The warmest season of the year has finally arrived! Filled with bright blue skies and a never-ending supply of ice cream, summer is incomplete without those exciting trips and vacations in the mix. From going camping, beach getaways, or even flying to another country, it’s important to pack what’s necessary.
In this article, we’ll be going over some of our favorite picks that’ll make your next summer trip even better. If you see something on the list that you’d like printed, but don’t have access to a printer, try Craftcloud. You’ll have your pick of technology, material, and finishes, all with excellent customer support.
And now, let’s get to the list!
Technology
For these next picks, we’ve found some of the coolest and most useful technology accessories. These designs will help you organize some of your 3D printed gadgets and other technology you’ll be bringing with you on the trip.
SIM Card Case
This SIM card case design is a compact and ingenious solution for safeguarding your spare SIM cards. With the ability to hold up to four cards or two cards and a removal tool, this case offers both functionality and convenience. Measuring just half the size of a credit card, it’s remarkably portable and fits seamlessly into your wallet or pocket.
The case has two parts: a sturdy outer case and a customizable tray. The tray can be 3D printed using a 0.4-mm nozzle in PLA with a 0.2-mm layer height, while the case requires a 0.6-mm nozzle in “vase mode“. The designer also recommends printing the model with a 4-mm brim.
Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a tech enthusiast, or someone who likes to stay organized, this SIM card case ensures that your precious SIM cards remain safe and readily accessible.
- Who designed it? PeterH
- How printable/popular is it? Seven makers have shared their prints of this design so far.
- Where to find it? Printables
Charging Station
Since we travel everywhere with our phones these days, we’re sure you’ll be bringing it along for the ride, at least for navigation and looking up some good restaurants. With this station, you’ll avoid stepping on your phone that’s normally lying on the floor charging.
This model is adaptable for popular phone brands like Apple and Samsung. The creator recommends printing the base before choosing the corresponding adapter to make the printing process easier.
Keychain Phone Stand
This tiny phone stand is very handy! Add it to your keychain and use it whenever you want to watch something while keeping your hands free.
The designer advises using a flexible filament such as TPU. You should also print this at a slightly higher infill for more weight to hold the phone better.
- Who designed it? Shira
- How printable/popular is it? This model has a whopping 505 posted makes!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Battery Adapters
Ever find yourself without the right sized batteries? This is a very useful design for when you’re all out of AAs but have a ton of AAAs, and your hotel remote or other electronic gadgets are dead.
It takes about 60 minutes to print, and no supports are needed. After it’s printed, the designer says a piece of wire is needed for the bottom.
- Who designed it? jvalrog
- How printable/popular is it? This battery adapter design has nearly 1,000 downloads.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Tripod
Having a tripod makes it easier to take amazing pictures anywhere on your trip! This gadget is easy to use and provides a sturdy base for your phone or camera. Additionally, due to its small size, it’s very portable.
According to reviews, it’s a quick and easy print. The designer advises using long screws for strengthening the tripod.
- Who designed it? HenriDIY
- How printable/popular is it? This design has 32 posted makes as well as 5 remixes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Earbud Holder
Tangled earbuds add unnecessary inconvenience to everyday life. With this 3D printed earbud holder, you won’t have to deal with tangled earbuds ever again! Simply store your earbuds by wrapping the wires around this model and enjoy your vacation with one less problem.
The designer recommends using PETG or ABS filament for strength and durability, and so the first couple of layers can print without supports.
- Who designed it? walter
- How printable/popular is it? This design has over 142 makes and a dozen remixes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Beach Accessories
Why waste your time and money in a big box store buying cheap plastic beach toys that have been shipped from abroad when you can create your own completely customizable sunny day accessories? The selections in this category take “Think Local” to a whole new level!
Sand Rollers
These sand rollers offer a fresh and engaging twist on classic sand toys. A single handle with three interchangeable rollers makes this set truly versatile. Featuring gull tracks, seashells and starfish, and pebble patterns, these rollers not only keep young hands occupied but also promise to elevate your sand art.
