12 essential travel accessories and gadgets for 2026

Any trip begins with preparation, and it’s important to consider every detail. One or two poorly chosen travel accessories can lead to excess baggage fees at the airport, frantic searches for a local mobile operator in an unfamiliar country, or even trying to track down a backpack you accidentally forgot somewhere. In this new Altezza Travel article, we’ve gathered the best travel gadgets and accessories to help make your trip more comfortable and secure.

Travel essentials

1. Travel adapter

Socket types and voltage standards vary by country. For example, in Tanzania, type G sockets are the most common — the British standard with three rectangular pins. In the United States, Canada, and Japan, type A and B sockets (flat pins) are used, while most European countries use type C and F (round pins).

In such situations, a universal adapter is indispensable. It can be plugged into various socket standards and charges multiple devices simultaneously. When choosing a specific model, safety is also important: a good adapter protects against power surges and provides sufficient output to charge all your devices.

• Verbatim universal travel adapter. Supports fast-charging technologies PD and QC, with two USB-C ports and two USB-A ports. Designed for use in more than 180 countries.
• Skross PRO World (7A). Suitable for powerful devices up to approximately 1,750 W. Can be used worldwide: the USA, Australia, China, the UK, and most European countries — over 200 countries in total.

2. eSIM

An eSIM is often cheaper than roaming and does not require replacing a physical SIM card — activation through an app is enough. If your smartphone supports eSIM, it is very convenient: there’s no need to look for and insert a new card, and switching between operators or changing plans is easy.

Before traveling, however, it’s essential to check availability in your destination country. In some countries, eSIMs are banned or subject to restrictions, with China as one example. There, all mobile devices must be registered with user data, local operators do not support eSIM, and iPhones purchased in China have this function disabled. There is a workaround: activate the eSIM before entering the country. Providers such as Gigago allow you to prebook a plan and have internet access immediately upon arrival.

• Gigago eSIM. Provides access to more than 200 destinations worldwide, with digital delivery and activation via QR code.
• Holafly eSIM. Supports international plans with unlimited internet access.

Best travel gadgets

3. AirTags

Losing a bag with valuables in another country can easily ruin a trip. A compact tracker solves this problem by showing the location of your backpack, bag, or suitcase. It is especially useful during connections and long flights. You can place the “tag” with your belongings and track your luggage through your smartphone. Of course, if your bag is lost during a layover, it won’t magically return faster, but knowing its exact location can significantly speed up the process.

These trackers are also useful for tracking keys, wallets, camera bags, laptops, and other expensive equipment. You can even place an AirTag in a child’s backpack or pocket to help prevent losing them in crowded places. The key is to choose a model compatible with your smartphone’s operating system and with long battery life. A small tracker is easily one of the best travel gadgets you can purchase.

• AirTag. A small Apple tracking tag whose location can be checked in the Find My app on an iPhone. It works via Bluetooth and Apple’s device network but does not have a built-in GPS module. The battery lasts for about one year.
• Tile Pro. An alternative tracker from Tile that requires a dedicated app for activation and use. Battery life is up to 3 years.
• Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2. A good option for Samsung users. The device has a water-resistant body and a battery life of up to 500 days, and about 40 percent longer when power-saving mode is enabled.

4. Luggage scale

A luggage scale is an essential travel item if you’re flying. This travel accessory helps avoid overweight baggage fees. Modern models display weight with precision up to 10 grams (0.35 oz), support a maximum load of 50 kg (110 lb), and often feature a backlit digital display.

The device should have a durable body, a reliable hanging strap, and a compact size so it fits easily into a bag or backpack. Useful extra features include automatic shut-off and a low-battery indicator, ensuring the gadget is always ready when you need it.

• Samsonite Digital Scale. Lightweight and compact electronic scale with a digital display.
• Adler AD 8191. Features a maximum load of up to 50 kg (110 lb), a comfortable grip strap, and a high-quality display.

5. Phone mount for airplanes

A small travel accessory that makes any trip much more comfortable, especially on long flights. It secures a smartphone or tablet to the tray table or the seat in front of you, allowing you to watch movies, read, or join video calls (if your airline offers onboard Wi-Fi).

• Scosche Travel Mount Universal Folding Phone Mount. A universal folding clamp holder that attaches to surfaces up to 1.5 in (3.8 cm) thick — from an airplane tray table to a suitcase or desk.
• Flight Flap Original Phone & Tablet Holder. Designed specifically for air travel, as indicated by instructions printed directly on the product. The lightweight aluminum body easily attaches to a tray table or seatback.

6. Bluetooth adapter for headphones

Airplane in-flight entertainment systems usually have outdated connectors and basic wired headphones with mediocre sound quality. A Bluetooth adapter solves this problem by allowing you to connect your own wireless headphones.

Choose models with low audio latency; if latency is high, audio may lag behind the image. Support for modern codecs and sufficient battery capacity are also necessary — ideally at least 200–300 mAh, or a stated operating time of more than 8 hours.

• Cellularline In‑Flight Transmitter. Supports Bluetooth, connection via AUX output (3.5 mm), and simultaneous use with two devices.
• Twelve South AirFly Pro. Battery life of up to 20+ hours. Allows two pairs of headphones to be connected simultaneously. The manufacturer guarantees Bluetooth compatibility with any model.

For comfort while traveling

7. Wrinkle-release spray

Not all hotels provide an iron or steamer free of charge, and sometimes using one is simply inconvenient. In such cases, a special wrinkle-release spray is a great solution. Simply spray the garment, then gently smooth the fabric by hand or hang it on a hanger. Deep creases will not disappear completely, but clothes taken straight from a suitcase will look neat and presentable.

Pay attention to the formula — it should be safe for delicate fabrics and leave no stains. A compact bottle is easy to carry in a bag.

• Cold Iron Atlas Travel. Plant-based spray formula, available in a Travel-Size of about 88 ml (3 fl oz). Safe for most fabric types.
• Wrinkle Releaser Spray. A more affordable option that helps remove wrinkles without an iron in just a few minutes.

8. Organizer for gadgets and chargers

A compact case allows you to store cables, adapters, power banks, and headphones in one place. Cords do not get tangled or damaged. This is truly one of the best travel accessories, saving both time and nerves — everything you need is always at hand, without rummaging through your bag or suitcase for the right adapter.

The most convenient models feature multiple compartments, elastic loops for securing cables, and a sturdy shell to protect electronics. They are practical both for carry-on luggage and long hikes, such as climbing Kilimanjaro.

• Peak Design Tech Pouch. A versatile organizer bag designed for convenient storage and transport of cables and chargers. Opens like a book and features durable loops and separate pockets.
• Bellroy Tech Kit. An alternative option with space for cables, a charger, and other essentials. Inside are elastic cable loops, mesh pockets, and a magnetic pocket for a power bank.

9. Locks for suitcases, backpacks, and bags

Locks protect belongings on the road, at train stations and airports, and during hostel stays. This is an important safety measure that helps prevent accidental opening or theft.

A lock should have a durable body and a reliable mechanism. Whether a combination lock or a keyed model is used is a matter of personal preference. The key point is that it should be easy to install on luggage and operate smoothly.

• Victorinox Travel Essentials TSA Combination Lock. A compact three-digit combination lock that meets TSA (Transportation Security Administration) standards. The design echoes the classic Swiss Army knife shape.
• Samsonite TA Revolution Cablelock 3‑Dial TSA. A lock with a strong metal cable and combination code, approved by Travel Sentry (a security standard accepted in the US and Canada).

10. Luggage strap

A simple yet handy travel accessory. Many luggage straps include a built-in combination lock for extra protection against theft. Even if a bag is damaged during transport, the strap keeps it closed, preventing contents from spilling out. It also helps you quickly identify your luggage on the baggage carousel. Most suitcases come in standard colors, making them hard to distinguish, while a bright strap makes yours stand out immediately.

• Samsonite TA Revolution. A strap with a TSA combination lock. Easily adjustable and provides additional luggage protection.
• Pacsafe Strapsafe 100 Luggage Strap. An “anti-theft” strap with a three-digit code and Baggage Constrictor™ technology, which makes it self-tightening around the suitcase. Once locked, the strap does not loosen even if the suitcase is compressed or shaken during transport.

11. RFID protectors

RFID is a contactless data transmission technology used in bank cards for payments and in biometric passports. It is convenient, but it has a downside — criminals can also exploit it. RFID protectors are special wallets or card holders with a metallic layer that blocks radio signals and prevents data from being read. They help protect money and personal information in crowded places such as public transport. While this type of fraud is not as widespread as skimming, the risk still exists.

• Pacsafe RFIDsafe Trifold Wallet. A reliable three-layer protector made from a special material that blocks radio signals.
• Slim titanium card holder by Aviator. A minimalist titanium model with complete RFID protection.

12. Door stopper

A less obvious but important travel safety accessory. It keeps the door locked from the inside. The stopper is especially useful in budget hotels, rental apartments, or hostels without reliable security. For solo female travelers, it is a simple way to feel safer.

The best option is a model with a sturdy metal or reinforced plastic body that can withstand the door’s weight. An adjustable design suits different door types and thresholds. It is essential to select a high-quality stopper to prevent floor damage.

• DoorJammer floor brace. A metal device with a screw mechanism that literally braces the door against the floor, preventing it from being opened from the outside.

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