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1. A very thorough travel checklist so you can avoid having a Kate McCallister moment of panic as your plane's about to take off. It's done all of the work for you by listing pretty much any travel need you could think of, so all you have to do is cross items off as you pack!
The pad has 60 sheets, so it'll last a long time — even for frequent fliers.
Promising review: "We travel frequently and have two children. As any parent knows, packing for yourself and your children can be overwhelming — especially for 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. Variety of clothing options and space to add more. As my children reached their pre-teen years I have been able to make them their list on these sheets and then they can use it to do their packing. I just show them how to highlight each item after it has been packed so it is easy to see you took that one off the list. Overall, wonderful purchase and has likely saved me many forgotten items!" —I-really-bought-this
Get it from Amazon for $7.
2. A luxe-looking passport and vaccination card holder, because if there are two things you don't wanna be without while traveling, it's those. Now they'll have a dedicated place in your bag, and you won't hold up the airport check-in line by searching every one of your pockets while you go, "I know my passport's here somewhere!"
Psst: The vaccination card pocket is conveniently see-through so you can flash it without taking it out of the holder.
It's made by Henney's Boutique, a small biz based in LA specializing in handy leather goods.
Promising review: "I love this! I bought one for myself, then one for my husband, then I've been sending the link to everyone who asks me where I got it... They're the best for keeping both your passport and your vaccine card safe for travel." —Paige Devlin
Get it from Henney's Boutique on Etsy for $8+ (available in 15 colors, and with extra slots).
3. An extremely comfy Trtl neck pillow to prop your head up and prevent you from awkwardly dozing off on your flight neighbor's shoulder. 😬 Plus, it doubles as a scarf (planes are COLD), and it's much chicer than those puffy U-shaped pillows.
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 can't stop recommending this pillow to all of my friends! It has let me comfortably sleep on flights that take place on the most uncomfortable airplane seats. On long flights, I always need to prop up my hand and I rest my head on it. But this method always ends with my arm falling asleep and I end up waking up every 30 minutes. Now this pillow provides that exact same support without needing my arms to prop me up! It's small enough to fit in your bag and doesn't take up much space." —Simona Krifman
Get it from Amazon for $59.99 (available in four colors).
4. A luggage-mounted cup caddy that'll free up your hands so you can hold your phone, boarding pass, passport — you know, the ~essentials~ (not that your XL iced mocha isn't an essential, but, you know...).
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 $14.99+ (available in 29 styles).
5. A pack of gentle 2-in-1 flossing toothbrushes, because when it comes to packing, multi-use products are an absolute godsend, and these are a lot less bulky than your electric toothbrush. Plus, they're easy on sensitive gums, and the bristles are 10 times thinner than the ones on the average toothbrush to get into alllll of those nooks and crannies harboring loads of bacteria in your mouth. 😬
Mouthwatchers is a small biz founded by Ronald Plotka, DDS. Their toothbrushes are made with silver-infused bristles to eliminate 99% of bacteria, and the dual-layered design helps the brush reach those deep areas where 95% of cavities form.
Promising review: "Let me preface this by saying, I hate flossing! I could never get through my entire mouth without setting off my gag reflex at least twice, and even then it never got fully cleaned. My gums are also extremely sensitive and bleed easily. To combat this, I have tried every toothbrush imaginable to get me a good clean with minimal bleeding; regular ones, electric, three-sided, 10,000 bristles — nearly everything besides a robot that will brush my teeth for me. I found these on BuzzFeed and immediately ordered them. I am so impressed with the way they clean, my teeth and gums feel so damn clean and my gums aren’t even swollen, or bleeding. It’s like being fresh from the dentist! These are certainly a toothbrush that I will purchase again and again!" —Katelyn
Get a pack of four from Amazon for $16.06+ (available in four colors and a variety pack).
6. A lipstick-size cordless portable charger that'll reeeally come in handy when your phone's at 11% and...the plane hasn't even taken off yet. It'll also give you extra juice while you're out exploring, and it's a lot sleeker than those bulky block chargers — with no pesky cables in sight!
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: "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 15%!
7. An Apple AirTag so you'll always know exactly where your luggage is (even if the airline doesn't seem to!). Connect it to your iPhone or iPad, place it in your suitcase, wallet, or anything you're worried about misplacing, and use the Find My app if your fears come to fruition!
