We're Calling It: 9 Travel Essentials That Are 'In' for 2026-and What to Leave Behind in 2025

"It's official: We've made it to 2026. This new year promises to bring with it an abundance of exciting travel adventures across the globe, but no matter where you're headed next, you'll want to make sure your gear selection is up to the task of adequately preparing you for your next trip. After years of working as a travel writer, I've watched new gear come in and out of popularity-so with that knowledge, I've made some predictions."

"If you're looking to streamline your packing list for the new year with a selection of items that will actually improve the way you travel, keep reading to find the nine products I suspect will be fan-favorites in 2026. With comfort and practicality at the forefront, these essentials will make even long-haul adventures feel like a breeze. As an added bonus, I'll even let you in on what to leave behind."

"Instead of trying to stuff your belongings into a dainty tote bag, a convertible backpack duffel will be a much more spatially conscious choice that (when packed correctly) should still fit beneath most airplane seats. You can wear it on your back to keep your hands free for your rolling suitcase while navigating the airport, but rest assured this bag will offer enough space for you to overpack to your heart's content or save room to shop during your travels."

Nine travel products are predicted to become fan-favorites in 2026, emphasizing comfort and practicality for long-haul travel. Convertible backpack duffels such as the Osprey Daylite Duffel replace too-small personal items by offering substantial packing space while still fitting beneath most airplane seats, and they allow hands-free carrying alongside rolling luggage. Compression packing cubes such as the OlarHike 10-set outperform standard packing cubes by significantly reducing volume, even for bulky winter apparel, and they include a wide variety of sizes for flexible organization. Travelers are encouraged to prioritize space-saving, versatile gear and to leave dainty tote bags and non-compressing organizers behind.

Read at Travel + Leisure