IF YOUR MAIN PRIORITY IS ONLY BRINGING A CARRY-ON, HERE ARE 28 TRAVEL PRODUCTS YOU'LL WANT
1. A set of packing cubes letting you expertly compress your belongings to make room in your suitcase for all of your fabulous essentials. You’d be surprised at the amount of stuff you can cram into these.
This set comes with an extra large cube, large cube, medium cube, small cube, roomy shoe bag, and a laundry bag for dirty clothes!
Promising review: "I found out about the packing cubes on TikTok from a woman that travels all over and she mentioned these travel cubes and knew I had to get them. I travel and usually stay in one spot for more than a month so packing gets tricky. I can now pack more neatly and have more room for all the clothes I travel with." —Magen Vaughn
Get a six-piece set from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in 15 colors).
2. Or a pack of vacuum storage bags helping you utilize every inch of space in your bag by squeezing out excess air. With these by your side, you can sneak in a few extra essentials without going over your carry-on limit!
My former colleague Jasmin Sandal is a fan: "I swear by these bad boys not only for general storage purposes but also if I know I'm going to be traveling for an extended period. As someone who tends to pack for every eventuality (who doesn't like to be prepared?!), I have learned that it's better to travel with them than without — especially since it's more or less a guarantee that my clothes are gonna take up a ~substantial~ amount of room in my suitcase. And if I can use something that's gonna shrink the size of my bulky hoodies and/or big tees in order for me to create more space, I'm sure as heck gonna do it. Plus, the satisfaction is indeed guaranteed because when you see those chunky layers flatten into a pancake...it's just *chef's kiss*."
Promising review: "I've used these bags before and they are so helpful. Even used the medium one for travel and I have tons of extra suitcase room. The clothes don't come out wrinkled at all as long as you fold them nicely before placing in the bag, then the air sucks out keeping them safe and sound and very compact. Arrived on time, would use this seller again." —Susie Kochsmeier
Get a six-pack from Amazon for $17.99 (available in four sizes, a variety pack, and a hanging style).
3. A waterproof hanging toiletry bag with enough room to fit all of your morning AND nighttime routine products. It also has a hook for hanging up in the bathroom so it's easy to see everything you packed.
Promising review: "Seriously?! Do you see how much this holds?! Full shampoo bottles, face washes, hair brush...everything I could need or want to bring, FITS IN THIS ONE BAG! And it’s so cute! Feels like great quality too — all the hardware came with protective wraps to keep from scratching and the zippers feel very hardy. The hook at the top is also VERY WELL-SECURED to the bag, it’s double stitched to the top panel and almost feels like seatbelt material. And I love the extra pockets and netting inside. I would absolutely recommend this!" —mahea_c
Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in seven colors and two sizes).
4. A pack of gentle 2-in-1 flossing toothbrushes, because a single product that does the job of two is just *chef's kiss*. This toothbrush has special bristles that clean in between your teeth, so it won't just save space in your toiletries bag; it'll also save you a step in your routine.
Mouthwatchers is a small biz founded by Ronald Plotka, DDS. Their toothbrushes are made with silver-infused bristles to eliminate 99% of bacteria, and the dual-layered design helps the brush reach those deep areas where 95% of cavities form.
Promising review: "Let me preface this by saying, I hate flossing! I could never get through my entire mouth without setting off my gag reflex at least twice, and even then it never got fully cleaned. My gums are also extremely sensitive and bleed easily. To combat this, I have tried every toothbrush imaginable to get me a good clean with minimal bleeding; regular ones, electric, three-sided, 10,000 bristles — nearly everything besides a robot that will brush my teeth for me. I found these on BuzzFeed and immediately ordered them. I am so impressed with the way they clean, my teeth and gums feel so damn clean and my gums aren’t even swollen, or bleeding. It’s like being fresh from the dentist! These are certainly a toothbrush that I will purchase again and again!" —Katelyn
Get a pack of four from Amazon for $14.45+ (available in five color sets).
5. A pocket-sized, refillable travel perfume atomizer that pumps perfume directly from your full-sized bottle. Now you can take your favorite fragrance (or several) through TSA without any issues.
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly loves using these: "As the reviewer down below mentions, it's great to just throw in your purse on the reg for a fragrance re-up throughout the day. As you can see, it's about the size of my thumb and therefore takes up very little room. Plus! It's smaller than most rollerball travel fragrances you can pick up. This first one is working so well, that I just have the other three in storage. But if this one bites the dust this summer during travels, I'll be OK about digging into my stores to use one of the remaining three...especially at this price point."
Promising review: "These work so great. Love it!!! I put my favorite perfumes in each one. When I wear a perfume I put the matching one to the perfume I’m wearing for the day in my purse. So I can freshen up my scent later! I like to smell pretty all day!!! They are small and compact but hold enough before you have to refill as well." —Nikki
Get a four-pack from Amazon for $6.99.
6. Tide sink packets so you can hand-wash your clothes in the hotel sink, giving you the chance to re-wear outfits and save even more space in your bag. And don’t worry, they are well sealed to limit the chance of leaks!
Promising reviews: "Great product. Used it to wash some clothes while traveling for a week and half. Did a great job and allowed me to pack less. Will be purchasing again for a two-week trip coming up." —April M.
"Some in our party were forced to check their carry-on bags due to lack of space on the plane. Our connecting flight then got canceled and we ended up on a different plane…some of the bags didn’t make it and these Tide sink packs SAVED US! We were able to keep a rotation of things clean while we waited for our bags. I was ASTONISHED at how much sweat and grime came out of my clothes after a long, hot day of travel! Won’t travel without them ever again." —Kristin St. Martin
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $8.99 (available three different sizes and packs and two scents).
7. A travel jewelry case that'll prevent all your dainty little necklaces from turning into a giant knot. Honestly, you could solve a Rubik's Cube faster than the time it takes to untangle your jewelry.
Promising review: "I purchased this box for a weekend getaway. In the past I have just thrown all of my jewelry into little makeup bags, but then everything gets tangled and disorganized. I love that this box keeps everything organized and leaves all my necklaces tangle free!" —Dogmom206
Get it from Amazon for $13.77 (available in nine colors).
8. A 2-in-1 travel blanket and pillow so you can stay warm and cozy on those chilly flights, and when you aren't using it, you can fold it up into a cute plushy pillow. Plus, it has a handle pass-through that slips right onto your carry-on to keep your hands free.
Promising review: "I bought this product before taking a six-hour flight and it was a lifesaver. The pillow has a strap behind it to put it on your luggage so that it doesn't have to be carried. Very convenient when traveling. The blanket kept me warm on the plane and when the blanket is folded into the pillow it is also comfortable. Would definitely recommend." —Robynn
Get it from Amazon for $29.95 (available in six colors).
9. An on-the-go Gillette razor ensuring you stay on top of your body care routine without compromising quality *or* precious room in your carry-on.
It comes with one handle, one blade refill, and a cute little protective case to keep it safe and sound in your bag.
Promising review: "I got this for a vacation and it was great! The little carrying container is awesome, and keeps you from having a weird, loose razor floating around in your suitcase. Plus the heads are the same as a regular-sized razor, so you can keep using it when that one is worn out!" —Tegan H
Get it from Amazon for $11.28 (also available in a two-pack).
10. A 2-in-1 hair tool so you can rock sleek straight hair on Monday and bouncy bombshell curls on Tuesday — all without having to lug around two separate tools. Say goodbye to sacrificing fabulous hair for the sake of travel convenience.
It's also dual-voltage, so all you'll need is a plug adapter if you're traveling internationally!
Promising review: "Don't be fooled by the tiny price or size, this little baby is serious. If you are looking for a small travel option rather than lugging your big straightener and giant curling iron around the world, than I think you'll love this. It performs really well, turning my frizzy wavy hair into a smooth and sleek style. The curling iron option also creates shiny, silky lasting curls! It's easy to transition between both. I also like the grippy handle and the fact that the curling iron clip is a different color than the straightening bars because that helps me see how I should be maneuvering it around. The voltage goes up to 240m, so you are good using it internationally without a converter (but you will need an adapter just to fit it into various foreign outlets). At this price, definitely give it a try and flaunt your tresses abroad." —Christine
Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in black or white).
