Most of us know someone who likes to bring along all the amenities of home when traveling. It’s nice to be prepared, but there’s also a lot of value in being selective. Even if you really love your Beanie Baby collection, you probably shouldn’t bring it with you on a week-long trip to Cancun. So how do seasoned travelers determine what to take with them, and what to leave behind?

First, you need to consider what’s actually essential to your trip (appropriate clothing, toiletries, travel documents, etc.). But you probably don’t just want to bring the absolute minimum with you on your vacation, unless you’re into that kind of thing. It’s key to distinguish what things you’ll actually use, and what will just take up space. These are a few cool travel gadgets you’ll be glad you packed on your next trip.

Steamfast Mini Travel Steam Iron

Shoving all your clothes into a suitcase is going to tragically wrinkle your wardrobe. All those collared shirts and sundresses are going to look like crinkled candy wrappers when you pull them out at the hotel. It doesn’t matter if you’re going to an important business conference, or just a nice dinner with your significant other, being presentable will make you feel better. The Steamfast Mini Travel Steam Iron is the perfect answer to this problem. It even comes with a travel bag so you can throw sharp looks no matter where you go.

Scrubba Wash Bag

Many travelers find they don’t have enough room to pack clothes for every day of their trip. This might not be an issue if you’ll have access to laundry facilities; however, not everyone’s guaranteed this luxury. Enter the Scrubba Wash Bag. This nifty product allows users to wash their clothes anywhere. All it takes is some water and cleaning liquid. The interior of the bag has a washboard-like texture, which really gets dirt and grime out of your clothes. This is undoubtedly one of the best travel gadgets for backpackers. You can also make a slightly less effective DIY version of the Scrubba Wash Bag if you find it’s out of your budget. Simply apply the same techniques, but with a large, sealable plastic bag. Vacuum-sealed plastic bags and dry bags work even better and serve additional travel purposes as a stuff sack and pillow. 

Clever Companion Tank Top

No matter where you travel, there will be criminals who want to take advantage of outsiders. The stakes are even higher when traveling internationally and needing to carry personal documents like your passport. The Clever Companion Tank Top keeps your identification, cash and credit cards safe with several secret pockets. Its unisex design makes it one of the best travel accessories for men or women. Though Clever Travel Companion also offers travel gear specific for women with similar concepts in leggings and t-shirt dresses.

TODI Nine-in-One Cell Phone Camera Lens Kit

It’s amazing how much smartphone cameras have improved over the years. In fact, people have made award-winning movies using only their smartphones. Yet, there are still some things phone cameras don’t do particularly well. For example, they can’t effectively show depth like a real camera. This issue can be largely overcome by using the TODI Lens Kit. This clip-on device allows you to augment your smartphone with real camera lenses. Now you can really capture the subtleties of your travels. This product works with iPhones, Samsung, iPads, and most Android devices.   

Packing Cubes

When you travel, you need to make the most of every cubic inch of space in your checked bags and your carry-on. Packing cubes are the best way to go about this. These are basically sealable bags for organizing your luggage. Not only does this make it easier to get the most out of your suitcases, but it also helps you find things once you arrive at your destination. There are a ton of options out there. Here’s a list of some of the best packing cubes on the market right now.

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

You don’t necessarily know what the water situation is going to be when you travel to a new place. In some countries, it’s simply not safe to drink water that doesn’t come from a bottle. But even in developed countries, such as Germany, public water fountains are fairly rare. You need to keep yourself hydrated when traveling. You’ll be walking, and generally exerting yourself more than during your typical routine. The LifeStraw Personal Water Filter removes 99.999999% of bacteria and 99.999% of parasites from water. It also filters out harmful microplastics. No matter where you are, you can ensure the quality of your water with this remarkable travel product. Don’t believe me? Watch the LifeStraw make water from the Mississippi River, backwash, and even, urine, taste better than tap water (it’s debatable on that last one).   

Next time you’re preparing for a trip—whether it’s for a month, or only a few days—make sure you’re being smart about what comes with you. These six travel products won’t let you down. You won’t just use them; they’ll enhance your entire experience.

Rest, shower, prepare for a meeting with a day use room from HotelsByDay.

Featured Image:

“#UnsplashExpedition Ready” by Alice Donovan Rouse via Unsplash 

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Andy Holsteen

Andy Holsteen writes all sorts of things—both for work and pleasure. He loves traveling to new places, and hopes to see Berlin and Santiago in the not-so-distant future.

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