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 Béis seatback organizer that keeps all your in-flight essentials (e.g., phone, e-reader, magazines, etc.) in the pocket so you don't have to dig around in your bag on the floor throughout the flight.
2. A portable lock box you can secure around two beach chairs to stash your wallet and phone in as you head into the ocean to snorkel — no more worrying about someone grabbing your stuff when you're face-first in the water.
3. A water bottle cup holder adapter because the fact that your water bottle doesn't fit in your cup holder is one of the main annoying factors on your road trip. You can add this to your current cup holder to accommodate your bigger bottle so you stay hydrated the whole time.
4. A Trtl neck pillow specifically designed to keep your head in a comfortable position while you sleep so you can actually get some shut-eye.
Promising review: "This thing is the greatest thing invented since chicken and biscuits. It's like a nice scarf with just enough support to keep your neck just in the right position. I highly recommend it. Works great with big headphones, too." —Deana Hero
Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in three colors).
5. A travel wallet with an RFID-blocking shield material to not only keep all your many important travel documents organized, but also safe and ready for you to grab when you need your ID quickly in the TSA line.
6. Alleyoop's pen pal you may think is one of those super-cool multicolored pens you used in grade school, but is actually a super-cool four-in-one makeup tool. Throw this in your bag, and you'll have eyeliner, brow liner, lip liner, and a highlighter right at your fingertips. No need for so many makeup products to weigh down your bag.
7. And a Pocket Palette to complete your makeup bag (or lack thereof) with the perfect amount of mascara, lipstick/blush, and BB cream so you don't have to pack every single makeup item you own.
Promising review: "I travel often for work, and it’s so much easier to pack a few pocket palettes than tote my regular makeup — they’re super carry-on bag/airport friendly! I love my Lancôme but I’d much rather not tote around heavy glass bottles, so I keep a palette at the ready for the gym, in my purse, at my desk at work, etc. — they’re that convenient. For the makeup itself, the quality of the BB cream is great. It’s light, feels and looks natural, and you can get at least two full uses out of the quantity. The lip/cheek color amount is also generous. I personally go for a darker lip generally, but this is good for blush and will last me a while. I love how handy the mascara applicator is, so fun-sized. For someone on the go who isn't soooo makeup savvy that I'm contouring all the time, this product is really practical!" —Maureen
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $34.99 (available in four shades).
8. AirFly, a wireless transmitter that'll connect your AirPods (or any other wireless headphones) to the headphone jack on the flight so you can enjoy all the free entertainment without being forced to bring two sets of headphones or use the crappy ones they have the AUDACITY to charge for on some flights.
9. A travel belt made so you can attach any bag to the top of your suitcase because sometimes the best carry-on bags are not designed with that handy sleeve on the back. With this, you won't have to lug your bag through the airport when your gate is the absolute last one at the end of the longest corridor.
The travel belt is adjustable to 38 inches so it will fit most bags.
BTW — Cincha Travel is a small Cali-based biz started by a BIPOC couple that makes these adjustable straps from vegan leather. The brand also 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 $40 (available in 13 colors and designs; can be monogrammed for an additional $17).
10. A Bearby travel napper specifically designed smaller than thair other weighted blankets so it can be taken on your vacation or road trip. If you have a hard time sleeping without your weighted blanket, this is a great way to bring that comfort with you. Plus, it comes with a duffle bag for easy transport.
11. A travel pouch that attaches to your bra so you can keep the most important things closest to you (such as your money, credit cards, and a copy of your passport) without fear of some pickpocketing wizard breezing past you, barely touching you but somehow getting away with your stuff.
12. A chic carry-on suitcase that will basically become your new travel BFF. Not only does this suitcase have an ejectable portable battery, it also has a "crush-proof" shell with bumpers for extra protection, a hidden laundry bag that is odor-proof, and a compression system that makes it so you can fit everything you need in your bag. This bag might really have it all.
Promising review: "I've been looking for a carry-on replacement for some time. My last carry-on was from 2007, so it was super old and not very good. Now that I have my July Carry On, I couldn't be more pleased. It's so good from functionality to style. I love the laundry bag — it's great that I don't have to remember to take my own separate laundry bag with me anymore — and the charging is so useful. The wheels are silent and smooth — so much so that on the slightest decline the bag will 100% roll away from you. The bumpers are a bit scratched after some use, but it's hardy/designed to protect what's inside, and I accept that there will be some of that happening on long-haul flights. I really enjoy the personalization as well — I had my name and a little frog etched on the top — so cute!" —Ameeka N.
Get it from July for $295 (available in 11 colors; plus you can add personalization for $50).
