We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. A collapsible sunglasses organizer so you can bring *all* of your favorite sunnies on your trip without them taking over your entire carry-on.
See it in action on TikTok here.
Promising review: "This organizer is even better quality than expected. It's really sturdy and solid. Great craftsmanship. It's super cool looking. Definitely looks more expensive than what you pay. The material where the glasses are held is extremely soft like suede, so this should prevent scratches and protect them while transporting. I really like that it has a way of keeping the glasses in place. I noticed other similar items don't have this feature, which is why I chose this above the others." —Namiko Minakata
Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in two sizes and four colors).
2. A rechargeable handheld fan because nothing ruins a care-free vacay vibe like sweating your buns off on day three of sightseeing under the blistering sun.
Here's why BuzzFeed editor Ciera Velarde loves this:
I bought this to take on a summer trip to Disney World and let me tell you — it's the only way I survived!! Every day got well into the 90s, but I kept this pointed at my face whenever I wasn't soaking up air conditioning. I was seriously impressed with how powerful it was and how I instantly felt less sweaty. The charge lasts about a day if you use it sparingly (or a few hours of continuous use) so make sure to charge it nightly if you're on a trip. The fan has three speed settings, and it folds so you can prop it up.
Promising review: "I am so happy I purchased this. It definitely makes my life slot cooler. Great for traveling or those occasional hot flashes. I love that it doesn't need countless batteries that die quickly. I can just recharge it. The battery lasts quite a while as well. It has three settings low, medium, and high, and let me tell you the highest setting really puts out some air. I was really amazed at the strength of the fan on the highest setting. It's definitely worth every penny. I like taking mine to work when I get overheated because I'm always hot or when I go to the beach. It always comes in handy living in this hot, humid climate." —Rae
Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in five colors).
3. A lifesaving sunburn soother you'll be glad you brought on vacation after spending a little too long soaking up the sun. The hydrating combo of aloe and coconut oil can help provide you with some much-needed, gentle relief. A lot of reviewers even say it can help prevent peeling and itching!
Promising review: "Pleasantly surprised that this works great. My husband tried on his pale skin that got burnt then I tried on mine that got burnt. Nonsticky, smooth, and smells fresh, and the next day I got tanned skin instead of irritated skin. When I get burned, I get red spots the next day all over and start itching like I got a skin rash or allergy to something. With this, none of that happened. Love it!" —S.B
Get it from Amazon for $9.57.
4. A mini lightweight flat iron that'll barely take up any space in your toiletries bag and will actually do an impressive job so you can keep up your hair routine while globetrotting — especially when the humid weather isn't doing it any favors.
It also comes with a heat-resistant pouch for easy carrying!
Promising review: "This fits perfectly in my toiletries travel bag that I take with me as a flight attendant. Anything that comes in a small size and still works well is perfect for me." —Kathy S
Get it from Amazon for $15.97+ (available in three colors).
5. A set of beach towel clips because no one feels like chasing their towel down the shoreline every time a gust of wind decides to blow it off of their chair.
Promising review: "Meet your new beach/lounge chair’s best friend. I love that you can use these clips to hold your towels on the railing to dry in the breeze or at the beach and pool to keep your towels in place on the lounge chairs. No more fly-away towels!" —BeckiCaesar
Get a pack of eight from Amazon for $6.99 (also available as a pack of 16).
6. A pack of Dr. Frederick's Original Better Blister Bandages in case those shoes you thought would be comfortable to wear while sweating and trekking around *all* day long decide to turn on you. These'll protect any resulting blisters while helping them heal, and reducing the pain from friction so you don't have to spend the rest of your trip in agony.
Each pack comes with bandages to fit your heel, toe, and foot. People who wear heels also recommend these!
Here's why BuzzFeed writer Emma Lord loves them:
"As a blister-prone human, I swear by these. A few years ago, before I invested in these running socks that prevent blisters, I got a blister on my big toe so unspeakably large and painful that I am cringing even TYPING about it, and no amount of rest from running seemed to heal it; it just kept coming back. I finally used one of these bandages, and the pain was virtually gone from the moment I put it on. It was also so airtight that nothing got inside, and it didn't loosen in the shower. You're supposed to take it off when it loses adhesive so it can come off gently without disturbing the blister if it hasn't fully healed yet. After using two of these in a row over the course of a week and a half, my blister was finally healed up enough that it stopped coming back."
