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    46 Must-Have Products Every Savvy Traveler Should Invest In

    No more spilling or juggling your precious treats while hustling through airport after waiting in line for 30 minutes at Starbucks, even when you only had 35 minutes until boarding.

    1. A luggage-mounted cup caddy to ensure your beloved venti Iced Chai latte with two pumps of brown sugar syrup and blueberry muffin remain securely in place as you dash to your boarding gate.

    Promising review: "This cup holder is perfect! It helps me a lot! Last time I took a plane with a suitcase and a cup of coffee, I dropped and spilled my drink everywhere when it was my turn to check my passport and ticket. It was a nightmare! This time, I bought this cup holder to do me a favor! I don't have to worry about where my cup and phone are! I can free my hands to do other things. I love it so much! Hope you love it too." —Philip

    Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in 28 styles).

    2. A super comfortable Trtl neck pillow in case you find yourself in the middle seat on a 14-hour flight to Japan. This neck pillow is designed to help keep your posture upright, reducing the risk of neck aches and allowing you to arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and relaxed. This will also prevent you from nodding off on your neighbor, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their flight in peace!

    Model wearing a gray Trtl pillow while sleeping on a plane
    Amazon

    Promising review: "I can't stop recommending this pillow to all of my friends! It has let me comfortably sleep on flights that take place on the most uncomfortable airplane seats. On long flights, I always need to prop up my hand and I rest my head on it. But this method always ends with my arm falling asleep and I end up waking up every 30 minutes. Now this pillow provides that exact same support without needing my arms to prop me up! It's small enough to fit in your bag and doesn't take up much space." —Simona Krifman

    Get it from Amazon for $59.99 (available in five colors).

    3. A set of Sea Bands if you're someone who suffers from motion sickness and knows how much it can ruin your travel experience. These little bands apply acupressure to a specific point on your wrist, naturally relieving nausea without the need to carry around bottles of medication.

    Read more about acupressure and nausea at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

    Promising review: "I’ve always been kind of sick. I throw up on long car rides, I can’t read in the car, I get horrible migraines 24/7, etc. Recently I changed medications and because of that, my migraines came back with a vengeance. Thinking there was nothing I could do I kind of gave up, until, I was looking at BuzzFeed and saw this in their recommended. I thought it could help with any car sickness that I would get but man I was not giving these enough credit! Since I have bought them I wear them ALL. THE. TIME. I wear them in and out of the car, to bed, and just around the house. I no longer feel nauseous and my migraines are almost non existent. Whoever invented these are a freaking god! I don’t know think I could ever live without these! BUY THESE!! They're so worth it." —JohnDz

    Get a pair from Amazon for $8.53.

    4. And a roll-on migraine stick formulated with oils such as peppermint and spearmint to help ease and relax muscles, soothing the throbbing pain of a migraine for when your teenage daughter tells you that she left her bag on a train that's heading towards Germany but you're currently in France. 

    Promising review: "This stuff is my go-to fix when I feel a migraine coming on. I suffer from sinus headaches and migraines usually once or twice a week. This product I put on each temple, under my nose and on my wrists when I feel the pressure starting and it cuts the pain to a minimum. It seems to stop the worst pain before it has a chance to start. Thank you for a great product! I will buy again and again!" —Brenton1985

    Read BuzzFeed's Migrastil Migraine Stick review for more deets!

    Get it from Amazon for $11.99.

    5. A portable white noise machine with 20 different soothing sounds to choose from if you're a person that has trouble falling asleep without the hum of a fan or the patter of raindrops. This device is also equipped with a memory function feature that easily restore all the volume, sound, and time settings that you previously set, making it easier to get back to your ideal sleep environment. It's also perfect for families who are traveling with children.

    reviewer holding the small black noise machine in the palm of their hand to show scale
    close up of the same reviewer holding the noise machine, showing the different buttons

    It features 20 nonlooping sleep sounds, 32 volume levels, and a timer — plus, it weighs less than half a pound!

    Promising review: "Wonderful sound machine. Compact enough for travel. We took ours on vacation and are so glad we did. This drowns out hotel noises perfectly! I like how small it is when on my dresser at home, too. So thankful for the nonlooping sound. Would recommend over and over again." —Hill.jess

    Get it from Amazon for $17.59.

    6. A super sturdy phone mount perfect for watching a movie or listening to your music without it falling off your lap or between the seats when you doze off! It also swivels 360 degrees, allowing you to position the phone in either portrait or landscape orientation.

    Promising review: "I bought this nifty gadget about six months ago for a multileg, ultra-long-haul trip and it more than held up the entire duration. I was able to finagle it to fit the tray tables on different planes, and like others, I find the height just nice when clamped onto a stowed tray table. It also works on my roller carry-on handle during layovers. However, I find myself using it a lot outside of travel too! Work-wise, I've clamped it onto my office desk shelving to hold my phone at eye level beside my computer. At home, I simply clamped it to a deck of cards and it turns into a versatile stand that I can place on any flat surface. Heck, I've been using it to hold my phone comfortably at eye level while watching videos in bed. It's extremely well-built, and I find myself fidgeting with it all the time. Thus far it still feels solid and I don't anticipate breaking it any time soon. Even if it does break, I'll be happy to buy another one or two of it!" —Earendil

    Get it from Amazon for $12.97 (available in three colors and two pack sizes).

    7. A clever hoodie with a built-in eye mask to make naps a little cozier on flights. If you are lucky enough to snag a window seat, you can simply throw up the hood, pull down the eye mask, and put on your headphones to doze off with your head resting on the window sill. 

    model wearing the pink hoodie with the eye mask down on a plane
    model wearing the beige hoodie
    Pond Los Angeles

    Pond Los Angeles is an Asian woman-owned small biz making luxurious travel products that'll make you feel like you're in first class, even if you're flying coach.

    Promising review: "I fly a lot and am constantly trying to find a hoodie with a big hood to cover my eyes so I can catch up on some beauty sleep on flights. I saw this product on Instagram and knew it would be a game changer. I was able to use it recently for the first time on an early-morning flight, and let me tell you, it is EVERYTHING I was looking for and more. It’s comfy, cozy, oversized, and the eye covers make you feel like you’re in a whole other world and not packed like a sardine on a plane. My over ear headphone fit perfectly under it and I got the best sleep I’ve had on a plane — EVER! Like other reviews have said, it is big, so size down if you want something a little more snug. I have been wearing it every day at home and can’t wait to get the black and blush ones!" —Heather G.

    Get it from Pond Los Angeles for $96+ (originally $120; available in women's sizes XS–XXL and four colors). 

    8. A cute portable charger for when you are eagerly waiting for your Uber to arrive and you've just taken 25 pictures of yourself trying to get the perfect shot of you holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but now your phone battery is at a mere 10%. This small but mighty charger is capable of charging Apple devices lighting fast when in a pinch. 

    gif of reviewer holding the pink charger and showing its built-in lightning cable
    hands holding a phone with the white charger plugged into it

    Britt Ross writes: "I've had my eye on this bad boy for a while now, and finally ordered it to take on a recent two-week trip to Europe. Let me tell you: LIFESAVER. I'm the type of person who loves to spend hours and hours exploring new cities, but with the amount of photos and videos I take, my phone's battery tends to drain really quickly (relying on Google Maps to get literally everywhere doesn't help, either). With this, I knew I'd have some backup when there weren't any outlets nearby, and it was *so* nice not having to connect my phone to a clunky charging bank via cord. 100% recommend!"

    Promising review: "The holy grail of portable chargers!!! I was traveling to Disney for vacation and knowing me, I would drain my battery with just taking pictures alone. I wanted a portable battery but didn’t want a carry a cord either, so I was excited when I found this little baby! It does exactly as described, pretty pink color, and I get one full charge of battery for my iPhone 11. Get it, you will not be disappointed!" —Meghan Doble

    Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in six colors).

    9. An unassuming luggage strap, which might not look like much, but even flight attendants swear by them. Use it to strap your coat or personal bag to your luggage so you don't have to carry it around, freeing your hands to grab a cup of coffee from Dunkin'. 

    gif showing someone attaching a yellow strap to a white suitcase and hooking a black tote bag to it
    collage of pictures showing how the strap can be used to secure a lot of different travel items
    Amazon

    Psst...even flight attendants love this luggage strap!

    Promising review: "I love this little gadget. I used it to attach my jacket and computer bag to my luggage on an extended business trip. It made my airport walks so much easier. Now that I'm back home, I've been using it daily to attach my jacket or cardigan to my work bag or purse." —Michele

    Get it from Amazon for $8.49+ (available in six colors, as well as packs of two).

    10. A luxe-looking passport holder with vaccine card slot and a variety of eye-catching colors for each member of the family. These holders are not only beautiful but also soft and durable, made from vegan leather to prevent any damage to your passport.

    The case in all 13 colors fanned out, along with one open case to show how the items fit inside
    Henney's Boutique / Etsy

    It's made by Henney's Boutique, a small biz based in LA specializing in handy leather goods. 

    Promising review: "I love this! I bought one for myself, then one for my husband, then I've been sending the link to everyone who asks me where I got it... They're the best for keeping both your passport and your vaccine card safe for travel." —Paige Devlin

    Get it from Henney's Boutique on Etsy for $11+ (available in six colors and with extra slots). 

    11. Or a travel wallet made to easily store and find things while constantly on the move. There are a bunch of pockets to organize everything you might need from cash, receipts, and train tickets to ID cards and hotel keys. There is even a spacious zipper pocket, which is great for all the coins you receive (which you get a LOT of in certain countries).

    The wallet has a passport pocket, boarding pass compartment, three credit card slots, an ID slot, a slim card pouch, slim pocket, a ticket slot, a cellphone pouch, a coin zippered pocket, key holder, and pen holder.

    Promising review: "I absolutely love this wallet. I needed a new travel wallet, and this holds everything I need all in one place, and it still closes nicely and stays flat! I can fit my boarding pass, passport, ID, credit cards, money, checked baggage tickets, receipts, and more in it, yet it doesn’t bulk up or look like an overstuffed mess. It's just amazing. The description says it only holds US money, but I just used the boarding pass flap to hold all my Japanese Yen (¥), which are larger. I didn’t use the zippered pocket for coins as I much prefer a separate coin purse for that sort of thing. I definitely recommend to anyone who travels a lot!" —Anthony Luu

    Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in 36 colors).

    12. A digital luggage scale to help you gauge how overboard you can go with the Disneyland Tokyo gear you plan on bringing back. This trusty scale can help you avoid that dreaded $40 fee from your bag being 20 pounds overweight. Simply attach the strap to your luggage, lift, and let the scale display the weight on its easy-to-read digital screen.

    reviewer using a digital luggage scale to weigh a red suitcase by attaching it to the handle and lifting up
    reviewer holding the silver digital scale, which reads 15.2 pounds

    Just hook the scale to your luggage handle, lift up, and the LCD display will show the weight! You can also switch between pound and kilogram measurements. 

    Promising review: "Took this for a 10-day trip overseas with lots of flights. Weighed the luggage as things were added to it/purchased, and when we weighed in at the airport it was perfectly accurate. Very important when the airline will charge $70 more dollars for a suitcase that is too heavy or make you open the whole thing up and take stuff out in order to fly with it. Saved so much hassle." —B. M. O'Connor

    Get it from Amazon for $10.99 (available in six colors, as well as a two-pack). 

    13. A jewelry organizer that keeps all your dainty chains and elaborate earrings organized and easily accessible for your entire trip. This organizer has so much space to store jewelry, and is able to fold nicely so it can help save space when packing. 

    the inside of the pink jewelry organizer, showing the necklace clasps and several pockets
    reviewer holding the folded up pink jewelry organizer

    Promising review: "Great product! First, it’s adorable. I love the color and fabric quilting, the gold zippers. Second, it is the perfect size for my jewelry when I travel. I don’t usually bring much jewelry so this is a good size for me. The necklaces stayed tangle-free, and there are enough small zippered compartments for my bracelets and larger earrings. I was concerned about the organizer only having a snap closure and not zipping up all the way, but everything stayed secure and nothing fell out of place, so there’s that. Overall, a great product and I would assume the other sizes and varieties are of similar quality." —Emily

    Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in two sizes and nine styles). 

    14. And to match, a waterproof toiletry bag with enough room to fit all of your morning AND nighttime routine products. It also hangs in the bathroom so it's easy to see everything you packed.

    Reviewer photo of all of the toiletries they were able to fit in the case, next to the zipped-up bag
    The same reviewer showing everything neatly packed up inside the flattened bag

    Promising review: "I. Love. This. Bag. Seriously, I had a cheap toiletry bag from Target that essentially did the same thing, only way worse. It was too small, the hook didn't rotate so you could only hang it at an angle, if anything ever leaked, it would seep right through the bag, etc. But THIS bag has NONE of those issues! It fits everything I need and then some, meaning I don't have to skimp on my 10-step Korean skincare routine when I travel anymore. It never leaks. And I love that the hook swivels so you can hang it anywhere, and your stuff hangs perfectly. I also love the handle and the overall flatter shape. It makes it so easy to travel with! Cannot recommend this bag enough." —KaiEli

    Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in two sizes and 12 colors).

    15. A chic anti-theft backpack if you hate the idea that if you were in a crowd, you would never know if someone unzipped your bag and took something out. With this bag, the only way to open it is from underneath — thanks to the zipper being flush against your back — making it super practical.

    Reviewer sitting on a bench with the gray backpack with a lighter gray stripe down the middle
    BuzzFeeder's photo of the black faux leather backpack holding snacks, sunscreen, an umbrella, glasses case, water bottle, and hand sanitizer in its theft-proof back pocket
    www.amazon.com, Britt Ross / BuzzFeed

    Britt Ross writes"I recently returned from Italy, and as someone who prefers a small backpack over a purse most of the time, I thought this would be a great purchase, as it would give me some peace of mind as I spent hours wandering around different cities. I'm happy to report that after two weeks of daily use, I'm convinced I'll be bringing it on every trip I take from now on. It's small enough so that it doesn't feel bulky or uncomfortable throughout the day, but has plenty of space for everything you'd need on the go — I fit my wallet, sunscreen, glasses case, hand sanitizer, water bottle, snacks, and even a small umbrella, with room to spare! And the fact that it opens from the back means someone would literally have to pry it off of you to get to your valuables. I bought the medium size in black pebbled faux leather, and it's actually quite cute for the price!"

    Promising review: "I bought this backpack to use as a purse while on vacation, and it worked perfectly. The main pouch is protected when you’re walking around because the zipper is protected by your back. There are also two side zippered pockets, one of which kept my phone and the other perfect for sunglasses and a few other items that I wanted to access more easily. I loved that I could wear it as a purse to dinner but use it as a backpack during the day so that my shoulder didn’t get tired. I highly recommend this item!" —Allison

    Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in two sizes and 14 styles).

    16. A pair of cute flats that are lightweight and easily tuck into your luggage, taking up little to no space and leaving more room for snacks and souvenirs. Plus, reviewers say they're super comfy so you can either wear them in the airport or out on the town while exploring a new city.

    reviewer wearing snakeskin flats with jeans
    reviewer wearing tan flats with jeans

    Those 42,000+ 5-star ratings don't lie!

    Promising review: "I normally cannot wear flats because they give me terrible blisters on the back of my feet. These didn't! Bought these in nude for a city vacation with a lot of walking, but where sandals aren't necessarily worn and these were perfect! They obviously don't have the support of sneakers, but I am so happy to finally have a cheap pair of flats that don't give me blisters. I did break them in with thin socks on around my house before wearing them out and when possible, I wear them with little sock liners. Also — I was able to fold these in half like Tieks and fit them in a semi-small purse to change into to dance at a wedding! Score!" —Kate

    Get it from Amazon for $18.68+ (available in women's sizes 5–15, including wide sizes, and 24 styles). 

    17. A memory foam seat cushion with orthopedic gel to spare your lower back and sciatica from the annual ~seemingly~ 4,000-mile family road trip. This seat cushion promotes correct posture, giving more support to the lower back and making it a little more enjoyable to sit for extended periods of time.

    Promising review: "A few weeks into working from home five days a week I started having a lot of hip/leg/back pain. I have a good Herman Miller task chair that had been fine for one to two days of WFH a week, but wasn't working for me full time. In the early afternoons my lower back would start cramping. I did some research and bought this pillow and it immediately helped! I also took it on a two-week road trip since a three-day road trip earlier this year had made a mess of my lower body that lingered for weeks — and no pain! What really drove me to write this review was that yesterday, unknowingly, I worked all day sitting on my chair without my cushion. I had removed it to use as a spare chair at my dinner table and forgot to put it back. At the end of the day hip was aching and I realized why! Today it's back on my chair and I'm already feeling better." —Lorene

    Get it from Amazon for $47.95+ (available in three colors) — don't forget to apply the coupon to save 20%!

    18. Away's popular The Carry-On that has a two compartment compression system designed to keep your belongings organized and easily accessible. This carry-on also features a TSA-approved lock and a USB port can be added for an additional cost. You'll be strutting through the airport like a pro traveler!

    The black carry on with USB port
    The blue carry on
    Away

    Promising review: "I was in Rome and Florence, Italy for nine days, and the Away Carry-On was just perfect. From being able to charge up my iPhone at the airport or on the train traveling from Rome to Florence, it worked perfectly. Stylish and very versatile. It also kept my belongings packed beautifully, plus the perk of a laundry bag for my dirty clothes. Getting through security was a breeze, plus the added compliments of how beautiful it was. You have a customer for life. I was very happy and impressed." —Keith H.

    Get it from Away for $275+ (available with or without a USB charger and personalization and in five colors). 

    19. Some vacuum storage bags for when you need a space saver solution if traveling with a larger family or if you're going to a place with colder climate and need to pack bulkier clothes. Just make sure you bring the included pump with you while on your trip so you can also use these bags to separately put wet towels and dirty laundry away.

    A BuzzFeeder's bulky clothes in a sealed bag with text:
    The BuzzFeeder's same clothes now vacuum-sealed with text:
    Jasmin Sandal / BuzzFeed

    BuzzFeed Shopping's Jasmin Sandal says: "I swear by these bad boys not only for general storage purposes, but also if I know I'm going to be traveling for an extended period of time. As someone who tends to pack for every eventuality (who doesn't like to be prepared?!), I have learned that it's better to travel with them than without — especially since it's more or less a guarantee that my clothes are gonna take up a ~substantial~ amount of room in my suitcase. And if I can use something that's gonna shrink the size of my bulky hoodies and/or big tees in order for me to create more space, I'm sure as heck gonna do it. Plus, the satisfaction is indeed guaranteed because when you see those chunky layers flatten into a pancake...it's just *chef's kiss*."

    Promising review: "I've used these bags before and they are so helpful. Even used the medium one for travel and I have tons of extra suitcase room. The clothes don't come out wrinkled at all as long as you fold them nicely before placing in the bag, then the air sucks out keeping them safe and sound and very compact. Arrived on time, would use this seller again." —Susie Kochsmeier

    Get a three-pack from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in five sizes, as well as packs of six and ten).

    20. A lightweight portable lock box if you're tired of constantly worrying about your valuables while catching some waves. This little safe is the perfect companion for all your beach adventures. You can simply attach it to your beach chair and throw a towel over it, and voila! Your belongings are safe and sound while you soak up the sun.

    reviewer photo of the white lock box attached to a wooden beach chair
    reviewer showing the inside of a white lock box, which is holding cash and passports

    You can also use this in your room to keep valuables protected in case there isn't a safe.

    Promising review: "I bought this to take on a vacation to the Virgin Islands because my husband is super paranoid about leaving valuables unattended on the beach. At first, he scoffed that this little plastic thing wasn’t going to stop a thief, and I had wasted my money. Then he admitted that the plastic was pretty sturdy, and it was cool that we could secure the cable to our beach chairs, a fence, or a tree (most petty thieves don’t carry around cable cutters). Next thing I know, he’s storing his wallet, phone, and room keys in it along with mine. He laced the cable through other things he didn’t want stolen, like the bags containing our snorkel gear. Neighboring beachgoers asked about it and where they could get one, and he was quick to demonstrate its features. And when we got home, I overheard him showing it to his friends, with as much approval as he could muster. Hate to say I told you so...OK, no I don’t." —Patsy

    Get it from Amazon for $44.95 (available in six colors).

    21. An AirFly Pro wireless transmitter that allows you to use your own high-quality Bluetooth earbuds or headphones to tune in to your favorite in-flight entertainment. With the ability to connect up to two pairs at once, you can even share the entertainment with your travel buddy. And don't worry about running out of juice on those long-haul flights — this device has a battery life of 25+ hours.

    Twelve South is a husband and wife-owned biz based in Charleston, South Carolina. They've been designing accessories inspired by and made for Apple products since 2009.

    Promising review: "Ever since I purchased my wireless Bose earbuds, I always hated having to use another set when I was on an airplane with the seat-back entertainment system. I tried many different models to connect the system to my Bluetooth headsets until I came across this one, and it is amazing! It seamlessly connects to my headset, very clear and reliable audio, and it takes the stress away from having to carry several headsets! Thank you!!!" —Ryan Malloy

    Get it from Amazon for $54.95+ (also available in two other styles and in black and white).

    22. Some in-flight earplugs to help reduce the horrendous ear pain due to the pressure change from taking off and landing during a flight. These earplugs slow the shift in air pressure that enters your ear, reducing overall discomfort. No wonder why reviewers are calling these a game changer.

    A reviewer wearing the blue earplugs
    The box of earplugs

    Promising review: "Never fly without these! Before I found these, I endured excruciating pain in my ears upon descent and landing. Felt like a hot poker being driven into each ear. My ears would also be plugged up, and it would often take 2–3 days for them to resume their normal state of being. I insert them about an hour before landing, as the plane is making its slow descent. I'm comfortable, and the most discomfort I experience is a slight adjustment of pressure feeling in my sinus. NO PAIN. NO TEARS." —K. Tombrella

    Get a pack with three pairs from Amazon for $18.49+ (also available in packs of five or 10 pairs). 

