Favorite travel accessories, practical packing hacks, and a few things I absolutely refuse to leave home without!
After years of traveling with my family, exploring destinations, sailing on cruises, and helping clients plan their own adventures, I’ve learned something important: sometimes the difference between a fabulous travel day and a complete circus comes down to what you’ve packed in your bag.
I’m a firm believer in being prepared. Extra charging cables? Absolutely. Backup batteries? You bet. A folding fan for an unexpected personal summer? ALWAYS. 😂
Over the years, I’ve collected quite a few favorite travel accessories. These aren’t random products pulled from an online list. They’re things I personally own, use, and genuinely love. In a couple of cases, I’ve linked a similar product because I couldn’t find my exact version.
So, what’s actually in my travel bag? Let me show you!
Organization Is EVERYTHING!
I really don’t like digging through a jumbled mess of belongings when I’m traveling. A little organization makes everything easier, especially when you’re sharing a room with your family.
1. My Favorite Hands-Free Sling Bag
My Disney-branded sling bag has become one of my absolute favorite travel accessories. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and incredibly practical for long days exploring theme parks or sightseeing.
What I love most is that I can wear it across my front OR back. Switching positions throughout the day helps reduce shoulder and back fatigue, especially when I’ve been on my feet for hours.
Mine also has a loop where I can attach my water bottle with a carabiner, keeping my hands free. Hidden zippers provide extra peace of mind in crowded areas.
I couldn’t find my exact Disney bag, but I found a similar anti-theft sling bag from Travelon worth considering.
Shop the Travelon Anti-Theft Sling Bag
Affiliate link — I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
2. King’s Loot Leather Tech Organizer
Tangled charging cords at the bottom of my carry-on? No, thank you!
Jesse gave me this King’s Loot leather tech organizer, and it has become one of my favorite travel accessories. It’s the perfect size for my carry-on, with room for charging cables, adapters, portable battery packs, charging blocks, and my 3-in-1 wireless charger.
It opens completely flat, with pockets on both sides so I can SEE everything I’ve packed. Elastic bands keep individual cords in place, while the durable leather and heavy-duty zipper keep everything secure.
Everything has a place, and I can FIND what I need when I need it!
Shop My King’s Loot Tech Organizer
Affiliate link — I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
3. Magnetic Cable Ties
Are we seeing a pattern yet? 😂
I bought two packs of these magnetic cable ties last summer, and they’ve made such a difference. We used to use the little twist ties from bread bags to organize our cords. These magnetic ties are MUCH sturdier, easier to reuse, and they don’t poke you when you reach into your bag. HA!
Before packing my charging cords into my King’s Loot organizer, I wrap each one individually. No more tangled cords, knots, or pulling out three cables when I only need one!
They’re also fantastic around the house. Small, inexpensive, reusable, and easy to pack!
Affiliate link — I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
4. Magnetic Hooks: My Cruise Cabin Organization Hack
If you’re taking a cruise, these little magnetic hooks deserve a spot on your packing list! I’ve purchased them multiple times, both for myself and for clients.
Here’s something many first-time cruisers don’t realize: many cruise cabin walls contain steel, making magnetic hooks a fantastic way to create extra hanging space.
Hang your beach bag instead of leaving it in a corner. Give damp swimsuits and towels somewhere to dry. Keep hats, lanyards, and accessories off the floor. In a small cruise cabin, a little extra organization makes a HUGE difference!
I currently have FIVE magnetic hooks on my washing machine at home. They hold lingerie bags and things that need to air-dry, like bras, swimsuits, and baseball hats.
I even sent some with my daughter to college! She uses them on her dorm refrigerator to hang her hair towel wrap and after-shower body wrap.
They’re incredibly versatile! Just test your cabin surfaces first and avoid hanging anything too heavy.
Affiliate link — I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Keeping Everyone Charged (Because Apparently We Need ALL the Electronics!)
Traveling with a family means traveling with devices. LOTS of devices. Between phones, watches, earbuds, tablets, and portable battery packs, I sometimes feel like we’re traveling with our own little electronics department.
Fortunately, I’ve found a few things that make keeping everything charged much easier.
5. Foldable 3-in-1 Wireless Charger
You know you’ve found a great travel accessory when every member of your family has one. We own FOUR of these!
This charger folds into one compact little square, making it incredibly easy to pack. It charges my iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch simultaneously using just one power connection and works beautifully with my MagSafe-compatible phone case.
If you’ve ever stayed in a hotel room or cruise cabin where electrical outlets are limited, you know how valuable that can be!
It also folds into a triangle, creating a convenient docking station for my phone and watch. Compact, convenient, and fewer cords to deal with. WIN!
Shop My 3-in-1 Wireless Charger
Affiliate link — I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
6. Multi-Outlet Charging Stations: One Is Never Enough!
Traveling with kids means everyone needs to charge SOMETHING, usually at the same time. 😂
I own two Anker multi-outlet charging stations, and they’ve been incredibly useful on family trips. Instead of fighting over limited hotel room outlets, we can charge several devices from one convenient location.
They’re also the PERFECT companion to my King’s Loot organizer. All my cords stay neatly packed during travel, and once we arrive, we can unpack what we need and set up our little charging station.
I’ve linked a similar option to my Anker version below.
Shop a Similar Multi-Outlet Charging Station
Affiliate link — I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Of course, I like having options! I also own TWO additional charging adapters marketed for cruise travel, which can be helpful when cabin outlets are limited.
Shop My Cruise Charging Option
Affiliate link — I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Cruise tip: A product labeled “cruise-friendly” isn’t automatically approved on every ship. Some cruise lines prohibit multi-plug devices, even without surge protection. Always check your cruise line’s rules before packing one.
For international trips, I have TWO of these travel adapters as well!
Shop My International Travel Adapter
Affiliate link — I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
International travel tip: Check the plug configuration and electrical requirements for your destination. A plug adapter doesn’t necessarily convert voltage, so make sure your electronics are compatible.
Is all of this overkill? Perhaps. Do I like being prepared and having options? ABSOLUTELY. 😂
7. My Trusty Portable Power Bank: Old Reliable!
Meet “Old Reliable!”
If there’s one thing I refuse to leave home without on a long travel day, it’s my rechargeable power bank. Actually, I usually carry TWO!
My husband and kids each have one, too. We may have a slight obsession with having a fully charged battery AND a backup. HA!
Between checking flight information, accessing boarding passes, navigating unfamiliar places, taking pictures, and staying connected, our phones work overtime when we’re traveling.
Having a portable power bank means less time hunting for an outlet in the airport or worrying about my phone dying during a theme park day.
Naturally, the charging cords stay neatly organized in my King’s Loot case.
Travel tip: Lithium-ion power banks must travel in your carry-on, not your checked luggage. Check battery capacity limits and your airline’s rules before traveling.
Affiliate link — I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Surviving My Personal Summers
Ladies, if you know, you KNOW. 😂
As a middle-aged mama who occasionally experiences her own personal summers, I’ve learned the importance of being prepared for unexpected temperature fluctuations.
Sometimes the actual weather is hot. Sometimes it’s just ME. Either way, I have options!
8. The Good Old-Fashioned Folding Fan
I have these little lifesavers stashed EVERYWHERE. They’re lightweight, fold up small enough to slip into practically any purse or travel bag, and can be pulled out at a moment’s notice.
Whether I’m standing in a long line, navigating a crowded airport, sightseeing in the summer heat, or experiencing an unexpected personal tropical vacation, my trusty folding fan is ready for action!
Unlike all those electronic gadgets I love so much, this one requires absolutely ZERO electricity. No batteries, charging cables, or outlets. Just unfold, fan, and enjoy a little breeze!
Affiliate link — I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
The Airport Fan Rescue Squad! 😂
After a girls’ trip to Sandals Royal Bahamian, my friend Rebekah (we’ve been friends since SECOND GRADE!), literally came running from another gate to rescue me from a massive hot flash. One concerned pilot, one folding fan, and a very grateful friend later, I learned to ALWAYS pack my own!
9. Portable Fans: Because Mama Needs OPTIONS!
Sometimes a folding fan just isn’t enough. That’s where my rechargeable mini fans come in!
I bought a two-pack of these little clip-on fans so I could switch them out when one needed charging. They’re great for hot theme park days, sitting on the beach, or anytime I need a little extra breeze.
Affiliate link — I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
I have another favorite, too! These flexible, wraparound fans can attach to a sling bag, stroller handle, beach umbrella, or just about anything they’ll fit around.
I’ve purchased TWO for us and THREE for clients!
When I’m not traveling, I use mine at my son’s soccer games. I wrap it around the arm of my folding chair and enjoy a little breeze while watching him play.
Mama needs to have options AND stay cool! 😂
Shop My Wraparound Portable Fan
Affiliate link — I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Yes, I still bring my folding fan. That’s right. I have a backup to my backup. At this point, are we even surprised?
Little Things That Save Your Sanity
Not every travel essential has to be big, expensive, or electronic. Some of my favorites are the little things that make a long travel day, shared hotel room, or overnight flight much more comfortable.
