Minimalist Travel Accessories in 2022 – 7 Useful “Must Haves”

When you’re deciding on which minimalist travel accessories to bring on a trip, you don’t want to skimp on safety or organization. That’s why we’ve created this short list of useful “must haves.” Each useful accessory offers essential travel utility and helps keep you safe and organized, without a lot of extras. Find out which 7 items you need to bring to travel light – yet safely, below. 

CONTENTS – In this article, you will discover 7 minimalist travel accessories you should pack in your so you’re safely prepared to travel (light) in 2022 and beyond. They include:

• What are 7 Must-Have Travel Accessories in 2022?
• Antimicrobial Hand Protection
• Face Masks, Of Course 
• A Face Mask Case for Added Safety
• Power-Up with A Portable Power Bank
• Essential Hygiene Accessories for Travel
• Why You Need A Travel Wallet
• Packing Cubes and Organizers for Carry-on Bags
• Final Thoughts on Minimalist Travel Essentials for 2022

7 Useful Accessories to Have in Your Travel Bag in 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed the way people travel. Many airliners and other companies and organizations that operate various other modes of public transportation have put health protocols in place to control the spread of infection. 

Some operators today even require proof of COVID-19 vaccination from their passengers before you’re allowed to take the train, bus, airport transfer, or taxi. 

While restrictions in most parts of the world have started easing up, many people might still have qualms about traveling.

Even if you’re a minimalist, there are certain essential items for safety you need to bring.

In this short guide, we’ll share a list of 7 useful travel essentials you definitely should have in your travel bag this year to help make you feel safer and more comfortable about traveling – even when you travel light.

1. An Antimicrobial Hand Protector or Arm Sleeve

A hand protector or arm sleeve is an everyday accessory you can wear to prevent direct contact with surfaces that might be potential breeding grounds for disease-causing microorganisms. These high-touch surfaces include things like:

• Door knobs
• ATM keypads
• Elevator buttons
• Airplane seatbelts and arm rests
• Train handrails

While transportation companies are doing their best to keep up with sanitizing these areas, you can’t be guaranteed that it’s sanitized enough. Therefore, you’ll want to take extra protection measures.

You can use a tissue or disposable gloves when you touch these surfaces. Better yet, opt for hand protectors and arms sleeves. They are discreet, comfortable, and most of all, stylish, so you can wear them with your day-to-day outfit.

Hand sleeves are also comfortable to wear and you can easily pull them over your hand before touching any communal surface—and pull them back down when you are done.

Look for durable, lightweight varieties that can withstand frequent washing in hot soapy water and will dry quickly.

2. Face Masks

Studies have shown that the filtration capacity of disposable masks decreases with time. This reduces their ability to protect you from harmful pathogens. 

Needless to say, you should change your face masks every few hours, or when your face mask becomes soiled or damaged. That way, you can get the maximum protection in each use. 

When heading out, do not forget to bring along a couple of extra masks, especially if you will be gone for a long period of time. You might also want to consider buying an antimicrobial mask through the internet for that extra layer of protection that you can wear over a regular surgical mask. 

Alternatively, you might want to consider getting a respirator like an N95 or KF94 mask for even greater protection.

3. A Face Mask Case

Thin and lightweight, face mask cases are designed to keep your face mask free of dirt.

While a face mask case may seem like an “extra” item to carry when it comes to minimalist travel accessories, it’s not. It’s important to protect your protective gear! 

They are perfect storage option for when you have to take off your mask in public, like when you are eating or drinking. (You don’t really want to lay your mask down on a potentially contaminated surface, and then put it back on your face.)

A face mask case is also a perfect way to store your extra masks. It will keep them organized for easy access, and prevent them from coming into contact with other items in your bag.

4. A Portable Power Bank

Mobile phones are an indispensable part of everyday life—especially when you’re traveling. They seem to become more powerful with each new model. With just a tap of a finger, you can use your phone to:

• Get directions
• Research travel destinations
• Buy tickets
• Make reservations
• Hire a ride
• Take photos
• Pay bills
• Keep in touch with loved ones
• Convert currency
• Communicate in a foreign language
• Order food online

This means saving a lot of time and interaction, because you won’t have to wait in lines, pay in person, or spend time being lost. 

However, what use is a mobile phone if you constantly run out of battery life when you’re traveling? 

Thankfully, by carrying a portable power bank in your travel bag, you can ensure that your phone never runs out of battery, even when you can’t locate a nearby outlet to charge it up. Look for one that is small and lightweight, but recharges your phone quickly. Some even offer two charging ports if you’re traveling with a friend.

5. Hygiene Essentials

Have you ever stopped in a gas station, restaurant or other establishments to use the bathroom, only to discover they have run out of tissue or soap? How about finding a weird stain on your bus seat right when you are about to take it? 

When planning for a trip, it is always a good idea to include some travel-sized toiletries you can carry around in your bag. 

These may include:

• Hand sanitizers
• Sanitizing wipes
• Tissues
• Hand soaps
• Travel-size disinfectant spray

Having them readily available in your purse or travel bag can keep you protected while you are traveling. You can toss them in a clear ziplock bag so they’re organized. If you’re traveling by plane, make sure any liquid items meet the airline’s carry-on policy, too.

6. A Travel Wallet

Travel wallets have multiple compartments that will allow you to keep all important travel documents in one place while you are traveling. 

By organizing them all in your travel wallet, you can avoid trip delays caused by missing IDs or passports. You can also stash some dollar bills and your credit card inside for easy access anytime. 

Some travel wallets also have built-in pouches designed to fit mobile phones, so you won’t have to put it elsewhere. 

When you’re buying a travel wallet, it’s a good idea to choose an RFID-blocking type of wallet. This way, you can protect yourself from RFID-skimming—a type of financial crime—when going through crowded places.

7. Packing Cubes and Bag Organizers

When it comes to packing light and organizing your travel bag, it might seem counterintuitive to bring packing cubes and organizers. But they always come in handy. These small bags will help keep your essential items in place and easy-to-find while you are traveling. 

They also come in different shapes and sizes, so you can use them to sort whatever stuff you have to bring—from capsule wardrobe clothes and travel-size toiletries, to electronic devices and important documents. 

By keeping your backpack or carry-on bag organized, you won’t have to dig through your bag when you’re looking for a particular item. 

Some organizers can even double as laundry bags, as a makeup bag, and even as a purse you can use to put your valuables in. Whenever you’re packing as a minimalist, accessories you can use in more than one way are a bonus!

Final Thoughts on Useful Travel Accessories

Regardless of the nature of your trip, having these minimalist travel accessories in your bag can certainly help ensure your trip in the “new normal” as smooth-sailing as possible. After all, making sure you travel safely is about as essential as it gets.

You’ll find more vacation safety tips here.