Best Travel Accessories for Every Budget

After years of recommendations, Away's Carry-On still earns its place at the top. The polycarbonate shell survives airline abuse impressively well, the 360° spinner wheels glide effortlessly, and the interior compression system actually makes packing for a week feasible in carry-on size. The built-in battery version (Carry-On with Battery) is a genuine convenience upgrade for frequent fliers.

• ✅ Exceptional durability — our test unit is three years old and going strong
• ✅ Lifetime warranty (Away stands behind it)
• ✅ TSA-approved lock built in
• ❌ Premium price — cheaper alternatives exist but quality gap is real

If you're not ready to invest $300 in luggage, this is the most reliable option at the budget end. It won't last a decade, but for occasional travellers it's perfectly functional and the spinner wheels are smoother than you'd expect at this price.

• ✅ Excellent value — performs well above its price
• ✅ Available in multiple sizes and colours
• ❌ Lighter build — not for heavy travel schedules

Packing cubes are one of the few travel accessories that genuinely change how you travel. Eagle Creek's are the best we've found — the lightweight ripstop nylon is durable but doesn't add much weight, the zips are smooth, and the mesh top panel means you can see contents instantly. Once you use packing cubes, you'll never pack without them.

• ✅ Transform your packing — immediately worth it
• ✅ Excellent durability and zipper quality
• ✅ Lifetime guarantee

Sony's XM6 headphones remain the benchmark for noise-cancelling. The ANC is so effective that long-haul flights in the back of economy feel genuinely bearable. 30-hour battery life, exceptional call quality, and the foldable design that slips into a compact case make these our top recommendation for frequent travellers.

• ✅ Best-in-class active noise cancellation
• ✅ 30-hour battery life with ANC on
• ✅ Excellent call quality and voice isolation
• ❌ Premium price — Sony WH-1000XM5 (~$280) offers 90% of the performance

At under $60, the Soundcore Q45 delivers surprising ANC performance, 50-hour battery life, and sound quality that punches well above its price. If you travel occasionally and can't justify $400 headphones, this is the pick.

Works in 150+ countries, has 4 USB-A ports plus 2 USB-C ports built in, and the build quality is solid enough that ours has survived six years and counting. At $30 it's a no-brainer for any international traveller.

• ✅ Works in 150+ countries
• ✅ 6 simultaneous charging ports
• ✅ Excellent value

Enough charge to fill most phones 6–7 times. Three USB outputs let you charge multiple devices simultaneously. The trade-off is weight (~1lb), but for long travel days it's worth it. Note: airlines limit power banks to 100Wh — check your specific model before flying.

Scientifically designed to support your neck in an upright seated position, the Trtl is a completely different proposition from traditional horseshoe pillows. The hidden internal support and fleece exterior feel genuinely supportive rather than gimmicky. On overnight flights, it's transformed our sleep quality.

• ✅ Actually provides meaningful neck support
• ✅ Packs very flat — takes almost no luggage space
• ❌ Different to use than traditional pillows — takes a flight or two to adjust

TSA-approved locks are essential for checked luggage travelling to or from the US — TSA agents can open them without cutting, whereas non-TSA locks get cut off. Master Lock's version is reliable, affordable, and widely available. Buy two.