely reminder of your travels.

Rocks are simple to collect and find, and there are countless creative ways to display them.

Find the perfect stone and bring it home; use a Sharpie to write the date and location where you found it, and store it in a pretty jar. Kids will have a blast painting or decorating their rocks. You can be as creative as you want; you’ll enjoy taking a piece of your vacation home with you.

17. A professional photograph

If you’re traveling for a special occasion, if it’s a special place, or if you just want to get a fantastic shot from vacation hire a professional to do the job.

You can research before you travel and find a local professional photographer and hire them for a 30-60 minute session. There are even websites where you can find a photographer who specializes in vacation photos.

Localphotographer.com is an easy-to-use site that lets you enter your destination, find a photographer, and schedule your session in advance. They have over 1,100 photographers in over 994 locations! You’ll get a professional photo session and an incredible photo keepsake that you’ll proudly display for years to come. 

What travel souvenirs do you collect?

Did I miss anything?

Tell me, what travel souvenirs do you collect?

There are numerous items to collect to commemorate travel, but one thing is certain: with each item we pick up along the way, we’re capturing a special memory from a special moment in time. Whatever you collect, may you do so with joy and enthusiasm, and as always, I wish you Happy Travels!

Are you ready to plan your next trip? Click here to START PLANNING NOW! 

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Ideas for a travel collection

This post is also available in: Español

• 1.2 Indigenous or traditional clothing
• 1.3 Cups/cups
• 1.4 Magnets
• 1.5 Coins / Banknotes
• 1.6 Photographs
• 1.7 Figures
• 1.8 Passport stamps
• 1.9 Tickets
• 1.10 Kitchen aprons
• 1.11 Postcards and stamps
• 1.12 Baggage check-in barcode
• 2.1 Related posts:

When we go on a trip we experience unique moments and discover things we never thought possible or had never seen before. In this way, everything that shocks us we want to keep in our minds forever. But we want to keep it in a very personal way. And for that, we have the travel collections .

There are thousands of things to collect . If you are looking for some original ideas to collect from your travels, here we tell you ideas and examples about what to collect from travels around the world.

The best ideas to collect from travels

There are few people you’ll meet who don’t love beer . There are wheat beers, there are non-alcoholic beers, and there is even spicy beer in Mexico . If you delight in trying every different beer this should be your collection . It reflects all the possibilities the world has to enjoy a good beer.

Indigenous or traditional clothing

Are you traveling with just enough? Do you want to identify yourself and live 100% an experience with the local people ? Buy local clothing in the markets and enjoy the trip as one of the locals.

Markets like Chinchero, on the tour to Maras and Moray , is one of the best known in the whole country. The Chinchero market is known for its stalls with traditional clothes and fabrics , and for still maintaining the character of local market , away from tourist trends.

Are you a fan of tea or a good Colombian coffee ?. This is the perfect collection for you. Collect a thousand types of cups with different messages, drawings, or even shapes .

Can you imagine drinking a Colombian coffee in the Lost City of Santa Marta , one of the most important coffee designations of origin in the world, with your own cup?

Don’t have a lot of space, well it’s easy! Collect the fun and magical magnets .

Most cities in the world have a magnet that identifies them and in any minimal tourist destination, you are going to be able to buy them. Feel as if you were traveling every time you want to open the fridge .

Coins / Banknotes

A souvenir with a lot of sentimental as well as economic value. Each country has its own legal tender currencies , so first you must be clear about the best formula to exchange currencies to the country you are traveling to.

As a suggestion, if when you finish your trip you still have too much money left over, you can leave it to the lounges workers or guides who have accompanied you . Often, what is little money to tourists means a lot more to them.

Photographs

But is this a collection? Many will ask. Well yes, choose the most representative photo of each of the most photographed places in Latin America and save it in your photo collection.

Here it’s not the quantity that counts, but the quality and importance . Do not include 100 photos of the same place, only the most important of each destination.

Do you already have your Machu Picchu trip ? This should be one of your must-have photographs in your collection .

Do you like characters and figurines on your furniture and shelves ? Well, include travel figurines in your collections. You can make it of animals, cultural or historical characters, legends, etc. For example, the famous Ekeko known in Latin America.

Passport stamps

Your travels don’t understand borders? One place to store your travels in a very compressed form is your passport . Each stamp on each page marks an imprint of your experience in the destination visited .

When you travel, the activities you do are the ones that mark you and the tickets of each one of them can remind you of every moment lived during the trip. Collect the tickets and remember each of the adventures and experiences you choose to do.

Kitchen aprons

The perfect collection for cooks . If you love gastronomy and learning about it, keep an apron of all your destinations . You will cook thinking about each country you visited.

For example, you can cook a typical dish of gastronomy of Ecuador , such as an encebollado, with an apron as a souvenir of your trip to Chimborazo .

Postcards and stamps

Even if you don’t write many handwritten letters anymore, this is a perfect collection to remember every destination you visit . From each of the places you travel to, you can choose a postcard and a stamp and send them to your own home . This way you’ll collect both at the same time , and once you’re home, you can reminisce about your experiences.

Baggage check-in barcode

A sticker with codes and numbers? It’s not just that. That sticker informs you of your destination and date of each trip . So you can have in the memory of each of the flights taken to go to each destination . Even if you are interested, you will be able to know the airline you chose for each flight.

Although nowadays almost everyone moves through virtual maps, for the most romantic ones, collecting maps of cities or countries is a great souvenir of the places you visit. But not only that, but they are also very useful. Well, in each of the maps, you can notch every place you visited and be able to remember in the future if you come back or to recommend to friends, the best bar in town, the most special corner for you, etc.

Do you have a favorite book ? Get the version of the book specific to each country and language of the world . A great and precious souvenir of one of your favorite things.

What NOT to collect

When you travel you should be very conscious and respectful of each destination you visit and its ecosystem. Therefore, any collectible object that may damage the biodiversity of the country we recommend responsibility and do not damage their environment, that is, always follow the rules of sustainable tourism.

Here are some examples of objects that you should NOT collect from your trips : shells, corals, seeds (that can cause pests in your place of origin), animals (although we understand that an animal is not something collectible in any sense, not only in the world of travel), stones, minerals…

Do you also collect anything from your travels? Tell us about your collections and about what you think of these ideas to collect from travels that we tell you about.

Related posts:

Lily is happy with a backpack on her back. Every year she travels through one country in Latin America and has repeated several times, especially Peru where she says she feels at home (although she says the same about Argentina, Chile and Bolivia).

She loves ceviche, hiking and Sunday picnics with her friends, although whenever you ask her, she's always planning her next destination.

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Pack Like a Pro: 45 Travel Essentials You Didn’t Know You Needed

Whether you are traveling across the world or around the block, it’s essential to be ready for any adventure that awaits. Nothing spoils the fun faster than a dead phone battery, a broken suitcase wheel, or an exploded bottle of sunscreen. Fortunately, with the right tools on hand, you can make every excursion worry-free. Whether you’re looking for a gift for a travel lover in your life or are stocking up on your own travel essentials, we’ve got you covered.

From clever gadgets to stylish accessories, this hand-picked collection of travel must-haves will upgrade your adventures and make travel effortless.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you buy something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Please read our full  disclosure policy   for more information.

Useful Travel Gifts: Essential Electronics

When it comes to practical travel gifts, smart gadgets are foolproof. Beyond being smart travel gift ideas, they are great for everyday life. Even during those humdrum periods when you rarely do more than commute to the office, many of these everyday essentials will come in handy.

1. The One Thing Every Person Needs: A Tiny Pocket-Sized Power Bank

A 10000mAh charger will power your phone, earbuds, or tablet in a flash. We especially love this model because you can throw it in your pocket and it has magnetic charging.

Buy your extra small power bank here .

2. Luxury Travel Gift Ideas: Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones

When it comes to electronics for travel lovers, nothing beats noise-canceling headphones. While most of us have some kind of headphones, they probably aren’t delivering concert hall-quality sound while completely silencing the crying baby sitting in front of you on the plane.

For an ultra-chic style and premium sound, it’s all about the Sony WH-1000XM5. Treat yourself or that someone special today .

4. Gifts for the Outdoor Adventure Travelers: Waterproof Phone Case

From the beach to the boat to the pool, a waterproof phone case that can float is a true must-have item. To protect your phone, go for the best of the best with a floating fully waterproof phone case that works for most phones and has a handy lanyard.

We love this Pelican hi-vis yellow two-pack that will keep your phone safe anywhere and everywhere.

3. Must-Have Travel Gadget: Ultra-Compact Size Portable Speaker

Maybe you’re listening to a podcast while you get ready in the hotel bathroom. Perhaps you’ve found yourself having an impromptu party on the beach. Maybe you’re just cleaning the house. Whatever the case might be, you deserve more than the tinny sounds of your phone.

Waterproof and small enough to fit in your pocket, we love the JBL Go 3. The sound quality is top notch and it comes in a range of fun colors. Grab yours here .

5. Travel Gadgets Worth the Investment: Wireless Hotspot

One of the most important things to do before traveling abroad is to make sure that you can use a SIM card abroad. Using a mobile hotspot router means that you can get affordable and reliable internet access anywhere in the world. Even if your phone is locked to a network (which many are!), you can still get online.

Buying a local SIM card with data can be as cheap as $10/month so it’s well worth investing in a hotspot that allows you to get online without losing access to your phone number or having to carry a second phone.

We love the RoamWiFi for its long battery life and reliability .

6. International Travel Essential: Universal Power Adapter

Rather than getting an adapter just for the next country that you are going to, upgrade to a universal adapter. It’ll save you time and money in the long run, especially if you opt for a model with USB and USB C ports.

For the ultimate travel must-have, go for the TESSAN International Plug Adaptor .

Gifts for Digital Nomads

For the digital nomad in your life, whose office is anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection, finding the perfect gift is all about bringing together practicality and tech-savvy ingenuity. Here are a few gifts for remote workers that tick all the boxes.

7. Tech Lover Travel Essentials: Cable Organizer

Even the most minimalistic, lightest packer among us probably has a messy pile of cables and chargers. For digital nomads who need to recreate a workstation on a regular basis, this can be extra annoying. Fortunately, a cable organizer can save the day. 

A perfect gift for anyone who has more than a single item to charge (which is pretty much everyone these days!), buy the perfect fit-it-all electronics travel cable organizer here .

8. One Thing Everyone Needs: A Laptop Sleeve with a Laptop Stand

While most travelers have a decent laptop sleeve, far too many people are living without a laptop stand. Though laptop stands are often forgotten, they are actually a key investment in good remote work ergonomics and preventing neck pain. 

A smart laptop sleeve like the HYZUO Laptop Sleeve Case with Stand makes working anywhere easy and comfortable.

Travel Gift Under $25

As easy as it is to break the bank, some of the best gifts for travelers on every budget are more affordable than you might think. Here are a few low-cost gifts for travel lovers that are sure to be a hit.

9. Help Prevent Accidents with Water Shoes

Anytime you are at the beach or in the water, it is a good idea to have water shoes. From keeping your feet protected on rocky beaches to protecting yourself from dangerous falls. Every adventure our traveler needs good quality water shoes that fit well. We love these comfortable and practical water shoes .

10. Stay Organized While Traveling: Packing Cubes

You can eliminate the stress from traveling by staying organized. Learning how to use packing cubes will help you take stock before you go (and prevent you from forgetting anything). Upgrading your vacuum bags/ packing cubes to compression packing cubes will not only keep your bags organized, but it’ll allow you to fit more inside of your suitcases.  

To nab the best of the best, go for the Gonex Extensible Storage Mesh Bags Organizers .

11. Best Travel Gifts for Anyone: Upgraded Travel Pillow

Forget neck pillows! If you are looking to get good quality sleep on the go, upgrade to the best travel pillow. We are talking about those inflatable airplane pillows that offer real support. The Kimiandy Inflatable Travel Pillow will completely elevate your airplane travel experience.

12. How to Sleep During a Long Flight: The Ultimate Travel Blanket and Pillow Combo

To get comfortable on a long flight, bring the ultimate carry-all Urnex Tour Travel Pillow and Blanket Set Neck Pillows for Airplane Sleeping . This cozy memory foam travel pillow and ultra-warm blanket is the perfect upgraded gift for the travel lover in your life.

13. Unique Gift for Travel Lovers: Personalized Luggage Tag

A nice personalized luggage tag provides peace of mind and can also be a stylish way to spot luggage. Our fellow aviation nerds will love a custom take on the classic “Remove Before Flight” tags. The Men Personalized embroidered luggage tag is a cute gift for globetrotters of all ages.

14. Stay Organized While Traveling: Smart Luggage Add-On

If you’re anything like us, you probably feel like a total mess at some point during every trip. You knocked the lid off your coffee and it’s leaked all over your hand. You are reaching into your bag for the tenth time, convinced you’ve lost your phone. Save the travel lovers in your life from this stress! 

We are obsessed with the Remot Luggage Travel Cup Holder . This hands-free drink carrier fits two cups or anything else that you want to have handy on the go.

15. Deliver a Good Quality Travel Water Bottle

As much as we love the everyday metal refillable bottles and cups, a collapsible water bottle is far more travel-friendly. You can toss it in your bag to refill everywhere from the water station at the airport to Roman fountains. Buy the collapsible filter water bottle in every color and size for the on-the-go people in your life.

16. Give Them a Gift to Take High-Quality Travel Pics

Ditch the selfie stick and learn how to take better selfies. For upgraded travel photos, reach for a good quality portable tripod. The ultra-practical KINGJUE Tripod Stand works with your phone, DSLR camera, or tablet.

Travel Gift Under $100

Whether you’re shopping for the seasoned adventurer or the aspiring globe-trotter, you can give them a gift they’ll cherish for less than $100. Here are a few of our top travel gifts for friends and family.

17. Ultra Useful Travel Gifts: High-Quality Ear Plugs

Whether you’re dancing at a concert, trying to relax on a plane, or working in a cafe, earplugs are far more useful than you might realize.

Loop earplugs have completely changed the game with a range of earplugs for every situation from calming your anxiety to getting a good night’s sleep when your hotel room is located above a noisy street. Here are the three options (and, yes, getting all three is actually really useful and not over the top at all).

• Quiet : Great for getting a good night’s sleep on plane
• Experience : Protect ears at concerts
• Engage : Stay relaxed while traveling

18. Affordable Luxury Travel Essential: Travel Sheets  

There is something about sleeping in a bed that has been shared by hundreds… or thousands…  of people before you that is not so comforting. If you have a travel-loving friend who is a bit of a germaphobe or maybe likes a certain thread count, treat them to the Cozy Silk Sleeping Bed Liner . Whether you put them out in a hostel, a campground, or a five-star hotel, they’ll instantly make any homesick traveler feel right at home.

Essentials for Active Travelers and Adventurers

Choosing the perfect gift for active travelers and adventurers is all about reliability. Think durable travel gear, compact gadgets, and innovative outdoor accessories. Here are a few of our favorites to get you inspired.

19. Easy Travel Gift for Men, Women, and Kids: The Ultimate Windproof Umbrella

Not everything has to be an unforgettable gift! Sometimes people need practical presents that they can cherish and use all of the time for years. A repel windproof umbrella will keep you dry, warm, and cozy in Thai monsoons and soggy trips across the parking lot.

20. Affordable Gift Everyone Needs: The Quick-Dry Travel Towel

From gym rats to beach lovers, anyone and everyone could use a quick dry travel towel. While it can be a bit of a bland gift, the premium quality and trendy look of the Sun Cube microfiber towel make it a fun foolproof gift.

21. Game-Changing Gift: Travel Day Back

Maybe we are partial to anything pocket-sized, but there is nothing like an ultra-small bag that folds out into a daypack. The Gonex Ultra Lightweight Packable Backpack is the perfect gift for anyone who is looking for a quick and easy grab-and-go bag. 

Gifts to Stay Healthy While Traveling

Keep them safe with these ingenious gifts that add a safe net underneath even the highest flying adventures.

22. Practical Gift: Travel First Aid Kit

Whether you are looking for gifts for family travel or just want to stay responsible on your own expeditions, a travel-sized first aid kit is a must. Toss it in your bag and keep another one in your car.

Grab a super practical and smart travel-sized first aid kit for a gift that will regularly save the day.

23. Stay Comfortable on Long Flights: Trendy and Comfortable Compression Socks

Probably the most overlooked aspect of flying internationally is the wearing of compression socks.

A good pair of compression socks can prevent painful swelling during long travel days and can also help prevent long-term problems caused by frequent travel. These fun yet functional compression socks are a must on long-haul flights.

24. Sleep Well While Traveling: Sleep Masks

Forgot the old-fashioned scratchy cotton sleep mask that never fit well. Upgrade to a silk face mask that blocks light and has an anti-aging perk. The Fleur & Yang Silk Sleep Mask for men and women will help you get to sleep anytime, anywhere.

25. Stay Hydrated While Traveling: Self-Cleaning and Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

While it would be amazing to carry a refillable water bottle everywhere and just fill it up anytime, that’s not always realistic. In many places, the only choice is questionable water from the tap or an endless stream of plastic water bottles. Enter the LARQ Bottle to rescue ! This is the perfect gift for absolutely anybody.

Gifts to Stay Organized When Traveling

When you’re struck with wanderlust, it is all about finding a way to organize the chaos so you can stay sane even during the most nail-biting adventures. Here are a few gifts that’ll make that easier.

26. Avoid Overpacking with Luggage Scales

Be strategic while weighing your bags before you get to the airport. It’ll help you avoid surprise fees and give you the chance to spread out the weight among different bags (without all the stress of doing it on the airport floor!). 

Opt for the reliable, high-quality Etekcity Luggage Scale for trustworthy measurements. 

27. Prevent Overpacking with a Clothesline

One of the most overlooked packing secrets is so simple: re-wear your looks! Rather than packing a different outfit for every day, plan to wash things on the go. Whether you are on a long trip or camping, washing your clothes will make life much easier.

Bring a travel clothesline so you can quickly clean your clothes and have them ready to go again in no time.

Travel Gift Ideas for Women

For the adventurous and free-spirited woman in your life, look to practical and stylish fixes that will make her excursions effortless.

28. Upgrade Your Travel Wardrobe with a Travel Jewelry Organizer

The best way to upgrade your travel outfits is with great accessories. Having a good travel jewelry organizer means that you can look chic every day while living out of a suitcase.

29. Practical Women’s Travel Gift: Security Scarf 

The Zero Grid Infinity Scarf with Hidden Pockets is a travel gift idea for the fashion lover in your life. It’s a stylish decoy and is a bit more sophisticated than a simple travel belt. Most importantly, it is a place you can tuck away your valuables and have them completely out of sight.

30. Give the Perfect Carry-On Backpack 

Knowing how to pack efficiently is the key to stress-free travel. Packs like the Sinaliy large travel backpack for women make that easy. With a dedicated pouches, you can fit everything you need in a carry-on bag to save time and cash.

Travel Gift Ideas for Men

For the modern explorer and adventure enthusiast in your life, go for guys’ travel gifts that will make it easy for him to be ready for the next adventure anytime anywhere.

31. Pack Quickly and Efficiently with a Smart Toiletries Bag

Guys, put down the plastic bag! Upgrade your travel gear with the Elviros toiletry bag . This will keep you organized while preventing spills and messing in your suitcases.

32. The Perfect Carry-On Bag for Guys 

Got a guy in your life who is still using your tattered high school backpack for travel? Upgrade him to the MATEIN carry on backpack .

Cool Travel Gadgets

Elevate the travel experience for your globe-trotting friends and family by exploring a range of cutting-edge and ingenious devices designed to make their journeys smoother, smarter, and more enjoyable.

33. Travel Charger: 3-in-1 Wireless Charger

The UCOMX Nano 3-in-1 wireless charger makes it easy to charge your iPhone, AirPods, and iWatch all in one easy piece. This cool gadget packs flat and is perfect for use on the go.

34. Smart Eco-Friendly Travel Gadget: Solar Charger

Whether you are hiking, camping, or just looking for an eco-friendly travel charger, this solar charger 38800mAh Solar PowerBank is an essential travel accessory.

35. Save Money on Luggage with a Pillow Bag

As airlines make checking-in a luggage increasingly more expensive, using your neck pillow for extra storage has become a popular social media travel hack. Why carry around a bunch of stuffing when you could fill your pillow with clothes and other things that you’ll actually use on your trip? Check out the brilliant ​​ TUBE Pillow for a game-changing travel solution.

Travel pro tip : If you’re more interested in adding extra luggage space than having an extra pillow, fill up your neck pillow with cozy socks, a warm scarf, and all of the other essentials that you will use on the flight so they are ready to go when you need them.

Travel Safety Essentials

Safety is paramount, and these thoughtfully curated items are designed to empower and protect your loved ones as they explore the world.

36. Avoid Credit Card Theft by Traveling with a Smart Wallet

With the increase in contactless technology, so too comes the increase in data scams. Help protect your traveler from digital pickpocketing with this genuine leather RFID wallet that blocks thieves from scanning credit cards when on the go.

37. Stay Safe at Hotels with a Personal Security Door Stop Alarm

A door-stop security alarm is a perfect travel gift for women or solo travelers. This door security device is similar to a door stopper, but the alarm will sound when pressure is applied to it by an opening door. The door stop also prevents the door from being forced open. Great as a backup plan to help the traveler in your life rest easy.

Unique Gift Ideas for Travelers

Look beyond the basics for an unforgettable gift that they will cherish for years to come.

38. The Ultimate Travel Souvenir: A Travel Map

Help the traveler in your life commemorate their adventures with a scratch-off travel map. This beautiful golden map will remind them where they’ve been and might even give them ideas for where to head next!

39. Creating Memories: Travel Journaling

When you want to create lasting memories, look beyond the endless photo albums. A travel journal is a great way to immortalize every adventure and is truly a gift that can be cherished for a lifetime.

40. Chic Coffee Table Book Gift for Travel Lovers

The Assouline coffee table books have become a social media darling and it’s easy to see why. With beautiful illustrations of locations all over the world, you can build a gorgeous collection or nab that one special book of a dream destination.

41. Travel Essentials: The Perfect Luggage Set

There are many luggage set options out there, but very few of them are as practical and durable as the BagSmart Luggage set . We adore their three-piece set that is perfectly sized for each piece to fit inside of the other.

Travel Books & Guides to Help Inspire Their Next Trip

For the avid wanderer and armchair traveler alike, these pages hold the power to transport their mind and spark their imagination.

42. Travel Guide Gifts 

If you are worried about what items your friend or family member may already have, then a travel guide is always a safe travel gift idea.

Travel guides are excellent as they can inspire countless adventures and give useful advice on their next bucket list destination .

Classic travel brands like Lonely Planet , Fodors , Moon , and Rick Steves’ guidebooks are always a great gift for the travelers in your life. Find more travel guides here!

