1. A packing list pad that's *very* comprehensive and can help you decide what you need to pack in your checked bag versus your carry-on. It even includes essential documents like your passport and ID, because forgetting those would be a nightmare. Say goodbye to anxiously trying to remember if you brought a charger because this simple list has already thought of everything for you! 

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 $7 (available in three colors).

2. A pack of vacuum-free space-saving compression bags so you can bring all your bulky sweaters and jackets on that trip to Scotland. These are great for cramming as much as you can (and then some) into your suitcase, AND they make it much easier to sort through your carry-on to pull out toiletries or other items for security.

Emma Lord / BuzzFeed

Just pack in your clothes, roll up the bag, and watch as the excess air is squeezed out. 

BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord 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 make 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."

Promising review: "I travel monthly for work, usually gone for 4–5 days. Before these, I would have to check a bag. Dress shirts and pants roll up nicely and stay wrinkle free. It's tempting to want to over-stuff these, but if you're packing golf shirts or cloths with 'slippery' fabric, they slide out of the top of the bag as you get close to the end. The clips take a minute to get used to, but after a couple of times zipping up the bags, it's pretty easy." —BigSkinny

Get a set of eight from Amazon for $15.98. 

3. *Plus* a set of packing cubes to help you squeeze in more by keeping everything neat and compressed. You'll be amazed at how much you can fit in your luggage, and since everything is organized into little sections, it’ll be a snap to unpack and get on with your trip!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These packing cubes are the best. I use them for long weekends or two-week trips. They help me pack things as I would use them and locate what I need inside my suitcase, especially on trips where we change hotels every couple of days and don't unpack into the hotel closet." —Pat

Get a set of eight packing cubes (also comes with a laundry bag) from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in 16 colors and a set of six).

4. A Béis backpack that's basically a duffel bag disguised as an aesthetic personal item that'll fit right under your seat. It opens like a suitcase and genuinely fits so much, with built-in compartments (so you can keep your liquids separate) and a sleek laptop sleeve. Plus, it has a convenient pass-through strap letting it sit neatly on top of your suitcase, sparing your back as you haul your stuff to your gate.

Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed, Beis

Elizabeth: I snagged this backpack after hearing my colleague Chelsea Stuart sing its praises. I wanted a bag for some upcoming travel (2.5 weeks in Europe with *just* carry-on for five flights) that opens up like a suitcase for easier packing. Since buying, I've taken it on two long weekend trips with no complaints. In fact, for both of those trips I packed MORE than I needed. 

Inside, you'll find a mesh zippered pocket and a plastic pocket perfect for your toiletries. I can fit enough wet toilet toiletries in the second pocket as I'd be allowed to carry-on for a plane. In the mesh pocket I put other necessities like cotton swabs, medicine, eye glasses, etc. The main compartment is deceptively deep so you can easily roll clothes and Lego-fit them in together without using packing cubes. In fact, I fit all of the stuff in the second picture in that section (a romper, PJs, a bikini, sunscreen, five pairs of undies, a pair of jean shorts, nap dress, three pairs of socks, two pairs of sandals, two T-shirts, a slip skirt, sleep mask, curling iron, mini flat iron, makeup bag, and tote bag). AND it has stretchy X-straps to keep it all secure like you'd see in a roller suitcase so when I unzip it, everything stays put. But before I forget, there's a separate cushioned laptop pocket close to the backpack straps that I found works well for books or a Kindle if your travel leaves you laptop-less. 

I love that this backpack has DEEP side pockets so your umbrella or water bottle won't fall out. In fact, I stuck a flashlight and an umbrella in one side pocket. (You could always use a flashlight.) Plus! It has a generously sized pocket on the front of the backpack with easy access for sunglasses, snacks, writing pens...all sorts of those little extras you need to access quickly. To top it all off, the backpack straps and top handle are STURDY. I felt totally secure toting it around and slinging it into overhead storage compartments on the trains. I love the look and construction of it with faux leather and sturdy black canvas, and the trolley passthrough to easily fit on my roller suitcase I'm about to drag through a bunch of airports. This isn't the cheapest backpack option but if you're a frequent traveler, you'll get so much mileage on it and seriously save on some baggage fees, making it well worth the cost. This backpack and I are going places, for sure.

