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1. A Beis weekender bag that'll be your travel BFF. It's a great carry-on option that has tons of pockets, a special shoe compartment, and a trolley sleeve so it easily slides onto your luggage handle. This is your travel superhero.
I have this bag and let me tell you, it is THE BEST travel bag I own. It has so much storage and the shoe compartment at the bottom is honestly the best part. I can fit 2–3 pairs of shoes in it, or if I'm not packing shoes in it, I can utilize it for other storage. It has several pockets and is roomy enough to fit so many necessities. It fits easily into the overhead compartments on airplanes as well and I love that it slides on the rolling luggage handle so I don't have to carry it on my arm at the airport. You need this, period.
Get it from Beis for $98 (available in five colors).
2. A digital luggage scale so you don't have to endure any unexpected $$$ charges when you're trying to check your bag. "That'll be an extra $100 since you're over the weight limit." You: I don't think so.
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).
3. An anti-theft backpack that opens from the back (aka the part that touches your back when you wear it) so you can worry less about a pickpocket stealing any of your valuables. It also has tons of interior and exterior pockets and a sleeve for a tablet or small laptop.
My coworker Brittany Ross has one:
"I went to Italy this summer, 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 $25.99+ (available in two sizes and 17 colors/styles).
4. A luggage-mounted cup caddy because no one should be traveling home to see family without a dose of caffeine beforehand to calm the nerves. This slides on your rolling luggage handle easily and can hold your coffee and smartphone so you can have your hands free.
Reviewers say it's ideal for a suitcase that can roll on four wheels! If you have a suitcase that has to tilt while it rolls, just be careful if the drinks are open at the top.
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 $15.99+ (available in 31 colors/styles).
5. An AirFly Pro wireless transmitter so no matter the length of your flight, you can enjoy all the inflight entertainment your heart desires with your Bluetooth headphones (because who has wired headphones anymore?). Time to put on Home Alone and enjoy a flight where you don't have to endure screaming kiddos headphone-less.
Just plug it into the headphone jack to hear Meg Ryan say, "That caviar is a garnish!" the way it was meant to be heard. You can also connect up to two pairs of earbuds at a time, and it has 16+ hours of battery life for suuuper long flights.
Twelve South is a husband-and-wife-owned biz based in Charleston, South Carolina, and has just 20 team members! 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 multiple headsets! Thank you!!!" —Ryan Malloy
Get it from Amazon for $54.99 (also available in two other styles).
6. And a set of affordable, highly popular wireless Bluetooth earbuds if you don't currently own a decent pair for listening to music, movies, podcasts and audiobooks to keep you entertained.
These come with a wireless charging case that provides up to 14 hours of charge (with the earbuds able to play for 4+ hours with each full charge). The earbuds are also sweatproof and waterproof so you can use them during workouts or runs or even in the shower, and have a built-in mic so you can chat on the phone.
Promising review: "So many things to rave about with these! Quality of the design and feel of these is amazing. I could literally wear these all night while on vacation with a roommate who snored, they were that comfortable and good at noise cancelling. I use these most often to listen to music and the sound quality is superb. I have a pair of AirPods that I was *thankfully* gifted and I hardly ever use them because they just aren't as good as my Tozos!" —Alexis Arnold
Get it from Amazon $18.99+ (available in five colors).
7. A cordless portable charger in case there's no outlets under your airplane seat (or you'll be in the back of a car with no access to the USB port) and need a handy way to charge your phone.
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) — don't forget to apply the coupon to save up to 15%!
8. Or a set of battery power banks that can charge multiple devices at once with their numerous ports. You AND your significant other's phones are about to die? No worries, you can charge them at the same time.
Each power bank features four ports — two USB ports, a USBC port, and a Micro USB port. Each power bank allows for two to three full battery charges for your phone.
