Here's everything you'll want with you when you're traveling over the holidays

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We've written about tons of travel items that make your trips easier, less stressful, and more comfortable. From pillows to carry-ons and everything in between, there’s no shortage of things that can improve your next trip.

With the holiday season — and the hectic travel days that come with it — fast approaching, we figured now was a good time to roundup the best products for travelers we’ve covered this year, in order to give readers the chance to better prepare for the long layovers and runs from terminal to terminal that are soon to come.

Below you’ll find our top travel picks. We’ve written up each product on it’s own before, so you can check out a more detailed description of each if you’d like a fuller view of an item before you buy.

Here’s to hoping for a safe, easy, and comfortable season of holiday travel for you and yours.

A reliable carry-on suitcase

Every traveler needs a reliable, sturdy piece of carry-on luggage for flights. You want something that is big enough to fit all the clothes you’ll need for a few days, as well as slim enough to pass all rules regarding carry-on size and fit comfortably into that last bit of space available in the overhead bin when you are stuck in boarding group C.

Away is a fairly new brand that impressed us. It’s perfectly sized, and even comes with an internal battery that you can use to charge your phone or tablet on the go.

Away The Carry-On, $225

From: This is the carry-on suitcase I use every time I travel and 6 of the best carry-ons for business travelers

... or a piece of smart luggage

Bluesmart is the current leader of the "smart luggage" space. In addition to USB outlets ready to keep your mobile devices charged, Bluesmart's carry-on features Bluetooth-locking and -tracking technology. If the airline ever loses your bag, you’ll know exactly where it is.

The suitcase even comes with an internal sensor that can weigh itself to ensure that it comes in below the limit, and that you don’t have to check your bag at the last second. I got to take the Bluesmart Black Edition on a recent trip to San Francisco, and it’s by far the best piece of luggage I have ever owned.

If you want a glimpse of the future of luggage, this is it.

Bluesmart One, $449
Bluesmart Black Edition, $599

From: This smart suitcase is the best carry-on bag I’ve ever used, and it's worth every penny

A comfortable travel pillow

Getting a bit of sleep on a long flight is no easy task, but with a quality travel pillow it can be a bit easier. The Cabeau Memory Foam Cooling Travel Pillow is the best we’ve tried yet. It’s compact, cool, and provides a neck support that allows for a more comfortable flight, even if you’re stuck in a middle seat.

Cabeau Evolution Cool Head and Neck Memory Foam Cooling Travel Pillow, $51.99 [Enter the code "MKAE43WB" at checkout]

From: This is by far the best travel pillow I've ever used