Get it from Beis Travel for $118 (available in seven colors). 

5. Or a wheeled carry-on bag if you're not the type to lug around a heavy backpack; instead, you can simply roll through the airport and down city streets — easy breezy. This one *also* has tons of storage space!

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." —Kayla T

Get it from Amazon for $49.85+ (available in four colors).

6. Agarment and travel bag set, a two-in-one wonder that's the *perfect* way to get around paying for a checked bag while still bringing everything you need. It transforms from a hanging garment bag into a roomy carry-on with an anti-theft lock to keep your belongings in your possession (where they BELONG).

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). 

7. A compact eight-compartment pill organizer to avoid cramming a bunch of medication and supplement bottles into your bag, effectively taking up all the space you needed for socks. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Psst — if you don't fill up all the compartments with pills, it's also great for stashing your earrings during travel! (Shoutout to this TikToker for the hack.)

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+. (They don't sell them in singles, but if you don't want three, here's a similar option.)

8. A travel flossing toothbrush that oh-so-conveniently folds in half so you can still get some thorough teeth cleaning while on the go. It has dual-layered bristles: regular ones and ultra-long, thin flossing bristles that get *deep* in between your teeth and gums. 

Emma Lord / BuzzFeed, Amazon

Mouthwatchers is a small business established by Ronald Plotka, DDS, that specializes in antimicrobial toothbrushes designed to get deeper cleans even patients with "great" dental hygiene might miss with traditional brush and floss routines. 

Promising review: "I love that this travel toothbrush has its own self closing cover. Makes it very handy for travel at half the size of a regular toothbrush when packed and full size brush when open. Also really love the bristles on this brush, they are soft but have enough stiffness to get between teeth when brushing." —Yvonne

Get it from Amazon for $5.99+. 

9. Some TSA-friendly shampoo and conditioner bars so there's one less thing to pull out of your bag going through security. These long-lasting bars are made with plant-based ingredients that'll help your hair look and feel all soft and fluffy after a sweaty day of exploring a new city.

Amazon

Brixy is a small biz specializing in solid bar body care. They're vegan, plastic-free, and safe for color-treated hair. 

Promising review: "I'm pleasantly surprised. The shampoo lathers easily. It doesn't take much. The conditioner works so well, too, and left my hair feeling soft and clean. I have long, curly hair, so I wondered how this would go. I'm so happy. I love it and will be using it all the time. The best part about a bar of shampoo and a bar of conditioner is they can be taken through airport luggage without dealing with the liquid limit. Sometimes, I travel for weeks at a time and need more than the small sizes of shampoo and conditioner. I don't want to check my luggage, and I want to conserve space. Here's my answer to all of that. These products are awesome in more than one way." —SJ

Get them from Amazon for $28.98 (available in three scents). 

10. *Plus* a compact I Dew Care "Tap Secret" mattifying powder shampoo with a sponge applicator that'll come in clutch when your flight lands and you’ve got dinner plans, but your hair is looking a little too greasy for your liking.

Amazon

It's also benzene-free!

Promising review: "I was looking for a dry shampoo that would be easy to use on the go for a trip I was taking. I had no issues taking this through TSA and it was so easy to use on the go. You literally just pat the poof on your scalp and then rub the powder in. I do have black hair so dry shampoo is usually very visible in my hair, but I didn't have any harder time than usual rubbing this powder in. It did a really good job of soaking up all the oil and giving my hair volume. I'm not a fan of the price for the amount that you get, but it is lasting longer than I thought it would. I would definitely recommend and will purchase again." —Teresa

Get it from Amazon for $12.59+ (refills available; also available in six darker shades).

11. Some Tide sink packets allowing you to wash your smelly clothes in the sink so they don't stink up your bag. These can easily fit in your toiletries bag — even when it's packed to the brim — and you'll be so glad you brought them when you run out of clean underwear. 

Tide

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

Promising review: "Taking these out of the country to wash under things is exactly the right size." —Laura Wilson

Get nine packs from Amazon for $6.59 (available in two scents and other packs).

