We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. A luggage-mounted cup caddy because if you're anything like me, coffee is HIGH on your list of airport priorities and you could likely use an extra hand to carry it.
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 $10.99+ (available in 28 colors/styles).
2. A nifty universal phone mount so you can pass your high-altitude hours *finally* catching up on the fourth season of Love is Blind. Your budget seat might not have come with its own built-in screen, but this works just as well.
Promising review: "I bought this gadget about six months 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).
3. A pair of Apple AirPods Pro ready to play hours and hours of whatever playlist you're currently digging so you can distract yourself from the fact that you're stuck in a cursed middle seat. The accompanying charging case delivers 24 full hours of playtime, or — if your mind works like mine — enough juice to play the entirety of Dua Lipa's Future Nostalgia 38 times.
Promising review from BuzzFeed shopping writer Emma Lord:
"I have a pair of these, and they're not playing around. Once they're securely in your ear, you can toggle the headphones between noise-cancelling and regular sound, depending on your situation. I've been working from home, and the noise-cancelling is so effective that I can work next to a window where my neighbor is doing heavy construction and I don't hear anything louder than a faint buzzing. It's quieter than if I'd just plugged my ears with my own fingers. I'm also a runner, and these don't budge when you're sweating, which is nice. It's also handy that these toggle out of noise cancellation mode, because I feel better being able to hear traffic and other people around me when I'm out and about. The TL;DR is I love these so much I have zero interest in owning another pair of headphones for as long as I live." Read her full review of the AirPod Pros here!
Get them from Amazon for $199.
4. A Bluetooth-enabled mask if falling asleep on vacation is not your forte. Slip this baby on, turn on your favorite thunderstorm simulator, and it's like you never left home.
Promising review: "This is the best thing I have ordered in a long time! I work nights and recently took a travel position. Staying in hotels is fun until your neighbor is loud or the highway traffic is horrible. The speakers on this are quality! The only thing I heard was the rain and thunder from my app. The rain was so clear sounding I could easily visualize each drop hitting the ground. I was about to fall asleep when the thunder kicked in and seriously scared me to pieces! Highly recommend!" —Dana Harris
Get it from Amazon for $22.58+ (available in seven colors).
5. A two-in-one travel blanket and pillow sure to make your transatlantic flight much more bearable — especially if you're the type to sleep against the window or on your tray table.
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).
6. An Apple AirTag so you know where your bag is at all times — especially if you have tight connections to make or are on a trip that involves planes, trains, and automobiles (aka Ubers, Lyfts, and taxis).
After all of the flight cancellations, tarmac delays, and general travel disruptions of 2022, I finally decided to invest in an AirTag for my checked luggage. In my 15 years of international travel, I've only ever had a bag lost once (due to a missed connecting flight), but I figured it was time to stop tempting fate. I'm generally a carry-on-only traveler, but even those have been getting gate-checked more frequently and as my recent trip involved SIX flights, I felt better having this slipped inside. Using the "Find My" app I can see exactly where my bag was last located so when I land, I'll know if it made the flight with me.
Get it from Amazon for $27.26.
7. And an AirTag holder because as incredible as the little gadget is, you probably don't love the idea of a $30 device just floating around all willy-nilly in your suitcase.
This was a no-brainer for me because — like I said — I wasn't going to just throw the AirTag in my bag and hope for the best. Instead, I placed it in here and attached the key ring to a zipper on the inside of my bag. Easy peasy.
Promising review: "When I purchased this I was worried my AirTag would accidentally fall out if it was not secure enough. When I got it, my worries were put to rest. The AirTag is super secure and I keep it on my keys. Will likely get another few for the rest of my AirTags." —Alli
Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (available in eight colors).
8. A three-pack of noise-reducing in-flight earplugs that naturally regulate air pressure in your ears so don't have to deal with popping or pain during takeoff and landing.
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 three-pack from Amazon for $18.49+ (available in packs of 3, 5, and 10).
9. An inflatable foot rest that adjusts to three different heights so you don't have to sit in the exact same position for 8 straight hours even if your economy seat has limited space.
Promising review: "This foot rest pillow is essential for those who travel very long distances. It is not only uncomfortable but unhealthy to leave feet dangling down for many hours or days at a time while traveling. I purchased this pillow to situate between my airplane seat and the seat in front of mine. It is wonderful to be able to prop my feet up, with bent knees, while watching movies or sleeping. I regularly fly the same route that is about 30 hours (including layovers), and when I am unable to get a seat upfront, this foot rest pillow keeps me more comfortable at the back of the plane." —Yvonne N
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in four colors and two-packs).
