(This article may or may not contain affiliate links. What does that mean?)
Sure, exploring the world is great, but traveling is a lot more fun with the right gear. We discover our travel gear through articles like this, recommendations from friends, and products companies send us to try out. The following are the products we absolutely LOVE and are made well. Plus, these are perfect for those looking for great last minute gifts your loved ones will use often and think of your kindness while they do so.
We decided to start an ongoing list we will add to each year to share with our awesome readers. Most of these items can be found through Amazon, which sometimes offers same-day shipping. Even Santa will have a hard time keeping up with those Amazon elves!
[lwptoc]
NO TIME TO ENJOY THIS ARTICLE NOW? BOOKMARK OR PIN IT FOR LATER!
Best Bluetooth Speaker
Sometimes, the alarm clock in our hotel room doesn’t have Bluetooth, and it’s nice to have soothing music to read or relax to at the end of the day. It’s also nice to rock out while getting ready to go out for the night. This little speaker has a great sound. It’s made from a sturdy metal, so won’t get banged up during the journey. Also, it’s so small it can even fit in a purse. The neoprene carrying case has holes and a carabiner to attach to whatever item will be holding your tunes while you are hiking or biking, or having a family picnic. It’s a great last minute gift as it arrives as early as the next day!
Little guy with a big sound. Photo courtesy of Amazon.
Best Make-Up and Bathroom Organizers
Its brand name, Prité, says it all. The little boxy design opens to lay flat and holds a surprising amount of things. I started bringing my new favorite full-sized brush when I got this cream-colored leather make-up bag. I also bought a second set of the make-up I normally use so all I have to do is grab it from my storage space and stick it in my suitcase, ready to go! I read about this in an article written by a flight attendant. She must be pretty. Also a great last minute gift as it arrives fast with next day shipping!
Are you feeling pretty? You will! Photo via Amazon.
DON’T MISS! The Best Family Gift Guide For Family Travelers
We keep all our travel-sized bottles filled with our fav shampoos, conditioners, and facial wash in this cute white leather toiletry bag. It’s not anything particularly special, but it closes nicely and looks nice, so makes us feel good when we look at it.
Why not have a pretty toiletry bag, too? Photo via Amazon.
Best Jewelry Travel Pouch
I confess. Before I found this adorable jewelry travel pouch, I used Kleenex to separate my necklace chains so they wouldn’t get all tangled in whatever pouch I threw all my costume jewelry into for the trip we were taking. It worked to keep everything kink-free, but it didn’t look or feel very sexy or feminine. When I found this Boho-inspired jewelry organizer, that all changed. It has just enough pockets to keep everything organized and neat for any trip. And it’s adorable.
Pretty and functional. Photo by Amazon.
Best Travel Pillow
Believe me when I say, we’ve tried most of them. Our previous favorite by Trtl was replaced this year by FlyHugz. FlyHugz wraps around your neck super securely and the soft interior feels really nice to lay your head in any direction without feeling like your spine is cracking in half. We’ve done long flights and with an eye cover plus headphones (or earplugs), it’s been as smooth a transition as possible into a new time zone with this lux pillow. Plus, it’s easy to tote with a carabiner attached to a carry-on.
Wake up with all the energy after a long flight. Photo via Amazon.
Best Airplane Tray Cover
Research has shown that tray tables and the storage pouches beneath them have more bacteria festering on them than the handles of toilets.
I used to spray everything down but there’s not way to get every little space on those surfaces. Now I just cover the whole tray and use the attached pouches to store my possesions, free of worry. When I get home, I drop the cover into the laundry and boom, clean and done for next time.
Cover up! Photo via Amazon
DON’T MISS! 15 Best Travel Hacks To Use For Trips Near And Far
Best Carry-On/Personal Item
I’m going to share a secret. Sometimes, when I need to fly carry-on, I’ll strap this rolling backpack onto my back and have another carry-on to maximize the number of items I can bring with me. Then I’ll pray that there won’t be stairs involved in boarding the plane! This has room for all the things I need for the plane, all my electronics, and a spare change of clothes (in case I’m checking luggage and it gets delayed/lost). I also like that it has a small pocket at the top to quickly retrieve spare chords, sunglasses, and other small essentials. My days of wearing real backpacks are over (see sore shoulders).
Sure! Bring all the things! Photo via Amazon
Our Favorite Suitcase
OK, let’s be clear. This is actually MY favorite suitcase. It’s super feminine and fancy. I bought it last year during the holidays, so it was on sale. I suggest if you travel a lot and like cute, functional luggage with great space and wonderful construction, this is the checked suitcase you investigate.
All the fancy. Photo via Amazon.
Best Massage Gun
Once you arrive at your destination, there may be muscles that need a bit of extra love. This Bob and Brad massage gun is the best I’ve ever used. My kids regularly steal it from me even though we have a way more expensive Theragun. It’s on the smaller side so I’ll often throw it in my rolling backpack.
Knock knock, who’s there? Relief. Photo via Amazon.
DON’T MISS! RVs 101: Essential Tips To Prepare For Your First Trip
Must-Have Stocking Stuffers
Charging Cables
We’ve bought this item so many times, we had to share. This charging cable is sturdy, so takes a while for the wires inside to snap (which they all do if they’re constantly being folded for travel etc.). Plus, there are connections for most of the devices you’ll use: lightening, mini USB, and android. You can charge more than one device at at time. We love that it reduces the number of chords to take on a trip (or keep in the kitchen).
One chord for many uses. Photo via Amazon
Portable Chargers
These iWalks are the best I’ve used. They’re the least conspicuous and stay out of the way during photos and calls.
The only way I travel light.. Photo via Amazon.
Universal Travel Charger
Universal Travel Chargers are essential for international peace of mind. When we started traveling often, I bought everyone in the family one so they wouldn’t fight over mine when their phone was dying and I needed to curl my hair. However, even though they work, most brands feel like flimsy plastic cubes, and the prong extensions would stick when I attempted to retract or use them. Not this one. The EZ Quest Universal Charger feels solid and not only does it extend smoothly, it also comes with USB-C and A ports to charge devices directly.
A true multi-tasker. Photo by Amazon
Coffee Dust
Even my husband, who doesn’t normally drink coffee, loves this coffee dust! It’s full of healthful ingredients that spice up or make your coffee much more cozy.
Just a little sprinkle goes a long way. Photo via Amazon.
Traveling Toothbrush
I just keep this spare toothbrush in my toiletry kit and never worry about forgetting my toothbrush (again) on trips or fishing it out of my suitcase to brush my teeth before bed when I’m tired after travel. It’s been one of my favorite purchases of this year.
Easy and convenient. Photo via Amazon.