12. A fold-flat jewelry organizer with an earring panel, necklace holders, padded ring rolls, and zippered compartments to organize all your different accessories. It's made from soft quilted cotton that compresses nicely so you can squeeze it in with everything else. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "What an adorable and efficient way to pack your jewelry! I have been hesitant even to bring jewelry on my last few vacations because it always got tangled. Love this! Bought one for my sister-in-law as well." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in two sizes and nine colors/prints).

13. A fanny pack to keep all your travel essentials close by and easily accessible so you don't have to spend literal *minutes* digging through your backpack just for some gum. Don’t let its size fool you; this little guy can hold a lot — wallet, phone, earbuds, keys, those all-important snacks — all while keeping you hands-free.

Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed

Elizabeth: 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 fit 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: "Sooo cute! Looks just like the Lululemon one. Very versatile and convenient to wear while traveling, hiking, running errands, sporting events, or anywhere you need your hands free and don’t feel like carrying a purse. Definitely going to buy more in different colors!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $12.98 (available in 47 styles). 

14. A simple luggage strap so you can easily run around the airport without worrying about leaving anything behind. It'll keep your personal items (neck pillow, jacket, purse, etc.) nice and together. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I love this little gadget. I used it to attach my jacket and computer bag to my luggage on an extended business trip. It made my airport walks so much easier. Now that I'm back home, I've been using it daily to attach my jacket or cardigan to my work bag or purse." —Michele

Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in four colors and packs of two).

15. A teensy, on-the-go Gillette Venus razor that comes with a small protective case to keep the blades fresh. The rubber grip makes the handle so easy to hold, despite its miniature size!

www.amazon.com

It comes with one handle and one blade refill! And the mini handle will fit almost any Venus blade refill, which is a major plus.

Promising review: "This was the perfect small travel razor for traveling abroad. I was in a location with mostly outdoor showers, and the case was super handy for keeping lizards and bugs away from my razor. The case also has drainage holes, which make it easy to pack and transport. Highly recommend!" —Asha L.

Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

16. A six-piece monthly Nuuly clothing subscription because sometimes you want to wear a flowy linen dress JUST in Greece. This allows you to rent high-quality clothes worthy of being on your Pinterest travel board without fully committing to buying them.

Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed

Elizabeth: I've been using this subscription for a few years on and off, depending on my plans for the month. And some of my most stylish friends use it on the reg. It's also great for cute maternity style (which my colleague Sally Elshorafa has used it for). In the above left pic I'm wearing a Farm Rio x Anthropologie dress I packed for a March 2.5-week trip to Vietnam and Malaysia. It was much cooler in Vietnam than in Malaysia (I'm in humid Kuala Lumpur here), and the number of pieces gave me some flexibility to dress for the two climates. And I again used the service for a New Year's Havana trip where, yes, I took a convertible car tour in *another* Farm Rio dress. You don't even have to launder what you send back — which is incredibly convenient when dumping out your suitcase back at home. Out of the six pieces, there's normally one piece that doesn't fit as I expected, but that ratio is still pretty favorable IMO. Nuuly even has a Rent for Travel section to make it easier on you! 

Get 6 pieces on rent for a month from Nuuly for $98. (And don't worry, if you fall in love with any of the pieces, you can buy them at a discount!)

17. A fan-favorite off-the-shoulder jumpsuit you can pair with sneakers and a jacket for a comfy-chic traveling look, then swap into some sandals with a cute purse for a brunch-and-mimosas moment at a local cafe.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "It is a favorite among our flight attendant group when we are traveling. We call ourselves the sisterhood of the traveling jumpsuit! I absolutely love it, it’s comfortable, inexpensive, easy one piece, dress up or dress down. I add a belt and it’s perfect! I am planning to purchase more colors!" —Floridagirl0611

Get it from Amazon for $35.99 (available in sizes S–3X and 32 colors/patterns). 

18. A set of cooling patchesin case you fall asleep on the beach and wake up all sunburned and swollen. They're also great for other ailments such as fevers, bug bites, or even just offsetting the sluggishness from your flight!

www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "These saved us on our vacation with our little who is sensitive to sun!" —felicia faith

"Used these on a sunburn on my back, and they were very soothing. Also provided padding when leaning back in my seat. I stuck one on my shoulder also to keep my seatbelt from rubbing the sunburn there. I bought them to use on the back of my kids' necks to help prevent heat exhaustion on a very hot day outside but ended up just using them for burn relief." —Joanna

Get a pack of 20 from Amazon for $13.99. 

19. A 2-in-1 hair tool that curls and straightens so you can achieve the perfect balance of texture and shine with just one tool. It's easy to pack for trips and dual-voltage so you can have gorgeous hair no matter what country you're visiting.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

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, than 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 240m, 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).

20. A 4-in-1 Alleyoop Pen Pal, which combines everything you need (mascara, brow pencil, eyeliner, and highlighter) into one compact tool so you can save space and still look cute.

Jasmin Sandal / BuzzFeed, Alleyoop

BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Jasmin Sandal swears by this:

"I didn't realize I'd ever use a makeup product in my 20s that had the ability to transport me back to something I used in sixth grade, but here we are; and here I am using a multitool pen... for my face. 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 touch-ups 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!"

Promising review: "Such a time saver to have this 4-in-1 tool! I use it daily and love that it is so compact." —Lauren F.

Get it from Alleyoop for $20 (available in three shades) or from Amazon for $16.

21. Or a 4-in-1 makeup brush set if you already have your ~essential~ travel makeup but hate packing different brushes. This is the size of one brush but opens like a Russian nesting doll to reveal *three* other brushes, so you can do a full face with just one gadget — innovation at its finest. 😌

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "The bristles are soft and it applies the product very well. Love that it has a case which is perfect for traveling. Now I don't have to travel with 10+ brushes." —Yashira

Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in 10 colors).

22. A universal travel adapter that works in 160 countries, so you can rest assured your devices will stay charged on all your international adventures. It has four USB ports and one outlet socket, so you can charge up to five devices at once! I'd bet money that if there were a modern-day Indiana Jones, he'd have this in his travel bag. 

www.amazon.com

But remember that this is not a voltage converter!

Promising review: "I am a digital nomad so I travel full-time around the world. I have a lot of devices to charge (laptop, Kindle, phone, backup battery, portable wi-fi device, camera, the list goes on). A lot of times hostel bunks or hotel rooms only have one outlet and with the previous adapter I was using, I had to charge one device at a time. I used to literally set my alarm to wake up in the middle of the night and switch devices so that I could get more than one device fully charged overnight. I did my research finally and settled on this one because it is universal and has four USB ports. What a GAME CHANGER. On my latest trip I was able to charge all my devices at once and it made traveling so much smoother. It seems well made and good quality, too. Definitely recommend for my digital nomad and traveling peers. Happy travels! :)" —Maggie A.

Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in three colors and one with a USB-c port).

23. And a non-surge cruise-approved power strip with two USB-C and two regular USB ports, plus three standard outlets in case your cabin only has one, but you and your partner have a combined total of seven devices to keep charged.

Amazon

Promising review: "Got this for my cruise and it was perfect. We had phones to charge, we had portable fans and a fan for the room. We ended up having enough plugs for everything we needed. It was great!! I highly suggest for any cruise you go on." —Kimberly F.

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in seven configurations).

24. A wide-mouth water bottlethat won't take up much space in your bag, and you can fill it up at the airport instead of buying their overpriced water. Plus, it's so much more convenient to carry around on your trip than other loud, bulky water bottles (*side-eyes Hydro Flasks*). 

Amazon

Promising review: "I’m not one to write many reviews, but this one is one I decided was worth it. I purchased two of these for a cruise. They were great packing because they lay flat and take up hardly any space. I have purchased the silicon travel bottles, but they have a funky taste/smell to them, so I don’t really care for them. These were so much better!! I was able to easily clip them to my purse strap while we were in ports, and it was still lightweight enough! I highly recommend!" —JDeal

Get it from Amazon for $13.31+ (available in 12 colors and in a pack of two). 

25. A solid Neutrogena SPF 50 sunscreen that's carry-on-friendly and works just as well as spray-on or lotion sunscreens. Now you can enjoy your sunny vacation without burning up!

Amazon

Elizabeth: I first bought this for a weeklong Croatian vacation when I did carry-on, and as long as you are *thoroughly* reapplying, this stuff stays on pretty well. On a beach club afternoon, I did haphazardly reapply and missed a strip on one arm, but I tend to do that with spray-on or lotion sunscreen, too. Since then, I've packed this for any trip I've been on, including a two-day Disneyland trip where I toted this around in my bag and shared with friends. I sometimes carry it with me in my purse on my everyday adventures because I know it's so easy to apply. Also worth mentioning...I am about the palest lady you've ever seen and swear by daily application of sunscreen. But when on a beach trip, I'm constantly swimming in the water and sweating. So yeah, this stuff works. 

And if you're a bit hesitant about jumping on the solid sunscreen bandwagon, you can pack a stick of this, knowing you have enough sun protection to get you through to finding some spray-on or lotion SPF at your destination. 

Get it from Amazon for $9.88.

26. An Arden Cove anti-theft *and* waterproof vegan-leather purse with enough space for all your travel essentials, and even a Kindle. There's an RFID-blocking compartment for your cards, so you don't need to bring your wallet if you don't want to. This is just THE "it girl" of travel purses.

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Arden Cove is a woman-owned brand founded by sisters Carmen and Karin Yuen after carrying disappointing bags and gear while globetrotting. 

It has a waterproof body and zipper, slash-proof lining all around, locking zippers, RFID blocking material, a chain shoulder that strap attaches to a post or chair, built-in wallet, shoulder pad on strap for added comfort, bottom studs to protect it from wear and tear when setting the bag down, and an interior D-ring to attach a keychain.

Promising review: "Just got back from two weeks in Athens and the Greek islands and loved this purse for travel. It has all the security options that give piece of mind but it's also cute enough to take for an evening out. It's smaller than what I typically carry, but I found the interior design meant I eliminated a wallet and other internal holdalls, plus the position of the purse cross body made it a perfect location to easily get to my passport, phone, etc." —Chris Jones

Get it from Amazon for $179 (available in five colors and three chain drop lengths). 

27. Or just an RFID-blocking travel wallet to keep your most important documents protected and together. This thing is nicely organized — so when you're going through security, you *won't* be frantically digging through your bag for your passport as the TSA agent glares at you.

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: "I bought this for traveling to make it easy to have my vaccine card, passport, cards, cash, and boarding tickets close and all in one place. But I’ve loved it so much that it’s now become my everyday wallet for over a year! High quality and holds up well to daily use." —Lydia J

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

28. A TSA-friendly toiletries set that you can fill with your tried-and-true faves instead of spending more money on travel-size versions. These are reusable and leakproof, so your products (and other stuff in your bag!) will stay protected.

www.amazon.com

Elizabeth: I own and love this set! it includes the zippered bag, four soft silicone bottles with leakproof caps, three compact jars, and two toothbrush caps. 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 onto over dozens of trips have all held up well!

Promising review: "If it wasn’t for me forgetting them in the hotels, I wouldn’t have to buy more. This is my third set and I love these things! I’m a flight attendant and these are easy to fill, use, and pack!" —Raena Hill

Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in three variations).

29. Or just a clear TSA-approved toiletry bag to keep all your liquid products together. Plus, there's nothing worse than frantically trying to get all your products in and out of your luggage — and this is so much sturdier than a Ziploc bag.

Amazon

Promising review: "I am a flight attendant and it's perfect for my international flights going through security. I love the handle, easy to pull out of my suitcase." —Kristi

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

30. A splurge-worthy set of Cadence Capsules that stick together ~magnetically~ and take up way less space in your bag than big pill bottles. They'll help you condense so you're bringing what you actually need (and not overpacking); plus, they're leakproof and incredibly sturdy so you can fill 'em with whatever: creams, vitamins, small jewelry — truly anything small that you want to keep safe. 

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).

31. An electronics organizer because Apple keeps changing their charger, and if you want to travel with all your devices, you'll need their special ports and cables. This'll keep your cords from getting tangled and other tech accessories neatly tucked away, and it's especially great for when you're traveling in a group.

