Your trip is booked, your itinerary set and your luggage packed. Aside from building your wardrobe, travel accessories and tech gadgets, along with other must-have items tend to get overlooked. "The best travel gadgets I recommend are the ones you don’t realize you need until they end up saving you time, money and a lot of stress," shares travel expert and journalist, Joan Wallace.
And peace of mind is what we need in 2026. Whether you're traveling with kiddos, solo or with your partner, certain items will speed up your walk through the airport, charge up your laptop quicker and even keep you hydrated during long layovers.
To find the best accessories and tech for travelers for Shop TODAY's 2026 Travel Awards, we put over hundreds of products to the test. Our editors traveled to faraway destinations like Iceland and close to home, such as Philadelphia, while schlepping bags and cruising through gates to discover which items are a hit or miss.
We also asked a pool of expert travelers for their best tips before takeoff and the things worth packing in your carry-on and checked bag.
Must-have travel accessories and tech gadgets
Our travel experts say there are several items you need to pack to ease your travel anxiety and be prepared for other mishaps, including the following:
- Universal travel adapter: "One with USB-C ports is a must, it keeps all your devices charged without carrying multiple plugs," says Wallace.
- Multiport charger: "Because fighting someone for a wall outlet is not how a trip should start," shares CMO of Virgin Voyages, Nathan Rosenberg.
- Apple AirTag: "Airlines have lost my luggage more than once, and having that real-time tracking has honestly been a lifesaver," explains Wallace.
- Water bottle: Wallace prefers one that is collapsible and "ideally with a filter, especially for international trips."
- Compression packing cubes: "These are a game-changer for maximizing space and staying organized," adds Wallace.
- Noise-cancelling headphones: "They make a real difference, particularly on long flights," says travel expert Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon.
- An eSIM: "This is the one people are still sleeping on. You land, it works, you’re human. No SIM card shuffle. No roaming bill that looks like a rent payment," adds Rosenberg,
Best travel accessories
One thing about traveling is that you need to bring your bathroom essentials. On that note, our Travel Awards winner for best toiletry bag was the Gonex bag, which really performed stellar during our testing site for its durability, resistance to sharpness and spacious interior. This bag can hold up to 41 makeup products and will keep all your contents inside. And if you spill something on it, no worries, because the bag will keep the contents safe and dry.
The TAL mug might receive some dents after falling a flight of stairs, but it won't splash or spill your coffee. It features a durable construction and a snap-lock lid that stays secured during abrasive movements. Another plus is its condensation-free material, which will stay dry after 24 hours. It's so sturdy that you can even throw it in a luggage without worrying it will open.
If you're someone traveling with lots of jewelry and accessories, this organizer is a must. Its spacious interior will keep your bracelets, necklace, earrings and rings in place with minimal untangling. The detachable earring panel was one of our favorite features, as you can remove it without moving other parts.
Commerce insights manager Donna Pilikyan says this eye mask is extremely soft and stain-resistant. "For $25, this sleep mask is a steal — especially since it comes with earplugs and a little slot in the front to store your earplugs when not in use, so you don't lose them. It is very adjustable and easy to put on, and the fabric is very soft and comforting. Truly, [this is] a must-have if you want to take a nap on a plane."
After numerous spill and drop tests, this one is a must-have in your travel packing list. Owala will keep your cappuccino at a decent temperature even if you forget about it for hours. Aside from keeping your hot beverage warm, its leak-proof design is safe to drop inside a bag. It also comes in fun colors, a sleek design and an easy slider to sip comfortably.
Rest your mind and avoid neck pain after flying with this memory foam pillow. Editor Shannon Garlin tested this pillow and gave it a thumbs up for its washable design and supportive feel. "This travel pillow has really comfortable memory foam that doesn't sag and bounces back to its shape when you change positions. I like that you can manipulate it into different shapes, so you can wear it like a donut, or just on one shoulder, or leaning against a window/wall."
For those who enjoy a cold drink, Brumate is the one to choose for its temperature retention. When we tested it, the Brumate went from 59 degrees Fahrenheit to 65.3 degrees the next morning. The Brumate will resist a fatal drop and stay like new. In the leak-proof department, it also excelled as it didn't show any signs of water coming out of the lid.
Larq was another favorite from our testing site for its insulation system and leak-free cap. From all the contenders, this one won first place for keeping the water coldest for longer. Its magnetic cap stays in place even when tossed around and the handle offers a comfortable grip when on the move. Personally, this is my favorite for the color offerings and how easy it is to take a swig from the cap.
For those who can't leave their phones behind, this case offers a protective and secure way to stay connected while in the water. It's touchscreen-friendly, transparent and offers great picture quality underwater. The body strap also offers a hands-free experience if you're going for a swim, hike or walk. "I’ve splashed around with this in my immediate vicinity and all of my belongings stayed bone dry the entire time. It’s also a really smart design choice to include a zip pocket to keep essentials like credit cards and my ID easily accessible," says deputy managing editor Jess Bender.
Never lose your credit cards and passport with this passport cover featuring FindMy technology. Once you turn it on with the press of a button, it's easy to pair with iPhone/Apple FindMy, plus it holds four credit cards along with your boarding pass and passport, comfortably.
If you are more of a cash person, then this wallet is for you. Also, with the integrated FindMy technology, you'll keep all your essentials secured. The design is slim yet functional, and you won't need to charge the wallet for months.
Best tech gadgets for travel
Experts recommend this award-winning gadget for its long sound range, long-term battery life and precise item location. During our testing, we noticed the device playing around 50 meters away. It's easy to hear from a distance and is overly loud — a great tracker if you need to locate belongings further away.
Simple design but mighty, according to editorial operations manager Jillian Ortiz. "This is a basic charger that does its job. I appreciate the option to charge via USB-C or USB. It has a sleek look, so it isn't an absolute eyesore, and it comes at a great price." With three port options, this can charge different devices at once. "My car already has a built-in USB, so this is a plus when it comes to maximizing the number of devices that can be charged in my car," adds Ortiz.
Bender has never tested a solar-powered power bank before, but she says this one was really neat. "While I tested its ability to charge when my phone was at 55% battery life, it took me to fully 100% in about an hour's time when charged wirelessly." It also comes with a built-in flashlight and attachable compass, features that provide ease for the outdoorsy person.
"This portable charger is so handy! It's less than a half-inch thick, so you can literally pack it in your pocket or wristlet," shares Garlin. A main feature she liked is that it has a hidden attached USB-C cable, "which attaches magnetically, minimizing bulk and fumbling with two devices." It charges quickly and is a great device to keep handy.
Associate editor Madison San Miguel says the compact and aesthetic design wins her heart. "I loved how compact it was! It was shocking to see, despite its size, that I was able to charge both my AirPods and iPhone with just this device. Compared to my other portables, this one is a great size for throwing into your personal bag or purse while traveling or on the go without the bulk."
Writer Danielle Murphy tested this while traveling and says, “This device is a must-have for a commuter and traveler. I brought this on a road trip, and it kept my laptop, phone and Kindle powered up for the entire four days.”
While the device is a bit heavy, she says it is not a dealbreaker. “It’s super powerful, and it puts me at ease when I know an outlet isn’t around to charge my battery.”
Best travel organizers
As someone who needs her makeup at work, her bag, during travels and everywhere else, this compact pouch is excellent for carrying makeup brushes. I don't like the bristles touching my makeup products, especially after use. This bag is a game-changer and you can even fold the top and stand it on the counter when using it.
Keep your tech organized with this organizer featuring several compartments, an ultra-durable zipper and a weatherproof exterior. It can hold two iPhone chargers, an outlet, headphones and even a mouse without looking bulky. It even has smaller compartments to store SIM cards, a pen holder and other areas to keep tangle-free organization.
For those who need a visual organization of their items, this device is the one. It holds so many products, including your massive eyeshadow palettes. Because of their see-through design, it's easy to see the contents without doing a hard search. The magnetic locking closure is easy to open and close. Plus, the durable construction will minimize breakage.
Most innovative travel beauty
"Despite being marketed as a facial spray, this was actually my saving grace for sunburn to help calm my irritated skin before I could get my hands on some aloe. The Caribbean sun was no joke and got me good by the second day and this spray was crucial to my recovery," shares associate editor Kamari Stewart-Jackson. So, if you suffer from eczema or get easily irritated, this product will calm down redness.
Murphy tested this mini flosser and says it is the best way to floss without the mess. I also own the mini flosser and appreciate its miniature design and cap to keep the extra head secured. It's very easy to use and won't hurt your gums. "The replaceable heads are also compatible with the regular-sized flosser, so I don’t have to buy different ones," adds Murphy.
Cleansing products can be bulky, but not this one. "Trying this beauty product makes me wonder why I haven’t tried powder washes before. There’s no risk of leaks. TSA won’t scream at me during security checks. Plus, this is so much easier to pack," raves Murphy about its compact design. "The powder immediately dissolves in water and becomes quite sudsy. I had to use a little more powder than I thought to wash my entire body, but it worked well." So, if you're camping in the woods, this is a must-have.
"I absolutely love this hair dryer. It is the lightest and most compact travel blow-dryer I have ever tried, and I can’t believe how powerful it is for its size," shares Murphy. The Laifen hair dryer is so light that you won't feel like compromising your beauty needs. "It dries my hair quickly and has multiple heat settings, just like its regular-sized version," she adds.
Other travel gear and innovative finds
I tested this during a short trip and was impressed by how sturdy it is at securing a duffel bag on top of luggage. The straps are adjustable and easy to use on a purse, backpack, square duffel bag and other bags. Its stretchable design is easy to release without deforming your bag at all. It’s probably one of the best and most affordable finds I’ve seen in a while.
Editor Vivien Moon says she's super satisfied with this security alarm device — hoping that everyone secures one immediately. Especially for solo female travelers. "I am so thrilled to have this because it's been something I have thought about getting for future travels after a bad layover that turned into an overnight stay at a Holiday Inn. I couldn't fall asleep because of the worry, and this would've greatly helped pacify that fear. I truly think it's not just great for solo travelers but families too — you can never be too safe!"
Former Shop TODAY associate editor Allie Wise tested this organizer and after a few drops, she didn't find any scratches or misplaced pills. "I would definitely take this pill organizer on vacation with me if I had multiple pills I needed to take daily. I personally like how it has a morning and night separator, so you won't forget if you already took your pills in the morning," she says.
Commerce associate Lauren Andre says these towel bands are easy to pack and take up almost no space when laid flat. It's an easy and inexpensive way to keep your towel secured during a windy day. "They hold towels securely on chairs and do not slip or come undone like with towel clips," she says.
This one smells pleasant like a perfume and features hydrating ingredients like vitamin B5. "I think this is the best hand sanitizer on the market, and it doesn't leave my hands feeling chalky," says editorial assistant Annie Shigo.
"I tested this at my desk and left it running right out of the packaging for five hours — it didn't quit! There are two modes, so you can bump up the fan power if you need. It's a little hard to unfold, but for the price, I'll forgive it," quips production associate Audrey Ekman. The device lasts 19 hours and features an LED light for safety. You never know where you'll get caught in the summer after hours.
This small flashlight is very portable and compact, which makes it a great essential for outdoor situations. Social video producer Anita Chomenko says, "The built-in magnet, swiveling light head and light intensity dial make it a must-have for everyday needs and small diy projects." Plus, it offers high visibility when you need to use it at night.
Camera enthusiasts will appreciate this compact, tiny and easy-to-carry camera. You can attach it to your keychain and take photos with seven different filters. "It is simple for when you don't have room for a big camera in your bag," says Shigo. So, if you're into vintage photography like me, you need an extra camera for impromptu photo moments.
This gadget will print your photos instantly in black and white. Garlin tested this one and says it's a great way to print retro-looking pictures. "It's so easy to set up and connect to your phone and photo album. It has tons of features allowing you to play with the cropping, zoom and filters. The brand offers sticky paper, too, so you can make stickers," says Garlin.
Shigo used this camera, expressing that the results look like those from an expensive camera. "It had a lot of different photo modes, which made it nice to play around with, depending on what lighting you are in." It's a quick snap-and-reveal design that is built to withstand adventurous moments. The camera works well in low-light conditions, and Shigo adds, "Worked great and very easy to upload photos."
Whether you need to learn how to say 'Bonjour' or 'Ciao', this plan will improve your language skills. "I tried Rosetta Stone and honestly really liked it, especially as someone who learns best visually. It’s super easy to set up, and I like that they offer 25 languages and even get specific about regional differences (like types of Spanish or Portuguese). I tested it with Spanish since I’m already a little familiar, and it does a great job walking you through pronunciation, so it feels really beginner-friendly but also good for brushing up," shares Garlin.
It uses words to pictures, which forces your brain to associate objects with words. The plan will personalize your level based on your goals, as well. "Overall, it’s immersive without being overwhelming, and I’d definitely keep using it," adds Garlin.
Frequently asked questions
"I’m only 4-foot-9-inches and, depending on the seat, my feet don’t touch the ground. For long flights, a foot hammock (which hangs from the back of the seat in front) or a collapsible footstool makes the flight so much more comfortable," says Gabbadon.
Rosenberg also emphasizes packing the following: Packing cubes, silk sleep liner, collapsible daypack, eye mask, earplugs, pocket speaker and microfiber towel.
According to travel expert and author Angie Orth, you can never pack too many chargers. "I have a tech case filled with cords, chargers and converters that I throw in my carry-on so I never forget anything important in the rush leading up to a trip. I always bring a universal adapter with USB ports, a compact power strip for hotel rooms and a portable battery pack. I have also jumped on the Apple AirTag bandwagon for my checked luggage. I’ve never needed it, but it’s great for peace of mind, " she says.
Gabbadon also relies on a tripod and noise-cancelling headphones when traveling. "I like having an adjustable tabletop tripod so I can watch Netflix on my phone without having to hold it," she says.
Travel Gear Awards is our annual guide spotlighting the best products across the travel category — from gear and clothing to tech, footwear and accessories. Each winning item earns Shop TODAY’s seal of approval, selected by our editors and experts after undergoing a rigorous series of tests conducted by our team of reviewers.
We evaluate a wide range of products designed to improve travel and travel‑related activities. Our list features a mix of new launches, editor‑approved favorites, trending items and reliable, time‑tested products relevant to the travel industry.
We test each product for a minimum of two weeks to assess its functionality, quality, compliance with standards and overall value. Our evaluations take place across multiple environments, including our testing site in Long Island City, Queens, on the road during testers’ travels, and at home, to ensure real‑world performance and reliability, using a scoring sheet to provide objective results.
How we chose winners
We sorted through hundreds of new launches, editor recommendations, trending products flooding our social media pages and tried and true products to curate a list of must-have travel items worth reviewing for our awards. We then tried 281 products total — in our studios, putting them through practical experiments to see if they meet requirements when it comes to durability, function and quality for travel gear. Our team of editors and writers also signed up to try out apparel and shoes, putting them to the test in New York City and on our travels across the country as well as overseas. Finally, our panel of experts reviewed some of our winners and gave feedback based on their expertise.
What our badge means
Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet, give recommendations and interview expert sources to find the best products out there. Based on personal experiences and expert recs, we aim to make shopping easier for our readers. Whether we’re flying domestically or internationally, our team is a well-traveled bunch, earning them credibility when it comes to recommending, testing and selecting products in a wide range of travel categories.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on the best travel gear, best luggage and more travel-related finds. We also ensure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently, with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon is a Miami-based writer, on-air travel expert and self-described “Carivangelist,” who travels to the beach and beyond to share the culture, lifestyle and personalities of the Caribbean with the world.
- Nathan Rosenberg is chief marketing and brand experience officer at Virgin Voyages, the world’s most-awarded kid-free cruise line. He has been in the travel business for over 25 years and is obsessed with travel-related experiences.
- Joan Wallace is an avid traveler and journalist who has worked with leading outlets, including People en Español and Latin Times, creating engaging content across digital and television platforms.
- Aly Smalls is a travel expert who specializes in travel hacks, popular destinations and how to maximize your packing experience with tested products.
- Angie Orth is a podcast host for Traveling with AAA and an award-winning writer covering luxury travel destinations, adventure and more. She wrote, “Flirting with Disaster: True Travel Tales of Fear, Failure and Faith”.
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