10. A skyline mini wallet emergency kit with 20 individually packaged essentials that can help you with everything from a headache or broken nail to chapped lips or a red wine stain.
Anne Cate is a woman-owned small business based in Cleveland, Ohio that handmakes minimalist keepsakes with a skyline from more than 100 cities and colleges around the world!
The kit includes a hair tie, ChapStick, two floss pics, a sewing kit, bandages, emery board, two safety pins, two earring backs, a makeup wipe, two bobby pins, two mints, a deodorant wipe, a Shout wipe, a tampon, hand sanitizer, and Tylenol.
Promising review: "I got one for myself and one for my daughter. I love how compact this emergency kit is. It fits in any purse. I would suggest and recommend for anyone. I’m sure it will lighten a purse for many by condensing it into this one small emergency kit." —Eileen M.
Get it from Anne Cate for $25 (available in 100+ skylines).
11. An AirFly Pro wireless transmitter so you can use your Bluetooth headphones to watch all the movies you didn't feel like paying $15 to see in theaters.
Last year I splurged on some AirPod Maxes and for the amount of money I threw down on them, I was determined to get as much use out of them as possible and that included on plane rides. With the AirFly Pro, I can connect my headphones via Bluetooth and use the seat-back screen without having to fiddle with the free wired headphones they hand out that 1.) have horrible sound quality and 2.) don't fit my ears in the slightest (I swear my ear canals are tiny or something??).
PS: the AirFly Pro comes with a USB-C charging cable, travel pouch, keychain holder, quick start guide, and manual.
Promising review: "Ever since I purchased my wireless Bose earbuds, I always hated having to use another set when I was on an airplane with the seat-back entertainment system. I tried many different models to connect the system to my Bluetooth headsets until I came across this one, and it is amazing! It seamlessly connects to my headset, very clear and reliable audio, and it takes the stress away from having to carry multiple headsets! Thank you!!!" —Ryan Malloy
Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in three options).
12. A pack of Neutrogena cleansing towelettes you can whip out at the beginning and end of your flight to freshen up. They may not be the pre-warmed towels being handed out in first class, but wiping off your sticky Ginger Ale fingers will certainly make you feel fancier.
Promising review: "These are a great product in general, but brilliant for traveling. They come individually wrapped in about a 1-square-inch package and unfold to approx. 10 inches x 10 inches (or a tad larger). I have sensitive eyes and these do not hurt or irritate whatsoever, plus they don’t leave a greasy film in my eyes at all. One towelette is enough to remove all my mascara and face makeup as they are not only a generous size, but are also thick and strong, too. Finally, they’re gentle on my skin, as well as my eyes and I have had no sensitivity issues with my face either. A definite A+ for home use as well as for traveling." —Paul
Get a pack of 20 from Amazon for $6.80.
13. An ultra-compact charger because your wallet-friendly seat didn't come with an outlet or USB port but that won't stop you from keeping your phone fully juiced up.
Check out a TikTok of the portable charger in action.
Here's more from BuzzFeeder Elizabeth Lilly:
"I bought this specifically for my weeklong trip to Europe in December when I knew I'd be taking a million videos of adorable Christmas markets. But! I keep it in my bag all the time, even when I'm not on vacation. I use Google Maps to get around NYC, and any New Yorker will tell you that when you leave your home on a quick errand at 10 a.m. on a Saturday, you may not get home until 3 a.m. because there's always something cool to do, and friends constantly reach out with impromptu plans. This little charger has saved me on several days while I'm out and about. No more need to bring your pal a phone charging cord when you're meeting for happy hour and searching the bar for stools near an outlet."
Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in six colors).
14. A simple yet life-changing felt insert that'll make it easy to find everything in your carry-on. You might not have a whole dang first-class pod to spread your stuff out among, but this will make you feel just as organized and fret-free.
This comes in so many shades, you'll easily find one to match the interior of any of your bags!
Promising review: "Love this organizer so much. It is extremely well-made, measurements are spot on, and it fits several of my large bags. No more rooting through a cluttered purse for a wallet or lip balm. Everything has a place. I can reach in without looking and know exactly where everything is. If you are looking for a little organization in your life, this is a must. Perfect for day-to-day use and for travel." —KentuckyGirl
Get it from Amazon for $16.28+ (available in sizes S–XL and 23 colors).