Amazon

Promising review: "I am a flight attendant and I LOVE this organizer! I keep my iPad, passport, cords, paperwork, and hand sanitizer in here. It keeps me organized! Definitely recommend to anyone who travels and needs to keep organized." —amazonislife

Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in four colors and two sizes).

32. A 30-pack of waterproof zippered pouches reviewers have used to organize everything from makeup and toiletries to chargers and snacks. Since they're transparent, you'll be able to easily locate and throw the right one in the security bin without unpacking your whole bag. Parents in particular *love* these for keeping everything neat and safe from spills!

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 them from Amazon for $11.99 (available in five different pack sizes).

33. A soft faux-leather tote for the shoulder bag preferrers. This is a great option that'll hold everything you need, from electronics to toiletries, all while keeping you looking stylish and chic. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Bought this bag last minute for a uniform compliance as a flight attendant, and it’s sturdy and a great bag. For the material and the price, it’s a great purchase. I’ve had it over four months." —Amber

Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in a variety of colors and two sizes).

34. A handbag organizer that has a spot for everything, from your ID to the jewelry you need to remove before security, so those essentials can stay neatly arranged in your bag — it's especially great for totes. Now you don't have to choose your purse based on how many pockets it has, *and* it'll be super easy to switch bags since you can just move the organizer from purse A to purse B.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I love this!! I bought it purely to organize my work tote. I’m a flight attendant and I have so much stuff that I need for work that I didn’t want to carry in my nice purse. So I bought a huge black tote but the biggest problem was the lack of organization. This organizer has plenty of places for all the things I need and helps me find things very quickly." —Jamie H

Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in sizes S–L and in 27 colors).

35. A pack of insect-repellent wipes you can slip into any pocket — then thank the universe when you aren't getting eaten by bugs in that tropical locale you're flying to. 

Amazon

Elizabeth: When I was a kid, someone told me that mosquitoes love me because I'm so sweet. And I FULLY believe that as an adult because I still get eaten alive if I'm out for long periods of time without wearing some kind of repellent. I've used these wipes on several park days here in NYC (sitting on a picnic blanket drinking wine with friends is more or less screaming "COME GET ME" to skeeters). But I've really found success with them on a recent hot weekend trip to Savannah, Georgia. I don't notice any smell when using them and have found one wipe to have enough repellent for my arms and legs. So basically, a one and done. I don't think that I've gotten *any* bug bites on days I've used these wipes. Plus, I have extremely sensitive skin but haven't had any irritation from these seemingly powerful wipes!

Get three packs of 12 wipes (36 total) from Amazon for $26.37.

36. A sensitive skin–friendly solid vegan facial cleanserto throw in your toiletries bag so you can be free of finagling with a funnel to get your expensive face wash into a travel-size bottle (or settling for a generic face wash that may have harsh chemicals). 

WYOS

Elizabeth: This brand specializes in solid toiletry options that are perfect for travel. I gave this cleansing stick a spin on a 2.5-week trip to Vietnam and Malaysia where I only did a carry-on. So I had to make some sacrifices with my toiletries in order to do that. Using this green stick didn't feel like a sacrifice! It helped get off makeup and sunscreen easily, and I still have a LOT of the stick left after that long trip! It's also worth noting that I have rosacea and dry, sensitive skin. This worked great on it. 

Get it from WYOS for $18. 

37. Some expandable hangers for those long trips where you'll be making yourself at home in a hotel or Airbnb, because they never have enough hangers. These give you a way to hang and organize your clothes so you don’t have to keep tearing up your suitcase to find that one shirt at the bottom.

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. 

38. Some reusable bottle bags to keep the fancy bottle of prosecco you're bringing back from Italy safe and sound. And if it *does* spill, you'll be happy to hear this bag is designed to catch all of the liquid, so your clothes and souvenirs will be safe!

Amazon

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 three styles).

39. A digital luggage scale — just strap it around the handle, pull up a little, and it'll tell you the weight of your suitcase! We all know that haunting feeling of approaching the check-in desk, not knowing if we'll have to A) pay way too much for a bag or B) open our suitcase on the floor in front of everyone and frantically rearrange everything. 

www.amazon.com

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

Promising review: "We use this in every trip to avoid paying for extra weight as we travel internationally quite often. I have tested in several ways and also always note the weigh number in the airport. After several trips, I can say that the accuracy of it is right within 2 lbs. I have it for almost two years and I am still using the same batteries." —Cass Young

Get it from Amazon for $8.72+ (available in six colors, a pack of two, and another style).

40. A Hackwith Design House shirtbecause there's nothing more travel-friendly than a top you can wear *five* different ways (that we know of — but you might discover more playing around with it). It's timeless because you can always change how you style it, and it's made from a high-quality fabric that's soft, breathable, and can last for years. 

Hackwith Design House

Hackwith Design House is a woman-owned small business. Their sustainable designs are made to order and sewn in their Minnesota studio. Their sizes run from XS–4X. On Mondays, they also release limited-edition designs so you can be one of only 25 people to own a piece! 

My colleague Chelsea Stuart owns this and loves it. Here's what she has to say: 

"All credit for its discovery goes to TikToker @jennifer.bianca who 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 middle 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). 

41. A USB-rechargeable hand warmer to keep your fingers from freezing off on that ski vacation. It's super easy to use, offering *three* heat settings and double-sided warmth — so you don't have to pick which hand deserves to be saved from the cold first.

Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed

Elizabeth: During a trip to Iceland, I kept it in my coat pocket the entire time (basically we were only indoors to eat and sleep) and it gets very hot, very fast. The only time that I was able to use the highest heat setting (there are three total) for longer than a few minutes was when I stood in the middle of nowhere scanning the sky for the Northern Lights around midnight. It was COLD cold out in the flat lands and far away from buildings and light pollution. But I was determined to see the Aurora dance. (Otherwise, I would've booked a summertime Iceland trip.) I had warm leather gloves with fleece lining that I wore throughout the trip, but I kept my right hand ungloved during periods of time so I could look through my phone's camera app to spot the green in the sky. (The Lights look white at first to the naked eye before your eyes adjust and see it as green. But you can spot them as green immediately through your phone camera.) This small-but-mighty hand warmer kept my fingers operating so once I finally did see the lights, I could photograph them! And it also kept me outside longer instead of taking bus breaks. Whyyyy didn't I buy this earlier? Please learn from my mistake.

You can even use a power bank or your phone to charge it!

Promising review: "This hand warmer is amazing! My hands are constantly cold and I've tried all sorts of products to help keep them warm but nothing has worked until now. I charge the hand warmer every night with a standard USB charger and the next day, I have hours of warmth. The three temperature settings are very helpful — I use the highest setting when I'm outdoors for long periods of time and the lower settings when I'm indoors (e.g., sitting at my desk or in a cold movie theater)." —RK

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

42. A Trtl travel pillow designed to wrap around your neck like a scarf — you can adjust how it's sitting for max comfort, with better ergonomic support than traditional neck pillows. *Plus* when you're not using it, you can simply fold it up and toss it in your bag or even wrap it around the handle of your carry-on!

Amazon

Promising review: "As a flight attendant for a major airline I have heard from passengers how much they like this pillow. So I ordered it...I LOVE IT. I lost my U-shaped memory foam pillow recently so I thought I would give this a try. It's smaller than a U-shape pillow and easy to pack up. Lots of fun colors to match your outfits. But most of all it works. It's cheap enough to give it a try...so just do it." —Franny

Get it from Amazon for $59.99+ (available in four colors and another style that's more breathable).

43. A Stojo collapsible travel cup that comes with a straw and is microwave safe so you can reheat your lukewarm beverage instead of dumping it out! Once you've finished your drink, you can just collapse it and throw it in your bag instead of carrying around an empty full-size travel mug. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

It even comes with a straw, can hold both hot and cold liquids, and is dishwasher- and microwave-safe. 

Stojo is a small business aiming to eliminate single-use plastics with their portable and reusable products. 

Promising review: "I take my lunch to work and during mid day I like to use the Keurig to brew a cup of coffee. The 12-ounce Stojo cup I purchased is very practical. It is thick and durable. The plastic collar enables you to hold the cup without squeezing it or burning your hands on the hot walls of the cup. It seals well so you don't have to worry about leaking your drink on your shirt. It even has some reasonable thermal properties. There is enough volume in the cup to allow for the 12-ounce brew plus ample creamer. It's not a stainless vacuum cup, but it does hold its temperature better than your typical gas station or coffee shop cup. Plus you have the advantage of being able to reheat your drink in the microwave which you can't do with a stainless cup. Washes easily too. If you want a 12-ounce cup that keeps your drink hot or cold for a long time, this isn't the cup for you. But if you need something practical that will keep your coffee warm for 30–45 minutes, can be reheated in a microwave, and collapses to the dimensions of a tall hockey puck, this is a good purchase. You'll have it for years." —ViciousCycle

Get it from Amazon for$14.99+ (available in four sizes and 24 colors). 

44. And some highly rated instant coffeeto put in said cup. This stuff has a two-year shelf life, and you'll be sooo happy to have it in your bag when you need your caffeine but don't want to drop $15 at the airport.

Partners Coffee

Elizabeth: Thank goodness I packed some of these for my trip to Iceland where I stayed at a hotel that somehow didn't have coffee in its kitchenette? (But was very nice otherwise.) It *did* have an electric kettle, so I was able to make my coffee in the morning before walking on icy sidewalks to a bus stop for an 8-hour bus tour. So yeah, I needed that caffeine. I found that this instant coffee dissolved incredibly well and didn't feel gritty like some other instant coffee I've tried in the past. 

Get a six-pack from Partners Coffee for $16 (available in five flavors).

45. A travel infinity scarf with a hidden zipper pocket cleverly integrated into its design, allowing you to keep your essentials — like your passport, wallet, keys, and more — secure and easily accessible. And you can wear it sooo many different ways, including covering your head and shoulders (but not your knees and toes, lol) if you are traveling to a place that requires you to do so!

Amazon

Waypoint Goods is a small biz that specializes in travel accessories. 

Promising review: "I absolutely LOVE my travel scarf. This piece is perfect for every occasion. Whether I am traveling on a plane or a road trip, at work, or trying to dress up an outfit to go out, it is perfect and functional. My phone, credit cards and keys fit seamlessly in the pocket without changing the look or fit of my scarf. At times I have put all of that plus a boarding pass and passport in the pocket!!" —Caroline

Get it from Amazon for $49.95 (available in five styles).

46. Or a versatile, lightweight shawl if you're fancy, and because the plane is somehow *always* colder than expected. But this lovely pashmina will also come in handy throughout your trip: Wear it around your neck while walking to dinner, then drape it around your shoulders for some added warmth inside the chilly restaurant.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Absolutely love this shawl! The color is a true red and will work beautifully for several outfits. I bought it specifically for travel...easy to pack in your carry-on bag and adds warmth without weight." —bojangles

"Wore on a trip to Morocco. Lightweight and versatile. Wear it as a traditional scarf, draped over front, or as a headscarf. Good quality and color pigment." —Micki R. Leesch

Get it from Amazon for $15.98 (available in 43 colors).

47. A versatile slip dress that'll fit in your suitcase even when you think you've maxed out your packing space. It's super comfortable with its silky material and adjustable straps, and you can style it for a variety of travel occasions: Hit the town with sneakers and an open button-up thrown over the top, then jazz it up with heels and elegant jewelry for a night out. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Great for a capsule wardrobe. I bought this for a summer trip to Italy. It paired beautifully with a cotton blouse. It's especially good for evening." —theof

Get it from Amazon for $17.76+ (available in women's sizes XXS–5XL and in 24 colors).

48. A airplane seat back organizer because, let’s face it, constantly getting up to grab something from your carry-on is a pain for you and everyone around you. This thing and its four roomy pockets make it so easy to reach all the gadgets and goodies you brought for your flight without leaving your seat. Annnd it saves you from the all-too-common experience of reaching into your airplane pocket...and pulling out used napkins. 🤢

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. 

BuzzFeed Shopping writer 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: "Very useful especially when traveling with kids. Provided easy access and storage to things like water bottle, hand sanitizer, snacks, wipes, headphones. I didn't have to access my carry-on." —JJ

Get it from Amazon for $29.99.

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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