Lale Arikoglu travel tips

Packing lists will vary based on where you're going and how long you're traveling for, but the best travel accessories can improve every trip. From tech gadgets to keep your electronics powered up and luggage accessories that ensure you're not hit with an overweight baggage charge, having the right gear means a smoother journey, every time. Below, we've rounded up 27 essential items to pack inside your carry-on bag, weekender, or checked luggage. Consider these the travel gear staples to bring on your next trip—and all your future vacations after that.

Traveler editor Lale Arikoglu was flying through the night from New York to Istanbul the summer of 2017 when a group of flight attendants rushed down the aisle and stopped next to a woman two rows behind her. The passenger had been unresponsive when her seatmate tried to wake her so he could use the bathroom. The crew called for a doctor, and the pilot got on the PA system to let passengers know they would be making an emergency landing in Zurich.

We have two main priorities when it comes to packing: saving space and staying organized. The solution to both? Investing in a set of the best packing cubes. Whether you're headed on a low-key weekend away or a weeklong European adventure, these thoughtfully designed cubes help manage even the most unwieldy of travel wardrobes. The great thing about packing cubes is how versatile they are: Use them to organize your belongings by garment type, to keep complete outfits together, to separate clean clothes from dirty clothes, or to hold your shoes.

The best lip balms consistently earn a spot in our travel bags year round. Nothing dries out your skin quite like a long-haul flight, so having a go-to lip product that you know will hydrate and soothe is crucial. Finding a coveted lip balm you actually love is not always as easy as it should be—some are greasy or sticky, others overly scented, and then there's the ones that simply don't last.

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