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. An in-flight phone mount for a hands-free way to watch all those episodes of Queer Eye you downloaded for the flight. It can also mount on your luggage for long (aka boring) layovers, too.
Promising review: "I travel for a living and fly often. I regret not buying this in the beginning when I started traveling. I can clip it to the back of the seat in front of me and also on the windows. It is small enough to fold up and fit in my pocket. This is random but related — if you are sitting in an exit row on an airplane you cannot clip this to the window until the plane is in the air — other than that they do not care it is clipped to the window during the flight. Highly recommended." —Chrissie Jo
Get it from Amazon for $12.97 (also available in lavender and in a set of two).
2. A combination access portable lock box to deter anyone from stealing your valuables while you and your boogie board head out to catch some waves.
You can also use this in your room to keep valuables protected.
Promising review: "We strung this through two beach chairs as suggested. We put two phones, hotel keys, cash, and credit cards in with ample room leftover. It's just a tiny bit too short for a Kindle. It was great to wander into the ocean and not have to keep looking back to see if our stuff was still hidden under towels. This is not a safe like what you would find in your hotel room, but someone that is out to steal is going to take something that is easy to take, not haul two beach lounges down the beach in order to get access to the contents of the locked box. We are frequent beach vacationers and I am 100% pleased with this purchase. Would definitely buy again and will give as a gift to other vacationers." —Lue F
Get it from Amazon for $49.95 (available in three colors).
3. A Trtl neck pillow that'll actually support your neck while you try to catch some mid-flight z's. It's way less bulky than traditional travel pillows and will keep you from head bobbing onto your neighbor's shoulder.
Promising review: "I am a terrible flyer who recently took the red-eye from Dubai to Chicago (15 hours). The Trtl Pillow was a mini lifesaver! I was able to comfortably rest my head on the support and felt warm enough to actually doze off...a rare accomplishment for this skittish flyer. The Velcro works wonderfully with regards to adjustment, and I liked wrapping the fabric around my mouth and nose. Sort of felt cozy...even if I did look like a ninja in a neck brace! Overall, this product has changed the way that I fly, and I am so thankful for this invention and the opportunity to support a small company with big ideas." —S.Viruly
Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in three colors).
4. A digital travel scale if you're tired of sweating at the bag check scale, hoping you can avoid paying pesky overage fees. This scale is super accurate so you can be confident in your under-50-pound pack job.
Say goodbye to overweight fees since this scale can hold up to 110 pounds. It also features a blue LED backlight for those early morning travels.
Promising review: "For years we used a regular scale. We would weigh ourselves then attempt to lift the bag and step on the scale. Not easy sometimes. But with this scale you just attach to the handle and lift. Weight is easy to read on this scale. Don’t know how we lived without it." —Karen
Get it from Amazon for $13.99.
5. These affordable wireless Bluetooth earbuds because who wants to spend the entire flight tethered to the back of the seat in front of you with a cord. These come with a handy travel/charging case and connect to your devices in one easy step.
Promising review: "These are the first pair of wireless buds I have purchased, previously using only the single over ear-type pieces. I expected to have difficulty pairing, but these paired the first time super easy. The volume and sound is significantly better than my old style. Nice little charging and travel case, and a variety of sizes of silicone buds to fit your size/preference. Update — after using these a few weeks I am still very pleased with this earbuds. Good value for the price!" —J. L. Hoover
Get it from Amazon for $22.09+ (available in five colors).
6. Plus, an AirFly Pro wireless transmitter so you (and a buddy) can actually use those Bluetooth earbuds to watch free in-flight movies.
Promising review: "Worked beautifully on a recent eight-hour flight from New York City to Frankfurt! Really easy to pair with my Bose noise-canceling earbuds and charges quickly. The sound quality was excellent. I'm so excited about this product that I'm going to buy one for each of my family members!" —emily p murray
Get it from Amazon for $46.74 (also available in two other models).
7. A compact external battery for keeping all of your many essential devices juiced up during long travel days. One full charge of this battery can charge your phone roughly three times. No more huddling by the single terminal outlet for you!
