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.

    33 Things That Just Make Sense To Buy If You're Planning For A Trip Abroad

    Including essentials to make your journey comfortable, organized, and (somewhat) stress-free.

    1. A seriously impressive 16-piece travel toiletries set complete with all the mini containers you'll need so that you never have to part with your hair, skin, or makeup holy grails while on the road or overseas ever again.

    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 cosmetic-themed labels, and a bag that everything fits in.  

    Promising review: "This is essential for flying! I fly pretty often throughout the year and after having numerous leakage issues with regular plastic travel containers, decided to go the silicone route and am so glad I did. I love that this set includes different sizes of bottles and tools to help fill/empty them so reusing them is a breeze and there is no wasted product. The variety of colors is great so I can easily tell apart my toiletries, even without the included labels! Love this set and highly recommend it!" —Hennie S.

    Get it from Amazon for $13.99

    2. Or! Some leakproof travel capsules so cute and useful, you can carry *and stack* all your essentials together in one spot on the go (without having to forego your routine). Now pills, creams, and jewelry can all be encased in lil' TSA-approved magnetic containers.

    hand holding a capsule on a plane
    top view of the magnetic capsules filled with creams and serums
    @keepyourcadence / Via www.instagram.com, @keepyourcadence / Via www.instagram.com

    P.S. These capsules comes with cute lil' customizable tiles — so you'll always know what is where.

    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, and 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.

    Cadence is a woman-owned small biz that helps people from many different walks of life stay on top of their personal care routines no matter where they go. The capsules are made from recycled ocean bound plastic in an effort to clean existing plastic off of beaches. One Cadence capsule = one travel-sized bottle worth of plastic removed from shores.

    Promising review: "I bought these for myself as I traveled through Eastern Europe last year and loved them. And now, my granddaughter is on her way to Spain for a college semester abroad with a six-piece set in her backpack! The best present for her weekend getaways to easily carry her face wash, face cream, and sun tan lotion for long weekends on the beach." —Cadence Customer

    Get a set of build-your-own six from Cadence for $76 (originally $84; also available in individual capsules, pre-labeled hair- and skincare bundles, or in a customizable set of 12; and in eight colors).

    3. A lightweight travel plug adapter simply essential for all international travel if you want to take your favorite gadgets (cell phones, tablets, et al.) in tow. This comes in four different styles that are effective for different parts of Europe, the UK, Australia, and Asia.

    reviewer image of the adapter with iPhone charging ports plugged into it
    reviewer holding a two-prong style adapter

    Note: If you want to use your hair dryer, straightener, or curling irons, they need to support wide voltage — so it's always best to check that first, or you may need to snag a power voltage converter as well.

    Promising review: "I was on a 16-day vacation across New Zealand and Australia and could not imagine how I would have been without a power adapter like this. Each day I used it to charge laptops, phones, and a couple of other portable recording devices. Compact and easy to carry, I would highly recommend it." —Leon Chang

    Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in four styles). 

    4. A digital luggage scale that I, a habitual overpacker, would not have been able to travel anywhere without. I can't tell you how many times my scale has saved me from the inconvenience (and embarrassment) of paying overweight fees....

    reviewer holding the luggage scale showing the attached strap
    same reviewer using to hoist up their suitcase

    Promising review: "Definitely get this if traveling abroad. It really saved us from having to throw things away at the airport last minute. It’s small enough to just pack with you, and you will not regret it." —Lilian

    Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in packs of one or two and six colors).

    5. A handy travel wallet complete with a RFID-blocking shield to stash and organize all your many important docs that you'll need while abroad in one safe place. It's also great for having your ID readily available so you're not *that* person in line at security.

    The wallet has a passport pocket, boarding pass compartment, three credit card slots, an ID slot, a slim card pouch, slim pocket, a ticket slot, a cell phone pouch, a coin zippered pocket, key holder, and pen holder.

