1. A digital luggage scale will make sure that you aren't slammed with an overweight luggage fee (ugh) or having to move stuff from your checked bag to your carry-on to avoid said fee (also, ugh). 

www.amazon.com

You can also switch between pound and kilogram measurements. 

I tested this digital luggage scale out when packing for a trip to Iceland — check out my demo of how it works on TikTok!

Promising review: "Very handy and easy to use. This travels with me for every flight now. Lifesaver when you're close to the airline luggage weight limits. Been pretty close to the airport scale readings." —Catherine

Get it from Amazon for $9.39+ (available in five colors and a two-pack).

2. A set of Sea Bands with a little nub that targets the acupuncture point on your wrists meant to help reduce nausea. This'll be great in case anyone gets motion sick in the car or on a boatride.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These are all I need on the high seas! Work for me every trip! Be sure to place them correctly and recheck throughout the day. Keep them on 24/7 if you're on a ship." —Teacher32

Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.47.

3. A set of DEET-free handy mosquito-repelling bracelets in case the thought of putting something else on your skin besides SPF (like smelly bug repellent) sounds like a total nightmare. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Cliganic is a small biz specializing in health and wellness products. Check out a TikTok of the mosquito-repelling bracelets in action. 

Promising review: "I pack these for every trip! I wear mine on my ankle if I don't want it to ruin the look of my outfit. They do work." —AmazonAddict

Get a 10-pack from Amazon for$8.49. 

4. 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. 

www.amazon.com

Check out a TikTok of the Airplane Pockets tray tablecover in action. 

Airplane Pockets is a small business that specializes in sanitary, portable travel organization products. 

My colleague Emma Lord owns and loves this: "I used this on a roundtrip from NYC to Tokyo, both with connecting flights in Canada, and cannot sing its praises enough. It fit all four of the different tray tables I used it on and was so ridiculously handy for keeping track of all my littler odds and ends like AirPods, the plane's headphones, earplugs, a sleep mask, a book, gum, a scrunchie, and little snacks. The hanging end of it easily tucked into the built-in sleeve of the seat in front of me for takeoff and when other passengers needed to scoot past me in my aisle seat. Usually, I feel like a hot mess and get frustrated rooting around in the grimy sleeve for my stuff, and this was such a refreshing solution! Several flight attendants even asked where I got it to buy one for themselves!"

Promising review: "I have taken it on every trip since I bought it. I love it, so easy to just tuck things away and not forget them in the back of the plane seats!" —Kevin H.

Get it from Amazon for $24.99.

5. A Venus travel razor that'll spare you some precious space in your bag without sacrificing quality. On a recent cruise, it didn't take up too much room on the minuscule shower shelf so I wasn't fighting for space *as* much while feeling like Buddy The Elf in the shower. 

Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed

File this as another item that I've included in what feels like a million travel stories and finally tried out for myself. I always thought, "Why bother with a razor that's not THAT much smaller than a regular one?" I think a cruise is the best use case for this. It bought a LITTLE more space in my personal item backpack (my beloved Beis!) and bought me a LOT more space on my shower shelf. 

Promising review: "Perfect compact size for traveling. The case also travels well and allows for water drainage to prevent trapping humidity and rusting. I appreciate that the handle can be reused with replacement blades. This comes with me on every trip." —Amazon0101 Customer

Get it from Amazon for$12.19 (includes a refill). 

6. A portable door lock to attach to any regular old door for your hotel, vacation rental, room in a guest house, or, well, just any door. It's super easy to install and won't damage the door. It'll be a comfort for solo travelers, especially. 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Just make sure that if you pack in your carry-on, it's easily accessible because I've had TSA pull me aside a few times to see what it is. 

Promising review: "My best guy friend bought this for me and I love it. I’m a flight attendant and am in hotels 4–5 nights a week. Sometimes the 'locks' just don’t feel sturdy enough. This device gives me an extra layer of security and allows me to sleep at night. I keep it in my flight bag." —Emilia Duren

"So easy to install! Works great, a must buy. I take it with me on every trip." —Bri

Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (also available in packs of two and four).

