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1. Away's popular The Carry On for anyone who *hates* checking bags, but still needs enough space to bring ample clothing options (it fits five to seven outfits and has a laundry compartment!). 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. Plus, the TSA-approved lock means only you and airport security will have access to your belongings.
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 $275+ (available with and without a USB charger and in nine colors).
2. A Trtl neck pillow that'll actually keep you from awkwardly dozing off on your neighbor'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.
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 $34.99 (available in three colors).
3. A beautiful Tory Burch ballet flat specifically designed for travel, since it's flexible enough to fold up for easy packing. And not only that, the elastic back means you won't have a sharp edge digging into the back of your foot (the worst!).
Promising review: "I got these for a trip and love them! Tory's travel ballets are a beautiful soft leather, very comfortable, and will fit anywhere when traveling. I like all the fun colors but got black ones...will be getting another pair!" —lheff
Get it from Amazon for $228 (available in women's sizes 4–12 and six colors — not all colors available in all sizes) or Nordstrom for $152.76+ (available in women's sizes 4.5–13 and eight colors).
4. Or if you're looking for a less splurgy option, a lovely flat that comes in so many gorgeous colors and prints, you probably won't be able to resist buying more than one pair. These also fold up for easy packing, and while the backs don't have that same elastic, reviewers say they still make for easy walking.
Those 25,000+ 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 $13.80+ (available in women's sizes 5–15, including wide sizes, and in 37 designs).
5. A luxe-looking passport and vaccination card holder, because if there are two things you don't want to be without while traveling, it's those. For convenience, the vaccination card slot is see-through, so you can easily flash it whenever you need to.
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 (originally $16; available in 13 colors).
6. A jewelry organizer lined with clasps to 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 — no more storing jewelry in sandwich bags for you!
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 $16.99+ (available in two sizes and seven styles).
7. 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 cute 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 six colors).
8. A prerequisite pair of Birkenstocks for anyone who wants the most low-maintenance of shoes that'll go with everything from denim shorts to flowy dresses. Plus, the contoured footbed provides extra arch support for big walking days.
Promising review: "I love the Arizona style. They are easy to adjust and easy to slip on and off. I suffered from a heel spur and I was able to walk without pain when I changed over to the Arizona sandals. I took several pairs of shoes on vacation and never once did I switch over to a different pair. I can walk for long periods of time with comfort. They are my first choice of shoes." —Glenn B.
Get it from Amazon for $89.95+ (available in women's sizes 4–14.5, as well as in narrow sizes, and in dozens of designs — not all designs available in all sizes).
9. A clever hoodie with a built-in eye mask you'll wish you'd thought of designing first (but will be so happy it exists all the same). 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 $99 (originally $128; available in women's sizes XS-XL and three colors).
10. A cute portable charger, which 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, so no cords to worry about!
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 five colors).
11. A pack of mini hand sanitizers you'd swear were perfume bottles if you didn't know any better. That dreamy packaging! And not only do they look cute, they come in heavenly scents like Citrus Grove and Blue Sandalwood, so you'll actually wanna spritz 'em on your hands.
Each one is good for up to 500 mists!
Promising review: "First of all, these come in the cutest packaging. But more importantly, this is my new favorite hand sanitizer. It’s super convenient, doesn’t leave your hands sticky, and it’s the perfect mist so it doesn’t make a mess and drip everywhere. If I had to pick a favorite scent it would hands down be the apple (green) one. The scent is not overwhelming at all. Love these and have already recommended it to everyone. (Found these from another girl on a girls' trip, was a necessity for the airport!)" —Asha
Get a pack of five from Amazon for $44.97.
12. A lovely and inexpensive crossbody phone purse to take sightseeing when you want just your phone, passport, money, and other small essentials on you without having to cart around a big bulky bag. It's split into two main compartments and one small one, and has little holders for cash, credit cards, and all of those tour guide business cards you're sure to acquire.
Promising review: "Bought for a beach trip, and it was also perfect in the airport. Space for my phone, easily accessible cards, and an extra pocket for my pill container and chapstick! It’s durable and compact, also pretty sturdy — I hung my sandals from the strap while beach-combing and didn’t give them a second thought." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $17.84+ (available in 42 colors).
13. A boho-inspired duffel tote bag with a dedicated shoe pouch so you won't have to worry about dirtying that crisp white blouse you packed. It also has seven pockets and compartments, and comes with both a shoulder strap and handle for wearing or carrying.
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 $38.99+ (available in eight designs).
