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1. A vacuum-free space-saving compression bag so easy to use that all you have to do is stick your clothes inside, zip up the bag, roll the bag, and watch all the excess air get squished out of them until your clothes magically shrink. Yes, maybe it's only a weekend trip, but some of us need OPTIONS!!
HELLO, I AM OBSESSED WITH THESE. Despite all the rave reviews I was definitely skeptical of space-saving bags that didn't require a vacuum, and even as they were actively squishing my clothes into oblivion I still couldn't quite believe it. I had easily two suitcases worth of clothes I wanted to pack for a three-week trip to London, and I managed to neatly pack the entirety of my wardrobe in one roller carry-on bag. Truly all I had to do was put my clothes in the bag, push them to the bottom, and then sit on it to get the air out before sealing it up. I had tons of extra bags and make a habit of taking them with me in case other people joining me on trips need them to be able to pack souvenirs on the way home. I'm never taking a long trip without these again — these are worth every damn penny.
Get a set of eight from Amazon for $14.97.
2. A folding pill organizer with conveniently visible pill windows for easy access. Each has six small compartments for little pills, plus a large compartment for capsules and vitamins, making it ideal for trips where you might need a lil' emergency pharmacy in your backpack but don't want to take up space.
Promising review: "If you travel, I suggest buying several of these! They organize pills very well and always stay shut and are easy to pack. I also use one for my jewelry when I travel. They stay closed with a strong magnet and fit into a corner of your luggage very easily. I also used a label maker and labeled the individual spaces with the name of the supplement to help organize my partner!" —Anna Zucker
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
3. A hands-free (rotating!) phone mount designed for use on all airlines — not only can you mount it to the tray table of an airplane seat, but to the arm of a chair or any flat surface, so you'll be able to stream content easy as pie wherever you roam. Reviewers have used it on everything from their car dashboards to carry-on handles to office desks to bedside tables.
Perilogics is a small business creating hyper-functional tool holsters and bags for carrying your stuff on the go.
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." —Earendil
Get it from Amazon for $12.97.
4. A fully waterproof tricked out travel backpack complete with *deep breath* two laptop sleeves, a shoe compartment, a secret anti-theft pocket, a USB charging port, and a "wet bag" to keep sweaty clothes or liquids away from your tech. Oh, and it's cute as a BUTTON to boot. Who gave this backpack the right to flex on other backpacks this hard???
Promising review: "I recently took a cross-country flight with my three kids. I really didn't want to worry about checked bags getting lost so maximizing our carry-ons was a priority. This backpack fit an unfathomable amount of stuff! Lots of zippers and compartments for everything from shoes to laptops/iPads, easy access compartments for cell phones and boarding passes, I fit tons of neatly folded clothes. The best part was that fully loaded it easily slid under the seat." —Kindle Customer
Get it from Amazon for $36.99+ (available in three sizes and 35 styles).
5. Alleyoop's portable travel razor, a travel GODSEND that comes equipped with two triple-blade razors, a moisturizing balm, and a water spray bottle all tucked into one ergonomic, compact case. Forget the whole shower routine — the world is now your quick shaving oyster!
Alleyoop is a woman-owned small business that specializes in functional makeup products.
Promising review: "I love this product. I took it on a recent vacation and it really is a time saver. The moisturizer bar it comes with is sooo nice. I usually get a little itchy after shaving but the fact that you can rub in the excess product on the shaved area has helped with itch and ingrown hairs. Now that I'm not on vacation I use it right before I go the pool, I seriously take this thing everywhere." —Karlie Hanson
Get it from Amazon for $15.
Psst — check out all of Alleyoop's other travel-friendly products for more clever options!
6. An extremely nifty, oh-so-portable AI-powered smartphone stabilizer to give you the most seamless, cinematic shots of all the beautiful sights you're beholding, so when you come back from vacation and edit the video together everyone on Instagram will be like, "OKAY, SPIELBERG, POP OFF."
7. A 3-in-1 foldable magnetic wireless charger you'll honestly be mad you didn't know about before now?? It folds out from a small square into a rectangular charging pad with a spot for your iPhone, AirPods, *and* Apple Watch to charge all at the same time. Travelers and busy humans swear by it alike, because it saves soooo much space in their bags.
Check out a TikTok of the foldable 3-in-1 charger in action.
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 $39.99 (available in nine colors).
8. An easy adhesive phone card holder to keep all your credit cards and cash on your person, because if there's ONE thing you know you'll never lose, it's your phone. (Listen, it's your sworn civic duty to the public to Instagram story every hour on vacation!!)
Wallaroo Wallets is a small business that specializes in uniquely-designed minimalist wallets.
I've used these wallets for four years now, and they are worth every penny! Mine last about six months at a time before they get dingy enough to replace, and easily hold three cards and a five dollar bill. I've never had any issues with them un-sticking off the phone case, and they're super easy to pull off. It makes my life so much easier not to carry a wallet around, plus I never lose my ID!
Promising review: "The Wallaroo phone wallet is a must have for any cell phone owner. The quality of the leather and design of the wallet is superb. I recently went on vacation and purchased my Walleroo before my trip. It was so convenient to carry my ID, credit card and hotel key and not have to carry my actual wallet. This is a great product that I highly recommend." —Todd Smithson
Get it from Amazon $14.30 (available in nine colors).
9. A reusable, *delightfully* portable gel lint roller for quick lil' touch-ups both at-home and abroad, because you just plain never know when you're going to experience the full-body serotonin of a furry friend pouncing on you. Not only is this little sphere cute as a button, but all you have to do to restore its stickiness is wash the interior.
Promising review: "I saw this on TikTok a bunch of times and finally decided to get it. I hate the paper lint rollers, they never seem to work that well and I hate that I have to throw them away. This is awesome because it fits right in my bag, and I’m able to reuse it over and over. It’s super sticky and works great!" —Ella
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in four colors).
10. A pack of LeakLocks Toiletry Skins to keep things from going "kaboom!!" in your carryon as soon as you reach altitude. These extend to fit both full-size and travel-size toiletries like shampoo, sunscreen, foundation, or any other liquids you'd rather not find spilled all over your socks and underwear post-flight.
Rinseroo is a small business specializing in problem-solving cleaning, pet, and travel products.
Promising review: "These covered various sizes of products — hair care, body wash, etc. Nothing leaked out of these whatsoever, even after a lid popped open during a flight. These prevented it from leaking out on the other contents of my luggage. Easy to use. Not flimsy. Very flexible. LOVE THESE!" —TAG
Get a four-pack from Amazon for $11.99 (also available in an eight-pack).
11. A set of portable blackout curtain shades perfect for parents who use them for nap time or anyone staying in a brightly-lit area. These come with suction cups to stick to the window as a quick and easy "TAKE THAT!!" to sunlight, UV rays, and light pollution.
Promising review: "I got this set to black out rooms when we travel with our baby. They work well, stay up the whole trip, it's easy to customize to the size of the window. Glad we got them, baby slept better while away because we had them." —Bri
Get it from Amazon for $21.38+ (available in five styles and in two-packs).
12. A collapsible leakproof water bottle because yes, traveling is fun, but traveling while looking like a magician every time you whip this gizmo out of the tiniest pocket in your purse?? So much better.
Promising review: "I just bought this bottle and I’m already obsessed. I even ordered four more to bring with me on vacation and share with my family. I love how easily it folds back up and it doesn’t leak at all. I just wish it came in more colors and can’t wait to show everyone my cool new bottle!" —Brittany
Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (available in multiple styles, colors, and sets).
13. A digital luggage scale perfect for anyone who likes to play chicken with the weight limits on various airlines. This gizmo will quickly and accurately let you know in pounds *or* kilograms how much your suitcase weighs just by attaching it to the handle and lifting — no clunky floor scales required.
Check out BuzzFeeder Elizabeth Lilly's TikTok of the digital luggage scale in action.
Promising reviews: "This scale works and was accurate on four flights. First flight was a test at 46 pounds and Delta scales said it was 46 pounds. The next two flights were at 49 pounds and both United and Delta found it to be 49 pounds. The bag on the fourth flight weighed 49 but the United scale found it to be 48 pounds. Four different airports and scales proved that this scale is a good, low-cost, must-have item for air travel." —Robert
Get it from Amazon for $9.39+ (available in four colors and also a two-pack).
14. An Airplane Pocket tray cover designed to slide seamlessly over an airplane tray to create an instant, deeply convenient hub — this comes with a number of pockets so you can keep track of all your devices, snacks, and other odds and ends without rooting around for them in the gross back pocket or your carry-on the whole flight. Bonus: this bb is an excellent way to prevent touching a germ-y tray, and it's fully machine washable.
