Straight to the point…
My husband says I have a lot of shit I literally cannot live without, but I can’t take my central air, my floor fans, or my mattress on an airplane, so the things I’m listing here will have to suffice. I have listed all my favorite travel accessories below. I’ll add to this list as new and better things come along, so please feel free to add your favorites in the comments. Happy shopping! (I am not an affiliate for any of these companies, so don’t worry about me not getting paid.) 😉
Now, on to the information you need…
My winners in the “menopause” category are:
Combination Fan/Powerbank/Flashlight/Bear
This Jisulife combination fan, power bank, and flashlight is all in one small package. I get hot easily, thank you hormones, or the lack thereof… and never leave home without this handy gadget. For its small size, the fan is remarkably powerful, the flashlight is handy, and having the ability to charge my phone without carrying an additional charger is the icing on the proverbial cake. It fits easily in the bottom of my day bag, which is normally a cross body bag. You will need to carry a charging cord if you plan on using this fan as a charger. If you look closely, you will see that this cute little fan has ears and a nose and looks like a bear, so yeah… I call it The Bear…as in “have you seen The Bear?” and “I need The Bear” or “The Bear is tired and needs a nap and a juice box.”
Packable Fan
I never travel without this small, packable fan. It folds flat to fit in my carry-on or personal item (it cannot be checked due to the rechargeable lithium battery). It has 5 volt wiring to charge with a USB outlet, so no need to worry about voltage and using it in Europe or other places around the globe (I just used it in Africa where it was Africa hot). It can also be charged using a wall charger (that square thingy that plugs into the wall and connects to a USB cord). (Click here to read my article on voltage and power adapters.) While it runs for a few hours on a full charge, I plug it in when I use it overnight. The one I have is actually no longer sold by Amazon, but this was the recommended replacement.
My winners in the electronics category are:
Anker Power Bank
This Anker power bank is super handy. It comes with a universal cord, with one end being a USB-C and the other end being able to convert from USB-A to USB-C. As more devices are switching to USB-C charging ports, this will be useful for years to come. It weighs about 8 oz, so it’s easy to pack in your personal item, and handy to have on long flights in the event you don’t have a functioning power plug near your seat. To charge the power bank, use the USB-C port only. To charge devices, use the USB-C port or the two USB-A ports. You can read more about the specs and purchase from Best Buy in the link above .
Mini White Noise Machine
This Babelio white noise machine is a life saver for me. I sleep with a larger corded version at home, but it’s too bulky to pack. I love this one for its compact size, carrying case so you don’t accidentally activate the on/off button while it’s in your bag, and the fact that it will run two full nights, allllllmost three, on one charge. It’s better than any white noise app I have ever used because, as a light sleeper, I don’t hear the loop and the weird background patterns in this machine like I do using an app. Plus, it has 15 sounds in one tiny box, and I use exactly one of those sounds. You’ll have to guess which one is my favorite.
Travel Adapter
This Epicka universal travel adapter is essential for travel to over 200 countries and regions. The version I carry has one universal outlet, one USB-C port, and four USB-A ports for charging various devices. The version my husband carries has one universal outlet, three USB-C ports and two USB-A ports. You can read more about it in our article that explains power adapters and various plug types here.
Airfly
The Airfly wireless transmitter is great for airplane travel when you don’t want to use corded headphones for the in-flight entertainment (IFE) system. Simply pair this device with your earbuds (I have apple Apple AirPods, but it works with any Bluetooth capable ear bud), plug it into the IFE, and, Bob’s Your Uncle! Watch movies or listen to music without having a cord in your way. You can thank me later when you’re on the aisle and the guy next you needs to get up.
AirTags
We love our Apple AirTags, and keep one in each of our bags and backpacks. They definitely gave me peace of mind to at least know I left my carry-on in the overhead one time when deplaning in Seattle. (True story. I got it back the next day, delivered to my door. I do not recommend doing this, however.) AirTags work by connecting to other Apple devices that are in range of your AirTag via Bluetooth. You can track your bags or other belongings using the “Find My” feature on your Apple device. (AirTags do not work with Android devices, but Tile and other brands of tags do.) Click on the link above for information and to purchase from Apple, where you can have them engraved for no charge, like we did.
Tiny Flashlight/Lantern
Another handy electronic device I love is this tiny flashlight. It has a rechargeable lithium battery, and can be used as regular flashlight or as a tiny lantern. I keep it in my airplane pouch for overnight flights (yes I know I have a flashlight on my phone, but this is so cute). I also keep it on my bedside table in hotels so I have a light when I get up in the middle of the night, as it can sit on the bathroom counter in lantern mode so I don’t have to turn on the light. The one I have is no longer available, but this one is a close second.
My winners in the “shit I can’t live without on an airplane” category are:
Loop Earplugs
Loop Experience 2 earplugs are great for muffling noises on an airplane if you are trying to get some rest. I find my AirPods are a bit uncomfortable to wear for sleep, but Loop earplugs are softer and more comfortable to wear. They are not noise canceling, and they are not Bluetooth connectable. They are simply soft earplugs that deaden the sound just enough to help you sleep. You can still have a conversation while wearing them. We bought them for use at concerts to protect our eardrums because well, …we like to be able to hear the next day. They come in pretty colors (because this is so important), they have a cute little carrying case, and they come with three different sizes of soft inserts so you can find the right fit.
TRTL Pillow
I love my TRTL neck pillow. I know some people don’t like these, but I find them more functional than a thick U-shaped neck pillow that you are stuck carrying around for the duration of your trip, or leaving in an airport like I did once. Another true story. It’s almost like I need some sort of leash for my belongings when I fly. In addition, the TRTL is flatter and takes up less room in my backpack. The one I use has a fleece covering, and it can get a bit warm, but I’m usually freezing on long haul flights, so I appreciate it. (Yes, and I’m also hot at the same time…hence all the fans.) You can now get them in different fabrics and different sizes to fit your neck, and they even have an adjustable height version. Mine is about six years old. I take the plastic insert out and throw the cover in the washer when I come home from a trip because…airplanes.
Inflatable Footrest
I recently purchased this inflatable foot rest and used it on our 15 hour flights to and from South Africa. While I found it super comfortable, and was so very happy to have it, it is quite large and you won’t be able to let the person next to you out of their seat very easily. You’ll have to move it so they can get out. It was fine for us, as we were in a two person row. That being said, you can inflate this to different sizes. There are two inflation ports, so you can have one, two, or all three sections inflated to fit your needs. I found all three the most comfortable for me as I have chronic pain in my hip and need the relief from sitting with my legs flat, plus I’m only 5’6” so definitely got in the wrong line when they were passing out the long legs. This pillow is not really washable, although it does come with a cover for the bottom, so I washed the cover and sprayed the pillow with Lysol when I got home. Try this pillow and let me know what you think. Update 2026: apparently most airlines are now banning the use of inflatable footrests, so check with your airline before your flight.
My winners in the “most useful” category are:
Stojo Coffee Cups
We love these Stojo collapsible coffee cups and take them on every trip. There is never enough coffee in the morning. Period. So we always fill our cups to go. They are not insulated and they won’t keep your coffee hot for 4000 hours like some cups claim…ummmm…how long is it gonna take you to drink it??? The beauty of these cups is that they are collapsible and take up very little space in your day bag after they are empty. We just drop them in our backpack, and wash them when we get back to our accommodations. If we go to a coffee shop first thing, we just have them put the coffee right in the cups for us. These cups are made by a small business from food grade silicone and recycled plastic. They can be used for hot or cold drinks, they are microwave and dishwasher safe, and come in a variety of sizes and colors. We have the 16 oz size. They also make great gifts for travelers!
Packable Backpack
We like to carry a lightweight packable backpack for a day bag when we are out sightseeing all day. This one folds into its own pocket for packing and takes up very little room in our suitcase. The pack is has plenty of room for our jackets, coffee cups, sunscreen, etc. It does not have any theft proof features, so we don’t carry any valuables in it, but it’s super handy and useful for us. It’s a better option that carrying one of the backpacks we used for our personal item on the flight, as it’s less structured and much lighter weight. When we get home from a trip, we throw it in the washer and let it air dry before storing it. The one we have is no longer available, but the one I linked is similar. Ours has a 35 liter capacity.
