Travel Smarter with a Guide to Travel Accessories
Everything you need to know about different travel accessories and the best ones for your next trip.
What Are Travel Accessories?
Travel accessories are items designed to help make your journey more comfortable, organized, and secure. They also help you adapt to changing situations which can sometimes make them feel like lifesavers.
Travel accessories help by:
• Organizing. In-luggage packing cubes or compact organizers such as travel wallets allow you to separate, organize, and locate key items quickly.
• Saving space. Smaller versions of everyday items such as folding toothbrushes and travel towels provide a packable alternative to bulkier or awkwardly shaped essentials.
• Being portable. Portable travel accessories are lightweight and ergonomic, making them easy to stash and leaving your hands and arms free.
• Being multipurpose. Versatile clothing and accessories allow you to save on valuable packing space and cut down on luggage weight.
• Providing comfort. Comfort items include things like travel pillows, blankets, or earplugs to drown out background noise on loud journeys.
• Providing protection or security. Protective sleeves and items with hidden compartments offer protection for items such as laptops, wallets, and cell phones.
• Providing entertainment. Books, tablets, e-readers, laptops, or gaming devices are great for keeping boredom at bay.
• Being useful in emergencies. First aid kits, toolkits, or flashlights are all good emergency travel accessories that come in handy in less frequent (but more urgent) scenarios.
What Are Some Must-Have Travel Accessories?
If you want to get serious about traveling but still do so in style, let's look at some of the amazing must-have travel accessories that frequent travelers swear by.
These top 10 travel accessories are designed to make your next adventure lighter and more comfortable. They also make packing a lot quicker and less stressful.
1. Packing Cubes
Modular packing cubes naturally organize your luggage into neat and removable sections. They’re great for keeping clothes separate from shoes and keeping clean clothes away from dirty laundry. They also double up as handy storage compartments, which is very helpful when there isn’t a lot of storage in your hotel, hostel, or other accommodation.
Many packing cubes are made from breathable material. This makes them a better alternative to plastic bags because they help prevent clothes from smelling musty.
Mesh cubes allow you to see what’s inside without opening them up.
Practical and easy to use, they’re one of our favorite must-have travel accessories for a reason!
2. Base Camp Travel Canister
While packing cubes are ideal for clothing, our Base Camp Travel Canister is perfect for your toiletries. Available in Small and Large sizes, it is a simple, durable carry-all that can be stashed easily inside your luggage when on the go. When you reach your destination, simply unzip the canister to access your items or use the internal hook to hang it in a convenient spot.
3. Travel Towel
A travel towel is a soft, lightweight, quick-drying, and space-saving alternative to a traditional cotton towel. Brightly colored microfiber towels also have several brilliant additional uses, making them great multipurpose travel accessories.
Other things you can use your travel towel as include:
• A blanket for drafty plane journeys
• A pillow or neck support (rolled up) for naps
• A picnic blanket
• A gym towel
4. Triclimate: 3-in-1 Jacket
A 3-in-1 jacket is the ultimate travel accessory because you can wear it for almost any activity or occasion. The North Face Triclimate® jackets are travel favorites because they help you plan for all weather conditions (and changing conditions) without sacrificing style.
Removable layers mean that you can wear:
• A sleek hooded, breathable waterproof jacket
• A lightweight, breathable inner jacket
• Both together for ultimate warmth and protection from wind, rain, and snow
5. Messenger and Tote Bags
A lightweight yet roomy messenger bag or tote is essential for heading out in the day or evening. Many of our totes have multiple pockets including a zippered inner security pocket — perfect for stashing your phone, wallet and keys — and look great thrown over the shoulder. If you want something smaller for just the bare essentials in the evenings, try a crossbody bag or fanny pack.
6. Noise-Canceling Headphones
From loud plane and bus rides to snoring neighbors in your accommodation, noise-canceling headphones are essential for relaxed and distraction-free travel. They’re great for those moments when you want to switch off, zone out, or listen to your favorite tunes.
7. Laptop Sleeve
A good laptop protector is an investment - something you can use every day (not just when traveling) to keep your laptop scratch and dust-free. When traveling, it’s most valuable in preventing damage as everyone begins cramming their luggage into overhead bins.
8. Backpack
Backpacks are among the most common form of carry-on and one in which you may pack other travel accessories into. There are loads of backpack styles to choose from at The North Face, but make sure you choose a pack designed for the type of activities you’ll be doing on your trip. For example, if you’re planning on backpacking, hiking, trail running, or climbing, you might be better off with a technical pack.
Some of the features to look for in a travel backpack include:
• The correct volume and weight capacity for you
• An ergonomic design for maximum comfort
• Bright color options and patterns for visibility and style — if that’s your thing
• Functional compartments for specific uses like water bottle pockets and padded laptop sleeves plus bungee cords and external attachments for extra gear
• A waterproof pack rain cover to protect your gear against the elements
9. Beanies and Hats
Headwear is a no-brainer for sun or chill protection. In low temperatures, go for something ultra-warm like a cozy beanie. For sunny days, there’s always the classic bucket or baseball cap to guard against UV rays.
Gear Up With Must Have Travel Accessories Online Now
Picking the right travel accessories is an art, but once you’ve got your collection ready, you’ll save a load of time, space, and energy every time you head off on an epic adventure!