10 Must-Have Accessories for European Travel

Great travel accessories can literally change your life. Ok…well at least for the brief moment they are serving a purpose. Example A: Screaming child behind you on the airplane, enter noise cancelling headphones….ahh the sound of silence!

Not all travel gear is created equal, but a few budget friendly and 1-2 luxury travel accessories expertly chosen (by me of course) can be game changers! These are in no particular order as I find them all essential for travel.

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1. Eagle Creek Garment Packing Folder Large  – If you’ve never used a packing folder…prepare to be amazed. It will cut the bulk of your clothing by 2/3. Yes! I know! Just don’t be like my best friend and use it to pack MORE clothing with the space you’re saving.
2. Contour Eye Mask for Travel– One of my favorite travel accessories for a long haul flight is a contoured sleep mask. This one doesn’t touch your eyes and smudge makeup all over your already tired looking eyes. I love Bucky masks for the price and variety of colors.
3. Better Sleep App – I use this app for white noise every night when traveling to drown out any random sleep disrupting clatter. You can layer sounds to find your perfect sleep promoting noise. I use White Noise, Heavy Rain, and Cat Purring…don’t judge.
4. Warm cozy layer – A must have on trips is a mid or outer layer that is soft and warm. It makes the freezing plane right more comfortable and you’ll be so glad you brought it for unexpected cooler weather, cool nights, or chilly hotel rooms. I prefer a light fleece.
5. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones or Ear Plugs – These are a much needed coach travel accessory. Do not board the airplane without one or both. You will regret it. Street noise, elevator dings, loud party group, snoring partner…..
6. Eagle Creek Compression Packing Cube – COMPRESSION packing cubes can half the amount of space my smaller clothes take up (not regular packing cubes that only organize but don’t compress). I use them for swim, undergarments, workout gear, and socks. I prefer this brand if you need several cubes for size and easy zipper closure.
7. Samsonite Hard Sided Medium Luggage– I love my Samsonite luggage! It goes everywhere with me. I would not recommend going any bigger than the medium as once it’s stuffed, it can weigh about 45 lbs and this more than enough room for a month trip to Europe. The Samsonite Hard Sided 19″ Carry On is my go-to carry-on luggage for Europe, based on the compact size. European airlines have more stringent carry-on limits. This bag fits within almost all size limits for carry-ons, and as long as you don’t go over the weight limit, then you are golden.
8. Travel Size Toiletries – Why carry around dead weight? In the game of travel weight is king! I’ve condensed all of my toiletries for up to 3-4 weeks to fit in a quart size bag. I use the large bottles for hair products and body lotion, Silicon Jars for creams like hair masks, Small Glass Jars for eye creams, cream makeup, etc., and Glass Vials for serums. I like this clear court travel accessories bag for a see-through, compact case. 
9. Hand Sanitizer and Disinfecting Wipes I don’t know about you but I don’t want to spend my holidays being sick. Dirtiest places in an airport are the check-in kiosks, armrests, TSA bins, and your tray table. Hand sanitizer people….HAND S-A-N-I-T-I-Z-E-R.
10. Hot Water Bottle – Ok so this one is not essential for travel BUT I take it everywhere with me. I get cold. I hate being cold. And after a long trip, a hot water bottle on my back feels amazing. You can use hot water from the tap or a tea kettle and then relaxxxxx.

Happy Travels!