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 universal travel adapter so you always have a way to juice up your devices or use your US-friendly plugged item in a different outlet. You can plug up to five devices in this at a time...and it covers 160 countries!
But remember that this is not a voltage converter!
Promising review: "I am a digital nomad so I travel full-time around the world. I have a lot of devices to charge (laptop, Kindle, phone, backup battery, portable wi-fi device, camera, the list goes on). A lot of times hostel bunks or hotel rooms only have one outlet and with the previous adapter I was using, I had to charge one device at a time. I used to literally set my alarm to wake up in the middle of the night and switch devices so that I could get more than one device fully charged overnight. I did my research finally and settled on this one because it is universal and has four USB ports. What a GAME CHANGER. On my latest trip I was able to charge all my devices at once and it made traveling so much smoother. It seems well made and good quality, too. Definitely recommend for my digital nomad and traveling peers. Happy travels! :)" —Maggie A.
Get it from Amazon for $18.95+ (available in two colors).
2. A set of cooling patches that'll work some soothing magic for a variety of uses including (perhaps most importantly), sunburn. But it'll also help with itchiness from bug bites and poison ivy. And! They're TSA-friendly. So you can probably leave your aloe vera gel at home.
Promising review: "Used these on a sunburn on my back, and they were very soothing. Also provided padding when leaning back in my seat. I stuck one on my shoulder also to keep my seatbelt from rubbing the sunburn there. I bought them to use on the back of my kids' necks to help prevent heat exhaustion on a very hot day outside but ended up just using them for burn relief." —Joanna
Get a pack of 20 from Amazon for $14.99.
3. A bandeau bikini set made of a quick-dry material that'd also make the top a worthy crop shirt for all the mixing and matching you're doing while you island hop.
Promising review: "Talk about the best bathing suit ever!! I normally don't purchase bathing suits online, but this one is perfect. I followed the sizing guidelines, and it fits so true to size!! I love the adjustable straps as well. I'm top-heavy and nervous about a top not holding me up well, but this is the very few that have done the job. I will definitely be buying another one." —Erica Faircloth
Get it from Amazon for $25.36+ (available in sizes S–XL and 18 styles).
4. Or a strappy bikini with an interesting enough top to make it a strong contender to pair with that cute high-waisted skirt you're packing for dry activities. Just make sure you wear sunscreen!
FYI, if you have Amazon Prime Wardrobe you can give this a spin before you buy it!
Promising review: "If I could leave more than 5 stars for this swimsuit, I WOULD!!!! I want to scream from the rooftops about how amazing the fit and feel of this beautiful set. I put this on and immediately felt like a million dollars. The top boasts padded cups and adjustable everything, making it fit well no matter your size. I generally have a hard time staying in bikini cups, and I was able to tighten the back AND sides of this suit for a perfect fit. Well-made, well-loved, and I will wear this suit to EVERY beach and pool party from now on!!" —Annie Hinz
Get it from Amazon for $34.98 (available in sizes M–3XL and four styles).
5. A versatile lightweight shawl you can even wrap up in on the plane then at night when it gets a bit chillier but it doesn't quite call for a jacket. Plus, let's be honest, this looks a little more elegant than your go-to denim jacket. (Says the person who LIVES in her denim jacket.)
Promising review: "Absolutely love this shawl! The color is a true red and will work beautifully for several outfits. I bought it specifically for travel...easy to pack in carry-on bag and warmth without weight." —bojangles
"Wore on a trip to Morocco. Lightweight and versatile. Wear it as a traditional scarf, draped over front, or as a head scarf. Good quality and color pigment." —Micki R. Leesch
Get it from Amazon for $11.89+ (available in 38 colors).
6. A 3-in-1 convertible backpack that has a smaller daypack you can zip off the main backpack so you can tote around more than you'd take in a small purse but less than a regular- or travel-sized backpack. Gotta love that versatility!
Promising review: "I took the bag with me on a trip and it was great because the detachable part made it very convenient for me to go out and explore without taking a big backpack with me." —victor10
Get it from ebags for $169.99.
Also be sure to check out the brand's 2-in-1 convertible duffel bag.
7. 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: "It is hard to complain about an item that is exactly what you are looking for. Come on, the price point can't be beat, the lovely extra that came with the bag (bag scarf) is super cute. This is a bag I use to hold a few extra items for quick trips out of town. This bag is a composite product, like tennis shoes and the like. There is almost always that 'new car' smell, which is one way to describe it, for these types of items. But unlike a new car, this is a barely detectable smell, that is faint and is gone by the time you threw the packaging away. Zero complaints, will buy in other colors!" —D.S.