You can put the AirTag on Lost Mode to receive a notification when it's been detected by the Find My app. And even reviewers who didn't lose their luggage said having one of these gave them peace of mind, as they could always tell their bags were close by!
Promising review: "I bought a pair of these AirTags for a trip to France, and I’m so glad I did! First of all, the setup is super easy; I had zero problems and both were done in like five minutes. I put one in my purse and one in my suitcase. On the way back home, the airline lost my luggage. Checked the Find My app where the AirTag is tracked, and I could see that it never left the Charles de Gaulle airport. I felt more assurance being able to track my bag through the app as it made its way across the world back to me. 10/10 would recommend!" —Lindsay Kirby
Get it from Amazon for $29.
8. An in-flight phone mount that'll turn your phone into a movie screen in case whatever airline you're flying doesn't have any good viewing options (if they even offer them at all!). Clip it onto your seat-back tray and enjoy the films and TV shows you downloaded before takeoff.
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, as well as a pack of two).
9. An in-flight foot hammock, which might seem a little *extra* at first, but will make you a believer after one use. Simply hang it on the arms of your tray table and rest your feet on the cushion to help prevent soreness and swelling. Just make sure you're wearing a clean pair of socks before taking your shoes off!
Promising review: "This is an amazing product. It's so simple but works incredibly 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 the 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 three colors).
10. A memory foam seat cushion, because if you must endure roadtrip traffic, your bum should at least be nice and comfy in the car. With this, your booty will stay supported, and the cool gel layer on top keeps things from getting too sweaty.
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 one to two 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 $51.95+ (available in three colors).
11. A pair of best-in-class Apple AirPods Pro that'll help you unwind with some soothing tunes and podcasts after chaotic airport experiences while being spared from the sound of your seat mate alternating between snoring and pretzel chomping (thank you, excellent noise cancellation!).
Oh, and if you're prone to losing small things, they have a *super* helpful precision finding feature. They also come with four sizes of silicone tips to try on, and with the charging case you can get up to 30 hours of listening time!
Promising review: "I work in an art studio where I paint in an airbrush booth. The vent fan for the fumes is so loud my ears would ring for hours after. I bought these AirPods Pro 2 and WOW! The ANC (active noise cancellation) completely removed the fan noise and also the sound of the air compressor. Even the hiss of the airbrush I was using! All I could hear was my music. The audio was amazing! I was blown away by the spatial audio. It was like being there. You turn your head and the different instruments sound like they are coming from different directions in the room. The sound is rich and clean, the bass full and deep. I’m just amazed. The tips fit my ears perfectly right out of the box. There is even an ear fit test you can do right in the settings to help you get the right fit. I’m so glad I bought these." —Myla
Get them from Amazon for $239.95 (also available with Apple Care).
12. And an AirFly Pro wireless transmitter so you can connect your earbuds to the plane's entertainment system to help the trip go by a whole lot quicker. Who cares if you've seen You've Got Mail upward of 50 times, that piece of cinematic gold deserves better than those staticky airline-distributed headphones.
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).
13. A 100% waterproof, satin-lined Hairbrella for keeping your perfectly coiffed 'do looking the same as it did when you left the hotel — a little rain isn't gonna ruin your vacation! The silky-smooth lining means no hat hair, and it conveniently folds into a pouch for stashing in your bag.
Hairbrella is a Black-owned small business established in 2016 that specializes in hats that both look cool and protect hair from the elements.
Promising review: "Awesome hat, a must-have for hairdos. I get my hair done often and don’t want to destroy a great hairdo. I have been out in a rainstorm and taken it on the log ride into the splash down, hair stayed nice and dry. Love it so much I fold it up and keep it in my purse! It even has a ponytail pouch hidden in it." —applekoolaid
Another promising review: "This hat arrived just in time for my trip to Niagara Falls. I have braids and this hat protected my hair completely. The visor provided excellent protection on The Maid Of The Mist as well as the walk behind the falls. This is a must-have." —sandra l darrett
Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in two colors).
14. A nifty gadget called the Bug Bite Thing, because few things are as frustrating as going on vacation and being eaten alive by mosquitoes. This ingenious device sucks out the saliva or venom that causes itching and irritation in bites, and since it doesn't rely on creams or chemicals, it's completely reusable.
This works on mosquitoes, bees, wasps, biting flies, sea lice (sea lice?!), and more!
