A Vacation Packing Checklist

Buzz Feed

15-05-2025

A garment duffel bag sure to come in clutch if you're traveling for business, a wedding, or another event where showing up a wrinkled mess wouldn't be a great option.
A travel version of Mouthwatchers' ever-popular "flossing toothbrush" with two layers of bristles. One layer being regular firm ones, and the other being longer ones that are 10 times thinner and mimic floss as they get between your teeth but are gentle on your gums.
An I Dew Care "Tap Secret" mattifying powder shampoo that eliminates grease at your roots and keeps your scalp nice and healthy with antioxidant-rich black ginseng and nourishing biotin.
An AirFly Pro wireless transmitter so you can use your Bluetooth headphones to watch all the movies you didn't feel like paying $18 to see in theaters.
A thermal phone case to help protect your tech from the elements if you'll be out in the sun or next to a body of water. It can not only prevent your phone from overheating, but it extends the life of your battery, too!
A nifty universal phone mount so you can pass your high-altitude hours watching season 5 of You. Seeing as you spent all your time at the gate painstakingly downloading them over airport Wi-Fi, it'd be a total waste if you didn't. 🤷‍♀️
A luggage-mounted cup caddy because if you're anything like me, coffee is HIGH on your list of airport priorities and you could likely use an extra hand to carry it.
Water-friendly Tevas *so* dang comfortable and lightweight, reviewers say they work beautifully for flat feet ~and~ super-high arches as well as swollen pregnant feet and even those with tendinitis.
A set of Avarelle rounded or extra-large hydrocolloid patches that can suck all the gunk out of your whiteheads while you sleep. IDK about you, but my skin INSTANTLY knows when I'm away from home and acts up like nobody's business.
An ultra-compact charger you can quite literally keep in your pocket if you're one to take a MILLION photos and having your camera open kills your phone battery in the blink of an eye.
A wedge doorstop alarm with an *extremely* loud 120-decibel siren that'll sound should anyone try to force open your door. If you have trouble sleeping in unfamiliar hotel rooms or Airbnbs, this might just help.
And a portable no-install door lock that'll give you even more peace of mind. The durable steel mechanism slips into any doorjamb to keep it nice and secure.
Thesus Weekend Boots — the ideal choice for adventure travelers everywhere thanks to their seam-sealed water-resistant upper, anti-slip rubber lug sole, and temperature-control lining. While they're perf for hikes and other demanding activities, the versatile design lends itself just as well to brunch, window shopping, and putzing around town.
Some colorful silicone wheel covers that'll keep your suitcase in tip-top condition and reduce noise as you zip through the airport en route to your spring getaway.
An Alleyoop all-in-one razor — a TSA-approved gadget with a refillable spray bottle, shea butter moisturizing bar, and two triple-blade razor cartridges. The design is genius, but even better, the moisturizing bar won't melt so if you're traveling somewhere hot or just leaving it in your car's glovebox for pre-work touchups, it'll fare just fine.
A Bluetooth-enabled mask if falling asleep on vacation is not your forte. Slip this baby on, turn on your favorite thunderstorm simulator, and it's like you never left home.
A trusty stick of Megababe's Thigh Rescue because enjoying the breeze for a few hours in a pair of shorts or a skirt shouldn't result in a days-long angry red rash.
An acupressure wristband if you're looking for an all-natural way to alleviate nausea, motion sickness, or morning sickness because feeling like you have to hurl 24/7 — especially while on vacation — is a major downer.
A JetKids ride-on suitcase so you can zip your way through security's snaking lines with (hopefully) less tantrums. It's also a great option for fast walkers who love their toddler more than anything in the world but can't bear walking through the airport at 0.25 MPH.
A Tushbaby carrier that's sure to come in handy whenever you're out and about somewhere without a stroller. The as-seen-on-Shark Tank product gives your kiddo four comfy ways to sit and can be used from newborn up to 3-years-old (or 44 pounds).
A mini white noise machine so you can get a good night's sleep on the road instead of being kept up by unfamiliar noises like creaky Airbnb floors or rowdy hotel neighbors.
A vegan shampoo bar sure to save you loads of $$$ when compared to those teeny tiny travel bottles you always pick up pre-trip at Target. Each bar is equivalent to three 11.83-oz bottles of liquid shampoo, so you'll get a whole lotta use out of 'em, too. 🧼
A travel jewelry case because last time you threw all of your necklaces in a sandwich bag and ended up with a giant knot that took hours to undo. Like seriously, you could have solved a Rubik's cube faster.
A set of compression cubes if — despite your best efforts — you're prone to packing everything but the kitchen sink.
A Birdie personal safety alarm with a LOUD 130-decibel siren and flashing strobe light that'll give you a little peace of mind whether you're on a hike with your dog or catching the subway in a foreign country. And if you're wondering how loud 130 decibels is — it's equivalent to a jet take-off and considered the threshold of pain when it comes to what our ears can handle.
A medication tracker you can stick to the side of any prescription you regularly forget to take. Depending on where your travels take you, a possible time change + a missed Prozac dose ≠ an enjoyable vacay.
A portable safe you can wrap around an umbrella, picnic table leg, or chair so you can stow away your phone, keys, wallet, and other small valuables without worrying about them being lost or stolen. Reviewers use this guy at water parks, the beach, all-inclusive resorts, and even in Airbnbs.
And the Ring Thing — a waterproof jewelry holder you can use when you're enjoying a day at the beach, zip lining, bungee jumping, or doing whatever other bucket list adventure you had in mind. Simply slip your ring in here and you won't have to worry about losing it at the bottom of a tote bag or denting/scratching it during any activities.
A set of TSA-approved locks so if you're staying in a hostel or any other type of shared accommodation, you can keep your belongings nice and safe.
An Alleyoop makeup brush that's simultaneously a foundation sponge, blush brush, eyeshadow brush, AND an eyeliner brush so you can bring your tiny toiletry kit for once!!
A waterproof Kindle Paperwhite because stuffing your backpack full of paperbacks definitely isn't the move. Instead, this guy lets you download as many titles as you want, and there won't be any regret if you don't make it through them all (or even manage to crack the cover of one...).
A bungee cord so you can strap your duffle bag or briefcase right to your rolling luggage. That way, you don't have to walk what feels like miles from security to your gate looking like a pack mule.
A Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Instant Camera that combines the best of both worlds with a digital screen so you can actually see 👀 what you're shooting and then print your favorite pic on demand. It also connects to your phone via app and has a micro SD card so you can save all of your memories.
A 26-liter Calpak Duffel with soooo many pockets it's basically the bag equivalent of cargo pants.
A Pashmina scarf ready to be fashioned into a blanket or pillow when flying; a wrap when you're cold or need something modest for visiting cultural sites like temples; or even a shield from the sun as it offers UPF 50+ protection!
Oxo's new compact Brew Rapid Brewer because "roughing it" on your camping trip may mean sleeping in a tent and using an outhouse, but it will NOT mean going caffeine-free.
A portable SlumberPod if your kiddo has trouble sleeping anywhere that isn't their own bed. The canopy is quick to assemble, features four ventilation flaps (and a fan pocket), and provides much-needed privacy and darkness so you can convince them to take their daily nap!
A compact Nori travel iron and steamer that not only heats up in three minutes, but can easily get wrinkles out of both sides of the fabric getting the job twice as fast as usual.
Some Spot My UV's SPF-detecting stickers which give you a heads up when it's time to reapply sunscreen if that's something you are ~famously~ bad at doing.
A handheld fan so the SPF you so liberally applied doesn't melt off your face the second the sun hits it. Add it to your mental check list before you head out your Airbnb door — you know, phone, keys, wallet...handheld fan — and you'll be good to go.
A tube of anti-blister balm because sandal weather is just about here and you're likely not looking to make the transition with feet that look like raw meat thanks to constant chafing from those trendy Zara boots you've been wearing.
A packable floppy hat that way, your scalp doesn't suffer any third-degree burns while you're hanging out by your resort's pool. The wide brim will also keep your schnoz in the safe zone because, if you're anything like me, your nose *will* burn after just 0.01 seconds of sun exposure.
Some tablet-to-gel freeze-dried serums which are both highly potent and exceptionally easy to travel with. Once you get to your destination and you're ready to do your skincare, simply activate the treatment with a few drops of water and you're in business.
A cooling towel that'll be your best buddy whenever hiking, fishing, tanning, or doing your outdoor activity of choice. Soak it in some cold water, wring it out, and toss it around your neck so you *don't* end up looking like a freshly boiled lobster.
And — if you have littles — an inflatable airplane bed for kids that not only gives them a place to peacefully nap, but prevents toys and snacks from going here, there, and everywhere.