My Favorite Travel Accessories

Travel accessories are designed to make your travel experience easier and more pleasant. But how many travel accessories can you really take with you? What are the most important ones? I find that I can't function without my packing cubes. There are several companies that make them, and they are very useful. I don't personally like the plastic ones because I prefer the fabric style cubes with the mesh tops. It doesn't leave an odor on any of the items or clothing inside, and these fabric cubes are lighter weight. We all know lightweight luggage is important today with the new airline restrictions. We have to abide by these restrictions or risk being charged extra.

I pack all of my underwear, pajamas, and stockings and socks in these cubes. When unpacking, it's really easy to just place the cubes in the hotel drawers. I also use the smaller cubes for vitamins, band-aids, and other "what ifs" that I'm not comfortable traveling without. If my husband is traveling with me, we also use the shirt cube. This packs his cotton shirts neatly and compactly and the shirts can be unpacked with virtually no wrinkling. The plastic lined cubes are the only way to pack cosmetics, creams and lotions. I first cover the bottles or jar with plastic wrap, and then pack them in the plastic lined cube. This doubly insures no accidents or spills ruining clothing and making a mess of the luggage. Along with these cubes, I always use the shoe covers to keep the shoes from scuffing or soiling

he clothing. I also use the travel laundry bag; so all of the used or dirty clothing is kept in one place separate from the clean clothing.

I cannot travel without my travel alarm clock. The hotel clock radios have become so complicated and I never trust that they will go off on time. Too many "wake up" calls have failed to materialize on time but my trusty alarm clock always works. It has a light in case I wake in the middle of the night. The alarm is loud and has never failed to get me to an important meeting or to my plane on time.

My lightweight-folding umbrella is another "must have" item. It weighs mere ounces, and I know if I pack the umbrella, it will never rain. When I've forgotten to pack it, sudden showers will always turn up. I also love my toothbrush covers. They keep the toothbrush clean in my plastic lined travel cube, and on the counter of hotel bathrooms. They always travel with me. The newest travel accessory is the three-one-one case. This is the clear plastic, one quart sized case with bottles and jars of three ounces or less. This is the only way you can carry liquids or gels onto the airplane in your carry on luggage. I like to have my contact lens case, my hand sanitizer, my hand cream, my moisturizer, my lipstick and Chapstick, and eye drops with me on the airplane. Yes, a zip lock bag will work, but it is often thrown out by housekeeping in the hotel. The three-one-one case also stays neater and doesn't tear like the zip lock bag.

I'm also partial to my TSA locks. These are the combination locks that are TSA approved and can be used on luggage when flying. They are permitted because TSA security have a master key that can open the lock should they feel it's necessary to look in your luggage. They also come in a key lock variety. I prefer the combination lock, because I don't want to also have to carry the keys. These locks keep the over-stuffed luggage from inadvertently opening. I've seen traveler's clothes spilling out on the luggage carousel, and it's not a pretty sight. The TSA locks are also available in bright colors that match the luggage tags, and make identifying your luggage easier.

I also have a favorite travel accessory that I wear on the airplane. It's my reversible travel jacket. This is a lightweight jacket in crinkle polyester that never wrinkles and always looks fresh. It doesn't matter if you're on a two-hour or a ten-hour flight. You won't get off the plane looking wrinkled! The jacket is washable, can be dressed up or down and is surprisingly warm. It also packs like a dream, and can be tucked in the smallest corner and never wrinkle. These jackets are popular with other women travelers, but they come in so many colors and patterns, that I have never seen the same jacket pattern on airplanes. There are many travel accessories on the market, designed to make you happier and more comfortable when traveling. Plan a trip, and discover your own favorite travel accessories!

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Advise from a travel specialist.