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 garment duffel bag sure to come in clutch if you're traveling for business, a wedding, or another event where showing up a wrinkled mess wouldn't be a great option.
Beauty Goodies is a small business that specializes in chic storage and travel accessories.
Promising review: "This garment bag is an exceptional value for the money. Well built, top quality materials, including 'beefy' zippers, should hold up well for airline travel. Minimal wrinkles if any in garments, and a cavernous bag for storing shoes and other items for a trip. Added bonus, it fits easily in the plane overhead storage, similar in size to a standard roller bag. I highly recommend this product." —Kindle Customer
Get it from Amazon for $49.89+ (available in three colors).
2. A travel version of Mouthwatchers' ever-popular "flossing toothbrush" with two layers of bristles. One layer being regular firm ones, and the other being longer ones that are 10 times thinner and mimic floss as they get between your teeth but are gentle on your gums.
Mouthwatchers is a small business established by Ronald Plotka, DDS, that specializes in antimicrobial toothbrushes designed to get deeper cleans even patients with "great" dental hygiene might miss with traditional brush and floss routines.
Here's what BuzzFeeder Katy Herman has to say:
"The brand sent me a sample of these to try out, and I love them for all the reasons above! Mine has honestly stayed super clean- and fresh-looking after several trips over the past couple of months, so I haven't immediately tossed it after short trips like I usually do with travel toothbrushes. It's super convenient and compact, and my teeth and gums feel fresh and invigorated after use!"
Promising review: "This toothbrush is a new staple item for my on-the-go Invisalign bag. When I need to brush my teeth and don't have time to floss before putting my aligners back in, this brush makes sure my teeth and mouth feel clean and removes debris in between my teeth. The bristles are soft, this toothbrush is sturdy, and the different lengths of bristles help remove debris or help floss your teeth on the go. This brush also dries very fast in between uses." —V. Brown
Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.91.
3. A 3-in-1 foldable magnetic wireless charger so you don't have to decide between juicing up your AirPods, Apple Watch, or phone because your hotel room only has one outlet to work with.
Check out a TikTok of the foldable charger in action.
Promising review: "I use this product to charge my iPhone 13, AirPods, and Apple Watch. I frequently travel between school and home with carry-on bags on airlines, and all of the previous stand version chargers I tried didn't fit well in my bags, or I was worried they would break. This is compact and folds so well that I can fit in my carry-on or in any zipper pockets without having to worry about breaking anything. Charger works really well, and it is the best compact one you can find on the market. Love it and have been using it for two months now and no issues!!" —SBREDDY
Get it from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in six colors).
4. 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, benzene-free dry shampoo works just like spray formulas — apply to the area you're looking to refresh and then shake out the excess powder with your fingertips or a brush.
Promising review: "After searching far and wide, this is the only dry shampoo that I will ever use! I’ve tried countless brands and spent so much money searching for the perfect dry shampoo. This one has the least harmful ingredients and the most noticeable results! I apply it at my roots and brush through right before going to bed. In the morning, my hair doesn’t look oily at all! By the third day, there is a noticeable texture from the product, but that personally helps me style my hair to stay in a cute messy bun. This is the only dry shampoo I will ever recommend!" —Brenda Spinache
Get it from Amazon for $18.
5. 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.
Promising review: "If you have a wireless earpiece and fly frequently, this is a must-have. Most newer planes have a monitor on the seat backs that enables you to watch movies, etc. This unit enables you to do it using your wireless earpiece. Connection is simple and automatic once you initially pair your device or devices. It's convenient. I'm happy with the purchase." —JCE
Get it from Amazon for $54.99+ (available in five configurations).
6. A thermal phone case to help protect your tech from the elements if you'll be out in the sun or next to a body of water. It can not only prevent your phone from overheating, but it extends the life of your battery, too!
The pouch comes in two different sizes. The medium fits iPhone minis 10–15, 11–15 Pro, and the Galaxy22, while the large fits iPhone Plus/+/Max/11 and Galaxy Plus/Ultra.
Promising review: "Works like a charm. Put your phone in the case and leave it in your car on a hot day, and it works great. Large size fits my phone, and it’s charging case. A little pricey but a good product." —AllyBe
Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in two sizes and eight styles).
7. A nifty universal phone mount so you can pass your high-altitude hours watching your comfort show (50/50 chance that's The Office). Seeing as you spent all your time at the gate painstakingly downloading them over airport Wi-Fi, it'd be a total waste if you didn't. 🤷♀️
Promising review: "Having been on several international trips in the last couple of years, I wanted to find something that would free up my hands, and my search on Amazon took me to this device. In a word, this gadget is awesome! The holding clamp can be rotated to provide more elevation, so your phone can be near eye-level which reduces neck stress. The spring that is used for mounting is pretty heavy duty. It requires a bit of effort to attach. But that's actually a good thing because it ensures that it won't shake off in turbulence. The silicone pads also help to prevent slippage. The holding arm also rotates, so you can set it at the perfect angle. And get this: It folds down small enough to fit into a pocket! I highly recommend this item!" —Brendan
Get it from Amazon for $12.97.
8. 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 BuzzFeeder 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 in summer 2021 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 $7.16.
9. 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 $9.99+ (available in 26 colors/designs).
10. Water-friendly Tevas *so* dang comfortable and lightweight, reviewers say they work beautifully for flat feet ~and~ super-high arches as well as swollen pregnant feet and even those with tendinitis.
Promising review: "These are so comfortable!! I bought them for my trip to Hawaii. I have plantar fasciitis and need good arch support, or the pain is unbearable. These are super lightweight. The foam made them perfect for going in and out of water and hiking. I live in Washington state and left in January, so I wore socks with them for the travel. The only downside is that I did get a blister from them. Probably my fault for not wearing them a bit before heading out on a trip where I walked a LOT every day!!" —Regina Randall
Get them from Amazon for $19.34+ (available in women's sizes 5–13 and in 12 colors).
FYI, if you have Amazon Prime, you can give these a spin before you buy them!
11. Or some Birkenstock ultra-lightweight EVA slides with the same ~superior~ level of comfort as the brand's iconic leather options.
Promising reviews: "I have arthritis in both feet. These sandals are so comfortable! This is my second pair. They are just as comfortable (possibly more) than my leather Birkenstocks." —CoolCarol
"This is my third pair of EVA Arizona sandals — I love them! They are great for summer and way more comfy than the usual flip-flops. Perfect for travel and hanging poolside." —GottaLuvLabs
Get them from DSW for $49.96 (available in women's sizes 5–10.5 and in eight colors).
12. 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 $7.64 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.
13. 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 $25.98.
14. Or an ultra-compact option you can quite literally keep in your pocket if you're one to take a MILLION photos and having your camera open kills your phone battery in the blink of an eye.
Promising review: "This was a great little charger to keep in my purse while traveling. It charged my phone quickly and only used a fraction of the battery charger." —Kristin Peters
Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in 13 colors).
15. A pair of cropped, feather-light pants that do 👏 not 👏 wrinkle 👏, offer UPF 50+ protection, and dry in a flash in case you need to wash 'em in the sink before the next leg of your trip.
I have these in black and they are my go-to pants for travel days — especially ones that involve flying. The wide-leg design/silky fabric is ultra-comfortable, the pockets are large enough for smartphones, boarding passes, and passports, and the elastic waist/drawstring sitch guarantees there's no pinching or bagging even if you're sitting and/or standing for an incomprehensible amount of time. The sides also have some subtle darting that take them up a notch in the ~fashun~ department.
Promising review: "I can't think of anything I don't like about this pant. The material is wonderful and easy to care for. I like the crop as you can so easily dress them up or down. I have found traveling with two pairs of these, four or five tees, a wrap, a pair of sandals and flats, and wearing sneakers I can be gone for a week in a carry-on only. Couldn't live without them." —LaVon V
Get them from Athleta for $71.20 (originally $89; available in women's sizes 0–26 regular, tall, and petite, and in two colors).
16. 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.
17. And a portable no-install door lock that'll give you even more peace of mind. The durable steel mechanism slips into any doorjamb to keep it nice and secure.
Promising review: "I purchased two of these, one for my apartment door and one for travel. It was tested when the maintenance man at my building showed up earlier than expected. He knocked and before I could get to the door, he was already trying to open the door AND COULD NOT. This held, and he was really pushing. I know someone can get in if they really are determined, but the level of noise they'd cause would alert neighbors and give me time to react. Exactly what I bought it for. Nothing is 100% secure. But this device definitely makes my door more secure then the lock and chain do! I highly recommend for anyone in an apartment and travelers." —nancy w.
Get it from Amazon for $17.95.
18. Thesus Weekend Boots — the ideal choice for adventure travelers everywhere thanks to their seam-sealed water-resistant upper, anti-slip rubber lug sole, and temperature-control lining. While they're perf for hikes and other demanding activities, the versatile design lends itself just as well to brunch, window shopping, and putzing around town.
These boots generally fit true to size, but if you plan on wearing thicker socks or if you're between sizes, it's recommended to size up.
Thesus is a mission-driven, Ontario, Canada-based small biz creating outdoor footwear that's easy on the planet, the eyes, and your feet! Their materials are 90% sustainable and traceable — and they're working toward 100%. This brand is all about the details, taking years to develop each collection, and traveling the globe to seek out the best materials for the health of both people and the planet.
Promising review: "I took these hiking in the Rockies and they held up very well. The thicker sole also helped cushion my feet from rocky terrain. They look good too!" —Alice
Get it from Thesus for $139 (originally $198; available in EU women's sizes 36–46 and 14 colors).
19. Some colorful silicone wheel covers that'll keep your suitcase in tip-top condition and reduce noise as you zip through the airport en route to your spring getaway.
Before ordering, just make sure you confirm the size of your suitcase's wheels, the distance between the wheels and the axles and fenders meet the noted size requirements.
Promising review: "These rubber wheels are fire! Definitely provides little grip, moves quiet, doesn’t mess with the luggage wheel rotation and little less vibration. Love the bright red color goes well with my carbon fiber luggage. Easy to install and it’s funny they have directional line/arrow like car tires — details count for me." —Tieng Nguyen
Get a set of eight wheel covers from Amazon for $9.99 (available in eight colors).
20. 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: "This is too fabulous! Especially for a mere $15. It has this tiny squirt bottle for filling with water, there’s a moisture bar, and two razor blades. Just for kicks, I shaved my legs watching TV. It does a great job! Perfect for travel, the gym, your BFF's house, the movies, etc. I love it." —Xine
Get it from Amazon for $15.
21. 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.
After a bout of pandemic-induced insomnia I picked up one of these USB-chargeable masks and can honestly say it was LIFE changing. If you're sensitive to light or sound, this mask is where it's at. The contoured, cool-to-the-touch eye pads are super cozy and extra padding on the bridge of the nose ensures no light seeps in. I was concerned about feeling the headphones through the mask and not being able to sleep in my usual position (mountain climber, the hand's down comfiest position), but they really are unnoticeable. I can sleep through the night with it on and the Velcro straps have never once gotten stuck in my hair. The battery also lasts for a full 10 hours, so I don't have to worry about my audio going out right as I'm dozing off.
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 $18.39+ (available in four colors).
22. 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: "I bought this for my wedding, and the reviews didn’t lie or steer me wrong! This worked like a charm, and I even bought the puff and powder for other areas I didn’t want to put this on. You do have to make sure that you get the whole area, if you miss the smallest section you’ll notice. But 10/10 would recommend." —Sierra Pruitt
Get it from Amazon for $13.97.
23. An acupressure wristband if you're looking for an all-natural way to alleviate nausea, motion sickness, or morning sickness because feeling like you have to hurl 24/7 — especially while on vacation — is a major downer.
It's also been known to work for postoperative and chemotherapy-induced nausea. It applies pressure on your wrist to help ~restore balance~. Read more about acupressure and nausea at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Promising review: "I'm eight weeks pregnant and have had morning sickness nonstop every single day, and it has made my appetite go away so much that I feared for my baby's health. I needed a quick fix so I could eat again. It worked amazingly. I went to Denny's and ate my weight in pancakes! It feels so good not to feel nauseous all the time." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $8.51+ (available in multipacks).
24. A JetKids ride-on suitcase so you can zip your way through security's snaking lines with (hopefully) less tantrums. It's also a great option for fast walkers who love their toddler more than anything in the world but can't bear walking through the airport at 0.25 MPH.
It's recommended for kids ages 3–7 and fits most standard economy seats. Plus, it has an adjustable strap so you can carry it over your shoulder, a top handle, and a mattress inside that can be removed and used while in the flight. Parents have even used this product while in the airport waiting for the flight to keep their kids comfy and happy.
Promising review: "Traveling with a toddler is always a challenge but comfort is key and this little magic package makes the airport trip that much smoother. We can store small toys, pillow, and one throw blanket for our family of three. Great idea and great buy. We will be using this until it breaks." —TifferTheTrend
Get it from Amazon for $229 (available in five colors).
25. Adidas Cloudfoam sneakers because the eighth layer of hell — the one Dante totally forgot to mention — is getting an excruciating blister on day one of your vacation and then having to either cancel all your walking-intensive excursions or suck it up and hobble through them.
Promising review: "I purchased these for a vacation and am so glad I did. I walked 12 miles in them on day one of our trip and my feet were tired but also comfortable! I did get a tiny blister on the top of my ankle where the tongue rubbed above my sock, but considering the amount of walking we did, this is pretty darn good! They are stylish, cute, and not too bubbly. (I hate the new style where the sole of the shoe bubbles out around your foot.) They are classic and so comfortable, easy to slip on and off at the airport, and super stylish!" —Alicia
Get them from Amazon for $43.95+ (available in women's sizes 5–12 and in eight colors).
FYI, if you have Amazon Prime, you can give these a spin before you buy them!
26. Neoprene espadrilles with a pull-on design and non-skid rubber sole so you can bounce from the beach to the boardwalk to the boat without having to change.
Sea Star is a small biz!
Promising review: "These were the only 'real shoes' I took on a recent girls’ trip to the Bahamas. I wore them on the plane (because sandals on a plane are gross and cold), then packed two pairs of walking sandals and one pair of dressy evening sandals. They are fabulous as regular shoes, BUT THEN YOU CAN ALSO GET THEM WET!! No blisters when dry or wet. If you did pack these in your bag, they would be very flat and take up minimal space. Definitely take the company’s advice of ordering up if you are a half size (or even more like a whole size in my case)." —Glenna Rose
Get them from Amazon for $54+ (available in women's sizes 6–12 and 13 colors).
27. A Tushbaby carrier that's sure to come in handy whenever you're out and about somewhere without a stroller. The as-seen-on-Shark Tank product gives your kiddo four comfy ways to sit and can be used from newborn up to 3-years-old (or 44 pounds).
Promising review: "On our summer trip to visit family, my 17-month-old son was unusually clingy due to the unfamiliar environment. He wanted to be held A LOT. My arms were constantly sore and I looked for a solution on Amazon — and the Tushbaby came to my rescue!! It is 20x easier to hold him using this 'saddle.' It was a lifesaver around the house. It was also an unexpected bonus at the airport, where it turned out to be easier to just carry him in the TB instead of pushing the stroller around. So it turned out to be a superstar baby product, and I’m so glad I got it." —BethesdaMD
Get it from Amazon for $67.99 (available in four colors/designs).
28. 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 also had to have one 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 (also available in black).
29. A vegan shampoo bar sure to save you loads of $$$ when compared to those teeny tiny travel bottles you always pick up pre-trip at Target. Each bar is equivalent to three 11.83-oz bottles of liquid shampoo, so you'll get a whole lotta use out of 'em, too. 🧼
Promising review: "The first time I bought this soap, it was for traveling. Lugging around large bottles of shampoo for six people for a 4–6-week vacation is just not an option, and buying shampoo is sketchy since a couple of us have soap allergies. The little bar packs up perfectly in a little baggie and takes the smallest amount of luggage space. One bar washed six heads of hair for five weeks!! Everyday!! Suds well and cleans well." —Dominique B.
Get it from Amazon for $13.50+ (available in 11 scents).
30. Andddd a waterproof travel pouch where you can store said shampoo bar so it doesn't slip and slide around your Dopp kit making everything else slimy in the process.
Mamazita Shop is a Canada-based, woman-owned Etsy shop establishing in 2017 that specializes in zero waste products.
Promising review: "Love it! It is perfect for the soap bar I take on trips. It is very well made with quality materials and shipped quickly too!" —Brianna Konz
Get it from Mamazita Shop on Etsy for $7.07 (currently available in two colors).
31. A travel jewelry case because last time you threw all of your necklaces in a sandwich bag and ended up with a giant knot that took hours to undo. Like seriously, you could have solved a Rubik's cube faster.