    Promising review: "I absolutely love this wallet. I needed a new travel wallet, and this holds everything I need all in one place, and it still closes nicely and stays flat! I can fit my boarding pass, passport, ID, credit cards, money, checked baggage tickets, receipts, and more in it, yet it doesn’t bulk up or look like an overstuffed mess. It's just amazing. The description says it only holds US money, but I just used the boarding pass flap to hold all my Japanese Yen, which are larger. I didn’t use the zippered pocket for coins as I much prefer a separate coin purse for that sort of thing. I definitely recommend to anyone who travels a lot!" —Anthony Luu

    Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in 29 colors).

    6. A Samsonite 2-in-1 travel pillow that will allow you to comfortably doze off the moment your head hits it. Its unique design features a U-shape that converts into a square in seconds — so before you know it, you'll have slept your way straight to your international destination!

    the purple travel pillow
    the pillow converted to a square-shaped pillow
    Amazon

    Promising review: "I travelled extensively with this pillow (four eight-plus-hour flights), and I got more sleep than expected (five to six hours). It works great for bus rides as well. It also helps you nap anywhere when you turn it into a normal pillow. It doesn't smell either." —Pratik

    Get it from Amazon for $20 (available in three colors).

    This is our pick for the best cheap travel pillow!

    7. Plus! A 2-in-1 cushy travel blanket and pillow reviewers are calling their "number one travel essential," so you can still get the comfort and softness of your couch's blanket — but now in mid-air. So long uncomfy, paper-thin airplane blankets, you no longer have a place on our bodies here or overseas!

    the pink travel pillow
    reviewer using the blanket on their body
    reviewer leaning on blue pillow on a plane

    This comes with a plush carrying case, so when you're not using it as a blankie it transforms into a pillow!

    Promising review: "Became my #1 Travel Essential. Better than a neck pillow! Made my sleep on the airplane more comfortable. During my three-week trip to the Philippines, I was going from one hotel to another and some didn’t even provide blankets :/ this became my #1 blanket wherever I slept. And for a 5’3” lady, it covered me from neck to toe which is perfect. Super warm too! Extremely thankful I bought this." —Nicole Ann

    Get it from Amazon for $29.95+ (available in six colors).

    8. hanging toiletry bag that'll stash all, and I mean alllll of your travel-sized goodies in and ensure that they're neatly organized. Plus! It features a hook at the top, so you can open it up and have everything be easily identifiable when you've given yourself exactly 20 minutes to get showered and ready between the beach and your evening reservation.

    reviewer image with all the contents spread out on the bed that they were able to fit in the bag
    the bag closed up and propped up on bed

    Promising review: "I love how it kept all my toiletries organized and in plain sight when hanging. It's very sturdy and great quality. I ordered this before I went on a two-week trip to Europe and was so happy that I did. This travel bag exceeded my expectations!" —Jackie Cooney

    Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in six colors).

    9. A sleek portable charger designed with built-in cords(!) that any time-zone traveler could use. Perfect to keep you juiced up on the go — and a serious godsend if your plane doesn't have a functioning outlet (I know that feeling all too well). This bb also comes in a buncha cute colors and features an LED display. Welcome to the future!

    the front and back view of the light blue charger
    reviewer holding the black charger with cords built in

    Built-in cables are compatible with iPhone, Samsung, Android, and other smart devices. There's a total of five outputs, so you can get your charge on for multiple things simultaneously!

    Promising review: "Perfect for international travel. I bought this power bank for a six-week trip to Japan and Korea, as I knew I would be using my phone for navigation and communication. Despite heavy phone use, I never had my phone die because of this power bank! It is incredibly portable (fitting easily in my fanny pack or coat pocket), charges quickly, holds a charge well, and charges my phone very promptly without draining the power bank (you could charge your phone from 50% probably three times at least without charging the bank again). It is also SO convenient that it comes with all the chargers already attached — one less thing to forget!" —Amazon customer

    Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in six colors).

    10. Some compression socks to comfortably keep your ankles and legs from ballooning mid-flight. Because let me tell you, having to squish swollen toes back into boots after some time in the air is no easy feet.

    reviewer before and after
    reviewer wearing the socks

    Promising reviews: "With three weeks of international travel coming up, I purchased these to combat swelling in my feet during the flights. I had noticed swelling after three hour domestic flights, so I was worried about what almost 30k miles would do! I wore these on every leg of the trip and never noticed any swelling — even after the 10- to 15-hour flights. They are very comfortable, too!" —J. Beaty

    Get them from Amazon for $18.57+ (available in sizes S–XL and in 13 colors).

    Check out our full review of these compression socks. And if you're curious if these are the best fit for you, you should check out this article from the Cleveland Clinic and talk to your doctor before using them.

    11. Plus! A foot hammock featuring some thick, comfy memory foam so your feet can get the first-class treatment (even if you're stuck at the back of economy).

    Promising review: "This is an amazing product. It's so simple but works incredibly to prevent swelling and pressure on legs while flying. I just flew the first leg of an international flight and used it, and I am on a layover now and had to pause to write this review. I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!! It easily attached to tray table, and I adjusted to my desired height. It is like a hammock for your feet. You just prop them up inside the thing/swing/hammock, which is very cushiony, and your feet are hoisted up comfortably. Weight is no issue. DEFINITELY MUST HAVE ON ALL MY FLIGHTS NOW. This thing is great!!" —Queen

    Get it from Amazon for $21.99 (available in three colors).

    12. Some itty bitty laundry soap sheets you'll need so you never have to face running out of clean undies, or worse...suffering from the stains of spilling on the *only* white tee you packed. Simply add some water for some on-the-go hand washing.

    collection of shaving sheets, body wash sheets, and shampoo sheets
    Amazon

    Promising review: "This came SO in handy during my two-week 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 a 50-count pack from Amazon for $9.02 (also available in hand soap sheets). 

    13. Kinfield Golden Hour Spray, a plant-based, DEET-free mosquito repellent that's every bit as light and lovely as your tropical vacay should feel (with the added bonus of having a delightful citrus and vanilla scent). This effectively wards off those bloodsuckers without the need for harsh and nasty chemicals.

    hand holding the spray
    Kinfield

    This is vegan and cruelty-free and comes from a woman-owned small biz!

    And! If you do happen to get nibbled on, you should try their soothing cruelty-free, vegan Anti-Itch Balm.

    Promising review: "I’ve tried so many natural bug sprays that have not worked so my expectations were kind of low. HAPPY to report this bug spray works. Every day I hike in the mosquito-filled woods and this spray kept the bugs away. I’ll definitely purchase again." —Kinfield Customer

    Get it from Kinfield for $22.

    14. And! A bug bite suction tool, because it can't hurt to arm yourself with something to prevent those itchy bumps as well as some after care that drains out the irritant and stops swelling and itching in. its. tracks.

    Promising review: "I was stung by a wasp for the first time in years, which hurt like a MOTHER! I used this within 10 minutes, and instantly, the welt started going away, and the pain subsided. I couldn't believe it. We purchased this for mosquito bites while traveling abroad (which worked great on mosquito bites, too), but was VERY pleasantly surprised with how well it helped my wasp sting. By the end of the day, you couldn't even tell I had ever been stung. My husband and I decided we need to keep one of these in every vehicle and first aid kit — a must-have!" —LMM

    Get it from Amazon for $9.90+ (available in three colors and in multipacks).

    15. A sleek and stylish July suitcase capable of transporting all your essentials for an extended getaway. Some highlights: A sneaky inner laundry bag, a compressive strap to keep all your layers tucked — which, get this, creates more space — *and* a stain-resistant lining to protect your case from lotion explosions.

    the khaki suitcase
    @July / Via www.instagram.com

    And this comes with a lifetime warranty, 100-day trial, *and* free returns!

    July is an Australian-based luggage startup that was founded in 2018, and is now the official luggage supplier of the Australian Winter Olympic team.

    Promising review: "Coping with international travel so far!! My poor suitcase has been really thrown in to the deep end, as I bought it a week before heading off for a 14-week international holiday. To date it’s coped with icy winds and minus temperatures in Iceland, rainy weather around Isle of Skye, and plopping up and down narrow staircases in Scotland! So far so good, as it has managed to safely transport my 24.5 kilograms of gear on and off planes buses and trains!" —July Customer

    Get it from July for $325 (available in 15 colors).

    16. A set of Sea Bands that'll make you laugh in the face of the motion sickness that used to hold you back from living your best international vacation life. This nifty accessory targets an acupressure point on your wrist to help reduce nausea caused by, well, practically anything. So you can go from woozy to "watch out adventure, I'm coming for you!"

    A plastic knob sewn into the inside of this knitted elastic wristband exerts pressure and stimulates the P6, aka Neiguan, acupressure point to relieve nausea and vomiting. To learn more, read about acupressure and nausea at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

    Promising review: "Sea Bands make boating possible for me. Simple, easy to use, and reliable. I would say these are must for anyone who get motion sickness on sea or land." —Lauren

    Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.59 (also available as a two-pack).

    17. A nifty travel pouch to secure your most prized possessions and keep them ~abreast~ (sorry, had to). This thing attaches to your bra so your cash, credit cards, and copy of your passport are less vulnerable to pickpockets.

    model wearing the pouch clipped onto the side of her bra
    another view of the pouch clipped onto the front area of the bra
    Amazon

    Promising review: "This was a LIFESAVER while traveling. I kept my cards and cash in it and had no stress about thieves lifting my essentials while traveling heavily pickpocketed cities. I loved it so much, I actually continued to use it when I got home instead of carrying a purse! The top flap did start to unravel after about six months but this was also after six months of everyday use." —Krista Hinz

    Get it from Amazon for $18.95 (available in pink and black).

    18. A helpful "Pack this!" checklist that'll ensure you've got allllll the things you need for your international adventures — and some you may not have even thought of. So long to the haunting feeling of "did I pack my phone charger?!"

    the packing checklist
    Amazon

    Promising review: "I hate making lists trying to figure out what I need, and this is PERFECT for trying to figure that out. It has a lot more on the checklist than I would ever take on a trip, but it does accommodate for every kind a trip, from a simple vacation across state lines to a business trip to a wedding halfway around the world. I'm pretty pleased!" —Alyssa Kauffman

    Get it from Amazon for $7+ (also available in two other versions).

    19. A pocket-sized, refillable travel perfume atomizer so you're never without your signature scent — even if you happen to be thousands of miles away from home. You just pump this on your regular-size fragrance and voila! now you can smell like your favorite springtime scent while on the go.

    atomizer pumping on a perfume bottle
    Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed

    My BuzzFeed Shopping colleague Elizabeth Lily has one of these nifty things, and here's what she has to say: "That's me pumping my signature perfume into one of these travel atomizers I've been using for about a year. It's great to just throw in your purse on the reg for a fragrance re-up throughout the day. As you can see, it's about the size of my thumb and therefore takes up very little room. Plus! It's smaller than most rollerball travel fragrances you can pick up. This first one is working so well, that I just have the other three in storage. But if this one bites the dust this summer during travels, I'll be OK about digging into my stores to use one of the remaining three...especially at this price point."

    Promising review: "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 $8.08.

    20. A chic and secure travel belt to attach extra book bags and totes to your suitcase, so it feels like you have one solid piece of luggage as you sprint to the international terminal.

    model holding their bag with the Cincha belt around it
    two models with totes strapped in by belts around their suitcases
    Cincha

    Cincha is a BIPOC–owned business run by a couple and based in Oakland, California who believe traveling in style should also be secure. They've been making the chic travel belt since 2019.