Check out a TikTok of the Airplane Pockets tray table cover in action.
Airplane Pockets is a small business that specializes in sanitary, portable travel organization products.
Promising review: "I used it last week and it was terrific. It fit everything: magazine, iPad, tissues, gum, glasses, phone, earplugs and water bottle. It stretched easily but tightly over the tray and both the flight attendant and my seat mates complimented me on it. I plan to use it every time I fly. It would be perfect for children, too. Highly recommend it." —Sue G.
Get it from Amazon for $29.99.
15. A ridiculously beloved, Shark Tank-featured Click & Carry Grocery Bag Carrier to help you lift bulky, heavy bags while you're traveling so easily you'll put Superman out of business. With this gizmo you can hook your bags to it and lift up to 80 pounds while comfortably resting the carrier on your shoulder instead of letting all the straps cut into your palms.
Click & Carry is a Shark Tank and QVC-featured small business that specializes in easy carry accessories.
Promising review: "TikTok made me buy it. This is great when you have a few bags and a box — for example, if you balance the bags, you can throw it over your shoulder and walk inside and have two free hands to carry the box, which is great. Product seems well built, and is comfortable on your shoulder or hand because of the padding." —Hung
Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in seven colors).
16. A hybrid hair tools travel bag/heat-resistant mat with *lots* of space for all your curling and straightening needs, plus a flap closure you can rest them on. Now your hair tools finally have their own lil' home away from home!
Promising review: "I thought this bag was just going to be something heat proof for my curling iron, but it is so much more all the little pouches and zippered areas and extra compartments! Everything I need for hair is going to be encompassed in this one bag. I’m so glad I bought it." —Karen Lynn Smith
Get it from Amazon for $32.99 (available in three colors).
17. A set of silicone "EarPlanes" designed with a twist-on structure to help relieve pressure that hurts your ears during altitude changes during landing and takeoff. Reviewers also swear by these for driving through altitude changes in the mountains and for helping with sinus pressure pain!
Promising review: "This product has changed my life. I travel fairly frequently and always have issues with ear pressure on the plane. My ears will be clogged up, and it is painful to swallow for a day or two after short-distance flights. But now, I use these and fly incident-free. You are supposed to insert them before the plane takes off and then before landing. I have found that it works best if I leave them in the entire flight from before takeoff until landing, but they work almost as well if you take them out once you reach cruising altitude." —Thomasina
Get a pack of one from Amazon for $7.35.
18. A set of chewable toothpaste tablets so you have one less thing to worry about going "kaboom!!" in your carry-on (as much as you *love* the idea of rocking outfits that smell you got into a fight with a toothpaste tube).
Promising review: "I took these on a three-week trip to Europe. Didn't have to put them in my liquids bag. You chew them (don't swallow), then brush. It doesn't seem like they'd work, but they did. My teeth felt clean after using. Good purchase." —Pattipeg S. Harjo
Get a 60-count from Amazon for $13.98.
19. A minimalist-style silicone makeup bag for a genuine travel investment, because this case is so easy to clean that you'll never have to replace it, not even when all of your liquid-based makeup is like "Hey, you know what would be fun? Exploding on the plane." This also features a double magnetic closure to keep everything secure, and designed with a flat style for easier packing.
Promising review: "Love this item. So versatile. You can use for makeup, a book at the beach, or an e-reader to protect from sand or water in your bag. Many uses." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in eight colors).
20. A dry shampoo powder just as effective as the beloved aerosol ones that you might have trouble packing in a carry-on, if they're too big. (Not to mention these are much more environmentally friendly!) This will spruce up your Vacation Hair in no time flat and kick up a lot less of a fuss if you're using it on the office bathroom after work.
Hair Dance is a US-based cruelty-free, vegan small business that specializes in haircare products.
Promising review: "I was a little unsure about this product but wanted it for vacation to limit aerosols or liquids. I am mind blown! It smells great, doesn’t leave a residue and both volumizes and keeps my hair looking fresh. It also lasts for much longer than an aerosol if you’re someone who uses this daily or every other day. The bottle is small enough to not take up space, but I’ve had my first bottle for months and am barely through half. This will be my go-to from now on." —E
Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (available in two sizes).
