Cool Accessories for Travel Hags
People ask me about my favorite luggage, gear, and travel accessories. Here’s a list of favorite travel accessories that I use consistently. Enjoy perusing. And if you have some good ideas for cool travel accessories, mention them in a comment.
Packing Gear
Not your typical packing cubes. These have double zippers, so once packed, you can still compress them even more with the second zipper. I use these mostly for clothing. I take them out of my suitcase and put them into the dresser drawers in the hotel. That wa,y I’m not digging through the whole suitcase for the shirt I’m looking for. I use the shoe bag for dirty clothes.
Nobl is a new brand, and there are many similar carry-ons. This bag has every advantage, 4-wheel spinners, easy access to electronics and personal items, hard shell outside, dial lock (TSA approved), buckles – not zippers, USB connector on top, handle serves as phone holder. It’s pricey, but it’s sturdy and super convenient.
This backpack is a purse or daybag with a wide opening on the top, or it can serve as a backpack for times when carrying on your back is preferred. It holds a 17″ laptop carrier, and every feature I want in a “personal item” allowed on a plane. And, it has a trolley sleeve so that you can slip the bag to securely fit over the handle of your carry-on.
 
Tips and Gear
My all-time favorite accessory for flying. This cloth hanger slips over the tray table and serves as a table covering, but when you lock the tray table in an upright position, there are easy-to-access pockets that fit an iPad, phone, AirPods, etc. No more digging in a back or using the tight seat pocket at the risk of leaving items behind.
So much better than a puffy neck pillow or blow-up pillow. This neck wrap supports the chin in a front or side position. It also doesn’t impede the use of earbuds. Stores flat in its own bag. Washable.
For long flights, this footrest helps circulation and works against leg and foot fatigue. Fits over the tray table and has an adjustable strap for short or long legs. It can also be used as an ankle hammock to extend legs under the seat in front.
This phone holder snaps onto the tray table and supports even a large smartphone. It’s adjustable for portrait and landscape view and allows for hands-free streaming or viewing. This also works well in a car.
Perfect for those moments when you’re just too hot. This mini-fan is a lifesaver during those times. Two speeds, a wrist strap, and works as a handheld fan or can be set on a desk or table. Fold up for easy carrying (3 inches long). I have several of these. USB rechargeable. Several colors.
The SCOTTe Travel Vest has enough pockets to hold what would fit in a large purse or backpack. Read my full blog post on the SCOTTe vest. I would be lost without my SCOTTe vest, especially when I fly. I keep my passport, credit cards, money, glasses, AirPods, Kindle, pens, vouchers or needed documents, and my personal fan. I even use separate pockets for Euros and British Pounds when I’m traveling in Ireland. The SCOTTe Vest is also good for when you’re boarding a plane. You can put an iPad, small laptop, book, and more … the possibilities are amazing, and all you have to do is take off your vest in security instead of lifting a bag jammed with items. The vest is thin so it can be worn under a coat or jacket. I wear it in the field and on the plane. It’s like wearing a purse with sortable pockets.
Every traveler should have a travel journal to record thoughts, feelings, reactions, experiences, impressions of people on the road, and to store some mementos. The Peter Pauper Press 9.2″ hardcover journal. It has beautiful lined paper and a satin ribbon bookmark. I have filled many of these with my travel experiences.
Disclosure: I make a small (and I mean small) profit off of any items you purchase from the links on this list.
