the best travel deals for 2026 (Gift Guide tips from a travel writer)

the best items for your next trip: these must-have travel products!

As a globetrotting travel writer, I have learned that certain items are essential when flying or going on your next vacation. When I find a great bag, accessory, gadget, or other helpful item, I love sharing these favorites with my friends and other avid travelers! After all, these items can make traveling so much easier!

I’ve personally used all of the items on this list and highly recommend them. I want to share these cool products so you can enjoy the benefits, too. I’ve tried many bags, blankets, jackets, shoes and other products over the years, and these are my go-to accessories for whenever I fly or go on vacation. I’ve also included some links, details, and tips in the descriptions.

my favorite travel items (Marla’s travel list):

NOTE: This post contains affiliate links, designed for sites to earn fees by linking to products and services. If you make a purchase using of these links, I may receive compensation at no cost to you.

The best travel bag overall: Ameribag “Healthy Back” bag

I’ve purchased two of these Ameribag Healthy Back bags over the years and use them ALL the time. In fact, I don’t just use them for travel; they have turned into my everyday bag. It features several convenient compartments inside and out. It’s made from a water-resistant material and is comfortable to wear all day.

This fabulous bag is so special, in fact, that years ago, when I interviewed Academy award-winning actor Robert De Niro for an article about his new Nobu restaurant for USA Today, he actually pointed to my bag. He said, “That’s a great bag…I use it all the time!” We then proceeded to have a full conversation about the wonders of the Healthy Back bag. So, if it’s good enough for Robert De Niro, it’s good enough for us!

Overall, it’s amazing to see what you can fit inside this cleverly-shaped bag. It’s adjustable and ergonomically designed, so it’s light to carry and keeps your hands free. Other added features I love: the zippered compartments and multi-sized pockets inside, a small key ring, and (best of all) a lining that’s light-colored, so you don’t feel like your stuff is falling into a “black hole.”

This bag is available in many great colors, too. I’ve only purchased grey and tan, as they go with everything, and are especially easy to travel with! Amazon always runs sales and specials — so check it out here!

Click here to see details and purchase the Ameribag Healthy back bag now!

Aloha Collection “splash proof” bags

Another cool bagI often travel with Is Aloha Collection. I love these colorful “splash proof” bags of all sizes — they get five big stars from me! I use these bags mostly in Hawaii and other beach destinations.

This company makes sustainable, eco-friendly, lightweight bags of all sizes. Aloha Collection has a style for everything you could need, and are water-resistant and can be used day or night.

Aloha Collection offers a wide variety of bags they call “splash proof” because they are water-resistant, not waterproof. These include small, zippered cosmetic cases; medium-sized crossbody bags and handbags; larger beach bags. (And many other styles). One of my favorite Aloha Collection bags is the “Day Tripper,” and there are so many fun tropical (and other) patterns to choose from!

The bags fold flat and weigh nearly nothing, so they’re ideal for travel and fitting into your suitcase for a vacation or business trip. Most of their smaller bags are a great alternative to packing cubes, too, as they keep everything organized in your suitcase, and you can use them for multiple purposes while traveling.

If you happen to be in Encinitas, California, or Waikiki, Hawaii, you can visit the Aloha Collection stores in person — but you can purchase everything from Aloha Collection online, too.  

Microfiber lightweight thin beach towels

These lightweight microfiber beach towels are a game-changer at the beach or pool. Incredibly thin, these towels are quick-dry and fold up easily. You will have plenty of room in your beach bag for all your other essentials. Check out these cool and colorful summer beach towel designs!

Small liquid containers that won’t spill

Finally – these tiny, silicone travel containers from INSFIT are the best way to travel with liquids and creams!

These perfectly-sized and shaped tiny containers will hold all your creams, lotions, sunblock, shampoos, conditioner and even jewelry. They are leakproof and stylish, and designed in way to be totally customizable. And of course, they are TSA compliant!

Check out these fun and functional silicone containers here – they are available in a wide range of cool colors — and easy to clean, too!

Travel Blanket that folds Up and packs easy

When you fly, you might find that the in-air temperature has been very cold during most of the flight. As most airlines don’t have blankets available (even in business class) it’s best to bring your own. I learned this the hard way…I had to borrow a blanket from a very kind passenger sitting next to me last summer. (And yes, I was already wearing my hoodie and socks – see below)!

Needless to say, the first thing I did when I got home was to purchase a travel blanket for myself.   

I recommend the Blue Hills Ultra-compact travel blanket!

It’s thin, has its own case, and will keep you warm during the flight. This blanket is easy to pack and keep in your carry-on. Buy this and keep it handy for your next flight.

Best sneakers / shoes for travel : Skechers

If you’re looking for comfort and style, check out Skechers sneakers for men, women, and kids. This international company makes great shoes in a rainbow of colors that are also incredibly cushy, comfortable, colorful, and stylish. They have many “slip-in” options, too! Personally, I have several pairs of these awesome sneakers. They are great for travel because they are perfect for everything — and easily go from the city to the beach.

⮕Check out Skechers sneakers here! ⬅

Best hoodie for travel

I always wear a hoodie when I travel, and especially on my flights. It keeps me warm, and has pockets for all those small items that you need on a flight.

Be sure your hoodie has inside and outside pockets. Inside pockets make it so convenient to hold your phone, wallet, passport, ear phones or ear buds, water bottle, lip balm and anything else that you need easy access on the plane. (This is so much easier than rummaging through that bag under your seat, or having to take your other bag out of the overhead bin).

I’m a fan of the Scott eVest hoodie (available for men and women) — because it features 18 hidden pockets — and doubles as a casual light jacket that you can wear during your trip!

Lightweight, compact Binoculars

I’m always thankful when I bring my small, lightweight, powerful binoculars on a trip! They are extremely valuable when hiking, on the beach, or just admiring the views from your hotel window or balcony.

My favorite binoculars are Nikon (especially compact sizes), as they are tiny and easy to travel with. They are lightweight, compact and can fit in the smallest of bags. You can toss them in your beach bag, day pack or carry-on bag, too. These weigh practically nothing.

On your next trip, pack a small pair of binoculars and you’ll be glad you did!

Hydro Flask Water bottle for all types of travel

If you’re like me, you probably have a collection of water bottles at home of all shapes and sizes. Put Hydro Flask at the top of the list! It’s made from professional-grade stainless steel and available in so many colors and sizes, with a variety of lids. It’s one of the rare bottles that keep your beverage cold or hot for over 12 hours.

You’ll find one that’s best for your travel needs! Check out the Hydro Flask water bottle here!

Compression socks for long flights

Yes, you need compression socks on long flights!

You may have read about the importance of compression socks, but if not, check out this article about the health benefits of compression socks on Web MD. I’ve learned the best thing to do is wear regular socks to the airport and keep your compression socks in your carry-on.

There are many brands of compression socks — this brand offers a wide variety of colors and sizes.

Extra hint: Don’t wait until you’ve already boarded and in your seat to put on your compression socks, because space is limited on the plane and the socks are very (and necessarily) tight. So, it’s not easy to maneuver when you’re in your seat and space is limited.

Packing cubes to keep you organized

Many gift guides mention the value of packing cubes – for good reason. In my opinion, these zippered cubes really are the best travel companions and are so helpful in keeping your items organized while traveling.

Packing cubes are available in different colors, sizes, and thickness. You can choose from a variety of styles, too. For example, if you need to fit in as much stuff as possible in your suitcase, “compression” bags can be especially helpful.

Personally, I like using cubes of different colors and sizes to organize my items, as that makes it easy to identify what’s inside.

Most of all, I really prefer the packing cubes with a mesh front, so you can see the contents. (OR, if you’d rather try compression bags, click here and try this option from Bagsmart).

Baggallini travel bags  

I’ve been a fan of this company for a very long time and own several different types and styles of bags. These modern, stylish, and functional bags are all you need for travel. Originally designed by flight attendants, Baggallini offers a wide variety of bags, including crossbody, backpacks, mini bags, satchels and more. One of my favorites is the Baggallini Everywhere Bagg. It’s the perfect bag for travel and available in so many colors.

