If You’re Someone Who Only Travels With A Carry-On, You’ll Want To Check Out These 37 Space-Saving Solutions
Check it out on TikTok here. Plus! You can use any empty compartments to store pairs of smaller earrings...maybe even eliminating the need for packing a jewelry organizer!
Promising review: "I browsed several options for pill containers to use while traveling. I was looking for more than four compartments while still being compact. This container worked perfectly! The side with the two bigger compartments was necessary for my large daily multivitamin, while the smaller compartments held several doses of OTC medications to be used as needed. The container is very durable, and I really like the security of the outside clasp. The standard weekly pill container I had been using was too long for my purse, and the slots popped open on occasion. Not with this guy! I plan to use another one of the three containers for a first aid kit." —Melissa
Get a 3-pack from Amazon for $7.97+ (available in two color combos).
Amazon
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 $18 (also available for brown hair).
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: "I used these during a month in Italy and two months in a nursing home when I was recovering from a broken leg. They are a perfect size. Each packet was good for two washes of my delicates. I folded the top down and stored it upright in a plastic bag for use for the second washing. Super useful and convenient. I highly recommend for the traveler who likes to travel light. I was gone a month and only took a backpack and a suitcase that stowed under the airplane seat. So frequent washing was necessary to not offend my fellow travelers. These were perfect." —Gigi
Get nine packs from Amazon for $6.70.
Amazon
Elizabeth: I travel just about any chance that I get and found a WHOLE lot of success with these little laundry sheets on an almost-three-weeks European vacation this summer where I carried on only and re-wore outfits several times.
Promising review: "I saw these recommended on a travel blog, and I'm glad I bought them. I used them both in a washing machine and to hand-wash some items on my trip, and in both cases, they were super easy to use and got my clothes clean while taking up a minuscule amount of space in my luggage. I would highly recommend these for extended travel." —angal2
Get it from Amazon for $12.95.
Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed
Here's how to fill it up: press the bottom of the atomizer against an open perfume bottle and keep clicking until the atomizer is filled up. Each atomizer holds up to five milliliters of perfume and is small enough to fit in a backpack, carry-on, or purse.
Check it out on TikTok.
Promising reviews: "I bought these due to traveling a lot for work and needing to cut down on the size of things in my carry-on bag for flying. I can bring four different perfumes now instead of one big one. They’re super easy to fill and haven’t leaked so far, but I keep them in a sandwich baggie while traveling, just in case. I would 100% buy them again." —Emily
Get a four-pack from Amazon for $6.99.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review: "When you first see them, you think there is no way. But then, five jeans, six shirts, one suit, eight pieces of underwear and one pair of shoes later, you can't help but be impressed with this product! It is very easy to pack, and the zipper is constructed very well. I'm not super organized when it comes to traveling. I don't do perfect folds ever, but this makes it easy." —Rusveltte C
Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in four different multipacks and 29 size/color combinations).
Amazon
It comes with one handle and one blade refill but will work with other normal Venus refills!
Promising review: "The travel size shaver is definitely a space saver, along with a lovely case that has holes to help ventilation and prevent mold. Don’t let the cuteness fool you. Despite its much smaller size, the handle is easy to handle and grasp." —SightSeer
Get it from Amazon for $12.92.
Amazon
Elizabeth: I first bought this for a weeklong Croatian vacation last year 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 it 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 $9.77.
Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed
Elizabeth: I bought this water bottle before a 2.5-week trip to Vietnam (where you don't drink tap water) and Malaysia (where you do). I didn't want to bring one of my ride-or-die S'well bottles because it would take up extra room in my bag when I wouldn't be able to use it during the majority of the trip. This handy silicone bottle did just the trick! It's very easy to roll up and *stays* rolled up thanks to the just-stretchy-enough loop. Said loop was also very handy while walking through airports and just around sightseeing. The bottle is easy to clean and doesn't make my water taste weird. I'm now using it as my daily water bottle and feel confident it'll serve me well for a long time. Plus! With a collapsible water bottle, it's easier to remember if you left water in it before you go through security.
Get it from Amazon for $7.69+ (available in three sizes and 14 colors).
Amazon
Check it out on TikTok here.
Promising review: "Excellent lightweight charger! My phone is a Galaxy S22+ and this charger has made traveling and charging during occasional everyday use very easy. It charges quickly from single digit battery life and can easily be connected as the phone is still being used. It is definitely my travel must-have and one of the first things I place in my personal carry-on bag. I am very satisfied with this purchase." —Kindle Customer
Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in packs of two and five colors).
