49 PRODUCTS TO HELP YOU TRAVEL WITH *JUST* CARRY-ON LUGGAGE THIS SUMMER
1. A spacious travel-friendly backpack that'll be a must-pack on all your travel adventures. It'll fit under the seat in front of you and help you make the most of the "personal item" you're allowed along with your carry-on roller bag. This one is TikTok- and reviewer-famous for holding TONS of stuff, zipping completely open (like a suitcase!) for easy packing, and helping keep travelers organized.
This one checks all the boxes: super roomy, has plenty of pockets (including one for shoes and a separate wet bag!), and has a strap that slides down over your luggage handle for easy transport. And reviewers say it meets even Spirit and JetBlue's personal item rules and fits under airplane seats!
Check it out on TikTok.
Promising review: "One bag handled a week of travel! This bag is like magic! I fit four pairs of shorts, four shirts, underwear, socks, and a couple of workout outfits with sports bras, two pairs of sandals, four bathing suits, a coverup, a sun hat, toiletries, cosmetics, a laptop, a notebook, three device chargers (computer, phone, and Fitbit) and an electric toothbrush. Even when packed to the max, the weight is comfortably distributed so it doesn’t break your back. It fits under the seat perfectly, too. I bought it when it was 50% off, but I’d pay full price knowing how awesome this bag is for travel." —AlexanderK
Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in three sizes and 26 colors and styles)
2. A Trtl travel pillow, which is a must for your upcoming multi-hour flights this summer, so you're actually rested when you get to your destination. Why waste precious carry-on space with bulky neck pillows when reviewers like this better?! It folds up thin and compact, and when you're ready to use, just wrap it around your neck — underneath the soft fleece is an internal support structure designed to keep your head in a comfy position for sleeping upright.
Promising review: "I was never able to sleep well on airplanes because of the constant head bobbing. This thing was a game-changer, just like they said. It does look goofy, and the Velcro is pretty loud when I’m unwrapping it on the airplane, though. I never travel without it anymore! I’m so happy I get to sleep through long flights again." —Minz
Promising review: "I don’t normally like travel pillows because I feel suffocated, but I didn’t have this feeling at all. It was a little pricey, but I would highly recommend it. I got 6 hours of sleep on my flight from Miami to Paris and I can’t normally ever sleep on planes" —Bretton Baca
Get it from Amazon for $64.99 (available in four colors).
3. Or a neck pillow you can stuff with clothing — clearly invented by a sneaky genius — to help you get some extra clothes that don't fit in your suitcase past the gate agent whose eyes are *peeled* for people bringing on extra items. This is also a great way to keep your airplane sweatshirt or a change of clothes for when you land handy!
Check out a TikTok showing how someone used a similar neck pillow to just take that and a personal item onto a RyanAir flight that was charging for hand luggage.
Promising review: "The Tube Pillow was a savior on my last trip. It held a surprising amount of clothes and doubled as a dirty laundry bag. I used it as an on-the-lap pillow... for extra storage without extra fees, it's worth it!" —Sharon
Get it from Amazon for $49.95.
4. A handy prefilled notepad so you can create a curated packing list even before you take a single item out. Using this as a guide can be helpful so you don't panic the morning you leave and try to shove in 25 pairs of extra undies and three sweatshirts at the last minute (is this just me??).
Promising review: "I just used this for a recent trip to Florida from California. It made it easier to remember things. I used to have a list, that I made, on my computer to remind me, my husband, and child what to pack. My daughter is out on her own now and my husband passed away recently. So, I just need a list for me. This helped me think of things I NEVER thought to put on my list. It has extra lines for you to add anything extra like crochet project, handicapped parking plaque, etc. It's not too big, but can easily be read. There are boxes to check off as you go and room to add quantity to clothing items. I hope these are ALWAYS available!" —Connie Woods
Get this handy notepad from Amazon for $7 (available in two colors, plus a road trip–specific list).
5. A travel belt perfect for securing your weekender, tote, or duffel to your roller bag — especially if it doesn't have that convenient pass-through strap built in. Save your shoulder, free up that hand, and make sure your bag doesn't come tumbling off, even when you're rushing between gates to make that tight connection.
The travel belt is adjustable to 38 inches to fit most bags. The belt itself is vegan leather with elastic accents and a quick-release buckle.
Promising review: "Love this! I am constantly struggling between holding my jacket and two carry-ons. This is the perfect solution! I can’t wait to start using it when I’m back to regular business travel." —Allison
Get it from Amazon (available in 17 styles) or from Cincha Travel (available in 25 styles) for $39.99.
Cincha Travel is a small business in California that develops adjustable travel belts made out of vegan leather. The brand donates 100 airline miles for each purchase, which are used to reconnect separated migrant families. Plus, they were featured on Shark Tank, where they made a deal with Barbara!
6. A compact and collapsible water bottle, because it's incredibly easy to get dehydrated on a long-haul flight, and airport water is expensive! You can keep it handy in an outer pocket of your carry-on bag or backpack so you can fill it with ease, without losing precious space.
