The 20 Essential Travel Accessories You Must Have

Vanessa Korovina

Updated: 13 August 2025 ·

The 20 Essential Travel Accessories You Must Have

The moment of packing your suitcase is both a joy and a challenge, even for the most seasoned traveler. Regardless of your final destination - whether it's the beach, the mountains, a five-star resort, or a 'wild' backpacking adventure - there's no doubt that your luggage should contain everything necessary for a smooth and stress-free stay, as much as possible.

There are also gadgets that, while not essential, represent true 'jewels' for some of us and deserve a special place in our luggage. What are the must-have accessories for a traveler? Let's discover them together!

1 - Diversion Safes

diversion safe

In slang, they are known as diversion safes, and they are accessories primarily designed to hide money or credit cards, allowing you to move around without the fear of losing your valuables. These can take the form of soda cans, flip flops, air fresheners, even lighters and many other common objects.

Price: starting from $5.00 on Amazon

2 - Travel Pillow

comfortable and convenient travel pillow

Traveling by train or plane can be quite a torture, especially for our necks. The best solution is to invest in the timeless travel pillows. For this must-have travel accessory, there are valid alternatives that are lighter, practical, and effective: the Trtl Pillow, as light as a scarf and as comfortable as your bed pillow.

Price: starting from $29.95 on Amazon

3 - Smartphone Lenses

smartphone lenses

For photography enthusiasts, those who fill their smartphones' memory with images that sometimes don't meet their expectations, there are phone lenses that act as mini-lenses. While they won't produce professional photos, you can achieve more satisfying results thanks to the various types of lenses available: wide-angle, macro, and fish-eye.

Price: starting from $9.00 on Amazon

4 - Organizer Case

item organizer case

An organizer case is not an obvious accessory but a faithful partner for carefully storing various types of items, protecting them from bumps or the risk of losing them in your bag.

Price: starting from $16.00 on Amazon

5 - Foldable Slippers

comfortable foldable slippers

Compact in size, foldable slippers are an accessory that cannot be left at home. They offer comfort and hygiene and take up very little space in your suitcase.

Price: starting from $9.00 on Amazon

6 - Pill Organizer Bottles

pill organizer water bottle

With this handy accessory, it will be nearly impossible to forget your medications! It's a cute water bottle that includes mini-compartments to keep your pills handy during your travels.

Price: starting from $5.00 on Amazon

7 - Solar Charger

solar powered charger

You can't take a step without having your smartphone fully charged. To avoid being disconnected, it's ideal to bring a travel charger, preferably solar-powered: it's eco-friendly and always ready to go! Choose a waterproof model to guard against unexpected splashes or sudden downpours.

Price: starting from $19.90 on Amazon

8 - Portable Water Purifier

portable water sterilizer

Essential for wild traveling, where you can't be sure of the potability of water, the portable water sterilizer - shaped like a pen - allows you to obtain pure, clear liquid using ultraviolet rays.

Price: starting from $60.00 on Amazon

9 - Emergency Bracelet

emergency flotation bracelet

An accessory can save your life, even if small. Behind the appearance of a practical bracelet is a floating device that activates if you find yourself in trouble in the water. It's simple to activate: just pull the handle.

Price: starting from $58.00 on Amazon

10 - Luggage Tracking System

luggage tracker device

This belongs to the category of accessories that, while purchased, you hope you will never have to use. Raise your hand if you've never experienced the "trauma" of having your suitcase lost somewhere. Technology comes to the rescue: thanks to innovative luggage tracking systems, you will always know what journey your suitcase has taken, geo-locating its position via smartphone.

Price: starting from $50.00 on Amazon

11 - Universal Adapter

universal adapter

Never forget an essential truth for travelers: not all power outlets are the same as those in the United States. This is why it's essential to always have a universal adapter on hand, preferably with USB ports for charging tablets, smartphones, or cameras.

Price: starting from $16.00 on Amazon

12 - Travel Alarm

travel door alarm

Protect against unwanted entry with the travel alarm for doors. It's a small sensor that attaches to the door handle and detects even the slightest vibrations, alerting you with a loud sound of any break-ins.

Price: starting from $9.00 on Amazon

13 - Travel Hair Dryer

travel hair dryer

To dry your hair away from home, it's necessary to always have a travel hair dryer on hand: all the power of a regular hair dryer in a mini format.

Price: starting from $18.00 on Amazon

14 - Portable Luggage Scale

portable luggage scale

Always keep an eye on the weight of your suitcase without bringing along a full-sized scale? It's possible thanks to the portable luggage scale, which attaches to the handle of your baggage: a truly useful accessory that ensures you never exceed the weight and size limits set by airlines.

Price: starting from $10.00 on Amazon

15 - Snorkeling Mask

snorkeling mask

Marine explorers won't want to be without a safe accessory for practicing their beloved art of snorkeling. The full masks designed for underwater diving come with an integrated snorkel to prevent water from leaking in through the tube. Colorful and comfortable to wear, full masks are also suitable for children.

Price: starting from $18.00 on Amazon

16 - Personal Defense Spray

pepper spray for self-defense

It may seem absurd to include a self-defense item in this top 20. However, pepper spray can not only protect our safety but also preserve an enjoyable vacation from unwanted and aggressive encounters.

Price: starting from $23.00 on Amazon

17 - Microfiber Towels

microfiber towels

They take up little space in your suitcase and ensure maximum hygiene with their quick-drying abilities. Microfiber towels can be faithful allies not only at the pool but also while camping or anywhere you choose to spend your vacation.

Price: starting from $10.00 on Amazon

18 - Swiss Army Knife

Swiss Army knife

As versatile as it is small, the Swiss Army knife is an indispensable accessory, especially when camping. Useful for opening a bottle or cutting, it's important to remember that if traveling by air, strict safety rules may make it difficult to bring along.

Price: starting from $20.00 on Amazon

19 - Travel Toothbrush Set

travel toothbrush set

Having clean teeth and fresh breath while on vacation is achievable with convenient travel kits combining toothpaste and toothbrush.

Price: starting from $7.00 on Amazon

20 - Portable Steam Iron

portable steam iron

Traveling doesn't necessarily mean staying in places where all conveniences are at hand. Unfortunately, you might find yourself in locations where your favored iron is surprisingly missing! No problem, because there's a surreal yet effective version of our favorite appliance: a portable steam iron!

Price: starting from $26.00 on Amazon

21 - Quality Checked Luggage

quality checked luggage

For those who travel, having a quality checked luggage is often essential, since it must be suitable for travel and hold everything you need! It needs to be lightweight and spacious, allowing you to carry as much as possible without exceeding 44 lbs.

Price: starting from $55.00 on Amazon