1. A set of Tide sink packs if you have a goal to pack fewer clothes and re-wear more of the items you're bringing. These will make it so simple to do so. No washing machine required! 

www.amazon.com

Each pack comes with three packets. And, because they *are* liquid, they'll easily slide into the side of your toiletries bag.

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 nine packs from Amazon for $6.26.

2. A suitcase cover because you didn't spend your hard-earned bonus on swanky new luggage just to be too scared that baggage handlers might nick it that you never actually put it to use. Plus, thanks to the fact that it's clear, your fellow travelers will still be able to 👀 you have expensive taste.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I bought an off-white carry-on and realized how easily it could get dirty and scratched. So, I purchased this protector. It’s clear, is a nice thick durable plastic cover, and has Velcros at the bottom. It fits perfectly. I did measure my bag without including the wheels as recommended. Love it!!!" —MsLucy

Get it from Amazon for $10.39+ (available in two sizes and in a set).

3. A pack of EarPlanes — earplugs 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.

Amazon, www.amazon.com

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 in my sinus. NO PAIN. NO TEARS." —K. Tombrella

Get a pair from Amazon for $7.89 (also available in multi-packs).

4. A portable digital luggage scale because the year is 2025, and it's time we put an end to that gut-wrenching moment the airline counter tells you your suitcase is a few pounds over the weight limit. Being forced to transfer your things from your suitcase into your carry-on in the middle of the terminal for everyone to see is dreadful.  

www.amazon.com

You can also switch between pound and kilogram measurements. 

My colleague Elizabeth Lilly tested this luggage scale out when packing for a trip to Iceland — check out her demo of how it works on TikTok!

Promising review: "We used this on a six-flight trip across Europe and it made it easy to know that we repacked our bags according to the various weight limits. Some bags had a 10-kg limit, and some had a 50-lb limit, so it was convenient to switch back and forth between units (even though dividing by 2.2 isn't exactly rocket science)." —Zac

Get it from Amazon for $8.54+ (available in four colors and a two-pack).

5. A TSA-friendly toiletries kit featuring a pack of four travel bottles, three little jars, two toothbrush caps, a set of labels, and a clear pouch to store them all away in. Keeping all of your liquids contained in this kit should help make getting through security a bit smoother. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

BuzzFeed editor Elizabeth Lilly gives this kit her stamp of approval!

"I own and love this set! ... I've used this set on more than five trips, 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 on to over dozens of trips have all held up well!" 

Promising review: "I used this recently on a trip to Europe. They worked great, had no leaks, and got through security in my carry-on just fine. I’m glad to have these for future trips." —Rachel

Get it from Amazon for $12.99.

6. And if you already have miniature toiletries, then just get this set of three TSA-approved clear cases perfect for holding your travel-sized beauty/hygiene essentials. You can use one case for your shower products/shampoo, another for your skincare items, and another for your cosmetics!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I will never travel again without these — crystal clear so going through security is a breeze. Never expected these to hold up — at this price, I though one and done...nope, amazingly durable! Now I want a bunch to organize all my cosmetics, creams, and hair products, as they are still crystal clear after many uses. A steal of a deal!" —Ellen Higgins

Get a pack of three from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in four colors).

7. A set of packing cubes to not only make packing feel less overwhelming (because all your stuff will have a place!!!) but also make unpacking a breeze because you'll actually know where your stuff is! Think about how nice it's gonna be to open your suitcase and see some order rather than an overflowing mess!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I am officially sold on packing cubes!! These things are amazing! I can't believe I've been packing without them my whole life. The mesh lining allows you to peek inside, and I was able to pack all my clothes, shoes, and toiletries for a 10-day trip to Europe (full contents listed below). I packed them as I normally would first and then packed them in the packing cubes. There was SO much more room in my luggage after packing everything in the cubes! Items I fit in the cubes and bag include 2 jackets, 1 jean vest, 4 pants/capris, 2 pairs of shorts, 1 romper, 4 dresses, 1 maxi skirt, 7 tank tops, 4 shirts, 3 camisoles, 3 pajama sets, 15 undies, 6 pairs of socks, and 4 pairs of shoes. But why are you still reading?? Go buy these cubes!" —Tiffany

Get a set of five from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in 24 colors).

