1. A set of vacuum-free compression bags that come in handy when you're packing for the trip, but also come in SUPER handy when you realize you went a little overboard at those local boutiques and are bringing back way more than you packed in the first place. Just zip up your clothes, roll, and watch all the air leave the bags, ensuring you can still zip up your roller board! 

Emma Lord/BuzzFeed

Emma Lordon our Shopping team says: HELLO, I AM OBSESSED WITH THESE. Despite all the rave reviews, I was definitely skeptical of space-saving bags that didn't require a vacuum, and even as they were actively squishing my clothes into oblivion, I still couldn't quite believe it. I had easily two suitcases worth of clothes I wanted to pack for a three-week trip to London, and I managed to neatly pack the entirety of my wardrobe in one roller carry-on bag. Truly, all I had to do was put my clothes in the bag, push them to the bottom, and then sit on it to get the air out before sealing it up. I had tons of extra bags and made a habit of taking them with me in case other people joining me on trips need them to be able to pack souvenirs on the way home. I'm never taking a long trip without these again — these are worth every damn penny. 

Get a set of eight from Amazon for $15.98. 

2. Or, a set of packing cubes to level up your packing game since these keep your items compressed and organized. You can sort them by item or by day — so when you get off the plane and make it to your hotel, you can easily change outfits without cave-diving into your carry-on to find that one cute top! 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "After having my luggage being 'lost' or delayed one too many times, I had had enough. I vowed to travel overseas with only a carry-on and did so using these compression packing cubes! I was able to be so organized and had room for my purchases. I was worried that the clothes would come out a pile of wrinkles, but after searching all about how to pack compression cubes, I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived after my 15-hour flight. I'm not sure how I lived before." —family fun

Get a pack of six from Amazon for $39.96 (available in eight colors and smaller pack sizes as well). 

3. A hanging toiletry bag that proves you can do a carry-on only, but still bring every toiletry you need. This holds so many things, keeps them in one compact place once you unpack, and lets you see everything at a glance! 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This cosmetics bag was a LIFESAVER when I traveled abroad this summer. The compartments are a great size, and it was able to hold quite a bit of travel-size items inside. Plus, the hanger that comes with the bag works like a charm! Very durable, the quality of the product is stellar, and it's definitely worth buying for vacation. If you don't get this item, you're honestly missing out." —Katherine Lee

Get it from Amazon for $13.59+ (available in 13 colors and two sizes). 

4. A digital luggage scale so you can fill your checked bag to the BRIM and hit just below that 50-pound weight limit without worrying about any overweight bag fees. Reviewers say this is easy to use and extremely accurate compared to the scales at the airport! 

www.amazon.com

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 pounds, 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 $8.54+ (available in four colors and also a two-pack).

5. A tri-fold travel wallet that keeps all your important documents in one super secure, RFID-blocking place. This material allows for your credit cards, IDs, and passport to be safe from any unauthorized access, so you can keep your hard-earned money and enjoy your trip worry free! 

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: "Seeing as this has been my wallet for THREE YEARS, I thought I should write a review. I bought this wallet before a trip to Europe in 2017. It held my money, my passport, coins, a pen, everything, just fine. After my trip, I guess I just never stopped using it! All things considered, it’s held up pretty well! There is some superficial flaking of the exterior fabric... but that’s after three years of use. For the price, I am not at all disappointed." —Lauren Wheeler

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 28 colors).

6. A packing list pad with pretty much everything you'll need to pack for a vacay. So instead of ending up with six pairs of jeans and completely forgetting about your essentials like your phone charger and toothbrush, you can plan ahead and make sure nothing gets left behind. 

Amazon

Promising review: "I hate packing — I mean, I really hate packing! I am always afraid I am going to forget something, and the entire ordeal is a stressful one for me. Since I have to travel a lot, this is a game-changer. No more guessing if I forgot my underwear — everything I need is on this list. I am thinking of just keeping one bag totally packed, filled with the items on the list, and just add my suit in when I am ready to travel. :)" —Dr. Oceanfront

Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (also available in a road trip version).

7. A 3-in-1 foldable wireless charging pad that lets you charge your MagSafe devices all at once, and is especially handy if your AirPods are still on the OG lightning cable and your phone switched over to the USB-C cable. You can stay organized by getting rid of tangled cords — *and* btw, the high-quality magnets in the pad will make sure your items don't slip away. When folded up, it easily fits into your pocket! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Lift up the circle on the watch charger that doubles as a watch stand. A green light pops up when fully charged, but that feature can be turned off for those with sensitivity to light. People also add that they love this product for traveling because it is so compact! 

Promising review: "I ordered this product to have a simple way to charge my devices while traveling, and I am so happy I did. This charger is small and mighty. It charges all my devices in one location, and only one outlet is needed. I appreciate the fact that it has a light you can turn on or off by a simple touch of a finger. I would recommend this to anyone, especially anyone who travels often." —D

Get it from Amazon for $29.99. 

8. The iconic Alleyoop Pen Pal, which is basically a cooler makeup version of the classic BIC 4 Color Pen. This has four retractable colors so you can touch up your brows, eyeliner, lips, and highlights. Plus, it takes up little to no room in your makeup/toiletry bag! 

Jasmin Sandal / BuzzFeed, Alleyoop

Alleyoop is a woman-owned small business that specializes in functional makeup products. 

Here's what former BuzzFeeder Jasmin Sandal has to say about it: "I gotta say, I love the concept of the Pen Pal from Alleyoop! After using all of the functions (eyeliner, highlighter, lip liner, eyebrow pencil) and as someone who LOVES makeup but was applying as little as humanly possible during lockdown, I think it’s a great tool for anyone looking to streamline their routine. It's ideal to use for touchups come the end of the work day, or a subtle, minimalist way to apply makeup in the a.m. The brow pencil is particularly soft and pigmented, and filled in my eyebrows quickly. I just adore the ease of application of each product, and appreciate the universal, does-it-all-for-you concept. Plus, it saves me so much room in my already-overflowing makeup bag!"

Get it from Amazon or Alleyoop for $20 (available in three shades).

9. And Alleyoop's portable travel razor that includes several razors, a moisturizing bar, and a refillable spray bottle to tackle those sneaky little hairs you missed last night while shaving in preparation for your beach vacay. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I love this product. I took it on a recent vacation and it really is a time saver. The moisturizer bar it comes with is soo nice. I usually get a little itchy after shaving but the fact that you can rub in the excess product on the shaved area has helped with itch and ingrown hairs. Now that I'm not on vacation, I use it right before I go to the pool, I seriously take this thing everywhere." —Karlie Hanson

Get it from Amazon for $15 (available in two colors). 

Psst — check out all of Alleyoop's other travel-friendly productsfor more clever options! 

10. And a Subtl Beauty Stak, which has genius written all over it. It allows you to keep up to NINE makeup products in one compact and convenient place, AND you can customize it if your routine is more of a no-makeup makeup routine. Plus, it comes with a mirror lid and includes a brush! 

Subtl Beauty

Subtl Beauty is a small business that specializes in vegan, cruelty-free beauty products, including compact, customizable beauty stacks. 

Promising review: "I absolutely love how compact this product is. I have been pleasantly surprised at how natural the makeup feels, and I love the natural look it provides. I originally purchased for traveling, but have been using it daily and love it!" —Paula Bowie

Get the Starter Stack from Subtl Beauty for $60 (originally $70; available in 19 tones), or customize your own stack starting at $12 per layer.

11. A reviewer-beloved travel laptop backpack — truly a backpack that ~packs a punch~ with all that it can hold. With a padded laptop sleeve, a large main compartment, two side pockets, a front pocket, AND a USB port...no other backpack can compete at this price point!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

A lot of nurses, teachers, and parents also swear by this backpack since it's so well-organized, durable, and comfy!

Promising review: "I’ve been using this backpack for a little over a year now, and it is AMAZING. It’s still intact after many trips and carrying around. It has a large capacity (I’ve put up to five days' worth of outfits inside) and many pockets to stay organized. The quality is [super] good, and the zippers are working perfectly. It holds its shape after many uses, too. It’s easy to clean, and again, it has been the perfect companion for me every week." —Lau HG

Get it from Amazon for $41.99+ (available in 11 colors and five sizes).

12. A collapsible silicone water bottle because even though you love your refrigerator-size Stanley Cup, you need something a lil' smaller for when you're traveling. This is refillable and rolls up to be super compact when you're done sipping. 

Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed

Promising review: "When I travel, I'm so bad about hydrating. It's so hard to find water, and water bottles can be hard to lug around. Not this one! It's light, and the handle makes it easy to walk around with. Plus, when you finish, it folds up and can fit in your coat pocket or bag. It fits easily in your carry-on without taking up any room, then you can fill it part security. Best travel purchase I've made!" —Beth

Get it from Amazon for $9.59+ (available in three sizes and 12 colors/styles).

13. A 2-in-1 blanket pillow for those who wish they could personally ask the pilot to turn down the freaking AC on the plane. It's made from super soft microfleece, and the trolley pass-through pocket lets you conveniently slide it over your carry-on. 

Amazon

Check it out on TikTok.

Promising review: "I ordered two of these and my daughter and I both used them numerous times while flying recently. They compact nicely, have a loop that can go through the handle of a carry-on, and are the perfect size for snuggling up and sleeping on the airplane. It is lightweight, and I will not fly again without it!" —SweetMama

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

14. A Hackwith Design House shirt because a versatile top that looks good with pretty much any bottom you'll pair it with? Great. But a top that can be worn up to five different ways? UTTERLY AMAZING. This is made from high-quality, breathable fabric and will look cute no matter how you style it! 

Hackwith Design House

Hackwith Design House is a woman-owned small business that creates made-to-order apparel. This shirt can be worn as a V-neck, off-the-shoulder, boatneck, V-back, and even open as a jacket. And the color is simple, which means it can be paired well with many different bottoms. 

BuzzFeed Shopping editor Chelsea Stuart says: "I have this shirt and I *love* it. All credit for its discovery goes to TikToker @jennifer.bianca, whom I happened to stumble across on my FYP. It checks all my boxes: black, comfortable, versatile, and durable. My initial worry was that I wouldn't feel secure in it (I have a 38DDD chest, and most wrap tops/dresses I've tried haven't stayed where they're supposed to), but I haven't had an issue with this! I've worn it tied in the front, giving me a square neck (like the left picture) and tied in the back, giving me a V-neck up front (just like the photo on the right) — both were super comfortable, and I didn't have to adjust myself at all. As someone whose weight fluctuates, I also appreciate that this piece can handle pounds gained and lost. The fabric is medium weight, so I'll be wearing it season to season, and there's just enough elasticity in the arms that if you roll up your sleeves, they won't fall back down. All that is to say, trust that I will be buying additional colors!"

Get it from Hackwith Design House for $145 (available in women's sizes XS–4X and in three colors). 

15. A portable hanging luggage organizer so when it's time to unpack after arriving at the hotel, you can be like "I'm done ✅" in a matter of seconds while your travel buddies are still trying to find their change of clothes post-airport outfit. 

www.amazon.com

This has four different compartments, with one of them having a zippered closure! 

Bonus: This works with your existing suitcase, unlike versions of this that come pre-built into more expensive versions! 

Promising review: "I was able to pack seven outfits and have way more space in this organizer. I just packed the clothes in the organizer, closed it up, and placed it in my carry-on. Once I got to the hotel, I just hung it in my closet. It would be perfect for cruises since there is never any drawer space and very little room to move around." —jess

Get it from Amazon for $28.20+ (available in six colors and several sets). 

16. A compact travel cable organizer because you've got gadgets and gizmos aplenty, which all come with So. Many. Charging. Cables. This keeps everything organized in one convenient place, and it's even waterproof!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This case has been amazing for storing my earbuds, various loose cable connectors, chargers, etc. I am using it right now on a trip, and it has been fantastic for keeping these items in one convenient, organized place. It is lightweight and fits easily into my one carry-on item when boarding the many flights I am taking. I’m pretty sure I will still be using it to keep all these items together and more easy to locate when I return home! I am so glad I bought this!" —V. Elia

Get it from Amazon for $9.85+ (available in three sizes and 23 colors). 

17. Or a braided 4-in-1 fast charging cord to minimize the amount of space your charging cords take up and maximize the amount of devices you can charge at one time. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "My husband and I have different phones with different charging ports. This was great for our international travel and limiting the number of cords we needed to carry. Was useful during travel for charging both devices and other family members' devices. Quick charging as well." —veronicawhite

Get it from Amazon for $11.99. 

18. Agarment travel bag — once this baby goes through the security conveyor belt, the TSA worker is gonna be like "Oohh, they're smart smart." You'll be so amazed at how much you can fit in this after packing all your clothes in the inner garment section! 

www.amazon.com

Beauty Goodies is a small business that specializes in chic storage and travel accessories. 

Promising review: "This garment bag is an exceptional value for the money. Well built, top quality materials, including 'beefy' zippers, should hold up well for airline travel. Minimal wrinkles, if any, in garments, and a cavernous bag for storing shoes and other items for a trip. Added bonus, it fits easily in the plane overhead storage, similar in size to a standard roller bag. I highly recommend this product." —Kindle Customer

Get it from Amazon for $40.99+ (available in three colors). 

19. Some waterproof zippered pouches enough for the whole family or friend group to get lots use out of. Whether you store snacks, electronics, or emergency items like a change of clothes in these, they'll come in super handy since you can keep things organized and safe from potential messes. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I bought these for a trip for my family of five. I like to plan in advance to make sure no one forgets anything! These were a lifesaver packing for three kids! I was able to create a carry-on, toiletries, wires/chargers, and snacks pouch for everyone! I used clear sticker paper to create name labels, and it all worked perfectly! Would definitely recommend if you need to travel with family and need to set things out and pack." —mommyandbri

Get a 30-pack from Amazon for $14.99 (available in five different pack sizes).

20. A portable rain hood so when Mother Nature tries to pull a fast one on ya, you can be like, "Not today!" It can be easily stashed in your purse when the rain finally stops, and it takes up way less room in your luggage than a regular rain jacket. 

Amazon

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).

21. Some reusable bottle bags, since you want to make sure that special bottle of wine from your trip abroad is going to be safe and sound in your checked bag. In case it *does* spill, this bag will catch all the liquid and prevent your clothes and tchotchkes from being a merlot mess! 

Amazon

JetBag is a small business based in Michigan!

Promising review: "Bought to bring wine from France home from vacation. We bought three bottles (one of which was champagne). All three made it on the Eurostar and two flights in perfect condition." —Katie

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

22. A 2-in-1 hair tool that curls *and* straightens, but doesn't take up a lot of room in your carry-on. So when you want pin-straight hair for Day 1 of vacay, but then want voluminous curls for Day 2, you'll be so glad you packed this. 

Amazon

Plus!!!!! This is also dual voltage, which is so handy when traveling internationally! 

Promising review: "Don't be fooled by the tiny price or size, this little baby is serious. If you are looking for a small travel option rather than lugging your big straightener and giant curling iron around the world, then I think you'll love this. It performs really well, turning my frizzy, wavy hair into a smooth and sleek style. The curling iron option also creates shiny, silky, lasting curls! It's easy to transition between both. I also like the grippy handle and the fact that the curling iron clip is a different color than the straightening bars, because that helps me see how I should be maneuvering it around. The voltage goes up to 240V, so you are good using it internationally without a converter (but you will need an adapter just to fit it into various foreign outlets). At this price, definitely give it a try and flaunt your tresses abroad." —Christine

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in two colors).

23. A Kindle Paperwhite because the list of books you want to read is getting larger by the second (thanks a lot, BookTok), but the space in your suitcase for a book is just nonexistent. This little thing holds thousands of books, is waterproof, and has a glare-free screen. Reviewers love how the charge lasts for weeks (yes, weeks!) and the optimal warm light feature that's easy on the eyes. 

Abby Kass / BuzzFeed

Promising review: "I always have my Kindle Paperwhite with me when traveling or just sitting at the beach to read. Recently, we traveled to a tropical wedding destination, I was sitting by the pool reading when my daughter's boyfriend sat down with his book and said he was almost finished reading it, he was complaining that he wanted to bring more, but they would be too heavy. I showed him my Kindle and said that I loaded five books into it for the trip, he was was very interested and amazed after I let him play with it. So now, he's getting one for Christmas." —Steve M.

Get it from Amazon for $159.99 (available in three colors and with or without lock screen ads).

24. A splurge-worthy set of Cadence Capsules if you're a little picky about hotel shampoos and prefer to stick to your tried and trues. These are super sturdy and they're magnetic, so they'll keep all your vitamins, moisturizers, lotions, and basically anything you want to put in them super safe and organized. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

The "daily routine" set includes four medium and three small capsules as well as magnetic, interchangeable labels for shampoo, conditioner, body wash, moisturizer, cleanser, a pill icon, and a blank tile. 

They also offer skincare, bodycare, haircare, and pill case sets, as well as extenders that increase the size of the capsule! And if you fall in love with these and *really* want to customize your collection, head to their site to build your own unique set. 

Cadence is an AAPI woman-owned small business that was founded by Steph Hon with the goal of eliminating single-use travel-sized plastics. The containers are made from recycled ocean-bound plastic. 

Promising review: "These containers are perfectly sized for all my travel needs, whether it’s skincare products, vitamins, or even small jewelry pieces. They fit neatly into my carry-on, saving space and keeping everything organized. No more messy toiletry bags or digging around for tiny items — everything has its place with Cadence. The quality of the materials is top-notch. The containers snap together securely, making it easy to keep them organized and prevent any spills. It’s such a clever and practical feature that adds a touch of luxury to the whole experience. Plus, it’s oddly satisfying to hear the little click when they snap into place!

"I’ll be honest — the price did give me pause at first. These containers are definitely an investment, but I can confidently say they’re worth it. The peace of mind they provide, knowing my products are safe and secure during travel, is priceless. Plus, the high-quality build means they’ll last for many trips to come, making them a smart long-term investment." —Randy G.

Get the daily routine set from Amazon for $138 (available in five colors and other sets).

25. A skyline mini wallet emergency kit equipped with things like an extra hair tie, Tylenol, a bandage, and a deodorant wipe. Whether you use it on the actual plane ride or keep it in your purse for the vacation days following, this will be sure to come in handy. 

Anne Cate

Anne Cate is a woman-owned small business based in Cleveland, Ohio, that handmakes minimalist keepsakes with a skyline from more than 100 cities and colleges around the world!

The kit includes a hair tie, lip balm, two floss pics, a sewing kit, bandages, emery board, two safety pins, two earring backs, a makeup wipe, two bobby pins, two mints, a deodorant wipe, a Shout wipe, a tampon, hand sanitizer, and Tylenol.

Promising review: "I’m heading to Rome this fall with my best friend and our husbands. I thought this would be the cutest little emergency case to bring along, so I got each of us one. I am so excited to give it to her. She will love the Rome skyline and all the goodies inside." —Jen

Get it from Anne Cate for $25 (available in 96 skylines).

26. A refillable travel perfume atomizer so you can take your signature scent (plus three others for some variety!!) on the go and not worry about a floral-scented mess leaking in your entire carry-on! This doesn't require a funnel and simply connects to the nozzle of your perfume bottle for easy refilling. 

Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed

Promising review: "I originally bought these for traveling purposes so I did not have to carry my full-size perfume bottles, but now they are a daily use item and keep them in my purse so that way I can always refresh my favorite scents. TSA approved small and convenient." —Tee63143

Get a four-pack from Amazon for $7.99 (available in two color sets and five-packs). 

27. A set of Tide sink packs for when you need to do a quick wash of your dirty clothes so that you don't have to rewear a stinky top for your last dinner on vacay. These are easy to slip into your toiletry bag and will def come in handy in case your travel nightmare comes true, and you actually do poop your pants (lol). 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Game changer for travel! We were gone for two weeks, and I was able to wash all the clothes I had packed! Helped with using only a carry-on for the trip and kept my clothes fresh and clean! So easy to use and smelled nice! Will never travel without them again!" —Kristy

Get three packs from Amazon for $6.26 (available in two scents, two sizes, and four pack sizes).

You, when your besties realize you were able to compactly pack your 14-step skincare routine into your handy-dandy toiletry bag:

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Reviews for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.