Designed to inspire creativity, these rollers are perfect for enhancing the playground or beach experience. Little hands can craft intricate designs effortlessly, adding a touch of artistry to their playtime. The models can be printed in PLA with a 0.2-mm layer height. Although an 80% infill is recommended, even a 30% infill would likely yield effective results.
These rollers blend amusement with artistic exploration, offering an avenue for imaginative expression while ensuring endless fun for kids and the young at heart.
- Who designed it? JonathanK1906
- How printable/popular is it? This design has over 1,200 downloads as well as a shared make.
- Where to find it? Cults
Beach Ashtray
This ashtray design is a clever solution for beachgoers who want to enjoy a smoke while also being responsible for their waste. The small ashtray features a net bottom, allowing users to fill it with sand to safely dispose of their cigarette butts.
Assembling the ashtray requires magnets and glue. The former ensures the lid remains securely closed to prevent any spillage or odors. This innovative design provides a practical way to manage cigarette waste while highlighting the importance of leaving our natural spaces unspoiled.
- Who designed it? topedesigns
- How printable/popular is it? Between both sites, this considerate design has over 1,500 downloads and a make.
- Where to find it? Cults, Thingiverse
Sand Playset
If you want to build the perfect sandcastle on your beach vacation, you need the perfect set of tools. Nothing beats the ones you make yourself, and this design has everything you’ll need, including rakes, shovels, and buckets.
The six tool designs can be printed at various scales, depending on how big of a beach fortress you’re looking to build. PLA probably isn’t the best filament for these tools, but you can always experiment with your favorite materials.
- Who designed it? CreativeTools
- How printable/popular is it? 13 beachgoing users have posted makes, and another posted an irreverent remix.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Drink Holder
Whether you’re lying on the beach or in a grassy yard, this design can hold your drinks upright to keep them from spilling and attracting ants. Even if you can’t take that beach vacation this year, print this design and head out to your backyard with it!
Soda or beer cans fit perfectly into this holder, and it doesn’t need any supports when you’re printing it.
- Who designed it? StevenErickson
- How printable/popular is it? This design has over 500 downloads and 6 shared makes.
- Where to find it? Printables
Insect Protector
This design keeps pesky bugs out of your beverage. Whether you drink from a can, glass, or plastic bottle, there’s a file to download. The flies and wasps will be jealous of your refreshing drink while you chill poolside, lie on the beach, or walk through the park with this handy print.
No supports are needed for any of the three designs, but you may want to check out our article on food-safe printing before drinking from this protector.
- Who designed it? skriver
- How printable/popular is it? Critters aren’t excited about the thousands who have downloaded this design. Six stingy makers are no longer sharing their drinks and have posted their makes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Games
In this section, we’ve found some of the best travel games that you can 3D print and play on the road. You’ll find that time passes even faster with any of these!
Portable Maze
Need to keep kids quiet on a long journey? This portable maze will keep them (or you) entertained for hours with its four different levels. Thankfully, there are no loose pieces, so nothing can get lost.
This print is a little bit trickier than some others. When printing, the designer advises using a nozzle smaller than 0.4 mm for more precision. Make sure to keep your print speed fairly low and check that your retraction settings are good prior to printing.
- Who designed it? Theking3737
- How printable/popular is it? This portable maze has a community print as well as over 450 downloads.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Connect Four
Connect Four is an easy-to-play game that makes for great travel entertainment. This set can easily be carried while keeping all pieces in place!
The designer recommends folding the board shut and sliding it around to “smooth out the motion” after it’s done printing. Additionally, by sanding, you can make the board more smooth for traveling and appearance.
- Who designed it? jschuh
- How printable/popular is it? This Connect Four design has four posted makes as well as a remix.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Elastic Football
What better way to pass the time on a long flight than the world’s most popular game? This elastic football game (soccer for our American readers) is small enough to pack in a carry-on and can provide hours of simple fun. Don’t believe us? Just check out this video of the game in action.
This game prints in 15 parts and requires some assembly, but this allows you to customize each team and the arena with whichever colors you like. No supports are needed, and it’s been printed in PLA or PETG so far.
