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The Best Travel Accessories for Your Next Trip Abroad

The Best Travel Accessories for Your Next Trip Abroad

Anytime you travel, you want to make sure that you're considering your comfort, your needs, and the best ways to store your personal items in your luggage. There are a variety of travel accessories that can help to both make your international travel experiences more relaxing and keep your possessions safe and secure.

However, not all travel products are created equal. They can vary widely in terms of their usefulness, value, and quality. This guide offers our expert recommendations for a number of different types of travel accessories, specifically chosen based on their usefulness and value for the international traveler.

What To Look For When Choosing The Right Travel Accessories

When choosing travel accessories of any kind, consumers should be on the lookout for a few important factors:

  • Quality and Durability: The product should be well-made and durable enough to withstand the rigors of travel.
  • Size and Weight: Travel products should be compact and lightweight for easy packing and carrying.
  • Functionality: The product should serve its intended purpose effectively. For example, a travel pillow should provide good neck support, while a travel wallet should have enough compartments for passports, cards, and cash.
  • Ease of Use: The product should be easy to use. For instance, packing cubes should open and close smoothly, and a travel clock should be easy to set.
  • Price: The product should offer good value for what it costs. It doesn't always mean that the most expensive product is the best. Sometimes, less expensive products can serve a purpose just as well, if not better, than pricier ones.

The Best Travel Accessories

Based on our travel experiences, reader feedback, consumer reviews, and customer ratings, we've compiled the best-rated travel accessories for a number of popular categories.

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Table of Contents



The Best Travel Wallet

A travel wallet is an essential accessory crafted to store travel necessities, offering a secure space for identification cards and documents, immunization records, credit and debit cards, and money.

Travel wallets come in a variety of sizes depending on your needs. Many of these wallets are specifically tailored to carry one or more passports. which typically makes them larger than regular wallets used for daily purposes.

Based on your travel needs, look for a travel wallet that has the right size, features (such as RFID-blocking technology), and style for you.

ZOPPEN Travel Wallet with Passport Holder

ZOPPEN offers a diverse range of wallet choices that cater to the travel requirements of both men and women. Crafted entirely by hand from high-quality, environmentally friendly materials, ZOPPEN wallets incorporate superior security features and organizational elements. With an unbeatable price, the ZOPPEN Travel Wallet with Passport Holder stands out as the optimal selection for global travel.

  • Rating: 4.7 out of 5
  • Price: $10 (check for the current price)
  • Size: 5.9 in. x 3.9 in. x 0.6 in.
  • Features: ZOPPEN's Travel Wallet with Passport Holder is made with RFID- (radio frequency identification) blocking technology to shield your personal information from unauthorized access to your privacy; organization for all of your travel documents, credit cards, cash, keys, and passport; and a durable snap closure.
  • Material: Premium polyurethane
  • Colors: 19 fashionable colors and patterns
  • Pros: Customers highly recommend the quality, appearance, size, value, functionality, performance, and ease of use of ZOPPEN's Travel Wallet with Passport Holder.
  • Consumer Reviews:
    • "This is just what I was looking for. Snap closure, area for a boarding pass or misc papers, slots for cards, and a pocket big enough to fit a passport closed in a protective sleeve. It's well made and the snap is strong."
    • "Love this to store my passport in, but I also love this to store any other cards, Covid card, and any other traveling necessities. It's bigger than I expected, but not bulky at all. Great quality material."
  • Cons: One reviewer found the wallet pockets to be too tight for what they needed.

For even more travel wallet recommendations, check out our Top Travel Wallets for International Travelers.

Our Favorite Travel Work Bag

A travel work bag is a versatile accessory designed to cater to the needs of professionals on the go. It combines the functionality of a work bag with the convenience of travel luggage. These bags are typically spacious enough to accommodate a laptop, documents, and other work essentials. They often feature compartments for better organization and are designed with materials that can withstand the rigors of travel.

When purchasing a travel work bag, find one that specifically fits everything you need for your business: your laptop, cell phone, chargers, files and papers, notebooks, etc. The best travel work bag is the one that most closely matches your needs.

Masa Kawa Vintage Leather Briefcase

Masa Kawa has a variety of travel work bags to choose from in many different styles to suit both men and women. All Masa Kawa bags are handcrafted using high-quality, cost-effective, full-grain leather. Every bag has unique features so it's easy to find one to suit your travel work bag needs.

