Do you have travel products that are a necessity for your adventures? For example, some people use chewing gum to pop their ears when they clog on planes. Others make sure to download movies on their phones for in-flight entertainment. After polling the internet, these ten other products were voted as products that make travel easier.
10. Amazon Fire Stick
Someone shared, “Just got back from a month in Europe – Two things we used constantly were a small portable USB-powered fan and an Amazon Fire Stick. You attach it to a TV so you can use streaming apps.”
“We stayed at a couple of hotels and AirBnBs that didn’t have Smart TVs rendering the TVs useless for us. I thought it wouldn’t be a big deal because you’re traveling, so why would you need a TV? But winding down after a long day of sightseeing, we wanted to be able to watch Netflix.”
9. Packing Cubes
“Packing cubes,” one shared. “I can’t travel without them since finding them!” Another agreed, “Just bought these for my recent trip. It was wonderful. I can’t believe I hadn’t tried them until now.”
8. Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
“Shampoo and conditioner bars,” one stated. “Being they’re solids, there are no limits on the amount you can bring on a plane, and a fresh bar can last two months or more, so you can be sure not to run out. Plus, a solid can’t leak and get all over everything.”
“Also, get tubeless toothpaste. They come as tablets, so there are no limits, and one small container is like four months’ worth of toothpaste. So you won’t run out.”
7. Collapsible Water Bottles
“There are a lot of great answers. I would add collapsible and hard water bottles. Most airports have water filling stations now, and many destinations have easy access to good water,” another expressed.
6. Noise-Canceling Headphones
“A good set of noise-canceling headphones. They change flights entirely by cutting out the engine and people noise,” another confessed. “I use my Bose headphones every flight. Now and then, I’ll take them off quickly to see what other people are suffering. Then I put them back on and return to my quiet place.”
5. Battery Bank
“A battery bank with a wireless charging side,” shared one. A second user added, “I got a solar-powered battery charger! Laid out on my cabana while in Hawaii with it.”
4. Maps
Someone said, “Download the local map via Google Maps. It’s accessible without cellular service.” Another agreed, “Preloading the local maps for offline use is critical, as is downloading the Google Translate language pack.” Finally, another warned, “Heads up. Google Maps offline doesn’t give walking directions. So I use Maps.me instead.”
3. A Local SIM Card
“A local SIM for easy cellular access,” one shared. “Get it before you leave.” Another exclaimed, “I agree with the SIM. I used the eSIM with my iPhone on a recent trip to Europe. It was even easier!”
“Most significant international airports will have mobile/cellular stores or kiosks that sell local SIM cards. So you can purchase a SIM card and cellular plan together. Also, the store clerk usually installs the SIM and activates the service for you.”
2. TSA Pre-Check
Several people agreed that TSA Pre-Check is a life-changing traveling experience. One elaborated, “It’s the best $85 I think I’ve ever spent on travel. I get extra sleep for early flights, don’t have to take my shoes off, and don’t have to take my laptop out. The longest I’ve ever taken in security since I got it is 25 minutes in Atlanta during a holiday weekend.”
1. Global Entry
“We have used it for years and love it,” replied one. “Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program allowing expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers arriving in the United States. Members enter the U.S. through automatic kiosks at select airports.”
Another shared, “Global entry saved me in Ireland. It’s easy to obtain. You sign up online, pay a $100 fee, and then go to a customs office (I went to the airport) with your passport and another form of ID for a brief interview.”
“The interview is verifying that you are who you say you are. Global Entry members also receive TSA PreCheck as part of the service.”
Honorable Mentions: Apple Air tags, travel adapter, travel pillow, portable mobile hotspot, and a spinner carry-on bag. Did Reddit get this right, or is something significant missing from this list of things that make traveling much easier? Also, see what experts are saying about the fear of flying.
More Articles From Wander With Alex
- 13 Things to Do in Munich, Germany Including Day Trips
- 15 Popular Things to Do in Seattle, Washington + Day Trips
This article originally appeared on Wander With Alex. Photo Credit: [@AntonioGuillemF/DepositPhoto]
Elizabeth Ervin is the owner of Sober Healing, a website that provides information about addiction, recovery, mental wellness, spirituality, and resources to help people succeed in rebuilding their lives. Elizabeth has education and experience with addiction, healing, and spiritual studies. She is passionate about learning, teaching, and loving her neighbor.