Packing the right travel gear can make or break a trip. Over the years, we’ve tested countless travel essentials—from backpacks to power banks, to comfy shoes, to must-have organizers.
Some were total game-changers, while others didn’t live up to the hype. In this guide, we’re sharing our absolute favorite travel products from our Travel Makes Me Happy Team —the ones we personally use and swear by on every adventure. The best part is that almost all of them are budget-friendly!
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☀️Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a month-long journey, these tried-and-true essentials will help you travel smarter, lighter, and more comfortably.
Table of Contents:
- Recommended Travel Backpacks
- Favorite Flight Travel Gear
- Our Favorite Comfortable Travel Shoes
- Favorite Beauty Gear for Travel
- Recommended Handbags for Travel
- Recommended Road Trip Travel Gear
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) on Travel Gear
- Final Thoughts on Our Favorite Travel Gear
Recommended Travel Backpacks:
We have tried many travel backpacks and these are our favorites and they are all budget-friendly!
Wandf Travel Backpack
Hynes Eagle Travel Backpack 40L
Taygeer Travel Backpack
Zomake Lightweight Packable Backpack
Favorite Flight Travel Gear:
When we fly there are a few must-bring items that we recommend! These favorites are usually with us on a flight.
Favorite Travel Pillow
Favorite Packable Water Bottle
Absolute Favorite Travel Pants
Our go-to Spinner Carry on
Our Favorite Comfortable Travel Shoes:
Comfortable walking shoes are a must for any trip! It’s easy to rack up miles walking and sightseeing so you need comfortable shoes.
Favorite Men’s Walking Shoes
Our Most Comfortable Walking Shoes
Our Favorite Sandals for Travel
Favorite Mary Jane Walking Shoes
Favorite Travel Beauty Gear:
There are many beauty items that you could bring on a trip, but in order to pack light we keep it to our favorites.
Sol De Janeiro Jet Set
Detox Travel Dry Shampoo
Our Favorite Travel Hair Dryer
Our go-to Travel Shirt
Recommended Handbags for Travel:
We love “easy” when it comes to handbags and these crossbody recommendations are great for travel and keep your hands free!
Mundi Anti-theft RFID Crossbody
Gladdon Crossbody Trendy Purse
Telena Crossbody Puffer Sling Bag
Lucia Crossbody Bag
Recommended Road Trip Travel Gear:
A road trip requires a little more gear sometimes. We love the following items and they stay in the car whether we are traveling or just hanging around our own city.
Our Favorite Car Plug Adapter
Our Favorite Fest Chair
Road Trip First Aid Essential
Favorite Phone Mount with Charger
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions): Essential Travel Gear Guide
When selecting travel gear, consider durability, weight, functionality, and cost-effectiveness. It’s important to choose items that not only fit your budget but also meet the demands of your travel style and destination. For instance, lightweight and versatile items are key for backpackers, while business travel prioritizes organization and style.
The lifespan of travel gear depends on its quality and how frequently it’s used. Generally, if you notice signs of wear and tear such as rips, broken zippers, or loss of support in shoes, it’s time for a replacement. Regularly reviewing and maintaining your gear post-trip can extend its usability, but consider upgrading every few years to benefit from new technologies and materials.
For international travel, certain items can greatly enhance convenience and security. A travel backpack with RFID protection, a universal plug adapter, and a good quality travel wallet to organize your passport and currency are essential. Additionally, a lightweight, durable carry-on bag that meets international flight size requirements (like our favorites above)is crucial for ease during travels.
To avoid any travel day surprises, test new gear on shorter, local trips to ensure comfort and functionality. A staycation is a great trial run! For items like shoes or backpacks, try using them during your daily routine to see how well they hold up and adjust to your needs. This approach helps identify any issues before they become a problem far from home.
Final Thoughts on our Favorite Travel Gear:
Having the right travel gear can make your trips smoother, more comfortable, and even more enjoyable. Over the years, we’ve discovered these must-have items that we truly rely on, and we hope they help you as much as they’ve helped us. Whether you’re jet-setting across the globe or taking a weekend road trip, investing in quality travel essentials can make all the difference.
If you’ve tried any of our recommendations or have a favorite travel item of your own, we’d love to hear about it!