Promising review: "I purchased this box for a weekend getaway. In the past I have just thrown all of my jewelry into little makeup bags, but then everything gets tangled and disorganized. I love that this box keeps everything organized and leaves all my necklaces tangle free!" —Dogmom206
Get it from Amazon for $23.65+ (available in 10 colors).
32. A set of compression cubes if — despite your best efforts — you're prone to packing everything but the kitchen sink.
Promising review: "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 makes a HUGE difference compared to mesh and cheap fabric styles. In addition, the handle has come in handy in many situations where we have to take bags in and out during customs, camping trips, etc. The positioning of where the handle is stitched into, as well as the size of the handle, makes a big difference down the line and it can handle wear and tear. All in all, we feel these compression packing tubes are the best product on the market and they make your packing experience less dramatic, and handle all the issues of a long or short trip. These are a MUST buy." —Amazon Customer
Get them from Amazon for $18.95+ (available in packs of two, four, or six and in seven colors/designs).
33. A Birdie personal safety alarm with a LOUD 130-decibel siren and flashing strobe light that'll give you a little peace of mind whether you're on a hike with your dog or catching the subway in a foreign country. And if you're wondering how loud 130 decibels is — it's equivalent to a jet take-off and considered the threshold of pain when it comes to what our ears can handle.
Promising review: "I moved to the city a few months ago and have since had some uncomfortable encounters with men. I didn't want to carry any type of self protection that could potentially get me kicked out of somewhere (like if they did a bag search at a museum or something and found my pepper spray), so I now carry my Birdie on my key chain all the time. I feel so much safer and comfortable walking on my own. This thing is LOUD and would definitely draw tons of attention. It doesn't come out super easily (I was worried about it accidentally going off in my purse), but is easy enough to use. I 100% recommend!!!" —Heidi Wilson
Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in seven colors).
34. A medication tracker you can stick to the side of any prescription you regularly forget to take. Depending on where your travels take you, a possible time change + a missed Prozac dose ≠ an enjoyable vacay.
Promising review: "Where has this been all my life? I love it. This is a lifesaver! I’ve been looking for something like this for years. I always forget 10 minutes later if I actually took my medicine or just put it down. I’ve tried so many different ways, making marks on the bottle, making stickers, and other pill containers. None ever work. And pill containers are so bulky when I only need one pill." —Niki
Get a pack of five from Amazon for $19.99.
35. 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 $24.99.
36. A portable safe you can wrap around an umbrella, picnic table leg, or chair so you can stow away your phone, keys, wallet, and other small valuables without worrying about them being lost or stolen. Reviewers use this guy at water parks, the beach, all-inclusive resorts, and even in Airbnbs.
PS: SafeGo is a small biz.
Promising review: "Bought it for an overseas trip and it worked great. We used it both in a hotel room when the room safe was out of order and on the beach. I look forward to using it on outings this summer and I think it will be a very useful addition to my travel staples. I packed in my luggage full of toiletries and sunscreen so it didn't feel like it took up a ton of space and I could carry it in my purse/tote without it feeling too bulky. That said, you can fit a lot into it." —laurel
Get it from Amazon for $39.95 (available in six colors).
37. And the Ring Thing — a waterproof jewelry holder you can use when you're enjoying a day at the beach, zip lining, bungee jumping, or doing whatever other bucket list adventure you had in mind. Simply slip your ring in here and you won't have to worry about losing it at the bottom of a tote bag or denting/scratching it during any activities.
The Ring Thing comes from BringThings, Inc., a woman-owned company dedicated to making "stylish, functional products." They donate a portion of each sale to A portion of each sale to anti-human trafficking non-profits.
Promising review: "I take my wedding ring off at night when I go to bed. When I’m at home, I put it in a ring dish. But, whenever I am traveling, I’m always afraid that I might forget it or it might get knocked onto the floor, and I won’t be able to find it. So this works perfectly for me. Since it has a clip on it, I attach it inside my bathroom bag, and the problem is solved. My rings are safe and secure and won’t be forgotten." —CG
Get it from Amazon for $21.95 (available in four colors).
38. A set of TSA-approved locks so if you're staying in a hostel or any other type of shared accommodation, you can keep your belongings nice and safe.
Promising reviews: "Traveled by plane, train, bus, and ferry for three weeks. These worked perfectly and were easy to use on my carry-on luggage and my backpack. I like that the size didn't call attention. Would buy again." —LL
"So once your luggage leaves your sight at the airport, there is a pretty good chance some baggage handler will rifle through your bag. But with these nifty little locks, the only people that can rifle through your bag are TSA personnel." —Lorraine M.
Get it from Amazon for $7.95+ (available individually or in sets of two or four and in multiple colors).
39. An Alleyoop makeup brush that's simultaneously a foundation sponge, blush brush, eyeshadow brush, AND an eyeliner brush so you can bring your tiny toiletry kit for once!!
Alleyoop has many other multifunctional beauty products that cut out clutter and simplify routines, which will help make packing light a breeze.
Promising review: "I absolutely love this travel makeup brush and sponge combo! It's so convenient for when I'm on the go and need to touch up my makeup. The bristles are soft and the sponge is great for blending. Plus, it's compact and fits perfectly in my purse. I highly recommend it!" —Mary G. Murphy
Get it from Amazon for $25 (available in two styles).
40. A waterproof Kindle Paperwhite because stuffing your backpack full of paperbacks definitely isn't the move. Instead, this guy lets you download as many titles as you want, and there won't be any regret if you don't make it through them all (or even manage to crack the cover of one...).
Promising review: "I'm the kind of person who used to always buy the printed copies (I love the smell and feel of books). But I've got to admit this is a really practical way to carry around your books when traveling (it's really light and easy to take everywhere), and it really does feel like reading an actual book (compared to tablets and reading on your phone). The waterproof feature it's really just a wonderful plus." —Daniela
Get it from Amazon for $149.99 (available in two storage sizes, with or without lock screen ads, and in three colors).
41. A bungee cord so you can strap your duffle bag or briefcase right to your rolling luggage. That way, you don't have to walk what feels like miles from security to your gate looking like a pack mule.
Promising review: "Don't know how I traveled without this piece of basic equipment, but it is a third hand and arm when you need it most. Easy to put into action, easy to put away when you are finished. For instance...I need a heavy coat outside the airport or conference center, but inside, it is a pain in the neck to carry and store while seated. I fold that big garment in half and attach it to my roll-around with this bungee, and the coat stays out of the way, stays clean, and is accessible. If you are tired of dealing with excess stuff while traveling, or you are in school/work and need to carry a coat or a project around all day, then this is the go-to solution. What are you waiting for... put this in your cart!" —Patrick Molina
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in three colors).
42. A Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Instant Camera that combines the best of both worlds with a digital screen so you can actually see 👀 what you're shooting and then print your favorite pic on demand. It also connects to your phone via app and has a micro SD card so you can save all of your memories.
Check it out on TikTok here!
Promising review: "Absolute must-have! An investment <3 I’m a photographer and use this for my business. This camera is worth the money 100x over. Between it being USB rechargeable instead of using batteries, the ability to print in black and white for single photos, and all the other amazing features it has, it’s a no-brainer to have, whether as a professional photographer or just for fun moments. Definitely recommend reading the manual to understand how to use ALL the features before you start using to make sure you’re taking the best pictures possible!" —Abby S.
Get it from Amazon or Best Buy for $199.99 (available in two colors).
43. 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 10 colors).
44. 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 who travels." —Jenn
Get it from Amazon for $44+ (available in nine colors).
45. A portable espresso maker because "roughing it" may mean sleeping in a tent and using an outhouse, but it will NOT mean going caffeine free.
Just fill with ground coffee and hot water, pump, and pour!
Promising review: "This works so well for camping for a quick coffee craving! Took this camping over the weekend and used it a few times at the office. Depending on the grinds you use, it's good for a light single espresso shot or if you reuse the same grinds and purge three capfuls of water through the filter, you'll get a full cup of coffee. Works great without lugging a glass press around in your backpacking or camp gear! Easy to clean and store away with the retractable priming handle." —WallyMonkey
Get it from Amazon for $46.60.
46. A portable SlumberPod if your kiddo has trouble sleeping anywhere that isn't their own bed. The canopy is quick to assemble, features four ventilation flaps (and a fan pocket), and provides much-needed privacy and darkness so you can convince them to take their daily nap!
SlumberPod is a woman-owned, mother/daughter–run small business that appeared on Shark Tank.