43. Gifts Books to Inspire Travel

For the person who is always dreaming of their next trip, give them a classic travel book to inspire them. Here are some popular favorites:

• 50 States 5000 Ideas
• National Geographic Journeys of a Lifetime
• 1,000 Places to See Before You Die
• The Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big & Small
• Ultimate Journeys for Two: Extraordinary Destinations on Every Continent

44. The Good Old Guaranteed-to-a-Hit Standby: Gift Cards

One thing that is always well appreciated by travel lovers is gift cards or vouchers. Gift vouchers allow the receiver to use the card’s value to purchase experiences, accommodation, or services. Don’t know what to give your well-seasoned traveler? Check out these gift cards and vouchers below.

• Hotels.com Gift Card
• Southwest Airlines Gift Card
• Starbucks Gift Card
• Amazon Gift Card
• Audible membership – gift unlimited reading and audiobook listening on any device
• Or try Amazon Prime 30-day free trial for yourself!

45. Best Gift of All for Travelers – The Gift of More Adventures!

Give the gift of experience! Create lasting memories that the special people in your life will never forget by planning a Miami trip that will knock their flip-flops off! Here are a few essential Miami experiences that are sure to dazzle.  

• Little Havana Walking Tour with a Local : Easily one of the best neighborhoods in Miami, you can experience the best of Little Havana with a local at your side to give you an insider’s perspective on what makes this place so special. 
• Full 24-hour Slingshot Rental : For a true Miami bucket list experience, look no further!
• Electric Bike Tour in South Beach : To see all the best South Beach has to offer , hop on a bike and ride down the endless beaches of this beautiful city.

Final Thoughts

From innovative gadgets to safety essentials, there is something out there for everyone and every adventure that they might take. Whether you are shopping for a digital nomad, an outdoor enthusiast, or a globetrotting girl boss, finding the perfect travel essentials is all about being creative and thinking outside the big box retailer. 

Looking to make the most of your Miami travel experience? Follow us on Instagram for tips on the hottest spots and coolest hideaways.

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67 Most Useful Travel Accessories: Must-Have Travel Items 2024

By: Author Milijana

Posted on Published: October 11, 2023  - Last updated: April 25, 2024

Categories TRAVEL TIPS

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Wondering what to carry while traveling? Here are the most useful travel accessories and top travel items you need to have on your packing list to travel smart. Here are the things that make travel easier beyond traveling essentials!

AWESOME TRAVELER ACCESSORIES – Travel Must-Haves

If you are into a digital nomad lifestyle or simply into travel long-term, here’s a list of must-have digital nomad gear, travel supplies, and travel equipment. But if you are a seasonal traveler, the next travel accessories will make your travels easier and more comfortable.

It doesn’t matter if you work remotely and long-term travel is your lifestyle, or you take short business trips and prefer short weekend gateways to recharge your batteries in your leisure time but opt for distant exotic destinations only for your vacation.

What matters here is traveling . Even more, comfortable and enjoyable travel .

Therefore I am listing here the must-have traveling accessories and the best accessories for travel .

Here you will find must-have travel items and best travel items, top traveler accessories ( must-have travel accessories and best travel accessories, but also cool travel accessories and unique travel accessories ), and travel gadgets (must-have travel gadgets and best travel gadgets) every smart traveler has. In short, the things you need to take traveling.

Take a look at my list of the best things for travel, vacation must-haves, favorite digital nomad gear, and the best travel gear every traveler should have … to pack like a professional traveler.

Here’s my travel accessories list with the best items for travelers :

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. PLEASE READ MY  DISCLAIMER FOR MORE INFO. 

67 INCREDIBLY USEFUL TRAVEL ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR ULTIMATE TRAVEL PACKING LIST  (2024)

BEST THINGS FOR TRAVELING: SMART TRAVEL ESSENTIALS AND SMART TRAVEL ACCESSORIES

Travel must-haves

Let’s start with travel essentials and must-have traveling accessories.

1. HAND SANITIZER WIPES

One of the cheap and useful travel items that can make a big difference to your health while traveling. Hand sanitizer wipes are one of those essential travel items and small travel things that make a big difference. Seemingly banal but one of the best items for travel health-related. They are the most needed travel accessories these days. Take care of your health, always!

2. FOLDING TRAVEL TOOTHBRUSH

A  small on-the-go travel toothbrush is an essential travel thing. The folding feature puts travel toothbrushes on the list of the best things for travel. Again, a foldable travel toothbrush is one of those must-have small and useful travel things.

3. TRAVEL TOWEL

A quick-drying and a space-saving towel is a travel must-have . Don’t bother with big fluffy towels when traveling. Instead, opt for a towel to go, a small absorbent towel, and a quick-dry travel towel. A microfiber towel is among my top 10 travel essentials! It served me well, especially on my long-distance hiking trips, such as the one-month-long Camino del Norte in Spain , when I carried all my stuff in my hiking backpack for one month. A lightweight and space-saving microfiber is one of the best travel items, I highly recommend! Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is a lightweight microfiber travel towel you need to have. It is a great microfiber beach towel, an excellent microfiber gym towel, an amazing microfiber camping towel, and a great microfiber backpacking towel. Pack your small and fast-drying travel towel with you!

4. TRAVEL PILLOW

A good travel pillow is a must-have for travelers.  Scarf-looking and super light Trtl Travel Pillow is one of the essential travel items on long flights. This essential travel pillow is a one-sided neck brace, adjustable to your neck and head for maximal comfort. And what’s important, it’s an ultralight travel pillow. If you are looking for a tiny travel pillow and the best travel neck pillow for long flights, the Trtl neck support travel pillow is your best bet! Forget blowing inflatable travel pillows and check out Trtl Travel Pillow .

5. TRAVEL WALLET

Another super useful travel item is a multipurpose RFID-blocking travel wallet. This tri-folded RFID-blocking travel wallet keeps safe and well-organized your international travel essentials and valuables: your passport and ID card, and your credit and debit cards. Keep your valuable documents and cards safe, and get your RFID blocking travel wallet .

6.  TRAVEL SPACE BAGS

Travel space bags are some of the best travel products. Roll-up compression bags save space in your suitcase or backpack. Even more, good travel space bags protect and organize your clothing. I can’t image traveling anymore without using traveling space bags. Sometimes I use only small zipper bags to separate my tiny carry-on travel items. I can find my tiny travel products in a minute! Zipper bags are super practical packing travel tools! Make your packing easier and go for travel space saver bags. Trust me, space-saving travel bags are some of the best backpack travel accessories and suitcase travel accessories.

7. TRAVEL PACKING CUBES

You don’t like the sound of roll-up compression bags, but still want to keep your clothing protected and organized? In that case, these awesome travel packing cubes are for you. Travel packing cubes are some of the top must-have travel accessories! Travel packing cubes, with space-saving travel bags, are the perfect packing tools for travel!

8. TRAVEL SHOE BAG

The waterproof and transparent shoe bags for travel separate your dirty shoes from clean clothing. A travel shoe bag is especially useful after hiking trips when you need to separate your dirty hiking boots from the rest of your clothing. Travel shoe bags are must-have traveling items! They are simple packing tools for travel, cheap travel accessories, and highly useful travel accessories!

RELATED READ: 15 Amazing Women’s Hiking Boots Top 18 Women’s Comfortable Sandals For Walking Best Gifts For Hikers Check out my Amazon Influencer Store for some great travel accessories ideas!

9. TRAVEL LAUNDRY BAG

Interested in some more top travel products? I would argue, that travel laundry bags are essential for travel! A machine-washable laundry bag that keeps the dirt and smell of your laundry away from your clean clothing is essential. Unnecessary to say, that this travel laundry bag is a highly useful travel accessory and one of the best backpack accessories and suitcase accessories you need to take on your travels with you.

10. TRAVEL SHEETS LAUNDRY DETERGENT

These eco-friendly sheets are must-have travel items if you are planning a longer trip. These detergent sheets are travel-friendly. They are not messy, unlike liquid and powder detergents. You can’t spill them. Just toss them in with your laundry and that’s it. Cut a sheet in half and use one half for smaller loads. And, use one sheet for larger loads.   Laundry Club Sheets dissolve completely and clean the clothes.  Laundry sheets belong to the most useful travel items! One package comes with 50 sheets. If you are making a shorter trip, you can pack just a few sheets in a Ziploc bag.

11. SHOE CLEANING TRAVEL KIT

If you prefer a tidy look and would love to keep your shoes clean when traveling, consider getting the Crep Protect Cure Shoe Cleaning Travel Kit . This mini on-the-go kit includes a brush, a microfiber cloth, and a Cure cleaning solution. It does an amazing job with suede, leather, canvas, and nubuck. I especially recommend the kit for cleaning white sneakers!

12. DOWNY WRINKLE RELEASE

Dislike wrinkled clothes when traveling?! Me too! But, I found a great solution for wrinkled clothes! Downy Wrinkle Release Spray  is a game-changer and my new favorite travel item. It fixes wrinkled clothing without ironing. Just hang your clothing, spray it, leave it for a few moments… and ta-da! Trust me, it is one of the most useful travel products ever! After trying it, you will probably want to get it for home use. Check out this bundle !

13. MINI TRAVEL UMBRELLA

This super small umbrella doesn’t take up much space in your travel bag but keeps you well protected from the sun and rain. One of the travel necessities and one of the extremely useful mini travel accessories when needed, agree?!

14. RAIN PONCHO

A raincoat is a small, cheap, and useful travel accessory that you can always carry with you to cover yourself in case of unexpected showers. This travel rain poncho is a cool travel item and an exceptionally useful travel item!

 15. WATERPROOF RAIN JACKET

Sometimes while traveling rainy days can’t be avoided by any means. Especially, if you have fixed dates for your vacation. If you don’t like umbrellas or don’t feel comfortable with a rain poncho, then consider getting this top-rated super lightweight Columbia’s women’s waterproof jacket or this Columbia men’s rain jacket These rain jackets are worshiped among travelers! After all, Columbia is celebrated as one of the very best travel accessories brands when talking about travel clothing and sportswear.

16. SLEEP SACK LINER FOR TRAVEL

Looking for more useful travel accessories and small travel items?! This fist-size and lightweight Vumos sleeping bag liner is voted as a piece of the best travel gear. It is especially beloved by outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy camping.

17. POCKET BLANKET

A pocket-size travel blanket goes on the list of great outdoor gear you must have. You never know when you might need an extra blanket. And this extra small blanket is one of those ‘good-to-have’ helpful travel items!

18. PASHMINA SHAWL AND WRAP

Pashmina is one of the favorite traveling items and one of the best travel accessories for women ever . I wear it as a shawl and a scarf.  It covers my arms when visiting sacred places and when a respectful dress code is needed. But I use it as a practical travel blanket too. My pashmina is my travel essential! My pashmina shawl wrap protected me many times from the coldness caused by the extreme use of air conditioning at many international airports, on buses, trains, etc. It is one of my favorite travel items ever! Women’s pashmina is at the top of my list of must-haves for traveling!! Please, add pashmina to your list of must-have traveling accessories for women. Trust me, you will thank me! 🙂

19. COMPRESSION SOCKS

Travel compression socks go on the list of the most useful travel accessories. They are the travelers’ must-haves for long flights to prevent swollen feet on long-haul flights. Travel compression socks are some of the best travel accessories for long flights! They are some of the most popular travel accessories for a good reason! Travel compression socks are the top travel essential items for anyone with blood circulation and swollen legs issues. Have you tried them?