15. A *number* of plain Madewell tees you can mix and match with every bottom in your bag so you don't have to spend more than 60 seconds putting together an outfit.
I am not good at planning outfits ahead of time. Often when I do, I end up not wanting to wear it anyways, so it does me no good. That's why I like traveling with three or four of these plain Madewell tees — because I can pair them with any skirt/pant I've packed and they go perfectly. They also fold up super small so they take up next to no room in back which is a major selling point.
Get it from Amazon for $18.50 (available in women's sizes XXS–XXL and in 15 colors).
16. A supportive and adjustable travel pillow because booking a red-eye flight + a basic economy ticket saved you mad $$$ but you're not about to sacrifice any sleep.
There's even a snapping strap attached that'll allow you to hook it to your backpack, luggage, or purse for hands-free carrying.
Promising review: "We just flew across the country twice and loved using this travel pillow. It wasn't too hot around our necks and kept our heads supported while we slept on the plane. I wore mine during the entire flights, even when awake. I was able to comfortably read and watch a movie on my tablet while wearing the pillow. Rotating the pillow around your neck adjusts the thickness, so you can customize the fit and support. I have bought lots of different travel pillows and in my opinion, this one is the best!" —LW
Get it from Amazon for $34.97+ (available in sizes S–XL and in 13 colors/designs).
17. Or an inflatable option that allows you to relax at a perfect 45-degree angle *and* watch whatever you downloaded to your phone from Netflix all at the same time. Once you're done, simply deflate it and pop it in your carry-on where it'll take up next to no space.
Promising review: "I used this on four international flights last month and it made all the difference in the world. It's compact, easy to inflate/deflate, very versatile in how you can position it, doesn't rely on the tray table, and works well for bulkhead seats as well as those with someone in front of you. I can't sleep with my head back without snorting myself awake, so this is a perfect alternative. I can very comfortably lean forward in my seat and sleep almost like I can in a bed. I'm 6'2" and this pillow is plenty tall enough to just rest on my lap and let me lean forward into it without feeling crunched over. This pillow will easily let me get enough comfortable periods of sleep on a nine-hour flight that I don't feel completely drained upon arrival. My wife tried mine out before we left on vacation and loved it so much she had me order her one. We both wouldn't travel without them now." —Still Chilly In Colorado
Get it from Amazon for $24.99.
18. A 26-liter Calpak Duffel with soooo many pockets it's basically the bag equivalent of cargo pants.
If you wanna talk about a ludicrously capacious bag, this right here is the winner!! I bought a basic economy ticket — with no baggage allowance other than a personal item — and managed to fit enough in here for an 8-day trip that included London, Oxford, and Edinburgh. I wore it as a backpack the whole time, but it does have adjustable straps that turn it into a duffel bag. It also has multiple carrying handles, a luggage trolley sleeve, a laptop pocket, an interior compression strap, a clamshell opening (so it opens just like a suitcase!), and, one of the best features — imo — a ripstop polyester shell (it's made from 27 recycled water bottles). I stuffed this sucker with not only my clothes and toiletries but a whole bunch of souvenirs on the way home and there was no ripping of seams or weird noises that made me think my bag might explode at any moment. Oh and the juniper color is just 😍
Promising review: "I recently used this bag for a trip to Florida and managed to pack so many outfits. It worked as a personal item so I didn’t have to pay for luggage. Not to mention, this bag had so many pockets. Definitely purchase if you’re on the fence." —Alyssa C.
Get it from Calpak for $175 (available in five colors).
19. A foot hammock so you can make the most of your limited legroom and avoid the dreaded pins and needles that come along with cramped quarters.
Promising review: "This is an amazing product. It's so simple but works incredible to prevent swelling and pressure on legs while flying. I just flew the first leg of an international flight and used it, and I am on a layover now and had to pause to write this review. I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!! It easily attached to the tray table, and I adjusted to my desired height. It is like a hammock for your feet. You just prop them up inside the thing/swing/hammock — which is very cushiony — and your feet are hoisted up comfortably. DEFINITELY A MUST-HAVE ON ALL MY FLIGHTS NOW. This thing is great!!" —Queen
Get it from Amazon for $21.99 (available in three colors).
