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    Save That Souvenir Money: These 48 Travel Essentials All Cost Less Than $50

    Like a super handy cordless charger and a digital luggage scale to spare you from surprise fees at the airport.

    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!

    hand holding a pen to the blue and white travel checklist
    Amazon

    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!"

    a stack of pastel passport and vaccination card holders fanned out, with the one on top holding a passport and vaccination card
    Henney's Boutique / Etsy

    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 27 colors, and with extra slots). 

    3. Trtl neck pillow, which will actually keep you from awkwardly dozing off on your seat mate's shoulder, thanks to its ergonomic design and soft fleece support. Plus, it'll double as a scarf (planes are COLD), and it looks way more chic than those puffy U-shaped pillows.

    Model wearing a gray Trtl pillow while sleeping on a plane
    Amazon

    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 $49.99 (available in four colors).

    4. A set of portable soap paper sheets that'll ensure your hands stay clean, even en route. They instantly foam up when you rub your wet hands together, so don't fret the next time the soap dispenser is empty in Terminal D's b-room (tsk tsk, Terminal D!).

    Promising review: "I first saw these on TikTok and I LOVED the idea of carrying around sheet-like soap with me! Fulfills my dreams of becoming Monica Geller 💜" —Erica

    Get a four-pack (200 sheets total) from Amazon for $8.59.

    5. A digital luggage scale you should definitely have on hand if you've ever been accused of ~overpacking,~ since it'll let you know just how much you can cram into your suitcase without it resulting in some — surprise! — hefty over-capacity fees.

    reviewer using a digital luggage scale to weigh a red suitcase by attaching it to the handle and lifting up
    reviewer holding the silver digital scale, which reads 15.2 pounds

    Just hook the scale to your luggage handle, lift up, and the LCD display will show the weight! You can also switch between pound and kilogram measurements. 

    Promising review: "Took this for a 10-day trip overseas with lots of flights. Weighed the luggage as things were added to it/purchased, and when we weighed in at the airport it was perfectly accurate. Very important when the airline will charge $70 more dollars for a suitcase that is too heavy or make you open the whole thing up and take stuff out in order to fly with it. Saved so much hassle." —B. M. O'Connor

    Get it from Amazon for $10.99 (available in six colors, as well as a two-pack). 

    6. 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 $15.99 (available in 30 styles).

    7. A flight attendant-approved off-shoulder jumpsuit (with over 33,000 5-star ratings, might I add) to save room in your suitcase, since it's a one-and-done piece with ~endless~ styling options — you'll be able to wear it multiple times throughout your trip without it feeling monotonous. Plus, it would make the comfiest plane outfit!

    reviewer wearing the black jumpsuit while standing in front of mountain scenery
    reviewer wearing the red jumpsuit while standing on a pier

    Promising review: "I bought the navy blue to take on vacation after reading an article about how easy care these jumpsuits are. I loved it so much I bought the green. I take them out of my suitecase, hang them up, and they are ready to go in a few hours, no ironing needed. I get compliments every time I wear one of them." —AKSunshine

    Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in women's sizes S–3XL and 31 colors/patterns). 

    8. A cute portable charger that reeeally comes in handy when you're at 19% battery and the plane hasn't even taken off yet. It'll also give you some extra juice while you're exploring (this one's so much sleeker than those bulky block chargers), and best of all, it plugs right into your phone, meaning no pesky cords!

    gif of reviewer holding the pink charger and showing its built-in lightning cable
    hands holding a phone with the white charger plugged into it

    I've had my eye on this bad boy for a while now, and finally ordered it to take on a recent 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).

    9. An in-flight phone mount in case whatever airline you're flying doesn't have any good viewing options (if they even offer them at all). It attaches to the top of your seat-back tray so you can download your favorite movies and TV shows before takeoff and watch them midair.

    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). 

    10. 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.