    23. A very thorough travel checklist so that you don't forgot anything important as you're packing the morning of your flight, even though you swore you weren't going to wait until the last minute again this time. From extra pairs to socks to vitamins, this list make sure all your bases and then some are covered.

    hand holding a pen to the blue, red, and white travel checklist
    Amazon

    The pad has 60 sheets, so it'll last a long time — even for frequent fliers.

    Promising review: "A must if you travel a lot. An easy way to know you have everything you need for a trip! Great inexpensive gift for a traveler." —Keitha M.

    Get it from Amazon for $7+ (available in three colors).

    24. The cutest travel games set to keep the kids busy during road trips instead of screaming and claiming that one was staring at the other for too long. These game boards are dry-erase so they can be reused over and over again and come in a convenient pouch to keep everything in one place. 

    the travel games set, including dry erase boards, markers, and a carrying case
    Jonley Gifts / Etsy

    A few games included are Hangman, Connect Four, and Tic Tac Toe.

    Based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Jonley Gifts is a small biz you should check out for home decor, personalized items, and cheeky T-shirts. 

    Promising review: "So adorable! Out of several similar travel game options, my kids liked this one best. The quality is amazing for the price." —Samantha Grace

    Get it from Jonley Gifts on Etsy for $27

    25. Kindle Paperwhite that allows you to carry a wide range of books without the weight or bulk, perfect for the readers who want to travel light. The adjustable warm light feature makes it easy to fine-tune the screen’s warmth to match your surroundings, reducing eye strain whether you're reading in broad daylight out by the resort's pool or under dim lights at a Parisian coffee shop.

    reviewer photo of a kindle showing a book cover
    reviewer holding the kindle while reading a page from a book
    reviewer holding up the kindle sideways to show how thin it is

    Promising review: "I LOVE my Kindle Paperwhite! I recently upgraded from an old Kindle that didn't have a backlight, and what a difference. I really love being able to read in bed at night without needing to have a light on. The battery life is fantastic. The Kindle is great for travel, so you don't have to dedicate luggage space to multiple books, but also great for just keeping with you or having around the house. It's so lightweight and thin. I recommend for any avid reader!" —Marissa T

    Read BuzzFeed's Kindle Paperwhite (2018) deep dive for more info!

    Get it from Amazon for $139.99+ (available with or without three months of Kindle Unlimited and ads, in 8GB or 16 GB versions and in three colors). 

    26. A nifty gadget called the Bug Bite Thing, a suction tool designed to extract the insect saliva or venom that is left behind under the skin when you're bitten or stung and provide relief from itching.

    A BuzzFeed editor's arm with a bite on it
    Rebecca O'Connell / BuzzFeed

    This works on mosquitoes, bees, wasps, biting flies, sea lice (sea lice?!), and more!

    Promising review: "I bought this because I saw it on TikTok, and I have been having issues with mosquito bites. Used it a few time to relieve itchiness, and I am convinced it works! I have been recommending it to my family and friends.  Read the directions and follow them carefully. Don't use this on your face or neck, or other sensitive areas. Don't do a lot of suction, just a little bit. And do it a few times if needed. Great invention!" —Joe

    Get it from Amazon for $9.95 (also available in seven colors and in packs of two or three). 

    27. A 100% waterproof, satin-lined Hairbrella to spare your freshly done hairstyle from the sudden thunderstorms while on your dream birthday trip to Costa Rica. The adjustable strap allows you to snugly tighten the cap around you head, making sure every strand stays completely dry. This also allows you to have your hands free so you don't have to juggle an umbrella and trying to open the car door.

    reviewer wearing the black Hairbrella in the rain
    Model pouring water on another model's head while wearing the hairbrella, then taking it off to show hair perfectly styled and dried

    Hairbrella is a Black-owned small business established in 2016 that specializes in hats that both look cool and protect hair from the elements.

    Promising review: "Awesome hat, a must-have for hairdos. I get my hair done often and don’t want to destroy a great hairdo. I have been out in a rainstorm and taken it on the log ride into the splash down, hair stayed nice and dry. Love it so much I fold it up and keep it in my purse! It even has a ponytail pouch hidden in it." —applekoolaid

    Another promising review: "This hat arrived just in time for my trip to Niagara Falls. I have braids and this hat protected my hair completely. The visor provided excellent protection on The Maid Of The Mist as well as the walk behind the falls. This is a must have." —sandra l darrett

    Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in two sizes and nine styles) — don't forget to apply the coupon to save 10%!

    28. A compact universal travel adapter that allows up to three devices to be charged easily with a single outlet. Reviewers say the power LED is extremely useful, especially in the UK where they have switches for the outlets so you need to know if they have power or not.

    BuzzFeeder photo of the black adaptor plugged into an outlet, with an iPhone charger plugged into the adaptor
    gif of BuzzFeeder plugging the adaptor into a European outlet and its light turning on to show it's working
    Britt Ross / BuzzFeed

    Britt Ross writes: "While the listing says this adapter can't be used in South Africa, India, Switzerland, and Italy, I just used this on my Italian vacation (in five different hotels!) and had zero issues — in fact, it was a complete godsend. Maybe they've updated the design, as I've seen some other reviewers who visited these countries say it worked for them, too. I'm not a tech-guru by any means, but I was able to get it working the very first time I tried it, and luckily for my husband, who did not think to bring an adapter, we were able to charge both his phone and mine every night using the USB ports. Just know that it's primarily meant for charging small devices and not for powering up things like hair dryers and straighteners. I got it in black and it's super sleek-looking, too!"

    Promising review: "I recently used this device in India and in Paris and it WORKED GREAT! I have owned similar devices and they didn't last long, broke easily. This adapter is well-built and I am delighted with it." —Jim O.

    Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in black or white and also in a USB-C version).

    29. Plus a six-port USB charging station, which is the perfect solution to keep everyone's gadgets and gizmos charged up without constantly arguing with your family members over who gets to use the cord next.

    the outlet with five chargers plugged into it
    the outlet placed in a suitcase
    Amazon

    Promising review: "This is a great product! I travel frequently, and I am always challenged with the number of USB ports I can get with the number of outlets available (and where) in hotel rooms. With this product, the number of ports problem goes away, and what's great is that it extends the charger interface out from behind a bed or nightstand, or other inconvenient receptacle location, up onto a work surface for easy access. As far as power, I have had an ASUS transformer, two iPads, HTC One M8, and two iPhones connected to it at the same time, charging for hours with no heat on the device whatsoever. It works great at home too. I have always had good luck with Anker products, good quality." —bishop

    Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in black or white).

    30. A sneaky money belt with a hidden zippered pocket to stash extra money, allowing you to move around more freely and comfortably knowing that your valuables are protected.

    Model putting a $100 bill into the concealed zipper belt
    Amazon

    Promising review: "I purchased this for a trip to Cuba, where I needed to carry all of the money I needed for that week in cash. Although I am not typically worried/normally cautious when traveling, the idea of carrying that much cash on me made me nervous. Traditional money belts/fanny packs just didn't seem like a fit for me. I was worried they would become uncomfortable in the hot sun. This security belt was perfect. It allowed us to carry most of the money for the trip hidden within the belt and carry in my purse the money I needed for that day. It also worked like a breeze with no issues getting through security. I'm not sure how much I'll use this in the future, but it was perfect for our needs for a trip to Cuba." —fendi

    Get it from Amazon for $17.99 (available for pant sizes 20"–50" and in seven colors). 

    31. Or a super discreet travel pouch that can be cleverly hidden under clothing making it less likely to be a target for pickpockets or thieves. 

    the small pouch attached to the side of a bra
    the same pouch now attached to the middle of a bra
    Amazon

    Promising review: "This was a LIFESAVER while traveling. I kept my cards and cash in it and had no stress about thieves lifting my essentials while traveling heavily pickpocketed cities. I loved it so much, I actually continued to use it when I got home instead of carrying a purse! The top flap did start to unravel after about six months — but this was also after six months of everyday use." —Krista Hinz

    Get it from Amazon for $18.94 (available in pink and black).

    32. stylish travel belt that will not only keep your valuables close and secure, but also keep your hands free for snapping "airport 'fit" pics and sipping on pre-Cabo cocktails. Your S.O. will also thank you because they won't have to keep rearranging your bags after having them constantly fall over throughout the airport.  

    model standing next to a green suitcase with a black carry-on strapped to the handle using a pink and black belt
    The blue striped travel belt with its labeled features
    Cincha Travel

    Psst: You can also personalize it!

    Cincha Travel is a small BIPOC-owned biz based in Oakland, California, specializing in adjustable vegan leather travel belts. The brand donates 100 airline miles for each purchase to help reunite migrant families.

    Promising review: "Such a simple yet brilliant solution for the ever falling bag when trying to juggle all your luggage. It definitely made traveling less stressful." —Samantha

    Get it from Cincha for $39.99 (available in 19 styles).

    33. solid shampoo bar in case you want to limit the chance of liquid shampoo spilling out into your luggage and having everything smell like an island paradise breeze. Reviewers say these shampoo bars produce a great lather and leave their hair soft and shiny.

    a teal shampoo bar next to its packaging and some mint leaves
    model using a white shampoo bar to wash their hair
    Amazon

    Psst: It comes in recyclable/compostable packaging, making it more eco-friendly than plastic bottles!

    Promising review: "I was definitely skeptical about a bar shampoo and conditioner, but I travel a lot and really wanted to cut down the use of plastic products as much as possible. I honestly am in love! I got the Heali Kiwi shampoo bar and the Wonderbar conditioner, as well as one of their eco-friendly bamboo and sugarcane storage containers, and my very long, fine, oily hair, which I do have to wash daily, looks and feels great. I recommend anyone on the fence to definitely give it a try! It works! So wonderful for travel, too!" —M.A.

    Get it from Amazon for $15 (available in 11 scents, as well as packs of two).

    34. A waterproof pouch made to protect your phone while you swim with dolphins, high five a sea turtle, or when you fall off a Jet Ski in Miami. (Or was that just me?)

    reviewer wearing their phone in the pouch around their neck while in the water
    reviewer holding the phone pouch while covered in bubbles during a bubble run

    It fits any phone up to 7 inches diagonally, and you can also use it to keep your ID and money from getting wet!

    BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord says: "It's also a great fix for keeping out sand and dirt (and a great option for runners, if you're caught in the rain but still want to be able to toggle through your music options)."

    Promising review: "I purchased this case in July for an upcoming canoe trip with a friend, and as luck would have it, we flipped our canoe. Being the rebel that I am, I chose not to wear my phone around my neck, and so it, my ID, and my debit card ended up at the bottom of the river and I just assumed it would be discovered a thousand years from now and placed in a museum as an ancient artifact. Fast-forward to this week. I was contacted via FB by an Alachua County Sheriff’s Office diver and guess what he found? Yup, my phone case with all of the contents intact and dry as a bone! He had to cut the case open, but there was not one single drop of water in it and he ended up purchasing a case for himself because he was just that impressed!" —Julie McDonald

    Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in 14 colors).

    35. A low-key brilliant 4-in-1 makeup pen complete with an eyeliner, brow liner, lip liner, AND highlighter. Now you don't have to compromise your makeup routine just because your S.O. insists on packing light to avoid extra baggage fees at the airport.

    GIF of Jasmin pushing down the lip liner function of the  pen
    A swatch of the highlighter, lipliner, eyeliner, and brow liner
    Jasmin Sandal / BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com

    BuzzFeed Shopping's Jasmin Sandal loves this thing: "I didn't realize I'd ever use a makeup product in my 20s that had the ability to transport me back to something I used in sixth grade, but here we are; and here I am using a multitool pen...for my face. I gotta say, I love the concept of the Pen Pal from Alleyoop! After using all of the functions (eyeliner, highlighter, lip liner, eyebrow pencil) and as someone who LOVES makeup but was applying as little as humanly possible during lockdown, I think it’s a great tool for anyone looking to streamline their routine. It's ideal to use for touch-ups come the end of the work day, or a subtle, minimalist way to apply makeup in the a.m. The brow pencil is particularly soft and pigmented, and filled in my eyebrows quickly. I just adore the ease of application of each product, and appreciate the universal, does-it-all-for-you concept. Plus, it saves me so much room in my already overflowing makeup bag!"

    Promising review: "I absolutely LOVE the Pen Pal, especially for travel. It's so nice to have a tool for brows, highlighter, bronzing, eyeliner, and lip liner all in one. It's a convenient way to carry everything and fits all in one pack. Sometimes you have to warm up the liner a little bit on your skin but it's so smooth and pigmented." —theshirshow

    Get it from Amazon for for $25 (available in three shades).

    36. A water-resistant travel laptop backpack constructed with lots of compartments and plenty of room, perfect-sized mesh drink-holder type pockets on *both* sides, and there's even a built-in cable on the inside you can plug your USB charger into.

    Reviewer wearing gray backpack full of items
    Reviewer image of gray backpack upright on floor showing multiple front pockets, laptop sleeve, and storage

    Promising review: "This little backpack got me through 12 days of traveling Europe! I used a few space saver bags as well, but was able to bring four pairs of pants, seven shirts, and one dress, then wore a few things twice. It held up really well throughout, and fit dimensions for Wow, Vueling, and EasyJet." —CM

    Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in two sizes and 10 colors).

    37. Or a Brevite camera backpack to effortlessly keep all your camera gear organized and accessible just in case you need to quickly grab your Sony Cyber-Shot to snap a pic of a rare quail in the Himalayan mountains.

    the red backpack on a blanket next to a pair of sandals and shorts
    model taking something out of one of the yellow backpack's interior compartments
    Brevite

    Based in Brooklyn, New York, Brevite is a family-owned small business that makes both camera and everyday backpacks that don't sacrifice style for functionality.

    Promising review: "Everything I've been looking for! I've purchased three or four camera backpacks over the past three years because I couldn't find one that had everything I need. This backpack has it all! So many pockets and so much space! I will definitely be purchasing another one!" —Taliena K.

    Another promising review: "AMAZING! I've always complained about how I never seem to have my camera on me when I find myself in a situation with opportunities for incredible photos, but now I'll be able to carry my camera alongside everything I usually carry and always be ready! There's plenty of space inside, I love the color, and I love how it looks like a totally unsuspecting campus-type backpack so I'm not running around with a camera bag slung over my shoulder. Consider this to be my new favorite carry-on bag!!!" —Charles M.

    Get it from Brevite for $169.99+ (available in two sizes and 11 colors).

    38. An incredibly soft MakeUp Eraser that removes all makeup *including mascara* with just warm water. With this cloth, you won't have to bring super bulky bottles of makeup remover or cleanser with you, freeing up space in your carry-on bag.

    A reviewer with half their face with makeup, and the other half makeup free after using the eraser
    a black washcloth

    It's got two sides — one that can wipe off all your makeup with water and a light scrubbing, and another that exfoliates your skin. And each one lasts for up to five years!

    Promising review: "This did exactly what it claims to do. I use some warm water on a little part and my whole makeup comes off, even mascara! I used to always buy makeup wipes and this has saved me so much money. I just throw it in with the laundry and it’s perfect. I’ve been using it for over six months now and it hasn’t failed me at all, it’s worth the money!!" —Sharmin Rahman

    Get it from Amazon for $19+ (available in 15 styles).

    39. A 50-count set of laundry soap sheets to be able to wash clothes by hand in the hotel sink instead of packing extra and hauling around stinky, sweaty clothes you wore for three days. These sheets are not liquid, so it's okay to take them through TSA in a carry-on and they take up such a small amount of space.

    Promising review: "This came SO in handy during my vacation to Europe! I was making lots of different stops to places with different types of weather. With these laundry soap sheets I was able to wash my clothes in the sink — letting me pack just the right amount of clothes for all the different places I went." —Katie Fujarski

    Get a pack of 50 from Amazon for $12.51.

    40. A stick of Body Glide anti-chafing balm — if you're doing a theme park trip or exploring around a new town and your legs normally rub together, this is a must. This balm creates a barrier to help reduce friction and prevent irritation from skin-to-skin or skin-to-clothing contact.

    A model applying the balm to their inner thigh
    Model applying it under a sports bra
    Amazon

    BuzzFeed Shopping's Emma Lord says: "I swear by this to the point where if I can't find it in the morning on a summer run, I just won't go out, LOLOL. My boobs chafe SO BADLY under my sports bra bands, no matter what kind I'm wearing, but putting on a tiny bit of this before I leave works like a charm. Absolutely no more friction and no more going 'OW OW OW' in the shower because my literal boob wounds were stinging."

    Promising review: "I used this stuff on the Appalachian trail and it works amazing. Like marble on marble and instant relief. A must-have for any trail hiker." —Draco

    Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in three sizes, as well as packs of two). 