Reviewers love the one pictured above: it folds up truly tiny, has no weird plastic taste, and has an easy-to-clean wide mouth.
Promising review: "I took this water bottle on a recent trip to Iceland. In Iceland, water from any tap is glacier water and is absolutely delicious. This bottle made it easy to fill up whenever I wanted, even in a stream near a waterfall! It rolls up, so it takes up little space. I never dribbled any while drinking, so I would say it's easy to drink from. It has a clip that would fit on a belt or belt loop, but I wear neither, so I carried it easily with one finger in the clip. I found it easy to rinse. I'm 100% happy with the quality of this bottle." —nanykin
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in four sizes and 20 colors).
7. An AirFly Pro wireless transmitter so you don't need to pack (or, ew pay for) bulky old corded headphones on your next flight that don't even work with your phone — wouldn't you rather use your AirPods or fancy Bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones anyway? And the bonus is it's way easier to get up to pee or let your neighbor by without dealing with unplugging headphones or tangled cords!
It also comes with a USB-C charging cable, travel pouch, keychain holder, quick-start guide, and a manual. I have this and use it whenever I fly — it's great! Just be sure you charge it before you go, and I have found it's easiest to pair your headphones to your device at home — just plug it into your computer or any audio device to make sure the sound works, and pair!
See one TikTok user using it with their AirPod Pros here.
Promising review: "Ever since I purchased my wireless Bose earbuds, I always hated having to use another set when I was on an airplane with the seat-back entertainment system. I tried many different models to connect the system to my Bluetooth headsets until I came across this one, and it is amazing! It seamlessly connects to my headset, very clear and reliable audio, and it takes the stress away from having to carry more than one headset! Thank you!!!" —Ryan Malloy
Get it from Amazon for $54.99 (available in three styles and two colors: the AirFly Pro, the AirFly Deluxe, which comes with a two-prong attachment, and the AirFly Duo, which lets you connect two sets of headphones, and AirFly SE, which is designed to connect quickly).
8. A compact but surprisingly spacious belt bag for a bit of extra convenience and space-saving in your carry-on and personal item — and so you don't have to dig through your backpack for your AirPods halfway through the flight. The strap is adjustable, so you can wear it crossbody *or* around your waist, and you'll be surprised how much it holds, too!
And....it's quite similar to Lululemon's belt bag and less than half the price!
I finally gave in and bought this, and it's my new go-to bag for everything from grocery runs to appointments! And on all my trips, I use it for my in-flight essentials: my Kindle, AirFly Bluetooth adapter, headphones, hand sanitizer wipes, lotion, and lip balm.
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly says, "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. 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."
Promising review: "Got this for air travel. I normally travel with a carry-on and a backpack. Got this to hold my essentials and have them accessible. It’s big enough to hold my phone, wallet, passport, hand sanitizer, and ChapStick." —daisy rojas
Get it from Amazon for $15.28 (available in 44 colors).
9. A super-concentrated soap perfect for when you're flying to a camping destination or going on a backpacking trip (at two ounces, it's a TSA-approved size!). You can use this effective all-purpose soap on your hands, body, hair, clothes, dishes, gear, and more (you just need a few drops)! The ingredients are designed to degrade safely in the environment over time — just dig a hole six to eight inches deep and pour soapy water inside.
Promising review: "I used this soap to do dishes, clean clothing and wash up in a lake during a recent hiking trip. Can't say enough good things about it. 2 ounces will last a good amount of trips. Smells great too!" —Spawn
Promising review: "This really does live up to the hype. I was super impressed by how well it lathered up with just a couple of drops, even in cold water. The bottle doesn't take up much room in your pack, and it's even small enough to meet TSA carry-on requirements for liquids. This is a great product that I'll be keeping in my kit for the rest of forever." —JB
Get a 2-ounce bottle from Amazon for $5.50.
10. A *truly teensy* mini white noise machine if you have trouble sleeping when in hotels or unfamiliar places. This palm-sized one is very carry-on (or even purse-/backpack-) friendly, too! It has 15 different nonlooping sounds (including white noise, fan, rain, and more), the charge lasts for days at a time, and it can — quite literally — fit in your pocket.
I bought this little guy before a trip this year — and I am in love. I keep it on fan 1 (there are *three* different fan sound options), and it helped me sleep better in hotel rooms — and even a bit better next to a very loud snorer. I used it every night (for eight hours at a time) on a two-week trip, and I only had to charge it *twice*! And if you prefer, there are also several auto-shut-off timer options too.
Promising review: "I was certainly skeptical regarding this sound machine. I mean, how could this little round thing produce big noise? Well, I'm here to tell you it does! I was astounded that after I had charged it up and turned it on the huge sound that came out of this! I enjoy the fan noise the best. I read the reviews beforehand, and most were very positive....so I know I had to try it out as I don't go anywhere without my every night plug-in (big) noise machine...but that one is bulky...and I needed a smaller one for travel. The other wonderful thing about this little baby is that it is rechargeable! You don't need an outlet to use it unless you are charging it up. The directions were a little....well, let's just say there wasn't much to the directions...but if you have any common sense, it won't take you too long to figure out how it works. Just buy it! Especially for travel!" —T. Bellati
Get it from Amazon for $18.99 (available in 10 colors, plus two packs and packs that come with a travel case).