Promising review: "I am so pleased with the SlumberPod. On previous vacations my daughter would be up all night from not being in her completely dark bedroom. This has saved the day! I can't believe how well it works! I never write reviews, but this product is worth it! The best investment we have made for baby sleep!" —Marissa Biglow
Get it from Amazon for $179.99+ (available in five styles).
47. A compact Nori travel iron and steamer that not only heats up in three minutes, but can easily get wrinkles out of both sides of the fabric getting the job twice as fast as usual.
Promising review: "Ordered this to bring to a wedding this past weekend, and it was a total hit. Perfect for getting last-minute wrinkles out of bridesmaid dresses! And will definitely be using for touchups before work instead of lugging out my massive ironing board. Great purchase!" —Carolyn Toll
Get it from Amazon for $119 (available in four colors).
48. Some Spot My UV's SPF-detecting stickers which give you a heads up when it's time to reapply sunscreen if that's something you are ~famously~ bad at doing.
The waterproof patches last 12 hours or through six applications of sunscreen — whichever comes first. When purple, it's time to reapply and when clear, you're good to go!
Promising review: "I am very sensitive to UV rays and I burn very easily. Discovering these UV stickers was the best thing to ever happen to my vacations. They take the guesswork out of knowing when to reapply your sunblock, helping you stay burn free without watching the clock and doing math. These work with both lotion and spray on sunscreen. One sticker works all day long and doesn't come off while you are out having fun." —Rachel W.
Get them from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in packs of 16, 32, and 48).
49. A handheld fan so the SPF you so liberally applied doesn't melt off your face the second the sun hits it. Add it to your mental check list before you head out your Airbnb door — you know, phone, keys, wallet...handheld fan — and you'll be good to go.
The fan has two speeds and can be recharged by any USB cable.
Promising review: "I have used this mini fan for more than three months now. It’s good quality and works well so far. The fan is small in size but powerful enough that it blows out a large amount of air. I took it with me to Disney World, and thanks to this fan, I had a nice vacation, and I will use it this whole summer. It’s really a lifesaver on really hot days — highly recommend!" —Cruz
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 12 colors).
50. A tube of anti-blister balm sandal because weather is just about here and you're likely not looking to make the transition with feet that look like raw meat thanks to constant chafing from those trendy Zara boots you've been wearing.
Promising review: "I thought this stuff was a bunch of BS, I was like pssh what a waste of $8 ON AMAZON FOR THIS LITTLE THING. Well, I put it on today on spots where my flats rub off the skin. My feet survived an entire day, INTACT! Highly recommend. This product made wearing shoes that rub on your ankles/backs of your feet doable!!!!" —Jamie
Get it from Amazon for $8.99.
51. A packable floppy hat that way, 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 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 $24.69+ (available in sizes M–XL and in eight colors).
52. Some tablet-to-gel freeze-dried serums which are both highly potent and exceptionally easy to travel with. Once you get to your destination and you're ready to do your skincare, simply activate the treatment with a few drops of water and you're in business.
Onélogy is a small, sustainable skincare brand from Roxana Bazgoneh.
Current serums include: Niacinamide 2%, Alpha Arbutin 2%, Peptides-CU 0.6%, HPR Retinoid 0.3%, and Pad Azelaic 5%.
Promising review (for Alpha Arbutin 2%): "I absolutely love the Alpha Arbutin. It has made such a difference with my hyperpigmentation spots! I feel much more confident without makeup on where as before I would never leave the house! It has made a noticeable difference evening out my skin tone. I also tried the Niacinamide which really helped control oil and breakouts. My skin feels fabulous after application — super fresh and tight! I love these products and I have tried so many other brands but none of them have worked as well as these!" —Kate
53. A cooling towel that'll be your best buddy whenever hiking, fishing, tanning, or doing your outdoor activity of choice. Soak it in some cold water, wring it out, and toss it around your neck so you *don't* end up looking like a freshly boiled lobster.
Promising review: "We LOVE this thing. We vacationed in Egypt for scuba diving in June. After the diving part, we toured many places in Cairo and surrounding places, mostly on foot. Yes, it was freaking HOT. Being used to a humid climate, the well-intentioned 'yeah, but it's a DRY heat' didn't lessen the discomfort we felt. This was a lifesaver. It will always be in my travel pack, and I can use it for gardening and any other activity outside during the summer. I highly recommend!" —Native Texan
Get it from Amazon for $14.97.
54. And — if you have littles — 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.
Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.