Accessories for travel can be divided into two categories.
Essential, and
Nice to have
Wait to pack the "nice to haves" until you have packed everything else. Pick up your luggage, carry it around and re-evaluate whether you really want to take those extra items. Even if you have wheeled luggage, pick it up. There will be times when you have to carry your luggage up steps, etc.
Everyone's definition of essential is unique and may vary from trip to trip. It will depend on:
Where you are going
When you are going
Why you are going and
What you plan to do when you get there.
It may also depend on whether you want to be prepared for every possible eventuality or whether you are willing to put up with not having something that you could have brought.
Laptop Travel Accessories
If you are traveling to Europe on business, your laptop and the
accessories
that go with it are more than likely essential to your trip. Even if you aren't traveling on business, you might consider your laptop essential.
You can use it to access your email and keep in touch with your friends and family back home (although hopefully not your office).
You can research places you want to visit while on your trip. Check open hours for museums and other attractions.
Make reservations at hotel, B&Bs, and restaurants.
You can even call home using Skype via your laptop.
Electronic Travel Accessories
Remember for every electronic travel accessory you decide to take you'll probably need a separate charger. While each one separately doesn't take up much space, by the time you have reached 4 or 5 the space they take begins to get significant. You will also need a couple of plug adaptors (how many appliances do you want to plug in at the same time?)And possibly a power converter.
Hairdryer
Book Reader
iPod or equivalent
GPS
Personal DVD player
Comfort Travel Accessories
What do you need to be comfortable on the long flight and in your hotel or B&B?
Travel Pillow
Blanket (dreamsacks)
Sleep Mask
Socks and Slippers
Foot Rest
Seat Cushions
Travel Humidifier
Portable Sunlight
Health Accessories for Travel
Protect your health when you travel.
Microfiber towel
Toilet Paper
Breathe Mask
Motion Sickness Relief
Jet Lag Remedies
Disinfectants
First Aid Kits
Travel Canes
Pill Organizers
Compression Socks
Security Accessories
European cities are generally as safe as (or safer than)US cities. If you are a woman traveling alone or with another woman you might want to take some accessories to make you feel safer. Use common sense and behave cautiously but not fearfully.
Security Wallets
Emergency Alarms
Door Stop/alarm
RFID blocking Wallets
Security Bags and Purses
Luggage Accessories
Keeping your luggage safe and secure while in transit is very important. You want to make sure only TSA can access your luggage and that none of your belongings are lost or stolen due to mishandling or theft.
When your luggage comes off the conveyor belt on to the baggage carousel at the airport, you want to be able to easily and quickly identify it.
Locks
Tags
Luggage Scales
Bungee Cords
Luggage Straps
Packing Cubes and Pouches
Collapsible Tote
Other Miscellaneous Travel Accessories
What other accessories for travel should you consider?
Binoculars or monoocular
Great for street signs down the block and of course looking for birds or animals.
Compass
It's easy to get turned around and lost in the large cities of Europe, even with a map. (All those canals and bridges in Venice start to look alike after a while.)
What do you need to be comfortable on the long flight and in your hotel or B&B?