    Reviewer spinning the container to reveal the snacks in each compartment
    reviewer photo of the snack spinner filled with things like skittles, pretzels, goldfish, and dried fruit

    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 $27.90+ (available in three colors).

    11. A 50-count set of laundry soap sheets, which really 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

    12. A faux leather Béis seatback organizer, because if you've ever reached down into the plane seat pocket and felt a sticky mystery substance, you probably wanna avoid storing any personal items in there. Plus, how many of us have forgotten our passports this way? With this gorgeous thing, you'll have all of your essentials within arm's reach and remember them when you leave the plane, too!

    beige pocket with spaces for different spots for phone, iPad, passport, sunglasses, and more
    Béis

    Béis is a woman-owned travel accessories company from Shay Mitchell.

    Promising review: "This is the perfect travel accessory I never knew I needed! I’m a travel dork who likes to get all situated and prepared for a long flight. I need my lip gloss and hand lotion in close reach at all times. And now hand sanitizer and wipes as well. All of the little pockets are great. Besides those items, I also packed my Kindle, earbuds, phone, moisturizer, and pens for our customs forms (because ultimately there’s going to be someone around you that forgot their pen!). No more reaching into the seat-back pocket and finding someone’s melted chocolate wrapper, gum, or dirty tissue. No more phone falling through a rip in the pocket. Every travel nerd needs this!!" —Shelby D. 

    Get it from Béis for $34.

    13. 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.

    Model putting a $100 bill into the concealed zipper belt
    Amazon

    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 the money for the trip hidden within the belt and carry in my purse 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 $17.99 (available for pant sizes 20"–50" and three colors and styles). 

    14. And a super smart travel pouch, which clips right onto your bra, meaning your cash, credit cards, and ID will be kept safe from even the most skilled pickpockets. 

    the small pouch attached to the side of a bra
    the same pouch now attached to the middle of a bra
    Amazon

    Promising review: "This was a LIFESAVER while traveling. I kept my cards and cash in it and had no stress about thieves lifting my essentials while traveling heavily pickpocketed cities. I loved it so much, I actually continued to use it when I got home instead of carrying a purse! The top flap did start to unravel after about six months — but this was also after six months of everyday use." —Krista Hinz

    Get it from Amazon for $16.95 (available in black or pink). 

    15. Some vacuum storage bags in case you've ever been accused of overpacking and wanna 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.

    A BuzzFeeder's bulky clothes in a sealed bag with text:
    The BuzzFeeder's same clothes now vacuum-sealed with text:
    Jasmin Sandal / BuzzFeed

    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 $17.99+ (available in five sizes, as well as packs of two, five, and eight).

    16. An unassuming luggage strap, which may not look like much but is actually super convenient in terms of keeping your hands free. Just hook it onto your luggage handle and attach your purse, backpack, neck pillow, jacket, or pretty much anything else you'd rather not schlep around yourself. 

    gif showing someone attaching a yellow strap to a white suitcase and hooking a black tote bag to it
    collage of pictures showing how the strap can be used to secure a lot of different travel items
    Amazon, Amazon

    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 or as a pack of two).

    17. 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. 

    reviewer photo of the green water bottle, rolled up
    reviewer photo of the blue water bottle, filled up

    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).

    18. 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 ~laid back~ beach vacation. Don't worry, just get out the maxi you threw into your suitcase at the last minute, iron out those wrinkles, and hope they don't have a "no flip-flop" dress code. 

    the compact steam iron packed in a suitcase full of clothes
    Amazon

    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 (also available as a set of two).

    19. A beautiful 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 😬.

    reviewer photo of the blue wave luggage tag attached to a suitcase
    hands placing a business card into the marble patterned luggage tag

    It has a slot for an address card or business card as well as a privacy flap. 