14. Or, a pretty mesh shoe pouch, because if you're anything like me, you've probably been wrapping your shoes in shopping bags up until now, only to find that they end up ripping, which defeats the purpose. Not only will these actually keep your shoes from scuffing up your clothes, they'll also make your suitcase look like it was packed by a ~real~ adult.
Promising review: "I love this shoe bag for traveling. It's so cute and durable. It can fit sneakers, a pair of flats, and slippers. Also can fit a few pairs of socks in the small pocket. I highly recommend this shoe bag for anyone who is traveling." —Marje
Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in nine styles).
15. A classy wrinkle-resistant top so you can rest assured you'll 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, you'll want this stat!
Promising review: "Great for travel. Lightweight and doesn't wrinkle. Can be worn casually or more dressy." —anonymous
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 $54.97+ (available in women's regular sizes XXS—3X, tall sizes S–XL, and petite sizes XS–L, and in five colors — not all colors available in all sizes).
16. A refined leather electronics organizer for neatly storing your cords and cables all in one place. It comes with nine slots for USB cables, headphones, power adaptors, and any other accessories you might need, and folds up nice and compact. Plus, you can have it personalized with your initials!
Mr. Crafter is a small biz that specializes in personalized leather travel and tech accessories.
Promising review: "Absolutely beautiful! The custom lettering came out perfectly and it can easily hold two battery packs and all the cords we could ever need for traveling with cellphones, iPads and our Switch. So pleased with the craftsmanship! Wonderful purchase. <3" —Sarah Kavaljian
Get it from Mr. Crafter on Etsy for $56.86+ (available in two sizes, in black or brown, and several engraving options).
17. A sneaky anti-theft backpack equipped with slash-resistant fabric and locking zippers so you'll be able to walk around reassured that your belongings are safely tucked away. It's got built-in RFID-blocking technology to protect your personal information, and as a bonus, it's super cute to boot!
It's got lots of zippered pockets and compartments inside and out, plus it comes with two bottle holders!
Promising review: "This is a great backpack for travel or everyday use. I love that it is not heavy and bulky. It is a perfect size! This bag not only keeps your valuables secure, but it also has great organized areas to keep your things neat without falling to the bottom. I also love the fact that it has a back, zip pocket so your wallet can be secure against your back. I love this bag and I know I will use it over and over without the heaviness of a bulky backpack on my back." —Dawn
Get it from Amazon for $99.95+ (available in blue or gray).
18. Or, a chic nylon anti-theft backpack that's 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 or small laptop and has lots of little nooks and crannies for organizing smaller items.
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 $25.99+ (available in two sizes and six colors).
19. A faux leather Béis seatback organizer, because how many of us have gotten to our plane seats, stuffed our passport into the pocket under the tray table while telling ourselves we'd put it in our bag once we settled in, and then promptly forgotten about it until we were about to step off the plane? With this gorgeous thing, you can have all of your essentials within arm's reach and you'll remember to take them with you, too!
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 that 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 $24 (available in black or beige).
20. A discreet lint roller that looks more like a colorful tube of lipstick than a fuzz-removing device! It's retractable, so just pop it out when you need to give your clothes a quick once-over.
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 $8.26+ (available in four colors).
21. A vibrant 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 dedicated compartments for a full-frame DSLR and three lenses, along with a laptop pocket, water bottle holder, passport pocket, side pocket, and tripod holder.
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: "Everything I've been looking for! I've purchased three or four camera backpacks over the past three years because I couldn't find one that had everything I need. This backpack has it all! So many pockets and so much space! I will definitely be purchasing another one!" —Taliena K.
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 eight colors).
22. Or, a lovely water-resistant backpack that's equal parts fashion statement and must-have travel mate. Depending on which size you get, you'll be able to store your tablet or laptop in its dedicated sleeve, and smaller items can go in the interior zippered compartments, front and side pockets, or in the included shoe/toiletry bag.
My colleague Kayla Boyd says: "Recently started using this backpack in size L for travel, and I love it! It has tons of pockets, and the material is flexible so I can really stuff it lol (and fit into overhead bins, etc). The straps are also really comfortable!"
