The 20 Most Popular Travel Must-Haves Dinogo Readers Purchased in 2023

At Dinogo, we recommend travel gear that helps thoughtful travelers make smart choices—products we can't get enough of and swear by. By sharing these essentials, we aim to guide you toward making informed, high-quality investments when it's time to buy new gear.

Out of the many items we suggested this year, we're particularly curious about which ones you chose to buy. Here, we highlight the top 20 travel essentials that Dinogo readers loved most in 2023, from water bottles for both you and your dog, to Away luggage, and key safety must-haves.

20. The Large Suitcase by Away

At number 20, we have the large checked version of Away’s bestselling polycarbonate suitcase. Weighing in at just 12.1 pounds, the 99.2-liter Large by Away offers plenty of room with two spacious clamshell compartments. It comes with TSA-approved combination locks, a laundry bag, and a mesh compression system to help you pack more efficiently. The suitcase features Hinomoto wheels, which are known for their superior smoothness, thanks to ball bearings. In 2023, Away launched a full redesign based on customer feedback, adding new grab handles, curved zipper pulls, and extra interior pockets. This suitcase became so popular that it sold out in six colors, but it’s still available in seafoam green and cobalt blue for those interested.

19. Springer Dog Water Bottle

Who are we to disagree with Oprah? This innovative water bottle, which made it to her Favorite Things list, was also featured on Shark Tank. Made from BPA-free plastic, it offers a spill-proof solution for keeping your pet hydrated while traveling—no separate bowl needed. The 22-ounce bottle features a built-in bowl: Squeeze to fill it with water, allow your dog to drink, and release to let the remaining water flow back into the bottle. Available in mini (15 oz), flip (20 oz), and growler (44 oz) sizes, it also comes with a carabiner for easy portability.

18. Airplane Pockets Tray Table Cover

Airplane tray tables are notorious for being some of the dirtiest spots on planes, rarely cleaned between flights unless there’s been a major spill or incident. According to an anonymous flight attendant from a major U.S. airline, these tables aren’t typically sanitized unless a report is made. If you’re concerned about germs, you can use one of these stretchy covers with built-in pockets to protect yourself and your space.

17. SafeGo Portable Travel Lock Box

Perfect for public beaches, the SafeGo lockbox lets you safely store your valuables and secure it to a beach chair or picnic table with a 17-inch steel cable. This portable safe offers both key and combination access, and it’s spacious enough to hold items like your phone or camera.

16. The Carry-On by Away

While Away’s Bigger Carry-On is our editors' top pick, Dinogo readers chose the standard Carry-On more frequently in 2023. It boasts the same updated features as the larger Away suitcase, but it’s designed to fit neatly in overhead bins of most airlines. With 39.8 liters of packing space and a weight of only 7.2 pounds, it's perfect for efficient travel.

15. Travelpro Maxlite 5 22" Expandable Carry-On Rollaboard

A top pick in Dinogo’s 2023 list of best carry-on luggage, this tough nylon suitcase is nearly indestructible, stylish, and a favorite among soft-side and two-wheeled luggage lovers alike. Travelpro’s Maxlite 5 carry-on is a lightweight champion at just 5.4 pounds and fits within most domestic airline size restrictions. With one spacious interior compartment and two handy front pockets, it’s built for easy packing. Plus, when you need more space, it expands up to two inches. Its tapered design helps prevent tipping, and Travelpro backs it with a limited warranty to cover issues like broken zippers, wheels, and handles.

14. Joto Large Waterproof Floating Phone Pouch

Travelers seeking a way to keep their valuables safe on the beach loved this waterproof pouch. It fits most smartphones and is touch-sensitive, so you can take photos even while in the water. The original version boasts over 50,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, and the newer, larger version floats on the water’s surface. It also includes an extra pocket for organizing items like hotel key cards and credit cards.

13. Sun Bum Revitalizing 3-in-1 Leave-In Conditioner

For beach-goers looking to protect their hair, many turned to this after-sun leave-in conditioner from Sun Bum. It detangles, nourishes, and shields hair from sun and saltwater damage. Available in a 4-ounce bottle or in a convenient pack of three 1.5-ounce bottles for easy carry-on packing.

12. Chimes Ginger Chews

Seasickness can ruin a trip, especially on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. In Dinogo's guide to preparing for a trip to Antarctica, Aislyn Greene, our associate podcast director, shared her top tips for managing seasickness on the Drake Passage. Along with prescription options like the Transderm Scop patch and Promethazine, Greene suggests packing Chimes Ginger Chews to help calm your stomach.

11. Rumpl NanoLoft Travel Blanket

The Rumpl NanoLoft Travel Blanket offers the comfort of a sleeping bag without the bulk. When packed into its compact carry sack, the blanket is about the size of a Nalgene bottle and weighs just 0.7 pounds. Unfolded, it provides full coverage from neck to toes, and the built-in 'Cape Clip' lets you wrap the blanket snugly around your neck to keep it in place while you sleep. Made from 20 recycled plastic bottles, Rumpl is also a Climate Neutral Certified brand that offsets its carbon footprint and donates 1% of sales to environmental causes like Outdoor Afro and the National Parks Foundation.

10. Apple AirTag

In 2023, many devoted members of Team Checked Bag opted for multiple AirTags. These Bluetooth trackers are perfect for keeping tabs on easily misplaced items like keys, wallets, or luggage. The quarter-sized, disc-shaped device can be slipped into a pocket or attached with a key fob (sold separately). It syncs with Apple’s Find My network (the same system used for iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods) and features a tone for easy location. Plus, with Precision Finding, you can track your AirTag using on-screen arrows that guide you to it, showing the distance and direction.

9. Winsome 92436 Luggage Rack with Shelf

When we advised you to stop packing your suitcase on your bed, many of you listened. And we know this because hundreds of you bought luggage racks to keep your suitcase wheels off your pristine comforters. While there are plenty of affordable options under $100 on Amazon, this wooden rack is a steal at just $21, and it even comes with a bonus shelf for storing shoes.

8. Thule Compression Packing Cube

At Dinogo, we’re huge fans of packing cubes. Thule’s compression cubes may cost a bit more, but their durability makes them well worth the investment. Made from bluesign-approved ripstop nylon, these semi-transparent, water-resistant cubes are built to last while minimizing environmental impact. Like all compression cubes, they feature dual zippers: one to seal the cube and another to squeeze out excess air and reduce bulk. Available individually or in a set of two with one medium and one small cube, they fit neatly in a standard carry-on (you can pack one medium and two small cubes, or four small cubes on each side).

7. Twelve South AirFly Pro

Tired of swapping your wireless earbuds for the airline's wired headphones to enjoy in-flight entertainment? The Twelve South AirFly Pro could be your solution. This compact, matchbox-sized Bluetooth transmitter plugs into the airplane’s headphone jack and streams audio directly to your wireless headphones. It also doubles as an AUX adapter for rental cars and boasts a 16-hour battery life.

6. 32 Degrees Women’s Lightweight Recycled Poly-Fill Shirt Jacket

One of Oprah’s Favorite Things that also made our list of most popular items in 2023, this versatile 'shacket' (a cross between a shirt and a jacket) comes in sizes XS to 2X and a range of colors like navy, black, and dark green. Crafted from recycled polyester down for warmth, it’s easy to pack when you need an extra layer. And at just $23, it’s an unbeatable bargain.

5. Trtl Pillow

Finding a travel pillow that actually works is tough, but the Trtl Pillow is a game-changer. Dinogo editors swear by it, and once you try it, you’ll understand why. Despite looking a bit like a neck brace, its ergonomic design prevents your head from bobbing, ensuring you get restful sleep without waking up with neck pain. Available in a range of colors, there’s also a kids' version (ages 8+), and the breathable Trtl Pillow Plus for added comfort.

4. PortaPow Data Blocker

Have you heard of “juice jacking”? It’s a dangerous scam where criminals infect public charging stations, like those at airports, with malware that can steal your device's data, including passwords. The malware is then transmitted to the thief’s system. To protect yourself, a USB data blocker is essential. PortaPow’s version gets rave reviews for its effectiveness. It looks like a regular USB charger, but with two of the data wires removed, ensuring your device only charges, without transferring any data.

3. Vapur Anti-Bottle Flexible Water Bottle

Among the reusable water bottles we recommended, Dinogo readers favored portability over durability, with the Vapur Anti-Bottle topping the list. This BPA-free plastic bottle can be rolled up to save space when not in use, making it perfect for on-the-go hydration.

2. Bombas Everyday Compression Socks

Long flights or extended car rides can leave you feeling sluggish, but Bombas compression socks offer the relief you need. The 15–20 mmHg compression from toe to knee ensures that blood continues flowing properly throughout your legs. These socks also feature added arch support and cushioning for extra comfort. And every time you purchase a pair, Bombas donates another pair to someone in need.

1. Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector

The top item purchased in 2023 was this portable carbon monoxide detector. After several tragic cases of traveler deaths in hotels and vacation rentals, we made sure to emphasize why this simple safety tool is an absolute must-have on your packing list.