GM NUD FCX

Although it may be sweltering outside, it's likely to be a teeth-chattering 64 degrees inside the airplane. You'll want a shirt that can handle the whole range in style—something like this polo shirt, from Brooks Brothers. It's made out of Supima cotton, an ultra-rare strain of the fabric that's softer and more breathable than any other cotton on the planet. The result? An extremely comfortable polo that's practically temperature-controlled; it'll cool you off when it's warm and keep you snug when it's chilly.

If somebody wants to steal from you, they're going to look for wallets or money clips, something that usually contains cold hard cash. They probably won't touch your lip balm. (Unless they're seriously chapped, of course.)

Whether you're going through security or trying to use your laptop on board, power chords can be a major inconvenience. It can feel like you're traveling with a garden hose. But with a sunglasses case (or two, depending on the size of your cables), you can keep everything neat and organized.

The tiny speakers on a smartphone do a good enough job when you're on the go, but when you're looking to set the scene in your hotel room, you might need a bass line with a little more oomph. For better sound, cut a phone-size slit into the middle of a used toilet paper roll, slip your phone inside and presto: instant speakers.

Only those who don't plan ahead travel with full-size bottles of shampoo and shaving cream. But buying miniatures for every trip seems insane. So here's a better way: Just refill your tiny bottles and use them again and again and again. And if you really want to save every dime, just lift the bottles that come with your hotel room.

Dryer sheets are the most versatile travel accessory. They can keep your clothes fresh while traveling (just slip a sheet or two into your suitcase), deodorize stinky shoes, and freshen up a hotel pillowcase or bathroom.

Call it a little white lie. Tagging your bags as "fragile" even if they aren't will save you a lot of time. Most airlines put fragile bags on top for the flight, so they're the first to be unloaded onto the baggage claim carousel. You'll be hailing a cab while your fellow passengers are still looking for luggage carts.

If you're not doing this already, you're wasting a lot of valuable real estate in your suitcase. Always roll and layer, never fold and stack. This will allow you to double your wardrobe for your next cross-country outing. It's a total space saver.

Whether you're petrified by turbulence or just can't fall asleep during a long flight, stay away from mood-calming drugs. A better idea: Put on some calming ambient soundscapes and pick up the Travel Halo, a stabilizing headband that blocks out light and keeps your head balanced and upright. You'll be catching some Z's in no time.

You can't always depend on access to Wi-Fi when you need it. And when you're in a foreign country, the price of staying connected can be exorbitant. Play it safe and download a Google Map of your destination before you get there—here's an easy explanation of how it works—and pull it up later when you're ready to explore.

GM NUD FCX