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 backseat car video monitor if you've got a little one to watch over while driving but don't want to risk continually swiveling around and risking a wrong turn or a (GASP) car accident, heaven forbid. Parents rave it's easy to install and super helpful for having an extra watchful eye.
Note: You should only ever look at the camera when the car isn't in motion!
Promising review: "I saw this product on TikTok and knew I wanted to try it. I LOOOOOVE this product! I hate trying to use my rear view mirror to look into her mirror to make sure she’s okay. The quality of the video is great for the price, and I can easily see if my infant has spit up or I can see her mouth to shove a paci in if needed. I can see details like if her eyes are open or closed. The night vision isn’t too bad but not as detailed but you can see enough. But overall for the price, I would buy this product again hands-down." —Michael
Get it from Amazon for $25.49.
2. An amazing, leakproof portable pet water bottle one of my besties owns and *absolutely* loves (as does her furry friend) with a mini dish and dispenser in one that holds extra water your precious pooch may want for later. No need to waste any H20 with this handy device.
Promising review: "I saw this on a TikTok video and checked on Amazon and ordered it. My toy poodle loves it and drank out of it with no hesitation. With the heat wave we are having in California right now I want to be sure she is well hydrated. Before I leave the house I fill the holder with ice and water and I am set. Easy to clean and no spilled water in the car. Easy to throw in my purse and have it when we are out walking around. I know what people with dogs are getting for Christmas this year." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $14.98+ (available in three colors and two sizes).
3. A vacuum-free space-saving compression bag if you're anything like me and want to bring practically your whole wardrobe with you on every trip but need a way to NOT take up tons of space. Simply put your clothes inside, zip up the bag, roll it, and watch all the excess air get pushed out until your clothes magically shrink.
Promising review: "These were the things I never knew I needed for traveling. They work just as advertised and are really useful when going on a trip. I always hate at the end of a trip having to mix dirty and clean clothes — a 'laundry bag' or plastic shopping bag never really felt like a good enough separation. These bags seal up and conceal the most stinky, wet clothes from your clean unused clothes. They are going to be one of my new necessities for my big family when traveling." —Sarbello
Get a set of eight from Amazon for $16.97.
4. A hands-free (rotating) phone mount designed to use on airplanes. Mount it above your tray table or anywhere you like in an airport (so long as it's a flat surface), sit back, and simply enjoy.
Promising review: "I bought this nifty gadget about six months for a multi-leg, ultra long haul trip and it more than held up the entire duration. I was able to finagle it to fit the tray tables on different planes and like others, I find the height just nice when clamped onto a stowed tray table. It also works on my roller carry-on handle during layovers. However, I find myself using it a lot outside of travel too! Work-wise, I've clamped it onto my office desk shelving to hold my phone at eye level beside my computer. At home, I simply clamped it to a deck of cards and it turns into a versatile stand that I can place on any flat surface. Heck, I've been using it to hold my phone comfortably at eye level while watching videos in bed. It's extremely well-built and I find myself fidgeting with it all the time. Thus far it still feels solid and I don't anticipate breaking it any time soon. Even if it does break, I'll be happy to buy another one or two of it!" —Earendil
Get it from Amazon for $12.97 (available in two colors).
5. A vegan leather passport case complete with a protective side sleeve so you can keep your ID, credit cards, and vaccine card safe and sound along with an optional matching luggage tag. Truly, aren't these rainbow of colors it comes in just GORGEOUS? Might be hard to choose one.
Henney's Boutique is a California-based Etsy shop that specializes in passport holders.
Promising review: "Shipping was impeccable! The holder is sleek looking. It is nice and large. My COVID vaccine card fits snugly." —Alexandra
Get it from Henney's Boutique on Etsy for $8+ (originally $16; available in a variety of colors and styles).
6. A Burt's Bees sunburn soother ideal for outdoor trips and beach vacations where you're going to be spending a LOT more time in the sun than you're used to. Made with aloe and coconut oil, this hydrating formula is designed to gently relieve pain from the harsh UV rays (but don't skimp on the SPF, either).
Reviewers says it also helps prevent peeling and itching.
Promising review: "I ordered this two weeks ago after seeing rave reviews. So grateful I did. Yesterday I got the worst burn. It was unbelievable. I applied this four times over 24 hours. When I woke up this morning it was a lot better and has just gotten increasingly better throughout the day. The burn is mostly faded, and the pain is so much better. I hope to never burn this badly again, but I will be stockpiling this lotion all the same." —Carolina G.
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
7. A waterproof pouch to keep your smartphone safe and dry even if you plan to be around pools, lakes, rivers, the ocean, and well...any body of water, really (though it also helps prevent dirt, sand, and grime from getting in the crevices). BONUS: You can still use your touchscreen with it on, so get ready for underwater photos galore.
Promising review: "I purchased this case in July for an upcoming canoe trip with a friend, and as luck would have it, we flipped our canoe. Being the rebel that I am, I chose not to wear my phone around my neck, and so it, my ID, and my debit card ended up at the bottom of the river and I just assumed it would be discovered a thousand years from now and placed in a museum as an ancient artifact. Fast forward to this week. I was contacted via FB by an Alachua County Sheriff’s Office diver and guess what he found? Yup, my phone case with all of the contents intact and dry as a bone! He had to cut the case open, but there was not one single drop of water in it and he ended up purchasing a case for himself because he was just that impressed!" —Julie McDonald
Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (available in 14 colors).
8. A five-compartment, dishwasher-safe snack spinner PERFECT for picky eaters who refuse to let different foods touch but also just incredibly fun for all snack lovers as it spins in the most delightful way and makes snacking on-the-go a cinch.
Check out a TikTok of the snack spinner in action.
Promising review: "I bought these before they were on Amazon. I’m obsessed. My kids think it’s a game, and they’re so intent on eating all the food inside. Even my picky eater. As a mom who absolutely hates to hand wash things, I’m so grateful that a) the entire thing comes apart for washing and b) it’s completely dishwasher-safe. This thing is awesome. One of a kind. I own five right now. Will probably be getting more in the future for when the baby is old enough to snack independently." —Jordan
Get it from Amazon for $29.95 (available in six colors).
9. A Saucemoto dip clip if you want to dip indiscriminately during long roadtrips without the risk of dripping honey mustard and ketchup all over your gorgeous dashboard.
Promising review: "I don’t like to admit it, but sometimes I eat fast food in my car, particularly on long road trips. This holder is exactly what I would have designed if I had thought of it. There really is nothing I would change. It’s sturdy and I haven’t found a sauce yet that doesn’t fit; but if I do, there is a cup it comes with to hold 'loose' sauce." —Jr High Teacher
Get set of two from Amazon for $9.99 (available in two colors).
10. A set of Sea Bands designed to target a specific acupressure point on your wrists that can help ease nausea and motion sickness. It's a great drug-free, holistic alternative to other methods whether you're *trying* to enjoy a cruise, car ride, or airplane ride without feeling sick.
Promising review: "These were awesome! My entire family suffers from motion sickness, especially carsickness. My little one gets sick in the car on a regular car ride through the city. So I knew that a long road trip was going to be a disaster. I was amazed at how well these bands worked for everyone! Not one single person complained about being sick for 12 hours in the car. At one point I did have one child remove their bands because they said they were getting too tight. But after only a few minutes without them, a headache started to come on, so they immediately put them back on and the relief was instant. I have suffered for decades and now I know better. I will never travel without mine again!" —1SmartCookie
Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.53.
11. A battery-operated flexible rotating fan for on-the-go, easy cooling that ALSO comes with a built-in light for extra visibility at night (um, amazing).
Promising review: "We live in Florida and realized how badly we needed a fan for our newborn. We use it pretty much on a daily basis. We put it on her car seat and on her stroller when we go on walks. I’ve even propped it up on our desk when I’m working and holding our daughter. The three speeds are great: low usually offers just enough of a cool down and high is very impressive because it’s fast and quiet. The lights we didn’t really need but has been a nice feature to have. Our daughter hates going in her car seat and this helps to distract her sometimes. Plus, since we live in Florida we have to wait to go on walks until later in the day and the light lets us be seen easier. Overall, it’s a great and I’d definitely recommend!" —EmLe
Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in three colors).
12. A hands-free portable neck fan great for runners, hikers, and really anyone who wants to stay cool in the warmest months of the year while honestly setting a fun new fashion trend. Reviewers recommend putting your hair in a ponytail if it's long so it doesn't get caught.
Promising review: "A++++++. This was a lifesaver during my WDW vacation this week. Temps felt like 105° and I was so happy to have this to help keep me cool. This made walking around the parks very manageable and I am so happy with my purchase. Charged it every night at bed and it was ready to go in the morning. Folds up nicely and the lights are so nice!!! Walked around the parks at night with my fan and lights on! A must-have!! Love this fan so much." —Jac
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in seven styles).
13. An SPF 50+ "sport-brella" thats comes with a universal clamp to latch it onto any chair of your choosing, giving you instant shade on the patio, beach, or at the park. Oh yeah, and it makes for a great hands-free rain and sun protection solution for strollers and wheelchair users.
Promising review: "I originally bought this about three years ago and my husband used it and liked it so much recently with all the 'COVID driveway happy hours' he bought an additional one for him. It is easy to maneuver and angle to block the sun, but non-intrusive. It is easy to fold and replace in the carrying case. It is worth every penny." —Sarah B.
Get it from Amazon for $27.99 (available in nine styles).
14. A "Bug Bite Thing" which may have a cute, unassuming little name but is actually VERY potent at suctioning out the venom from bug bites and giving you fast relief from swelling, itchiness, and redness during your travels. It works on a variety of insects, too, including mosquitoes, bees, wasps, biting flies, sea lice, and more.
Promising review: "I was super skeptical about this device, but after my first use I am loving it! I woke up today with a bite on my ankle and stared itching it like crazy. After I used The Bug Bite Thing for about 20 seconds I no longer felt the need to itch! This will definitely be a keeper for the spring/summer time and it is so small that it is perfect for traveling." —Jay
Get it from Amazon for $9.90+ (available in six styles).
15. A backseat hook excellent especially for those who are sick and tired of being cramped during long drives with everything stuffed in the back along with them. Give yourself extra leg room or use this brilliant addition to a hold a trash bag.
Promising review: "I thought this might be one of the silly things I sometimes fall for. Nope. These are awesome. I keep one on the driver's side headrest and the other on the passenger side. I prefer to use the passenger one, because I can reach into my purse from the drivers seat, but if I've got extra people in the car, it's nice to have the flexibility to keep my purse on either side. Also, they fit very snugly and are tough. My purse easily weighs 20 pounds, and it never looks like they're strained." —Kendra
Get a set of two from Amazon for $7.95 (available in two colors).
16. A set of cooling patches you'll want to toss in your bag for all kinds of minor travel emergencies including ~but not limited to~ sunburns, dehydration headaches, muscle cramps (uncomfortable sleeping places, anyone?) poison ivy, and pesky bug bites. So small yet so mighty, these little helpers can help relieve the minor annoyances above.
Promising review: "Used these on a sunburn on my back, and they were very soothing. Also provided padding when leaning back in my seat. I stuck one on my shoulder also to keep my seatbelt from rubbing the sunburn there. I bought them to use on the back of my kids' necks to help prevent heat exhaustion on a very hot day outside but ended up just using them for burn relief." —Joanna
Get a pack of 20 from Amazon for $14.99.
17. A small power bank charger (with a flashlight so you can easily find it in your bag) to give your smartphone and other devices a quick, much-needed boost anytime, anywhere even if you're nowhere near a place to sit, plug, and wait.
Promising review: "This little gem is amazing! This year we were fortunate enough to do some local traveling and attend quite a few concerts this year. I take a ton of videos and pictures, often draining the battery. This power-packed product charged not only my phone when it was low, but my boyfriend’s AND the girl next to her!! Since you can only take small bags into venues, this slipped right into the pocket behind my phone! We had numerous comments on it because of the little paw charge indicator. The flashing came in handy a few times when we found ourselves in the dark! I will be buying more and giving them as gifts this year!" —Annetastic
Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in four colors).
18. A luggage drink caddy that comes with two roomy pockets if you are also a massive fan of emotional support beverages (hey, no judgment) especially when running around crowded airports and train stations but don't feel like carrying everything and risking a spill.
Promising review: "This cup holder is perfect! It helps me a lot! Last time I took a plane with a suitcase and a cup of coffee, when it’s my turn to check my passport and ticket, the coffee cup fell to the ground and coffee sprinkled. It was a nightmare! This time I bought this cup holder, it did do me a favor! I don't have to worry about where my cup and phone are! I can free my hands to do other things. I love it so much! Hope you love it too." —Philip
Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in 29 colors and styles).
19. A wonderful international travel adaptor with a universal input so you can charge up to four devices at once in any country around the world. No more rushing around to find the right one last minute (the worst).
Promising review: "LOVE this adapter! I travel from time to time internationally and have always used just the 'standard' adapters found in airports. Could not pass up the opportunity to purchase this one after reading the reviews. Exceeded my expectations of what it was capable of. Used on a recent trip to Germany and it handled everything needed — laptop, cell phone (USB ports are so very welcome), alarm clock, dryer, etc. Did not miss a beat on the power provided. And, it is also attractive looking ;-) Thank you for making such a great, dependable product!" —Monkey
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (also available in a larger size).
20. A hybrid travel planner and journal that's not only absolutely gorgeous to look at, it'll help you keep track of all your trip plans so you can go back and revisit all the memories and relive the joys and adventures for years to come.
The Lamare is a Florida-based Etsy shop established in 2017 that specializes in planners and journals.
Promising review: "I loved the journals I received. They are gorgeous. They're well-made and fun to use!" —Kristy
Get it from The Lamare on Etsy for $14.95.
21. A 50-count set of laundry soap sheets to leave you wondering how you ever survived long trips before them. Whether you need to quickly wash n' dry your underwear, bathing suit, or a nice dress you accidentally spilled on but still wanna wear, these babies are a must-have on-hand.
Promising review: "This came SO in handy during my vacation to Europe! I was making lots of different stops to places with different types of weather. With these laundry soap sheets I was able to wash my clothes in the sink — letting me pack just the right amount of clothes for all the different places I went." —Katie
Get a set of 50 from Amazon for $7.19.
22. A transparent TSA-approved toiletry bag perf for carrying all your TSA-compliant liquids and toiletries while keeping track of 'em all and preventing accidental sticky suitcase leaks and situations.
Promising review: "This bag held surprisingly more than expected. I put tiny travel jars for my skincare creams and other small toiletries in it with room to spare. I definitely feel like it was easier to pack and was also easy to grab out of my bag for security. It feels sturdy with nice, thick vinyl. The double zipper moved easily, and I was pleased that it opened completely for ease of getting the items I needed out of it." —Mrs M Tate
Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in 11 colors).
23. A stick of Body Glide anti-chafing balm SO GOOD for applying between your thighs and preventing dreaded rashes and rubs, especially if you're going on long walks and excursions in warm weather or somewhere you expect to sweat a lot.
24. And a foot-blister-preventing balm from the same wonderful company which does the same thing as the anti-chafe only it works its magic on your heels and the skin that touches your shoes. Kiss blisters and the need for tons of extra bandages goodbye.
Promising review: "Wow. I took this on vacation, during which we walked about 20,000 steps daily. And of course my shoes being to rub against parts of my feet, terribly. But I smeared this on and it was amazing. I did have to reapply a few times a day, in public, but I highly recommend this!! I used it on my toes, ankle area, etc., and my feet felt great (normal)." —Y.
Get it from Amazon for $9 (also available in a two-pack).
25. A portable jewelry organizer made from soft quilted cotton so your precious baubles stay tangle-free, safe, organized, and undamaged during your travels.
Promising review: "Absolutely love this! I purchased it for a week-long vacation and it kept my jewelry safe and untangled. I had stopped traveling with necklaces because they always wound up a tangled mess. No more! Bonus is that the soft pink case is beautiful. It is also very slim so it’s easy to pack or carry in your purse. Highly recommend this product! My favorite purchase in a long time!" —Petite and Pampered Boutique
Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in two sizes and four colors).
26. A packing checklist great for visual folks like myself who really rely on clear, concise, well-organized tools like this to stay organized on trips. Ease travel anxiety and help prevent accidentally leaving the house without that one thing you just know you forgot ever again.
Promising review: "We travel frequently and have two children. As any parent knows, packing for yourself and your children can be overwhelming (especially for trip longer than a few days). I have found this list to be a lifesaver and I also give it as a gift for other traveling families. It is easy to plan, organize, and list out items that are easily forgotten. You can also list the quantity of each item needed. It has a variety of clothing options and space to add more. Overall, wonderful purchase and has likely saved me many forgotten items!" —Mike D.
Get it from Amazon for $7+ (available in three colors and styles).
27. And a super-soft, two-sided MakeUp Eraser to save you suitcase space (no need for tons of bulky wipes, plus it's TSA-approved unlike liquid removers). Use nothing but water and this gentle scrub to exfoliate and get rid of all grime and gunk from your face in a pinch. Simply hang to dry.
Promising review: "I got this with VERY low expectations. At best I thought it would get my foundation and whatnot and I would have to use makeup remover for my waterproof mascara. I was shocked to see how easily it took off my mascara. Just a few gentle swipes and my waterproof mascara was gone. It’s actually better than the makeup remover I’ve used consistently for years because it was the best I’ve ever found for waterproof mascara. 100% recommend." —Ann Sisson
Get it from Amazon for $20.
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.