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

BEST 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

BEST EARBUDS: Baseus Bowie MA10S

If you're looking for wireless 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

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

BEST TRAVEL TUMBLER: 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

BEST PORTABLE CHARGER: Nimble CHAMP

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

BEST CONVERTIBLE BAG: Deuter Duffel Pro 40

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

BEST WEEKENDER: 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

BEST PORTABLE 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

BEST WATER BOTTLE: 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

BEST PACKING CUBES: BÉIS Compression 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

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

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

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

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

This hanging bag "is a gift to pack rats everywhere," said a tester. Clear compartments hold personal items on one side, while velvet-lined pouches protect jewelry on the other. Either lay it flat on a counter or save space by hanging it on a door using the rotating hook.

Buy It! $28; bagsmart.com

BEST LARGE SUITCASE: 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. 360-degree wheels make it “incredibly easy” to wheel around on pavement or at the airport, says another tester.

Buy It! $220; quince.com

BEST TRAVEL 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

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

BEST INTERNATIONAL ACCESSORY: 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

BEST MEDIUM SUITCASE: 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