Promising review: "So far so good. I've used it a couple of times and I've been able to charge my iPhone 6S at least three times with one charge. I really like the light that tells you how much power is still left. It's also pretty small so it doesn't take up a lot of space. Update: I’ve had this for like two years now. Still works great! I’ve taken it on so many trips. I’ve been able to charge my iPhone, and GoPro batteries all with one charge. This thing has been a great purchase." —Sway
Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in four colors).
8. A transparent toiletry bag to avoid getting stopped by TSA when you inevitably forget to put your skincare in a see-through bag. Plus this bag is super durable and will give you "Gosh, I hope my serum doesn't leak all over my clothes" relief.
Promising review: "I travel very frequently and had never heard of a liquid travel bag like this before. I was a little worried because the back is not see-through, so I brought a 1-quart plastic baggie as backup just in case. But everything I needed fit perfectly and I had no issues in TSA/China security. So far I have been through MSP, IAD, NKG, and PEK airports using this pack already and it's a life-changer! I will never again have to worry about having to scramble to buy baggies just for liquids, and it is much more durable." —Courtney Swanson
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in 11 colors).
9. Or a waterproof toiletry bag that'll make packing your entire 12-step Korean skincare routine a breeze. Plus, it's equipped with a rotating hook so you can hang it on the back of a door or in the shower for convenient access.
Promising review: "We are a family of seven and this held all of our bathroom supplies for a weekend trip. This is a must-have for traveling. The best feature is it being able to hang up on a robe hook or the back of a door. It frees up hotel sinks and keeps you well organized." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in two sizes and six colors).
10. A tube of Burt's Bees after sun soother if your travel destination involves a few likely sunburns. Apply this hydrating formula ASAP and enjoy sweet relief from pain and itching.
This product is formulated without parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, or SLS.
Promising review: "I’ve had this bottle for over a year! It’s lasted with my family through Disney World, Destin spring break, and every time we go to the pool! I’ve had some bad sunburns. I slather this on and reapply after it’s soaked in and I wake up with a deep tan. Whatever is in it is like magic! The smell is kinda weird to me, but as well as this lotion works it could smell like cough syrup and I’d still happily use it." —Natalie Smith
Get it from Amazon or $10.02.
11. A helpful "Pack this!" checklist because sometimes the biggest travel headache is figuring out what to bring. This should help you generate ideas, and ensure you're not kicking yourself later after realizing you forgot your toothbrush.
Promising review: "I hate making lists trying to figure out what I need, and this is PERFECT for trying to figure that out. It has a lot more on the checklist than I would ever take on a trip, but it does accommodate for every kind a trip, from a simple vacation across state lines, to a business trip, to a wedding halfway around the world. I'm pretty pleased!" —Alyssa Kauffman
Get it from Amazon for $7.
12. An all-in-one universal wall adapter so you don't show up in a new country with no way to charge your phone — no matter where you go!
Promising review: "Probably one of the best $13 I spent on anything. If you travel a lot, especially internationally, this is a must have because you have every kind of adapter on one plug and don’t have to worry about constantly buying a certain adapter every time you travel to a different country. This has it all." —Abby Santiago
Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in three colors).
13. A rechargeable, slim lighted mirror for flawless makeup application even in hotel rooms with one (shared) bathroom and less than stellar lighting. It's got three bright light modes and folds up small enough to fit in a backpack tablet sleeve.
Promising review: "Perfect for traveling! And for staying in hotel! I hate having to stand in the bathroom or in the hall mirror with barely any lighting to do my makeup! This is perfect and easy to travel with and super easy to take on a plane! Very convenient!" —Krystyna Montesino
Get it from Amazon for $25.83+ (available in five colors).
14. A waterproof pouch to protect your phone on all those wet 'n' wild adventures you have planned. Skip the low-grade panic and give yourself peace of mind that your tech is protected.
It fits any phone up to 100mm x 170mm (or about 3.9 inches x 6.7 inches). And you can totally use the touchscreen through the case — including the camera! People take incredible photos with it.
Promising review: "I originally bought this for a solo trip to Florida because I wasn’t willing to leave my phone and credit card or rental car keys on the beach while playing in the ocean. For the price, this little thing has paid itself off and then some! I was able to fit my iPhone, two cards, and car keys in this while I blissfully floated in the ocean for hours. I even ordered this wristlet that makes your phone float in case I let go of it. I’ve also used it in my hotel Jacuzzi tub (and the bathtub at home), and the water park. I am not afraid to completely submerge my phone or just let it get splashed. Especially for solo female travelers, you never want to be separated from your phone because it’s your life source so nothing ruins a beach day by water damaging your phone. I really love this product!" —SpikesInk
Get it from Amazon for $5.94+ (available in 14 styles).
15. A set of six magnetic travel containers with custom removable labels and wide openings that make traveling with TSA-compliant versions of your entire self-care routine a breeze. And, yes, they're totally leakproof and airtight.
Cadence is an Asian woman-owned small biz creating the most stylish reusable travel containers you've ever seen. They're gentle on the planet and feature an intuitive, leak-proof design.
Check the products description for a in-depth summary of how much f every type of product these containers hold.
BuzzFeed editor Abby Kass is upping her travel-game with these containers:
"I used these on a six-day trip recently, and they were perfect. I customized the label so I knew which one was my shampoo vs. conditioner and did a general label for any other things I wanted to bring a long. They do hold a surprising amount, and were small enough to slip right into my toiletries bag and go through TSA with no problem. The container was easy to open in the shower (even with wet hands), and I had no leakage from them (like I did from my face wash bottle that will not be making the trip with me next time. SMH). These are an incredibly useful tool anyone who travels wants in their luggage."
Get a set of six from Cadence for $74 (available in seven colors).
16. A mini white noise machine if sleeping on vacation is not your forté. It's teeny tiny but will drown out big city noises and even doubles as a Bluetooth speaker for playing your favorite tunes on the go.
Promising review: "I travel a lot for work and need some kind of noise to cover up sounds from the hallway in hotels. This little device is the best one I've found. I've found one of the sound options that sounds just like an AC unit that puts me to sleep in an instant. The sounds on this little guy are the best ones I've heard. Buy this for travel and you won't be sorry!" —KJ
Get it from Amazon for $34.95 (also available in black).
17. A contoured sleep mask because the bright light of this random kid's iPad is making it *very* difficult to sleep through the flight. The concave shape effectively blocks out light, and the adjustable strap helps you get a comfy, customized fit.
Promising review: "This eye mask is perfect if you like to have total darkness when you sleep. It is so comfortable around my face and the mask even comes with adjustable straps so you don’t wake up with sleep lines. Included are cute ear plugs enclosed in their own case and a silk drawstring bag to carry your things in. To add, I was also impressed with how aesthetically pleasing the packaging was. I totally recommend." —Bill Curtis
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in five colors).
18. A multipurpose car seat storage bag so you can keep your car clean and tidy even when you're caravanning across the country. This handy organizer has a lined and leakproof spot for garbage, plenty of mesh storage pockets, and a dispenser for tissues or wet wipes.
Promising review: "It holds a lot, so I never have trash lying around my van! Always got tissues if you need them, keep wet wipes and hand sanitizer, etc. in the pockets. I do long road trips so this is just super nice to have. The lid keeps everything inside so stuff is never falling out. I def recommend this to anyone with kids especially or if you take long road trips and wanna keep your vehicle tighty all the time." —Leanna Garcia
Get it from Amazon for $24.99.
19. A lightweight water-resistant backpack for finally finding the perfect airline personal item with plenty of space for a laptop, chargers, a change of clothes, and more. Plus, cushy, airflow back panels fight against the dreaded back sweat during your walking tour or as you run to catch your flight (we've all been there).
The bag has a separate compartment to hold up to a 15.6" laptop, a hidden anti-theft pocket on the back for valuables, a luggage strap, hanging clasps, and an external USB port to hook up to your own power bank.
Promising review: "I just returned from a trip abroad and I used this backpack as my personal carry-on. It's roomy, fashionable, durable, and functional. The best feature in the backpack is the hidden zipper pocket where I was able to keep my passport and wallet and not worry that someone might pull it out. Everything was safe, had a place, and was easily accessible. It was a little bulky looking when I had it filled before my trip but that was to be expected. Overall, I was very happy with this backpack and would recommend it highly." —rachel
Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in two sizes and in seven colors).
20. An in-flight foot hammock to make kicking back in the flight cabin a whole lot easier. It easily mounts onto the seat tray, and not only ups that economy seat comfort, but can also reduce in-flight foot swelling.
Promising review: "This was a lifesaver on a recent nonstop flight from LA to Paris and back. Not only was the footrest super comfy and easy to use, it really made the long flight bearable. At the end of the flight, my feet and legs were not swollen at all, like they usually are after a long flight. I like to kick off my shoes during long flights and when I put my shoes back on, they fit like they normally do, no swollen feet, ankles, or legs. I will never fly again without this footrest." —Dawn Sullivan
Get it from Amazon for $21.99 (available in three colors).
21. A hands-free luggage drink caddy that's like hiring an extra set of hands to finally make simultaneously managing your luggage, boarding pass, *and* pre-flight iced coffee an easy, breezy affair.
Promising review: "This is an amazing travel accessory! When are you trying to juggle your hot beverage with a water bottle, your phone, and a boarding pass, this is a handy, easily stash-able uni-tasker to have. Fits perfectly on my carry-on bag and larger rolling bags as well." —Pirate
Get it from Amazon for $12.74+ (available in 21 colors).
22. A roll-on blister-preventing balm if your upcoming travel plans include a lot of walking and do not include limping around because of painful blisters.
23. A genius car cupholder adapter because you're not going to let your precious water bottle tumble around on the floor for the duration of this eight-hour car ride. It'll also work well for any jumbo sodas at the drive-thru!
Wine and Whiskey Co. is a Texas-based Etsy shop selling a wide range of adorable phone cases and T-shirts, plus genius car accessories (obvi).
Promising review: "Love it. Perfectly holds my 40-ounce Hydro Flask. No more rolling around the truck cab. Arrived quickly and works as described." —Jason J. Mease
Get it from Wine and Whiskey Co. on Etsy for $12.99.
24. A lay-flat drawstring makeup organizer so you can stop dumping the full contents of your makeup bag out on the hotel room floor whenever you need to find that one shade of lipstick you just know for certain you packed.
Promising review: "I've been in the travel industry for 16 years and up til now I haven't found a durable and easy-to-access makeup bag. They are always too small or so big your makeup rolls around and gets on everything. This is the perfect size to fit a full face worth of makeup products without being bulgy or bulky. The brush holders inside work perfectly, and any small items like bobby pins or hair ties go great in the zipper compartment to keep them easily accessible. Highly recommended if you do make-up on the go." —ASilver105
Get it from Amazon for $19.95+ (available in four sizes and 28 colors).
25. A pair of backseat organizers with a clear tablet holder and tons of mesh pockets for giving backseat passengers easy access to all the snacks, toys, and tech a successful road trip requires.
26. A super-cool garment bag duffel to keep your best clothes neat and wrinkle-free, while still having an empty bag's worth of space for all your other travel bits and bobs.
Bonus — the bag is water-resistant and has two exterior zip pockets, two interior shoe pockets, and a padded handle wrap.
Promising review: "I purchased this in preparation for some day trips for work and it sure did the job. My suit stayed crisp and I was able to fit everything I needed. The bag feels very durable, which I can't say for some of my other bags that cost five times the amount. Although many bags have a separate compartment for shoes, be careful not to overlook the importance of this feature when shopping for luggage. The last thing you want is to wake up and get dressed, only to find that something on the bottom of your shoes found its way onto your clothes. The side pockets make it easy to get essentials out of your bag, including when it's in the overhead bin on a plane." —Ronald
Get it from Amazon for $47.99+ (available in five colors).
27. A travel sized wrinkle release spray that makes it easy to revive crumpled, fresh-out-of-the-suitcase clothing even when you don't have easy access to an iron.
28. A leak-proof collapsible water bottle if you love proper hydration but hate having a clunky empty bottle eat up valuable bag space.
Promising review: "I bought three of these for a trip to Europe. They are very light to carry, easy to fill, and convenient for travel. I am very pleased with this purchase! It saved a lot of money to have the water bottle with us all day long and just fill up rather than having to buy new bottles of water." —M. Jennings
Get it from Amazon for $34.95 (available in five colors).
29. Plus, a leakproof dog water bottle so you can easily keep your pup hydrated during long layovers. The one-button locking mechanism allows you to release water into the trough and let un-drunk water flow back in so nothing goes to waste!
The water bottle also includes a sling rope and carabiner for clipping onto a bag or belt loop.
Promising review: "I travel the airlines quite a bit with my small dog. It’s perfect!!! It’s different from other systems I’ve tried because it effectively takes the unconsumed water back into the bottle 100% — I’m no longer looking for a place to dump the water she doesn’t drink, nor am I putting a wet bowl back into my backpack. It’s one system with a locking mechanism to avoid accidental pressing of the water release button" —AnnaBelle
Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in two sizes and in three colors).
30. A set of travel compression cubes because you've committed to packing light, and that means packing a week's worth of clothing into a carry-on. Plus, it keeps everything super organized, so you don't have to ruin your gorgeous pack job looking for a sleep shirt.
Promising review: "This is a must-have item for anyone who is committed to traveling lightly and taking small bags whenever/wherever possible. If you are an urban back-packer or even an outdoors backpacker, these are amazing bags that make the rest of your bag so much easier to pack!" —Amazon Customer
Get them from Amazon for $18.95+ (available in packs of two, three, or six, and in 10 colors).
31. A trusty stain-removing pen for tackling stains the minute they occur instead of arriving at your destination still wearing your morning coffee.
Promising review: "This product works great and the three-pack is a good deal, whether you want to label each one for a specific use or share with members of the family. It is easy to use and doesn't take long to dry. I keep one in my purse and of course it is a must-have when traveling." —DeeNicole
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $7.74.
32. A tri-fold travel wallet to keep everything (and I mean everything) on hand and organized as you run to catch your flight. Money, cards, boarding passes, passport — you name it — all protected with RFID-blocking tech.
The wallet has a passport pocket, boarding pass compartment, three credit card slots, an ID slot, a slim card pouch, slim pocket, a ticket slot, a cellphone pouch, a coin zippered pocket, key holder, and pen holder. The all-in-one holder could also arguably be considered a cult-favorite travel product.
Promising review: "Guys, I'm beyond happy with this. I've been looking for a passport and ticket holder for a while but had never found the right size until I decided to try out this one. Besides, the material feels high quality and long-lasting, the red color is even better in person and it's wildly pretty." —BazantSol
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in 39 colors).
33. A genius magnetic luggage tag that doubles as a hat clip so you can finally bring your favorite wide-brimmed beauty on vacay without a) packing it and crushing it, or b) committing to wearing it/holding it.
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: "This product is such a game-changer. I’ve used it on my last two trips and it not only works well, but I also got a ton of compliments on it." —Jamie
Get it from Lindsay Albanese for $59.
34. A wedge doorstop alarm if you want a bit of added security (and peace of mind) at unfamiliar Airbnbs and hotels. Not only does it block unwanted intruders from opening the door, but it sets off a (very) loud continuous alarm.
No wiring required, 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.
35. A plush velvet travel jewelry case because detangling your favorite necklace 15 minutes before your dinner reservation is no one's ideal way to spend their OOO time.
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 four colors).
36. A heavy-duty bag strap so you're not stuck wearing (or holding) the sweatshirt that couldn't fit in your carry-on. This simple little add-on attaches to luggage, purses, or backpacks to free your hands of those travel essentials that are just too bulky for your bags.
