By now, the holidays are in full swing, which for many families means traveling. Whether you’re traveling by plane, car, train, or boat, these 15 travel-friendly gadgets are sure to make your Christmas vacation merrier.
The weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas are known to be some of the busiest travel weeks of the year. And with the pandemic winding down, families are traveling more than they were pre-Covid, possibly to make up for all the months of lockdown. Airfare tickets alone are a testament to how much Americans are traveling, as prices have risen 42% between September 2021 and September 2022. If you’re going on a vacation this year, keep the following list of carry on-sized travel-approved gadgets close by as you pack. From accessories to organizers and technology, this list of travel gadgets should make your Christmas vacation more relaxing, seamless, and enjoyable.
There is nothing jolly about wearing wrinkled clothes on vacation. But with the Nori Press, you don’t have to. This handheld steamer that poses as a hair straightener is easy to use, and even easier to pack. It will press, steam, and refresh your clothes instantly, making it the perfect addition to your suitcase.
One of everyone’s least favorite things about living out of a suitcase is rooting through the whole bag to find that one specific article of clothing. Packing cubes are the perfect solution to that problem—they help your suitcase stay more organized, keep different outfits separate, and ensure clothes stay folded. These Mumi ones are lightweight, come in a set of five, and are offered in two colors.
For many, holidays call for pulling out our best pearls or diamonds. And for the lucky ladies, it can mean adding a new piece to your jewelry box. The Mejuri travel jewelry case is perfect for carrying your jewelry on the go—with places for necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings, you’ll be able to keep your pieces safe, separate, and organized.
Don’t waste your money purchasing mini-sized shampoo, conditioner, face wash, etc. Instead, get yourself a set of reusable silicone bottles from Ulta that you can use on your upcoming trip and all of your future travel. The set also comes with a clear toiletry bag that’s TSA-approved for flying.
This tiny high-tech gadget will ensure that your toothbrush stays ultra clean before and after each use. The Bril UV toothbrush sanitizer uses a light sterilizer that kills up to 99% of germs. It’s lightweight and compact, making it perfect for travel.
With a high volume of travel, it’s absolutely critical to keep tabs on your important documents and belongings on the way to your final destination. A luggage tag helps airport personnel (and you) identify your bag if it were to go missing, and a passport case will ensure that your passport and important documents have a place to live. This matching leather set from Mark & Graham is perfect for doing just that—not to mention how cute they are!
Another effective and high-tech way to keep track of your belongings is to attach a Tile Pro to your luggage or wallet. These small yet smart devices contain GPS tracking, use Bluetooth technology, and are water-resistant. If you’re nervous about losing your luggage or other personal belongings, these could be the best travel investment you make.
If you’re a heavy packer like me, then this Corp Velo luggage scale is perfect for you. Avoid paying hefty baggage fees by weighing your luggage before you head to the airport—you’ll be thanking yourself later.
It’s no secret that traveling can be exhausting. Sometimes all you want to do when you’re on the go is sleep. This Anywhere Travel Pillow from Tuft & Needle is the perfect balance between compact and comfortable, making it a must-have on this year’s holiday packing list.
Staying on the theme of sleeping, the Slip Silk Sleepmask, available at Sephora in a variety of colors, is another essential to getting quality zzz’s during a travel day. If you’re someone who struggles to sleep with surrounding light, this item needs to be in your carry-on.
When you’re on the go and outside your normal routine, it can be difficult to remember to stay hydrated. The Que collapsible bottle is perfect for traveling because it folds and stores easily inside a carry-on bag.
Part of having a stress-free travel day is ensuring that your phone is fully charged in case you need it. If you’re going to be sitting in the car or plane for long hours this holiday season, you need Best Buy’s magnetic wireless portable charger. With no wires or outlets necessary, simply stick it to the back of your phone for a full battery in no time.
A good pair of headphones is arguably one of the most important travel gadgets. These wireless earbuds by Beats are great for watching movies, listening to music, or just putting in when you want to take a nap and drone out the noise. They’re compact, come in three colors, and have a long battery life.
With the increase in remote work, you could be working on the go this Christmas. If that’s the case, invest in some privacy screens for your laptop so you can work without nearby passengers peeking at your screen.
Long travel days are perfect opportunities for getting lost in your favorite book. The Nook eReader at Barnes & Noble is amazing for travel because it’s lightweight, small, and has ample storage to keep your brain entertained for hours on end.