Travel Essentials You Need For Your Next Trip | Complete List Of Travel Product Reviews
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Our Vacation Countdown App travel experts have carefully reviewed a lot of different travel essentials and travel products so that you can be confident that you’re getting the best possible products for your next trip!
This article is the ultimate guide to all travel essentials, organized by category. So whether you’re looking for the best travel luggage, the best accessories for efficient packing, highly-rated products to enhance your travel comforts, eating and drinking utensils for on-the-go, or anything else you might need to enjoy your vacation days, we’ve got you covered so!
LUGGAGE
One of the essential travel products and the top travel necessity you’ll need is good quality luggage that can withstand the rigors of travel.


Deciding what is the best luggage for you depends on a few factors:
- How much stuff are you planning on bringing?
- Are you going to be carrying your luggage or rolling it?
- What kind of environment will you be traveling in (rough terrain, lots of stairs, etc.)?
Checked Luggage
When it comes to choosing checked luggage, durability and storage features are vital considerations. No one wants their suitcase to break while traveling, or arrive at their destination with cracked zip pockets and missing wheels. That’s why we put a variety of suitcases to the test, assessing their sturdiness and convenience features. After all the testing was done, a few standouts emerged in terms of both durability and value.
The Delsey Paris Helium Aero stood out as the best-checked luggage option, thanks to its incredibly lightweight, durable build quality, and smooth-rolling wheels.
Read the article to see the whole list:
Small Suitcases With Wheels
A small suitcase with wheels can be a lifesaver when packing for a trip. It makes it easy to navigate crowded airport terminals and bustling city streets, and it also offers the added bonus of freeing up your hands to hold more important things, like your travel documents or that delicious gelato.
But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one? We’ve researched and tested several different models and have compiled a list of our top picks for the best small suitcases with wheels. From hardshell designs to soft-side options, each one of these choices offers both convenience and durability.
Carry-On Luggage
Planning a trip always involves packing, and deciding how to bring your belongings can be challenging. In recent years, airlines have increasingly started charging fees for checking bags, making it more economical to pack lightly and travel with only carry-on luggage.
This is especially true for international trips, where weight and size restrictions are often more strict. But what makes an excellent carry-on bag? We’ve compiled our top picks for the best luggage options on the market. From stylish color options to expandable storage space and durable materials, these bags offer something for every type of traveler.
Travel Backpacks For Europe
When it comes to backpacking through Europe, the right travel backpack can make all the difference. It’s essential to choose one that is comfortable to wear for long periods of time, has enough space for all your essentials, and stands out in a crowd to help prevent theft.
We curated a list of the best backpacks for Europe, from the best hiking backpacks, the best wheeled backpack to the best carry-on backpacks.
Best Travel Backpacks For Women
Our female Vacation Countdown App team members have tested and reviewed a lot of different travel backpacks for women.
One of the top picks is the Osprey Farpoint 40. Its lightweight design and suspension system provide comfort during extended wear while offering multiple compartments for organization and storage.
Take a look at the whole list here:
Best Northface Backpack For Women
When finding the perfect backpack for your adventures, it can be hard to narrow down the options.
Northface is a trusted brand in the world of outdoor gear, and their backpacks are no exception. After testing and reviewing a variety of Northface backpacks designed specifically for women, we have narrowed it down a few stand-out options:
Travel Purses
A good travel purse is essential to every list of travel necessities. It should be big enough to fit all your personal essentials but not so big that it’s cumbersome. And it needs to have a lot of different pockets and compartments for organization. You can use your travel purse as a day bag, a carry-on bag, or even a personal item on a long-haul flight.
These are our top picks for the best travel purses based on style, function, and price.
PACKING ACCESSORIES
Once you’ve got your luggage sorted out, it’s time to start thinking about packing efficiently, staying organized while packing will make your life a lot easier, both while you’re packing and when you’re trying to keep your suitcase organized.


Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are one of the best ways to stay organized while packing, and they can help you fit more into your suitcase. We think they are an absolute must and should be part of every travel necessities list.
There are many different brands and styles of packing cubes, so we’ve selected a few of our favorites to help you choose.
Our list includes reviews of highly-rated compression packing cube sets.
Hanging Toiletry Bag
A travel toiletry bag is another travel essential that can help you stay organized, especially if you’re bringing a lot of toiletries. We believe that hanging toiletry bags are the best choice for traveling because you can hang them on a towel rack or door in your hotel room, making items easily accessible.
We reviewed 10 hanging toiletry bags for women and identified the best toiletry bag under $15, the best one under $30, and the best overall hanging toiletry bag.
