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20 travel essentials you'll need if you plan to take more trips this year

Whether you're traveling by plane, train or automobile, there's usually a fair amount of stress. One of the worst feelings is sitting in your seat and having that wave of, “did I forget something?” flow over you.

But traveling shouldn’t be a headache. There are plenty of gadgets and accessories that can make the pre- and post-journey more enjoyable. From technology that keeps your devices charged to containers for organizing your clothes, you’ll wonder how you ever made it out the door without these travel essentials.

In this article: WANDF TSA-Approved Clear Travel Toiletry Bags, Cozy Essential Travel Roll-Up Compression Bags and Mavogel Cotton Sleep Eye Mask.

Gadgets for every scenario

Once the excitement of checking in and finding your seat starts to dissipate, you probably want to make yourself comfortable. Even if you're going on a road trip with family or friends, you don’t want to arrive at your destination with cramping legs or a stiff back.

To combat uncomfortable seating arrangements, there are travel pillows, cushions and headgear to take the strain out of going long distances. 

Since you won’t be sleeping throughout the entire drive or flight, keeping yourself entertained becomes crucial. Whether you watch videos on your tablet or play mobile games on your phone, a few gadgets make it easy. There are seat-back holders for comfortable viewing, while a mobile charger ensures your phone stays powered.

Arriving at your destination, the last thing you want to do is rummage through your suitcase or backpack searching for specific clothing. To prevent frantically going through every container, travel organizers keep everything neat and in its place. This also includes cosmetics and lotions packed in handy travel-size bottles that are TSA-approved and leakproof. 

Best travel essentials you'll need to take more trips

WANDF TSA-Approved Clear Travel Toiletry Bags

This set of two toiletry bags makes it easy for TSA to inspect the contents. Made of clear PVC fabric, these follow TSA 3-1-1 liquids rules for a carry-on bag for all airlines. They have a sturdy zipper on top and reinforced seams.

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Cozy Essential Travel Roll-Up Compression Bags

Create more space for extra clothes in your luggage by vacuum-sealing them in these convenient bags. They come in 12 different sizes, and all you have to do is place your clothes inside and roll them up.

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Mavogel Cotton Sleep Eye Mask

Dealing with bright lights while traveling can quickly ruin your chance for a nap. Make sure you have no distractions with this robust eye mask made from comfortable fabric. It has an adjustable elastic strap to secure it in place, and the mask is contoured to prevent any gaps by your nose. 

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Nefeeko Collapsible Water Bottle

This water bottle is the perfect companion for road trips. It's made from flexible silicone that collapses or extends based on how much liquid you have. At its smallest, it holds 18 ounces, but when pulled upward, it can easily store 27 ounces.

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Perilogics Universal In-Flight Airplane Phone Holder

In-flight entertainment is no problem with this phone holder. If your favorite shows or movies are on your mobile phone, simply hook this gadget over the seat tray. It has two grips so your phone remains in place, and it leaves the headphone jack open.

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Kimiandy Inflatable Travel Pillow

Get a good night’s sleep with this inflatable travel pillow. It's large enough so you don’t strain your neck as it rests on your lap with your hands on the sides. There's an opening at the top for your face and comfortable breathing, and it deflates quickly when needed.

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Hichor International European Travel Plug Adapter

There's no worse feeling than wanting to charge your devices, but you don’t have the correct plug. This travel adapter solves that problem, as it's compatible with outlet sockets in 160 countries. In addition to the main plug, it has three quick-charging USB ports and one USB-C port.

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Gemice TSA-Approved Travel Containers

Traveling with liquids can be a pain, so keeping them in these TSA-approved containers is best. This pack of 16 includes two large bottles and two small bottles with squeeze tops, two small spray bottles, a funnel, a cleaning brush and a clear plastic toiletry bag.

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4Monster Microfiber Travel Towel

This microfiber travel towel keeps your face refreshed and your hands clean during a trip. It comes in a handy carry case and is more absorbent than ordinary towels. The case has a sturdy zipper and a carry handle.

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iWalk Portable Apple Watch Charger

This portable charger is convenient if you want to ensure your Apple Watch has enough power when you get to your destination. It has a 9,000 mAh battery and is shaped so your watch fits over it.

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Worth checking out

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Charlie Fripp writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.

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