Promising review: "So glad I thought ahead to buy these before going to Italy. I had new fashionable shoes and low-cut socks, and we did 10 times more walking than I had anticipated. I tried the shoes on for an hour and got a blister. Wore these for 10 days in Europe and had zero issues, total comfort, left them on for multiple days through showers. I’ll never travel without these again." —Paul Hinman
Get a pack of ten from Amazon for $11.66 (available in four types of packs and multipacks).
7. A packing list pad because even though you said "don't let me forget my sunglasses" to your partner, chances are you'll prob still wind up leaving them behind. This pad is really well thought out, giving you lots of space to write out everything you wanna make sure comes with you, organize it by category, and even note what should go in which bag if you want! When it's packed, check it off, and now you'll have a definitive list to look over one last time right before you head out the door.
It even has spots where you can write out where you're going and for how long, what the weather's gonna be like if you have any special events planned, and more so you can make sure you're prepared for everything!
Promising review: "If you travel often for business or pleasure this is the list for you! It helps me to plan ahead for my trips and even has a cute little section to write in the number of days and weather for my destination! This list has become essential for every trip I take!" —Kpille1
Get it from Amazon for $7+ (available in three colors/styles).
8. A portable safe ideal for the beach or when you're staying at a hotel or Airbnb that doesn't have a working safe in your room. Use the handy cable to secure it to a beach chair or other fixed object so you can worry less about someone walking off with your passport and other valuables while you concentrate on having a great time!
It's the perfect size to hold phones or wallets, and you can easily carry it in your beach or tote bag.
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 an 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).
9. An insulated phone case in case your destination's summer weather winds up causing your phone to die from overheating — of course, *right* when you are trying to use the GPS to find your way. This'll protect it from extreme temps!
It also protects your phone from freezing temperatures!
Promising review: "I use the climate control pouch in the summer when I go to the pool. I actually have two — one for my iPod and one for my phone. They’ve kept both dry and cool even on 100+ degree days." —Rhonda Bryant
Get it from Amazon for $29.99.
10. A bendy travel pillow to help make long hours of sitting upright on a bus, plane, train, boat, or car ride a *whole* lot more comfortable so you can capitalize on some serious snooze time. It's super adjustable, making it easy to customize for the support you need whether it's your back or your neck that tends to suffer on long trips.
11. A cooler backpack perfect for hikes, camping, and beach days when you might wanna bring along some cold beverages and snacks.
It can hold up to 25 cans!
Promising review: "This cooler backpack is absolutely perfect. I plan on bringing it to the beach every time we go. It's actually very comfortable on my shoulders. No leaks and it keeps our beverages and snacks nice and cool! Would 100% recommend." —Anjel
Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in seven colors).
12. Or an inflatable kiddie pool-shaped cooler if you wanna chill your beach beverages in the most fun and aesthetically pleasing way possible.
13. A pack of Tide To Go stain removing pen to save the day and remove those unexpected stains that happen while you're exploring (and eating) your way through a fun (but potentially messy) trip.
Promising review: "These were a lifesaver. I was walking to the bus and decided it was a great decision to drink coffee while walking. Like a scene from an infomercial, I spilled coffee all over my white shirt. Yes, the classic coffee on the white shirt. Luckily I had one of these in my bag (I put one in each of my most-used purses in anticipation of my clumsiness). I went into a store bathroom and quickly scrubbed the Tide To-Go on my shirt. All of the coffee blobs went away and once the awkward wet splotches dried up, my shirt was perfectly white again. You've got yourself a big fan, Tide." —NAD
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $7.74.
14. An essential-oil migraine stick because nothing spoils a fun trip like a lousy headache — especially if you're prone to getting them after long days out in the summer sun. This is a perfect portable option for those moments when you'd rather not rely on prescription meds but still need something that might help take the edge off so you can enjoy the day.
Read more about aromatherapy and stress and tension at Johns Hopkins.
Promising review: "Very impressed with this product, and honestly, I didn't think I would be. As a lifelong migraine/headache sufferer, not a whole lot has worked for me other than prescription meds — which I really don't like to take too often but need to because my headaches are incapacitating most of the time. I recently used the roll-on, and within 10–15 minutes, my headache was gone. It started to come back last night before bed, and I used it again, and again it took it away. Now, I knew it wasn't going to be a migraine headache — they feel different when they come on, but for a regular headache, this worked wonderfully! I still might use the prescription for a migraine, probably in conjunction with this, as it really is soothing and nice." —carrie
Get it from Amazon for $11.99.
15. A large beach bag designed to let sand fall through its mesh fabric so you don't have to deal with a big mess after a day of catching some rays by the ocean.
