As people who travel with only a a carry on and a backpack, paying attention to what we carry with us is important. Here are 20 must have minimalist travel accessories that will fit in your bag and make travel so much better!
Here’s what this list doesn’t have – a bunch of useless things that make your bag heavier. Having the right travel accessories on the plane and on your trip can make all the difference. It’s all about comfort on long haul flights and trips. There are some great items here that will make you look and feel like a travel pro.
Must Have Minimalist Travel Accessories
Lightweight Travel Scarf
You will get more year round use out of a lightweight linen travel scarf than anything else. It’s the perfect travel accessory for keeping your neck warn on the plane to wearing at the beach for a cover up. It’s also great for countries where you need a head covering to go into churches and temples.
The gauze linen fabric is soft and luxurious. You will not believe how nice it is for such a low price. It’s such a great deal that you can easily throw a few different colors into your bag to wear with multiple outfits.
Compression Socks
Check Price: Amazon
I always take socks on long flights because my feet get cold. A few years ago, I switched out normal socks for these compression socks and I am a total convert. If you’ve never used them before, you will not believe how much of a difference they make in your comfort level both on the plane and days afterward.
Recently off a flight to Portugal, I noticed a bunch of people in the customs line with swollen ankles. Swelling on the plane happens to all ages.
I’ve tried multiple brands of compression socks and these are the best I’ve found that really work. They are not medical grade so it’s not for people with a serious medical condition. But for the average person on a long haul flight, they are amazing. Great for lots of walking, exercise, or long car rides too.
I am insane for these and I tell EVERYONE about them. They come in multiple colors and patterns. If you’re an athlete, you’re probably already using compression sports socks in your workouts. You can use those on the plane too but the knee high variety is even better when you’re stuck sitting for so long.
Travel Pillow
Check Price: Amazon
Travel pillows are a love, hate kind of thing, at least for me. I am not going to lug around some donut shaped pillow that is bulky, heavy and doesn’t even make me very comfortable. For a travel pillow to win a spot on this list, it has to be easy to carry, comfortable and it has to be washable.
This travel pillow is actually an ingenious flexible plastic wedge that wraps in a soft, machine washable cover. It provides terrific neck support. You can either attach it to the outside of your bag or pack around it. It won’t take up any space if packed well and it only weighs 5 oz..
Travel Blanket Poncho
Check Price: Amazon
The day that the Cathay Pacific flight attendant told me that the airline folded the blankets and put them in a plastic bag without washing them was a sad day. Gross, right! Who knows if they are better now but it’s still best to bring your own.
This poncho blanket is great because it’ll keep you covered and won’t keep sliding off while you are asleep. It even has a little zippered compartment where you can put things if you know you’ll be falling asleep. It comes in it’s own carrying pouch and is machine washable.
External Portable Power Charger
Check Price: Amazon
A power bank is the most important of travel accessories. On a trip to Cuba, the power went out for almost a day and I had no back up power. I’ll never make that mistake again. This slim portable charger will give you a week of power with ultra fast 3 charging ports.
iDiskk 128GB iPhone Flash Drive
Check Price: Amazon
This iPhone flash drive is one of those travel accessories that will give you peace of mind. The main benefit is photo storage and back up. I can’t be the only person who gets the message that my iCloud back up is full every time I go on a trip. This external flash drive easily plugs into the jack on your iPhone or iPad and lets you move photos or videos off your phone so you have more storage available. You can also use it to store movies to watch on your trip. It can hold more than 80 movies that you can just plug into your phone to watch.
Foval International Travel Adapter
Check Price: Amazon
When we travel, there are a lot of things that need to be plugged in at night. I used to use a international plug adapter but we switched to a step down voltage converter, which is safer for your electronics. A voltage converter adjusts the voltage instead of just making the plug fit the socket making it safe for computers and phones. It works in 150 countries and has 2 plugs and 4 USB ports to charge everything at once.
iPhone Ring
Check Price: Amazon
Never let your phone slip out of your hand again! This cell phone ring adheres securely to the back of your phone and adds so much functionality. It lets you get a safe grip on your phone for selfies or just holding your phone in general. It will also has a kick stand feature to prop up for photos, making a video, watching movies or for cooking a recipe.
