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 waterproof pouch that will keep your phone and money dry while you enjoy the great outdoors. Plus, you can still use the touchscreen with it, because if you don't Instagram your vacay, did it even happen?
It's designed to fit any phone up to 100mm x 170mm (or about 3.9 inches x 6.7 inches). And not only will it keep your phone protected from water, but it will also keep sand and dirt out.
Promising review: "This item is a must-have for family vacations anywhere near or in the water! I had no problems whatsoever with this product and many people during our last vacation kept asking us where we got them. My phone stayed dry, and I could take pictures, text, and surf the web without any problems! I would highly recommend this product to anyone!" —Zatanna Winters
Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in 14 colors).
2. A portable lock box you can secure around two beach chairs to store your valuables while you take a dip. You'll be thinking about the glowing suntan you're getting, not your unattended iPhone.
Promising review: "This is a must-have for vacations. We took it to Atlantis in the Bahamas. It worked perfectly. Held our phones, room keys, etc while we were out enjoying the beach or pool. Just looped it to beach chair or table. Highly recommended." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $44.95+ (available in five colors).
3. A cup holder adapter so it can hold more than just your spare change. After all, road trips are easier with your trusty Hydroflask water bottle by your side.
4. A portable charger to save your phone battery while you FaceTime all of your friends from the beach. Plug this lil' powerhouse right into your device (no cord required) and you're golden.
Promising review: "This is so much better than those stupid heavy bar chargers and require you to bring alone a cord as well. I love that it fully charges your phone. It's a must-have for vacations and days at the beach." —Heather J. Mangrum
Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in six colors).
5. A Trtl neck pillow that is a game changer for in-flight naps. It's designed to support your head and neck so that you can get some shut-eye without waking up with aches and pains.
Promising review: "This thing is the greatest thing invented since chicken and biscuits. It's like a nice scarf with just enough support to keep your neck just in the right position. I highly recommend it. Works great with big headphones, too." —Deana Hero
Get it from Amazon for $59.99 (available in four colors).
6. A travel wallet with an RFID-blocking shield material to keep your credit card information safe when you're on the go. It's got lots of dedicated compartments so you can whip out your ID without spilling your other items onto the floor.
The wallet has a passport pocket, boarding pass compartment, three credit card slots, an ID slot, a slim card pouch, slim pocket, a ticket slot, a cellphone pouch, a coin zippered pocket, key holder, and pen holder.
Promising review: "I absolutely love this wallet. I needed a new travel wallet, and this holds everything I need all in one place, and it still closes nicely and stays flat! I can fit my boarding pass, passport, ID, credit cards, money, checked baggage tickets, receipts, and more in it, yet it doesn’t bulk up or look like an overstuffed mess. It's just amazing. The description says it only holds US money, but I just used the boarding pass flap to hold all my Japanese Yen (¥), which are larger. I didn’t use the zippered pocket for coins as I much prefer a separate coin purse for that sort of thing. I definitely recommend to anyone who travels a lot!" —Anthony Luu
Get it from Amazon for $10.79+ (available in 37 colors).
7. Alleyoop's pen pal for the most innovative way to travel with makeup. You'll have eyeliner, brow liner, lip liner, and a highlighter right at your fingertips for easy touch ups without the hassle of packing full-size products.
8. AirFly, a wireless transmitter that'll connect your AirPods (or any other wireless headphones) to the headphone jack on your in-flight TV. Enjoy all of the free entertainment you want without the frustration of wired earbuds.
It also comes with a USB-C charging cable, travel pouch, keychain holder, quick-start guide, and a manual.
Promising review: "If you have a wireless earpiece and fly frequently, this is a must-have. Most newer planes have a monitor on the seat backs which enable you watch movies, etc. This unit enables you to do it using your wireless earpiece. Connection is simple and automatic once you have initially paired your device or devices. It's convenient. I'm happy with the purchase." —JCE
Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in three styles and two colors).
9. A travel belt because nothing should stop you from bringing your favorite purse when you fly. With this, you won't have to juggle keeping your bag on your shoulder, pulling a rolling suitcase, and finding your boarding pass on your phone.
The travel belt is adjustable to 38 inches so it will fit most bags.
BTW — Cincha Travel is a small Cali-based biz started by a BIPOC couple that makes these adjustable straps from vegan leather. The brand also donates 100 airline miles for each purchase, which are used to reconnect separated migrant families.
Promising review: "Love this! I am constantly struggling between holding my jacket and two carry-ons. This is the perfect solution! I can’t wait to start using it when I’m back to regular business travel." —Allison
Get it from Cincha Travel for $39.99 (available in 14 colors and designs; can be monogrammed for an additional $17).
10. A Béis suitcase with an indicator on the side that will turn red if it weighs more than 50 lbs. Pack everything you need for your next excursion and avoid extra baggage fees with this pretty lil' thing.
See founder Shay Mitchell showing how the weight indicator works.
Promising review: "I love this bag so so much, it has an amazing amount of storage that is well thought out and spacious. The bag's color is also the perfect color of beige and did not pick up too many scuffs while traveling. The sections inside of the bag were also thought out well and helped me utilize the space as best as possible." —Hannah Z.
Get it from Béis for $328 (available in nine colors).
11. A travel pouch so you can keep your favorite friends (such as your money, credit cards, and a copy of your passport) close and pickpockets far away. Travel in confidence knowing that you always have your essentials on you.
Promising reviews: "This was a LIFESAVER while traveling. I kept my cards and cash in it and had no stress about thieves lifting my essentials while traveling heavily pickpocketed cities. I loved it so much, I actually continued to use it when I got home instead of carrying a purse! The top flap did start to unravel after about six months — but this was also after six months of everyday use." —Krista Hinz
Get it from Amazon for $16.30+ (available in two colors).
12. A portable neck fan for a hands-free cooling option that keeps you from becoming an overheated grump. It charges via USB, has three speed options, and rotating fans to deliver the chill you need.
Promising review: "A++++++. This was a lifesaver during my WDW vacation this week. Temps felt like 105 degrees, 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!! I love this fan so much." —Jacquelyn
Get it from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in seven colors).
13. A hands-free phone mount you can stick on tray tables, chair arms, and even suitcase handles for easy viewing wherever you are. Because it's no fun watching a movie while holding your screen, is it?
Promising review: "I travel a lot and this (with my AirPods) are my must-haves. I download a couple of movies to my phone, clip it up, and sit back and relax. Fits with the tray table closed. I have had so many people ask me where I got it. I bought it after seeing another passenger with one. 10/10" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $10.97+ (available in three colors and packs of one or two).
14. Some biodegradable hypoallergenic wipes because running to your gate or sitting on a long flight can leave you feeling gross. Stash these wipes in your bag to freshen up during your two-hour layover.
15. An international power converter so you can enjoy the comforts of home wherever you go. It has a detachable power cable and four different sockets, plus voltage converters so you don't short your hair straightener on the first day of your trip.
Promising review: "This is a must-have item for travelers. It looks and works great! As an international traveler, this is very useful for me. I love that I can use it when I’m in the US as an extension with four USB ports. It also comes with handy bag to keep everything together including the plugs for different country standards. I highly recommend this product." —Mary Panam
Get it from Amazon for $39.99.
17. A portable espresso maker because caffeine is *always* necessary. Use your favorite Nespresso pods to easily make a delightful cup, no matter where you are.
18. A pack of collapsible pails to bring along on your next beach vacation so the kids can always have their bucket of choice. Or, if you're going on a camping trip, they're great food and water bowls for your pooch — the list of uses goes on and on.
Promising review: "We travel a lot, carry on back pack only style. I try to find ways to not over stuff my bag as I don’t like to check bags. With this collapsing bucket, my son is now able to take beach toys to the beach. Before we didn’t pack sand bucket because they took up too much space. These are perfect for travel." —Khrys Monet
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in three sizes).
19. A velvet jewelry case for packing your earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings without them becoming aa tangled mess when you arrive. *Cut to me spending an hour trying to get a knot out of my chain*
20. An inflatable foot rest that can be blown up to three different heights for putting your feet up in a car, a hotel room, or even on a plane. It also comes with an eye mask, earplugs, dust cover, and drawstring bag.