11. A three-pack of travel pill organizers, each with eight compartments (six small, two large) so you can bring all of your pills with you — without wasting space on a bunch of bulky bottles.
They also come with blank label stickers so you can note which pills are in which compartment.
Promising review: "I love these! I have pretty severe ADHD, and I am constantly forgetting my meds when camping or hiking or just generally leaving the house for extended periods of time. These make it so much easier for me to just squirrel away in my backpack and be so pleased when I find them again. The labels are great, they are durable, and I'm no longer finding stray pills of unknown origin in the bottom of my bag. Highly recommend." —Eliza
Get the set of three from Amazon for $8.97.
12. A hands-free portable phone charger with a cord *built right in* (available for both iPhones and Androids) so you can replenish that drained battery on the go without carrying something super bulky around (it's about the size of a lipstick!) or needing to remember a separate cord (the easiest thing to leave behind!).
Check out a TikTok of the charger in action.
Promising review: "I used these several times for the past year, traveling for business and leisure. It is always a challenge to find an outlet at the airport since some airports do not offer a charging station. Using those types can also be a security risk. That's why I love using these portable chargers. They are lightweight and fit in my travel handbag/or small backpack pocket. The portable chargers take about 30–35 minutes to fully charge if dead. Once charged, they charge fast and hold a charge for many hours." —J
Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in eight colors and in two-packs).
13. And a 3-in-1 foldable magnetic wireless charging station perfect for traveling, so you can charge your iPhone, Apple watch, and AirPods all at once, without wasting space on bulky chargers or dealing with tons of cords. One reviewer compares this under-$40 wonder to the almost-$150(!) Mophie charger and say it's just as good *and* more attractive!
Promising review: "This is my new favorite travel gadget! Super compact and sleek, so far no issues with charging my iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods, and performance remains consistent. This charger has eliminated at least two additional cords and I deeply appreciate not having to shuffle chargers around when packing for travel. The charging light has an on/off feature by the watch pad, so I’m able to keep it on the bedside table at night without a bright green light shining in my face. It’s also hard to overlook when packing back up to leave a hotel, which might be the second most important feature! Overall a great value for the money and such a great tool for staying organized during travel." —Cassandra
Get it from Amazon for $32.99 (available in five colors).
14. Or a braided 4-in-1 fast charging cord to minimize space in your suitcase *and* tangles when you get to your destination.
Promising review: "My husband and I have different phones with different charging ports. This was great for our international travel and limiting the number of cords we needed to carry. Was useful during travel for charging both devices and for charging other family members' devices as well. Quick charging as well." —veronicawhite
Get it from Amazon for $13.99.
15. A portable handheld fan for a compact option to keep things cool when traveling in hot weather, whether you're going somewhere you're going to be walking a ton in 90+–degree weather, or just in case you're sitting on the tarmac for ages and ages. But that's! not! all! It also has a built-in flashlight *and* phone charger so you and your phone can stay refreshed when traveling all day
I bought this fan (in the pink colorway here), and have even used it several times to quickly dry my setting spray! And it's a game-changer on hot subway platforms in summer waiting for the train to arrive. Check out a TikTok of the portable fan in action.
Promising review: "Swifties, you need this for the Eras tour. This fan has saved my sweaty butt a number of times now. I originally bought it for travel to the PNW — the room I was staying in had no air conditioning — but this baby lasted the whole night on my bedside table keeping me nice and cool. But really this fan proved itself during the Cincy Night 2 concert when it was 90 degrees and 80% humidity. This fan lasted the whole show at full blast as we passed it back and forth along our row to keep us all cool. It folds up small enough to fit on your clear bag & can charge your phone!! 1000000/10 stars." —Jessica Bunch
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in three colors, plus four more colorways here).
16. A set of packing cubes to help you fit *more* in whatever back or backpack you're trying to squeeze everything into. The individual compression cubes mean you do *not* have to sit on your carry-on roller to get it closed. And you can even organize them by day, clothing type, ~segment of your trip~ (like city/beach/weather), etc.
It comes with a laundry bag to separate your dirty clothes on your way back, and the cubes have mesh tops so you can see what's inside!
Promising review: "Stop looking — buy these. Was able to pack more in my suitcases. Not sure what took me so long to buy these!" —Jimbo
Promising review: "I bought these in the grey color for a long trip and absolutely love them - so much that I bought a second set for a gift! I was completely impressed by the quality of the material and the zipper. The material is thicker than others that I looked at in person. I also like that they have some mesh lining to let your clothes breathe. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I could fit in each one, far more than expected based on a video I watched. There was enough room for me to pack enough clothes for six weeks of traveling, covering all four seasons. These packing cubes kept my clothes organized, which is exactly what I wanted. The one thing I'd call out if you are the type of traveler to pack your bag to the maximum weight limit.. if using all 6 pieces, the total added weight was ~1.9 lbs." —MD
Get the set of six pictured above from Amazon for $22.99 (available in 20 colors and patterns).
17. Or for even more compression, a set of space-saver bags specifically designed for travel. Over-packers? These are for you. No vacuum required; just pop in your stuff and roll to release the pesky extra air through the valves.
Promising review: "These were lifesavers! We took a 10-day trip to Europe and were able to pack only in a carry-on using these! I used two medium in my carry-on on and my husband used three in his carry-on. I packed all my undergarments, five dresses, four pairs of jeans, multiple blouses, three pairs of shorts, and a few other pieces of clothing. And still has room for my shoes. These will definitely be used each time we travel now. Well worth it." —Amazon Customer
Get a pack of eight from Amazon for $16.95+ (also available in larger packs).
18. And a shoe bag capable of holding up to three(!) pairs of shoes, so you can have all the shoe variety you need — comfy sneakers and sandals for walking, plus a fancier pair for dinners out — without taking up too much room or (gag) getting bottom-of-shoe grime on all your items.
Promising review: "You can totally fit three pairs of shoes in this! (women's size 6.5 shoe, fit heels, wedges, and sandals.) I bought two and will absolutely be buying more for my husband. 10/10 would recommend! I travel frequently, and I always overpack; this helped cut down space and stress immensely!" —Taylor
Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in nine colors and patterns).
19. A pair of flexible ballet flats (they're a bestseller for a reason) if you need a super-comfy, non-sneaker option for dinners out, but you don't want to waste a ton of room on dressy shoes. Plus they're so compact, you'll still be able to shop for shoes at your destination and bring 'em home.
Prime members: You can try before you buy!
Promising review: "I normally cannot wear flats because they give me terrible blisters on the back of my feet. These didn't! Bought these in nude for a city vacation with a lot of walking, but where sandals aren't necessarily worn, and these were perfect! They obviously don't have the support of sneakers, but I am so happy to finally have a cheap pair of flats that don't give me blisters. I did break them in with thin socks on around my house before wearing them out and when possible, I wear them with little sock liners. Also — I was able to fold these in half and fit them in a semi-small purse to change into to dance at a wedding! Score!" —Kate
Get them from Amazon for $23.70+ (available in women's sizes 5–15, including wide sizes, and 21 styles).
20. And slip-on quick-dry water shoes that pack pretty much flat and are ideal for coastal vacations you don't want to be barefoot for, especially when beaches tend to be rocky like in Italy or Greece.
Promising review: "These have been absolutely amazing. I got them for a trip to Greece over the summer because the part I go to has very rocky ocean floors. These did amazing, and I couldn’t have made it without them. I even walked up to a cliff side with these on and it didn’t hurt the bottom of my feet. Very pleased with these! Highly recommend!!" —Camille Grizzle
Promising review: "Love these water socks. They are comfy and cute. I have never owned a pair before, but I wanted to try them on an upcoming vacation in Belize. I have tried them out a couple of times in a swimming pool and they are great. I love that they are so lightweight that I forget I am wearing anything on my feet at all. They give me the confidence to stand in the pool without worry of stepping on something or scratching my feet." —AJS
Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in women's sizes 4–13.5, men's sizes 3–12, and 44 styles).
21. A packable sun visor for extra sun protection while you're pounding the pavement or lounging poolside. Just roll it up compactly before packing — and don't fret; it'll still keep that chic shape when unrolled!
The wide brim provides much more UV protection than regular caps!
Promising review: "I have long hair and always avoided hats because I hate having my hair sweating against my neck in a low bun or ponytail. With this sun visor-summer hat combo, I can keep my hair in a top knot and still keep my face and neck protected from the sun while catching a nice breeze. This is perfect (although a little large in circumference and I have a big head 7-3/4 hat size) and it’s adjustable and can fit any head size. It rolls up well and has an elastic to keep it rolled. I’ll be recommending this item to all my friends!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in 13 colors).
22. Or a *genius* magnetic hat clip that hooks right around your bag strap, luggage tag, zipper loop, or wherever to easily let your sun hat dangle from the side of your bag as you stroll your way through the airport. Way better than taking up space in your bag — or carrying it because your hands are full ENOUGH, thankyouverymuch.
The magnetic clip securely attaches to your hat brim (damage-free) — just attach around the strap/handle of your choosing!
Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in three colors).
Promising review: "The perfect travel accessory! Not sure why I hesitated to buy this for so long but I’m glad I finally did! The magnet has a very strong grip and perfect for straw hats and caps. It even grips my wool flatcaps as well. I can’t speak for thicker hats but this fits my needs perfectly. Bring on the sunny days!" —VF
Promising review: "Held strong through crowded airplane. Definitely recommend this hat magnet. I used it attached to my carry on bag. Even though it got bumped around getting on the plane & back to my seat, it never came off. My sun hat has a thick rim on it and it wasn’t an issue at all. The magnet held tight. Very good product." —CC
23. A travel wallet that makes it super easy to see everything at a glance, because traveling with a carry-on and a (cough cough giant backpack) personal item can get unwieldy, especially at security. Store your cash, boarding pass, passport, credit cards, etc., in this, and then just toss it in your carry-on when you're through security!
Promising review: "Just returned from Paris, and this wallet is a game changer! I was able to quickly retrieve everything I needed to survive TSA and border patrol, felt safe traveling on the metro, and it was super cute. It even had a tiny pocket for my metro tickets so I was able to quickly find those as well without rummaging around. LOVE this wallet!!" —Jocie
Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in 33 colors).
24. A travel-friendly blanket-slash-pillow that packs neatly into a compact zipper pouch, because planes are *always* freezing, and it's hard to get precious shut-eye when you're cold! Don't waste space on cold-weather clothes on summertime travels; just pack this baby and you'll stay cozy during your in-flight movie marathon.
Check it out on TikTok here.
Promising review: "I ordered two of these and my daughter and I both use them numerous times while flying recently. They compact nicely, have a loop that can go through the handle of a carry-on, and are the perfect size for snuggling up and sleeping on the airplane. It is lightweight and I will not fly again without it!" —SweetMama
Get it from Amazon for $29.95 (available in six colors).
25. Looking for travel-friendly clothes? How about a popular slip dress so you can make the most out of lightweight, compact clothes that are ideal for layering. This dress, for example, is a reviewer fave and can be dressed up for your Fanciest Dinner, but also can be layered under a lightweight cardi, linen button-down, or tee and look like a whole new outfit!
26. Or a racerback cropped tank you're sure to wear almost every day while traveling — and beyond. Just ask the reviewers who want to buy it in every color! This reviewer-beloved top is sleek, stretchy, and double-lined (so it's not see-through!) making it the perfect basic to pair with jeans, trousers, and fancy skirts, and wear under sheer tops, blazers, and more.
I went to Singapore this spring during a heatwave, and wore these tops several times with skorts! They held up wonderfully to sweat and I stayed pretty comfortable.
Promising review: "Initially ordered one in white and it turned out to be my daily go-to when we were traveling last month. Came home and ordered three more colors. Comfort and support." —Darlene King
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in women's sizes S–XXL and 27 colors).
27. And breezy drawstring linen-blend pants you can fold right up so you have an option when you want that trouser look, but the cool comfort of a lightweight, breathable fabric on warmer days. Plus, you won't really have to worry about wrinkles. These'll look equally cute paired with a tee, a button-down, or even your swimsuit!
Promising review: "These are my new favorite warm-weather slacks. They look great if I’m dressing up and they look great if I’m being casual. I will be able to wear these out quite a ways into fall, as well. I’m really happy with the purchase of the material; it's so soft you just can’t even believe it, but it’s sturdy." –Rory McNeil
Get it from Amazon for $29.98 (available in sizes S–5XL and in 21 colors).
28. And a silky satin midi skirt that'll roll up super small. It has a (hidden!) elasticized waist for all-day comfort, aka it's perfectly versatile for those occasions you want to be cute *and* not feel restricted — aka every day. This bb is so versatile, no one will know you're wearing the same thing every day on your trip!
The styling possibilities are almost endless — just look at the reviewer above!
Promising review: "This skirt is absolutely stunning! The quality is amazing for the price. I’ve bought similar skirts at other stores that are $60+ but this one is the best I’ve owned. You won’t regret it!" —Abby
Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and in 20 colors).
29. A fast-drying microfiber travel towel that folds up into a teeeeeeny tiny case, perfect for beach or pool vacations, cruises, and water parks. Reviewers say it's *surprisingly* absorbent, too!
Promising review: "Used this towel on a 10-day trip to South Africa where no laundry could be washed. I had to pack everything in a carry-on. This was perfect. The towel dried very quickly, and was usable again the next day without a smell." —Ridgeview
Promising review: "Great travel size. Used while taking dips while out on long hikes. The case makes this better. Dries great and stores easily. Wiped off the sand and then flicked the sand off easily. Perfect lightweight towel for hiking. Clipped onto the pack to dry as I walked. I liked the button to hang dry the towel. Washed in the machine with no problem. Beats my old shammy from my swimming days. I hope I can keep the interior case clean." —ImBeingLazy
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 6 sizes and 13 colors).
30. Individual laundry detergent packets for a quick wash in your hotel sink or bathtub on longer trips (or in a washing machine if you have access, like on a cruise!), or just in case you run out of undies. These are particularly great for beach trips where you want to wear the same swimsuit a couple of times!
You can use them in the sink or bathtub, or even use a few packets for a full load if you have access to a washing machine!
Promising review: "I pack really light, and wash clothes in the hotel sink/bath to rewear. These are great for that, even on my sweaty/stinky/sunscreeny bathing suit cover up that needs to be washed every day during tropical travel." —iheartmmp
Get a box of eight packets from Amazon for $14.99.
31. Plus, a six-foot travel clothesline so you can dry your ~unmentionables~, swimsuits, any anything else you want to rewear far more easily, without trying to hang things precariously from every hook-like thing you can find in the teeny tiny hotel bathroom.
Promising review: "Love this clothesline! We take this with us on resort vacations. It's nice to be able to wash out swimsuits, etc., and hang them to dry every day so they don't smell after days of nonstop ocean fun. This one is nice because you don't need clothespins, and it stretches pretty far. I could hang up two kid's swimsuits, two kid's rash guards, two adult swimsuits, and two adult rash guards, and I still had room for more. This is a must if you take any tropical vacation where it's humid and hard for clothes to dry out." —Haley G
Get it from Amazon for $9.60.
32. A space-saving laundry bag designed to help you *compress* those dirty clothes into a compact bag so they're out of sight, out of mind until you're home...and fiiiiiinally unpack.
Just stuff them in and squeeze to release the extra air!
Promising review: "As a frequent traveler, this bag has been great for packing dirty laundry on the return trip home. It will hold much more than I usually put in it and compresses nicely in the suitcase. I toss it in the washer along with the clothes, and it has held up for well over a year now." —CC
Get it from Amazon for $9.98.
33. The teeniest mini steam iron known to man — it's dual voltage and comes with a travel bag, so it's easy-peasy to keep in your roller bag so you never leave it behind! Plus it won't take up much room, but will still ensure the clothes vacuum-sealed in your space-saving travel bags will still be wrinkle-free on your trip.
Promising review: "Love this compact iron/steamer that gets the job done!! It works fabulously for International Travel with dual voltage conversion. It’s such a great compact size and light weight, it can be squeezed into luggage without taking up much space. It’s a great travel iron…but I know I’ll find amazing uses for it at home. It’s actually nicer than most irons as you can focus on ironing smaller sections at a time…results are crisp and challenging areas in between buttons, etc, as easy to navigate around! Heats up great and provides the right amount of steam." —Get thee to a nunnery
Get it from Amazon for $29.97.
34. A mini (and gorge) jewelry case so you can select your most key pieces of jewelry and keep them safely stored. With the roomy but limited size, you'll feel fully accessorized without wasting space or weighing your bag down with heavy pieces.
Promising review: "Really amazing value – it looks pretty luxe but I can't believe the price I bought it for — especially considering how expensive jewelry boxes can be. I use this one for travel and it's perfect (I have a larger one for all my jewelry as well. I really like that you can move the little dividers in the bottom compartment around too that's been very helpful." —Dee
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in 14 colors).
35. A hanging toiletry bag to make traveling with all the beauty products you can't bear to leave behind *so* much easier — and compact! No need to unpack on the hotel bathroom counter — just unroll and hang, and you can see everything at a glance!
I bought this for a recent trip, and I was legit shocked at how much I could fit inside — and it zips up to be surprisingly small! I bought the "medium" which was plenty big for my needs, especially if you're packing in a carry-on.
Promising review: "This is so handy. My friend and I both got one for our travels. We love to cruise and want to take our beauty items with us, but cant always find the small travel sizes.. So, this fits us WELL... we put our full sized bathsoap, shampoo, conditioner and other supplies in it as well as some makeup to be dressed up.. it fits us well and hangs nicely on the towel rack or you can get a super strong magnet and use that.. I love the light pink color that I got, and she got a minty type of green that is so pretty as well. If you need to travel but want those regular sized items, get this... it is a big blessing!" —Pattie
Price: $19.99+ (available in six colors and two sizes)
36. A perfectly sized set of TSA-friendly travel bottles you can fill (and refill) with your favorite products when they don't make travel size — without taking up tons of room. Can't skip your fave skin and hair products when you're away, even when packing light!
Promising review: "I love these bottles. The suction in the cap is one way, so air does not filter back into the container. This means it will be so much easier to get the product out — you won't have to squeeze the air out first and then the product. They are such high quality and feel amazing. I love that they come with a carrying case to keep them all together!" —Katherine Milesusnich
Promising review: "I bought these for a ten-day trip. No leaks!! Plenty of product capacity for the entire time." —wendy smith
Get the set of four containers, plus the clear case pictured above, from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 10 color sets).
And btw, your favorite skincare brand (like Cosrx or Cerave might make a travel-friendly skincare set you can keep in your suitcase for trips and weekends away — then you'll NEVER forget it (or waste space).
37. A 4-in-1 Alleyoop Pen Pal perfect for anyone reeeeally tight on space. This baby jams in an eyeliner, lip liner, brow pencil, *and* highlighter in the size of a marker — how great is that?!
Promising review: "I love the ease of this product. It's so perfect, and the colors are great for all looks — casual, fancy, quarantine extra, everything! I love how effortless it is and how easy it is to use. I'm serious that as a makeup novice, these colors are impossible to mess up. I love it! " —Stephanie H.
Get it from Alleyoop or Amazon for $20 (available in three shades).
38. A compact detangling brush so you don't have to choose between packing space and having knotted hair. Especially if you're frequenting the pool or ocean, a good detangler is simply a *must* for summer trips.
Reviewers note it's great for all hair types, from fine to thick, and various curl types.
