Best travel accessories UK 2020: essential travel gadgets
Fantastic travel gadgets - top travel accessories revealed.
Tech and travel go together perfectly. The former can make the latter a more positive, hassle-free experience. Leaving suitcases and apps aside, we’ve picked out the best travel accessories for the UK right now that sweat the small stuff so you don’t have to.
From products that maximise the space in your case via on-the-go USB power to Bluetooth trackers that help find your valuables, this shortlist is focused on tech that lets you relax and enjoy being away.
And, frankly, who hasn’t dreamed of owning a flashlight that’s also a flask, a compass and a bottle opener?!
Upvote the travel gadget you think should be on everyone's holiday checklist.
- Need the basics? Check out the best travel suitcases and best travel backpacks.
Best travel accessories
1. Tile Mate
Bluetooth trackers offer a fuss-free way to locate stuff and, while car/house keys dominate the “finds”, these devices are also travel lifesavers: passport, tickets, wallet!
The Tile Mate is a small (35mm x 35mm x 6.2mm) and discreet locator that is waterproof, has 200ft range and a loud ring. Fans rave about the Tile app for its ease of use, and its “Community Find” feature alerts you when anyone in Tile’s global network comes within range of your missing item.
2. AKG N60 NC Wireless noise-cancelling headphones
These on-ear wireless headphones offer a great mix of top-rated noise-cancelling tech and portability – perfect for travellers. With Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Bluetooth on you get 15 hours of playback time, boosted to 30 hours if you use the cable plus cancellation. They’re foldable as well, making them easy to stow away. Other features include a tangle-free fabric cable, airline adaptor and case.
- Read our mega-test of the best wireless headphones
3. Senner SleepPro ear plugs
Having a good night’s sleep when away on holiday or business can be hard, but these stylish, barely noticeable ear plugs give you the best chance of getting some zzzs. They’re reusable, specifically designed for sleeping and don’t block out so much noise that you’d sleep through an alarm. They come with a 30-day money back guarantee, and a sleek aluminium container to keep them safe.
4. Anker Power Bank PowerCore II Slim 10000
Even when travelling light, there’s still a need for extra juice at your fingertips. Anker’s ultra-compact (138mm x 66mm x 16mm) USB power bank for phones and tablets is slim and powerful. It can deliver up to 3 full charges for many smartphones – and at super-fast speed. Recharging the bank can take as little as four hours. It ships with a micro USB cable and travel pouch.
- Check out more of the best portable chargers
5. LeanTravel Compression Packing Cubes
Don’t see packing cubes as just zippered fabric pouches. Look on them as space-saving pockets of efficiency. And a goodbye to creases!
LeanTravel’s classy-looking three-piece set (2 large, 1 medium) uses mesh, for breathability and so you can see clothes packed inside more easily. There’s an extra zipper for added compression, allowing you to pack more items, too. For a budget option, try the AmazonBasics range.
6. Scrubba Wash Bag MINI
Needing clean clothes isn’t just for campers and backpackers. Anyone can benefit from travelling lighter – andcould mean taking carry-on luggage instead of a suitcase. Scrubba’s MINI is 50% smaller and lighter than its original washbag but its internal washboard (plus water and cleaning liquid) still provides easy cleaning. For the outdoorsy, it’s good to know the bag allows grey water to be disposed of away from water sources, to prevent pollution.
7. Vago vacuum pump
The decision is yours: take more outfits OR create room to bring extra back. This small device, 70mm long and 77g, compresses clothes in a supplied vacuum bag (sucking out the air) and promises 50% more space in your case. Put clothes in the bag, attach the Vago, connect it to your power bank or USB power adapter with a micro USB cable (not supplied) and feel elation at the deflation of your clothes.
8. VSSL Flask
Camping, glamping, day trips and festival weekends will all be enhanced by this new waterproof adventure flask. The contemporary design makes the combination of flask, four-mode LED flashlight, compass, bottle opener, plus two 240ml collapsible stainless steel shot cups, look effortless. It's made of military-grade aluminum and comes with a lifetime guarantee. That covers a lot of days out – and it weighs a rucksack/daybag friendly 0.4kg.
9. Horizn Gion daypack/backpack
This stylish backpack has a minimalist look that only hints at the tech and design behind it. The Horizn Gion is water resistant and made from animal-friendly materials, and the 18-litre capacity pack has a compartment for a 13in laptop. Have a larger laptop? You need the larger 23 litre version.
The back is padded for comfort and there's a hidden pocket for travel documents. The 13in comes in five colours: black, mint, pale rose, cosmic halo and blue vega; the 15in is available in three.
- We tested the best travel backpacks, including top options for hikers
10. TP-LINK M7350 wifi hotspot
The TP-LINK M7350 lets you get online and use social media while away. It provides 3G and 4G access for up to two people and doesn’t break the bank price-wise. The LCD screen gives updates on signal strength and battery (up to eight hours) and there’s a Micro SD card slot for sharing files. Bear in mind, though, you’ll need to get your own global SIM card.