    Promising review: "I purchased these for a trip to Hawaii. I love the design and was primarily wanting them to differentiate my luggage from other travelers on the luggage belt. But little did I know they would be so much more effective in locating my luggage elsewhere. My connecting flight was delayed, and for some reason the airline left my luggage at the airport, while I went on to my destination in Hawaii, the luggage didn't follow. When I realized this, I alerted baggage claim and they had me fill out all the paperwork. The one question they had, is whether my luggage looked different than other dark colored mid sized pieces. Yes it did, it had these luggage tags on it, and that's what the luggage claims administrator put as the distinguishing feature. By that night, they had found my luggage and flown it from California to Hawaii on the next flight. I was relieved to have had these attached to my bags. I would highly recommend these for your luggage as well." —TX Divemaster

    Get a pair from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 24 styles). 

    20. 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 42 colors).

    21. Some 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!"

    A reviewer wearing the blue earplugs
    The box of earplugs

    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). 

    22. stylish travel belt that frees up your hands by keeping 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 also adjustable and comes in the ~cutest~ designs. 

    model leaning against a beige tote that's strapped to a suitcase with a red checkered belt
    model standing next to a green suitcase with a black carry-on strapped to the handle using a pink and black belt
    Cincha Travel

    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).

    23. Some biodegradable hypoallergenic wipes, because I can't be the only one who feels a little bit gross after being on a plane, right? With these, you can give yourself a quick pat down during your layover, and then again when you reach your destination. 

    model using one of the wipes on their arm
    Amazon

    These are made with natural tea tree oil, peppermint, ginseng, and oil and come individually wrapped, so they're easy to fit in your carry-on. 

    Promising review: "I purchased this product for a recent trip to China so that I could freshen up between flights and also so that I could clean up as needed. I predominantly used these to wipe my body between my long-haul flight and my connecting flight to a local destination. This was a nice alternative to a shower when one simply wasn't available. It just made me feel cool, refreshed, and slightly descuzzed. I'd recommend them for this purpose. As they are perfumed, I wouldn't recommend using them as a toilet wipe for fear of throwing off a critical pH balance for women, but as an overall body cleaner, they are great. :)" —Magdalene Sikora

    Get a pack of 10 from Amazon for $8.92 (also available in a pack of 20).

    24. A lovely flat that comes in so many gorgeous colors and prints, you'll have a hard time choosing just one pair. Reviewers say these fold up nice and compact (your forever-crammed suitcase will thank you), and that they're super comfortable — perfect when you're dashing through the airport Home Alone-style or need a shoe that easily slips on and off at security. 

    reviewer wearing snakeskin flats with jeans
    reviewer wearing tan flats with jeans

    Those 35,000+ 5-star ratings don't lie!

    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 like Tieks and fit them in a semi-small purse to change into to dance at a wedding! Score!" —Kate

    Get it from Amazon for $9.54+ (available in women's sizes 5–15, including wide sizes, and 35 styles). 

    25. mini contact lens kit so you can avoid red eyes on your red-eye. When it's time to take your contacts out and you really don't wanna do so in the tiny, questionably sanitary plane b-room, this will help you get the job done right in your seat. 

    It comes with a solution bottle, tweezers, stick connection, lens holder, and mirror. 

    Promising review: "When I travel, I worry about misplacing my contacts, so this will hep me keep them in a safe place, easy to find."—Tamra G.

    Another promising review: "Great product for the price!! Super cute!! Small and perfect for traveling, in your car, purse, or pocket!! The tongs have a super soft silicone type grip on the ends so they won't hurt your lenses. I am very impressed!! I would recommend to everyone!! Great product, great price!! Will purchase again!!" —Loni H. Rhymes

    Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in four colors).