20. Some TSA-approved Kitsch travel pouches which pack down to basically nothing at all — saving space for other essential toiletries you *can't* siphon into a travel container.
TBH I bought these on a whim because I saw them while I was standing in the checkout line at TJ Maxx but turns out, they're great! My shampoo and especially my conditioner get stuck in the bottom of traditional travel bottles and it's really annoying to have them taking up space in my bag once they've run out. That's where these come in clutch. I can roll them like a toothpaste tube to get out every last bit and then they pack completely flat leaving me with *extra* room on the way home.
Promising review: "I absolutely love these little pouches. They have worked amazingly for the travel I have done recently. I have heard that some people have issue with them popping, but I think that is avoidable if you don’t fill them up all the way to allow for air expansion on the plane. Also squeeze out excess air. These are so cute and the plastic pouch them come in hold my razor and shower mitt. Most of all, I love how no product gets wasted. That is what I hated about structured travel bottles. Must buy!" —Ashley
Get them from Amazon for $9.99.
21. A seat back organizer that slides over the tray table so you don't have to touch any icky surfaces or dig around that communal pocket of crumbs looking for your misplaced passport. It's machine washable, so after your flight, you can toss it in the wash and then use it again!
Promising review: "Every time I whip this thing out, someone leans across the aisle, asks what it is, and then makes a note to buy one when they get home. On a long-haul flight, it's simply a must for organizing your reading materials, headphones, sanitizing wipes, etc. One seat back pocket just doesn't do the trick! My favorite use for this thing, though, is when I've fallen deep asleep along the way only to wake up in a fog and in a rush to deplane. Instead of having to hastily dig things out of the seat back pocket (and wherever else I've squirreled things during the trip), I just slip the entire thing off of the tray table, pop it in my bag and worry about sorting things out when I get to where I'm going — safe in the knowledge that I didn't leave anything behind because it's all in the pouches. Love it!" —justinglen
Get it from Amazon for $24.99.
22. Croc platforms. Full stop. They're ultra-comfortable, waterproof, and can take a serious beating if you need to shove them in the exterior water bottle pouch of your backpack because you bought more souvenirs than anticipated.
If 2023 me told pre-2019 me that I would ever wear Crocs, I'd laugh in her face. That said, these may just be my favorite sandals ever. I am a big platform person so that's what initially sold me but better yet, they're just so freaking comfortable. They have a slight bounce and the straps do. not. rub. so I can wear them for hours on end. Since they're plastic, they can also get wet without issue and they dry off super fast. If you're on the fence because you're a Never Croc-er™ just give 'em a try. (You can always return them on Amazon if you're not sold!)
Promising review: "Alright, I've gotta say something because holy balls, man. If you want a cute and COMFORTABLE pair of shoes while you travel, you gotta buy these. I just visited Bali and literally wore these EVERY SINGLE DAY. I didn't even pull out any of my other shoes. Bonus, they're waterproof... how do I know that?? I walked 1.3 miles in them during a Bali thunderstorm back to our hotel! Honestly, I couldn't recommend these shoes enough!" —Devon C.
Get them from Amazon for $54.95 (available in women's sizes 4–11 and in 13 colors).
PS: If you're a Prime member, you can try before you buy!
23. A hands-free Bluetooth remote so you can read an e-book or scroll through TikTok — if you splurged on Wi-Fi, that is — without even having to *touch* your Kindle or phone.
It's also great to use while scrolling in the bath so you don't get your phone wet — check it out in action on TikTok!
Promising review: "The best purchase. Honestly, this is the coolest; it’s lightweight, and it’s easy. I’m glad I bought it." —Justine Laviolette
Get it from Amazon for $20.95+ (available in three colors).
24. An Anker 10000mAh power bank — a must-have if you would quite literally have NO idea where you were going without a phone that had enough juice to access Google Maps.
Promising review: "I bought this for a two week vacation to South Africa seeing as I was out most of the day taking lots of pictures and nowhere to readily plug in my phone. This thing is super small, fits in my small purse and I did not have to recharge it at all the whole time I was gone. Granted I did not use it every day, but the fact that it holds charge that long is amazing. After about 11 days it still had 75% of the charge and I had used it at least four times. It does charge pretty fast which is a big plus and because it is so small, I don't even have to take it out of my purse." —Nellie F.
Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in three colors).
