When getting ready for a trip, you need to decide what to put in your carry-on bag and your checked luggage. This includes what clothes, toiletries, and other important things you need to bring. If you have the right travel items, it will be easier to pack and get around. U.S. News’ travel editors and writers have put together a list of their favorite travel accessories that make every trip more comfortable. It includes everything from noise-canceling headphones to water bottles that don’t leak.
If you like to watch videos on your phone or tablet while flying, the Apple AirPods Pro wireless earbuds are the best thing to make your trip more enjoyable. As with the first-generation AirPods Pro earbuds, these stand out because they can block out noise twice as well. With noise cancellation turned on, these AirPods can be used for up to six hours. If you use the charging case, they can be used for up to thirty hours. They come in a small MagSafe charging case (USB-C). The side of the earbuds has touch controls that let you change the volume, pause or play music, stop or unmute a call, and end the call. You can find the right fit for your ears with the four sets of silicone tips that come with the earrings.
“I was hesitant to switch from my beloved and familiar wired Apple earbuds, but the AirPods Pro wireless earbuds have been a very pleasant surprise,” say our travel editors. As crazy as it sounds, putting in the AirPods and using the noise-canceling mode can make an airport or plane very quiet. The different rubber tips make it easy to find the right fit for your ears. I always feel like I need to charge them, even though I use them a lot. The sound quality of the songs or podcasts I listen to is great. I believe these AirPods are a great purchase for anyone traveling, especially since more airlines are starting to use Bluetooth for fun in the back seats. —Managing Editor Erin Evans
- Price: $249 or less
2. Holii Daily Pill Organizer
This small daily pill organizer fits easily into a pocket, bag, or backpack, so you can get to your medicines quickly. This is important to have with you when you travel. The organizer is small but strong, and it has eight compartments: two big and six small. Because the lids are locked, your pills will be safe even if you drop the bottle. The organizer comes in green, pink, purple, and blue, and is made of high-quality plastic that is safe for food.
This is what our travel editors say: “Being someone who gets seasick easily, I needed a lot of different medicines for my last cruise.” This pill holder kept everything I needed and more safer. Besides that, it’s easier to pack than regular daily pill boxes that are too long. Note: To open each section, use the plastic tool that comes with it that looks like a guitar pick. It keeps fingernails from getting damaged!” – Digital Producer Leilani Osmundson
- Price: $12.99 or less
3. Lug Mini Swizzle Jewelry Case
If you like to travel and bring extra earrings, rings, and other small accessories, this jewelry case is great for you. The case comes in several colors, including shiny ones like silver and walnut (a warm gold). The inside is lined with a light gray material that makes it easy to see what’s inside. The inside is well-organized, with five soft-lined parts for rings, hoops, or cufflinks, as well as a mesh pouch that can be taken out and a soft-lined pocket. The small size and bendable outside make it easy to pack in a journey bag.
This was a gift, and it’s one of the first things our travel editors pull out when they pack for a trip. While traveling, I always make sure to bring a pair of pearls, a pair of showy earrings, and one or two necklaces. The ring holes are a great, safe place for me to keep my rings when I’m traveling. I never leave it behind because the bright outside makes it stand out and the top handle makes it easy to take out of my bag. In addition, it’s really cute!” —Head Editor Rachael Hood
- Price: $33 or less
4. S’well Stainless Steel Traveler
If you want to stay hydrated while moving, you should always bring a water bottle that you can use again and again. With three layers of protection, this S’well travel bottle is made of stainless steel. This bottle is perfect for tourists because it has a special technology that keeps the outside dry and an ergonomic shape. It can fit in a backpack or carry-on. The bottle is meant to keep hot drinks warm for 20 hours and cold drinks cool for up to 60 hours. This makes it the perfect thing to take with you when you’re on the go.
When it comes to staying hydrated, our travel writers say, “I never fly without a water bottle that I can refill, so I’m not at the mercy of the flight attendants.” The skinny shape of the S’well makes it easy to fit into my (often over-full) bag or the side pocket of a backpack, even though it’s not as big as some other travel bottles. The lid stays on when my hands are full because of the rubber loop on top, and the water that I refill at the airport stays cool all day. Although it has a few scratches from being used for four years, mine doesn’t show any signs of wear. Liz Von Tersch, Senior Editor
- Price: $50 or less
5. Anker 325 Power Bank (PowerCore 20K)
One of the last things you want to do on vacation is worry about your phone’s power. One device can be charged four to five times with this Anker power bank, which is about the size of a cellphone and is easy to carry. If you use this power bank with two USB ports, you can charge two phones at the same time. Along with magnetic batteries that can charge your phone without a cable, Anker also sells power banks for computers.
The editors of our trip magazine say, “I seldom leave the house without my Anker portable charger.” I can make sure my phone is always fully charged so I can use it to show my digital boarding pass, play music, or look up directions on Google Maps. This is especially helpful for long transportation days. I love not having to plug my phone into a wall outlet when I’m just resting at home or in the hotel. — Editorial Assistant Catriona Kendall.
- Price: $49.99 or less
6. Apple AirTag
Apple hasn’t come out with the most exciting product since 2021, but AirTags has changed how many people move. An AirTag is a bit bigger than a quarter and lets you figure out where something is and set off alarms if you get separated (about 30 feet), making it great for tracking luggage. These features come in handy at the airport, like when you lose your carry-on in the food court or need to find your checked bags after a close connection. The CR2032 batteries in AirTags can be easily changed and last for about a year. Most car key fobs use the same batteries. They also need an Apple device like an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. However, Android users can get alternatives like the Tile Pro.
“Apple AirTags helped me deal with travel stress I didn’t know I had,” say our travel writers. I check the trackers in all of my bags and my cash twice before I walk to the airport. Quickly checking where everything is gives you the peace of mind to relax in any airport. – Zach Watson, Editor-in-Chief
- Price: $29 or less
7. Magicteam Sound Machine
This small sound machine is really helpful, whether you’re traveling with kids or just want to block out noise from the hotel hallway. The USB-powered Magicteam Sound Machine has 20 sounds that don’t repeat to help you and your trip companions fall asleep. These sounds include white noise, brown noise, rain, and a bonfire crackling. It has 32 different volume settings as well. You can easily set it to play continuously or to stop after an hour or several hours; its memory function will bring back the settings you last used.
According to our trip editors, “This sound machine is small but strong.” The smaller size makes it easy to take with you, and it works just as well (if not better) than the more expensive Hatch Rest sound machine our baby has in his room. Content and SEO Strategist Amanda Norcross
- Price: $29.99 or less
FAQ’s
Q1. What makes these travel accessories stand out in 2024?
These travel accessories were chosen because they are new, useful, and well-liked by tourists. Their purpose is to make your travels better this year.
Q2. Which accessories are included in the list of the best for 2024?
There are many different kinds of items on the list, like noise-canceling headphones, smart luggage, travel pillows, packing organizers, and more. Each item was picked because it is useful and practical for travel.
Q3. Are these accessories suitable for both domestic and international travel?
Yes, definitely. Both domestic and foreign travel can be done with the chosen accessories. There is no set goal for their convenience and usefulness.