20. COMFORTABLE AND LIGHTWEIGHT TRAVEL PANTS

Light, quick-drying, and waist-adjustable travel pants are travel must-haves for comfortable travels. Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail Pants provide maximum comfort to ladies, while Columbia Men’s Pants provide freedom and easiness of moving to men while traveling.

21. TSA CABIN-APPROVED COSMETIC LIQUID CONTAINERS WITH ZIPPER BAG

These travel liquids containers and zipper bags are allowed as airplane accessories. For instance, if you need liquid containers for your contact lenses liquid on your flight, these TSA cabin-approved liquid containers need to be on your travel essentials list. I keep my spare contact lenses and the liquid containers always with me! They are my essential carry-on travel accessories! Travel liquid containers with zipper bags are the small travel accessories you need to have!

22. PILL ORGANIZER

Care for your health shouldn’t stop when traveling. On the contrary, a new environment seeks adjustment for your body. Don’t forget to take your vitamins and minerals with you. When you are young, you might not need them so much. But sadly, as you age, they are a must-take. This tiny folding pill organizer for travel keeps your vitamins and medicine well organized. A pill organizer is a basic travel item, but one of those traveling accessories that can make your life much easier while on the road.

23. TRAVEL TOILETRY BAG 

How many times you have found that your toiletries have leaked out onto your travel clothes in your luggage? Well, this waterproof cosmetic organizer is another item on the list of useful travel accessories that make a big difference. Having a good travel toiletries bag not only helps you easily organize your toiletries but also protects your toiletries from leaking out onto your travel clothes. Dear ladies and gentlemen, this waterproof cosmetic organizer belongs to the best travel gear for women and men. Consider getting it!

24. SOLID SHAMPOO BAR FOR TRAVELS

Solid toiletries are among the best products for travel. If you travel long-term, one of the best travel items to always have with you is a solid shampoo bar. Ethique eco-friendly solid shampoo bar nourishes you and the environment.

25. SOLID CONDITIONER FOR TRAVELS

If your hair needs a great conditioner, especially in tropical climates, Ethique eco-friendly solid conditioner will do the work.

2 6. MENSTRUAL CUP

Talking about hygiene travel products and travel accessories for ladies, Lena reusable period cup is one of the top-rated women’s travel items. Ladies know how essential a good menstrual cup on travels can be! A menstrual cup is an essential travel item for women!

27. TRAVEL MONEY BELT

A travel money belt is among the most popular travel accessories. This comfortable and adjusting travel money belt with RFID block (an antitheft protection) keeps your valuables safe every moment. A practical and extremely useful travel item, enough said.

28. TRAVEL SCARF WITH SECRET HIDDEN POCKETS

Talking about women’s travel accessories and useful travel accessories, this travel scarf with secret hidden pockets happens to be one of the best travel items. Decorative and useful. Ladies simply love it.

29. TRAVEL BOOTS WITH SECRET POCKETS  

Another stylish and highly useful travel item is ankle travel boots with secret pockets . These boots are for hard-core travelers who enjoy adventures and want to keep their personal valuables safe. These boots are available in different colors, to match everyone’s taste. But, what’s more important, they keep safe everyone’s travel valuables.

30. SUNSCREEN SPF 50

Good sunscreen is a must-have travel item. This sunscreen is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation and National Eczema Association. Please do yourself a favor and wear sunscreen.

31. COLLAPSIBLE WATER FILTERED BOTTLE  

This roll-up portable travel water bottle keeps you hydrated on your travels and takes minimal space in your travel bag. Quite a handy travel item, right?!

3 2. PORTABLE CHARGER

Talking about things you need when traveling, a mini power bank ‘on-the-go’ is one of the modern essential travel gadgets.  This Anker portable battery with an ultra-high capacity of 20100mAh is one of the top travel accessories and must-have accessories for travel. 

33. UNIVERSAL WORLDWIDE TRAVEL ADAPTER  FOR 150+ COUNTRIES 

Talking about must-have electronics, a good travel adapter is one of those international travel must-haves. Admittedly these days our phones connect us with our families, friends, and business more than ever. And to be connected to our families and business when traveling matters a lot. In that sense, one of the worst things that happen on our travels is not being able to charge the phones. And here is where this universal travel adapter for 150+ countries comes in.

34. GLOBAL DATA SIM

If you don’t have a super affordable global data plan and you don’t like the idea of depending solely on wifi when traveling, you need to know that this Keepgo Global Lifetime SIM card works in 64 countries in Europe, Asia, North, and South America. Hello, globetrotters, this global data sim card could easily become your new favorite travel item.

35. WIRELESS TRAVEL ROUTER TO MAKE YOUR PRIVATE SECURE WIFI NETWORK 

But if you prefer to use a wired network on your travels, you certainly want to have a secure one. This HooToo Wireless Travel Router is a light, small, and powerful travel thing. It changes wired networks into a private secure wireless network and enables you to safely back up your travel photos and enjoy media streaming. Looking for a  travel router Best Buy? Check out TP-Link N300 Wireless Travel Router .

36. PORTABLE USB SOLAR CHARGER

What about travel accessories for cars? This portable USB solar charger can sit on the dash in your car and recharge your phone and tablet when driving. One of the greatest car travel accessories ever.  But if you are into hiking, you can simply put your Anker USB Solar Charger onto your bag and keep charging it on the go.

37. TSA APPROVED SCAN-SMART ANTITHEFT AND WATERPROOF BACKPACK

If you want to avoid unnecessary hassle with airport security and also to avoid becoming a victim of theft on your travels,  you should consider buying a smart travel bag.   This SwissGear Smart DayPack is a  very trendy travel backpack and one of the most popular travel-safe bags ever. It is a top antitheft travel safe backpack and one of the best laptop backpacks ever. Certainly, one of the best traveling bags you can find on the market. Read more about SwissGear Smart DayPack here.  

38. UNIVERSAL TRAVEL CABLE AND ELECTRONICS ORGANIZER

Talking about practical travel accessories and things that make travel easier, consider getting electronics organizer travel accessories. This BagSmart Electronic Organizer is a travel charger organizer and electronics travel bag that  keeps your electronics and cables on your travels well organized. If you are searching for the best travel cable organizer, you consider getting BagSmart Electronic Organizer .

39. DIGITAL LUGGAGE SCALE

This small and super light luggage scale protects you from overpacking and paying extra for overweight luggage fees. A must-have travel item and a useful travel item.  If you don’t want to give extra money for overweight luggage, don’t think twice and just put FREETOO digital luggage scale onto your international travel list. A digital luggage scale is among the all-time best travel buys! Remember, small travel things can make a big difference.

40. ROLLING DUFFEL BAG 

Searching for the best luggage for frequent travelers? The best best gear for travel? It is hard to say what’s the best travel bag. But many travelers swear that rolling duffel bags are the best luggage for frequent travelers as they are light, flexible, and roomy and you can put more things in them than into hard suitcases. But on the other hand, duffel bags might be more vulnerable to theft than suitcases. In any case, this Samsonite Wheeled Duffel is a light travel bag and  waterproof travel bag you should take into account.

41.  TRAVEL SUITCASE WITH SPINNER WHEELS

A wheeled suitcase is arguably the best option for refined travelers and business travelers. A wheeled suitcase is the best gear for travelers who like to travel. in style. If you are looking for the best suitcase for business travel or the best suitcase for European travel, this Samsonite Winfield awesome suitcase is on the list of the best suitcases for business travel and the best suitcases for traveling to Europe. It could become with ease your best travel suitcase and your best business travel luggage ever.

42. CARRY-ON WHEELED BACKPACK WITH A DETACHABLE DAY BAG

Are you a light traveler who is looking for the best luggage to travel internationally with a mini travel backpack? Looking for one of those multipurpose travel bags you can easily carry around? This 3 IN 1 Bag goes as a wheeled bag, a backpack, and a day bag. A perfect travel bag, right? Perfect equipment for travelling, indeed! High Sierra AT3 carry-on can be rated as the ultimate travel bag, unique carry-on luggage, and coolest carry-on luggage. But in any case, it is the best-buy backpack. 3 in 1, remember?!

43. ULTRALIGHT BACKPACK

If you ask backpackers what’s the most useful travel item. They will say, a light backpack of course! It is one of the essential travel items after all. This TETON Sports backpack is one of the best lightweight travel backpacks and top-rated travel backpacks. 

44. LUGGAGE STRAPS

Darller Luggage Straps  belong to the travelers’ must-haves. The straps keep your suitcase tightly closed. You can also tie two suitcases together with them and keep your luggage together. Darller Luggage Straps come in vibrant colors, not only in black. The bright colors help you spot your luggage quickly at airports. There’s no doubt, that the luggage straps are among the best luggage accessories.

45. TSA APPROVED TRAVEL LUGGAGE LOCK

Some extra security gives peace to the mind. So consider adding this travel luggage lock to your luggage accessories . This small safety accessory can make a big difference on your trip.

46. PERSONALIZED LUGGAGE TAGS

47. MINI PERSONAL TRAVEL FAN

Gaiatop Mini Portable Fan is one of the best travel accessories you could wish for when in heat. It is a lifesaver in heat! It is a small and lightweight but mighty device. You can put it in your purse and use it on the go. It is one of the top must-have travel items in the summertime!

48. LIGHT LAPTOP FOR TRAVELLING 

For digital nomads and people who work remotely a light laptop is one of the business travel essentials. Light 13-inch MacBook Air is my working tool. The small and light 13-inch MacBook Air  fits perfectly into my women’s laptop backpack.

My iPhone XS Max goes in the package with my MacBook Air. My Macbook Air and my MacBook Air are my essential business tools. To sum up, my iPhone XS Max is one of my top travel must-haves.

50. UNIVERSAL WATERPROOF PHONE CASE

One of the must-have accessories for iPhone or whatever phone you have is this JOTO universal waterproof phone dry bag . You want to protect your favorite must-have travel gadget, right?!

51. LAPTOP STAND

If you work long hours in front of your laptop screen, this super lightweight, portable, and foldable support laptop stand protects you from neck pain and keeps your health. Amazing travel gadget for people who work remotely! And one of the top digital nomad accessories!

52. BLUETOOTH KEYBOARD 

Trifold pocket-sized iClever Bluetooth keyboard is another great travel gadget you can hardly resist, especially if you are a digital nomad. This is a great travel gift too. Hmm, Christmas is coming soon.

53. NOISE-CANCELING HEADPHONES

Noise-canceling Bluetooth Sony WF-SP900 headphones keep you away from sound distractions. A useful travel gadget. You can’t deny it, huh?!

54. EARPLUGS

 If good sleep on your travels matters to you, and I believe it matters a lot, then these earplugs for sleeping are a must-have accessory. Earplugs for sleeping, earplugs for swimming, earplugs for snoring … you name it. Yes, you need them. They are the absolute must-have items for traveling!

55. HEADLAMP

One of the cool items to buy for travel and useful traveling gear is a headlamp. Whether you like reading in your hostel bunk bed at night or as outdoor gear for camping and hiking, the DanForce Headlamp is a cool travel item and a great travel gadget to have.

56. MINI TRAVEL FLASHLIGHT

This super small flashlight is one of the most useful travel accessories you simply must have.

57. TRIPOD WITH WIRELESS REMOTE FOR TAKING PICTURES AND VIDEOS

A tripod with a wireless remote is one of the top gadgets for travel! Why? If you travel solo or want to have travel photos with your all family members in the photos, this Ubeesize tripod will do the work for you. A hint? It comes with a lifetime warranty.