Promising review: "It works well with 4C hair! :) i love paddle brushes and this one is nice and detangles my hair. it feels sturdy as well, so I think I'll be using this for a while" —Chyla
Promising review: "I have very curly hair so I can sometimes struggle to find a hairbrush with bristles that don't end up getting caught and broken in my hair. This hairbrush has lasted through several trips without any issues, is the perfect compact size in that it is small but doesn't feel awkward to use as a hairbrush, and also comes in a number of cute colors. Definitely recommend!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in 10 styles).
39. Alleyoop's portable travel razor, which comes with not one but TWO three-blade razors, a moisturizing balm (that doubles as a shaving cream), and a water spray bottle — all in a small disc-like case. Plus you don't have to worry about shaving cream leaking in your suitcase!
Promising review: "I saw this on TikTok and just HAD to get it. It arrived the next day and it was so easy for me to use! I put it in my gym bag for when I need a quick shave and I am so glad I did. It is so travel-friendly and it’s also super cute! People had NO idea it was a razor because of the cute shape. The moisturizing bar was really conditioning and it has two razors which is perfect because I would never pack an extra razor in my bag.. This is staying in my gym bag forever and I’m going to get another one for my car … and for my purse and for all my friends!!" —Grace Song
Get it from Amazon for $10.50.
Alleyoop is a woman-owned small business that specializes in functional makeup products. Psst — check out all of Alleyoop's other travel-friendly products for more clever options!
40. A translucent Abib sunscreen stick (Abib is a K-beauty brand, btw!) so you can make sure you're protecting yourself from the sun on your trip — without dealing with leaks in your luggage or greasy hands when reapplying. Plus this one's formulated with centella, which is great for your skin barrier. No white case or gross texture in sight, and reviewers even say it reapplies great over makeup!
Promising review: "I used this on my Disney trip recently where it was 100 degrees and super humid. It’s super easy to use, fits in my purse, and works well. I reapplied a couple of times a day and never got burnt. Even through sweating and being in direct sunlight all day. Definitely will repurchase." —Arden
Promising review: "If making a habit of wearing sunscreen feels like a chore or you dread slathering on creams that feel heavy or sticky then you need to buy this stick. Besides being kind of fun to apply, it has a lovely texture, it isn't oily or thick. It goes on clear and has a unique shape that helps the stick to glide along the various contours of your face. If you apply cosmetics after, you won't have to wait super long like you do with other sunscreens to avoid pilling. Just a couple minutes will do and then cosmetics application shouldn't be problematic. I wish there were more sticks like this, clear and especially with no fragrance. This is just a really great staple to have. Additionally, it is travel-friendly since it is a solid. One less thing for TSA to snatch and more room in your liquids bag." —K M Dello
Get it from Amazon for $18.
41. I Dew Care's dry shampoo powder, which comes packaged in an easy-to-apply, perfect-for-travel powder puff applicator you just tap-tap-tap onto your hair. Just massage the ultra-fine powder into your roots (it's formulated with black ginseng and biotin btw!), and it'll quickly absorb excess oil, leaving you with volumized and refreshed-looking hair so you can spend your time sight-seeing rather than washing your hair yet again.
Promising review: "I almost want to gatekeep. By far THE best dry shampoo I’ve ever used — not sure how this sorcery works, but I’m obsessed!" —Robertson
Promising review: "I’ve tried a few dry shampoos, from the spray in a bottle to powder. And I’d have to say this one has been my favorite. My very first time using it, I didn’t know how much to put and ended up coating my hair by A LOT. It left my hair feeling very dry and straw-like. I almost returned and got a refund but decided to give it another chance. A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY. Trust me. You only need a few dabs on your head, and that’s it. You can see the extra volume almost instantly. This stuff works sooo well that I wake up on my third unwashed hair day, and it looks better than the second day when I used the dry shampoo. And let’s not forget to mention how convenient and compact the whole thing is. It’s so nice to just pat it on your head with no mess." —Thuy
Get it from Amazon for $18.
42. A pocket-sized, refillable rose gold travel perfume atomizer, so you can save space AND don't have to risk that perfume leaking allllll over your suitcase (an expensive nightmare). This one is so easy to refill, you'll end up popping it in your purse to get a fresh whiff in your everyday life at home, too!
Using the atomizer is easy: Simply unscrew the cap to your perfume bottle, place the perfume nozzle into the hole at the bottom of the atomizer, and pump the perfume inside.
Promising review: "These things are perfect! Easy to use. Great size for traveling! And didn’t change the smell of my perfumes!"—BMF722
Get a pack of four from Amazon for $7.99.
43. A 2-in-1 straightener and curling iron so you only have to bring *one* tool, no matter how you want to wear your hair while traveling. It has dual voltage for international vacays, too. Just keep it in your suitcase between trips!
It has a swiveling, tangle-free cord, too.
Promising review: "I bought this for a trip to Italy, as I didn't have a dual-voltage iron (and you can't just use a converter-adapter combination with things that heat up). I liked that it was a flat iron and curling iron combo, so I could change things up as I desired. It worked beautifully on our trip — I look nice in all my selfies ;) — and continues to work beautifully at home. In fact, I've replaced my old flat iron with this because of the versatility and now use this one every day. BTW, in case you are wondering, it automatically switches to the appropriate voltage, no looking for a switch or anything. You don't need to do anything but plug it in! Great product!" —Diane Field
Get it from Amazon for $59.99 (also available in white).