  • Rating: 4.7 out of 5
  • Price: $140 (check for current price)
  • Size: 17.3 x 11.5 x 5.12
  • Features: Masa Kawa's Vintage Leather Briefcase has an open front flap with magnetic closure, 2 inner pouches, 2 pen slots, 1 main compartment that fits a 17" laptop, 1 inner zipper pocket, 6 card slots, 1 inner passport pouch, 1 compartment with elastic belt and padded sleet that fits a 15.6" laptop, 2 inner pouches for power bank or mobile phone, 1 luggage belt for suitcase, 1 back zipper pocket, heavy duty YKK metal zippers and hardware, an adjustable shoulder strap, a durable polyester lining, and leather tag pulls.
  • Material: Genuine full-grain cowhide leather
  • Colors: 3 shades of leather available
  • Pros: Consumers highly recommend based on quality, appearance, space, portability, and value.
  • Consumer Reviews:
    • "I've had this bag for about a year now and still love it. It's perfect for everything I need. I regularly carry a laptop, two tablets, and all the accessories with no problems. It's well made, functions well, and looks good."
    • "Love the look and feel of this case and the utility of plenty of pockets for all my cords, iPad, laptop, portfolio, +. Sits perfectly on my roller carry-on and can be used as a desk sitting in the airport. Makes life so much easier!!"
  • Cons: Some consumers note that the bag is a little heavy due to its thick material and one reviewer reported the swivel hardware on the strap hook broke after wear.

The Ideal Affordable Travel Backpack

A travel backpack is a versatile bag designed specifically for traveling. It's typically larger and more durable and comfortable than a regular backpack, with various compartments and pockets to organize your belongings efficiently and features such as extra padded straps for comfort and lockable zippers for security.

SHRRADOO Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack

SHRRADOO makes travel backpacks that offer comfort and security for your travels. These versatile bags are airline-approved and can function as an alternative work bag, carry-on, or weekender bag depending on the type of trip you are taking.

  • Rating: 4.7 out of 5
  • Price: $28 (check for current price)
  • Size: 15 in. x 11 in. x 19.5 in.
  • Features: The SHRRADOO Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack has 20 different pockets for both large and small storage, 3 spacious main compartments, a padded laptop compartment that can hold up to a 17" laptop, multiple exterior zippered pockets, a side mesh exterior pocket, external USB port with set-in charging cable, a hole for headphone wires, a heavy-duty steel cable handle, side compression straps, and padded breathable mesh shoulder straps for ventilation and comfort, and a password lock (numerical) for safety.
  • Material: Polyester with nylon lining
  • Colors: 5 color options
  • Pros: Buyers like the storage space, durability, quality, fit, value, portability, comfort, and performance.
  • Consumer Reviews:
    • "I recently purchased the SHRRADOO Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack and it has quickly become my go-to for all my travel needs. The backpack's generous 52L capacity is perfect for carrying everything I need, from my laptop to my travel essentials.
    • The dedicated laptop compartment comfortably fits my 17-inch laptop, making it an ideal choice for my business travels. The backpack also features a convenient USB charging port, which has been a lifesaver during long trips.

    • What sets this backpack apart is its airline-approved design. It fits perfectly in the overhead compartments and under the seat, making air travel a breeze."
  • Cons: A few reviewers remarked on the lack of extra padding on the bottom of the bag to cushion the laptop compartment, and some reviewers noted wear and tear where the seams connect the straps to the bag, but this seems to be due to excess weight.

The Perfect Travel Weekender Bag

A weekender bag is a type of travel bag designed to carry all or most of your must-have items for a short trip. A good weekender should be large enough to carry a suitable amount of clothes, necessary toiletries, and other essentials that one would need for an extended weekend getaway.

Herschel Nofal Novel Duffle Bag

Herschel is a global accessories brand that designs high-quality utility products for everyday use and travel. Herschel's Nofal Novel Duffle Bag is the ideal size for a weekend getaway.

  • Rating: 4.7 out of 5
  • Price: $100-110 (see current price)
  • Size: 11in. x 4 in. x 7 in.
  • Features: Herschel's Nofal Novel Duffle bag has a roomy main storage space, a separate side pocket large enough for shoe storage, a shoulder strap with a pad, and durable handles.
  • Material: Canvas
  • Colors: 16 colors and patterns
  • Pros: Customers appreciate the quality, size, appearance, portability, performance, and value.
  • Consumer Reviews:
    • "Perfect for traveling. Fits a good amount in there and can be used as a carry-on."
    • "Love this duffel bag. I travel light so for me it Fits about 4-5 days of clothes. Even when I stuff it, I can fit it inside an overhead luggage compartment perfectly."
  • Cons: A few reviewers noted a squeaking noise when using the shoulder strap and one reviewer said the plastic hooks that connect the shoulder strap to the bag were "a disappointment."

The Most Helpful Travel Diaper Bag

A travel diaper bag is crafted to hold all the necessary items required when traveling with a baby, toddler, or small child. It offers ample space for parents to pack essentials such as extra wipes, diapers, juice bottles, milk, snacks, toys, a changing mat, a change of clothes, and even crucial travel documents.

RUVALINO All-in-One Diaper Bag Backpack

RUVALINO designs bags, organizers, and accessories for parents that perfectly balance style and function for traveling with children. RUVALINO's All-in-One Diaper Bag Backpack is the answer to how to carry everything your little one needs in one, easy-to-carry bag.

  • Rating: 4.8 out of 5
  • Price: $43 (see current price)
  • Size: 17 in. x 12.5 in. x 8.5 in.
  • Features: RUVALINO's All-in-One Diaper Bag Backpack features a large main storage compartment, a portable changing pad, diaper pockets, diaper caddy, 3 insulated bottle pockets, a wet wipes pocket, a hidden front pocket, a padded laptop sleeve, a hidden back zippered pocket for valuables, a side water bottle holder, a detachable pacifier case, cushioned shoulder straps, sturdy clips for stroller, durable zippers, and is water resistant.
  • Material: Water-resistant fabric
  • Colors: 5 neutral color choices
  • Pros: Consumers highly recommend based on storage, quality, appearance, storage space, size, value, comfort, and changing pad.
  • Consumer Reviews:
    • "You need a lot of stuff with you when you have a new baby and this diaper backpack meets your needs! So much space and many pockets and pouches. I like how it has some insulated spots for bottles. My water bottle fits great on the outside pocket. The diaper caddy is so handy."
    • "This diaper bag has been absolutely perfect for us. We are constantly on the go and I get everything I need to fit perfectly in this bag. There are so many pockets throughout the bag that are very helpful. The color is spot-on and easy to clean. If wearing this for longer periods it doesn't get uncomfortable because the straps are padded perfectly and have a clip for extra support. So far we love this bag and even if this one ever breaks or needs to be replaced I would 100% get another one."
  • Cons: Some reviews refer to the bag as "bulky" while other reviews found that the straps or zippers did not hold up to frequent wear and tear.

The Handiest Travel Pouch

Unlike other accessories on this list, travel pouches purposefully are designed to have minimal storage. A travel pouch is a small, versatile bag designed to carry a range of minor items-small electronics, make-up, headphones, or earbuds-that might be needed during travel, but you want to keep safe from loss (or pickpockets).

We recommend using a travel pouch to keep your passport safe and with you while abroad rather than trusting hotel safes or other people to hold your passport for you.

A travel pouch usually fits snug against your body either above or under your clothing. They usually have a drawstring or a zipper closure and can accommodate travel documents as well as a cell phone. Some versions can be worn cross body, like a belt, or like a hip or fanny pack. Some less-secure travel pouches can conveniently fit into your bag, handbag, or pocket.

AIKELIDA RFID-Blocking Travel Money Belt & Passport Holder

AIKELIDA designs bags and accessories with durability and functionality in mind. AIKELIDA's RFID-Blocking Travel Money Belt & Passport Holder is a great solution for a simple, lightweight travel pouch that can securely hold your travel documents.