25. A teensy tiny pack of dissolvable laundry sheets if you'll be away from home for a while and might need to hand wash some items while you're away. Yes, lots of hotels have washers and dryers, but that requires a whole lotta quarters, and you gotta watch your stuff like a hawk.
Here's what my BF Shopping colleague Elizabeth Lilly has to say:
"I travel just about any chance that I get and found a WHOLE lot of success with these little laundry sheets on an almost-three-weeks European vacation this summer where I carried on only and rewore outfits several times."
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 50-count pack from Amazon for $5.85.
26. A fashion-forward Cincha travel belt that can accommodate literally all of your carry-ons as it expands to 45 inches.
Cincha is a BIPOC–owned business run by a couple based in Oakland, California. They've been making the chic travel belt since 2019.
Honestly, the designs are what sold me, but the functionality is there. I am someone who walks at a brisk pace and likes to go straight to my gate at the airport, bypassing slow walkers and strollers, so this comes in handy keeping my personal item attached to my carry-on. I've also used it as a compression strap around a backpack and duffel when I've overpacked them.
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 directly from Cincha or from their Etsy shop for $39.99+ (available in 15 colors)/prints.
27. An Alleyoop all-in-one razor — a TSA-approved gadget with a refillable spray bottle, shea butter moisturizing bar, and two triple-blade razor cartridges. The design is genius, but even better, the moisturizing bar won't melt, so if you're traveling somewhere hot, it'll fare just fine.
Promising review: "Wow! What a unique product in design, packaging, instructions, and function. The all-in-one razor has all you need for a clean shave in one little luxury gadget! Never saw anything like it! True practical genius meshed with super-slick whimsy!! Love it!" —Phyllis B.
Get it from Alleyoop for $16.
28. A trusty stick of Megababe's Thigh Rescue because enjoying the breeze for a few hours in a pair of shorts or a skirt shouldn't result in a days-long angry red rash.
Megababe is a woman-owned small business from entrepreneur, body acceptance advocate, and influencer Katie Sturino.
Promising review: "Thigh Rescue saved my life! As a curvy girl, I accepted chafing as something to expect. I would wear Spandex shorts under dresses and avoid wearing shorts at all costs! Once I started using thigh rescue my life changed! It is amazing and makes a world of a difference! I love it so much!" —Meghan Blaisdell
29. Or a pair of ultra-stretchy, sheer, and cooling Thigh Society shorts you can slip on under skirts, dresses, and anything else you'd usually chafe in. These babies don't roll, ride up, or give you dreaded swamp bum — they're basically just like a second skin.
Thigh Society is a woman-founded, size-inclusive small biz from Marnie Consky.
I recently bought two pairs of these — in black and nude — and I am simply in love. Chub rub has always been a part of my life and until now, I didn't have a great way of preventing it. I've tried various sport shorts and slathering my thighs in deodorant, but those methods just weren't cutting it. These shorts are unbelievably lightweight and breathable, superrrrrr stretchy (but not in a way that bags out after extended wear), and they do. not. roll. or. fall. down. I wear them under all of my skirts and dresses (because I also have an irrational fear that everything I wear is see-through when the sun hits it), and I will definitely be buying more!
Get a pair from Thigh Society for $39 (available in women's sizes XS/S–5X/6X, in four lengths, and six colors).
30. A pair of compression socks that — while not the most fashion-forward garment — will help with circulation so your legs don't have to be any more uncomfortable than they already are.
Promising review: "I have used quite a few compression socks and have found that these are the best. I travel extensively for work, which means long airport walks and sitting and waiting, followed by long flights, and these have left my legs feeling great with no swelling and no leg pain later in the day. They do a great job of providing compression to the leg and calf without being too constricting in the foot area. Other products I have tried tend to be very tight in the foot area. I own quite a few pairs of these for longer than six months and use them regularly, I have found that they are durable and the compression has been consistent." —Ted E.
Get them from Amazon for $16.55+ (available in three sizes and 13 colors).
31. A mini white noise machine so you can get a good night's sleep on the road instead of being kept up by unfamiliar noises like creaky Airbnb floors or rowdy hotel neighbors.
The small device has 11 non-looping sleep sounds (including fan and ocean sounds) and it can connect to wireless devices via Bluetooth so you can use it as a portable speaker and play your own audio.