Promising review: "I bought this because I saw it on TikTok, and I have been having issues with mosquito bites. Used it a few time to relieve itchiness, and I am convinced it works! I have been recommending it to my family and friends. Read the directions and follow them carefully. Don't use this on your face or neck, or other sensitive areas. Don't do a lot of suction, just a little bit. And do it a few times if needed. Great invention!" —Joe
Get it from Amazon for $9.90+ (available in four colors, as well as packs of two or three).
15. A chic anti-theft backpack, which is cleverly designed to open from the back to keep your belongings safe from sneaky pickpockets (can't unzip it unless you take it off!). It's also spacious enough to fit a tablet and has lots of little nooks and crannies for storing smaller items.
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 $26.99+ (available in two sizes and nine styles).
16. A clever hoodie with a built-in eye mask you'll be so happy you bought when your flight neighbor has the overhead reading light angled right at your face. Its cushy, cotton blend fleece and cozy, oversized fit will make you feel the most comfy you've ever felt in an airplane seat, and maybe you'll even get some shut-eye this time!
Pond Los Angeles is an Asian woman-owned small biz making luxurious travel products that'll make you feel like you're in first class, even if you're flying coach.
Promising review: "I fly a lot and am constantly trying to find a hoodie with a big hood to cover my eyes so I can catch up on some beauty sleep on flights. I saw this product on Instagram and knew it would be a game changer. I was able to use it recently for the first time on an early-morning flight, and let me tell you, it is EVERYTHING I was looking for and more. It’s comfy, cozy, oversized, and the eye covers make you feel like you’re in a whole other world and not packed like a sardine on a plane. My over ear headphone fit perfectly under it and I got the best sleep I’ve had on a plane — EVER! Like other reviews have said, it is big, so size down if you want something a little more snug. I have been wearing it every day at home and can’t wait to get the black and blush ones!" —Heather G.
Get it from Pond Los Angeles for $102.40 (originally $128; available in women's sizes XS–XL and three colors — pink here, tan here, and black here).
17. A waterproof pouch for keeping your precious phone safe on canoe trips, beach excursions, or even during surprise rain showers. Oh, and if you wanna take some cool underwater photos, the clear window is touch-friendly!
It fits any phone up to 7 inches diagonally, and you can also use it to keep your ID and money from getting wet!
BuzzFeed Shopping's Emma Lord says: "It's also a great fix for keeping out sand and dirt (and a great option for runners, if you're caught in the rain but still want to be able to toggle through your music options)."
Promising review: "I purchased this case in July for an upcoming canoe trip with a friend, and as luck would have it, we flipped our canoe. Being the rebel that I am, I chose not to wear my phone around my neck, and so it, my ID, and my debit card ended up at the bottom of the river and I just assumed it would be discovered a thousand years from now and placed in a museum as an ancient artifact. Fast-forward to this week. I was contacted via FB by an Alachua County Sheriff’s Office diver and guess what he found? Yup, my phone case with all of the contents intact and dry as a bone! He had to cut the case open, but there was not one single drop of water in it and he ended up purchasing a case for himself because he was just that impressed!" —Julie McDonald
Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in 13 colors).
18. A travel wallet made from an RFID-blocking material, meaning your important documents will be protected from information theft (something we, unfortunately, need to be wary of). Plus, it's got a ton of pockets to keep everything nice and organized.
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 $9.99+ (available in 39 colors).
19. A digital luggage scale, which should be on every frequent flyer's checklist since it lets you know just how much you can cram into your suitcase without it resulting in some — surprise! — hefty over-capacity fees. Now you'll have extra cash for souvenirs!
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 on multiple 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
Another 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 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).
20. A portable white noise machine, because if you've ever tried getting a good night's sleep while your hotel neighbors were throwing a rager, you probably wished you'd had one of these.
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.
21. A mini steam iron you'll want on hand in case your SO surprises you with a reservation for the swankiest restaurant in town during what was supposed to be a ~laidback~ beach vacation. Now you'll be able to get the wrinkles out of the one dressy outfit you happened to bring!
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.
22. A low-key brilliant Alleyoop Pen Pal that'll save space in your almost-unzippable makeup bag, since it's a 4-in-1 eyeliner, lip liner, brow pencil, *and* highlighter. Just, so cool (and TSA-friendly!).
