We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. A wheeled carry-on bag — small enough to fit under an airplane seat so you can say "buh-bye" to shoulder pain and baggage fees and "hiya!" to easier travel.
Now you won't even have to pull your suitcase outta the overhead!
Promising review: "This is the perfect bag that will fit Spirit's 'strict' personal item policy. I was able to fit it under my seat on Spirit and had no problems from any flight attendants about its size (no one even checked to begin with). Very lightweight and easy to maneuver around. All the zippers and wheels work perfectly. I recommend investing in this bag if you're a college student and/or travel a lot for short breaks." —Haegi Oh
Get it from Amazon for $59 (available in three colors).
2. A weekender bag that'll easily slide over the handle of your wheeled suitcase, a must-have for anyone who is tired of trying to finagle pulling their suitcase with a too-heavy personal item slung over their shoulder.
Promising review: "I’m so happy I purchased this bag! I’ve been using a backpack as my carry-on for years but saw this and thought I’d give it a shot. I was able to pack a small backpack (approx. 12"x14" but the top was folded), a purse (approx. 10"x6"), Beats headphones (in their bubble case), a pair of Birkenstocks, and a travel blanket with plenty of room to spare. The side zipper/compartment is SO convenient to hold your cellphone/wallet/passport for easy access. I love that it sets nicely on top of a carry-on size bag without toppling over. The bag also has a shoulder strap which was nice to use when actually boarding the plane." —Jen
Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in 12 colors/patterns).
3. A trifold travel wallet to keep all of your important documents in one place so you never have to relive that one time you got all the way through TSA and realized you left your license at home. Oops.
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: "Guys, I'm beyond happy with this. I've been looking for a passport and ticket holder for a while but had never found the right size until I decided to try out this one. Besides, the material feels high quality and long-lasting, the red color is even better in person, and it's wildly pretty." —BazantSol
Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in 30 colors).
4. A packing list pad that'll ensure you remember every last item you needed to bring with you on your vacay — from your toothbrush to your passport, no item will be left behind.
Promising review: "I hate packing — I mean, I really hate packing! I am always afraid I am going to forget something, and the entire ordeal is a stressful one for me. Since I have to travel a lot, this is a game-changer. No more guessing if I forgot my underwear — everything I need is on this list. I am thinking of just keeping one bag totally packed, filled with the items on the list, and just add my suit in when I am ready to travel. :)" —Dr. Oceanfront
Get it from Amazon for $7 (available in three styles)
5. An airplane phone holder to clip onto the tray in front of you whenever you travel — never stress about only owning wireless headphones again! Added bonus? No need to *only* choose from the handful of meh movies the airline is showing.
Promising review: "If you watch anything on your phone during a flight, you need one of these! I purchased for my husband and I for use on a recent flight, and they worked like magic. The design is lightweight and compact to pack, easy to 'hang' and adjust to keep your phone at eye-level to then sit back and relax. Definitely better than having to hold your phone in your lap or the tray table and get a kink in your neck looking down. Everyone sitting around us on the plane asked where we got them. Totally worth it and highly recommend." —Amy Fritzer
Get it from Amazon for $12.97 (available in two colors).
6. A portable door lock you can attach to any door and transform any hotel, vacation rental, or room in a guest house into one with a properly functioning lock. Safety first, friends.
"And if you're flying with this in your carry-on, make sure to put it in an easily accessible pocket. I've had TSA pull me aside a few times to ask about the large piece of metal in my bag." —Elizabeth
Promising review: "Buy it! Went on a trip and was going to see the hotel without my husband and was nervous. I bought this, and it was so easy to use and safe. I tried myself to open the door a few times, and it didn't budge. If anybody living in an apartment in need of extra security or if they need to take a trip alone and need that extra security while being alone, don't hesitate to buy it!!" —Anna
Get it from Amazon for $11.99.
7. A five-year Global Entry membership — it *also* includes TSA PreCheck, so it's definitely worth setting aside some of your precious time to get. It'll shorten your security line times and certainly be worth it if you leave the country at least once a year and fly domestically a few times annually.
