Must‑Have Accessories for Every Traveler in 2025

Table of Contents

The Time I Forgot My Toothbrush in Tokyo (And Why This List Exists)

Packing Cubes and Compression Magic: Are They Worth It?

The Almighty Portable Charger (With Built-In Cables, Please)

Smart Luggage & Luggage Trackers: Because Airlines Be Wildin’

Tiny Tech That Saves the Day: Adapters, Hubs, and USB Sorcery

The Water Bottle Situation (Foldable, Filtered, or Bougie?)

Noise-Canceling, Sleep-Aiding, Vibe-Creating Essentials

The Pillow Debate: Memory Foam vs Inflatable for 2025

The “How Did I Live Without This?” Travel Wallet + Toiletry Game

The Unexpected Heroes: Travel Fan, Steamer & Emergency Kits

Bonus Picks from My Weirdly Over-Prepared Cousin

Where Comfort Meets Sanity: Why It All Links Back to the Right Travel Pillow

Real Talk: You’ll Forget Something. But Maybe Not With This List?

 

1. The Time I Forgot My Toothbrush in Tokyo (And Why This List Exists)

Okay, confession time: I once flew to Tokyo with three different phone chargers, a neck pillow the size of a raccoon, and zero toothbrushes. Like… not even a travel-size one. I was in Shibuya at 11 PM desperately trying to Google “toothbrush store” in Japanese while using data roaming that cost me more than my hostel.

That moment? It birthed this list. Because if there’s one thing travel teaches you — aside from the fact that airplane pasta will always betray you — it’s that being prepared saves your butt. Especially in 2025, where travel’s gotten slicker, but somehow also more annoying?

So here we go. This isn’t your average “travel checklist.” This is the stuff I swear by — and the gear I’ve regretted not packing while sweating through airport security, searching for my boarding pass that somehow always hides in the deepest pocket of my backpack. 🙃

2. Packing Cubes and Compression Magic: Are They Worth It?

Yes. Yes. A thousand times yes.

Listen, if you’ve ever sat on your suitcase trying to squish a hoodie into submission, compression cubes are your new BFF. I used to think they were a scam. Like, how can a glorified bag make that much difference?

Then I tried the kind where you zip them again to compress them… and my life changed. Not even being dramatic. I fit a week’s worth of clothes, shoes, and snacks (obviously) into a carry-on. No more playing luggage Tetris the night before a flight.

Also, color-coding your cubes is weirdly satisfying. Underwear in the blue one. “Maybe I’ll go out” clothes in the red one. Boom. You feel like the Marie Kondo of airport life.

3. The Almighty Portable Charger (With Built-In Cables, Please)

If your power bank doesn’t have built-in cables by now… why are we still living like it’s 2014?

In 2025, you want something that:

• Charges your phone at least 2x

• Has USB-C, Lightning, and Micro-USB (yep, still needed somehow)

• Doesn’t weigh as much as a brick

I once had to beg a stranger for a charging cable during a layover in Dubai, and let’s just say — it was awkward. He watched every second of my phone charging like I was gonna steal his battery power or something.

Pro tip: Always charge your power bank overnight. Always. Don’t be like me, desperately using your phone flashlight to find snacks in a dark Airbnb at 1 AM.

4. Smart Luggage & Luggage Trackers: Because Airlines Be Wildin’

Raise your hand if you’ve ever had your luggage “temporarily misplaced” by an airline 🙋♂️

2025 has brought a wave of smart luggage and tiny trackers that you can stick inside your bag, so you’ll always know if your stuff is still in Frankfurt when you’re in Florence.

I use one now (rhymes with "HairRag"… wink), and let me tell you — the peace of mind? Chef’s kiss. I checked my tracker mid-flight once just to feel something. Still in the plane belly. Love that for me.

If you’re not into the smart suitcase trend, no worries. Just get the tracker. Your future self, standing alone at baggage claim, will thank you.

5. Tiny Tech That Saves the Day: Adapters, Hubs, and USB Sorcery

Universal travel adapters with multiple USB ports are the unsung heroes of modern travel. You know how hotel rooms always have one awkwardly placed plug? Yeah.

Also — if you travel with a laptop or tablet, bring a USB-C hub. Trust me. It’s always when you don’t bring it that you end up needing to plug into some mystery conference room projector from 2009.

I also carry an all-in-one charger now, which sounds dramatic but honestly feels like carrying a Swiss Army knife made of electricity.

6. The Water Bottle Situation (Foldable, Filtered, or Bougie?)

People are serious about their water bottles these days. In 2025, the options are wild.

• Foldable bottles save space and weigh nothing

• Filtered bottles make tap water safe-ish anywhere

• And then there’s the bougie kind that glow when you need to hydrate (I had one, then I lost it, and now I just guess when I’m thirsty again)

I keep a basic foldable one clipped to my bag. Not the prettiest, but it’s saved me from buying €4 airport water one too many times.

7. Noise-Canceling, Sleep-Aiding, Vibe-Creating Essentials

Okay, listen: if you haven’t experienced the joy of noise-canceling headphones on a long flight, you haven’t lived. Crying baby in 13B? Gone. Engine rumble? What rumble?

Pair that with a good sleep mask and some soft slippers, and you’re practically at a spa… 30,000 feet above ground.

I’m also a fan of inflatable footrests (yes, even if they make me look like a toddler in business class). It’s about comfort, not ego.

Oh — and if you want to go full zen? Try a little travel-sized air purifier mask. Feels weird at first, but I swear it helps with plane grossness.

8. The Pillow Debate: Memory Foam vs Inflatable for 2025

Let’s settle this once and for all.

• Memory foam: Cushy, luxurious, but kinda bulky

• Inflatable: Packs small, gets the job done, but can feel like you’re sleeping on a balloon animal

Honestly? I switch between them depending on the trip. For backpacking, inflatable wins. For long-haul flights? Memory foam all day.

And if you’re still on the fence, check out Finding the Perfect Travel Companion: Air, Comfy, or Dream Pillow? — the ultimate showdown I wrote when I couldn't decide which one to bring to Berlin.

9. The “How Did I Live Without This?” Travel Wallet + Toiletry Game

Travel wallets with passport sleeves, RFID protection, and a pen slot (so you don’t have to borrow one for customs AGAIN) = game changers.

Same with TSA-approved toiletry bottles. Those weird squishy ones that actually squeeze out all your shampoo. I never thought I'd be emotionally attached to a mini bottle… but here we are.

Also: toiletry bags that hang up. Because hotel sinks are not known for counter space.

10. The Unexpected Heroes: Travel Fan, Steamer & Emergency Kits

Sometimes it’s the weird extras that make you feel like a genius.

• Portable travel fan: For those stuffy buses with zero airflow

• Mini steamer: Because wrinkled clothes = chaos

• Emergency kit: Bandaids, meds, and — yes — extra socks

My cousin Jake once used his portable steamer to defog his glasses on a rainy day. I still don’t understand the physics. But I respect the hustle.

11. Bonus Picks from My Weirdly Over-Prepared Cousin

Jake again. The man carries a foldable tote, cable organizer, USB-powered lint remover, and extra shoelaces. And you know what? He’s always the guy who ends up saving the day.

Need an adapter? He has three.
Lost your luggage? He has a luggage scale and backup outfit.

I tease him… but I also lowkey want to be him.

12. Where Comfort Meets Sanity: Why It All Links Back to the Right Travel Pillow

If I could only take one thing from this list? It’s the right travel pillow. Sounds silly. But when your neck doesn’t cramp, your mood doesn’t either.

And seriously, if you haven’t yet — read How the Comfy Pillow Redefines Classic Travel Comfort, or Why the Air Pillow is the Best for Backpackers and Minimalists, and don’t sleep on Dream Pillow Review: Luxury Comfort for the Frequent Flyer. Or do. With the pillow.

13. Real Talk: You’ll Forget Something. But Maybe Not With This List?

Look, I’m not perfect. I’ll probably forget something on my next trip (likely my favorite socks again). But this list? It’s the closest I’ve come to prepared.

What about you? Got any weird must-have travel gear I need to know about? Let’s swap notes — or packing fails — in the comments. And hey, if you liked this rambling mess, maybe check out my other stuff? No pressure though. ✌️

Author Profile:

Hi, I’m Florian Werner, the founder of FLOWZOOM. The idea for FLOWZOOM started during an unforgettable trip around the world. After spending what felt like forever on long flights, I noticed just how tough it is to stay comfortable while traveling.

I tried every travel pillow I could find, hoping for some relief—but nothing worked the way I needed it to. That’s when I decided to create my own. At FLOWZOOM, we focus on designing pillows that actually do what they’re supposed to: keep you comfortable and supported while you travel.

I’ve spent years figuring out what makes a great travel pillow. My goal is to make every trip easier for people who, like me, want to enjoy their journey without the aches and pains. I’m proud to share what I’ve learned through FLOWZOOM’s products and tips for better travel.

Here’s to making every trip a little more comfortable!