10 Travel Accessories That Make a Difference

I’ve started a new category on my blog.  It’s called “Tuesday Ten.”   For today’s Tuesday Ten, since I’ve been talking about bucket list travel, I want to tell you about 10 travel accessories I would not want to fly or travel without. These accessories make a difference, especially on international flights but also traveling in general. I am by no means a travel expert, but I want to share with you  10  travel accessories that have made a difference for me.  I hope that it may help some of you if you are embarking on your first ever bucket list trip.

My view of England shortly before landing.

1. 1. On my travels to England, I want to be able to use my cell phone for phone calls and internet access. When I arrive I buy a sim card at the airport and replace my US sim card. Somehow I have to keep my US sim card safe and remember where I’ve tucked it away. That in itself is difficult because those cards are tiny! I also need to have it handy for when I return home as I’ll have to re-insert it for when my flight lands to be able to make phone calls again at home. The LALAN SIM Card Holder protects sim cards and also has a handy little sim card removal tool that makes it much easier to switch the cards out.  

 

2.  One thing I’ve struggled with from time to time when flying is ear pain.   There’s nothing worse than when your ears are affected by the air pressure and you can’t hear well.  Not to mention it’s quite painful.  Chewing gum never really seems to make a difference to me.   I finally found something that works for me and if you have the same issue they may work for you.   I buy Earplanes earplugs and basically as long as I put them in before the plane starts the descent I’ve had no problems.  

 

3.  One accessory that I definitely recommend is a pair of earbuds.   I’ve used them on flights and on bus rides.   It’s good to have a pair of your own that you can plug in to watch a movie during your flight or bus ride. On the international flights I’ve flown, there are usually tv screens on the back of the seat in front of you and you choose what you watch.   Or it may just be that you just want to listen to music or watch a movie you have downloaded on your own device.  Either way, it’s nice to have your own earbuds.   This set is nice because it has it’s own little carry case that helps prevent the cords from tangling in your carry-on.

 

4.  A portable phone charger is a must.  I want to know that if my phone’s battery dies and I am somewhere where I need to be able to use my phone, that I have a way to charge it.   I use these all the time and I know they work.   I think they are good to have even when you are not traveling.   

 

5.  Sometimes travel can upset the stomach.   Let’s face it, international travel can mean different foods and no sleep and some people do not handle flying or bus travel well.  A friend told me about these chewy candies made from ginger, Gin Gins, that help settle the stomach.  Even if you don’t get sick, you may end up with seatmates who do, and it can benefit you in the long run to be prepared to share these.  I had some with me on my bus ride and the person sitting next to me said she didn’t like riding the bus as it made her feel sick.  I was glad at that point that I had the Gin Gins to share.  

6.   It is important when traveling overseas to bring a power adapter if you want to be able to charge your laptop,  tablet, camera, or cell phones.   Please note that the one I am showing here is not to be used with curling irons and blow dryers and that sort of thing as it is not a voltage converter.  It’s good to have one with you in your carry-on just in case for some reason your luggage is delayed. 

7.   One often overlooked item to bring with you on a trip is just an ordinary pen. This comes in very handy when on an international flight. Just before landing, customs declaration forms are handed out and you have time to fill them out on the plane so that you have it done before you go through customs.  To go along with the pen, it’s also nice to have some sort of a little notebook with you.  I like to use a tiny Moleskine and I write important things in it like the address of where I’ll be staying, phone numbers, and anything else that is important for me to remember and know during my trip.   I like the tiny Moleskine because it will slip right into my pocket and it is there when I need it.  

8.  There’s nothing worse than being on a trip and after eating a meal or having a drink of something, you discover you have spilled part of it on your shirt.   It may not be at a convenient time to change or you may not have something available at that time to change into.  This is where having a Tide To Go Pen can make a big difference and I have found they make most stains disappear, or fade at the very least.  

9.   Compression Socks are not a favorite of mine but they are a must when you are on a long flight.  They help prevent deep vein thrombosis and also minimize swelling of your feet and ankles.   There are many different ones out there and range in different sizes depending on if you need socks to fit a wide-calf or if you have very slim calves.   I’ve seen them in all different colors and they don’t even look like compression socks!

10.   I think it is useful to have RFID card sleeves for your debit or credit cards.  They will protect your card from skimmers.  They also are quite sturdy and could prevent you from accidently bending your cards or scratching them.  These  particular ones also come with passport sleeves to protect your passport.

 

Please comment if you know of other little travel accessories that make traveling easier or if one of these items has made a difference to you in your travels.