Travel Shopping: What Are Those Must-Have Travel Accessories?

When you're travelling, it's common to buy souvenirs or gifts for friends and family. These mementos can be a great way to remember your trip and share your experiences with loved ones. Whether it's a keyring, a postcard, a local craft, or a tasty treat, these items can be a fun part of your travel experience.

Travel accessories: From hand sanitiser wipes to travel toothbrushes, these are the small things that make a big difference when you're on the move

Travel accessories are an essential part of any luggage collection. From hand sanitiser wipes to travel toothbrushes, these small items can make a big difference when you're on the move.

When it comes to travel, staying organised is key. Packing cubes are a great way to keep your belongings neat and accessible, with different sizes available to fit all your essentials. They're also perfect for separating dirty clothes from clean ones and maximising space in your suitcase. Speaking of saving space, compression bags are another handy tool for squeezing in those extra items without overstuffing your luggage.

For those who like to stay connected, portable power banks are a must-have. These compact devices ensure your phone stays charged, no matter where your travels take you. And if you're heading abroad, don't forget a universal travel adapter to keep all your gadgets powered up and ready for action.

Toiletries are another essential when travelling. Transfer your favourite products into travel-sized containers or opt for a convenient toiletry kit, complete with all the basics like toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo and conditioner. For added convenience, look for hanging toiletry bags that save precious counter space in tight quarters.

Lastly, don't forget about your comfort. A travel pillow and eye mask can make all the difference on long journeys, helping you arrive at your destination well-rested and ready to explore. So, whether you're a frequent flyer or an occasional adventurer, investing in some well-chosen travel accessories will ensure your trips are smooth and stress-free.

Packing cubes: Keep your luggage organised and maximise space with these handy cubes

Packing cubes are a must-have for any traveller looking to keep their luggage organised and maximise space. These simple bags, usually made of fabric and mesh, help to tidily zip away your clutter and can be a lifesaver when it comes to finding what you need without having to unpack everything.

Benefits of Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are a great way to keep your belongings neat and accessible, especially when travelling with a variety of items such as clothing, electronics, and toiletries. They can also help to protect your clothes, with some packing cubes made from water-resistant materials. This is particularly useful if you're travelling with liquids or are concerned about spills.

Types of Packing Cubes

There are different types of packing cubes to suit various needs. Basic packing cubes are perfect for most travellers, offering a simple and solid construction to keep your bag organised. Lightweight packing cubes are ideal for those who travel light, as they weigh less and take up minimal space. Compression packing cubes are designed for heavy packers, allowing you to squeeze in more items and save space. You can also find packing cubes made from upcycled materials if you're looking for a more sustainable option.

Features to Look For

When choosing packing cubes, consider the weight, size, and capacity to ensure they meet your travel needs without adding unnecessary bulk. Look for ergonomic features such as handles and zippers that don't snag easily. Visibility and ventilation are also important, so look for cubes with mesh windows that allow you to see what's inside without fully opening them. Finally, construction quality is key—go for well-known zipper brands and choose cubes made from sturdy materials like nylon or polyester to prevent tears.

Popular Options

Eagle Creek's Pack-It Reveal Cube Set is a popular choice for basic packing cubes, offering a durable option with a larger mesh window for easy visibility. Their Pack-It Isolate Cube Set is a great lightweight option, weighing half as much as their basic set. For heavy packers, the REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set offers compression zippers to maximise space. If you're looking for an upcycled option, the Cotopaxi Cubos 10L Travel Cube is a well-made, sturdy choice made from repurposed materials.

Maximise Your Packing Efficiency

To make the most of your packing cubes, consider using the compression features to save space, especially when travelling with bulky items. Utilise the different sizes of cubes to separate and organise your belongings, such as using smaller cubes for underwear and socks. The clamshell design of some cubes allows for easy access without unpacking everything.

Travel health: From first aid kits to anti-nausea bands, these items will keep you fighting fit on your travels

When preparing for a trip, it's crucial to pack items that will keep you healthy and safe during your travels. Here are some essential travel health items to include in your luggage:

First Aid Kit:

A well-stocked first aid kit is a must-have for any trip. Include items such as absorbent compress dressings, adhesive bandages in various sizes, adhesive cloth tape, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipes, instant cold compress, hydrocortisone ointment, a gauze roll, and roller bandages. Don't forget to add personal medications and any items that address specific health needs, such as an EpiPen for bee allergies or quick sugar sources for diabetics.

Anti-Nausea Bands:

If you're prone to motion sickness, invest in some anti-nausea bands. These can help relieve nausea and vomiting associated with travel, especially if you're embarking on a cruise or a road trip with lots of twists and turns.

Medications and Supplements:

In addition to your regular medications, pack over-the-counter drugs for common ailments. This includes pain relievers like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin; antihistamines for allergies; antacid medicine for stomach issues; and anti-nausea medication for motion sickness. Don't forget to include any prescription medications and a list of your prescriptions, including generic names.

Hand Sanitizer and Personal Protective Equipment:

Hygiene is crucial when travelling, especially in the age of COVID-19. Pack hand sanitizer or an alcohol-based hand cleaner with at least 60% alcohol content. Also, bring along masks, disposable or reusable, to protect yourself and others.

Insect Repellent and Sun Protection:

Insect bites and sun exposure can ruin a vacation. Pack insect repellent with DEET or picaridin, and choose products suitable for adults or children. For sun protection, bring sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, and don't forget to reapply! Include aloe gel for sunburn relief and calamine lotion for itching and irritation from insect bites or poison ivy.

Other Essentials:

Depending on your destination, consider adding a thermometer, cough and cold medicines, diarrhea/laxative medicines, antibacterial ointment, and water purification tablets. If you wear contact lenses, pack an extra pair or two, along with your prescription glasses.

Remember to keep your first aid kit easily accessible, and always follow local guidelines and regulations for travelling with medications and medical supplies.

Travel tech: From portable chargers to travel adapters, these gadgets will keep you connected on the go

Travel tech is a must-have for anyone looking to stay connected and entertained on the go. Whether you're travelling for business or leisure, the right gadgets can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some essential travel tech items to keep you connected and enhance your journey:

Portable Chargers

A portable charger is a must-have item to ensure your devices stay powered up throughout your travels. The Anker Nano 3-in-1 Portable Power Bank, for example, has a built-in charging cord, multiple charging ports, and a digital battery display, making it a convenient and compact option. Similarly, the Clutch Charger V2 is an ultra-slim battery bank that fits easily into your wallet or pocket, making it perfect for day trips and short excursions.

Travel Adapters

A travel adapter is essential if you're travelling internationally. The Epicka Universal Travel Adapter, for instance, works in over 150 countries and features six ports for charging various devices simultaneously. The Tessan International Plug Adapter is another excellent option, with four built-in plug types that cover over 150 countries and five USB ports for multi-device charging.

Headphones and Earbuds

For blocking out noise and enjoying in-flight entertainment, a good pair of headphones or earbuds is essential. The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e headphones offer exceptional noise-cancelling capabilities and immersive sound quality. For iPhone users, the Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) provide a seamless connection and effective noise cancellation, all in a compact and convenient design.

EReaders

If you're an avid reader, an eReader is a great space-saving alternative to packing multiple books. The Kobo Libra Colour, for instance, can store all your books in a compact tablet, and you can even borrow e-books from your local library.

Portable Speakers

If you're travelling with a group, a portable speaker can be a great way to amplify your music or entertainment. The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom speaker delivers bold sound in a compact, waterproof package, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.

Portable Monitors

For remote workers or those seeking additional screen space, a portable monitor like the SideTrak Solo Pro 13” Touchscreen Portable Monitor can be a game-changer. It's lightweight, slim, and easy to set up, providing a convenient second screen for increased productivity.

These gadgets will ensure that you stay connected, entertained, and productive throughout your travels, enhancing your overall travel experience.

Travel comfort: From travel pillows to eye masks, these items will help you rest easy when you're away from home

Travel comfort is essential to ensure you're well-rested and energised during your trip. Here are some items that can help you rest easy when you're away from home:

Travel Pillows

Travel pillows are designed to boost comfort for travellers and are especially useful for long-haul flights or road trips. They typically fit around the neck, providing support for the head and shoulders, and can be extremely effective in preventing neck strain and pain. They help improve your posture while sitting or sleeping, ensuring you arrive at your destination refreshed and energised. Some travel pillows are also designed for sleeping, mimicking your pillow at home, and are compact and easy to carry.

Eye Masks

Eye masks are a great way to improve your sleep quality while travelling. They provide a sense of normalcy and darkness, blocking out any unwanted light, which can be especially beneficial when adjusting to new time zones or sleeping in unfamiliar environments. Eye masks can also provide skincare benefits, protecting the delicate skin around the eyes from friction and helping to reduce puffiness and dark circles. Additionally, weighted eye masks can offer light compression, alleviating tension and headaches.

Other Comfort Items

In addition to travel pillows and eye masks, there are other items that can enhance your comfort while travelling:

• Earplugs: Blocking out unwanted noise, especially when trying to sleep in noisy environments like planes or trains.
• Comfortable clothing: Loose, breathable clothing can make all the difference when sitting or sleeping during travel.
• Blanket: A light travel blanket can provide extra warmth and comfort, especially on long flights or in air-conditioned environments.
• Comfortable shoes: A good pair of walking or running shoes will make your travels much more comfortable, especially if you plan to do a lot of walking or hiking.
• Self-care products: Skincare and hydration are important when travelling, so consider carrying products like lip balm, moisturiser, and face mist to keep your skin hydrated and refreshed.

Frequently asked questions