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1. A waterproof pouch here to protect your phone and keep it safe whenever you're near water. Plus, you can still use the touchscreen with it, which means you can take as many underwater pictures as your heart desires.
It's designed to fit any phone up to 100mm x 170mm (or about 3.9 inches x 6.7 inches). And not only will it keep your phone protected from water, but it will also keep sand and dirt out.
Promising review: "This item is a must-have for family vacations anywhere near or in the water! I had no problems whatsoever with this product and many people during our last vacation kept asking us where we got them. My phone stayed dry, and I could take pictures, text, and surf the web without any problems! I would highly recommend this product to anyone!" —Zatanna Winters
Get it from Amazon for $7.69 (available in 14 colors).
2. 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.
It also comes with a USB-C charging cable, travel pouch, keychain holder, quick-start guide, and a manual.
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 which enable you 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.
3. A beach pillow actually designed with a super cool feature — the back opens to reveal a secret storage space. You can stash all your essentials (i.e. phone, wallet, keys) and close your eyes knowing that nobody will swipe your stuff if you drift off to sleep. Plus, there's even a headphone port inside so you can listen to music without keeping your phone out in the hot sun.
LA Wedge is a small business started by Bruce Moorehead who wanted to make a travel pillow that could be used on any surface!
Promising review: "This is a must-have when I cruise now. We cruise three times a year, and I tote this around with me everywhere. It's great for laying pool side, and I also bring it ashore for all my land excursions. It's great because many times we take kayaking tours and things of that nature, and this is perfect to toss the water proof camera in. I'm so glad my friend discovered this two years ago and recommended it to me!" —Tamra T
Get it from Amazon for $25 (available in six colors).
4. A USB-chargeable fan you'll be SO grateful you have on your next trip to Disney or any vacation during the warmer months, really.
Promising review: "I bought this fan for a family trip to Disney and have to say it will be a must-have for any future trips! It’s lightweight, packs well with it being foldable, and we never lost charge of the fan during the day, so it must-have a good battery life. Definitely recommend!" —Desiree S
Get it from Amazon for $18.59+ (available in five colors).
5. Or a portable neck fan if you want a hands-free option that will still keep you cool as a cucumber, even if it's 90 degrees outside. It charges via USB, has three speed options, and also lights up — how cool is that?!?
Promising review: "A++++++. This was a lifesaver during my WDW vacation this week. Temps felt like 105 degrees, and I was so happy to have this to help keep me cool. This made walking around the parks very manageable, and I am so happy with my purchase. Charged it every night at bed, and it was ready to go in the morning. Folds up nicely and the lights are so nice!!! Walked around the parks at night with my fan and lights on! A must-have!! I love this fan so much." —Jacquelyn
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in five colors).
6. 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.
You can also use this in your room to keep valuables protected.
Promising review: "This is a must-have for vacations. We took it to Atlantis in the Bahamas. It worked perfectly. Held our phones, room keys, etc while we were out enjoying the beach or pool. Just looped it to beach chair or table. Highly recommended." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $44.95 (available in three colors).
7. An anti-blister balm for when you're in a ~pinch~ and want to make sure that you don't get blisters from walking all day.
Promising reviews: "A must-have product! This stuff really works!! My biggest issue with going to Disney World is the amount of blisters you get when you walk 20,000+ steps a day. I can say, I have used this the last two trips, and it truly gave the barrier needed to prevent blisters or major rubbing. Personally, I don’t play games when it comes to these things, and I would suggest a reapplication (as a personal preference) every five hours or so." —Savannah
Get it from Amazon for $8.99.
8. A freezable snack box with built-in cooling technology that you can fill with snacks that will stay cold all day long, even if your flight's delayed or you don't make it back to your hotel to regroup like you were planning on. Reviewers say this is not only great for storing snacks for littles, but also for people with food allergies, and even breastfeeding people who need to store milk while away from home.
Promising review: "This is a must-have for travel! As someone with food allergies, I often travel with food. This was the perfect solution for how to keep items cold while traveling. The bag is quick to freeze and has plenty of space for snacks and food. It seems to keep cold for a full day flight and no issue taking thru TSA." —Sunshine_AW
Get it from Amazon for $14.10+ (available in 12 colors and prints).
