The 7 most practical travel accessories – and the 7 that don’t add any value

When you're planning a trip, every inch of your suitcase counts - and every accessory you take along should deserve its place. Sorting out the really useful from the marketing gimmicks is essential. Some products genuinely improve comfort, organization or safety on the move. Others, on the other hand, take up space for nothing or end up forgotten after the first day. In this article, we present you with 7 truly practical travel accessories, those that discerning globetrotters recommend without hesitation. And to help you avoid unnecessary purchases, we also list the 7 that don't add any value: cumbersome, ineffective, even totally superfluous. If you're planning a trip, this guide will help you spot the essentials... and leave the superfluous at home.

Indispensable for globetrotters, the universal adapter lets you plug in your devices in almost any country. Compact and often equipped with USB ports, it takes the hassle out of electrical compatibility. A single accessory for all your travels: space-saving, time-saving, and above all, no unpleasant surprises on arrival at the hotel.

Running out of battery while traveling? Pull out your power bank! Small, light and powerful, it charges your phone, watch or headphones quickly and efficiently. Whether you're on a plane, hiking or in town, you can stay connected without stress. It's the discreet but vital tool for never running out of battery, even when you're far away from it all.

Forget about tangled cables at the bottom of your bag! The tech organizer keeps your chargers, headphones, adapters and SD cards in order. When you're traveling, every minute counts, and everything needs to be accessible at a glance. Lightweight and well compartmentalized, it prevents you from forgetting an essential cable and protects your equipment. It's the companion of organized travelers!

It hangs anywhere: door handles, towel racks, camping showers... The hanging kit is ideal for keeping your products accessible, dry and tidy. No more putting your stuff in dodgy washbasins! Compact and with several compartments, it optimizes storage and space. It makes your routine easier, even in narrow bathrooms.

With this pouch, everything's within easy reach: passport, tickets, cards, insurance, currency... In the blink of an eye, you'll find what you need at check-in or boarding. It secures your essentials and saves you from panic searches in your bag. Practical, flat and often RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), it also protects you against discreet digital theft.

The hum of the airplane, baby's cries or noisy discussions... all fade away thanks to active noise reduction. Whether in the air or in a station, these headphones create a bubble of serenity for you to rest, concentrate or enjoy your music. Lightweight and comfortable, they're your ticket to a zen-like journey.

The inflatable neck pillow is often uncomfortable. It doesn't really support the nape of your neck and generally lets your head fall sideways. What's more, it's often made of cheap plastic or synthetic fabric, not ideal for travel comfort. This accessory, even when deflated, is also bulky. All in all, it's more trouble than it's worth!

The suspended aircraft footrest promises comfort, but it's cumbersome, not very ergonomic, and quickly disappoints. In economy class, space is too limited to really enjoy them. It often gets in the way of the passenger behind you, attracts and irritates the attention of flight attendants, and remains wobbly in flight. This clever accessory is impractical in 90% of flight situations.

The mini portable washing machine may look ingenious, but it's not very practical. It requires water, soap, energy... and as much effort as washing by hand. It's bulky, inefficient and rarely used. You end up washing your underwear in the sink, like everyone else, and regret having sacrificed space.

designed for discretion, it's often too thick or too visible under clothing. Uncomfortable to carry, it sometimes attracts more attention than a simple wallet. And let's be honest: digging into your pants every time you make a payment is neither practical nor reassuring. There are simpler, safer ways to keep your money.

This little device is supposed to filter the air around you on a plane, train or station. However, it is noisy, has a derisory autonomy and has no proven effect. The marketing is seductive, the reality much less so: your nose won't know the difference. It's an anxiety-inducing, noisy, expensive gadget, but certainly not a travel essential.

The design of bamboo cutlery in a hard case is well-intentioned, but impractical. The case takes up space, weighs unnecessarily, and the cutlery is often forgotten. You end up using the ones provided on site. Everything ends up at the bottom of the bag, unused. The eco-friendly intention is there, but the practicality, much less so.

You buy it to avoid excess, but in reality, you forget it or use it only once. Often inaccurate, it adds unnecessary weight to your bag. In hotels, a bathroom scale does the trick. And in airports? There are scales everywhere. All in all, it's another anxiety-inducing accessory you can do without.