If You Want To Be In Your Travel Era This Summer, Check Out These 44 Useful And, Also Importantly, Cheap Products

Buzz Feed

05-05-2025

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Shopping
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Whether you're jet-setting to Europe or doing a quick weekend trip, you'll want the foot hammock to make your countless flights a 'lil more comfortable.
1. An affordable travel backpack that's super roomy with *lots* of compartments so you can fit everything that didn't fit in your carry-on roller. One reviewer was able to fit a pair of jeans, two pairs of leggings, a long-sleeve tunic, a short-sleeve blouse, two lightweight sweatshirts, two t-shirts, five pairs of underwear, five pairs of socks, their liquids bag, AND a laptop. And while it was packed to the brim, it still fit the airline's dimensions for a personal item.
Promising review:"Lots of space. I bought this for a business trip so I could carry my laptop and clothes for two nights and not check a bag at the airport. This worked perfectly and looks nice." — Angie J
Get it from Amazon for $20.39+ (available in four sizes and 39 styles).
2. A foldable water bottle so you can avoid purchasing the ridiculously priced water bottles at the airport Hudson News. Just pack this into your personal item (empty, of course) and fill it up once you're through security!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
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! It wasn't too overbearing to hold and was super easy to fold up and throw in the bag when not in use. My only regret is I didn't buy two!" — E. Alarcón
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in three sizes/styles and 13 colors).
3. A set of packing cubes to help compress your million outfit changes (which are essential) so you don't struggle when zipping your suitcase shut. You'll fit all of your favorite tops *and* have them all nice and organized, so unpacking is quick and easy.
Promising review:"I travel frequently and travel light. My luggage is usually limited to a backpack that slides under the airline seat. For a two-week European cruise, I added a carry-on rolling suitcase. I've used these packing cubes twice so far, and I am hooked. One cube holds everything (including clothing) I take on a three-night trip. The cube slides into my pack, saving massive amounts of room, and everything is easy to find during travel and at the hotel. Taking out one cube and unzipping is much better than digging through a pack! I will never leave home without these!" — Gura
Get a set of four packing cubes (also comes with a laundry bag) from Amazon for $21.99 (available in 15 colors and two sets).
4. Or a pack of vacuum-free space-saving compression bags that can squish out all the air once it's been stuffed — aka you'll be able to fit so much more. One reviewer said a small bag was able to fit six t-shirts, seven pairs of shorts, and four boxers! So, a set of these will easily fit your week's worth of clothing at that rate.
Just pack in your clothes, roll up the bag, and watch as the excess air is squeezed out.
Here's what BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord has to say:"HELLO, I AM OBSESSED WITH THESE. Despite all the rave reviews I was definitely skeptical of space-saving bags that didn't require a vacuum, and even as they were actively squishing my clothes into oblivion I still couldn't quite believe it. I had easily two suitcases worth of clothes I wanted to pack for a three-week trip to London, and I managed to neatly pack the entirety of my wardrobe in one roller carry-on bag. Truly all I had to do was put my clothes in the bag, push them to the bottom, and then sit on it to get the air out before sealing it up. I had tons of extra bags and make a habit of taking them with me in case other people joining me on trips need them to be able to pack souvenirs on the way home. I'm never taking a long trip without these again — these are worth every damn penny."
Promising review: "I travel monthly for work, usually gone for 4–5 days. Before these, I would have to check a bag. Dress shirts and pants roll up nicely and stay wrinkle free. It's tempting to want to over-stuff these, but if you're packing golf shirts or cloths with 'slippery' fabric, they slide out of the top of the bag as you get close to the end. The clips take a minute to get used to, but after a couple of times zipping up the bags, it's pretty easy." — BigSkinny
Get a set of eight from Amazon for $15.98.
5. *OR* a portable hanging luggage organizer if you identify as someone who lives out their suitcase for the entirety of their trip because you despiseee unpacking. This streamlines the process, so all you do is lift up the organizer and attach the hooks to your room's closet rod — BOOM. DONE. You'll go from cozy traveler to sightseeing extraordinaire so fast that the hotel receptionist will literally not believe it.
Plus, it has a zipper compartment at the bottom for putting all your dirty clothes in so they don't get mixed with clean items (forcing you to end up just washing everything when you get home).
Promising review:"I just love it. I travel a lot. Now I don't have to hang anything up but my organizer. I can see what I pack and where everything is. Just love it. I can easily fit seven days' worth of outfits and three pairs of shoes in a carry-on suitcase. Just great." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $26.95+ (available in two sizes and nine colors).
6. A roll-up wide brim UPF 50 sun hat so you can protect your face *and* give off "rich aunt who winters in Palm Springs" energy. If you start turning red approximately 0.2 seconds in the sun, this hat is calling your name. Reviewers say it keeps its shape even after being shoved in a suitcase — so no sad, floppy hat moments while you're sipping a piña colada poolside.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This hat has been my go-to hat for summer and vacations. Looks super cute paired with a swimsuit or jeans and a tank. I have packed it in a suitcase multi times for travel and had no issues with it breaking or creasin g. [It comes in] many cute colors, but I love the the lighter cream with the black band." — ND
Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (available in three sizes and 20 colors).
7. And, an E.l.f. Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen for a quick swipe of SPF 35 without the ghostly whitecast. It's water-resistant, so if you take a spontaneous dip or forget to reapply right away (we've all been there), you'll still have some backup protection. If you're a fan of Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen but not its price tag, this one's a budget-friendly alternative reviewers swear by. It has a similar smooth consistency *and* the same ability to be used as a primer, too.
Check out BuzzFeed Shopping editor Jenae Sitzes' review of this sunscreen (hint: it's worth the full read):"The packaging similarities are impossible to ignore, but that's not where the comparisons between this E.l.f. sunscreen and Supergoop's cult-fave product end. I've tried both, and I honestly prefer this E.l.f. version. Supergoop's had a slight graininess to it that I didn't love, while this E.l.f. sunscreen is exactly what I'd hoped Supergoop's would feel like: totally smooth and velvety. Like Supergoop's, it goes on totally clear and doesn't feel like you're wearing a mask; it sinks in immediately. And of course, a major selling point: A 1.7-ounce bottle of E.l.f. Suntouchable will cost you $14, while Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen in the same size will put you back $38.
Now, it's worth noting that Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen has SPF 50, while E.l.f.'s product offers SPF 35. Both of these meet the American Academy of Dermatology's recommendation of using a sunscreen with SPF 30 or more, which blocks 97% of the sun's UVB rays. Anything over SPF 30 offers only slightly more protection (and nothing can block 100% of the sun's rays), yet the higher number, the more brands tend to charge. So do with that info what you will! This isn't the only SPF I use, but I love having it in my arsenal, especially when I do want to layer makeup on top!"
Promising review: "This sunscreen is a gem. I was not expecting to love it as much as I do. I absolutely love E.l.f. products, but I rarely try their skincare. Something told me to try this. When I put it on, it gave a smooth silicone finish and feel. I was faithful to Supergoop but didn't want to spend as much as the product is listed for. I will continue to use this sunscreen; it has been one of the best I've ever tried. I've been into skincare since I was 15; I am 37, and for me to say that this product is a gold mine is rare." — Angelina S
Get it from Amazon for $14.
8. Some Tide sink packets so your sweaty socks and beach-walk undies smell much better *and* don't stink up your whole bag. Toss 'em in the sink with these packets instead! Future you will be so glad when it's time to rewear that cute bikini and it doesn't smell like a sea-salt sauna.
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly is a big fan of these: "Each pack comes with three packets. And, because they *are* liquid, they'll easily slide into the side of your toiletries bag. I've packed these on international trips to much success!"
Promising review: "Taking these out of the country to wash under things is exactly the right size." — Laura Wilson
Get nine packs from Amazon for $6.28 (available in two scents and four pack sizes).
9. A super convenient handheld mini fan for when the summer heat has you sweating before takeoff and the plane's AC is practically nonexistent. Just pop it open and let the cool breeze work its magic while you chill. Bonus: it's also got a flashlight *and* a USB port to charge your phone — 'cause clearly, this little guy is going for travel MVP.
Check out why BuzzFeed Shopping writer Gabriela Manjarrez *always* keeps this on her: " You know how everyone has those little items that are permanently in their carry-on bag? This is one of them for me. Being able to get some nice airflow wherever I go has been so amazing I can never go back. And not even just for travel! I also take it to amusement parks and on hikes, and I even use it throughout my makeup routine to help set products in place. Plus, the battery life is *top-tier*."
Promising review: "This thing was a godsend while I was in Florida in the summertime. Love that it has a flashlight, and you can use it as a backup power bank in a pinch. For me this fit all my needs, it kept me cool in Florida, fit perfectly in my purse/backpack and on my wrist. I pretty much took this wherever I went and even used it on the plane during boarding when it was super hot in there. I'm giving this 5 stars. It worked perfectly for me." — Erica
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in six colors).
10. A TSA-approved 16-piece travel toiletries set because travel-sized versions of your favorite products don't exist — and you don't have room for your entire skincare and haircare routine anyway. They're reusable so you can use them all summer long *and* they don't leak, so your toiletries bag won't get covered in shampoo.
The set comes with four bottles, four jars, two spray bottles, two scoopers (to help transfer creams), one funnel (to help transfer liquids), one cleaning brush, a page of labels, and a bag that everything fits in.
Promising review:"I've purchased a lot of different travel sets for my toiletries over the years. Inevitably, they are hard to fill and tend to leak. This set was magic! The wide mouth made it easy to fill from a larger bottle, and the little scoops made transferring creams to the jar containers very easy and with much less mess. The only con (hardly worth mentioning) is that once you squeeze the bottle, it takes a few minutes to expand with air again, so the sides are a bit sunken. I solved that by unscrewing the top just a bit for a quick release of the vacuum pressure. I had no leaks, and plenty of containers for every toiletry." — MDC
Get it from Amazon for $8.49+ (available in eight colors).
11. A jacket and bag gripper you can attach to your suitcase or backpack to free up your hands. Now, you can easily grab your jacket without ripping open your bag once you've boarded, especially when the airplane is feeling a little chilly.
Promising review:"I love this little gadget. I used it to attach my jacket and computer bag to my luggage on an extended business trip. It made my airport walks so much easier. Now that I'm back home, I've been using it daily to attach my jacket or cardigan to my work bag or purse." — Michele
Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in six colors and packs of two).
12. A skyline mini wallet emergency kit that's gonna solve every little mishap that pops up on your trip, but BARELY take up any room. You'll have a stain remover, deodorant wipes, a sewing kit, and MORE all at your disposal — Psst, it has 20 different things in it!
Anne Cate
Anne Cate is a woman-owned small business based in Cleveland, Ohio, that handmakes minimalist keepsakes with a skyline from more than 100 cities and colleges around the world!
The kit includes a hair tie, ChapStick, two floss pics, a sewing kit, bandages, emery board, two safety pins, two earring backs, a makeup wipe, two bobby pins, two mints, a deodorant wipe, a Shout wipe, a tampon, hand sanitizer, and Tylenol.
Promising review: "I'm heading to Rome this fall with my best friend and our husbands. I thought this would be the cutest little emergency case to bring along so I got each of us one. I am so excited to give it to her. She will love the Rome skyline and all the goodies inside." — Jen
Get it from Anne Cate for $25 (available in 96 skylines).
13. A waterproof travel cable organizer so your cords, chargers, earbuds, and other small tech gadgets stay super neat, because throwing them loosely into your bag means a tangly mess when you need them.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review:"Excellent for travel! Nice to have a go-to individual pouch especially for the chords. Husband travels for business and this is a must, so if he's in an airport or hotel he can locate them easily and they don't get mixed with others." — Brent Webb
Get it from Amazon for $9.85+ (available in three sizes and 23 colors).
14. A fast-drying microfiber towel 'cause your hotel towels will be wet for wayyyy too long and you want to lay out by the pool! It's super absorbent, feels oh-so-soft, and will barely take up room in your bag compared to normal bath towels. Plus, reviewers say sand falls right off — just give it a quick shake before you leave the beach so you *don't* have a mini beach exploding all over your hotel room floor.
Promising review:"Perfect. Have used these for hiking and business travel. Can't imagine anyone having a bad thing to say about them." — G. B.
Promising review: " I bought this for a trip to Mexico, during which we moved from pool to beach to ocean a lot. This towel was the perfect travel companion to keep me somewhat dry and get me to the next stop. I especially appreciated taking it on our snorkeling trip because it could fit easily in a waterproof bag with my other things and not get wet. It was a great blanket when it was chilly as well. And it dries so quickly so you can be ready for your next adventure. I like the bag it comes in to keep it contained within your tote bag, too." — dmw
Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in 18 colors and six sizes).
15. And, a set of towel clips because nothing's more annoying than your towel slipping off every five seconds while you're just trying to soak up the sun. And when you're done lounging, you can use them to hang up your bathing suit — ok, double use! 😍
www.amazon.com
Check out a TikTok of the towel clips in action.
Promising review: "I purchased these for a family of eight going on a cruise and they loved them! So easy to use, just put your towel on the beach chair and clip down with these. They said they were especially awesome on windy days when others towels were blowing away if they were not sitting on the chair. The family was able to go to lunch or take a walk and not worry that their towels had been blown away and someone had then snagged their seats. Very inexpensive and functional clips." — TypeA
Get a set of 16 from Amazon for $8.99.
16. A foldable jewelry organizer if you bling yourself out to the max while on vacay (each day is a new opportunity to accessorize!) but don't want to bring a bulky jewelry box. This will compactly fit, organize, and protect your endless array of rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces while on the move. So bring those three sets of hoops! I can *also* tell they're all different — even if your partner can't.
Promising review:"My favorite traveling item! Before I was sticking jewelry in ziplock bags and in my suitcase and I'd lose them in there or they'd tangle and I was limited on what I could bring. I bring this with me every time we go out of town for business." — Kristy and Jose
Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in two sizes and eight colors).
17. A soft makeup-removing cloth that *only* requires water to work, so you *don't* have to make room for cotton rounds and a clunky bottle of micellar water in your bag. Reviewers say it works like a charm, with one reviewer noting it can take off thick waterproof mascara.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This product...I have no clue how this works, but it does! Let me start by saying I was wearing a full face of makeup. I mean foundation, contour highlight, eyeliner, seriously the whole nine yards. All I did was wet it and wiped my face, my jaw literally dropped. This is hands-down my favorite makeup remover. The best part is that they are reusable so you don't have to keep buying those expensive disposables that leave your face feeling greasy." — Heather Griffith
Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in six colors and in packs of three or six).
18. A set of travel bottles with pumps so your fave shampoo, conditioner, or moisturizer can come along for the ride *and* breeze through security. You paid good money for that glossy hair routine, so it will be coming with you during your Euro summer.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"It's a little hard to fill but if you have a small funnel already it makes it a lot easier. They're super easy to use and really convenient for packing. I use it for the gym, travel, and I also travel for work often and it comes in handy there." — Kelsey Jacobi
Get a set of two from Amazon for $6.99 (available in three colors).
19. Alleyoop's Pen Pal — a 4-in-1 pen to do your lip liner, brows, eyeliner, *and* highlighter. If your toiletries bag is already overflowing, this will give you all of your makeup must-haves while traveling (without taking up precious room). Idk about you, but it's making me nostalgic for my 5-in-1 pen from elementary school.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review:"I love that this product is an all-in-one! It saves me so much space when I travel, and the products are high-quality too. The lightest brow pencil is still a little dark for blondes like me, but the other shades complement me perfectly. I like the lip liner the best; it easily elevates a simple lip look!" — Sam
Get it from Amazon for $20 (available in three shades).
20. And Alleyoop's 3-in-1 travel razor that'll help you touch up your legs on the go if you missed any spots! Just spray your leg with the mister, shave, and go over your leg with the moisturizer bar. Reviewers with children also say this is a clever way to pack razors since kids won't know a razor is inside — aka no accidents during ~vacay time~.
You can use it for shaving your entire leg, too, but you'll want to do it in the shower since the mister can run out!
Promising review:" I recently traveled and had no problem with TSA. I like the moisturizer; you can just rub it in. If you have coarse hair, the blades may dull sooner than later. I preferred just to wet my leg and then spray the water. It seemed to get more of a lather for me. Super convenient!!" — Western Pa mom/grandma
Get it from Amazon for $15 (available in pink and blue).
21. A travel-size wrinkle release spray 'cause no matter how neatly you fold your clothes, they always seem to get a little wrinkled — and I *know* you want to look freshly polished when sightseeing! There's no need for the hotel room iron, just spritz this onto your clothes and let it work its magic.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Hate dragging out the old hotel iron and board, so I just spray my wrinkled clothes with this, and viola! Takes the wrinkles out, and off I go — no wrestling while putting the iron and board away. I even have a small travel iron or use my hair styling irons if I want a better finish, but this usually does the job nicely." — Audie
Get it from Amazon for $6.05.
22. A compact, easy-to-apply I Dew Care "Tap Secret" mattifying powder shampoo to keep your hair more volumized and less greasy in-between shampoos — you won't have to FULLY wash your hair to get the "fresh out the shower" look. Just dab this ultra-fine powder into your roots, shake out the product, and style, then you're done!
Amazon
This powder shampoo is benzene-free!
Promising review: "I was looking for a dry shampoo that would be easy to use on the go for a trip I was taking. I had no issues taking this through TSA and it was so easy to use on the go. You literally just pat the poof on your scalp and then rub the powder in. I do have black hair so dry shampoo is usually very visible in my hair, but I didn't have any harder time than usual rubbing this powder in. It did a really good job of soaking up all the oil and giving my hair volume. I'm not a fan of the price for the amount that you get, but it is lasting longer than I thought it would. I would definitely recommend and will purchase again." — Teresa
Get it from Amazon for $18 (available in seven shades).
23. A pair of quick-dry water shoes 'cause walking on the beach in flip flops always ends with sand everywhere — and that's just the worst. With these, you can handle rocky shores or scorching sand without doing the "ow, ow, ow" dance on your way back to your chair.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Purchased three pairs for our cruise. We all loved them. Best water shoes I've ever worn. Feels like you are barefoot but keeps your feet safe from anything you step on. Very comfortable! Highly recommended!" — Donna M
Get it from Amazon for $7.64+ (available in seven sizes and 36 colors).
24. A digital luggage scale that'll squash *any* anxiety that your bag is too heavy so you don't have to worry about forking over some money (for that big overweight bag fee) or ripping open your suitcase in front of everyone — with this, you can avoid both!
Promising review: "I would absolutely recommend this for anyone who travels, especially internationally, because of all the extra costs for going over in weight. We were among the few people in line who didn't need to rearrange our luggage at the airport to meet the weight requirements in Milan. So easy to pack and take with you." — Addison
Promising review: "This little device was well worth the money spent. It saved us a lot of money on our flight home since we knew the weight was over and could pre-purchase the overage in the app instead of paying double at the airport. I'll never travel without it!! Very easy to use." — Michael Ellis
Get it from Amazon for $7.64+ (available in four colors and also as a two-pack).
25. A lightweight mini belt bag you can wear as a crossbody or around your waist with your daily items safely secured inside — reviewers are always shocked by the amount of stuff it can fit! It'll be easier to find smaller items like your AirPods, chargers, and lip products since you won't have to dig around larger bags.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I bought this as a purse for traveling to populated European cities as there are heaps of pickpockets. It worked perfectly! It is the perfect size to fit everything I need and was super comfortable. Highly recommend." — Jessie Anela
Promising review: "I bought this fanny pack to take on our trip to San Francisco, and it worked out better than I thought it would! We hiked through Muir Woods, and I loved that my hands were free from holding a purse! Then we walked across the Golden Gate Bridge, went to Chinatown, the wharf, etc., and again, it was great not having to hold anything. This is by far the best bag I've ever traveled with. It is almost the same exact size as a (name brand) bag but a lot less. Best purchase for the vacation :)" — Pat
Get it from Amazon for $11.98+ (available in 45 colors).
26. A luggage drink caddy if your morning Starbies is a must as you travel, but you want your hands free as you walk to your gate. It can hold your Brown Sugar Shaken Esspresso, pink cake pop, water bottle, phone, or anything else that's keeping your hand occupied.
www.amazon.com
Reviewers say it's ideal for a suitcase that can 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.
Check it out on TikTok.
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, I dropped and spilled my drink everywhere when it was my turn to check my passport and ticket. It was a nightmare! This time, I bought this cup holder to do me a favor! I don't have to worry about where my cup and phone are! I can free my hands to do other things. I love it so much! Hope you love it too." — Philip
Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in 22 colors and patterns).
27. A comfy pair of kids' headphones 'cause as soon as your plane leaves its gate, your little one is gonna want to watch movie after movie. One reviewer said they lasted five-plus years and survived their "children's abuse," so don't let the cheap price tag fool you, these are high quality!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"These headphones are great! They have a nice shape and comfort and sound isolation that serves my kid well on a 10-hour flight with other screaming kids. These headphones have great sound isolation that make it still possible for my kid to listen during plane rides despite volume limitation, and also able to ignore four other screaming, tantruming toddlers in our cabin. I was just about to dig deeper in my pockets to buy much more expensive headphones for my kids, but these worker great with a nice budget! They fold compactly, so they were easy to pack. The cord had a nice fabric soft feel. Highly recommend for travel." — Elizabert
Get them from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in five colors).
28. A travel-friendly blanket/pillow combo that packs up into a little square and clips onto your backpack or carry-on so it can *always* come with you. Now you can be extra comfy when you catch some Z's on your flight!
Amazon
Check it out on TikTok.
Promising review: "I ordered two of these and my daughter and I both used 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 seven colors).
29. A light-blocking contoured sleep mask so if the person at the window *insists* on keeping their shade open, you won't really care because these are like black-out shades for your eyes. They're comfortable, adjustable, and better than your average sleep mask because you can actually blink in them. Can someone say game changer!?
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Check it out in this TikTok.
Promising reviews: " The BEST BEST BEST and most comfortable sleep mask I've found. Night shifter for years and have tried everything. Many other sleep masks have some qualities, but not all. This one is AMAZINGLY SOFT, VERY THICK, plush, high-quality material, quality stitching that won't come apart like so many others that are cheaply made, and it's EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE even though it's a good price. Very impressed and pleasantly surprised." — Amazon Customer
"I loved it so much that I bought a second for my boyfriend! We both travel so much that sometimes you end up in a hotel room where the blinds still let in light, and this blocks it out without compressing your eyelids where it feels like you're being forced to keep them shut. I love that the compression contours around your eye so that you can open your eyes without feeling like you're restricted. I love it so much I sleep with it at home now, and I never travel without it!" — Jordann
Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in eight colors).
30. A hands-free (rotating!) phone mount if your plane is ~old-school~ and you assumed all planes in 2025 had TVs these days... Newsflash: they don't. 🥲 You can *still* enjoy the comfort of looking up-right at a screen by mounting this onto the tray table. You'll have a comfortable viewing experience without having to prop your phone up yourself (and straining your neck in the process).
Amazon
See it in action on TikTok.
Promising review: "I bought this nifty gadget about six months ago for a multileg, 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 $9.78+ (available in seven colors and in packs of two).
31. An in-flight foot hammock so you feel like you're in business class when you're sitting in the back of the plane. Just hang it around the arms of your tray table to elevate your feet a little. Reviewers absolutely *love* this for international flights because it helps them feel like they're lying down when they're upright, reduces soreness, *and* makes long travel days more bearable.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:" I will never fly again without this. I've recommended it to everyone. East Coast US to Southeast Asia, 24 hours in long haul flights each way with serious low back pain condition to start. But being able to hang my legs, even in a sideways position, saved me from hours of pain that I have endured previously flying with economy leg room. It is easy to loop over tray table brackets in both the stowed and open positions. This is a must-have for any flight." — DL Flin
Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (also available in multipacks).
32. An insulated water bottle carrier to stay hydrated more easily *and* keep your phone, keys, cards, and snacks nice and secure as you sight-see on your trip or walk through your terminal at the airport. It eliminates carrying around a bulky bag *and* makes it easier to find your cash when you come across a ~delicious-looking~ ice cream stand.
Amazon
Promising review:"Absolutely love this water bottle carrier bag for my Stanley tumbler! The added phone pocket is such a convenient bonus, allowing me to keep my essentials together while hiking, traveling, or camping. The adjustable strap ensures a comfortable fit, and the straw cover keeps my drink clean and accessible. It's sturdy, well-made, and exactly what I needed for outdoor adventures. Highly recommend." — GG
Get it from Amazon for $13.99.
33. A set of mosquito-repelling bracelets for anyone who wants to keep their skin itch- AND DEET-free. They're infused with citronella and essential oils to help those unlucky folks who get targeted for no good reason.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Cliganic is a small biz specializing in health and wellness products. Check out a TikTok of the mosquito-repelling bracelets in action.
Promising review:"I bought this to take on a cruise. Never had issues with bites. Once back home I put them on my son who is allergic to some bites and always itchy after time outdoors. Since he's had these on outside it's hardly an issue anymore. Very cool." — MardiGrasGirl
Get a 10-pack from Amazon for $9.99.
34. A set of silicone "EarPlanes" because the sometimes painful ear popping that happens when you take off or land is the last thing you want to deal with. And if you're going across the sea, there will definitely be some altitude changes, so these can come in handy.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Check out why BuzzFeed Shopping writer Gabriela Manjarrez *loves* these: Before I started using these a couple of years ago, my ears would *always* start to hurt when the plane started to descend. I'd have to press my fingers on my ears and chew gum just to try to reduce some of the discomfort. Now, as soon as the captain announces they are starting the descent, I put these in my ears (BTW, they're surprisingly comfortable!), put my headphones on over them, and can actually enjoy the last half hour of my flight.
Promising review: "I am very sensitive to the change in pressure on airplanes, to the point where I am in tears on takeoff and landing. I finally had to do something about it, or I would fear flying again. I wish I had known about these years ago. They alleviated ALL sensitivity to the pressure change and made for a very comfortable and anxiety-free flight. I can't recommend them enough." — Nancy Cardella
Get a pair from Amazon for $7.89 (also available in multipacks and kids' sizes).
35. A acupressure anti-nausea wristband for the easily nauseous or occasional barfer on planes who needs a helping hand. This is designed to hit an acupressure point that can help reduce nausea and even motion sickness. So the next time you're doomscrolling during your annual road trip, you won't need to tell the driver to make an emergency pull-over.
www.amazon.com
Reviewers swear by these nonmedicated bands for nausea relief: they've used them while traveling on airplanes, boats, and cars and for morning sickness during pregnancies. Read more about acupressure and nausea at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Check the bands out on TikTok.
Promising review:"I bought these for an upcoming cruise, but thought I would try them out when flying (as I tend to get motion sickness even after taking Dramamine). I was very surprised that I had no motion sickness after wearing these on two different work trips. I also took these on a cruise and only had to use them once. Once I felt the motion sickness coming on, I put on the bands and the sickness was gone in about 15 minutes. They came in a nice plastic case and are reusable." — Jessica
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $8.05 (available in six colors).
36. A portable charger when you marathon-watch your entire show at 30,000 feet and land with 3% battery. Don't worry, this has got your back! It'll fully juice up your phone *and* can even charge three devices at once, meaning you and your crew can take that "we made it!" selfie before any of you find an outlet.
www.amazon.com
Check it out on TikTok.
Promising review:"This little gem is amazing! This year we were fortunate enough to do some local traveling and attend quite a few concerts this year. I take a ton of videos and pictures, often draining the battery. This power-packed product charged not only my phone when it was low but also my boyfriend's AND the girl next to her!! Since you can only take small bags into venues, this slipped right into the pocket behind my phone! We had numerous comments on it because of the little paw charge indicator. The flashing came in handy a few times when we found ourselves in the dark! I will be buying more and giving them as gifts this year!" — Annetastic
Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in four colors and a mini size).
37. A water-resistant duffel bag with six pockets on the inside and two pockets on the outside so you can separate your socks, shoes, and shirts and keep things super organized. Not only is it the perfect size for a weekend trip, but it also counts as a personal item on budget airlines, so you can save even *more* money.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I can't say enough good things about this travel duffel bag; it's been an absolute game changer for my trips. I've taken it on several journeys, including some rough adventures, and it still looks as good as new. The size is just perfect — it holds a surprising amount of stuff while remaining compact enough to fit in overhead compartments or under seats on flights. The compartments and pockets help keep everything organized, which is a lifesaver when you're on the go. The quality of the zippers and handles is top-notch. The shoulder strap is comfortable, and the option to carry it as a backpack is a fantastic feature. It's great for weekend getaways, business trips, or even as a gym bag. I've used many travel bags in the past, but this one truly stands out in terms of quality and functionality. It's become my go-to travel companion, and I wouldn't travel without it. If you're in need of a reliable, stylish, and spacious travel duffel, look no further. This bag is a winner!" — Liz
Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in two sizes and 62 colors/styles).
38. A waterproof phone pouch if your next trip has you by sandy beaches or snowy mountain tops and you don't want to replace a water-damaged phone while on vacay. Reviewers say it's completely waterproof and that they could still take crystal clear photos through the plastic. Because what's a vacation with no-brag-worthy photos to show off?
www.amazon.com
It's designed to fit any phone up to 100mm x 170mm (or about 3.9 inches x 6.7 inches).
Promising review:"A vacation essential. I was skeptical about the case protecting my phone, but while kayaking on vacation, my phone fell into the water and was submerged in 6 feet of water. I was able to recover the phone with no water damage whatsoever." — Will N
Promising review: "I purchased this case in July for an upcoming canoe trip with a friend, and as luck would have it, we flipped our canoe. Being the rebel that I am, I chose not to wear my phone around my neck, and so my phone, my ID, and my debit card ended up at the bottom of the river, and I just assumed it would be discovered a thousand years from now and placed in a museum as an ancient artifact. Fast-forward to this week. I was contacted via FB by an Alachua County Sheriff's Office diver and guess what he found? Yup, my phone case with all of the contents intact and dry as a bone! He had to cut the case open, but there was not one single drop of water in it, and he ended up purchasing a case for himself because he was just that impressed!" — Julie McDonald
Get it from Amazon for $6.29+ (available in 14 colors and designs).
39. A pair of compression socks for absurdly long flights because they're designed to help with circulation and reduce swelling. Reviewers say they're not too tight, feel comfortable, and can help legs feel more energized — which is *just* what you want when you step off that plane!
www.amazon.com
Read more about compression socks and long flights at Cleveland Clinic.
Promising review:"My ankles got really swollen after a 14-hour plane ride last year, so I thought I would give these a try. I recently completed another 14-hour plane ride, and these socks really did their job! I had them on for a good 24 hours straight, and they remained comfortable the whole time. My ankles were not swollen after the long plane ride. My legs and feet felt really good after the plane ride and the day after. The sock can be stretched over the knee but I did not stretch it that much and left the socks right below the knee. The socks stayed in place the whole time." — MYamo
Get them from Amazon for $12.97+ (available in 13 colors and sizes S–XXL).
40. A universal travel adapter that works in over 160 countries, so you don't get to your destination and say "oh 💩" when the adapter you brought turns out to be the wrong one. This can charge up to four devices at once, making this ideal for traveling light — all you'll need to bring are the cords!
www.amazon.com
But remember that this is not a voltage converter!
Promising review:"I am a digital nomad, so I travel full-time around the world. I have a lot of devices to charge (laptop, Kindle, phone, backup battery, portable Wi-Fi device, camera, the list goes on). A lot of times, hostel bunks or hotel rooms only have one outlet, and with the previous adapter I was using, I had to charge one device at a time. I used to literally set my alarm to wake up in the middle of the night and switch devices so that I could get more than one device fully charged overnight. I did my research finally and settled on this one because it is universal and has four USB ports. What a GAME CHANGER. On my latest trip, I was able to charge all my devices at once, and it made traveling so much smoother. It seems well made and good quality, too. Definitely recommend to my digital nomad and traveling peers. Happy travels! :)" — Maggie A.
Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in two colors and an option with a UBC-C port).
41. A pack of foldable hangers so you can hang up all of your dressy clothes. 'Cause why did your hotel only provide three hangers for you? They fold up nice and compact, so they won't take up too much room *and* can hold your spaghetti straps or light cardigans perfectly.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"On a trip to Europe, I used these hangers to hang my laundry to dry. I even hung a pair of wet jeans (through the belt loops). I thought the hanger would break, but it held up fine! Hotels never supply enough hangers, so I will be bringing these along when I travel." — debi
Get a pack of 12 from Amazon for $9.99.
42. A portable safe for your jewelry, keys, sunglasses, and other valuable items, because who wants to deal with replacing those things? No one. You'll feel super calm, cool, and collected as you step out for an activity since everything is secured and locked away!
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Check out why BuzzFeed Shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly is happy she finally caved for this:"After putting this in MANY travel stories, I bought one for myself for a summer European vacation where I found myself at several beach clubs. It was perfect for keeping my and my friend's belongings safe while we dozed in our beach chairs or swam in the sea. Plus, it's the perfect size to hold phones or wallets, and easily carry in your beach or tote bag. It's come in clutch in a few hotels and Airbnbs that didn't have working safes."
Promising review:"Loveeeee this safe! Took it on a cruise, and it was such a great feeling of security. I put all my cash and docs in it while around and off the ship in the larger room safe. In my case, I had a roommate I did not know prior to sailing. With this, I didn't have to worry about a thing. Easy to lock and unlock. Easy to secure around things. I just love it! I will be using it with other things at home/work as well." — Cara Sievers
Get it from Amazon for $19.97+ (available in black and pink).
43. A travel "flossing" toothbrush with regular and longer, thinner bristles designed to reach under the gum line for a deep clean. It folds in half to keep your bristles safe from mingling with your questionably clean razor. *And* reviewers even ditched their electric toothbrush for the normal-sized one 'cause they loved it so much!
Amazon
Mouthwatchers is a small business established by Ronald Plotka, DDS, that specializes in antimicrobial toothbrushes designed to get deeper cleans even patients with "great" dental hygiene might miss with traditional brush and floss routines.
Check out why BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord *loves* this: I've been using the regular-size version of this for over a year now, and I LOVE it! I used to use an electric toothbrush, but I feel like I'm getting a much more satisfying clean from these — especially because I tend to get yellow stains between my teeth no matter *how* much I floss, and these bristles seem to actually target that a lot more effectively. My teeth feel genuinely ~squeaky clean~ after I use this, too.
Promising review: "This toothbrush is a new staple item for my on-the-go Invisalign bag. When I need to brush my teeth and don't have time to floss before putting my aligners back in, this brush makes sure my teeth and mouth feel clean and removes debris in between my teeth. The bristles are soft, this toothbrush is sturdy, and the different lengths of bristles help remove debris or help floss your teeth on the go. This brush also dries very fast in-between uses as well." — V. Brown
Get it from Amazon for $5.97 (available in two colors, a two-pack, and a four-pack).
44. A mini white-noise machine because you can't fall asleep without one, especially when you're not in your own bed. This small but mighty device has 15 different non-looping sounds, with a battery that lasts for days at a time. And since your carry-on is probably packed to the brim, you can just throw this in your pocket!
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I am a flight attendant and sometimes have a hard time falling asleep while away in my hotels without my home white noise maker. This is compact and rechargeable, so it is super easy to keep with me on my trips! It also has a great volume range from very low to quite loud! I would recommend even for home use if you don't have a ton of space but want to use a white noise machine." — Faith Morris
Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in 12 colors and in packs of two).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.