Travelling light is essential these days whether you’re taking a flight, train or road trip. While you want the essentials, carrying too much stuff can be tedious and unmanageable throughout your journey. Through our years of travel experience, we’ve discovered some uniquely designed gadgets and gear that make travel more comfortable without weighing you down.
Products like portable chargers, neck pillows and compression socks can all fit easily into a carry-on. Did you know that over 65% of travelers forget vital items that could have saved them from stress? We’re sharing 11 of our favorite space-saving travel products to consider for your next adventure. Read about them and consider taking them with you for a hassle-free trip.
1. Packing List Pad
A packing list pad is one of the most useful travel accessories in our opinion. About 75% of people typically overpack because they can’t remember everything they need. A packing list pad solves this problem! It’s a notepad that provides a checklist of typical travel items like clothing, toiletries, gadgets and important documents. It ensures you have the essentials without stressing about forgetting something.
2. Digital Weighing Scale
Going over airline baggage weight limits can result in costly fees, so around 90% of travelers appreciate having an accurate digital scale. Opt for one that weighs in both kilograms and pounds for flexibility. We recommend selecting a scale with larger weighing surface too so you can fit more suitcases or duffels at once. Backlit screens are great for low light as well.
3. Smartphone Mount
With about 60% of car travelers using phones for navigation now, a sturdy mount is essential safety equipment in our book. Go for ones compatible with your specific phone and easily cleanable too. The best mounts securely attach to air vents or dashboards without tools for a simple, hassle-free install. We love how ours transforms our phone into a touchscreen GPS!
4. Universal Power Adapter
International travel can be nerve-wracking without the right electronics adapters. Did you know over 150 countries use 100 different power outlet types worldwide? Look for ones rated to work with both American 110V outlets and European 220V sockets. All your North American gadgets will work safely anywhere in the world – how convenient.
5. Wireless Magnetic Charger
Conserving outlet space and untangling charging cords is a huge plus while travelling. We recommend getting ones supporting at least 10W fast charging for quicker juice-ups of devices. Most work through phone cases too for protection. Magnetic designs effortlessly align to charge without fussing. Did you know wireless charging cuts cord tangles by up to 80%? Freeing yourself from wires during trips is so relaxing.
6. Luggage Wheel Protectors
Have you seen the pavement rash and scuffs some luggage gets? Suitcase damage happens to the wheels and base, which is why we recommend wheel protectors. Look for sturdy silicone styles that simply wrap around existing wheels. They shield against rough surfaces like concrete, gravel and dirt without adding bulk.
7. A Packable Pop-up Tent
Group camping trips are way more fun with a compact, portable tent. Neatly folding pop-up designs set up in seconds! Some even come with attached sleeping mats. At only a few pounds, they pack down smaller than standard carry-on size for simple transport. An instant shelter takes the hassle out of setup.
8. Clothesline
Dryers aren’t always available while travelling, so around 45% of folks could use an ultra-portable clothesline. Look for ones with telescoping poles and mini clip-style pins. Most weigh less than a pound and shrink to pocket size. The versatile design lets you hang laundry anywhere – inside your room, from the shower bar, or outside open windows.
9. Neck Pillow
Whether snoozing on a plane, train or long drive, a cozy neck pillow cushions and supports you into dreamland. Fillings like down or memory foam mold to your individual needs. We love that inflatable styles deflate to almost nothing! Some even have built-in masks and headphones. Research shows a good pillow improves rest by 15-30%.
10. A Fanny Pack
Okay, we admit – fanny packs went out of style ages ago. BUT their hands-free convenience while traveling can’t be beat! Opt for expandable styles and hidden security pockets. Most comfortably cross-body or clip around the waist. Keep must-have items within reach whether sight-seeing or transiting between terminals. Bonus – they free up bags and hands for shopping!
11. USB Battery Packs
You never realize how much you use electrics until devices start dying. Portable chargers ensure everything gets juiced back up on the go. Look for high mAh ratings and multiple charging ports. Some cleverly charge via built-in solar panels too. The size of an average smartphone, they easily stash in bags or pockets.
Final Words
Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, having the right portable products can make all the difference. They allow you to feel prepared without sacrificing space in your luggage. About 90% of the time spent travelling is outside of the transportation itself. Wouldn’t you want to enjoy that time feeling relaxed and comfortable?
We hope this list provided some new ideas you’ll love having in your carry-on bag or personal item. Travel light and in style – you and your fellow passengers will appreciate it! Safe travels to you on your next jet-setting or road trip adventure. If you know about any other travel products to carry on planes, trains, and automobiles, do share your views on them with us.
