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1. Take screen shots of all your travel confirmations and make two physical copies of your essential travel info because you never know.
2. And keep a copy of your physical travel docs in a trifold travel wallet so you're not wearily holding up the line when it comes time to show the TSA agent your passport and boarding pass or at the hotel check-in counter when you want nothing more than to get into your room and take a shower.
The wallet has a passport pocket, boarding pass compartment, three credit card slots, an ID slot, a slim card pouch, a slim pocket, a ticket slot, a cellphone pouch, a coin zippered pocket, a key holder, and a pen holder.
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 34 colors).
3. Always pack more Imodium (or your fave tummy-taming meds) than you think you'll need. Trust me!
4. A Pedialyte powder packets (or another form of electrolytes) because yes, you are an adult, but sometimes, you indulge a little too much or start to feel a cold coming on from traveling and could use some help. I always pack these for trips and have never regretted it. And IMO, they're much tastier than electrolyte tablets you dilute in water.
~Trust me~ when I tell you that these will work in a pinch. I bought them a few years ago to take on a bachelorette party to New Orleans, and everyone in the Airbnb was grateful I did. Since then, I've always had them in my carry-on bag when going on a trip. They REALLY came in handy when I went to the Greek islands for 10 days with an apparent mission to eat every piece of seafood and cheese within sight while washing it down with jugs of wine. These are powder in small individual packets, so they're so easy to pack! And also, you don't have to lug around a bottle of Gatorade to feel better. I aim to drink one in the morning when I wake up and then before I go to bed at night...though that doesn't always go as planned.
Promising review: "I always have it with me. I travel a lot, and I’m super busy, so I will forget to drink enough water (I live in a VERY hot climate), so these drink packets save the day often." —ashley v
Get a 24-count from Amazon for $25.59.
5. Check into your flight ASAP! Don't wait 'til you get to the airport. You want to check in before other passengers to secure your seat assignment and avoid getting bumped from the flight.
Airlines overbook flights and sometimes even when they don't, passengers can get bumped simply for the reason that they were the last to check in for a flight.
I used to be one of those people who refused to give up space on my phone for an airline app and would check into the flight at an airport kiosk before going through security. I stopped that a few years ago when I saw a fellow passenger find out that they didn't have a seat assignment, and the airline counter employee at the gate told them that they didn't have a seat because they were the last to check in to the flight. Now, when I'm ready to go on a trip, I plan accordingly to check into my domestic flight 24 hours before, and for some international carriers, I've been able to check in days beforehand (for example, EasyJet lets you check into your flight starting 30 days before).
If you're traveling internationally, you might have to show your negative COVID test results to even get *to* checkin counters. This also adds on quite a chunk of time at the airport. I nearly missed my flight back to NYC from Rome thanks to a line of hundreds of people at a checkpoint where any US-bound passengers had to have their test results checked. I made the flight. But it was a very close call!
6. Research any "extra" items (think: not toiletry or regular clothing) you may need on your trip so you don't pack something that a tour or hotel provides. Yes, this takes a few teensy extra minutes on the front end, but you'll thank me when you don't pack a bulky beach towel you don't need.
7. And if your research unearths the possibility of needing some water shoes, just go ahead and invest in these budget-friendly, quick-dry ones. They can help you traverse nearly every kind of ground you may come upon without blowing your travel shopping budget...lest a pointy sea urchin cramp your vacation shoe style.
Promising review: "I bought these shoes a couple of years ago before a river hike. UM THESE ARE AWESOME. They lasted a long time and the only reason I bought these yellow ones were because I wanted a new color, haha. My older pair did start to wear out in the toes from scraping them on rocks and such when hiking but still no holes in them. These shoes feel like socks but with enough of a sole that you can walk on gravel with no problem. It really is like walking barefoot. Also, these are the only water shoes that I have worn that do NOT let a bunch of debris into the shoe making you constantly have to take it off to empty it or just deal with the irritant. You can play on the beach with minimal sand stuck between your toes. Thoroughly impressed by that. So with that, I do recommend if you are a half size to size down so they are snug, otherwise the sock like ability to keep stuff out might not work so well." —Samantha Lindsay
Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in seven sizes and 44 colors).