21. A 2-in-1 contact and glasses case your eyeballs will be *very* grateful you thought to pack — this includes a compartment for glasses as well as a separate one with space for your contacts, a tweezer, and contact lens solution.
Promising review: "Because of my job, I live out of a suitcase, and I am always worried if I need an extra set of contacts or a spare pair of eyeglasses. This is perfect, because I just put it in the bottom of my suitcase, and I am confident I have them both in one place. I got the pink case, and it’s very cute. Very happy with this purchase." —N. Rivera
Get it from Amazon for $14.85 (available in 11 colors).
22. A set of TSA-friendly travel bottles with pumps, which are SUCH a boon for people traveling with shampoo, conditioner, or moisturizers.
Promising review: "I've traveled with this thing for about two years now — doesn’t leak whatsoever!!! I’ve used so many travel sized bottles and most of them leak or break. It’s good enough for a week or two vacay!" —Rashai Kailiwai
Get a set of two from Amazon for $7.99 (available in three colors).
23. A portable hair tie hub to make you the Hair Tie Hero you want to see in the world — next time you and the crew get caught in the sun or the wind you can disperse all your hair ties out for the taking, because thanks to this handy gizmo, YOU NEVER LOSE THEM ANYMORE.
Hair Tie Hub is a small business that specializes in hair tie organizing keychains. Each carries three hair ties and easily attaches to gym bags, purses, keys, and more!
Promising review: "If you're anything like us, you are always forgetting a hair tie. Adding this to my keychain has been very useful. We are never having to scrounge around a purse or the car for one when we need it." —Muhammad Wasiq Maskeen
Get it from Amazon for $8.95 (available in three colors).
24. A portable hanging luggage organizer for the ultimate lazy unpacker hack — all you have to do is pack your clothes in this, fold it into your suitcase, and then magically unfurl it in a hotel closet for access to all your stuff. Guess who's going to be the first one to the hotel pool after check in??? (You. It's you.)
Bonus: This works with your existing suitcase, unlike versions of this that come pre-built into more expensive versions!
Promising review: "I was able to pack seven outfits and have way more space in this organizer. I just packed the clothes in the organizer, closed it up, and placed it in my carry on. Once I got to the hotel, I just hung it in my closet. It would be perfect for cruises since their is never any drawer space and very little room to move around." —jess
Get it from Amazon for $27.39+ (available in 15 colors and several sets).
25. A cult-favorite, adjustable infinity pillow designed with 360-degree support to best cushion your neck whether you're trying to fall asleep upright on a trip or need more personalized, specific support at home in bed. Either way, brace yourself for the coziest sleep of your life.
The pillow is made with a breathable, super soft bamboo fabric, and fully machine washable.
Promising review: "We got a few different types of travel pillows for a red-eye to Europe and this was overall our favorite due to its versatility. The loop actually allows you to have various self supporting positions, and this will contort all sorts of ways to be a pillow, neck rest, arm rest… anything. It’s actually just good for any type of travel in general and got a lot of use on the whole trip. The material is soft and comfortable." —Tom Shaw
Get it from Amazon for $44.99 (available in 10 colors).
26. A set of storage scrunchies perfect for anyone who needs an extra pocket (can't believe it's legal that some dresses are still made without them??). These are ~handy~ enough to hold little items like lip balm and mini hand sanitizers, and are a great discreet way to hold cash when you're on the move.
LokiStashed is a California-based small business that specializes in unique and practical hair accessories.
Promising review: "I got these scrunchies so I could stash away money, lip balm, and car/house keys while enjoying a hike, at the beach, or going to festivals ... basically places where you don't want to be worried about carrying a lot or you don't want people to know where your stuff is. I have very long thick hair and the scrunchie will go around my hair twice while in a ponytail or bun and it is comfortable." —Amazon Customer
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $12.99 (available in seven color combinations).
27. A bitty travel face ice roller because taking a trip doesn't mean your face doesn't deserve the best part of its oh-so-soothing wakeup routine! This compact rolling design is perfect for helping with overnight puffiness and aches.
Promising review: "I bought this because I wake up in the morning with very puffy eyes and my jaw is always sore from overnight grinding. I’m not going to say this is a cure all, but it is extremely soothing to roll on the skin. It isn’t excessively cold to where my skin burns when using it, and it’s small and slim enough to pop in luggage when traveling." —Liz
Get it from Amazon for $9.95 (available in two colors).
When all your devices are fully charged on your next trip:
