Top Travel Products I Love and Always Pack in My Suitcase

From packing cubes that keep my suitcase organized to in-flight comfort essentials, these top travel products are ones I swear by. Each has been personally tested on the road and chosen to make every trip smoother, more organized, and far more enjoyable from take-off to touchdown. Let’s kick things off with organizing your suitcase!

Suitcase Essentials

1. Packing Cubes

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – packing cubes are a game changer! If you haven’t packed a suitcase with them before, I urge you to try them on your next trip. A pack containing different sized packing cubes allows you to efficiently organize your clothes into different categories. Tops in one cube, shorts in another, underwear in another etc. Each cube has a see-through mesh lid, or you can label your cubes with little name tags, for easy content identification.

Compression packing cubes allow you to minimise the space taken up in your suitcase…. you may even be able to get away with carry-on luggage only! Who am I kidding? 🤣

Packing cubes are great when you get to your destination too. My friend and I recently went on a Croatian Cruise (amazing by the way!) and we both had large suitcases as we had been traveling for quite a while. With limited space, the packing cubes needed were simply taken out of the suitcase and put on a shelf for easy access, while the rest of the clothes we didn’t need were kept in the case and stored out of the way.

2. Apple AirTag

This little Apple device can mean the difference between claiming your suitcase or wearing the same clothes for a week until the airline manages to find it! Roughly the size of a 10-cent piece, the AirTag slips into your suitcase and can then be used to track and locate your bag by speaking to your mobile device. It is battery operated so you simply replace the battery when needed, and it lasts for years. You can now buy them on keychains or in multi-packs, so every bag is covered. You can order yours through Amazon with this link.

A friend of mine landed at his destination and the airline claimed that his suitcase hadn’t made it to the airport and that he would be contacted as soon as it arrived. He was able to track his case using his AirTag and insisted to the airline staff that his case was indeed in the airport and he was able to practically guide them straight to it! My little AirTag goes with my luggage wherever I go.

3. Carry-On Toiletries Pack

I have tried a few travel toiletries containers over the years, and they have either leaked or were ridiculously expensive. This little pack I ordered from Amazon cost less than $20 and I love the bright candy colours!

The pack comes with little labels, so you won’t wonder if it’s moisturizer or conditioner, you are about to rub all over your face. A little funnel and cleaning brush are also included so you can easily fill and clean the containers to re-use them. The pack even contains 3 atomizers if you want to take along your favourite fragrance that isn’t available in a travel size.

Save money by not paying for overpriced travel-sized toiletries and just use the stuff you already have at home. You also save luggage space and weight by not having to pack bulky toiletries.

In-flight Comfort

There is nothing worse than landing at your dream destination and feeling like death warmed up because you haven’t slept for 20 hours and your skin feels as dry as paper after your long-haul flight. I know a few things that can help with that!

4. Trtl Neck Pillow

I was skeptical at first because I notoriously don’t sleep on planes (unless of course I am flying business class – it’s rare, but it does happen occasionally!) Usually though, I fly economy and coming from Australia, most flights are LONG! The Trtl neck pillow is more like a neck brace than a pillow, but it has proven to be the only neck pillow I’ve used that I can get any sleep with. It doesn’t look like your traditional neck pillow, but trust me, it works! It is the size of a notebook and is light, so it easily packs into your carry-on.

To use, position the brace on either side of your neck, or to the front or back, – whichever feels more comfortable and simply wrap the fabric around your neck and secure with the Velcro strip. Unfortunately, I don’t have a picture of myself actually wearing it on the plane…. too busy sleeping! However, there are plenty of videos and reviews online if you want to do a little research. The brace stops the head tilt, and the fabric provides warmth and, in my case, secures the lower jaw a little to prevent embarrassing snoring and or drooling. Win-win!! Here is the Amazon link to purchase.

5. Lula Eye Masks

Have you heard of these before? AMAZING! These disposable, self-heating eye masks are a godsend for tired eyes. The heat in the mask is activated when opened to the air, and oh my goodness they feel divine. The heat soothes tired, stingy eyes and is just so relaxing. Scented or unscented, pop one of these on during and/or after your flight and they will have you drifting off to the land of Nod in no time at all.

