Summer travel is in full swing, and while your Instagram feed may show Aperol spritzes, the reality often involves overstuffed luggage, long security lines, and a scramble for overhead bin space. To make your getaway smoother, our contributors have shared 21 travel items they personally tested and love. Among the picks are a carry-on suitcase that survived miles of cobblestones, a waterproof rain and sun hat for all weather, and a tin of sea salt that elevates campfire meals. Happy travels, and may your flights be on time and your seatmate quiet.
Screen-Free Entertainment: Sunday Club Newspaper
Once settled into a seat, Paige Triola likes to decompress with the Sunday Club, a newspaper minus the news. It features puzzles and illustrations from independent artists. On a recent two-hour flight, she was engrossed in cryptograms and crosswords, enjoying the sophisticated feel of flapping open a "newspaper" on a plane. Available at Sunday Club for $12.
Maximize Luggage Space: Thule Compression Packing Cubes
Bernadette Machard de Gramont, a chronic overpacker, has used Thule compression packing cubes for at least four years. Made of water-repellent ripstop nylon, they allow visibility without revealing contents. She uses the medium size for shirts and pants and the small for undergarments, socks, and swimsuits. By zipping the packing cube closed and using the second zipper to compress, she fits four pairs of pants, four shirts, three dresses, pajamas, underthings, a bikini, and sandals with room to spare. Available at REI for $53.95.
Better Camping Food: Jacobsen Salt Co. Pure Sea Salt Slide Tin
Juno DeMelo, a reluctant camper, finds solace in a tiny tin of sea salt from the Oregon coast. The slide-top lid reveals under half an ounce of salt, which she uses to season food and even adds a pinch to coffee for smoother taste. She keeps one in her camping bin and another in her purse. Available at Jacobsen Salt Co. for $6.
Durable Carry-On: Away Aluminum Edge Bigger Carry-On
Elizabeth Brownfield swears by Away's Bigger Carry-On suitcases, which she used exclusively as a digital nomad. They fit more than other options, and the 360-degree spinner wheels never gave out, even on cobblestone streets. The newest iteration features a durable polycarbonate shell with an aluminum frame and riveted edges. Available at Away for $378 (originally $445).
Great Coffee on the Go: Cometeer Coffee Capsules
Sal Vaglica uses Cometeer frozen coffee capsules on flights. Just ask for hot water and skip the airline coffee. The capsules arrive frozen and keep for several days in a hotel refrigerator or about a day at room temperature. Pour into 8 ounces of hot water or over ice for barista-quality coffee. Available at Cometeer from $16.
Bathroom Essential: Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Pocket Toilet Spray
Les Shu recommends the travel version of Poo-Pourri for small cruise cabins or micro hotel rooms. Spray onto the toilet water before use. The lemon bergamot scent is effective. Available at Amazon for $4.97 (originally $5.99).
Universal Adapter: Matador Global Travel Adapter
Les Shu likes this universal adapter for its bright orange color, reducing the chance of leaving it behind. It works in almost every country and has two USB-C ports (one fast-charging at 35W), three USB-A ports, and one AC outlet, charging six devices at once. It does not convert voltage, so avoid plugging in appliances. Available at Matador for $39.
Safe Drinking Water: Lifestraw Go Series Tumbler 24 Oz
Tobey Grumet Segal uses Lifestraw products to avoid second-guessing water safety. The filter blocks bacteria, microplastics, and parasites. The stainless-steel bottle is easier to tote than glass. Available at Lifestraw for $87.
Quick-Dry Towel: Packtowl Personal Towel
Julia Skinner always travels with a swimsuit and now a towel. Her Packtowl is lightweight, quick-drying, and big enough to sit on or dry off. It has a loop for holding hair ties or keys. Available at Cascade Designs for $39.95.
Phone Case Wallet: Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 2
Juno DeMelo uses this phone case to hold her driver's license and credit card. The spring-loaded compartment holds up to three cards and a few bills, and doubles as a kickstand. Air pockets in the corners protect the screen. Available at Smartish from $26.
Bluetooth for Airplanes: Twelve South Airfly Wireless Adapter
Sal Vaglica recommends the AirFly for connecting Bluetooth headphones to airplane entertainment systems. It can stream audio to two pairs of headphones at once, making it handy for families. It also works with hotel gym equipment and Nintendo Switch. Available at Twelve South for $34.99.
Spacious Toiletry Bag: Pelican DK5 ModPak Toiletry Bag
Paige Triola calls this "Mary Poppins bag" for holding full-sized toiletries for two people. It opens like a clamshell with zippered compartments and a deep pocket. The tough molded shape protects items from being squished. Available at Pelican from $39.96 (originally $49.95).
Collapsible Water Bottle: Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle
Elizabeth Brownfield uses Hydaway collapsible bottles for space-saving. They are leakproof with flip-top straws and handles, made from BPA-free silicone that collapses to 1.5 inches tall. Available at Hydaway for $44.
Travel Stroller: Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Travel Stroller
Marissa Miller uses this stroller for travel, storing it in overhead bins. It offers generous storage and keeps her toddler calm. It handles bumpy city streets well. Available at Bugaboo for $599.
Better Selfies: Insta360 Snap Selfie Screen
Sal Vaglica uses this wired display that attaches to a smartphone and mirrors the screen in real time, letting users frame shots with rear cameras. It adds about a quarter-inch thickness and attaches magnetically to iPhones and Android devices. Available at Insta360 for $75.99 (originally $89.99).
Bag Set: Beis The Tote Set
Tobey Grumet Segal uses the Beis Tote Set, which includes a Carry-On Roller and East to West Tote. The suitcase has built-in pouches and zippered pockets, while the tote holds bulkier gear and has a padded laptop pocket and trolley pass-through. Available at Beis for $328.10 (originally $386).
All-Weather Hat: Malaxlx Waterproof Rain and Sun Hat
Julia Skinner uses this affordable hat in rainy, windy Ireland. It packs into a small case, has a strap to keep it in place, and an adjustable fit. It allows more fashion options than hooded jackets. Available at Amazon for $14.98.
High-Power Adapter: Baseus One-World Universal Travel Adapter
Adam Doud uses this 6-in-1 adapter with plugs for EU, UK, and Australia. It outputs up to 70 watts with two USB-A ports and one USB-C port, plus a retractable USB-C cable and a US plug. Available at Amazon for $36.07 (originally $49.99).
Organized Toiletry Case: Saie The Vanity Case
Oset Babur-Winter uses this case for its endless capacity and felt insert that keeps products upright. It has built-in brush straps on the lid and durable pebbled leather. Available at Sephora for $48.
Top-Opening Suitcase: Peak Design Roller Pro
Adam Doud loves this bag for its top-opening design, making packing easier, and its laptop sleeve and odds-and-ends area for accessible items. It rolls beautifully with ample organization. Available at Peak Design for $599.95.
Security Cable Lock: Pacsafe Retractasafe 250 Cable Lock
Les Shu uses this retractable lock to secure his bag when leaving it in a hotel room or coffee shop. It works as a deterrent, though the cable may be short and there's no alarm. Available at Pacsafe for $21.95.