RFID Travel Wallet
Check Price: Amazon
When you are in and out of airports and places with a lot of people, it’s good to protect your financial information with an RFID Blocking Wallet. This bifold wallet comes in 32 colors, has space for your credit cards, zippered pockets to hold international currency, and even space to hold your cell phone.
Most importantly, you won’t have to worry about anyone being able to scan your information or theft while you’re on your trip.
Windproof Travel Umbrella
Check Price: Amazon
I can’t even count the amount of times I’ve traveled and forgot an umbrella or remembered and brought an umbrella that broke. This windproof travel umbrella will fit into your suitcase or backpack and it’s really sturdy. It comes in black or a variety of colors if you want a cute photo prop.
UV Blocking Ultra Light Sun Umbrella
Check Price: Amazon
If you are heading somewhere hot with lots of unshaded sightseeing, a UV blocking sun umbrella will be your new best friend. It will protect you from sunburn and it actually makes it cooler. It comes in 5 colors. We bought white and black underneath and found the black to help with glare and shade better.
Travel Camera Backpack
Check Price: Amazon
This travel camera backpack is pretty close to perfect. It has a protected, adjustable area for camera equipment that doesn’t take up the whole backpack to you can use it as your carry-on bag.
It holds a laptop from an outside pocket that is at the back side of the pack so it’s easy to get to but well protected. There are organizational pockets for cords, chargers, water bottle and a tripod. Best of all is the price. The backpack is water resistant and comes with a waterproof cover.
Travel Cord Organizer
Check Price: Amazon
Keeping all the cords organized seems to be a bigger and bigger challenge. Having a travel cord organizer means that everything will be in one place. So many organizers are too small. This one is compact, inexpensive, zips up and literally holds everything.
Compression Packing Cubes
Check Price: Amazon
Packing cubes make it much easier to stay organized and find things in your suitcase. Now you can take it to the next level with compression packing cubes that allow you to pack more clothes in the same suitcase. If you haven’t tried them yet – you really should. You will totally be a convert!
Cool Life Luggage Set
Check Price: Amazon
A year ago, I bought a luggage set that was all over Instagram. It literally came off the first flight with only 3 wheels! A serious bummer on a trip. This hardshell spinner luggage set, half the price, has now been to more than 10 countries and is still going strong. It’s lightweight and a 4 wheel spinner. The set includes 3 sizes – carry on, midsize and large. They nest together for easy storage. TSA Lock built in that works easily.
TSA Cable Luggage Locks
Check Price: Amazon
If you already have luggage that you like but it doesn’t have a lock, these TSA cable locks are great for suitcases and backpacks. I see people do things that are unfriendly for the planet like get their suitcase wrapped in plastic. These locks are definitely better for the planet and provide and extra layer of protection for your things.
Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle
Check Price: Amazon
Always in search of the perfect water bottle, I love this food grade, silicone collapsible water bottle because it’s just like a normal water bottle when it’s filled but it packs so small when it’s empty. It has a leak proof cap and it’s BPA free. You can feel good that you’re doing your part to cut back on plastic bottles.
Travel Sanitizing Wipes
Check Price: Amazon
With many people resuming travel, minimizing germs from plane flights is important. According to scientists, the germs on the tray table are 8 times higher than the toilet flush button. Just be smart and thoroughly clean your area the minute you get on the plane.
Use travel sanitizing wipes to wipe down everything starting with the tray table. Clean the latch, the seatbelt buckle, the seatbelt itself, the armrests including all buttons, the window cover, the air vent that is touched by almost every passenger, You get the picture.
Revitalizing 24K Gold Under Eye Mask
Check Price: Amazon
These gold eye gel masks feel so soothing and moisturizing. Whether you wear them on the plane or each morning of your trip, you will look refreshed and love this little indulgence. Put them in the hotel refrigerator for a cool compress first thing in case you wake up with puffy eyes. Another easy travel beauty product is a sheet face mask.
Instant Coffee Packets
Check Price: Amazon
Most people wouldn’t consider coffee packets in their minimalist travel accessories list, especially when traveling to a country with great espresso, but… if you’re like me, you want a fresh cup before peeling yourself out of bed. Have you ever gone to a hotel that has terrible in-room coffee?
Don’t answer that, of course you have! Consider Starbucks Via Coffee packets a type of insurance so you NEVER have to wake up to terrible coffee again!
Bonus – This Blanket Makes My Road Trip Minimalist Packing List
I also love this super soft travel blanket that I take with me on all road trips. You can buy it on it’s own or in a set with a sleep mask. I don’t take it on the plane because I don’t want it to get dirty. But road trips are a different story. It actually packs pretty small and it’s such a luxury to cuddle up with.
Now that you’re ready with great travel accessories, pick a destination and enjoy your trip. If there are any travel accessories you absolutely love, please share them in the comments. Use our tips for great flight deals to travel more.
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49 Comments
Hilda Smith
February 13, 2020 at 9:54 amGreat post. I am disgusted that those blankets are not washed..should have guessed. There are a few tips that I would never have thought of. I bring mint/camomile tea bags not coffee. I need a new neck pillow too…
Michelle Tucker
February 12, 2020 at 6:15 amSuch great ideas! Between my husband and I we have a lot of them, but I really do like that travel wallet. Also, the coffee packets are a great idea!!
Jenifer
February 12, 2020 at 8:03 pmThe coffee packets are a lifesaver when you find bad hotel coffee π and an RFID wallet is great protection from those pesky thieves that love to find new ways to steal our credit card info!
Kelli Nordhus
February 11, 2020 at 10:55 pmSo many great things I would never have even thought about!!
Jenifer
February 12, 2020 at 8:05 pmThank you. We love finding great things that make travel easier and more comfortable.
Trish
February 11, 2020 at 4:30 pmAbsolutely loved this post! So much great information here!!!
Jenifer
February 11, 2020 at 4:47 pmSo glad it’s helpful!
Kristine Lowder
February 11, 2020 at 4:15 pmSanitizing wipes and travel backpack for sure! Thanks for this interesting, informative post.
Jenifer
February 11, 2020 at 4:48 pmNothing like a great travel backpack that functions really well and sanitizing wipes to stay healthy!
Natalia
August 2, 2019 at 2:27 amThank you for sharing such a useful post! This compilation is so practical π
Jenifer
August 3, 2019 at 4:47 pmSo glad you found it useful!
kara fox
June 9, 2019 at 10:43 pmvery helpful!!!
Jenifer
June 13, 2019 at 6:15 pmThank you!
KAREN KAMINSKAS
June 9, 2019 at 4:49 pmWow, that’s a fantastic list Jen…I want them all. Many would be good father’s day gifts too.
Jenifer
June 13, 2019 at 6:14 pmThanks Karen!
MONICA SORS
June 7, 2019 at 1:36 pmThanks for sharing these ideas, I travel a lot so I will have them in mind!!
xx
MΓ³nica Sors
MES VOYAGES Γ PARIS
Jenifer
June 7, 2019 at 5:12 pmThanks for reading!
Gabrielle
June 4, 2019 at 10:35 pmI’m going on holiday for a couple of weeks in just a few days from now and so this post has got great timing haha!!
aglassofice.com x
Jenifer
June 4, 2019 at 11:08 pmI’m so happy it’s helpful!
Diana
June 4, 2019 at 8:26 pmThis is an it list for travel essentials! I recently got into compression packing cubes and they have been a game changer. Thank you for sharing! x
Diana
Jenifer
June 4, 2019 at 11:14 pmIt’s so great to hear from someone else that loves compression packing cubes.
Ashley
June 4, 2019 at 3:03 pmSuch a great list- having a portable charger is SO key for me when I travel!