Cross Body Bag
While Steve carries the backpack, I carry this Travelon cross body bag for touring. I like the close to the body fit for protection of my valuables, and the ease of accessing things I need. Many people advocate for a bag that has anti-theft features, and while I think this is a good idea in theory, I don’t feel like it’s necessary for me all the time. That being said, the bag I carry most frequently is this cross body style from Travelon, which does have a lot of anti-theft features. It’s small enough that it is isn’t obtrusive in photos, and large enough that it can hold a bottle of water. It has a top zipper for easy access, an open slip in back pocket for my phone, and it’s black so it doesn’t show dirt. It does not have that annoying side pocket for a bottle, which I think makes a bag hang awkwardly. It’s durable and made of polyester, and can be cleaned with a soft cloth or Lysol spray. I don’t carry this bag for nice dinners, or evenings on a cruise ship, as it’s not aesthetically pleasing to me for these activities. I carry a small clutch for these activities, and it is often this convertible one from Travelon. I’ve had this one for about five years, and it is my go-to bag for touring.
Lay-n-go Bag
I discovered this Lay-n-Go bag a couple years ago and it has proven to be quite useful in accommodations with small counter areas, such as many hotels in Europe. The beauty of this bag is that I can pack all my non-liquid toiletries and cosmetics in here, and it opens up with a lip all around the edge to contain things on the counter. I tend to transfer all my small liquid containers with lotions and potions in them into this bag once at my destination, and everything I need to get ready is all in one place. I can zip it up when finished to keep things tidy. I have the 20” size, but I would prefer the 22” size for a little more packing room. I do wish it had a bit more organization inside, so it’s not perfect, but it serves its purpose well.
Electronics Organizer
Honorable mention is this electronics organizer that Steve uses. Since he travels for a living, he needs to carry a few more gadgets and chargers, plus a small Bose Bluetooth speaker that he loves. This bag is the perfect size for all his must haves, and has a deeper organizational area in the bottom layer of the bag for bulkier items. It comes with Velcro dividers that can be assembled in different configurations. He’s had his for a few years now and it’s no longer available, but the Matein organizer linked here is an acceptable substitute.
My winners in the packing category are:
Lip Gloss Tubes
If you haven’t already read my advice for packing liquids for carry-on travel, it’s a game changer, so click here for that article. Lip gloss tubes are one of my favorite small containers for decanting liquids. I use the 10 ml size, but they come in different sizes. The tip of the tube comes out for easy filling and washing, and the set comes with a syringe for decanting. If you are having trouble transferring your liquids from one container to another, you can use the syringe, but I have not needed it. The tubes are clear and it’s easy to identify what’s inside, but I often write on them with a Sharpie, and sometimes have to re-write on them, as the Sharpie tends to wear off. I use mine mostly for things like hair products, cortisone cream, and hand sanitizer for my day bag. I have not experienced any leaking with these.
Contact Lens Cases
Contact cases are another game changer for decanting liquids for carry-on travel. I wear contacts occasionally, so have plenty of cases that come with the solution, but you can get them in a multipack at many retail outlets. I use mine for things like liquid foundation, concealer, triple antibiotic ointment, acne medication, toothpaste, or prescription cortisone cream. These work great for things that you just need to pack a tiny amount of, you can wash them out when you get home, and I have never had trouble with them leaking. Fill them and use out of them at home to see how long the product will last. You might be surprised how much they can hold, or how little you actually use.
Plastic pots
I love these 20 ml plastic pots for thicker liquids or creams. I decant my facial moisturizer and my cream foundation into these. They don’t leak, and I can wash them out and re-use them. They come with a small spatula that is super handy for dipping my moisturizer out without making a mess. The set I have is several years old, but I linked another acceptable substitute.
So that’s all my favorite stuff that goes with me on every trip. Let me know in the comments if you try any of these things and if you like them.
Like what you read? Hate it? Please leave us a comment below, but don’t be bitchy. Happy Travels!
Excellent article! I carry a powerbank with me when I backpack so I’d say that’s a “never leave home without” item. The inflatable foot rest is the BOMB! I’m getting one for our next overseas flight. Thank you so much for this very informative article
Hi Dawn! Thank you so much! You will love the footrest. :)
What suitcase would you recommend?
Hi! Thanks for asking! I love the Travelpro Max Lite 5 collection. You can read about all it here: https://twotravelover50.com/TWL%20Travelpro%20Bags/ :)