Top Tip: They make an awesome Secret Santa gift for your stressed-out co-workers as well. This particular brand is not available on Amazon; here is the link to purchase from Lula.

6. Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask

I only recently discovered this facial moisturizer, recommended by a friend on a recent trip to Central Asia. It’s thick, rich and creamy, and like the name suggests, breathes new life into dry jet-lagged skin. It can be used as an overnight mask or like I do, as a daily moisturizer.

I buy the largest size available and simply fill up one of my travel containers mentioned above with it. Smaller sizes are available as well as a range of Summer Fridays travel essentials in a kit. Knock yourself out I say! Here is the Amazon link to purchase.

7. Blistex Lip Conditioner

This little beauty is small but mighty! It goes everywhere with me and is a lip-saver for dry, air-conditioned, stingy lips. It might make the lips tingle a little on application, but that just means it’s working. Be sure to pack one of these in your handbag to ensure your pout is in prime condition for any holiday romance opportunities!

You can pick Blistex lip conditioner up at most supermarkets and pharmacies…. it’s good stuff!

Other Holiday Travel Products I Love

8. My Olympus Mirrorless Camera

I am not a photographer, but I have always loved taking beautiful photos. I have upgraded to newer models a few times over the years but have always stuck with Olympus. Pretty much every holiday snap of me has my Olympus camera around my neck or close at hand. In the cover photo for this post, we’re cruising down the Nile in Egypt, I’m relaxing on the deck with a book, but even then, my camera is on the table beside me!

This little beauty comes with me everywhere! My camera of choice is the Olympus OM-5 Mark II mirrorless camera. It is lighter than an SLR, is easy to operate (even for an amateur like me), it takes a beautiful photo, and I love the retro look. Here is an Amazon link for the Olympus OM-5 Mark II.

When I am going on hikes or carrying my camera for any length of time, I also pack my Camstrap. You can see me wearing it in the photo below on our hike of The Overland Track. It is brilliant for having your camera close at hand, taking the weight off your neck and is able to be worn easily with a pack. Love them both! Here is the Amazon link for the Camstrap.

9. Universal Battery Charger

When I lost the charger for my camera battery, I purchased the Uni Pal plus and honestly, it is so handy. Not only does it charge every size battery you can imagine, but it also has a USB port and interchangeable power plugs. I bought this Hahnel charger set at my local Camera shop. The new model does not include the interchangeable plugs, as connection now is through cables that connect to a power source.

The contact pins in the charger are adjustable using the dials and Lithium batteries can sit in the charger either horizontally or vertically like in the picture, depending on where the battery contact points are. The unit also charges AA and AAA batteries.

While the Uni Pal plus is no longer in production, the newer model the Uni Pal plus II is – here is the link to purchase from Hahnel. Amazon also have the mini version for sale – here is the link.

10. Travel Journal

This one is a bit specific to me, but as someone that loves to journal and write but has a terrible memory, a travel journal is essential in my packing list. A lovely little routine I do at the end of each day lying in bed, is to write about my day. I try to include the things I saw, facts and practical information but also my feelings and funny little moments from the day.

The travel journal pictured below was gifted to me as a Secret Santa gift – they know me so well! It is coming with me on our next trip to Tanzania very soon! This particular journal is from Amazon, and they have quite the selection to choose from. Here is the Amazon link, happy shopping!

I know there are digital options available, but I like the hard copy. To me there’s nothing like actually feeling the pages….and don’t get me started on a Kindle Vs a real book! I will ALWAYS make room in my suitcase for a book. Some of my favourite books I have listed in a blog post, you can read my recommendations here. Do you agree? I think I need to update that post…I have read some great books recently to add to the list. Stay tuned!

There you have it! My top 10 travel products that have served me well over the years and I hope you find them just as useful. Let me know in the comments if you have tried any of them and if there are any other products that I should add to the list.

Happy travelling!!