I’m a travel writer, and these 5 multiuse products keep me from overpacking

Whether you’re at the coffee shop near your gate, taking a hands-free video call before you board or binging your favorite show on the plane, this three-in-one phone accessory fits the bill. It combines the functionality of a phone stand, tripod and wallet in one origami-inspired design that folds as flat as two stacked credit cards.

The base is super stable, making it easy for you to use your phone without actually holding it. It even has a slot that holds up to two credit cards. Best of all, you don’t need any sticky adhesives to get this wallet stand to latch onto your phone. It’s MagSafe-compatible, so it snaps on all on its own.

I come from a family of nervous fliers, and many of my family members ask me how I stay so calm when I travel. This bad boy is one of the main reasons. When I’m organized and everything I need is easily within reach, I rarely get flustered. This passport wallet consolidates my travel docs and standard wallet, so I’m not digging through my bag for a card, cash or my boarding pass — it’s all in one place.

There are a few reasons why this particular passport wallet is my absolute favorite. It has four card slots, two side slots for cash, a main passport compartment and a flap that magnetically closes for your boarding pass. There’s even a version for $40 more that has a slot for a pen in the middle for filling out travel forms.

Since this case is made of genuine Horween leather, it’ll look even better the more you use it. I recently started using mine, and it’s already got a little bit of character. I know I’ll have this for years to come.

If you’re anything like me, you prefer traveling with just one larger device. Either the iPad or the laptop is going to make it into the bag — never both, if I can help it. With this special case, you can enjoy the perks of both with your iPad. It functions as a protective case, a pseudo-laptop thanks to its fully functional keyboard and touch trackpad, and a stand for enjoying shows or movies on the plane. If you don’t need the keyboard, all you have to do is gently pull it off since it magnetically attaches to the case. Easy-peasy! 

“I love the way it looks, the ease of use, the size (it fits on the tray table of a plane),” one five-star reviewer wrote. “It charges when you charge the iPad, and even though it’s a little heavy, it’s worth it.”

This is the newest addition to my travel bag, and I’m still amazed by its size and practicality. At home, I use a bulky two-in-one charging station that gives my phone and Apple Watch some juice when I’m asleep. Since it’s too cumbersome to take with me when I travel, I found this gizmo, which does the same thing in a package that folds up smaller than my palm. Can you tell how impressed I am?

It supports MagSafe charging and nightstand mode on both the Apple Watch and iPhone, so you’ll be able to see the full-screen clock on both devices while they charge. Keep in mind, though, that this isn’t a power bank and needs to be plugged into an outlet to work.

“This charger is small, lightweight, but still entirely functional,” one five-star reviewer wrote. “It is one less thing to worry about when packing.”

Heading on a special trip anytime soon? If it’s for a formal event like a wedding, you’ll likely have to pack a suit or a dress. Most folks end up having to take a separate garment bag with them in this case, taking the place of their carry-on and forcing them to fit all of their other essentials in their personal-item bag. This duffle lets you pack your garment bag and carry-on all in one, giving you less to drag around.

Curious how it works? The duffle fully unfolds into a full-size garment bag, complete with pockets and all! Once your suit or dress (and all of your accessories) is packed away, simply zip up the sides and watch it instantly turn into a traditional duffle while keeping your outfit from creasing and folding up. When you get to your destination, just expand the bag and hang it in the closet like any standard garment bag.

“Fits two suits, which is an upgrade over my old, existing option,” one shopper wrote. “Typical Dagne goodness … better organized than you would expect. So far, I’ve taken it to Kansas City, Detroit, Seattle, and L.A., and it’s holding up great.”