
If You're Planning On Traveling To Europe This Year, Here Are 26 Products You Should Pack
A portable door lock to help ease any anxiety if you're traveling by yourself. It's easy to set up, fits right in a carry-on or suitcase, and will help you feel a little more safe if you're staying in a hotel room on your own.
A Hackwith Design House shirt you can wear six different ways, so you don't have to feel like you're wearing the same shirt over and over again while you're on vacay.
An LED around-the-neck reading light if you are a considerate person and don't want to use the overhead lighting at your seat, which will inevitably keep everyone around you awake. Plus, it has three different light colors, so you can adjust it to your preferences!
A tri-fold travel wallet with tons of slots, so you can keep your passport, credit cards, IDs, and vaccine cards safe with RFID-blocking tech while you're out jet-setting around the world.
A Trtl neck pillow that's less bulky than a traditional neck pillow so it'll easily fit in your carry-on and you won't have to worry about unpacking and repacking your whole bag when you want to take a mid-flight nap.
Or an inflatable wedge pillow so you can feel like you have your own personal sleeping pod, even if you're surrounded by strangers on a six-hour flight from Los Angeles to NYC (godspeed).
A pair of Thigh Society cooling shorts because you ~love~ getting to know a new city by walking around, but you *hate* the thigh chafe that comes along with it. And these are super lightweight, so they'll help you stay nice 'n' cool, too.
A set of expandable hangers to help hang dry your clothes that you have to wash in the sink. They're also super handy if you're going on a group trip where you're sharing a room with other people, but the hotel only provided two hangers.
A HappyLuxe travel wrap you can use as a scarf or shawl to keep you warm while you're in the airport, but then also use as a blanket for napping if the plane you're on is incredibly chilly.
A hanging toiletry bag as magical as Mary Poppins' bag because you can fit basically anything in it. Plus, it has a rotating hook, so you can hang it on the back of a door or in the shower for convenient access wherever you're staying.
A 16-piece travel toiletries set approved by TSA, so you don't have to waste money on buying travel-sized versions of your favorite products. With these, you can just make them on your own!
A packing cube with a built-in shelf, so you don't have to totally unpack your whole bag to look for that one top you really wanna wear. Just hang this in the closet, and you're GTG!
An international power converter in case your travels take you across the pond (or anywhere else in the world that doesn't take US outlets), so you're not in a pickle when you're abroad.
A three-pack of jet bags so that you can bring home wine, fancy liquor, hot sauce, olive oil, and even perfume (in your checked bag, obvs) without worrying about any spilling-related fiascos.
Promising reviews: "On the last few trips, I have found bourbon or wine but was not comfortable putting it in my travel luggage, and TSA will not allow it in a carry-on. This product eliminated that concern and worked perfectly. I am definitely keeping one of these in a pocket of each piece of luggage I carry from now on." —B. Creager"It did exactly as it was supposed to. The bags protected two bottles of wine on our way back from Europe, and they were in soft-sided hiking backpacks, so I was very pleased they survived." —Stephanie BoweGet a pack of three for $13.99+ (available in four styles).
An add-a-bag luggage strap you can clip to a backpack, suitcase, or purse to free your hands from carrying jackets, hats, shopping bags, or more luggage!
Promising review: "I thought this was a bit gimmicky, but I fell for it and gave it a try. I was pleasantly surprised! One wears layers when traveling, and I usually run hot. However, I still need to carry a jacket for the cold planes or destination, etc. I usually tie it around my waist (ugly, I know) as a last resort or tuck it madly into my bag. I clipped this to my backpack, and it held my jacket perfectly! Easily accessible, and the jacket never dragged or fell. It also worked well to clip my backpack to my luggage while in between flights." —roxyseaPrice: $8.49+ (available in five colors and in a pack of two)
A travel pouch that attaches to your bra so you can keep cash and cards close to you without having to worry about pickpocketers stealing your most valuable items while you're exploring a new city.
A genuine pebble leather Bandolier phone case with a wallet and a strap so you can keep your phone close by for taking pics without having to hold it in your hand and risk losing it or dropping it.
A waterproof satin-lined Hairbrella hat small enough to fold up and keep in your bag because you did spend 45 minutes doing a blowout, and you don't want it to be ruined by some unexpected rain.
An Airfly wireless transmitter so you can connect your wireless Bluetooth headphones, like AirPods, to the airplane TV and marathon-watch hours of your favorite show without having to use the lower-quality ones they hand out on the plane.
A skyline mini wallet emergency kit filled with all the essentials you might need when you're traveling (i.e., Tylenol, a hair tie, etc.) but that's small enough to have in your carry-on bag and then throw in your bag when you're out and about. And it's available in 96 different skylines, so you can customize it to your trip.
A Master Lock portable safe if you're a chronically anxious person, like I am, and don't want to be distracted from enjoying your trip because you're worried about someone messing with your valuables back at your hotel room.
A set of packing cubes if you want to keep all your stuff organized and know exactly where everything is. I never travel without my packing cubes because they help me pack sooo much lighter and save tons of room in my bag! With these, fitting everything in your carry-on is a breeze. Smell ya later, checked luggage!
Or a set of vacuum-free space-saving compression bags so you can take advantage of all the space your ~seemingly~ tiny carry-on has to offer. Just throw your clothes in, zip up the bag, roll the air out, and watch your clothes shrink.
A TSA-approved toiletry carry-on to make going through TSA a breeze. With this, you won't have to take skincare products out to switch them into the see-through plastic bags they supply at the security line.
And finally, a luggage-mounted cup caddy with two slots, so you don't have to fret over spilling the drink you waited in line for 20 minutes to get when you're running across the terminal to make your flight to Heathrow.

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Airlines urge senators to reject bill limiting facial recognition
A group representing several major airlines alongside travel companies and airports are opposing a Senate bill that would require the Transportation and Security Administration (TSA) to generally use manual ID verification at security checkpoints instead of facial recognition. The bill, introduced by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), would broadly restrict TSA's ability to use biometrics and facial recognition, carving out a few exemptions for the agency's Precheck and other Trusted Traveler programs. Passengers may still opt-in to the use of facial recognition at the checkpoint. In a letter to Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) on Monday, the air industry groups said the law was a 'step backward' and that facial recognition technology made security screenings far more efficient. 'The future of seamless and secure travel relies on the appropriate use of this technology to ensure security effectiveness and operational efficiency as daily travel volume continues to rise,' they wrote. 'We are concerned that the vague and confusing exceptions to this blanket ban will have major consequences for the identity verification process, screening operations, and trusted traveler enrollment programs.' Cruz and Cantwell are their parties' highest-ranking members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which is scheduled to mark up the bill on Wednesday. In addition to limiting the use of facial recognition, Merkley's bill would also require TSA to delete most images collected at checkpoints within 24 hours of a passenger's departure. Travelers going through a TSA checkpoint are generally able to opt out of facial recognition, the agency says. Merkley has argued that the agency's enforcement is inconsistent, posting on social media in February about his difficulties navigating the policy at Reagan International Airport. 'This is big government coming to take away your privacy, trying to set up a national surveillance system,' the Oregon Democrat said in February. The airlines, however, warned that restricting the use of facial recognition could slow down security and divert TSA's resources toward maintaining officer staffing, rather than focusing on automated innovations. The group also said it felt it had been insufficiently consulted on the legislation, 'despite the major impact the bill would have on aviation security, airports, airlines, travelers, and technology companies.' The bill has gathered bipartisan support. In addition to Merkley, Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) have signed on as cosponsors. The legislation, which was first introduced in May, comes as the Trump administration has rolled back TSA's longstanding policy of requiring travelers to take off their shoes at checkpoints.


Buzz Feed
8 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
20 Handy Travel Products That Reviewers Say They Pack For Every Trip
A digital luggage scale will make sure that you aren't slammed with an overweight luggage fee (ugh) or having to move stuff from your checked bag to your carry-on to avoid said fee (also, ugh). A set of Sea Bands with a little nub that targets the acupuncture point on your wrists meant to help reduce nausea. This'll be great in case anyone gets motion sick in the car or on a boatride. A set of DEET-free handy mosquito-repelling bracelets in case the thought of putting something else on your skin besides SPF (like smelly bug repellent) sounds like a total nightmare. An airplane seat-back organizer because those seat back pockets are NEVER as big as you need them to be. With this, you can actually store your snacks, water bottle, and so much more without having to get up and get stuff out of the overhead throughout your flight. A Venus travel razor that'll spare you some precious space in your bag without sacrificing quality. On a recent cruise, it didn't take up too much room on the minuscule shower shelf so I wasn't fighting for space *as* much while feeling like Buddy The Elf in the shower. A portable door lock to attach to any regular old door for your hotel, vacation rental, room in a guest house, or, well, just any door. It's super easy to install and won't damage the door. It'll be a comfort for solo travelers, especially. An Apple AirTag for each bag to give you some peace of mind while you wonder how your checked bag is doing in the hold below. A luggage-mounted cup caddy with a pocket for your bagel or croissant (look at you being fancy so early in the morning!) so you can steer your way to your airport gate with your caffeine in tow. A flat RFID-blocking fanny pack can work underneath your clothes or as just a regular waist bag. So it's a little go with the flow — within reason. An anti-theft neck wallet that's also RFID-blocking so you'll more easily navigate your cruise-ship excursions without having to keep your hands hovering over your pockets the entire time. Pickpockets exist, and you've gotta be aware of 'em, but let's focus on taking in the sights. A TSA-friendly toiletries set you can easily fill, clean, and then refill with your go-to regular products. And the bag is sturdy as HECK. Or if you're not in need of containers, a clear TSA-approved toiletry bag to Lego-fit all your liquid and spreadable bbs in there with ease. Some reusable bottle bags because did you even go to the Champagne region if you didn't bring back some goodies? Even better: If your bottle breaks in this, the bag catches the spill! A 2-in-1 travel pillow and blanket in case you've found in-flight options seriously lacking and can't get any shut-eye without a cozy blanket. A roomy beach bag with a waterproof section can hold your phone, Kindle, and other items that ABSOLUTELY cannot get wet. A portable crib canopy to create a sleep pod for your little one. And it even has pouches for a monitor and fan! Sleeping in unfamiliar places is tough enough for adults. Let's make it easier on the kids too — which in turn will also make the adults happier. A 4-in-1 travel adapter that'll work for a wide range of countries because you shouldn't have to google which adapters you need before every international trip. There are better things to do, like talking yourself into packing that one dress you've only worn once but MIGHT wear on this vacation. A simple luggage strap to hold your essentials like a travel pillow, jacket, personal item, and more as you scoot along through the airport and once you land. Here's to quickly gathering all your stuff post-screen and freeing up those hands! A trifold travel wallet so all your important documents are in one place and you're not wearily holding up the line when it comes time to show the TSA agent your passport and boarding pass. A soft faux-leather tote will be the perfect personal item on the plane so you don't even have to pack it in your carry-on! And it would be useful as a day bag (of course keep your valuables zipped up concealed and tucked away inside) with plenty of room for your souvenirs.


Axios
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PreCheck perks still worth it as TSA loosens security
Airport security programs like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR allow travelers to breeze through screening. As TSA eases security protocols, travel experts say paying for that privilege is still a good investment. Why it matters: Two decades after post-9/11 crackdowns made fast-track security a no-brainer for many Americans, especially frequent fliers, the appeal of skipping long lines hasn't faded. Catch up quick: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said on July 16 that TSA may change the current rule on traveling with liquids. The potential change comes on the heels of TSA ending the " shoes off policy," which the more than 20 million active PreCheck members already bypassed. PreCheck is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents, while other government traveler programs like Global Entry allow some foreign citizens to apply. How it works: In addition to keeping on their shoes, TSA PreCheck members do not have to remove belts and light jackets through screening. They also can keep their laptops and travel-size liquid products in their carry-on bags. TSA's wait goal for the standard security line is 30 minutes or less, a TSA spokesperson told Axios, while PreCheck is expected to be 10 minutes or less. Axios reviewed estimated wait times for popular airports on the TSA app Thursday afternoon and found JFK airport in New York had a 30- to 45-minute wait. Most airports had waits of 15 to 30 minutes or less. Zoom in: Separate from PreCheck, CLEAR is a third-party service that expedites check-in at airports and arenas using enrollees' biometric data, such as fingerprints and eyes. Travelers can bundle the service with PreCheck to use at CLEAR kiosks, which would bump them to the front of the PreCheck line. What they're saying: Travel experts argue the programs' time-saving advantages go well beyond the eased restrictions. Eric Rosen, director of travel content for The Points Guy, tells Axios PreCheck is still a good investment for some travelers. "The lines tend to be shorter and to move faster with dedicated security lanes and no requirement to remove belts," Rosen said. Scott Keyes, founder of Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights), agreed and said "even without the shoes advantage, TSA PreCheck lines typically move much faster than general security." "PreCheck lines typically have fewer people and more experienced travelers who won't slow everyone down by trying to bring a full water bottle through security," Keyes said. Follow the money: TSA has lowered the price of PreCheck for new enrollments and renewals in recent years, which is an unusual move in a time when consumers are used to price hikes. Current prices for PreCheck vary based on what enrollment provider travelers use, and range from $76.75 to $85 for the five-year membership. Renewal prices also vary from $58.25 to $77.95. A CLEAR+ membership is $209 a year, but the company's website is currently promoting a bundle to get five years of PreCheck for $77.95 and one year of CLEAR+ for $131.05 for the first year. The $120 cost of Global Entry, which allows members to move to the front of the custom line at U.S. airports for five years, includes TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.