1. A set of packing cubes you'll wonder what you ever did without once you see how much room they magically create in your suitcase. Since they provide dedicated compartments for garments and accessories, they'll take the guesswork out of optimizing the luggage space you do have, and unpacking will be a lot less chaotic than usual once you reach your destination.
Promising review: "I absolutely love these. I’ve actually purchased a few different sets in various colors. They help organize the suitcase better and save a ton of space. It was so much easier to pack and combine outfits into separate bags. I had a bag set up for each day of my vacation and everything I needed was in there. I was all set. No searching or digging around my suitcases. Just a little planning before we left and everything went smoothly using these bags." —Owl Lady
Get a set of eight from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in 23 styles).
2. And a pack of vacuum storage bags in case you're eager to prove 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. So much extra room! Now you'll be able to squeeze everything in *and* avoid checked luggage fees.
BuzzFeed Shopping's Jasmin Sandal is a fan: "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 six-pack from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in four sizes, as well as other multipacks).
3. An ingenious 3-in-1 foldable magnetic wireless charger that'll juice up multiple smart devices at once while taking up very little space. It's *perfect* for travel, since it's about the size of a makeup compact when not in use. Now you'll no longer need individual chargers for your phone, and your earbuds, and your smartwatch, and...you get it.
Promising review: "I use this product to charge my iPhone 13, AirPods, and Apple Watch. Prior to this 3-in-1 compact purchase, I have purchased three different kinds of 3-in-1 chargers — I frequently travel between school and home with carry-on bags on airlines and all of the previous stand version chargers doesn't fit well in my bags or I am always worried I would break. This is compact and folds so well that I can fit in my carry-on or in any zipper pockets without having to worry about breaking anything. Charger works really well and it is the best compact one you can find in market. Love it and been using it for two months now and no issues!!" —Sbreddy
Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in nine colors) — don't forget to apply the coupon to save $6!
4. An extremely comfy Trtl neck pillow to keep you from turning into a bobble head who accidentally ends up napping on their flight neighbor's shoulder. 😬 Unlike those puffy U-shaped styles, this has a non-bulky design and is made of soft fleece you can lay flat in your suitcase to save room. Plus, it easily attaches to backpacks and luggage handles when you're trying to pack really light.
It 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).
5. A bestselling and super affordable pair of flexible ballet flats that come in so many gorgeous colors and prints, you should probably stock up on several pairs. If you dread taking your shoes off while going through security, these can easily be slipped on and off, and since they fold up, they're super suitcase friendly!
Prime members: You can try before you buy!
Promising review: "I normally cannot wear flats because they give me terrible blisters on the back of my feet. These didn't! Bought these in nude for a city vacation with a lot of walking, but where sandals aren't necessarily worn, and these were perfect! They obviously don't have the support of sneakers, but I am so happy to finally have a cheap pair of flats that don't give me blisters. I did break them in with thin socks on around my house before wearing them out and when possible, I wear them with little sock liners. Also — I was able to fold these in half and fit them in a semi-small purse to change into to dance at a wedding! Score!" —Kate
Get them from Amazon for $14.93+ (available in sizes 5–15, including wide sizes, and 33 styles).
6. A 2-in-1 hair tool so you no longer have to choose between packing your beloved straightener or curling iron! This mini wonder gets both jobs done, and it even comes with a little travel pouch!
Promising review: "Don't be fooled by the tiny price or size, this little baby is serious. If you are looking for a small travel option rather than lugging your big straightener and giant curling iron around the world, than I think you'll love this. It performs really well, turning my frizzy wavy hair into a smooth and sleek style. The curling iron option also creates shiny, silky lasting curls! It's easy to transition between both. I also like the grippy handle and the fact that the curling iron clip is a different color than the straightening bars because that helps me see how I should be maneuvering it around. The voltage goes up to 240m, so you are good using it internationally without a converter (but you will need an adapter just to fit it into various foreign outlets). At this price, definitely give it a try and flaunt your tresses abroad." —Christine
Get it from Amazon for $59.95 (available in black or white).
7. And a collapsible hair diffuser, because those bulky plastic behemoths take up waaay too much space. That said, going on a trip shouldn't keep you from rocking bouncy curls, and since this one's made of stretchy silicone, it'll fit over most hair dryers — yes, even the ~meh~ hotel ones!
The Curly Co. is a small biz that was founded by Pavaune Pearson in 2015 with the goal of creating products that make caring for curly hair easier!
Promising review: "So glad I bought this collapsible diffuser! It flattens out well and easily slides into tiny spaces in my suitcase, it's sturdy enough that it doesn't collapse while being used, and it fits snugly around oval and round-shaped hairdryer ends. It's my new go-to for on the road and quickly gives my wavy hair great results! No more shoving a giant hairdryer plus its hard plastic diffuser into an overpacked suitcase. No more having to leave stuff home or bring an extra bag (less cha-ching for airline fees). It's my new best travel buddy. Highly recommend!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $16.99.
8. An adorable portable water flosser, which will help keep your gums happy while you're away from home. This bb literally fits in the palm of your hand, and its wireless design means it can go 30 days before recharging. Gone are the days of your full-sized flosser taking up unnecessary space that could otherwise be used for holding souvenirs!
It comes with four flossing tips and has three cleaning modes, along with an included travel pouch.