9. An anti-theft backpack with the main body zipper on the inside (against your back while in use) so you can feel safer knowing that nobody will be able to unzip it when you're in a crowded unfamiliar space.
Not only does the backpack open from the inside, but it also has a phone pocket, document pocket, front zippered pocket, and an exterior side pocket. It's also made of nylon, so it's waterproof and has a strap to change it into a shoulder bag.
Promising review: "I cannot say enough amazing things about this backpack. It’s surprisingly spacious for how small the bag is, which makes it portable/practical and comfortable while having it on. This backpack lasted an entire trip through multiple airports and layovers, and all across our trip through Europe. It was amazing. Because of the main zipper sat against my back, I never worried about getting my items stolen. But I also had the luxury of having the two front zippers that were also surprisingly spacious to hold nonprecious items such as water bottles or cheap sunglasses etc... This backpack also is extremely durable. It was the perfect day pack to gather knick-knacks and souvenirs for friends and family and hold whatever I shoved in it! Can we also take time to appreciate how cute this backpack is as well! It went with all my outfits due to the neutral color and had the side strap if we went out to a fancy restaurant. I could easily turn it from a backpack to a purse in seconds! A MUST-HAVE!" —H Bradshaw
Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in two sizes and 12 colors).
10. A portable white-noise machine that'll work hard while you sleep at night to block all the noises that come with staying in a hotel room. (Looking at you, elevator and ice machine!!!!!)
Promising review: "This is a must-have unit if you are a light sleeper. Great for travel. Easy to pack and lightweight with a great sound punch. It has four different sounds. The waterfall is my favorite and most comforting and calming sound for sleep. Did I mention it's great for travel? My entire family is hooked on this small device. You can not hear the elevator noise, people slamming doors, or the next door guest." —Kellie S
Get it from Amazon for $29.95+ (available in four styles).
11. A stroller so lightweight and compact it can fit in the overhead bin on a plane. This means you don't have to wait around for it to be retrieved from storage after you deplane. You can just open the stroller and go.
It folds up so small that it was awarded a Guinness World Record in 2014 for the most compact stroller. It can hold kids who weigh up to 55 pounds and only weighs 9.5 pounds.
Promising review: "This is a must-have for all parents with toddlers, especially if you are going on a trip. We went to a place where they do not recommend a stroller because it’s too bulky and gets in your way. Well, using this was not a problem at all. People were amazed how this thing works, and it’s really handy. Very easy to fold. Very light and not space consuming in your trunk! Love it so much!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $229.95 (available in four styles and two colors).
12. And a stroller cover you can throw over the stroller when it starts to downpour out of nowhere in the afternoon, because it somehow always does that when you're on vacation. Your kiddo will stay dry and protected while you run to buy one of those ponchos you only wear on vacation.
Promising review: "A must-have for vacations. This rain cover and mosquito net was perfect for our vacation! It fit over our stroller nicely and was great for the two-day trip we took to Cincinnati as some days we used the net and one day it rained when we went to the zoo so we used the cover! The baby didn't get overheated inside and was a happy camper since he could see through it. Very easy to use and worth every penny!"—Tlake33111
Get it from Amazon for $17.98 (available in two colors).
13. A magnetic luggage tag made to be clipped 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 make it to your destination in one piece. Say goodbye to ever having to pull out a crushed and wrinkled hat from your luggage again!
Lindsay Albanese is an LA-based woman-owned small business that creates fashionable and functional accessories to make your life easier.
Promising review: "Love! Love! Love it! It has a 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 Lindsay Albanese for $59.
14. A compact portable charger you do not need a cord to make work. Simply plug your phone into the dock, and it will give it the juice it needs after you drained it by taking 58,357 pictures. Also, you can charge the dock while it charges your phone!
It's able to charge an iPhone 8 1.5 times and a iPhone X one full time on a full charge.
Promising review: "This is so much better than those stupid heavy bar chargers and require you to bring alone a cord as well. I love that it fully charges your phone. It's a must-have for vacations and days at the beach." —Heather J. Mangrum
Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in five colors).
15. An acupressure anti-nausea wristband to make nausea and motion/morning sickness disappear so you can go on with your day without feeling awful and fighting the urge to throw up after riding that super-awesome roller coaster everyone recommended.
The band applies pressure on the P6 acupressure point that is said to help relieve nausea and vomiting.
Promising review: "I wished I tried this a long time ago. I used it on a 13 hour drive. Once at Disney World, I wore them for every ride, and it was the first time I did not get nausea or sick. I was amazed. This is a must-have if you get car sick or can’t ride rides at an amusement park." —E. Kendra
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $8.59.
16. An international power converter here to make it a breeze to plug in your electronics in 150 countries. The converter has a 5-foot detachable power cable and four different sockets, plus voltage converters so you don't short your curling iron...again.
Not talking from experience...not at all. 😬
Promising review: "This is a must-have item for travelers. It looks and works great! As an international traveler, this is very useful for me. I love that I can use it when I’m in the US as an extension with four USB ports. It also comes with handy bag to keep everything together including the plugs for different country standards. I highly recommend this product." —Mary Panam
Get it from Amazon for $39.99.
17. A kids travel air mattress super easy to pack (it folds pretty small) so your kiddo has a comfy place to sleep that's not wedged in the middle of the bed with you. This is the perfect in-between bed for those too big for a pack 'n' play but too small to need a whole bed to themselves.
It's recommended for ages 3–6 years old.
Promising review: "This is a must-have for small kids if you travel or have company often. It's very comfortable and durable — our kids bounce all over it. The sides ensure they won’t fall out. Great product! We went from pack 'n' play to this as our oldest grew." —Rhiannon K
Get it from Amazon for $44.19.
18. 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).
Promising review: "This is an amazing product. It's so simple but works incredible to prevent swelling and pressure on legs while flying. I just flew the first leg of an international flight and used it, and I am on a layover now and had to pause to write this review. I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!! It easily attached to tray table, and I adjusted to my desired height. It is like a hammock for your feet. You just prop them up inside the thing/swing/hammock — which is very cushiony — and your feet are hoisted up comfortably. I'm a big girl and weight is no issue. DEFINITELY MUST-HAVE ON ALL MY FLIGHTS NOW. This thing is great!!" —Queen
Get it from Amazon for $21.99 (available in purple and blue).
19. 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.
Promising review: "This is a must-have beach item. When we are on vacation where there are beaches, we always bring this product. It has been to Hawaii as well as European beaches and is still in great shape after numerous uses. Storage is easy and compact, so it doesn't take up space in luggage. The material is comfortable and the anchors work just fine wherever we have gone. I'd buy this product again." —STR
Get it from Amazon for $27.90+ (available in three colors).
20. An inflatable wedge pillow because when it comes to getting sleep on planes, you should not be worried about how you look. This comfy pillow will make it so you can fully conk out and catch some ZZZs. Plus, if you aren't ready to sleep yet, you can put your phone inside it and use it as a comfy way to watch your favorite comfort show (that will hopefully help you fall asleep).
Promising review: "This is an awesome travel pillow! I never sleep in planes, just can't sleep sitting down or with those neck roll types. This one was perfect. I leaned against the window with my arm through it, and I actually slept. The shape not only supports your head, but it also fills the space between the armrest and the window wall, so it is not uncomfortable to lean against it. Must-have for travel!" —Mariela
Get it from Amazon for $21.99.
21. 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.
Promising reviews: "Travel must-have! It's fabulous." —sandy
"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 $16.95 (available in black and pink).
22. Or a running belt if you want a little different way to keep your necessities (passport, money, phone, etc) secure. Reviewers like this style better than a money belt and also confirm you can barely notice it's there.
Promising review: "This is a must-have when traveling! I really liked the product for its snug fit and great quality. Sizing is perfect! I use it to stash $ bills when I go on vacations. I feel my money is safer in the FitBelt than in my wallet. I highly recommend." —momimj
Get it from Amazon for $23.73+ (available in sizes XXS–XXL and in 13 colors).
23. A hands-free (rotating!) phone mount you can use on more than just the airplane — it can mount on basically any surface from the tray table, arm of a chair, or even a suitcase handle for easy viewing wherever you are.
Promising review: "I travel a lot and this (with my AirPods) are my must-haves. I download a couple movies to my phone, clip it up, and sit back and relax. Fits with the tray table closed. I have had so many people ask me where I got it. I bought it after seeing another passenger with one. 10/10" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $12.97.
24. Megababe's Thigh Rescue reviewers swear by for protecting their thighs (and other body parts) from chafing while traveling in the heat. No angry red rash should ever stop you from getting out and enjoying all that your vacation has to offer!
Megababe is a woman-owned small business founded by Katie Sturino, an entrepreneur, body acceptance advocate, and influencer.
Promising review: "Okay, so I pushed this product to the LIMIT on a 2- trip to Panama. Panama... she's hot, she's humid, she's serving super sandy and salty ocean realness. I was able to hike and walk MILES in a bathing suit, shorts, and dresses because of this product. This stuff works. I ONLY started to experience some irritation at the tail end of my trip which was a cumulation of a lot of things, but I have to say... this stuff saved me, my thighs, and gave my one less thing to worry about on my vacation. MegaBabe.... you are a must-have product." —Cara
25. 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.
This wallet has a passport pocket, a boarding pass compartment, three credit card slots, an ID slot, a SIM card pouch, a coupon ticket slot, a cellphone pouch (max 5.8 inches), a money and coins zippered pocket (fits US dollars), a key holder, a pen holder, and a slim pocket.
Promising review: "This is a must-have for travel! It's a great travel companion! It has a place for everything, so I won't be fumbling in my purse looking for my driver's license, ticket, global entry card, or money for some coffee once I get through security! Clever design. Well made. I would recommend this to everyone!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in 39 colors).
26. A pair of cotton twill joggers comfortable enough to do just about anything in, from flying, to hiking, or just casually walking 20,000+ steps a day (as one does while on vacation, naturally).
Tentree is small business based in Canada that creates sustainably made clothing. They'll plant 10 trees for every purchase made.
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Danielle Healy says: "These are my go-to travel pants — a must-have if you like being comfortable but not looking too schlubby out in public. The material is a thick, sturdy cotton and the drawstring actually serves a purpose (gasp) so you can wear them on the hip or up higher on the waist. They taper nicely, have lots of functional pockets, and wash up well. The only downfall is they do attract a bit of lint, but that's a small price to pay for a pant that does its job so dang well, that I feel like I'm going to have for years, and that is made by a company with ethical manufacturing processes and environmental initiatives that I'm happy to support."
Get. it from Tentree for $88 (available in women's sizes XS–XL and in four colors).
27. A portable door lock for anyone who travels alone or just wants some extra comfort while on vacation. It's super easy to install and remove, fits in almost all doors, and is small enough to stash in a bag.
28. A kids' travel table complete with a tablet viewing stand, cup holder, dry-erase board and eating tray, as well as storage pockets for toys and activities. Your little one will be so entertained that no matter how long you're in the car, you won't hear the dreaded phrase..."Are we there yet?".
Promising review: "Literal must-have for traveling with kids. We use this on long car trips or vacations. It’s a great place to color and keep markers and pencils close and it's also great for eating in the car. Many vacations we grab fast food to eat while we are driving and it’s so much easier for the kids to eat with this tray that keeps all their snacks and food close to them. I honestly don’t know how we traveled without this!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $28.95 (available in five colors).
29. A pair of quick-dry water shoes perfect to protect your feet from whatever is lurking just below the surface in the water. You'll be able to fully enjoy your vacation without accidentally stepping on a jelly fish barefoot. Ouch!
30. An inflatable foot rest both adults and kids love because it gives them the ability to keep their feet up while on long flights. The foot rest can be inflated to three heights and comes with an eye mask, earplugs, dust cover, and drawstring bag.
Promising review: "This is a must-have for long flights! If you can't afford first-class seats like me, get this! I took a flight from LA to South Africa, and this saved me! It's easy to blow up and works great to elevate your feet to sleep. It does take up most of your space so if you don't have under-seat room, you will not have much other space. It is a little challenging it get it back in the travel bag, but I did it." —RSJ
Get it from Amazon for $25.99.
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