58. CANON G7X VLOG CAMERA

If you are interested in high-quality travel videos, Canon G7x is on the way to becoming one of your favorite travel gadgets. Highly useful and essential for vloggers. And, it is another great gift for travelers.

59. GO-PRO HERO 7

Talking about gadgets for travelers, and when it comes to GoPro, a special introduction is unnecessary. The world has gone crazy for GoPro Hero 7 ! One of the best travel gadgets for adventure travelers and beyond.

60. TRAVEL FIRST AID KIT

This portable and lightweight first aid kit is one of the best travel kits. It has bandages, alcohol wipes , ibuprofen, aspirin tablets, antiseptic cotton, sterile pads, first-aid tape, scissors … Hikers, campers, …outdoor enthusiasts, and long-term travelers … simply adore it. You might too! 

61. TRAVEL DOOR ALARM

A small travel door alarm is one of those useful travel accessories that can make a big difference if you happen to need to sleep in a dodgy hotel.

62. SAFETY WHISTLE

A safety whistle is one of the cool cheap things to buy on Amazon , but it can be life-saving in case of an emergency! Your life is worth much more than the few bucks you are going to spend on buying a safety whistle , agree?! Buy it and take it with you. And let’s hope you will never need to use it.

63. PHONE SANITIZER WITH FAST WIRELESS CHARGER

Recent global events taught us that cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing are more important than ever before. This eco-friendly sanitizer cleans easily and safely a huge range of products: from phones, earphones, computer mice, and watches to USB sticks, car keys, makeup tools, jewelry, and more. It’s disinfecting everything. It is usable at home, office, and on travel. This easy-to-use sanitizer is undeniably one of the most useful travel items at the moment.

64. MEMORY FOAM SEAT CUSHION

If you are a digital nomad who works remotely, then you appreciate a comfortable office chair. This ergonomically designed gel memory foam seat cushion will make your back pain back gone or minimalized. It is great for traveling, office, home, driving (car seat), and even wheelchair use.

65. PORTABLE TRAVEL CLOTHESLINE

If you enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, boat riding, or traveling slowly, you would appreciate this elastic stainless travel clothesline with clips . Put the clothesline between trees, on the balcony, in an RV, or bathroom, and make your drying space anywhere. People who hiked Camino de Santiago , like me, know how useful this small travel item can be on multi-day treks. (Check out my Camino de Santiago packing list !) Hang your towels, socks, etc on the clothesline and get your clothes dry naturally! This clothesline is lightweight, easy to pack, and one of the most useful travel accessories for multi-day trips.

66. PORTABLE BIDET

This Portable Bidet with Travel Bag is one of the most popular travel items. Keeping good personal hygiene is important at home and on travels. The HappyPo Travel Bidet is easy to use. It doesn’t need batteries or a connection. You just need to fill it with water, squeeze the bottle, and voilà – a nice wide spray comes! It is small, handy, and easy to carry on. A portable bidet is a must-have travel item for people who like to feel cleaner on their travels.

67. PORTABLE ESPRESSO MACHINE

If you follow my blog, you know how much I appreciate good coffee. On my coffee travels around the world , I sipped fabulous Vietnamese coffee in Vietnam , enjoyed siphoned coffee in Laos, had authentic luwak coffee in Bali , cruised famous coffee houses in Vienna , indulged in Italian espresso in Italy, etc. If you are anything like me, you need a cup of coffee to start your day with. This mini portable espresso machine is a top travel item a coffee lover could ask for! It is lightweight, portable, and easy to use. This handy travel-sized espresso machine is one of the best travel items for coffee-loving travelers!

Hope you find useful my list of the best travelling equipment. You can use it as a travel checklist for packing your essential travel items and favorite travel accessories.

I did my best to cover travel gadgets and accessories, outdoor gear, travel aids accessories, smart travel items, best luggage for travel … domestic and international travel accessories. If you would like to add something to my list of useful travel accessories and help fellow travelers, please leave a comment or send me a message.

Happy and safe travels, always!

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Saturday 9th of July 2022

I was looking for ideas for gift basket for a coworker who is traveling across the country, and really loved your suggestions. It was the small ordinary things we usually overlook! Thank you

Graeme Stewart

Saturday 10th of April 2021

That's a lot of stuff to carry. I would reduce the bags to just one and save a lot of space and airline fees :)

You know that your phone has a flashlight right? That can replace the mini-light.

Otherwise, very helpful. Thanks for sharing.

Hi Stewart,

thanks for sharing your thoughts. I gave some options here, of course. Anyway, I still believe that a mini flashlight is one of the really useful travel accessories. It takes almost nothing of space and it can be helpful. It's mini. After all, we don't need to have our phones with us all the time. :-)

Thanks for reading and taking your time to comment! I appreciate it. Milijana

Tuesday 29th of September 2020

The portable solar USB charger is definitely on top of my list! As a travel enthusiast myself that is often found hiking or trekking, I can definitely soak all that natural energy and convert it into power for my electronics.

Great article!

Kim Goodwin

Thursday 5th of December 2019

Hey Milijana, You have given the quality information for the travel. It was helpful to choose the necessary gadgets for my trip. What I personally like in your blog is you've provided many safety gadgets. Keep on like these posts. I am waiting for more information post from you.

I am glad to read this. Thank you for your feedback, Kim!

Wednesday 4th of December 2019

Thanks Milijana for this quality post. Thumbs up!!

Thank you for reading and commenting.

I hope some of the travel accessories I've listed will make your next trip more comfortable, more safe, easier and more enjoyable overall.

Happy and safe travels, Milijana

Best and Unique Souvenir Ideas: Things to Collect While Traveling

Share with your friends!

Looking for best and unique souvenir ideas to collect on your travels?

Traveling and souvenirs kind of go hand-in-hand. But if you travel often and to lots of different places, then your souvenirs can start taking up tons of room.

Souvenirs shouldn’t be a burden, but they are always fun to collect. After several hundreds of travelers were polled, we came up with a list of awesome souvenir ideas you can start collecting!

Best Souvenir Ideas To Collect

We personally collect a piece of art from each country we visit. It started with a painting in Haiti, and went from there.

I was so excited to start a “Travel Wall” full of local art from all around. I wanted it to be more than just a bunch of paintings as well, so some art includes wood carvings, things made of shells, paintings, and ornaments too.

Sometimes it’s hard to find a painting or something that is from a local artist, so we try to source the next best thing and find something that looks like it could be replicated art as well.

For now, we have a “Travel Shelf” since we’re renting and didn’t want to put too many holes in the wall, but the shelf makes me so happy to see every day in my office, and I get to see our memories up there.

It’s definitely a fun hobby for couples to do together.

You probably already picked up a map from every place you’ve been. You can see the maps as a souvenir itself, or use them to create something on your own.

Head to the local post office and purchase a stamp to add to your collection. This is a good way to get a cheap souvenir if you’re not wanting them to be on a post card but rather separate for a stamp collection.

Pressed Pennies

Not every place you go is going to have a smashed penny machine, but this is something I started collecting when I was a little girl. It typically cost less than a dollar, and they will smash some picture into your penny for a great souvenir.

Magnets was one of the top answers when travelers shared what they collected. They’re easy to pack, usually pretty inexpensive, and can be found almost anywhere.

There are different type of magnets you can collect as well.

Collect magnets that have the name of the place you are visiting, magnets that have artwork on them, flat magnets, 3D magnets, the world of magnets is open to you.

And, you don’t have to put them on your fridge either. Find an awesome metal board that you can frame and add your magnets to and turn it into your own work of wall art.

Visiting London? Check out these London gift ideas .

Christmas Ornament

How fun would this one be?! And it’s part of our Awesome Christmas Traditions to Start Now!

Collecting a Christmas Ornament from each place you travel to would be a great idea, and you’d be able to see them every year when you put up your Christmas tree. It will be a tree full of your travel memories.

Not every place you go will have an actual Christmas Tree ornament, so get creative. You can turn a key chain, bookmark, or anything really into an ornament. It just needs a loop!

Charms for Bracelet

Charm Bracelets are a wonderful idea. The charms would be very small so you won’t have to worry about packing it, and each place could have a very unique charm to add. Try getting one that represents each place by the shapes that you get.

Post Cards was another very popular answer. They are one of the cheapest products being sold in the stores, and everyone has them.

Collect a postcard from each place you visit and turn it into a postcard journal, book, or use in a scrapbook.

Write something on the back about your travels and mail it home to yourself. That way you can have your memory of the place, and have a stamp from wherever you were.

If you’re visiting Poland, check out these ideas for Polish souvenirs .

Most travelers who mentioned books, said they typically get a book from a local store…not necessarily a travel/tour guide book. But that could work too!

There are so many things you can do with patches these days. Sew them on your jacket or backpack are popular ones. You can also sew them onto a blanket and make yourself a blanket full of your travel memories, or add them into a scrapbook.

Pins is another idea like the patches. You can wear them on a hat, jacket, or add them to your bag…or, you can make a frame for them and add them as wall art in your home or office.

You’ll probably be able to find a keychain anywhere you go. And they tend to be pretty cheap as well. There are several ways you can show off your keychain, as carrying them around with your house keys is probably not recommended.

How about stringing them on a line across the room, or on the wall. Or get a cork board frame and hang each one on a pin. You can throw them all in a see through jar, so they’re all easily seen and don’t take up a ton of space and you can always mix them up for new ones to be shown.

Cool Souvenir Ideas

Shot glasses.

B collects shot glasses. He started this before we were together, and I pushed him to continue his collection. He has a huge box full of them, and we unfortunately haven’t had any room to put them up just yet.

But shot glasses were a very popular collectible for lots of travelers. Hang up a shelf and show those unique shot glasses off.

Getting a flag from each country would be a cool souvenir. We heard of people who display them in their garage, make a blanket out of them, or create a book from them as well.

You can collect; bracelets, rings, charms, and necklaces from different cities too. The cool thing about this is that it will be something you actually can wear and get use out of.

Same goes for clothing. We heard some travelers say they like to collect the local clothing or a dress from each country. Definitely a good way to make your souvenirs useful.

Whether you make your own coasters or buy them in the store, your coffee table can be filled with all your travel memories.

Another great affordable option that makes it easy to pack is stickers. And again, there are so many things you can do with stickers!

We like to collect different coins from each country we visit as well. Add your coins and paper money to your tickets and photos and create a cool travel shadow box.

Paper Money

Some countries have really cool paper money too, so we try to collect some from each country as well.

Spoon collecting is not just for grandma! Collecting a mini decorative spoon on your travels can give you a really cool talking piece to hang up on your wall.

Tickets to Places You’ve Been

Just like with the coins and paper money, you can collect all the tickets from the places you have been and add them to a shadow box, use them for a scrapbook of memories, or laminate them and use them as wall art. Plus, it doesn’t cost any extra money.

We saw a couple travelers who had an awesome collection of rocks from different countries and states. Be sure the rocks you are picking up are legal to take, and find one that speaks to you. Write the name of the place you found it on the rock, or in a journal so you know where they came from.

Something that Represents Each Place

If you want to do something unique from each country, how about collecting something that represents each place…something that country is known for. 
Examples:

-shoes in italy

-blanket from Morocco

-Rug from India

-Spice Jar from Dubai

Things To Collect When Traveling

We’ve seen this one more and more lately. A decorative tea towel. You can use these in your kitchen everyday, or hang them up as art. We have a friend who used one as a backdrop to her shadow box frame and it turned out great!