"I put off getting TSA PreCheck and even Global Entry for YEARS despite flying ~10x a year because I'm a person who likes to get to the airport early and have getting through security down to an efficient routine. However, my breaking point was last July when I had to wait soooo long at the airport when coming back to the country from Croatia (I had Mobile Passport at the time, but the machines were broken so I had to wait in line with everyone else). I went to Italy about a month later after signing up for Global Entry, and coming back into the country was a breeze. I just had to let a machine take my picture, print out a receipt with said picture, and then place it in a nearby TSA agent's open palm. Then onto baggage claim! I've since used the Global Entry portion six times and the TSA PreCheck about a dozen times since getting it. So, I feel as if I've already gotten my money's worth in less than two years.
Apply with the Department of Homeland Security for $100. Once you're approved, you have to do an in-person interview, and if approved on the spot, you can have your TSA PreCheck and Global Entry privileges available immediately. I just so happened to find a date for my interview the day before I flew to Italy and was able to update my boarding passes and flight reservations with my info to reap the benefits ASAP." —Elizabeth
8. A simple luggage strap that'll act as the extra hand you wish you had when trying to lug all of your belongings through the airport — clip it to your suitcase and watch in awe as it holds your travel pillow for you.
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 two colors).
9. Or, a travel belt to make getting through the airport with your oversized bag or backpack a *cinch* (hehe). It'll ensure your item stays securely connected atop your wheelie bag so you can be on your merry way.
The travel belt is adjustable to 38 inches to fit most bags. The belt itself is vegan leather with elastic accents and a quick-release buckle.
Cincha Travel is a small business in California that develops adjustable travel belts made out of vegan leather. The brand donates 100 airline miles for each purchase, which are used to reconnect separated migrant families.
Promising review: "Love this! I am constantly struggling between holding my jacket and two carry-ons. This is the perfect solution! I can’t wait to start using it when I’m back to regular business travel." —Allison
Get it from Cincha Travel for $35.99 (available in 15 colors, can be monogrammed for an additional $15).
10. A magnetic luggage tag that'll beautifully hold your hat to your suitcase so you don't have to awkwardly wear it before a super early morning flight or a night flight — and we all know it simply will not fit in your bag.
The Fileist is a Los Angeles-based, woman-owned small business from Lindsay Albanese. They create fashionable-yet-functional accessories designed to make your life just a bit easier.
Promising review: "Love! Love! Love it! Very sturdy grip, and fashionable! I have had skin cancer numerous times, including melanoma. This is a must-have to keep me safe and fashionable — vacation or otherwise. I have thrown it in the overhead on a plane or shuffled through crowded venues, prior to COVID-19, and never lost my hat. This is a great gift, first to myself, and now to others! Thank you for keeping me safe and on point at an affordable price!" —Emily K.
Get it from The Fileist for $55 (check out all hat holder styles here).
11. No-tie elastic shoelaces you can add to your comfiest sneakers, so you can easily slip them on and off at security and spare yourself from feeling overwhelmed and rushed when there's a long line of people behind you.
Promising review: "At first I was skeptical that these laces wouldn't hold my shoes on tightly enough, but I decided to give them a try in my Converse Chucks. They're fantastic! I like the way the 'hidden' fasteners sit inside the shoes below the eyelets, but on top of the tongue, and I can't feel the fastener at all with my foot in the shoe. I've had them in for around eight months, and they're still just as elastic as ever. They haven't stretched at all and show no signs of wearing out. I loved them so much that I bought five more sets to put in all of my shoes! No more triple knotting my shoes so they don't become untied. I tie knots pretty slowly so these laces have honestly saved me tons of time. I couldn't be happier with them." —lucidity
Get them from Amazon for $11.99 (available in 38 colors).
12. Pedialyte powder packets because even adults can benefit from an electrolyte boost! Sip on one of these when you start to feel dehydrated or if you've had one too many adult beverages during your vacation.
"~Trust me~ when I tell you that these will work in a pinch. I bought them a few years ago to take on a bachelorette party to New Orleans, and everyone in the Airbnb was grateful I did. Since then, I've always had them in my carry-on bag when going on a trip. They REALLY came in handy when I went to the Greek islands for 10 days with an apparent mission to eat every piece of seafood and cheese within sight while washing it down with jugs of wine. These are powder in small individual packets, so they're so easy to pack! And also, you don't have to lug around a bottle of Gatorade to feel better." —Elizabeth
Get a 24-count from Amazon for $25.59.
13. Or, Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier packets, in case you feel some type of way about carrying around an electrolyte replacement that's branded for kids. This one is vegan, surprisingly delicious (it's passion fruit flavored), and can easily be stowed in your carry-on to help revive you as soon as you finish going through security.
"My husband and his friends went on a bachelor party to Miami and attribute this product to literally keeping them in one piece. We're not 20-somethings anymore (sadly) and simply cannot hang the way we used to, so products like Liquid I.V. are both a game-changer and a necessity! He had a packet after drinking a few cocktails at a wedding recently and said he barely even felt hungover the next day thanks to it. I also had a packet every day when I had COVID, and it definitely helped me feel a bit better — especially because I had no interest in eating. I'd absolutely consider this a must-have travel item." —Heather
"I'm also a fan of these and, tbh, price compare between Liquid I.V. and Pedialyte packets before any big trip to see which is cheaper atm. These are so tasty and also do the trick on trips that include flying multiple legs, being 'adventurous' with food (did someone say 'Hanoi street food tour?'), drinking LOTS of cheaper-than-in-America wine, and just general traveling hijinks that won't always make it onto my IG stories (sorry, Mom!). Plus, they're great to have around if I've had a big night out at home." —Elizabeth
Promising review: "I now need this when I travel for jet lag, work more than 12 hour shifts, and/or had too much to drink. Absolute lifesaver. Real deal effective. Just chug it and get past the taste for the benefits because it'll change your life to survive the day. Shake off the fatigue, brain fog, heaviness, dehydration, and headache. Love it! Need it. I travel every month where I work a week or two at a time 14 to 17-hr shifts, and then, often at the end, we go out to reset." —AH West and Eastcoast
Get a pack of 16 from Amazon for $23.45.
14. A pack of insect-repellent wipes you'll pat yourself on the back for adding to your toiletry bag the next time you go camping. No bulky bottle of liquid needed!
"When I was a kid, someone told me that mosquitoes love me because I'm so sweet. And I FULLY believe that as an adult because I still get eaten alive if I'm out for long periods of time without wearing some kind of repellent. I've used these wipes on several park days here in NYC (sitting on a picnic blanket drinking wine with friends is more or less screaming COME GET ME to skeeters). But I've really found success with them on a recent hot weekend trip to Savannah, Georgia. I don't notice any smell when using them and have found one wipe to have enough repellant for my arms and legs. So, basically, a one and done. I don't think that I've gotten *any* bug bites on days I've used these wipes. Plus, I have extremely sensitive skin but haven't had any irritation from these seemingly powerful wipes!" —Elizabeth
Get three packs of 12 wipes from Amazon for $25.47.
15. A TSA-friendly toiletries set that'll make sure you don't have to ever go a day without your go-to products — these can be easily filled, cleaned, and re-filled as needed!
"Yep, I also own and love this set! it includes the zippered bag, four soft silicone bottles with leakproof caps, three compact jars, and two toothbrush caps. I've used this set on more than five trips and for trips when I don't require body wash or shampoo (like to visit my parents), I use the extra room in the bag to shove in all my beauty products and daily contacts. Plus! It comes with labels that stay on the containers really well despite my thoroughly washing these containers between trips. I bought this set in spring 2019 and have, admittedly, lost a container or two. But the ones that I've held on to over dozens of trips have all held up well!" —Elizabeth
Get it from Amazon for $14.79+ (available in 13 variations).
16. A set of six Cadence containers that are magnetized, so they'll stick together in your toiletries bag instead of bouncing around like a toddler on a too-long flight. They're super sturdy, leak-proof, and can hold an array of your items with ease (think: vitamins, jewelry, shampoo, whatever!).
Cadence is an AAPI woman-owned small business that was founded by Steph Hon as a way to eliminate single-use travel-sized plastics. The containers are made from recycled ocean-bound plastic.
But I (Elizabeth) am not the only fan on the BuzzFeed Shopping team. My co-worker Abby Kass has these and loves them! Here's what she has to say about them: "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 eight colors).
17. A clear TSA-approved toiletry bag you can pack to the brim with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hair ties, bobby pins, and, well, you get the point.
Promising review: "Everything I needed fit perfectly, and I had no issues in TSA/China security. So far, I have been through MSP, IAD, NKG, and PEK airports using this pack already, and it's a life-changer! I will never again have to worry about having to scramble to buy baggies just for liquids, and it is much more durable." —Courtney Swanson
Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in 11 colors).
18. A set of homeopathic jet lag pills designed to help you fight the good fight against time zone changes — which is no easy feat! Added bonus? They won't leave you drowsy and looking for a nap.
According to the instructions, you should take them at take-off and then every two hours and then again once you arrive to help with relaxation and combat sleepiness.
Promising review: "My husband and I have used this product now for five years for multiple trips overseas, and these really work. How do we know? We've forgotten to use them on a couple of legs, and there has been a night/day difference in our energy levels. We use precisely as directed, setting timers on our phone when possible to remember the doses. On a few occasions, we've slept through the timer, so missed the timing of a couple of doses, and we've been fine. Our last trip to Australia was 34 hours door-to-door on the outbound. We would have been a complete wreck without these. As it was, we arrived late morning, remained awake and lively (enough) through dinner, and then got a good night's sleep. The next day, we felt as good as new. For the years before I used this, I would need to sleep for a few days after a leg like that. We never travel without this now. I highly recommend this product." —motokat
Get a pack of 32 pills from Amazon for $14.40.
19. A bar of natural, plastic-free solid shampoo that won't leak all over the outfits your carefully curated for your trip.
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, 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 $15.99+ (available in 11 varieties).
20. Tide sink packets complete with the *perfect* amount of detergent for washing your clothes in the sink — no need to overpack or fret over whether you'll have access to a washing machine.
Each pack comes with three packets. And, because they *are* liquid, they'll easily slide into the side of your toiletries bag.
Promising review: "Taking these out of the country to wash under things is exactly the right size." —Laura Wilson
Get nine packs from Amazon for $6.45.
21. Or, a pack of laundry soap sheets that'll take up *so* little space you might need to set yourself a reminder in your phone to remember you packed them!
"I travel just about any chance that I get and found a WHOLE lot of success with these little laundry sheets on an almost-three-weeks European vacation this summer where I carried on only and rewore outfits several times." —Elizabeth
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 it from Amazon for $11.08.
22. A set of compression bags for anyone who tends to overpack (guilty) — fill 'em up and suck the air out. Now, you'll never have to decide whether to leave your favorite jeans behind in exchange for a handful of dresses. We really can (occasionally) have it all.
And they come with a hand pump for travel!
Promising review: "This is a great product. I have a memory foam pillow that I try to take on trips, due to neck issues, so I purchased this product and put it to the test to see if it could flatten the pillow so I can also carry my clothes and the pillow in the same carry-on size travel bag. The pillow's been sitting in the vacuum pack for the last three days now and hasn't let any air into the package at all. The pump removed so much air that the foam is as solid as a rock with less that an 1/8 of an inch of give when I press on it firmly with my thumb." —4-H Shooting Sports Instructor
Get a pack of 10 from Amazon for $37.99+ (available in 4 sizes).
23. Or, a set of compression packing cubes that'll help keep your clothes nice 'n' organized inside your suitcase while also scrunching down to provide you with extra room (no pump required).
Again, just be sure to look up any weight restrictions on carry-on luggage. I (Elizabeth) ran into that problem two summers ago (it was in Croatia while flying British Airways, btw), but the person at the airport check-in counter that gave me some trouble about my bag just seemed to care about my roller carry-on. So, I'd suggest using these in a backpack or tote bag you plan to put under the seat.
Promising review: "Easy to clean, lightweight material. All of the compression bags have a mesh front which makes it easy to see what’s inside; plus, there is a small clear vinyl pocket on the front for a label. I tested one of the medium bags with four sweaters (one long and bulky, plus three medium-thickness pullovers). They fit in the bag nicely with the bag zipped closed (not compressed yet). It was not difficult to zip the compression closure, although I did take special care to push down and 'help' the zipper along. No signs of strain or damage to the zippers once fully closed. These bags seem very sturdy. As seen in the pictures, there is a significant size reduction! Will definitely use in my travels and would highly recommend." —Clarissa Sheats
Get a pack of four from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in three colors).
24. A handmade leather cord organizer you'll be happy to have on-hand when you're traveling and trying to pull your trusty wired headphones or phone charger out of your bag without tangling them.
Promising review: "No more tangled headphone cables! I bought a pair for my desk at home, and I'm purchasing another pair for my office. I love how neat and untangled my earbud cords are when using this organizer. It's leather, which I'm sure will last many, many years for such a great price." —Jane M
Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (available in five colors).