  • Rating: 4.4 out of 5
  • Price: $8 (check for current price)
  • Size: 11.2 in. x 5.2 in. x 0.4 in.
  • Features: AIKELIDA's RFID-Blocking Travel Money Belt & Passport Holder has RFID-blocking technology to keep your travel documents private, 2 zippered compartments, 3 smaller compartments for credit cards and IDs, an adjustable strap, a padded mesh backside, and is water resistant.
  • Material: Nylon
  • Colors: Black
  • Pros: Buyers appreciate the weight, comfort, performance, storage, security, and ease of use.
  • Consumer Reviews:
    • "Holds your money, license, passport, credit cards etc and phone. Perfect if you are traveling."
    • "My daughter used this travel bag when she traveled to Europe this summer. Very light weight and has adjustable straps to fit any waist. She was able to hide it under her shirt. Multiple pockets for money, credit cards and cell phone."
  • Cons: Some reviewers were not satisfied with the minimal storage options and one reviewer said the buckle broke after multiple uses.

The Ideal Travel Kit

A travel kit is a small bag or case meant for carrying personal necessities during a trip. It can house hygiene and toiletry items, medication, snacks, travel documents, and personal items like jewelry and watches. A travel kit offers a secure and organized storage solution that can be placed in a bag, backpack, or carry-on preventing these items from getting misplaced or damaged during travel.

Herschel Chapter Toiletry Kit

Herschel makes a variety of travel goods and accessories. Herschel toiletry kits are designed for both men and women. Herschel's Chapter Toiletry Kit is the perfect travel kit bag for storing your personal items safely and securely.

  • Rating: 4.8 out of 5
  • Price: $38 (check the current price)
  • Size: 9.5 in. x 4.5 in. x 6 in.
  • Features: Herschel's Chapter Toiletry Kit has an internal mesh storage sleeve, a waterproof zippered main compartment, and a front zippered pocket.
  • Material: Canvas
  • Colors: 8 colors and patterns
  • Pros: Customers are satisfied with the quality, size, portability, appearance, value, and color choices.
  • Consumer Reviews:
    • "We travel often and like to only use a carry-on when possible. This travel bag is well made, compact and a perfect companion when using a carry-on. I highly recommend it."
    • "Absolutely love this travel bag for packing toiletries on a short trip or packing carry-on essentials on a long haul flight. It's such good quality and easy to clean if anything spills. Great material, zipper and even has an inside mesh pocket in addition to an outside zipper pocket."
  • Cons: A few reviewers were dissatisfied with the size of the bag and one reviewer had trouble with the zipper getting stuck.

The Best Travel Packing Cubes

Travel packing cubes are zippered, often rectangular, fabric containers of various sizes that help organize luggage. They allow travelers to neatly arrange and separate items like clothes, preventing wrinkles, and saving space in luggage.

Not limited to clothes, they can also be used to organize a variety of travel gear and accessories to make it easier to locate items inside of luggage. As a bonus, they stack into each other for easy storage when not in use!

To learn more, check out our hands-on reviews of the Top 6 Best-Selling Packing Cubes, including more on our own top picks!

BAGSMART's 6-Set/4-Set/2-Set Compression Packing Cubes

BAGAIL designs travel bags and accessories to get travelers from packing to on-the-go to unpacking with ease. BAGAIL's 8 Set Packing Cubes offer travelers an easy way to organize and store their items while traveling.

  • Rating: 4.6 out of 5
  • Price: $40 (see current price)
  • Size: 0.5 in. x 6 in. x 15 in.
  • Features: BAGSMART's 6-Set/4-Set/2-Set Compression Packing Cubes comprise 1 shoe bag, 2 small cubes, 2 medium cubes, and 2 large cubes. Each cube has 2 partitioned compartments to separate your clean clothes from your dirty clothes. All cubes are made with breathable mesh, water-resistant material, double-way zippers, customizable labels, and portable handles.
  • Material: Mesh and synthetic fabric
  • Colors: 29 colors and patterns
  • Pros: Amazon consumers recommend these compression packing cubes based on weight, sturdiness, organization, compression, performance, size options, quality, and value.
  • Consumer Reviews:
    • "The Compression Packing Cubes have revolutionized the way I travel, and I couldn't be happier! These cubes are an absolute must-have for anyone who loves efficiency and wants to pack smarter."
    • "These bags are strong and light with good zippers. When filled they stack nicely and fit nicely into my suitcase. I like the fact that they have a small pocket in front so that you can slip in a note with the contents of the bag. Good looking and rugged."
  • Cons: One Amazon review noted a problem with a zipper jamming. Another reviewer did not feel that the bags compressed as well as they needed.