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in a variety of colors).
8. Plus a set of four *washable* market bags that'll ball up really tiny in your bag and can serve as a beach bag without getting too gross or a way to carry souvenirs. (And if you need to store some things a little more securely inside, use an opaque pouch.) I have one of these and will throw it in a coat pocket or my purse when I know I'm going to need it later.
9. 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. Yes, they'll make your travel life easier. But they'll also be super handy for storing away out-of-season clothes when you're home getting your money's worth on your rent or mortgage.
And they come with a hand pump for travel!
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 bag, 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 $15.99+ (available in four sizes).
10. A clear TSA-approved toiletry bag so you can Lego-fit all your liquid and spreadable bbs in there with ease. And then! When it's time to head poolside or to the beach, you can carry your essentials in a manner where you can easily zero in on that SPF lip balm.
Promising review: "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 $12.86 (available in 11 colors).
11. And a 30-pack of waterproof zippered pouches to help you organize a variety of things. 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 $19.99.
12. An Alleyoop Pen Pal that's an eyeliner, lip liner, brow pencil, AND highlighter so you can free up some serious room in your travel bags.
My BuzzFeed shopping colleague Jasmin Sandal has this and loves it. She says:
"I didn't realize I'd ever use a makeup product in my 20s that had the ability to transport me back to something I used in sixth grade, but here we are; and here I am using a multitool pen... for my face. I gotta say, I love the concept of the Pen Pal from Alleyoop! After using all of the functions (eyeliner, highlighter, lip liner, eyebrow pencil) and as someone who LOVES makeup but was applying as little as humanly possible during lockdown, I think it’s a great tool for anyone looking to streamline their routine. It's ideal to use for touch-ups come the end of the work day, or a subtle, minimalist way to apply makeup in the a.m. The brow pencil is particularly soft and pigmented, and filled in my eyebrows quickly. I just adore the ease of application of each product, and appreciate the universal, does-it-all-for-you concept. Plus, it saves me so much room in my already overflowing makeup bag!"
Promising review: "Such a time saver to have this 4-in-1 tool! I use it daily and love that it is so compact." —Lauren F.
Get it from Alleyoop for $25 (available in three shades).
13. Plus a Fluide universal crayon so you can add shimmer in all sorts of ways on your eyelids, lips, and cheekbones without weighing down your toiletry bag with another liquid. Reviewers say it's super hydrating and doesn't smudge thanks to its shea butter formula. Is it this universal product while you're on two hours of sleep? Or is it just that vaca glow?
Fluide is a queer-owned and woman-owned small business specializing in vegan, cruelty-free and paraben-free cosmetics.
Promising review: "I'm a huge fan of quick and easy enhancements and it doesn't get any easier than this. Drag across your eyelids, lips, rub into your cheeks and nose for a fabulous rosy shimmer." —Teneca Kennedy
Get it from Fluide or Amazon for $12 (available in four colors).
14. A set of six Cadence containers that are magnetized and'll stick together in your toiletries bag. 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 because they're so versatile.
Cadence is an AAPI woman-owned small business that was founded by Steph Hon as a way to eliminate single-use travel-sized plastics. The containers are made from recycled ocean-bound plastic.
But I'm not the only fan on the BuzzFeed Shopping team. My co-worker Abby Kass has these and loves them! Here's what she has to say about them: "I recently got a set of four of these, and, wow, I love them so much. I used them 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 along. They do hold a surprising amount. According to the brand, they hold approximately one to two weeks of skincare products, more than two weeks' worth of serum, two to three days' worth of haircare, and more than 15 tablets (for medicine and such). And while two to three days worth of haircare might not seem like enough, I found it held more than that for me, but I also don't wash my hair every single day. They 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 will want in their luggage."
Get a set of six from Cadence for $74 (originally $84).
15. A set of storage scrunchies for helping you stash your lip balm, cash, keys, and more while you're out and about. After all, you don't want to spend precious vacation time on making your hair look like you got a $$$ blowout.
See them in action on TikTok here!
Promising review: "I bought this because of someone on TikTok who had purchased this. Extremely convenient and cute! They’re very soft and I’ve been using mine to hold cash and lip balm. I wish there were more colors!" —Michaela
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $11.99 (available in two color combinations).
16. A handy dandy bandana that just so happens to be printed with survival info on it. If your idea of adventure includes hiking and camping, this is worth a buy.
Promising review: "I just got certified as a Wilderness Medic in a three-day workshop where we tasked with several critical medical scenarios and had to be caretakers and fabricate several ad hoc splints and address multiple/complex life-threatening patient scenarios...and this was THE recommended survival bandana by the SOLO course instructor. Course aside, I've bought several of these 'Survival Bandanas,' and this is by far the best one I've found. Because it's 60 inches wide, not only can it serve as a cravat sling and splint binding, but what makes it really cool is all the awesome rope knots, emergency shelter type diagrams, water, signaling, and much more! Very nice. Really great for scouts and outdoor clubs, as well as professional rangers and outdoor medics!" —Thomas Weeks
Get it from Amazon for $11.50.
17. 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 $45.99.
18. A romper that'll make it look like you're not sweating it...even if you are VERY MUCH sweating it on your summer trip. Plus, this'll make a cute day outfit *and* swim coverup for when you go to lunch.
FYI, if you have Amazon Prime Wardrobe you can give this a spin before you buy it!
Promising review: "This romper is super cute. It is very lightweight and perfect for warm weather. I love that the neck piece fits perfectly! There is no gap between my armpit and the 'sleeve' part of the romper, which is amazing." —Styles in Twin Acres
Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 18 colors).
19. A satin scarf you can wear as a top, tie around your ponytail, use as a headband, tie on your tote for a lil' extra flair. There are so many stylish possibilities for jazzing up your travel capsule wardrobe without making it *look* like you're working with a capsule situation!
Beginning Boutique is an Australia-based woman-owned small biz.
Get it from Beginning Boutique for $9.99 (available in one size).
20. And a fashionable travel scarf 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, away from unsuspecting pick pockets instead of packing a heftier bag.
Waypoint Goods is a small business focused on creating travel and lifestyle accessories for women to empower them to explore the world safely. Their Travel Scarf was debuted in 2015 on a Scandinavian urban cycling trip where the founder, Caitlin, realized a purse was not an option. Each color and style has a unique story behind it that inspired the design.
Promising review: "Fabulous scarf for traveling. Hidden pocket is very discreet and large enough for cash, passport, credit cards, etc. Sturdy zipper and beautiful design. Just got back from three weeks in China. I was able to easily carry all of the above, leaving my hands free. Superior product, practical and discreet. I've since purchased two more!" —Florida Girl
Get it from Waypoint Goods for $26.25+ (available in 16 styles).
21. A Hackwith Design House shirt you can wear in 6(!!!) 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 small, woman-owned 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 $125 (available in women's sizes XS–4X and in four colors).
22. A five-year Global Entry membership that'll *also* include TSA PreCheck for when you're getting out of Dodge. It'll seriously shorten your security line times and end up being a great value if you get out of the country at least once a year and fly domestically a few times annually. (This combo is $15 more than five years of PreCheck alone.) OK this might not lighten your bag but I'll tell any captive listener about how dang convenient it is. Some of the best money I've ever spent!
I put off getting TSA PreCheck and even Global Entry for YEARS despite flying ~10x a year because I'm a person who likes to get to the airport early and have getting through security down to an efficient routine. However, my breaking point was last July when I had to wait soooo long at the airport when coming back to the country from Croatia (I had Mobile Passport at the time, but the machines were broken so I had to wait in line with everyone else). I went to Italy about a month later after signing up for Global Entry and coming back into the country was a breeze. I just had to let a machine take my picture, print out a receipt with said picture, and then place it in a nearby TSA agent's open palm. Then onto baggage claim! I've only used the Global Entry portion for that Italy trip so far, but have a France trip planned later this year when it'll come in handy. I've used the TSA PreCheck 4x since getting it. So I feel as if I've already gotten my money's worth after less than a year.
Apply with the Department of Homeland Security for $100. Once you're approved, you have to do an in-person interview and if approved on the spot, you can have your TSA PreCheck and Global Entry privileges available immediately. I just so happened to find a date for my interview the day before I flew to Italy and was able to update my boarding passes and flight reservations with my info to reap the benefits ASAP.
BTW, check out my tips for travel during the pandemic.
Keeping it easy, breezy:
