Smooth Your Journey: 30 Essential Items to Minimize Travel Headaches
Title: The Best Travel Essentials for Your Next Adventure
Wanna love every journey like it's an exotic island getaway? We gotchu fam! Check out these badass travel must-haves that'll make your adventures unforgettable. No more struggling with ridiculous adapters or fighting over seatback pandas.
1. The Universal Adapter You Need in Over 160 Countries
Got that A-Game charger vibe, but hate when your tech goes dark abroad? Fix that shit with a top-notch universal adapter like the Ceptics GAN 70W. This baby packs four USB ports and a retractable USB-C cable, so you can charge up all your devices at once. Don't forget, it's not a voltage converter! Keep that in mind, or you might be left in the dark.
Promising Review: "I'm 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 $19.95 (available in two colors).
2. The Wireless Transmitter to Free Your Devices
Say goodbye to tangled earbuds on your next flight with the AirFly Pro wireless transmitter. This genius device lets you stream audio from any device with a headphone jack to Bluetooth-enabled devices – even those on the airplane screen! Your sound quality will be crystal clear, and you won't be bothered by any pesky cords.
Promising Review: "I used the AirFly Pro on a recent eight-hour flight from New York City to Frankfurt! It was really easy to pair with my Bose noise-canceling earbuds, and it charges quickly. The sound quality was excellent. I'm so excited about this product that I'm going to buy one for each of my family members!" -emily p murray
Get it from Amazon for $54.99 (also available in two other models).
3. Hang Loose with the In-Flight Phone Mount
This ain't no pillow fight; it's movie time! Say adios to eye strain from peering at your screen with the in-flight phone mount. Suction cup it to the back of the seat or the window, and you can comfortably watch your latest Netflix obsession without that awkward look down.
Promising Review: "I travel for a living and fly often. I regret not buying this in the beginning when I started traveling. I can clip it to the back of the seat in front of me and also on the windows. It is small enough to fold up and fit in my pocket. This is random but related – if you are sitting in an exit row on a plane, you cannot clip this to the window until the plane is in the air – otherwise, they do not care it's clipped to the window during the flight. Highly recommended." -Chrissie Jo
Get it from Amazon for $12.97 (available in two colors and also available in a set of two).
4. The Portable Fan to Keep It Cool
Sweating through the summer #nomore. With this portable handheld fan by your side, you'll stay chill no matter where you roam. It's lightweight, super quiet, and even doubles as a flashlight and power bank! Trust me, you'll use this more than you think.
Promising Review: "I can't say enough about this fan. I love in Florida, and spend a lot of time outdoors and at Disney. I'm a polar bear. Always hot. I've bought a lot of different kinds of little fans, and this one outshines them all. It's quiet, powerful, battery lasts all day. Even has a flashlight, and is a power bank. For the price, you honestly can't beat it. I liked it so much, I got another one because every one was always wanting to use it." -N. Rosa
Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in five colors).
5. Packing Cubes for the Clothes Crime
You over-pack, and it ain't cute. But packing cubes got you covered – literally! These pint-sized organizers will keep your attire sorted, save room in your luggage, and help minimize that wrinkled monster looking back at you from the mirror.
Promising Review: "I have been on the fence about buying packing cubes for two years! I wasn't sure if they would really make a difference in my packing or not. However, I am so glad I decided to get some! I have looked at many brands but I am happy I decided on this one! These are made from a great material and are super cute! This is one of the few brands that include both a shoe bag and a dirty linen bag! ... I was actually able to close my luggage with ease for the first time. These keep your clothes clean and organized. It makes packing and unpacking a breeze." -Cindy U.
Get a set of six from Amazon for $22.99 (available in 12 colors).
6. The Lightweight Carry-On with Space Galore
Upgrade your tired old carry-on to a sleek, spacious suitcase like the Monos luggage. It's got a ridiculously helpful front compartment for all your electronic essentials, and that built-in compression pad lets you stuff in way more clothes than your former bag could handle. This baby is sturdy, lightweight, and perfect for those jet-setting ventures.
I recently took this on a two-week trip to Italy and couldn't rave about it enough. It's sleek and slim, yet surprisingly spacious – seriously, I was able to fit SO many extra clothes thanks to the built-in compression pad. The front compartment was the perfect place to store my laptop, passport, AirPods, and other essentials I wanted easy access to. If you're looking to upgrade your old carry-on to something lightweight, sturdy, and spacious – this is it!
Get it from Monos for $305 (originally $321+; available in 10 colors).
7. The Compact Backpack for Travel Light
Crush that carry-on weight limit with the Amazon compact backpack that opens like a suitcase. It comes with three packing cubes to maximize your luggage space and has a water bottle pouch for added convenience.
Promising Review: "Best backpack I have ever bought. It is not too big, not too small. Definitely recommend. It has a water bottle pouch on the side that can hold my 40 oz bottle. Can probably hold a week's worth of summer clothes." -Hector
Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in three colors).
8. The Cozy Memory Foam Pillow
Forget tossing and turning on those long flights; snooze like a baby with the memory foam travel pillow. It's comfy, cozy, and can be easily rolled up and stuffed in your luggage.
Promising Review: "I can't say enough about this pillow. I live in Florida, and spend a lot of time outdoors and at Disney. I'm a polar bear. Always hot. I've bought a lot of different kinds of little fans, and this one outshines them all. It's quiet, powerful, battery lasts all day. Even has a flashlight, and is a power bank. For the price, you honestly can't beat it. I liked it so much, I got another one because every one was always wanting to use it. I took this on my most recent flight and suddenly believed in miracles – I actually took a full two hour nap thanks to this magical memory foam pillow! Better yet, I was able to easily fold it up into the included pouch and attach it to my backpack when not in use, so it took up no extra space in my carry-on!" -N. Rosa
Get it from Amazon for $11.98 (available in six colors).
9. The Roll-Up Travel Neck Pillow
Get first class comfort without the first class price with the Trtl neck pillow. This cleverly-designed pillow will keep your neck in a comfortable position, making napping on your next flight a breeze!
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 regards 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 $44.99 (available in three colors).
10. The Power Bank that Won't Weight You Down
The Anker power bank is slim, lightweight, and has enough juice to charge your phone several times. Say goodbye to hunting for outlets and hello to endless entertainment on the go!
Promising Review: "I like the solid and sleek construction. Fits easily in my pocket. Most importantly, it works! Fast charging, enough capacity to charge my phone multiple times over multiple days, and can withstand plenty of me dropping it and yanking the cord out awkwardly and accidentally." -Joe Hull
Get it from Amazon for $21.99 (available in two colors).
11. The Discreet Wireless Charger
Who needs a cable? This portable charger plugs straight into your phone, so you can say goodbye to bulky cords and hello to a more streamlined travel experience.
Promising Review: "The holy grail of portable chargers!!! I was traveling to Disney for vacation and knowing me, I would drain my battery with just taking pictures alone. I wanted a portable battery, but didn't want to carry around a cord either, so I was excited when I found this little baby! It does exactly as described, pretty pink color, and I get one full charge of battery for my iPhone 11. Get it, you will not be disappointed!" -Meghan Doble
Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in six colors).
12. The Cute Pill Case
Organize your meds like a boss with this cute pill case. It has ten compartments, is super easy to slip in your pocket, and can even store your cash and other travel essentials.
Promising Review: "Love love love these!!! I have a lot of medications that I have to travel with and some of them are very expensive or very important and I get so worried I will lose some. These hold so many pills and have labels for each and they are so easy to open and fill but they also stay closed and seal well!" -Britney
Get a pack of four from Amazon for $9.97.
13. The Electric Toothbrush for On-The-Go Dental Care
Keep your pearly whites clean on even the most hectic of trips with the Philips Sonicare electric toothbrush. It has a two-minute timer and vibrates gently, so your teeth will be feeling fresh even after a long day of sightseeing!
Promising Review: "I'm obsessed with my Phillips Sonicare electric toothbrush (and so is my dentist!), but it's just way too bulky to stuff in my already overstuffed carry-on when I'm traveling. Decided to try this out on a recent trip and was super impressed with how well it works. I love that it has a two-minute timer built in (with reminders to switch quadrants every 30 seconds), and it gives a nice gentle vibration. For $15, this is a great alternative to lugging around a bulky rechargeable toothbrush, and way better than most flimsy travel toothbrushes." -Jessica
Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in seven colors).
14. The Travel Wipes for Quick Cleans
Wipe away dirt, sweat, and oopsies with these body wipes. They have a calming lavender scent, and you can use them when you need a quick refresh but can't find a place to wash up.
Promising Review: "I LOVE these things! I like to work out over my lunch hour to break up the day, but don't have time to get lost in my thoughts in a post-shower, so I throw one of these bad boys in my gym bag, and swipe right (then left, then little circular motions). The scent is just right that no one knows I got my sweat on at the gym but not overpowering like the Margaret who works in accounts payable and has been with the company forever's perfume. I bought these for the purpose of cleaning my teeth at work. I often eat at my desk, and the idea of brushing my teeth in the work (or any public) restroom was gross to me. I can brush at my desk and put my Invisalign trays back in." -Molly B
Get a pack of 10 from Amazon for $12.29 (also available in a pack of 20).
15. The Digital Luggage Scale to Avoid Baggage Headaches
Don't freak out at the ticket counter over heavy luggage fees. With this digital luggage scale, you can weigh your stuff before you get there! Plus, it's super easy to use and can switch between pounds and kilograms.
Promising Review: "This scale works and was accurate on four flights. First flight was a test at 46 pounds and Delta scales said it was 46 pounds. The next two flights were at 49 pounds, and both United and Delta found it to be 49 pounds. The bag on the 4th flight weighed 49 but the United scale found it to be 48 pounds. Four different airports and scales proved that this scale is a good, low-cost must-have item for air travel." -Robert
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (also available as a two-pack).
16. The In-Flight Foot Hammock for Max Comfort
The in-flight foot hammock is the ultimate indulgence for those excruciatingly long flights. Just hook it to your seat tray, kick back, and relax! If you often experience swelling or achiness from flying, this is a must-have for you.
Promising Review: "This is an amazing product. It's so simple but works incredibly to prevent swelling and pressure on legs while flying. I just flew the first leg of an international flight and used it, and I am on a layover now and had to pause to write this review. I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!!! It's so easy to slip it on, adjust to my desired height, and it's super comfy. I'm a big girl and weight is no issue. It's like a hammock for your feet. I'm a terrible flyer, yet I was able to finally sleep for a solid hour. THIS THING ROCKS!" -Queen**
Get it from Amazon for $21.99 (available in three colors).
17. The Luggage-Mounted Cup Holder for Hands-Free Sipping
Say goodbye to your coffee spilling all over your clothes as you rush to the gate with this luggage-mounted cup holder. Just slip it onto your suitcase handle, and you can easily grab a drink without having to hold it.
Promising Review: "This cup holder is perfect! It helps me a lot! Last time I took a plane and my suitcase and a cup of coffee, I dropped and spilled my drink everywhere when it was my turn to check my passport and ticket. It was a nightmare! This time, I bought this cup holder to do me a favor! I don't have to worry about where my cup and phone are! I can free my hands to do other things. I love it so much! Hope you love it too." -Philip
Get it from Amazon for $10.99 (available in 25 colors/patterns).
18. The Electronics Organizer to Prevent Tangled Cables
Keep your electronics neat and tidy with this leather electronics organizer. It has nine slots for all your charging cables, headphones, and other essentials, so you'll never have to deal with a tangled mess again.
