Whether you’re a travel newbie or a seasoned globetrotter, we could all use a few gadgets and gizmos to make traveling less stressful and more fun. Here are eight of our favorite expert-approved essentials that will help you travel more efficiently.
1. AmazonBasics Suitcase Spinner
Whether you’re rushing through the airport or strolling down a hotel hallway, it’s more convenient to have your luggage next to you, and not behind you; that’s why we always opt for four-wheel, 360-degree spinning luggage, like this hard-shelled one. Available in 20-, 24-, and 28-inch versions, this suitcase also has three interior pockets (two of which are great for shoes, and one for smaller items) to help you stay organized. Choose from three colors: black, blue, or red. Buy it now.
2. Baggallini Avenue Tote
We’ve all been there: carting around luggage and simultaneously juggling a passport, cell phone, plus a million other items – all while trying to make sure a heavy tote bag won’t slide off our shoulders and spill on the floor. Luckily, the Baggallini Avenue Tote eliminates this burden. The bag’s sleeve easily slips onto your suitcase handle, so you don’t have to worry about it falling off in the middle of the security line. Even better, the bag has several exterior zipped compartments — including one on the sleeve itself — so you can count on easy access to other important items. Buy it now.
3. Etekcity Digital Hanging Luggage Scale
Think your luggage may be overweight? Don’t wait until you get to the airport to find out if you’ll incur those extra fees. Instead, use this small and lightweight scale — which has a 110 lb. capacity — before heading out the door. Buy it now.
4. Shacke Pak Packing Cubes
Pro tip: Consider packing your suitcase by sorting out your daily outfits, which will save you time once you’re away. And, thanks to these packing cubes, it couldn't get any easier to organize your clothes. This set includes four different-sized cubes, as well as a convenient laundry bag. Choose from nine different color options. Buy it now.
5. BAGSMART Electronic Organizer
With smartphones, tablets, and all of your other gadgets, your travel bag can easily transform into a jungle of cables and adapters. Instead, store all that and more in this bifold pouch, which features zippered mesh pockets, elastic loops, and memory card slots — all of which provide ample space to declutter your electronic accessories. Buy it now.
6. 42Travel Hanging Toiletry Bag
Rather than unpacking all of your toiletries, simply hang this bag on the bathroom towel rack or behind the door to keep all of essentials at your fingertips. The side pockets, compartments, and dividers keep everything stowed separately and upright for easy access to your bathroom and shower necessities. Buy it now.
7. Trubetter Travel Hangers
Depending on the length of your trip, it’s possible that your hotel room or cruise ship stateroom may not have enough hangers to hold all of your clothes. Rather than schlepping along heavy hangers from your closet, consider bringing along these colorful, compact, and lightweight folding ones. These hangers can also be extended or shortened to hold children's, women's, and men's clothing. Buy it now.
8. Bloom Daily Planners Vacation Packing List
Sure, you can easily type out a packing list on your smartphone, but this makes it easy to forget essential items (we've all been there). Instead, we love that this 80-sheet pad breaks everything down by category (toiletries, accessories, and other). It even has boxes for a seven-day trip, so that you can plan ahead and write out your outfits for both the daytime and the evening. Buy it now.
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