Promising review: "Bought one of these for my hubby for Christmas and he loved it. Then I bought one for my daughter days later. A few days later, I bought our third — I had to have one also for when I travel. Love all the options to select from with the various sounds, volume control is great, love the Bluetooth. Brought it with us to a hotel on vacation and used it at night to drown out the noise of other guests walking and talking in the halls, and during the day rocked our music on Bluetooth!! Added plus, we used it with our new puppy to get him to sleep and stay asleep through the night. Only downside is I wish the battery life was longer. It lasts about three nights before you need to recharge." —Romeo's Girl
Get it from Amazon for $34.95.
32. A Pashmina scarf ready to be fashioned into a blanket or pillow when flying; a wrap when you're cold or need something modest for visiting cultural sites like temples; or even a shield from the sun as it offers UPF 50+ protection!
Promising review: "I absolutely love this wrap!! It is the perfect weight and size for travel. It didn't leave my side on an 11 day backpack trip through Europe and was used as a scarf, blanket, towel, and wrap all throughout the trip. Fashionable enough to dress up a basic travel day outfit, warm enough to keep away a chill on a cooler night, and light enough to pack away small into a bag or tie around a purse strap. I can't say enough great things! I am buying these as gifts for everyone I know that travels." —Jenn
Get it from Amazon for $46+ (available in eight colors).
33. An I Dew Care "Tap Secret" mattifying powder shampoo that eliminates grease at your roots and keeps your scalp nice and healthy with antioxidant-rich black ginseng and nourishing biotin.
The powder-based dry shampoo works just like spray formulas — apply to the area you're looking to refresh and then shake out excess powder with your fingertips or a brush.
Promising review: "This stuff is my new holy grail. I have very fine and oily hair. I used to wash it daily but after getting a shag haircut I moved to every other day with lots of dry shampoo in between. I will never go back to aerosol dry shampoo again. I have used Batiste for many years but the smell and residue is too much. Application is super easy (it doesn’t get EVERYWHERE!), you only need a small amount, and there is no smell. This product will make your hair feel very textured, though, like a texturizing powder, I prefer that with my fine and too silky hair. Love this stuff!! Wish the bottle was bigger though!" —Jessica
Get it from Amazon for $16+ (available in packs of one, two, and three).
34. A magnetic luggage tag you can use to hold your sun hat because they are notoriously hard to pack, but what is a beach vacay without one??
The Fileist is a Los Angeles-based, woman-owned small biz creating fashionable-yet-functional accessories designed to make your life just a bit easier.
Promising review: "Love! Love! Love it! Very sturdy grip, and fashionable! I have had skin cancer numerous times, including melanoma. This is a must-have to keep me safe and fashionable — vacation or otherwise. I have thrown it in the overhead on a plane or shuffled through crowded venues, prior to COVID-19, and never lost my hat. This is a great gift, first to myself, and now to others! Thank you for keeping me safe and on point at an affordable price!" —Emily K.
Get it from The Fileist for $55 (also available in black/gold).
35. A wedge doorstop alarm with an *extremely* loud 120-decibel siren that'll sound should anyone try to force open your door. If you have trouble sleeping in unfamiliar hotel rooms or Airbnbs, this might just help.
No wiring is required, either, just pick up a 9V battery.
Promising review: "Travel must-have. I use this traveling, and it provides extra peace of mind in motel rooms considering I'm a cheapskate and stay in dives and my dog is getting so old he is likely to refer any criminal who breaks and enters to me for further processing. Works well, as a startled maid in a West Virginia motel can attest when she thought I had checked out and unlocked the door to clean. I gave the second one to my sister, who uses it at home." —QuintessentiallyYours
Get it from Amazon for $13.25.
36. A set of shoe bags should just the *thought* of your trainers mingling with your clean clothes send a shiver down your spine.
Promising review: "I use these to store my shoes when I pack them in my luggage. Then when I have dirty clothes, I also use the bags to keep them away from my clean clothes. These bags are sturdy, clear, and the pull ties are long if you need to hang them from somewhere." —Ava
Get a set of 12 from Amazon for $15.99.
37. A set of Avarelle rounded or extra-large hydrocolloid patches that can suck all the gunk out of your whiteheads while you sleep. Idk about you, but my skin INSTANTLY knows when I'm away from home and acts up like nobody's business.