    Promising review: "Such a simple yet brilliant solution for the ever falling bag when trying to juggle all your luggage. It definitely made traveling less stressful." —Samantha

    Get it from Cincha for $35.99+ (available in 14 colors).

    21. Silicone earplugs you'll consider a traveler's miracle, because these work to relieve discomfort experienced on airplanes — whether that's a change in air pressure, or the sound of a screaming baby who just happens to be sitting directly next to you....

    the earplugs
    reviewer with the ear plugs in

    Promising review: "A lifesaver for my husband. He was experiencing awful pain on international flights until we got these. Absolutely brilliant!" —J G

    Get them from Amazon for $6.99.

    22. A packable, sun-shielding Baggu wide brim hat, because hopping between different shady spots while sightseeing abroad is not exactly fun or feasible. This gem bends and fits into its own travel pouch and expands to basically give you the protection that's equivalent to carrying around your own personal beach umbrella.

    GIF of model taking off the hat and packing it into its travel pouch
    model wearing the black floral hat
    Baggu

    This comes in so many adorable prints and patterns, features an adjustable headband for the perfect fit, *and* has a cute little chin strap you can tie into a bow so it never blows off!

    Get it from Baggu for $36 (available in 16 colors and patterns).

    23. An AirFly Pro wireless transmitter, aka the ingenious contraption that will ~land~ you the title of The Tech-Savviest Traveler, since it allows you to connect your Bluetooth earphones to, well, anything, but in this context we're talking an airplane's TV jack. So now you won't have to worry about carrying around those archaic (and quite frankly, annoying) wired headphones on your next journey.

    Promising review: "Worked beautifully on a recent eight-hour flight from New York City to Frankfurt! Really easy to pair with my Bose noise-canceling earbuds and charges quickly. The sound quality was excellent. I'm so excited about this product that I'm going to buy one for each of my family members!" —emily p murray

    Get it from Amazon for $54.99 (available in three models).

    24. A mini lightweight flat iron that'll keep humidity-induced frizz at bay and give you the same jaw-droppingly smooth results as your full-sized one — but this can actually be stuffed into your case without you even noticing it 👀.

    reviewer showing their naturally curly hair and then pin straight hair achieved using the straightener
    reviewer hand holding straightener

    Plus, this has dual-voltage technology so it can be used worldwide! And you'll get a lil' heat-resistant pouch to carry it wherever you go.

    Promising reviews: "Worked great abroad. Used this in Ireland, Spain, Portugal. Not a high-end straightener but got the job done. Small, easy to pack, didn't have voltage issues in various countries (but a few friends on the trip blew out their curling irons). Comes with small case so you can pack while still hot. I recommend." —in store shopper

    "Used this with an adapter (no converter needed) on our trip to Greece. I was very impressed with it. The size is perfect for travel; it heats up very quickly, it converts automatically, and it does a great job of straightening (I have long, medium-thick hair) for the price and size. I didn’t want to risk taking my nice straightener abroad and purchased this iron with the intent of only using it for this trip, but I liked it so much that I am going to continue using it when I travel within the states as well. Great purchase – definitely recommend." —Kayla

    Get it from Amazon for $14.97.

    25. A printed cover-up you'll be so happy you stuffed in your case since you can wear it in a bajillion different ways. The obvious being draped over a bathing suit, but also: belted on top of a dress, or tied up over some shorts. *Gah* and with so many different patterns (45, to be precise), the style options for multiple overseas locations are truly endless.

    reviewer wearing yellow cover-up over a dress
    a different reviewer wearing the coverup in black and white pattern with yellow hem over a swimsuit

    Promising review: "Can make my travel wardrobe versatile. I took this on vacation and was able to wear it with cotton capri leggings, shorts, and even over the top of a black dress for a little extra coverage in a cold restaurant." —Janna

    Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in one size, which fits women's sizes XS–3XL, and in 46 colors and patterns).

