PEOPLE Travel Awards 2024 Winners: 19 of This Year's Best New Gear and Gadget Finds for Your Next Getaway

Mar. 15, 2025

01of 19BEST BACKPACK: Bagsmart Blast Quick Access Carry-On BackpackBagsmart Blast Quick Access Carry-On Backpack.With a main compartment that zips shut from the front for easy access and a compression belt that keeps clothes neatly folded inside, it “changed the game” for one tester. Slip a pair of shoes in the bottom compartment and a 15-inch laptop in the back. It can also be securely placed on top of a suitcase using the luggage trolley strap, or held like a duffel with the attached side handle. It’s water-resistant and can be neatly flattened and folded up for easy storage.Buy It!$70;bagsmart.com

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BEST BACKPACK: Bagsmart Blast Quick Access Carry-On Backpack

Bagsmart Blast Quick Access Carry-On Backpack.

With a main compartment that zips shut from the front for easy access and a compression belt that keeps clothes neatly folded inside, it “changed the game” for one tester. Slip a pair of shoes in the bottom compartment and a 15-inch laptop in the back. It can also be securely placed on top of a suitcase using the luggage trolley strap, or held like a duffel with the attached side handle. It’s water-resistant and can be neatly flattened and folded up for easy storage.

Buy It!$70;bagsmart.com

02of 19BEST EARBUDS: Baseus Bowie MA10SBaseus Bowie MA10S.If you’re looking forwireless earbuds, these are comfortable for long wear and have active noise canceling — a must for flights when you’re stuck in the middle seat. The battery lasts up to five days, notes one tester, while the fully charged case offers 38 hours of total playtime. Its water– and sweat-resistant exterior is another perk, making it perfect for travelers who want to use them during a workout.Buy It!$50;amazon.com

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BEST EARBUDS: Baseus Bowie MA10S

Baseus Bowie MA10S.

If you’re looking forwireless earbuds, these are comfortable for long wear and have active noise canceling — a must for flights when you’re stuck in the middle seat. The battery lasts up to five days, notes one tester, while the fully charged case offers 38 hours of total playtime. Its water– and sweat-resistant exterior is another perk, making it perfect for travelers who want to use them during a workout.

Buy It!$50;amazon.com

03of 19BEST CARRY-ON SUITCASE: Delsey Paris x United Colors of Benetton Now! Hardside SpinnerDelsey Paris x United Colors of Benetton Now! Hardside Carry-On Spinner.With a resilient, scratch-resistant twill finish, the “lightweight yet sturdy” suitcase offers top-of-the-line features for a budget-friendly price.  A selection of vibrant colors make it hard to misplace at the airport or train station. While it’s small enough to stow in the overhead bin, it can hold all you need to escape for a long weekend and then some.Buy It!$140;us.delsey.com

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BEST CARRY-ON SUITCASE: Delsey Paris x United Colors of Benetton Now! Hardside Spinner

Delsey Paris x United Colors of Benetton Now! Hardside Carry-On Spinner.

With a resilient, scratch-resistant twill finish, the “lightweight yet sturdy” suitcase offers top-of-the-line features for a budget-friendly price.  A selection of vibrant colors make it hard to misplace at the airport or train station. While it’s small enough to stow in the overhead bin, it can hold all you need to escape for a long weekend and then some.Buy It!$140;us.delsey.com

04of 19BEST TRAVEL TUMBLER: BruMate EraBruMate Era.“I flipped it upside down, and it didn’t spill a drop,” one tester said of the air-tight lid lock. The 40-oz. cup keeps drinks icy-cold, fits snugly in a cup holder and is dishwasher safe. Plus, the stainless steel straw can easily be removed when the lid is centered.Buy It!$45 and up;brumate.com

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BEST TRAVEL TUMBLER: BruMate Era

BruMate Era.

“I flipped it upside down, and it didn’t spill a drop,” one tester said of the air-tight lid lock. The 40-oz. cup keeps drinks icy-cold, fits snugly in a cup holder and is dishwasher safe. Plus, the stainless steel straw can easily be removed when the lid is centered.