8. Share pics with your trip mates (and any loved ones who want to share in on the fun) with Google Photos for free. And then if you want to print photos out later...you already have some g2g.
9. Eliminate a MAJOR ick factor with a pack of toilet seat covers that'll create a (colorful) barrier between your toddler's curious hands and public toilet seats at rest stops and airports.
Promising review: "If you're a germaphobe like myself, this is a must-have in your diaper bag. The thought of placing my son or daughter on a public toilet with only a seat liner is disturbing especially since they're both little and still hold onto the toilet seat for support when peeing/pooping. These cover the toilet completely and even cover the lower part of the toilet where dangling legs and pants/skirts touch. My only complaint about these is that they are not flushable. It's difficult trying to gather the liner up (they are rather large) without touching the toilet or the possibly wet liner (because it partially fell in the water) and then scrunching it up to fit into a sanitary napkin bin. Other than that, these are great. Also, I don't use the adhesive strips at all since I have two little ones that usually need to go right away so we don't have the time to remove the adhesive backing. I usually just place the liner on the toilet and then carefully plop my kid on top and all's well." —Ting
Get a pack of 24 covers from Amazon for $9.99.
10. TRIPLE check the size constraints for every single airline you'll be flying on your trip so you aren't forced to gate-check an oversized (according to the airline) bag.
11. Also use a digital luggage scale to make sure that you aren't slammed with an overweight luggage fee (ugh) or having to move stuff from your carryon bag to your personal item to avoid said fee (also, ugh). Yes, sometimes airlines will actually check the weight of your carry-on! Sigh.
Promising review: "We use this on every trip to avoid paying for extra weight as we travel internationally quite often. I have tested in several ways and also always note the weigh number in the airport. After several trips, I can say that the accuracy of it is right within 2 lbs. I have it for almost two years and still using the same batteries." —Cass Young
Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in eight colors).
12. Even if you're normally a carry-on person, I would recommend buying an Apple AirTag for each bag you'll take with you on your trip. I recently used one to help me track a bag that Lufthansa left behind in Frankfurt. And again, it gives you peace of mind even if you're driving to your destination and are just leaving your luggage at the hotel before check-in time!
13. If you're flying and limited on your toiletries, also lightly google whether you can buy toiletries near your accommodation on the cheap. You'll have to make easier packing decisions without sacrificing your go-to serum. (I always recommend buying sunscreen once you land because you SHOULD go through more than a measly carry-on-friendly bottle of SPF anyway.)
14. Help prevent motion sickness on ferries, boat excursions, and just plain ole riding in a car with a set of Sea Bands with a little nub that targets the acupuncture point on your wrists meant to help reduce nausea. Cheers to using these instead of having to buy Dramamine over and over and over again.
Read more about acupressure and nausea at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Promising review: "These were awesome! My entire family suffers from motion sickness, especially car sickness. My little one gets sick in the car on a regular car ride through the city. So I knew that a long road trip was going to be a disaster. I was amazed at how well these bands worked for everyone! Not one single person complained about being sick for 12 hours in the car. At one point I did have one child remove their bands because they said they were getting too tight. But after only a few minutes without them, a headache started to come on, so they immediately put them back on and the relief was instant. I have suffered for decades and now I know better. I will never travel without mine again!" —1SmartCookie
Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.51 (available in adult and children's sizes).
15. Research whether tipping is part of the culture. Depending on your destination, that's how some people make a living or could be incredibly offensive. And it can also help determine how much cash you should exchange for local currency.
It varies by location and by the service!
16. Decant your family's snacks into a pack of spill-proof Munchkin snack catchers so the Goldfish end up in tummies instead of all over the backseat.
Promising review: "The perfect companion for traveling with a toddler who loves to snack and prefers being independent. I can fit about 12 average-size grapes in it, about 5–6 regular sized cookies, about 8–10 mini cookies, a big handful or small cereal such as Cheerios, and about 10–12 standard Ritz crackers. These estimations are all things that I regularly place in there for him to snack on. Nothing spills out and whatever does come out is whatever he grabs with his hands to get which is amazing. The only thing I would suggest is placing foil or plastic wrap around the mouth of the cup to prevent any of the snack from getting stale from it being exposed. The lid doesn’t fully cover the snack from air exposure. It simply protects the snack from spilling over and promotes child independence." —Antoinette
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $5.96+ (available in two color combos).
17. Label all your stuff so you aren't wondering whether or not that's a container of mouthwash or toothpaste tablets. (Yep, I've had to use mouthwash tablets as toothpaste tablets on a trip because of that mistake.) It also makes it so much easier to refill your stores while packing.
18. Use a packing list to make sure you get every last thing you need. Alternatively, you can use a note on your phone, but sometimes, writing stuff down is just more effective for some folks!
I use a note on my phone that I copy over every time I have a new trip to make it even faster! Because yes, I am that level, and there are some items I always pack that aren't on a premade list like this.
Promising review: "We travel frequently and have two children. As any parent knows, packing for yourself and your children can be overwhelming — especially for a trip longer than a few days. I have found this list to be a lifesaver, and I also give it as a gift for other traveling families. It is easy to plan, organize, and list out items that are easily forgotten. You can also list the quantity of each item needed. Overall, a wonderful purchase and has likely saved me many forgotten items!" —Mike D.
Get it from Amazon for $7.
19. Pack your underwear first because you KNOW that's the most important thing. Just get it outta the way! And if you're on the prowl for minimal-size undies, I can't recommend these whisper-thin New Balance thongs enough.
20. Pack a set of laundry soap sheets to help you get a little more wear out of that perfect black one-piece that just looks oh so glam. Nope, no one whose opinion matters is going to say, "Oh, she wore that on her boat day in Capri AND on the beach in Positano?" It is perfectly fine and good to re-wear stuff on a trip!
Two summers ago I took a two-and-a-half-week Europe trip (I stayed in Nice, Barcelona, Mallorca, and Rhodes) and only had in-unit laundry in one of those places. These sheets were a lifesaver for washing underwear, clothes that I sweated SOOOOOO much in, and also swimsuits that were laden with very salty seawater. They got the job done, and I even found that the towel-warming rack in my Nice hotel did a fine job of hang-drying my hand-washed undies much faster! Now, I went through about half of the sheets because my friend and I were having to wash a lot. But it was such a small investment (size- and money-wise) to keep our travel loads significantly lighter.
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 it from Amazon for $11.08 (available in four other styles, including hand soap and shampoo).
21. Ride easier thanks to a memory foam seat cushion with an ergonomic design and gel layer made to cradle your behind while you're in your car seat off to your next adventure. After all, you don't want a sore behind once you get to your destination.
22. Catch up on all your stories with a hands-free (rotating!) phone mount to help you watch what you want or take advantage of the movies available online for those budget airlines without TVs in the back of the seats. It'll work on the plane, train, or bus, *or* while you wait to board.
Promising review: "I bought this nifty gadget about six months ago for a multi-leg, ultra-long-haul trip and it more than held up the entire duration. I was able to finagle it to fit the tray tables on different planes and like others, I find the height just nice when clamped onto a stowed tray table. It also works on my roller carry-on handle during layovers. However, I find myself using it a lot outside of travel, too! With work, I've clamped it onto my office desk shelving to hold my phone at eye level beside my computer. At home, I simply clamped it to a deck of cards and it turns into a versatile stand that I can place on any flat surface. Heck, I've been using it to hold my phone comfortably at eye level while watching videos in bed. It's extremely well-built and I find myself fidgeting with it all the time. Thus far it still feels solid and I don't anticipate breaking it any time soon. Even if it does break, I'll be happy to buy another one or two of it!" —Earendil
Get it from Amazon for $12.29.
23. Or if you're working with some actual in-flight TVs, use an Airfly wireless transmitter that'll let you connect your Airpods or any wireless headphones to your airplane seat...even without Bluetooth!
It also comes with a USB-C charging cable, travel pouch, keychain holder, quick-start guide, and a manual.
Twelve South is a small business that has been creating innovative tech accessories since 2009.
BTW, BuzzFeed Shopping editor Chelsea Stuart can vouch for this genius device: "Last year I splurged on some AirPods Max 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??)"
Promising review: "I was a little nervous that they wouldn’t connect but once I got on the plane ✈️ plugged it in and pressed AirFly (four seconds) then pressed and held AirPods Pro back button. Voila, connected YAY 😀! Now I can get caught up on a couple of movies 🎥 I missed. LOVE IT 💚. Volume is loud and clear." —Nicole J
Get it from Amazon for $54.99.
24. Or consider 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 invested in this very set of compression bags. I found success in packing a down coat in one for a wintry 2022 trip to Vienna and Prague (lucky me, I was there the week during a major cold front!) and was able to pack plenty of other things in my carry-on roller suitcase. Then, for a February 2023 trip to Iceland, I used one of these bags to pack all my stuff for a trip into a backpack so I wouldn't have to pay $110 to check a bag. It worked so well! Yes my backpack was heavy, but it did what I needed it to do. And I was able to easily fit all my dirty clothes into said compression bag at the end of the trip and repack. The pump is smaller than the size of a water bottle so I was able to easily make room for it in my backpack.
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, a 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 $21.99+ (available in four sizes).
25. Invest in just one universal travel adapter that'll also charge multiple devices at once so you don't have to worry about whether you brought the right converter for your specific country...and it covers 160 countries! (So yes, you can use this domestically.)
But remember that this is not a voltage converter!
Promising review: "If you travel a lot, buy one; just do it! Fantastic travel plug — to be able to plug something in and have four USBs, anywhere in the world. It's awesome! Couldn't be happier!" —Maggie A.
"Worked perfectly in Iceland. Love all the USB ports, plus the option to plug in via socket. We’re going to Australia and New Zealand next, and I love that everything we need is contained in one cube. Would definitely buy again!" —Chrissy
Get it from Amazon for $18.95+ (available in two colors).
26. Embrace rewearing clothing items. It's perfectly fine and fun to repeat outfits!
That's it. That's the tip.
27. If you're traveling internationally, double (no, TRIPLE) check that your passport still has plenty of time left on it for your plans.
The government recommends renewing it at least nine months before it expires. You can pay to get a renewal expedited. But, that's not ideal for any party involved.
28. Planning on renting a car abroad? You might want to consider the smallest car your party can fit into to deal with smaller parking spaces and streets.
29. Check out SeatGuru for info on plane seats by carrier, date, and flight number so you find your perfect spot that suits your flying comfort level.
30. Avoid some tech meltdowns with an electronics organizer with a place for just about every one of *your* and every member of your family's devices and corresponding cables.
Promising review: "This case has been amazing for storing my earbuds, various loose cable connectors, chargers, etc. I am using it right now on a trip and it has been fantastic for keeping these items in one convenient, organized place. It is lightweight and fits easily into my one carry on item when boarding the many flights I am taking. I’m pretty sure I will still be using it to keep all these items together and more easy to locate when I return home! I am so glad I bought this!" —V. Elia
Get it from Amazon for $9.85+ (available in 11 styles).
31. Finding a great hotel deal doesn't have to feel like work (for real). Try Hotwire Hot Rates (which show up in red while you search the travel booking site) to help you score some solid discounts on your next vacation. Just note that they're often nonrefundable so make sure that you're REALLY going before booking.
32. Also check out the Hopper app (a personal fave). It lets you sift through all sorts of travel deals for hotels, flights, car rentals, and home rentals. You can also set watch alerts for flights and get push alerts when the prices change.
33. Abandon the days of someone ALWAYS guarding the beach or pool chair thanks to a portable safe you'll securely attach to said chair to keep your valuables safe or to keep your passport in your hotel room in case there's no safe or the safe isn't working. (Raise your hand if you've stayed in a small hotel without a safe. ::raises hand::)
After putting this in MANY travel stories, I bought one for myself for a summer European vacation where I found myself at several beach clubs. It was perfect for keeping mine and my friend's belongings safe while we dozed in our beach chairs or swam in the sea. Plus, it's the perfect size to hold phones or wallets, and easily carry in your beach or tote bag. Just make sure to have it set to unlocked for when you go through TSA so they can easily check inside.
Promising review: "This safe has become a MUST-HAVE on all our vacations. We no longer travel without it. We put two iPhones, cash, and car keys in this little safe, locked it to a beach cabana, threw a towel over it and took off for a hour of snorkeling. Never once worried about our belongings. We now use several of these as room safes AND as 'hide a key' lockboxes outside our vacation condo for teens who come and go throughout the day. They are invaluable!" —KeepIT Reel
Get it from Amazon for $23.98+ (available in three colors).