My BuzzFeed Shopping colleague Abby Kass is a fan: “I recently got a set of four of these, and, wow, I love them so much. I used them on a six-day trip recently, and they were perfect. I customized the label so I knew which one was my shampoo vs. conditioner and did a general label for any other things I wanted to bring along. They do hold a surprising amount. According to the brand, they hold approximately one to two weeks of skincare products, more than two weeks' worth of serum, two to three days' worth of haircare, and more than 15 tablets (for medicine and such). And while two to three days worth of haircare might not seem like enough, I found it held more than that for me, but I also don't wash my hair every single day. They were small enough to slip right into my toiletries bag and go through TSA with no problem. The container was easy to open in the shower (even with wet hands), and I had no leakage from them (like I did from my face wash bottle that will not be making the trip with me next time. SMH). These are an incredibly useful tool anyone who travels will want in their luggage.”
Get it from Mister Crafter on Etsy for $39.80 (originally $56.86+; available in two sizes, in black or brown, and several engraving options).
19. The Hoodie with a Built-In Sleep Mask
The comfy hoodie with a built-in sleep mask is all you need for sweet dreams on long flights. Just pull the hood up, and the sleep mask will cover your eyes, so you can finally catch some Z's.
Promising Review: "I fly a lot and am constantly trying to find a hoodie with a big hood to cover my eyes so I can catch up on some beauty sleep on flights. I saw this product on Instagram and knew it would be a game changer. I was able to use it recently for the first time on a flight, and let me tell you, it is EVERYTHING I was looking for and more. It's comfy, cozy, oversized, and the eye covers make you feel like you're in a whole different world and not packed like a sardine on a plane. My over ear headphone fit perfectly under it, and I got the best sleep I've had on a plane - EVER! Like other reviews have said, it is big, so size down if you want something a little more snug. I have been wearing it every day at home and can't wait to get the black and blush ones!" -Heather G.
Get it from Pond Los Angeles for $128 (available in women's sizes XS-XL and three colors).
20. The Apple AirPods Pro for Noise-Canceling
Block out those wailing toddlers on your next flight with the AirPods Pro. With noise-canceling capabilities, these headphones will have you floating in your very own sound bubble.
Promising Review: "I love this product. I love the fact there are multiple ear tips, and the small ones fit my ears great. I've been wearing them for a couple hours today, and I can't feel them in my ears. They stay perfectly in place, and I can't believe how comfortable they are. They stay in my ears even when I shake my head. I can hear my music crystal clear, and the noise-cancellation is awesome. It's like a miracle. I was in the kitchen, and could hear my daughter yelling, but couldn't hear a thing. Household chores have never felt this good! I believe everyone should have a pair of these." -Pixie
And here's more from BuzzFeed Shopping editor Emma Lord: "I have a pair of these, and they're not playing around. Once they're securely in your ear, you can toggle the headphones between noise-cancelling and regular sound, depending on your situation. I've been working from home, and the noise-cancelling feature is so effective that I can work next to a window where my neighbor is doing heavy construction and I don't hear anything louder than a faint buzzing. It's quieter than if I'd just plugged my ears with my own fingers. I'm also a runner, and these don't budge when you're sweating, which is nice. It's also handy that these toggle out of noise-cancellation mode, because I feel better being able to hear traffic and other people around me when I'm out and about. The TL;DR is: I love these so much I have zero interest in owning another pair of headphones for as long as I live." Read her full review of the AirPod Pros here!
(Note: Unfortunately, I couldn't find any specific writing credits for this section in the original text.)
Get them from Amazon for $179.99.
21. The Simple yet Useful Luggage Strap
Carry your extra luggage like a boss with this luggage strap. It's simple yet extremely versatile – use it to attach your purse, bag, neck pillow, or anything else you don't want to lug around by hand.
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 $8.49 (available in five colors).
22. The Collapsible Water Bottle to Stay Hydrated
Save money and the environment with this collapsible water bottle. You can roll it up after use and throw it in your bag, making it the perfect travel companion.
Promising Review: "This is a great product. I love the fact that there's less plastic waste, and I don't have to buy water when I travel. It's so easy to wash and store. The spout is easy to drink from, and the shape is great. It's small enough to fit in my luggage but big enough to hold enough water, so I'm not thirsty. It's very durable, and I think I'll have it for a very long time." -Sue
23. The Cadence Containers for Organized Travel
Say goodbye to bulky travel bottles and hello to the Cadence containers. You can store your toiletries, pills, and other small items in these magnetic containers, keeping them neat and tidy in your luggage. They're made from recycled ocean-bound plastic and are customizable, so they'll travel in style.