11. A super lightweight Trtl pillow that can be attached to the outside of your backpack or luggage, and it's way less bulky than those U-shaped pillows you have to awkwardly lug around. It's designed to help keep your head upright, reducing the risk of neck aches and allowing you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and relaxed.
It weighs less than half a pound and is machine-washable!
Promising review: "Been traveling on airplanes for decades and don't know HOW I survived without this little gem! It does exactly what it says. It's easy to carry, easy to use, and oh SO comfortable to wear. I could not recommend this more! 👍" —Metou
Get it from Amazon for $64.99 (available in five colors).
12. A foldable water bottle designed to take up barely any space in your personal bag when flying, which will have you feeling light and free while on the go. Plus, you won't have to keep buying $15 water bottles every time you're thirsty, which is also a win.
Plus, it's lead-, latex-, and BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and can be used for hot or cold drinks.
Promising review: "Bought this water bottle for a trip to Disney world. At home I always have my 40-ounce water bottle nearby. I was worried about walking around the park and not having quick access to water on those hot park days. We only brought a fanny pack in and didn’t have room for something big. This was perfect! Was able to fill up with water, wasn’t too overbearing to hold and super easy to fold up and throw in the bag when not in use. My only regret is I didn’t buy two!" —E. Alarcon
Get it from Amazon for $8.09+ (available in 13 colors and three sizes).
13. A translucent sunscreen stick with SPF 50 that's perfectly sized to fit in the palm of your hand. It's formulated with peptides, refreshing cucumber, and soothing Centella extract to strengthen and hydrate your skin barrier, without leaving any white cast or stickiness. Reviewers say that it reapplies over makeup beautifully!
Promising reviews: "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
"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 $15.25.
14. An AirFly Pro wireless transmitter allowing you to pack light and leave your clunky wired headphones or bulky laptop at home. With the ability to connect up to two pairs of Bluetooth earbuds at once, you can tune in to the in-flight entertainment with your travel buddy. And don't worry about running out of juice on those long-haul flights — this device has a battery life of 25+ hours.
BTW, this works on gym and gaming equipment, too.
Twelve South is a husband and wife-owned biz based in Charleston, South Carolina! They've been designing accessories inspired by and made for Apple products since 2009.
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 different headsets! Thank you!!!" —Ryan Malloy
Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in two colors and four styles).
15. Or a sturdy hands-free (rotating!) phone mount if you prefer to watch your favorite shows and movies conveniently pre-downloaded on your phone instead of lugging around your laptop. This mount will keep your device from sliding off your lap or between the seats when you doze off! It also swivels 360 degrees, allowing you to position your phone in either portrait or landscape orientation.
Perilogics is a small business creating hyper-functional tool holsters and bags for carrying your stuff on the go.
Promising review: "I bought this nifty gadget about six months ago for a multi-leg, ultra long haul trip and it more than held up the entire duration. I was able to finagle it to fit the tray tables on different planes and like others, I find the height just nice when clamped onto a stowed tray table. It also works on my roller carry-on handle during layovers.
"However, I find myself using it a lot outside of travel too! Work-wise, I've clamped it onto my office desk shelving to hold my phone at eye level beside my computer. At home, I simply clamped it to a deck of cards and it turns into a versatile stand that I can place on any flat surface. Heck, I've been using it to hold my phone comfortably at eye level while watching videos in bed. It's extremely well-built and I find myself fidgeting with it all the time. Thus far it still feels solid and I don't anticipate breaking it any time soon. Even if it does break, I'll be happy to buy another one or two of it!" —Earendil
Get it from Amazon for $13.97 (available in seven colors and multipacks).
16. Or a Subtl Beauty Stak letting you travel light while still looking your best. This innovative product allows you to keep up to EIGHT makeup products in a compact and convenient place. You can also customize a stack to carry only your essentials!
Subtl Beauty is a small business that specializes in vegan, cruelty-free beauty products, including compact, customizable beauty stacks.