34. Look up the COVID testing and masking rules and restrictions for your origin point, destination, and any places you'll transit or visit during your vacation. And! Be respectful of them.
YUP, just because you can walk into your hometown's grocery store without a mask or showing proof of vaccination doesn't mean that you'll be able to walk into an art museum in Europe in the same manner. Rules tend to change frequently and you should look them up a few times during your trip-planning process to make sure you have what you need. In August 2021, I had to wear my mask inside the Roman Colosseum...which is a completely open building. But! My word, it is ONE of the seventh wonders of the world and I'm so fortunate to be able to travel. Wearing a piece of fabric on my face is NBD given the context.
35. When you have to get tested, opt for a telehealth at-home COVID test instead of standing in line for one.
36. If your traveling involves bodies or water or amusement park rides, invest in a waterproof pouch to help you capture all kinds of impressive memories, making people pause at your IG videos and wonder if you have a social media assistant capturing all this stuff. I bring these on all my beach vacations and have taken some really cool underwater videos.
It fits any phone up to 100 mm x 170 mm (or about 3.9 inches x 6.7 inches). It also keeps out sand, dirt, and rain.
Promising review: "I bought this because I do a lot of water sports when I travel and it was amazing!!! I had no problems with it the actual pouch detaching from the lanyard when I went snorkeling and my phone stayed completely dry. The touch capability is also great." —TJ
Get it from Amazon for $6.99.
37. Even if you're strictly a hotel person, check out Airbnb Experiences for tours and activities to try out in your locale. Planning excursions this way can also help you get around renting a car to go places. Just make sure you pay attention to if there's hotel pickup or if you're meeting *at* the destination.
38. But also poke around on Viator and Get Your Guide a bit because they have amazing trips and experiences that you can't always find on other sites. Embrace the bookable day excursion!
39. And look for free walking tours in your destinations. These tend to book up a bit earlier than paid tours, though, so it's worth googling them as soon as your trip is booked.
40. And check out hop-on, hop-off bus and trolley tours because they'll save your old dogs from an obscene amount of walking and they'll hit most of the must-see attractions in one area.
When you've got a lot of ground to cover, this is an easy bet. I've taken Big Bus Tours in London and Vienna to a lot of success! I like them in particular because of an easy-to-use app where you can track buses in real-time, and there's narration in multiple languages on board.
41. Provide a little breeze where you need it with a stroller fan with bendable foam legs that'll wrap around a stroller, car seat, or pretty much anything to keep your li'l munchkin cool as a cucumber, even when it's a gazillion degrees outside.
Promising review: "We love our stroller fan. We were going on a family trip to Florida in the summer with our 10-month-old who runs hot. This was nice to have on the beach, and walking around the boardwalk or in shops. It easily worked around the arm/leg of the beach chair and the handles of his stroller to keep him cool. Now it’s good to have if we got to the park or somewhere where we are outside a lot in the sun. The quality is nice. And it has a built-in light." —Lindsey C.
Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in three colors).
42. You can sometimes buy a combo city pass that covers many attractions for a discount. Look up passes by the locale for everything from transportation to parks and historic sites.
43. If you travel internationally, snag 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 $22 more than five years of PreCheck alone.) Cheers to your full breakfast spread you'll be eating post-security while others are in the regular line, taking off their shoes (ick).
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.
44. Don't assume that everywhere has the frigid AC you enjoy at home.
It might be best to ~mentally~ and physically prepare for that. In some hotels, you might even have to pay extra for AC in your hotel room. Sometimes before going on a trip, I'll try to sleep with the AC unit either off (depending on the local weather) or up by about 5 degrees for a week before my trip so it isn't as much of a shock to the system.
45. And remember that the same temp can feel VERY different in two different locales. So pack accordingly!
46. Prepare for roadtrip emergencies (even if kids are used to riding in a car often!) with a pack of vomit bags with a twist-and-seal structure. It'll be easier for your little ones to use these than the family car trash can.
Promising review: "I purchased this item originally for my 4-year-old because he gets car sick a lot. This product has saved my and my husband’s car seats many times. I work in hospitals and I think the quality of these bags are more durable than the ones at the hospital. We have used them first hand in our family and there have never been any leaks or problems with them. I like about they are stackable and you can store them in small places. We keep some in our night stands, in our car arm rests and in our couch arm rests. You never know when you might need them. This is a great product and I will continue to purchase these for our family." —BoyMom💙
Get a pack of 45 from Amazon for $19.99.
47. Plus, a travel urinal with reviews that show the proof is in the pudding will be worth your dollars because there are lots of reviewers who were former skeptics 'til they experienced some pee emergencies that this helped solve.
Promising review: "I purchased this for my son and our long car trips. How many times can we pull over to potty on a three-and-a-half-hour car trip? Ask my 4-year-old. When I saw this, I couldn't resist. We brought it along and when he had to pee, no problem. It's only a little gross when you dump it later. Well designed, definitely recommend." —Evan
Get it from Amazon for $8.88+ (available in seven colors).
48. Make the best use of your personal item (that'll fit under an airplane seat) with a Beis backpack that zips open like a suitcase without *looking* like one of those backpacks that does that. It's sleek and minimalist on the outside while allowing you to pack a weekend's worth of stuff into it (unless you're an overpacker). OK if you're an overpacker, it's just an overnight bag.
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, RI, for a wedding and regional train to a CT 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 $80, 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.
NOW when it comes to air travel, you won't be able to put your wet toiletries in the waterproof pocket (as I have in the above pic for a train trip). But! Lots of nonliquid toiletries and essentials fit in there just fine.
Get it from Beis Travel for $88 (available in seven colors).
49. Be prepared for downpours with a Hairbrella that'll easily fold up to stash in your bag. No need to compromise your blowout you're trying to make last because you snagged a cheap flight during rainy season.
Hairbrella is a Black-owned small business that has been creating fashionable hats that protect hair from all kinds of weather since 2016.
Promising review: "If you have natural hair that you wear in a silk press… you need the Hairbrella! If you have natural hair that you wear curly… you need the hairbrella! If you have relaxed hair… you need the hairbrella! Basically after losing my umbrella and resorting to the dreaded grocery bag over my head… I found Hairbrella on Amazon and I bought one for myself and two other relatives. We chose not to chemically straighten our hair, so humid or rainy days can be a choice to return to our beautiful curls if an umbrella is not handy. So imagine our excitement to find a stylish, lined waterproof rainbonnet that won’t have me looking crazy with a grocery bag on my head as I enter buildings.
Buy this…. You won’t be disappointed!" —Sherry
"Would definitely buy again. It worked wonderfully." —Latrice B.
Get it from Amazon for $39 (available in nine colors).
50. And don't forget a stroller cover perfect for sudden vacay downpours. I can't wait to see your family poncho pics!
Promising review: "We used this on our recent trip to Disney in Florida, and it was a lifesaver for the sudden rains. Kept our kiddo dry without stopping her from seeing the views. It fit our stroller just fine and packed away pretty easily when we were done with it. :) Definitely recommend!" —Patrice T.
Get it from Amazon for $18.98+ (available in two colors).
51. Pack some under-eye masks for some pampering, depuffing...especially while you're fighting jet lag. They take up VERY little space in your bag and will feel a little luxurious — even if your friend booked a lackluster 2-star hotel and you're googling where to rebook your stay while you wear said masks.
52. If you want to get the most magical pics, get to popular tourist sites at dawn to beat the crowds. THAT is how your favorite travel IG influencer got that pic of the Trevi Fountain without 50 other tourists in the shot.
53. Pack a fashionable travel scarf that, yes, can 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 pickpockets.
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 $39.95+ (available in six styles).
54. And finally, REALLY weigh your need for souvenirs and focus on smaller things that you can truly only buy at your destination (like magnets)...unless it's something bigger that you can ship home!
Souvenirs can quickly hog space in your luggage. I for one love a magnet, which you can almost always squeeze in a suitcase and have a friend I travel with who limits her souvenir shopping to JUST magnets. Sometimes if I see a piece of wall art or a print that speaks to me, I'll store it flat in my carry-on suitcase.
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.