10. Curvo Earplugs: Because Sleep Is Precious!
Sometimes the best travel accessories are the ones that save your sanity at 2 AM.
Maybe there’s a snoring gentleman seated near you on an overnight flight. Maybe your husband forgot his CPAP. Or maybe you’re sharing a hotel room with a few girlfriends, one of whom has a rather impressive snore.
Names have been withheld to protect the guilty! 😂
I learned that last lesson the hard way during a previous girls’ trip. When I recently shared a room with the same friends, I came PREPARED.
Enter my Curvo earplugs! They’re easy to pack and help reduce unwanted noise so I have a better chance of getting some much-needed sleep.
They’re also helpful when your spoiled dog insists on sleeping with her head on your pillow and snoring directly into your ear.
No charging. No batteries. Just a little peace and quiet.
Affiliate link — I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
11. Vanilla Bean Lip Balm: My Little Obsession
Some people collect souvenirs when they travel. Apparently, I collect lip balm.
I may have a SLIGHT obsession with this stuff. By slight, I mean I buy a big box about twice a year and stash tubes EVERYWHERE. My purse, my travel bag, my desk… you get the idea. I actually have TWO sitting on my desk as I write this!
Vanilla Bean is my absolute favorite flavor.
If you fly frequently, you know how incredibly dry airplane cabin air can be. By the time I land, my lips always seem to need a little extra attention.
This tiny essential takes up practically no room in my bag but makes a big difference in comfort. Yes, I have backups. Of course I do. 😂
Shop My Favorite Vanilla Bean Lip Balm
Affiliate link — I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
12. My Favorite Sleep Mask
I take a sleep mask with me EVERYWHERE. You never know when you’re going to need to block out a little extra light and catch some sleep!
I’ve owned several sleep masks over the years, and this is hands down the most comfortable one I’ve ever used.
It has an adjustable Velcro closure in the back, so I can customize the fit instead of dealing with a tight elastic strap. Once I put it on, it STAYS on until I take it off the next morning! I wash mine and let it air-dry, and it’s held up beautifully.
It’s especially helpful when I’m ready for bed but the rest of my travel party is still awake, watching television, or reading.
My favorite combination? This sleep mask paired with my Curvo earplugs. GAME CHANGER!
Block out the light, reduce the noise, and enjoy some peace even when your travel companions have other plans. It’s lightweight, takes up almost no room in my carry-on, and would also be fantastic for long-haul international flights.
Affiliate link — I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
BONUS: My Favorite Packing Hacks That Cost Practically Nothing!
Not every travel essential needs to come from Amazon. Two of my favorite packing tricks involve things you probably already have around your house!
Shower Caps for Shoes
Did you know disposable shower caps fit over the bottoms of most shoes? Seriously!
Before packing shoes into my suitcase, I slip a shower cap over the soles. It keeps the dirt and grime from my shoes from touching my clean clothes.
They’re lightweight, inexpensive, and take up practically no room. Sometimes the simplest solutions are the BEST!
Plastic Grocery Bags for Damp Clothes
I also tuck a few plastic grocery bags into my suitcase before every trip. They’re perfect for separating damp swimsuits, beachwear, or clothing that didn’t quite finish drying before it’s time to pack up and head home.
Nobody wants to open a suitcase and discover their damp swimsuit has made everything else smell like yesterday’s pool party!
Just unpack those damp items as soon as you arrive home so they can dry properly. Simple, practical, and essentially FREE!
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
If you’ve made it this far, you’ve probably figured out two things about me: I REALLY like to stay organized, and I believe in having a contingency plan for EVERYTHING. 😂
What can I say? I’m an eldest daughter AND a Virgo. Being organized, planning ahead, and having backups for my backups practically comes with the territory!
I think that’s part of what makes me a good concierge travel advisor. Through years of personal travel and helping clients navigate their adventures, I’ve learned that anticipating the little things can make a BIG difference.
The right accessories won’t prevent every delayed flight, unexpected travel hiccup, or snoring roommate, but they can make the experience a whole lot more comfortable.
Whether you’re planning your first cruise, heading to Disney with the kids, traveling internationally, or escaping for a relaxing beach vacation, I hope a few of my tried-and-true favorites help make your next adventure easier.
Remember, you don’t need to pack EVERYTHING. Find the things that work for you and your travel style.
Because the goal isn’t to pack more. It’s to travel smarter.
Happy travels!
Dream it. Design it. Dash Away!
PERSONALIZED SERVICE. TRUSTED EXPERTISE. UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEYS.
Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use or similar alternatives I believe may be helpful.
Discover more from Dash Away Destinations
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.