Promising review: "They are the perfect chargers! They charge my phone to 100% and still have like a whole battery left. I was amazed that they actually worked." —AmazonKweenBee’s👑🐝
Get a set of two from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in four color combinations).
9. A 50-count set of laundry soap sheets if you'll be hopping from house to house this holiday season and need to ensure the clothes you packed can be worn more than once. These will come in clutch so you can hand-wash your garments and rewear them without fearing they smell.
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 $7.19.
10. A collapsible water bottle to ensure you stay hydrated on your long journey home. It rolls up super small when not filled with fluid so it can take up the least amount of precious space in your bags.
Plus, it's lead-, latex-, and BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and can be used for hot or cold drinks.
Nomader is a small business founded by Bryan Sarlitt who sought to create more quality hydration products that were of high quality and great for travelers.
Promising review: "Well this is the coolest thing ever! I travel quite a bit, and I usually don't take a bottle with me because they are big and bulky and I usually lose them! This collapsible water bottle is a perfect traveling accessory. It stays collapsed until after security, and then I fill it up for the trip. It's a good size and fits in my side compartment in my travel backpack, and the cap screws in securely so I don't have to worry about it opening accidentally and spilling all over the place. I follow the instructions on how to clean it and it works just fine." —M. Lyons
Get it from Amazon for $34.95 (available in eight colors).
11. An in-flight phone mount if you happen to be taking a train, plane, or automobile that has no TV screens in sight. Just pop this baby on the back of the seat in front of you for your viewing pleasure. Anyone down to watch Christmas Vacation?
Promising review: "I bought this nifty gadget about six months ago for a multi-leg, 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 them." —Earendil
Get it from Amazon for $12.97 (available in three colors, as well as a pack of two).
12. A refined leather electronics organizer to ensure you have all of your cords for all of your tech devices. Ah — a spot for my watch, headphones, portable charger, phone, tablet, and e-reader cords.
Plus, you can have it personalized with your initials!
Mister Crafter is a small biz that specializes in personalized leather travel and tech accessories.
Promising review: "Absolutely beautiful! The custom lettering came out perfectly and it can easily hold two battery packs and all the cords we could ever need for traveling with cellphones, iPads and our Switch. So pleased with the craftsmanship! Wonderful purchase. <3" —Sarah Kavaljian
Get it from Mister Crafter on Etsy for $39.80+ (available in two sizes, in black or brown, and several engraving options).
13. A mini steam iron because that gorgeous holiday 'fit you were planning to wear for dinner is probs getting wrinkled in your luggage as we speak. This will give you peace of mind knowing you can de-wrinkle it in just a few minutes.
Promising review: "The best travel item I have purchased this year! It irons so well. I took it on a trip to Germany a few weeks ago. I just placed a towel on the counter or on the bed, and it took minimal effort to iron out the creases. The steam works very well. I hardly had to use the max heat option because it’s pretty powerful. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who does business travel and are going to areas that don’t have irons available in the hotel rooms or for leisure travel as well. It doesn’t take up much room. It fits in the palm of my hand. I also had no problem getting through security in Germany, London, or the US." —Erica Kowsari
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
14. A backseat hook if you'll be spending tons of time in the car and want to make sure you can grab your wallet out of your bag when you have an impromptu gas stop.
Promising review: "I saw this product on a 'TikTok amazing finds' list and given that my purse always seems to tip over in the back seat, emptying all the contents all over the floor, I thought I would give it a try. It comes with two, so I put one on each side of the seat, and it works so well. I love this product. It’s strong and well made, not cheap. I’m glad I bought it and I would recommend it for sure." —PC
Get a set of two from Amazon for $7.95 (available in two colors).
15. A lavender-scented dry shampoo and volume powder so you can zhuzh up your hair after hopping off your five-hour plane ride. This'll give that "I just blew out and styled my hair" look and not "I was just kicked in the back of my airplane seat for five hours as I tried to nap."
Hair Dance is a small beauty brand whose mission is to create inclusive, cruelty-free hair products for all.
Promising review: "It makes my bangs and roots look fresh again. And I love that this is a powder and not a stinky aerosol spray. That also means that this lasts MUCH longer. I use it every other day when I don't wash my hair since I have very oily roots. I've been using it for almost a month and barely any is missing out of the bottle. A little goes a long way." —R. G.
Get it from Amazon for $11.99.
16. A set of super-comfy wax ear plugs that'll mold to your ear shape so you can tune out any snorers or irritating children screaming while you try to doze off to sleep.
Check out one BuzzFeed writer's Macks earplugs review for more deets.
Promising review: "I have always bought earplugs based on the decibel ratings, but none of them have ever worked very well for me, because they don't stay in my ears. These have a lower decibel rating than any of the foam earplugs I have used in the past, but they are much more effective. They really block noise, and they don't go in your ear canal; they just cover the entrance to the ear canal. I find this much more comfortable. I am really glad I found these, and just wish i had found them sooner." —Portlandia
Get 12 pairs from Amazon for $12.99.
17. A pair of super absorbent period underwear if you're worried that Aunt Flo may arrive while you're traveling home. These lifesaving underwear can hold up to two tampon's worth of blood.
Also, unlike your regular undies, you don't have to scrub the blood out of these. They're designed so it rinses right out in the sink with soap and warm water, and can get tossed in the washer and dryer from there.
You can read more about our Bambody period underwear review here.
Psst — reviewers love these undies, but suggest sizing up!
Promising review: "My job requires traveling to places that may not always have a bathroom, so when I’m on my period I wear these as a fail-safe in case my tampon or pad is at a max and I’m not somewhere I can change them out. It’s worked great so far and it makes it far more comfortable on the job." —Sam
Get it from Amazon for $14.90+ (available in womne's sizes XXS–6XL, several colors, and various pack sizes).
18. A travel baby wipe dispenser because you'll be traveling with a kiddo and want to ensure you're prepared for any messes along the way.
Grab a pack of wipes here.
Promising review: "Bought this to put in my diaper bag instead of throwing a WHOLE pack of diaper wipes in it. It fits a very good amount for a day outing or something similar. I have no problems pulling the wipes out of the holder whenever the holder is full. Really happy with this purchase." —Kaylaaaa
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in three colors; wipes are not included).
19. A travel-size Poo-Pourri spray so when the urge to go number two hits, you can go in peace knowing when you leave the bathroom stall, it'll smell fresh and aromatic and not like doody.
Spray a few spritzes in the toilet before you go and a few spritzes in the toilet after you go for maximum results.
Promising review: "This product works!!!!!!! It works 10 times better than other air fresheners. Every bathroom should have this product. You basically spray the product three times into the toilet and do your business. I don't know chemistry, but somehow the chemicals neutralize the horrible odor in the bathroom. You won't understand how amazing this product is until you use it. I bring this on vacation and trips to see family and friends. I'm not going to embarrass myself at anybody's house!" —Naturally MonaLisa
Get the travel size from Amazon for $11.40 (this one is lavender peppermint scented but there are other travel-sized scents available!).
20. A set of Tide To Go pens in case you spill some ketchup on your fresh new sneaks, or some wine on your pretty white blouse, or coffee on your slacks — you get the picture, right? These will always come in handy and being an adult means having these on you always. (I need to take my own advice and get myself a pack.)
Promising review: "These were a lifesaver. I was walking to the bus and decided it was a great decision to drink coffee while walking. Like a scene from an infomercial, I spilled coffee all over my white shirt. Yes, the classic coffee on the white shirt. Luckily I had one of these in my bag (I put one in each of my most-used purses in anticipation of my clumsiness). I went into a store bathroom and quickly scrubbed the Tide To Go on my shirt. All of the coffee blobs went away and once the awkward wet splotches dried up, my shirt was perfectly white again. You've got yourself a big fan, Tide." —NAD
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $7.74.
21. A penguin pacifier to help you avoid the dreaded cries that come with bringing your little one on an airplane (or a long car ride for that matter). You'll be so grateful to be able to whip this guy out when they get fussy. Plus it has over 17,700 5-star ratings.
Note: Please supervise your baby when using this, and make sure it's never flipped inside out.
Smily Mia is a small biz owned by single father Paul that was born out of his own necessity to assist his daughter Mia through her mouthing phase.
Promising review: "This toy is PERFECT for my 4-month-old! She is teething, but I realized that although I had more traditional teething toys (ex. liquid filled rings that can be frozen, chunky toy 'keys' on a plastic ring) but she couldn’t use them yet! They were still too clunky for her hands, and too thick to get into her little mouth, especially to reach farther back on her gum. So, I needed something slim enough for her hand to grip, and small enough for little mouths. Bonus points that this toy offers a 'nub' instead of being a hard-to-chew circle. I guided her little hand to the grip and she took to it right away! It’s instinctive, sturdy, and works great for my (young) teething daughter. It’s not even a competition which toy is her favorite now, and in just a few days she has figured out how to find the grip herself. 1,000/10 recommend!" —Cynthia Harward
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in various colors and sets of two).
22. A compact pill organizer since any medicine you may need should be kept compartmentalized and easy to find. You'll now be able to keep your Tums, Advil, and important medications perfectly organized instead of all tossed into one jar (or in my case, a plastic bag...)
You could also use these for storing other things like hair ties, bobby pins, and even jewelry!
Promising review: "This is amazing!!! One of my favorite purchases I’ve made on Amazon. I did in fact buy it to use with pills and have had no issues there, but I found another use for it too!! Since it is actually relatively large, I ended up using one of them for packing my jewelry as well!! It is REALLY hard to find a safe and effective way to transport this volume of jewelry, but this is great. With separate compartments for each piece, a hard plastic design so that nothing can squish them through the packaging, and two different sizes for the compartments, I am obsessed. This is the best idea I ever had LOL." —Kathy Latifi
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $7.98.
23. An RFID-blocking travel wallet that'll hold your tickets and currency, as well as help you avoid the virtual theft of your passport, must-have credit cards, and IDs. This will also help diminish the panic of "Where is my passport?" when you're rummaging through your tote bag.
The RFID-blocking material prevents thieves from the ability to technologically steal your data from the chips in your credit cards or passport.
Promising review: "I love this wallet so much that I’m going to use it for everyday use prior to our trip! For someone who doesn’t use credit cards, it’s perfect (only three slots), so if you’re a big card user this may not be for you. I like that it has a 'hook' so I can attach my keys and go; no need to carry a purse around if I don’t want to!" —McNichol
Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in 42 colors).
24. A bottle of anti-fog treatment to ensure you can actually see when you want to wear your mask AND your glasses while flying. Anyone who has worn a mask and their glasses at the same time knows the struggle.
Promising review: "This product is great and it actually works. I wasn’t very hopeful at first because I’ve tried other products, but this one kept my glasses from fogging all day at work while wearing my mask. I work in healthcare so I wear a mask 12 hours a day." —Zoe
Get it from Amazon for $12.55.
25. A pack of Colgate disposable toothbrushes in case you happen to have a meal with a bit of garlic or onion and need to freshen up quickly. There's no rinse or water necessary — just scrub away and then toss when finished!
Promising review: "Late sleeper? Sometimes barely conscious as you rush to get ready for work and run to the car so you won't be late? Maaaybe forgot to brush your teeth even though you're supposed to be an adult? Yeah, me too. These things freshen and clean and a bag of them are always in my purse. Wish they sold them in giant bulk." —Lindsay E Murdock
Get a 96 from Amazon for $17.08.
And now that you're prepared for anything and everything...happy holidays!