BuzzFeed Shopping's Jasmin Sandal loves this thing: "I didn't realize I'd ever use a makeup product in my 20s that had the ability to transport me back to something I used in sixth grade, but here we are; and here I am using a multitool pen...for my face. I gotta say, I love the concept of the Pen Pal from Alleyoop! After using all of the functions (eyeliner, highlighter, lip liner, eyebrow pencil) and as someone who LOVES makeup but was applying as little as humanly possible during lockdown, I think it’s a great tool for anyone looking to streamline their routine. It's ideal to use for touchups come the end of the workday, or a subtle, minimalist way to apply makeup in the a.m. The brow pencil is particularly soft and pigmented, and filled in my eyebrows quickly. I just adore the ease of application of each product, and appreciate the universal, does-it-all-for-you concept. Plus, it saves me so much room in my already overflowing makeup bag!"
Promising review: "Such a time-saver to have this 4-in-1 tool! I use it daily and love that it is so compact." —Lauren F.
Get it from Alleyoop for $25 (available in three shades).
23. A portable espresso maker, because we know how you get when you're not properly caffeinated! It's perfect for bringing on outdoor trips, or even enjoying in your hotel when you just *can't* with the questionable in-room coffee.
Just fill with ground coffee and hot water, pump, and pour!
Promising review: "This works so well for camping for a quick coffee craving! Took this camping over the weekend and used it a few times at the office. Depending on the grinds you use, it's good for a light single espresso shot or if you reuse the same grinds and purge three capfuls of water through the filter, you'll get a full cup of coffee. Works great without lugging a glass press around in your backpacking or camp gear! Easy to clean and store away with the retractable priming handle." —SocKeTPupPet
Get it from Amazon for $54.90.
24. A jewelry organizer lined with clasps that'll separate all of your delicate chains so they don't get tangled up into a nightmare of a ball while you're en route. And when you're not using it, it folds up into a cute little carrying case!
Promising review: "Great product! First, it’s adorable. I love the color and fabric quilting, the gold zippers. Second, it is the perfect size for my jewelry when I travel. I don’t usually bring much jewelry so this is a good size for me. The necklaces stayed tangle-free, and there are enough small zippered compartments for my bracelets and larger earrings. I was concerned about the organizer only having a snap closure and not zipping up all the way, but everything stayed secure and nothing fell out of place, so there’s that. Overall, a great product and I would assume the other sizes and varieties are of similar quality." —Emily
Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in two sizes and nine styles).
25. And to match, a waterproof toiletry bag you can hang in the hotel bathroom (because you know the idea of a hotel bathroom having more than an inch of counter space is laughable). It comes with four zip-up compartments and packs up into a little purse, but as you can see from the photos, it fits a TON!
Promising review: "I. Love. This. Bag. Seriously, I had a cheap toiletry bag from Target that essentially did the same thing, only way worse. It was too small, the hook didn't rotate so you could only hang it at an angle, if anything ever leaked, it would seep right through the bag, etc. But THIS bag has NONE of those issues! It fits everything I need and then some, meaning I don't have to skimp on my 10-step Korean skincare routine when I travel anymore. It never leaks. And I love that the hook swivels so you can hang it anywhere, and your stuff hangs perfectly. I also love the handle and the overall flatter shape. It makes it so easy to travel with! Cannot recommend this bag enough." —KaiEli
Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in two sizes and nine styles).
26. A five-compartment snack spinner perfect for long trips, since it'll keep young kids content while they play with their food! Plus, you'll breathe a sigh of relief knowing it's spill- and leakproof, meaning no surprise messes in the backseat.
Promising review: "I’m always looking for products to make life a little easier traveling with toddler twins. I ordered two of these for packing snacks for airplane travel. The product is durable, easy to take apart to clean, and fun for the kids to use. My 3-year-olds have no issues using the spinner or opening the door. I do wish the compartments were a little bigger (as it fits only three to four mini pretzels in one compartment, and if you do pack some food items too high it can get blocked trying to spin). But great for candy, cut-up strawberries or raspberries, raisins, Goldfish crackers." —AK_TwinMom
Get it from Amazon for $29.95 (available in three colors).
27. An unassuming luggage strap, which may not look like much but is actually super convenient in terms of giving your hands a break. It hooks onto your luggage handle so you can attach your handbag, backpack, neck pillow, jacket, or pretty much anything else you'd rather not schlep around yourself.
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).
28. And a stylish travel belt that'll keep your carry-on bag or personal item securely fastened to your rolling suitcase (we all know how annoying it is having to constantly reposition your bag whenever it slides down). It's conveniently adjustable and comes in the ~cutest~ designs.
Psst: You can also personalize it!
Cincha Travel is a small BIPOC-owned biz based in Oakland, California, specializing in adjustable vegan leather travel belts. The brand donates 100 airline miles for each purchase to help reunite migrant families.
Promising review: "Such a simple yet brilliant solution for the ever falling bag when trying to juggle all your luggage. It definitely made traveling less stressful." —Samantha
Get it from Cincha for $40 (available in 12 styles).
29. Away's popular The Carry-On for anyone who *hates* checking bags, but still needs enough space for ample clothing options. It comes in the *prettiest* colors, and for an extra 20 bucks you can add a USB charging port — a blessing if there ever was one. Oh, and the TSA-approved lock means only you and airport security can access your belongings.
It fits five to seven outfits and has a laundry compartment!
Promising review: "I was in Rome and Florence, Italy for nine days, and the Away Carry-On was just perfect. From being able to charge up my iPhone at the airport or on the train traveling from Rome to Florence, it worked perfectly. Stylish and very versatile. It also kept my belongings packed beautifully, plus the perk of a laundry bag for my dirty clothes. Getting through security was a breeze, plus the added compliments of how beautiful it was. You have a customer for life. I was very happy and impressed." —Keith H.
Get it from Away for $233+ (available with or without a USB charger and in eight colors).
30. A set of Sea Bands to wear on your wrists when you wanna kick nausea to the curb, whether you're on a boat, in a car, hungover, or all of the above. They contain a little plastic knob that exerts pressure on an acupuncture point known to reduce nausea, and unlike gum or lozenges, they're 100% reusable.
Promising review: "I’ve always been kind of sick. I throw up on long car rides, I can’t read in the car, I get horrible migraines 24/7, etc. Recently I changed medications and because of that, my migraines came back with a vengeance. Thinking there was nothing I could do I kind of gave up, until, I was looking at BuzzFeed and saw this in their recommended. I thought it could help with any car sickness that I would get but man I was not giving these enough credit! Since I have bought them I wear them ALL. THE. TIME. I wear them in and out of the car, to bed, and just around the house. I no longer feel nauseous and my migraines are almost nonexistent. Whoever invented these are a freaking god! I don’t know think I could ever live without these! BUY THESE!! They're so worth it." —JohnDz
Get a pair from Amazon for $8.53.
31. And a roll-on migraine stick you can dab over your temples, forehead, and neck when you feel a headache coming on — no more vacations spent stuck in bed! It contains peppermint, spearmint, and lavender oils, which can help ease pain at the onset, and since it's about the size of a tube of lip balm, it's perfect for keeping in your bag in case one of those debilitating headaches sneaks up while you're out and about.
Promising review: "This stuff is my go-to fix when I feel a migraine coming on. I suffer from sinus headaches and migraines usually once or twice a week. This product I put on each temple, under my nose and on my wrists when I feel the pressure starting and it cuts the pain to a minimum. It seems to stop the worst pain before it has a chance to start. Thank you for a great product! I will buy again and again!" —Brenton1985
Read BuzzFeed's Migrastil Migraine Stick review for more deets!
Get it from Amazon for $12.99.
32. A pet backpack with WHEELS (!), because wearing or rolling your darling fur baby is *much* easier than carrying them when you're walking the length of a massive airport with a million other things in tow. Oh, and it's so compact, your pup or cat will fit underneath the seat in front of you on most planes.
The medium size fits pets weighing up to 10 pounds, and the large fits pets weighing up to 18 pounds — that said, some reviewers mentioned that the large size works perfectly well for their 20-plus-pound dogs. It can be wheeled using the telescoping handle, held using the strap, or worn as a backpack.
Promising review: "First time flying with my dog. I bought a large. He is a 21-pound Cavalier King Charles spaniel. He was able to sit and lie comfortably in the carrier. When on the plane, remove the hard-back bottom to fit beneath the seat. It is easily removable and reattached. I got a window seat, which allowed me to wedge the bottom at the edge of my seat/arm rail when detached." —Karen
Another promising review: "This is the best cat carrier I have ever found. I needed something for when I was flying. It fits under the seat in front of me, and it’s easy to pull because of the wheels. My cats can sit up and watch or they can lie down. I highly recommend." —Jane
Get it from Amazon for $59.95+ (available in two sizes and three colors).
33. A collapsible water bottle that'll save precious room in your suitcase AND money, since it'll spare you from buying overpriced bottled H2O at the airport. Simply unroll it after you've gone through security and fill it up at a water fountain.
Plus, it's lead-, latex-, and BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and can be used for hot or cold drinks.
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).
34. A highly rated fanny pack you can also wear as a crossbody bag for convenient hands-free schlepping. It's surprisingly spacious and comes with a hidden back pocket to keep valuables safely tucked away.
Promising review: "Very happy with my purchase. Got this for my trip to Colombia. I was looking at more expensive fanny packs but settled on this for the reviews. It’s very well-made for the price. It withstood many hikes to waterfalls, horseback riding, and city tours among others. I wore it as shown in the picture and love the fact that there’s a pocket that’s hidden that sits on my chest at all times where I kept my passport, extra cash, and travel documents. I was able to fit my camera, iPhone, earbuds, shades, charger, and a couple of other knickknacks without a problem. Wasn’t a fanny pack guy before now but I’m a believer LOL." —IWG MD
Get it from Amazon for $13.44+ (available in two sizes and 33 styles).
35. A chic personalized acrylic luggage tag that'll set your all-black suitcase apart from all the other all-black suitcases at baggage claim. No more awkward "Um, I think you've got my bag" encounters with other passengers or — worst of all — realizing you grabbed someone else's luggage once you open it at your hotel. 😬
Based in Seattle, Little Dot Studio is a woman-owned 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 $13.17+ (originally $15.50+; available in 15 strap options and acrylic color options).
36. A set of J.R. Liggett's solid shampoo bars you can stick in your carry-on without a second thought, since they're not liquids! Or you can pack 'em in your checked bag and rest assured your clothes will be spared from — eek! — sticky spills.
Each bar is equal to about 24 ounces of liquid shampoo. They're also animal-friendly and free of synthetic oils, detergents, or chemicals.
Promising review: "This product is the best. My hair feels soft and clean, and I no longer need to use conditioner. It makes air travel a breeze because I don't have to pack it as a liquid, and it lasts forever. I highly suggest getting this product." —Joanna Shaw
Get a set of three from Amazon for $23.39+ (available in eight scent combos).
37. The cutest travel games set that'll keep your kids (and probably even you!) entertained during long layovers and unexpected delays. It comes with six dry-erase game boards, with favorites like Connect Four, tic-tac-toe, and hangman, along with markers and a handy carrying case for compact storage.
Based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Jonley Gifts is a small, family-owned biz you should check out for home decor, personalized items, and cheeky T-shirts.
Promising review: "So adorable! Out of several similar travel game options, my kids liked this one best. The quality is amazing for the price." —Samantha Grace
Get it from Jonley Gifts on Etsy for $27.
38. And a Kindle Paperwhite to help the hours spent waiting at the airport gate go by when the status of your flight is a big ol' question mark. 🙃 Plus, it's waterproof and glare-free, meaning it's the perfect thing to bring to the hotel pool (which you'll obviously make a beeline for as soon as you *finally* land).
Promising review: "I LOVE my Kindle Paperwhite! I recently upgraded from an old Kindle that didn't have a backlight, and what a difference. I really love being able to read in bed at night without needing to have a light on. The battery life is fantastic. The Kindle is great for travel, so you don't have to dedicate luggage space to multiple books, but also great for just keeping with you or having around the house. It's so lightweight and thin. I recommend for any avid reader!" —Marissa T
Read BuzzFeed's Kindle Paperwhite (2018) deep dive for more info!
Get it from Amazon for $139.99+ (available with or without lockscreen ads and in 8GB or 16GB models).
39. A sneaky money belt with a hidden zip-up pocket that'll keep your cash close so you can take in the sights with more peace of mind.
Promising review: "Wore this belt on a recent 10-day trip, with several hundred dollars neatly folded in its full-length zippered pocket. The bills (USD) had to be folded lengthwise, in thirds, and for practical reasons, in stacks of 4–5 (or less). My belt had room for four such stacks, so theoretically $2,000 could be comfortably carried in complete concealment. The nylon buckle was perfectly adequate for its purpose, and nothing about the belt would indicate its hidden purpose. Well worth it." —Tony B.
Get it from Amazon for $12.59+ (available for pant sizes 20"–50" and in seven styles).
40. A pack of in-flight earplugs, which won't only drown out the sound of the screaming toddler in back of you, they'll also help prevent air pressure discomfort and popping. No wonder one reviewer says they "never fly without these!"
Promising review: "Never fly without these! Before I found these, I endured excruciating pain in my ears upon descent and landing. Felt like a hot poker being driven into each ear. My ears would also be plugged up, and it would often take two to three days for them to resume their normal state of being. I insert them about an hour before landing, as the plane is making its slow descent. I'm comfortable, and the most discomfort I experience is a slight adjustment of pressure feeling in my sinus. NO PAIN. NO TEARS." —K. Tombrella
Get a pack with three pairs from Amazon for $17.49 (also available in packs of five or 10 pairs).
41. A pack of vacuum storage bags in case you're eager to prove that bringing 10 sweaters on a weeklong trip is perfectly acceptable and doable. Place your garments into the bags and suck the excess air out with the included travel pump. Now you can squeeze everything in *and* avoid having to check an extra bag.
BuzzFeed Shopping's Jasmin Sandal says: "I swear by these bad boys not only for general storage purposes, but also if I know I'm going to be traveling for an extended period of time. As someone who tends to pack for every eventuality (who doesn't like to be prepared?!), I have learned that it's better to travel with them than without — especially since it's more or less a guarantee that my clothes are gonna take up a ~substantial~ amount of room in my suitcase. And if I can use something that's gonna shrink the size of my bulky hoodies and/or big tees in order for me to create more space, I'm sure as heck gonna do it. Plus, the satisfaction is indeed guaranteed because when you see those chunky layers flatten into a pancake...it's just *chef's kiss*."
Promising review: "I've used these bags before and they are so helpful. Even used 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 three-pack from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in four sizes, as well as other multipacks).
42. A pair of compression socks for anyone who'd rather not find themselves starring in Honey, I Blew Up My Feet, thank you very much! Not only do they help reduce swelling, their moisture-wicking fabric will keep your feet from getting sweaty during long flights.
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 30,000 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
And check out our Physix Gear Sport compression socks deep dive for more info!
Get them from Amazon for $18.10+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 13 styles).
43. A 50-count set of laundry soap sheets that'll save the day when you realize that by being responsible and packing light, the shirt you've reworn three days in a row simply *reeks*. With these, you can hand-wash your garments and avoid spending money on new ones or splurging on pricey hotel laundry services.
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 (available in orange or white).
44. A Brevite camera backpack, because you've finally decided to upgrade your photos to beyond smartphone quality and your new DSLR deserves a safe space. This sturdy bag has enough dedicated compartments to fit a full-frame DSLR and three lenses, along with a 16-inch laptop pocket, a water bottle holder, and a few other pockets to stash small essentials in.
Based in Brooklyn, New York, Brevite is a family-owned small business that makes both camera and everyday backpacks that don't sacrifice style for functionality.
Promising review: "AMAZING! I've always complained about how I never seem to have my camera on me when I find myself in a situation with opportunities for incredible photos, but now I'll be able to carry my camera alongside everything I usually carry and always be ready! There's plenty of space inside, I love the color, and I love how it looks like a totally unsuspecting campus-type backpack so I'm not running around with a camera bag slung over my shoulder. Consider this to be my new favorite carry-on bag!!!" —Charles M.
Get it from Brevite for $169.99+ (available in two sizes and 11 colors — you can also add a rain cover for an extra $32).
45. Or a smartphone lens kit that'll have you taking swoon-worthy photos no one would ever guess came from an iPhone camera. Tell your friends they'd better prepare themselves for an IG feed full of your stunning vacay snaps.
This comes with 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 a photo I took using these lenses." —T. Rossi
Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in three colors, as well as an option with a camera shutter remote).
46. A stylish but inexpensive duffel tote bag with a handy dandy shoe pouch so you won't have to worry about scuffing up the new white top you packed. It also has seven pockets and compartments, and comes with both a shoulder strap and handle.
Pro-tip: Many reviewers also said they use the shoe compartment for storing dirty laundry when they travel.
Promising review: "GREAT bag! I initially thought it was smaller than expected, but it just seems to keep expanding! The perfect little 'weekender' bag — yep, I'm the gal with more than one pair of shoes for a weekend so the dedicated shoe pocket keeps them separate and away from anything they might get dirty. This bag is also stylish and easy to carry with either the short or shoulder strap. Highly recommend." —Keri
Get it from Amazon for $37.99+ (available in 11 styles).
47. A 2-in-1 travel blanket and pillow that'll keep you warm and comfy during your flight (at least, as comfortable as one can be in a tiny little seat!). It comes in several pretty colors and has a convenient handle pass-through that slips right onto your suitcase.
Promising review: "I bought this product before taking a six-hour flight and it was a lifesaver. The pillow has a strap behind it to put it on your luggage so that it doesn't have to be carried. Very convenient when traveling. The blanket kept me warm on the plane and when the blanket is folded into the pillow it is also comfortable. Would definitely recommend." —Robynn
Get it from Amazon for $29.95 (available in six colors).
48. A classic pair of ultra-comfy Allbirds sneakers to wear on the walking tour you signed up for without realizing it was six hours long. 😬 The flexible design means the shoes will move with you, and on hot days, you'll appreciate the breathable eucalyptus-fiber material.
P.S. They can be tossed in the washing machine when they start to get smelly, and they're made with renewable materials! ♻️
Promising review: "Just spent a week in Paris and these were the most comfortable shoes for hours of sightseeing and trekking around the city every day! My feet were happy, and they looked so cute with jeans and casual skirts, and were easy to keep clean, too. My new favorite shoes!" —Jessica G.
Get it from Allbirds for $105 (available in women's sizes 5–11 and seven styles).
49. A universal travel adapter, because is there anything worse than flying overseas, arriving at your hotel, and realizing you have no way of plugging your electronics into the outlets? Nope! It comes with four international adapters so you can avoid finding yourself in this unpleasant situation ever again!
There are also two USB ports!
While the listing says this adapter can't be used in South Africa, India, Switzerland, and Italy, I recently used this on a trip to Italy (spanning five different hotels!) and had zero issues — in fact, it was a complete godsend. Maybe they've updated the design, as I've seen some other reviewers who visited these countries say it worked for them, too. I'm not a tech-guru by any means, but I was able to get it working the very first time I tried it, and luckily for my husband, who did not think to bring an adapter, we were able to charge both his phone and mine every night using the USB ports. Just know that it's primarily meant for charging small devices and not for powering up things like hair dryers and straighteners. I got it in black and it's super sleek-looking, too!
Promising review: "I recently used this device in India and in Paris and it WORKED GREAT! I have owned similar devices and they didn't last long, broke easily. This adapter is well-built and I am delighted with it." —Jim O.
Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in black or white).
50. A polished wrinkle-resistant top, which will ensure you have at least one garment in your suitcase that'll make you look presentable even after TSA tosses your luggage around.
If you don't have room for a travel steamer, this will do the trick!
Promising review: "Great for travel. Lightweight and doesn't wrinkle. Can be worn casually or more dressy." —Anonymous
Another promising review: "LOVE this blouse — comfortable, stylish, washes like a dream. Looks great with tights or Brooklyn pants but works great as a swimsuit cover-up, too, so it's fabulous for travel — versatile and does not wrinkle." —Jude B
Get it from Athleta for $79.99+ (available in women's regular sizes XXS–3X, tall sizes S–XL, petite sizes XS–L, and in six colors — not all colors available in all sizes).
51. And finally, a GORGEOUS set of Cadence containers for storing your pills, bath products, and any other small odds and ends. With these, you can rest assured you won't get any TSA side-eye for having large liquid containers, and the ~genius~ magnetic design means you can cluster them together rather than rummaging through your bag until you find the one you're looking for.
Cadence is an AAPI woman-owned small business that was founded by Steph Hon with the goal of eliminating single-use travel-sized plastics. The containers are made from recycled ocean-bound plastic.
BuzzFeed Shopping's Abby Kass is a fan: "I recently got a set of four of these, and, wow, I love them so much. I used them on a six-day trip recently, and they were perfect. I customized the label so I knew which one was my shampoo vs. conditioner and did a general label for any other things I wanted to bring along. They do hold a surprising amount. According to the brand, they hold approximately one to two weeks of skincare products, more than two weeks' worth of serum, two to three days' worth of haircare, and more than 15 tablets (for medicine and such). And while two to three days worth of haircare might not seem like enough, I found it held more than that for me, but I also don't wash my hair every single day. They were small enough to slip right into my toiletries bag and go through TSA with no problem. The container was easy to open in the shower (even with wet hands), and I had no leakage from them (like I did from my face wash bottle that will not be making the trip with me next time. SMH). These are an incredibly useful tool anyone who travels will want in their luggage."
Get a set of six from Cadence for $76 (originally $84; available in many customizable labels and eight colors).
Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.