Promising review: "This is my absolute favorite backpack. It has so many compartments, which gives me a place for everything. It's perfect as a work bag or a travel bag. It has a separate sleeve in the back that's cushioned for a laptop, then inside it has a flap that can hold a tablet or notebook. Tons of room inside for other things. I use the Arlo Tech Organizer, and it fits perfectly inside while still leaving room. There's two 'water bottle'-type pockets on the inside that I use to hold an eyeglass case and a pencil case. There are other zippered pockets on the inside for small knickknacks. The outside sides have pockets as well, easy use for water bottles or hanging a mask. The back has two 'secret' side pockets that are easy access for keys and a wallet. My favorite features are a 'secret' pocket on the top to slide your phone into and a strap on the back that can be used to strap the backpack over a carryon suitcase. I cannot explain how much I love this backpack. I show all these features to anyone who asks how I like it. It's a great bag. Worth the price." —Sara S.
Get it from Dagne Dover for $145+ (available in three sizes and seven colors) or Nordstrom for $145 (available in the small size in navy).
23. And, an effortlessly cool iridescent fanny pack for keeping your on-the-go items with you at all times. I actually don't know what I love more, the rainbow zipper or the multiple compartments.
Promising review: "Love, love, love this fanny pack! Color and texture and holographic effect are just beautiful! Even the zipper is rainbow! Very sturdy material. Great size! I fit my iPhone 8 Plus in the main pocket with ease." —Bree Kennedy
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 11 designs).
24. A classic pair of ultra-comfy Allbirds sneakers you can wear on the walking tour you signed up for without realizing it was six hours long. 😬 Their flexible design means they'll move with you, and on hot days you'll appreciate the breathable eucalytus-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 12 colors).
25. A beautiful luggage tag that'll set your all-black suitcase apart from all the other all-black suitcases at baggage claim.
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 18 styles).
26. A versatile off-shoulder jumpsuit (with over 28,000 5-star ratings, might I add) to save room in your suitcase, since it's a one-and-done piece with ~endless~ styling options — aka, you'll be able to wear it multiple times throughout your trip without it feeling monotonous. Plus, it would make the comfiest plane outfit!
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 $19.99+ (available in women's sizes S–3XL and 31 colors/patterns).
27. A snazzy cooler backpack that'll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about coolers. No more lugging around a big, bulky box! With this, you'll free up your arms so you can carry your picnic blanket or beach chairs, and those pretty pastel color options are *chef's kiss*.
It can fit up to 12 cans, or eight cans and two wine bottles, and is made with vegan leather!
Promising review: "Comfortable to carry as backpack or over the shoulder. Love having the small handle also. Easily holds two bottles of wine. Used mine while traveling in Aruba and it was perfect! The color is so pretty!" —Katherine R.
Get it from Corkcicle for $149.95+ (available in six colors/patterns).
28. A sleek Kenneth Cole Reaction laptop tote you'll want to buy for its looks and keep for its ample storage compartments, which can be used for electronics cables, toiletries, and small personal items. Oh, and the removable strap means you can wear it like a shoulder bag or hook the shorter handles to your luggage.
Promising review: "Perfect travel companion! I love this bag; it has so many pockets, can be placed on the handle of my luggage, nice color, durable, and fits my laptop perfectly. The pockets outside are helpful for storing phones and passports so I can quickly get them as needed while traveling." —I Cal
Get it from Amazon for $79.99+ (available in black or navy).
29. A stylish crossbody bag that's just as cute for everyday life (that lining!) as it is useful when traveling. It's got not one, not two, but three sizable zippered sections, as well as two interior pockets, and it's small enough for sneaking into your carry-on or personal item so you don't get scolded for having too many bags.
Promising review: "I really like this purse. It's so roomy and lightweight. I put my cell phone in the first pocket, my sunglasses and eyeglasses in the second pocket, and my wallet in the largest pocket. And the good thing is they all zip closed for added security. There's another zip pocket on the back that I keep my car and house keys in. Inside the large pocket, there are two additional pockets (one zippered and one not) where I keep my lipstick and loose change. And also, it has a nice thick lining. The crossbody strap is long and adjustable. A couple of my friends purchased one, too. I like it so much that I ordered another in a different color." —Val
Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in 19 colors).
30. A — how do I put this? — GORGEOUS set of Cadence containers to store 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 containers, and the ~genius~ magnetic design means you can cluster them together rather than having to dig through your bag to find each individual case.
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.
My BuzzFeed Shopping colleague 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 $74 (originally $84; available in many customizable labels and colors).
31. And finally, a super cute travel blanket that doubles as a plush pillow so you'll stay nice and comfy during your flight (at least, as comfortable as one can be in a tiny little seat!). It comes in several fun colors to choose from, and has a handle pass-through for sticking 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 $31.95 (available in six colors).
Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.
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