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 nifty universal phone mount so you can pass your high-altitude hours watching the latest season of The Flight Attendant on HBO. 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: "I recently returned from a trip to Australia and Hawaii and purchased this gadget specifically for use on the plane as I like to watch movies that I download to my phone. 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. Yes, there are others like it, but I paid the extra couple of bucks because it has a slide-on/slide-off tripod fixture, which is cool so I can use it to record my kids' sporting events and have a stable platform. 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.
2. A smart carry-on designed with an ejectable battery, a crush-proof shell, and a spacious interior so you can overpack to your heart's absolute desire.
July is a Melbourne, Australia–based startup committed to making stylish and sustainable luggage. Their featherlight carry-on includes aluminum bumpers, a telescopic handle, an integrated TSA lock, and a hidden laundry bag.
Promising review: "Love the quality and thought that went into the design. I was able to pack for a week away without any issues — shout-out to the compression system for helping out here. I especially loved the laundry bag and of course the power bank. Can’t wait to purchase the larger sizes. Thanks, July!" —Liv
Get it from July for $245+ (available in eight colors and with or without personalization).
3. A pair of Levi's pull-on skinny jeans if you're someone who doesn't like leaving the house in loungewear but wants to *feel* like they're wearing loungewear nonetheless.
Promising review: "Okay, I'm not going to lie. I was skeptical about these pants. I hate buying clothes online without trying them on first, but the reviews here said that they run true to size, so I trusted them. I am SO GLAD that I did. These pants are everything I ever wanted. Make my butt look cute? Check. No nasty zipper to dig into my gut? Check. Perfect length for any season? Check. I can wear these with a cute blouse as a teacher, and still look professional, while still being comfortable. I feel comfortable wearing these basically any time, and I think that if you're lacking a pair of them and thinking about it, you should go get a pair. They're AMAZING." —AlySedai
Get them from Amazon for $19.09+ (available in women's sizes 2–28, in three lengths, and eight washes).
4. A pair of Apple AirPods Pro ready to play hours and hours of whatever playlist you're currently digging so you can distract yourself whilst sitting at the airport. 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 editor 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 $197.
5. And an AirFly Pro wireless transmitter so you can use your Bluetooth headphones to watch all the in-flight 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 have initially paired your device or devices. It's convenient. I'm happy with the purchase." —JCE
Get it from Amazon for $54.99.
6. A RFID-blocking travel wallet with slots, pouches, and pockets for every form of currency and identification one would need to keep on their person. This way, you don't freak out when it's time to board and you have to track down your ticket and passport.
This wallet has a passport pocket, a boarding pass compartment, three credit card slots, an ID slot, a SIM card pouch, a coupon ticket slot, a cellphone pouch (max 5.8 inches), a money and coins zippered pocket (fits US dollars), a key holder, a pen holder, and a slim pocket.
Promising review: "This holds everything I need all in one place, and it still closes nicely and stays flat! Boarding pass, passport, ID and credit cards, money, checked baggage tickets, receipts, etc.! Yet it doesn’t bulk up or look like an overstuffed mess. Just amazing. The description says it only holds US money, but I just used the boarding pass flap to hold all my Japanese Yen (¥), which are larger. I definitely recommend to anyone who travels a lot!" —Anthony Luu
Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in 37 colors).
7. 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 $13.59+ (available in eight colors).
8. 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 $7.69 and a box of 8 extra-large patches for $6.49, both from Amazon.
To learn more, check out our Avarelle pimple patch deep dive.
9. 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. Simply put, they allow you to pack more clothes. Now, 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. I've gone through three compression bags from other manufacturers and the issue with other fabric is the stretch it gives. You want it to give a little bit then stop. This nylon fabric used in the travel gear packing cube is perfect. 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 $17.95+ (available in packs of two, four, or six and in seven colors/designs).
10. A two-pack of refillable mini perfume atomizers because you spent $100 on your Versace eau de toilette and you're *not* about to have it confiscated by TSA because your forgot to put it into your checked luggage.
Filling them is super easy, too! Pull the leakproof bottle out of the aluminum sleeve and pour your perfume right in. Once you're done, just pop it back in and you're good to go.
Promising review: "The picture of the container colors do not do them justice. They're a beautiful, light pastel color. These are the perfect size and were really easy to figure out. Some perfume bottles won't fit the tools given so if that's the case, just use the funnel and spray it directly in--it works just fine. Love that I can take these around without carrying a heavy glass bottle in my purse. I also love that I can change up the scents and have a new one whenever I want. So far, I haven't seen leakage or any malfunctions. Would definitely buy again!" —Tricia
Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in three color combinations).