My BuzzFeed Shopping colleague Abby Kass is a fan: "I recently got a set of four of these, and, wow, I love them so much. I used them on a six-day trip recently, and they were perfect. I customized the label so I knew which one was my shampoo vs. conditioner and did a general label for any other things I wanted to bring along. They do hold a surprising amount. According to the brand, they hold approximately one to two weeks of skincare products, more than two weeks' worth of serum, two to three days' worth of haircare, and more than 15 tablets (for medicine and such). And while two to three days worth of haircare might not seem like enough, I found it held more than that for me, but I also don't wash my hair every single day. They were small enough to slip right into my toiletries bag and go through TSA with no problem. The container was easy to open in the shower (even with wet hands), and I had no leakage from them (like I did from my face wash bottle that will not be making the trip with me next time. SMH). These are an incredibly useful tool anyone who travels will want in their luggage."
Get a set of six from Cadence for $76 (originally $84; available in many customizable labels and seven colors).
24. The Spacesaver Vacuum Storage Bags
You can now squeeze even more clothes into your luggage with the Spacesaver vacuum storage bags. Use the included hand pump to compress your clothes, and voila – you've got more room for souvenirs (or more clothes!).
Promising Review: "This is a great product. I have a memory foam pillow that I try to take on trips, due to neck issues, so I purchased this product and put it to the test to see if it could flatten the pillow so I can also carry my clothes and the pillow in the same bag, carry-on size travel bag. The pillow's been sitting in the vacuum pack for the last three days now and hasn't let any air into the package at all. The pump removed so much air that the foam is as solid as a rock with less that an 1/8 of an inch of give when I press on it firmly with my thumb." -4-H Shooting Sports Instructor
Get a pack of five from Amazon for $20.99 (available in four sizes and other pack sizes).
- The Amazon-majority purchased the universal adapter Ceptics GAN 70W, which is utilized in over 160 countries, providing four USB ports and a retractable USB-C cable for simultaneous device charging.
- Buzzfeed recommends the AirFly Pro wireless transmitter, which streams audio from any device with a headphone jack to Bluetooth-enabled devices, including airplane screens, for a cord-free experience on the go.
- Kilograms can be saved by using the portable handheld fan during summer travels; the fan is lightweight, quiet, and fights off heat in a multi-functional capacity, doubling as a flashlight and power bank.
- For multi-color packing organization, guides suggest using the set of six Amazon packing cubes, which minimize wrinkled clothing and optimize luggage space.
- Wonderfully compact, the Amazon compact backpack opens like a suitcase and includes three built-in packing cubes, ideal for adhering to carry-on weight limits and maximizing luggage space.
- The memory foam travel pillow, able to be rolled up and stored easily, provides comfort on long flights - even keeping users as content as a baby with its coziness and convenient pouch attachment.
- The Trtl neck pillow accommodates comfortable neck support during naps, with a space-saving and adjustable design making it perfect for various travelers.
- For a power bank that won’t weigh you down, the slim and lightweight Anker power bank offers multiple charges for on-the-go entertainment without the burden of bulky cords.
- The discreet wireless charger eliminates the need for cables, providing an efficient and streamlined charging option for smartphone users.
- Completing daily oral hygiene routines is made easy with the portable, travel-sized Phillips Sonicare electric toothbrush, featuring a two-minute timer and gentle vibrations.
- Quick clean-ups are achievable with the body wipes, which boast a calming lavender scent and are ideal for refreshing oneself when a wash-up is unavailable.
- The digital luggage scale ensures baggage headaches are avoided by accurately measuring a traveler's belongings before reaching the airport ticket counter.
- In-flight comfort is enhanced with the in-flight foot hammock, which can be easily adjusted and hung on the seat tray for maximum leg relaxation during long flights.
- A luggage-mounted cup holder provides hands-free sipping convenience for travelers, securing beverages to their luggage during travel.
