I am not much of a gadget person, but I appreciate a well-crafted, beautifully made, or superiorly handy, "why-didn't-I-think-of-that?" kind of thing, always. This list is a few of my favorite travel gadgets.

{Please note: if you purchase through these links I will receive a small commission to keep this blog afloat, but it does not affect my recommendation; these are simply my personal faves.}

1.  I carry this Lovevook travel back pack that has style and enough pockets to make finding things easy even when tucked under the seat. Love the size, the style, and it comes in all kinds of color variations. And so far, after several trips, the zippers are still intact.

I also often carry this expandable bag if I need more space, or intend to bring home a lot of souvenirs. A good runner up option.

2. My new favorite solution for stuffing things in, but having them come out (mostly) unwrinkled is this Hanging Shelf Packing cube, because unpacking is out, especially when you are doing trips that require a hotel move every day or two!

3. I travel in carry-on only whenever possible. I truly can no longer pack without these  compression bags to maximize space. (Hey, I need extra space for my shoes!)

4. For the travel plot twist (delayed flights, car break downs, runway-sitting emergencies), I always wear, and pack and extra of absorbent underwear (TMI?!- hey, it is a fact of life for most women). "Things" tend to happen on a trip and these are a fabulous "safety device"- because "things" happen!  (I like Speax by Thinx)

5. While this will not make it through TSA, for roadtrips (and home), I find this Creuset Picnic Wine Opener the easiest opener on the market. One finger open, and easy offload of the cork. I would do a tv ad for this thing. Should really be top of this list.

6. For roadtrips with the pup, I find this handy water "bowl" the best option for easy carry, easy access.

The human equivalent, great for travel and hiking is this Nomader BPA-Free Collapsible Sports Water Bottle .

7. The last trip I took was two 12 hour flights and a 5 hour layover. I am not sure I would have been anything but an actual zombie without this travel pillow that allows for leaning forward, as well as gives an option for neck and arm support in almost any upright position. I am almost 6' tall, so getting comfortable is extremely hard in the back of the plane, but this is my savior! This particular one comes with eye mask and ear plugs, as well.

8. While this eye mask is not a must-have, and a bit of a luxury, if you have room for it, it is a great way to block out the sounds of the airplane toilet flush, or the carts rolling down the aisle, or the screaming babies while you try to get a little shut-eye. The positioning of the earbuds takes a little fiddling, but I love the ease of this thing- and super comfy.

9. I don't travel anywhere without an easy access cross body bag. There are plenty to choose from, but I like to take something that goes with everything, has pockets for wallet, phone, passport and liptsick- bigger not necessary. Something like this can be an organizational life-saver.

10. For working at home (or car trips), I cannot do without my heated mugs for coffee. I can do chores, sit and work for extended periods, go outside and throw the ball with the dog, and they keep my morning cuppa warm. I have a travel version, as well, thanks to a thoughtful friend.

 Ember has a lovely product, app connected,

but I prefer the older-school (and less expensive) button click of Thermacup.