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    42 Travel Essentials You Probably Haven’t Thought Of, But Definitely Need

    Just a few things you probably didn't think about upgrading — or didn't even know existed at all — to make your next trip easier.

    1. A compact contact lens case designed to make your eyecare routine travel-friendly and still effective. The kit comes with a contact lens case, a mini solution bottle, tweezers, a contact remover tool, and a mirror. Now you don't have to lug half of your medicine cabinet with you on your next getaway.

    the white and grey marble case with rose gold contact lens case and three tools
    Amazon

    This kit includes: a mirror, contact lens case, a mini solution bottle for your contact solution, a contact tweezer tool for pulling out your contacts from the lens case, and a contact remover tool used to remove and put on your contacts.

    Promising review: "This product is great for the girlies who wear contacts everyday and like to maintain an aesthetic. The rose gold and marble is just *chefs kiss*. It holds just the right amount of all contacts lens essentials. Helps keep your handbag organized too!" —thepursonalshopper

    Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three styles).

    2. A set of packing cubes you'll want if you're still convinced the best way to fit most of your wardrobe is by rolling everything and sitting on your suitcase to zip it shut. Each set comes with six bags for items like tops, bottoms, undergarments, shoes, and toiletries. They're made with transparent mesh to help you see your belongings without unzipping anything or tearing through your luggage. 

    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: "Really nice quality cubes. I’ve never used them before and was really pleased with how well they worked. I didn’t even need to use all of them. The large cube was enough for a small suitcase!" —Caroline

    Get the six-piece set from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in seven colors and two sizes).

    3. A mini lightweight flat iron that'll evenly distribute heat just like a full-sized one. It's small enough to effortlessly fit into your suitcase, too.

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

    And you'll get a lil' heat-resistant pouch to carry it wherever you go!

    Promising review: "I took this flat iron to Europe for a two week vacation. It did a great job smoothing my hair out. Be sure to check the measurements as it is very small. However, it got the job done for me." —Leslie Webb

    Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ ( available in three colors).

    4. A digital luggage scale that you absolutely need if you dread weighing your bag because it always looks like it might not fit in the overhead compartment. It can weigh luggage up to 110 pounds. This is perfect for anyone who's never thought of using anything else other than the airport scale — or anyone who has just been "eyeballing it" this whole time. Your life is about to be changed! 

    the luggage weight
    Amazon

    Check out this TikTok from BuzzFeed shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly, to see this palm-sized luggage scale in action!

    Promising review: "This luggage scale is so handy and is great for weighing your luggage. I was a little concerned before I got it because I wasn't sure how accurate it would be. When I used it when I went on vacation, it was dead on to what the airport said, so I highly recommend this. Plus, it’s easy to pack in your bags." —Teresa Daniels

    Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in seven colors).

    5. A buckled luggage strap you can hook onto your suitcase to carry your purse, laptop bag, and more. Take your time making it to your boarding gate without worrying about leaving anything behind.

    the strap on a suitcase holding a backpack
    multiple images of the strap being placed on different bags
    Amazon

    Promising review: "I love this little gadget. I used it to attach my jacket and computer bag to my luggage on an extended business trip. It made my airport walks so much easier. Now that I'm back home, I've been using it daily to attach my jacket or cardigan to my work bag or purse." —Michele

    Get it from Amazon for $8.49+ (available in six colors and two-packs).

    6. Or a chic and secure travel belt to attach any handbags to the luggage's handles. Never misplace your purse again because it'll be right where you left it — sitting safely on your suitcase.

    the
    the sand and red colored belt
    Cincha

    Cincha is run by a BIPOC couple 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 $39.99+ (available in two sizes and 23 colors).

    7. A memory foam Ostrich pillow neck cushion that'll keep you from relying on your trusty, but useless donut pillow (that you never even considered replacing, even though you've been getting a crick in your neck). This upgraded version offers 360º natural ergonomic neck support to keep your head upright so you can snooze in comfort. 

    person using the travel pillow
    Amazon

    Promising review: "I bought it for a trip that had two long haul flights as well as various shorter flights. It is almost impossible for me to sleep on a plane, unless I get the full row to lay down. This thing helped me fall asleep almost immediately without waking up every time my head bobbed. I also used it as a nap pillow: your face can fit the hole perfectly as well as the back or side of your head, so it really works well for that too. I highly recommend this pillow!" —MSC7

    Get it from Amazon for $60 (available in four colors).

    8. A convenient six-port USB charger to allow you to plug in several devices at once, and minimize the amount of charging blocks you would throw into your suitcase. Plus, who wants to have to keep up with six different chargers? I'm almost positive you'd end up losing one or two before the trip is over.

    the six port charger
    Amazon

    Promising review: "This USB charger has been awesome for travel since it allows me to skip packing a separate USB brick for each of my devices. It is smart enough to determine whether the device has the capability to quickly charge via higher amperage output and automatically delivers the appropriate output to each device. The LED that indicates that the unit is receiving power is a nice touch, especially when many hotels I stay at seem to have dead power outlets. I use it with an iPad, iPhone, portable Bluetooth speaker, and a portable recharging pack. It handles those devices well and charges them quickly." —Sam Ellis

    Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in black and white).

    9. A designated dirty laundry bag so you can keep your clean clothes separated from anything you've already worn, and desperately need to wash.

    grey dirty laundry bag
    Amazon

    Promising review: "I love this bag for travel. It's the perfect size. Unlike so many travel laundry bags, this one is the perfect size for clothes and undies. So many are too small like a lingerie bag or too big like a bag to take to the laundromat. This is cute and folds up into itself." —N. Newman

    Get it from Amazon for $9.37+ (available in 11 styles).

    10. A travel toothbrush that folds and keeps the bristles clean. The last thing you want is to taste anything other than toothpaste when you go to brush your teeth.

    Promising review: "These are great! I travel around a lot for work, and also have Invisalign, so I like to keep one in my work bag as well as my travel bag. The best part is the convenience. I used to carry a tooth brush in a case that took up a lot of room in my work bag as well as my travel bag. Now I just use these. They are small, durable, easy to use, and the brush is full covered when it is fully closed, which is what I was a little worried about at first. It was exactly what I was looking for in a travel toothbrush. I highly recommend, and I will be purchasing again." —Demetri

    Get it from Amazon for $5.99 (available in two colors).

    11. Vacuum seal bags for anyone who ends up packing their whole wardrobe because they truly believe they'll be making several outfit changes in one day. This space-saving option is excellent for anyone who sleeps on their own pillows and bedding while at the hotel. Each purchase comes with a hand pump so you can remove the air from the bags.

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

    Promising review: "I've used these bags before and they are so helpful. I 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 6-pack from Amazon for $20.99+ (available in five sizes and three pack quantities).

    12. An easily portable and packable handheld steamer to save you some time when you'd rather not spend your time ironing while on vacation. Just give it a few passes and you'll be ready for the day!

    reviewer's super wrinkled shirt
    the shirt next to the smaller-than-an-iron steamer, with wrinkles gone

    Promising review: "Bought this to de-wrinkle some linen tablecloths and lace table runners for my son's wedding reception. It worked very well. Linen tablecloths were a great test for it since they are a fairly hard type of cloth to get wrinkles out of. It only took a few minutes to heat up completely and I used it for a couple of hours nonstop. Overall, I am very happy with this purchase — especially since it was less than $35! You can't go wrong with this handy little steamer. If I had to complain about anything, it would be the size of the water tank. I wish it were slightly bigger, but since it heats up so quickly, there really isn't anything to complain about." —WeekendWarrior2017

    Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in two colors).

    13. A leather organizer because you have spent too much time trying to unravel tangled cords. Just take the time to place each one in its own slot, and you'll have more time to actually enjoy every minute of your vacay.

    a cord organizing pack storing several cords
    Mister Crafter/ Etsy

    Mister Crafter is a small business based in the U.S. that specializes in custom-made leather products.

    Promising review: "A perfect companion taking cords and a 65w charger between the office and home office. Bought one for my son-in-law who travels for work. He loves it as well." —Phillip M.

    Get it from Mister Crafter on Etsy for $34.12+ (available in two colors and sizes and three personalization options).

    14. A handy sunglasses organizer case that'll keep your sunglasses free from scratches, smears, and breaking while you're on vacation. It can be hung up on a wall or it can easily be rolled up for safe transport. Now you won't need to store your sunnies in individual cases.

    reviewer holding closed sunglasses storage case
    sunglasses storage case unlatched and hanging on a hook

    Promising review: "I had been looking at this organizer for a long time before recently purchasing for an upcoming trip to the Bahamas. I have a lot of sunglasses and like being able to have multiple pairs with me on trips, but hate having a bunch of individual cases to deal with. This organizer case is perfect! It exceeded my expectations, which is actually really hard to do. It’s packaged beautifully and is very high quality. It looks to be durable, as well. It’s a very cute case and I love that it holds my glasses snugly so I don’t have to worry about them getting damaged in my suitcase during transport. I highly recommend this organizer case and wish I would’ve bought it four trips ago!!" —Ashley Smith

    Get it from Amazon for $35.49+ (clip the coupon on the product page to save 5%; available in two colors).

    15. A suitcase protector because you're tired of getting mysterious black scratches on your super cute suitcase. It comes in several sizes to fit many types of luggage, and repels stains, water, and dust. You'll finally have some type of defense against the potential damages that may happen to your checked bags.

    Promising review: "I am an Away suitcase fanatic and my favorite color is pink but that makes it hard to keep any checked luggage clean. Found this cover and was skeptical, especially bc I couldn’t figure out sizing so I ordered a few. The away suitcase pictured is the large away and the 28” cover fit it like a glove! So happy to have found this!" —Amanda S.

    Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in four sizes).

    16. An AirTag passport holder if you always seem to leave something behind when you travel. Safely store your passport, vaccine card, ID, credit cards, and more all in one colorful booklet that is sure to catch your eye. If you do end up misplacing it, the AirTag will come in handy when you need to quickly locate it!

    passport holder closed wit airtag chained onto it
    passport holder open

    Promising review: "I purchased this for my college aged son to use while studying abroad and traveling across Europe. He consistently misplaces everything! This has been wonderful for peace of mind." —Jerry&Sam

    Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in eight colors).

    17. A pack of four Apple AirTags that you can put on your luggage (or really any of your belongings) to keep track of them. The simple one-tap setup instantly connects AirTag with your iPhone or iPad. It also comes with a built-in speaker to help you find your lost items.

    Four Apple AirTags
    A screenshot of the location of the AirTag devices

    You can also get a single AirTag for only $24.

    Promising review: "While on a delayed flight from Newark to Dublin I could see one of my bags was not on the plane. This was great information because when we arrived in Dublin I was able to be the first one in line to file a missing bag claim." —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $82.99.

    18. A travel blanket and pillow set to keep you comfortable during those long roadtrips, or even longer layovers in freezing airports. Just unzip the pillow and pull out the blanket if you're cold. Then fold it back into the sleeve to make a pillow. It also clips onto your carry-on for your convenience.

    reviewer using the blanket on a plane
    the pillow attached to a suitcase

    EverSnug is a small business that sells travel sleeping care kits.

    Promising review: "This product in my opinion it is worth it if you are traveling anywhere in the world. I just traveled to five different countries with it and I traveled by airplane by bus by train, and in every single one of my travels. This was a godsend. It is so good so fluffy and it’s good quality because it has been through a lot and it’s still in very good shape so I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a blanket which can potentially turn into a pillow now a lot of people were talking about it not being able to be a pillow if you made it into a blanket but if you have a jacket with you or anything else with your scarf, anything you can put it inside the pillow case and voilà, you have a pillow and a blanket at the same time, so I highly recommend it if you’re traveling, it is a beautiful blanket and you will not be disappointed." —Kenlbel

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

    19. A pack of 12 travel hangers if you packed a few blouses or dresses that need the help of gravity and a little steam to keep them looking good again. They're easy to use and don't take up much space in your luggage. Now you don't have to find space on hooks or shower rods to dry your wet clothes anymore!

    A pack of hangers in their folded states
    An unfolded hanger

    Promising review: "They are so light weight and yet so durable I can’t say enough good things about them. I love the fact that they come in their own bag so that I wouldn’t have multiple hangers flying around my suitcase. I love that now I don’t have to worry about how many hangers the hotel has. This solves that problem instantly. Another big bonus is that if you decide to do laundry you can now hang up your clothes to dry. The hangers are very light and they add relatively nothing to the overall weight of my suitcase. It is the perfect solution for my travel needs." —P. Thomassen

    Get them from Amazon for $12.99.

    20. A portable door lock because you need to feel safe in your home away from home! It only takes a few seconds to install (without tools), and is easy to remove when you're ready to explore the city. Making the most out of any trip is important, but ensuring your safety is the highest priority.

    reviewer holding door lock tool
    door lock tool secured in between door and threshold

    Promising review: "I took my first solo trip & ordered this for extra security. Was super easy to install & didn't require to leave my hotel door ajar for an extended amount of time for installation. My hotel door didn't even move when I tested out the lock. 10/10 recommend for a peace of mind." —Haley Gribble

    Get it from Amazon for $13.49+ (available in three pack sizes).

    21. A pack of 100 compressed toilet paper tablets for those times when you could really use a wet wipe, but without the harsh chemicals and irritating scents. All you need is one little tablet and a few drops of water to get a handy-dandy full-sized moist cloth. And reviewers say that they're pretty durable.

    The compression towels
    an expanded towel after a few drops have been added

    Portawipes is a small company based in Wyoming that sells compressed toilet paper tablets.

    Promising reviews: "I am impressed with the quality of these wipes. They are durable and cheap! They are a must for everyday carry (EDC), first aid, and bug out bags. There are a couple things to keep in mind. You will need a sharp knife to open the hard plastic packaging. Water is required to make the towel expand. Thus, you cannot use the wipe to dry a wet surface, unless you let it dry first." —Justin B.

    "I originally bought these for a backpacking trip into the Wyoming Wilderness. A weight saving move as regular wipes are heavy. Everyone loved these. They weigh nothing and use almost no room in my pack. Easy to use. Add a few drops of water and they expand. Very soft but did not tear. Gave some to my wife for her trip to Spain. She liked them also. Easy to put a tube in her purse, saved a lot of room in her luggage." —KAL In GilbertAZ

    Get a 102-pack from Amazon for $13.98 (also available in more pack sizes).

    22. A portable misting fan with the ability to fold 180° and balance on flat surfaces. It's rechargeable, has three speeds, can continuously spray for about 40 minutes (after fully filling with water), and has a clip to keep it in place if you want to give your hand a break. If you plan on being outside all day while on your trip, then you def need one of these to keep you from over heating.

    reviewer holding handheld fan
    the misting fan on a table

    Promising review: "I took this fan with me on my two weeklong vacation to Italy in the middle of August, and it literally saved my vacation. We had to stand in long lines outside in the heat and inside cathedrals with no air conditioning or cooling. We took tours riding on buses and trains, you name, and the battery life lasted most of the day. It was easy to charge with my little rechargeable battery pack in my backpack. It’s not heavy at all, and I love the way it tilts so that I can put it on the table in front of me on the train or at a cafe. It didn’t tip over easily like my friends’ fan did (not this one). I just love it!" —Tracy L. W.

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

    23. A pack of two disposable bed sheets if the "Beware of Hotel Bedbugs" TikToks have reached your feed and left you paranoid. It comes with two queen bed sheets, two quilt covers, and four pillow cases. You should still sanitize your sleeping area, but at least you'll feel safer knowing that you're not in direct contact with the hotel bedding.

    a collage of pictures that describe the disposable sheet's qualities
    Amazon

    Promising review: "I took these on a recent trip. Stayed at a hotel. Wasn’t sure how they would be. They were GREAT. The drape is puddling smooth. Really comfortable and warm. No crinkling “noise” at all. Planning to order more to keep on hand. Love that pillow case covers are included. Then disposable makes them absolutely perfect. I feel so much better sleeping on sheets I know are clean and impermeable than questionable ones." —Cary K.

    Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two styles and four sizes).

    24. A Bug Bite Thing suction tool for anyone who just wants to go on a hiking trip but unfortunately is also a walking buffet for every bug in the area. It's chemical-free, and can help stop itching caused by bee stings, spider bites, and more. 

    Writer's photo of the Bug Bite Thing next to where she used it on her leg
    Before and after using the Bug Bite Thing suction
    Tasia Bass / BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com

    Promising review: "I live near woods and a lake, so I am CONSTANTLY being terrorized by insects.  I swear, some days I am just minding my own business, grabbing my mail and then I will look down and have three or four bug bites. This helps with the itchiness and swelling! It's not going to make the bite disappear, but it will make the bites less annoying! Once a mosquito bit me on my knuckle (seriously the worst spot) and the suction helped to relieve some of the irritation. I've also used it on a splinter and it's better than trying to get the splinter out with a tweezer. Definitely a great weapon in my ongoing battle with bugs." —Tasia Bass 

    Get it from Amazon for $9.95+ (available in three colors and multipacks). 

    25. An AirFly Pro wireless transmitter because despite the fact that earbuds rarely have cords anymore, airlines have yet to come up with the capability for you to connect to their screens with Bluetooth. This fixes that issue and allows you to watch your airplane movie with crisp sound quality. Now if only the person sitting next to you would stop hogging the armrest. 

    a BuzzFeeder's AirFly pro plugged into a seat back screen on an airplane
    Chelsea Stuart / BuzzFeed

    The AirFly Pro comes with a USB-C charging cable, travel pouch, keychain holder, quick start guide, and manual. Twelve South is a small business that has been creating innovative tech accessories since 2009. 

    See one TikTok user using it with their AirPod Pros here

    Promising review: "Last year I splurged on some AirPod Maxes and for the amount of money I threw down on them, I was determined to get as much use out of them as possible and that included on plane rides. With the AirFly Pro, I can connect my headphones via Bluetooth and use the seat-back screen without having to fiddle with the free wired headphones they hand out that 1.) have horrible sound quality and 2.) don't fit my ears in the slightest (I swear my ear canals are tiny or something??)." —Chelsea Stuart

    Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in three options and two colors).

    26. A set of Sea Bands that uses acupressure to reduce nausea and anxiety. Whether on a long flight or a cruise, these help prevent motion sickness, you you can enjoy your trip with ease. 

    Promising review: "I borrowed these from my mom right before a 10-hour flight and they were exactly what I needed. I get really bad motion sickness even in cars, so a long flight is barely short of torture for me. But these helped so much that I ended up keeping them (sorry mom) for all my flights. Really simple to use: just slip the bands on your wrist with the ball facing your wrist. I put one on both wrists before my flights and then go to sleep. When I land, I am totally fine and don't have to worry about the after effects of motion sickness anymore!" —Tasia Bass

    Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.51+ (available in multiple colors).

    27. A pack of laundry soap sheets so you can wash your outfits on long vacations, allowing you multiple uses while saving you room in your luggage. 

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

    Promising review: "I travel just about any chance that I get and found a WHOLE lot of success with these little laundry sheets on an almost-three-weeks European vacation this summer where I carried on only and rewore outfits several times." —Elizabeth Lilly

    Get 50 sheets from Amazon for $10.95.

    28. A pair of Beats headphones that are not only noise-cancelling — allowing you to tune out the very talkative person sitting near you while you wait to board your plane — but also have a long battery life that will last even a trip halfway across the world. 

    Writer wearing headphones while sitting in a room
    Writer wearing headphones on a walk
    Tasia Bass / BuzzFeed

    Promising review: "I am not a great flyer. So instead of dealing with people trying to chat with me when all I want to do is calm myself, I slip these on and hear nothing but soft classical music and opera songs. They are great at drowning out everything (even the airplane engine was a low hum with these on!!) which is why I find myself wearing them more often than not. Seriously, you can find me walking (dancing) around with these on my head, just in a world of my own.  I own a ton of different headphones, and these are definitely in my top 3. If Beats came out with a pair of gaming headphones, it would be a game-changer. They sit comfortably on your ears and the sound quality is top notch! They are definitely worth the price tag. Also, I am really bad at remembering to charge them, and although they say last 40 hours, I have definitely used them for longer without having to charge. In fact, on my last trip, they last 4 days without needing to be charge." —Tasia Bass

    Get it from Amazon for $90.84+ (available in four colors and two styles). 

    29. Or a set of wireless Bluetooth earbuds, with a ton of rave reviews for their high quality and comfortability — perfect for someone that's looking for something without the hefty price tag.

    These come with a wireless charging case that provides up to 14 hours of charge (with the earbuds able to play for four-plus hours with each full charge). 

    Promising review: "I was able to wear mine comfortably under my bucket hat while I slept on a very rocky bus ride from the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in Iceland. And while I was out exploring, the charging case easily fit in my coat pocket. I also use these on the reg in my everyday life to listen to Spotify and podcasts, and even talk on the phone. I have to charge them about once a week and always keep them in my coat pocket."  —Elizabeth Lilly

    Get it from Amazon $24.99+ (clip the coupon on the product page to get $5 off this price; available in five colors).

    30. A perfume atomizer for when you want to take your favorite fragrance on vacation with you but don't want to deal with TSA telling you that your bottle is over the 3-oz allowance. This refillable tube is so easy to use, you'll never be tempted to also buy the travel size of you favorite scent again.

    atomizer pumping on a perfume bottle
    Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed

    Promising review: "^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." —Elizabeth Lilly

    Get a four-pack from Amazon for $7.99.

    31. A wide brim hat with matching heart sunglasses, that'll keep the sun out of your face whether you're chilling on a beach or walking around Egypt. It comes with three ribbons, so you can change up the look to match your vibe and outfit for the day. 

    BuzzFeeder Tasia Bass wearing yellow wide-brim hat and matching heart-shaped sunglasses
    close-up of Tasia wearing both accessories with a yellow polka-dot top
    Tasia Bass/BuzzFeed

    Promising review: "I love a good sun hat and this one is so cute. It comes with three different ribbons that you can switch out to match your style. It also comes with the matching sunglasses. I've been on a big yellow kick lately, so I just had to have this one. It fits well — and will stretch if you need it to — and the rim is flexible, so you can bend it whatever way works best for you. It also doesn't have that annoying chinstrap most sun hats have. I wore it for my birthday while walking around the giant zoo in Toronto (pictured above) and it definitely helped me keep from getting overheated because it was a really hot day. I also own it in pink and definitely going to go buy the other colors soon." —Tasia Bass

    Get the hat and matching sunglasses from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in six colors).

    32. universal travel adapter because one of the most stressful things about international travel is whether you'll be able to plug in your phone. With four adapters that cover over 150 countries, this will be one less thing to worry about. 

    BuzzFeeder photo of the black adaptor plugged into an outlet, with an iPhone charger plugged into the adaptor
    gif of BuzzFeeder plugging the adaptor into a European outlet and its light turning on to show it's working
    Britt Ross / BuzzFeed

    There are also two USB ports! 

    Promising review: "While the listing says this adapter can't be used in South Africa, India, Switzerland, and Italy, I just used this on my Italian vacation (in five different hotels!) and had zero issues — in fact, it was a complete godsend. Maybe they've updated the design, as I've seen some other reviewers who visited these countries say it worked for them, too. I'm not a tech-guru by any means, but I was able to get it working the very first time I tried it, and luckily for my husband, who did not think to bring an adapter, we were able to charge both his phone and mine every night using the USB ports. Just know that it's primarily meant for charging small devices and not for powering up things like hair dryers and straighteners. I got it in black and it's super sleek-looking, too!" —former BuzzFeeder Britt Ross

    Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three styles).

    33. A neck pillow you can stuff with clothing — even a whole outfit — to give you some comfy flexibility and help get around super strict carry-on size restrictions. The listing says you can even pack three days' worth of clothes in it! Which would especially be welcome if your carry-on-only budget doesn't exactly align with your fashionista status. 

    neck pillow stufed with clothes and looped on a suitcase handle
    the neck pillow empty and change of clothes that were stuffed inside

    Check out a TikTok showing how someone used a similar neck pillow to just take that and a personal item onto a RyanAir flight that was charging for hand luggage. 

    Promising review: "Took it on my trip to Europe. I went carry-on-only and this tube was a true gem! I fit one full outfit in it and it’s so valuable when traveling with only carry-on luggage. On the plane I used it as an arm support. It’s really helpful on a 10-hour flight. What an excellent idea to take something out of the weighted luggage!!! I was able to fit three T-shirts, two light long-sleeve sweatshirts, and one pair of underwear. I usually like to have a change of clothes with me on the plane, especially on transatlantic flights, so I can change it on the layover, just feels fresher." —Happy Shopper

    Get it from Amazon for $37.95.

    34. A portable charger for your phone that you can also wrap your Apple Watch around to charge. Portable chargers can bulk up and weigh down your day bag and personal items so you might as well find one that can at least pull double duty. 

    Check out a TikTok featuring this charger.

    Promising review: "I took this charger on a trip to Japan. I was able to charge my iPhone 11 Pro and my watch while out and about. I usually walked 10–12 miles per day and used a sleep app. So, I’d charge my watch and phone while eating at restaurants or put it in my purse. I used Google Maps a lot so it was good to have a charged phone and watch. Now that I’m back, I often use the charger to charge my watch while I’m working (when I opt to sit). I get several chargers with the watch on a single battery charge. Plus, I love taking this device when going out to be able to charge my phone and watch. One thing I wish was better but doesn’t deter me from using this at all is the lightning charger. I wish there was an additional port where I could plug in my own so I could choose the length of the cable. The built in one is nice but it’s short." —Riko

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

    35. Plus a portable handheld fan that's also a power bank *and* flashlight. So you'll be sure to find all sorts of uses for it.

    Reviewer holding up small black handheld fan
    The fan propped on a table blowing air

    Check out a TikTok of the portable fan in action. 

    Promising review: "This fan works so well, keeps me cool when I’m on the beach or sitting outside in the sun. The battery life is amazing but it takes a while to charge up." —Amanda Clerk

    Get it from Amazon for $14.39+ (available in four colors). 

    36. An airplane seat back organizer because those seat back pockets are NEVER as big as you need them to be. With this you can actually store your snacks, water bottle, and so much more without having to get up and get stuff out of the overhead throughout your flight. 

    Promising review: "Very useful especially when traveling with kids. Provided easy access and storage to things like water bottle, hand sanitizer, snacks, wipes, headphones. I didn't have to access my carry-on." —JJ

    Get it from Amazon for $29.99.

    37. Plus a drink holder if you're a window seat person (what a view!) and never have all the room you need during beverage service on that tiny tray table. You can also put your phone, glasses, headphones, and other essentials there too. 

    the tray attached to a window ledge holding two drinks, a phone, and a pair of glasses
    Amazon

    Heads up — you can only use this if you're sitting in a seat that has access to a full window!

    Promising review: "I used this for the first time on a 737. It was fabulous! It didn't intrude into my sitting space nearly as much as I expected. Because the actual window is recessed from the side wall, this only sticks out from the side wall about an inch. If you're considering this, you likely fly enough to know that seats aren't always aligned with the windows. If your window happens to be right beside your seat or the seat in front of you, this won't be of much use. But because it doesn't jut out as much as I thought, you can use it in more situations than I expected. And when you can use it, it's great! I love not having to have my entire tray table down just to hold a 3-inch cup. My only suggestion would be to add a place to hold trash until the flight attendant picks it up. This is very small, very lightweight, and very useful. I'll be taking it on every flight from here on." —JBC

    Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

    38. A compact eight-compartment pill organizer so you'll have space for all the stuff you take from all the delicious food that sometimes makes you feel bad on your travels. Plus! As one TikToker points out, you can use any empty compartments to store your earrings.  

    reviewer image of the pill organizer in green, full of different pills
    Reviewer holding their pill organizer filled with pills and with the compartments labeled
    Same reviewer holding their closed pill organizer

    Promising review: "My husband and I travel a lot and take a number of prescription drugs. It was always a hassle accessing our medication when needed, so I purchased this organizer to make things easier. I used a label maker and labeled each little compartment and it has performed wonderfully. I highly recommend this organizer to anyone who travels and needs medications throughout the day." —Jacqueline

    Get a three-pack from Amazon for $5.78.

    39. pair of sunglasses that said "I'll raise the stakes" when they heard about those bottle-opener flip-flops you used to pull out as a party trick (and save you a few min scrounging through your rental house's kitchen for a bottle opener). Talk about an essential for every waterside vacation moving forward. 

    tortoise-shell sunglasses with a bottle opener
    end of the sunglasses being used to open a longneck bottle of beer
    Amazon

    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 beer 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 two colors).

    Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

    40. Some anti-pickpocketing clips that'll easily attach two zippers and keep them unable to quickly zip open. This'll be a great way to make the bags and luggage you already own a little safer. 

    close up of the clip
    the clip in use for suitcase zippers
    Amazon

    Promising review: "Prefect for international travel! Easy to use and protected against theft/pickpockets. Used it on my recent trip to Europe!" —Rachel Bristol

    Get a four-pack from Amazon for $12.99 (available in three color combos). 

    41. A pack of LeakLocks Toiletry Skins you can slip onto the tops of your full-size toiletries because even though you're flying and it pains you to pay to check a bag, you don't wanna deal with decanting your toiletries or seeking out travel size versions. But most importantly, they'll keep stuff from leaking out onto all the other stuff in your suitcase.  

    Rinseroo is a small business specializing in problem-solving cleaning, pet, and travel products. 

    Promising review: "I used these on my travel toiletries on a month-long road trip. On several occasions, the toiletry lids opened, but none of the product leaked out of the toiletry skins. I was even able to pour the leaked shampoo back into the bottle. I rinsed out the skin and placed it back on for the next leg of my journey. These are my new travel must-haves." —Tyson Mohr

    Get a four-pack from Amazon for $11.99 (available in five colors and in an eight-pack). 

    42. A flat RFID-blocking fanny pack that'll work underneath your clothes or as just a regular waist bag. 

    A person wearing a travel purse belt with multiple compartments around their waist
    Amazon

    Promising review: "This product was just as described. It fits comfortably and securely. I plan to use mine with international travel, so my cards and documents are handy." —DSCin AZ

    Get it from Amazon for $23.95 (available in three colors).