The Most Comfortable Travel Pillow

Travel pillows are designed to provide comfort during travel, particularly on long journeys. They are especially useful in helping to prevent discomfort, aches, and fatigue from sitting for extended periods. They help maintain the natural posture of your cervical spine, preventing stress that can lead to neck pain.

Modern travel pillows, made from materials like memory foam, buckwheat, or pure fiber, conform to your neck and head contours, providing stability and mimicking the comfort of your home pillow. This makes it easier to sleep or travel comfortably.

A quality travel pillow is warm, lightweight, breathable, and comes with a comfortable cotton or silk cover.

Napfun Neck Pillow for Traveling

Napfun creates memory foam travel pillows with all different types of sleepers in mind: the nodding sleeper who requires chin support, the side sleeper who needs extra front and rear support, and the back sleeper who needs extra head support.

Napfun's Neck Pillow for Traveling provides the neck support every traveler needs for optimum comfort while traveling.

  • Rating: 4.3 out of 5
  • Price: $12 (see current price)
  • Size: 11.02 in. x 11.02 in.
  • Features: Napfun's Neck Pillow for Traveling has a concave front and side chin support, flat back design, shoulder curve design, drawstring pulls for a close fit, a travel bag, and is machine washable.
  • Material: High-grade memory foam and breathable fabric
  • Colors: Light gray
  • Pros: Buyers like the comfort, portability, shape, performance, value, and support, fit, and quality.
  • Consumer Reviews:
    • "I travel almost monthly for work and I make room in my carry-on for this every time! I will not travel without it. So comfortable to take a snooze and not wake up with a sore neck!"
    • "This neck pillow is very comfortable; it really does hold your neck and head in place while sleeping. I use it for traveling and I sleep like a baby the entire ride."
  • Cons: Reviewers note that the travel pillow can be difficult to put back into its travel bag.

The Most Reliable Travel Clock

A travel clock is a mobile device for keeping time designed with travelers in mind. Typically fitted with an alarm, a travel clock helps travelers maintain a schedule during their travels.

Travel clocks are generally compact and easy to pack. Most feature alarms and some also have white noise or music options to help you fall asleep or block out unwanted noises while away from home.

Buffbee Sound Machine & Alarm Clock 2-in-1

BUFFBEE creates portable, battery-powered clocks and sound machines. The Buffbee Sound Machine & Alarm Clock 2-in-1 is a great solution for travelers.

  • Rating: 4.2 out of 5
  • Price: $24 (check for current price)
  • Size: 5.66 in. x 4.41 in. x 3.11 in.
  • Features: Buffbee's Sound Machine & Alarm Clock 2-in-1 features 18 different sleep sounds, precise 30-level volume control, digital alarm with 5 different wake-up sounds to choose from, a 0-100% display dimmer, charging cord, and a night light with 7 color options.
  • Material: Plastic
  • Colors: Light gray
  • Pros: Customers highly recommend based on sound quality, dimming, quality, performance, ease of use, appearance, size, and sleep.
  • Consumer Reviews:
    • "Wonderful item, very easy to program and set the time. I have sent so many back that I simply could not figure out, this one is a gem. I got one for my bedside table and one for my travels. It's small, compact and light, easy to fit in a suitcase , not heavy at all, and I love the blue color."
    • "My husband and I absolutely love this sound machine/alarm clock. This sound machine doesn't need to connect to Wi-Fi, has around 15 (could be more) sounds, you can dim the numbers for the clock so it's not so bright and it has a very aesthetic look to it. We even bring it with us when we travel. Highly recommend it. I'll purchase another one for our baby once she's born for her room."
  • Cons: Some reviewers commented that it could have more sound and music options and one reviewer noted that the charging cord was too short.

Shop Smart and Travel Better

Choosing the right travel accessories is essential for a comfortable and organized journey. Quality, durability, size, functionality, ease of use, and price are key factors to consider. Before you purchase your next travel accessory, be sure to weigh the pros and cons, and choose the one that offers the most practical solutions for your various travel needs.

 

About the Author: For over 20 years, the U.S. Passport Service Guide team has helped hundreds of thousands of travelers with their travel document questions and shared advice about how to make traveling abroad simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.

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