Must-Have Travel Items For 2024

2024 is going to be a big year for traveling! No matter if you’re flying off in a plane or hopping into an RV for an extended road trip, having the right gear can can certainly add to the fun and efficiency of your trip. Check out my list of must-have travel items to take along on your next adventure.

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TSA Approved Luggage Lock

It’s critically important to have a good luggage lock when you travel. It can deter thieves from rooting around in your suitcase, whether in the airport, on a bus or in your hotel room. We always travel with TSA approved luggage locks. TSA agents have a universal master key that fits into the bottom of all approved locks. They can get into your luggage for inspection without having to break your lock or cut into your suitcase in order to do it.

We purchased three digit combination locks so that we wouldn’t have to worry about keeping track of a physical key. We highly recommend them, as long as you don’t forget your combination! They’re great for both carry-on and checked suitcases, backpacks, briefcases and even gym lockers.

TravelWise Packing Cubes

Packing for a trip became much more efficient once we invested in a set of packing cubes. Packing cubes are like drawers for your luggage! They are zip containers that organize your belongings and fit right inside your suitcase. They help compress clothing, therefore saving space in your luggage. They also keep clothing from shifting around during transit, resulting in fewer wrinkles.

Packing cubes also help you stay organized once you’ve reached your destination. Separating similar items into cubes keeps you from having to rummage through your entire suitcase when looking for a particular item. The cubes can go right into a drawer without unpacking. The zippers that go around the top of the cube make it convenient to access your items.

I love this five piece set by TravelWise. The mesh design allow you to easily see what’s inside. Not only does it make it easy for you to locate your favorite pair of shorts, it helps security travel agents check out your luggage without pawing through all of your loose clothing.

Airplane Seat Covers

So many of us are currently grounded due to the pandemic. An ever-present question for travel lovers is “When can I safely fly again?” When air traffic starts to open up, having airplane seat covers may help bring peace of mind as we once again take to the skies. These Kehei Traveler Protective Airplane Seat Covers offer some protection by reducing the chances of picking up any unwanted dust or germs. This particular set includes a seat cover, arm rest covers and an airplane tray table cover. The set also comes with a protective pouch with an external clip for easy transport. Velcro straps ensure easy application and a good fit. They can also be used for seats on trains and busses. Best of all, these covers made of cotton poly blend that is machine washable and reusable. Product details claim that this set weighs in at only 5.5 ounces.

Blue Light Glasses

With COVID shutdowns and people working and learning remotely, there has been an explosion in sales of blue light blocking glasses. Their purpose is to filter the light that is emitted from electronic devices. At first I thought I wouldn’t need them, as I have my computer, laptop and iPhone set to eye saver or night mode already. But once I started long hours of remote teaching and Zoom meetings, I definitely felt eye strain at the end of the day.

I purchased these glasses from Amazon, and immediately noticed a difference once I started using them. I definitely felt less drained at the end of the day. Best of all, I started sleeping better at night. I’ve struggled with insomnia for years, and have long made it a point to end all screen time a few hours before bed. Apparently the blue light from electronic devices interferes with the body’s production of melatonin, and even working in night mode kept me awake for hours.

This pair that I purchased are reading glasses. They can be ordered in a variety of strengths, or without any magnification at all if you aren’t yet ready for readers.

What do blue light blocking glasses have to do with traveling? Now that I’m blogging, I’m on my laptop even while on vacation. Best of all, I can watch an in-flight movie while on a plane and still be able to sleep afterwards!

Purchase your pair of blue light glasses here.

Macks Silicone Putty Earplugs

As I’ve said before, being a good sleeper is not one of my strengths. I have a hard time tuning out any noises while traveling, from people walking up and down the hall in a hotel, traffic outside or heaven-forbid the TV blaring in the room next door. Rather than tuning out the sound, I’m more likely to be tuning in to figure out what show they’re watching. Add that to my high likelihood of being seated near a screaming infant on a plane, and my need for a good set of ear plugs is readily apparent.

I’ve had trouble with foam ear plugs that pop out when I use them. After trying several different brands, my issues were resolved when I discovered Mack’s silicone earplugs that easily mold to the shape of your ear. I have small ears, so I actually buy Mack’s ear plugs in kid size. They also have earplugs specifically designed for swimming. The product description claims that these earplugs have been tested and proven to help relieve airplane ear pressure and pain due while flying. I can’t offer an opinion on this either way, as I fortunately do not suffer from ear pain on flights.

Go to Mack’s Silicone Putty Earplugs for a little peace and quiet!