Promising review: "I’ve been experimenting with these for the last month and a half, and I am in love. They are really thin and blend into my highly freckled face incredibly well...I have gone out in public twice with them on, because when I did my last second mirror check before I got out of the car, I didn’t notice I had them on! While they absolutely help clean out the skin underneath, the biggest thing it does for me is stops me from touching my face. When I'm stressed out, I will absentmindedly touch/run my hands along my face and jaw constantly. Now, when I notice I’m doing that, I run into the bathroom and put these on any spots I have. Since they are thin and stick really well, I am able to leave them alone and stop touching my face." —MelsBells
Get a box of 40 round patches for $8.49 and a box of 8 extra-large patches for $8.49, both from Amazon.
To learn more, check out our Avarelle pimple patch deep dive.
38. A set of compression cubes if — despite your best efforts — you're prone to packing everything but the kitchen sink.
Promising review: "My wife and I have done considerable traveling over the past five years. During this time, we've each used a single carry on for trips long and short. We've found packing cubes a must on any trip. Having said that, not all packing cubes are the same. Here's why I feel the Tripped Travel Gear Packing Cubes are better than others. The compression zip alleviates the back from adverse strain during the zipping process, which, with other packing cubes, causes broken zippers, broken zip straps, and torn mesh fabric. The nylon fabric used makes a HUGE difference compared to mesh and cheap fabric styles. In addition, the handle has come in handy in many situations. All in all, they make your packing experience less dramatic. These are a MUST-buy." —Amazon Customer
Get them from Amazon for $18.95+ (available in packs of two, four, or six and in 10 colors/designs).
39. An inflatable airplane bed for kids that not only gives them a place to peacefully nap, but prevents toys and snacks from going here, there, and everywhere.
The bed — which comes from the small, woman-run biz Flyaway Designs — comes in a portable bag and a pump is included. It takes only 90 seconds to inflate and even less to deflate! And — an important note from the manufacturer — "It meets the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA’s) strict guidelines for inflight comfort devices."
Promising review: "This bed proved to be everything stated in the description. We flew premium economy on a 17-hour flight from SFO to SIN and this product provided a sturdy, flat bed for our toddler across the entire pitch from our seat to the next. It was his first flight ever and he slept comfortably about 10 hours or so (on the return trip as well). The product is also super easy / quick to inflate and deflate. Would highly recommend it." —Sunil N.
Get it from Flyaway Designs for $159.
40. A drawstring makeup organizer that opens to reveal every cosmetic you own so you don't have to spend countless minutes emptying out every item just to *not* find your concealer. (Turns out it was in your purse all along. 🤷♀️)
Promising review: "I was tired of fumbling around in my cosmetics case and saw this. I was skeptical, but...WOW! On my recent two-week trip to Europe, with constant laying out and packing up, this item was wonderful. I could find what I wanted quickly, right away. Packing up was just a matter of pulling the drawstring. At first I wasn’t sure about changing to this bag, but now I could not do without it." —mojosharkey
Get it from Amazon for $24.95+ (available in three sizes and 29 colors/patterns).
41. A packable floppy hat so your scalp doesn't suffer any third-degree burns while you're hanging out by your resort's pool. The wide brim will also keep your schnoz in the safe zone because, if you're anything like me, your nose *will* burn after just 0.01 seconds of sun exposure.
Promising review: "Honey, this hat was giving me everything I needed it to give! I felt Gone With The Wind fabulous in this hat for my cruise vacation. It provided the adequate shade for my face and shoulders while allowing me to shade myself from people I didn’t want to talk to! Bay-bay! It was EVERYTHING I needed it to be AND the size XL fit over my braids. So my girls with protective styles or just big hair, this is the hat for you! 🎉" —1922blue
Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in sizes M–XL and in eight colors).
42. And/or an adjustable cap with a magnetic closure meant to work *with* instead of *against* your ponytails and buns. This way, you don't have to spend 10 minutes adjusting buckles or straps and trying not to pull out any hair in the process.
Ponyback is a small brand from Stacey Keller. When she couldn't find a hat that worked well with all hairstyles, she set out to make her own.
Check it out on TikTok here.
Promising review: "I can't believe how perfect this hat is — I wear my long curly hair up 90% of the time and this works for ponytails, messy buns, braids, or any combo. It's SO comfy I don't even realize I am wearing it until my kids say to me 'no hats at the table' haha. This hat will be my summer lifesaver." —Nancy K.
Get it from Ponyback for $38+ (available in sizes XS/S–L/XL and in eight colors).
Your suitcase sitting in a back room somewhere at the airport cause you *didn't* use an AirTag and it missed your flight:
