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 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: "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 $9.97 (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, 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 $8.69.
3. 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 make a great impression.
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 $57.45 (available in three colors).
4. 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).
5. 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 $16.82+ (available in women's sizes 2–28, in three lengths, and eight washes).
6. 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.
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: "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.
7. 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: "Honestly, I have tried a lot of dry shampoos because I have a very oily scalp and I tend to touch my hair a lot throughout the day. I was previously using the IGK charcoal dry shampoo but didn’t like spending the money for it so I wanted to switch to something better. I was skeptical at first but omg I love it! It’s very strong, so a little goes a long way. My hair does feel thicker and it gives me more volume! I absolutely love this product and will continue to use it! I honestly rave about it to all of my family and friends haha. There is like no scent to it, there is a white cast to it but you just have to rub it in good and not put too much. I love how tiny and travel-friendly it is!" —MRM
Get it from Amazon for $18.
8. 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 $14.99 (available in 36 colors).
9. 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 you only have 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 in market. Love it and been using it for two months now and no issues!!" —SBREDDY
Get it from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in six colors).
10. 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 26 colors/designs).
11. 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.
12. 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).
13. 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 $295+ (available in eight colors and with or without personalization).
14. 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??
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 red).
15. 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!
16. 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 $59.94 (available in two colors).
17. 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 $11.99+ (bags are available in five colors and lettering is available in 20 colors).
18. 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 $34.99 (available in two colors).
19. 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 $24.99 (available in 10 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. 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.
22. 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.
23. 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.
24. 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 $88 (available in eight colors).
25. 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 $17.99+ (available in eight colors/configurations).
26. A fashion-forward Cincha travel belt that can accommodate most any carry-on as it expands to 45 inches. This way, you can stack your bags instead of juggling them.
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 from Amazon or Cincha for $35.99+ (available in two sizes and 24 colors/prints).
27. 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 $6.99+ (available in packs of 1, 3, 4, 5, and 10).
28. 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).
29. 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 $49.99.
30. A pair of noise-cancelling on-ear headphones that look a whole lot like AirPod Maxes 👀 but only cost $65, so you can spend the nearly $500 you're saving on all of your other treats!!!
The noise-canceling is 95%, so reviewers say if you're looking for 100% cancellation, you might want to splurge on the name brand.
Here's what BuzzFeeder Maitland Quitmeyer has to say:
"I actually just bought these after featuring them for the first time — I've been considering buying the AirPods Max, but I am very particular about how headphones fit — and am sensitive to my ears overheating after wearing certain on-ear headphones for too long. So instead of (or before) committing to the $500 version, I thought trying these for a test run would be good. Turns out, I love them so far! They're super comfortable and do *not* make my ears overheat. The sound quality to my non-expert ears is excellent too! And the noise-canceling is right for me — it blocked out annoying street noise so I could be fully immersed in my tunes."
Promising review: "These headphones are one of the best purchases I could’ve made. For starters, the presentation of the headphones is amazing. It comes in a silky oval-shaped bag, with a couple of options for audio input. In terms of video/audio, they are IN-SYNC! The girls that get it get it. Some headphones tend to have a delay, but these do not! When on the highest volume, they are pretty easy on the ears. Not only this, but I’ve been fascinated by the longevity of the battery life. I’ve used these headphones for about 4-5 hours consecutively over a matter of days and still have over 50% battery life. These are, by far, the best headphones I’ve had, and would recommend to everyone." —Ken
Get them from Amazon for $65.99 (available in silver and black).
31. 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 $14.99+ (available in three colors).
32. 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 $13.21.
33. 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 your walking tour 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.
34. 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 $39.83+ (available in women's sizes 5–12 and in 32 colors).
35. 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).
36. 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 $22.58+ (available in five colors).
37. 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).
38. 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).
39. 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 $44.95 (available in six colors).
40. 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 the clip on it, I attach it inside my bathroom bag and problem solved. My rings are safe and secure and won’t be forgotten." —CG
Get it from Amazon for $21.95 (available in four colors).
41. A small crossbody bag that's deceivingly spacious thanks to its accordion design which unfolds to reveal three main pockets, five smaller compartments, eight card slots, and two photo slots.
Promising review: "Bought this to use on a cruise. One of my best purchases for the trip honestly! I planned to use it mainly when getting off the ship to go for excursions, but I ended up wearing this everywhere on the ship also. Perfectly fit my iPhone, multiple cards, passport, sunglasses, lipstick and a lipgloss, a travel tube of ibuprofen. I even shoved a map of the island we visited and the instant photos we took in it! I has so many sleek zipper compartments that conveniently fit a ton of essentials, but not too bulky!" —acc
Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in 35 designs/colors).
42. 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 out and about with friends, on a hike with your dog, or just running to Target. 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 $24.68+ (available in seven colors).
43. 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 (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 $145 (available in women's sizes XS–4X and in four colors).
44. 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.