    26. Tower 28's mini SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray, which packs a major (and figurative) punch for stressed-out skin with only three ingredients. Think: a gentle hypochlorous acid toner with H2O and sodium chloride that refreshes and rescues irritated skin and prevents flare-ups caused by travel woes.

    A model holding the mini and the full size bottles in one hand.
    a before and after of a person using the spray with less facial redness in the after
    Sephora

    Tower 28 is an Asian woman-owned small clean beauty brand designed for sensitive skin. Their products are nontoxic, nonirritating, vegan, and cruelty-free, so you can rest easy when applying.

    Promising reviews: "So, I love this thing. I usually end up with horrible skin after flying. Especially if it's a long haul flight. So now I spritz this on my face during the flight. A few times and I arrive at my destination with fantastic skin. One day I boarded the plane with my skin already bad, some pimples and all, and by the end of the flight, it was all gone. It's a miracle worker!!!" —FabsConti

    "HOLY GRAIL!! I tried this spray for the first time about a year and a half ago. I had moved from a dry climate to a humid climate and my acne was out of control! I tried so many products before SOS. When I tell you my acne cleared up within a week….SHEESH! I haven’t been without this spray since! I keep a mini with me at all times and for travel and recommend to all friends with skin concerns. Don’t walk, RUN to Sephora to get it!" —KuhKristen

    Get it a 1 oz. bottle from Sephora for $12 (available in two sizes).

    27. A set of packing cubes you'll want to take a top-down shot of because you'll be impressed with how tidy *and* Instaworthy they make your overseas vacation 'fits look. It's just a bonus that over 5,000 people love these for their ability to make packing, unpacking and retrieving belongings, and then repacking a buttload more efficient.

    the beige packing cubes filled and inside a suitcase
    Amazon

    The set includes three different size packing cubes, one bra and underwear bag, one shoe bag, and one bag for your toiletries.

    Promising review: "When I first became aware of packing cubes, I thought they seemed completely unnecessary and a waste of precious suitcase real estate. Then a friend gave me these as a gift to celebrate my impending trip to Iceland. I'm now a devout convert! These little devils saved me so much time and aggravation I still can't believe it. When I got to my hotel room, it took me exactly six minutes to unpack and put stuff away. Getting dressed in the morning was faster because used items were in cubes separate from fresh. Packing to return home was faster because, well, I was already basically packed. I just popped the cubes back in the suitcase and voila." —Robin Osbourne

    Get the six-piece set from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in 13 colors).

    28. A pair of buttery-soft hybrid leggings plus joggers so glorious, they serve the purpose of two different kinds of pants and barely take up any room. Admirers are noting that these feel like strokable velvet ideal for chilly long-haul flights *and* have a breathable quality for new climates where temps are best described as "sticky."

    Reviewer in a pair of dark green joggers with an elastic drawstring high waist
    Reviewer in houndstooth pattern joggers dressed up with work clothes

    Promising review: "Last month I bought a pair in olive, just to try them out. Love! Immediately bought two more, the heather charcoal (more love!) and the black with the orange print zipper. I like the black but the fabric is not the same, not that yummy soft buttery feel. But the fit is great like the others and I like the zipper on the pockets. Then I found this dark camo with the zipper, with the same soft fabric. Had to have it. And it’s now my favorite. Bonus: These pants are perfect for traveling, they fold up to half the size of regular pants and never wrinkle. The only problem is you have to stop yourself from buying too many." —nancykou

    Get them from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in women's sizes S–3X and dozens of colors).

    29. A reusable Revlon oil-absorbing roller stick made with volcanic stone to tackle something that I like to call, "T-zone travel shine." No need to pack and waste  $$$ on blotting sheets — with this you can give oily skin a quick roll sans white cast leftover from setting powder and with no extra makeup tools needed.

    Revlon oil-absorbing volcanic face roller
    Reviewer using Revlon oil-absorbing volcanic face roller

    Promising review: "I traveled to Italy this summer and this thing was a life saver. It was so hot there and I was drenched in sweat, but after using this I no longer looked sticky or shinny. 10/10 would recommend." —Shyenne

    Get it from Amazon for $14.11.

    30. A chic and insulated crossbody water bottle bag from Calpak that's designed to give you pure hands-free bliss when you're carrying around your essentials. Perfect for hikes, the beach, and basically any sightseeing adventure abroad.

    model placing water bottle in blue-patterned bag
    Calpak

    Promising reviews: "I got this for an upcoming international trip for those trips to museums and attractions where you cannot bring a full sized bag. The bottle holder is insulated so it will keep things cool, and the size is substantial. Lastly, I am in love with the front pocket and two side compartments. The only thing I would suggest is to make the pull tab to tighten/loosen a little smoother, but other than that super happy with my purchase and can’t wait for this to be my go-to travel accessory." —U.E.

    Get it from Calpak for $42 (available in eight colors and patterns).

    31. Vacuum seal bags — something you might consider calling a "packing miracle," since these will save some serious space in your case when you're away from home. Now you can get away with stuffing a couple extra T-shirts...oh, and that new dress that just screams "spring is here!" and even, perhaps, a pair of jeans? Always best to have options, right?!

    Jasmin's bulky clothes in a sealed bag with text:
    Same clothes now vacuum-sealed with text:
    Jasmin Sandal / BuzzFeed

    I swear by these bad boys not only for general storage purposes, but also if I know I'm going to be traveling for an extended period of time. As someone who tends to pack for every eventuality when going abroad (who doesn't like to be prepared?!), I have learned that it's better to travel with them than without — especially since it's more or less a guarantee that my clothes are gonna take up a ~substantial~ amount of room in my suitcase. And if I can use something that's gonna shrink the size of my bulky hoodies and/or big tees in order for me to create more space, I'm sure as heck gonna do it. Plus, the satisfaction is indeed guaranteed because when you see those chunky layers flatten into a pancake...it's just *chef's kiss*.

    Promising review: "I've used these bags before and they are so helpful. Even use the medium one for travel and I have tons of extra suitcase room. The clothes don't come out wrinkled at all as long as you fold them nicely before placing in the bag, then the air sucks out keeping them safe and sound and very compact." —Susie Kochsmeier

    Get a four-pack from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in multiple sizes or a variety pack).

    32. A waterproof satin-lined Hairbrella hat compact enough to be stashed in your case and perfect to be pulled out for unpredictable weather abroad. It's uniquely designed to help you take on the day no matter what Mother Nature has in store for you — rain, snow, and humidity are no match for this invention that will preserve your 'do, from Europe all the way to Asia.

    Reviewer wearing hairbrella
    Model pouring water on another model's head while wearing the hairbrella, then taking it off to show hair perfectly styled and dried

    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: "I traveled to London last month with a raincoat that did not have a hood, and wanted something that would protect my head/hair/blowout without lugging an umbrella. This definitely did the trick. Two of the three days were rainy (some quite heavy), and my hair stayed totally dry. It stows nicely, too." —Miss Information

    Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in six colors).

    33. An anti-blister balm perfect for when you realize you've forgotten to break in those strappy sandals before your trip to the Colosseum. Rub some of this on and keep it on hand so you can walk along cobblestoned streets with confidence *and* comfort all day long.

    hand holding the balm
    person applying the balm to the back of their ankle

    Promising review: "I purchased two of these for our one-week Disney World trip. I knew I’d be walking around A LOT, and my feet aren’t used to the many miles of walking a day in the hot and humid environment, so I didn’t want to be uncomfortable. I'm happy to say I put it on once in the morning, slipped on some socks and comfy shoes, and I didn’t get one blister or issue with my feet! I wish I knew about this a long time ago!" —Michelle

    Get it from Amazon for $8.99.

    The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.