Promising review: "Seriously so useful for traveling. I bought this last year and used it on my two Europe trips — six different countries and lots of bus, train, and plane journeys and it made my life so much easier. I hooked it to my book bag and hooked my neck pillow, collapsible umbrella, and reusable water bottle to it. I even hooked my parka through it some. 110% recommend. It is super sturdy and I never had any issues with it even with me dragging it along with all the stuff hooked to it." —Logan
Get it from Amazon for $8.49 (available in five colors).
37. A pack of moldable silicone earplugs for blocking out the noise of that crying baby three rows back, or your travel companion's loud snoring.
Promising review: "Perfect for small ear canals. Love the carrying case. These are perfect for a few reasons — I can break them into smaller pieces and fit them to my small ears. They are PERFECT for traveling — the case keeps them clean and safe. You can 'drown' out the noise without leaving the world. I can still hear with them in, but I sleep a lot easier with them in. The only drawback is that they ARE sticky — I find a lot of my hair stuck to them after a use. Price you pay though, for all of the positives." —tater.tot
Get a six-pack from Amazon for $3.96.
38. An airline-approved pet carrier with an expandable compartment, interior leash tether, seat belt loops, a luggage strap, and so many more thoughtful details to make sure your best furry friend is traveling safely and stylishly.
My parents recently traveled with their 6-month-old puppy in this carrier and had nothing but rave reviews for it. Their dog even had an accident in the carrier, which is lined with a plush removable pad, and they said it washed up really easily.
Promising review: "I’ve had a couple of travel bags for my 8-pound Shima, but nothing compares to the superb quality of this bag! The zippers have secure locking clasp for safety. Plenty of room, as well as an option to expand the interior area if needed. So much thought was put into the design of this bag. Both for your precious pet, but also for your ease of mind and comfort for carrying. Many ways to peak in and several ways for pet to exit. Loops and pockets galore to hold any item you may need to bring on your trip. This beautiful bag made our trip so much easier.😊" —Deedee
Get it from Amazon for $71 (available in four colors).
39. A mini wallet emergency kit printed with the city skyline of your choice that's stocked with those easy-to-forget provisions that'll save you in a pinch! A bandage for those new-shoe blisters, a sewing kit for lost buttons, or a deodorant wipe because — don't lie — we've all been there.
Anne Cate is a Cleveland-based, woman-owned small business creating minimalist keepsakes to commemorate your favorite locations, with over 100 hand-designed skylines depicting cities and colleges from around the world!
What you'll get: Inside your mini wallet, you'll find a hair tie, lip balm, two floss pics, sewing kit, bandage, emery board, two safety pins, two earring backs, makeup wipe, two bobby pins, two mints, deodorant wipe, Shout wipe, tampon, hand sanitizer, and pain reliever.
I, your resident forgetful person, bought the NYC skyline version of this to toss in my purse or work tote whenever I got out. It's filled with a bunch of easy-to-forget bits and bobs that will (and have) saved the day in a pinch, all pre-packaged in a stylish and high-quality wallet. It's my perfect little SOS kit.
Get it from Anne Cate for $25 (available in 97 styles).
40. A reusable collapsible coffee cup if you want a reusable way to get your pre-flight coffee on without struggling with a bulky thermos that definitely is not going to fit in your overloaded carry-on.
Stojo is a small biz founded by three New York dads who wanted a better way to get their convenient coffee fix without all the waste. Now they make stylish collapsible essentials in a variety of sizes and colors, including bottles and food storage containers!
This is of the first zero-waste swaps I made and I've never looked back. If you buy to-go coffee – whether you're jet-setting or just grabbing a mid-day pick-me-up — this cup is a must-have. So long as you remember to bring it, it's all the convenience of to-go coffee with none of the waste. It's leakproof and, when you're all done, it collapses down teeny tiny and can be tossed back in your bag. Oh! And it comes with a straw, so all you iced coffee lovers can get in on the action, too.
Get it from Amazon for $15+ (available in four sizes and in 20 colors).
You knowing you've got everything necessary for a great trip:
