I’ve been a digital nomad for five years. I’ve spent hundreds of hours in the air traveling throughout six continents and working remotely in dozens of countries.
That means I’ve had the opportunity to test tons of travel products to see whether they are worth the hype or should be left behind.
Some products have become an integral part of my lifestyle, while many items have been removed from the packing list due to weight or space restrictions.
However, there are a few items that will always make the flight because they increase my quality of life more than they cost in space or weight. Here are six of my favorite travel accessories, and why they deserve a spot in your suitcase, regardless of whether you travel full-time or you simply want to improve your travel experience.
In this article
White Noise Machine
As a digital nomad, I almost exclusively live in cities, which can be loud thanks to traffic, construction, weekend parties, and neighbors. However, thanks to my white noise machine, I sleep soundly every single night. I first used a white noise machine in college, and found it incredibly soothing. As soon as I turn it on, I start to get tired, and the outside world is completely blocked out.
Unfortunately, my original noise machine wasn’t dual-voltage and burnt out when I first embarked on my nomad journey. I tried playing white noise on my phone at night, but it wasn’t the same.
Luckily, I found the ultra-small, lightweight noise machine that I currently use, and I bring it with me everywhere I go. It gets surprisingly loud and offers 20 different sounds to choose from.
Microfiber Towel
A microfiber towel is thinner and lighter than a regular towel, but still absorbent and quick drying. And it might be the single most useful item I bring with me around the world.
In fact, it’s so helpful that I bought another microfiber towel in a different size. I first got one for my hair, but its utility is limitless. You can use a microfiber towel as a beach towel, a picnic blanket, extra cushioning to wrap fragile items in your suitcase, or to dry off when your Airbnb forgets to provide towels.
Somehow, this is something that most people don’t think of when they pack for a vacation, so I’m always able to provide one for a group outdoor excursion.
Indoor Shoes
I am someone who likes to keep things clean, and I have a strict “no shoes in the house” policy.
This rule extends from studio apartments and tiny hotel rooms to standalone homes. Most people who feel the same way likely have indoor shoes or slippers, but they don’t pack them when traveling.
If you don’t like walking barefoot, having indoor shoes is a great way to make your vacation rental or hotel room feel more like home. I chose the Birkenstocks made out of cushioned EVA material because they are lightweight and durable. They take up no room in my suitcase but offer the same comfort Birkenstocks are known for.
Portable Speaker
Sometimes, playing music from your phone or computer simply doesn’t cut it. Whether you’re getting ready for a night out or just want to listen to music on the beach, having a portable speaker can substantially enhance the experience.
I chose the Anker Soundcore Bluetooth speaker because it’s affordable, offers impressive sound quality, is lightweight, and durable. The battery lasts for months at a time, even with consistent use, so much so that I didn’t realize I forgot to pack its charger until I’d been in Mexico for several months.
A speaker is one of those items that you don’t realize you’re missing until you have it. I’m loyal to the Anker brand, as it also provides one of my favorite portable chargers.
Organizers
You might think that having organizers for your suitcase is obvious. Many people use packing cubes to help keep clothes organized, but I have an organizer for absolutely everything, from tech and toiletry bags to a pouch for things like mints, chapstick, and hand sanitizer for easy in-flight access.
The number of pouches I have is starting to get out of hand. Some were bought, while others are from business-class flight amenity kits. But thanks to my organizers, I know exactly where all of my belongings are at all times, whether I’m in transit or working from a coffee shop in a new city. No digging around bags and backpacks to find what I’m looking for. Tote bags are also great for grocery shopping, laundry, the gym, or a day trip.
Whether you’re traveling full-time or going on a multi-country trip, staying organized helps you stay calm and productive. Plus, it makes the packing process almost mindless. I put everything in the same spot each time I move to a new country, so I can pack up my entire life in under an hour.
Daypack
I travel full-time with my cat, and according to airlines, she counts as my carry-on suitcase.
I use a backpack-style carrier for her, so I use a weekender bag as my personal item when flying. However, I also pack a small backpack or daypack in my luggage, and I find it incredibly useful.
In my suitcase, it acts as a packing cube and keeps all of my work items (keyboard, mouse, laptop stand), totes, journals, umbrellas, and more organized. When I reach my destination, I use my daypack for tours, as a work bag at a cafe, or even as a beach bag.
I chose the Away Small Zip Backpack because it’s the perfect size to fit everything I need for a cafe visit or a day trip, while still small enough to pack easily in my suitcase. Unfortunately, they don’t sell this model anymore, but the Everywhere Zip Backpack is a slightly larger, updated model that looks equally as helpful.
The Shortcut
Blocking out noise matters as much abroad as at home. A dual-voltage white noise machine drowns out loud city sounds in any country.
A "no shoes inside" rule doesn't have to end when you travel. Lightweight indoor shoes or slippers pack flat and make a rental or hotel room feel more like home.
A system of dedicated pouches and organizers helps you shrink both clutter and packing time.
The best travel item is the one that can do five jobs. A microfiber towel works as a beach towel, a picnic blanket, packing cushion for fragile items, or backup when an Airbnb forgets to stock one.