Travel Laundry Bags
While you could technically use one of your packing cubes to store dirty laundry while traveling, we think it’s worth getting a dedicated travel laundry bag. That way, you can separate your clean clothes from your dirty clothes, making laundry day a lot easier.
We’ve found and reviewed the best travel laundry bags for your next trip:
Travel Gadget Organizer
We asked our Vacation Countdown team members and other frequent travelers how they organize their travel gadgets and travel electronics and created a list of the best travel organizers:
EATING AND DRINKING
Whether you’re packing snacks for a long journey or bringing your food to save money while traveling, it’s crucial to have a good plan for how you’re going to eat and drink on the go. Here are our top tips and picks for eating and drinking on the go:
Travel Water Bottle
One of the best ways to save money while traveling is to avoid extra cost of buying bottles of water every time you’re thirsty. A good travel water bottle will help you stay hydrated on a long flight or during any activity without breaking the bank.
We believe a reusable water bottle is a travel essential that you should always pack. We reviewed the best travel water bottles based on material, durability, and price:
Travel Electric Kettle
An electric kettle is handy while traveling, especially if you’re staying in hotels or Airbnbs without kitchens. You can use a travel kettle to heat up water for tea, coffee, oatmeal, ramen noodles, and more.
After scouring the internet for the top travel kettles, we’ve found and reviewed them for you, so all that’s left to do is choose which one best fits your needs.
BEACH VACATIONS
Maybe it’s because our team is based in Hawaii, but beach vacations are the best kind of vacation. If you’re lucky enough to be headed to the beach, your trip gets even better if you bring along some essential beach vacation items, from the perfect beach bag to a stylish sun hat.
Beach Blankets
A good beach blanket is essential for any beach vacation. It should be large enough to fit your whole family, sand-resistant, and easy to clean. We’ve found and reviewed the best beach blankets so that you can choose the perfect one for your next trip.
Best Beach Towels
A good beach towel should be big, absorbent, and quick-drying. We’ve found and reviewed the best beach towels on the market.
Tropical Vacation Packing List
Wondering what you should bring for your beach vacation or tropical getaway? Use this packing list to make sure you don’t forget anything important.
TRAVEL COMFORT
There’s nothing worse than being uncomfortable while you’re traveling. That’s why we love reviewing travel essentials that help make your trip more comfortable, so you can relax and enjoy the ride.
Travel Neck Pillows
A good travel pillow should be the number one item on your travel comfort packing list. A good travel pillow can help you sleep on a long flight or road trip, and arriving at your final destination well-rested will make your whole trip more enjoyable. We’ve found and reviewed the best travel neck pillows so that you can choose the perfect one for your needs.
Female Urinal Devices
It might not be the most glamorous topic, but female urinal devices (FUDs) can make a big difference in your comfort level when you go to the bathroom while traveling. We’ve reviewed the best FUDs on the market, so you don’t have to sift through the options yourself.
TRAVEL CLOTHES
You don’t always have to buy new clothes for travel, but it helps to know what you should pack or when it makes sense to invest in travel-friendly clothing.
Best Winter Travel Clothes
You’ll need to pack accordingly if you love traveling during winter or cold destinations. We’ve rounded up the best winter travel clothes so that you can stay warm and stylish on your next trip.
Travel Pants For Women
Travel pants for women can come in handy for a variety of reasons. They can be versatile enough to wear on different occasions and are often more comfortable and durable than regular pants. We’ve found and reviewed the best travel pants for women so that you can choose the perfect pair for your next trip.
Travel Steamer For Clothes
A travel steamer is a small, handheld steamer that’s designed for use when you’re traveling. It’s a great way to remove wrinkles from your clothes without having to iron them. If you’re wondering which one to buy, we’ve reviewed the best travel steamers on the market.
PRODUCTS FOR TRAVELING WITH KIDS
Traveling with kids comes with its own challenges, but it’s worth seeing the world through their eyes. We’ve rounded up some of the best products for traveling with kids to make your life a little easier.
Travel Bassinet
A travel bassinet is a portable crib that’s specifically designed for traveling. Travel bassinets are great for babies and young toddlers who need a place to sleep when you’re on the road. We’ve put together reviews of the best options available if you’re looking for a travel bassinet.
Best Travel Crib
A travel crib is a small, portable crib that is easy to set up and take down, making it ideal for traveling with young children. Travel cribs come in various shapes and sizes. Some travel cribs fold up into a suitcase-like design, while others come with wheels for easy transport.
Travel cribs are a great way to keep your little one comfortable and safe while on the go. Here is our list with reviews of the best travel cribs:
Best Travel Stroller
A travel stroller is a lightweight and compact stroller specifically designed for traveling. Travel strollers are great for getting around with your kids on the road.
