Pack loud, sip chic, nap cute: The quirkiest travel accessories you need

A family going for vacation (AI image for representational purposes)
Travelling isn't just about where you're going — it's about how you're getting there and what you're bringing along for the ride. This season, it's time to swap boring basics for watermelon-shaped neck pillows, pastel water bottles that double as accessories, and wearable fans that keep you cool and cute.
Whether you're glamping in the hills or chasing sunsets by the sea, the right travel gear should be equal parts functional, fashionable, and fun.
Neck fans
are the new cool
Handheld fans are passé. This season, it's all about neck fans that look like headphones but work like a portable AC. Lightweight and USB-rechargeable, these are perfect for sweaty airport lines, hot hikes, or sun-drenched city strolls. Extra cool points if yours lights up or comes in neon pastels.
Bags with a twist
Goodbye boring black luggage. Hello squishy totes, quirky slings, and jelly bags in baguette prints. 'This year, travel isn't just about where you're headed; it's also about how you express yourself along the way,' says Disha Singh, founder of Zouk. 'Travellers today are choosing bold, quirky designs that reflect their individuality and culture. It's not just about carrying your essentials — it's about carrying a part of your story.
'
Quirky totes (Image Source: Instagram/ @the_madras_kadai)
Suitcase, but make it sassy
Custom luggage covers are having a moment. From retro cartoon prints to cheeky quotes and even pet portraits, your suitcase can now double as your personality on wheels. 'Luggage is no longer just about utility—it's a style statement,' says Naina Parekh, CEO of Eume. 'People are choosing vibrant colours, smart compartments, and ergonomic designs. It's about travelling proud — and organised.'
Mesh sliders, fancy sandals and quirky flip-flops
Mesh sliders, strappy sandals and foam flip-flops topped with oversized fruit charms are the season's unofficial uniform.
'For Indian weather, footwear needs to do more than just look good,' says Prateek Singhal, co-founder of Yoho. 'Mesh uppers allow air circulation and help prevent irritation or odour from sweat.' And as Natasha Dua, founder of Lino Perros, puts it: 'Style should never feel like a costume — it should feel like you, on your most confident day.
'
Box: Sip in style
Hydration has had a glow-up. Collapsible silicone bottles, pastel sippers, unique tumblers, and fruit-infuser flasks are being matched with outfits.
'We're seeing tumblers become the unexpected style statement of the season,' says Ackshay Jain, CEO of Culture Circle. 'Travellers are treating them like sneakers — picking colourways for different occasions.'
Unique tumblers (Image Source Instagram/@fortheloveofpixiedust)
Box: Grooming, but make it cute
Travel grooming kits no longer need to look like first-aid boxes. Think cute mini perfume bottles, pastel soap cases, and chic sanitiser sprays. Also, don't forget the essentials: 'Precision razors, non-chromium nail clippers and skin-friendly tools are key to staying well-groomed on the move,' says Hitesh Singla, head of marketing at Kai India.
Unique sanitizer cases (Image Source: Instagram @tumblrarrchive)
Box: Snooze in style
Catch those Zzz's on the go with eye masks that say 'Do Not Disturb', 'Nap Queen' or even have eyes painted open. Match them with plush earmuffs for in-flight snoozing in style.
Watermelon shaped neck pillow (Image Source: Instagram/@yunicorner1)

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Time of India

14 minutes ago

• Time of India

Yeh Hai Mohabbatein fame Ruhanika Dhawan gets officially graduated; shares a video from the ceremony

Yeh Hai Mohabbatein fame child actress Ruhanika Dhawan won everyone's heart with her innocence as Ruhi. She played the role of Divyanka Tripathi and Karan Patel 's on-screen daughter and her scenes were super adorable to watch. Recently, she had her high school graduation ceremony and shared a video from the graduation ceremony. On June 21, 2025, Ruhanika proudly marked a major milestone as she graduated, walking the stage to receive her honors and celebrating the moment with her dearest family members. She captioned the video with a well-known Shah Rukh Khan quote that she credited as a guiding force in her journey so far. She wrote, "Officially Graduated (high school) class of 2025. Hats off to us! (Literally). The future is bright! Picture abhi baaki hai doston. To my extraordinary teachers: thank you for opening our minds to new ideas, for your patience, and for the wisdom you so generously shared. You not only taught us subjects but also invaluable life lessons that I'll carry with me always. " View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ruhaanika Dhawan (@ruhaanikad) The child actor has now grown up to be a beautiful teenager. She has gone through a major transformation since her appearance in Yeh Hai Mohabbatein as Ruhi. In the caption, Ruhanika thanked her parents and said she didn't have the words to fully express her feelings. She shared that their constant support, love, and small acts of kindness played a big role in her journey. Ruhanika said her parents taught her to work hard and to dream big. She added that this achievement belongs to all of them, and she is truly thankful for everything. In a recent interview, Ruhanika shared that she took a break from television and acting for three years to concentrate on her studies. Her dedication paid off, as she secured an impressive 91% in her board exams . She said, "I halted my acting career for three years to focus on my studies, and now I feel it was all worth it. My parents had faith in me, and I have proved them right, which feels great. While other actors my age were working and taking up projects, I chose to focus on my studies." Ruhaanika Dhawan: I get nostalgic on Mere Sai sets because just like YHM, here also everyone calls me 'Ruhi'

NDTV

17 minutes ago

• NDTV

Priyanka Chopra Reveals Daughter Malti Marie Is A K-Pop Fan: "Her Favourite Song Is BLACKPINK Rose's APT"

Global icon Priyanka Chopra recently melted hearts with sweet revelations about her daughter, Malti Marie Jonas, during her appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The actress, who shares Malti with husband and singer-actor Nick Jonas, opened up about her toddler's current musical preferences, and they don't involve the Jonas Brothers. Malti's favourite tune at the moment, Priyanka revealed, was APT by Rose and Bruno Mars. Asked whether Malti listens to her father's music, Priyanka laughed and shared, 'She doesn't identify them, but she calls them the donut brothers,' sending the audience into fits of laughter. Jimmy Fallon and Priyanka Chopra further joked about trademarking the new name and launching a new squishmellow line. "Let's make that into a new Labubu," said the actress. ICYDK: Labubu is a brand of collectible plush toy monster elves created by Hong Kong designer Kasing Lung. In recent times, the doll has gained a significant following and is often featured in various merchandise. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Tonight Show (@fallontonight) Priyanka Chopra shared that their family is currently based in New York and Malti is attending school in the city, reported Hindustan Times. The actress said, "She's precocious, she's funny, she's a little comedian. She knows she's funny, so that's even better. Yeah, she's such a light of our lives right now. This is an amazing season for us. Nick has been on Broadway for the last five years. We were in New York, hunkered down." "I am filming a movie in India, so I fly back and forth from there. So we are based on the East Coast right now, and she's going to school here. She has her little clique of friends, and her schedule's even crazier than mine. There are so many classes. Kids do so much… She wants to socialise with other babies," she added. Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra got married in 2018. The couple welcomed Malti Marie via surrogacy in 2022.

Economic Times

24 minutes ago

• Economic Times

‘What wrong is Deepika demanding?': Kajol and Rani did 8-hour shifts too, says director Siddharth P. Malhotra as Bollywood debate heats up

Agencies Deepika Padukone's reported exit from Spirit over her request for an eight-hour workday has reignited debate on humane work hours in Indian cinema. Director Siddharth P Malhotra defended her stance, citing past examples like Rani Mukerji and Kajol who also worked limited shifts post-motherhood. Last month, reports broke that Deepika Padukone had stepped away from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's much-anticipated Telugu cop drama Spirit . The reason? Her request for an eight-hour workday. The demand, made just eight months after the birth of her daughter Dua Padukone, sparked debate across the industry and social media, with many questioning whether actors should dictate such terms in big-budget productions. Now, director Siddharth P Malhotra has come out in her support, pointing out that such working conditions are not only reasonable but have long existed in the industry. Speaking to IANS, Malhotra recalled wrapping his 2018 film Hichki —starring Rani Mukerji—in just 28 eight-hour shifts. The film, produced by Aditya Chopra under Yash Raj Films, marked Rani's return to the screen after giving birth to her daughter Adira in 2015. 'For 14 months, I have been there in front of her face. So I kept asking myself, 'Is it going to be worth it?'' Rani had shared in a past interview, reflecting on her emotional struggle as a new mother rejoining work. But Malhotra confirmed the working hours were kept tight and clear. 'She's asking for family time, what wrong is she demanding?' he asked bluntly. 'People are just gaining publicity in the name of Deepika Padukone.' Malhotra also pointed to his debut film We Are Family (2010), in which lead actor Kajol, a mother herself at the time, insisted on fixed working hours. 'When I shot with Kajol in 2010, she used to do eight-hour shifts. She made it very clear she'd either come from 10 am to 6 pm or 7 am to 2 pm,' he said, underscoring that the practice predates the current noise around Deepika's decision. Kajol recently echoed this sentiment to PTI, stating, 'I didn't work for 20 or 30 hours. I was always very clear that we would work a certain amount only, and my mom (veteran actor Tanuja) also backed me up big time on it.' Malhotra believes that directors should match their production plans with the availability of their actors—especially when such conditions are set transparently from the outset. 'If Deepika Padukone has made these conditions clear right from the start, then the director shouldn't work with her if it doesn't suit them,' he said. 'If I need an actor and am confident I can finish the film within those working hours, I'd work with them even for six hours a day.' He added that if Vanga's vision for Spirit required longer working hours, he was within his rights to recast. And that's exactly what has happened: Vanga has now brought Animal star Triptii Dimri on board as the lead opposite Prabhas in the film. While the industry is known for grueling shifts and punishing timelines, the conversation sparked by Padukone's stance opens a new chapter—one that addresses work-life balance, especially for women returning to work post-motherhood.