Snow Globes

Collecting snow globes from around the world can give you lots of different options for sure. And what a decorative shelf you’ll have

The good ‘ol T-shirt. This is quite possibly one your parents started out for you, but you don’t have to keep them as tees. Turn them into a book where you can flip through and have all your memories in one place without taking up tons of space.

On the same note with T-shirts, you can collect different apparel like socks and scarves. Something that is practical that you can use throughout the week.

Unique Souvenir Ideas

Nature things.

Sand, Soil, Shells, all these things can be collected from your travels and displayed in a fun way. Try adding them to small bottles and add a tag where each is from. Shells can also be a cool decor item to remember your trips.

Dried Leaves

Maybe a bit different, but we heard of people collecting dried leaves or flowers from different places.

Plates and Bowls

What about turning your kitchen into a whole travel memory? There are so many unique plates, bowls, and cups sold all around different countries. Create a memorable and eclectic collection that you’ll use every day.

Starbucks Cups

Again, these are not found everywhere, but for the Starbucks and Travel enthusiasts, it’s fun to try to collect them all!

Hard Rock Cafe Shirts, Stickers or Badges

Hard Rock Cafe does something similar, and has the city, state, and/or country you visited, so you can collect them all.

Pencils/Pens

Another small and affordable collectible. You can get different pencils with the country name on it, pens that show where you’ve been, or fun wooden color pencils that look like they’re made from sticks.

For all the book lovers, grab a bookmark at all your favorite places. Or use them for decoration as well!

We’ve seen lots of mini bells, hand bells, large dinner bells, etc.

Travel Keepsake Ideas

Business cards.

If you’re looking for free souvenirs, you can start collecting business cards from all the hotels you’ve stayed in, restaurants you’ve been to, and tours you’ve done.

Cups/ Coffee Mugs

Just like the shot glasses but larger cups. You can do drinking cups, coffee mugs, water bottles, etc.

Luggage Tags

How about swapping out your luggage tag from each place you have been. Use the new one on your next travels and then use them to decorate your travel space.

Rubber Ducks

This was another funny one, but one that would be a blast trying to find all around the world. They have rubber ducks dressed up in all sorts of ways. Another idea would be a toy from each place.

If you’re into tattoos and love to travel, maybe try getting a small tattoo from each place…or at least one that represents each place you have been to. Keep safety in mind when you decide where to get your tattoo done.

Reusable Shopping Bags

Head to the local grocery store and purchase a reusable shopping bag. You can use these when you get back home on your own shopping trips.

Purse/Backpack

If you’re not into the apparel idea, maybe go for the purse, bag, or backpack.

Mini Figurines

This could mean lots of different things, but a cool figurine from each place could be a great way to decorate a space to hold your travel memories. A Mickey Mouse from Disney, and an Eiffel Tower replica are some ideas.

Some travelers said they collect koozies wherever they go. Those are the can drink sleeves that I’m sure are called something else depending on where you’re from.

Deck of Cards

A deck of cards would be a fun thing to collect, and fairly cheap as well. Each deck has a different design or picture on the back, so when you get lots, you can have a fun collection.

Collecting wine corks could be another great idea. Every wine bottle has a different type of wine cork, and lots of them will have cool designs or the brand name on it.

Souvenirs To Collect That Are Not Physical Items

Don’t have room for a bunch of knickknacks and collectibles? Sometimes the non physical items can be just as memorable.

Of course photos would be the most obvious one, but we believe you can never have too many photos. Be sure to print out some of your travel photos as well, so you have something to look at each day.

Journaling all about your trips and experiences is a really great way to save all your memories. Try writing what you did each day in a travel journal, or create a scrapbook journal of your trips filled with photos, tickets, writing and more.

I had never thought about collecting songs, but some fellow travelers showed how this could be a really great way to collect memories.

Whatever country you are in, ask the locals what their favorite songs are, or what song is most popular at the time. Not the top hits in the US that are playing there.

Download those songs and create your own travel playlist that you can listen to, and each song can bring you back to where you are when you heard it.

Souvenirs can be a great way to keep little memories all around you long after you have come home from your trip. They don’t have to be junk and take up a lot of room collecting dust either.

Enjoy your souvenirs each day by wearing, using, or decorating with them!

Sara, a seasoned expert in wedding planning and date ideas, brings a wealth of experience to our couples blog. With a background in the television industry and hands-on involvement in a dozen weddings, including working as a wedding assistant on "My Fair Wedding with David Tutera," Sara has an innate understanding of the magic that makes weddings truly special. Growing up with four sisters has given her unique insights into the dating world, making her a go-to source for practical and heartfelt dating advice. Her knowledge and enthusiasm make her the perfect guide for couples seeking to infuse their relationships with creativity and love.

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16 Best Travel Items on Amazon That Will Make Every Trip a Breeze

The best backpack, coffee mug, and neck pillow for your best trip ever.

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.

The 500+ Club helps take the guesswork out of shopping on Amazon. The product experts at Good Housekeeping have vetted the below products to ensure they’re worth your money. Each one boasts at least 500 reviews and a minimum 4-star rating from real, verified reviewers, so you can trust that you’re purchasing products that actually work, according to users and experts.

To help with your biggest and smallest travel woes, here are the best travel items we could find on Amazon . Below, you'll see necessities like folding toothbrushes and mini razors, and handy travel gadgets such as a portable steamer. Some of these even make great gifts for your friend who's always seeking her next adventure.

Here's to hoping that some of these travel finds make packing for your next trip so much simpler!

trtl Soft Neck Support Pillow

Ditch bulky pillows that get in the way and slip on this this fleece alternative instead. Reviewers say the Trtl does a great job at supporting your neck and helping you fall sleep : "It's worth every penny because I don’t have to go to the chiropractor after every trip anymore," says one reviewer.

Star rating : 4 stars Reviews : 28.5k

iMangoo Shockproof Case for Electronics

One Amazon reviewer calls this carrying case the "perfect little tech organizer" because it fits everything you need while keeping cords safe and neat. The pearlescent cover is actually water resistant and shockproof, so it protects your devices from getting damaged .

Star rating : 4.6 stars Reviews: 11.9k

ZOPPEN Tri-Fold Organizer Holder

Sometimes it's a good idea to keep your everyday wallet at home, especially since there's a greater risk of you losing it on your trip. Instead, trade it for this slim, tri-fold organizer that easily holds your passport, documents, credit cards, and travel cards all in one place.

Star rating : 4.6 stars Reviews : 17.1k

NEWVANGA Universal Adaptor

This travel adapter accepts plugs from more than 150 countries . It features two USB ports so you can charge two low power devices at once. “It’s great because I can charge my Apple watch and iPhone at the same time, wake up, and everything is good to go,” says one Amazon reviewer.

Star rating : 4.6 stars Reviews : 5.5k

Teapile Travel Bottles for Toiletries

Amazon reviewers recommend this toiletry bottle set for a reason. You receive four bottles, three circular containers, and two toothbrush covers packed in a clear case. "The small pots also have additional lids inside so creams and lotions are secure ," says one reviewer.

Star rating : 4.4 stars Reviews: 12.3k

BAGSMART Travel Jewelry Organizer

Traveling with jewelry doesn't have to be difficult. This clutch keeps your necklaces organized and stops them from getting tangled . There are even compartments for earrings, rings, bracelets, and zippered pockets for whatever else needs storage.

Star rating : 4.7 stars Reviews: 8K

YAMIU Travel Shoe Bags

You definitely don't want used shoes to touch your clean clothes. These bags will fit all of your heels and sneakers neatly — Amazon reviewers warn however, that larger-sized high top sneakers might not fit seamlessly.

Star rating : 4.7 stars Reviews: 8.3k

BAGAIL Packing Cubes Set, Various Sizes

Included in this set are six pieces of various-sized packing cubes that can squeeze into backpacks, carry-ons, and duffel bags . Amazon reviewers appreciate the high quality fabric at the low price.

Star rating : 4.8 stars Reviews: 7.1k

Gillette Venus Snap Razor with Extra Smooth Handle

Not only is it the perfect size for travel, this razor comes with a protective case that snaps shut — keeping your other toiletries safe and untouched . Reviewers love that the Snap works just as well as Gilette's full-sized razors and provides a smooth, clean finish.

Star rating : 4.7 stars Reviews: 10.6k

Hilife Handheld Travel Steamer

And before you find out your hotel didn't include an iron in your closet (or you're too lazy to drag out the ironing board), pack this mini handheld steamer with you instead. "It takes only minutes to steam an outfit ," says one Amazon reviewer. The steamer is small but shaped oddly, so another reviewer recommends keeping the box it came in to make packing easier.

Star rating : 4.3 stars Reviews: 74.6k

Luxebell Digital Luggage Scale

According to one Amazon reviewer, using this gadget is " much easier than the 'subtract my body weight from the bathroom scale' method ." The T-shape design allows you to weigh your luggage with one or two hands. Plus, it's small enough for you to take it along with you on your trip.

Star rating : 4.6 stars Reviews: 5k

Contigo Snapseal Byron Mug

One reviewer calls this mug the "best travel thermos cup ever," and advises shoppers to read the instructions to properly set up the leak-proof seal. Thanks to its Thermalock feature, it keeps drinks hot up to nine hours and cold up to 21 hours . It also rated highly in our tests of the best travel mugs .

Star rating : 4.7 stars Reviews: 57.5k

MZOO Contoured Sleep Eye Mask

If you need your surroundings to be pitch black when you sleep, Amazon reviewers say this sleep mask "blocks all ambient light." The padding protects your eyes from being smushed while putting zero pressure on your under eye area.

Star rating : 4.7 stars Reviews: 69.9k

AUTOARK Car Seat Organizer

On road trips, we often keep our drinks in the trunk where the cooler is so there's leg room for passengers. But this car seat organizer is easily accessible and provides an insulated material that keeps drinks hot or cold . Plus, it features extra pockets for snacks and other small items.

Star rating : 4.2 stars Reviews: 3.7k

Travelpro Expandable Suitcase

Amazon reviewers love that this carry-on bag is "lightweight, but well-built." It expands up to 2 inches to maximize packing capacity , plus features two exterior compartments. During our best carry-on luggage reviews , this model was rated one of the top in the two-wheel category.

Star rating : 4.6 stars Reviews: 2.8k

MATEIN Laptop Backpack

If you're going on a business trip or want to take your personal laptop with you while traveling, this sturdy backpack fits laptops up to 15 inches long . It also has an external USB port, lots of pockets, and plenty of space for clothes, if you want!

Star rating : 4.8 stars Reviews: 64.2k

Shanon is a writer and editor who specializes in best-of product roundups and deals. She has over six years of experience, including almost three years as a Good Housekeeping product and reviews editor, covering the best sales and products across home, appliances, health, beauty, parenting and more.

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The 13 Best Travel Clothing Brands of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

From swimwear to walking shoes, we’ve got you covered.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Jackie Cucco

A travel wardrobe is different from a regular wardrobe. How so? It should include comfy, breathable pieces made of stretchy, flexible fabrics while also being versatile, layerable, and suitable for different activities, climates, and occasions.

Finding items that check all the boxes can be challenging. To make it easy, we’ve rounded up the best travel clothing brands that carry casual, professional, weather-friendly, and active pieces alike.

The Travel + Leisure team not only trusts these featured brands but has also personally tried many of their best-selling, highly rated clothes, outerwear, and shoes firsthand. We used our extensive apparel and footwear testing process to come up with the best places to shop online for all types of travelers.

Best Overall

Unbound Merino

Unbound Merino's clothes are woven from ultra-soft, stretchy, non-wrinkling wool that wicks away sweat and promises to keep odors at bay.

The selection is somewhat limited, but it's great for basics.

When it comes to travel apparel, Unbound Merino is tough to beat. Crafted from premium merino wool boasting super-fine, silky fibers, the fabrics are not only not itchy but are also softer, stretchier, and more wrinkle-resistant than many cotton weaves. Wool is naturally antimicrobial and sweat-wicking, too, meaning it won't harbor odor-causing bacteria. So you can wear the garments multiple times on a trip without needing to wash them — the brand says you can wear its clothes for weeks without laundering them.

Unbound Merino carries lots of comfy basics that are excellent for travel, like plain tees, long-sleeves, and pants that feel like sweats but look like professional trousers. We're particularly fond of the Women's Merino Wool Travel Dress . This versatile frock can be dressed up or down, worn as-is or under a light jacket, and styled with sandals, heels, flats, or sneakers. We also like the Men's Merino Crew Neck T-Shirt , a perfect short-sleeve tee or undershirt for guys.

The Details: 90-day return policy

Best for Everyday

The brand's active-meets-casual pieces are just the thing for travel days, athleisure outfits, and sporty weekend looks.

You'll mostly find athleisure and loungewear clothing, but there are some good trousers and knitwear items, too.

Alo is technically a yoga apparel brand, but it makes some excellent athleisure and loungewear pieces for comfy everyday ensembles. The brand has also expanded its offerings to include things like work-ready trousers, knit sweaters, bodysuits, and sporty dresses.

We love Alo's 7/8 High-waist Airlift Legging on account of its extra-wide waistband and soft fabric that lifts and sculpts your curves. When going for a more laid-back look, we'd rock the slouchy Alcolade Sweatpant with a pair of sneakers.

The Details: 30-day return policy

Best for Business Travel

Madewell carries lots of professional-looking pieces, like blouses, bodysuits, button-ups, trousers, and midi dresses.

The men's collection isn't as extensive as the women's.

Madewell is known for its denim, and while we certainly love the jeans, it's also a great place to shop for a work trip. From sophisticated dresses and tailored pants to chic blouses, button-ups, and bodysuits, you'll find a range of high-quality, professional-looking pieces.

The Harlow Pant is one of our favorites for business-casual and business-professional outfits. This best-seller features a high-rise, wide-leg cut and a drapey, breathable blend of cotton and Tencel. (It's also available in a curvy fit , with a contoured waistband and extra room through the hips and thighs.)

Best Sustainable

Besides its impressive collection of classy, travel-ready clothes, we appreciate Everlane's commitment to reducing waste and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

The brand leans seasonless but has some cold- and warm-weather pieces available.

Everlane carries a mostly seasonless collection of travel-ready apparel, including jogger-trouser hybrid pants, jeans in on-trend yet versatile cuts, elegant sweaters, classy Oxford shirts, everyday crewnecks, cotton dresses, and jumpsuits. The brand is also dedicated to sustainability, with a waste-minimizing supply chain and a goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by over 50 percent by 2030.

The Dream Pant is one of our go-tos for travel days. These pants look like tailored trousers but feel like stretchy joggers, plus the fabric is wrinkle-resistant and (according to Everlane) "comfortable enough to nap in."

Best Athleisure

Lululemon carries not only top-notch athleisure wear, but also pieces you can wear to work that feel like lounge clothes.

Though the sizes can run a little small, the Align collection stretches to fit even if you fluctuate sizes.

We pretty much always pack at least one Lululemon item when traveling. Originally a yoga apparel brand, it now offers an impressive range of loungewear and athleisure pieces, including leggings in virtually every cut, style, and color. You'll even find work-appropriate garments, like trousers, poplin shirts, and blazers that feel like athleisure wear. The prices can be steep, but you can often strike gold in the discounted " We Made Too Much " section.

Lululemon launched its uber-popular, borderline-famous Align Pant in 2015. While we certainly like the original, the pocketed version is ideal for travel — and it's made with the same buttery-soft fabric and super-wide, high-rise waistband. We also like the slightly looser-fitting Align High-rise Jogger , which has pockets big enough to hold a smartphone .

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Best for Capsule Wardrobes

This affordable luxury brand has pieces you can dress up or down and wear in multiple seasons.

While many cashmere and silk items are machine washable, the brand still recommends hand washing.

Quince is a relatively new clothing brand but has gained a loyal following since its 2020 launch. When you browse the site, you'll find affordable pieces made from premium materials, like cashmere, natural silk, and linen. There's even a chart on each product page that breaks down exactly how it gets the prices so low. Just the thing for building a capsule wardrobe, the high-quality, multi-season garments can be mixed and matched to create endless outfits. Quince also has an almost unheard-of 365-day return window.

We like the Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater, which comes in women's and men's sizes. We're also big fans of the Washable Stretch Silk Blouse because it's not only machine washable, but it’s also versatile enough to wear with a skirt, jeans, shorts, or pants.

The Details: 365-day return policy

Best Budget

Amazon essentials.

Amazon's own clothing brand has accessibly priced travel basics, loungewear, professional attire, and swimsuits for men, women, and kids.

The "try before you buy" option is only available for Prime members.

If you're on a budget, look no further than Amazon. The mega-retailer has many private label brands, including a very accessibly priced clothing line, Amazon Essentials. There's tons of great stuff for men, women, and kids, including wardrobe basics, loungewear, dresses, sweaters, underwear, swimsuits, and even workwear. Prime members can get their items within a couple of days (sometimes even with same-day delivery) and take advantage of the "try before you buy" perk. This allows you to order items to try on and ship them back without being charged for anything if you decide you don't want them.

The Women's Short-sleeve Maxi is breathable, stretchy, lightweight, and versatile — everything you want in a travel dress. Amazon Essentials also has many affordable short-sleeve men's shirts, including henleys, V-necks, and crewnecks, like this two-pack of Regular-fit Short-sleeve Pocket T-shirts .

Best Size-inclusive

Girlfriend Collective

Many styles run from XXS to 6XL, plus they're made of stretchy, flexible fabrics that won't wrinkle in your suitcase.

The brand suggests using a wash bag or microfiber filter when washing and hanging items to dry.

Girlfriend Collective has one of the most inclusive size ranges out there — many of its styles come in 11 sizes, running from XXS to 6XL. The brand carries fitness apparel, athleisure, loungewear, bodysuits, dresses, and outerwear – all stretchy, breathable, wrinkle-resistant, and packable. Most items are made of fabrics sourced from recycled plastic bottles, and you can even recycle the pieces you're done wearing through the ReGirlfriend program.

The brand's Compressive Pocket Legging is a stellar choice for travel. We like how the soft yet sturdy fabric holds you in without restricting movement, and the deep side pockets are big enough for a phone or passport.

Best for Shapewear

Spanx has shapewear for every outfit, along with thoughtfully designed clothing items you can wear while traveling, to work, and on weekends.

Many items come in limited colors, but the selection is getting broader.

Spanx is almost synonymous with shapewear. The brand carries a comprehensive selection of undergarments that hold you in, smooth certain areas, and enhance your curves — think bodysuits, high-rise underwear, compressive shorts, tanks, and camis. Besides that, you can now get chic, comfy apparel, including travel clothes, workwear, swimsuits, and even jeans with hidden shapewear features.

Made specifically for travel, the AirEssentials Collection has cozy yet classy jumpsuits, dresses, and wear-anywhere pants. We like the Suit Yourself Boat Neck Ribbed Bodysuit because it combines core-smoothing shapewear with a sleek long-sleeve shirt you can style many ways.

The Details: 60-day return policy

Best for Hiking

This outdoor apparel brand has all types of hiking clothes, from pocketed pants and shorts to layering pieces and weather-ready, stuffable outerwear.

Patagonia doesn't make hiking shoes or boots.

If you're planning a hiking trip, Patagonia likely has almost everything you need. We're talking layering pieces, pocketed trail pants and shorts, windbreakers, rain jackets, packable puffer coats, and thick, sweat-wicking socks. It doesn't carry hiking boots or shoes, but we can tell you which ones to buy from other retailers.

We tested the Women's Chambeau Rock Pants and loved the elastic waistband, adjustable cuffs, ample pockets, silky-soft fabric, and true-to-size fit. The material is also breathable and stretchy, preventing you from overheating while offering a full range of movement on the trail. These pants did a great job repelling water, too, so you can definitely wear them on a drizzly day.

The Details: Unlimited return policy

Travel + Leisure / Lisa Pezzuto

Best Outerwear

Columbia makes a myriad of weather-ready pieces, like vests, pullovers, stuffable puffers, rain jackets, and windbreakers.

The outerwear options are more for outdoor activities than professional or formal occasions.

Columbia has been making outdoor apparel for nearly a century. When you shop the collections, you'll find practical base layers, hiking clothes, snow gear, and lifestyle pieces you can wear for travel and other casual occasions. The brand really stands out for its outerwear offerings, which include fleece pullovers, insulated vests, down jackets, raincoats, and windbreakers. Some options feature Omni-Heat technology, a foil-like lining that essentially reflects your body heat back onto itself to keep you toasty-warm when the temperatures drop.

We tried the Women's Carson Pass Interchange Jacket firsthand and were thoroughly impressed. We found it very warm and liked how easy it was to layer over various shirts and even sweatshirts. What's more, this coat has fleece-lined pockets, sleeves with thumbholes, and a hood that actually stays in place when you put it on.

Travel + Leisure / Maria Rowella

Best Swimwear

Andie Swim 

This swimwear brand has well-made one-pieces and bikinis in multiple coverage options, cuts for long torsos, and an inclusive range of sizes.

Some styles may not be supportive enough for large chests, and the return window is pretty short.

Andie is a prime place to shop for swimsuits. The brand is known for its well-made one-pieces with flattering cuts and comfortable designs that don't require constant adjusting — including options for long torsos and plus-size bodies. You'll also find bikinis, cover-ups, and various other travel accessories for women , like hats, sunglasses, and beach bags.

We tested The Amalfi One Piece and fell in love with the thick, durable ribbed fabric. It's exceptionally comfy, even when soaking-wet, and dries quickly, so you're never soaking-wet for long. Though the thin straps may not be supportive enough for those with large chests, we appreciate that you can choose from three coverage options on the bottom: medium, cheeky, or full.

The Details: 14-day return policy

Travel + Leisure / Frances Crouter

Best for Shoes

Nike's footwear selection goes far beyond trainers, with streetwear styles and walking shoes that'll keep your feet happy for hours.

The rocking outsoles might take some getting used to.

Nike has dominated the sportswear market for multiple decades. Over the years, its offerings have expanded to include athleisure clothes, streetwear, and travel-friendly lifestyle pieces. Beyond clothes, the brand has some of the best shoes not just for working out and playing sports but also for hanging out and taking a leisurely stroll.

We tried Nike's Motiva Walking Shoes , which have unique rocker-style bottoms. The shape of the outsoles took some getting used to, but it really seemed to optimize our stride in terms of stability, shock absorption, arch support, and overall comfort. We also adore the sporty-chic look.

Travel + Leisure / Kimberly Souza

Travel + Leisure / Donna Freydkin

Our in-depth testing process for clothing involves carefully inspecting the garments, assessing the materials, trying them on to evaluate the fit, and wearing them for various activities for multiple hours at a time. We rate apparel based on factors such as fit, comfort, breathability, moisture resistance, stretch, durability, care requirements, and overall value. The results for this article were compiled from multiple testers who used the products in real-life settings, often for ongoing, months-long periods.

Tips for Buying Travel Clothing

Choose versatile items.

When buying travel clothes, look for versatile pieces you can dress up or down, mix and match with different outfits, and wear on numerous occasions. Like a capsule wardrobe , this will allow you to pack fewer items and re-wear certain garments. The best apparel for travel is also suitable for multiple seasons, meaning you can layer pieces under or over it for cooler or warmer weather.

Look for travel-friendly features

We recommend prioritizing odor-resistant, breathable, and wrinkle-resistant materials, such as wool, cashmere, lyocell, performance fabrics, and cotton blends containing a stretchy fiber, like spandex or elastane. Some fabrics have built-in sun protection listed as UPF (ultraviolet protection factor).

You'll also be glad to have clothing with pockets. These will come in handy on travel days when you need to quickly stash your phone, boarding pass, ID, or cards. Strategically placed pockets can also allow you to forgo a purse or backpack (or at least bring a smaller one) on some outings.

On travel days (whether you're catching a flight, taking the train, or road-tripping), you want to avoid things that make it hard to sit comfortably for hours or quickly go to the bathroom. For some people, this includes bodysuits, jumpsuits, rompers, dresses, and overalls.

Lace-up shoes can also slow you down when going through airport security. Though some advise against wearing sandals (especially without socks), slip-on footwear such as slides or sneakers can be a good choice. Other things that can hold you back include belts, jewelry, hats, and other accessories.

The best material for travel clothing is stretchy, breathable, and moisture-wicking, meaning it'll draw sweat away from your body to prevent you from overheating. It should also be wrinkle-resistant, so you can pack it in your suitcase without worrying about creases. Fabrics that check all the boxes include wool, cashmere, lyocell, some cotton blends, and performance fabrics.

While you have lots of options for what to wear on a plane , it’s most important to be comfortable and able to move freely, with layers you can take off or throw on if you get hot or cold. You can't go wrong with stretchy jeans or trousers with a simple tee or long-sleeve and a crewneck sweater, half-zip sweatshirt, or button-down flannel. While you shouldn't wear pajamas, some people rock head-to-toe athleisure or loungewear sets, which we can totally get behind.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer, editor, and product reviewer specializing in travel, apparel, accessories, footwear, and consumer goods. She has worn multiple pieces from every brand on this list and is personally familiar with the fabrics, quality, comfort features, and wearability.

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I Used to Travel for a Living, Here Are 16 Travel Essentials That Are Always On My Packing List

Pack like a pro with these amazon travel essentials that will keep you prepared for anything your trip throws at you..

We independently selected these deals and products because we love them, and we think you might like them at these prices. E! has affiliate relationships, so we may get a commission if you purchase something through our links. Items are sold by the retailer, not E!. Prices are accurate as of publish time.

I'm the first to admit that I haven't always been a great packer . Not only did I live in constant fear of having to pay extra for an overweight bag, but I always arrived to the airport or train station with a sneaking suspicion that I left something really important behind. But that all changed when I landed a job where I was required to travel several times a month. Whether it was a two-day trip or a week long stay, I made it my mission to pack like a pro , which not only means being organized but also being prepared for any inconveniences I might face along the way.

I'm pleased to report that I not only accomplished that, but I also discovered some must-have travel essentials that everyone should pack. Whether you're travelling via plane, train, or car, I rounded up all of the Amazon travel essentials that you should definitely add to your packing list.

From a toiletry bag that RHOBH star Kyle Richards never travels without to depuffing under eye patches and a portable phone charger that doesn't require any cords, keep reading for the 15 best travel essentials that are always on my packing list, from someone who used to travel for a living.

Holii Travel Pill Organizer

This pill organizer is perfect for travel, since it has several compartments to separately store medications, vitamins, or pain relievers and won't take up much space. I've also used the bigger compartments for hair ties, bobby pins, and other small items. It has 14,00+ 5-star ratings in five colors.

iWALK Portable Charger

A portable phone charger is a no-brainer, but the reason this one is so great is that it doesn't require any extra cables since it pops directly into your phone's (or AirPods') charging port. It's compact, lightweight, and rechargeable, plus it comes in six colors.

Travel Bottles for Toiletries

Even if I'm checking a bag, I still like to transfer my shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and facial cleanser into TSA-friendly bottles like these. This set includes four leak-proof silicone bottles stored in a zippered pouch. Choose from 12 colorways.

Veken 8 Set Packing Cubes

My life changed for the better when I discovered packing cubes, which keep your suitcase so organized. This highly-rated set includes four different sized cubes, toiletry and accessories pouches, a shoe bag, and a laundry bag. Not only will your suitcase be neat, but you'll also be able to easily find what you're looking for.

Tide Stain Remover for Clothes

At some point in your trip, you're bound to stain an outfit, which is why I keep a Tide pen on me at all times. That way, you can get rid of stains ASAP so you can re-wear clothes instead of tossing them in your laundry bag.

MLVOC Memory Foam Travel Pillow

Whether you're traveling by train, plane, or car, a travel pillow is a must-have if you're trying to take a nap. This memory foam one has contoured support that reviewers love, which is why it's garnered over 22,300 5-star reviews. As an added bonus, it comes with a carrying case, ear plugs, and a sleeping mask.

grace & stella Award Winning Under Eye Mask

These individually packaged under eye masks will help to de-puff skin after long flights and early mornings. A best-seller, these under eye masks are packed with moisturizing niacinamide and hyaluronic acid and deliver a cooling sensation that depuffs and feels so soothing. No wonder they have 14,600+ 5-star ratings!

Touchland Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Spray

This goes without saying but you'll be encountering a lot of germs on your travels, which is why it's essential that you travel with hand sanitizer. Not only are these from Touchland aesthetically pleasing with delicious scents, the spritz is super convenient and won't leave your hands sticky. They come in multipacks with different scents.

Washable Reusable Gel Lint Roller

This tiny but mighty lint roller is ideal for travel since it doesn't take up a lot of space (you can even toss it in your purse) and is reusable. Just pop out the sticky ball, rinse it under water, and it's good as new.

BAGSMART Toiletry Bag

Rather than stuffing all your toiletries into a bulky makeup bag, try this best-selling organizer that folds open to reveal tons of zippered compartments. The best part is that it can be hung on a towel hook for easy access. Not to mention, it's a favorite of RHOBH's Kyle Richards.

Etekcity Luggage Scale

Spare yourself the anxiety of showing up to the airport and having to pay extra for an overweight bag with this luggage scale . It clips onto your luggage and provides an instant weight read so you know if you need to remove a few items (or have space for a few added items).

Travel Ready Portable Emergency First Aid Kit

From blisters to unexpected injuries, this first aid kit has got you covered. The compact box includes band-aids of different sizes, gauze and tape, alcohol wipes, Neosporin, and Tylenol.

Gillette Venus Extra Smooth On The Go Razor

With over 15,400 5-star ratings, reviewers love how small and convenient this portable razor is. It's everything you love about Gillette razors, just on a smaller scale. It comes with its own carrying case and a blade refill.

MZOO Sleep Eye Mask

If there's any chance of me getting some shuteye, it's because I have a sleep mask on me. This blackout mask has padded contouring and an adjustable strap for a perfect fit that won't squish your eyes or slide off. It has a whopping 71,700+ 5-star ratings.

BAGSMART Travel Jewelry Organizer

Tossing all of your jewelry into a bag won't just make it hard to find what you're looking for but it will make everything tangled. This folding jewelry organizer solves the problem, with designated spaces for necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings. And since it's flat, it doesn't take up much space. It comes in 11 colors and two sizes.

Himawari Laptop Backpack

While cute, carrying heavy shoulder bags are uncomfortable and painful, which is why I opt for a spacious backpack. This waterproof one has a padded laptop sleeve, plenty of pockets, and adjustable straps. Not to mention, it comes in so many cute colorways.

Hitting the slopes for Spring Break? Here's every affordable ski trip essential you need to pack.

—Originally published on Feb. 28, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. PT

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True to their title, Travel + Leisure also focuses on the precious free time you have when you aren't globetrotting. Whatever you like to dedicate your down time to - a Travel + Leisure magazine uses their experiences to enhance your passion further. Home improvements, beauty regimes and many more leisure learnings are brought back from all corners of the world to influence you in your free-time endeavours.

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Since their arrival in 1971 - Travel + Leisure magazine has been one of the top travel media brands in the world. For decades, their passion for travel, both near and far, have inspired beach trips, city breaks, cruises and every type of vacation imaginable. Dedicated to bringing you the best the world has to offer - their committed team consists of hundreds of writers and photographers from all over the globe. With every corner of the earth explored, Travel + Leisure magazine covers every aspect of adventure.

Guiding 16 million travellers every month, Travel + Leisure provides trusted information and insight to every travelling itinerary. Resolute in their goal to help you make the most of your free time - the publication also leans into the second half of their title. The team is keen to merge their findings from abroad with everyday life at home. Pulling inspiration from their exotic endeavours, leisure at home can mirror exciting cultures from around the planet. From home design, to cuisines you can cook in your own kitchen - a Travel + Leisure magazine digital subscription is a continuous resource of inspiration.

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• pride month

Kylie Minogue, Karl Lagerfeld specials among Hulu offerings for Pride Month

A gay dating show, a Kylie Minogue performance special and a series on Karl Lagerfeld will premiere in June

LOS ANGELES -- June is Pride Month and Hulu is offering a slate of programming to celebrate.

On June 1, Hulu will premiere "Kill Your Darlings," the 2013 film starring Danielle Radcliffe, Ben Foster and Michael C. Hall.

On June 5, see global superstar Kylie Minogue surprise and delight a star-studded audience with "An Audience with Kylie." The performance was recorded at the legendary Royal Albert Hall. Among the celebrities in attendance: "All Of Us Strangers" star Andrew Scott, "Fellow Travelers" star Jonathan Bailey and "Bridgerton" star Nicola Coughlan.

On June 7, it's the premiere of "Becoming Karl Lagerfeld." The limited series tells the story of a young Lagerfeld who took on his friend and rival Yves Saint Laurent in the world of haute couture and his rise to fashion fame. You can see the teaser in the video above.

On June 8, it's the entire season premiere of "Candis Cayne's Secret Garden," a gardening show by trailblazing actress and style icon Candis Cayne.

On June 9, Hulu will stream LA's Pride Parade. Grand Marshals include actor George Takei and professional wrestler Cassandro El Exótico. It'll be hosted by ABC7 anchor Ellen Leyva and GMA weekend co-anchor and ABC News transportation correspondent Gio Benitez.

On June 11 Hulu will drop the entire second season of "Wreck." Season 2 is set in the months after the events of the season 1 finale. Jamie, Vivian and their family of survivors will strike back against Velorum, the corporate murder machine that claimed Jamie's sister.

On June 12, iHeart Media and P &G will join forces for "Can't Cancel Pride," an evening to recognize the impact that LGBTQ+ organizations continue to have on the community. The special will include performances from Billy Porter, Ben Platt, "American Idol" alum David Archuleta, Melissa Etheridge and more.

June 15 sees the premiere of "I Kissed A Boy," the first-ever gay dating show in the UK. Dannii Minogue will host. All episodes will drop at once, as well as a reunion special.

And on June 30, ABC News Live will premiere "Pride Across America," streaming live coverage of the country's biggest pride marches.

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• ON THE RED CARPET
• ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
• LGBTQ+ PRIDE
• PRIDE MONTH

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