Promising review: "This is a must-have for long flights! If you can't afford first-class seats like me, get this! I took a flight from LA to South Africa, and this saved me! It's easy to blow up and works great to elevate your feet to sleep. It does take up most of your space so if you don't have under-seat room, you will not have much other space. It is a little challenging it get it back in the travel bag, but I did it." —RSJ
Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in four colors and also as a two-pack).
21. A bubble makeup brush holder to protect your makeup brushes when you stash them in your toiletry bag. No more streaks of unknown substance on your face that it picked up while rolling around in there. These holders are made of silicone and slide right over your brush (or multiple brushes, if they're smaller).
22. A collapsible water bottle that takes up minimal room in your bag, but unrolls to save you from having to buy a drink at the airport. Space *and* money saving? Yes, please.
23. A compression sock designed for anyone who suffers from foot pain. This sleeve will give you the arch support you need to stay ache-free when you go on a walking tour, out shopping, or wandering.
Promising review: "I'm dealing with falling arches and one foot attempting to develop a heel spur. I had some travel coming up that was likely to involve a good bit of walking, so in addition to trying to make sure I had decent shoes, I thought some compression socks might be a nice addition to my travel bag. I was pleased to find this toe-less variety, as I'd heard of compression socks causing toe problems. I'm really happy to say the fit and comfort on these is perfect — in addition to being large, my feet also have pretty sensitive skin on top and these socks don't bother me even after several hours of wear. I've even slept wearing them with no irritation! They also definitely make my feet feel better; soon after I put them on, my aches and pains will fade off (not always completely but always noticeably!) and my feet are much happier. I was glad to have them on my trip, and I really enjoy wearing them around the house after a tiring day." —A. Phillips
Get them from Amazon for $10.95+ (available in four sizes and nine colors).
24. A portable door alarm to help you get a good night's sleep knowing that you're safe in your room. If triggered, this lets out a loud sound which will wake you up and ward off any unsavory characters.
25. A retractable lint roller that is refillable so you'll have a hair-free 'fit no matter where you're going. Basic, but essential.
26. A sand-free towel so you can avoid the single most annoying beach blanket problem. The parachute nylon material is also durable and water repellant.
Promising review: "This is a must-have beach item. When we are on vacation where there are beaches, we always bring this product. It has been to Hawaii as well as European beaches and is still in great shape after numerous uses. Storage is easy and compact, so it doesn't take up space in luggage. The material is comfortable and the anchors work just fine wherever we have gone. I'd buy this product again." —STR
Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (also available as part of a bundle).
27. A portable rain hood for making any jacket a rain coat. You no longer have to pack that one that feels like wearing a trash bag — hooray!
All it is is a hood attached to a vest you wear under *any* jacket to protect yourself (and your hair) from whatever the weather has planned.
Promising review: "I love this! The quality is very nice and it fits great. Wore it last week in the rain with a coat I love that doesn't have a hood and it was perfect. It slips right under your jacket so all you see is the hood, so it pretty much blends in with your jacket. Such a great idea! Wish there were more colors and patterns, I'd order more." —Jill Hammel
Get it from Amazon for $29 (available in two sizes).
28. A duffel bag that starts out as a garment bag to keep suits and dresses wrinkle free. Once zipped up, it's got room for your other stuff as well. Nifty, right?!
Plus, the bag is water-resistant and has two exterior zip pockets, two interior shoe pockets, and a padded handle wrap. Yes, this one bag really can do it all.
Promising review: "I purchased this in preparation for some day trips for work and it sure did the job. My suit stayed crisp and I was able to fit everything I needed. The bag feels very durable, which I can't say for some of my other bags that cost five times the amount. Although many bags have a separate compartment for shoes, be careful not to overlook the importance of this feature when shopping for luggage. The last thing you want is to wake up and get dressed, only to find that something on the bottom of your shoes found its way onto your clothes. The side pockets make it easy to get essentials out of your bag, including when it's in the overhead bin on a plane." —Ronald
Get it from Amazon for $36.88+ (available in eight colors).
29. A compact bag — it takes up minimal suitcase space and unfolds into the vacation tote of your dreams. It has an interior zip pocket for smaller essentials (that it neatly packs into when being packed, BTW).
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 colors and designs).
30. A LifeStraw that removes 99.99% of bacteria and parasites from water. On a hike and forgot your Camelbak? Have no fear, LifeStraw is here.
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.