Promising review: "Thank you for making this beach bag! It is exactly as described. The outer pockets are roomy and deep enough to keep things like sunblock from falling out, and the bag itself has tons of room without being bulky. The mesh material keeps your things in but helps you get rid of the sand so you don't bring home half of the beach. The straps are the perfect length and very comfortable, even when the bag is loaded down. I was able to get rid of the sand toy bag and the main beach bag to use only this one. So happy with this purchase." —Life is Short
Get it from Amazon for $15.95+ (available in 19 colors).
16. A leakproof, refillable collapsible water bottle you can roll right up so it's easy to store when it's empty! Now you won't have to spend money on disposable water bottles at the airport or on-the-go when the hot weather is leaving you parched.
Promising review: "Well this is the coolest thing ever! I travel quite a bit, and I usually don't take a bottle with me because they are big and bulky, and I usually lose it! This collapsible water bottle is a perfect traveling accessory. It stays collapsed until after security, and then I fill it up for the trip. It's a good size and fits in the side compartment in my travel backpack, and the cap screws in securely so I don't have to worry about it opening accidentally and spilling all over the place. I follow the instructions on how to clean it, and it works just fine." —M. Lyons
Get it from Amazon for $31.95 (available in eight colors).
17. A pair of popular and inexpensive quick-dry water shoes — they're flexible, sock-like, and designed to help protect your feet from sharp objects without weighin' ya down.
Promising review: "I bought these for myself and six other family members, and everyone raves about them! Not only are they comfortable, but they do not get sand in them when you go in the water, as we have found most water shoes do. They fit great, dry fast, and there is enough of a rubber soul that you can walk on the rocks without hurting your feet. These are by far the BEST water shoes and the price can’t be beat! The kids are also happy to wear them as they love the cool shark design! We all wore them all summer, and they look as good as the day I received them!" —M. Sharpe
Get it from Amazon for $8.68+ (available in seven sizes and 44 colors).
18. A personal umbrella — it clips onto the back of your beach chair so you won't have to worry about someone else hogging your shade!
Promising review: "My wife likes no sun, so this allows us to pull our beach chairs together and I can set it up and 'boom' no sun for her. The clamp holds up in wind and the adjustable angles that the umbrella has allows you to sort of aim the shade. Great product and it fits into a suitcase!" —Quarrelman
Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in two sizes and eight colors).
19. Or a Shibumi wind-blown shade that'll give three to six people shelter from the hot hot sun. It sails with as little as a 3-mph breeze, won't blow away or break in the wind, and folds down super small so you can easily carry it with the included case!
Promising review: "This thing is fantastic! Light, durable, and large enough to comfortably shade four or more adults either sitting on beach chairs or spread out on beach towels and blankets. We were in 15–20 mph prevailing SE winds off the Atlantic Ocean in Ft. Lauderdale and the Shibumi performed perfectly. Took less than five minutes to set up and break down. It was like carrying a handkerchief in your back pocket it was so convenient.
I’m just mad at myself for not patenting and marketing it!! BTW — we were the only Shibumi in sight and we chuckled at the straining efforts and longer times it took others to set up their tents, canopies, flies or umbrellas in the stiff breeze. If you love the beach and you want convenient shade anytime, anyplace, anywhere, and you don’t own a Shibumi, tsk tsk. 😎" —Nick Miller
Get it from Amazon for $270.
20. Some odor eliminators because no one wants to travel with a carry-on full of stinky, sweaty post-vacation clothes and shoes, especially if you packed light and have been wearing the same thing for a few too many sweltering days now.
Promising review: "Stinky shoes be gone! These guys are on the smaller size (1”x3” each) so I put two each in my size-10 women’s shoes when I pack them up for travel. I LOVE that they make the stinks go away. They don’t add any particular scent either. It’s just a neutral sucking up of the 'stop wearing those shoes' scent blues. I’ve used them in my favorite ballet flats and shiny sneakers. My dog approves." –Izzi
Get a set of 12 from Amazon for $30.99.
21. A waterproof, insulated picnic backpack complete with EVERYTHING you need to have the picnic of your dreams on your vacation! It has a roomy cooler compartment to keep food and beverages fresh for hours, and a *bunch* of pockets to hold everything from plates and silverware to wine glasses, a cutting board, and other picnic essentials. Did I mention it comes with all that stuff too? Because it does!
Heads up that since this picnic set comes with knives, it's best for road trips, camping, and other vacations that *don't* include flying.
The set includes four sets of flatware and plates, four wine glasses, one cheese knife and wine opener, a salt and pepper shaker, and a bamboo cutting board — making it a great gift too!
Promising review: "This is one of the best purchases I’ve made on Amazon, worth more than I spent. The wine holder kept the bottle secure, with no sloshing or shifting, while we hiked. The internal cooler was the perfect size for a really fun lunch and kept our food fresh and cool. The plates, cups, silverware, and cutting board were so much fun! My girlfriend said her favorite was the little salt and pepper shakers. The blanket keeps the ground moisture away from the soft fabric on top of the blanket. Perfect addition for an outing! Would buy it as a gift for someone close to me. I give 5 stars, fun product!" —Michael Steadman
Get it from Amazon for $79.99 (available in six colors and two sizes).
22. An ultra-compact portable charger that plugs directly into your phone — no cable required! Now you can freely use the GPS and take all the photos and videos you want while traveling *without* the constant anxiety of being in an unfamiliar place with a dead phone.
23. Some sunscreen from Black Girl Sunscreen — it goes on your skin ultra sheer *without* that white residue most sunscreens leave behind. Plus, it's infused with moisturizing jojoba and avocado to help your skin stay hydrated when it's super hot out.
This sunscreen is paraben-free, fragrance-free, oxybenzone-free, octinoxate-free, silicone-free and aluminum-free.
Promising review: "I used to dread wearing sunscreen because of that horrible ashy cast it gave my brown skin. Now? I actually look forward to putting this stuff on. I love how moisturizing it is and that it is completely sheer. What is advertised to do it actually does. I layer this on top of my moisturizer. You do need to work it in a little bit but it absorbs into the skin nicely. To all my brown/black ladies/fellas, what are you waiting for? Buy it!" —MD
Get it from Target for $15.99.
24. A compact, carry-on-friendly portable espresso maker that lets you use Nespresso pods to make a perfect cup of coffee no matter where you are! It'll come in handy if you're trekkin' through nature miles away from the nearest cafe *or* if the coffee at your hotel isn't quite up to your usual standard.
Promising review: "Morning espresso essential for travel. Great product for producing good coffee when traveling. I am an espresso drinker, and this meets my need first thing in the morning. Using Nespresso capsules keeps it clean and simple, which is just what I want when traveling." —Joanna Verdeja
Get it from Amazon for $54.90 (and here are some Nespresso pods to go with it).
25. An impressively effective Hairbrella that allows you to keep your hands free while protecting your flawless vacay hairdo from sudden downpours. It folds up super small, making it a great thing to toss into your bag if you don't have room for an actual umbrella. Plus, it's satin-lined to help avoid dryness and frizz when the time comes to free your locks!
Hairbrella is a Black-owned small business that specializes in hats that protect hair from all kinds of weather.
Promising review: "Works like a charm! So...of course, the day I get my hair done, an unexpected torrential downpour occurs, and I have NO umbrella. But...I DID have my Hairbrella in my bag! This was the first time I would get to try it out since I purchased it, so I was REALLY hoping it would live up to its hype. I loosely pinned my hair up with a few bobby pins, secured that sucka in place, and took off! While I looked like I just exited a dunk tank after my valiant sprint to my car, my hair was BONE DRY!!! 🙌🏾 Not a drop of moisture hit my hair. Hairbrella is the TRUTH!!!" —Lina
Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in five colors).
26. And a pair of reusable waterproof shoe covers if you have ZERO space left in your bag for rainboots, but wanna be prepared for unpredictable weather. These fold down easily and don't take up much space at all! Plus, when you see how dry these 100% waterproof covers keep your feet, you might have the urge to shout "OH MY ~GALOSH~" with joy.
There's a handy sizing chart provided on the product listing page so you can find your ideal fit!
Promising review: "Truly amazing for a rainy day at Disneyland! I got asked about them by at least 100 people that day when everyone’s shoes were wet and uncomfortable and mine were super dry!! Highly recommend them. Very easy to use, and also the bottoms were nonslippery! Must-have for a rainy activity day!" —Juhi
Get a pair from Amazon for $10.89 (available in unisex sizes S–4XL and five styles).
27. A tiny portable Bluetooth speaker that has no business sounding as incredible as it somehow does. If you can't imagine hanging on the beach without some tunes but don't have the luggage space for a bigger speaker, try out this little guy who has over 28,000 5-star ratings!
It also comes with a travel case!
Promising review: "I really thought the reviews were over-hyping this little speaker. I was totally wrong. The sound and bass that come out of this tiny thing is awesome. The battery lasts for several hours, even at full blast. The travel case is sturdy, and even when closed the sound is still good thanks to the speaker holes in the case. That said, with those holes, I would say the travel case is more to protect it when it gets tossed in your bag. Really cannot recommend this enough. Well made, sturdy, easy to charge, great battery life, and really great sound." — KJ
Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in three colors).
28. A stylish wide-brimmed visor to seriously shield your face from the hot sun while relaxing by the pool.
Promising review: "I was in Hawaii for a week, and wore this every day. I'm so happy I bought this. I wore it in the pool, the ocean, hiking, walking around, and more. It really covers your face from the sun. I can't recommend this enough!! I want to buy another color now! :)." —Amanda
Get it from Amazon for $20.99 (available in three colors).
29. A hands-free (rotating!) phone mount that easily attaches to the seatback in front of you so you can comfortably watch a movie — even if the plane you're on doesn't have built-in TVs. This is great for when you wanna opt for the more budget-friendly airline but still wanna take advantage of a few hours where you can simply kick back, relax, and binge on that series you've fallen behind on.
Promising review: "Very happy with this holder. It has multiple configurations. I originally got it for plane travel, but find myself using it every day at work, and school while cooking, and taking it with me to the gym. So happy I got it. Very sturdy, and of great quality. I'll be getting a couple more for friends and family. P.S. This is a must if you travel a lot!!!!!!" —Mila
Get it from Amazon for $12.99.
30. An acupressure anti-nausea wristband if you tend to battle feeling ill on planes, boats, buses, or roller coasters. It applies pressure to the acupuncture point on your wrists, which some say helps reduce nausea and vomiting. Therefore, it can help you feel less anxious that you'll get sick while everyone else has a grand ol' time.
Read more about travel-related motion sickness from The Cleveland Clinic.
Promising review: "My car sickness has been getting worse for years. I drive often with my family back to my hometown about five hours away. I put these on and was finally able to ride without constantly fighting nausea. They fit comfortably and I quickly forgot they were on. This feels like a simple, cost-efficient fix." —Breya Porter
Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.53 (also available as a pack of 36).
31. A super cute, customizable travel journal that'll encourage you to jot down precious memories, document all the amazing food on your trip, and organize your upcoming plans and activities. Now you'll have another fun thing to look back on once you're back home!
Life Less Ordinary is a small UK-based Etsy shop that offers gorgeous personalized vegan gifts from jewelry and wallets to notebooks, bags, and more!
Promising review: "This book is so gorgeous — perfect gift for my friend who is going traveling. I received a draft before they sent it! So happy — thank you so much" —Sofia
Get it from Life Less Ordinary on Etsy for $19.73+ (available in three text color options and with personalization).
32. A waterproof pouch with a touchscreen window so you can bring your phone to the beach *without* worrying about it getting destroyed by all the splish splash. You can even use your phone while it's inside the pouch if you wanna take pics or text the cutie you met walking down the pier.
It also comes with a lanyard, so you can wear it around your neck.
Promising review: "This product is incredible. I purchased to use while in Key West for an iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, and Galaxy S6 Edge, and it fits perfectly for each phone (but a little more snug with the iPhone 6 Plus). It is completely waterproof and takes great photos and video through the case, but you have to press record prior to submerging the case underwater.
My family went snorkeling and kept the case with the phone inside submerged almost the entire time and had no issues with leakage. My family and I got stopped numerous times being asked where we purchased this product. Perfect even if just on the beach, and you do not want to get sand or sunscreen on your phone and want to still take photos/text/browse the internet while on the beach. I will be purchasing this for everyone in my family as it has become a travel must-have! I highly recommend this product." —Jennifer Roman
Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (available in 14 colors).
33. A set of beach toys that are great for keeping kiddos occupied while you catch some rays — unless you're an adult who understands that building sand castles is a fun activity for ALL ages, in which case, snag these for yourself!
Promising review: "The toy set is solid. It has all the sand toys one kid can possibly need. I bought it for my 2-year-old boy. We go to the beach at least once a week, and the little homie doesn't even leave from under the umbrella because he's digging away at the sand. Of course, I gotta help him and I'm forced to play with this thing with him. Even for me, it's a lot of things, from the sand filter thingy to the castle-shaped thingy, I'm filling this thing up with sand, and I'm helping dig all the way down until we find China. Really, the best part is the plastic case with a handle. I just dump all those things in there and I'm on my way back to the whip. Dump and keep it in the trunk, and I'm happy and most importantly the little man is happy. It's kid- and dad-friendly." —Lando Garcia
Get it from Amazon for $22.81.
34. Or a pack of collapsible pails if you need to pack light on your trip, but still wanna bring some fun beach toys for your little ones to make sand castles with!
Promising review: "BEST BUCKETS EVER! I’ll be buying more! I love that they collapse! I bought them for the beach, and I loved that they didn’t take up room during travel. And now they don’t take up room in our outdoor toy bin!" —KB
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in three sizes).
35. A set of cooling towels — they'll offer instant relief when you feel like you're boiling. Simply wet them with cool water, ring them out, and drape them around your head, neck, or wherever you need! These super absorbent towels will feel great for up to THREE HOURS depending on the conditions, and then you just have to wet them again to reuse.
Promising review: "Really works. I purchased three packs of these, and they are awesome — and yes, they really do get colder once wet. It also has a bag and clip to carry it, which is super convenient. I just got back from the beach, and I used it while laying in the hot sun. All I did was wet it and put it around my neck and over my shoulders, and it instantly cooled me down. It stayed cool for 30 minutes because it dried. Once wet, it was instantly cold again. Great purchase!" —Donna C.
Get a set of four for $18.99+ (available in 13 color combos).
36. An AirFly Pro wireless transmitter that plugs into the headphone jack on the in-flight TV screen so you can use your own wireless headphones to take advantage of the best part of long-haul flights — watching new movies! You can also use it to send audio from one device to two separate sets of headphones, so you and your friend can listen to the same music or watch the same show!
Promising reviews: "Ever since I purchased my wireless Bose earbuds, I always hated having to use another set when I was on an airplane with the seat-back entertainment system. I tried many different models to connect the system to my Bluetooth headsets until I came across this one, and it is amazing! It seamlessly connects to my headset, very clear and reliable audio, and it takes the stress away from having to carry a bunch of headsets! Thank you!!!" —Ryan Malloy
Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in three styles and two colors).
37. A universal phone shade — clip it onto the back of your phone to keep the sun from glaring and making it impossible to see the screen!
Shadey Attachments is a UK-based small business that came up with this idea after seeing people struggle to view their phone while lounging in the sun. The shades attaches to most mobile devices by suction and fans out to protect your face from UV rays.
Promising review: "I ordered this last-minute for Christmas holiday, and I can honestly say, I now can’t use my phone in the sun without it! It took a second to get going and to realize you have to point it at the sun to put your face in the shade (also better for the wrinkles). It's literally the best thing ever for the sun." —Hayley Place
Get it from Shadey Attachments on Etsy for $17.38 (available in seven colors).
38. A clever pair of sunglasses that are also secretly a bottle opener — two things you'll probably want on your beach trip!
Promising review: "Maaaannnnnn I bought these for Cancun and they’ve been used and abused here in the saltwater pool and beaches but they are worth the money in my opinion! Yes, they feel a tad bit cheap but hey they’ve opened so many bottled beers and sodas and I like how they look. I’m happy with my purchase! Will be buying more to keep in my car and in my work truck." —Erik Perez
Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in three colors).
39. A BevLedge so you can ditch the tray table and give yourself a little more legroom. It securely attaches to most window shade slots, and has dedicated spots to hold two cups as well as pens, sunglasses, earbuds, and your phone!
Plus, it folds down flat when not in use for easy packing.
Promising review: "A friend recommended this to me as a vital travel companion, now that I've returned to frequent flying. I initially thought of it as a novelty, but now that I've used it, it's a necessity. It keeps the workspace clear for my laptop, but it also organizes all the little pieces that can become so annoying to keep up with — glasses, earphones, etc. It got my seat mate's immediate attention, as well as a few other folks nearby. I suspect they'll have one soon. Watch for one soon in a window near you!" —Timothy G. Wolfe
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
40. A lightweight and compact stroller that can easily fold down small enough to fit in the overhead compartment on an airplane if you wanna make flying with little ones *way* less of a headache!
It folds up so small that it was awarded a Guinness World Record in 2014 for the most compact stroller. It can hold kids who weigh up to 55 pounds and only weighs 9.5 pounds.
Promising review: "Travel essential. I purchased this stroller for a recent trip to Canada. It was a lifesaver traveling through the airport because it is so easy to get through security, and you don’t have to worry about gate checking as it is small enough to carry on. During our trip, we used public transportation at times, and we ate out a lot, and it was so easy and convenient to have under a chair or table. It’s also lightweight to carry when my son decides he wants to walk, though he loves sitting in the stroller and is quite comfortable. I love that it easily reclines, and he even took a nap in it while being pushed on a dirt trail. We were mostly on concrete but also took the stroller on some easy/flat trails, and it did quite well. The basket is small but handy. All in all, I highly recommend this for travel and everyday use. I got many compliments and comments about this stroller!" —Matthew Gonzalez
Get it from Amazon for $199.95+ (available in three styles and two colors).
41. And a stroller cover — simply throw over your baby's stroller so they stay dry when the dreaded vacation rain strikes out of nowhere.
Promising review: "A must-have for vacations. This rain cover and mosquito net were perfect for our vacation! It fits over our stroller nicely and was great for the two-day trip we took to Cincinnati as some days we used the net and one day it rained when we went to the zoo, so we used the cover! The baby didn't get overheated inside and was a happy camper since he could see through it. Very easy to use and worth every penny!"—Tlake33111
Get it from Amazon for $16.80+ (available in two colors).
42. A waterproof outdoor Pocket Blanket — it folds up small enough to easily fit in your pocket or bag, making it a breeze to travel with! And speaking of breeze, it has tethered corner stakes just in case you're trying to chill on a particularly windy beach. Now you'll have a dry and clean place to sit no matter where you are!
Matador is a small business that creates innovative, durable, and long-lasting travel and outdoor products, and in fact, the Pocket Blanket was the first product they ever created.
BuzzFeed editor Ciera Velarde loves this too! Here's why:
"I have this blanket and it really, truly fits in your pocket! When folded completely out, it fits two people lying down and would probably fit up to four people sitting. It's super thin without being flimsy, and any water, dirt, or sand just rolls right off of it. I did get some sunscreen on my blanket the last time I used it, but I threw it in the washing machine when I got home and hung it to dry, and it was as good as new. I took this to the beach this summer, and the stakes in the corner and the sand pockets were super helpful at keeping it from flying away in the wind. It also has a very subtle stitched guide on the blanket that you follow to fold it back up to pocket-sized. This blanket is so great and is a must for spontaneous hiking trips, beach days, or even a date in the park."
Get it from Matador or REI for $34+ (available in three colors).
43. Or a huge sand-repelling beach blanket so you can miraculously get through a day at the beach without sand sticking to your blanket (and, therefore, sticking to *everything* else you brought with you). Even though it's big, it folds down to be super compact and lightweight for easy portability.
Promising review: "I walk to the beach and the park with my baby all the time and was sick of my butt getting wet when we sat on the grass and the baby getting all sandy when sitting on towels. I decided to search Amazon for some kind of beach blanket. This blanket wasn’t really what I was looking for, but it did not disappoint! First of all, it’s HUGE. I still haven’t used it open all the way yet.
It’s compact and easy to carry, I love that there are pockets to weigh it down with sand, that sand rolls right off, and that I can just stuff it right back in the little bag without having to fold it strategically when I’m done. I can take the baby to the beach and lay her on her tummy without worrying about sand getting on her hands and face. Great product!!" —Adriana
Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in two colors).
44. A compact tote bag that folds up into itself so it takes up barely any space in your suitcase! Then, once you've arrived at your destination, you can use it when you need a day bag, a place to keep beach essentials, or somewhere to stash all of your exciting vacation purchases while you stroll around town!
Plus, it's made out of durable and water-resistant fabric.
Promising review: "I got the blush-colored bag. It is such a pretty neutral color. I packed it in my overnight bag to have an extra bag for shopping. It came in handy when I needed it! I put my water and light sweater in there. Also, I put my shopping items in there also instead of carrying extra store bags that leave a mark on you wrists. This little bag zips up compact and will always be a necessity when traveling anywhere! I highly recommend getting one!" —Nubia C.
Get it from Calpak for $35 (available in 19 styles).
45. A set of storage scrunchies perfect for whenever you need an extra little pouch to hold your keys, cash, lip balm, and other necessities on the go, but don't feel like being weighed down by a bag in the summer heat.
See them in action on TikTok here!
Promising review: "I bought this because of someone on TikTok who had purchased this. Extremely convenient and cute! They’re very soft and I’ve been using mine to hold cash and lip balm. I wish there were more colors!" —Michaela
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $12.99 (available in seven color sets).
46. Or a stash scrunchie if you want more cool summer color options to fit the rest of your vay-cay wardrobe.
Hustle and Sew is a small Etsy shop based in Saint Helens, Oregon.
Promising review: "I bought this as a Christmas gift for my sister. She is loving using this to stash a key and cash in a safe place while she walks her dog." —Tamara H.
Get it from Hustle and Sew on Etsy for $8 (available in 12 fabric colors and zipper color options).
47. A Lay-n-Go cosmetic bag that opens up flat, becoming a small mat with slightly raised edges so you can easily find all of your essentials without them rolling away or having to dig through the bag. Then simply cinch it back up into *bag mode* to toss it back in your suitcase!
Promising review: "I was tired of fumbling around in my cosmetics case and saw this. I was skeptical, but...WOW! On my recent two-week trip to Europe, with constant laying out and packing up, this item was wonderful. I could find what I wanted quickly, right away. Packing up was just a matter of pulling the drawstring. At first I wasn’t sure about changing to this bag, but now I could not do without it." —mojosharkey
Get it from Amazon for $24.95+ (available in three sizes and 32 colors and patterns).
48. A leakproof tumbler with double-wall insulation to keep drinks cool for hours, because nothing's worse than being thirsty on the beach and taking a sip of hot water that's been baking in the sun. Now you'll have access to ice-cold water all day long!
According to reviewers, it's even better than the more expensive brands of insulated tumblers! It comes with a flip lid, a straw lid, and two reusable straws.
Promising review: "Not to be dramatic, but I would die for this cup. I bought the all-black version and it's beautiful. Not only that but the interchangeable tops and two plastic straws!!! I'm so excited to be saving the whales and looking amazing in the process. I should ask for a commission on the sales of this because all of my coworkers want one now. Another great part that I don't think the description mentions, there's NO condensation AT ALL.
I also accidentally left half an iced coffee WITH CUBES in here for nine hours and when I came home the cubes were still there and the coffee was still cold. ALSO, I have tiny hands which sometimes makes holding things difficult. But the 16-oz size is tall and slim and easy to carry/fit in small bags." –jacklynn ramos
Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in four sizes and 21 colors/patterns).
49. A breathable and comfy detachable shirt collar so you can bring your fave layered looks on your trip *without* having to pack full-sized, bulky shirts. It's also great for warmer weather when you don't really need those extra layers, but just like how they look.
Promising review: "This is such a great product!! I always get too hot when I wear button-ups below my sweatshirts and this is the perfect way to look stylish and put together while also being super comfy. The straps on the side are adjustable to make it fit just right and it looks like a real shirt! 10/10 would recommend." —Jada Commodore
Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in three colors, in a round and pointed collars, and in packs of two).
50. A lightweight fast-drying towel designed to repel sand, pet hair, odor, and stains to make the worst part of beach days less annoying so you can focus on the fun!
It's made of a polyester microsuede material that absorbs quickly and dries fast. It also has an anti-microbial finish to keep the towel clean longer.
This small business started SMALL (we're talking in the back of a van!) and thanks to founder and CEO Wylie Robinson, the Kickstarter success has become a go-to shop for nature lovers looking to stay cozy in the great outdoors. The company is now based in Portland, Oregon.
Promising review: "This towel dries better than a conventional towel! Not only that but it was completely dry and ready to reuse in about 10 minutes. Normally we'd go through a stack of beach towels in one day. The towel itself is big but it packs up compact leaving more room in your bag for other things. It's soooo soft, made very well, and the pattern is gorgeous. I will be replacing all of my towels with these!!" —Danielle W.
Get it from Rumpl for $50 (available in 26 styles) and Amazon for $50 (available in five colors).
51. Some collapsible hangers in case the place you're staying doesn't provide enough to handle your *extensive* summer travel wardrobe. They fold to be super compact and luggage-friendly!
52. A set of beach cup holders to ensure that your beverage doesn't tip over or wind up full of sand. You can even put your phone or sunglasses in the handy slot on the side to keep them safe while you lounge in the sun.
53. And finally, Tushy's travel bidet in case the place you're staying is a little ~behind~ the times when it comes to butt care. This collapsible, travel-friendly bidet is easy to use and super effective *without* requiring any batteries or charging, making it great for campers and backpackers!
Promising review: "We've had the original Tushy for a few years and love it, so we really miss having a bidet when we travel. We were a little skeptical about trying this simple product, but it has a great design! It produces a stream of water that's not as nice as the powered Tushy but still good, and it collapses/expands nicely and looks just like a water bottle, so we don't have to worry about any weird looks in a public bathroom. There are a couple of great videos online about the best way to use it, very helpful!" —Brittany
Get it from Tushy for $29 (available in three colors).
Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.