    26. CeraVe face moisturizer with SPF 30, because if you're anything like me, even just thinking about being on a plane instantly makes your skin dry up. What is it about that recycled air? At any rate, this will keep your face from feeling parched during your flight while also protecting it from the sun (we love a space-saving, dual-purpose product). Oh, and it comes in a small enough bottle that TSA won't confiscate it!

    hand holding the white and blue bottle of moisturizing sunscreen
    buzzfeeder with the spf moisturizer on their face with text: not greasy, hydrating, spf 30
    Britt Ross / BuzzFeed

    This is my go-to face moisturizer/sunscreen and I apply it *every* morning, whether I'm traveling or not. As someone who can't stand the feeling of being caked in tons of products, especially on my face, I love that this is a 2-in-1 and saves me a step in my routine. I find that the formula absorbs really quickly — especially considering it has SPF — and it keeps my dry-as-a-desert skin feeling hydrated and looking just a bit dewy without being greasy (aka the absolute worst!). Plus, it doesn't have a runny consistency, meaning I can confidently toss it into my bag without worrying about it leaking everywhere, and the twist-and-lock cap adds extra reinforcement. Since it's just three ounces, I don't have to run to the store for a travel-sized version whenever I have a flight coming up, and it's super affordable to boot. The one thing I would say is that you should wait for any serums or skin products you apply before it to fully absorb before putting this on, since it'll help prevent pilling. I enthusiastically recommend it if you're looking to save some space in your clear plastic bag!

    P.S. I personally don't notice a white cast left behind, but as you can see from the photo, I have extremely fair skin, and some reviewers with darker skin mentioned they did notice a cast. That said, there's another great option below!

    Promising review: "I really like this stuff. The cap prevents any spilling when I travel as well. It goes on smoothly and one pump is plenty. I have mildly sensitive skin around my eyes and some SPF moisturizer gives me watery eyes, but this doesn’t!!" —Monica

    Get it from Amazon for $14.62.

    27. Or a brightening SPF 30 moisturizer formulated with darker skin tones in mind, since it swaps chalky residue for a glowy finish. It's also got vitamin C to help reduce signs of sun damage and keep you looking *fresh* as you step off the plane. 

    gif of model rubbing the moisturizer onto their face
    model's face looking bright and radiant after applying the moisturizer
    Amazon

    Bolden is a Black woman-owned small biz making skincare products that are never tested on animals. 

    Promising review: "I love this moisturizer. Being a dark-skinned African American, I find that often times sunscreen leaves a residue. This is the first sunscreen I've ever used that doesn't leave any weird discoloration, feels great on my skin, and it aids in reducing hyperpigmentation. I even have sensitive skin and haven't had any breakouts while using Bolden's sunscreen. A pump and a half is all I need for my face and neck. I highly recommend it and will be buying more for my family." —Missy D

    Another promising review: "I love this product. It’s lightweight and I feel secure when I’m in the sun, especially when I apply it on top of serum that increases sun sensitivity." —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $24.99

    28. A cute travel blanket, which doubles as a plush pillow so you'll stay 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.

    model holding up the pink travel blanket
    model pulling a suitcase with the pink blanket that's been folded into the pillowcase strapped on
    Amazon

    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). 

    29. 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.

    reviewer wearing the black Hairbrella in the rain
    Model pouring water on another model's head while wearing the hairbrella, then taking it off to show hair perfectly styled and dried

    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 sizes and 10 styles). 

    30. six-port USB charging station, which is a game-changer when you're at the airport and need to charge your phone, and tablet, and your kids' tablet, and your S.O.'s tablet...and there's only one place to plug in. Oh, and if you get to your hotel and realize your room is short on outlets, this bb has you covered. 

    the outlet with five chargers plugged into it
    the outlet placed in a suitcase
    Amazon

    Promising review: "This is a great product! I travel frequently, and I am always challenged with the number of USB ports I can get with the number of outlets available (and where) in hotel rooms. With this product, the number of ports problem goes away, and what's great is that it extends the charger interface out from behind a bed or nightstand, or other inconvenient receptacle location, up onto a work surface for easy access. As far as power, I have had an ASUS transformer, two iPads, HTC One M8, and two iPhones connected to it at the same time, charging for hours with no heat on the device whatsoever. It works great at home too. I have always had good luck with Anker products, good quality." —bishop

    Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in black or white).

    31. The cutest travel games set that'll keep your kids (and maybe even you!) from throwing a tantrum during long delays and layovers. 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.

    the travel games set, including dry erase boards, markers, and a carrying case
    Jonley Gifts / Etsy

    Based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Jonley Gifts is a small 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

    32. 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. 

    Reviewer sitting on a bench with the gray backpack with a lighter gray stripe down the middle
    BuzzFeeder's photo of the black faux leather backpack holding snacks, sunscreen, an umbrella, glasses case, water bottle, and hand sanitizer in its theft-proof back pocket
    www.amazon.com, Britt Ross / BuzzFeed

    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 $20.79+ (available in two sizes and 17 styles).

    33. 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!

    the inside of the pink jewelry organizer, showing the necklace clasps and several pockets
    reviewer holding the folded up pink jewelry organizer

    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). 

    34. 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!

    Reviewer photo of all of the toiletries they were able to fit in the case, next to the zipped-up bag
    The same reviewer showing everything neatly packed up inside the flattened bag

    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 $18.39+ (available in two sizes and nine colors).

    35. Or an upright toiletry bag for anyone who doesn't need to meet TSA requirements and wants something that'll fit full-sized products as well as minis. 

    gif of someone filling the purple toiletry bag with mini and full sized products
    reviewer photo of the unzipped toiletry bag filled with bath products and hanging from a towel rack

    It's got a whopping eight mesh pockets in the main compartment, four zippered pockets (three internal, one external), and six additional pouches to keep your bath products perfectly organized. 

    Promising review: "I’ve used so many travel cases for my toiletries but this one is the only one that actually fits all of my stuff perfectly. I use the tiny travel-sized bottles, but it’s big enough to fit normal-sized shampoo bottles too. It’s really sturdy, even the zipper is really strong, and it has so many pockets that I have everything perfectly organized. I can even fit it very easily into my suitcase or bag, it takes up the same amount of space as a pair of shoes." —Angie

    Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in two sizes and 12 styles). 

    36. 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 had one of these. Sweet dreams!

    reviewer holding the small black noise machine in the palm of their hand to show scale
    close up of the same reviewer holding the noise machine, showing the different buttons

    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 — don't forget to apply the coupon to save $3!

    37. 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 non existent. 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 $8.10.

    38. 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.

    39. 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! This comes with four international adapters so you'll never find yourself in that situation again.

    BuzzFeeder photo of the black adaptor plugged into an outlet, with an iPhone charger plugged into the adaptor
    gif of BuzzFeeder plugging the adaptor into a European outlet and its light turning on to show it's working
    Britt Ross / BuzzFeed

    There are also two USB ports! 

    While the listing says this adapter can't be used in South Africa, India, Switzerland, and Italy, I just used this on my 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).

    40. A fleecy MakeUp Eraser that'll take off allll your makeup (that includes you, waterproof mascara) using water and...that's it, just water. Seriously! No more makeup remover or wipes taking up precious space in your bag. Simply wet it, massage over your face in a circular motion, and ta-da!

    A reviewer with half their face with makeup, and the other half makeup free after using the eraser
    a black washcloth

    It's got two sides — one that can wipe off all your makeup with water and a light scrubbing, and another that exfoliates your skin. And each one lasts for up to five years!

    Promising review: "This did exactly what it claims to do. I use some warm water on a little part and my whole makeup comes off, even mascara! I used to always buy makeup wipes and this has saved me so much money. I just throw it in with the laundry and it’s perfect. I’ve been using it for over six months now and it hasn’t failed me at all, it’s worth the money!!" —Sharmin Rahman

    Get it from Amazon for $20.

