With every trip, a multitude of accessories and gear become essential for maximizing suitcase space, efficiently organizing personal belongings, and preparing for the adventure ahead.
Since we’re often on the go, we’ve had the chance to test various accessories and equipment, and here we present our tried-and-true selection of travel essentials we wouldn’t want to be without.
These finds also make perfect gifts for those about to embark on a journey.
This guide also includes ideal suggestions for those who are always cold—a thoughtful touch as the holiday season approaches, when warming gift ideas are especially in demand.
Note that these items can be combined to create a gift of varying sizes, depending on your preferences and budget
Compression Packing Cubes Set, Ultralight Travel Organizers with Shoe and Toiletry Bag | Amazon
These bags are one of those suitcase accessories I couldn't travel without. They're ideal for storing clothes in categories, even more so when you're sharing a suitcase with someone. The double-zipper system makes it easy to compress the cases without wrinkling the clothes. At destination, open one of the two zippers to unzip the covers and gain easier access to their contents. Various sizes and sets are available.
Travel Space Saver Bags (Medium to Large). Pack of 8 Bags | Amazon
In the same vein, these compression bags are simply magical for bringing more items in your suitcase. They allow you to compress your clothes by removing the air inside the bags, simply by rolling it on itself thanks to a valve system. No pump to drag along. At destination, the bag, which takes its dimensions once opened, is also used for storage.
You obviously don't put wrinkly clothes in it, but it's ideal for swimsuits, socks, underwear, pajamas, etc. And it's a must in these times when traveling with a carry-on is popular!
Black+Decker Foldable Garment Steamer"
No more wrinkled clothes while traveling with this foldable garment steamer that easily fits into luggage. Ready in 45 seconds, with various attachments and a long cord, it quickly smooths out clothes for a polished look.
Passport and Card Holder Combo with RFID blocking | Amazon
When you travel, you need passports, boarding passes, Nexus card, luggage receipts and all the rest. These cases are very practical to keep everything in one place, to be more efficient when going through security or customs and secure with the RFID blocking. I wasn't convinced of its usefulness before I got one, but I must say that I wouldn't do without it when I travel.
Small Jewelry Box | Amazon
This box is really practical for taking more than just a pair of earrings on a trip, without losing or damaging them. Its compact size means it fits in any luggage, and can also be used at home to store jewelry.
Portable Digital Hanging Baggage Scale for Travel | Amazon
Too many souvenirs, too many clothes? We all know someone who always exceeds the weight limits in their luggage. No more overweight fees with this luggage scale!
Power Bank 26800mAh,18W PD USB-C Input & Output Portable Charger | Amazon
There's nothing worse than a dead cell phone battery when you're out and about, especially if you're also using your camera. To avoid this inconvenience, carry with you an external battery that allows you to recharge your devices anywhere.
OrgaWise Travel Electronics Organizer Cable Organizer Bag | Amazon
Between the headphones, the wire to charge the phone, the e-reader, the adapters, you quickly end up with a mess of cables and plugs. With this kit, everything is neat and in its place.
iMangoo Universal Pouch Travel Power Bank Carrying Case | Amazon
Another version of this case for carrying wires, batteries and headphones, but this time in a slightly more compact format.
Waterproof Phone Pouch Case - 2 Pack | Amazon
Here's an essential accessory for those who enjoy water sports, go to the beach but don't want to leave their precious, expensive phone unattended. The waterproof case protects the phone and allows you to go swimming without any problem. However, with an iPhone at least, it doesn't allow you to take photos underwater.
Hanging Toiletry Bag for Women | Amazon
The bathrooms in hotels, cruise ships or hostels do not always have a large counter where you can put your toiletry kit. This one, in addition to being really pretty, can be hung up and unrolled for easy access to your products. The plastic compartments are also waterproof in case of spills.
Swimming Microfibre Towel Size XL 110 x 175 cm | Decathlon
This microfiber towel is extremely practical for water sports or the beach. It dries very quickly and is very compact, taking up hardly any space in your luggage or rucksack.
4pcs Beach Towel Clips | Amazon
These adorable towel clips are a nice touch for anyone planning to go to the beach soon. They hold towels on beach or pool chairs to prevent them from falling off or flying away.
10 Pcs Portable Folding Clothes Hangers | Amazon
Who else can't stand hotel rooms with only 3 hangers available for 2 people? Problem solved with this set of foldable hangers, which don't take up too much space in your suitcase!
Universal International Travel Power Adapter | Amazon
This little device needs no introduction but is a must when traveling in Europe, UK, Australia, Asia and some southern countries to use your electrical appliances.
Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow
Travel pillows are always handy to be more comfortable on long plane or train rides. This one allows you to be shaped and positioned according to your comfort and can be used for leg or lumbar support.
It also comes with a sleeping mask and earplugs, making it a complete kit to sleep well on the plane.
Lucas Backpack on Wheels | Bugatti
The best of both worlds, a backpack that can also be transported on wheels! It's ideal for people like me who don't want to/can't carry a heavy bag on their shoulders. The backpack is the equivalent of a small carry-on in terms of size, and doubles up as a computer bag. Very useful indeed.
Ewool SnapConnect Heated Glove Liners
Ewool's heated glove liners are the promise of never being cold again in winter. And believe me, it's worth its weight in gold!
Who is it for? For those who always have cold hands, those with Raynaud's syndrome, those who always freeze their hands while skiing or skating, those who work outside.
I've had the opportunity to try them for a few weeks and I love them. They really live up to my expectations. The gloves are comfortable, lightweight and very stylish. And since you can adjust the level of warmth, you are always comfortable.
They are of good quality and have the advantage of warming each finger individually, right down to the extremities, and quite quickly, unlike other heated gloves that take longer or only warm the top of the hands.
Everything has been thought for an optimal use: tactile fingers to use the cell phone, light gloves despite a battery, an easy to reach control to turn on and adjust the heating intensity and easily rechargeable.
The liners can be used on their own in warmer weather, but in cold weather, it's recommended to put them under a pair of mittens like the Flip Mitts from Ewool to protect yourself from the freezing wind.
This is definitely a winter accessory I won't be doing without!
Gift Ideas for Those Who Are Always Cold
A waterproof boot that combines comfort and warmth – it's a big yes! With its waterproof and breathable membrane, recycled PET insulation for temperatures as low as -32 °C, and anti-slip outsole, it's perfect for rain, snow, and slush. Made from eco-friendly materials, it's easy to slip on and keeps your feet warm and dry for all your winter adventures.
This accessory is just wonderful to have on hand (literally) in cold weather. Whether it's for someone who has Raynaud's Syndrome, who skis, skates or loves to visit cities on foot but is unable to warm his or her hands, this is the best hand warmer to have (I've tested several and this is by far the one I can't live without)!
Ewool’s heated glove liners promise you’ll never feel the cold in winter again. And believe me, they’re worth their weight in gold!
Who are they for? For anyone who always has cold hands, those with Raynaud’s syndrome, or anyone whose hands freeze while downhill skiing, skating, or working outdoors. I've had the chance to try them out over the past few weeks, and I love them—they truly live up to my expectations. The gloves are comfortable, lightweight, and stylish. With adjustable heat levels, you're always at the perfect warmth.
High-quality and well-designed, they heat each finger individually, all the way to the fingertips, and warm up much faster than other heated gloves that only warm the tops of the hands. Everything has been thoughtfully crafted for optimal use: touchscreen fingers to use your phone, lightweight despite the battery, easy-to-reach controls to turn on and adjust the heat level, and they’re easily rechargeable.
They can be worn alone in milder weather, but in colder temperatures, it’s best to layer them under a pair of mittens, like Ewool’s Flip Mitts, for extra protection from icy winds. This is definitely a winter accessory I won’t be without!
A lovely beanie that will keep you warm and elevate any winter outfit.