33 Nifty travel gadgets to get now
Stay organized and travel easier when you have the right gear
Last year I traveled over 50,000 miles! That’s a lot of details to keep track of, and a lot of packing and unpacking. I have collected a lot of travel gadgets lately and find myself using the same gear time after time. Everything on this list is something I use and find worthwhile.
Travel gadget gift ideas too
By the way, this is also an excellent collection of gift ideas for every traveler. Whether you’re shopping for stocking stuffers, Easter basket fillers, or the perfect wedding present, be sure to read through to find some great travel gadget gift ideas.
And, the list might be slightly more than 33 things, even though that’s what the headline says. I’m updating as I go, so when I find something new and wonderful, it will be added here. And if it turns out to be less than useful I’ll drop it from the recommendations.
I’m including shopping links for your convenience. If you do click through and make a purchase, Go Informed receives a small commission. Thank you for your support.
Travel organization gadgets and bags
When it comes to travel gadgets, I always start with how to organize everything. Here are the tools I use to keep my stuff together and accounted for.
Luggage accessories
Packing cubes
Not only do they keep your stuff neatly organized and tucked away, compression packing cubes make big stuff small. They are great for packing bulky items, like a puffy coat, or for making your stack of t-shirts about half as tall as usual.
Just put your clothes in the cube, zip it up, then zip the second zipper to scrunch down the sides of the cube. The whole thing stays flat and tidy.
I really like the Thule compression bags because they’re easy to pack and the sides are slightly stiff, which means less squishing of my clothes. The Eagle Creek brand is also a good choice.
Luggage cup holder
I always seem to be juggling everything at the airport. And I like coffee. This nifty cup holder folds down flat for storage, then attaches to the handle of my luggage with velcro.
It’s got two good-sized cup holders and an extra pocket for a phone. Perfect for when there’s no place to set my cup but I need a free hand. I keep it handy in the outside pocket of my suitcase.
Unique luggage tags
Don’t get your bag mixed up! A bright luggage tag that’s different from all the others will distinguish your suitcase. We use these orange initial tags.
AirTags
If you want to know if your bag is really lost, or just somewhere in the same airport as you, an Apple AirTag is a great travel gadget. Just toss it in your bag and use your phone to see where it is.
Travel bag scale
Do you push the limit on allowed baggage weight? Know if you’re over-the-line by bringing a little bag scale. This nifty device has really come in handy for our scuba trips when we’re packing a bunch of gear.
Bottles and bags for the small stuff
Mesh bags
A friend turned me on to mesh bags, and now I use them for practically everything. Instead of an opaque makeup bag, I like the mesh because it’s easy to see what’s inside. I have them in multiple shapes and sizes so I can split supplies up.
Collapsible bottles
When you fly carry-on, that quart Ziploc bag is pretty darn small. Why take up space with a half-full bottle? These nifty containers collapse to fit the volume inside.
Ziplocs
From getting through TSA, to packing those leftover Disneyland beignets, to carrying a wet swimsuit – it’s hard to beat the utility of a quart-size ziploc bag. A few of these are always in my suitcase, and in my park bag.
Bags and backpacks
Travel backpack
Keep everything organized and your hands free with a nice travel backpack. I love my PacSafe backpack because it’s stylish, durable, and secure. This bag has all kinds of anti-theft features and it looks great.
Drawstring backpack
Sometimes you just need an extra bag, and a lightweight drawstring backpack really comes in handy.
When it’s empty this bag folds down to almost nothing, so it’s easy to toss in a purse or a pocket. Perfect for a long day of touring when I inevitably need something to carry my jacket or souvenirs. These are especially useful for theme park trips.
☝️ Did you know that thieves are less likely to steal a brightly-colored bag? That’s because it’s so easy to spot when they run away!
Travel purse
I find this PacSafe crossbody bag perfect for day-to-day touring. The flap unfolds to make the bag bigger when I need it, and the the wire-reinforced straps have locking clips so I can attach it to a chair without worry about purse-snatchers. Plus it looks good wherever I go.
Carry-on suitcase
In a past life, I worked in a store where we sold suitcases. Everybody has a different idea about what’s important, but there are a few common considerations.
If you choose a hard-sided case it will probably open down the middle, which means you can pack things in two sections. A soft-sided case usually opens on one end, which makes it easier to prop open for packing and unpacking.
If outside pockets are important to you, choose a soft-sided bag. Plus soft-sided bags have some give to them, so it’s easier to squeeze one into an overhead bin.
The bag I travel with is this Briggs & Riley model. It meets carry-on size regulations, and it expands when I need a little extra room. It has probably flown 100,000 miles by now and still looks and rolls great.
Travel gadgets for charging and lighting
How many times have you had to crawl under a hotel bed to plug in your phone? And how about trying to find your way to the bathroom in the dark? Charge your devices like you own the place, and ward off the dark, with these nifty travel gadgets.
Power strip
Stop searching for outlets behind the bed. Bring a small power strip and keep all your devices in one place.
