Top Travel Gear: Essential Accessories for Every Traveler

Do not allow the pressures of packing and preparation to diminish the enjoyment of your travel experience.

Remain organized and prepared for departure with our selection of premier travel accessories – essential items for your journey!

1. UNIVERSAL POWER ADAPTER

ONE WORLD PD – ALL-IN-ONE WORLD ADAPTER WITH USB-C & USB-A CHARGER

This adapter encompasses everything! It operates in over 150 countries, can power up to five devices concurrently, and is regarded as one of the safest options on the market, featuring a fully grounded connection that minimizes the risk of electrical shocks.

2. FILM CAMERA

Capturing memories is among the most treasured aspects of travel; however, there are times when a tactile format is desired to take home or share with others. Transform your escapades into a tangible experience with an enjoyable film camera.

LOMOGRAPHY DIANA F+ WITH FLASH

• Ideal for: the excitement of discovering what you have captured on film after professional processing
• Express your creativity with Lomography’s popular ‘experimental’ camera, the Diana F+
• Offered in a classic black with aqua, and occasionally in limited edition colors and designs
• Compatible film (this is just one example of compatible film; there are numerous options available).

FUJIFILM INSTAX SQUARE SQ6 INSTANT FILM CAMERA

• Excellent for: immediate satisfaction
• Offered in various colors
• Compatible film. View it here

3. MULTIPURPOSE SCARF

Apart from being a fashionable accessory that enhances any outfit, the versatile scarf proves to be particularly useful while traveling. Certain destinations, including places of worship such as St. Peters Basilica in Vatican City, may impose modest dress requirements that differ from your usual attire (e.g., covered shoulders), regardless of warm summer temperatures. Keeping a scarf accessible is an effective solution to honor local traditions or dress codes. You definitely do not want to be barred from entering a historical site due to a dress code oversight!

Scarves can also serve as a lightweight layer or blanket during flights when air conditioning is excessively cool, or if you simply require additional warmth but prefer to avoid carrying around a sweater.

To prevent your scarf from becoming snagged or falling out of your bag, keep it neatly folded inside a mesh zip pouch (as shown below!).

• For warm climates, opt for a lightweight fabric such as silk or cotton (or a blend of both, like the Silk Cotton Scarf from DVF).
• For cooler climates, select a wool scarf or an oversized cashmere wrap.

4. HYDRATING LIP BALM

OLIO E OSSO LIP BALM

It is well-known that air travel or visits to varying climates can negatively affect our skin’s hydration, leading to chapped lips. Maintain lip moisture with our preferred travel balm from Portland-based Olio E Osso. Their small-batch, plant-based No.1 Clear balm is highly versatile – it can be utilized for more than just lip care, tending to cuticles, dry elbows, and managing stray hairs as well!

We also appreciate Olio E Osso’s tinted color balms, which function as both a lip balm and cheek tint.

5. SUN SMART ESSENTIALS

Whether you are journeying to a sunny locale or to a place with overcast skies, being sun-smart throughout the year is essential.

Protect yourself with:

• A high SPF sunscreen; we recommend Supergoop!, Ilia Beauty, or Mecca Cosmetica. Most brands offer a variety of sizes, including travel-friendly options for locations with 100ml or less restrictions. Remember to reapply frequently!

SUPERGOOP! PLAY

Supergoop! PLAY is an excellent everyday option for both face and body, formulated to leave no white cast, making it suitable for all skin tones.

ILIA BEAUTY

Ilia Beauty is renowned for delivering high-quality, clean beauty products. The Super Serum Skin Tint with SPF 40 stands out for those seeking a clean tinted facial product with adequate sun protection.

MECCA COSMETICA

For our Australian and New Zealand readers, if your facial skin is sensitive to certain sunscreens, consider Mecca Cosmetica’s cruelty-free, sulfate-free, and vegan option known as ‘To Save Face’.

• A statement hat; choose a lightweight, wide-brimmed hat for day excursions and beach trips, opt for a sporty baseball cap, or select a visor. Notably, the crochet bucket hat trend continues to thrive this summer!

6. SILK PILLOWCASE

MYK SILK PILLOWCASE

Enhance your ‘beauty sleep’ with a silk pillowcase. Silk is noted for its softness and smoothness, introducing less friction on your hair and skin while resting.

Here are a few reasons why we cherish traveling with a silk pillowcase:

• Silk pillowcases minimize hair frizz and breakage, helping your vacation hairstyle remain polished for longer (especially beneficial if you’ve invested in a pre-trip blowout!).
• In today’s health-conscious environment, using your own pillowcase while traveling can provide comfort in terms of hygiene, along with a familiar component to stimulate better (beauty) sleep.

MYK Silk presents several excellent options to accommodate various budgets, including a single-sided silk pillowcase (featuring cotton on the reverse side) and up to exclusive luxury versions.

• Most budget-friendly: natural silk pillowcase with cotton underside
• Exploring the silk pillowcase experience: double-sided silk pillowcase
• Luxury choice: luxury silk pillowcase
• The limited edition luxury version is currently sold out
• MYK Silk amazon store

Additionally, MYK’s simple guide for choosing the perfect pillowcase is also worth exploring.

7. PERSONAL ALARM

SHE’S BIRDIE

A personal alarm is particularly valuable for solo travelers, serving as a deterrent in scenarios where personal safety may feel endangered. The compact and elegant She’s Birdie alarm emits a loud sound when activated, complemented by a flashing strobe light.

Keep it easily accessible while on the go (thanks to its attached brass keychain). In the United States, it is TSA approved, allowing it to be stored in your carry-on bag during flights. Various colors are available.

8. MESH ZIP POUCHES

Why search through your carry-on for smaller items when you can easily store them in mesh zip pouches? The open weave of the mesh allows for quick visibility of the contents when you are pressed for time. Storing items in this manner also simplifies switching between bags during your travels, ensuring no essential items are left behind.

We advocate organizing small but significant items in zip pouches. Consider categorizing yours into any combination of these segments:

• Chargers, cords and adapters (and your new She’s Birdie alarm during travel)
• Personal necessities (such as hand sanitizer, cleansing wipes, bug spray, Panadol, Band-Aids, tissues, tampons)
• Crucial documents including your passport, travel visas, vaccination records
• Wardrobe extras like a scarf, beanie, gloves, headband, or hair tie

If you are concerned about spills in your bag, consider opting for a water-resistant option. A great secondary use is to keep your wet bathing suit segregated from the dry contents of your bag.

9. JEWELLERY CASE

WOLF

Secure your jewelry with a dedicated case to prevent tangling and damage. The Sophia Round Zip Case by Wolf is ingeniously designed with a compartment for bracelets or watches, along with a lidded section for smaller items like rings or earrings. Multiple colors and styles are also available.

10. FLEX DEVICE HOLDER

AIRGLO FLEX FLAP

There is nothing more uncomfortable than straining your neck or holding your device to watch your preferred series while you travel. A flexible, folding device holder can alleviate this discomfort. It can adjust to different angles, propping up your phone or iPad on a tray table, over the back of a seat pocket, or wherever necessary.

As it stores flat, you can easily slide it into your carry-on without it taking up excess space.

11. PACKING CUBES

MUJI

Eliminate suitcase disorder with a selection of packing cubes from the Japanese retailer, Muji. Organize your belongings by function or type, keep accessories grouped (hats, scarves, and gloves), or use them to separate dirty laundry from clean clothes. By compartmentalizing your belongings in your packing, these cubes can also prevent you from disrupting your neatly-folded suitcase when searching for specific items.

Each cube features a mesh top for quick visibility of contents. When not in use, these cases can be folded down to a compact size. We love the Recycled Nylon Gusset Case and the Recycled Nylon Gusset Case Double. Available in various sizes and colors.

12. HANGOVER & JETLAG PATCHES

AKALO

AKALO hangover and jet lag patches (containing Vitamin B1) mitigate the effects of hangovers following a night of indulgence, allowing you to awaken feeling more refreshed the next day. With simple instructions to apply them 30 minutes prior to drinking and to wear them overnight, they offer an effective remedy! The patches deliver a continuous slow-release of vitamin B1 to your system over a period of 24 hours. They utilize only organic ingredients, are FDA inspected, and are manufactured in the United States.

13. COLLAPSIBLE WATER BOTTLE

QUE

Searching for an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic water bottles while traveling can be challenging, but the Que Collapsible Bottle resolves that. This silicone bottle is lightweight, and when not filled, collapses to half its size, allowing for easy storage within your bag. Simply refill and enjoy!

An added advantage of carrying a refillable bottle is cost savings on purchasing water, particularly at airports where filtered water stations are increasingly common!

14. CARRY ON LUGGAGE

AIDAN

AIDAN’s Signature classic duffle bag exudes a sense of understated elegance, combining thoughtful design and sophistication. Embossed with the house’s signature print harking back to the era of high-end streetwear and accessories, AIDAN’s duffle is both light and flexible. Constructed from eco-friendly and sustainable canvas, featuring top-grain cowhide leather accents and premium hardware, this spacious bag serves perfectly as a carry-on option or for short trips of up to a week for the conscious traveler.

15. TRAVEL GARMENT STEAMER

PHILIPS

The ultimate travel companion to erase wrinkles from your attire while on the go. No more crumpled silk items or deep crease lines in your favorite dresses, the Philips Handheld Steamer 3000 series is compact and collapsible, fitting easily in your luggage. Once plugged in, it is ready to use in 30 seconds, and the best part – there’s no need for an ironing board! It also neutralizes 99% of bacteria and eliminates odors, enabling you to confidently reuse your holiday clothing without requiring washing.

16. BLANK CARDS

It is fair to say that most individuals enjoy receiving cards, be it for special occasions, congratulations, or simple expressions of gratitude. Providing cards can also elicit joy, hence we ensure to travel with a few on-hand to brighten someone’s day with a thoughtful note. Simple blank cards, like those from Etsy, should cover various unexpected situations. Forgot a friend’s birthday? No problem! Need to express appreciation? Done!

One travel trend we are enthusiastic about is writing a thank-you card to your flight crew (assuming the onboard experience was positive, of course!). It has been a particularly challenging period for airline personnel, which has included job furloughs and increased in-flight disruptions. A small note of acknowledgment can greatly uplift the spirits of those dedicated to ensuring our safety in the skies!

17. STORAGE BOXES FOR AT HOME

Simplify packing for future voyages by organizing all your travel essentials in a storage basket or box. If space is limited, under-bed boxes are ideal, as are bags placed within your suitcase. We suggest: Open style, Lid option, Under-bed box.

Our Best Travel Accessories – Your Must-Have Travel Essentials article was curated by the travel specialists at bespoke atlas.

bespoke atlas offers personalized travel recommendations and itinerary development. They conduct the necessary research and leverage their expertise to create tailored itineraries that are entirely based on your preferences. Whether you’re looking to explore overseas with friends or envisioning the perfect solo adventure in a national park, bespoke atlas is equipped to design the plan that results in your dream getaway.

Discover more about bespoke atlas’ services at bespokeatlas.com or follow them on Instagram @bespokeatlas for travel ideas and inspiration.

For itinerary development inquiries, feel free to reach out via email: hello@bespokeatlas.com