Promising review: "I absolutely love how compact this product is. I have been pleasantly surprised at how natural the makeup feels and I love the natural look it provides. I originally purchased for traveling, but have been using it daily and love it!" –Paula Bowie
Get the Starter Stack from Subtl Beauty for $60 (originally $70+; available in 15 tones), or customize your own stack starting at $12+ per layer.
17. An international travel adapter equipped with a universal outlet, two standard USB ports, and a USB-C port so you can charge up to four devices at once, *and* it's compatible in over 150 countries!
The charger can be used in Mexico, Canada, the UK, the UAE, Japan, China, Australia, New Zealand, and countries in Europe, Asia, and South America.
Promising review: "LOVE this adapter! I travel from time to time internationally and have always used just the 'standard' adapters found in airports. Could not pass up the opportunity to purchase this one after reading the reviews. Exceeded my expectations of what it was capable of. Used on a recent trip to Germany and it handled everything needed — laptop, cell phone (USB ports are so very welcome), alarm clock, dryer, etc. Did not miss a beat on the power provided. And, it is also attractive looking ;-) Thank you for making such a great, dependable product!" —Monkey
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
18. A lovely reversible dress you can switch from a playful shirred top to a sophisticated crisscross look. It's like having two dresses, but with only one hanger needed.
Promising review: "Drop everything and buy this. I had fairly low expectations, but this dress had good reviews. I ordered it in black to be safe and let me just say, I will be ordering every color. It’s gorgeous! I love the versatility and the pockets. The material is breathable and flows beautifully. Feels expensive, perfect for spring/summer. I’m so excited to wear it and will be buying again!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $45.99 (available in women's sizes XS–XL and 17 styles).
19. And a Hackwith Design House shirt that can be worn six different ways! That means you can take a few of those tops you packed "just in case" out of your suitcase.
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!
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Chelsea Stuart owns this and loves it: "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).
20. A Kindle Paperwhite letting you carry a wide range of books without the weight or bulk, perfect for when your flight home gets delayed for the third time today. The adjustable warm light feature makes it easy to fine-tune the screen’s warmth and brightness to match the dim airplane lighting.
HuffPost Shopping writer Haley Zovickian adores her Kindle: "It has, no exaggeration, revolutionized my life. I love mine for so many reasons — it's truly helped me incorporate my love of reading into my often hectic life, and all my titles literally live inside of this half-pound wonder gadget, so I can switch between books super easily. For traveling, this is a literal dream. I don't have to pick between titles and then regret the entire trip that I didn't bring the one I left at home — and, as any book lover knows, traveling with books is heavy as hell, and the Kindle literally completely eliminates that weight. Traveling will never be the same for me. BTW, I am also obsessed with the Libby app, which allows you to check out e-books from your local library on your Kindle!! My inner child is *screaming* with joy."
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 $149.99+ (available in ad-supported or ad-free styles and three colors).
21. A solid Ethique shampoo bar in case you want to limit the chance of liquid shampoo spilling out into your luggage and having everything smell like an island paradise breeze. Reviewers say these shampoo bars produce a great lather and leave their hair soft and shiny.
Promising review: "I was definitely skeptical about a bar shampoo and conditioner, but I travel a lot and really wanted to cut down the use of plastic products as much as possible. I honestly am in love! I got the Heali Kiwi shampoo bar and the Wonderbar conditioner, as well as one of their eco-friendly bamboo-and-sugarcane storage containers, and my very long, fine, oily hair, which I do have to wash daily, looks and feels great. I recommend anyone on the fence to definitely give it a try! It works! So wonderful for travel, too!" —M.A.
Get it from Amazon for $13.50+ (available in 15 scents).
22. A bestselling and super affordable pair of flexible ballet flats — they're lightweight and easily tuck into your luggage, taking up little to no space and leaving more room for snacks and souvenirs. Plus, reviewers say they're super comfy so you can wear them in the airport (and easily kick them off at security) or out on the town while exploring a new city.
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 $10.30+ (available in women's sizes 5–15, including wide sizes, and 22 styles).
23. A Pocket Blanket — this amazing waterproof blanket is so compact that you can take it with you wherever you go. With integrated metal stakes and corner sand pockets, it's easy to secure to the ground, perfect if your travel plans include any beach days, picnics, or just lounging outdoors.
