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 set of compression organizers for keeping clothing and undergarments neat and orderly in your suitcase, which may just leave you enough room to get that extra souvenir you probably wouldn't have had room for if you didn't own these babies.
Promising reviews: "I'm a flight attendant. Great for my four- to five-day trips when I need to pack extra!" —Amazon Customer
"These bags are amazing! Everything fits, and the compression keeps everything in order and leaves space for last-minute additions. No more emptying the suitcase looking for an item. So easy and organized. My travel life just became 100% easier! Highly recommend them." —LYNN vT
Get a pack of six from Amazon for $33.99 (available in a variety of colors and as a pack of two or four).
2. A portable door lock — it'll provide some extra security and peace of mind in hotel rooms, hostels, and Airbnbs.
Just be aware that this may get flagged if you bring it through security, so it's best to bring this in a checked bag!
Promising review: "I bought this to use in an Airbnb in an unfamiliar residential area. The lock system was easy to use, worked perfectly, and allowed my family to enjoy our vacation without worrying about security. It's a simple product that works!" —G. Mills
Get it from Amazon for $11.99.
3. Or a wedge doorstop that serves two important purposes: It prevents your room door from opening when you don't want it to, and it sounds a loud alarm to alert you if someone is trying to open said door.
Promising review: "This small-but-very-capable product outpreformed itself on our recent vacation with our grandkids. While his mother and sister slept, our 3-year-old grandson tried to sneak out of their motel room. Fortunately, we had given our daughter one of these alarms. He only managed to pull on the door and the very loud alarm sent him running back to bed. He never tried to get out again. Would highly recommend this product." —evie
Get it from Amazon for $13.25.
4. A twist memory foam travel pillow so you can finally doze off in a position comfy enough for your head and neck. I think all travel pillows should be this adjustable to your personal preferences.
Promising review: "I’m a flight attendant and I travel with this pillow all the time! In hotel rooms I use it to support my neck, on the plane I use it to support my lumbar area. When I drive it helps my lower back. I love that it has a liner that can be removed to wash. I bought my boyfriend one too and it goes everywhere we do!" —Debbie
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in seven colors).
5. A super cool capsule bundle — these little containers are great for holding medication, skincare, and other liquids/creams. They're TSA-approved so you don't need to worry about buying travel-sized versions of products you don't even use, come in a bunch of lovely colors to mix and match, and they're magnetic so feel free to re-arrange them however you'd like!
Cadence is an AAPI woman-owned small biz that sells awesome travel products that help eliminate the need for single-use travel-sized plastics.
My colleague, Abby Kass, owns these and loves them! Here's what she has to say:
"I recently got a set of four of these, and, wow, I love them so much. I used them on a six-day trip recently, and they were perfect. I customized the label so I knew which one was my shampoo vs. conditioner and did a general label for any other things I wanted to bring along. They do hold a surprising amount. According to the brand, they hold approximately one to two weeks of skincare products, more than two weeks' worth of serum, two to three days' worth of haircare, and more than 15 tablets (for medicine and such). And while two to three days worth of haircare might not seem like enough, I found it held more than that for me, but I also don't wash my hair every single day. They were small enough to slip right into my toiletries bag and go through TSA with no problem. The container was easy to open in the shower (even with wet hands), and I had no leakage from them (like I did from my face wash bottle that will not be making the trip with me next time, SMH). These are an incredibly useful tool anyone who travels will want in their luggage."
Get a set of six from Cadence for $76 (available in eight colors).
6. An AirFly Pro wireless transmitter that'll allow you to connect your wireless earbuds to the airplane entertainment system. Watching your favorite shows/movies with clear sound is a heck of a lot better than the static that comes with the junk headphones the airline tries to sell you.
Promising review: "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 multiple headsets! Thank you!!!" —Ryan Malloy
Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in three styles).
7. And a phone mount if you're traveling on a plane with *gasp* no entertainment system. Download your favorite shows and movies before boarding and you're all set! This is also great if you're someone who likes following along with the flight map and watching something at the same time OR if you just really don't like any of the entertainment offerings.
Promising review: "I bought this nifty gadget about six months ago 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 three colors and in a set of two).
8. A cable organizer bag because tossing all your chargers and wired devices into your luggage and having to detangle all of them once you get to your destination is a game no one wants to play — especially when your phone battery is in the red zone and you only have a little bit of time to juice it up before heading out for dinner.
Mr. Crafter is a small biz that specializes in personalized leather travel and tech accessories.
Promising review: "Absolutely beautiful! The custom lettering came out perfectly and it can easily hold two battery packs and all the cords we could ever need for traveling with cellphones, iPads, and our Switch. So pleased with the craftsmanship! Wonderful purchase. <3" —Sarah Kavaljian
Get it from Mr. Crafter on Etsy for $39.80+ (available in two sizes, in black or brown, and several engraving options).
9. A portable digital luggage scale to prevent paying an overweight baggage fee at the airport. Is there anything worse than the gut-wrenching moment the scale at the airline counter reveals your suitcase is a few pounds too heavy?
You can also switch between pound and kilogram measurements.
Promising review: "This scale works and was accurate on four flights. First flight was a test at 46 pounds and Delta scales said it was 46 pounds. The next two flights were at 49 pounds and both United and Delta found it to be 49 pounds. The bag on the fourth flight weighed 49 but the United scale found it to be 48 pounds. Four different airports and scales proved that this scale is a good, low cost must have item for air travel." —Robert
Get it from Amazon for $9.39+ (available in four colors and also available as a two-pack).
10. A stroller that *actually* folds up small enough to fit as a carry-on in the plane's overhead compartments. Let's be real: You and your kiddo who has been screaming their head off since takeoff do NOT wanna wait to retrieve a checked stroller and now you won't have to.
Fun fact: This stroller was awarded a Guinness World Record in 2014 for the most compact stroller! It weighs 9.5 pounds and has a weight limit of 55 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 $219.99.
11. An acupressure anti-nausea wristband — it claims to ward off motion sickness and nausea, minus the drowsiness side effect found in most nausea medications.
For more info on how to use acupressure for nausea management, check out this guide from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Promising review: "These wrist bands are amazing. I purchased these for a 12-hour plane ride. I usually have nausea and anxiety while flying, but these wrist bands had me feeling great. I also used them while whale watching on a rocky boat and once again felt great. With these wrist bands, I am able to enjoy traveling with my mind at ease." —Amazon Customer
Get a pair from Amazon for $8.53.
12. A pack of foldable hangers because the five hangers (if that?!) the hotel provides just isn't enough. You shouldn't have to risk getting your favorite blouse all wrinkled up because all the hangers are already being used to hold the dresses you brought.
13. A pack of EarPlanes — ear plugs designed to help ease the pain that comes with the sudden pressure change during takeoff. These are also great if you're driving to a destination at high altitude or if you're simply just trying to drown out the sound of a crying baby so you can sleep.
Promising review: "Never fly without these! Before I found these, I endured excruciating pain in my ears upon descent and landing. Felt like a hot poker being driven into each ear. My ears would also be plugged up, and it would often take two to three days for them to resume their normal state of being. I insert them about an hour before landing, as the plane is making its slow descent. I'm comfortable, and the most discomfort I experience is a slight adjustment of pressure feeling in my sinus. NO PAIN. NO TEARS." —K. Tombrella
Get a pack with four pairs from Amazon for $23.95 (also available in packs of five and 10 pairs).
14. A luggage caddy so making a pit stop at the airport Starbucks for a caramel macchiato and a breakfast sandwich doesn't mean having to juggle your food/drink on the way to your gate.
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, I dropped and spilled my drink everywhere when it was my turn to check my passport and ticket. It was a nightmare! This time, I bought this cup holder to 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 $15.99 (clip the coupon on the product page to get $1 off this price; available in 27 colors/patterns).
15. An anti-theft backpack designed with a zipper-less front that'll make it near impossible for pickpockets to swipe at your important belongings. Instead, the zipper is located on the back panel and totally hidden from thieves.
Promising review: "This is a must-buy for international travelers! I cannot say enough amazing things about this backpack. It’s surprisingly spacious for how small the bag is, which makes it portable/practical and comfortable while having it on. This backpack lasted an entire trip through multiple airports and layovers, and all across our trip through Europe. It was amazing. Because the main zipper sat against my back, I never worried about getting my items stolen. But I also had the luxury of having the two front zippers that were also surprisingly spacious to hold non-precious items such as water bottles or cheap sunglasses, etc. This backpack also is extremely durable. It was the perfect day pack to gather knick-knacks and souvenirs for friends and family and hold whatever I shoved in it! Can we also take time to appreciate how cute this backpack is as well! It went with all my outfits due to the neutral color and had the side strap if we went out to a fancy restaurant. I could easily turn it from a backpack to a purse in seconds! A MUST-HAVE!" —H Bradshaw
Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in two sizes and 14 colors).
16. Or this hidden pouch if you're looking for a smaller option (or just an extra cautious way to travel with your cash and cards). It clips onto a bra so your $$ stays safe, sound, and tucked away.
Promising review: "I would recommend this for international travel. I wore it attached to my bra strap on my back. I usually carry a backpack when I travel, so it hid this well. A light jacket or sweater will keep it hidden. The fabric is very soft, so I would forget I was wearing it. Not good if you are wearing tight clothing. But, I would put my money, credit cards, paper copies of my passport in it. It's much more comfortable for me than a belt." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $18.95.
17. A smol white noise machine because you don't wanna be the person asking the hotel front desk for a room change, but you also reallllly don't wanna be in the hotel room next to the elevator AND the ice machine.
Promising reviews: "This little guy puts out sound that can be adjusted from soft to incredibly loud. Really quite amazing. It runs for a few nights on one charge. Great addition to my travel essentials." —G. P. M.
"I was skeptical at first about how well this little noise machine would work in my hotel room (I am a frequent business traveler). However, skepticism gave way to satisfaction. This little sound machine blocked out hotel noises very well and helped me sleep through the night. For a little machine, it provides very good volume and different noise options. I highly recommend this product!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $25.35+ (available in five styles/variety packs).
18. A pack of perfume atomizers for bringing your signature scent on your next trip without needing a checked bag just so you can bring a reg. perfume bottle, purchasing the expensive travel-sized version, or settling on a scent you don't typically use or particularly like just because you can get it through TSA.
Promising review: "I bought these due to traveling a lot for work and needing to cut down on the size of things in my carry-on bag for flying. I can bring four different perfumes now instead of one big one. They’re super easy to fill and haven’t leaked so far, but I keep them in a sandwich baggie while traveling just in case. I would 100% buy them again." —Emily
Get a four-pack from Amazon for $8.65.
19. An international power converter because whether you've traveled to a different country before or not, this is your PSA/reminder that outlets vary in different continents and you're gonna wanna be PREPARED! Damaging your hair styling tools or tech items while you're thousands of miles away from home wouldn't be very slay, now would it!
Promising review: "I was traveling to several places in Europe and needed a travel charger that could easily fit in the electrical outlets overseas and safely recharge my US rated appliances without frying. And along came this voltage converter that did the job very effectively while traveling in Italy, Greece, Turkey, Hungary, and Spain. Although the item is bit bulky from my own carrying convenience point of view, it's quite manageable nonetheless. I've been very happy using this as a voltage converter while traveling the continent. It's a keeper for me for any future travel." —Expatriot
Get it from Amazon for $39.88 (clip the coupon on the product page to get 10% off this price).
20. A collapsible water bottle — as much as you may love your stainless-steel one at home, leave it there during your trip. It'll be much easier to carry around this lightweight option when you're out and about on excursions and city tours, trust.
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 my 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 $34.95 (available in two colors).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.