My 5 Favorite Travel Accessories

A sweet view of the Alps en route from Frankfurt to Nigeria.

There are a dizzying amount of travel goodies on the market. Don't get me wrong - I do appreciate a  product that makes traveling easier and/or more organized (and I thoroughly enjoy researching and reading reviews) but it's easy to convince yourself you need every.little.thing. You don't. I promise.

If I could suggest only 5 things for a brand new to traveler to purchase, they would be the following:

1. Global Entry. 

For $100 US citizens skip the normal (read: typically agonizingly long) customs line when entering the US. This has saved me countless hours of waiting and has even saved me from missing a connecting flight coming home from Haiti! It is valid for 5 years and also includes TSA PreCheck, which allows you to use expedited security screening lines for domestic flights. $20 a year to save time, frustration, and potentially rebooking a missed flight? 100% worth the money.

2. A lightweight, organized carry-on bag. 

I've been using the Tortuga Travel Backpack for the last year. It was my first foray into carry-on only travel, and overall, I've been pleased. It meets the maximum carry-on dimensions (22' x 14" x 9")  for most US and large international carriers so I've never had to check it. 

When I go on volunteer nursing trips I need to also bring a checked bag because of medical supplies, but I still use my Tortuga as a carry-on to pack the majority of my clothes, scrubs, and personal items I need. Even with packing all of that, my Tortuga still comes in at less than the 8 kg maximum carry-on weight for most large international airlines.

3. Ear plugs.

While Global Entry is the best big money I've spent on travel, a $3 box of ear plugs from the drug store is my best less-than-$5 purchase. They've silenced (or at least lessened the blow of) everything from screaming toddlers on airplanes to daytime hotel construction occurring rightoutsideofmydoor. Don't go on your next trip without 'em.

4. Clear quart-sized toiletry bag.
Why I love it: it's a good bargain, has held up for over 3 years of traveling, and keeps my liquids separate from my "dry" toiletries. I put it at the top of my backpack so it's easily accessible when I have to take it out going through security (only when flying internationally, though, because I don't have to take anything out of my bag for domestic flights thanks to TSA Precheck! Have I mentioned that Global Entry is da bomb?)

5. Clothesline.

I purchased this for a three week trip to Haiti over the summer and I liked it so much that I've used it for both of my volunteer trips since. This braided rubber design eliminates the need for clothespins and the velcro loops on the end allow you to secure it pretty much anywhere - doorknobs, towel racks, or whatever creative place you have to come up with!