Gnomie's Favorite Travel Accessories

Hello friends, it's me again Gnomie. After 14 years of globe-trotting, I've learned a thing or two about what makes travel smoother, smarter, and a whole lot less stressful. In other words, I've made quite a few packing mistakes in my day. So today I'm sharing the accessories that make mine and my travel companions' lives easier, no matter where in the world we're headed!

Eye Mask When you're as small as I am, blocking out the light on a long flight is non-negotiable. A good eye mask is a game changer for sleeping on planes, in hotels with thin curtains, or anywhere the sun decides to rise earlier than you'd like.

Packing Cubes These little lifesavers keep everything organized and make unpacking at your destination an absolute breeze. No more digging through your suitcase, making a mess looking for what you need. Everything has its place, and this gnome likes order!

Converter Nothing worse than arriving somewhere exciting only to realize your devices won't charge. A good universal converter that works for multiple countries and areas means you're never scrambling to purchase an adapter on vacation.

Luggage Weigher Airline fees are no joke, friends. A handheld luggage weigher takes the guesswork out of packing and saves you from that dreaded moment at the check-in counter when you have to shuffle items between bags in front of a long queue of impatient travelers. Been there, not fun!

A Backpack for Day Trips This one is my personal favorite since the addition of a little one in our household. A lightweight backpack that folds into itself so it takes up very little space is an absolute must for day trips. It's perfect for carrying snacks, souvenirs, all those accessories for a little one and of course, one well-traveled gnome. Day trip out of the big city, countryside walk, or just have a little one? Bring a backpack and explore hands free!

Apple AirTags (or similar) Pop one in each piece of luggage and never spend another anxious minute wondering where your bags ended up. No one wants to go without their belongings for 4 days like we once did in Paris. Peace of mind in a tiny little disc. Worth every dollar.

Foldable Tote Bag Here's a tip I swear by: pack a small foldable tote bag in your suitcase before you leave home. By the time you're heading back, you'll have accumulated all sorts of wonderful treasures and gifts for loved ones. That tote becomes your carry-on for the journey home, saving you from an overstuffed suitcase and extra checked bag fees while knowing your breakables aren't being thrown into the underside of the plane by a tired worker.

There you have it, my tried and true travel accessory list built from years of adventure, a few mishaps, and the wisdom that only comes from seeing the world one trip at a time. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just starting your journey, these little extras can make a big difference.

Until next time, happy travels! 

Gnomie