Note that if you’re cruising, power strips with surge protectors are generally not allowed on board. So be sure your travel power station doesn’t have a surge protector built in.
Foreign power outlet adapters
If you’re traveling overseas, this is one of the most important travel gadgets you’ll need. You can charge your phone all over the world, if you have the right adapter to plug it into the wall.
Buy multiples of these little adapters. They’re super-easy to mislay and you really can’t do anything without them.
Nightlight
Travel with a plug-in nightlight and find your way to the bathroom in the dark.
My go-to travel clothing pieces
Wardrobe could of course be an entire post by itself, but here are a few pieces I constantly wear for travel.
Scarf
An indispensable travel gadget, a scarf is a fun accessory that can also be that last layer you need, or your naptime pillow. Choose one that opens up to a shawl, so you can use it as a blanket too.
Hoodie
A nice hoody is super versatile. Wear it by itself or under another jacket. It goes with almost anything.
The hoody I bring every time is this one from Lululemon. It’s lightweight but still really warm, the sleeves double as gloves, and the pockets have zippers. I also like how stretchy it is – I have worn it under and over almost anything.
Find this Lululemon hoody here
They also make a version without a hood here.
Puffer coat
A puffer coat is super warm and also super packable.
RipSkirt
The wrap-around skirts from Hawaii’s RipSkirt are my favorite travel companion. Not only are they stylish and comfortable, they fasten with infinitely adjustable velcro. So my skirt fits perfectly at the beginning and the end of a cruise!
Plus they pack down to practically nothing. Available in 4 different lengths and lots of fun colors and patterns.
Compression socks
Reduce the risk of blood clots by wearing compression socks on long flights. These aren’t your grandpa’s “supp hose” – modern compression socks are fashionable and comfortable. (Once you get them on).
Once you get there, compression socks for running are also excellent for travel. Especially if you’ll be on your feet a lot. Here’s a brand I wear.
Travel personal care gear
These are a few of the ways I go carry-on and still feel like I’m put-together on a trip.
Solid makeup
For me, the hardest part of packing light is getting all my gels and liquids into that quart-size bag. Using powder-based makeup is part of the solution. You can eliminate a few more gels by using pencil-style lipstick and powder sunscreen.
Tap secret dry shampoo
Banish dingy travel hair with this nifty little powder. Tap Secret dry shampoo is easy to carry and really works.
Small meds
Make your own mini travel first-aid kit. Include a few bandaids, Imodium, and at least one type of pain reliever.
Emergen-C
Travel can really zap a body. Bring along a few Emergen-C packets to help replenish your immune system.
Compact hair dryer
This one’s a maybe. If I’m traveling domestically (so there’s no problem with outlets or voltage), and if there’s room in my suitcase, I bring along my compact hair dryer. This one is small, light, quiet, and quick – and much better than whatever I’ll find in a hotel room.
☝️Packing tip: Don’t completely unpack your toiletry bag when you get home. Even better, refill the supplies right away and store everything back in the bag for next time.
PPE
Because the last thing you want to do is get there and be sick, it’s a good idea to take a few preventative measures when traveling. Even if you don’t plan to wear a mask for the whole flight, it’s good to have one handy in case your neighbor can’t stop coughing and sneezing.
Mask
If I know I’ll have to wear it for awhile, I use a mask with straps that go ahead my head, not my ears.
Antibacterial wipes
Always have a few antibacterial wipes handy, ’cause airplane surfaces are gross.
Earplugs
Sleeping on a plane or a train is hard enough without listening to everyone else snoring. Not to mention noisy neighbors in your hotel. Be sure to have some earplugs in your travel kit.
I like these silicone earplugs because they compress to really stay in my ears, even if I’m laying down.
Entertaining travel gadgets
I am all about unplugging when I get there, but for the flight and at the airport, these are the gadgets I have in my backpack.
iPad
It’s a movie theater, photo editing studio, and all-around communicator. The ipad ranks as one of my top travel gadgets.
Headphones
Whether you prefer over-the-ear or earbuds, good noise-cancelling headphones are a must for any flight.
Kindle
Carry 100 books if you want. A kindle is the perfect travel companion. Lightweight and able to download new books on the fly, you can take an entire bookstore to the beach.
This is one of my top travel-oriented gift suggestions. If they already have a Kindle, get them an Amazon gift card or a Kindle unlimited subscription.
Non-digital entertainment
When the batteries run low, or you just can’t look at a screen anymore, turn to a card game. A simple game like Uno is easy to learn and can be played even in the most jet-lagged state. It also makes an excellent stocking stuffer.
At-home gadgets
Label maker
You know you’ve always wanted one! This travel gadget stays at home. Get yourself a label maker and never wonder what’s in that mystery bottle again.
Where do you want to go next?
From tropical travel to worldwide theme parks, explore your next adventure here.
The tropics:
60-second theme park quick guides:
Plus more travel tips from the Go Informed newsletter:
This post contains affiliate links.
