Whatever travel problem you can think of, there's travel gear out there that is meant to help. But often, you're left spending a whole lot of money on items that aren't as efficient as they promised to be, or you just don't use like you thought you would.
The best travel gear is convenient, solves a problem, and, most importantly, is something you'll actually use. Whether it's to drown out background noise on a plane or buy-it-for-life luggage, these are the travel accessories worth splurging on, along with the overrated travel gear you should skip.
In this article
Splurge: Noise-Canceling Earbuds and Headphones
In loud, busy airports and on planes, a pair of noise-canceling earbuds or headphones can be lifesavers. They drown out unwanted noise—whether the dull roar of the plane engine or a talkative seatmate—allowing you to nap, listen to an audiobook, or watch movies.
Both noise-canceling headphones and earbuds are splurge-worthy, with premium brands costing anywhere between $100 to over $450, and each one has its benefits.
Over-the-ear headphones can be more comfortable for longer flights, but are bulky. Earbuds, on the other hand, are smaller but will require a Bluetooth transmitter to connect and enjoy in-flight entertainment. Whichever you choose, it's a travel purchase you won't regret.
Splurge: Durable Luggage
Luggage that fails while traveling can put a serious damper on a trip. Whether a wheel breaks in transit or a zipper won’t close, flimsy luggage can cause unnecessary stress, which is all the more reason to splurge on the travel essential.
Both softside and hardshell luggage can be durable. Both are made from heavy-duty materials; the former often constructed from lightweight and tear-resistant ballistic nylon, while hard shells are made from impact-resistant polycarbonate.
Also, keep an eye out for extended or lifetime warranties. Briggs & Riley, for example, is a luxury luggage brand, but the lifetime guarantee (that even covers damage caused by airlines) is well worth the investment.
If you're traveling as a family, don't forget to consider luggage for your kids too.
Splurge: Comfortable Travel Shoes
Delayed flights are an expected headache during travel. But other nuisances might surprise you.
Uncomfortable shoes, for example, can quickly derail an entire trip, whether you're exploring a new place and plan on doing a lot of walking, or are left with achy feet, knee pain, or lower back pain from wearing unsupportive and improper footwear.
Shoes with arch support, cushioning, and shock absorption—like New Balances, Brooks, and Hokas—are a game-changer for long travel days. If you want something less sporty and more fashion-forward, Vionic also has a ton of styles to choose from, and for warmer days and tropical trips, you can't go wrong with a pair of Birkenstocks.
Skip: Luggage With Built-In Chargers
These days, practically everything has a “smart version,” and luggage is no exception. Luggage with built-in chargers is designed to be a convenient way to power your devices on the go; however, it's not worth the higher price.
That’s because TSA prohibits lithium-ion power banks and phone chargers from checked luggage, and some airlines, like Southwest, enforce power bank restrictions and ban them from being stored in overhead bins.
If you’re really in need of backup juice, you can easily buy a power bank separately to suit you and your charging needs.
Skip: Bulky Neck Pillows
If you love sleeping on a thick and supportive pillow, chances are you’ve been eyeing a memory foam neck pillow, thinking it will make sleeping while traveling a breeze. It might be comfortable, but when it comes to packing, it can be a bit of a nightmare.
A neck pillow is often big and bulky, and can take up an unnecessary amount of space in a carry-on or a personal item. And if you attach it to your bag or luggage instead, it can get dirty easily. If you really want neck support, try the slim, foldable trtl Neck Pillow instead.
Skip: Vacuum Travel Bags
Vacuum-sealed travel bags sound like a great idea, at least in theory. They're intended to minimize the size of bulky items to create more room in your luggage.
But realistically, it's not worth the hassle. Not only do they add more weight and volume in limited packing space, but they also heavily wrinkle clothes. Then you also have to think about making room for an air pump and possibly a travel steamer.
Instead, opt for compression packing cubes that are similarly designed to make the most of your luggage space, without the chore of vacuuming, like these sets from Monos, Bagail, and Calpak.
The Shortcut
There are travel accessories out there designed to make travel easier, but that’s not always the case.
Cheap or overhyped accessories can be a waste of money and cause more hassle than they’re worth.
Spending extra on travel gear you’ll actually use will save you big in the long run.
.jpg?width=640)
