Last updated on December 2nd, 2024 at 02:38 pm
The best travel gear makes your journey more comfortable, whether you’re in your recreational vehicle, a car or an airplane. We found the gear on this list to have value with all three, and we use them ourselves.
We’ve included items in all price ranges.
Disclaimer: We may earn a modest commission when you purchase any of these items on Amazon. Revenue goes toward support of this web site and creation of new content.
Entertainment while in flight
The latest iPad Mini is a must to bring along on any trip. It’s smaller than other iPads, lightweight and tucks nicely into your purse or cross-body bag. Download movies to view on the plane or in your RV, download books and games, check your mail when you arrive at your destination. You can also synchronize it to your iPhone and Apple Watch. Don’t leave home without it.
- WHY IPAD MINI — The full iPad experience in an ultraportable design. Featuring Apple Intelligence.* With an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina…
- BUILT FOR APPLE INTELLIGENCE—Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you write, express yourself, and get things…
- 8.3-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display features advanced technologies like P3 wide color, True Tone, and…
The iPad Mini (A17 Pro) is great for movies and reading, but some people prefer the softer reading view of a book reader, and there’s none better than the Kindle Paperwhite. It’s smaller than the iPad, too. I bring both on my trips.
- Our fastest Kindle ever – The next-generation 7“ Paperwhite display has a higher contrast ratio and 25% faster page turns.
- Ready for travel – The ultra-thin design has a larger glare-free screen so pages stay sharp no matter where you are.
- Escape into your books – Your Kindle doesn’t have social media, notifications, or other distracting apps.
Luggage
After years of struggling with oversized bags that hold 50 pounds, routinely replacing them when the wheels break, I finally convinced my family to consider a high quality, medium-size bag that holds 35 pounds: the Samsonite Omni. An easy spinner, spacious, it can take a beating in the cargo hold, and the price is right. I can tell you from experience, you don’t miss those extra pounds. You instinctively pack lighter and smarter, and this Samsonite Omni is a lot easier to roll through the airport than a loaded 50-lb. bag.
- 24″ SPINNER LUGGAGE maximizes your packing power and is the ideal checked bag for longer trips.Number of wheels:4
- PACKING Dimensions: 24” x 17.5” x 11.5”, Overall Dimensions: 26.5” x 17.75” x 11.75”, Weight: 8.34 lbs.
- 10 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: Samsonite products are rigorously tested to ensure our products meet stringent standards. This bag comes with a…
I have an older version of this Eddie Bauer backpack, and it has held up famously. It’s my go-to bag for camping, hiking, bike riding and carry-on. There’s room to carry everything you need on the plane: iPad and/or Kindle, water bottle, headphones, collapsible pillow and an overnight change of clothes in case your checked bag doesn’t make it on time.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & COMFORT: Lightweight backpack with mesh back panel for comfort during extended use. Pack includes: interior laptop sleeve and…
- PACKABLE: Stowaway design allows this backpack to pack into its own pocket for easy transport. Stowed: 9″H x 8″W x 2.5″
- WATER REPELLENT: Made of ripstop polyester, holds up to the rigors of daily use. Durable and lightweight material is treated with StormRepel…
For a more comfortable flight
My doctor suggested compression socks to keep blood circulating in my legs while seated in an airline seat or driving long distances. Don’t go crazy. Light compression is enough for most people, and these are very comfortable. 7 colors available in the Dickies
- Graduated 8-15 mmhg Compression Throughout Leg Improves Circulation to Reduce Leg Fatigue
- Moisture Control Fibers Keeps Feet Dry. Content May Vary by Color
- Light Weight Cushioned Leg and Full Cushioned Foot Bed
- This product is accepted by the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) for promoting good foot health.
- Great for Travel and Everyday: Designed for those who sit, stand, or travel for long periods of time.
- Soothing & Revitalizing: Designed to soothe and revitalize for exceptional support and comfort with 8-15 mmHg Mild Compression. Experience…
For long flights — especially for those coast-to-coast red-eyes — there are few neck pillows better than this one from Travelrest. It’s high sides keep your neck straight, and it packs into small pouch for easy carry in your carry-on. Also excellent for passengers on long drives when going home for the holidays.
- OPTIMAL SLEEP IN THE SKIES – TOP AIRPLANE NECK PILLOW FOR 2018 – 2025: ENDORSED BY THE NEW YORK TIMES WIRECUTTER. After undergoing multiple…
- SLEEP INNOVATION: The Travelrest Ultimate shines with its distinctively angled back that stays flat against the seat, ensuring impeccable…
- REVITALIZE YOUR TRAVEL EXPERIENCE: Engineered with thermo-sensitive memory foam, our flight pillow delivers optimal support for neck,…
Ride-alongs
A reusable water bottle is a must while flying or riding your bike. Fill it up after you pass through TSA. The slim design will fit both the side pocket of your backpack, the drink tray on your exercise machine, and the bottle holder on your bike. Plus, it’s got a sippy straw for easy, no-spill access!
- Flip, Bite, Sip: Drink through straw
- Leak-Proof: Leak-proof when closed, spill-proof when open
- Lightweight and Durable
A power bank is absolutely essential while traveling. This one does it all.
- 10K CAPACITY OFFERS EXTRA LONG BATTERY LIFE: With a 10,000 mAh capacity, this power bank delivers up to 31 additional hours of power for an…
- INTEGRATED CHARGING CABLES FOR A COMPACT, ALL-IN-ONE DESIGN: Equipped with built-in Lightning and USB-C cables, this 10k mAh power bank…
- 23W OUTPUT LETS YOU CONVENIENTLY CHARGE 2 DEVICES AT ONCE: Charge two devices simultaneously with up to 23W total output using the…
Accessories from my travel kit
Whenever I travel usually have luggage, a stowaway backpack, a iPad and a laptop, all of which are deserving of their own tracking device — an Apple Air Tag.
You can find lost luggage or anything air-tagged with your iPhone or other Apple device. And now some airlines are incorporating Air Tags into their corporate tracking systems.
I also use AirTags on my cars, bicycles and travel trailer.
- Keep track of and find your items alongside friends and devices in the Find My app
- Simple one-tap setup instantly connects AirTag with your iPhone or iPad
- Play a sound on the built-in speaker to help find your things, or just ask Siri for help
There are multiple Airtag holders available online, but these are the ones I use.
- DURABLE AND DEPENDABLE: The Belkin AirTag case’s twist-and-lock design keeps your AirTag safely inside the secure holder, while its strong…
- SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE: Durable AirTag keychain with strap is the perfect way to keep your Apple AirTag safe and secure while on the go….
- [Compatibility] The full coverage secure Leather airtag holder is compatible with Apple AirTag 2021. (Note: Airtag is not included. )
- [Genuine Leather] These Air Tag holders are crafted from real leather, offering enhanced premium quality and durability.
These bright orange luggage tags add visibility to your bags in the luggage carousel.
- Sufficient Quantity for Family Travel: there are 8 pieces of reusable Silicone suitcase tags, you can use them with your family when…
- Easy to carry: the size of name ID cards is approx. 4.09 x 2.76 x 0.2 inch, which is compact in size and will not occupy much space, and the…
- Soft and Sturdy: silicone luggage tags are made of silicone, which is soft and bendable, not easy to break and reusable, not easy to fade…
If the mosquito repeller works, you are my hero.
I was a skeptic, but my nephew convinced me to give it a try. Now I’m a fan. My wife is a mosquito magnet, and she says this is the best repellent for her. We’ve tried everything from citronella and Skin-So-Soft to Deep Woods Off with DEET, but the Thermacell works best. I still keep a small can of DEET handy for aggressive swarms. A quick spray to the ankles usually completes the job.