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1. Storage bags for your shoes, ones that keep smelly odors away from your fancy clothes *but* have clear windows — that way you can pull the pair you're looking for without having to play the guessing game of "which pair of heels did I shove into this nondescript plastic bag?"
Promising review: "I'm mad I didn’t know about these sooner! I hate when my shoes touch anything in my suitcase, so much so that I would put them in trash bags. I am a women’s size 8 and my flip-flops and sneakers fit into the light blue bag, my husband’s sneakers fit into the dark blue bag. (He is a size 11). The material is pretty sturdy. They should last you quite some time." —Cat L.
Get a pack of 10 from Amazon for $10.99 (available in four colors).
2. A Lano leave-on flyer mask formulated with lanolin, mint, caffeine, and ginger. That means that your skin will be hydrated, dewy, clean-feeling, and awake — in spite of the fact that you had to leave your home at 3 a.m. for the budget red-eye flight you booked. Dehydrated skin for the duration of your trip = no longer a problem.
Promising review: "It’s incredibly hydrating, and I love that it’s cruelty-free, with sustainable and clean ingredients. It’s SO refreshing — I like to apply it right after I shower, to lock in moisture and boost the tingle sensation. It picks me up after a long week or a tiring work day." —Anastxia
Get it from Amazon for $24.
3. BPA-free covers if you've gotten into the habit of flinging your toothbrush into your foundation-covered makeup bag and calling it a day. When you think about it: ew. This tiny gadget keeps grime off the bristles that are intended to disinfect your mouth.
4. A pair of compression socks to keep your adorable little piggies from swelling up while hovering about a billion miles in the air. Did I happen to mention that these have over 60,000 positive reviews? I didn't? Well, they do.
Promising review: "With three weeks of international travel coming up, I purchased these to combat swelling in my feet during the flights. I had noticed swelling after three hour domestic flights, so I was worried about what almost 30k miles would do! I wore these on every leg of the trip and never noticed any swelling — even after the 10- to 15-hour flights. They are very comfortable, too!" —J. Beaty
Get them from Amazon for $15.61 (available in sizes S–XL and in single pairs in nine colors under $20).
Check out our full review of these compression socks here.
5. An anti-theft belt currently moonlighting as a fashion accessory to help hold up your mid-rise jeans when, in fact, it functions as a secret purse. This is actually equipped with a "secret" wallet for storing valuables whilst walking through a new city.
Promising review: "I purchased this for a trip to Cuba where I needed to carry all of the money I needed for that week in cash. Although I am not typically worried/normally cautious when traveling, the idea of carrying that much cash on me made me nervous. Traditional money belts/fanny packs just didn't seem like a fit for me. I was worried they would become uncomfortable in the hot sun. This security belt was perfect. It allowed us to carry most of they money for the trip hidden within the belt and carry in my purse on the money I needed for that day. It also worked like a breeze with no issues getting through security. I'm not sure how much I'll use this in the future, but it was perfect for our needs for a trip to Cuba." —fendi
Get it from Amazon for $15.99.
6. A TSA-approved transparent organizer so that you don't have to fish around your suitcase for liquids (and then stuff them in a clear plastic bag) while going through airport security. Flying is nerve-wracking enough. Let's not be panicking about whether or not our favorite moisturizer will be unjustly confiscated.
7. A smartphone lens kit that provides professional camera quality without the professional camera quality price. For less than $20, you'll be snapping photos worthy of a full page in National Geographic (or at the very least, your Instagram grid). So long to the blurry nature shots of vacation's past.
This comes with a fisheye, macro, and wide angle lenses, plus a microfiber cloth for wiping away dust and fingerprint smudges!
Promising review: "Love using these clip-on lenses. The pictures I have been able to take using them look great. The macro lens is a lot of fun to play around with. I am including some photos I took using these lenses." —T. Rossi
Get them from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in seven colors).
8. A travel planner so you can jot down itineraries and map out your weekend. This book is particularly awesome because it has designated pages for things to do, places to go, places to eat, budget, and transportation. *starts to plan for eventual Cape Town, South Africa adventure*
You can even jot down some Dear Diary notes in lined pages meant for all your travel thoughts.
Promising review: "My wife loves this planner! It's lovely, comprehensive, and (most importantly) compact. With the complicated game of packing tetris involved in international travel, this is a huge plus. It's also made planning our trip much more fun and enjoyable." —Kris Steele
Get it from Amazon for $13.95.
9. An on-the-go dry shampoo with a powder formula that's *far* superior to the ghosts of aerosol's past. A puff applicator makes it easy to refresh your scalp — all without having to battle a) white residue caked onto your fingertips, b) needing to break out the paddle brush, c) the TSA liquid rule of 3.4 ounces.
Get it from Violette FR for $34.
10. A pack of laundry soap sheets because have you packed 13 maxi dresses? Yes. But have you packed an ample amount of basics (white tees, underwear, etcetera)? Absolutely not. Simply grab a sheet, turn on the faucet, and hand-wash away.
Promising review: "This came SO in handy during my vacation to Europe! I was making lots of different stops to places with different types of weather. With these laundry soap sheets I was able to wash my clothes in the sink — letting me pack just the right amount of clothes for all the different places I went." —Katie Fujarski
Get it from Amazon for $7.19 (available in four other styles, including hand soap and shampoo).
11. A large travel wallet because there is NOTHING WORSE than losing a connecting boarding pass while on a plane. Is it underneath your seat? In the carry-on you stored in the overhead compartment? DID YOU DROP IT EN ROUTE TO THE PLANE? I don't know, I'm tired, just get this and save yourself the potential headache.
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 $13.99 (available in 35 colors).
12. A racerback tank blessed by the travel gods to become your new go-to while gallivanting around a new city. The high-neck gives it a chic silhouette, the ~basic~ design means you can pair it with literally anything in your suitcase.
Promising review: "I really love the fit of these tanks on me. They are a super soft thick but breathable material. I have ordered multiple colors at this point and have paired them in so many different ways. I love to wear them with long skirts for a more dressed up look. They look great with shorts in the warm weather. I get hot very easily and although the material is warmer I was super comfortable! These will be great for winter time in New England as well because the fabric is thicker and comfortable! These tanks are a good length and go great tucked in or over your bottoms." —Ashley Bonnett
Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and 13 colors).
13. A heat-resistant silicone mat that is heat-resistant up to 450 degrees F and prevents you from ruining things (like, gee, hotel bedding which I totally have not done). Feel free to wrap this around a hot tool before throwing it in your suitcase, with peace of mind knowing it won't burn everything it touches.
Promising review: "This is great for travel! I love that I no longer have to wait for my straightener to cool down all the way when we are traveling. Now, I can let it cool a little then wrap it up and pack it away, saving me tons of time. I love that it has the slit to keep the cover on the iron. I also like to rest the straightener on it any time I use it to protect our marble countertops. Definitely recommend it!" —IDesign
Get it from Amazon for $14.29+ (available in pink and gray).
14. Schick Hydro Silk Touch-Up Razors if you've got no time for plucking *and* very limited space in your carry-on. This tiny tool rids stray brow hairs and unwanted peach fuzz with just a few swipes, meaning impromptu salon trips won't be necessary in the middle of your beach vacay.
Promising review: "This is a 100% painless and incredibly easy alternative to waxing or plucking. A few quick swipes gets rid of peach fuzz and I never have to worry about breaking out because of it. Also, it doesn't make hair grow back coarser or darker." —Ellen R.
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $4.99.
15. A compact bug bite suction tool for anyone who feels like an all-you-can-eat buffet for mosquitoes ("why me?" — me every summer). This promptly eases itching and swelling by removing insect saliva, venom, and other irritants, so rest assured you won't spend the vacay scratching at your legs and cursing yourself for ever leaving the hotel room.
Promising review: "I am a magnet for bites of all kinds and carry topical and medicines with me at all times — so I figured this would be a good product to see if it really works. I woke up with a bug bite on my arm so I used this little tool (three times per the instructions) — immediately after using, it stopped itching! And less than 24 hours later the bump/bite gone! There is a very faint red mark from using the thing, but a small price to pay IMO. Bottom line: it’s awesome. I’m carrying it with me everywhere!" —Rebecca
Get a set of two from Amazon for $18.95.
16. A helpful "Pack this!" checklist because the time is ripe for you to land at your destination and not have to scramble to the nearest convenience store as a result of, you know, not grabbing the toothbrush you swore you wouldn't forget in your bathroom...but obviously did.
Promising review: "I hate making lists trying to figure out what I need, and this is PERFECT for trying to figure that out. It has a lot more on the checklist than I would ever take on a trip, but it does accommodate for every kind a trip, from a simple vacation across state lines, to a business trip, to a wedding halfway around the world. I'm pretty pleased!" —Alyssa Kauffman
Get it from Amazon for $7.
17. Hero Cosmetics Hydrocolloid Mighty Patches prevent picking and ~drain~ those zits at maximum speed. In addition to the fact that they just truly work, these transparent stickers won't leave behind any residue on your pillow (unlike traditional goopy spot treatments) and are perfectly TSA-friendly.
Promising review: "This sucks up the pus from those deep painful whiteheads and brings it to the surface. I’m totally fascinated. Where have you been my whole life? I suffer from hormonal adult acne and this really helped to reduce the inflammation and my pimples heals so much faster. The patch holds up well and it’s a reminder to stop touching that pimple. I’m very tempted to pop it, but popping it leaves to scarring. It’s also quite invisible, so you can get away with wearing it outside. Good stuff!" —Karin Chang
Get a pack of 36 patches from Amazon for $12.50.
18. A stretchy strap you can adhere to the back of your phone case. This is far less bulky to the "ring stands" you've used in the past, but offers the same level of grip and comfort ergo your perfect selfie awaits (and no screens will be shattered in the process).
Get it from Amazon for $7.99.
19. Memory foam lace-up sneakers dubbed by one reviewer as the best kicks they've ever owned. These chunky Skechers are durable, comfortable, and supportive enough for miles-long strolls through cobblestone streets in new cities.
20. Vacuum seal bags if you consider overpacking a personality trait. These space-saving inventions are ideal for long-haul trips *or* a multi-city vacation in which it's freezing at one destination and hotter-than-Hades in the next.
Promising review: "I've used these bags before and they are so helpful. Even use the medium one for travel and I have tons of extra suitcase room. The clothes don't come out wrinkled at all as long as you fold them nicely before placing in the bag, then the air sucks out keeping them safe and sound and very compact. Arrived on time, would use this seller again." —Susie Kochsmeier
Get a 3-pack from Amazon for $14.99 (available in multiple sizes or a variety pack).
21. A mini steam iron if you purchased a dress *specifically* for your vacation and the material is prone to deep wrinkles. No worries! This compact gadget guarantees all 'fits will look crisp as heck, despite being stuffed into an overpacked carry-on for several hours.
Yes, some hotels have irons in the rooms, but some don't, and it's better to be prepared (especially if you're traveling for work).
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 that 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.
22. Tend solution because ingrown hairs and razor bumps are truly the ~pits~ during a beach getaway. Simply spread this lotion on before waxing or shaving (and yes, it's safe for the bikini area — I know that's the question haunting your pretty little mind) and POOF! No skin irritation or bumps.
Promising review: "This stuff is AMAZING. You would never believe it, but it works wonders. One of the worst parts of summer for me is razor burn and chafing/irritation, particularly at the beach when the hair follicles on my legs dry up from the saltwater. This stuff prevents ALL of that. No bumps, no pain, nothing. The best part? It doesn't matter when you put it on. Before you shave, after you shave, even when you're not shaving, going to the beach, getting back from the beach, etc. It just always works." —Claire
Get it from Amazon for $14.79.
23. A digital luggage scale — all I can say is that it's worth the $10 if you're prone to overpacking and have, on more than occasion, been forced to pay an additional $100 luggage fee.
Promising review: "This luggage scale is so handy and is great for weighting your luggage. I was a little concerned before I got it because I wasn't sure how accurate it would be. When I used it when I went on vacation, it was dead on to what the airport said, so I highly recommend this. Plus, it’s easy to pack in your bags." —Teresa Daniels
Get it from Amazon for $10.99.
24. A pair of anti-chafing bands that'll prevent the painful rubbing together of your thighs — the dreaded result of wearing summer dresses while walking to and from the hotel pool. These bands are comfortable, stay put, are available in solid and lace designs (#meow), and can even be worn during your morning run.
Promising review: "I took a trip to Paris and decided to buy these after being on the fence because I knew we'd be walking around the city a ton. I've struggled with red thighs when I walk long distances, and the various powders/lotions I've tried hadn't been doing it for me. I bought these and WOW do they work! My thighs were comfy and secure, and I walked MILES in these. Ladies, if you experience painful thigh chafing then these are for you!" —Shelby Smith
Get them from Amazon for $16.95+ (available in six sizes and 17 colors).
25. A memory foam seat cushion with an ergonomic design and gel layer that prevents bad posture and provides ultimate support. If your tush tends to hurt after a mere three seconds of sitting, this will take your road trip from "this is taking forever" to "wow, these last five hours breezed by."
Promising review: "I have been suffering from sciatica pain for a couple years now. In the last few months it has been so bad I had to stop ever sitting at work and as a computer programmer, that can be hard at times. If I had to go to a day of meetings, I would be miserable for weeks afterward from the pain. Then I found this cushion. I bought it initially for a road trip thinking maybe it would save me from hurting too bad. I was surprised to find I didn’t hurt at all despite being in the car for over six hours. So I tried it at work and guess what? ZERO PAIN. I still really can’t believe just how good it works. Since getting this my sciatic pain is COMPLETELY GONE. That is no lie. Amazing. Recommend a million times over." —Anna Peterson
Get it from Amazon for $32.95.
26. A Stanley pour-over coffee maker that ensures a delicious cup of java, even if you're *shudders* camping in the middle of nowhere. This durable hunk of stainless steel can take a lot of wear and tea, plus the stainless steel filter enhances flavor and won't need to be constantly replaced — unlike the wasteful paper versions you've used in the past.
And while this is a great camping accessory, keep in mind that you can still use it every. single. morning in your own kitchen. The attached mug is insulated as HECK which means hot (or cold) coffee will remain at its optimal temperature for hours.
Promising review: "As always, Stanley makes an excellent product. I had a fresh cup of coffee straight out of the box. Easy to use and easy to clean." —Seamus Mack
Get it from Amazon for $33.60.
27. A sleek faux leather backpack perfect for weekend vacays thanks to organized inner pockets, a compartment for your laptop, and a back band that slips conveniently over suitcase handles. The dream = a functional accessory that looks chic while carrying your excessive Hudson News purchases.
Get it from Calpak for $118 (available in three colors).
28. A set of headrest hooks for maximizing space (think: no more pocketbooks taking up leg room or the middle seat) during road trips. Plus, you can hang your purse right next to you and drive peacefully knowing the entire contents of your bag won't spill onto the floor with every speed bump.
29. A palm-sized leather travel case to keep all of your favorite jewelry in one convenient location as opposed to throwing it all into your carry-on and hoping for the best. This is designed with four necklace hooks, six holes for your earrings, a ring holder, and an additional pocket for whatever other bling you'd like to bring with you on vacay.
Psst, the inner lining of this case is made with an anti-tarnish microsuede and you can custom monogram the outside of the case with your initials — free of charge.
Promising review: "This is the best jewelry holder and travel case I've ever seen. The leather is smooth and good quality, and the design of the case makes it easy to store all my favourite pieces." —Grace L.
Get it from Mejuri for $75 ($189 estimated retail, available in three colors).
30. A Makeup Eraser that is straight eco-friendly magic. Simply add water to this specially knitted cloth before wiping your face like you would with a makeup removing towelette: Lipstick, eyeliner, foundation, and even waterproof mascara will be banished in a jiffy, making it the perfect TSA-friendly cleanser to stuff in your backpack.
Promising review: "This is my favorite makeup cleansing cloth ever! I had a smaller version and loved it so much that I searched for another one and came across this larger one. I do have sensitive skin and this is so soft. This is the best thing for travel and I take it on every trip. It removes makeup so easily, even mascara!" —Kathy
Get it from Amazon for $18.10.
31. A water-resistant weekender duffle roomy enough to fit the essentials (no fewer than 63 outfit options and seven pair of shoes). The back strap fits conveniently over suitcase handles, plus it comes with a five-year warranty — not that you'll need it considering how darn durable it is.
Get it from July for $195 (available in four colors).
32. A waterproof Kindle Paperwhite with a built-in adjustable light that makes reading easy wherever you go — whether it's sunlit beaches or an overnight flight in which you can't turn on the light for fear of being hated by your aisle mates. Plus, a single battery charge lasts for weeks.
Promising review: "I couldn't imagine ever finding something better than my beloved Kindle PaperWhite but I did... this new version. I only bought an updated version because, after four years of excessive use (at least 20–30 hours per week), a couple of pixels have died out on my original and it's just slowing down. So, Merry Christmas to me, a replacement Paperwhite. This one is slightly slimmer and a bit lighter, and the flush front is well worth the upgrade, All of this just makes for even more comfortable reading. I also enjoy the free cellular connectivity. Overall, an improvement on what was pretty darn perfect to begin with!" —Missouri Shopper
Get it from Amazon for $129.99.
33. An Eyeko waterproof mascara that makes ~waves~ because it really, truly, 100% delivers on its no-raccoon-eyes promise. So go ahead and surf some waves *or* get caught in an afternoon shower that the Weather app didn't warn you about — black smudges gracing your under-eyes are officially a problem of the past.
Promising review: "I've tried a bunch of waterproof mascaras in the past, but it always inevitably gets into my contacts and burn my eyes — especially if I swim in salt water. After reading a ton of reviews, I decided to try this Eyeko mascara and now I'm a believer. I went on an 8+ hour boat tour in Mexico and even after I swam all day (diving off the boat multiple times), my mascara stayed in place. It didn't crumble, smudge, burn, or affect my contacts at all. It did take a while to remove, but that's a small price to pay for something that actually works!" —Carrie
Get it from Amazon for $24.
34. A travel tray perfect for the kiddos in the backseat. This collapsible accessory is equipped with a detachable cup holder, iPad viewing stand for Cocomelon marathons, side storage pockets for toys and other knickknacks, plus a dry erase drawing surface base.
Promising review: "The perfect addition to our road trip! We were constantly battling with dropped snacks, toys, etc. My kiddo loved the compartments to hold everything and the dry erase board was such a bonus! I love how well the removable pieces cling on, it’s not your typical Velcro, much stronger and doesn’t seem like it will wear down over time." —ARose
Get it from Amazon for $23.99.
35. A shower brush reviewers swear is *way* more efficient than the $1 mesh loofah you haven't replaced in, oh, let's not talk about how many years. This lathers beautifully, is easy to grip, provides gentle exfoliation, and is slim enough to fit into any overpacked duffel bag. No more using your bare hands to scrub on that hotel body wash.
Promising review: "I was initially hesitant on purchasing a silicone shower brush since I was so used to shower poufs. However, this beats the poufs hands down! Not only does it lather well, I also feel significantly cleaner. The finger holes on the back make using it even more simple, since it can get a little slippery. Unlike a pouf, it does not hold any hair or other 'grossness' from the shower, and it is super simple to clean. I love it. I'm never going back to poufs!" —Nikki
Get it from Amazon for $5.99 (available in 15 colors).
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