A city trip can be a great way to explore new places and enjoy everything a city has to offer. But to make the most of your trip, it's better to bring along some travel accessories that will make your experience easier and more comfortable. In this blog post, I'll share 10 useful travel accessories that you shouldn't forget for your next city trip.
- Travel adapter: a (universal) travel adapter / universal plug adapter is essential for international travel. It allows you to charge your electronic devices even if the outlets are different from those in your own country. There are travel adapters that are only compatible with the outlets of your destination, like the one I bought for the UK when I was on an (Erasmus) exchange there. But since the cost of a universal travel plug adapter is often similar, I recommend choosing one right away.
- Suitcase organisers: also known as packing organisers or packing cubes. Suitcase organisers can help you keep your luggage organised. You can use different organisers for clothes, shoes, toiletries, and electronics. This way, you don't have to search endlessly for your belongings and you can keep your suitcase tidy. My boyfriend is a big fan of his Peak Design packing cubes because he also has a Peak Design travel bag, and they match perfectly. He has the small packing cube, medium packing cube, and Peak Design toiletry bag for his travel backpack, as well as the Peak Design Tech Pouch for storing all his electronics. The small and medium packing cubes even have a compression zipper, allowing you to fit more than you would think.
- Transparant toiletry bag: if you have planned a city trip by plane and want to take liquids with you in your hand luggage, you are obliged to put them in a transparent toiletry bag. These liquids may individually contain a maximum of 100 ml and you may not take more than 1000 ml or 1 liter together. And they must fit together in 1 resealable transparent bag. You can choose to put your liquids in their original packaging in such a (TSA-certified) transparent toiletry bag or use a transparent travel set that you can refill every time.
- Foldable backpack, tote Bag, or waist Bag: a (foldable) tote bag, waist bag, or other small bag is always handy for walking around a city and storing essentials like your wallet. A foldable backpack can be useful if you're also going on day trips during your city trip. This kind of backpack can be easily folded into a compact pouch when not in use, taking up little space in your suitcase.
- Reusable Water Bottle: like the Dopper, Chilly's, or SIGG reusable water bottle. Personally, I'm most satisfied with my Chilly's water bottle, which keeps both cold and hot drinks at the right temperature and has never leaked (unlike the regular plastic Dopper, unfortunately).
- Portable charger: a portable charger, also known as a power bank, is a must-have for travelers who rely heavily on their smartphones or other electronic devices. It allows you to charge your devices on the go, even when there's no available power outlet. If you spend a whole day taking photos and videos, and also use a Google Maps map to navigate through the city, this can definitely come in handy. Especially if your smartphone has a short battery life.
- Travel Pillow: a travel pillow provides comfort during long journeys. Whether you're on a plane, train, or in a car, a travel pillow supports your neck and makes it easier to take a nap on the go.
- Luggage lock: a luggage lock provides extra security for your suitcase or bag and can also come in handy if you choose to sleep in a hostel room with strangers. Opt for a TSA-approved lock, so airport security can open it without damaging it.
- Portable Luggage Scale: a portable luggage scale or travel scale is handy to ensure that your suitcase is not overweight. This way, you can avoid extra charges for excess baggage at the airport.
- And of course, a city trip travel bag! For city trips I actually always prefer a bag that I can carry. I would only use a trolley as hand luggage if I know that I won't have to lug it around. If I know I can go straight from the airport to my hotel after checking out or if I can leave my bag at the hotel itself and easily pick it up before going to the airport, then a trolley is an an option. But if I am going to walk around the city after checking out and I have to take my bag with me, then I prefer a good backpack or weekend bag. My boyfriend can highly recommend the Peak Design backpacks. I recently bought a weekend bag myself that fits perfectly within the dimensions that Ryanair uses for their baggage allowance.