11. A genius 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??
Lindsay Albanese 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 Lindsay Albanese for $59 (also available in red).
12. 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+ (available in two colors).
13. A Hackwith Design House shirt that can be worn ~six~ different ways so you can pack a capsule wardrobe and not have to lug around a large checked bag.
Hackwith Design House is a small, woman-owned business. Their sustainable designs are made to order and sewn in their Minnesota studio. Their sizes run from XS to 4X. On Mondays, they also release limited-edition designs so you can be one of only 25 people to own a piece!
I have this shirt and I *love* it. All credit for its discovery goes to TikToker @jennifer.bianca who I happened to stumble across on my FYP. It checks all my boxes: black, comfortable, versatile, and durable. My initial worry was that I wouldn't feel secure in it (I have a 38DDD chest and most wrap tops/dresses I've tried haven't stayed where they're supposed to), but I haven't had an issue with this! I've worn it tied in the front giving me a square neck (like the middle picture) and tied in the back giving me a V-neck upfront (just like the photo on the right) — both were super comfortable and I didn't have to adjust myself at all. As someone whose weight fluctuates, I also appreciate that this piece can handle pounds gained and lost. The fabric is medium weight so I'll be wearing it season to season and there's just enough elasticity in the arms that if you roll up your sleeves, they won't fall back down. All that is to say trust that I will be buying additional colors!
Get it from Hackwith Design House for $110 (available in women's sizes XS–4X and in four colors).
14. A supportive and adjustable travel pillow because booking a red eye flight saved you mad $$$ but you're not about to sacrifice any sleep.
There's even a snapping strap attached that'll allow you 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 $34.95+ (available in four sizes and 12 colors/prints).
This is our mid-priced pick for the best travel pillows!
15. A do-it-all backpack so ingeniously designed, you can fit a week's worth of clothes inside! You're probably thinking "But Chelsea, it's a backpack...how is better than all the others??" Well, let me tell you. The main compartment unzips all the way so TSA is a breeze, there's a separate laptop sleeve, you've got zippered pouches for toiletries, a set of compression straps, a key fob, AND a trolley passthrough for hands-free carrying if you're also bringing a regular suitcase.
Béis is a woman-owned travel accessories company from Shay Mitchell.
I just bought this bag for a five-day cross-country road trip and it came in sooo clutch. First, I flew with it and was able to stow it under my seat so not only did I not have to check a bag, but I didn't even have to deal with overhead storage. Then, it traveled through 10+ states and various hotels with me. My absolute favorite parts of the bag are the compression straps and the fact that it fully unzips. This makes it *SO* easy to pack, unpack, and take through airport security. I was able to fit ~four pairs of leggings, four T-shirts, two sets of pajamas, two pairs of shorts, two bathing suits, a sweatshirt, a week's worth of undergarments, travel toiletries, an iPad, my wallet, and more odds and ends.
Promising review: "This backpack truly does it all! It functions as a regular backpack that can be used for work/school but it also functions as a travel backpack for flights or road trips! The quality is amazing and I love all of the small little details that make this bag feel high end." —Makenzie S.
Get it from Béis for $78 (also available in black).
16. A personalized travel bag you can use to store your bathing suit, dirty clothes, or even toiletries if you're afraid of them leaking on your other stuff.
Sprinkled With Pink is a Dallas, Texas-based shop from Kendra Eaton. They suggest personalizing your bag with two to three letters. You *can* technically do more, but the font will have to be sized down.
Promising review: "Absolutely LOVE these wet bags! I got them to use in the giant L.L. Bean zipper tote (IYKYK that bag is amazing but has absolutely no organization) — one for sunscreen and one for my son's snacks! They were much larger than I thought, currently able to fit five bottles of sunscreen in one bag. Going to order the smaller size to use in my diaper bag. Definitely recommend!" —Bridgebach
Get it from Sprinkled With Pink on Etsy for $14.99+ (bags are available in five colors and lettering is available in 20 colors).
17. 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 $17.99 (available in two colors).
18. A cropped brami tank — AKA a 2-in-1 bra + cami — so you don't have to worry about finding your one and only bra that *doesn't* have an underwire poking out/hook missing.
Klassy Network is a woman-founded small biz from Natalie Rogers. Each of the brand's brami tops is designed with removable padding and you can even buy extras if you need/want!
Promising review: "Love this top so much! The medium fits perfectly! I was expecting the thin pads similar to what is in a swimsuit or sports bra, but these pads feel more like an actual bra and gives good coverage and support! The crop length hits perfect 👌 10/10 would recommend" —Heather K.
Get it from Klassy Network for $35 (available in sizes XS–3XL and in five colors).
19. A dual travel hair straightener/curling iron if you're so dedicated to your 'do, that whether you're at home or on vacation, it gets the same salon treatment.
Promising review: "This little thing is amazing! I have searched high and low for a travel flat iron that was worth saving suitcase space for and FINALLY found it. Switching between flat iron to curling iron is VERY easy... the switch is right by your thumb, but unlike other irons, it doesn't open at the slightest breeze. I haven't noticed any issues with the temp being too high." —bellewithab
Get it from Amazon for $59.99+ (available in two colors).
20. 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.
21. A universal travel adapter because plugs can be hard to come by and let's be real — without access to Google Maps, you'd be beyond lost. Heck, you don't even know your way around your own town, nvm somewhere you've never been!
This adapter covers over 150 countries. Keep in mind this is not a voltage converter!
Promising review: "Used this on a trip to Sweden and London. It worked great. Charged three things at a time with no problems. I love the compact design and not having to keep track of all the adapters." —tiffanyann7
Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in four colors).
22. A waterproof makeup bag so you can take all of your toiletries on the road without having to worry about them exploding. Idk what it is about hotel shampoo and conditioner, but my hair hatesssss it, so I always have to pack my own.
Promising review: "I have tried many of these types of bags, but this is one of the best! I use this to store my makeup and brushes for daily use, and it is great for travel! When I don't use it, I can fold it flat and store it away. If it gets dirty, I can throw it in the wash! It's perfect all around!!! Great for beginners in makeup looking for a cute, functional bag!" —N.S.
Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in four colors).
23. 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.
24. A BPA-free water bottle that's completely shatterproof and collapsible so it takes up next to no room in your luggage!
Promising review: "Now that I've used it for hiking and on a trip, I'm sooo glad I picked it. I walked all over New England, and this bottle was with me everywhere. It is very sturdy, stands up on its own, holds hot and cold liquids, and you can add flavor packets or essential oils to it. It can be a little tricky to roll up, but the bottle does collapse well enough to stick in the carry-on going through airport security or in your backpack when it's empty." —WriterGirlNM
Get it from Amazon for $34.95 (available in eight colors).
25. A powerful portable charger because you *will* take approx. one million photos a day and your phone's battery *will* drain in what feels like a matter of minutes.
This powerful battery pack weighs as little as a can of soup yet charges the iPhone 8 almost seven times, the Galaxy S8 five times, or the iPad mini 4 twice.
Promising review: "I travel for a living and have always needed a portable charger. This thing literally never dies. The longest-lasting charger I have ever had. I was out in London all day, phone nearly dead, and had to go straight to the airport for a nine-hour flight back to the USA. This charger charged my phone the ENTIRE flight, and then on my service car, my coworker needed to charge his phone. I had meetings all day and then a dead phone and I charged my phone to a full 100% again! This is a MUST-HAVE PRODUCT." —Kyle G.
Get it from Amazon for $59.99 (available in two colors).
26. A bungee cord so you can strap your duffle bag or brief case right to your rolling luggage. That way, you don't have 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 around 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 $12.90+ (available in three colors).
27. Or a more fashion-forward Cincha travel belt that can accommodate most any carry-on as it expands to 45 inches.
Cincha is a BIPOC–owned business run by a couple and based in Oakland, California who believe traveling in style should also be secure. They've been making the chic travel belt since 2019.
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 $40+ (available in 15 colors)/prints.
28. A three-pack of noise-reducing inflight earplugs to 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 them from Amazon for $7.50+ (available in packs of 1, 3, 5, and 10).
29. A pair of 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.
FYI, these are included in Prime Wardrobe so you can give 'em a trial run if you're a member!
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 and 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 $29.95+ (available in women's sizes 5–12 and in 32 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, 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 $10.35+ (available in three sizes and 12 colors).
31. An Alleyoop Pen Pal which is ‼️ four ‼️ products in one and packed into a super nostalgic applicator that resembles a Bic ballpoint. The tiny but mighty gadget has everything you need to touch up your eyes, lips, brows, and high points so you can carry just a quarter of what you'd normally need to get the job done.
My BuzzFeed shopping colleague Jasmin Sandal has this and loves it. She says:
"I didn't realize I'd ever use a makeup product in my 20s that had the ability to transport me back to something I used in sixth grade, but here we are; and here I am using a multitool pen... for my face. I gotta say, I love the concept of the Pen Pal from Alleyoop! After using all of the functions (eyeliner, highlighter, lip liner, eyebrow pencil) and as someone who LOVES makeup but was applying as little as humanly possible during lockdown, I think it’s a great tool for anyone looking to streamline their routine. It's ideal to use for touch-ups come the end of the work day, or a subtle, minimalist way to apply makeup in the a.m. The brow pencil is particularly soft and pigmented, and filled in my eyebrows quickly. I just adore the ease of application of each product, and appreciate the universal, does-it-all-for-you concept. Plus, it saves me so much room in my already overflowing makeup bag!"
Promising review: "Such a time saver to have this 4-in-1 tool! I use it daily and love that it is so compact." —Lauren F.
Get it from Alleyoop for $25 (available in three shades).
32. A handy travel-sized bottle of Amika dry shampoo ready to absorb oil and extend the life of your hairdo without the need for water. If you've been trying really hard to "train" your hair between washes (hiiiii, it's me), this will come in clutch.
Promising review: "I saw Amika on a list of best dry shampoos for dark, curly hair, and I'm so impressed. It's a bit spendy, but a little bit goes a long way. The scent is very light and sometimes hardly noticeable. It goes on completely sheer with no white cast and actually absorbs the oils so my hair is soft and shiny but not greasy looking. My curls stay intact even with the rubbing in of the spray, so styling isn't limited to a ponytail anymore!" —Kelly Sobczak
Get it from Amazon for $10.
33. Or 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.
Get it from Amazon or I Dew Care for $16.
34. A combination travel blanket/pillow/poncho because most flights are colddddd and if you're spending more than a couple hours in the sky, you're likely gonna want to take a nap.
Promising review: "I purchased this for my 13-hour flight and would highly recommend it. The blankets provided by airlines are usually re-used and made of itchy fabric. They also tend to slide off while I'm sleeping and fall to the floor several times, making them unsanitary to use. This Travelrest blanket has a slit that you put your head through. It rests on your back shoulders and stays on until you take it off. There's a front pouch that you can put your valuables in... this was very useful. Without this, I used to put my passport, wallet, phone, etc in the seat pocket in front of me....which is risky since the stuff can fall out of those pockets (very easy to lose/forget things). Also very lightweight and soft." —sartra
Get it from Amazon for $29.95 (available in two sizes and colors).
35. 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.
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 $7.19.
36. A bottle of Murad's ~brand-new~ Correct & Protect Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 45 to help correct existing discoloration and prevent hyperpigmentation in order to "future-proof" your skin. Added beet root extract also ensures it absorbs quickly and invisibly so you don't show up to brunch looking like Casper the Friendly Ghost.
PS: The mineral-based formula protects against UVA, UVB, blue light, and pollution plus it was clinically tested on Fitzpatrick skin types 1 through 6 and proven not to leave a white cast.
I just started using this and so far I am really loving it! I know that SPF is a key part of any skincare routine but I have been guilty of leaving it out because my skin is oily and I HATE the way regular sunscreen leaves me feeling greasy. That said, I've developed melasma in recent years so it's become even more essential that I protect my skin. The fact that this is formulated as a serum makes allll the difference. It absorbs so quickly that I don't have to wait minutes between finishing my skincare/makeup routine, either, so I have no excuse to skip it.
Get it from Murad for $69.
37. Or an ultra-fine SPF mist so you can reapply your sunscreen on the go without even having to touch your face! It also goes on ~over~ makeup without issue.
You can expect notes of rose geranium and lavender and rosemary with every spritz — plus, this bb is also vegan, cruelty-free, and from a small, NYC–based biz!
Promising review: "I LOVE this sunscreen. It smells AMAZING and the mist is SO fine that you don’t feel it on your skin at all. The bottle is small enough that you can reapply all day by keeping it in your bag. My partner has started to steal it, too, so now we’re a Habit household." —Habit Customer
38. 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 $20.33+ (available in four colors).
39. A solid lotion bar you can keep in your purse or even in your pocket because although they're free, those lil' hotel bottles just ain't it.
Wild Poppy Soap Co. is a Bradford, New Hampshire-based small biz from Julie Bursey.
Promising review: "I ordered three lotion bars for upcoming trips. They arrived very quickly and are very nice, softening for my skin and smell wonderful. I’m very happy with my purchase!" —Karen Slack
Get it from Wild Poppy Soap Co. on Etsy for $6 (available in 22 scents).
40. 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.
You getting the hang of this whole "traveling" thing again:
Looking for the perfect gift for any occasion? Check out all of BuzzFeed’s gift guides!