8. Or a portable hanging travel shelf that will allow you to organize your clothes before packing them away — now all you have to do when you get to your hotel is take it out of your suitcase, hang it in the closet, and you're all set!

www.amazon.com

Plus, it has a zipper compartment at the bottom you can put all your dirty clothes in.

Promising review: "I used these while traveling around Europe with four children and then later on a cruise. They were super helpful in both cases." —Tucker Sw

Get it from Amazon for $26.95+ (available in five colors).

9. And a shoe bag capable of holding up to three pairs of footwear. Think of how much less clunky it'll be to place this compact cube in your luggage than have to make space for three separate pairs of shoes. Don't even get me started on sand or dirt from the bottom of your shoes getting over all of your other belongings!!!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "You can totally fit three pairs of shoes in this! (Size 6.5 female shoe, fit heels, wedges, and sandals.) I bought two and will absolutely be buying more for my husband. 10/10 would recommend! I travel frequently, and I always overpack; this helped cut down space and stress immensely!" —Taylor

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in nine colors and patterns). 

10. A genius airplane window tray (if you're a window seat kind of traveler) that you can use to hold your drinks, headphones, etc. if you hate keeping the seat back tray down or want to use it for something else like setting up your laptop and playing The Sims 4. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

PS: This only works if you have full access to the window (rather than those seats where you get the weird halves of two windows between the rows in front and behind you). 

Promising review: "A friend recommended this to me as a vital travel companion now that I've returned to frequent flying. I initially thought of it as a novelty, but now that I've used it, it's a necessity. It keeps the workspace clear for my laptop, but it also organizes all the little pieces that can become so annoying to keep up with — glasses, earphones, etc. It got my seatmate's immediate attention, as well as a few other folks nearby. I suspect they'll have one soon. Watch for one soon in a window near you!" —Timothy G. Wolfe

Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

11. A universal travel adapter you're gonna be grateful for if your travels involve hopping to various countries that all use different outlets. Now, you won't need to buy and pack different adapters for each country you plan on visiting. Phew!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

The charger can be used in Mexico, Canada, the UK, the UAE, Japan, China, Australia, New Zealand, and countries in Europe, Asia, and South America.

Promising review: "LOVE this adapter! I travel from time to time internationally and have always used just the 'standard' adapters found in airports. Could not pass up the opportunity to purchase this one after reading the reviews. Exceeded my expectations of what it was capable of. I used it on a recent trip to Germany, and it handled everything needed — laptop, cellphone (USB ports are so very welcome), alarm clock, dryer, etc. Did not miss a beat on the power provided. And it is also attractive looking ;-) Thank you for making such a great, dependable product!" —Monkey 

Get it from Amazon for $17.99. 

12. A phone mount so you can watch your favorite downloaded shows/movies on your flight — because sometimes the airline doesn't offer your comfort characters on their entertainment menu or worse...there's no television at all.

Amazon

Promising review: "If you travel a lot, buy this!! Even if you don't travel, this phone holder would be useful. My hubby and I fly fairly often, and I'm always tired of holding my phone or figuring out how to set it up during plane rides. This is a game changer for flights. Makes it so easy and convenient to watch movies or shows during trips. A few people even asked me where I got it from. Definitely recommend!" —Alex Norman

Get it from Amazon for $13.97+ (available in five colors and packs of two).

13. A super smart reusable bottle bag to help protect wine, perfume, olive oil, and more in your checked bag. Whether you're bringing back a souvenir for a loved one or going on a cruise where you can bring on a bottle of your favorite vino, this will def come in handy!

Amazon

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: "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 colors).

14. A pair of compression socks for potentially bringing sweet relief to feet that tend to swell during air travel. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Read more about compression socks and swelling on long flights at Cleveland Clinic. 

Promising review: "Game changer. I bought these to wear on the plane. Usually, when I fly, my ankles are swollen for days. These socks kept swelling to a minimum. So glad I bought them." —MeganLucey

Get them from Amazon for $14.24+ (available in unisex sizes S–XXL and 13 styles).

Check out my colleague's Physix Gear compression socks review for more deets!

15. A portable door lock that'll provide some extra security and peace of mind in hotel rooms, hostels, and Airbnbs.

www.amazon.com, Amazon

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 went on a solo trip to Europe and Africa and used the door lock to boost security. The lock fits and secures the lock. It's very easy to use. I would just suggest you watch the video and practice at home before your holiday." —Jaye

Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (also available in a two- and four-pack)

16. A seat-back organizer if the thought of putting your personal belongings like glasses, drinking bottles, and tech items into the provided seat-back pouch makes you squirm. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Definitely my new favorite purchase to make flying easier. Very easy to slip over the tray table, with lots of pockets to keep things organized and at your fingertips. Material is stretchy but not thin, folds up very small, and can be stored in your backpack, purse, or briefcase without taking up a lot of space!! Great product to keep things handy mid-flight, and you don't have to use that icky seat back pocket anymore!!" —Shirley Kinyon

Check out BuzzFeed writer Emma Lord’s Airplane Pockets review for more deets!

Get it from Amazon for $29.99.

17. A belt bag for a small but mighty solution to carrying around your essentials on your vacay excursions. You won't have to lug around heavy tote bags (or put any strain on your shoulders, for that matter) thanks to its compact size, but it's just big enough to keep your wallet, phone, room key, sunnies, medications, and a snack right in front of ya for easy access.

Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed, Amazon

BuzzFeed editor and frequent traveler Elizabeth Lilly has one and loves it.

"I wear a size L/XL in clothing, and sometimes waist bags just don't work out so well for me. With this one, I can confirm that it fits around my waist comfortably without outerwear, across my chest without outerwear, *and* over a thick coat and several layers. The pockets inside are so handy, and I even had room to spare throughout my Iceland trip. This was the only purse I brought for the whole trip, and it performed its job flawlessly. Just make sure that you zip the zipper ALL the way because the zipper goes down pretty far on the sides for easier access to contents. Having my hands free was wildly convenient for a number of reasons, including crawling around inside of an ice cave and putting out my hands for some extra balance while walking on sheets of ice along cliffs. Oh, and it comes in so so SO many colors."

Promising review: "Bought this for a trip to Europe, and it was perfect. Wore as a crossbody. It was comfortable and held a lot of things, plus my iPhone Pro Max fit with no problem." —Maine

Get it from Amazon for $11.98 (available in 40 styles). 

18. 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.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

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: "This is 100% the most crucial item that we took on our three-week trip to Europe with our 2-year-old. The wheels lock to maneuver uneven surfaces, and it’s super lightweight. Buy a backpack-style bag for it. You can also buy a cup holder attachment. Being able to put it in the overhead compartment on the plane was a game changer. No more waiting at the gate for a checked stroller or, worse, having it sent with your luggage. Takes just a little practice folding up, and sometimes a little elbow grease, but put your weight into it, and you’ll get it." —Kesley

Get it from Amazon for $139.99+ (available in three styles and colors).

19. An RFID-blocking wallet designed to hold all of your important travel documents because every time you're at the airport, you swear you'll have your license, passport, and boarding pass easily ready to show and every time you're at the airport you end up fumbling all of those things and holding up the line. 

www.amazon.com

The wallet has a passport pocket, boarding pass compartment, three credit card slots, an ID slot, a slim card pouch, a slim pocket, a ticket slot, a cellphone pouch, a coin zippered pocket, a key holder, and a pen holder. 

Promising review: "Buy it now! I went to Europe and visited five countries, and I was able to keep all my tickets/boarding passes here, along with all the important items such as my passport, credit card, and even phone! Loved it!!!!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 27 colors).

20. An AirFly Pro wireless transmitter so you can 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.

www.amazon.com

It also comes with a USB-C charging cable, travel pouch, keychain holder, quick-start guide, and a manual. My colleague Chelsea Stuart used it on a European trip — check out her Twelve South AirFly Pro review.

Twelve South is a small business that has been creating innovative tech accessories since 2009. 

Promising review: "I loved being able to move around in my seat, eat, and stretch and not get bothered by a cord from my Bluetooth headphones to the video screen on the airplane. It's a game changer for sure. The battery lasted from Accra, Ghana, all the way to Texas in the US — 18+ hours in the air! Buying a second one for my son for our next flight!" —Stephanie Schmidt

Get it from Amazon for $34.97+ (available in five styles and three colors).

21. A pet backpack with wheels to make getting through the airport with your tiny BFF a more seamless experience. Not to mention, thanks to the compact size, it'll fit comfortably underneath the seat in front of you once you get on the plane, and the mesh window will allow you and the little fluffer to keep an eye on one another. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

The medium size fits pets weighing up to 10 pounds, and the large fits pets weighing up to 18 pounds. That said, some reviewers mentioned that the large size works perfectly well for their 20-plus-pound dogs. It can be wheeled using the telescoping handle, held using the strap, or worn as a backpack.

Promising review: "First time flying with my dog. I bought a large one. He is a 21-pound Cavalier King Charles spaniel. He was able to sit and lie comfortably in the carrier. When on the plane, remove the hard-back bottom to fit beneath the seat. It is easily removable and reattached. I got a window seat, which allowed me to wedge the bottom at the edge of my seat/arm rail when detached." —Karen

Get it from Amazon for $69.95+ (available in two sizes and three colors). 

22. A pair of jogger-fit leggings because spending hours in a plane, car, train, etc., calls for a comfy outfit, and there's no better way to begin your travel ensemble than with these soft and breathable pants. BRB, ordering one in every color.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Last month, I bought a pair in olive just to try them out. Love! Immediately bought two more, the heather charcoal (more love!) and the black with the orange print zipper. I like the black, but the fabric is not the same; it does not have a yummy, soft, buttery feel. But the fit is great, like the others, and I like the zipper on the pockets. Then I found this dark camo with the zipper, with the same soft fabric. Had to have it. And it’s now my favorite. Bonus: These pants are perfect for traveling. They fold up to half the size of regular pants and never wrinkle. The only problem is you have to stop yourself from buying too many." —nancykou

Get them from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in women's sizes S–3X and dozens of colors).

23. A travel shawl that can be used as a light blanket to cozy up with on your flight, a scarf in chillier climates, and can even come in handy if you'll be visiting tourist sites with a covered shoulders dress code in place (like European cathedrals).

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I absolutely love this wrap!! It is the perfect weight and size for travel. It didn't leave my side on an 11-day backpack trip through Europe and was used as a scarf, blanket, towel, and wrap all through the trip. Fashionable enough to dress up a basic travel day outfit, warm enough to keep away a chill on a cooler night, and light enough to pack away small into a bag or tie around a purse strap. I can't say enough great things! I am buying these as gifts for everyone I know who travels." —Jenn

Get it from Amazon for $36+ (available in nine colors).

24. An ultra-supportive neck pillow to make the whole "falling asleep while sitting upright" thing possible (and comfy). Is there any better way to pass the time on a plane, train, or roadtrip than with a nice long nap? I don't think so. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I am a terrible flyer who recently took the red-eye from Dubai to Chicago (15 hours). The Trtl Pillow was a mini lifesaver! I was able to comfortably rest my head on the support and felt warm enough to actually doze off...a rare accomplishment for this skittish flyer. The Velcro works wonderfully with regard to adjustment, and I liked wrapping the fabric around my mouth and nose. Sort of felt cozy...even if I did look like a ninja in a neck brace! Overall, this product has changed the way that I fly, and I am so thankful for this invention and the opportunity to support a small company with big ideas." —S.Viruly

Get it from Amazon for $64.99+ (available in five styles).

25. A foldable jewelry organizer that'll take up less space in your bag than a clunky jewelry box AND also serves as a better method than just tossing your jewelry into your bag and having to untangle it once you reach your destination.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I would give this more stars if I could. It's exactly what I've been looking for forever!!! It has plenty of room for my clunky jewelry and enough separate pouches that things don't get tangled. I LOVE it." —Carrie Minturn

Get it from Amazon for $14.33+ (available in two colors).

26. A carry-on case designed to comfortably fit under your seat. Sure, you might be lucky enough to have plenty of room in the overhead bin, but there's just something really humbling about having to fight your way out of your row and into the aisle just for everyone behind you to watch you have a wrestling match with your carry-on. We're leaving those days behind thanks to this genius invention.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This works out so well for me. I’m a flight attendant, and I’ve had an infinite amount of day trips over the summer. I got tired of carrying around my regular TravelPro spinner, so I finally ordered this. SOOOOO MUCH BETTER FOR ME. It’s light, has enough pockets, and can easily fit under a seat if needed. The ONLY picky thing I can think of is how loud it sounds going across rough concrete. The wheels aren’t as silent as others, but that won’t stop me from buying another in the future." —Kayla T.

Get it from Amazon for $49.14+ (available in four colors).

27. A compact pill organizer complete with six compartments for keeping your medications separate and preventing you from having to pack multiple pill containers.  

www.amazon.com

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 $7.97+ (available in two color combos).

28. An inflatable footrest for making your next flight the comfiest one yet. So comfy, you might actually somewhat *enjoy* flying. PS — if you're traveling with kiddos, this can help turn their airplane seat into a bed. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This footrest pillow is essential for those who travel very long distances. It is not only uncomfortable but unhealthy to leave feet dangling down for many hours or days at a time while traveling. I purchased this pillow to situate between my airplane seat and the seat in front of mine. It is wonderful to be able to prop my feet up, with bent knees, while watching movies or sleeping. I regularly fly the same route that is about 30 hours (including layovers), and when I am unable to get a seat upfront, this footrest pillow keeps me more comfortable at the back of the plane." —Yvonne N

Get it from Amazon for $21.24+ (available in four colors). 

29. 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. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "On a trip to Europe, I used these hangers to hang my laundry to dry. I even hung a pair of wet jeans (through the belt loops). I thought the hanger would break, but it held up fine! Hotels never supply enough hangers, so I will be bringing these along when I travel." —debi

Get a pack of 12 from Amazon for $9.99. 

30. An anti-blister balm to apply before putting on your shoes so you can prevent those painful annoyances from even trying to happen. Whether you're walking miles at a cruise excursion or dashing from tourist attraction to tourist attraction, your feet will be happy you prepped them ahead of time.

www.amazon.com

This is made of allergen-free, plant-derived ingredients and infused with vitamins A and C!

Promising review: "I don't normally have trouble with blisters or pain from my work shoes, but I travel regularly to Washington, DC, for work. I walk a lot while I'm there, including when it's hot and muggy in the summer, and any kind of shoe I've tried gives me blisters when I walk five miles a day with extremely sweaty feet and no socks. I thought my only options were to coat my feet in Band-Aids or bite the bullet and start wearing tights or socks in the heat, but then I found this stuff. I just got back from a week in DC in shoes that have given me blisters before, and my feet are completely fine. I did reapply in the evenings going out for dinner, but otherwise, just a few swipes on the problem spots, and I was ready to go, with no painful rubbing. And, of course, the size is convenient for travel and to keep in my bag in case I do need to reapply." —L. Kelly

Get it from Amazon for $8.99.

31. A little 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.

Amazon

Promising review: "I purchased this for my trip to Europe as I sleep with white noise every night. The Rohm scores extra points for volume control, and it can get quite loud. It’s also lightweight and chargers easily with a USB." —Jessie W.

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $19.99 (also available in three-packs).

32. A waterproof, satin-lined Hairbrella that'll ensure your hair stays dry on your trip and your hands stay free to hold more important things (like a yummy snack or a fun souvenir). 

www.amazon.com, Hairbrella / Via www.youtube.com

Hairbrella is a Black-owned small business that has been creating fashionable hats that protect natural hair. 

Promising review: "I traveled to London last month with a raincoat that did not have a hood, and wanted something that would protect my head/hair/blowout without lugging an umbrella. This definitely did the trick. Two of the three days were rainy (some quite heavy), and my hair stayed totally dry. It stows nicely, too." —Miss Information

Get it from Amazon for $39+ (available in eight colors).

Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.