All of their bags were designed to make travel easier. They all have an array of compartments of all sizes, a light-colored lining, so you can find your belongings easy, and they are made of durable, rugged yet stylish, quick-dry material. (They also offer some vegan leather bags, too).

Check out the Baggallini crossover bag here!

Cincha travel belt for your luggage

This new product is a clever travel belt that you wrap around your luggage. It has been very helpful to me in recent months, especially when flying and I need to navigate through airports and / or walk long distances with my roller suitcase. And these travel belts can help you, too, if you give them a try!

Cincha is simple and easy — it allows you to ‘add’ a bag to your roller luggage securely, and it will save you from juggling too many bags.

Cincha travel belt is essentially a cool belt that easily and tightly slips over the handle of your roller suitcase and clips around your smaller tote bag or backpack. It’s available in a selection of colors and sizes and they just offered a newer version with a small bag attached to the belt.

Rimowa: Gorgeous, upscale luggage

Everyone has their own luggage preference, and I happen to be a Rimowa fan. I’ve taken my bag around the world more than once! The quality of Rimowa is outstanding, and the bag is incredibly durable.

All of their bags are solidly made, and you’ll even notice how sturdy and smooth the wheels are when you roll it through the airport or along the street. I’ve been using my Rimowa bag for so long that it’s now been discontinued, but if you’re looking to invest in top quality luggage, you can splurge on this beautiful Rimowa bag (but this brand has many cool options to choose from)!

As a travel writer, I use several different bags, so if you prefer a brand that’s more budget-friendly, try the Samsonite brand, as I also found this one to be very reliable and well-made.  

Kizik shoes (yes, they are totally hands-free!)

One way to make traveling easier is to wear the right clothing when you’re flying. And when you’re traveling, the best shoes are the easiest and the most stress-free! I recommend the Kizik eco-knit slip-on sneaker because it makes going through airport security just a little easier!

Kizik shoes look like regular sneakers, but you don’t have to lace them up or even bend down to put them on. It’s true. You can take these shoes on an off without bending over or using your hands. And that’s a big plus when you’re jugging multiple bags and dealing with TSA.

Best of all, Kiziks are totally hands-free shoes are available in a number of styles, materials, and colors for men and women.

Ready for that Flight to Hawaii? Check out my post about How Long is a Flight to Hawaii? (And tips for long flights)!

And…a few more extra must-have travel products:

A new solo loop Apple watch band

Be sure to purchase a stretchy elastic watch band is best for your iWatch (or really any watch). It’s great for when you’re at the beach, in the water, or just traveling. The band won’t come off and it gives you peace of mind.

I am a big fan of this stretchy solo loop watch band, as it is available in a ton of colors that match your outfits. This watch band is perfect for travel!

Solid shampoo & conditioner

Are you done with carrying around liquid shampoo and conditioner? Well, solid shampoo and conditioner is the answer if you don’t want to deal with the possibility of liquids spilling in your luggage. Try this Hi Bar solid shampoo and conditioner set — and you’ll have peace of mind on your next trip. It smells fantastic and will leave your hair clean, shiny and managable, too.

And don’t forget the lip balm for your flight!

When you’re flying, your skin tends to get dry, so it’s always a good idea to have lip balm handy. I’m a big fan of Burt’s Bees natural moisturizing lip balm, as it fits easily in your pocket or purse.

If you prefer your lip balm in a tube, try the CO Bigelow brand!

The best travel hack: a simple, black sheet

I often get asked about my favorite travel hacks. Believe it or not, my favorite, low-cost item to share is a simple black sheet. I use it all the time, especially for road trips. You just throw it over all your items in the back seat of your car or SUV and watch them disappear!

The “black sheet” is a budget-friendly trick that works for your home or apartment while you are away. If you have items visible from the window, toss the sheet on top. This also works for hotel rooms. You can just cover your suitcases to keep your stuff “out of sight.” It’s an easy fix, it’s light and works surprisingly well! A truly life-changing product!

Click here to purchase your simple black sheet!

Now that you have all these must-have items, your next flight is sure to be an easier, stress-free experience!

Enjoy your flight and your peace of mind!

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