Last updated on February 20th, 2022
I’ve been traveling in Europe for over a decade. In that time, I’ve tried and tested a lot of different travel accessories!
What follows is a list of my favorite – and essential – travel accessories, why I love them, and why I know you will too!
Listed by category. Find great luggage, packing essentials, day bags, camera accessories, and more!
For The Plane
iPad / Tablet Mount I’ve gotten more thumbs up from flight attendants and inquiries from fellow passengers from one travel accessory more than any other: The Airhook 2.0
Watching content on your tablet is great – except for the literal pain in the neck that it causes from looking down for several hours. The Airhook solves this problem by mounting your tablet (or phone) to the back of the seat in front of you so you can look straight ahead.
Travel Pillow It’s hard to find a travel pillow that will truly support your head. I’ve tried several of them and the Cabeau Evolution Pillow is the best. Front strings cinch together to create a snug fit and straps that attach to the back of the airplane seat will keep your head from falling forward or straining to either side. The memory foam helps reduce the amount of space the pillow takes up in your bag. For even more space-saving, there’s an inflatable version.
Noise-Canceling Headphones Plane engines are loud. Very loud. A good pair of noise-canceling headphones will decrease engine noise, increase the sound clarity of your entertainment, and still allow you to hear the flight attendant ask you “cookies or pretzels?” There are many brands, but most tech reviewers tend to agree that Bose offers the best in sound quality, comfort, and noise-canceling proficiency. Consider these variations:
- Bose QuietComfort 25 Wired Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones (a great value these days as new models have been released)
- Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones
- Bose QuietComfort 20 Wired In-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones
I have the QuietComfort 20 and 25. While I’m not a tech reviewer, I can offer my opinion: I find the over-ear 25’s more comfortable (and moderately better at noise-canceling) but the in-ear 20’s so much more pack-friendly. I tend to use the 20’s.
Summer Travel
If you’ve traveled in the summer (as most people do!), you know it can be grueling to walk all day in the heat. To help make the heat more tolerable, there are two travel accessories that I like to bring with me:
Collapsible Water Bottle With airports now offering cold filtered water and Europe having plenty of readily available public water fountains (ie. Rome’s nasoni), travelers no longer have to keep buying bottled water. I like these two refillable BPA-free bottles:
Charging
Portable Charger If you use your phone often for Google Maps and taking photos and video, your phone battery will drain quickly. A portable charger saves the day! It will charge any USB device (tablet, GoPro, etc). My favorite is the Anker Astro E1 Portable Charger (6700 mAh). It is small and light and the 6700 mAh size will charge most phones twice.
If you need more power, there’s also a 10,000 mAh and a 20,100 mAh version.
Caution: the larger the capacity, the larger the charger.
USB Wall Charger If your experience has been anything like mine, there never seem to be enough power outlets in hotels or apartments to charge all of my devices. Luckily, with a multiple port USB charger, this problem is easily solved! I never go anywhere without the Anker 5-Port USB Charger.
There is a version without the cord going from the charger to the wall, but I find the cord version helpful – both for reaching behind furniture and for having as an extension cord.
Power Adapters You’ll definitely want to bring power adapters that will allow you to plug your US plugs into the European outlets. I recommend bringing at least two adapters per person – more if you’re not using the Anker USB Charger. There are a few different outlet types in Europe, here are links by country: Europe (most countries), Italy, and UK & Ireland.
Most electronics will not require a power converter (to convert Europe’s 220 V to our 110 V). But if you’re bringing a hairdryer, curling iron, or similar appliances from home, this is a good converter (it has multiple plugs and works throughout Europe).
Packing Essentials
Shampoo Bottles One of my most recent travel accessory discoveries is this Fullplus Silicone Bottles Set with Lanyard and honestly, I’ll never go back to my old shampoo bottles! There never seems to be enough shower shelf space for travel-sized bottles (shampoo, conditioner, face wash, body scrub), right? This set solves that problem. Just attach the bottles to the lanyard and hang them from the curtain rod or showerhead. Now there’s finally enough space for everyone’s shampoo!
Compression Bags Space is at a premium in our suitcases – one way to maximize space is with roll-up compression bags (no vacuum required). I find these particularly useful when traveling during the winter (without it, I think only 4 sweaters would make it into my suitcase!). Roomier Life Travel Space Saver Compression Bags
Security
Europe is a safe place to travel in. Unfortunately, pickpockets are common in major cities and smart travelers will do well to take a few precautions.
Money Belt A money belt can (and should) be discreetly worn underneath your clothes to protect your cash, cards, and passport. This one from Eagle Creek includes RFID blocking lining and is so comfortable you won’t even remember it’s there. There is also this option if you prefer a neck wallet to a money belt.
Luggage Locks I’ve never had anyone break into my luggage, but I’ve heard stories. For peace of mind, I like to use these Master Cable Luggage Locks. I think it is good practice to lock your bags when leaving your hotel room or using a Luggage Storage facility.
Phone Travel Accessories
Mobile Data In recent years, travelers have been able to bring their mobile phones with them to Europe and access mobile networks for a fraction of what it used to cost. There are multiple ways to connect; with your mobile carrier (usually for $10/day), using a Wifi device (like Travel Wifi), or with a local SIM card.
Getting a European SIM card is easier than ever – you can now purchase one online and receive it ahead of your trip! I recommend this Orange Holiday SIM. It is valid for 14 days from first use, includes 20 GB of mobile data, and 120 minutes. Orange is a French mobile carrier but the SIM works throughout Europe (there’s no need to worry about roaming).
Video Recording
Video recording and stabilization technology has advanced tremendously. There are so many great ways to record your memories now…the following are among my favorites! They each serve a different purpose and one could argue that having one of each would be ideal!
I’ve partnered with a professional video editor that will edit your vacation clips into a cohesive movie. A priceless trip souvenir! For more information, check out the Montage Video Editing service page.
DJI Pocket 2 A super small high-quality camera with stabilizing gimbal. Aptly named the pocket, the portability of this gimbal is unmatched.
Be sure to check out the Creator Combo that packages together the Pocket 2 with several essential accessories.
I’ll be shooting most of my 2021 travel videos using this!
DJI OSMO 5 (previously called the Osmo Mobile) A compact stabilizing gimbal for your mobile phone. Now with a magnetic connecting clip that makes it quick and easy to stabilize your phone footage on the go.
GoPro HERO10 Black This versatile action camera is perfect for activities. Mount it to the handle bars of a bike, on a car hood, or take it underwater!
DJI Mavic 3 Take your videos to the next level with a drone! Drones vary by features, size and price point. Other models worth considering are the DJI Mavic Air 2, DJI Spark, and DJI Mini 2.
Luggage
Roll Aboard: Choosing the perfect luggage has a lot to do with personal preference. For me, I’ve tried a few brands and I have come to prefer TravelPro. I recommend the following models:
- TravelPro Crew Expert 20″ Expandable Carry-On (aka the Crew Expert Global)
What I love about all of these is that they are lightweight, sturdy, expandable, have plenty of pockets, and they roll quietly and effortlessly.
I’m listing only carry-on sizes because I find it much easier to travel Europe without a big heavy bag (think getting on/off trains and buses). Plus, it saves time (and money) by not having to check your bag and then wait for it to arrive at Baggage Claim.
As an itinerary planner, I’m always looking for ways to be efficient and optimize time!
Backpack: If you’re an efficient packer or looking to travel light, consider a large backpack with many of the same compartments and features found in larger suitcases. My favorite is this one:
eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack (or its slightly smaller version, the Mother Lode Junior).
The soft sides and many straps and zippers allow the ultimate in packing flexibility.
Day Bags
In general, I think it’s a good idea to travel with an anti-theft day bag. They feature locking zippers, RFID blocking compartments, and slash-proof straps and fabric. Travelon makes a wide variety of functional and attractive bags for both women and men.
For women: I have been using the Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag for years. In addition to the security features, I find each of the expandable side pockets useful for my sunglasses case and a water bottle. I also use – either with or instead of the Messenger Bag – the Travelon Classic Convertible Backpack. It can be worn as a crossbody bag or a small backpack.
For men: Travelon’s Urban Backpack and Urban Sling make great options. As does Pacsafe’s Metrosafe LS-series anti-theft sling bags and backpacks that range is size and volume. Ideal sizes to consider are the 7 liter Classic Sling and the 25 Liter Backpack.
Waist Pack “Fanny packs” are back, everyone! In the last couple of years, I’ve seen many more travelers throughout Europe sporting a waist pack (either at their waist or as a cross-body sling).
Try the Travelon Anti-Theft Waist Pack to take advantage of the security features not found in the typical pack.
Travel Planning
Give the gift of a Custom “Door-to-Door” Itinerary from Montage Travel! Do you know someone who deserves a vacation? A travel itinerary makes a great gift for the busy professional. It’s also perfect for the first-time traveler to Europe who would benefit from the professional advice and planning experience of a European Destination Specialist.
Gift Certificates are available in $100 increments and can be applied toward any of my services. Simply email me to order!
Good travel accessories make for good travel
The secret to good travel is all in the preparation. It means traveling with the perfect travel accessories, a well designed itinerary, and with a basic knowledge of the culture you’re about to visit.
New travel accessories are invented and released with regularity. I will keep this list updated!
SAVE TIME. AVOID FRUSTRATIONS. EXPERIENCE A BETTER VACATION.
European Destination Specialist
& Itinerary Designer
Hi, I’m Cassie! Here at Montage Travel, I’m crafting custom itineraries for independent travelers who want to make the most out of their valuable vacation time in Europe (who wouldn’t?).
My mission is to ensure travelers like you save time on planning and experience frustration-free trips with a well-optimized itinerary. Each and every itinerary I create is made from scratch and tailored specifically to your interests, travel pace, and preferences. An optimized itinerary and practical travel advice go hand-in-hand and are essential factors that will determine how much you will enjoy your vacation. Equipped with your own itinerary, you’ll see more by visiting sites during less crowded times, you’ll know which museums are best explored independently and which are enriched by visiting with a guide, and you’ll avoid getting lured into a tourist trap restaurant that will cost you more and be less authentic than the restaurant I’ll point you towards just down the street that caters mostly to locals.
Travel with confidence. Itineraries include unlimited revisions and unlimited 1-on-1 travel advice.
Disclosure: The products that I link to are products that I recommend from personal experience and research (none were provided to me for free or for marketing purposes). Please note that as an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through the provided affiliate links – and at no additional cost to you.
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