- Who designed it? Wilko_Slo
- How printable/popular is it? The design has been made nearly 20 times with over 3,000 downloads.
- Where to find it? Printables
Mini Chess
Now you can play chess anywhere and continue improving your game! This set consists of a board that doubles as the top of a compartment where all the pieces are stored, keeping everything together.
The designer recommends using a 0.1-mm layer height to get better detail on the chess pieces. The entire chess set is made up of four parts and takes a little under 5 hours to print.
- Who designed it? AxisLab
- How printable/popular is it? This design has 6 community prints as well as over 5,000 downloads.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Mini Tic-Tac-Toe
Tic-Tac-Toe is a game that never gets old. What better game is there to play on a long car ride? Just like the chess set, the pieces fit right under the game board.
The designer recommends sanding and tweaking the lid accordingly to fit if you’re having any trouble. No supports are needed for this model, either.
- Who designed it? MiseryBot
- How printable/popular is it? This Tic-Tac-Toe set has 25 posted makes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Toiletries
In this section, we’ve gathered some of the best and most practical toiletry accessories for 3D printing. These designs are very efficient, plus they’ll keep you organized.
Toothbrush Case
Print this two-part toothbrush holder, and you’ll never worry about throwing your toothbrush in your bag this summer! This case will also ensure no dirty bathroom bacteria will find their way onto your toothbrush.
It’s a simple design that takes about 7.5 hours to print. The designer recommends printing the case at a 0.2-mm layer height with a 10% infill.
- Who designed it? dmyers7
- How printable/popular is it? This design has over 400 downloads, and counting!
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Soap Holder
Tired of never having a place to keep your soap during vacation? This two-part portable soap holder gives you somewhere to perch your soap without a mess in any bathroom.
It’s easy to print and has yielded great results. There’s a small overhang, but you won’t need to activate supports. Make sure that you use a bed adhesive, as this filleted-base print might be prone to popping off the build surface.
- Who designed it? piuLab
- How printable/popular is it? This design has 533 makes and 79 remixes, so it’s very printable.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Cotton Swab Holder
With this Q-tip holder, you’ll always have a designated travel-sized collection of these essential items. No more loose swabs flying around your bag again!
With an attached lid, this cotton swab holder is an easy one-part print. The designer recommends carefully removing the supports and wiggling the hinge free after printing.
- Who designed it? LDafogel
- How printable/popular is it? This design has only one shared make, but it should be pretty printable from what we see of the model.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Mini Hairbrush
Always forgetting your hairbrush on your trips? With this mini hairbrush, you can now just keep it in your travel bag at all times. This print also comes with a case that protects the brush bristles from breaking.
The designer recommends printing with your normal PLA print settings, a 0.16-mm layer height, and using a 0.4-mm nozzle. You should activate supports if your printer struggles with overhangs.
- Who designed it? MrMRo
- How printable/popular is it? This model has over 500 downloads but no posted makes yet.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Other Essentials
In this section, you’ll find some other fun travel essentials. They’re all useful for heading out on the road, so go ahead and fire up your 3D printer!
Collapsible Hanger
This collapsible travel hanger is a convenient space-saver, thanks to its clever design and customizable options. The design includes three models that are classified by “speeds”, namely Optimized, Fast, and Solid. Print time and strength are the primary considerations for each “speed”.
Each model alters the wall thickness and print time by extension. Makers will appreciate the thoughtful printing recommendations for each design, ensuring successful outcomes. The models are print-in-place, so be mindful of your printer’s tolerances for optimal results.
- Who designed it? FrenchFriesDerp
- How printable/popular is it? This design has 21 posted makes.
- Where to find it? Printables
Bottle Opener
The laws governing what you can take through airports can be tricky to navigate, but there’s no reason to worry about this bottle opener being confiscated by the TSA or stolen from your beach bag. This design easily fits into any wallet card slot, so it can always be with you while you travel. It opens bottle caps by using two coins that slot into it. While bottle openers aren’t always allowed into certain venues, no one bans coins and an innocent-looking card in your wallet.
To prevent this card from breaking after a single use, be sure to use either a strong coin (not an American penny) or strong filament (not PLA). A few extra outer layers and 20% infill are recommended by the designer to ensure stability.
- Who designed it? pixelpinguin
- How printable/popular is it? This design has four posted makes so far.
- Where to find it? Printables
Carabiners
With these carabiners, keep anything safely secured this summer! Connect them to your backpack or your luggage when traveling. This incredibly useful item is perfect for holding things like water bottles, bag tags, and more. They’re not recommended, however, for rock climbing!
This model consists of two parts, and the design can easily be scaled and modified. The designer explains that the number of shells is more important than infill; they recommend three or more shells when you print.
- Who designed it? Charlie1982
- How printable/popular is it? These carabiners have an incredible 628 makes!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Foldable Shovel
This foldable shovel design is a versatile tool, embodying the spirit of adaptability and practicality. It’s lightweight and easily portable, which makes it a reliable companion for winter expeditions, sandy beach escapades, or camping sojourns. The shovel’s utility is for all seasons and landscapes.
The shovel is composed of eight printable parts, which are best printed with PC or a PC carbon fiber blend filament. You could explore other materials, but make sure to consider their durability. Besides the printed parts, screws, nuts, and a spring are also required for the assembly.
- Who designed it? MichalFanta
- How printable/popular is it? There are 15 shared makes of this design so far.
- Where to find it? Printables
First Aid Kit
With this portable First Aid kit, you’ll be prepared for any situation! Hopefully, you won’t need it, but it’s certainly good to have in your bag.
This box can carry anything from bandages and safety pins to allergy pills. You can easily modify its size and design, and it’s recommended to print this box with a flexible filament in a bright color.
- Who designed it? walterhsiao
- How printable/popular is it? This model has over 350 downloads.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Coin Holder
This coin holder will make sure you always have quarters for meters and pennies in case you find a penny press machine. You could even use this as a place to stash emergency foreign currency.
This holder is made up of three parts: a travel ring, a screw-on cap, and the body tube. Makers recommend using supports when printing the ring holder.
- Who designed it? derailed
- How printable/popular is it? This design has two makes and three remixes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Food Bag Clips
These food bag clips will make sure your food stays fresh and can keep away bugs. They’re easy to use and always come in handy. Plus, there’s no harm in carrying a couple around with you, as they won’t take up much room in your bag. Your chips will thank you!
This clip prints as one piece. The designer recommends using a nozzle diameter of 0.4 mm and a 30-40% infill, allowing for more flexibility.
- Who designed it? MasterFX
- How printable/popular is it? This food clip design has just over 300 posted makes and 34 remixes, so it should be very printable.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Slim Wallet
Don’t want to carry around a bulky wallet? Keep your money and cards organized while saving pocket space with this slim wallet. This design is great for traveling and short trips.
The wallet comes with a lock and a money clip, and the hinge is made with a piece of unprinted filament. To make sure the filament stays put, users recommend melting the ends of the hinge pin with a soldering iron.
- Who designed it? Pentland_Designs
- How printable/popular is it? This design has 30 posted makes as well as 21 remixes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Hooks
Would you like more hooks in your hotel or camping setup? With these portable hooks, you’ll always have a place to hang your clothes and accessories while on vacation.
It’s an easy print, and the designer says that it’s fine to print the hook at a high print speed without any supports.
- Who designed it? Bitencourt
- How printable/popular is it? This design has 430 downloads and over 5,500 views.
- Where to find it? Cults
Pill Dispenser
This portable pill dispenser provides a simple organizer for any pills that you’re taking. There are seven small areas in the dispenser, one for each day of the week.
The designer says that by using concentric infill and creating symmetrical indents on the outer layer, you can get a nice pattern on the lid. Just don’t forget the strength aspect of different infill patterns.
- Who designed it? JamBeetle
- How printable/popular is it? This pill dispenser has two community prints as well as over 2,600 downloads.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
License: The text of "The Best 3D Printed Travel Accessories of 2023" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.