There are a few things to consider when purchasing a travel stroller. Our article covers the different types of travel strollers, what to look for when choosing one, and listing the pros and cons of popular travel strollers.
Travel Car Seats
If you’re planning on traveling with your kids by car, you’ll need to purchase a travel car seat. Travel car seats are designed specifically for car use, and they’re usually much lighter and more compact than regular car seats. We’ve reviewed the best travel car seats on the market, so you can choose the perfect one for your needs.
Must-Have Items When Traveling With Kids
This list of must-have items when traveling with kids is essential for any parent planning a trip with their little ones. These items will make your life a lot easier, from travel-sized games and books to portable cribs and car seats.
TRAVEL TECH
Travel apps and tech products can make your life much easier when you’re on the road. From portable chargers to international power adapters, these gadgets will help you stay connected and powered up while traveling.
Best Travel Apps
No matter where you’re going or getting there, these are the best travel apps that will help you make the most of your trip. From finding the best flights and hotels to keeping track of your itinerary, these apps will help you travel smarter and stress-free.
Read our article about essential travel apps every traveler needs:
Travel Monitor For Laptop
We’ve got you covered if you’re looking for a travel monitor for your laptop. We’ve reviewed the best options on the market and broken down the features to help you choose the perfect one for your needs.
TRAVEL SAFETY
Staying safe while you’re traveling is important, especially if you’re traveling alone. It’s worth investing in a few travel safety products.
Anti Theft Accessories
Every traveler should have some basic anti-theft accessories, no matter where they’re going. From money belts to slash-proof bags, these items will help you keep your valuables safe while on the road.
CAR TRAVEL, CAMPING & BACKPACKING
If you love road trips, camping, or backpacking, you must pack some essential items to make your trip more enjoyable.
Car Air Mattress
Car camping is a fun and inexpensive way to travel. A car air mattress is a great way to make your car more comfortable for sleeping and relaxing. We’ve reviewed the best car air mattresses on the market so that you can find the perfect one for your needs.
Road Trip Gadgets
Road trips are a great way to see the country and bond with your family or friends. Road trip gadgets will make your road trip more enjoyable, from entertainment options to keep everyone happy to GPS devices to help you stay on track.
We’ve done the research for you:
SUV Tents For Camping
Do you love car camping? If so, you need an SUV tent. An SUV tent is a great way to turn your SUV into a comfortable and spacious camping vehicle. We’ve reviewed the best SUV tents on the market.
Backpacking Gadgets
Backpacking brings its own challenges, from finding the best gear to packing light. These backpacking gadgets will make your trip more enjoyable and help you stay safe on the trail.
TRAVEL GIFTS
You could just browse through a travel essentials list to find travel gifts, but that can be time-consuming, and you may end up with items that are too generic or boring.
Travel Gifts For Every Traveler Type
We created an ultimate guide for finding travel gifts, no matter who the traveler is in your life.
From the jet setter who is always on the go to the beach bum who never wants to leave paradise, we have a gift for every type of traveler.
Travel Gifts For Women
This list has unique gifts for women who love to travel. It includes a personalized passport cover, a scratch-off map poster, a luxury eye mask, and many more thoughtful travel gifts for women you cannot find on generic travel essentials lists.
Travel Gifts For Men
If you’re looking for a gift for the man in your life who loves to travel, this list is for you. We’ve gathered 25 of the best gifts for men who love to travel, from a high-quality Dopp kit, and a tie case to a mini razor pocket razor – perfect for the man who is always on the go.
TRAVEL ESSENTIAL LISTS
Depending on who you are and where you go, you might be looking a travel essentials list specifically for your needs.


Best Travel Essentials for Women
If you are a woman who loves to travel, check out this list of travel essentials recommended by world travelers. These items are essential for women who want to travel in comfort and style.
Best Travel Essentials for Women Chosen By World Travelers
Travel Accessories For Europe
Some travel accessories are essential for international travel to Europe. Whether you are planning to do train rides exploring major cities, or want to check out the best hotel rooms in European beach towns, it is good to know what items to bring with you to have a great trip.
Our list includes the best universal travel adapter, a good pair of noise canceling headphones, and other travel necessities.
Travel Accessories For Solo Travelers
Women who travel solo need to be extra careful. Here is a list of travel accessories that every solo traveler should have, according to a female travel writer who has visited over 30 countries alone.
We hope this extensive guide for travel essentials with links to all our review articles helped you find the perfect travel gifts and pack everything you need for your next trip!
Happy Travels, and don’t forget to use our Vacation Countdown App to countdown to your next trip.