The travel gear I bought so far in 2026 — and what I’d buy again

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I buy a lot of gear for my traveling family.

And just like with any other purchase, some travel buys end up being worth every penny and must-packs for every trip. Some products, on the other hand, seemed like a great idea when I bought them but don’t end up getting the same mileage.

So here’s a list of travel gear I’ve personally purchased in 2026 and my verdict on whether each is worth packing and purchasing again.

The FYY cable organizer is by no means one of the most exciting purchases, but it solved a problem I didn’t even know I needed. I no longer have to throw the countless charging cables I pack into multiple pockets, only to never find them again.

This product has made it significantly easier to find exactly what I need while at the airport or in my hotel room. And my kids now know exactly where to find a cable that they need — and most importantly, where to put it away when it’s no longer needed.

Would I buy it again? Hands down, yes. At an incredibly inexpensive price point, the FYY organizer is one of those simple travel products that has made packing — and living out of a suitcase — significantly easier.

Get the FYY Electronic Organizer at Amazon

I’m a big fan of EPICKA products, and I already had a few of their travel adapters. The EPICKA Pulse Duo 140W Universal Travel Adapter, however, takes it to another level with its 140 watts of charging power.

Now, when traveling abroad, not only do I have all of the benefits of an adapter which works in more than 200 countries and regions, but I also can ditch a separate laptop charger.

Between its three USB-C ports, single USB-A port, and two AC outlets, it keeps six devices going at once.

The EPICKA Pulse Duo 140W was very useful on my latest international trips, where outlets were limited and I had many electronics — including my computer — to charge at once.

Would I buy it again? Yes, particularly for international travel. It’s bigger and more expensive than the other EPICKA adapters I own, but the additional charging power is well worth it.

Get the EPICKA Pulse Duo 140W Universal Travel Adapter at Amazon

This item might seem completely unnecessary, but after trying it, I’m a huge fan. And my daughter has already claimed it as “hers” so I might be in the market for another one soon.

The Perilogics Universal Airplane Phone Holder Mount clips onto the seat back, allowing me to use my phone and watch a movie at eye level — hands-free.

Would I buy it again? Yes. While not an essential item, it’s an extremely compact and inexpensive purchase that can make quite the difference — especially if you use your phone while in the air.

Get the Perilogics Universal Airplane Phone Holder Mount at Amazon

I’ve been using Apple AirTags for years, so when the second-generation AirTags launched earlier this year, I had to try them (and I needed more to keep one in all of my travel bags).

The new Apple AirTag is here. Here’s what actually changed.

While the core of the product remains largely the same, the biggest enhancements are a louder speaker and expanded Precision Finding range.

Would I buy it again? Absolutely. If you already have enough AirTags, I don’t think you necessarily need to replace them with the second-generation version. But for those that don’t, I think an AirTag needs to be put in every travel bag, with the hopes of never actually needing it.

Get the Apple AirTag (2nd generation) at Amazon

I cheated on my tried and trusted AirTags earlier this year with another luggage tracking device: the Knog Scout Travel. It can be secured to your luggage right out of the box with the supplied anti-tamper bolt and braided steel cable and works with the “Find My” app.

The Knog Scout Travel offers a built-in motion alarm, a rechargeable battery, and a QR code linked to contact details you can update anytime. It’s also extremely durable.

The luggage tag I didn’t think I needed — until I tried it

Would I buy it again? It depends. It’s hard to pick between the Knog Scout Travel and the Apple AirTag as there are pros and cons to each. I was quite impressed by this tracking device, though, and there are many features that you won’t find with the AirTag. On the other hand, the Scout Travel is sold at a premium price point, and transferring it between bags is annoying.

Get the Knog Scout Travel at Amazon

My job is to find the best travel products for you all, so I tried a third luggage tracker this year! While the EPICKA Tagie Mini Strap Finder doesn’t replace an AirTag for me personally, it’s significantly less expensive and comes with a built-in strap, making it even easier to attach to your belongings.

A new way to track luggage with the EPICKA Tagie Mini Strap Finder

Would I buy it again? Yes, but not to use for my luggage as I prefer the advanced Precision Finding that comes with the AirTag. However, due to the built-in strap and lower price point, it’s perfect to attach to my car keys and other accessories that aren’t likely to end up thousands of miles away from me.

Get the EPICKA Tagie Mini Strap Finder at Amazon

I used to travel with laundry pods, but this year I changed up my strategy and purchased Enyur Laundry Sheets instead — since sheets can be used in both the washing machine and for hand washing clothing.

They also take up virtually no space in a suitcase and ensure that no detergent (or pods) leak over my clothes.

They’re particularly useful on longer trips when doing laundry becomes part of the travel routine — like I just experienced this summer in Europe.

Would I buy them again? Yes. They’re small, lightweight, and easy to throw into a toiletry bag or packing cube, which makes them a particularly easy travel upgrade.

Get the Enyur Laundry Sheets at Amazon

This is the most extravagant item I purchased in 2026 so far, but I used my $250 The Shops at Chase credit (earned from my Chase Sapphire Reserve card after hitting an annual spending threshold on the card) for the splurge.

I’ve started to prefer bringing my own hair dryer with me on some trips — especially if I’m staying at an Airbnb or a lower-end hotel. While some hair dryers are perfectly fine, others can have no power or require me to hold down a button the entire time I’m drying my hair.

The Dyson Supersonic Travel Hair Dryer is smaller and lighter than the original Dyson Supersonic (which I use at home) and automatically adapts to the voltage wherever you are (just know that you may still need an adapter if traveling internationally).

At around $300, it’s clearly a significant investment for a travel hair dryer, and not something that everyone needs. But if you’re like me and particular about your hair-drying routine, it might be well worth it.

Would I buy it again? If price wasn’t a factor, it would be an obvious yes. I’m incredibly happy I used my credit on this and would make the same purchase again. But I am not sure any travel hair dryer is worth this price point.

Get the Dyson Supersonic Travel Hair Dryer at Amazon

My daughter swears by the Loop Quiet 2 Earplugs, so I figured it was time to give them a chance.

Designed to reduce noise without completely blocking you off from your surroundings, these have come in useful for sleeping in noisy travel situations.

They are very tiny, come in their own travel case, and are reasonably priced. I also enjoy that they come in many fun colors.

Would I buy them again? Yes. They’re inexpensive, take up almost no room, and can be a lifesaver during a loud sleeping situation.

Get the Loop Quiet 2 Earplugs at Amazon