Airplane Foot Rest

Being a short person, I’ve struggled to sit comfortably on long flights. If I sit back in the seat, my feet dangle in the air. I had to be mindful of the carry on I chose to stowe under the seat in front of me, as I ended up having to rest my feet on it in order to avoid back pain. Nothing like having foot prints all over your travel bag!

I love this portable foot rest , as it folds up into a compact rectangle that can easily fit inside a backpack, over the shoulder bag, or in the front pocket of a suitcase. It’s essentially a sturdy little bench, and quite durable: I’be been using mine for about 10 years now. One thing I like about it is that it doesn’t interfere with anyone else’s experience on the plane, unlike some of the hanging foot hammocks that I’ve seen. This foot rest is lightweight and about 1 inch high when folded up and about 5 inches in height when unfolded.

It’s definitely a must-have item for anyone who is 5’3″ or under!

Follow this link to the airplane portable foot rest.

Rubberneckers Travel Game

With both International and domestic flights remaining limited, I’m guessing 2021 will be the summer of road trips. Dreading the “are we there yet?” syndrome? If you’re looking to entertain your kids while in the car, camper, or RV, check out the Rubberneckers game. It’s like the “I Spy” game that we played in the car when we were kids. Players are each dealt a had of cards, and then must spot the items that are in their hand. There is a point value for each item, such as earning five points for spotting a dog in a vehicle. There are also some specialty cards mixed to keep things interesting, like trying to engage someone in a different vehicle. The cards are illustrated with colorful, cartoon-like characters that add to the fun.

Have some fun and grab your Rubberneckers Travel Game.

Travel Journal

I love to travel, and for me, planning the trip and creating a photo album once we get back home are a huge part of the experience. Anticipation and reminiscing add to the joy. A travel journal is a terrific way to document your trip: before, during and after. 

I love the cover on this Erin Condren Designer Petite Planner.  Its petite size makes it easy to carry it along. The journal contains pages for creating a packing list and recording all of your flight details. There are also 28 spreads for recording and reflecting on your adventure, making it easy to jot down notes about the meals you’ve enjoyed, the sights you’ve seen and the unique interactions you’ve created with people you encounter along the way.

Trtl Travel Pillow

Some people, they say, are lucky and have the ability to fall asleep anywhere. I have to say, these people kind of bug me! I am right up there among the world’s worst sleepers. Between flights and layovers, it took us 17 hours to get to Hawaii and I never got a single wink of sleep along the way. David, on the other hand, sprawled out on the floor in the terminal, snoring away as people literally had to step over him to board their plane! We are the classic example of a sleep-inequity couple.

I am always on the hunt for a comfortable neck pillow that might actually allow me to sleep on a plane. Those U-shaped neck supports just don’t quite make it for me. I am still that person who almost drifts off and then jerks awake with a colossal head bob.

A friend of mine swears by the Trtl Pillow. (it’s pronounced turtle) It actually resembles a fleece scarf with an inner support system. The support comes by way of a built-in plastic brace and an adjustable fastening. The TRTL pillow is made of machine washable, super-soft fleece. An added bonus: it’s smaller than most neck pillows. The TRTL pillow is small enough that it can easily be stowed inside your carry on, or it can attach to a strap or handle on the outside of your bag. I definitely plan on purchasing one the next time I schedule a long-distance flight.

OLYMPUS TOUGH T-6 CAMERA

Wanting to upgrade from your cell phone camera to a more professional one, but don’t particularly want to lug around the weight of a DSL camera? Not to mention hoping to avoid shelling out a couple of thousand dollars? Check out the compact, travel-friendly Olympus Tough T-6. It’s a rugged, waterproof camera that gets sharp images while being incredibly easy to use.

It’s a great lightweight camera both for beginners and more advanced photographers. It’s possible to get great photos just by keeping it in the automatic setting and using it as a point-and shoot camera. There are many other shooting modes to choose from, including manual aperture settings, microscope close-ups, landscape scenery, nightscapes, indoor portraits, underwater modes and high speed movies. Like all Olympus cameras, there are a ton of great interchangeable lenses available for for the TG-6.

I’ve had several people compliment me on the photos in my blog posts, asking what kind of camera I use. The majority of of them were taken with my Olympus Tough. This little camera has accompanied me into the Amazon rainforest, through the towers of La Sagrada Familia in Spain, and braved the rides at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It’s been dropped on the pavement and covered with dust with no ill effects. The TG- 6 is made to be an underwater camera, waterproof up to 50 feet. While I haven’t taken mine snorkeling yet, I have taken it out on my paddle board and getting splashed didn’t impact my photos in the least.

I purchased a protective lens filter and carrying case for mine. I’m not big on having to hold on to something in my hands or having something hanging around my neck while I’m hiking. I use a carabiner to attach the camera case to my belt loop and I’m good to go.

Check out the Olympus Tough T-6 here.

MEGNYA WALKING SANDALS

I strive to pack light when I travel. (there are definitely times when I am more successful than others!) One thing that can weigh down your luggage in a hurry is carrying multiple pairs of shoes. I’m always on the lookout for footwear that is great both for long-distance walking and stylish enough to wear with a dress in the evening. Finding decent sandals is a challenge for me, as I have high arches and get irritated with a flip flop that has a little strap between my toes. I was happy to have my requirements met when I discovered Megnya walking sandals.

These lightweight sandals have a cushioned sole that make them comfortable to walk in as well as providing a good grip. I love the arch support and the unrestricted toes. It’s also possible to adjust and tighten the straps for a better fit. I’ve worn them to the beach and while paddle boarding without having to worry about getting them wet. It’s easy to hose off the sand afterward. They are great are to wear around the pool or while biking, aboard the cruise boat or into the resort hotel.

There are 25 different colors of Megnya Sandals to choose from! They are available in sizes 5 -11. (no half sizes) Not traveling at the moment? Megnya sandals are the perfect casual sandals no matter whether you are going on vacation or hanging out at home.

Here’s the link to check out all of the different colors available for Megnya Walking Sandals.

TravelOn Laundry Soap Sheets

Anybody out there who loves spending time in the laundromat while on vacation? We certainly don’t. That’s why we always plan on washing a few items in our hotel sink.

These laundry soap sheets are great for washing clothes in the midst of a trip. The thin sheets dissolve when they come into contact with water. The instructions caution you to remove the sheets from the package with a dry hand. We like to carry a Ziplock bag to assist in the dissolving process. We put a laundry sheet into the Ziplock, add some water and shake it a bit before dumping it into the sink. Another great tip is to carry the pack in a dry Ziplock along with moisture control beads you get when purchasing new shoes or vitamins. This helps you keep the pack from getting wet, which will result in all of the sheets dissolving.

Travel Clothesline

Now that you’ve got some freshly washed undergarments or a bathing suit wet from a swim, the question becomes how to dry them. We found our answer in an easily portable travel clothesline. Our is an older model with adjustable Velcro loops on the ends that makes it easy to attach to shower heads, doorknobs or even hotel window latches. We have had occasions where we’ve looped one end over the shower head and have nothing to attach the second loop to. This issue has been addressed with newer models that comes with both hooks and suction cups at the ends. It makes it easy to wash clothes out at night and have them dry by morning!

Electronics Cable Organizer

Tired of tangled-up cords misplaced chargers? Me, too. When I first started traveling around, the only real device I carried around with me was my camera, complete with rolls of film. The world of electronics has changed so much since then, and now, in addition to my digital camera, my carry-on usually includes my cell phone, laptop, and noise cancelling headphones. And in this novel days of living during a pandemic: my PhoneSoap machine! Naturally, they all come with chargers, power cords, batteries and memory cards. My system of organizing my electronics with rubber bands long ago became outdated.

Add a little organization to your travels with a BAGSMART Electronic Organizer. It’s small size makes it portable and it can easily be thrown into a backpack or carry-on luggage. The bag is made of water-repellent nylon for extra protection and is available in a variety of colors. There are elastic loops for holding cables, computer mouse, and pens, a  mesh zippered pocket, and 5 elasticized mesh segments to hold smaller items such as batteries, flash drives, and memory cards.

Reusable METAL STRAWS

A photo of a sea turtle with a plastic straw up its nostril went viral a few years ago, causing me to swear off of plastic straws for good. Straws are just one example of lightweight, single-use plastics that end up in the ocean, polluting the water and potentially harming sea life. Let’s take action to reduce plastic pollution, starting with the straw!

I purchased a set of reusable, stainless steel straws that came in a mesh carrying bag. The kit contains a wide, long straw for smoothies, sodas and juices, a bent straw perfect for cocktails, a short straw for tumblers, a metal stir stick and a cleaning brush. The pieces are dishwasher safe, so I do a quick rinse with the cleaning brush and then place them in the dishwasher. Reusable straws are great for traveling, heading out for a night on the town or for use at home.

I bought the very first kit of metal straws that I saw, and since that time they have exploded in popularity. While my basic kit suits me just fine, it’s now possible to buy metal straws in a wide variety of colors. You can also choose straws with silicone tips that help keep your lips from getting too hot or too cold. Consider encouraging the traveler in your life to engage in more eco-friendly practices: Ditch the plastic straw!

Look for reusable metal straws here.

I’ll be updating this list as I make new discoveries, so do check back from time to time. Happy travels!

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