2023 was an incredible year for travel—new hotel openings, emerging destinations, and trending food scenes brought us further around the world. And with all that travel comes lots of new gear that editors and readers alike loved. From carry-on essentials and cozy loungewear that make long-haul flights a little more comfortable to supportive walking shoes built for those days when you're clocking 20,000 steps, we tested out some pretty great travel gear this past year—and recommended our favorites to you along the way.
As we plan our next big adventures, we're taking a look back on the products that resonated most with Condé Nast Traveler readers in these last 12 months. Below, you'll find the 16 most-purchased Traveler-recommended items of 2023, from lightweight travel pillows and noise-canceling headphones to tote bags you'll wear everywhere. Consider these our best travel gear recommendations of the year, available to shop now in case you missed any the first time around.
Find the best travel gear by category:
In-flight essentials
Trtl travel pillow
Our readers could not get enough of this travel pillow from Trtl this past year. It's much different than your classic travel pillow: shaped like a supportive wrap for your neck, it takes up little space in your carry-on and weighs only 4.5 ounces. Bring this on your next long-haul flight, train ride, or road trip—your head and neck will thank you later.
Mzoo contoured sleep mask
If you're headed on a red-eye flight, a sleep mask is a non-negotiable. You loved this one for its unique, contoured shape: It has raised sections over your eyes so it's not too restrictive or uncomfortable to sleep in, but lies flat around the nose and eyebrows to effectively block out light while you catch some ZZZs. It's easy to see why this Amazon bestseller has racked up over 71,000 five-star reviews.
Airplane Pockets airplane tray table cover
Never eat off of a dirty airplane seat tray again! This $30 travel essential is a complete game changer—especially when you're stuck with limited space in the middle seat. The slim, lightweight cover slips over your seat tray like a pillow case, lending you a clean surface to eat and work on. It also features a few handy compartments to hold your Kindle, water bottle, earbuds, and any other in-flight must-haves.
Apple AirTag 4 Pack
Is there a more stressful feeling than thinking you've lost your luggage? Our readers clearly think not, since Apple AirTags were among the most-purchased travel gear in 2023. Slip one of these tiny tags into your checked bags, duffels, or backpacks so you know exactly where your personal belongings are each step of the way. Use the Find My app on your phone to track your tag and never worry about where your luggage is ever again.
Versatile travel bags
Cuyana Classic Easy Zipper tote
Is there a travel bag more versatile or more chic than good leather tote? Traveler contributor Lydia Mansel raved about Cuyana's popular Classic Easy Zipper Tote. The brand gave the Easy Tote a little facelift in 2023—it can now be fully zipped, making it an even more secure travel companion. It's lightweight, sleek, and the quality speaks for itself. You'll have this thing for years to come.
Calpak Luka duffel
Calpak's Luka duffel is the perfect travel bag for weekend trips or long-haul flights (we like to use it as a personal item). Carry it by its soft top handles or by its long adjustable strap. Features we love: the separate shoe compartment, trolley sleeve, and the several internal pockets to keep you organized. I've used many duffel bags over the years, but this one reigns supreme.
Comfortable walking shoes
New Balance 574 Core sneaker
Every packing list has to have a pair of comfortable walking shoes on it. We appreciate the effortless cool look and feel of New Balance shoes, especially the 547 Core sneaker. There's no break-in time needed and I've never gotten any blisters after wearing these—even after a long day trip.
Allbirds
Allbirds Tree Runners
If you haven't tried a pair of Allbirds yet, what are you waiting for? The brand is known for its ultra-lightweight, comfortable kicks—the kind that make sightseeing all day long on your feet a breeze. The Tree Runners are versatile enough to pack on any trip and take up little suitcase space.
Cozy loungewear
Cozy Earth ultra-soft bamboo crew and joggers
We all need some comfortable loungewear, whether you're working from home, boarding a long flight, or just relaxing in your hotel room. We love matching sets like one from Cozy Earth—the pullover and joggers are supremely soft, cool to the touch, and offer a perfectly relaxed fit without being too baggy.
Leakproof toiletry bottles
Cadence The Capsule Flex System
When it comes to packing toiletries like shampoo and conditioner, body wash, and moisturizer, you're going to need some leakproof, reusable travel bottles. Our editors swear by Cadence capsules: These airtight, magnetic capsules stay neatly together in your Dopp kit, take up little space, and are designed without any right angles or edges, so you can get as much product out as possible (this also makes them so easy to clean). Customize everything about your Cadence set—from the color and size to the number of capsules to what each label says. And while the original small capsules are a nice size for short trips, you can also grab the The Extender—an add-on that allows you to increase the size of the bottle when you need more room.
Noise-canceling headphones
Beats Studio3 wireless noise-canceling headphones
When Amazon Prime Day rolled around in July and then again in October, noise-canceling headphones were scooped up in droves. There are a lot of popular options on the market we love, like the Beats Studio3 wireless headphones. They'll block out all that extra noise on your next flight and let you comfortably listen to all your favorite movies in peace.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Wireless Ear Buds
More noise-canceling gear we recommend: the Apple AirPods Pro wireless ear buds. If you haven't tried these yet, now is the perfect time. These tiny earbuds come in an ultra-compact case that is small enough to fit in a crossbody bag or running waist pack. I use these every day—while I'm hiking, running, commuting to the office, and everything in between.
A supportive exercise dress
Outdoor Voices The Exercise Dress
Exercise dresses are still having a moment. The sporty yet feminine dress is reimagining activewear—it can be worn just as effortlessly to a workout class or a game of pickleball as it can be to a lunch date. Of our favorite styles, you loved this option from Outdoor Voices most. It offers breathable built-in shorts, adjustable straps, and side pockets, with a flattering silhouette that's neither tight nor restrictive. We have a feeling these will be just as popular again come spring.
Waterproof gear
Weatherman compact travel umbrella
Packing an umbrella seems like a waste of space, until you find yourself in a downpour without one. Traveler contributor Claire Volkman put a dozen options to the test; this sturdy, wind-resistant, lightweight, and compact option from Weatherman was her favorite overall.
Pelican Marine Series floating waterproof phone pouch
Keep your phone safe while at the beach, in a kayak, or on a boat with this waterproof pouch from Pelican. It comes with a lanyard to wear around your neck, but if it does go overboard, you can rest easy knowing it'll float on the surface.
A portable steamer
Nesugar portable garment steamer
It's nearly impossible to keep clothes wrinkle-free in your suitcase. This becomes especially tricky when you're traveling for a special occasion, say a destination wedding, and you need to touch up formal wear upon arrival. This lightweight, portable steamer was a huge hit with our readers—and we see why: It weighs less than a pound, is easy to pack in your suitcase, and offers 10 minutes of continuous steam. The Nesugar steamer comes with a convenient wall mount, too, so you can keep it neat and tidy back at home.
Looking for more of our readers' favorite travel gear? Take a look back at some of our top stories of the year:
