T+L’s Top Travel Advisors on the Accessories They Never Leave Home Without

What travel accessory do you always pack? Our A-List advisors spend a lot of time on airplanes and in hotels, and have come to appreciate how certain items can make or break a trip. Yes, we all know about Apple AirTags. But what about a cashmere blanket? A silk scarf? A first-aid kit? Below, 14 travel experts offer their favorite accessories they won’t travel without. 

Small Airplane Pouch

“Have you ever tossed your carry-on in the overhead compartment, but forgotten to take out key essentials needed mid-flight? I always pack a small pouch of miscellaneous items in my personal bag (think: phone charger, Kindle, and headphones). This way I have everything I need in one place beside me, while making sure the overhead space I do use is only filled with items I’ll need after I land. I also use a pouch to hold all of my toiletries for overnight flights.” — Steve Orens, Plaza Travel

Silk Scarf

“I love my Fendi black silk scarf. It’s great when it gets chilly on the plane, or it can be worn as a stylish piece to change up an outfit. Unique scarves and pashminas are also one of my favorite things to collect from around the world.” — Kristin Chambers, D.A. Luxury Travel & TravelLustre

Blu Bag Totes

“I always travel with a Blu Bag. This reusable tote folds down to a 4×4 square, has a zippered case, and can carry up to 50 pounds. It’s easy to store in my small purse, and best of all, 20 cents of every sale supports the Ocean Conservancy, which creates evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it.” — Susan Whitson, Susan Whitson Travel

Portable Power Charger

“A portable power bank for your mobile devices is indispensable for modern travel. With devices being used throughout the day for various purposes, battery life can quickly drain. I always pack my power bank, which extends my device’s use, ensuring I never miss a moment of my trip, even at the end of a long day of exploration.” — Matteo Della Grazia & Daniela Mencarelli, Fuoritinerario – Discover Your Italy

Airalo eSIM

“My must-have travel accessory is Airalo’s eSIM platform. With the Airalo app downloaded on my phone, I know I’ll have constant access to mobile data and WhatsApp voice calls no matter the destination. The digital eSIM completely eliminates the need to switch physical SIM cards or worry about roaming fees, saving me a fortune and offering convenience when I am away from Wi-Fi networks.” — Christos Stergiou, TrueTrips

Earplugs

“I’ve had too many sleepless nights to ever leave home again without a set (or two) of good earplugs. Being able to block out nearby noises — whether the engine on a ship, a lively city that stays up all night, or a chattering monkey out in the middle of the jungle — is a lifesaver. For this reason, earplugs are a must-have travel accessory for me.” — Erin Correia, Adventure Life

Mobile Hot Spot

“I don’t leave home without my portable travel Wi-Fi. This pocket-sized gadget (mine is from Sapphire, but other brands make them, too) allows me to stay connected when my cellular service is bad or a hotel has poor connection (which can even happen in luxury properties).” — Tiffany Layne, LaVon Private Luxury

Leica Q3

“A camera (or two) depending on the destination and timeline plus a pair of noise-canceling headphones are my must-haves for travel. I’m loving my Leica Q3 right now, which is a gorgeous camera for shooting. And on trips with a bit more time, I try to bring my vintage Pentax K1000 — it has been a lot of fun to shoot with film.” — Erina Pindar, SmartFlyer

Trtl Neck Pillow

“Don’t leave home without some sort of neck support. The Trtl neck pillow is my latest choice for comfort, but the Bcozzy wraparound is another good choice, too.” — Susan Neva, Alluring Africa

Cashmere Blanket

“There’s nothing worse than freezing on a plane or being sick on a trip. That’s why I pack a washable cashmere blanket for cold flights.” — Kristen Korey Pike, KK Travels Worldwide

First-aid Kit

“A mini medical kit is an absolute necessity. It’s uncomfortable to have a headache, a small cut, or an upset stomach far from home or at an inopportune time. Traveling with a small medical kit means you can get instant relief and not interrupt your travels by feeling unwell.” — Melissa Lee, Royal Travel

Lint Brush

“I don’t leave home without a lint brush and travel-size steamer. Having these items means that at any time, in any place, I can ensure my clothes look fresh and professional in a matter of minutes.” — Drew Kluska, The Tailor

Packing Cubes

“I love my Monos compressible packing cubes. I often try to avoid checking luggage, and these are a game changer. I also never leave home without my portable charger (with international adaptors included).” — Candice Heckel, Africa Endeavours

Empty Luggage Space

“I can confidently say my favorite travel accessory isn’t a fancy gadget, but something far more valuable: extra suitcase space. We all know the struggle — deciding whether the real estate in our suitcase will go to our personal belongings or those amazing souvenirs we discover along the way. France is a notorious culprit, whether it’s the latest Parisian fashions or the delectable artisanal specialties in the countryside. Trust me, you’ll be happy you left the extra room.” — Mark Bonte, French Side Travel