If You Still Have A Lot Of Winter Trips Left To Take, Check Out These 45 Useful Things

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06-02-2025

1. A pair of fleece-lined leggings — stay warm and cozy on the plane ride and beyond (and by "beyond," I do mean practically living in the airport when your flight's been delayed five hours). And it's got pockets...POCKETS!
Promising review:"I was looking for some comfy, breathable, and warm leggings for traveling. Bought two others with higher reviews, and these beat them hands-down on quality and fit. Bought my usual size, and they fit beautifully. Comparable to luxury brands without the price!" — Keri A
Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in women's sizes XS–3XL and in 13 colors).
2. A travel-size Vanicream moisturizer because you're heading into cooler climes and your skin will not forgive you if you don't come prepared. Get relief from irritated, cracking, or itchy skin with this long-lasting formula that is free of dyes, fragrances, and parabens. And it won't clog your pores!
Many reviewers use this for relief from eczema. And it's even got the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance!
Promising review:"Leaves my skin feeling moisturized without clogging my pores or leaving behind a sticky feeling. Love that it comes in a travel-friendly size and truly a little goes a long way. I was worried about it breaking my face out, but my skin looks better than ever after three months of everyday use!" — lovesbooksandwine
Get it from Amazon for $5.09.
3. A pack of four zipper clips that'll help deter any would-be thieves from attempting to get into your backpack or luggage. Just clip either end to your zippers to make it impossible to open your bags. These can also function as zipper pull replacements!
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"These held up really well on my backpack that I took with me on a long trip. While having the two zippers clipped together did make opening the backpack a little bit more difficult, it also gave me a sense of security while wearing the backpack in public." — Jenna
Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in four color combinations).
4. Some noise-reduction earplugs to help prevent any in-flight discomfort. Don't let painful air pressure changes start your journey off on the wrong foot.
Promising review:"Never fly without these! Before I found these, I endured excruciating pain in my ears upon descent and landing. Felt like a hot poker being driven into each ear. My ears would also be plugged up, and it would often take two to three days for them to resume their normal state of being. I insert them about an hour before landing as the plane is making its slow descent. I'm comfortable, and the most discomfort I experience is a slight adjustment of pressure in my sinus. NO PAIN. NO TEARS." — K. Tombrella
Get three pairs from Amazon for $19.49 (also available in packs of 5 and 10).
5. A heavy-duty folding shovel — you'll be relieved to find this in your car's trunk if you get stuck in the world's largest snow mound. Made from carbon steel, this durable shovel is also corrosion-resistant.
Promising review:"Last weekend I finally got to put it to the test when I hit a soft spot at the lake with the truck and trailer. We disconnected the trailer and camped right where we got stuck. During the stay, I found some cinder blocks laying on the lake bed and used the shovel to dig and to fill in the damage and reinforce the ground. It really saved the day, and I was able to get the trailer out. It is extremely well-built and heavy gauge. I was really impressed." — MSS
Get it from Amazon for $26.90 (also available in two other styles).
6. A durable and super-accurate digital luggage scale because you bought a lot of new clothes on your journeys and you need to make sure your suitcase doesn't exceed your airline's weight maximum.
You can also switch between pound and kilogram measurements.
Promising reviews:"I cannot imagine how we would have managed a big international trip without this. It saved us so much stress and, I'm sure, surprise charges at the airport." — Potter Freak
"This scale works and was accurate on four flights. First flight was a test at 46 pounds, and Delta scales said it was 46 pounds. The next two flights were at 49 pounds, and both United and Delta found it to be 49 pounds. The bag on the fourth flight weighed 49, but the United scale found it to be 48 pounds. Four different airports and scales proved that this scale is a good, low-cost, must-have item for air travel." — Robert
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in four colors and also a two-pack).
7. A windproof packable puffer jacket that's lightweight enough to stuff in your bag but warm enough for a breezy day.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
FYI, this is included in Prime Try Before You Buy, so you can give it a trial run if you're a member!
Promising review:"This is a lighter weight jacket — great for fall but not really cold, cold temps. It's a thinner coat and not bulky at all. Very easy to move around in. Also fits in the travel bag well and packs well in a suitcase." — Carrie Weidle
Get it from Amazon for $53.97+ (available in women's sizes S–2XL and in nine colors/patterns).
Get a similar style in plus sizes from Amazon for $22.61+ (available in women's sizes XS–6X and in 16 colors).
8. A rechargeable hand warmer to keep your hands nice and cozy if you're worried that they won't survive the lower temperatures you're traveling to. And with three heating levels, it can be customized to your comfort!
Promising review:"My husband and I go to Colorado every winter and when I found these, they became a game changer. They are so helpful, especially on the mountain skiing, or when we went snowmobiling. I didn't have any trouble with the battery lasting and I would just recharge at the end of each day! I'll never suffer through the cold elements again without it!" — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $26.98+ (available in nine colors/patterns).
10. Low-top Blowfish sneakers because they don't have shoelaces, which means you can easily kick these babies off when you're about to go through airport security and then easily put them back on once you're done.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Hands-down best sneakers (especially for travel). I purchased these prior to our family beach trip. I found out I was pregnant and needed some type of support when walking around on vacation rather than flat flip-flops. I read the reviews for these shoes and they were raving. I see why!! These could sell for more money but are reasonably priced. Great quality. There are no laces to tie — elastic bands. I really love these with or without socks. They are roomy but not too big width-wise. This is not a very narrow shoe. I would recommend this shoe for anyone traveling as the go-to shoe. They're easy to get on and get off. Super stylish. My girlfriend ordered a patterned pair after seeing mine after I wore them to work. Definitely a great deal!!." — Nicole_B
Get them from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in women's sizes 5–11 regular, 7–10 wide, and in 23 colors/patterns).
11. Or a pair of waterproof slip-on snow boots if your plane is landing in the Arctic tundra but you also wanna be able to go through security in the blink of an eye, which means not having to deal with shoelaces. These fur-lined boots will help keep your toes from freezing while you explore the polar bears' lair.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I wore these for a week every day while traveling in Oregon. We encountered some snow while hiking around, but my feet never got cold or wet from the snow." — L
Get it from Amazon for $21.69+ (available in women's sizes 5–12 and in five colors).
12. A sleek 3-in-1 handheld fan that's also a portable charger and flashlight, so if you're caught in the dark and it's hot, and your phone is on 1%, you'll be glad to have this gadget in your back pocket.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Excellent product!!! I love the two speed function and how much air blows on this device. I take it with me everywhere while I travel via air, church, Disney, and out to dinner, etc. I love the fact that I can charge my phone with this device and love the bright flashlight. Great price as well." — Satisfied Road Warrior - The sky is the limit
Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in six colors).
13. A wireless transmitter — now you can use your wireless headphones anywhere there's a headphone jack. Easily watch movies while you're on the plane!
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I fly a lot and bought this due to my dislike of corded headphones, as either the cable line breaks during flight and/or it gets tangled up. I just recently flew and used this for in-flight entertainment and did not have one issue. I also use these in the gym while connected to my iPhone for music. And I plan to use them on my PC at work for meetings." — Mark
Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in three styles and three colors).
14. An inflatable travel pillow for the perfect in-flight nap. It might even help with neck pain! It has space for your head to rest leaning forward as well as two holes on either side to slide your arms through.
Promising review:"I travel often. As much as I try, I cannot sleep on a plane. With this new pillow I can. My favorite is that I can lean forward with the pillow's support, which is a very comfortable and relaxing position! Especially on long international flights. You can have a nice nap in this position or watch something on your phone. The perfect position pillow." — Brenda
Get it from Amazon for $20.95 (available in three colors).
15. Or a cult-fave infinity pillow because it's as breathable as it is cozy. You'll wish you could cocoon your whole body in it. Plus, it's neck support but make it fashion.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review: " We got a few different types of travel pillows for a red-eye to Europe and this was overall our favorite due to its versatility. The loop actually allows you to have various self-supporting positions, and this will contort all sorts of ways to be a pillow, neck rest, armrest…anything. It's actually just good for any type of travel in general and got a lot of use on the whole trip. The material is soft and comfortable." — Tom Shaw
Get it from Amazon for $54.50 (available in 10 colors).
16. Or a Trtl neck pillow with an internal support that can be shaped to best support you while you sleep on your 12-hour flight.
Amazon
Promising review: "This thing is the greatest thing invented since chicken and biscuits. It's like a nice scarf with just enough support to keep your neck just in the right position. I highly recommend it. Works great with big headphones, too." — Deana Hero
Get it from Amazon for $64.99+ (available in four colors and two styles).
17. An electric car blanket to help keep you warm on your next wintery roadtrip. This double-sided blanket (flannel on one side and velveteen on the other) is super soft and is also great for camping!
Amazon
Promising review:"I put this blanket inside my sleeping bag and plugged it into my power bank to keep me warm when it was 35 degrees out. Worked perfectly. It's also very soft and cozy." — ~cch
Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in two styles and six colors/patterns).
18. Or a super plush travel blanket perfect for napping with on the plane. Not only does it fold and zip into a bag you can attach to your luggage, but this fleece blanket also has a hood, so you can really get warm and comfy on your travels!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I brought this for a 10-hour overnight layover flight, and it was amazing. I take it with me on all my flights now. It attaches very easily to my carry-on and has a zipper section you can use to keep your important items. It definitely helped me take an easier rest, knowing my phone, passport, and money were right on my chest. I'm getting another color now." — LeshawnT
Get it from Amazon for $26.95+ (available in five colors).
19. A pair of nonslip travel slippers so you can comfortably walk on the cold floor of your otherwise cozy AirBnB. These stretchy slippers have fleece lining and an anti-skid bottom. They even come with their own little travel bag!
Amazon
Promising review:"I travel a lot for work and needed something cute, small, and comfortable to pack in my suitcase. Look no further; it's great to walk around in the hotel with these slippers." — TSlap
Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in women's sizes S–XL and in 14 colors/patterns).
20. An elegant toiletry organizer because its sturdy construction keeps it from smushing and crushing the (often costly) beauty products within. Plus, it's got a window to see what's inside before opening it!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Reviewers also use this for "emergency kits" for their car.
Promising review: "Best Amazon purchase in awhile. The bag is TSA-compliant, which was the most important thing for me, but it is also well made, very sturdy, and the shape of it makes it easy to organize my liquids by laying them down rather than forcing them all to stand up. Even the packaging was beautiful. 10/10 would recommend." — RZ
Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in seven sizes and eight colors).
21. An anti-nausea acupressure bracelet that may help prevent any day-ruining queasiness caused by road trips and boat rides.
www.amazon.com
Read more about acupressure and nausea at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Promising review:"I recently came back from a three-day cruise, and I feel amazing. No nausea and no seasickness, all because of these. I wish I found out about them sooner." — Eve
Get the pack of two from Amazon for $8.43+ (available in four colors).
22. A pack of Dr. Frederick's Original blister bandages in case all your walking around a new city has caused a little pain. These protect and prevent blisters!
Each pack comes with bandages to fit your heel, toe, and foot.
Promising review:"So glad I thought ahead to buy these before going to Italy. I had new fashionable shoes and low-cut socks and we did 10 times more walking that I had anticipated. I tried the shoes on for an hour and got a blister. Wore these for 10 days in Europe and had zero issues, total comfort, left them on for several days through showers. I'll never travel without these again." — Paul Hinman
Get the 12-count variety pack from Amazon for $13.99.
23. A transparent suitcase protector if you know you're gonna have to trek through dirt or slush to get to your hotel from the airport. Keep your new and cute suitcase safe from scratches, stains, and scuffs.
Promising review:"I bought an off-white carry-on and realized how easily it could get dirty and scratched. So I purchased this protector. It's clear and is a nice thick durable plastic cover and has Velcros at the bottom. It fit perfectly. I did measure my bag without including the wheels as recommended. Love it!!!" — MsLucy
Get it from Amazon for $10.39+ (available in seven sizes and three colors).
24. An anti-theft sock wallet so you can keep your valuables safe (and warm?) from would-be thieves. And they're super comfy!
Amazon
Flippysox is a small business that specializes in antitheft sock designs.
Promising review: "I had to travel across country to attend a convention. These were a lightweight well-fitting sock, and the pocket was big enough for my driver's license, a bank card and folded cash." — MommaT
Get it from Flippysox on Amazon for $18.99 (available in dozens of colors/patterns).
25. An clip-on reading light because the overhead lighting on the plane is honestly way too cruel (for you and your seatmates). Now you can see what you're reading without being a menace to your neighbor in seat 21J.
Promising review:"I'm on my THIRD book with this thing, and I've still never charged it! The battery life is unmatched. I read for six hours straight on a plane ride with it, and, like I said, the battery is still going strong! It has three different color temperatures, so when I'm reading in bed, and my husband is trying to sleep, I can easily adjust the brightness. It's lightweight, and I love that it has the ability to bend in whatever direction I need. This is the one if you're an avid book reader!" — Natalia B.
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in 11 colors).
26. An expandable laundry bag perfect for keeping your dirty clothes separate from your clean when you're traveling. Oh and it's tear- and moisture-resistant!
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This is great to throw in my suitcase. I unzip it and throw my dirty clothes in it to keep them separate from my clean packed clothes and take it straight to the washer when I get home. Compact and brilliant!" — Kelly Conrad
Get it from Amazon for $9.59+ (available in five patterns).
27. A cute and soft travel scarf with hidden pockets that'll help you keep your personal belongings safe and within reach. Cute and functional? We love to see it.
Zero Grid is a small biz making products for easier travel!
Promising review:"I used this when I went to Scotland. Wore it at the airport to hold my passport and my wallet. It worked well. It was great on the plane to keep me warm and my belongings safe. I really like this for travel." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Zero Grid on Amazon for $37.99 (available in five colors).
28. An adjustable garbage can to keep your car from becoming a junkyard on your next roadtrip. Get rid of those receipts, empty ketchup packets, and empty water bottles!
Some reviewers even use this for their strollers!
Promising review:"Not sure how we got along without this for so long. We have a smaller vehicle and this helps a lot to keep the car clean while traveling. Easy to use for the passenger, and easy to empty." — John Mayheu
Get it from Amazon for $5.99.
29. A memory foam airplane footrest if you need your legs to be slightly elevated to feel any level of comfort while you fly from Point A to Point B. Just hang it from the tray table arms and get cozy!
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I fly 24-plus-hour international flights twice a year. I typically put my carry-on backpack under the seat in front of me and rest my feet on it, but on my most recent flight, I purchased this hammock to try. It made a huge difference to have my feet suspended, even if it was an inch or two above my backpack (on one leg of the flight, I stowed my backpack elsewhere and had nothing under the seat in front of me apart from the hammock, and that was even better). It stays mostly out of view in use, and for storage, it rolls tight in its own compact bag. Highly recommend this! Game-changer." — LiEr
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
30. A folding pill organizer so you can stay on track with your meds and vitamins before you go galavanting (aka sandboarding) across the Matterhorn sand dune. This compact organizer has seven compartments for all your little and large pills and capsules.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"If you travel, I suggest buying several of these! They organize pills very well, always stay shut, and are easy to pack. I also use one for my jewelry when I travel. They stay closed with a strong magnet and fit into a corner of your luggage very easily. I also used a label maker and labeled the individual spaces with the name of the supplement to help organize my partner!" — Anna Zucker
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 2 sizes, packs of 2, and in 11 colors).
32. A portable sound machine if your baby often needs soothing sounds when you're away from home on vacation or driving in the car. Easily attach it to your stroller, car seat, or diaper bag and play one of its four relaxing sounds to usher your little one to sleep.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: 'This works great and always helps both of my kids settle down in the car for a nap.' — Bill
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
33. A waterproof phone pouch so you can go to the beach or pool without worrying about water damage to your phone. Wanna take a picture or send a text? No worries! You can still use your phone's touchscreen through the pouch.
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:"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 $6.99+ (available in 14 colors).
34. An adjustable portable harness seat that's super easy to travel with. Turn just about any chair into a highchair, whether you're at a restaurant or visiting family. It has anti-slip pads to prevent it from sliding, as well as padded cushioning for baby's comfort.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"My husband and I are on a European vacation with our 11-month-old and keep singing this item's praises. It fits on nearly every chair we have tried it on and works great! It's so easy to set up, get baby into, and then fold up. And the best part is that it is super light and fits in the diaper bag easily. For places like Europe where high chairs are not always common, it is a great way to be able to enjoy your meal as a family without having to hold your little one." — Blaine
Get it from Amazon for $27.99.
35. A portable door lock for added security to feel safe and comfortable in your hotel or Airbnb. This easily installs within seconds!
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review:"I'm a flight attendant who basically lives in hotel rooms and I needed extra security. These seem to be the talk in the airline world so I ordered myself two. It took me a YouTube video to figure out how to install them, and yes, they're very easy and very secure. Safe sleeping is important, and I'm glad I have these." — Elizabeth C. Breton
Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (also available in packs of two and four).
36. And a doorstop alarm if you wanna be on the safe side while sleeping away from home. This doorstop can prevent people from fully opening the door, and if the door is opened, a loud alarm will sound. Said alarm has three adjustable levels of sensitivity.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Loud little dude! Good for home and travel for hotel room doors. Sensitivity control and on/off switch. Be sure to measure from floor to bottom of the door to make sure it will engage the alarm. After demonstrating it, my sister-in-law, niece, and mom wanted them. A little peace of mind for very little money." — Jim Walker
Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in two colors and multi-packs).