Buy It!$45 and up;brumate.com

05of 19BEST PORTABLE CHARGER: Nimble CHAMPNimble CHAMP Portable Charger.It’s smaller than a deck of cards but can charge two devices at once. It’s constructed from 90% recycled plastic and holds up to three days’ worth of power. “I was impressed that it charged my phone as fast as, if not faster than, plugging it into the wall," one tester says.Buy It!$60;gonimble.com

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BEST PORTABLE CHARGER: Nimble CHAMP

Nimble CHAMP Portable Charger.

It’s smaller than a deck of cards but can charge two devices at once. It’s constructed from 90% recycled plastic and holds up to three days’ worth of power. “I was impressed that it charged my phone as fast as, if not faster than, plugging it into the wall," one tester says.

Buy It!$60;gonimble.com

06of 19BEST CONVERTIBLE BAG: Deuter Duffel Pro 40Deuter Duffel Pro.Avid adventurers can take comfort in knowing their belongings will always be protected with this duffel’s moisture and dust-resistant material. Use the versatile straps to transform it into a roomy duffel or backpack. When not in use, it folds down into a zipped pouch for quick storage, “which is a perk for anyone with limited closet space,” says one tester.Buy It!$130;deuter.com

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BEST CONVERTIBLE BAG: Deuter Duffel Pro 40

Deuter Duffel Pro.

Avid adventurers can take comfort in knowing their belongings will always be protected with this duffel’s moisture and dust-resistant material. Use the versatile straps to transform it into a roomy duffel or backpack. When not in use, it folds down into a zipped pouch for quick storage, “which is a perk for anyone with limited closet space,” says one tester.

Buy It!$130;deuter.com

07of 19BEST WEEKENDER: Cotopaxi Viaje 35L Cada DíaCotopaxi Viaje 35L Cada Día.The interior is “deceptively huge,” said a tester. The zippered bottom section is ideal for stashing dirty laundry or shoes. The outside pocket offers quick access to essential items, while the exterior straps keep a yoga mat or longboard extra secure during travel. Plus, it’s made from recycled materials.Buy It!$130;cotopaxi.com

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BEST WEEKENDER: Cotopaxi Viaje 35L Cada Día

Cotopaxi Viaje 35L Cada Día.

The interior is “deceptively huge,” said a tester. The zippered bottom section is ideal for stashing dirty laundry or shoes. The outside pocket offers quick access to essential items, while the exterior straps keep a yoga mat or longboard extra secure during travel. Plus, it’s made from recycled materials.

Buy It!$130;cotopaxi.com

08of 19BEST PORTABLE CHAIR: Stoic Kickback ChairStoic Kickback Chair.Testers were “obsessed” with this foldable, “light as air” chair that’s “surprisingly sturdy” on grass and sand. It’s low to the ground so you can extend your legs out and fully relax, and it’s made of synthetic mesh material that dries quickly. The collapsible steel frame folds easily, while the included bag makes it easy to carry around.Buy It!$44;backcountry.com

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BEST PORTABLE CHAIR: Stoic Kickback Chair

Stoic Kickback Chair.

Testers were “obsessed” with this foldable, “light as air” chair that’s “surprisingly sturdy” on grass and sand. It’s low to the ground so you can extend your legs out and fully relax, and it’s made of synthetic mesh material that dries quickly. The collapsible steel frame folds easily, while the included bag makes it easy to carry around.

Buy It!$44;backcountry.com

09of 19BEST WATER BOTTLE: Owala FreeSip TwistOwala FreeSip Twist.The spill-proof spout lets you take a swig from the bottle or sip from the built-in straw on the go. Triple layer insulation guarantees cold drinks for up to 24 hours, while its sleek, stainless steel design makes it easy to clean. Slip it into a cup holder or a backpack pocket while traveling, or carry it around in your hand using the attached loop.Buy It!$25;owalalife.com

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BEST WATER BOTTLE: Owala FreeSip Twist

Owala FreeSip Twist.

The spill-proof spout lets you take a swig from the bottle or sip from the built-in straw on the go. Triple layer insulation guarantees cold drinks for up to 24 hours, while its sleek, stainless steel design makes it easy to clean. Slip it into a cup holder or a backpack pocket while traveling, or carry it around in your hand using the attached loop.