7. An Apple AirTag for each bag to give you some peace of mind while you wonder how your checked bag is doing in the hold below. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Storytime: I finally bought a couple of Apple AirTags during 2022 Black Friday sales. And I am SO grateful I did. My normal carry-on bag was too big to fit the Lufthansa luggage requirements (and BOY, do they check that!) so I had to check my bags for a December 2022 trip to Vienna and back from Prague (with a layover in Frankfurt). My bag didn't make it onto the plane in Frankfurt, and once I landed in Newark, New Jersey, I pulled up the app on my phone and saw that yes, my backpack AirTag was indeed with me, but my suitcase AirTag was still in Germany. (The screen grab is from an Amazon review, but you get the gist.) The AirTag also helped me track FedEx's delivery of the suitcase to my parents' house, where I was spending the holidays immediately after my Europe trip ended. I was even able to see it on a highway less than an hour's drive from my parents' house. TL;DR: I think AirTags are very much a worthwhile investment if you travel a few times a year. And I'm not the only one who thinks so. I always travel with them now!

Get it from Amazon for $24. 

8. A luggage-mounted cup caddy with a pocket for your bagel or croissant (look at you being fancy so early in the morning!) so you can steer your way to your airport gate with your caffeine in tow. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I use this on every trip. I take it off my carry-on when I’m not using it, but it’s great for hands-free travel as you navigate through the airport." —Lori

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in various and patterns). 

9. A flat RFID-blocking fanny pack can work underneath your clothes or as just a regular waist bag. So it's a little go with the flow — within reason. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Take it everywhere. Can fit pretty much whatever you need on the go (phone charger, lip balm, wallet). I take it on every trip I go on, good materials, super slim for under shirts, clip is great and easy." —TJ

Get it from Amazon for $12.76 (available in 18 styles and two sizes). 

10. An anti-theft neck wallet that's also RFID-blocking so you'll more easily navigate your cruise-ship excursions without having to keep your hands hovering over your pockets the entire time. Pickpockets exist, and you've gotta be aware of 'em, but let's focus on taking in the sights. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "We use these on every trip we take. So far we have used them in NYC, Alaska, and the Caribbean. We didn't want a flimsy plastic holder and wanted something with zippers. It is ideal for putting underneath your shirt to keep your ID, money, and cards close and away from pickpockets. The neck strap is long, so it fits nicely. The side zippered pocket is ideal for putting your money in there, and it will not fall out. The front ID cover is perfect for cruises, so you can keep both your personal and cruise ID cards in it. There is a nice deep pocket that I use for various things, i.e., receipts, phone, and tickets. We never travel without these, and I highly recommend them for travelling. Lightweight enough to carry, plenty of room for your most important items, and durable." —GG

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

11. A TSA-friendly toiletries set you can easily fill, clean, and then refill with your go-to regular products. And the bag is sturdy as HECK.

www.amazon.com

I own and love this set! it includes the zippered bag, four soft silicone bottles with leakproof caps, three compact jars, an two toothbrush caps. I've used this set on more than five trips and and for trips when I don't require body wash or shampoo (like to visit my parents) I use the extra room in the bag to shove in all my beauty products and daily contacts. Plus! It comes with labels that stay on the containers really well despite my thoroughly washing these containers between trips. I bought this set in spring 2019 and have, admittedly, lost a container or two. But the ones that I've held onto over dozens of trips have all held up well!

Promising review: "Like many people, I have to always be ready to get on a plane and go to another state overnight. I do not spend time packing, I like to have everything ready to go in a matter of minutes. This travel kit is leak-proof, smoosh-proof, and holds a nice amount of liquids. I refill it every time I get home, and it takes up very little space. Genius idea, love this product. Great quality." —mario neylannd

Get it from Amazon for $5.99+ (available in 11 variations).

12. Or if you're not in need of containers, a clear TSA-approved toiletry bag to Lego-fit all your liquid and spreadable bbs in there with ease.

www.amazon.com

EzPacking is a small biz specializing in this item. 

Promising review: "I travel two or three weeks a month and I use these bags every time. When not flying, I have one for all my electric cords and plugs and one for my makeup, including a nice-sized magnifying mirror. I have one to use when flying as well with my TSA stuff. They are a perfect size and work great in a suitcase because they are soft enough to get in spaces you could not put a hard-sided storage in. You can get a lot of stuff in them, and mine are holding up great." —Alice L. Micka

Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in 11 colors).

13. Some reusable bottle bags because did you even go to the Champagne region if you didn't bring back some goodies? Even better: If your bottle breaks in this, the bag catches the spill! 

www.amazon.com

JetBag is a small business specializing in creating bags to protect your wine and your stuff. It's designed with absorbent padding on the inside, so in the event that the bottle breaks, it won't get everywhere in your luggage. 

Promising review: "I love these bags! I travel to Europe several times a year and I pack liquids in these bags each way and have never had one leak, break/split open, plastic crack or crumble, or a bottle break in about 10 years of use. (I have a lot of them and most get used each trip.) With beer, I can put two regular bottles in a bag with one wrapped in bubble wrap to prevent bumping together; they are placed so one goes in upright and the second is inverted. I bring wine and champagne home every trip. I honestly cannot speak to the absorbency of the liners because I have never had a bottle break. I do put a sweater or pair of slacks in the bottom of the suitcase to add a little extra padding, but not a lot of extra." —Charlene

Get a set of three from Amazon for $13.99 (available in four colors).

14. A 2-in-1 travel pillow and blanket in case you've found in-flight options seriously lacking and can't get any shut-eye without a cozy blanket. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

BlueHills is a small biz. 

Promising review: "LOVE this blanket/pillow so much!! I’m a flight attendant, so I love how compact and lightweight it is. I bring it on every trip. It is so soft and so warm, and it works really well as a pillow too. It’s hard to find a good travel pillow, and this is by far my favorite." —Alyssa

Get it from Amazon for $25.03 (available in 16 colors).

15. A roomy beach bag with a waterproof section can hold your phone, Kindle, and other items that ABSOLUTELY cannot get wet. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Great beach bag. Very roomy and sturdy. Always in the trunk, ready for unplanned 🏖 beach trips." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $23.99(available in six colors/prints).

16. A portable crib canopy to create a sleep pod for your little one. And it even has pouches for a monitor and fan! Sleeping in unfamiliar places is tough enough for adults. Let's make it easier on the kids too — which in turn will also make the adults happier. 

www.amazon.com

SlumberPod is a small biz that's been featured on Shark Tank!

Promising review: "Perfect solution for making an optimal sleep setup for your little one. I've used it every trip for my little guy. He has loved it. Can set up the video monitor and a fan. Really covers all circumstances. Don't leave the house without it for trips." —Customer

Get it from Amazon for $179.99.

17. A 4-in-1 travel adapter that'll work for a wide range of countries because you shouldn't have to google which adapters you need before every international trip. There are better things to do, like talking yourself into packing that one dress you've only worn once but MIGHT wear on this vacation.  

Amazon

Promising review: "As an international flight attendant, I am in different countries weekly. While the all-in-one adapters, in theory, are great, they often are too big/heavy to stay in the socket securely — you are much better off with one like this. It is sturdy in the socket, even with an electric cord (my hair curler) and my phone and iPad all plugged in. Very satisfied!" —Susan H.

"Love these. We bought several and use them on every trip." —Diane

Get it from Amazon for $17.99.

18. A simple luggage strap to hold your essentials like a travel pillow, jacket, personal item, and more as you scoot along through the airport and once you land. Here's to quickly gathering all your stuff post-screen and freeing up those hands!

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I travel frequently and this has been a surprise must-bring for every trip. I got it as an 'eh...maybe it'll come in handy' and it's turned out to be so handy! I normally use it for tethering my waterbottle or jacket/sweatshirt to my backpack or purse, but it's come in handy in many other ways. I've used it snorkeling to double-secure my camera pouch. I even have used it to better secure my hotel room doors when I stayed in a room where the 'lock' on my door was more of a suggestion than functional security. It's also been handy for airport bathroom moments when I need to hang things or attach them to my rolling luggage so they don't touch icky floors." —Ang

Get it from Amazon for $8.49+ (available in five colors and in multipacks).

19. A trifold travel wallet so all your important documents are in one place and you're not wearily holding up the line when it comes time to show the TSA agent your passport and boarding pass. 

www.amazon.com

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 love the thinness and it holds exactly what I need for travel. I have had this wallet since 2019 and use it on every trip. It has held up beautifully and fits in any bag or purse. I've considered using it for everyday use, it's that good." —Gloria Fennimore

Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in 32 colors).

20. A soft faux-leather tote will be the perfect personal item on the plane so you don't even have to pack it in your carry-on! And it would be useful as a day bag (of course keep your valuables zipped up concealed and tucked away inside) with plenty of room for your souvenirs. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

And grab a similar cherry purse charm. 

Promising review: "I bought this bag two years ago for an international trip. It was used as a day bag and to hold heavy things like my Sony camera and a full water bottle (it has a lot of room). I've been using it for trips for two years now, and it has never broken. Considering the price, I expected it to break at some point, but it never happened! This is the best quality bag I've ever had. I highly recommend it as a vacation bag or even an everyday bag for casual outings." —Alina Delanov

Get it from Amazon for $14.29+ (available in a variety of colors and two sizes).

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.