37. A pack of foldable hangers since the very few hangers that come with your hotel room simply won't hang all the fabulous dresses you brought with you. These compact hangers have a textured surface to help prevent clothes from slipping off of them. They even open up to two sizes (child and adult).
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 $11.99.
38. An extra-large cold weather sleeping bag so you — a side-sleeper who needs extra space to toss and turn — can survive the elements on your next camping trip. It's even lined with 100% cotton flannel.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"As someone who stands at 6'3 and weighs 350 pounds, I know that finding a sleeping bag that can comfortably fit my frame has been nothing short of a challenge. Regular XL sleeping bags never seem to zip up around me. However, this sleeping bag with its XXL sizing has proven to be a delightful exception. This is an absolute must-have for those who are big and tall and have struggled to find a sleeping bag that fits. Not only does it offer ample space and length, but it also delivers on warmth and comfort. The quality of the fabric and construction make it a worthy investment for anyone seeking a top-notch sleeping experience while embracing the great outdoors. I can't recommend it enough — it has quickly become a favorite part of my camping gear, and I'm sure you'll love it too!" — Chad Gilbert
Get it from Amazon for $74.99 (available in two styles and six colors).
39. A contoured weighted eye mask because it'll help you get your beauty sleep on your next long flight without putting too much pressure on your eyes. It's got an adjustable strap and is made from memory foam.
Amazon
Promising review: "Love these. These are soft and very comfortable, and they seriously black out every bit of ligh t. I love them. I would highly recommend. I'll probably never sleep without them again." — AJ
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $16.99 (available in three color combinations).
40. A cute Shark Tank -famous thermal phone case to keep your phone from overheating as you enjoy the sublime beaches of Portugal. This insulated case can reflect more than 90% of the heat from the sun. Plus, it is sink-proof, so it'll keep your phone on the surface of your hotel's pool.
www.amazon.com
Just be sure to measure your phone before ordering!
Promising review:"This case works great outdoors or on the water. It keeps your phone from overheating and shutting down. It fits my iPhone Pro Max perfectly." — Fran O
Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in two sizes and six colors/patterns).
41. A waterproof Kindle for lounging at the pool and reading the latest Akwaeke Emezi title. No need to waste precious space packing a dozen books when you can have hundreds of books at your fingertips.
www.amazon.com
Promising reviews:"Just the space you save in your home and your luggage when you travel is worth the price of admission." — Brian C
"It's super lightweight and easy to hold in your hands. I love how it doesn't have that annoying page refresh every time I turn the page. If you like the warm light feature, you have it on this, and it's also water resistant. I'm super happy with this, and you will be, too!" — Fire Customer
Get it from Amazon for $159.99 (available in three colors).
42. A portable pack of soap sheets because gas station bathrooms never have, well, anything. These are also great for use when out hiking and camping, too.
Amazon
Promising review: "I bring these with me whenever I travel. I recently got back from Namibia and Botswana. Can't even tell you how many times I found myself in a bathroom with no soap or in a location with no soap and sink after handling animals or about to eat a meal." — Patrick
Get a pack of 50 from Amazon for $8.19.
43. A stroller rain cover with mesh ventilation holes so your little one can enjoy being comfy and dry despite the rain pouring down outside. It even sports a waterproof zipper so water doesn't seep through.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"A must-have for vacations. This rain cover and mosquito net was perfect for our vacation! It fit over our stroller nicely and was great for the two-day trip we took to Cincinnati as some days we used the net and one day it rained when we went to the zoo so we used the cover! The baby didn't get overheated inside and was a happy camper since he could see through it. Very easy to use and worth every penny!" — Tlake33111
Get it from Amazon for $16.80 (available in two other styles).
44. A shoe bag since you definitely don't want your dirty hiking boots touching the white pants you packed. This durable and water-resistant bag has three layers that can hold up to size 13 shoes, and two more compartments for holding flip-flops or sandals.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"You can totally fit three pairs of shoes in this (size 6.5 female shoe, fit heels, wedges, and sandals)! I bought two and will absolutely be buying more for my husband. 10/10 would recommend! I travel frequently, and I always overpack; this helped cut down space and stress immensely!" — Taylor
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in nine colors/patterns).
45. A pack of 18 waterproof multi-use pads if you don't trust the surface of a public baby-changing table. You can lay one of these down and put baby atop it.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"These pads are great! I use them as placemats when we are on the go. I use them as a changing pad in the trunk of my car. And I use it as a seat cover to keep clean. They don't take up a lot of space in my diaper bag and are great for travel." — Amazon Customer
Get a pack of 18 from Amazon for $7.99.
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.