Don't Waste Your Money is supported by our readers. When you purchase an item through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Best Travel Must Haves

Last updated on January 24, 2024
Best Travel Must Haves

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in a category.

Modern technology has created convenient tools to make the burden of traveling much easier, and countless websites offer lists that contain the most important travel items you can take with you on your trip.

MORE: The Best Affordable Luggage, According To People Who Always Travel

Of course, security should always be a priority, so the first thing you should have is a well-made, sturdy wallet that can also hold a passport and other ID for when you need to grab it and present it to authorities.

Carry-on bags should conform to sizes allowed by airlines, with accessible pockets for stashing needed items like phones, passports, portable fans, snacks, wallets and headphones. If you are going on a long flight or drive, bring along a travel pillow and a lightweight blanket to keep you warm. A thick book will be cumbersome, so try bringing a reading device instead. Remember, the goal here is to make your travel experience as safe and comfortable as possible.

Eye masks are another travel essential and can help you get some much-needed shut-eye when there is bright light. Make sure you also have a good power strip with several ports and outlets to keep all your electrical devices charged and ready.

Some travelers also swear by compression tights and socks, because they may help with circulation during long trips. And finally, don’t forget to bring hand sanitizer and travel-sized containers for your personal items.

As for your suitcase, compression bags are great because they allow you to squeeze more things into a small space. However, it’ll take you longer to pack, because you need to roll your items up into the bags. It may well be worth the little bit of inconvenience, especially if you can’t decide which clothes to bring for the trip, or for longer vacations.

Our Picks For The Top Travel Must Haves

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

GUM Antibacterial Foldable Travel Toothbrush, 2-Pack

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

GUM

Antibacterial Foldable Travel Toothbrush, 2-Pack

Keep your teeth and gums healthy and clean with this toothbrush. This travel must-have is perfect for individuals on the go, as it features both a tongue scraper and multi-level bristles that reach over and around teeth. The brush even stores inside the handle, which keeps it hygienic in between uses.

Overall Take

Promotes Proper Oral HealthThis travel must-have folds up to fit neatly in any carry-on or cosmetic bag.

 Runner Up

BAGSMART Double Zipper Waterproof Travel Makeup Bag

BAGSMART

Double Zipper Waterproof Travel Makeup Bag

Available in medium and large sizes and in five colors, this travel must-have product has four compartments and folds up to look like a regular makeup bag. It has a hook for accessing all of your items in the unfolded bag wherever you go.

Overall Take

Handy DesignDue to its separate and protected pockets, this bag works great for everything from small bottles to makeup and offers variety in size and color.

 We Also Like

HYC00 Large Capacity Travel Overnight Bag

HYC00

Large Capacity Travel Overnight Bag

This good-looking travel duffel bag is designed with high-density, water-resistant material. It measures 10.63 inches by 21.65 inches by 7.09 inches. That makes this travel companion the perfect size for an overnight trip or airline journey.

Overall Take

Such a Versatile CarryallThis is the multi-purpose travel must-have tote that will serve you well wherever your adventures take you.

 Strong Contender

One Beat USB Portable Travel Power Strip

One Beat

USB Portable Travel Power Strip

This is a cleverly designed, compact desktop power strip that includes four smart USB ports, three AC outlets, a flat plug and a long, braided extension cord. This travel must-have power strip can charge up to seven electronic devices at the same time.

Overall Take

Always Keeps You ConnectedThis lightweight charger will have your iPad, mobile phones, cameras and laptops ready to go when you are.

What to Look For

  • Make it a habit to plug in all of your electrical devices in your charger before going to bed. That way, they will be ready to go with you in the morning.
  • Always weigh your suitcases before leaving for the airport. Airlines have weight limits for bags and will charge you extra when yours are over the maximum weight.
  • For airline travel, TSA guidelines stipulate that carry-on liquids, aerosols and gels must be in 3.4-ounce (100 milliliters) travel-sized containers, and they limit you to one quart-sized bag to secure them. Be sure you use some of those travel-sized bottles and jars, otherwise, your items will get tossed.

More to Explore

People who love to travel and appreciate gadgets have their travel must-have lists down to a science. Other useful items that make many of these lists include luggage locks, disposable toilet seat covers, travel umbrellas, collapsible water bottles, travel clotheslines and super high-tech travel backpacks.

Just make sure that your goodies conform to TSA regulations. Their website is full of all the important information that you’ll need to know if you’re flying.

More to explore