13. The Airhook – it holds phones and tablets and attaches to the seat in front of you so you can be entertained on every flight, even the ones without seat-back entertainment. Plus, this has a fold-down cup holder, so you don't have to worry about using your tray table and then panicking when you still have half a drink left and need to use the bathroom.
14. A compact tote bag designed to fold up into itself so you can store it in your bag without taking up too much space in your suitcase. Then when you get to your destination you can take it with you as you explore and have a place to stash your water, sweater, and all the fun purchases you make along the way.
Plus, it's made out of durable and water-resistant fabric.
Promising review: "I got the blush-colored bag. It is such a pretty neutral color. I packed it in my overnight bag to have an extra bag for shopping. It came in handy when I needed it! I put my water and light sweater in there. Also, I put my shopping items in there also instead of carrying extra store bags that leave a mark on you wrists. This little bag zips up compact and will always be a necessity when traveling anywhere! I highly recommend getting one!" —Nubia C.
Get it from Calpak for $35 (available in seven colors and designs).
15. Some biodegradable hypoallergenic wipes because flying can make you feel gross and these give you the chance to freshen up when there's not a shower in sight.
16. A portable rain hood you can wear with any jacket so you don't have to try and pack both your cute and practical jackets when you're tight on space.
17. A waterproof Kindle so you can take your reading anywhere, yes, even INTO the pool. This is a game-changer.
18. A flying USB port with four places to plug in all your cords so you only need one plug in your bedroom to keep all your electronics (phone, watch, tablet, etc.) at 100% during your whole trip.
BTW — Multitasky is a female-founded and -run small biz that began in 2020 as a way for founder Julia Xu to create products that were both functional and cute.
Promising review: "It does as it says it does, allowing my Dell XPS15 to operate a pair of USB devices from my lightning port! The laptop has two USB ports, one of which is always occupied by my USB mouse dongle and the other by my protected USB drive. If I wanted to plug in my phone to switch data or add another thumb drive to transfer a device, everything might have to be disconnected, but not anymore. It was really worth it." —Liberty
Get it from Multitasky for $18 (originally $25; available in three colors).
19. A LifeStraw that's basically magic because it makes water drinkable by removing 99.999999% of bacteria and 99.999% of parasites so you can enjoy a fresh drink when you're on a hike or camping and are out of fresh water.
20. A swimsuit specifically designed to stay in place during water activities (e.g., surfing, wakeboarding, etc.) *and* look super cute while relaxing by the pool. Gone are the days you have to pack multiple suits for vacation. Get you one that can do both.
21. A portable espresso maker because caffeine is an essential, even while traveling, and this lil' thing lets you use Nespresso pods to make a delicious pick-me-up, no matter where you are in the world.
22. Or a single-serve French press in a travel coffee mug if coffee is more your speed — all you have to do is put grounds in, add some hot water, and press the mesh filter in to make a delicious brew.
23. A leather hat holder you clip to your tote bag for a super-easy (and convenient) spot to keep your hat while you travel. It uses a magnet to keep your hat in place so it will easily get to your destination. Say goodbye to ever having to pull out a crushed and wrinkled hat from your luggage again!
Get it from Lindsay Albanese for $55.
24. A foot hammock made out of memory foam because we can't all afford to fly first class, but this little gadget will make you feel like you can (even if it doesn't come with free champagne).
25. An LED neck reading light perfect for anyone who has a later bedtime than their partner (or family) and doesn't just want to lie in bed counting sheep. Put this light around your neck and it will illuminate a book in front of you, without disrupting the people asleep around you. Talk about a game-changer!
Promising review: "I couldn't be happier with this light. I use it for reading in bed and when I travel. It's comfortable, has multiple settings, is easy to use, and the battery stays charged for a long time. You can turn on either one or both sides of the light and its flexibility allows the light to be adjusted easily. I highly recommend this light for reading in bed, for outdoor walking at night, and for doing close work that requires good lighting." —Jean G
Get it from Amazon for $18.69 (available in three colors).
26. A collapsible water bottle that'll take up wayyy less space in your bag presecurity, but also help you avoid paying approximately $20 for one water bottle *and* help you stay hydrated = all very important things.
27. A super-cool duffel bag that actually starts out as a garment bag, so you only have to pack one bag with everything you need *and* not worry about your suits or other clothes getting wrinkled during the journey.
Plus, the bag is water-resistant and has two exterior zip pockets, two interior shoe pockets, and a padded handle wrap. Yes, this one bag really can do it all.
Promising review: "I purchased this in preparation for some day trips for work and it sure did the job. My suit stayed crisp and I was able to fit everything I needed. The bag feels very durable, which I can't say for some of my other bags that cost five times the amount. Although many bags have a separate compartment for shoes, be careful not to overlook the importance of this feature when shopping for luggage. The last thing you want is to wake up and get dressed, only to find that something on the bottom of your shoes found its way onto your clothes. The side pockets make it easy to get essentials out of your bag, including when it's in the overhead bin on a plane." —Ronald
Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in four colors).
28. A solar-powered charger you'll want to have on hand for any camping or road trips where outlets are sparse but phones are needed. Plus, it's also good to have on hand for any emergencies (including power outages, hurricanes, etc).
29. A sand-free beach blanket designed so that sand rolls right off it, so you can pack it up and put it back in your luggage without worrying that you'll find sand covering everything else in your suitcase weeks later.
30. An insulated phone case designed specifically to keep your phone at a comfortable temperature in both hot and cold climates so you never have to worry that it will stop working because it's overheated or frozen.
31. A hoodie made with a built-in eye mask. Talk about a game-changer. Put on your hood on your flight, close your eyes, and you'll be at your destination in no time.
Plus, it has a hidden pocket inside the kangaroo pocket to safely hold your valuables (phone, keys, headphone case). Reviewers do say it has an oversized fit, so size down if you want a closer fit.
BTW — Pond Los Angeles is an Asian- and woman-owned small business that creates bags and clothing perfect for traveling.
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 flight. 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!" —Heather G.
Get it from Pond Los Angeles for $99 (originally $128; available in women's sizes XS–XL; also available in black and oak)
32. A luggage-mounted cup caddy so you have a place to hold your coffee (and water or snacks!) while you make your way through the never-ending terminal to find your gate. You'll never spill your coffee while trying to answer a text again!
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 $12.74+ (available in 16 colors).
33. A retractable lint roller in a super-sleek case you can keep stashed in a bag or purse to grab at a moment's notice when you realize that you're covered in hair.
34. A portable door lock to help you feel extra secure in your room. If triggered, this lets out a loud alarm sound that will wake you (and maybe everyone else around you) up.
35. A JetKids ride-on carry-on suitcase I'm pretty sure is about to become your new favorite product for traveling with kids. Not only does it have wheels, but it's designed so your toddler can sit on it, making it easy for you to wheel them through the airport. Then when you get on the flight, it easily transforms into a leg rest or in-flight bed to keep your kids comfy while in the air. How neat is that???
It's recommended for kids ages 3–7 and fits most standard economy seats. Plus, it has an adjustable strap so you can carry it over your shoulder, a top handle, and a mattress inside that can be removed and used while in the flight. Parents have even used this product while in the airport waiting for the flight to keep their kids comfy and happy.
Get it from Amazon for $199 (available in three colors).
36. A pair of compression socks to stop your feet and legs from swelling up as much as Violet Beauregarde did in Willy Wonka's factory.
37. A digital travel scale to avoid that moment when you frantically shove as much as you can into your carry-on because your checked bag is over 50 pounds from all the souvenirs you stuffed into your bag.
38. A velvet jewelry case for storing your earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings because the last time you just threw your accessories into your bag you were met with a giant knotted mess.
39. A handy scrunchie with built-in storage so you can keep your smaller essentials, like keys and cash, with you at all times. All while looking rather *unassuming*, too.
Hustle Sew Shop is based out of Oregon and hand-makes different goods like face masks and scrunchies.
Promising review: "Love this scrunchie! This is perfect for when I walk my dog; it fits my house key, chapstick, and treats, and STILL holds my hair up! I will be buying more for friends in the future. Highly recommend." –Sarah Dickinson
Get it from Hustle Sew Shop on Etsy for $6 (available in 14 fabric colors and three zipper colors).
40. A portable pet water bottle that'll make it easy for your fur baby to have a lil' drink on the go! Simply press the button at the top to fill the bowl with water, then release to stop so they can lap it up.
Promising review: "This thing is the coolest! I literally tell everyone I know about this thing! It’s perfect for traveling and long walks. My dogs love it! I ended up taking the filter out because it was leaving a black residue in the water. But I put filtered water in there to begin with so no big deal. I love that you can put water back in the bottle. This is especially great on car rides because they won’t always finish what water I give them and I have to dispose of it while riding in a car down the highway. Then the bowl is wet and..well it’s not the most inconvenient thing in the world, but having this makes it all seem so annoying to deal with." –Nicole Buck
Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in two sizes and colors).
Me to all the items in this list:
