I’ve been on eight trips (three of those international!) within the past year, and I’m always trying out new travel hacks and accessories. My goal is to pack as much as I can efficiently, in an organized and easy-to-find fashion. Why? Because I hate spending time unpacking and digging through suitcases! I want to spend more of my time vacationing and less on logistics.
But now, after a decade of trial and error, I can pack for a major trip in no time, and I breeze through airports across the world like the seasoned pro I am. And today, I’m sharing those tips with all of you.
I’ve composed a list of my favorite travel hacks and accessories for (1) space-saving, (2) organization, (3) plane rides, and (4) luggage. These are personal tricks and methods that I’ve melded into my travel routine over the years, and I used every single one on my recent trip to Scandinavia.
Space-Saving Solutions for Packing
Replace Silicone and Plastic Travel Containers with Squeezable Bags
These squeezable bags for toiletries are durable, easy to fill (and refill!), and you can squeeze out all your product, unlike the plastic and silicone containers. Plus, they can be stored flat or upright, thus occupying significantly less space and weight than individual bottles or jars.
Swap Glass Jars for Disposable Contact Lens Cases
Disposable contact lens cases are inexpensive, liquid-tight, lightweight, and compact— plus they eliminate the need to travel with heavy glass containers that’re prone to bursting under flight pressure (p.s., they’re entirely reusable, despite their name).
The small size is perfect for small amounts of product, which allows my skin-care junkie self to pack my entire regime with zero wasted product and almost no bulk. I also use these containers for a few of my makeup items, such as concealer and foundation.
Use Clear Zipper Bags to Organize Everything
Easy to open zipper bags make organization super simple, especially when they’re see-through. Use it to store your squeezable bags, your contact lens cases, your charging cables, or the handful of random items you don’t want to use. Put the bags in your purse, your suitcase, your car, your carry-on, or your backpack— anywhere you have loose items floating about.
Say Goodbye to Bulky Power Adapters
One frustratingly bulky item is the power adapter block, which always takes up way more space than a plug. And when you travel with a half-dozen devices, those adapters eat up space quickly. Not to mention they’re a pain, and somehow always get left behind in the outlet.
This handy device eliminates the need for all of them. It also solves the problem of finding multiple power outlets at your stay location. Plug this into your nightstand and have everything you need at your fingertips. The one I use has three power outlets, two USB ports, and two USB-C ports. Bonus: the flat cord coils around the adapter for easy packing.
Best Travel Accessories for Toiletries, Makeup, and Jewelry
Hanging Toiletry Bags
If you’ve not tried these before, prepare for your jaw to drop, because hanging toiletry bags are a total game-changer. Not only do they hold all your toiletries, but you never have to unpack them. And, no more trying to find counter space at a pedestal sink, because when you have one of these bags, your counter space is always with you!
They come in several styles and sizes, but when it comes to travel, smaller is better. I was able to downsize by using the space-saving tips I’ve shared. This was the bag I used for my 6-night trip to Sweden.
Don’t let looks deceive you. There’s a lotta of stuff crammed in there: toothpaste tabs, toothbrush, deodorant, floss picks, makeup cloths, Q-tips, brush, combs, eyedrops, hairties, dry shampoo, regular shampoo, conditioner, body wash, four types of face creams, eye cream, and even a mini-blowdryer.
Create a Hanging Makeup Bag
Makeup has been the bane of my travel existence. My nemesis. I want my favorite products with me, but between bulky containers, breaking powders, seeping liquids, and busted glass, it’s a real pain— and it takes up a ton of room. I’ve owned multiple train cases and makeup bags in my search for a travel-friendly solution. The hardshell cases take up a lot of suitcase space, but products are often difficult to find and prone to breakage when stored in makeup bags.
As I was packing for Sweden, I had an aha! moment and searched to see if hanging makeup bags were a thing. I didn’t find anything I wanted, so I found a toiletry bag I felt would work well and had Amazon deliver it the next day. It turns out I was spot on!
My full makeup routine fits inside this bag, and, when it’s hung up, my products are always upright. I can find everything I need super fast, so I spend less time searching for makeup pencils and more time enjoying my destination.
Travel Jewelry Bags That Actually Work
Jewelry is something I used to despise traveling with because all the travel solutions I’d tried left me with tangled and/or bent jewelry. This bag finally solved my problems. Like many things on this list, I’ve owned a few types, and this one has been the best for easy, tangle-free transport of all my jewelry.
The necklaces have middle and bottom restraints, the earring card is well placed and has depth for the posts, and there are many clear individual pouches. Everything is easy to see, easy to find, and stays put at your fingertips.
Best Plane Accessories
Phone Mount
This magnetic phone mount is so awesome that I bought it twice, but only because I left the first one on an airplane. Oops. But I had to get another, because I it allowed me to enjoy watching my phone hands-free on an airplane for the first time ever.
This handy clamp clings to all kinds of surfaces, including airplane tray tables. The arm extends and rotates, and the magnetic back firmly secures the phone.
Hanging Foot Basket
This is a thing I didn’t know existed, but absolutely had to have upon first glance. I have long legs that cramp a lot during flights— that was, until I discovered this.
And oh, my goodness! Such sweet relief from this handy thing. Just slip the strap over your tray and close it back up. It made its maiden voyage with me on the five flights I took for my trip to Sweden, and now has a permanent spot in my carry-on luggage.
A Neck Pillow that Actually Works
Prior to discovering this marvelous neck pillow, my longest flight lasted 15 hours in the air, and I didn’t sleep a single wink. Why? Because I simply cannot sleep sitting up.
I’ve had neck surgeries, and I’m sensitive when it comes to my pillows. But I’m so excited to announce that after decades of searching, I finally found a pillow that fully secures my neck in place while sitting up. And for the first time ever, I actually slept on a flight!
This Portable Fan + Powerbank Combo
I live life on the cold side, and fans exacerbate my condition. But I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been sitting on the tarmac in a plane whose AC doesn’t function until it’s in the air. It happens way more often than you think, and the delay is always longer than predicted.
This year, I finally gave in and purchased a portable fan, and my bet paid off on its maiden voyage. I went with this USB power-bank combo model because power ports rarely work when the AC is down.
Never Pay for Bottled Water Again
Life with TSA is something we have to deal with when we fly. But paying $6 for a bottle of water is not.
Fill this lightweight, collapsible bottle for free at bottle-filling stations. Most U.S. airports have them. It collapses like an accordion into a small square when it’s empty.
Bonus tip: it makes a great party favor. People love to see it collapse and reopen— especially officers manning international customs.
Best Accessories for Luggage
Turn Any Bag into a Cup Holder
I’ve been using this super simple device for years. I just throw it over the handle of my luggage, and it holds two drinks and my phone. It makes strolling through the airport and boarding the plane a breeze.
Skip the Purse
Do you travel with a laptop? This utility bag fits under the seat in front of you, and its size allows it to qualify as a personal item on every U.S. carrier. There are numerous pockets built into the bag, allowing you to find what you need quickly, especially when elbow space is at a premium.
Find Your Luggage Quickly
Spot your bag from a distance with these oversized luggage tags. They’re super fun and come in a huge variety of fun designs.
Thanks for reading, and may your future travel days be hassle free.
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