The Best Travel Accessories, From Winter Layers to Chic Tech Cases

An upcoming trip breeds a long to-do list; and while planning your vacation wardrobe can be one of the more fun aspects of the prep, the actual packing is less than thrilling. The realities of luggage restrictions can put a damper on the most well-laid travel plans, and it takes skill to find pieces that are as functional as they are fashionable. We’re here to smooth out at least one part of this process, with a deep dive on the best travel accessories out there.

Our edit begins with a few necessities. The right toiletry bag can make the difference between sailing through security and scrambling to reorganize bottles and brushes. The same goes for a jewelry case; to prevent arriving to a tangle of tiny chains and mismatched earrings, a well-organized system sets you up for success. (On the topic of jewelry, we recommend picking easy-to-mix pieces in durable, tarnish-resistant metals.) In fact, we love handy holders for all sorts of objects: card cases, phone straps, even perfume and lip balm cases now come on stylish leather lanyards, doubling as practical tools and stylish accessories all in one.

Then, we’re taking a look at seasonality; right now, that includes packing bulky cold-weather layers into already-tight luggage space. Make sure your fall accessories can do double duty—ditch the skinny scarf for a large cashmere wrap or bandana, which you can cozy up in on the plane but easily style at your destination. Packable hats, like beanies, knit bucket hats, or foldable fur-trimmed caps tuck easily into a bag, and you’ll want to keep an eye out for tech-touch gloves to make the transition from cold cab ride to pulling up your boarding pass as seamless as possible.

Below, all the best travel accessories to tick off your checklist before your next trip.

Stylish Eyewear

Keep your sunnies or blue-light readers close at hand with the help of a chic carrying case—there’s nothing worse than arriving to a sunny destination (whether sandy or snowy) and finding you’ve misplaced your favorite pair along the way.

Travel Scarves

Seasoned travelers swear by the airplane wrap, but it’s even more useful during colder travel months. Lightweight cashmere is cozy and packs up well, while hooded options, like these from Zara and Arch4, double up as nap coverage on the plane if you forget an eye mask.

Fall Must-Haves

Don’t let bad weather get in the way of your travel style. It’s time to get creative with your chapeau—from Nour Hammour’s fur-trimmed topper to a royal purple beanie from COS, the best ones fold up well for carry-ons. Tech-touch gloves are also ideal, so you can call an Uber back to your hotel even in the chilliest conditions.

Handy Holders

For quick, hands-free access to your essentials, these accessories marry form and function perfectly. Phone straps, card cases, and key fobs keep important belongings close by; J.Crew’s lipstick case pendant is a dream for keeping balms at the ready to combat dry cabin air.

Travel-Friendly Jewelry

Huggies and flat-back studs ensure nothing snags in your bag (plus, the smaller pieces are versatile enough for a capsule wardrobe), while a mix of tarnish-proof metals makes for a travel stack that can handle some wear and tear. Opt for pieces at an under-$300 price point so losing an earring in the ocean won’t cause quite so many tears.

Beauty and Jewelry Cases

From suitcase to hotel vanity, a well-organized toiletry case is a must. Structured options are best for keeping squeeze bottles unsqueezed, but if you’re carrying more flexible items that don’t need to be upright, we also like Gucci’s soft pouch.

Airport Accessories

It’s the little things that elevate your in-flight experience. A polished passport case or luggage tag turns the most practical items into posh accessories, while extras like a retractable charger, leather laptop case, and cozy socks make your long-haul flight a bit more comfortable.