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 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.
Get it from Amazon for $12.98+ (available in 37 styles).
Cadence
Cadence is a woman-owned small business specializing in personal care travel solutions. Each mini capsule is created from recycled ocean-bound plastic and is refillable and reusable!
Check them out on TikTok here.
BuzzFeed writer Jasmin Sandal uses these travel capsules and said: "I love my little containers that allow me to downsize but still carry my necessities while I'm traveling. They're not only cute to look at but they're pretty practical. I have used mine to store my vitamins, earrings, face cream and have not run into any issues. They have tight, screw-on tops so you know everything is secure *and* you can customize their labels so you know exactly what's in what. Oh, and the fact that they're magnetic? Genius. This way, they stay tightly together in your case or can be conveniently stored in a makeup bag."
Get a set from Amazon for $42+ (available in individual capsules, bundles of three or four, and five colors).
See it in action on TikTok here.
The set comes with four bottles, two jars, two spray bottles, two scoopers (to help transfer creams), one funnel (to help transfer liquids), one cleaning brush, a page of labels, and a bag that everything fits in.
Promising review: "I used this for a two-week international trip. I did two mini trips to other locations. The squeeze bottles did not leak, held enough product for the trip, and are cute. The spray bottles worked well for hair products. I wish there were a couple more bottles instead of the jar containers, but that’s the set. The zippered bag worked fine, though I probably only opened/closed it about 10 times." —Jan
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in seven colors).
See it in action on TikTok.
Promising review: "Prior to this purchase, we've killed an appliance or two in overseas travel. We bought the Sokoo Power Converter for a trip to the Philippines. It worked like a champ! We charged our iPhones and other high-end devices with peace of mind. My wife used her flat iron with this just fine. I like that it has plug adapters for outlets around the world, so I know wherever we go we can use this. I recommend this to anyone doing international travel." —David Aiken
Get it from Amazon for $39.98.
Check it out on TikTok.
Promising review: "I saw this recommended on TikTok and bought it on a whim. I never knew a jewelry organizer would be so useful! I absolutely love this organizer and think everyone should have one!!" —Savana Bishop
Get it from Amazon for $12.79+ (available in two sizes and 11 colors and patterns).
Promising review: "OMG I’m obsessed with these earrings. They’re so pretty and lightweight. I never usually order earrings from Amazon, but I decided to get some since I saw them on TikTok. They’re great quality, and I usually can’t wear fake jewelry since it makes my ears itch. This one didn’t do that at all. Another problem I have is earrings being super uncomfortable to sleep in but this one doesn’t do that either. I’m going to literally get every single size they have since I love it so much. Hiiiiighly recommend." —Ziyana Iyer
Get it from Amazon for $13.95+ (available in four sizes and three colors).
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).
Jasmin Sandal / BuzzFeed
Alleyoop is a woman-owned small business creating "beauty efficiency" products. Many are compact and/or have several functions!
My former BuzzFeed shopping colleague Jasmin Sandal has this and loves it. She says: "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!"
Get it from Amazon for $20.
www.instagram.com, Elizabeth Howell
You can even secure it to a chair when out in a cafe so that you don't have to fear any wandering pickpockets.
Keyper is a woman-founded and -owned company.
Elizabeth: I have one of these (in the snow leopard) and have used it just for keys but also to attach bags as I'm traveling. (I also ONLY carry on so I try to stay organized as possible.) My pal, also named Elizabeth, uses hers to attach her bag to her chair when she's out and about traveling. Yes, you still want an anti-theft bag. But this can make for an extra level of security!
Get it from Amazon for $35.99+ (available in five colors/designs and more materials and styles). You can also grab a bag that works with the keychain. A clear bag, like the one seen on the left, is a great option for toiletries when flying. But! It's also super useful as a purse for a stadium concert or sporting event with security bag restrictions.
FYI, if you have Amazon Prime, you can give this a spin before you buy it!
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 $26.59+ (available in women's sizes S–3X and 32 colors/patterns).
Amazon
Promising review: "I randomly bought this little curling iron/straightener to save space for travel...and after trying it out, I now find myself reaching for it over my big, expensive, full-sized regular curling iron and straightener. It just heats up so fast and does the best job — especially curling. It curls quickly, and the curls last all day. On both regular hair and extensions. If I could change anything about it, it would be to have it in a full-sized version, too, with the same effectiveness. Not sure if one exists, but if it does, I will buy it." —Melanie
Get it from Amazon for $34.99.
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).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Use this for a second carry-on item when flying. It’s large, but not too bulky to fit under the seat when on an airplane. I like that it doesn’t have lots of dividers or pockets, so a large sweater, electronics, glasses, and a fast food sack easily fit in without being a huge bag that’s hard to manipulate. The straps are the perfect length to carry on one shoulder and stays toward my back so it doesn’t hit people as I pass them in them in the aisle." —Momma of 6
Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in a variety of colors and two sizes).
www.amazon.com, 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 26 colors).
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 from Amazon for $26.37.
Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed
Elizabeth: I snagged this backpack after hearing my colleague Chelsea Stuart sing its praises. I had a trusty (now discontinued) InCase backpack I used as a personal item and served me well on dozens of trips for about five years. But 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 (Amtrak to Newport, Rhode Island, for a wedding and regional train to a Connecticut country lake house) 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. At nearly $90, 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 $88 (available in eight colors).
Amazon
Waypoint Goods is a small biz that specializes in travel accessories.
Promising review: "Can’t recommend this enough. Bought for our trip to Spain and wore it daily with my passport, cash, and some medicine inside the pocket. I’ve been using it at home as well. Perfect item for travel. Quality and stylish too! Recommended to my sister for travel in Europe as well and she wore it daily." —Betsy Polacheck
Get it from Amazon for $49.95+ (available in five styles).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I bought this summer 2021, and it’s been my favorite hat ever since [review written July 2023]. So far, it has lasted me through many beach trips, countless road trips, and almost three summers. It’s very lightweight and fits my tiny head perfectly. It won’t protect your face super well because the rim isn’t super long, but I don’t mind and don’t expect it to. It’s so cute and I always get compliments on it. It’s been through a lot these few years and looks the same as it did when I bought it. It’s perfect to stuff in my bag or I usually throw it in my car. Definitely an amazing purchase. I was just looking to buy an all black bucket hat but couldn’t find any I liked as much as this one, they always seem to look wonky or just didn’t fit how I like. I was looking at my previous purchase and just realized ITS REVERSIBLE!! YALL SAVED ME $20! Thank you for that, lol." —madi
Get it from Amazon for $13.89+ (available in 43 prints).
Amazon
Promising review: "This is a mock shirt. It is more of an embellishment under shirts with no collars. Dresses up the outfit. Fit can be adjusted under arms." —MDimis
Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in 11 styles)
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I am super happy with this cute wrap. I wore it over a bikini to a yoga party. Was comfortable, tied easily, and stayed put. The black fit just the same." —MCK
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in 28 color combinations).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I was looking for a non-messy, compact blush for travel. This product is an awesome find. It is sheer and blendable but not greasy. I used it on my lips, too, as suggested. It is great. Now, I don't need to pack lipstick either. Surprising multi-use product. The color worked well with my light olive complexion." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $5+ (available in seven colors).
Promising review: "I have been on long flights to Europe twice now with that typical travel pillow which does not work at all for sleeping on. I find my head falling forward when sleeping. I was wishing they made a product like this, and now my prayers have been answered. The carrying case is small and lightweight. You can easily place it inside or tie it to your carry-on luggage. It took about 25 breaths to blow up, which is not that much considering how much surface area this travel pillow covers. It works perfectly. It does have a slight smell to it so I do recommend letting it air out if you have time before your next flight." —CK
Get it from Amazon for $24.99.
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 $11.99.
Promising review: "So glad I got these for my trip to Hawaii. These shoes saved my feet getting into the coral-covered beaches of Kaua'i. Great on the hot sand, too. Much more comfortable than the ones I got for my daughter at Target." —jaspy106
Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in women sizes 4-13.5, men sizes 3-12, and 44 colors).
Amazon
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 set of 30 from Amazon for $15.99 (available in five different multipacks).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This hat actually folds for travel, which I was not sure would work. It has wide protection, but is also light and secretly adjusts tighter using an interior Velcro strip hidden inside. I'm very pleased!" — Nicole J Wesson
Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in sizes M–XL and in eight colors).
The Fileist
See it in action on TikTok here.
The Fileist is an LA-based woman-owned small business that creates fashionable and functional accessories to make your life easier.
Promising review: "After traveling with hats for years (and it being a nightmare) someone FINALLY realized we can do better! Traveling is so much easier with Toptote! Now I don’t have to sacrifice style or efficiency. I Love mine and buy it for all my friends as gifts!" —Stephanie
Get it from The Fileist for $55.
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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