Hello, everyone! I hope you’re enjoying the start of your new year! Before we got too far into 2024, I wanted to finish something I started back in the summer of 2023: a list of the best travel accessories & brands I discovered last year!
If you haven’t read part 1 of this mini-series yet, be sure to go back and check it out. In the meantime, I’ve got a fresh list of travel gear and brands to show you today that make life on the go more convenient, comfortable, and fun!
*Disclosure: Some of these brands may include affiliate links. If you purchase through this link, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. In many cases, you will get an additional discount for purchasing through my link instead of directly through the site. Rest assured, I have personally tried and loved each of these travel accessories and brands because I only want my name tied to good products! If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments, email me directly at [email protected], or check out my Privacy Policy page.
The Best Travel Accessories & Brands of 2023
Taos Direction Sneakers
My all-time favorite travel accessories from 2023 were my Taos Direction sneakers. Oh, my word. I did not know how badly I needed these shoes until I started wearing them everywhere.
Here’s why I love them: I have high arches and a “cranky” knee, so I often deal with pain while we’re traveling. If I don’t have the right pair of shoes, I will literally be limping by the end of the day. But Taos shoes are “wellness” shoes, and they come with built-in arch, heel, and metatarsal support. I haven’t had a single day of pain since I started wearing these shoes on travels, and I don’t think I can go back!
In addition to that huge perk, they also go with everything! The neutral colors make it so easy to pop these on for walks around the neighborhood, grocery runs, or any of my travel outfits.
Other perks of these shoes:
- Collapsible back
- Moisture-wicking fabric
- Lightweight design
These particular sneakers run for $150. I haven’t tried their other shoes yet, but you better believe they’re on my to-buy list!
Happy Luxe Wrap & Pillow
You know what I hate about long trips? Being cold and uncomfortable. Quite frankly, it seems like more and more of a problem every time I travel.
That’s why I’m so pumped about this travel set I got from Happy Luxe!
The first item is a super-soft travel wrap made with eco-friendly and sustainable materials. It’s so stretchy and provides UPF 50+ ultraviolet protection. But the real bonus is that you can use it as a wrap, scarf, or travel blanket! It seamlessly transitions from one to the other, which I love! It’s not bulky as a scarf or “skimpy” as a blanket. And did I mention how ridiculously soft it is? (Yeah, but it’s worth mentioning twice, lol)
The second item is a Happy Luxe travel pillow with a case made from the same luxurious fabric. It’s the perfect size to cuddle up to on a plane or in the car, and it’s also hypoallergenic! The case can be removed for easy cleaning, too. I greatly dislike the tiny “tic-tac” pillows they give you on airplanes, and I don’t do well with the U-shaped neck pillows either. But this alternative works out so well and the fabric feels so nice on my face as well!
All in all, I will not be traveling without these any time soon.
Use CARRIECOCHRAN to get 15% off your first purchase!
KZ Gear Sunglasses
If you’ve ever lost your favorite pair of sunnies in the water…this brand is for you. KZ Gear creates floating sunglasses, so you never have to worry about yours going to a watery grave.
They have tons of really sharp styles for men and women, and they only cost about $10 each. That’s insane!
I really like my Oasis sunglasses from KZ Gear because they have just the right amount of coverage and go with all my outdoor outfits. Plus, there’s just such a nice peace of mind knowing that I won’t lose expensive sunglasses or contribute to any water pollution by losing a pair.
They’re already really affordable, but you can use Carrie15 to get 15% off your first order.
Wander Trails
Okay, you might have seen this brand already in my Holiday Gift Guide for Travelers, but I feel like they deserve a mention here, too.
Wander Trails is a new, small brand that creates beautiful clothes, accessories, and wall art with nature-inspired designs. I have one of their hoodies and one of their sweatshirts, and they immediately became favorites. I’m the kind of person who wears travel-themed clothing all the time, not just on the road. So these are really more like daily essentials to me than just travel accessories, haha.
In addition to the designs, I also like this brand because
- They partner with Greenspark to plant a tree and rescue a bottle for every product sold
- You can track your own positive impact made with each purchase
- They use carbon-neutral shipping
- Items are made to order, so there’s no excess product waste
All in all, there’s a lot to love about this brand, and I’m excited to see how they grow!
Titos’ Closet Harness Bundle
I also mentioned Tito’s Closet in my 2023 Holiday Gift Guide, but I’m focusing on a different product here. If you travel with your dog–especially for hiking and adventure travel–you should take a look at the Deluxe Roamer Harness Bundle.
The All-Weather Defender harness stands up to mud, rain, and other water like an absolute champ. Atlas took an impromptu swim in his on a hike, and it came away with no stains or bad smells. We just threw it in the wash, and it looked like new (unlike his previous harness, which is still stained from a basic walk in the rain).
In addition to the easy clean-up, the harness has 3 attachment points, adjustable straps, and an easy slip-on design.
The other part of the bundle is the All-Weather Luxury leash. It’s made with a rubber material that repels water and wipes clean in seconds. It also removes any concerns about tearing, fraying, or staining. The other thing I really like about it is that it’s adjustable, so you can change the length and use it for tandem walks or as a tether.
These are really the perfect travel accessories for adventure-loving dog parents because they’re so versatile and high quality! The bundle is currently running for $60, which is a good investment if you never have to buy another harness and leash.
Auto-Tracking Phone Tripod
If you travel solo or create content while you’re on the go, a tracking phone tripod is a great addition to your travel gear! I’ve had mine since the fall, and it’s gotten a lot of use.
Since I wasn’t sure whether or not I would like it, I opted for a cheaper version and found this one on Amazon* for about $30. It’s not fancy, but it does the job. There are so many different brands out there, and I’m sure they all have their pros and cons, so I’d say do your research before settling on the best one for you. With that said, the only thing I didn’t love about this one was how long it took to ship to me.
I’ve been very happy with this auto-tracking tripod for what I use it for. It does a good job tracking my movements, and I can adjust it for standing or sitting sessions. It also works well for overhead views on my desk or table. I like that it has a remote, as well, so I can control it from a distance for photos and videos via my phone’s Bluetooth.
It makes it very easy to create content on my own without needing my husband or a stranger to help me out.
*This is an affiliate link.
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Closing Thoughts on the Best Travel Accessories and Brands of 2023
I hope you enjoyed discovering the rest of my favorite travel accessories from 2023! I try out a lot of different brands and gear throughout the year, but these were all at the top of the pack, and I’m excited to get them more use in 2024.
Once again, if you haven’t read part 1, you can go back and read that here. And if you enjoyed this post and aren’t part of the community, you can join us down below! We’re tons of fun, and you’ll always stay up to date on travel trends, new adventures, and exclusive discounts.
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Don’t forget to like and share this post before you go, and I hope you’ll be back next week for the newest adventure!
Happy travels!