Matador is a small biz specializing in durable, innovative products with the intention of making travel easier.
My former colleague Ciera Velarde swears by this thing: "I have this blanket and it really, truly fits in your pocket! When folded completely out, it fits two people lying down and would probably fit up to four people sitting. It's super thin without being flimsy, and any water, dirt, or sand just rolls right off of it. I did get some sunscreen on my blanket the last time I used it, but I threw it in the washing machine when I got home and hung it to dry and it was as good as new. I took this to the beach this summer, and the stakes in the corner and the sand pockets were super helpful at keeping it from flying away in the wind. It also has a very subtle stitched guide on the blanket that you follow to fold it back up to pocket-size. This blanket is so great and is a must for spontaneous hiking trips, beach days, or even a date in the park."
Get it from Amazon for $34.77+.
24. An incredibly soft MakeUp Eraser that removes all makeup *including mascara* with just warm water. You won't have to bring super bulky bottles of makeup remover or cleanser with you, freeing up space in your carry-on bag.
It has two sides — one that can wipe off all your makeup with water and light scrubbing, and another that exfoliates your skin. And each one lasts for up to five years!
Promising review: "This did exactly what it claims to do. I use some warm water on a little part and my whole makeup comes off, even mascara! I used to always buy makeup wipes and this has saved me so much money. I just throw it in with the laundry and it’s perfect. I’ve been using it for over six months now and it hasn’t failed me at all, it’s worth the money!!" —Sharmin Rahman
Get it from Amazon for $15 (available in 16 colors).
25. A pair of reusable waterproof shoe covers, because they'll take up way less space than your clunky rain boots. These covers are made with heavy-duty material, so you don't have to worry about water seeping in. They're so compact, they can easily fold down and fit right in your backpack for those unexpected downpours.
There's a handy sizing chart provided on the product listing page so you can find your ideal fit!
Promising reviews: "Truly amazing for a rainy day at Disneyland! I got asked about them by at least 100 people that day, when everyone’s shoes were wet and uncomfortable and mine were super dry!! Highly recommend them. Very easy to use, and also the bottoms were non-slippery! Must-have for a rainy activity day!" —Juhi
"Exactly as described. The size was exactly right for my shoe size. Perfect for a trip, as they take up very little space in a suitcase and work quite well to keep the rain out and puddles away from shoes." —Caroljean
Get a pair from Amazon for $12.89+ (available in unisex sizes S–4XL and five styles).
26. A very cute + practical handheld fan with a flashlight and USB port — it's so useful, it'll earn a permanent spot in your carry-on. This fan has three different speeds and holds a charge for a long time. When folded down, it easily fits in a purse or pocket, and you can even use it as a backup power bank for your phone!
It's rechargeable (no batteries!) and can be folded and propped up on a desk or other flat surface. Lots of reviewers said it's great to have on hand if you're experiencing hot flashes!
Promising review: "Impulse bought this for a 90-degree day at Disneyland and now my kids cannot live without it. It lasted all day on one charge, even with the kids playing with it for hours. Also brought it camping and the flashlight was great for them. Bringing it on every trip from now on." —Michelle
Get it from Amazon for $16.79+ (available in five colors).
27. An essential sun visor that can keep up with your adventurous spirit. Not only does it provide the perfect amount of shade for all your excursions, but it can easily fold up and still keep its shape.
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 11 colors).
28. And finally, Solgaard's Carry-On Closet, which is the ultimate carry-on suitcase. This bag pops out into a six-tier shelving unit that fits nearly a week's worth of outfits. It meets all airline requirements, so you don't have to worry about checking in your luggage.
Its lining is made with plastic from coastal communities that otherwise could have ended up in the ocean! The smaller size is accepted as a carry-on by all international airlines, including European budget ones, while the larger one meets all US airline standards.
Promising review: "Great design that allows me to organize everything I need in much less space than I ever expected. Take your time to select and pack your things thoughtfully and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much you can get into this carry-on. I have several pieces of luggage in different sizes and I’m giving them away because this is all I need. The size and versatility make it the perfect carry-on." —Michelle C.
Get it from Solgaard for $325+ (available in two sizes and eight colors).
Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.