40 best TRAVEL ITEMS THAT WE USE & LOVE
~ Pin This Post To Pinterest ~
table of contents
Welcome to The Ultimate Travel Gear Round Up!
From fearless solo explorers to dreamy couples’ retreats, or even wrangling the whole family for a grand adventure, having the right gear can transform your journey from "meh" to magnificent.
Imagine gliding through airports with lightweight luggage or enjoying a long flight with a cozy travel pillow – we’ve got you covered.
My obsession with travel products has led me to test numerous brands and items. After all the experimenting, these are the ones that work best for me and my family. I'm excited to share our tried, tested, and true favorites with you!
Our tips will keep you organized, help you pack faster, and ensure a smoother journey. Ready to discover travel gear that makes your trips easier, more comfortable, and a lot more fun? Dive in and let’s get packing!
Travel Bags, Backpacks & Luggage
1.Kids carry-on suitcase:
Name/Brand: Heys
Description: This Pastel 21" Carry-On Luggage is perfect for my children, featuring stand-out pastel colors and a lightweight, durable design. It offers a spacious interior, 360° spinner wheels, and a built-in TSA-approved lock, making it both fun and practical for young travellers.
Why We Love It: Fun colors, easy maneuverability, good price point, & wipes clean.
Price Range: $189 CDN (at time of posting)
2. my carry-on suitcase:
Name/Brand: Travelpro Maxlite® 5
Description: 19" International Carry-On Expandable Spinner is a lightweight, durable travel companion with an expandable design for extra packing space. Its 360° spinner wheels and ergonomic handle ensure effortless mobility, making it ideal for international travel.
Why We Love It: Compact size, lightweight (5.3lbs), & great quality.
Price Range: $187 CDN (at time of posting)
3. FAMILY Carry-on/PERSONAL bag:
Name/Brand: Weekender Overnight Bag
Description: A stylish, expandable travel bag designed with waterproof material for durability. The bag's versatile design includes a detachable shoulder strap and sturdy handles, making it ideal for weekend getaways or as a carry-on.
Why We Love It: It has multiple zippered compartments for organized packing, exterior pockets, a spacious main compartment, convenient shoe pocket and a luggage strap. The main compartment has double zippers that can be used with a lock or travel biner, like the one listed below under safety.
Price Range: $39.99 CDN (at time of posting)
4. kids backpack/personal item:
Name/Brand: Deuter Junior
Description: The Deuter Junior Backpack is perfect for travel, school or hiking, featuring a lightweight and durable design with ergonomic shoulder straps for comfortable wear. With a capacity of 18 liters, its spacious compartments and elasticized outter pockets make it ideal for young adventurers.
Why We Love It: It has enough room for essentials without becoming too heavy for our kids.
Price Range: $79 CDN (at time of posting)
5. Adult backpacks:
Name/Brand: Osprey unisex-adult Hikelite 18Hiking Daypack
Description: It is lightweight and versatile backpack designed for day hikes, featuring a ventilated back panel for comfort and an integrated rain cover for weather protection. Its spacious 18-liter capacity and multiple compartments make it perfect for organizing and carrying your essentials.
Why We Love It: The airflow from the back suspension keeps my back cool, and it is great size for day travel. The main compartment has two zippers for a lock. Others may find that a metal frame is too cumbersome and not flexible enough, but the fact that it stops me from getting a sweaty back and it has a built-in rain cover is enough for me to continue using it.
Price Range: $107-250 CDN (at time of posting)
Organizers
1. PACKING CUBES:
Name/Brand: BAGSMART
Description: The packing cube suitcase set includes seven lightweight organizers, perfect for keeping your luggage neatly arranged and maximizing space. The set features a variety of sizes, including a shoe bag, ensuring all your travel essentials stay organized and easily accessible.
Why We Love It: They keep their shape, stand upright (hallelujah!), have handles and items inside are easily accessible.
Price Range: $26 CDN (at time of posting)
2. stuff sack:
Name/Brand: The Frelaxy Compression Stuff Sack
Description: This water-resistant ultralight bag is designed to compress and store your sleeping bag, clothing, or gear efficiently. The sack is available in multiple sizes and is ideal for backpacking camping, and traveling.
Why We Love It: I like using it for dirty laundry. It features durable straps for maximum compression, reducing bulk by up to 80%
Price Range: $18.99 CDN (at time of posting)
3. COMPRESSION CUBES:
Name/Brand: Alameda
Description: The Compression Packing Cube set offers three durable and lightweight organizers designed to maximize space in your luggage. Featuring a unique compression zipper, these cubes help reduce bulk, making it easier to pack more efficiently for any trip..
Why We Love It: The material compresses well (unlike mesh), I can stuff a lot in them, they have fun designs, and they help us stay organized. I like to use them fo PJS, socks, underwear, and swim gear. I havn’t found a way to roll and compress clothes without wrinkles.
Price Range: $51.50 CDN (at time of posting)
4. CABLE & CHARGER BAG:
Name/Brand: ProCase
Description: Travel Tech Organizer Case Bag is a shockproof and protective solution for organizing electronics accessories. Ideal for chargers, cables, power banks, and memory cards, this durable case keeps your gadgets secure and easily accessible while on the go.
Why We Love It: Keeps all our cords organized on the go.
Price Range: $19.99 CDN (at the time of booking)
5. OVER THE DOOR ORGANIZERS:
Name/Brand: SimpleHouseware
Description: 24-Pocket Over Door Hanging Shoe Organizer is a practical and space-saving solution, featuring 24 clear pockets to store and organize kids outfits, socks, underwear and accessories.
Why We Love It: It is lightweight, takes up very little room and is a great way to keep kids organized. I fill each pocket with a daily outfit, underwear, and socks, fold it up, and pack it.
Price Range: $19.87 CDN (at time of posting)
6. MEDICINE ORGANIZERS:
Name/Brand: FYY
Description: Daily Pill Organizer features multiple compartments to keep your supplements and medication neatly sorted and easily accessible. Its compact, portable design makes it perfect for travel, ensuring you stay organized and healthy.
Why We Love It: Small and compact. They come in multiple colours so I can have one for the kids and one for my Husband and I.
Price Range: $15.99 CDN (at time of posting)
7. RFID PASSPORT WALLET:
Name/Brand: BKNOOU
Description: Waterproof and RFID-blocking travel wallet designed to keep your passports, cards, and travel documents secure and organized. Its compact and durable design ensures your essentials are protected from both theft and the elements.
Why We Love It: It has enough room for our family of five’s passports. It also prevents my Husband from washing his passport, again.
Price Range: $25.99 CDN (at time of posting)
Toiletries
1. TOILETRY BAG:
Name/Brand: Travelon
Description: This toiletry Kit is a versatile and compact travel organizer, featuring a unique design that allows it to lay flat for easy packing or expand into a roomy kit. With multiple compartments and durable construction, it keeps your toiletries organized and accessible on the go.
Why We Love It: It can sit flat on the counter or hang, and it has lots of organizational options.
Price Range: $35.28 CDN (at time of posting)
2. TOOTHBRUSHES:
Name/Brand: RADIUS Tour Travel Toothbrush
Description: It is a compact and eco-friendly travel solution, featuring a replaceable brush head and an integrated case for hygiene and convenience. ADA accepted, it promotes gum health and is perfect for maintaining your oral care routine on the go.
Why We Love It: The handle is also a case that keeps your toothbrush covered from germs plus the head is replaceable.
Price Range:
3. TOILETRY CONTAINERS:
Name/Brand: The Mokani Silicone Travel Bottles set
Description: This set includes 17 TSA-approved, leakproof containers for toiletries, ideal for shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and other liquids. Made from BPA-free silicone, these refillable bottles are designed for convenience and easy packing. The set ensures you can carry all your travel essentials securely and efficiently.
Why We Love It: They are leak proof and cute, plus I like the assortment of sizes and containers.
Price Range: $14.99 CDN (at time of posting)
4. DRY SHAMPOO:
Name/Brand: KINK'd Beauty
Description: They offer a range of natural hair care products, including their popular natural dry shampoos, which are available in various shades to match different hair colors. These products are handmade, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly.
Why We Love It: One less liquid to pack and it keeps my roots from looking oily. The container is a bit big for 7-10 days of travel. You may want to transfer it to a different container.
Price Range: $18 CDN (at time of posting)
5. SHAMPOO & Conditioner Bars WITH TRAVEL CASE:
Name/Brand: The Jack59 Weekender Travel Set
Description: The set includes a shampoo bar, conditioner bar, and a mini compostable shower container, providing an eco-friendly and convenient hair care solution for travelers. Ideal for weekend getaways or business trips, this TSA-friendly set ensures you can maintain your hair care routine on the go without the hassle of liquid spills.
Why We Love It: Less liquids to pack, great sents and ecco friendly!
Price Range: $32 CDN (at time of posting)
6. Cleansing Cloths:
Name/Brand: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths
Description: The cloths are pre-moistened, fragrance-free wipes designed for sensitive skin. Each cloth effectively removes dirt, makeup, and impurities without stripping the skin's natural moisture, leaving it feeling clean and refreshed. Ideal for on-the-go cleansing, they are dermatologically tested and gentle enough for everyday use.
Why We Love It: A really quick and convenient way to clean when I am on the go. They are also gentle om my sensitive skin.
Price Range: $6.69 CDN (at time of posting)
Comfort & Safety
1. NECK PILLOW:
Name/Brand: The Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow
Description: Superior neck and chin support with its 360-degree memory foam design, making it ideal for airplane travel. It features adjustable straps that secure to the seat, a breathable and machine-washable cover, and a compact storage case for easy transport.
Why We Love It: It is bulky, and my neck still drops forward slightly, but it is the best travel pillow I have tried yet, including the popular Trtl. I do like the washable cover.
Price Range: $53.99 CDN (at time of posting)
2. EYE MASK:
Name/Brand: Cabeau Midnight Magic Sleep Mask
Description: Comfortable, adjustable fit with a contoured design to block out light for a restful sleep. Its memory foam construction and secure strap provide a custom fit, making it ideal for travel or home use.
Why We Love It: It is soft, comfortable on my nose, and lets zero light in!
Price Range: $26.09 CDN (at time of posting)
3. UNDER EYE MASK:
Name/Brand: Purederm Collagen Eye Zone Mask
Description: If you want intensive hydration and revitalization for the under-eye area, this is for you! These cruelty-free masks infuse collagen and vitamins to reduce puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines, leaving the skin refreshed and youthful.
Why We Love It: They work! After a long day of travel, this is a little self-care that I need. They are individually wrapped, making them perfect for packing. Keep in mind there is liquid in each package.
Price Range: $35.95 CDN (at time of posting)
4. KID’S INFLATABLE FOOTREST:
Name/Brand: The SUNANY Inflatable Travel Pillow
Description: It’s designed for ultimate airplane comfort, featuring an adjustable and ergonomic design that supports the neck and head. It inflates and deflates easily, providing a customized fit and compact storage, making it ideal for travel.
Why We Love It: It offers the kids a place to stretch out while being comfortable. Some airlines may ask you to deflate it if noticed.
Price Range: $33.98 CDN (at time of posting)
5. EAR PLUGS:
Name/Brand: The Loop Quiet Ear Plugs
Description: Provide effective noise reduction with a soft, reusable silicone design, offering 24dB NRR. They come with eight ear tips in various sizes (XS/S/M/L) for a comfortable fit, making them ideal for sleep, noise sensitivity, and general hearing protection.
Why We Love It: They work so well that I almost had an anxiety attack. I have gotten used to them, and even though I can hear some background noise, I am really happy with the comfort, fit, and noise reduction.
Price Range: $39.95 CDN (at time of posting)
6. MOTION SICKNESS BANDS:
Name/Brand: Sea-Band Wristbands
Description: They provide drug-free relief from nausea and motion sickness through acupressure. These reusable bands are suitable for travel, morning sickness, and other causes of nausea, making them a practical and natural remedy.
Why We Love It: They help us with MILD nausea/motion sickness.
Price Range: $14.79 CDN (at time of posting)
7. PHONE LANYARD:
Name/Brand: The Doormoon Universal Anti-Drop Phone Anchor Tether
Description: This is a versatile and secure accessory compatible with most smartphones. It features a durable strap that prevents accidental drops and provides added security for your device. Ideal for hands-free use, it can be attached to phone cases and lanyards, making it perfect for travel and everyday use.
Why We Love It: I don’t have to worry about dropping my phone, it is easy to find in my bag and it helps prevent theft.
Price Range:
8. CARIBINER:
Name/Brand: The Nite Ize S-Biner MicroLock
Description: Comes in a pack of two small, dual-gated carabiners featuring a locking mechanism for added security. Ideal for keys and small accessories, these durable and lightweight S-Biners provide reliable attachment and quick access.
Why We Love It: I use this on my travel purse, and it gives me peace of mind. With these little added security accessories, I think my purse is less likely to be pickpocketed.
Price Range: $6.33 CDN (at time of purchase)
9. RFID Sleeves:
Name/Brand: The RFID Blocking Identity Protection Sleeve
Description: The set includes 12 secure sleeves designed to protect your credit cards, debit cards, and IDs from electronic theft. Made with durable materials, these sleeves effectively block RFID signals, preventing unauthorized scanning of your personal information. Ideal for travel and everyday use, they ensure your data remains safe and secure.
Why We Love It: Added protection
Price Range: $18.95 CDN (at time of posting)
10. DIGITAL CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM:
Name/Brand: The VITCUR Digital Carbon Monoxide Detector
Description: The detector offers reliable CO monitoring with a digital display that shows real-time CO levels. It features a loud alarm to alert you to dangerous CO levels and includes batteries for immediate use. The compact design makes it suitable for home, travel, or office use.
Why We Love It: Over the past 20 years, more than a thousand injuries from carbon monoxide leaks in U.S. hotels have been reported. The Jenkins Foundation tracks carbon monoxide incidents at popular traveler accommodations. Though the risk is low, I feel better packing it to ensure there are no leaks.
Price Range: $38.99 CDN (at time of posting)
11. TSFA LUGGAGE LOCKS:
Name/Brand: The Fosmon TSA Approved Luggage Lock
Description: The re-settable combination locks enhance your luggage's security during travel. It features a durable zinc alloy body and a flexible cable for easy attachment to zipper pulls or handles, making it ideal for securing your belongings while allowing TSA agents to inspect your luggage without damaging the lock.
Why We Love It: Added security and fun colours.
Price Range: $21.99 CDN (at time of posting)
Travel Clothes
1. COMPRESSION SOCKS:
Name/Brand: Physix Gear Compression Socks
Description: Ideal for running, nursing, and traveling. Designed for both men and women, these socks enhance circulation, reduce muscle fatigue, and minimize the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and swelling during flights. They offer comfort and support, helping to alleviate discomfort from prolonged sitting and aiding in faster post-flight recovery.
Why We Love It: Keep my legs warm on long flights and decrease the risk of DVT.
Price Range: $20 CDN (at time of posting)
2. WOOL SOCKS:
Name/Brand: The Darn Tough Men's Number 2 Micro Crew Cushion Socks
Description: These socks provide midweight cushioning and excellent durability, made from a merino wool blend that offers breathability and comfort. Ideal for hiking and outdoor activities, these socks ensure a snug fit and long-lasting performance.
Why We Love It: I can't wear wool, but my husband says they are comfortable, fit well, and don't slide down his foot. They are high-quality and come with a lifetime warranty.
Price Range: $33 CDN (at time of posting)
Electronics
1. MINI FAN WITH FLASHLIGHT AND STAND:
Name/Brand: MLVOC Handheld Mini Fan
Description: This handheld mini fan is a portable, USB rechargeable fan that includes a 3-in-1 design with a powerful cooling fan, a flashlight, and multiple speed settings. Its compact size fits perfectly in pockets or bags, making it ideal for travel, and the rechargeable battery ensures extended use.
Why We Love It: Safe for kids to use, fan + flashlight, and comes in handy when it is hot, or someone has a fever.
Price Range: $18.99 (at time of posting)
2. bladeless neck fan:
Name/Brand: JISULIFE
Description: The Bladeless Neck Fan features a 5000mAh rechargeable battery, three adjustable speeds, and an angle-adjustable design for personalized cooling. This hands-free, UL-certified fan is perfect for both outdoor and indoor use, offering a powerful and quiet airflow for optimal comfort.
Why We Love It: Compact, safe, and comfortable, it provides efficient cooling without blades, making it ideal for on-the-go use. Plus the battery last a very long time between charging. These also make great gifts!
Price Range: $49.99 CDN (at time of posting)
3. LUGGAGE SCALE:
Name/Brand: SHANJE Luggage Scale
Description: This portable digital hanging scale accurately measures the weight of your luggage. It features a backlit LCD display, a precision sensor, and an easy-to-read digital display.
Why We Love It: Compact and lightweight, it's convenient for travel, making it ideal for avoiding overweight baggage fees.
Price Range: $17.99 CDN (at time of posting)
4. POrtable charger:
Name/Brand: VRURC 10000mAh Portable Charger
Description: Slim power bank with built-in cables and an AC wall plug for convenient charging. It features five output ports and two input ports, making it compatible with a variety of devices, including iPhones. This versatile charger is designed for on-the-go use, providing reliable power for your mobile devices.
Why We Love It: It charges and recharges quickly, has various attached cords for multiple devices, displays battery life digitally, and plugs right into an outlet.
Price Range: $27.79 CDN (at time of posting)
5. TRAVEL ADAPTER:
Name/Brand: Ceptics World International Travel Adapter
Description: It’s a versatile adapter that supports plug types for over 150 countries, including the US, EU, UK, and Australia. It features four USB ports and one universal AC socket, allowing you to charge multiple devices simultaneously. Compact and lightweight, it also includes built-in surge protection for safe and efficient charging.
Why We Love It: There are two outlets on each adapter, light weight, and durable.
Price Range: $37.99 CDN (at time of posting)
6. AIRTAGS:
Name/Brand: Apple AirTag (set of 4)
Description: A convenient solution for tracking your belongings while traveling. These small, lightweight devices can be easily attached to luggage, backpacks, or personal items, allowing you to locate them using the Find My app on your iPhone. AirTags provide precise location tracking and include features like Lost Mode and a built-in speaker for easy item retrieval, ensuring peace of mind during your travels.
Why We Love It: I use them in my car, luggage, and children’s wallets to track them and in case they lose their wallets (which we have).
Price Range: $98.98 CDN (at time of posting)
7. Selfie Stick & Tripod:
Name/Brand: TONEOF 60" Travel Tripod
Description: This is a versatile, extendable selfie stick and tripod combo designed for 4-7 inch smartphones. It includes a remote control, allowing for hands-free photo and video capture. Lightweight and portable, this all-in-one tripod is ideal for travel, offering stability and flexibility for recording on the go.
Why We Love It: It is convenient when there isn’t anything around to prop my phone on, and we don’t have the option to ask someone to take our picture.
Price Range: $31.87 CDN (at time of posting)
8. HOME LABEL PRINTER:
Name/Brand: SUPVAN E10 Mini Bluetooth Label Maker
Description: Versatile, rechargeable label maker that connects via Bluetooth for easy, on-the-go labeling. It includes multiple tape options and features thermal printing technology, making it a perfect tool for organizing home, office, or travel items.
Why We Love It: So easy to use. My eight-year-old made labels for our toiletry containers. I also used it to label our pill organizer. It comes with a lot of tape, and we have yet to run out. I also really like the font options.
Price Range: $25.49 CDN (at time of posting)
Accessories & Essentials
1. Water bottle:
Name/Brand: Owala Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Description: These bottles feature a flip-top lid and a built-in straw for easy sipping. It's designed to keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours and is made from BPA-free, durable materials. The bottle is available in various colors, including a vibrant Tropical print, and its leak-proof design makes it ideal for everyday use and outdoor activities.
Why We Love It: The flip lid keeps the mouth part clean and covered and I like the colour options. The lid's material is slightly hard to clean and can be annoying. but the pros out weigh the cons for me.
Price Range: $31.54-36.99 CDN (at time of posting)
2. Packing lists:
Name/Brand: Travel More Pack Less
Description:
Why We Love It:
Price Range: Complimentary (at time of posting)
Ready to pack your bags and set off on your next adventure?
We’d love to hear about the travel gear you can't live without. Drop a comment below and let’s inspire each other. Safe travels and happy packing!
Welcome to Travel More Pack Less—your go-to spot for planning and packing fun! Whether you're off on a solo adventure or a family trip, you'll find everything you need to make the journey a breeze.