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The Must Have Travel Accessories in Canada from the Milesopedia Team

The Must Have Travel Accessories in Canada from the Milesopedia Team
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Getting the right gear sets you up for success when travelling, but it’s often hard to know what to bring until you’ve gone through some trial and error. After travelling the world, the Milesopedia team has several must have travel accessories to share with you, all tested and approved: plug adapters, packing organizers, kids’ travel accessories, and much more!

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Would you like to find these accessories quickly? You’ll find most of them on our Amazon page.

Must Have Travel Accessories – Suitcases, Bags and Airplane Luggage

Because, of course, you have to start with a suitcase. The right on for yor will depend on several factors, such as:

  • the duration of your trip and what you need to bring,
  • your destination and transportation from one place to another,
  • whether or not you want to travel with checked baggage,
  • what you want to bring back as souvenirs, etc.

Within the team, we tend to favour carry-on luggage, which saves us money on plane tickets and precious time at the airport, allowing us to enjoy the VIP lounges for longer or simply get to our destination faster.

Suitcases and Luggage

As a digital nomad, I love my Osprey 46 L backpack which is both ergonomic and very spacious; just make sure not to overfill it to comply with carry-on luggage dimensions.

For my longer trips that require a checked bag, I use my TravelPro suitcase, which I got at a lower price thanks to an online Amex offer combined with the retailer’s current promotion.

If you prefer a rolling option, we recommend the Samsonite Outline Pro carry-on suitcase. It comes with a built-in lock, a USB-C port, and is very durable.

  • For a more premium option, we recommend Away or Monos.

Personal Items

There are endless options for personal items that are both practical and stylish. Personally, I love mylululemon backpack. It’s durable, spacious, and versatile, with a strap to attach it to your suitcase. I take advantage of frequent online Amex offers at lululemon to get a statement credit on my purchase. Alexe is a big fan of this anti-theft travel backpack with a USB charging port.

My colleague Marie-Claude loves the AirBack 55L backpack. Perfect for business trips or travelling with low-cost carriers. She especially likes the expandable and compressible clothing compartment to maximize space, as well as the option to attach it to her carry-on suitcase.

Finally, for business travellers, Monos offers very stylish tote bags and backpacks that comply with airline regulations. To make sure you’re following the rules as well, read our guide on baggage size restrictions.

Organization and Other Must Have Travel Accessories for Luggage

Being organized with your luggage allows for easier navigation through airport security, prevents lost items, and maximizes your time to explore your destination. Here are travel accessories that save space, save time and enhance the travel experience.

  • AirTags to track our luggage; especially since it will soon be possible to share the location of an AirTag with third parties, such as airlines like Air Canada, thanks to a new feature from Apple. Lost luggage will be a thing of the past!
  • The famous freezer Ziploc bags are not only versatile but can turn any bag into a cooler for day trips, using the hotel’s ice machine.
  • These foldable travel hangers can be very handy for drying clothes on the go, in the car after a day at the beach, for example.
  • And because no one is safe from water damage, this waterproof bag or these small dry bags will help protect your valuables, like your passport and electronics, during your many water adventures.
  • Travel light and stay dry with these shoe covers and rain ponchos.
  • These compression packing cubes saved me a lot of space on my last multi-month trip. Alexe also really likes this set of packing cubes for better luggage organization.
The Must Have Travel Accessories in Canada from the Milesopedia Team - amazon cubes storage

Travel Pouches

As a small bag, we have this unisex “fanny pack” which is a must-have for lugging around essentials: wallets, travel documents like passports, phones and more. Here are several versions:

The Must Have Travel Accessories in Canada from the Milesopedia Team - amazon belt bag

Must Have Travel Accessories – Toiletry Bag and Essentials

Finally, I started using these 100 ml bottles on my last trip. Easy to fill and use, and they help prevent leaks.

The Must Have Travel Accessories in Canada from the Milesopedia Team - 100ml bottles

Must Have Travel Accessories – Health and Wellness

Since we’re often more likely to get sick while travelling, it’s important to bring essentials to maintain your health. This varies greatly from person to person, but here are a few must-haves I always bring with me:

For more recommendations, read our guide on packing a travel first aid kit.

Must Have Travel Accessories – Essential Electronics

For All Trips

These electronics are unanimously acclaimed, so it’s up to you to see if you can benefit from them on your next trip too.

An E-reader to carry your favourite books with you while saving space

  • This Bluetooth transmitter allows you to watch movies on the plane with your own Bluetooth headphones instead of the lower-quality ones often provided by the airline.
  • After losing this outlet adapter with multiple USB ports, I bought this very versatile adapter that I’m looking forward to trying out.
  • A portable battery for long days on the road. Our favourites are this one or the one from Skullcandy
  • A headphone splitter to watch a movie with your travel partner (approved by Aline)
  • A cordless phone charger, when you’ve just used it underwater and need to charge it simultaneously. I like this magnetic version even more, which allows me to charge my phone on the go.
  • For noise-cancelling headphones, we recommend the JBL Tune 770NC, and Jean-Maximilien recommends the Beats Fit Pro, which can be worn for work as well as for running.
The Best Travel Gifts - Travel Adapter Accessories

Essentials for Working

Working remotely while travelling requires compact, lifestyle-friendly accessories that also help create an ergonomic workspace anywhere. Here are my essentials after nearly five years of working remotely for several months each year.

The Must Have Travel Accessories in Canada from the Milesopedia Team - Travel Accessories Portable Monitor

Sometimes, the simplest accessories make all the difference. For me, these USB cables with three different ends have greatly simplified my life for charging all my devices with a single cable.

Must Have Travel Accessories for Families

Make the most of it when travelling with your kids. These games and accessories will keep them entertained (and maybe even quiet!) and won’t take up too much space in your suitcases. These items have been tested and approved by several team members, including Marie-Claude and Aline, who regularly travel with young children.

Are you planning to visit one of the Disney theme parks around the world? To avoid the high prices of official souvenirs, we recommend these Mickey Mouse-style mouse ears for you and your travel companions.

The Must Have Travel Accessories in Canada from the Milesopedia Team - amazon disney mouse ears

Must Have Digital Travel Accessories

These aren’t physical items, but these digital products travel with us everywhere and make a big difference:

  • An eSIM card to stay connected anywhere, anytime: we recommend Saily, Holafly, and Airalo.
  • A VPN to keep your data secure: we love NordVPN.
  • Language tools like Babbel, which help you communicate more effectively abroad
  • For outdoor enthusiasts, AllTrails will be your best companion on hikes.

And of course, I never travel abroad without the following items in my wallet, which help me save money and enhance my travel experience:

For more tips, check out these guides:

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With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card +* CardMC, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.

Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

  • No fees for foreign currency transactions
  • 6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
  • Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
  • Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 2xGroceries
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  • 2xEntertainment
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650
2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Bottom Line

Whether for yourself or as a gift, we know from experience that these must have travel accessories can enhance your trip and help you make the most of your precious time exploring the world. If any of these items catch your eye, don’t forget to use the gift card trick before checking out.

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Annual fee
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Our valuation
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Welcome offer
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The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card offers an excellent welcome bonus.

Until November 1, 2026, you can earn up to 50,000 bonus Scene+ points, broken down as follows:

  • 30,000 Scene+ points by charging $2,000 in purchases to the card within the first 3 months
  • 20,000 Scene+ points by making $7,500 in purchases on the card in the first year

This represents a value of up to $500 for travel (including Airbnb).

With the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card, you earn 6 points per dollar spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà par IGA, Voilà by Safeway, Chalo! grocery stores. FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, IGA West, Les Marchés Tradition, Rachelle Béry and Co-Op.

Also, you earn 5 points per dollar for:

  • Grocery stores
  • Restaurants
  • Entertainment centers

And 3 points per dollar on gas, transit and streaming services purchases.

You can redeem your points on travel purchases (flights, hotels, all-inclusive and even Airbnb). You can also use your points as cash back rewards with Scene+.

The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card also offers no foreign transaction fees, excellent insurance for your travel or purchases, concierge service, exclusive American Express benefits like the Front of the Line program.

Annual fee

Primary card$120
Additional card$29

Annual income required

Individual$12,000
Household$12,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 6xWith the partner brand
  • 5xGroceries
  • 5xEntertainment
  • 5xRestaurants
  • 3xStreaming
  • 3xTransit
  • 3xGas & EV
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,460
2nd Year Value$461

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $1,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $65,000 / 48 days

To find all our top travel tips in one place, check out our ultimate list for travellers. And to earn more points on your online travel accessory purchases, check out our guide to shopping portals.

And don’t hesitate to visit our Amazon page to find our favorite products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best stores for cheap travel accessories?

It all depends on your needs. We especially recommend taking advantage of promotional periods (such as Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday offers) and the gift card trick, not forgetting to use online shopping portals to earn more points and save money.

What are the must-have travel accessories?

Popular travel essentials include travel pillows, adapters, packing cubes, sleeping plugs and much more.

What are the essential travel accessories for a long flight?

For a long flight, the best travel accessories to have are compression socks, a sleep mask for better rest, and noise-cancelling headphones with a Bluetooth adapter if they’re wireless.

What to give as a travel accessory?

We invite you to consult our gift guide for the traveler in your life. Otherwise, all items in this article have been tested and approved by the Milesopedia team.

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New Cardmembers can earn up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points with the current offer:

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This offer ends on September 22, 2026. The annual fee is $120, and there is no annual fee on Additional Cards, so you can add a partner or a family member at no extra cost.

Every year after your first Card anniversary, you receive an Annual Free Night Award good for a redemption of up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide. At a valuation of 0.9 cents per Marriott Bonvoy point, that certificate is worth roughly $315, which on its own more than covers the $120 annual fee. That is the main reason to keep this Card year after year instead of cancelling it.

To get the most out of the certificate, aim it at a night that would otherwise price close to the 35,000 point ceiling.

The Card also gives you 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. Those credits count toward the next Elite tier, so you begin every year 15 nights ahead of where you would otherwise start.

You move up to Gold Elite status automatically when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card in a year, or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your Card.

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The Card carries a solid package of coverages: $500,000 travel accident insurance, flight delay, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage and hotel or motel burglary at $500 each, car rental theft and damage up to $85,000 for rentals of up to 48 days, Purchase Protection for 90 days and a one year Extended Warranty.

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Primary card$120
Additional card$0

Annual income required

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Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
  • 2xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,437
2nd Year Value$312

Travel insurance

Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

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