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Taking a vacation is one of the best ways to blow off some steam — the only catch is making sure everything goes smoothly. Small problems, like being jet-lagged, hungover, or finding out your suitcase is too small to fit all your essentials, can all add up to be one giant headache. That’s why we’ve put together this list of must-have essentials for stress-free traveling. From comfy pillows to space-saving packing cubes, even the most avid travelers can find a few useful things here. But if you want to see more? Then you’ll just have to keep scrolling.
This Travel Pillow That Keeps You Sitting Upright
Don’t leave for that long flight until you’ve packed this travel pillow. It wraps around your headrest so that you can comfortably lean forward without falling. The built-in eye mask blocks out light so that it’s easy to fall asleep. Choose from four colors: red, black, blue, or gray.
A Phone Mount That Hooks Onto Your Tray Table
Holding up your phone to watch videos when traveling can be a bit of a pain, so why not grab this mount? Not only does it hook onto your airplane tray table so that you can watch videos completely hands-free, but it also rotates 360 degrees, making it easy to see your screen from nearly any direction.
This Power Adapter That Works Around The Globe
Unlike some power adapters, this one is suitable for use in Australia, Europe, and more than 150 other countries. In addition to a regular plug, it features one type-C and one USB port. Plus, its compact size means you shouldn’t have any trouble finding space for it inside your bag.
A Foot Hammock That Can Help Prevent Soreness
Walking off that long flight with sore, aching legs is rarely ever enjoyable, but that’s where this foot hammock comes in. Simply hang it underneath the seat in front of you, and it can help stimulate blood flow to keep your muscles from growing sore. “The difference it makes to be able to put your feet on something and not just dangle for 4+ hours is immeasurable,” wrote one reviewer.
The Hanging Toiletry Bag That’s Water-Resistant
Serums, soaps, hair tools — this toiletry bag has space for all of them and more. A hook at the top lets you hang it up so that you can easily see where all your items are stored at a glance. And since the outside is made from water-resistant polyester, there’s no need to worry about how it’ll fare when left inside of humid bathrooms.
A Luggage Scale That Can Measure up to 110 Pounds
Avoid overweight baggage fees with help from this luggage scale. Simply loop the strap underneath your suitcase handle, then lift up to find out how much it weighs. It can measure up to 110 pounds, and the small size makes it easy to pack inside your bag. Batteries also come included with every order.
This Liquid I.V. Drink Mix That Can Help Prevent Hangovers
Few things ruin a vacation like being hungover. Luckily, these liquid I.V. drink packets are full of nourishing electrolytes that can not only help prevent hangovers but also help them end faster. They come in a variety of flavors — from passion fruit to classic tropical punch — and many reviewers even wrote about how they “really work.”
These Compression Bags That Help You Fit Even More Inside Your Suitcase
Running out of space inside your suitcase? Not a problem when you have these compression bags. They work similarly to vacuum-sealer bags. Simply load them up with clothes, roll them up to squeeze out the air, and then slide the zipper at the top to seal them shut. Each order comes with 12 bags: five large, five medium, and two small.
An Extra-Small Razor That Lasts for up to 30 Uses
Not only will this extra-small razor take up hardly any space inside your toiletry bag, but all five of its blades are also resistant to rust. Hydrating patches at the top and bottom help moisturize skin as you shave, making it less likely that you’ll nick yourself. The pivoting head adjusts to the natural curve of your body as it glides across the skin.
These Packing Cubes With Thousands of Positive Reviews
There are more than a few good reasons why thousands of reviewers have awarded these packing cubes either four or five stars. They lightly squish your clothes so that you can fit more outfits than usual inside your suitcase, and each one even features two compartments, so you can keep dirty clothes separate from clean ones. “Well-made, zippers glide with ease, see-through top so you can see what’s in them,” wrote one reviewer. “Good value for the price.”
A Waterproof Organizer for All Your Chargers, Cables, and More
From charging cables to external batteries, this little organizer has space for all sorts of electronics. Its waterproof exterior helps protect everything inside from moisture. There are also seven mesh pockets for smaller items, like SD cards or flash drives. Plus, the compact size takes up hardly any space inside your bag.
This Portable Charger That Can Power an iPhone 8 Multiple Times
Don’t be fooled by how small this portable charger is. Despite its compact size, it can still charge an iPhone 8 more than three times or a pair of AirPods Pro more than 12 times. But if that isn’t enough? It also features two USB ports as well as one type-C port, so you can charge up to three devices at the same time.
