Best Travel Accessories to Organize Your Bags

Maximizing Space with Compression Cubes and Packing Cells for Travel

Let's face it, space is precious, especially when you're trying to avoid those pesky checked baggage fees. Compression cubes and packing cells are your best friends here. They work by compressing your clothes, squeezing out excess air, and creating a more compact and organized space within your suitcase. Think of them as individual drawers for your luggage.

How to use them: Roll your clothes tightly and pack them into the cubes. Zip them up, and watch them shrink! Separate your clothes by type (shirts, pants, underwear) or by outfit for easy access. This also helps prevent wrinkles.

Product Recommendations:

• Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Tech Cube Set: Lightweight, durable, and water-resistant. Expect to pay around $40-$50 for a set of three.
• Amazon Basics Packing Cubes: A budget-friendly option that still offers great organization. A set of four typically costs around $20-$30.
• Shacke Pak - Packing Cubes 5 Set with Laundry Bag: Includes a laundry bag to keep your dirty clothes separate. Priced around $30-$40.

Comparison: Eagle Creek is known for its quality and durability, making it a solid investment. Amazon Basics provides excellent value for the price. Shacke Pak offers the added convenience of a laundry bag.

Keeping Toiletries Organized with Hanging Toiletry Bags and Waterproof Pouches

Leaky shampoo bottles and scattered toiletries are a traveler's nightmare. A good toiletry bag keeps everything contained, organized, and easily accessible. Hanging toiletry bags are particularly useful for hotel bathrooms with limited counter space.

Features to look for: Water-resistant material, multiple compartments, a sturdy hook for hanging, and a clear plastic compartment for liquids (for easy security checks).

Product Recommendations:

• L.L.Bean Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag: Durable, well-organized, and comes in various sizes. Prices range from $30-$50 depending on the size.
• Mossio Hanging Toiletry Bag: Affordable and offers plenty of storage space. Typically costs around $20-$30.
• Herschel Supply Co. Chapter Travel Kit: Stylish and compact, perfect for minimalist travelers. Priced around $30-$40.

Comparison: L.L.Bean is known for its quality and longevity. Mossio is a great budget-friendly option. Herschel offers a more stylish and compact design.

Protecting Your Tech with Electronic Organizers and Cable Management Solutions

In today's digital world, we travel with a plethora of electronic devices and chargers. A dedicated tech organizer is essential for keeping everything safe, untangled, and easily accessible. No more digging through your bag for that elusive charging cable!

What to look for: Padded compartments, elastic loops for cables, and a water-resistant exterior.

Product Recommendations:

• Bagsmart Electronic Organizer: Offers ample storage for cables, chargers, and small electronic devices. Prices range from $20-$30.
• Cocoon GRID-IT! Organizer: A unique grid system that holds items securely in place. Typically costs around $20-$30.
• Anker PowerPort Strip PD 3: Combines a power strip with USB charging ports, perfect for charging multiple devices at once. Priced around $30-$40.

Comparison: Bagsmart provides a more traditional organizer with multiple compartments. Cocoon GRID-IT! offers a flexible and customizable storage solution. Anker PowerPort is ideal for travelers who need to charge multiple devices simultaneously.

Staying Hydrated on the Go: Collapsible Water Bottles and Hydration Reservoirs

Staying hydrated is crucial when traveling, but carrying a bulky water bottle can be a pain. Collapsible water bottles and hydration reservoirs offer a convenient and space-saving solution.

Why they're great: They fold down small when empty, saving valuable space in your bag. Hydration reservoirs are perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities.

Product Recommendations:

• Hydrapak Stow 500 ml Collapsible Water Bottle: Lightweight, durable, and easy to pack. Costs around $20-$25.
• Vapur Element Bottle: Another popular collapsible water bottle option. Typically priced around $15-$20.
• CamelBak Crux Reservoir: A high-quality hydration reservoir for hiking and backpacking. Prices range from $30-$40.

Comparison: Hydrapak and Vapur are both excellent choices for collapsible water bottles. CamelBak is the gold standard for hydration reservoirs.

Protecting Valuables with Hidden Pockets and Anti-Theft Bags

Unfortunately, theft is a reality of travel. Protecting your valuables with hidden pockets and anti-theft bags is a smart precaution. These accessories can deter pickpockets and give you peace of mind.

Features to look for: Hidden compartments, slash-resistant materials, RFID blocking technology, and secure zippers.

Product Recommendations:

• Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag: A stylish and secure messenger bag with multiple anti-theft features. Prices range from $60-$80.
• Pacsafe Venturesafe X12 Anti-Theft Backpack: A versatile backpack with slash-resistant panels and RFID blocking pockets. Typically costs around $80-$100.
• Zero Grid Money Belt with RFID Blocking: A discreet money belt that keeps your cash and cards safe. Priced around $20-$30.

Comparison: Travelon and Pacsafe are both reputable brands known for their anti-theft features. Zero Grid offers a simple and effective solution for protecting your valuables.

Making Laundry Easier on the Road: Portable Washing Bags and Laundry Detergent Sheets

Doing laundry while traveling can be a hassle, but it's often necessary, especially on longer trips. Portable washing bags and laundry detergent sheets make the process much easier.

How they work: Portable washing bags allow you to wash clothes in your hotel sink or shower. Laundry detergent sheets are lightweight and dissolve easily in water.

Product Recommendations:

• Scrubba Wash Bag: A portable washing bag with a built-in washboard. Costs around $50-$60.
• Sea to Summit Pocket Laundry Wash: A concentrated laundry detergent that comes in a small, lightweight bottle. Typically priced around $10-$15.
• Tru Earth Laundry Detergent Eco-Strips: Laundry detergent sheets that are eco-friendly and easy to use. A pack of 32 strips costs around $20-$25.

Comparison: Scrubba Wash Bag is a more robust option for washing clothes. Sea to Summit Pocket Laundry Wash is a convenient liquid detergent. Tru Earth Eco-Strips are a sustainable and easy-to-use option.

Staying Comfortable on Long Flights: Travel Pillows, Eye Masks, and Earplugs

Long flights can be uncomfortable, but the right accessories can make a big difference. Travel pillows, eye masks, and earplugs can help you relax and get some much-needed rest.

What to look for: A supportive travel pillow, a comfortable eye mask that blocks out light, and noise-canceling earplugs.

Product Recommendations:

• Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow: A memory foam travel pillow with a strap that attaches to your airplane seat. Prices range from $40-$50.
• Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask: A soft and comfortable eye mask made from natural silk. Typically costs around $10-$15.
• Mack's Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs: Moldable silicone earplugs that block out noise effectively. Priced around $5-$10.

Comparison: Cabeau Evolution S3 is a high-quality travel pillow. Alaska Bear offers a luxurious and comfortable eye mask. Mack's Pillow Soft Earplugs are a reliable and affordable option for noise reduction.

Staying Organized with Travel Wallets and Passport Holders with RFID Blocking

Keep your important documents and cards organized and protected with a travel wallet or passport holder. RFID blocking technology prevents electronic theft of your credit card and passport information.

Features to look for: Multiple compartments for cards, cash, and documents, RFID blocking material, and a secure closure.

Product Recommendations:

• Travelambo RFID Blocking Passport Holder Wallet: A stylish and functional passport holder with RFID blocking technology. Prices range from $15-$20.
• Zoppen Multi-purpose Rfid Blocking Travel Passport Wallet: Offers ample storage for multiple passports and travel documents. Typically costs around $20-$25.
• Herschel Supply Co. Raynor Passport Holder: A minimalist and stylish passport holder. Priced around $20-$25.

Comparison: Travelambo and Zoppen offer more comprehensive organization. Herschel provides a more streamlined and stylish option.