Traveling soon? Have globetrotting friends? All trips have their hassles, and all can be made easier and more fun with some packable helpers. Read on for our latest faves.
1. A cocktail kit to help you unwind in midair.
Happy Hour is a terrible thing to waste. This compact tin contains everything you need—in TSA-approved sizes—to make tasty Moscow Mules wherever you may be at cocktail time. Just add mini-bottles of the hard stuff.
Moscow Mule Carry-On Cocktail Kit – $24 Buy Now »
2. A stylish way to organize your cords.
Seen an airport or hotel lost and found lately? They’re full of forgotten chargers, cords, and devices. Not yours, though. They’re all safely organized and accounted for in this clever roll.
Travel Cord Roll – $20 Buy Now »
3. A water bottle that fits right in your coat pocket.
This watertight silicone bottle folds down to homemade cookie size, so it can slip into a purse or pocket. You’ll never again have to pay for bottled water, agua, or eau.
Collapsible Water Bottle – $19.95 Buy Now »
4. A backpack that keeps thieving fingers at bay.
Don’t let pickpockets ruin your day. Ruin theirs instead, by wearing this. Hidden zippers and cut-proof material protect your stuff. Smart design keeps you organized, comfortable, and looking good. Sorry/not sorry, Artful Dodger.
Anti-Theft Backpack – $94.95 Buy Now »
5. A wristlet that brings your phone way above 1%.
Being weighed down by a big ol’ backpack or tote is not a good look when you’re painting the town red. A wristlet that keeps your phone filled with photo-taking, video-shooting, pal-texting power is what you need.
Smartphone Charging Wristlet – $79.95 Buy Now »
6. A tool with the good stuff. You know, like a cheese grater.
You might never be called upon to fix a three-course meal on the subway. But what if you are? Save the culinary day, any time, any place, with 10 sturdy steel tools in one, which you just happened to have in your pocket.
The Chef’s Portable Multi-Tool – $32 Buy Now »
7. A mask that’ll put you straight to sleep.
Pretty, soft, and floral, this eye mask is a fierce fighter against sleep-stealing light. Stray rays have no hope of reaching your slumbering eyes. Makes meditation easier, too. Ommmm.
Sweet Dreams Eye Mask – $16 Buy Now »
8. A bag that gets big, then small, then big again.
When you left for Mozambique, you only needed a carry-on. But now you’ve got to get all your new pottery and wood carvings home. This is the bag you need both to and fro: it instantly expands or contracts to three different sizes and 10 configurations.
The Adjustable Bag – $149 Buy Now »
9. An inflatable scarf you can sleep on. (Yes, really.)
Show up well-slept when you travel wearing this soft, comfy scarf with a secret: there’s an inflatable travel pillow inside. Black or gray.
Convertible Travel Pillow Infinity Scarf – $40 Buy Now »
10. Sweet, strong coffee made to brew on the go.
When you travel, you never know if the coffee’s going to be sublime, or… instant! [scream emoji] Start your on-the-road mornings with delectable, aromatic Vietnamese coffee, anywhere, anytime. All you need is hot water, a mug, and a mouth.
Vietnamese Coffee Portable Pour Overs – $15 Buy Now »
11. Socks built to keep your valuables safe.
Traveling with your passport is always a little nerve-wracking. If it’s lost or stolen, say a fond farewell to your fun. These sneaky bamboo socks comfort your feet and your mind: they’ve got a hidden pocket that holds passport, cash, and other valuables.
Passport Security Pocket Socks – $24.95 Buy Now »
12. A light for your handbag that can also charge your phone.
Stop searching. Start finding. This sleek, ingenious square goes in your purse and lights up when it senses your hand nearby. No need to search for an outlet, either: its charger can give your phone a booster shot.
Handbag Illuminator with Charging Power – $35.95 Buy Now »
13. A guitar that makes mobile serenading extra easy.
Delayed flight? Pull out your space-saving strummer, serenade everyone on Flight 8331 with “Hotel California” and “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” and by take-off time, everyone’s singing along and you’re famous on YouTube.
Folding Travel Guitar – $198 Buy Now »
14. Drawstring bags to keep your must-haves organized.
The hip bone’s connected to the back bone, but the shoes shouldn’t connect to the lingerie, and dirty laundry shouldn’t connect to anything. Keep it all separate, even within the tight confines of a carry-on, with these pretty and modern ribbon-tie bags.
Women’s Organizing Travel 4-Pack – $48 Buy Now »
1 Comment
I like #12. In this day in age, it is just critical to have a way to charge your phone when you’re on the road.