The ukulele is probably the most common small musical instrument for travel. It’s good for accompanying your voice in songs and it just gives you the summer vibes, “somewhere over the rainbow …”

Are you a Zelda fan? I am a Zelda fan! This instrument has potentially a high wow factor if you have nerdy friends. You’d impress me pulling a ocarina out of your pocket on the beach, for sure.

The melodica clearly isn’t the most romantic out there, but it’s a great melody instrument for solos. I’ve seen a couple of jazz musicians improvising recklessly on a melodica and since then I see this instrument in a different light.

The thumb piano or kalimba is beautiful sounding instrument, perfect for the dreamy mood on a summer beach night. It’s easy to learn so give it a try.

The instrument of the lone wolf, the harmonica, sets a melancholic mood and if you are into that a romantic vibe of untouched wilderness. It’s easy to learn the basics but mastering it can be quite tricky.

The recorder? That’s a children instrument! We all remember our first recorder lesson in first grade but don’t let that make you underestimate this instrument. I once wrote a composition for a virtuoso recorder player who truly brought this sound to the next level.

The mandolin, probably the most suave instrument on this list. Not as easy to learn but definitely worth it if you want to get the extra wow responds on your travels.

Pocahontas loved it: The pan flute. The earthy dreamy sound of the pan flute sets the perfect mood for a campfire get-together. Not difficult to learn and light on the pocket.

You have my respect if you actually pull this one off. Carrying around a tiny trumpet and actually mastering it isn’t something we see every day. It’s not cheap but if you are serious about it, surely worth the investment.

The Glockenspiel is one of the most pure and heavenly instruments I know of. If you are into that kind of vibe you might want to acquire a Glockenspiel for your next holiday trip.

Kids instruments are actually cool, ok? At a certain point childish things go full circle and become hip again. That’s the case with this lovely instrument which brings you lots of lols and wows.

Be honest. You didn’t even know a compact didgeridoo existed before this now, did you? How cool is that? Maybe not the most romantic small musical instrument but it puts you in trance and only god knows what happens then.

It’s just fun to play the mouth harp and it fits in your pocket! You don’t even need a bag. Maybe you can’t entertain people with it for more than half an hour but well … did I mention it’s very cheap?

If you are into Asia and exotic sounds, then the bamboo flute is probably your pick. If you wear a Kimono you get extra points.

The heavenly harp does have a smaller sister, the melody harp. Perfect for on the road, this instrument is portable and fun to play.

A deep genuine glance into the eyes and a tune on a concertina, what more could a lover ask for? This small musical instrument is part of the free reed family like the accordion but it gives you extra points for rarity and tradition.

Another instrument for the lols. The American slide whistle probably won’t land you a date but it’s portable, cheap and pretty pretty hilarious.

If you are not really musical but you still want to contribute to the fireside jamsession, maybe the nose flute is your pick. Please don’t mention you got this idea from me. 😉

The last small musical instrument for today is the easy to learn kazoo. It’s often used by comedians due to it’s funny sound.