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 smart Tile tracker for keeping a keen eye on your luggage, because you've heard too many horror stories of airlines losing bags. This little device can attach to your belongings and help you keep track of them via a free phone app so you don't become the next victim.
The starter pack comes with two Mates, one Slim, and one Sticker. The Tile can also make a beeping sound until you find your items.
Promising review: "A must-have. I have these on everything, including my wallet, car, luggage and dog. After being separated from my bag in another country and tracking it down, I swear by these things. Highly recommend." —Izzy Castro
Get the starter pack from Amazon for $79.88.
2. A lipstick-size cordless portable charger that'll be a lifesaver when you're waiting for your Uber to arrive, but you've just spent an hour trying to get the perfect shot of the Sydney Opera House and now your phone battery is at a mere 10%. This small but mighty charger is capable of charging smartphones lightning fast when in a pinch.
My former colleague Britt Ross says, "I'd had my eye on this bad boy for a while, and finally ordered it to take on a two-week trip to Europe. Let me tell you: LIFESAVER. I'm the type of person who loves to spend hours and hours exploring new cities, but with the amount of photos and videos I take, my phone's battery tends to drain really quickly (relying on Google Maps to get literally everywhere doesn't help, either). With this, I knew I'd have some backup when there weren't any outlets nearby, and it was *so* nice not having to connect my phone to a clunky charging bank via cord. 100% recommend!"
Promising review: "This is the perfect charger to take with you everywhere! I’ve taken it to football games, Disneyland and even used it in the hospital for two days. I can usually get two charges out of it." —Janeo
Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in five colors).
3. And an international travel adapter, because having a dead phone *and* incompatible outlets for your charger would just be the cherry on top of a not-so-great start to vacay. This adapter is equipped with a universal outlet, two standard USB ports, and a USB-C port so you can charge up to four devices at once, *and* it's compatible in over 150 countries!
The charger can be used in Mexico, Canada, the UK, the UAE, Japan, China, Australia, New Zealand, and countries in Europe, Asia, and South America.
Promising review: "LOVE this adapter! I travel from time to time internationally and have always used just the 'standard' adapters found in airports. Could not pass up the opportunity to purchase this one after reading the reviews. Exceeded my expectations of what it was capable of. Used on a recent trip to Germany and it handled everything needed — laptop, cell phone (USB ports are so very welcome), alarm clock, dryer, etc. Did not miss a beat on the power provided. And, it is also attractive looking ;-) Thank you for making such a great, dependable product!" —Monkey
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
4. A set of Sea Bands — if you're someone who suffers from motion sickness, you know how much it can ruin your travel experience. These little bands apply acupressure to a specific point on your wrist, helping to relieve nausea without needing to carry around bottles of medication.
To use, put them on *both* wrists!
Read more about acupressure and nausea at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Promising review: "I was skeptical about these but I was quickly all about them when I put them on. I get really motion sick when flying but this weekend I did not get motion sick at all during a four hour flight! I was even able to read my book for a while on the plane without sickness! I have never been able to do that before. I love these and they are now a must-have whenever I travel again. 10/10." —Rosse
Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.52 (also available in children's sizes).
5. A unique water-resistant nylon water bottle holder that'll be your extra pair of hands while going through airport security or on excursions. This carrier holds all the important stuff — wallet, phone, passport, chargers, hand sanitizer — *plus* your water bottle so you don't have to dig through a messy purse or overstuffed carry-on. AND it's insulated to keep your drink cool and can hold up to a whopping 40 ounces!
It even comes with a detachable shoulder strap and four spacious exterior pockets! This genius bag comes from Calpak, a family-owned business that makes high-quality travel products that are both innovative and stylish.
Haley: "I recently bought this and it's my new favorite possession. I either carry my Nalgene or my Yeti everywhere (if I'm not drinking water, you can bet I'm guzzling coffee), which is unwieldy in my tote bag, to say the least. I end up carrying the bottles by hand, which, besides being tiring, makes me prone to losing said bottle. Enter the CalPak holder, which has low-key upgraded my life. I don't even carry a tote anymore — I can pack my lipsticks, scrunchies, wallet, keys, phone, earbuds, and sunglasses in the outside pockets with my coffee, water, or tea snug inside. The strap is adjustable so you can wear it crossbody or over your shoulder.