    41. A waterproof pouch for keeping your precious phone safe on canoe trips, beach excursions, or even surprise rain showers. Oh, and if you wanna take some cool underwater photos, the clear window is touch-friendly!

    reviewer wearing their phone in the pouch around their neck while in the water
    reviewer holding the phone pouch while covered in bubbles during a bubble run

    It fits any phone up to 7-inches diagonally, and you can also use it to keep your ID and money from getting wet! 

    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).

    42. A discreet lint roller, which looks more like a colorful tube of lipstick than a fuzz-removing device! Since it's retractable, just pop it out whenever your clothes could use a quick once-over rather than sheepishly walking around covered in...whatever that was on your plane seat. 😬

    reviewer holding the pink lint roller with the sticky part extended
    same reviewer holding the pink lint roller, but retracted and compact

    Promising review: "I love that this lint roller has a close option to prevent it from picking up everything in my bag and wasting papers. It's such a nice size that I keep one in my work bag and one in my travel bag and it doesn't take up any space!" —Kehad

    Get it from Amazon for $9.94+ (available in three colors). 

    43. 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.

    before and after photos of a reviewer's foot looking very swollen before using the socks, and much less swollen after
    reviewer wearing the black and pink socks

    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 $9.38+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 13 styles).

    44. 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.

    A BuzzFeed editor's arm with a bite on it
    Rebecca O'Connell / BuzzFeed

    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 $9.80+ (available in four colors and in packs of two or three). 

    45. A stick of Body Glide anti-chafing balm so you won't have to worry about dreaded thigh rashes while you're hiking in shorts or exploring a new city for hours in your favorite sundress. 

    A model applying the balm to their inner thigh
    Model applying it under a sports bra
    Amazon

    BuzzFeed Shopping's Emma Lord says: "I swear by this to the point where if I can't find it in the morning on a summer run, I just won't go out, LOLOL. My boobs chafe SO BADLY under my sports bra bands, no matter what kind I'm wearing, but putting on a tiny bit of this before I leave works like a charm. Absolutely no more friction and no more going "OW OW OW" in the shower because my literal boob wounds were stinging."

    Promising review: "I used this stuff on the Appalachian trail and it works amazing. Like marble on marble and instant relief. A must-have for any trail hiker." —Draco

    Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in three sizes, as well as packs of two). 

    46. And a Body Glide anti-blister foot balm, because there's nothing worse than feeling the new travel shoes you thought you'd already broken in start rubbing against your feet in the middle of the day. It's formulated with vitamins A and C, which help soften and soothe chapped feet, and if you apply it before you put your shoes on, it can proactively prevent painful raw skin. 

    A model applies the BodyGlide Foot Anti Blister Balm to the back of their ankle
    Amazon

    Promising review: "Saw this product in a TikTok review and thought to give it a go. I definitely say it causes new shoes to be less painful however if you apply a lot it can be a little transferable on shoes. Overall though I think this product is definitely worth it and it does make a difference with new shoe wear!" —Mich Elle

    Get it from Amazon for $9.

    47. A low-key brilliant Alleyoop Pen Pal that'll save some space in your almost-unzippable makeup bag, since it's a 4-in-1 eyeliner, lip liner, brow pencil, and highlighter. Just, so cool!

    GIF of Jasmin pushing down the lip liner function of the  pen
    model holding the blue pen and wearing the mauve makeup shade
    Jasmin Sandal / BuzzFeed, Alleyoop

    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 $17.50 (originally $25, available in three shades).

    48. And finally, a cheeky dirty laundry bag with an expandable design — it starts out small and compact for short trips, but also opens up to fit up to a week's worth of clothes. Now your sweaty socks won't stink up your entire suitcase, and your clean garments will be protected from the scuffed-up ones. 

    pink zippered bag that says
    Amazon

    Promising review: "I love this bag for travel. It's the perfect size. Unlike so many travel laundry bags, this one is the perfect size for clothes and undies. So many are too small, like a lingerie bag, or too big, like a bag to take to the laundromat. This is cute and folds up into itself." —N. Newman

    Get it from Amazon for $15.

    Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.