44. A Kindle Paperwhite, because WHO has extra room for *multiple books*?! Don't let your carry-on capacity limit your vacation reading; Kindles can hold thousands of books in a light, compact format. Plus this newest Paperwhite is WATERPROOF so you can enjoy your beach read on the beach! Or from the boat...or pool...or sitting on the edge of a gorgeous Roman fountain...
Promising review: "I LOVE reading and being able to access a book anywhere with this thing. It is easy to navigate, very easy to read and adjust the brightness or how warm the light is. I've read in bright sunlight to dark rooms, and it's always been so clear. You can adjust the font and use the library to search whatever books you want. Makes packing books for traveling very easy. Battery life lasts me two weeks if I'm reading every day for a few hours." —R@L0
Get it from Amazon for $139.99+ (available in 8GB and 16GB sizes and three colors).
45. A super-compact stroller that weighs less than 12 pounds and can fit in an overhead bin or even under a seat, because every penny counts when it comes to family vacations, and that includes checked luggage fees.
The stroller is supposed to fit kids from 6 months up to 55 pounds (approx. 5 years).
Promising review: "This stroller is great! So cool looking, too. I constantly have moms coming up to me asking where I got this! So easy to fold, so light, and barely takes any space in my trunk. We took it on a flight, and the flight attendants recognized the stroller and told me that I can just wheel the baby on and put the stroller in the overhead bin. I wish I had gotten this stroller with my oldest, but I was being cheap. This stroller is so worth the money. I regret not getting it sooner! But at least my youngest can enjoy it." —Nai Len
Get it from Amazon for $159.96.
46. A packable raincoat so your cute summer dress can stay securely dry, and you don't have to worry about leaving your favorite fashionable pieces at home when rain is on the meteorological menu for your trip. This packs down into a *teensy* drawstring bag, so you can even keep it in your purse while actually on the trip if the forecast is unclear for the day!
Promising review: "Lightweight, water resistant, perfect for traveling! I bought this to wear in Iceland. It rolls up and goes into a little pouch, which makes it easier to carry. It kept me nice and dry when I was walking the rainy, misty streets of Iceland as well as the many waterfalls I visited. I highly recommend." —Karin M. Dixey
Get it from Amazon for $31.99 (available in women's sizes S–3X and 25 colors).
If you happen to be going on a summer trip to colder weather, there are tonnnnns of packable puffer coat options for colder weather in men's and women's sizes on Amazon, too!
47. Or a mini travel umbrella that not only is perfectly compact for the minimal space in your carry-on but also comes with a handy carrying case, so you can pop it right in your purse when the showers are (finally!) over without getting the rest of your stuff wet. It's also made of UPF50 fabric, so it's also great for carrying around your own personal shade when the sun is blazing!
48. A luggage drink caddy, because when you're living that carry-on-only life, you simply don't have an extra hand for your caffeine fix. Now you can bring your beveragino with you as you go to make sure your gate exists before you head to the lounge or to grab a bite (I can't be the only one who does that).
Reviewers say it's ideal for spinner-style suitcases that roll on four wheels! If you have a suitcase that has to tilt while it rolls, just be careful if the drinks are open at the top.
Promising review: "This cup holder is perfect! It helps me a lot! Last time I took a plane with a suitcase and a cup of coffee, when it’s my turn to check my passport and ticket, the coffee cup fell to the ground and coffee sprinkled. It was a nightmare! This time I bought this cup holder, and it did 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 $15.99 (available in 31 colors and other styles).
49. A fold-up duffel for trips when you KNOW you'll be bringing back more than you came with. Just pack your purse on the way back and count this as your "personal item" — I won't tell.
This one folds into a teensy pouch when not in use, is tear and water-resistant, and even has a separate side pocket for shoes. Aaaaand it has a strap on the side that slides easily over your roller luggage handle.
Just keep it in your regular suitcase between trips, and you'll never forget it. Fold-up duffels like these are my GO-TO when going on a vacation I know will be shopping heavy. And then you can bring your new finds on the plane to ensure they don't get lost (it's 20 inches, making it perfect for the overhead compartment).
Promising review: "We bought this to take with us when we visited our daughter, who is studying abroad for four months. We figured she would not have enough room in her luggage when it was time to come home. Folded up, this bag was so compact and lightweight that it took up almost no room in our own luggage for the trip over. Then, sure enough, she had a ton of clothes and shoes to send home with us and packed this bag full. We checked the bag, and it made it through two international flights without a scratch. The BEST feature is the side strap that allows you to slide it over the handle of a rolling suitcase so you don't have to carry it. This is probably the most practical and the best-value item I have purchased in years." —Tosa Mom
Get it from Amazon for $18.99 (available in 14 colors and patterns).
Because spoiler alert: This won't fit into the overhead compartment.