12 carry-on gadgets that make holiday travel easier

All my gadgets come with cords, chargers and plug-ins. I use this CAOODKDK organizer bag because it is small, yet has enough pockets to keep all my cords separated, as well as my AirPods. It’s waterproof, has three compact areas, and is hard to beat on price.

Eight years of full-time travel has taught me the value of packing light. Using packing cubes to compress my clothes helps me move more efficiently through airports, train stations, Ubers, and lodging.

I like this Veken packing cubes set because it’s incredibly affordable, comes with eight pieces (more than enough for any trip), and includes bags for laundry, underwear, bathroom, and cosmetics. It’s an all-in-one set of packing cubes that can organize all my travel gear, and I’ve found the set to last a long time, too.

I travel domestically when visiting family and friends, but many of my trips have been international. Other countries use different types of sockets, making traveling with an international adapter necessary. I like EPICKA’s universal travel adapter because it has four USB ports and can handle any cord or charger. Moreover, the device is lightweight, affordable and can be connected almost anywhere.

The places I travel to have an interesting mix of weather conditions. I was born and raised in Wisconsin, so I prefer cooler weather; I use a portable fan to cool down in warmer climates, as well as when a terminal or airplane is stuffy. I like the Nezylaf Handheld Mini Fan because it is rechargeable, lightweight, and charges via USB. Despite being small, the mini fan provides powerful airflow and cools while also being quiet.

I never travel without my iPhone 16 Pro Max. I use it for business, FaceTime calls with my kids, and watching entertainment. Phone cases and holders allow me to use my phone hands-free while I travel. I use the CASEKOO iPhone cases because they have a retractable kickstand on the back and MagSafe charging. The casing is lightweight but sturdy; I’ve dropped my phone more than a few times, and this case absorbed the fall well.

I like the CushZone Airplane Foot Hammock as a footrest, which can also be used under a desk. It’s easy to use and mobile, and it’s amazing what a difference adjusting your leg position makes when you’re on a plane for hours. This hammock has a long top strap, so you can hook it over the tray table or another part of the backrest, depending on the type of plane you fly.

Because I’m packing strategically, I can’t be one of those vacationers who takes their bedroom pillow on the plane as a second carry-on. This micro-plush blanket zips into a pillow and feels fluffy, making it a little more comfortable than covering yourself with your jacket when the plane gets drafty.

This portable massage gun is so small, yet it massages your muscles excellently and fits nicely in your carry-on luggage. A massage gun is a nice way to prevent a tight feeling when you sit for hours on end. If you’re traveling for more than a few hours, combine this with some stretching exercises to ensure you feel energized rather than exhausted by the time you reach your destination.

I love this new world of smart sunglasses because they give me a new way to integrate my love of technology into my daily life. Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses balance function, usability and productivity; they can take photos, record videos, view information about what you’re watching, and even create subtitles thanks to an installed AI assistant. You can also livestream hands-free, make calls and use voice control. I like that these glasses also function well as regular old sunglasses, making them a great gift as well.

Our modern smartphones have come a long way and take great photos, but digital cameras still take the cake in terms of quality. I’m a business owner who sometimes uses lifestyle marketing, which means I need good photos and videos of my travels. I use my iPhone 16 Pro Max, but I also use digital cameras.

I have enjoyed using the Sony ZV-1 digital camera for years. It’s been my go-to camera for travel, and the LCD screen flips out so I can see what I’m recording, which was perfect for vlogging.

Staying hydrated while on the road is important. So why not do a little gaming along the way to ensure you reach your daily recommended water intake? I like the WATER.IO smart water bottle because it tracks your daily hydration using a free app. The bottle is insulated, stainless steel, and BPA-free, and at 17 ounces, it’s a smaller, friendlier option for carry-ons and backpacks.