The Best Travel Accessories To Make Your Trip Easier

Travel can either stress you out or make your trip easier. Depending on your destination, you might find that having a packing list will make the process smoother. However, having the best travel accessories will definitely improve any trip that you go on. From the staple travel gear such as matching luggage sets to ensure that everything is coordinated neatly as you pack, to tech travel gadgets so that all of your electronics are powered up before take off; having the right travel accessories can make or break your trip.

As an organiser who thrives off routine, the thought of going on a trip without an itinerary and a packing list repulses me. And yes, I am one of those people who plans their outfits using colour theory in advance. I prefer my trips to start as peaceful as possible. And that can’t happen if I don’t pack the right staples and gadgets before I depart for my holiday. To make your next trip smoother and easier, I have rounded up some of my favourite and essential travel items. You can pack them inside your carry-on or your checked luggage. In addition, a few are handy to save on your phone. Whether you are going on a solo trip or a group trip, start checking off these items so you can travel in style.

Travel Gear Staples

Disclaimer: This post does include some affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products that I have personally vetted.

1. Matching Suitcases with TSA Locks

If you watch my InstaStories, you would know that I always share a photo of my suitcases before I go on a trip. It is something that I started doing to prep my audience that travel content is coming and it just stuck. My Calpak Ambeur suitcases became a simple signal that we are going to have fun in the next few days.

Prior to 2022, I had mismatched suitcases that didn’t have TSA locks. If you have ever travelled through the US, you would know that TSA are notorious for opening up your checked luggage. Most of the time, they will end up breaking the lock. I have lost count of the number of locks that have been broken. Moreover, having matching suitcases is a way to boost your confidence in how you present yourself. For me, nothing looks sharper than having coordinated suitcases and an airport outfit.

I also have another matching set of Travelite suitcases and now I have a choice between travelling with rose gold or with chic black.

Wellness Travel Accessories

2. First Aid Kit

One of my must have travel accessories is a first aid kit. It is one of the first items that I throw into my suitcase regardless if it is a domestic or international trip. I know that this may not be the first thing that most people think about when they travel, but I’m a believer of preventative care. That means being prepared for any situation and having plenty of supplies stored. Adventure travel is my specialty. I’ve gone whitewater rafting, paragliding and hiking. Although I’ve been fortunate to not injury myself, it could happen at any moment. Being a granddaughter of a nurse, it is a no brainer for me to pack some form of a travel first aid kit.

3. Toiletries Bag

This was one of the best little luxuries that I bought for myself last year. LOL. No joke. I’m someone who used to pack their toiletries in whatever bag that I had at the time. Then wrap those bags in clothes and hope for the best. I was really stressed out whenever I flew for travel because accidents happen and something would have leaked. This toiletries bag has become my saviour. It has made packing less stressful. I can fit all my skincare, body care, hair care and dental hygiene in one bag.

I got the Bagsmart Space Saver Large Toiletry Bag, but you can buy them anywhere really: Amazon, Walmart, and anywhere that toiletry bags are sold. They come in a variety of colours, sizes are medium or large depending on what works for you and your travel style. It’s expandable which I love and has a mental hook to hang it up, which is super convenient.

4. Travel Accessories: Foot Swing

At 5’0 and travel babe that regularly takes 10+ hour flights across the globe, this is one of the best travel accessories that I’ve purchased. Most airline seats do not have adequate space for your feet and that can be very uncomfortable.

Regularly, I take my shoes off on the plane to avoid any type of swelling and to make myself as comfortable as possible. However, there is a limit by how much I can stretch my legs. Even if I sit all the way back in my seat, I can barely manage to touch my toes to the floor. This foot swing is a must-have travel accessory for anyone 5’4 and under. Make sure to choose the one with the adjustable strap so you can adjust it for your comfort and height. I just know that I love it and it works! It’s easy to pack in your carry-on or your handbag for easy access.

Tech Travel Gadgets

5. E-Sim

Until last year when I went to St Kitts, I was always paying for a data package with my phone provider whenever I travelled. It felt like I was playing Russian Roulette whenever I kept my data on for more than five minutes. If you have a Swiss phone provider, you would know that they charge exorbitant rates for roaming plans. Luckily I discovered the beauty of an E-Sim, which was so useful when I got stranded in Sint Maarten for a night. I used E-Sims when I went to Vietnam, Thailand and for my short layovers in Doha.

I have Airalo E-Sim app and it remains in my travel folder on my phone. (Use FOLAKE6280 for a small discount). This app is convenient and practical. It is easy to set up on your phone before landing at your next destination. Moreover, it has E-Sims for individual countries, regional E-Sims and global ones, depending on how you are going to travel. However, it is important to mention that it is a data-only app. If you want to make local phone calls, you would need to find other means. Despite being in Southeast Asia for two weeks, I limited my communication with family and friends via WhatsApp, FaceTime and social media. To be honest, I don’t remember the last time I made a call using the phone function on my phone.

6. Portable Charger

As a blogger and a content creator, I’m always on my phone. Whether I’m doing research for my next powerlifting programme, reading a story on Wattled or looking for my next travel destination, I’m always doing something on my phone. It’s wild to think that this small thing is my lifeline so to speak. For example, when I went to Praslin Island in Seychelles, my hotel room only had one socket shockingly! Thank goodness, I decided to pack two reliable portable chargers so that my devices didn’t die while I was there.

I got my portable chargers from Galaxus (Swiss Amazon). The Intenso Power Delivery is extremely light and I would recommend carrying that for daily excursions. The RealPower is bulky and can charge up to three devices at once in less than 40 minutes. You may not be able to find these exact ones in stores that sell portable chargers. However, I highly recommend purchasing ones with USB-C port and a Micro-USB. Having both charging ports is one of the tech must-have travel accessories.

Essential Solo Travel Accessories

7. Travel Accessories: Door Stopper

As a solo traveller, your safety is your number one priority. Your accommodation is your safe haven, I never share where I am staying until I’ve checked out. However, I’ve heard enough horror stories from other women that pushed me to purchase a door lever lock. During my first international solo trip, I used this throughout my travels and thank goodness that I did. For instance, one evening whilst I was in my room, someone tried to open the door from outside. Luckily, I had the door stopper up for extra protection. I think the person behind the door was aware that there was something blocking them from coming in.

Since then, I have taken this door stopper with me on every trip. As women solo travellers, it does suck that we have to take extra precaution. However, this including a door stop alarm are two essential solo travel accessories that I would urge you to buy. I really hope that you don’t have situations where people are trying to get into your room.

8. Travel Tripod

Tripods are an excellent travel accessory to have especially if you want to boost up the courage to take your own pictures. Two of my favourite travel tripods are the ATUMEK Selfie Stick Tripod, which comes with a bluetooth remote, and the Zomei M5 Camera Tripod. I take both with me on all of my trips. The Zomei can be used for both phones and camera; I typically use it for my camera only when I’m abroad. The ATUMEK is my go-to when I’m out and about. It’s very light and more compact than Zomei tripod. The bluetooth remote is a lifesaver especially when you want quick clips with you in them. These tripods helped me to elevate my travel photography to capture beautiful and aesthetically stunning pictures. I cannot tell you how life changing they have been for my creativity.

These are my best eight travel accessories to make your next trip easier. Honestly, I don’t know how I lived without these before. Remember that these accessories are not just material things. They are items (or an app) that can upgrade and elevate your life, not only when you are travelling but also at home. The great thing about all of these travel accessories is that they are affordable, high quality and can last for years.

---

Make sure to prep for your next trip early and get some of these when the sales drop this summer. I hope that this post has made thinking about travel less stressful for you. Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button to join the community and never miss out on a post. Find me on Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok for more powerlifting and wellness content.

Until next time,

Folakemi