-Ashley
Jenifer
June 4, 2019 at 11:13 pmFor me too. Portable chargers are definitely a must have!
SundayDahlias
June 3, 2019 at 3:49 pmWipes are a must for me too! People don’t realize how dirty airplanes can be!
Jenifer
June 3, 2019 at 9:14 pmI know! I was horrified when the flight attendants told me they don’t wash the blankets and just repackage them in plastic. Yuck!
Lisa Morgan
June 2, 2019 at 11:01 pmSuch a great list. I really like the look of this luggage set. We need some new luggage.
Jenifer
June 3, 2019 at 9:19 pmThank you. I always want to buy some amazing expensive luggage and then you think about how they throw it around and basically wreck it. The perfect solution is cute luggage that can handle the abuse and doesn’t break the bank.
Margot
June 2, 2019 at 12:00 pmNice article 1
I never leave without a portable charger.
The backpack and the compression packing cubes look so cool.
xx
Margot
https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com
Jenifer
June 2, 2019 at 1:09 pmI definitely use my portable charger often and it’s really necessary in an emergency.
jodie filogomo
June 1, 2019 at 1:53 amI have to agree with everything. I never thought those travel cubes would really help but they do!!
And compression socks are definitely a must have.
XOXO
Jodie
Jenifer
June 2, 2019 at 1:06 pmTravel cubes and compression socks both make a huge difference π
Mel Hwang
June 1, 2019 at 1:45 amTotally agree on the battery charger! I could not travel without mine for sure!
xx, mel
Jenifer
June 2, 2019 at 1:07 pmIt’s amazing how much power we all need π
Maria
June 1, 2019 at 1:27 amThis was so helpful! You’ve nailed travel accessories. I’ve never heard of compression packing cubes but I really need to get me some! You know how messy a suitcase can get.
xo, Maria
https://www.miamiamine.com/
Jenifer
June 2, 2019 at 1:07 pmSo true – messy suitcases and they run out of room π
Jade Goddard
May 31, 2019 at 3:57 pmWow great list!!! I use must of the item you have listed loved this!!! thanks for sharing
Jenifer
May 31, 2019 at 5:51 pmThank you so much Jade! I’m so glad you found this post helpful.
Allie Mackin
May 31, 2019 at 2:37 pmAh great tips here for must need travel items. Another one is portable wifi I find this invaluable when I travel abroad
Allie of
www,allienyc.com
Jenifer
May 31, 2019 at 5:48 pmThanks Allie! I totally agree, portable wifi is a lifesaver and would’ve been so useful during my trip!
Jessica
May 29, 2019 at 5:56 amCompression socks feels sooo good, especially on long flights! Great tips dear, thanks for sharing!
Jessica
Jenifer
May 29, 2019 at 11:28 amI wish I knew about compression socks earlier. They are the best!
Simone
May 28, 2019 at 6:41 pmA good preparation is key! You covered all the necessary items to make travelling as smooth as possible. Travel adapters and power chargers are such lifesavers, they’re a complete must for me. Those packing cubes are such a fab invention, I’ve never heard of it!
xx Simone
Jenifer
May 29, 2019 at 11:28 amAren’t the packing cubes amazing. They take out the extra air so you can fit more into your bag.
Lauren
May 28, 2019 at 4:44 pmSuch a great list! Thanks for sharing!
xx
Stella Cadente
Jenifer
May 28, 2019 at 4:57 pmGlad you liked it!
wendee
May 28, 2019 at 4:41 pmthanks for sharing these
The Glossychic
Wonder Cottage
Jenifer
May 28, 2019 at 4:58 pmMy pleasure!
Amanda Vaughn
May 28, 2019 at 4:02 pmI definitely need that adapter plug! I had the hardest time in Mexico. Such a great tip. And the compression socks would probably do me good for everyday life. Thank you so much for always sharing game changing tips!
Jenifer
May 28, 2019 at 4:15 pmGlad you liked them. I love the socks so much that I’ve been wearing them around the house. They feel great. The adapter works so well and definitely gives you peace of mind knowing that your electronics are safe.