It’s a fact: traveling is more accessible than ever. Whether for business or pleasure, as a backpacker or as a digital nomad, it’s now possible to go to essentially any place in the world.
Even so, being a traveler isn’t just about packing a bunch of clothes in a bag and choosing a destination. Life on the road requires essential items to manage daily life, and these types of items are in high demand on the market, especially in a post-COVID, travel-heavy economy. So if you’re an online entrepreneur, this could be a great segment to invest in.
Sound interesting? Keep reading and learn everything you need to know about these products and discover 33 of the best travel essentials to sell in 2024.
Why Sell Travel Essentials?
The travel industry is big and in constant evolution. As global travel continues to rebound after the pandemic, more and more people are eager to explore new places, thus increasing the demand for convenient travel products.
Also, travel essentials are often items that people need to replace or update regularly. This recurring need creates repeat customers who are always looking for the latest and greatest solutions.
They are the types of products that appeal to a wide range of customers—from business travelers and digital nomads to vacationers and even adventure-seeking influencers. This diversity allows for a broad reach and several niches.
What Type of Product is Considered a Travel Essential?
A travel essential is any product that makes traveling more comfortable and convenient. It can be a specific item, like a luggage scale, or items that are used on a daily basis, like a backpack or a power bank.
It’s always important to consider that there are different types of travelers, as mentioned above. Someone who travels for work may need simple productivity gear, while a digital nomad will need more items for daily life.
Traveling to new places can be exciting, but it requires a lot of preparation. Here’s a list of the best travel essentials to sell in 2024 to ensure your customers' comfort while on the road.
1. Laptop
No matter what length of time someone is away from home, chances are they need a laptop. While these are a bit challenging to sell online because the manufacturers don’t easily give wholesale prices to online sellers, you can ride this momentum by offering adjacent accessories.
2. Portable charger
No one likes to run out of battery, especially when needing to call Ubers or get directions. Portable chargers are useful for long work trips, and you can command strong prices if you find a quality supplier.
3. Headphones
Noise-canceling headphones are a favorite among consumers to relax or concentrate while listening to good music and blocking out noises on flights and buses.
4. Portable Wi-Fi hotspot
One of the biggest inconveniences to encounter when traveling is having to deal with unstable internet connections, especially in other countries. A portable Wi-Fi hotspot can be a lifesaver in remote locations where the connection isn’t as strong.
5. Universal travel adapter
These are a genuine necessity for traveling abroad in countries that don’t use the standard US charging outlet. It’ll ensure travelers can connect and charge their devices anywhere—this was a lifesaver for me this past summer when I was in multiple countries over a several-week trip.
6. External hard drive
Backup data on the go and keep files safe. A portable place to store files and other important documents can be a lifesaver in the world of “auto save” on the cloud, when it's never 100% certain if the latest edits were stored.
7. USB-C hub
The world seems to be moving to USB-C, but not all devices have one. An adapter to connect multiple slots is useful for travelers who use tech like the newer MacBooks but still need to connect to other things.
8. Laptop stand
A laptop stand is a compact and ergonomic way to improve posture while using a laptop away from home—especially great for those staying at hotels and Airbnbs.
9. Portable monitor
It’s very difficult to work off just one screen and (pretty much) impossible to travel with a standard external monitor. Portable versions connect to laptops without the extra baggage.
10. Wireless mouse and keyboard
Like working on a laptop, typing and scrolling on a tiny station is a challenge. Bluetooth mouse and keyboards let travelers spread out when on the go without annoying cables.
11. Backpack
No traveling is done without a good backpack. It should be durable, organized, and capable of fitting in overhead compartments and under plane seats. Personally, I use this style from Nomatic, a brand that has grown tremendously in the past few years. With such a high AOV, there’s plenty of opportunity.
12. Packing cubes
Perfect for keeping luggage properly organized, especially when carrying multiple devices, such as cameras and other tech equipment.
13. Compression bags
Traveling with a compression bag takes a lot of the stress out of packing for a trip. They can be used to compress bulky items, usually clothes and other malleable items, saving space in the suitcase.
14. Portable luggage scale
Being on the road means constantly adding new items to luggage, like random supplies, souvenirs, and other purchases, adding more weight to your bag. With a portable luggage scale, travelers can measure the weight of their luggage and avoid extra fees at the airport.
15. Travel pillow
The traveler's best friend during long trips. Needless to say, it ensures comfort for those tight airplane seats.
16. Travel blanket
The pillow’s best friend for a good night of sleep when traveling. As you can imagine, it’s a pretty commoditized product, so it’s best to use either ultra-soft materials or offer unique designs.
17. Water bottle
With high-priced airport goods and tiny cups on planes, a refillable water bottle is a must. Thermal bottles are eco-friendly options because of their reusability and are popular for keeping drinks cold for longer. Several massive brands have come out of that space, so it’s a product to devote your attention to.
18. Travel towel
Useful for beach trips, these tightly packed microfiber towels are made specifically for travel. They're easy to fold up and quick-drying.
19. Multitool
A compact tool with multiple use cases for quick repairs and any emergencies. It’s better to be safe than sorry, but just be careful to ensure that your model is TSA-compliant, so your customers aren’t running into any issues at security.
20. Cable organizer
The more organization, the better. A cable organizer is perfect for keeping phone chargers and headphone cords from getting tangled in a suitcase.
21. Ebooks
There’s nothing like a good book when on the road for long periods. With ebooks, travelers can save space and store multiple options on devices like the Amazon Kindle.
22. Noise machine
Noise machines are perfect to ensure a good night’s sleep by creating a peaceful and relaxing environment. They’re especially useful for staying at an Airbnb in a central location with a lot of noise throughout the night.
23. First aid kit
Simple, compact kits for minor injuries are best for outdoor trips, and they can store medicine if necessary. It's better to have something and not need it than to need it and not have it. These also offer unique marketing angles and the ability to produce engaging user-generated content.
24. Portable air purifier
When traveling abroad, it’s especially important for people to take care of their health. A portable air purifier is ideal for making the air cleaner and giving travelers a better quality of life during their journeys.
25. Portable door lock
For added security in unfamiliar areas, a portable door lock is essential, and thankfully, there’s no true brand leader in the category.
26. Digital travel guides
Travel guides are essential tools for travelers, providing valuable information, tips, and insights about destinations. Some options even come with a digital map pointing to the best places to eat and visit in every country.
27. Sleep mask
A lot of people struggle to sleep on planes, trains, or buses due to the bright lights and constant noise, which highlights the importance of a good sleep mask. Some models not only block out light but also reduce sound, making them valuable travel essentials to sell. They are also super lightweight, so shipping costs won’t eat too much of your profit.
28. Anti-theft backpack
To help travelers carry their most precious items, there are several models of anti-theft backpacks with features like padlocks, hidden zippers, and even built-in trackers. Pickpocketing is one of the main fears when it comes to traveling to new countries, so the demand is there.
29. Digital planner
To organize schedules, places to stay, and all the other travel details, digital planners act as a central “hub” for a trip. They’re also useful for remote workers to organize their work schedule while traveling.
30. Portable coffee maker
Nothing beats a good cup of coffee, right? Portable coffee makers are ideal for coffee lovers who want to brew their coffee wherever they are and not rely on the hotel’s offerings. They’re a great option for people who want to save money and prefer drinking their favorite coffee brands.
31. Digital luggage tracker
Losing luggage can be a nightmare for any traveler. A digital luggage tracker is a little device that can be placed inside luggage, allowing people to track bags in real-time via an app, giving extra peace of mind during travel.
32. RFID-blocking wallet
RFID-blocking wallets prevent electronic pickpocketing by blocking unauthorized scans of credit cards and IDs. It’s a practical—and stylish—security tool for travelers who are always jumping from airport to airport.
33. Lightweight umbrella
Weather can be unpredictable, especially when being on the move every day. A compact, lightweight travel umbrella ensures your customers stay dry during sudden rain showers without taking up too much of their luggage space.
Digital Nomads: A Brief Overview
This is a name you've seen a few times in this article, but what are digital nomads? A digital nomad is someone who leverages technology to work remotely, often while traveling or living in different locations around the world rather than being tied to a single office.
They typically work in fields where tasks can be completed solely online, such as:
- Writing & copywriting: Offering writing services to companies, websites, or blogs.
- Graphic design: Creating logos, websites, or marketing materials for companies.
- Web design: Building and maintaining websites and apps for businesses.
- Ecommerce: Creating and managing their own online business, often by selling digital products.
- Affiliate marketing: Promoting products or services in blogs and social media, earning commissions for every sale.
- Consulting & coaching: Offering expertise as expert consultants or coaches.
- Online teaching: Creating and selling online courses.
- Virtual assistance: Providing administrative support to businesses or entrepreneurs by managing emails and more.
- Stock photography & videography: Creating photos or videos to sell on stock sites like Shutterstock.
Digital nomads are a great target audience for selling travel essentials. It’s also an exciting lifestyle that combines wellness and professional gratification. If you’re a digital entrepreneur who wants to explore the wonders of the world, perhaps being a digital nomad is for you.
Make Money While Traveling with Whop
If you want to make money online but aren’t convinced that selling physical products is the way to go for you, then you should think about selling your time or expertise through digital products.
Whop makes it easy to explore various avenues for generating consistent income online, all while managing it from a single, intuitive platform. Whether you want to start working in digital marketing or are looking to sell your expertise, Whop provides the flexibility and support you need to make money remotely.
For just a 3% transaction fee, you gain access to numerous tools that handle the backend of your business:
- Sell digital downloads and templates: Turn your expertise into downloadable products, such as design templates, ebooks, or guides. Whop allows you to easily sell these digital products, making it simple to reach a global market.
- Monetize your community: Build and nurture a thriving community where you can host live streams, run workshops, and engage with members in exclusive, gated channels. With Whop, you can charge for access, creating a steady revenue stream while fostering a close-knit, engaged audience.
- Launch a paid newsletter or podcast: Share your knowledge and insights through a paid newsletter or podcast. Whether it’s industry tips, travel stories, or personal experiences, Whop enables you to monetize your content and build a loyal subscriber base.
- Create and sell online courses: Share your skills and teach others by creating online courses. Whether you’re an expert in marketing, photography, or coding, Whop gives you the tools to build, market, and sell courses that can provide ongoing passive income.
- And more
Travel Essentials for Digital Nomads FAQs
The frequently asked questions about travel essentials for digital nomads in 2024.
What are the most popular travel essentials to stock for 2024?
Focus on items that enhance convenience, comfort, and safety for travelers. Products like compression packing cubes, portable power banks, noise-canceling headphones, and eco-friendly travel accessories are expected to be in high demand. Consider stocking a mix of tech gadgets, versatile apparel, and compact organizers that cater to various traveler needs, including digital nomads and adventure seekers.
Why you should trust us
Joe Niehaus is a seasoned content writer and ecommerce expert at Whop. Drawing from an extensive background in overseeing affiliate programs for ecommerce brands, Joe has also lent his expertise to prominent names like GQ, Travel + Leisure, and Business Insider.
