Top 21 Ultimate Travel Gadgets

At Inspired Travel Hacks we love gadgets that makes our travels easier, more comfortable and safer, so we have carefully put together our top 21 ultimate travel gadgets we take and use on every trip. These travel gadgets have been specially chosen to:

• help you with your packing, by keeping your items organized and saving space
• keep your items safe and secure; and
• make you more comfortable during journeys especially when rest and sleep is important

Once you start to use these amazing travel gadgets you will keep using them again and again; guaranteed!

1. Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are essential when it comes to keeping your clothes organised in your suitcase or bag and this is our favourite travel gadget and always the gadget that we recommend first. 

What are packing cubes? They are simply containers made of light weight material that zip up on the sides and normally have a mesh panel to allow you to see what is inside.

Packing cubes allow you to pack and stack your clothes neatly into your bag and make the most of the space that you have. Keeping all the clothes together this way means that there is less movement (and therefore less chance of your clothes getting wrinkled) and also helps you find what you need quicker.

Clothes can be organised in different cubes by destination (city, beach, outdoors), by activity (business, casual, gym) or simply keeping your clean clothes from your laundry, a method we use at the end of our trips.

There are so many packing cubes to choose from at varying price points, colours and sizes. We love the brand Eagle Creek and have been using these packing cubes for over 10 years; and they still look like new. They are durable, lightweight, thin (so minimising space) and have robust zippers. Once you start using these, you will never go on another trip without them.

2. Packing Folder

In addition to packing cubes, another great travel gadget to have in your repertoire is a Packing Folder. This is for more formal clothes (i.e. trousers, shirts) and using the folding template that comes with the packing folder allows you to fold and stack your clothes neatly, compressing down the clothes to take less space and minimising wrinkles. Again, our go to brand is Eagle Creek. Used together with the packing cubes, your clothes will be packed and organized perfectly. 

3. Silicon Travel Bottles

Good quality silicon travel bottles are a great gadget to travel with. Silicon bottles are lightweight, less prone to leakage, cracking, space saving and sizes comply with airline liquid regulations (for your carry-on bag). Furthermore, buying travel size toiletries can be more expensive and your favourite products may not be available in a smaller size. So this way you can decant just enough quantity of your favourite product to use when you travel.

There are many silicon travel bottles available and at different price points. Whichever you purchase, just make sure they are silicon, easy to fill, leakproof and durable.

4. Electronic Cable Organizer Bag

These electronic cable organizers cleverly arrange your various tech items and cables to help keep them altogether and protected when you are on the go. Therefore, a must for keeping organised when travelling and also helping you to make sure you don’t too pack that important phone charging cable or leave it behind.

We recommend the Bagsmart Electronic Travel Organizer. It is slim and lightweight with many pockets and features. Unfortunately, there is no getting away from the need to travel with various cables so you may as well keep them organised and protected.

5. Packable Day Pack

Pack a small day bag ready to use when you are at your destination – to use when out sightseeing, shopping or going to the beach. Our preference is a backpack keeping your hands free and we love the Osprey Unisex Ultralight Stuff Pack which is made from lightweight material and packs down into a small pouch. For ladies that may want something smarter then an alternative is a tote bag made out of durable nylon that again neatly folds down into a small portable pack. 

6. Electronic Luggage Scales

Having a small lightweight electronic luggage scale with you will prevent surprise overweight baggage fees at the airport. They are small, portable and light enough so not to make any noticeable different to your luggage. Simply hook the strap of the scales to the luggage and take the reading. Don’t forget to check that the battery is good before you pack them to take with you. A travel gadget we always travel with.

7. Travel Eye Mask 

To help you sleep when you travel, invest in a good eye mask that fits your face well and blocks out the light. Eye masks come in all types of material including memory foam and silk. One of the best value options available is the Bucky 40 Blinks Travel Eye Mask. This mask is comfortable, does a really good job blocking out the light and is easy to wash.

One of the best luxury options is the Drowsy Silk Sleep Mask. This is a luxurious sleeping mask designed to provide total darkness for uninterrupted, high-quality sleep. This mask is crafted from premium silk, known for its softness and smoothness, thereby ensuring maximum comfort. What sets it apart is its face-hugging design, which contours perfectly to the curves of your face, blocking out any light that might disrupt your rest. Additionally, it features padding, creating a plush cocoon around your eyes for an added level of comfort. This sleep mask elevates the concept of sleep masks, transforming them from simple eye covers into luxury sleep aids. So when trying to get some sleep on a long flight, this sleep mask is a valuable addition to your carry on.

8. Earplugs

A must for flights when you need to drown out the noise in the cabin and get some sleep but also useful to have ready if your hotel or rental accommodation is noisy. Some of the best and most popular earplugs are Mack’s Unisex’s Ultra Soft Ear Plugs.

We buy in bulk, so we always have some ready to take with us and also leave some out when we have guests staying with us.

9. Travel Pillow 

For long flights a good travel pillow is essential. Yes, they can make you look a bit silly and it becomes another item for you to carry with you. However, a good travel pillow is worth investing in to help you sleep more comfortably when on the go. We recommend the Cabeau Evolution Classic Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow as it it one of the best on the market with a removable cover for easy cleaning and made from high quality memory foam. A great travel gadget investment.

10. Microfibre Travel Towel 

Made out of synthetic material, microfibre towels are compact, light and absorbent and not only useful to quickly dry off but also can be used as a blanket or for sitting on. We recommend the Fit-Flip Microfibre towel, as the towel dries really fast, is compact and light.

11. Notebook

A small notebook is so useful to have with you when you are on the go to jot down notes, memories, observations, expenses, addresses and also a place to store any bits of paper. Moleskin notebooks are a great classic option and have an elastic closure to keep any loose papers from falling out. 

12. Travel First Aid Kit

A small travel first aid kit is a must have when traveling. Make a small medical/first aid pack specifically created for both your general and destination needs. First start with some basics: paracetamol, stomach relief, bandaids/plasters and antiseptic cream. Then add specifics for your destination such as insect repellent, motion sickness tablets, rehydration salts etc. Then top up and adjust every time you go. 

13. Travel Adapter

No matter the length of your trip a travel adapter is an essential gadget. Invest in one that also has USB ports allowing you to use both the plug and the USB port simultaneously. There are many brands available to choose from varying in size, the number of ports and some come with surge protection, keeping your devices safe. We recommend the Hyleton Worldwide Travel Adapter. This multi-function plug can be used in more than 150 countries, has a number of USB slots as well as a USB-C slot as and also a built in safety function to protect you from any live parts of the socket outlet.

14. Portable Power Bank

When travelling, your mobile phone battery seems to drain faster than usual and finding a power outlet easily is never guaranteed. So a great travel gadget to have is a portable power bank that you can easily carry around and charge your phone when on the go. Many portable power banks are available on the market and some can charge several devices at the same time. An Anker Power Bank is great choice as their power banks are slim, lightweight and fast-charging.

15. Noise-Cancelling Headphones 

Traveling can be a joyous experience filled with new sights, sounds, and experiences. However, it can also be filled with long flights, noisy bus rides, or bustling train stations. That’s where the importance of a good pair of travel headphones comes in. They can provide a comforting sense of solace amidst the chaos. Whether you’re a music lover, podcast enthusiast, or movie buff, having the right pair of headphones when travelling can make all the difference.

There are several types of headphone options available on the market (earbuds and over-ear) and both options work really well. 

Earbuds – Earbuds are compact, lightweight, and easy to carry around. They’re perfect for minimalist travellers who want to pack light. A great recommendation are the Apple AirPods Pro, with their active noise cancellation, superior sound quality, and comfortable fit. Apple AirPods Pro also have a transparency mode that allows you to hear your surroundings when necessary.

Over-ear Headphones – These are the go-to choice for audiophiles. They typically offer superior sound quality and noise cancellation compared to other types of headphones. Great recommendations are the Sony WH-1000XM4. These headphones are renowned for their excellent sound quality, industry-leading noise cancellation, and comfortable design. They also have a great battery life, making them ideal for long journeys.

Bose Quiet Comfort series are another great choice. Bose headphones are known for their superior noise cancellation and comfortable fit.

16. Travel Pouch – Neck Pouch / Waist Belt 

Invest in a discreet pouch for your neck or waist that conceals and protects your passport and backup cash/bank cards (that you don’t need to access regularly). These pouches are lightweight, slim and fit neatly under your top/shirt or around your waist and are made out of breathable material to help with comfort. 

We highly recommend neck pouches and waist belts from Eagle Creek or Pacsafe. These are some of the best on the market, built with secure zippers and slashguard technology, when it comes to travel safety products.

17. Crossbody Travel Bag

A cross body bag that is worn in the front of your body is a great way to secure your important belongings (phone, wallet) and still allow you to access things easily whilst keeping your hands free. Once out and about, we recommend that you don’t take this bag off, so choose one that is small enough to fit just the important essentials that you need to keep safe (phone/camera, wallet and sunglasses). These bags come with secure zippers, slashguard technology and RFID blocking material. We recommend bags from Pacsafe or Lifeventure, market leaders when it comes to travel safety.

18. RFID Travel Wallet

A travel wallet with RFID protection will not only help you keep organised with your currency and cards but the RFID protection will give you that extra security layer that reduces the risk of electronic theft. We recommend Lifeventure wallets as they are slim, durable and lightweight. 

19. TSA Combination Lock

Another must have travel gadget is a TSA combination lock. A TSA combination lock, recognized by its red diamond logo, is part of a global security system that allows you to lock your checked luggage and still allow airport staff to open and inspect your luggage without damaging the lock. Not only do we use them for our checked luggage but also use them with our rucksack/day pack for that extra level of security.

20. Phone Case

Many of us now just rely on our smartphones for taking photos when travelling and a case to protect you smartphone is an essential gadget. You may not use one when you are at home, but when you are away, you will be moving around a lot more so the chances are greater that you will drop your phone. So it makes sense to protect it with a case before you leave. 

Furthermore, if you are planning to spend time by the pool, or the sea during your trip, take a waterproof pouch, to protect your phone from water, after all it is better to be safe than sorry.

21. Compression Socks

Compression socks are a useful took in combating jet lag. These specially designed socks apply gentle pressure to your lower legs, helping to maintain blood flow and reduce discomfort and swelling. When you’re on a long-haul flight, you’re often sitting for extended periods of time, which can cause blood to pool in your legs. This can lead to feelings of fatigue and sluggishness, symptoms often associated with jet lag. By improving circulation, compression socks can help to mitigate these effects, making it easier for your body to adjust to a new time zone. 

The Physix Gear Compression Socks for Men & Women offer the perfect balance between comfort and functionality. They are designed to provide support and improve blood circulation, making them an ideal choice for long flights. The socks are made from a durable, breathable fabric that ensures they are comfortable to wear all day, while still providing the necessary compression. This product is continually highly praised for its high-quality material, effective compression, and stylish design. The Physix Gear Compression Socks prove to be a great investment to take with you on long haul flights.

To Wrap On The Best Travel Gadgets…

Whether it is a short business trip, weekend away or a long vacation, having the right travel gadgets can make all the difference. These gadgets will help you travel smarter, more comfortably and safer so have them ready to take with you every time you travel.

For more great hacks, visit our Travel Hacks page.