10 Handy Travel Essentials
From the glam to the purely practical, there are loads of tools and accessories that are must-haves when I travel. And I’m bringing my favorites right to ya!
Living in Far East Asia as I do, it’s the rare flight out of here that’s short: Japan and Taiwan, and dassit! Besides those, I’m looking, at a minimum, at four-hour flights to get to more of Asia’s incredible destinations. With that kind of medium- to long-haul trip being my default being comfortable before, during and after my trip is of the essence.
1. Hanging Luggage Scale
I’ve owned a similar luggage scale for years now, and it’s been a game changer in my travel planning! No more guessing if I’m reaching the 50 lb./23kg limit while I’m packing. No more dumping my giant suitcase onto a bathroom scale, struggling to even see the display and praying for accuracy. This hanging scale is far more accurate than that, but do pack a couple pounds under the airline limit, as, in my experience, it’s a tiny bit off from the airport scales.
2. Set of Packing Cubes
One thing that helps me meet the aforementioned airline weight limits is my set of packing cubes (not these ones, but I have a similar set). I used to use those sealable giant Ziploc bags for my clothes and manually press the air out of them. Problem with those was that they just enabled my overpacking habit. My mindset was totally, “Look how much more I can squeeeeze into my suitcase!” No bueno. I actually didn’t believe that packing cube would work for me at all, but they’re so simple to fill, it’s impossible to overfill them, and they keep your suitcase looking so neat — usually a challenge for me. A couple great things about this set is that it includes a shoe bag and a sack for dirty laundry. Smart!
3. Universal Travel Adapter Plug
Whether traveling for business or pleasure, there’s only so much one can do at one’s destination without a working phone or device. This plug has, for me, an ideal number of USB-C and USB-A type slots and all the major plug types that you’ll need for most of your global travels.
4. Travel Umbrella
How does this item contribute to my comfort while traveling? Have you ever SEEN the umbrellas that most hotels provide their guests? If there’s one thing I hate more than the rain, it’s lugging around a gigantic umbrella in it. So one that fits in my purse or backpack is perfect for my adventures — especially once the rain passes!
5. Biodance Collagen Gel Masks
I saw this trick on TikTok, and it felt as luxurious as it looked on social media. For long-haul flights, I put on one of these babies, reclined in my seat after sipping a gin and tonic, and went down for a deep sleep. Does it creep out my seat neighbor when they glance at my face? Likely. But do I uncover moist, sumptuous skin after I peel off the mask? Yes! Praises be to this marvel of K-beauty …
6. Handheld Turbo Fan
Before a plane takes off, it can get crazy hot inside, since most times the A/C isn’t cranked on until the bird is in the air. That said, I’ve also been on flights where the air-con never seemed to cool the place down enough — misery! I had a portable fan like this on hand when I gallivanted through Central Europe this super-steamy August, and it is small but mighty. It can fit into any carry-on nicely and ease the worst of sweats onboard and off …
7. Poo-Pourri Pocket Spray
OK, this may seem an unusual one to include on this list, but, OMG, if, like me, you’re very sensitive about the way you leave the bathroom after moving the train out of the station, wink-wink, then this here’s for you. The travel-sized version of this popular post-poop air freshener is great for airplane bathrooms, airport restrooms and every other toilet room you may have to share with other people. Also comes in handy when you’re hotel roommates with a friend …
8. Loungewear Set
For the purpose in-flight relaxation, there’s only a fine line between dressing decently and looking raggedy. So I love a loungewear ensemble like this, that is supremely comfortable and looks neat and put together. I usually wear a tank top or a light tee under the long-sleeved top, in case the plane is a bit warm, and either way a sweat ensemble like this is easy to stretch out for a snooze in — especially if you’re in Premium Economy or above!
9. Cellphone Mount
This nifty tool attaches to a number of objects that make viewing your cellphone easy and convenient, including your suitcase handle! But its handiest use is holding a phone while you’re seated on your flight and opting to scroll away on your iPhone over watching features on the in-flight entertainment system. Perfect for whiling away the hours on TikTok instead of watching “Barbie” for the umpteenth time.
10. Disposable Bed Sheets
As I’ve traveled more and learned how taxed and understaffed cleaning teams are, I’ve developed a bit of a phobia of sleeping in hotel beds, so I thank the gods for this invention. I brought a set like this along on a recent cruise down the Danube, and, OH, the peace of mind it gave me to get into bed each night knowing that my skin wasn’t up against a, ahem … pre-loved cotton sheet. (Note that if you order from the link above, you’ll land on a king-sized bed set.)
Disclosure: Fleurdelibre.com receives a commission when goods are purchased from the links in this post.
