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1. A pack of three compact pill organizers to make sure you're never without your Pepcid AC (sans large bottles) after you house a calzone the size of your torso while luxuriating on the beach at the Amalfi Coast. (Not that I'm speaking from experience or anything.) Oh, and it has a double lock so you won't lose any precious pills in transit.
Check it out on TikTok here. Plus! You can use any empty compartments to store pairs of smaller earrings...maybe even eliminating the need for packing a jewelry organizer!
Promising review: "I browsed several options for pill containers to use while traveling. I was looking for more than four compartments while still being compact. This container worked perfectly! The side with the two bigger compartments was necessary for my large daily multivitamin, while the smaller compartments held several doses of OTC medications to be used as needed. The container is very durable and I really like the security of the outside clasp. The standard weekly pill container I had been using was too long for my purse and the slots popped open on occasion. Not with this guy! I plan to use another one of the three containers for a first aid kit." —Melissa
Get a 3-pack from Amazon for $6.97 (it comes with a blue, green, and khaki case).
2. An I Dew Care "Tap Secret" mattifying powder shampoo can tackle greasy roots without the aerosol formula — or having to hunt down the travel size of your fave regular formula. It's super compact and sure to fit in your personal item like it does for mine. (I recently used this to great success on a sweaty trip to New Orleans.)
Promising review: "I was looking for a dry shampoo that would be easy to use on the go for a trip I was taking. I had no issues taking this through TSA and it was so easy to use on the go. You literally just pat the poof on your scalp and then rub the powder in. I do have black hair so dry shampoo is usually very visible in my hair, but I didn't have any harder time than usual rubbing this powder in. It did a really good job of soaking up all the oil and giving my hair volume. I'm not a fan of the price for the amount that you get, but it is lasting longer than I thought it would. I would definitely recommend and will purchase again." —Teresa
Get two from Amazon for $25.
3. Tide sink packets with the perfect amount of detergent for a sink wash that'll help lighten your clothing load. Plus! These'll easily slide into the side of your toiletries bag that you thought had no. more. room. Can you tell I love a packet/wipe sitch?!
Each pack comes with three packets. And, because they *are* liquid, they'll easily slide into the side of your toiletries bag. I've packed these on international trips to much success!
Promising review: "Taking these out of the country to wash under things is exactly the right size." —Laura Wilson
Get nine packs from Amazon for $6.92.
4. Or a pack of laundry soap sheets you won't even have to slip into your toiletries bag. This way you can save more room for souvenirs than three changes of underwear for every day of your trip.
I travel just about any chance that I get and found a WHOLE lot of success with these little laundry sheets on an almost-three-weeks European vacation this summer where I carried on only and rewore outfits several times.
Promising review: "I saw these recommended on a travel blog, and I'm glad I bought them. I used them both in a washing machine and to hand-wash some items on my trip, and in both cases, they were super easy to use and got my clothes clean while taking up a minuscule amount of space in my luggage. I would highly recommend these for extended travel." —angal2
Get it from Amazon for $11.08 (available in four other styles, including hand soap and shampoo).
5. A pocket-sized, refillable travel perfume atomizer you simply pump on your normal size perfume bottle to keep you smelling like your signature scent on vacation. Yes, I paid all that dough for a Le Labo, but no I won't pay more dough for their (still v pricey) travel bottles. And! This is smaller than most travel fragrances, to boot!
Here's how to fill it up: press the bottom of the atomizer against an open perfume bottle and keep clicking until the atomizer is filled up. Each atomizer holds up to five milliliters of perfume and is small enough to fit in a backpack, carry-on, or purse.
Check it out on TikTok.
Promising reviews: "I bought these due to traveling a lot for work and needing to cut down on the size of things in my carry-on bag for flying. I can bring four different perfumes now instead of one big one. They’re super easy to fill, haven’t leaked so far but I keep them in a sandwich baggie while traveling just in case. I would 100% buy them again." —Emily
Get a four-pack from Amazon for $8.99.
6. A set of compression bags if you're not beholden to carry-on weight limits. (V much more of a thing for European flying these days) and tend to overpack. Here's your sweet spot ;). And in the event that security has to go through your bag (it happens!), this'll make it a bit easier for them to sort through your stuff.
And they come with a hand pump for travel! I own these and love to pack at least one (when empty, it folds down flat in your roller suitcase!) just in case I do some shopping during my travels and need to condense the amount of space my clothes are hogging in my suitcase.
Promising review: "This is a great product. I have a memory foam pillow that I try to take on trips, due to neck issues, so I purchased this product and put it to the test to see if it could flatten the pillow so I can also carry my clothes and the pillow in the same carry-on-size travel bag. The pillow's been sitting in the vacuum pack for the last three days now and hasn't let any air into the package at all. The pump removed so much air that the foam is as solid as a rock with less that an 1/8 of an inch of give when I press on it firmly with my thumb." —4-H Shooting Sports Instructor
Get a pack of five from Amazon for $35.99+ (also available in a ten-pack and in five bag sizes).
7. Or a collection of compression packing cubes you can use over and over again without having to remember to pack a pump for sucking out the air.
Again, just be sure to look up any weight restrictions on carry-on luggage. I ran into that problem last summer (it was in Croatia while flying British Airways, btw), but the person at the airport check-in counter that gave me some trouble about my bag just seemed to care about my roller carry-on. So I'd suggest using these in a backpack or tote bag you plan to put under the seat.
Promising review: "Easy to clean, lightweight material. All of the compression bags have a mesh front which makes it easy to see what’s inside, plus there is a small clear vinyl pocket on the front for a label. I tested one of the medium bags with four sweaters (one long and bulky, plus three medium-thickness pullovers). They fit in the bag nicely with the bag zipped closed (not compressed yet). It was not difficult to zip the compression closure, although I did take special care to push down and 'help' the zipper along. No signs of strain or damage to the zippers once fully closed. These bags seem very sturdy. As seen in the pictures, there is a significant size reduction! Will definitely use in my travels and would highly recommend." —Clarissa Sheats
Get a pack of six from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in 20 size/color combinations).
8. An on-the-go Gillette razor that'll spare you some precious space in your bag without sacrificing quality.
It comes with one handle and one blade refill but will work with other normal Venus refills!
Promising review: "I am a flight attendant, space is limited in my bag. Great product for your travel bag." —Caitlin Hemphill
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
9. A *solid* Neutrogena SPF 50 sunscreen that really sticks to your skin on your tropical (or just plain sweaty) vacation. Oh, and because it's solid, it's carry-on–friendly! So you can at least have some sun protection — without taking up precious toiletries bag room — while you scout out SPF at your destination.
I first bought this for a weeklong Croatian vacation last year when I did carry-on, and as long as you are *thoroughly* reapplying, this stuff stays on pretty well. On a beach club afternoon, I did haphazardly reapply and missed a strip on one arm, but I tend to do that with spray-on or lotion sunscreen, too. Since then, I've packed this for any trip I've been on, including a two-day Disneyland trip where I toted this around in my bag and shared with friends. I sometimes carry it with me in my purse on my everyday adventures because I know it's so easy to apply. Also worth mentioning...I am about the palest lady you've ever seen and swear by daily application of sunscreen. But when on a beach trip, I'm constantly swimming in the water and sweating. So yeah, this stuff works.
And if you're a bit hesitant about jumping on the solid sunscreen bandwagon, you can pack a stick of this, knowing you have enough sun protection to get you through to finding some spray-on or lotion SPF at your destination.
Get it from Amazon for $9.10.
10. A collapsible silicone water bottle can help make sure you stay hydrated (drink water on that flight!) without making you sacrifice other things in your bag or running the risk of leaving water in your bottle as you go through security.
I bought this water bottle before a 2.5-week trip to Vietnam (where you don't drink tap water) and Malaysia (where you do). I didn't want to bring one of my ride-or-die S'well bottles because it would take up extra room in my bag when I wouldn't be able to use it during the majority of the trip. This handy silicone bottle did just the trick! It's very easy to roll up and *stays* rolled up thanks to the just-stretchy-enough loop. Said loop was also very handy while walking through airports and just around sightseeing. The bottle is easy to clean and doesn't make my water taste weird. I'm now using it as my daily water bottle and feel confident it'll serve me well for a long time. Plus! With a collapsible water bottle it's easier to remember if you left water in it before you go through security.
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 12 colors/styles).
11. A cute portable charger will fit in your pocket or bag. And you can also easily use your phone while it charges! I've taken this on four international trips since purchasing, including a day trip to Budapest where I only had my purse. Cheers to a charger you can carry onto your person on the plane in a pocket instead of hogging room in your personal item.
Note: This small gadget can charge an iPhone 8 1.5 times and an iPhone X one full time on a single charge.
Check it out on TikTok here.
Promising review: "The holy grail of portable chargers!!! I was traveling to Disney for vacation, and knowing me, I would drain my battery with just taking pictures alone. I wanted a portable battery but didn’t want to carry a cord either, so I was excited when I found this little baby! It does exactly as described and I get one full charge of battery for my phone. Get it: You will not be disappointed!" —Meghan Doble
Get it from Amazon for $25.49+ (available in five colors).
12. Or a three-in-one foldable magnetic wireless charger that's compact enough for your coat pocket and then plane seat tray or hotel nightstand to keep your precious devices (iPhones, AirPods, and Apple Watches) powered and go, go, going with you. (Can you tell I'm a fan of keeping essentials in your pockets?)
See it in action on TikTok.
Promising review: "I use this product to charge my iPhone 13, AirPods, and Apple Watch. Prior to this 3-in-1 compact purchase, I have purchased three different kinds of 3-in-1 chargers — I frequently travel between school and home with carry-on bags on airlines and all of the previous stand version chargers doesn't fit well in my bags or I am always worried I 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 nine colors).
13. A set of storage scrunchies for helping you stash your lip balm, cash, keys, and more while you're out and about. Plus! you can wear this walking up to security and keep some valuables in it without actually having to stash them in the bag.
See them in action on TikTok!
Promising review: "BUY IT! You won't regret it. Honestly, this is the coolest thing I’ve bought on Amazon. I hate purses, so being able to stash my money, lip gloss and my car key in my scrunchie is a GAME CHANGER! 10/10 would recommend. Also, the elastic is super strong, so no droopy ponytails, even with all my little items inside!" —Aubree T
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $12.99 (available in three color combinations).
14. A belt bag that'll double as a travel belt with a pass-through trolley loop so you can use it to secure your personal item to the top of your roller suitcase. And then when you're out and about at your destination, you can use it as a purse! (Dare I say it's cute enough to be your trip's *only* bag?)
Cincha Travel is a small business in California that develops adjustable travel belts made out of vegan leather. The brand donates 100 airline miles for each purchase, which are used to reconnect separated migrant families.
Check out a TikTok of the Cincha belt bag in action. When flying with this, I rec leaving it on as the belt for your suitcase while boarding your flight. On a few flights I've been on this year, I've heard gate agents make people put their belt bags worn around their waist or cross-body into their personal item. So just be mindful of that!
Promising review: "Great little double-duty bag. Highly recommend. I could fit four passports, an iPhone, a slim wallet, and many more things in my new travel bag. A must for your next adventure." —Lindsay
Get it from Cincha Travel for $67.50 (available in four colors/patterns).
15. Or, if you're like "eh" about a double-duty belt bag, a humble fanny pack with a TON of storage room inside will pack down flat in your bag. It has a long enough strap to wear crossbody *or* comfortably fit over outerwear for some hands-free adventures. And in case it looks familiar, TikTokers compare it to the Lulu waist bag. Plus, it's cute enough to wear for fashion, and you can pack one fewer bag as a result.
I wear a size L/XL in clothing and sometimes waist bags just don't work out so well for me. With this one, I can confirm that it fit around my waist comfortably without outerwear, across my chest without outerwear, *and* over a thick coat and several layers. The pockets inside are so handy and I even had room to spare throughout my Iceland trip. This was the only purse I brought for the whole trip and it performed its job flawlessly. Just make sure that you zip the zipper ALL the way because the zipper goes down pretty far on the sides for easier access to contents. Having my hands free was wildly convenient for a number of reasons, including crawling around inside of an ice cave and putting out my hands for some extra balance while walking on sheets of ice along cliffs. Oh, and it comes in so so SO many colors.
Promising review: "Love this little bag! And the price — you can’t beat it." —Jolie
Get it from Amazon for $18.98 (available in 31 styles).
16. A set of six Cadence containers that are magnetized and'll stick together in your toiletries bag without hogging all the room. They're super sturdy, leak-proof, and even work great for a few days' worth of vitamins or holding small jewelry. They've quickly become one of my packing go-tos and I can get about two weeks of day or night moisturizer in one of these standard size containers.
Cadence is a woman-owned small business specializing in personal care travel solutions. Each mini capsule is created from recycled ocean-bound plastic and is refillable and reusable!
Check them out on TikTok here.
BuzzFeed writer Jasmin Sandal uses these travel capsules and said: "I love my little containers that allow me to downsize but still carry my necessities while I'm traveling. They're not only cute to look at but they're pretty practical. I have used mine to store my vitamins, earrings, face cream and have not run into any issues. They have tight, screw-on tops so you know everything is secure *and* you can customize their labels so you know exactly what's in what. Oh, and the fact that they're magnetic? Genius. This way, they stay tightly together in your case or can be conveniently stored in a makeup bag."
Get a set of six from Cadence for $76 (originally $84; available in individual capsules, bundles of three or six, and eight colors).
17. Or if you're starting from scratch, a 16-piece travel toiletries set with a bag and various empty toiletry containers to decant your daily go-tos. No more breaking out into a weird rash bc you had to deign to use whatever moisturizer was available in travel size at CVS.
See it in action on TikTok here.
The set comes with four bottles, two jars, two spray bottles, two scoopers (to help transfer creams), one funnel (to help transfer liquids), one cleaning brush, a page of labels, and a bag that everything fits in.
Promising review: "I used this for a two-week international trip. I did two mini trips to other locations. The squeeze bottles did not leak, held enough product for the trip, and are cute. The spray bottles worked well for hair products. I wish there were a couple more bottles instead of the jar containers, but that’s the set. The zippered bag worked fine, though I probably only opened/closed it about 10 times." —Jan
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
18. An international power converter that'll work in 150+ countries and keep everything juiced up without ruining outlets. It charges six devices at once so you don't have to pack multiple converters.
See it in action on TikTok.
Promising review: "Prior to this purchase, we've killed an appliance or two in overseas travel. We bought the Sokoo Power Converter for a trip to the Philippines. It worked like a champ! We charged our iPhones and other high-end devices with peace of mind. My wife used her flat iron with this just fine. I like that it has plug adapters for outlets around the world, so I know wherever we go we can use this. I recommend this to anyone doing international travel." —David Aiken
Get it from Amazon for $33.99.
19. A folding jewelry organizer to keep you well-accessorized without taking up a lot of bulky room in your suitcase. Hard jewelry cases do a fine job of protecting your baubles! But they're total suitcase hogs.
Check it out on TikTok.
Promising review: "I saw this recommended on TikTok and bought it on a whim. I never knew a jewelry organizer would be so useful! I absolutely love this organizer and think everyone should have one!!" —Savana Bishop
Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in two sizes and nine colors and patterns).
20. Or if you're looking to REALLY streamline your accessories, a pair of lightweight chunky hoop earrings that'll match with most everything you pack — which is especially great if you don't like to think too much about accessories when you're getting up and out of your hotel room for adventures.
Promising review: "OMG I’m obsessed with these earrings. They’re so pretty and lightweight. I never usually order earrings off Amazon but decided to get some since I saw them on TikTok. They’re great quality and I usually can’t wear fake jewelry since it makes my ears itch like crazy. This one didn’t do that at all. Another problem I have is earrings being super uncomfortable to sleep in but this one doesn’t do that either. I’m going to literally get every single size they have since I love it so much. Hiiiiighly recommend." —Ziyana Iyer
Get it from Amazon for $13.95+ (available in four sizes and three colors).
21. A Hackwith Design House shirt you can wear in six(!!!) different ways...which takes "travel capsule wardrobe" to a whole new level without feeling like you're repeating. (Though, there is *no* shame in repeating.)
Hackwith Design House is a woman-owned small business. Their sustainable designs are made to order and sewn in their Minnesota studio. Their sizes run from XS–4X. On Mondays, they also release limited-edition designs so you can be one of only 25 people to own a piece!
My colleague Chelsea Stuart owns this and loves it. Here's what she has to say:
"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 up front (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).
22. Alleyoop's pen pal to help seriously condense your toiletries into a multi-use item you can even throw into your fanny pack as you go about your sightseeing. It has eyeliner, brow liner, lip liner, and a highlighter in one.
Alleyoop is a woman-owned small business creating "beauty efficiency" products. Many are compact and/or have multiple functions!
My former 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!"
Get it from Amazon or Alleyoop for $25 (available in three shades).
23. A Keyper lanyard keychain you can use to attach smaller bags to your personal item (thus getting away with not putting that smaller bag in your bigger bag), or even secure your (of course, anti-theft) bag to whatever chair you're sitting in at an outdoor cafe or in a crowded restaurant so people can't quickly slip off with your whole bag.
Keyper is a woman-founded and -owned company.
I have one of these (in the snow leopard) and have used it just for keys but also to attach bags as I'm traveling. (I also ONLY carry on so I try to stay organized as possible.) My pal, also named Elizabeth, uses hers to attach her bag to her chair when she's out and about traveling. Yes, you still want an anti-theft bag. But this can make for an extra level of security!
Get it from Amazon for $27.90+ (available in six colors/designs and more materials, styles). You can also grab a bag that works with the keychain. A clear bag, like the one seen on the left, is a great option for toiletries when flying. But! It's also super useful as a purse for a stadium concert or sporting event with security bag restrictions.
24. An *very popular* off-the-shoulder jumpsuit suited for just about any sightseeing needs. But it'd also make an incredibly comfy flight outfit so you'll get multiple wears out of it on one trip.
FYI, if you have Amazon Prime, you can give this a spin before you buy it!
Promising reviews: "It is a favorite among our flight attendant group when we are traveling. We call ourselves the sisterhood of the traveling jumpsuit! I absolutely love it, it’s comfortable, inexpensive, easy one piece, dress up or dress down. I add a belt and it’s perfect! I am planning to purchase more colors!" —Floridagirl0611
Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in sizes S–3X and 31 colors/patterns).
25. A 2-in-1 straightener and curling iron because you won't leave home without them but detest how much space they take up in a carry-on.
Promising review: "I randomly bought this little curling iron/straightener to save space for travel...and after trying it out, I now find myself reaching for it over my big, expensive, full sized regular curling iron and straightener. It just heats up so fast and does the best job — especially curling. It curls quick and the curls last all day. On both regular hair and extensions. If I could change anything about it, it would be to have it in a full-sized version too, with the same effectiveness. Not sure if one exists, but if I does I will buy it." —Melanie
Get it from Amazon for $39.99.
26. A 4-in-1 makeup brush set that takes up the size of one makeup brush so you don't have to use up half of your personal item's space just for your beauty routine. (Tbh, I need these.)
27. A soft faux-leather tote will be the perfect personal item on the plane so you don't even have to pack it in your carry-on! And it would be useful as a day bag (of course keep your valuables zipped up concealed and tucked away inside) with plenty of room for your souvenirs.
Promising review: "Bought this bag last minute for a uniform compliance as a flight attendant, and it’s sturdy and a great bag. For the material and the price, it’s a great purchase. I’ve had it over four months." —Amber
Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in a variety of colors and two sizes).
28. A handbag organizer with LOTS of pockets to help you easily track down your ID, a pouch to take off those giant earrings before going through security, that half-drunk bottle of water you've gotta toss, and just about anything else you'll need to take out and put in a tray. And because everything will be all nice and organized, you won't waste space by packing doubles or time looking for desired items.
Promising review: "I love this!! I bought it purely to organize my work tote. I’m a flight attendant and I have so much stuff that I need for work that I didn’t want to carry in my nice purse. So I bought a huge black tote but the biggest problem was the lack of organization. This organizer has plenty of places for all the things I need and helps me find things very quickly." —Jamie H
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in sizes S-L and in 27 colors).
29. A pack of insect-repellent wipes that'll be easier to keep on you at all times than a bottle of liquid. And, you guessed it, can be tucked in your luggage anywhere because it's not a liquid that has to fit in with your toiletries! I keep mine in a side packet on my backpack.
When I was a kid, someone told me that mosquitoes love me because I'm so sweet. And I FULLY believe that as an adult because I still get eaten alive if I'm out for long periods of time without wearing some kind of repellent. I've used these wipes on several park days here in NYC (sitting on a picnic blanket drinking wine with friends is more or less screaming "COME GET ME" to skeeters). But I've really found success with them on a recent hot weekend trip to Savannah, Georgia. I don't notice any smell when using them and have found one wipe to have enough repellent for my arms and legs. So basically, a one and done. I don't think that I've gotten *any* bug bites on days I've used these wipes. Plus, I have extremely sensitive skin but haven't had any irritation from these seemingly powerful wipes!
Get three packs of 12 wipes from Amazon for $25.47.
30. A Beis backpack that zips open like a suitcase without *looking* like one of those backpacks that does that. I used this and a space vac bag to pack ALL my belongings for my Iceland trip instead of paying $100 to check a bag. (That's how the discount airlines get you!)
I snagged this backpack after hearing my colleague Chelsea Stuart sing its praises. I had a trusty (now discontinued) InCase backpack I used as a personal item and served me well on dozens of trips for about five years. But I wanted a bag for some upcoming travel (2.5 weeks in Europe with *just* carry-on for five flights) that opens up like a suitcase for easier packing. Since buying, I've taken it on two long weekend trips (Amtrak to Newport, Rhode Island, for a wedding and regional train to a Connecticut country lake house) with no complaints. In fact, for both of those trips I packed MORE than I needed.
Inside, you'll find a mesh zippered pocket and a plastic pocket perfect for your toiletries. I can fit enough wet toilet toiletries in the second pocket as I'd be allowed to carry-on for a plane. In the mesh pocket I put other necessities like cotton swabs, medicine, eye glasses, etc. The main compartment is deceptively deep so you can easily roll clothes and Lego-fit them in together without using packing cubes. In fact, I fit all of the stuff in the second picture in that section (a romper, PJs, a bikini, sunscreen, five pairs of undies, a pair of jean shorts, nap dress, three pairs of socks, two pairs of sandals, two T-shirts, a slip skirt, sleep mask, curling iron, mini flat iron, makeup bag, and tote bag). AND it has stretchy X-straps to keep it all secure like you'd see in a roller suitcase so when I unzip it, everything stays put. But before I forget, there's a separate cushioned laptop pocket close to the backpack straps that I found works well for books or a Kindle if your travel leaves you laptop-less.
I love that this backpack has DEEP side pockets so your umbrella or water bottle won't fall out. In fact, I stuck a flashlight and an umbrella in one side pocket. (You could always use a flashlight.) Plus! It has a generously sized pocket on the front of the backpack with easy access for sunglasses, snacks, writing pens...all sorts of those little extras you need to access quickly. To top it all off, the backpack straps and top handle are STURDY. I felt totally secure toting it around and slinging it into overhead storage compartments on the trains. I love the look and construction of it with faux leather and sturdy black canvas, and the trolley passthrough to easily fit on my roller suitcase I'm about to drag through a bunch of airports. At nearly $90, this isn't the cheapest backpack option but if you're a frequent traveler, you'll get so much mileage on it and seriously save on some baggage fees, making it well worth the cost. This backpack and I are going places, for sure.
Get it from Beis Travel for $88 (also available in beige).
31. A travel scarf with hidden storage in it that, yes, will help add that one last accessory your ensemble needs and keep your neck toastier. But! It also has secret pockets so you can stash your valuables inside for easier TSA passage and away from unsuspecting pick pockets. Cue the ATTENZIONE PICKPOCKET TikTok sound.
Waypoint Goods is a small biz that specializes in travel accessories.
Promising review: "I absolutely LOVE my travel scarf. This piece is perfect for every occasion. Whether I am traveling on a plane or a road trip, at work, or trying to dress up an outfit to go out, it is perfect and functional. My phone, credit cards and keys fit seamlessly in the pocket without changing the look or fit of my scarf. At times I have put all of that plus a boarding pass and passport in the pocket!!" —Caroline
Get it from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in 14 styles).
32. A reversible bucket hat because, well, EVERYONE looks great in a bucket hat. You just haven't found one that suits you yet. WELP, I just found it for you. And it's a two-fer so you can get double the LEWKS out of it.
33. A lacy dicky as a cute look under a sweatshirt or sweater without sweating too much. Plus, it'll take up about half the room of an actual button-up shirt in. your suitcase!
34. A two-pack of beach wraps will take up next to zero room in your bag and also help you style the couple of swimsuits that made the carry-on cut a few different ways for IG.
35. An Elf multi-stick so you can add color in all sorts of ways on your eyelids, lips, and cheekbones without weighing down your toiletry bag with another liquid.
Promising review: "I love that this blush stick has a slight shimmer to it. I am still learning how to apply it properly, but I like that it adds color quickly and with little fuss! It is a lovely tone. I am normally darker, but have been indoors a lot, so I will update with a summer photo to see if this color still suits my skin in the summertime. Even if not, it works well with my winter skin and lasts all day!" —Paprika
Get it from Amazon for $4+ (available in five colors).
36. An inflatable wedge pillow if you prefer to lean on something as you sleep. This easily fits on your tray table and reviewers even say they used it upon arrival and their destination!
Promising review: "I traveled to Europe and they had very flat pillows where I was at. I opened this up and put my flat pillow on top and it literally saved me. I have to have a nice full pillow to sleep or I don't sleep. Im happy I had this to save me from no sleep for an entire month!" —Megan Widdig
Get it from Amazon for $24.99.
37. Some expandable hangers will help you better organize all your beautiful ensembles *and* have a legit place to hang up any clothes you launder while you're on your luxurious two-week vacation. (What is with all these hotels having only four hangers in the closet?)
Promising review: "On a trip to Europe, I used these hangers to hang my laundry to dry. I even hung a pair of wet jeans (through the belt loops). I thought the hanger would break, but it held up fine! Hotels never supply enough hangers, so I will be bringing these along when I travel." —debi
Get a pack of 12 from Amazon for $13.99.
38. A travel pouch that attaches to your bra so you can safeguard your cards and money — even when you're on the metro in Paris that everyone in your life warned you about before you set out on your trip. And you can pack one fewer purse!
39. A pair of slim, lightweight, quick-dry water shoes to help you traverse nearly every kind of ground you may come upon without hogging up a ton of space in your suitcase. (If you're going somewhere with rocky beaches and thinking about skipping water shoes, maybe don't.)
Promising review: "So glad I got these for my trip to Hawaii. These shoes saved my feet getting into the coral-covered beaches of Kaua'i. Great on the hot sand, too. Much more comfortable than the ones I got for my daughter at Target." —jaspy106
Get it from Amazon for $8.68+ (available in seven sizes and 44 colors).
40. A 30-pack of waterproof zippered pouches to help you organize a variety of things without bulking up your bag. Parents in the reviews rave about using these to get their family organized for travel. And because these are transparent, you can easily sift around in your carry-on to track down what you need to put in a security bin and push aside what can stay in your bag.
Promising review: "I bought these for a trip for my family of five. I like to plan in advance to make sure no one forgets anything! These were a life saver packing for three kids! I was able to create a carry-on, toiletries, wires/chargers, and snacks pouch for everyone! I used clear sticker paper to create name labels, and it all worked perfectly! Would definitely recommend if you need to travel with family and need to set things out and pack." —mommyandbri
Get them from Amazon for $17.99.
41. A pair of super comfortable pull-on Levi's jeans you can wear on your flight and then also throughout your trip. Cheers to looking more put-together than the folks who obviously came in their PJ pants. Also, no loose fabric means less of a likelihood of weird stuff showing up on your body scan.
Promising review: "These are really comfy. They're a good compromise for comfy skinny jeans. I'm a 30-year-old mom, and I'm about a 12/14; a 12 in these fit PERFECT. They give you a nice booty, and I can bend in them without showing anything. So that's a definite bonus. They are a good mom jean without being a MOM JEAN. Thumbs-up." —Polka Dots
Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in women's sizes 2–28, three inseams, and six colors).
FYI, if you have Amazon Prime Wardrobe, you can give this a spin before you buy it!
42. Some high-top sneakers for the look of Chucks with some serious rain protection. No need to pack a pair of *just* rain boots for your two days in Seattle. These'll cover you!
They're also a popular pick with people who have jobs where waterproof shoes come in handy (like working at a restaurant or dog groomers).
Promising review: "I absolutely love these shoes! I originally bought them for a trip to Washington D.C where it was going to rain most of the time. I have Hunter rain boots, but knew we would be walking a lot and didn't want to be 'weighed down' on the trip. I was four months pregnant and wore these for two of the days where we walked over 9 miles each day (ugh!) and these were SOO COMFORTABLE! My feet didn't have any blisters or sore spots (which I am very prone to) and handled the rain/puddles like a champ! I love that they looked like normal shoes, but wiped clean with a baby wipe!" —AmazonFamily
Get them from Amazon for $31.99+ (available in sizes 5–11 and 18 styles, including low-top and high-top options).
43. A packable floppy hat with a wide brim, that'll provide some extra shade from those harsh beachy rays without you weighing the possibility of checking a bag to make room.
Promising review: "Honey, this hat was giving me everything I needed it to give! I felt Gone With The Wind fabulous in this hat for my cruise vacation. It provided the adequate shade for my face and shoulders while allowing me to shade myself from people I didn’t want to talk to! Bay-bay! It was EVERYTHING I needed it to be AND the size XL fit over my braids. So my girls with protective styles or just big hair, this is the hat for you! 🎉" —1922blue
Get it from Amazon for $24.69+ (available in sizes M–XL and in eight colors).
44. Or a magnetic luggage tag that clips onto your tote bag so you can avoid bringing a larger checked piece of luggage just to bring your favorite hat.
See it in action on TikTok here.
The Fileist is an LA-based woman-owned small business that creates fashionable and functional accessories to make your life easier.
Promising review: "After traveling with hats for years (and it being a nightmare) someone FINALLY realized we can do better! Traveling is so much easier with Toptote! Now I don’t have to sacrifice style or efficiency. I Love mine and buy it for all my friends as gifts!" —Stephanie
Get it from The Fileist for $55 (available in two colors).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.