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Best travel accessories to pack 2025
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Whether it’s for a partner chasing the sun, a friend off on a big adventure, or simply a treat for yourself, the right travel accessory can make all the difference to your next trip.
From in-flight comforts and smart tech to packing must-haves and protective skincare, we’ve combined rigorous lab testing with real recommendations from Which? experts to bring you a list of travel accessories that are actually worth packing – for you or someone else.
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Best comfort accessories for travel
TRTL travel pillow
This uniquely designed travel pillow may not look like the ones you usually see on a flight, but is it as comfortable? Check out our reviews to see how this lightweight, easily washable accessory did in our testing.
We like: Comfort on the go
We don’t like: Takes up luggage space
The TRTL travel pillow is a clever alternative to bulky neck pillows, which can help you to sleep more comfortably on flights.
It wraps snugly around your neck to help keep your head upright while you sleep, which is ideal for long-haul flights or train journeys where comfort can be hard to come by. The cover is easy to wash and comes in a variety of colours.
We’ve reviewed the best travel pillows to help you find the comfiest option for your next trip.
MyHalos blackout sleep mask
As well as blocking out light so you can get to sleep, this eye mask has an adjustable strap which you can move to fit your head. Not only this, but it comes at a very reasonable price.
We like: Storage pouch included
We don’t like: Handwash only
If you are (or are shopping for) a frequent flyer, a blackout mask is a small but mighty gift.
This one from Halos is made from soft memory foam, with a contoured shape that blocks out light without putting pressure on your eyes.
The adjustable strap helps you to fit different sizes, and it comes with a pouch for easy packing – ideal for getting some rest on planes, trains, or hotel beds.
See how this model weighs up in our guide to the best eye masks for sleep.
Alpine SleepDeep Ear Plugs
I'm a light sleeper, so I often struggle to drift off in hotels. I always pack a pair of quality ear plugs to help ensure I get a good night's sleep, no matter where I am.
We like: They’re reusable
We don’t like: Only two size options
If you’re travelling with a snorer, staying somewhere noisy, or just a light sleeper, these ear plugs could be a great fix for you.
They come in two sizes (small and medium/large) and include a carry case, so they’re easy to toss in a toiletry bag or pocket.
Alpine claims a noise reduction rating of 27dB – you can find out how this pair compares to others in our guide to the best ear plugs for sleep.
360 Relief Flight Compression Socks
My hands and feet always become sore during long flights. I recently tried compression socks for the first time on a 14-hour flight and found they helped with some swelling and made me feel more comfortable.
We like: Range of sizes
Watch out for: Some may prefer a looser fit for long flights
If you’re looking for a way to stay more comfortable on long journeys, these flight socks from 360 Relief are designed to gently apply pressure to your legs. This may help ease tightness, reduce puffiness and support circulation during flights or extended periods of sitting.
They’re available in five sizes and machine-washable, so you can use them again and again on future trips.
Best tech gear for travel
Apple AirTag
For the price of an airport breakfast, you can buy some peace of mind for your travels. Apple’s AirTag is brilliantly simple, turning a worldwide network of iPhones into your personal search party for when your luggage decides to take a longer taxi ride than you do.
We like: Easy to set up, compact
We don't like: Doesn't fully work with Android phones
The Apple AirTag is a handy travel companion if you want to keep tabs on your luggage or valuables while you're away. Weighing just 11g, it’s small enough to tuck into a bag or pocket, and it includes a built-in speaker to help you locate it when you're nearby.
If you order directly from Apple, you can personalise your AirTag for free with text, numbers or emojis.
Read our review on the best Bluetooth trackers or compare prices below:
UGREEN Nexode 30W fast charger
I bought this myself and it's brilliant – super compact, feels solid and good quality, and charges my phone faster than ever. Look out for discounts – it's often on sale for a little over £10.
We like: Fast charging in a compact design
Watch out for: Cable sold separately
This 30W USB-C charger from UGREEN has foldable pins that make it easy to pack, and it charges devices quickly.
It’s a practical little gift for anyone who needs a reliable charger they can throw in a travel bag – just remember to grab a separate USB-C cable to go with it.
Anker Nano Powerbank
I got one of these power banks for each of my sons last Christmas. It's super light, so it slips easily into a small bag for long journeys or camping trips. The Belkin 5K could also be worth a look if you have a MagSafe iPhone, but it's bulkier and slightly more expensive.
We like: Small and lightweight
We don’t like: May not have enough capacity for heavy use
The Anker Nano Powerbank is a pocket-sized option for topping up your phone when you're out and about. Weighing just 100g, it plugs directly into your device via a foldable USB-C connector and also includes two USB-C ports for added flexibility.
It’s available in a choice of colours and makes a handy travel companion – especially if you want something small enough to fit in a pocket or pouch.
We’ve put it through its paces in our full review. Find out how it performed in our guide to the best power banks and portable chargers.
MyTravelPal Travel Adapter
There are dozens of travel adapters around but we've shown cheaper unbranded models can be unsafe. It's worth paying more for a good one - like this excellent, versatile model from MyTravelPal. It works for all your gadgets in over 150 countries, and claims to be one of the safest available, having passed British Safety Standards.
We like: Powers multiple devices at once
Watch out for: It’s not compatible worldwide – check to see restrictions
The MyTravelPal Travel Adapter is a solid pick for tech-savvy travellers, especially those who hate battling over plug sockets in hotel rooms.
Compatible in more than 150 countries, it allows you to charge up to four devices at once – with one 10A AC outlet, a USB-C port, and two USB-A ports.
It’s small enough to fit easily into a travel bag, and has passed British safety standards for added peace of mind.
It also comes with a two-year UK warranty.
Gerber Shard
A super useful little tool that fits on your keyring and is flight-safe. It’s got a bottle opener, wire cutter and screwdrivers – it’s come in handy so many times, especially as I always have it with me.
We like: Compact and flight-safe
Watch out for: No moving parts or blade, so it won’t suit everyone
If you’re after a handy gift for someone who loves practical gear, the Gerber Shard is a clever little multi-tool that fits on your keyring. Made from stainless steel and weighing just under 9g, it’s designed to be ultra-lightweight and travel-friendly.
Despite its size, it packs in seven functions, including a bottle opener, pry bar, wire stripper, small and medium flathead drivers, a screwdriver and a lanyard hole. There are no moving parts, making it durable and safe to carry through airport security.
Best travel planning pick
Which? Travel subscription
We like: Unlimited legal advice for travel-related disputes
Watch out for: Our not-so-subtle self-promotion
If you're shopping for someone who’s always planning their next escape, a subscription to Which? Travel could be just the thing. It offers independent reviews, destination tips and in-depth travel investigations to help travellers avoid pitfalls and make confident decisions.
Subscribers receive Which? Travel magazine digitally every other month, along with access to our travel legal advice line after 30 days of membership. That means help is on hand if any disputes crop up around flights, bookings or cancellations.
You can sign up monthly for £4.99, or choose an annual plan for £49 here.
Find out more: best gift subscriptions for treating loved ones or yourself.
Best entertainment accessories
Apple 11-inch iPad (2025)
A great tablet can be an indispensable travel companion, acting as your map, movie screen, and a library all in one. The best models for taking on your travels combine a brilliant, clear display with a reliable battery life and an intuitive operating system that makes planning your trip a breeze.
We like: Cheapest iPad since the 2022 launch
We didn't like: Camera quality can vary
The 2025 iPad is Apple’s most budget-friendly release in years, making it an attractive option for casual streaming, reading or travel entertainment. Despite being priced lower than other models, it still offers a crisp 10.9-inch screen and a 3.44GHz processor.
There’s 128GB of storage, 6GB of RAM and a USB-C charging port. It also features Touch ID, two cameras, and runs on iPadOS 18.3.2. While it doesn’t include a stylus or keyboard, it’s a sleek option, and lightweight at just under 480g.
Want to know if it’s worth it or where it stands against other tablets? Read our Best tablets for 2025: tested and reviewed by experts.
JBL Flip 7
At just over half a kilo, the Charge 7 is unlikely to tip your hold bag over the weight limit and the sound quality is worth bringing it on your next holiday. The battery stretches to 10 hours, it's easy to pair with and the IP68 rating means you don't need to worry about it falling in the pool or getting clogged up with sand at the beach.
We like: Water and dust resistance makes it ideal for poolside or beach holidays
We don't like: May take up packing space
The Flip 7 sticks with the JBL brand’s familiar cylinder design, making it easy to pack and prop up just about anywhere.
It’s rated IP68 for water and dust resistance and has a claimed battery life of just over 10 hours – enough for a day of listening on the go. Bluetooth is the only connectivity option, so don’t expect wi-fi streaming or smart assistant support here.
JBL has a good track record for sound quality, but is this speaker worth the price tag? Read our best portable Bluetooth speakers 2025 to find out.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
A good pair of noise-cancelling headphones is essential for a flight, helping block out loud cabin noise so you can relax and enjoy your music in crystal-clear quality. You could invest in a pair costing £100 or more, but might be worried about taking such pricey earbuds away with you. We also have cracking earbuds for only around £50, so if you're unlucky enough to lose them while at the beach, it's not such a dent in your bank balance.
We like: Noise-cancelling features
We don't like: Price may be steep for casual listeners
Whether you're trying to catch some sleep on a noisy flight or tune into your favourite playlist on the go, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are built to deliver rich sound and effective noise cancellation.
These true wireless earbuds are designed with travel in mind – they’re compact, lightweight (just 14g) and come with stability bands to help keep them snug in your ears, even if you’re on the move.
The built-in controls make it easy to skip tracks or take calls without reaching for your phone, and the battery lasts for around six and a half hours on a full charge.
We’ve tested these earbuds thoroughly – read our full review to find out how they performed in real-world conditions. See our full review of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds.
If you're after something cheaper, the JBL Wave Beam 2 are often under £50 and also come with a charging case, perfect for people on the go. SQUIRREL_TEXT_50020363
Find out more: best gifts for men.
Best content creator travel gear
GoPro Hero11
There are some obvious advantages a digital camera has over a phone, including better image quality, optical zoom features and faster shutter speeds, but there are the less tangible benefits, too. A camera forces you to think more deliberately about your surroundings; slowing down, observing finer details and engaging with the environment on a deeper level.
We like: Waterproof to 10 metres and built-in image stabilisation
We don't like: Battery life may drop when shooting in high resolutions
Whether you're hiking up a mountain or snorkelling off the coast, the GoPro Hero11 is built for documenting adventures in top detail. It captures video at up to 5.3K resolution and 60fps, with built-in image stabilisation to keep your footage smooth, even in action-packed moments.
Compact and waterproof to 10 metres, it’s made for rough-and-ready trips. The front-facing preview screen helps you to frame, and features such as GPS, timelapse and burst modes let you get creative with your travel content.
It’s a content creator’s dream – or a great pick for anyone who simply wants to relive their travels with cinema-like quality.
For a more in-depth look at what it can do, see our guide to buying the best action camera.
Amazon Basics Mini Tripod
Tripods for mobile phones are a dime a dozen, but this miniature tripod is solid enough. More for stability than height, it's great for those moments when you want to keep a phone super steady.
We like: Affordable, small enough to tuck into a bag
Watch out for: Mobile holder attachment not included
If you're shopping for a budding content creator or someone who loves capturing moments on the go (or that’s you), this compact tripod could be just the thing.
It’s small, lightweight and easy to travel with, yet also offers adjustable legs with rubber feet for added stability. The mini ball head supports 360-degree rotation and 90-degree tilt, so you can get creative with your angles.
Just note you'll need a separate phone holder attachment if you’re using it with a smartphone.
Find out more: the best tech gifts.
Best everyday travel gear
Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Pack
The perfect gift for the adventurer in your life, this backpack features a roomy main compartment and carry handle and straps that zip away, allowing you to convert it to a suitcase with ease.
We like: Zip configuration means it can be packed like suitcase
We don’t like: Osprey bags aren’t cheap
Osprey’s Farpoint 40 is designed for travellers who want the portability of a backpack with the organisation of a suitcase.
It’s the brand’s lightest travel pack and zips open like a case, so you can easily access everything without digging through layers. It includes a padded laptop sleeve, internal compression straps and dual front mesh pockets – handy for water bottles or quick-access items.
The 40-litre capacity offers a decent amount of space for short trips or minimalist travel, and its dimensions (54 x 35 x 37cm) mean it may fit most cabin baggage requirements – though it’s always worth checking airline rules before flying.
See how it scored on best backpacks for travel and days out.
Yoga Paws
Travel yoga mats are still too big to fit into small hand luggage. I combine my Yoga Paws with a towel and pillows from my apartment/hotel to make the floor comfortable and it means I can still practise my yoga while I'm away without having to give up all the space in my luggage for a mat. They are the most useful travel accessory I've ever bought.
We like: Space-saving grip for yoga anywhere
Watch out for: May take some getting used to
Know a yoga lover who always travels light? These compact yoga gloves and socks might be their new favourite packing hack.
If you want to keep up your practice on the go but don’t have room for a mat, YogaPaws could be the answer. This set of yoga gloves and socks gives you grip and support whether you’re in a hotel room, airport lounge or on the beach.
The full set includes both hand and foot grips in either Elite (padded) or SkinThin (non-padded) styles, depending on how much cushioning or connection to the ground you prefer. Made from breathable mesh and natural rubber, they’re latex-free and designed for multiple uses, from yoga and Pilates to weight training or even paddleboarding.
They come with a mesh bag and can be washed gently by hand or on a cold delicate cycle – just make sure to air dry.
Travel Atomiser for perfume
After dropping and smashing a bottle of perfume on my last holiday, I picked one of these up. It’s been really useful for sticking to liquid limits and saving space.
We like: Compact and refillable
Watch out for: Won’t hold a full bottle’s worth
This Twist & Spritz model holds 8ml of your go-to fragrance and fits easily in hand luggage or even a pocket. The sleek, minimalist design is available in 16 different colours, so you can match it to your bag or simply pick your favourite.
A small but handy gift that makes packing perfumes or aftershaves far more practical – a nice little add-on or great gift for a frequent traveller.
You can usually pick one up for around £12 directly from The Fragrance Shop website.
Find out more: 26 best gift ideas for women, from as little as £6.
Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture Lotion SPF30
Packing a bottle of Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture Lotion SPF30 is a good idea when travelling. It passed our SPF and UVA lab tests, so you know it will deliver on the sun protection it claims. It's also easy to apply and has a pleasant smell. For a cheaper alternative - Lidl's Cien Sun Spray 30 SPF High passed our tests too, and it's a Great Value product at just £3.79.
We like: Combines sun protection with added moisturising
We don't like: 200ml size exceeds hand luggage liquid limits
If you're heading somewhere sunny, a reliable sunscreen is essential – and this 200ml lotion from Nivea could be a handy addition to your packing list.
It’s advertised as offering SPF30 protection and high UVA coverage, while also moisturising the skin. The lotion format makes it easy to apply, and it's designed for everyday use on the body.
Nivea sunscreens have had mixed results in previous Which? lab tests, so we’ve put this one through its paces to find out how it compares.
Read our full piece on the best sun creams.
Rohan waterproof jackets
We surveyed 2,770 Which? members to find the best waterproof jacket brands you can buy with confidence. Most brands have jackets that keep you dry in a light shower, but Rohan was one of the elite few to get a five-star rating for its water resistance. Plus, its jackets don't compromise on comfort, durability, or breathability to ward off an unpleasant, clammy feel.
We like: A brand with jackets that are lightweight, versatile and well-rated by customers
Watch out for: Some sizes may be unavailable during sales
Rohan is a favourite among Which? members for waterproof gear that performs well without a steep price tag. Its jackets consistently receive praise for combining comfort, weather protection and durability – all important when you're packing for unpredictable conditions.
The Fairway and Daybreak jackets are both travel-friendly options with packable hoods and a lighter build, making them easy to stow in your bag when you're on the move.
They're part of a much wider range – Rohan offers many styles per gender, with options such as the Kendal jacket for extra coverage, the Ventus for tougher hikes, or the Ascent for lighter, all-day wear.
Read our Best waterproof jackets guide to see which ones kept our members dry.
You can pick up the Men's Fairway Waterproof Jacket (£140) or Women's Daybreak Waterproof Jacket (£150), directly from the Rohan website.
Stanley AeroLight IceFlow water bottle
The Stanley Aerolight IceFlow Stainless Steel bottle is the perfect water bottle to travel with: a great size, holding plenty of water without taking up too much space in your bag. Its double-wall insulation allows you to keep your water chilled for the duration of the flight; and, with its variety of colours, you can look stylish strolling through the airport.
We like: Lightweight and leakproof
We don't like: Doesn’t come in different sizes
Staying hydrated while travelling is key. Despite being double-wall insulated, the Stanley AeroLight IceFlow water bottle, made from durable recycled stainless steel, is still surprisingly lightweight at just 0.4kg.
It is designed to keep drinks cold for hours and comes with a carry handle that makes it easy to hook onto a bag. The slim shape also fits nicely into most car cup holders. It’s also available in six colours and is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
Which? members can access our full Stanley AeroLight IceFlow review as well as see all the best reusable water bottles from our testing.
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