25. An electronics organizer that'll provide a home for every single cord you might need while traveling. Headphones? Check. Phone charger? Check, check. Rogue USB cable you're unsure what it's for but have a feeling you'll need? Check, check, check.
Promising review: "This is the perfect travel companion. It fits everything including an Apple TV, HDMI-to-VGA-converter, and multiple lightning and micro-USB cables. I haven't been disappointed at all. Plus, it packs nicely in a backpack and goes everywhere." —iamtheoneoff
Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in two sizes and three colors).
26. A 30-pack of waterproof zippered pouches you can use to organize everything and anything for your next vacation — they're transparent so you'll easily be able to spot that bag that's holding your snacks, medicine, chargers, or whatever item you're in most need of at any given time.
Promising review: "I bought these for a trip for my family of five. I like to plan in advance to make sure no one forgets anything! These were a lifesaver packing for three kids! I was able to create a carry-on, toiletries, wires/chargers, and a snacks pouch for everyone! I used clear sticker paper to create name labels, and it all worked perfectly! Would definitely recommend if you need to travel with family and need to set things out and pack." —mommyandbri
Get them from Amazon for $16.93.
27. A bendy travel pillow that'll become your BFF the next time you take a roadtrip — no need to rest your head against the passenger window to get some much-needed shuteye.
Promising review: "This travel pillow design is simply brilliant! You can bend it into whatever shape your heart (or neck) desires! The memory foam is 150x better than the beads or stiff foam you find in most travel pillows. Also, unlike most travel pillows, the case is removable for easy cleaning. The cover is also super soft; it reminds me of a jersey T-shirt material. Talk about versatile; also, I use it as lumbar support/comfort, and my son uses it as a lap pillow when watching his iPad. Just buy it!!" —Tiffany Wood
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (also available in navy).
28. A luggage drink caddy to attach to your wheeled luggage — it'll become your saving grace when traveling. You can use it to hold your Starbies, phone, ID, etc. and prevent you from fumbling around for all those items while heading to the gate at the airport.
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, when it’s my turn to check my passport and ticket, the coffee cup fell to the ground, and coffee sprinkled. It was a nightmare! This time I bought this cup holder; it did 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 $15.99+ (available in 32 colors).
29. A lightweight, compact, and high-speed portable charger that'll keep your phone charged so you can snap selfies, watch The Greatest Showman on repeat, and text your mom that you landed.
This highly-rated slim option holds about 2.25 charges for iPhone 12, 1.6 charges for Galaxy S20, and 1.2 charges for iPad Mini 5, and comes with a Micro USB cable (to charge the charger) and a travel pouch.
Promising review: "Bought this to provide power along the way (on the plane, at the gate, etc.) for a long international trip I was about to undertake. Worked wonderfully. It does take a while to charge the device (prob b/c the battery inside it is so much bigger vs. the battery in a phone). But once charged, I find that it charges my phone quite quickly — much quicker than the phone charges via normal plug-in charger. The little cloth bag that comes with it provides a nice level of cushion against accidental dropping and bumping. I always look to Anker for electronics like these, and this device does not disappoint." —jwl80303
Get it from Amazon for $15.39+ (available in two colors).
30. Plus, a six-port wall charger anyone who is traveling alongside you will be thankful for — no need to play rock, paper, scissors to see who gets to use the outlet next to the bed to charge their phone at night.
Seriously, though — why aren't there more outlets in hotel rooms?! Something we'll never understand.
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 two colors).
31. Games on the Go, which includes 50 different activities to prevent your kids from constantly asking "are we there yet?" during your roadtrip.
Promising review: "For a quick and convenient game that can literally be taken anywhere, this game is perfect! The cost was great, and the games are fun, quick, and can be played by kids and adults of all ages. I would love to see families pulling these cards out while waiting for dinner at a restaurant or while sitting in the subway together rather than everyone pulling out their iPhones! These fun interactive games will get the whole family talking and playing together. Love it! I did notice that on a couple of the cards, my daughter, who’s 8 years old, had to read the card a couple of times or hand it to me to explain to her, but once I read the directions, she was good to go. Overall, a great purchase!" —Julie
Get it from Amazon for $10.65.
32. A genius Alleyoop Pen Pal that'll replace your eyeliner, lip liner, brow pencil, and highlighter in your makeup bag so you'll have extra room to pack hair accessories, lip sticks, etc!
My BuzzFeed shopping colleague Jasmin Sandal has this and loves it. She says:
"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: "Such a time saver to have this 4-in-1 tool! I use it daily and love that it is so compact." —Lauren F.
Get it from Amazon or Alleyoop for $25 (available in three shades).
33. A digital luggage scale, so you can head off to the airport confidently knowing you won't get a surprise overweight luggage free. Toss it into your bag to ensure you're also good to go on the way home when your bag is chockfull of souvenirs.
Promising review: "We use this in every trip to avoid paying for extra weight as we travel internationally quite often. I have tested in several ways and also always note the weigh number in the airport. After several trips, I can say that the accuracy of it is right within 2 lbs. I've had it for almost two years and still using the same batteries." —Cass Young
Get it from Amazon for $11.98 (available in six colors).
34. An oversized hoodie with a built-in sleep mask, so when you inevitably start to doze off during your layover, you can do so in style.
Pond Los Angeles is woman-owned and Asian American-owned small clothing and accessories brand based in California that intentionally uses a woman-led manufacturer to create its apparel.
My colleague Marquaysa Battle owns and adores this hoodie. Here's what she has to say:
"I own this in black, and I actually, factually REFUSE to wear any other hoodie to the airport. I pull my sleep mask down, and it's a wrap, OK?! Asleep before takeoff. When you're wearing it and dedicating your travel style to it like me, then be sure to shout out the Pond Los Angeles that makes it! It's a woman-owned and Asian American-owned clothing and accessories brand based in Cali that intentionally uses a woman-led manufacturer to create its lovely pieces."
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 the plane. 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. It’s a little big, but I love my stuff oversized, so I am fine. I have been wearing it every day at home and can’t wait to get the black and blush one!" —Heather G.
Get it from Pond Los Angeles for $102.40 (originally $120; available in sizes XS–XL and three colors, including black and cream).
35. A weighted sleep mask you'll thank your lucky stars you packed in your carry-on when you get stuck next to the one person who has big plans to keep the overhead light on to read the entire night flight.
Promising review: "I am a flight attendant and have a wacky work schedule. I frequently have to sleep during the day. These are SO comfortable and cool as well. I have ordered and tried out at least 10 eye masks off of Amazon and have found these to be the best. They are SO comfortable and do not have Velcro on the straps, for which I am thankful, because I usually sleep on my back and am sensitive to the thickness of eye masks that have the Velcro straps." —sw
Get one from Amazon for $14.99.
36. A pair of compression socks that'll become an essential item for anyone who suffers from plantar fasciitis (hellooooo, arch support!) and keep you going during any trip that entails a lot of walking.
Promising review: "I'm dealing with falling arches and one foot attempting to develop a heel spur. I had some travel coming up that was likely to involve a good bit of walking, so in addition to trying to make sure I had decent shoes, I thought some compression socks might be a nice addition to my travel bag. I was pleased to find this toe-less variety, as I'd heard of compression socks causing toe problems. I'm really happy to say the fit and comfort on these is perfect — in addition to being large, my feet also have pretty sensitive skin on top, and these socks don't bother me even after several hours of wear. I've even slept wearing them with no irritation! They also definitely make my feet feel better; soon after I put them on, my aches and pains will fade off (not always completely but always noticeably!), and my feet are much happier. I was glad to have them on my trip, and I really enjoy wearing them around the house after a tiring day." —A. Phillips
Get them from Amazon for $10.95+ (available in four sizes and nine colors).
37. A Bluetooth foldable keyboard, in case you said you were "working from home" but are actually on-the-go catching a flight (which we wouldn't advise). But if you *are* attempting to scam your boss, this can help you get through your emails without having to lug your entire laptop along for the ride.
Promising review: "Full-size keyboard, easy to set up. This was great to use with my larger Kindle. I need it for giving notes at speech and debate tournaments and to travel light." —Pam Alster
Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in four options).
38. A pair of quick-dry water shoes that'll help you conquer even the rockiest of beaches — no one wants to stumble and hop around in pain in front of the cute lifeguard.