    41. And a Body Glide anti-blister foot balm that astonishingly prevents blisters even after walking at Disney all day for three days straight — that's EASILY about 22,000 steps.

    A model applies the BodyGlide Foot Anti Blister Balm to the back of their ankle
    Amazon

    Promising review: "Saw this product in a TikTok review and thought to give it a go. I definitely say it causes new shoes to be less painful however if you apply a lot it can be a little transferable on shoes. Overall though I think this product is definitely worth it and it does make a difference with new shoe wear!" —Mich Elle

    Get it from Amazon for $8.99.

    42. A five-compartment snack spinner designed to keep the kids for asking to stop at McDonalds every 10 miles when they see a sign during the road trip. Reviewers love that only one compartment can be open at a time, so when one of the kiddos accidentally drops it (and you know they will) most of the snacks stay in the container.

    Reviewer spinning the container to reveal the snacks in each compartment
    reviewer photo of the snack spinner filled with things like skittles, pretzels, goldfish, and dried fruit

    Promising review: "I’m always looking for products to make life a little easier traveling with toddler twins. I ordered two of these for packing snacks for airplane travel. The product is durable, easy to take apart to clean, and fun for the kids to use. My 3-year-olds have no issues using the spinner or opening the door. I do wish the compartments were a little bigger (as it fits only three to four mini pretzels in one compartment, and if you do pack some food items too high it can get blocked trying to spin). But great for candy, cut-up strawberries or raspberries, raisins, Goldfish crackers." —AK_TwinMom

    Get it from Amazon for $29+ (available in four colors).

    43. A pair of compression socks made to prevent you from looking like you swapped feet with Violet from Charlie And The Chocolate Factory. These socks offer the support needed for when you're not able to get up and move around for a few hours and reduce the discomfort of swelling.

    before and after photos of a reviewer's foot looking very swollen before using the socks, and much less swollen after
    reviewer wearing the black and pink socks

    Read more about compression socks and long flights at Cleveland Clinic.

    Promising review: "With three weeks of international travel coming up, I purchased these to combat swelling in my feet during the flights. I had noticed swelling after three-hour domestic flights, so I was worried about what almost 30,000 miles would do! I wore these on every leg of the trip and never noticed any swelling — even after the 10- to 15-hour flights. They are very comfortable, too!" —J. Beaty

    And check out our Physix Gear Sport compression socks deep dive for more info!

    Get them from Amazon for $18.33+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 13 styles).

    44. LifeStraw to ensure you have access to clean water while hiking, camping, or in an emergency situation. The filter is effective at removing 99.999% of bacteria and protozoa from water, making it safe to drink. It is also small and lightweight, making it easy to carry with you wherever your adventures may take you.

    Model drinking out of blue tube directly from the river
    Amazon

    It works on up to 1,000 gallons of water before it needs to be replaced, and for each one purchased, a child in need receives safe drinking water for an entire school year. Note: If you’re immunocompromised, be sure to read all the package instructions to make sure it’s safe for you.

    Promising review: "I bought this item for a hiking/camping trip in the Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and did it work amazing! It is an advantage to carry this around with you instead of bottles of water or a hydration pack. I was not afraid at one second to stick this into a random creek we came across and start to drink. The initial drink was a little tough. (Just need to get the water through the filter) But I would rather it be like that, so I know that the filter is doing its job. After that, the rest of the sips were easy. Make sure you clean this according to the instructions after each use. Do not hesitate to purchase this product and use it in a water source when you are thirsty." —Gadde15

    Get it from Amazon for $16.59+ (available in three colors, as well as packs of two, three, and five).

    45. dirty laundry bag, which keeps your dirty clothes in order and away from clean clothes. This little bag starts out cute and compact but can expand big enough to fit two weeks of clothes in. Once it is not in use, reviewers say it easily folds back into its original size.

    pink zippered bag that says
    Amazon

    Promising review: "I love this bag for travel. It's the perfect size. Unlike so many travel laundry bags, this one is the perfect size for clothes and undies. So many are too small, like a lingerie bag, or too big, like a bag to take to the laundromat. This is cute and folds up into itself." —N. Newman

    Get it from Amazon for $16.

    46. And finally, a GORGEOUS set of Cadence containers to hold a variety of items such as medication, small jewelry, and skincare in minimal space. These magnetic containers connect together so no need to worry about them getting lost, and they come with labeled tiles so you know what's inside each jar.

    a set of six multicolored containers stacked in a pyramid
    overhead shot of six open containers holding things like pills, skincare products, and jewelry
    Cadence

    Cadence is an AAPI woman-owned small business that was founded by Steph Hon with the goal of eliminating single-use travel-sized plastics. The containers are made from recycled ocean-bound plastic. 

    BuzzFeed Shopping's Abby Kass is a fan: "I recently got a set of four of these, and, wow, I love them so much. I used them on a six-day trip recently, and they were perfect. I customized the label so I knew which one was my shampoo vs. conditioner and did a general label for any other things I wanted to bring along. They do hold a surprising amount. According to the brand, they hold approximately one to two weeks of skincare products, more than two weeks' worth of serum, two to three days' worth of haircare, and more than 15 tablets (for medicine and such). And while two to three days worth of haircare might not seem like enough, I found it held more than that for me, but I also don't wash my hair every single day. They were small enough to slip right into my toiletries bag and go through TSA with no problem. The container was easy to open in the shower (even with wet hands), and I had no leakage from them (like I did from my face wash bottle that will not be making the trip with me next time. SMH). These are an incredibly useful tool anyone who travels will want in their luggage."

    Get a set of six from Cadence for $76 (originally $84; available in many customizable labels and seven colors). 

    Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.