Promising review: "This is the water flosser I have been waiting for! I travel weekly for work all over the country and not only does it work well, it’s super compact. No more bulky ones taking up a lot of space in my suitcase. Bravo to whoever designed it!" —V. Oswald
Another promising review: "I enjoy traveling, but always hated the amount of space and weight used to carry other flossers, especially when travel restrictions limited me to a small bag and only 33 pounds total for all. This device is PERFECT! So compact, and even the nozzle slides into it so it won’t get lost. There’s a small bag to hold everything (they provide other nozzles). I tested it out, and the pressure is fine. Love that I can charge it using a USB port! Looking forward to my next trip!" —B. Murray
Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in black or white).
9. And 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).
10. An essential floppy hat you can easily fold up and fit into almost any bag — unlike the giant, stiff straw hat you instantly regretted bringing on your last trip. This one has breathable mesh panels — bye bye, hair sweat! — and is made from a waterproof, UPF 50+ material for keeping you safe and dry from the elements, rain or shine.
Psst: Many reviewers say it keeps its shape, even after being folded into a suitcase!
Promising review: "I bought this hat for a recent trip to the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Parks. It was extremely hot and sunny most of the trip, and this hat was a lifesaver while hiking in areas with little shade. It didn't stain from sweat, kept sun out of my eyes, and prevented my face from sunburning, and didn't soak through when a sudden downpour hit at the Grand Canyon. I folded it down flat to store in my suitcase and it popped right back up without wrinkles or creases. Very pleased." —M. Ullman
Get it from Amazon for $13.98+ (available in four colors).
11. 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).
12. And a very smart and aesthetically pleasing Stojo collapsible travel cup, which is as practical as it is fun. When you're done with your drink, it shrinks down into a two-inch disk so the contents of your bag don't end up consisting of 75% water bottle like they usually do — but good on you for staying hydrated!
It even comes with a straw, can hold both hot and cold liquids, and is dishwasher- and microwave-safe.
Stojo is a small biz aiming to eliminate single-use plastics with their portable and reusable products.
Promising review: "I take my lunch to work and during mid day I like to use the Keurig to brew a cup of coffee. The 12-ounce Stojo cup I purchased is very practical. It is thick and durable. The plastic collar enables you to hold the cup without squeezing it or burning your hands on the hot walls of the cup. It seals well so you don't have to worry about leaking your drink on your shirt. It even has some reasonable thermal properties. There is enough volume in the cup to allow for the 12-ounce brew plus ample creamer. It's not a stainless vacuum cup, but it does hold its temperature better than your typical gas station or coffee shop cup. Plus you have the advantage of being able to reheat your drink in the microwave which you can't do with a stainless cup. Washes easily too. If you want a 12-ounce cup that keeps your drink hot or cold for a long time, this isn't the cup for you. But if you need something practical that will keep your coffee warm for 30–45 minutes, can be reheated in a microwave, and collapses to the dimensions of a tall hockey puck, this is a good purchase. You'll have it for years." —ViciousCycle
Get it from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in four sizes and 24 colors).
13. Tide sink packets in case you have a tendency of packing tons of clothes you don't actually end up wearing (I'm guilty of this) and are set on changing your ways. With these, you can wash the clothes you do end up bringing and rewear them throughout your trip — all while enjoying your much lighter luggage!
Promising review: "Great product. Used it to wash some clothes while traveling for a week and half. Did a great job and allowed me to pack less. Will be purchasing again for a two-week trip coming up." —April M.
Another promising review: "Some in our party were forced to check their carry-on bags due to lack of space on the plane. Our connecting flight then got canceled and we ended up on a different plane…some of the bags didn’t make it and these Tide sink packs SAVED US! We were able to keep a rotation of things clean while we waited for our bags. I was ASTONISHED at how much sweat and grime came out of my clothes after a long, hot day of travel! Won’t travel without them ever again." —Kristin St. Martin
Get nine packs from Amazon for $6.69.
14. A pocket-sized, refillable travel perfume atomizer to fill up with your fragrance of choice so you'll smell amazing without the risk of TSA confiscating your full-size bottle — again. And since it comes in a pack of four, you'll be able to mix and match scents!
BuzzFeed Shopping's Elizabeth Lilly loves this thing: "^ That's me pumping my signature perfume into one of these travel atomizers I've been using for about a year. As the reviewer down below mentions, it's great to just throw in your purse on the reg for a fragrance re-up throughout the day. As you can see, it's about the size of my thumb and therefore takes up very little room. Plus! It's smaller than most rollerball travel fragrances you can pick up. This first one is working so well, that I just have the other three in storage. But if this one bites the dust this summer during travels, I'll be OK about digging into my stores to use one of the remaining three...especially at this price point."
Promising review: "I bought these due to traveling a lot for work and needing to cut down on the size of things in my carry-on bag for flying. I can bring four different perfumes now instead of one big one. They’re super easy to fill, haven’t leaked so far but I keep them in a sandwich baggie while traveling just in case. I would 100% buy them again." —Emily
Get a four-pack from Amazon for $8.99.
15. A waterproof toiletry bag you can hang in the hotel bathroom, because how many times have you tried cramming all of your little bottles onto the whole *inch* of counter space hotels usually have? Plus, keeping your cosmetics and bath products in one of these will keep them much more tightly packed than scattering them throughout your suitcase. It folds up into a little purse, but the photos prove it fits a TON!
Promising review: "I waited too long to review this amazing bag. It's incredibly well made for the price, holds so many items, but somehow feels like it fits just fine in your suitcase without being too bulky. It's really nice to hang once you get to your destination, especially if the bathroom space is tight like in city hotels, or if you have numerous people using one bathroom, you can leave it hanging without being in the way. Anyway, buy now!" —Sarah B
Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in two sizes and nine styles).