A Toothbrush Protector That Helps Keep the Bristles Clean
Letting your toothbrush roam freely throughout your suitcase is an easy way for it to get dirty — so grab this protector. It clips onto your toothbrush head to protect the bristles from dirt. And unlike many protectors, it’s also been infused with natural peppermint essential oils to help keep your toothbrush smelling fresh.
These Dramamine Tablets That Can Help Alleviate Motion Sickness
Coming down with a bout of motion sickness can quickly ruin any vacation, making these dramamine tablets a smart investment. They can help alleviate motion sickness symptoms for up to 24 hours — all without leaving you feeling drowsy. “Our cruise got a little choppy one of the days, and it helped SO much!” raved one reviewer. “I wasn’t nauseous at all, and I wasn’t sleepy.”
A Travel Mirror With LED Lights Around The Border
Not only do the LED lights around the border of this travel mirror make it easy to touch up your makeup in any setting, but the second panel also offers three-times magnification — just in case you need a closer look at those winged eyeliner tips. Plus, its small size easily fits inside your toiletry bag, carry-on suitcase, or even your pocket.
This Tide Pen That Lets You Get Rid of Stains While on the Go
Tomato juice, BBQ sauce, wine — this Tide pen is formulated to be effective on all sorts of stains. Simply rub the tip of the pen onto the stain until it starts to fade. There’s no need for any extra washing or detergent in order for it to be effective, and the bleach-free formula is gentle on skin as well as clothes.
The Toilet Spray That Eliminates Unpleasant Bathroom Odors
Few things are as gross as having to use a pungent airport bathroom stall. Luckily, this toilet spray is formulated with potent essential oils that mask those unpleasant odors after just a few spritzes — and there’s enough inside each bottle for up to 20 uses. Each order comes with three scents: lavender vanilla, fresh air, and citrus.
These Travel Bottles That Are TSA-Approved
Not checking a bag? Then you’ll likely need some travel bottles if you want to bring shampoo, conditioner, and other liquids with you. These particular bottles are leakproof as well as approved by the TSA, so you won’t have to stress about getting dinged while going through security. Plus, they all come packaged in a clear, zippered pouch, so it’s easy to keep them stored together.
A Travel Jewelry Case That Helps Keep Chains From Getting Tangled
Tired of discovering that your necklaces and rings have turned into a giant knot inside your suitcase? Then this case is worth a look. It features multiple hooks and compartments to help keep your jewelry from getting knotted together. And unlike some cases, this one is made with a faux leather exterior that makes it look way more expensive than it is.
This Backpack That Can Hold a Shocking Amount of Stuff
Clothes, electronics, shoes — this backpack has space for all of it and more. It’s great for weekend trips where you only need to pack a few outfits, and there’s even a pocket on the inside that can fit laptops up to 16 inches. And while roomy on the inside, it’s still small enough that you should be able to easily fit it inside practically any overhead compartment.
A Converter That Lets You Use Bluetooth Headphones With Headphone Jacks
The only downside of traveling with Bluetooth headphones is that the television built into the back of the airplane seat in front of you is likely only compatible with wired headphones. Enter: this converter. Simply plug it into the headphone jack, turn it on, and then connect your Bluetooth headphones to it so you can listen along to whatever you’re watching. And if you don’t have a flight coming up? It also works great with the screens built into treadmills at the gym.
The Cruise-Friendly Power Strip With a Flat Plug
Cruise ships only allow power strips without surge protection, like this one. In addition to three outlets, it features two USB ports, two type-C ports, and a flat plug that sits flush against the wall. Plus, the extra-long power cable makes it easy to use with distant outlets.
These Refillable Perfume Spritzers That Won’t Leak
If your perfume bottles are too large to get through TSA, consider transferring some into these refillable spritzers. A transparent window in the front of each one lets you see exactly how much is left inside. And unlike some perfume bottles, these ones are also leakproof.
A Compact Sewing Kit for Quick Repairs While You’re on the Go
Loose buttons, small tears, itchy tags — this sewing kit comes with all the tools you’ll need to make quick alterations while traveling. Each order comes with scissors, safety pins, needles, buttons, as well as thread in 10 different colors, all of which are packaged in a convenient little case. “The perfect small mending kit to carry with me when I travel,” wrote one reviewer. “The scissors work well and are quite useful beyond just sewing.”
This Anti-Chafe Balm That’s Suitable for Sensitive Skin
Even the smallest amount of chub rub can put a damper on your vacation. Luckily, this anti-chafe balm is an easy fix. A quick swipe is all it takes to help prevent chafing between your legs, underneath your arms, or nearly anywhere else on your body. The best part? It’s also fortified with vitamins A, B, E, and F, all of which work to help keep your skin comfortably hydrated.
These Waterproof Pouches That Keep Valuables High and Dry
These pouches are great for all sorts of items that you want to keep high and dry during days at the beach or pool, whether it’s phones, keys, or cash. Each one comes with a detachable lanyard so that you can wear it around your neck for safekeeping. Plus, the fronts are touchscreen-friendly, so there’s no need to remove your phone if you need to respond to a text.
A Stylish Toiletry Bag Made From Sleek Faux Leather
If that hanging toiletry bag wasn’t quite your style, consider taking a look at this alternative made from sleek faux leather. Not only does it look good, but it also features several inner pockets to keep your cosmetics, soaps, skin-care serums, and more organized. Choose from dozens of colors.
The White Noise Machine That’s Easy To Take With You
Falling asleep in a new location can be difficult for some people, but that’s where this white noise machine comes in. It features 15 non-looping sounds to help ease your mind for bed, including rain, waves, campfire, insects, and more. “We use this every night we spend in a hotel and it works amazingly,” wrote one reviewer.
A Silicone Pouch for Storing and Holding Hot Tools
Don’t risk leaving scorch marks on that hotel vanity. Instead, place your hot tools on top of this pouch. It’s made from tough silicone that won’t melt when exposed to high temperatures, and the textured top helps keep your tools from sliding off. When it’s time to pack up and go, simply slip your tool inside to help keep it safe from damage in your suitcase.
This Drink Holder That Wraps Around Your Suitcase Handles
Wrap this drink holder around your suitcase handles, and you’ll instantly have a convenient place to keep your coffee, bottled water, or any other drink as you walk through the airport. There’s also a bonus pocket in the back where you can stash your phone. And since it’s made from tough Oxford cloth, you can easily toss it into the wash for a quick clean if it ever gets dirty.
A Windproof Umbrella That’s Fully Automatic
Make sure to pack this umbrella so you don’t get caught in the rain while you’re on vacation. It’s fully automatic, as it can be opened as well as closed simply by pressing the button on the handle. And at less than 11 inches in length when folded, finding a spot for it in your carry-on or checked bag should be no trouble at all.
This Travel Blanket That Doubles as a Pillow
The blanket the airlines give you for long flights is thin, crummy, and all-around cheap. Luckily, this travel blanket is made from micro-plush fabric that feels oh-so-soft against the skin. And if you’re too warm to snuggle under a blanket? You can also fold it up into its zippered pouch to use as a pillow.
These Under Eye Patches Are Made With Real 24-Karat Gold
A poor night of sleep can leave your eyes looking tired, but that’s only part of the reason why these under eye patches are worth a look. They’re made with real 24-karat gold that can help brighten skin, while hyaluronic acid delivers a nourishing dose of moisture. Plus, you only need to wear them for about 20 minutes for best results.
The Selfie Stick That Doubles as a Tripod
Not only is this selfie stick great for taking pictures of yourself, but the handle also expands so you can use it as a tripod. Each order includes a Bluetooth remote, so you can activate your smartphone’s camera shutter from afar. And unlike some selfie sticks, this one is universally compatible with just about every smartphone.
This First Aid Kit That You Can Clip to Your Bag
This travel-friendly first aid kit is one of those rare items that are better to have and not need than need and not have. It comes with bandages, cotton swabs, safety pins, and everything in between. A small clip on the side of the pouch lets you attach it to your bag so it’s easy to take with you. One reviewer wrote, “It’s great for the outdoorsy person who needs something small for just-in-case incidents while hiking.”
Cherry Torres, Jay Armstrong Johnson, Jimin Moon, Ryan Duncan, and Ryann Redmond Matthew Murphy*
Cherry Torres, Jimin Moon, Ryann Redmond, Jay Armstrong Johnson, and Ryan Duncan Marc J Franklin*