Promising review: "I bought these shoes a couple of years ago before a river hike. UM THESE ARE AWESOME. They lasted a long time, and the only reason I bought these yellow ones were because I wanted a new color, haha. My older pair did start to wear out in the toes from scraping them on rocks and such when hiking, but still no holes in them. These shoes feel like socks but with enough of a sole that you can walk on gravel with no problem. It really is like walking barefoot. Also, these are the only water shoes that I have worn that do NOT let a bunch of debris into the shoe making you constantly have to take it off to empty it or just deal with the irritant. You can play on the beach with minimal sand stuck between your toes. Thoroughly impressed by that. So, with that, I do recommend if you are a half size to size down so they are snug; otherwise, the sock-like ability to keep stuff out might not work so well." —Samantha Lindsay
Get it from Amazon for $10.68+ (available in seven sizes and 44 colors).
39. A memory foam seat cushion with an ergonomic design and gel layer to support your booty so the next flight or roadtrip you take won't *literally* be a pain in the butt.
Lots of reviewers who drive for a living rave about it.
Promising review: "I have been suffering from sciatica pain for a couple of years now. In the last few months, it has been so bad I had to stop ever sitting at work, and as a computer programmer, that can be hard at times. If I had to go to a day of meetings, I would be miserable for weeks afterward from the pain. Then, I found this cushion. I bought it initially for a roadtrip thinking maybe it would save me from hurting too bad. I was surprised to find I didn’t hurt at all despite being in the car for over six hours. So, I tried it at work, and guess what? ZERO PAIN. I still really can’t believe just how good it works. Since getting this, my sciatic pain is COMPLETELY GONE. That is no lie. Amazing. Recommend a million times over." —Anna Peterson
Get it from Amazon for $35.16 (available in three color combos).
40. A set of Sea Bands that'll target the acupuncture point on your wrists to, ideally, help reduce nausea. A must-pack for anyone who is prone to get car or seasick.
"I also used to sleep with these during my first (and second, if we're being honest) trimester of pregnancy to try and get some relief from the relentless nausea." —Heather
Promising review: "These were awesome! My entire family suffers from motion sickness, especially car sickness. My little one gets sick in the car on a regular car ride through the city. So, I knew that a long roadtrip was going to be a disaster. I was amazed at how well these bands worked for everyone! Not one single person complained about being sick for 12 hours in the car. At one point, I did have one child remove their bands because they said they were getting too tight. But after only a few minutes without them, a headache started to come on, so they immediately put them back on, and the relief was instant. I have suffered for decades, and now, I know better. I will never travel without mine again!" —1SmartCookie
Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.53 (available in adult and children's sizes).
41. A waterproof pouch to toss your phone into before heading out on a water-filled expedition (or, you know, just a casual boat ride). It'll protect it from the elements and also provide you with a spot to keep your credit card, ID, and cash.
It fits any phone up to 100 mm x 170 mm (or about 3.9 inches x 6.7 inches). It also keeps out sand, dirt, and rain.
"I buy these for every water-adjacent vacation (so mostly warm-weather trips like Croatia and Greece). But! As soon as I booked my flight for Iceland, I bought one of these to take along to The Blue Lagoon. It survived rain, hail, and all kinds of steam rising off the water.
With these, I find that they're good for about a day due to condensation. So, for a trip, I'll buy two to three, except for this one where I just knew I'd be in the water at The Blue Lagoon. And while I'm on the subject, check out a TikTok I made using the phone case! On the day I went, we had to duck and run inside because of rain. And it was hailing on us when I was in the water, so I had to face a certain way to keep from getting pelted in the face. But, when in Rome! Then, we went inside and at lunch at the Lava Restaurant, and it was GORGEOUS and clear outside post-lunch. So, this case worked well taking pics in both bad and good conditions (as you can see from the two pics for comparison). I've used this case to take underwater pics, on boat rides, and have worn it with the lanyard jumping off a boat into water. So, I really trust these!" —Elizabeth
Promising review: "I bought this because I do a lot of water sports when I travel, and it was amazing!!! I had no problems with the actual pouch detaching from the lanyard when I went snorkeling, and my phone stayed completely dry. The touch capability is also great." —TJ
Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (available in 13 colors).
42. And, as promised, an AirFly Pro wireless transmitter that'll let you use your Bluetooth headphones to watch whatever ~*movie of the month*~ is playing during your flight.
Promising review: "If you have a wireless earpiece and fly frequently, this is a must-have. Most newer planes have a monitor on the seat backs that enables you to watch movies, etc. This unit enables you to do it using your wireless earpiece. Connection is simple and automatic once you have initially paired your device or devices. It's convenient. I'm happy with the purchase." —JCE
Get it from Amazon for $54.99+ (available in three models).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.