The 15 Best Travel Accessories for Women of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
The 15 Best Travel Accessories for Women of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Whether you travel two or 20 times a year, some items are simply non-negotiables when it comes to packing. What’s more, the best travel accessories will help make the journey all the more seamless and stress-free so long as you know what to look for. Plus, the best travel accessories are designed to last for many trips to come. To help narrow down the top options, we tested dozens of items in our everyday lives and on trips. As you scroll, you’ll notice that our favorite travel accessories include a convertible crossbody bag, packing cubes to help you save precious suitcase space (they come in especially handy for overpackers!), and a portable umbrella that easily fits in a jacket pocket. Check out the complete list below.
Keep your skincare and makeup staples safe and secure on the go with the editor-favorite Beis Cosmetic Case. Available in eight distinct color options, this makeup case is T+L-approved for its sturdy and high-quality leather construction, which is both durable and easy to clean. The roomy interior and included travel mirror are also added bonuses in our book. While there are no individual compartments for each product, there is a shallow zippered section on the lid of the bag, a removable middle section for makeup brunches that easily pops out, and a bottom section. We’re happy to report that nothing spilled or came loose, even after shaking and dropping the bag.
Despite its compact, oval-shaped design, the oh-so-sleek Cuyana Travel Jewelry Case is surprisingly spacious. The straps for rings and earrings can be easily removed if you want extra space to fit more items, while the two slip pockets — one on each side — are ideal for holding bigger or longer pieces of jewelry. Meanwhile, the protective Italian leather exterior did not scuff or scratch at all — even after throwing and kicking it! The soft suede lining, which can help prevent jewelry from scratching or damaging, is equally impressive. Last but not least, we especially love how versatile the case is since it’s small enough to fit in a purse or jacket pocket. Shoppers can choose from six beautiful hues in a pebbled or shimmered finish; monogramming is also available for an added fee.
Chronic overpackers can save precious suitcase space with these Gonex Compression Packing Cubes. Despite its lightweight mesh construction, the cubes are incredibly durable. Even after stuffing them to the brim, the robust double zippers and seams showed absolutely no signs of wear, tear, or stress. While the cubes are technically labeled as waterproof, we found that they only repel some liquid to prevent clothes and other essentials from getting drenched in the event of accidental spillage. Each cube also features a convenient top handle, making it easy to grab each one for fuss-free packing and unpacking. Regardless of which color option you choose, it’s worth noting a pack of four includes a small, medium, large, and extra-large cube for variety.
A passport wallet is one travel accessory worth investing in, and this one from Leatherology is one of our favorites because of its supple leather construction, zippered closure, and ample pockets to help you get (and stay) organized while on the move. We also love that it has a dedicated spot for your photo ID, as well as eight card slots, two currency spots (ideal for international travel if you’re mixing currencies), and a separate zippered coin area — that is, all in addition to two passport spots. The exterior sleeve is especially handy for keeping boarding passes at arm’s reach, so you’re not fumbling around when it comes time to board your flight. For an extra $10, travelers can opt for an RFID-blocking version, which protects against digital pickpocketing. Bonus: the embossed initials add an extra-luxe touch.
Clocking in at just seven ounces total, the Davek Mini Umbrella is the travel accessory you didn’t know you needed. When not in use, you can store it away in a fanny pack or jacket pocket. Also, don’t be fooled by its small size. The umbrella’s sturdiness and quality are unmatched. We especially loved how well it repelled water and how durable the canopy is; even after pulling and tugging it, it never ripped which tells us it can withstand wind and heavy rain without breaking or flipping inside out. After drenching the umbrella in the shower to test how quickly it dried, we were pleasantly surprised that it took only 45 minutes to be completely dry again. While there are no buttons or visible tabs to open the umbrella, we found it incredibly easy to open and close with a few pulls. Lastly, shoppers can take their pick of ten color options.
Ideal for everyday wear, these sunglasses are just as functional as they are stylish thanks to their oversized cat-eye shape and 100 percent UVA/UVB protection. We also appreciate how sturdy they are. The glasses fit securely on the face, the arms do not move when shaken, they stay unfolded when laid out, and they don’t droop down on the nose. Even when worn for longer periods of time, the glasses remained in place and did not pinch the nose or ears. They also did an excellent job at blocking the sun and glare. The sunglasses come in five color options, only one of which is polarized. As a bonus, they’re made with recycled acetate and come with a protective travel case.
A toiletry bag can last for years so as long as you invest in the right one. Enter Away’s Large Toiletry Bag, which is one of the roomiest options on the market. We packed it with large items like makeup brushes, a mirror, and foundations and found that there was still plenty of room for more belongings. Despite this, it takes up minimal space in your suitcase, meaning you’ll have room for other essentials be it clothing or souvenirs. It also features three interior compartments, mesh pockets, and an exterior zippered pocket for optimal organization. We especially love the fact that the fabric is water-resistant, too. On a similar note, the coated interior is incredibly easy to clean in the event of accidental spillage — all you need is a wipe! The toiletry bag comes in four colors and can even be monogrammed with your initials.
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It has slots for SD cards, a main internal compartment for gear, and a discreet back pocket for important documents.
The Lo & Sons Claremont camera bag is chic enough to pull double duty as a stylish crossbody bag, making it one of our favorite multipurpose travel accessories. The main spot for gear was large enough to fit our camera and extra lens, while the two small leather slots under the flap are designed for memory cards. The divider helps keep everything in place and is easily removable. We’d also be remiss not to mention the internal padding, which helps protect your gear while on the go. The bag’s back pocket can be used to stow away boarding passes, passports, and other essential travel documents. We especially love its quality leather construction, which is just as durable as it is sleek. Although the bag doesn’t have a traditional zippered closure, it offers a turn-lock closure. Travelers can choose from four timeless neutral hues, including deep navy and light gray.
Make plane, train, or car travel all the more comfortable by bringing along the Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow. Even when we moved our head and neck around in different positions, the plush pillow remained firmly in place. We’d also be remiss not to mention its memory foam filling and unique asymmetrical design. Despite how soft the pillow is, it provides plenty of support without making us feel overheated or sweaty. While we found it easy to remove from the included carrying case, it was slightly more challenging to roll up to fit back in the case (though practice makes perfect). Once rolled back up, the pillow took up virtually no space in our suitcase and personal item. When it’s time to sanitize the pillow post-trip, you can simply toss it in the washing machine.
We’re big fans of this 40-ounce travel water bottle for the fact that it comes with not one but two different lids — a leak-proof chug cap and an enhanced straw lid for optimal flow. The attached handle allows for convenient carrying, too. And, thanks to its slim size, the water bottle can fit in any standard-sized cup holder. Its stainless steel double-wall vacuum insulation keeps drinks cold for hours on end, and the strong seal prevents leaking. The bottle comes in five color options, and both smaller and larger sizes are available depending on your capacity preferences. Best of all, it’s dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
Keep your toiletries organized with the Morfone travel bottle set. This 16-piece travel kit consists of four bottles, four jars, two spray bottles, scoopers, a funnel, a brush, labels, and a bag to store everything. The silicone bottles were easy to fill, as were the spray pines. However, we found the jars to be a bit more complicated since they come with a seal that goes on before the cap, meaning it’s easy to accidentally overfill them. The bottles come in two different sizes to provide an excellent variety of options depending on the length of your trip. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the bottles, too. Even when we pushed down on them, they hadn’t popped open or spilled. The clear storage bags were also easy to clean.
For a high-quality purse at a wallet-friendly price point, look no further than the Quince Italian Leather Convertible Foldover Clutch, which can be worn as a crossbody or a clutch. Despite its soft and buttery leather, this travel purse doesn’t actually feel delicate or easy to scratch, and the same goes for the chic gold hardware. We love the fact that the zippered pocket flap folds over the main compartment for added security, which would make it incredibly difficult for someone to grab something from inside the purse. The back zippered pocket is roomy enough for a phone, while the various interior pockets make it easier to stay organized while on the move. We also appreciated that the bag packs flat in a carry-on (read: no need to wear it on the plane or use it as your personal item!). Plus, the bag can easily be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.
Compression socks are a long-haul flight staple since they help stimulate circulation, and these ones from Levsox stand out for how breathable they are despite offering a snug 20-30 mmHg compression. In fact, they felt like a little massage on our arches and heels. Plus, unlike other options on the market, these aren’t uncomfortably tight or difficult to put on. After a full day of wear, we noted that our legs felt awesome, and that there was no swelling or aching in the arches, heels, or calves. We’re giving it bonus points for the adorable color and pattern options and budget-friendly price point.
Our Testing Process
The Travel + Leisure team tested dozens of different products across 15 different tests in order to narrow down the best options for all of the above travel accessory categories. We carefully examined and put each item to work, including packing and unpacking the jewelry cases to determine how easy they were to use and tossing each water bottle from waist height to determine its durability. We also continued using the products and collecting insights after the initial tests to truly determine how well each item holds up with heavy use.
Tips for Buying Travel Accessories
Consider the destination and length of your stay
The travel accessories you pack will vary depending on the length of your trip and where you’re traveling to. For example, if you’re heading on a short weekend getaway, you likely won’t need a large toiletry bag or makeup bag. Similarly, you may opt to leave your passport wallet behind for domestic travel. On the contrary, though, if you’re heading on a weeks-long trip out of the country, you may opt for multipurpose accessories, such as a camera bag that pulls double duty as a purse and a convertible bag that can be worn at least two different ways to save suitcase space.
Shop for products that will stand the test of time
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or someone who travels just a few times a year, it’s key to invest in products that will last you for years instead of just one or two trips. Most of these items (i.e. headphones, compression socks, umbrellas, and purses) can also be used in everyday life, which means you’ll get your money’s worth.
Think about your itinerary
Instead of just purchasing a slew of travel accessories on a whim, take some time to really think about your specific itinerary before going ahead and springing on something pricey. For example, you don’t necessarily need to shell out money on a camera bag if you rarely take photos while away. Or, if you’re heading to a cold-weather destination, consider skipping the sunnies.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
For this story, T+L contributor Lauren Dana Ellman combed through tester reviews and ratings to uncover the top travel accessories for women across each category.
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