"This is an investment, but one that has been well worth it for me. I recently brought it to the airport with me for a flight I was taking, and it's made me love this little thing even more. I am easily frazzled in airports and am constantly anxiously digging around in my carry-on for my ID, charger, wallet, and what have you. The Calpak water bottle holder *shined*, keeping everything I needed close and neatly organized in their own compartments, plus my drink close. I will never travel without this again — mark my words."
Get it from Calpak for $45 (available in 13 colors).
6. A travel wallet made with RFID-blocking material so no one can "bump into you" and digitally steal your credit card information. There's also a bunch of pockets to easily store and organize everything while constantly on the move.
The wallet has a passport pocket, boarding pass compartment, three credit card slots, an ID slot, a slim card pouch, slim pocket, a ticket slot, a cellphone pouch, a coin zippered pocket, key holder, and pen holder.
Promising review: "I absolutely love this wallet. I needed a new travel wallet, and this holds everything I need all in one place, and it still closes nicely and stays flat! I can fit my boarding pass, passport, ID, credit cards, money, checked baggage tickets, receipts, and more in it, yet it doesn’t bulk up or look like an overstuffed mess. It's just amazing. The description says it only holds US money, but I just used the boarding pass flap to hold all my Japanese yen, which are larger. I didn’t use the zippered pocket for coins as I much prefer a separate coin purse for that sort of thing. I definitely recommend to anyone who travels a lot!" —Anthony Luu
Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in 35 colors).
7. A luggage drink caddy to ensure your beloved sugar cookie latte with two pumps of brown sugar syrup is secured to your wheeled luggage as you dash to your gate. The caddy also features two extra pockets to hold your in-flight snacks, hand sanitizer, phone charger, and anything else you might want to keep within arm's reach while on the go.
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, 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, and 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 $13.59 (available in 21 colors and other styles).
8. Some travel-sized Vaseline perfect for combatting the harsh, dry air of an airplane cabin. With its moisturizing formula, you can keep your hands, lips, and anything else that could use some TLC feeling soft and protected.
Promising review: "This is the perfect size for travel, and they last forever. I keep one in the car and another in my toiletry bag for when I'm on the move. I can never find it in the stores so was glad to find it here." —E. Furan
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $5.56 (available in various pack sizes).
9. A pair of comfortable compression socks made to prevent you from looking like you swapped feet with Violet from Charlie And The Chocolate Factory. These socks offer the support needed when you're not able to get up and move around for a few hours and reduce the discomfort of swelling.
Read more about compression socks and swelling, especially during long flights, at Cleveland Clinic.
Promising review: "I absolute LOVE these socks!!! Usually when I travel my ankles swell so bad that I have to elevate my feet for a extended period of time for the swelling to go down. However, I just went on a 10-hour flight while wearing these and my ankles and feet were not swollen!! I was absolutely amazed!! I wish I would have bought these sooner!! I would highly recommend these socks!" —Donnesha
Get it from Amazon for $16.22+ (available in 15 colors and sizes S–XXL).
10. A very thorough packing checklist so you can triple-check that you packed enough emergency underwear and a bottle of sunscreen. From extra pairs of socks to prescription meds, this list makes sure all your bases (and then some) are covered. You can never be too prepared!
Promising review: "We travel frequently and have two children. As any parent knows, packing for yourself and your children can be overwhelming (especially for a trip longer than a few days). I have found this list to be a lifesaver and I also give it as a gift for other traveling families. It is easy to plan, organize, and list out items that are easily forgotten. You can also list the quantity of each item needed. It has a variety of clothing options and space to add more. Overall, wonderful purchase and has likely saved me many forgotten items!" —I-really-bought-this
Get it from Amazon for $7.
11. A super comfy, ergonomic Trtl neck pillow because even though you're packed on a plane like a can of sardines, that doesn't mean you should have to compromise your sleep. This neck pillow helps keep your head upright so you don't arrive at your destination exhausted and with an achy neck. This will also prevent you from nodding off on your neighbor, ensuring everyone can enjoy their flight in peace!
It also easily attaches to backpacks and luggage handles (see the photo on the right), weighs less than half a pound, and is machine washable!
Promising review: "I'm so happy I bought mine. Won't travel without it now! I was in auto accident a number of years ago, and had some residual neck issues. Flying became painful and extra hard on my body, and it would take at least a few days to get back to normal. But once I started using the Trtl Pillow, that all went away. It's made all the difference. Domestic and international travel are both enjoyable again! (Only 'problem' now is that my husband wants to use it too.)" —JB Momma
Get it from Amazon for $60.99+ (available in four colors).
12. A digital luggage scale to avoid that awful stomach drop feeling when you're hit with an oversized suitcase fee at check-in. This trusty scale can help you gauge how overboard you can go with the souvenirs you plan on bringing back without the risk of your luggage being 20 pounds overweight.
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 reviews: "Took this on several overseas trips in the first two months. I can't believe I used to hold my bags and weigh myself and the bag on scales — and then subtract my weight. It was so time consuming, especially when we were either close to the limit or over. This small device literally saved us hours of frustration and possible unpacking at the airport check-in line. We couldn't live without this item now. We bought another one as a backup. Wouldn't hesitate to buy this exact item again." —AB
"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 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 five colors).
13. An AirFly Pro wireless transmitter allowing you to use your own high-quality Bluetooth earbuds or headphones to tune in to in-flight entertainment. With the ability to connect up to two pairs at once, you can even watch Crazy Rich Asians (my go-to flight movie) with your travel buddy. And don't worry about running out of juice on those long-haul flights — this device has a battery life of 25+ hours.
BTW, this works on gym and gaming equipment, too.
Twelve South is a husband and wife-owned biz based in Charleston, South Carolina! They've been designing accessories inspired by and made for Apple products since 2009.
Promising review: "Ever since I purchased my wireless Bose earbuds, I always hated having to use another set when I was on an airplane with the seat-back entertainment system. I tried many different models to connect the system to my Bluetooth headsets until I came across this one, and it is amazing! It seamlessly connects to my headset, very clear and reliable audio, and it takes the stress away from having to carry different headsets! Thank you!!!" —Ryan Malloy
Get it from Amazon for $54.99 (available in two colors and two other styles).
14. Plus, a sturdy hands-free (rotating!) phone mount that'll keep your device from sliding off your lap or between the seats when you doze off! It also swivels 360 degrees, allowing you to position your phone in either portrait or landscape orientation.
Perilogics is a small business creating hyper-functional tool holsters and bags for carrying your stuff on the go.
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 it!" —Earendil
Get it from Amazon for $12.97 (available in three colors).
15. A well-thought-out water bottle cup holder adapter, aka THE ultimate convenience tool for road trips. It easily fits into any standard cup holder and expands to hold a variety of drink sizes, from your morning coffee to your giant QT cup. No more spills or awkward balancing acts — just pure beverage bliss.
It fits 32-ounce and 40-ounce bottles.
Wine and Whiskey Co. is a small business that makes clothes, phone cases, and car accessories!
Promising review: "I had to remove the foam wrap that was on it for it to fit in my cup holder, but now it works perfectly. No more having my water bottle in the seat next to me, rolling on the floor, or spilling 'cause I forgot to close it! Yay!" —sprocketnellie
Get it from Wine and Whiskey Co. on Etsy for $12.99 (also available in packs of three, four, and six).
16. A rotating magnetic phone mount anyone who's tired of balancing their phone on their dashboard just to get a glimpse of directions would appreciate. Just peel off the sticker to attach this mount securely to your dashboard, and it'll grip your phone magnetically, letting you easily rotate it to the perfect angle. With this nifty accessory, you can now focus on the most important thing: the road ahead.
Most reviewers say their phone attaches even with a case on, but a few did mention they had to use the included self-adhesive metal plate and place it to the inside/outside of their case.
Promising review: "This product is great and such a bargain! I received everything promised in the advertised description including extra mounting supplies! Installation was a breeze, the magnet is extremely powerful and the 3M adhesive is especially effective if you wait a couple of days before using the device. Follow instructions as given and you will be impressed with the item. I didn't use the metal discs as I already had a metal ring attachment on the back of my phone and it still worked perfectly!" —Rhonda Speak
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in four colors).
17. A chic anti-theft backpack if you hate the idea that while you're on the crowded airport shuttle, you would never know if someone unzipped your bag and took something out. With this bag, the only way to open it is from underneath (thanks to the zipper being flush against your back), making it as practical as it is stylish.
My former colleague Britt Ross loves this backpack! She writes: "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!"
Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in 14 styles, including two sizes).
18. A portable white noise machine so you can snooze like a baby no matter how noisy and disruptive your surroundings may be. It produces a consistent, soothing sound that can lull you into a peaceful slumber, no matter if your hotel room is right next to the elevator or your balcony is just above the street level.
It features 20 nonlooping sleep sounds, 32 volume levels, and a timer — plus, it weighs less than half a pound!
Promising review: "Wonderful sound machine. Compact enough for travel. We took ours on vacation and are so glad we did. This drowns out hotel noises perfectly! I like how small it is when on my dresser at home, too. So thankful for the nonlooping sound. Would recommend over and over again." —Hill.jess
Get it from Amazon for $21.99.
19. Some squeezable silicone travel bottles to carry all of your essentials like shampoo, body wash, and lotion without having to worry about TSA tossing them. The set also comes with pre-printed labels so you'll know exactly what's what, keeping you prepared and organized.
*Plus,* decanting your creams and liquids into these babies will free up space in your carry-on and spare you weight. And they come with a handy, clear zipper pouch!
Promising review: "Just took a trip to the Dominican Republic and used carry-on luggage only throughout the entire trip, never once was questioned about the size. The bag they are in seems thin but it worked great to put bottles back in as well as some smaller items fit in the bag too, like lip gloss, mascara, and such. The holes are big enough to get your product in to the bottles without any complications. My fiancé and myself had plenty of shampoo, conditioner, sunblock and lotion for seven days. Highly recommend these bottles, they are perfect for carry-ons!!" —Stephanie Miller
Get a set of four 3-ounce bottles from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in a variety of sizes and colors).
20. A splash-free, slip-free silicone dog travel bowl, because Pepper’s comfort during road trips matters too. Its cleverly angled design helps keep the bowl flat on your car seat, while the tapered lip reduces splashing, so you can rest assured that there won't be any messes to clean up during an already hectic travel day.
Promising review: "I love this thing. I was definitely skeptical but it is sort of miraculous how the water stays in the bowl. (It is even a little tricky to dump the water on purpose because of the design.) I needed a bowl so my pup could have water at all times during a cross-country road trip. It doesn't slide around, and didn't spill. He has even stepped on it and it barely splashed. Perfect. Totally recommend." —Siena
Get it from Amazon for $13.95 (available in two colors)
21. A jewelry organizer to keep all your dainty chains and elaborate earrings organized and tangle-free so that you can *actually* wear them with all your vacay fits.
Promising review: "I absolutely love this product!! Came exactly as advertised. The feel is nice quality, and zippers and pockets all good quality. My favorite is the necklace compartment! The separate elastic bands really do prevent my necklaces from tangling together. Everything is easy to see and store. I highly recommend buying this for yourself or as a gift!" —Kristid
Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in two sizes and 12 colors).
22. A sturdy, lightweight pill organizer equipped with eight compartments to keep all of your medications sorted in one compact case without having to squeeze bulky pill bottles into your carry-on.
Promising review: "My husband and I travel a lot and take a number of prescription drugs. It was always a hassle accessing our medication when needed, so I purchased this organizer to make things easier. I used a label maker and labeled each little compartment and it has performed wonderfully. I highly recommend this organizer to anyone who travels and needs medications throughout the day." —Jacqueline
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $9.97.
23. A set of travel compression cubes that'll create so much more room in your suitcase by squeezing out excess air. And you have ~options~ for how to pack, like grouping by piece (like T-shirts in one, underwear in another) or organizing by outfit to make getting dressed a breeze once you're there.
Promising review: "Must-have traveling accessory. Best way to pack a suitcase! I’ll never go back to stuffing everything in on its own. These compartments held way more than I imagined and kept me organized. I will definitely add more to my collection. Makes a great gift for frequent travelers too!" —Lisa
Get them from Amazon for $18.95+ (available in 10 styles and in packs of two, three, or six).
24. A JetKids ride-on carry-on suitcase to make traveling with the kids a bit easier and a lot more enjoyable. This piece of luggage is like a personal scooter so you can easily keep your eyes on them at all times. It also has the added bonus of holding your belongings so they don't have to make that dreaded 2-mile walk to baggage claim.
