Summer is just around the corner, which means millions of people will soon be venturing out of the house and heading to various destinations around the country — and across the globe — for vacation. But like they say, getting there is half the stress and who wouldn't love a gadget or two to make traveling easier, more comfortable and less complicated?
Whether it's a makeup bag that will help you stay organized or a neck pillow that will make that 12-hour flight fly by, the tiniest of things can truly make a difference.
Luckily for you, as part of Shop TODAY's 2025 Travel Gear Awards, our team tested out all the latest and greatest travel accessories. Keep scrolling to check out our favorite winners, plus some other editor-loved accessories.
Shop TODAY 2025 Travel Gear Awards winners
Goaus Passport Holder
Award: Best innovative tech | Category: Innovative Travel Gear | Score: 4.6/5
Apple AirTags have become a must-have for multiple Shop TODAY editors whenever they travel (they won a Travel Gear Award in 2024). This passport holder comes equipped with a spot dedicated to the pint sized tech item, so you'll never lose your passport again.
Iniu Portable Charger
Award: Best overall portable charger | Category: Portable charger | Score: 4.67/5
“You never want to be stuck anywhere trying to find an ability to plug in your devices these days,” summarizes travel adviser Jonathan Alder. And with this affordable charger, you won't have to fret!
During our tests, after 90 minutes of charging, a formerly dead device had over 85% battery just from being placed on it. It's currently less than $20, and can charge a whole ecosystem of devices — from Apple iPads to Samsung S8 smartphones.
Buff CoolNet UV Gaiter
Award: Best multiuse outdoor accessory | Category: Innovative Travel Gear | Score: 4.67/5
Whether you have a ski trip planned or are wanting to hike trails this summer, this gaiter will keep parts of your neck and lower face concealed.
With built-in UPF 50 protection, your skin will be protected against the sun's harsh rays, keeping you burn-free no matter the adventure. It's made out of a breathable polyester and elastane fabric blend that experts say is optimal when outdoors due to its moisture-wicking properties.
Loop Quiet Earplugs
Award: Best earplugs for travel | Category: Innovative Travel Gear | Score: 4.33/5
Associate editor Shannon Garlin has been raving about Loop earplugs for three years — she loves them for their sleek design (it doesn't look like you're wearing earplugs!), customizable, comfortable fit and how easy they are to care for and maintain.
Pack these along for your next plane ride to drown out noisy passengers, young ones or to doze off peacefully.
Open Story Large Hanging Toiletry Bag
Product Specs
Award: Best value toiletry bag | Category: Toiletry Bags | Score: 4/5
This affordable option from Target can tag along for extra long trips whether you're going abroad or sending kids to summer camp. It's spacious enough to store full-sized items, as well as combs, jewelry and more thanks to the three reasonably-sized compartments.
CamelBak Chute Mag 20 oz. Water Bottle
Product Specs
Award: Best value water bottle | Category: Water Bottles | Score: 4.67/5
During our tests, this completely leakproof bottle managed to keep water cold for 24 hours with only a six-degree difference in temperature.
It has a twist-off cap that makes loading ice into it simple, plus a stainless steel interior that can also withstand hot or warm drinks.
Cabeau Nap Now Hoodie
Award: Best for red eye travel | Category: Innovative Travel Gear | Score: 4.33/5
This "hoodie" clips onto any crew neck or top so you can easily take it on and off easily during a red eye flight or long road trip. It also has an adjustable nose bridge to ensure no light peeks through underneath, as well as a silk lining on the interior to promote hair health.
Gonex Extensible Packing Cubes
Award: Best value compression packing cubes | Category: Packing Cubes | Score: 3.6/5
If you’re not already obsessed with packing cubes, let us be the first to introduce you to your new go-to travel accessory. Made with a compressive material, these fit more than you’d initially think and make packing and un-packing an organized breeze.
Rumpl Stuffable Pillowcase
Award: Best overall travel pillow | Category: Travel Pillow | Score: 4/5
This travel pillow arrives empty — with no pillow inside. That's for you to determine. Will you shove sweatshirts that didn't fit inside your suitcase? Or stuff it with socks? It's an easy way to still pack must-have items while leaning against the car or airplane window.
Plus, one side features fleece material for those who get a little cold at night, while the other side has a cooling, polyester fabric for those who sleep warm.
Tile Slim Tracker
Award: Most innovative travel tracker | Category: Innovative Travel Tech | Score: 4.33/5
This handy travel tracker easily slips into any wallet, laptop sleeve or passport holder to allow you to track and find items with ease. The brand says it has a three-year battery life, and it's also compatible with tracking app Life360.
NodPod Sleep Mask
Award: Best sleep mask for travel | Category: Innovative Travel Gear | Score: 4.67/5
If you're quite literally tired of your sleep masks tossing and turning alongside you at night, opt for this weighted version that proved to stay in place and let little to no light in. The weight also acts as a stress reliever, similar to a weighted blanket.
Kinto 20932 Travel Tumbler
Award: Best compact travel mug | Category: Travel Mugs | Score: 4.67/5
A stainless steel interior promises hours of hot or cold drinks depending on your preference, while a silicone exterior makes it easy to carry on long walks, through the airport or on your commute into the office.
It boasts a leakproof lid, helping keep drinks (and your lap!) safe during turbulence or a bumpy car ride.
Ninja Sip Perfect Travel Mug
Award: Best overall travel mug | Category: Travel Mugs | Score: 5/5
Prefer to drink your coffee while commuting in the morning? This travel mug will help it go from piping hot to a reasonable temperature within minutes — helping it so you don't scald your mouth mid-commute.
Bagsmart Paz Hanging Toiletry Bag
Award: Best toiletry bag for families | Category: Toiletry Bags | Score: 4/5
Dote everyone's toiletries in this sizable toiletry bag that earned high praise from the Shop TODAY team for its ability to zip shut despite having bulky items inside. It also has a frontmost compartment that makes storing baby wipes, ibuprofen and other nice-to-haves within reach.
RovR ChillR 40 oz. Insulated Tumbler
Award: Best overall water bottle | Category: Water Bottles | Score: 5/5
We were wowed by this water bottle's ability to seemingly defy gravity — when tilted sideways, water would start to come out the straw but then stop itself, proving to be spillproof.
Plus, when keeping drinks ice cold over a span of 24 hours, overall water temperature only increased by 4.3 degrees Fahrenheit.
Hatch Rest Go Portable Sound Machine
Award: Best sleep gadget for travel | Category: Innovative Travel Gear | Score: 5/5
If your little one has grown accustomed to white noise to help them fall asleep, day trips and overnighters just got easier thanks to this portable Hatch.
It comes equipped with 10 different sounds to lull them into a restful sleep, and a battery life of 15 hours — perfect for lasting throughout the night and a few naps.
Bagsmart Blast Compression Travel Packing Cubes
Award: Best overall compression packing cube | Category: Packing Cubes | Score: 4.67/5
Packing cubes are an optimal way for remaining organized while on-the-go. This six-piece set makes it easy to pack everything from intimates to sweaters, and be able to see them easily on display when rummaging through your suitcase thanks to the mesh fabric.
Counterpart The Charger
Award: Best retractable charger | Category: Innovative Travel Tech | Score: 4.67/5
Never lose another charging cord again — this one retracts into itself, similar to a sewing measuring tape. Production coordinator Camryn Privette was skeptical — until she tried it while traveling and she became convinced of its tangle-free design.
Calpak Terra Zippered Pouch Set
Award: Best overall travel pouch | Category: Travel Pouches/Organizers | Score: 4.67/5
I've [Hoeger] been using these pouches since we wrapped up testing, and they've proven to remain durable when met with spilled spray bottles or being crammed into the bottom of my work bag.
I received a fun, floral design that helps add a fun flair to my otherwise neutral packing cubes or tech pouches.
Ultimate Ears Miniroll Speaker
Award: Best portable speaker for travel | Category: Innovative Travel Tech | Score: 4.67/5
This portable speaker packs powerful sound and allows two parties to connect at once (no more arguing over who gets aux!)
It's available in four different colors and has accessible buttons that are easy to navigate, no matter if your hands are wet from being in the pool or sandy from the beach.
Larq Bottle PureVis 2
Award: Most innovative water bottle | Category: Water Bottles | Score: 4.67/5
Have you ever had a water bottle that you can manage with an app on your phone? Neither have we — until we were introduced to this self-filtering one. It utilizes UV technology to clean contents in just a minute.
You're also able to set and track hydration goals via the app that syncs to a sensor in the bottle that measures water consumed each time you set it down.
Shop TODAY 2024 Travel Gear Awards winners
Etekcity EL11 Luggage Scale
Award: Best flight essential | Quality: 5/5 | Value: 5/5 | Satisfaction: 4.9/5 | Overall score: 4.8/5
Serial overpackers know the pain of having an overweight bag and having to transfer items from their checked bag to a carry-on or personal item in the middle of the airport.
Partnerships associate Klay Drageset is one of those people and says this product has solved all of her issues. “I even bring it on my trips with me because it’s so small and portable! I typically somehow end up with more items than I brought on the trip, so bringing this device wherever I go has saved me the $150 overweight bag charges many times,” she says.
Brita Premium Filtering Bottle (26 oz.)
Award: Best budget water bottle | Quality: 5/5 | Value: 4/5 | Satisfaction: 4/5 | Overall score: 4.3/5
It can be difficult to avoid tap water while traveling, so skip the worrying and drink safely with this 26-ounce Brita bottle that’s worth every penny. Customers rave about the sleek design and the quality of the bottle, calling it “revolutionary” and “the perfect fix” for drinking tap while traveling.
Bagsmart Bonchemin The Space Saver Toiletry Bag
Award: Best budget toiletry bag | Quality: 5/5 | Value: 4/5 | Satisfaction: 5/5 | Overall score: 4.6/5
Not only does this toiletry bag have four full-sized zipper compartments and straps for lipsticks or makeup brushes, it comes with a handy hook that can be hung over the door, shower or towel rack. Available in 11 various colors and fun patterns, our testers loved the convenience this case offered all while not costing an arm and leg.
Tessan International Power Adapter with 4 USB Ports
Award: Best adapter for international travel | Quality: 5/5 | Value: 5/5 | Satisfaction: 5/5 | Overall score: 5/5
With different countries using different plugs, it can be difficult to prepare what adapters you may need, especially if you’re traveling to several places in one trip. This adapter covers over 150 countries and has labels corresponding with each, making it easy to adjust and use no matter where you are.
Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack (1L)
Award: Best belt bag | Quality: 4/5 | Value: 4/5 | Satisfaction: 5/5 | Overall score: 4.3/5
Many of our editors are ride-or-die Patagonia fans and this small but mighty hip pack might just also make you one. Made with the brands durable Black Hole recycled nylon ripstop material, not only is it weather-resistant, it holds way more than you’d ever think. Better yet, it also packs into itself, making it super compact when it’s not in use.
Veger Portable Wall Plug Charger With Built-In Cables
Award: Best portable charger | Quality: 5/5 | Value: 5/5 | Satisfaction: 5/5 | Overall score: 5/5
Say goodbye to dead batteries thanks to this portable charger from Veger. It passed all our testing with flying colors by fully charging an iPhone in three hours with a spare 61% left. With four outputs including ports for USB and USB-C, this charger can even attach directly to an outlet for seamless charging.
Apple AirTag
Award: Best tech for checked bags | Quality: 5/5 | Value: 5/5 | Satisfaction: 5/5 | Overall score: 5/5
Admittedly, we’ve been a bit skeptical of AirTags, which are designed to be put in your luggage, so if the luggage gets lost, you can track it. But after three staffers gave it a perfect five-star rating, we knew the hype was real.
“I’ve been nervous about checking bags after hearing horror stories the past few months so having an AirTag in my suitcase helped calm my nerves since I was able to check on it mid-flight (thanks to in-flight Wi-Fi) to ensure that it was traveling with me,” shares associate editor Kamari Stewart, who slipped this AirTag in her suitcase on a recent flight to Aruba.
Travelrest All-in-One Ultimate Travel Pillow
Award: Best travel pillow | Quality: 5/5 | Value: 3/5 | Satisfaction: 4/5 | Overall score: 4/5
Whether traveling by car, plane or train, we’ve all experienced the pain that comes with sleeping in an upright position. This award-winning travel pillow straps to your seat so that you don’t have to worry about holding it with your hands or contorting your neck to get comfortable. The best part? It deflates when you’re done so that you can pack it right back up at the end of the ride.
Stanley IceFlow Bottle
Award: Best insulated water bottle | Quality: 4/5 | Value: 4/5 | Satisfaction: 5/5 | Overall: 4.3/5
For the water bottle obsessed, we found the perfect lightweight and leakproof travel bottle around. Never worry about your belongings getting wet or lugging around a clunky bottle again. Plus, it’ll keep your water cold throughout your travels thanks to its double-wall vacuum insulation.
Mark & Graham Small Travel Jewelry Case
Award: Best jewelry organizer | Quality: 3/5 | Value: 5/5 | Satisfaction: 4/5 | Overall score: 4/5
From sweaters to pillows, Mark & Graham are known for their personalized goods and we couldn't help but to be intrigued by this jewelry case. Not only did it pass our shake test with flying colors by everything staying in place, it makes for a great gift to anyone in your life who has the travel bug.
Cotopaxi Nido Accessory Bag
Award: Best overall toiletry bag | Quality: 5/5 | Value: 4.8/5 | Satisfaction: 5/5 | Overall score: 4.9/5
Associate editor Sierra Hoeger has used this bag for years and has no plans to switch. “There are pockets within pockets, yet it took up about a third of my personal item. I didn’t feel like I had to stuff my items into this toiletry bag, whereas with other ones I usually had to leave larger items like a brush and toothpaste out.” Sign us up!
Twelve South AirFly Pro
Award: Best in-flight must-have | Quality: 5/5 | Value: 4.8/5 | Satisfaction: 5/5 | Overall score: 4.7/5
Refuse to use the headphones provided during a flight but want to take advantage of in-flight entertainment? Introducing the AirFly, which provides a way to use your personal headphones on every flight here on out. Simply plug the device into the headphone port and connect your earbuds via Bluetooth and stream away!
“I like that the AirFly is compact and that the pairing process is very straightforward,” says senior partnerships editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil, who recently flew with this adaptor. “Overall, I think this product is great for a super specific purpose or for people who have trouble with the Bluetooth pairing process across products from different brands.”
Speakeasy Travel Adventurous Kate Modern Bohemia Scarf
Award: Best 2-in-1 accessory | Quality: 4/5 | Value: 3/5 | Satisfaction: 4.6/5 | Overall score: 3.9/5
We know what you might be thinking, a travel scarf? Unlike any scarf you've ever seen, this one is equipped with a secret compartment that can hold anything valuable. Made with hidden, self-locking zippers, our testers loved this handy 2-in-1 accessory.
Shop TODAY 2023 Travel Gear Awards winners
Zoppen RFID-Blocking Passport Wallet
Award: Best travel wallet
Skip the stress of having to dig through your entire bag when searching for your passport, thanks to this designated holder. TODAY.com commerce analytics manager Amanda Smith likes this wallet because it holds everything she needs and is easy to manage.
“When you’re traveling, you have to take out your drivers license and passport. So, many wallets and passport holders make it really hard to take the ID out. The easy access makes this one less thing to worry about during a stressful trip.”
Native Union Universal Belt Cable
Award: Best do-it-all charging cable
Each staffer who tried this charger raved about how sturdy and useful it is. Designed to charge several devices with just one wire, it’s perfect for saving valuable space in your carry-on. “I can tell it would be pretty good for traveling because the cord is long and also comes with a little belt to help keep it wrapped up, which is super helpful when you’re traveling with an endless amount of cords,” shares media coordinator Lauren Biggerstaff.
Moft Snap Stand Power Set
Award: Best portable charger
Raise your hand if you’re guilty of forgetting one of the many chargers required by various devices while on a trip! This two-in-one power set resolves that issue, charging both iPhones and AirPods on the go. This MagSafe adaptable case even includes room to store cards and IDs, further replacing a cardholder. Additional perk: It can even serve as a phone stand, securing your phone so you can use it to stream movies while waiting at your gate.
Meet the experts
- Brady Schrock is a flight attendant for a commercial airline and also served on our panel of 2024 Travel Awards experts.
- Katie Jackson is a travel writer and expert, who also served on our panel of 2023 and 2024 Travel Awards experts.
- Jonathan Alder is a luxury travel planner and adviser, and also served on our panel of 2024 Travel Awards experts.
- Stephen Sabato is a United Airlines Captain and has flown with them for the past 20 years. He’s been a pilot for 30 years.
How we chose
We sorted through hundreds of new launches, editor recommendations, trending products flooding our social media pages and tried and true products to curate a list of must-have travel items worth reviewing for our awards. We then tried 214 products total — in our studios, putting them through practical experiments to see if they meet requirements when it comes to durability, function and quality for travel gear. Our team of editors and writers also signed up to try out apparel and shoes, putting them to the test in New York City and on our travels across the country as well as overseas. Finally, our panel of experts reviewed some of our winners and gave feedback based on their expertise.
Has your product been featured?
Shop TODAY is editorially independent and our team of editors and writers work hard to pick the best products to share with our readers and viewers. We may license our logo to brands or products that have been featured on Shop TODAY. Click here if you’re interested in licensing your inclusion in Shop TODAY content or to learn more from our licensing partner, Wrights Media.