Buy It!$25;owalalife.com

10of 19BEST PACKING CUBES: BÉIS Compression CubesBeis Compression Packing Cubes.Each pouch flattens so effectively that one tester said she “fit nearly twice as much in the same amount of suitcase space.” The included labels also make it easy to identify which cube has your shirts, pants, etc. which is especially helpful when you need to get ready ASAP!Buy It!$58 for 4;beistravel.com

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BEST PACKING CUBES: BÉIS Compression Cubes

Beis Compression Packing Cubes.

Each pouch flattens so effectively that one tester said she “fit nearly twice as much in the same amount of suitcase space.” The included labels also make it easy to identify which cube has your shirts, pants, etc. which is especially helpful when you need to get ready ASAP!

Buy It!$58 for 4;beistravel.com

11of 19BEST MAKEUP BAG: Parallelle Small TravellerExterior flaps fold down to reveal all of your items at once, making it easy to “live out of the bag” during your travels, says one tester. Velcro adjustable dividers on the inside can cater to your makeup and skincare collection, while mesh pouches keep smaller items secure. Water-resistant cotton keeps the bag dry and makes it easy to wipe clean.Buy It!$78;myparallelle.com

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BEST MAKEUP BAG: Parallelle Small Traveller

Exterior flaps fold down to reveal all of your items at once, making it easy to “live out of the bag” during your travels, says one tester. Velcro adjustable dividers on the inside can cater to your makeup and skincare collection, while mesh pouches keep smaller items secure. Water-resistant cotton keeps the bag dry and makes it easy to wipe clean.

Buy It!$78;myparallelle.com

12of 19BEST EYE MASK: Matador Blackout Sleep MaskThis “truly light-blocking” mask has a soft bamboo liner so it stays cool on long trips. It can be folded into the integrated pocket making storage easy while also preventing it from getting dirty when not in use. The additional hidden pocket is perfect for stashing the included ear-plugs.Buy It!$25;matadorequipment.com

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BEST EYE MASK: Matador Blackout Sleep Mask

This “truly light-blocking” mask has a soft bamboo liner so it stays cool on long trips. It can be folded into the integrated pocket making storage easy while also preventing it from getting dirty when not in use. The additional hidden pocket is perfect for stashing the included ear-plugs.

Buy It!$25;matadorequipment.com

13of 19BEST SLEEP ACCESSORY: Yogasleep Hushh 2 Sleep Sound MachineWith a built-in night light and six settings — including white noise and nature sounds — the 4-in. unit is “plenty loud despite its small size,” said one tester. Its rechargeable battery holds up to 34 hours on one charge alone, and the battery can easily be conserved thanks to the auto shut-off timer. The durable, drop-tested device also comes with a sturdy carabiner clip making it easy to attach to any bag.Buy It!$30;yogasleep.com

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BEST SLEEP ACCESSORY: Yogasleep Hushh 2 Sleep Sound Machine

With a built-in night light and six settings — including white noise and nature sounds — the 4-in. unit is “plenty loud despite its small size,” said one tester. Its rechargeable battery holds up to 34 hours on one charge alone, and the battery can easily be conserved thanks to the auto shut-off timer. The durable, drop-tested device also comes with a sturdy carabiner clip making it easy to attach to any bag.

Buy It!$30;yogasleep.com

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BEST DOPP KIT: Bagsmart Space-Saver Puffy Multifunctional Toiletry Bag

Bagsmart Space-Saver Puffy Multifunctional Toiletry Bag.

Buy It!$28;bagsmart.com

15of 19BEST LARGE SUITCASE: Quince 27" Expandable Check-In Hard ShellQuince 27" Expandable Check-In Hard Shell.An overpacker’s dream: One tester fit enough for a two-week trip to Asia, thanks to the compression straps inside and expandable zipper. There’s even enough room for yourclothes steamer. The 360-degree wheels make it “incredibly easy” to wheel around on pavement or at the airport, says another tester.Buy It!$220;quince.com

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BEST LARGE SUITCASE: Quince 27" Expandable Check-In Hard Shell

Quince 27" Expandable Check-In Hard Shell.

An overpacker’s dream: One tester fit enough for a two-week trip to Asia, thanks to the compression straps inside and expandable zipper. There’s even enough room for yourclothes steamer. The 360-degree wheels make it “incredibly easy” to wheel around on pavement or at the airport, says another tester.

Buy It!$220;quince.com

16of 19BEST TRAVEL TOTE: Simple Modern Harper ToteSimple Modern Harper Tote.Giving it high marks for substance and style, testers praised its comfortable shoulder and crossbody straps, four internal pockets for organized essentials and its ability to hold a 13-in. laptop. One tester says that the added key leash is especially “a helpful detail.“Buy It!$60;amazon.com

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BEST TRAVEL TOTE: Simple Modern Harper Tote

Simple Modern Harper Tote.

Giving it high marks for substance and style, testers praised its comfortable shoulder and crossbody straps, four internal pockets for organized essentials and its ability to hold a 13-in. laptop. One tester says that the added key leash is especially “a helpful detail.”

Buy It!$60;amazon.com

17of 19BEST TRAVEL PILLOW: REI Co-op Campwell Camp PillowThis “comfortable and versatile” pillow feels like a luxury even when you’re roughing it. A luxe silk side keeps you cool on warmer nights, while the opposite fleece side is a cozy alternative for colder weather. The washable pillow case can be removed for easy cleaning, and it’s stuffed with foam chips for extra comfort on even the most uncomfortable surfaces. For easy transport, it can be rolled up and stuffed into the included small bag, taking up less precious carry-on space than bulky neck pillows.Buy It!$30;rei.com

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BEST TRAVEL PILLOW: REI Co-op Campwell Camp Pillow

This “comfortable and versatile” pillow feels like a luxury even when you’re roughing it. A luxe silk side keeps you cool on warmer nights, while the opposite fleece side is a cozy alternative for colder weather. The washable pillow case can be removed for easy cleaning, and it’s stuffed with foam chips for extra comfort on even the most uncomfortable surfaces. For easy transport, it can be rolled up and stuffed into the included small bag, taking up less precious carry-on space than bulky neck pillows.

Buy It!$30;rei.com

18of 19BEST INTERNATIONAL ACCESSORY: Ceptics 70W Travel Plug AdapterCeptics 70W Travel Plug Adapter.With four plugs compatible with more than 200 countries and the ability to attach up to six devices at once, this is the best option for jet-setters who need to stay connected.  Fuse protection and safety shutters give travelers peace of mind wherever they go. “Watch out, it might make you too popular among your travel buddies,” one tester adds.Buy It!$40;ceptics.com

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BEST INTERNATIONAL ACCESSORY: Ceptics 70W Travel Plug Adapter

Ceptics 70W Travel Plug Adapter.

With four plugs compatible with more than 200 countries and the ability to attach up to six devices at once, this is the best option for jet-setters who need to stay connected.  Fuse protection and safety shutters give travelers peace of mind wherever they go. “Watch out, it might make you too popular among your travel buddies,” one tester adds.

Buy It!$40;ceptics.com

19of 19BEST MEDIUM SUITCASE: Away Softside MediumAway Softside Medium.A win for the hard-case haters! It’s made from tear-and water-resistant nylon and, according to testers, fits “much more” than a hard-shell bag when expanded. Plus, the proprietary stabilizer ensures it always stays upright even when it’s packed to the brim. “I love the different pockets,” one tester notes, including the two new hidden ones in the front made from 8 layers of padding.Buy It!$295;awaytravel.com

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BEST MEDIUM SUITCASE: Away Softside Medium

Away Softside Medium.

A win for the hard-case haters! It’s made from tear-and water-resistant nylon and, according to testers, fits “much more” than a hard-shell bag when expanded. Plus, the proprietary stabilizer ensures it always stays upright even when it’s packed to the brim. “I love the different pockets,” one tester notes, including the two new hidden ones in the front made from 8 layers of padding.

Buy It!$295;awaytravel.com

source: people.com