It's recommended for kids ages 3–7 (and up to 77 pounds) 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 also use this product while in the airport waiting for the flight to keep their kids comfy and happy.
Promising review: "So we traveled from JFK to Florida recently and this 'giddy up' (as my daughter called it) made its money just on the walk from long-term parking to Terminal 2. Anyone who's been at JFK's Terminal 2 recently knows the extensive haul that is. The suitcase is easy to pull, easy to maneuver and fit a bunch of snacks, iPad, coloring books, blanket, plushies, and an empty Yeti kids rambler. I plan on buying another for my second child." —Darling Wold
Get it from Amazon for $229 (available in six colors).
25. A transparent waterproof toiletry bag with enough room to fit all of your morning AND nighttime toiletries and beauty products. It also hangs in the bathroom so it's easy to see everything you packed.
Promising review: "We are a family of seven and this held all of our bathroom supplies for a weekend trip. This is a must-have for traveling. The best feature is it being able to hang up on a robe hook or the back of a door. It frees up hotel sinks and keeps you well organized." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $18.39+ (available in two sizes and nine colors).
26. A memory foam seat cushion designed with orthopedic gel to spare your lower back and sciatica from the ~seemingly~ 4,000-mile road trip to your in-laws house. This seat cushion promotes correct posture, giving more support to the lower back and making it a little more enjoyable to sit for extended periods of time.
It's also great for people who sit for long hours at their job!
Promising review: "A few weeks into working from home five days a week I started having a lot of hip/leg/back pain. I have a good Herman Miller task chair that had been fine for 1–2 days of WFH a week, but wasn't working for me full time. In the early afternoons my lower back would start cramping. I did some research and bought this pillow and it immediately helped! I also took it on a two-week road trip since a three-day road trip earlier this year had made a mess of my lower body that lingered for weeks — and no pain! What really drove me to write this review was that yesterday, unknowingly, I worked all day sitting on my chair without my cushion. I had removed it to use as a spare chair at my dinner table and forgot to put it back. At the end of the day hip was aching and I realized why! Today it's back on my chair and I'm already feeling better." —Lorene
Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in three colors).
27. An unassuming luggage strap, which might not look like much, but even flight attendants swear by them. Use it to strap your coat or personal bag to your luggage so you don't have to carry it around, freeing your hands to grab a cup of coffee from Dunkin'.
Promising review: "I love this little gadget. I used it to attach my jacket and computer bag to my luggage on an extended business trip. It made my airport walks so much easier. Now that I'm back home, I've been using it daily to attach my jacket or cardigan to my work bag or purse." —Michele
Get it from Amazon for $8.49+ (available in six colors and in sets of two).
28. A practical yet adorable personalized acrylic luggage tag that'll not only add some pizzazz to your luggage but also let you know you're grabbing the right bag. And don't worry, your tag won't get damaged in transit! The acrylic material is durable and long-lasting, so you can use it on all your future travels.
Little Dot Studio is a woman-owned, Seattle-based small biz specializing in engraved keepsakes, like luggage tags and bookmarks.
Promising review: "Love this luggage tag. I bought my son and his wife two as a wedding gift with luggage and just purchased two for me and my husband. I ordered the bright orange so I could easily spot my luggage, and it turned out great!" —Maggie
Get it from Little Dot Studio on Etsy for $15.50+ (available in three strap materials and many color options — personalized engraving included).
29. A crossbody phone holder for keeping your phone securely attached to your body and within reach at all times. No more checking your pockets every five minutes or holding your breath in crowded areas — you can finally relax and enjoy your day.
Haley: "I have one of these and it's one of my favorite purchases, period. I love always having my phone on me without having to carry it by hand (and because my clothes often don't have pockets included). It's a dream for traveling too because it allows me to never misplace my phone, since it's always on me, literally. An amazing travel and TBH life hack."
Your Color Your Style is a California-based small biz that makes stylish yet functional crossbody holders for smartphones.
Promising reviews: "Love the colors I chose!!! Quality is great!! Taking it on vacation, cannot wait to use the lanyard with the case!!!" —Amy Koester
"Fun, bright and it will simplify your life and give you your arms back. Beautiful colors to choose from and received lots of compliments." —Rosey
Get it from Your Color Your Style on Etsy for $29.99+ (available in 15 sizes and in 12 colors, and with customization).
Reviews here have been edited for length and/or clarity.