Travel has been on a cycle of evolution over the past few centuries. During the 19th century, explorers often went on voyages in steamboats. Later, in the 20th century, people started traveling by train and airplane. In the 21st century, however, travel underwent a significant transformation and emerged as one of the largest industries. Despite facing a tough time due to the Coronavirus pandemic, it has since flourished like never before. Travel-lovers were just waiting for the situation to ease a bit, and they took their backpacks to explore the world.

However, finalizing the destination is just the beginning. There is more to planning a vacation. An essential aspect that travel lovers often overlook is what accessories to pack for their trip. But thanks to the evolution of the tourism industry, people are now becoming increasingly aware. The advent of technology, coupled with the proliferation of budget commutes, has increased travel frequency and, consequently, backpackers’ requirements. Here is a list of a few must-have essentials that will help you travel smart in 2025. After all, safe and intelligent travel is the need of the hour.

1. Luggage Lock

Assuming that each of you will be traveling with backpacks and luggage, let’s start with the most basic yet essential accessory that should make it to your list – a luggage lock. Safety should always come first. And let’s face it, we can travel without any worry only if we know that all our items are safe inside the luggage bag. A luggage lock will provide a tension-free vacation experience. Easy to use and carry while traveling, luggage locks come with codes that you’ll be required to use for the security of your items.

These usually come in packs of four, six, eight, and ten. The more you travel with, the merrier. However, remember not to get too paranoid and keep your most valuable items in one bag. You’d be raising the thieves’ suspicions if you locked too many bags at once. Here’s a tip: try to keep essential valuables in your carry bag or backpack that you have with you 24/7.

2. Roof Rack Cargo Carrier

Are you going for a road trip? One of the best roof rack accessories, a cargo carrier, comes as a savior if you plan an extended road trip and have fallen short of space in the car’s rear trunk. This cargo carrier comes with an easy-to-set-up kit with a shield to protect your roof against damage. This carrier features a PVC inner coating, which is waterproof, ensuring that even in rain, your luggage items remain safe and protected from water. Therefore, this is one of the smartest travel accessories that you must swear by, especially if you’re using your car to commute for the vacation.

3. Medical Kit Organizer

Traveling is a tiring affair, and none of you would want to fall sick by not taking your medicines on time while on the go. If you are on a challenging trek or vacationing in secluded locations where it’s difficult to find a medical store, mini travel containers with pill organizers are sure to come in handy. You must arrange all your medical requirements while packing for your trip. One of the smartest ways to do so is to keep all your medicines in these travel-friendly containers, which otherwise tend to go missing in large backpacks and, therefore, can’t be kept loose.

The best part about these containers is that they are multi-purpose. You can also store other essentials, such as safety pins, band-aids, and pen drives, in these containers.

4. Universal Power Bank

You’d never want to run out of battery. With the increasing dependency on and use of smartphones, it has become essential to keep these devices charged. For travelers, especially, smartphones are no less than a blessing in disguise. Whether it’s navigating on Google Maps or finding the best food joints in a touristy city, your phone is your ultimate savior. The concept of internet check-ins, e-boarding passes, and e-tickets are proof that the reliance on mobile phones is continuously on the rise.

Tangible maps, booklets, and shopping via currency are no longer the rage. The occurrence of COVID-19 has paved the way for broader concepts of digital living. As a result, people in the 21st century will be making more transactions with their phones while on vacation. Therefore, if you wish to travel smart in 2025, it is essential that you carry a power bank and not rely on random public plugs to charge your phone’s battery. This universal power bank, also known as a portable charger, is an apparatus that stores electrical energy. Once fully charged, it will help you keep your phone charged for days at a time while you’re in remote areas during your adventure.

5. Comfy Twistable Travel Pillow

This is a travel accessory designed for maximum comfort. The USP of a travel pillow is that its twistable feature allows it to adjust to any shape and position in which you are traveling. It can also help alleviate back pain if travel has taken a toll on your spine, but the vacation junkie within you wouldn’t give up. Not just your head, but you can use this twistable pillow to support your shoulder and spine while taking a nap.

It will make sleeping more comfortable on airplanes, trains, buses, or cars. Moreover, put this around your neck while lying under the sun on the beach, sipping your favorite mimosa, and reading your favorite book. The therapeutic effect of this pillow will relieve all painful pressure points. Apart from being convenient, this pillow is extremely easy to carry and travel with, as it can be attached to your luggage.

6. Digital Instant Print Camera

No traveler wants to skip capturing a beautiful moment. And, what better than getting a hard copy printout of your picture right then and there? So, give your mobile phone and all the digital images a break in 2025. A digital instant print camera instantly prints high-quality, vibrant 2×3 inch photos. These photo prints are water-resistant, durable, and smudge-free.
A pro Tip: Try stationing these unique pictures in your passport holder so that you do not twist them, because let’s face it, as pretty as these small photographs are, no piece of paper is crush-resistant.

7. Sanitizer

Last but not least, let us not forget one of the essentials of current times, the all-important hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes. Having claimed the lives of millions globally, COVID-19 has instilled paranoia among all. The only product that has emerged as an essential in the Coronavirus era is the sanitizer. Using this product is the most effective way for travelers to protect themselves from the viruses and bacteria they may contract while traveling.

Final Thoughts

Several experts have recommended traveling light. And, while you do that, it is also imperative to be travel-wise. One of the best ways to do so is to use travel accessories, which make your travel experience convenient, safe, and memorable. Just play John Denver’s song, “All my bags are packed, I am ready to go,” while you pack and keep checking them off your list.