Travel has been on a cycle of evolution over the past few centuries. During the 19th century, explorers used to go on voyages in steamboats. Later, in the 20th century, people started traveling by train and airplanes. In the 21st century, however, travel took an extreme turn and emerged as one of the biggest industries. And, while the tourism sector is currently going through tough times due to the Coronavirus pandemic, travel-lovers can’t wait for the year 2021 to begin for them to be able to satiate their travel yearning. Who wants to re-start checking different destinations off their bucket list once again?

However, finalizing the destination is just the beginning. There is more to planning a vacay. An essential aspect which travel-lovers quite often ignore is what accessories they should 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 a proliferation of budget commute, has increased travel frequency and hence backpackers’ requirements. Here is a list of a few must-have essentials that will help you travel smart in 2021. After all, safe and intelligent travel is the need of the hour.

1. Luggage Lock

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

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 valuables accumulated in one bag. You’d be raising the thieves’ suspicions if you lock too many bags at once. Here’s a tip: try to keep essential valuables in your carry-bag/backpack that is 24×7 on the go along with you. Easy to use and carry while traveling, luggage locks come with codes that you’d be required to put for your items’ security.

2. Roof Rack Cargo Carrier

Are you feeling like road-tripping? 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-side trunk. This cargo carrier comes with an easy to set up kit with a shield to protect your roof against damage. This carrier has a PVC inner coating, which is waterproof, so even if it rains, your luggage items will remain safe and stay protected from water. Therefore, this is one of the smartest travel accessories that you must swear by, especially if you are using your car to commute for the vacay.

3. Travel Containers

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 are vacationing at secluded locations where it is difficult to find a medical store, mini travel containers with pill organizers are bound to come 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.

You definitely wouldn’t want to be in a situation where you need medicine but cannot find it. Isn’t this a great way to take your medication while on the go? The best part about these containers is that these are multi-purpose. You can also keep other essentials like safety pins, band-aids, pen drives, and more in these containers. However, while buying the perfect travel containers for yourself, make sure that you do not end up purchasing a leaky one if you end up putting cream or lotion in one of these.

4. Universal Power Bank

For you’d never want to run out of battery. With the increasing dependency and use of smartphones, it has become a necessity to keep such devices charged. For travelers, especially, smartphones are no less than a blessing in disguise. Whether it is navigating on Google Maps, or finding the best food joints in a touristy city, your phone is your only 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 rages. The occurrence of COVID-19 has paved the way for broader concepts of digital living. As a result, people in 2021 will be making more transactions with their phones while on vacay. Therefore, if you wish to travel smart in 2021, it is essential that you carry a power bank along and not rely on random public plugs to charge the battery of your phone. This universal power bank, also known as a portable charger, is an apparatus that stores electrical energy. Once charged full, it will help you keep your phone charged for days at a stretch while you are in remote areas during your travel adventure.

5. Comfy Twistable Travel Pillow

This is a travel accessory that is all about 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 in alleviating back pain if travel has taken a toll on your spine, but still, the vacay-junky 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 as you sip your favorite mimosa and read your favorite travel book. The therapeutic effect of this pillow will relieve all the painful pressure points for relaxation. Apart from being convenient, this pillow is extremely easy to carry and travel with, as you can attach it 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 2021. A digital instant print camera instantly prints high-quality, vibrant 2×3 inch photos. These photo prints are water-resistant, durable, and smudge-free. As a traveler, you do not have to worry about having dropped water on the picture. 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 which has emerged as an essential in the Coronavirus era is the sanitizer. Using this product is the only feasible way for travelers to keep themselves safe from all the viruses and bacteria they might contract while traveling. The fear of COVID-19 is here to last for long. While it does, travelers should be cautious in 2021 of having this must-have accessory with them at all times. This is the only way to guarantee the safety and good health. So better be prepared than sorry.

Final Thoughts

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