30 Items To Help You Travel With A Carry-On
A set of packing cubes for smushing down any bulky articles of clothing into the perfect size to slide comfortably into your carry-on — no vacuum suctioning required.
Or a pack of vacuum-free space-saving compression bags so you can pack three times the clothes without needing to spend that extra moolah on baggage fees. And there's no need for a pump either, since these bags can just be rolled up to suck out all of the air and keep your clothes as compressed as possible.
*OR* a Stow-N-Go travel organizer that comes with built-in shelves, so you don't have to completely unpack when you're only making a quick weekend trip. You can just pull it out of your suitcase and hang it in your closet.
Some Tide sink packets, because a quick wash is absolutely necessary when you want to pack as few clothes as possible and are fighting the urge to pack 30 different undies for your trip. Just rip open one of the packs and pour it into any sink full of water — instant suds for a wash on the go.
A strap that can hold your essentials, like a travel pillow, jacket, personal item, and more, as you scoot along through the airport. Here's to quickly gathering all your stuff post-screen and freeing up those hands!
A splurge-worthy set of Cadence Capsules for holding all of your needed toiletries together without hogging all the room in your luggage. The magnetic sides make it possible for you to organize these in the best way needed to fit in your case (without easily losing one). Plus, they're super sturdy, leak-proof, and even work great for a few days' worth of vitamins or holding small jewelry.
Or a TSA-approved 16-piece travel toiletries set so you can minimize the amount of space your bathroom essentials take up in your backpack. These bottles are perfect for carrying all your fave beauty products and are set in a leakproof bag so you don't have to worry about getting shampoo stains on your clothing as you wheel your carry-on down the ramp.
A Hackwith Design House shirt for people who don't want to overpack but love the idea of a single shirt that can be styled in six (yes, SIX) different ways! You can wear this shirt again and again without anyone being the wiser.
A 2-in-1 hair tool so you're not trying to stuff two separate tools into your luggage — but you're well aware of the fact that you can't possibly survive without both a curler and a straightener. Plus, it's dual voltage for international travel!
A portable rain hood you can slip on under any (yes, ANY) jacket, so even your favorite coat can now boast a hood. No need to attempt cramming in those extra raincoats or bulky umbrellas; this can be kept on hand whenever those pesky clouds unpredictably start to form, despite the weather app declaring clear skies for the duration of your trip.
A Subtl Beauty Stack so instead of lugging around a whole makeup bag (which, let's be honest, takes up wayyy too much space), you can condense up to nine makeup essentials into one small stack! You can customize this pretty much however you want, so you can carry everything from concealer to highlighter to bronzer.
A waterproof travel cable organizer to keep all of your favorite small gadgets and chargers on hand and keep the mess of wires compact so that they're not taking up any extra much-needed space in your bag.
A skyline mini wallet emergency kit, so you're not tryna stuff full bottles of Tylenol or large packs of makeup wipes into your already over-packed carry-on. This kit has everything you possibly need for those unforeseen emergencies — like those moments you find yourself needing a tampon, a hair tie, or even the back of an earring that's mysteriously gone missing.
A capacious travel backpack to fit as many items as you can possibly jam-pack into it while still being able to slide it under the seat in front of you. It's able to zip open completely — yes, like a suitcase — so you can find whatever you need! It has plenty of pockets, a compartment just for wet items, and another for shoes.
Or, if you have little ones, a Beis Travel diaper bag that is sure to fit literally everything you need for those unexpected kiddo emergencies. It has a large built-in changing pad (big enough for toddlers!!), insulated bottle pockets, AND a removable crossbody purse! Oh yeah, you're gonna wanna snag this bad boy ASAP.
A reusable, compact gel lint roller so you can keep your ~fancy~ outfit looking clean, pristine, and free from the loose fuzz that somehow keeps ruining your classic black button-up. After all, trying to clean up your clothes while on vacation is a hassle — this will make it a whole lot easier.
A set of TSA-friendly travel bottles with pumps, because this will make traveling with all your most important liquid products so much easier. These are literally perfect for that ~expensive~ shampoo/conditioner combo you can't possibly think about traveling without.
A foldable jewelry organizer for storing your absolute *best* of friends. This folded case has several pockets and slits, so you can stash anything from rings to earrings to necklaces without having to carry several bulky boxes that take up too much room. Don't deal with the stress of misplacing any of your favorite pieces; keep them on hand for those fun nights out.
A pack of Neutrogena makeup remover towelettes to completely wipe your face free from makeup as you're stuck on that overnight flight. Rather than carrying around a bulky regular-size pack, these tiny individual ones can just be tossed into your bag for that on-the-go freshness.
Or a makeup-removing cloth you can easily carry instead of lugging around a huge pack of disposable wipes. This simple washcloth can safely go through TSA (since your regular full-size bottle of liquid certainly cannot), and all it needs is some water to wipe your face clean.
The 4-in-1 Alleyoop Pen Pal so you're not lugging around a packed bag full of makeup — this one lil' pen has an eyeliner, brow liner, lip liner, and a highlighter all in one. Just toss it into your fanny pack so you can make a quick touchup while onboard the plane.
A fast-drying microfiber towel that can fold itself down to be so small it's sure to fit in or be clipped onto any overpacked carry-on. This will prove itself to be your saving grace when you are unable to find anything to dry yourself with after taking an unscheduled dip at the beach. The towel is lightweight and fast to dry, so it is easy to pack and soft to the touch!
A travel-size wrinkle release spray because you can't fit an entire iron and board into your carry-on, but you'd still rather not go around on your vacation looking like a wrinkled mess.
A compact I Dew Care "Tap Secret" mattifying powder shampoo so you don't need to carry around a bottle of your favorite aerosol version that's liable to take up wayyy too much space in your already overpacked luggage. This lil' baddie will become your absolute favorite as it comes in a compact travel case, soaks up excess hair oil, and volumizes your locks so that your hairstyle will get compliments no matter where you go.
A high-quality hair conditioner bar that can easily get through TSA (unlike the large bottle of conditioner you usually have), so you're not trying to buy some at a random drugstore in a foreign town.
A neck pillow you can stuff with clothing for sneaking in that extra outfit (or two) you just couldn't jam into your luggage. It's literally the perfect way to utilize every single square inch of space physically possible. Plus, you can make sure you have those spare clothes on hand if you need a quick outfit change once you land.
A 3-in-1 travel razor that's got literally everything you need for a quick shave on the go: a refillable spray bottle for easy skin prep, a shea butter moisturizing bar, and two triple-blade razor cartridges. This compact razor is the perfect addition to toss into your suitcase.
A foldable water bottle to take up very little space when every square inch counts. It'll be incredibly helpful when you want to take a bottle of water onto the plane but don't have the time to buy one at the gate after spending hours waiting at the TSA line (which seemingly gets longer and longer every time you fly).
A mini belted pack that can keep your most valuable items strapped close to your chest — it's necessary while you weave through busy airport terminals. With several pockets to store all of your miscellaneous necessities, this bag is perfect for any excursion, too!
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Business Insider
4 hours ago
- Business Insider
We retired early to see the world — but fast travel made life feel stressful again
Kelly Benthall, 54, and her husband retired early and have now been slow traveling for a year. This summer, they spent five fast-paced weeks moving through seven stops across the UK and Ireland. The experience left her exhausted — and reminded the couple why they'd chosen a slower, more intentional life. Plain and simple — hold the tomatoes — fast travel is exhausting. My husband Nigel and I retired early last year to slow travel the world. We've made it a habit to stay in one place for a month. It feels long enough to unpack, exhale, and feel like we live there. But this summer, we broke our own rules. We planned a five-week sprint through the UK and Ireland — seven stops in quick succession, most just five days long. We started in Dorset with a brief, emotionally heavy family visit, then made our way through Cornwall, the Cotswolds, the Lake District, Edinburgh, North Wales, and finally ended with a three-day finale in Dublin. It was part memory lane, part reunion tour, and a whole lot of intentional sightseeing. Some stops held memories for Nigel, others were entirely new. It was a chance for both of us to explore his home country with fresh eyes. We packed in everything from castles and sea cliffs to wild ponies, old friends, long walks, and short pub chats. It felt like an affair, not with a person, but with a different kind of travel. A thrilling, nostalgic, completely unsustainable fling with speed. By the numbers: 5 weeks 7 stops 4 home-cooked reunions 2,000+ miles driven in a tiny car on even tinier roads 178 mapped stops Countless pints and pies It was a whirlwind of firsts — and then the crash. Burning through cash and energy By the end of the trip, my legs were stronger than ever, thanks to all the walking and staircases — many of which felt too narrow for a modern human with luggage. But the rest of me shut down. After Dublin, when we finally arrived at our more long-term monthlong Airbnb in Killaloe, Ireland, I slept for a full day. Even after that, I felt drained. Four days in, my mind was still on high alert — scanning for surprises, wrong turns, or a crowd around the corner. That internal alarm system — so helpful while navigating new terrain — didn't know how to switch off. We had also spent more money than usual. Without monthlong Airbnb discounts or home-cooked meals, the costs added up. We indulged in well-regarded restaurants nearly every day, and we felt it in both our budget and our waistlines. There were a couple of late nights too — 2 a.m. pub closings and dance floors I used to keep up with, but that now leave us wrecked the next day. That's not our rhythm anymore. During the trip, we pushed hard to do each region justice — hiking to hidden waterfalls, exploring caves, storm-watching over valleys, and wandering historic streets. And then it hit me, we were those tourists. Respectful, yes. Grateful, always. But always on the move, like playground visitors: admiring the beauty, but never staying long enough to earn trust. It was the opposite of what slow travel makes possible — the chance to return to the same café twice, to learn names, to show up not just as a guest but as a quiet part of the scenery. That tension wore on me. We were seeing everything, but belonging nowhere. Retired, but still racing The pace wasn't just a physical strain, but mental as well. Fast travel began to mimic the stress patterns of the life we left behind. Before we retired, I spent decades in a high-pressure career, always scanning, solving, planning the next thing. It took me a lot of work to untangle myself from that rhythm. Yet here I was again, dreaming of logistics, overloading my senses, and feeling that familiar hum of burnout. I'd also taken up writing in retirement, but somewhere between documenting it all and trying to feel it, I lost the thread. We had no buffer. No pause. Just momentum. The return to slow And yet, the moments still shone. We found awe on many occasions: sea shanties in a Cornish pub that left us teary, storm clouds that rolled over the lakes like theater curtains, and yes — sharing a pint while standing in line for a castle. We watched sheep graze near medieval stone circles. We wandered through St. Giles as sunlight streamed through stained glass. Nigel even got pulled onstage to dance in Dublin — whiskey in hand, the crowd cheering. We were wrecked. But we were alive. Now we're in a quiet town in Ireland, finally staying put for a full month. One Airbnb. One grocery shop. No checkouts to plan. We didn't retire early to rush life, we did it to be present. Fast travel showed us what we could cram in. Slow travel reminds us why we left the rush behind.
Buzz Feed
7 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
25 Target Travel Products You Wish You Had 10 Trips Ago
An expandable hard-shell carry-on suitcase with four spinner wheels and a built-in lock to bring your luggage firmly into adulthood with you. RIP, soccer camp duffel bag. You will not be forgotten. Promising review: "We have had two of these bags for the last 10 years. It's a great bag. Perfect as a carry-on and fits at least two weeks' worth of clothing in it. We are an airline family; therefore, we fly standby, so checking in bags gets tricky. My older son's bag is now showing some signs of wear. I have been looking at new bags, but I can't find anything that will accommodate as much as this one." —MPrice: $100 (available in six colors) Or a duffel-adjacent weekender bag if you're not quite willing to give up that duffel life. It has a trolly sleeve to make it easy to carry along with a roller bag, and it's small enough to count as a "personal item" on most planes, ensuring you have the perfect carry-on-only setup with as much room as possible. Promising review: "Perfect carry-on bag. Hooks to roller luggage as well. Super roomy, and I love all of the pockets. Holds a ton!" —JbPrice: $80 (available in two colors) And a toddler-size backpack so your kiddo can carry their own airport or roadtrip books, games, and snacks (and learn a little responsibility along the way). And I how cute. Pretty undeniable! Promising review: "Our grandson loved it. He put it on right away and likes to carry his toys in it." —Nana APrice: $15 A Hydro Flask travel bottle that's tapered at the bottom, ensuring it fits safe and sound in any cup holder you come across while still rocking a 32-ounce volume vessel for all-day sippin'. Price: $44.99 (available in eight colors) A minimalist belt bag so no matter where you roam you can bring your must-haves along in style and hands-free. Once I switched to belt begs for travel, I never looked back. Phone, keys, wallet, check! Promising reviews: 'This bag is very cute and holds so much! Definitely a good quality and easy to clean. Highly recommend for any age.' —L"The tan color looks sophisticated without being expensive. Another great product by Target!" —CPrice: $10 (available in five colors) Some classic Apple EarPods that are minuscule to store when you're not using them (perfect for carry-ons and small day bags), don't require charging, and don't break the bank. I'm a believer that these classics are underrated, especially when it comes to traveling light. Promising review: "After going through too many wireless earbuds to name, costing me so much money, I decided to follow the trend of the tried and true wired buds. The sound quality is great and the price even better." —ajPrice: $19.99 A Kindle e-reader so you can bring a ton of books with you on your adventure without any of the bulk. Don't feel like reading your literary fiction? Switch to your beach read. Nobody's judging. Promising review: "I love physical books, but as a working mom of four (one being a baby), I wanted something I could throw into my bag and go. It's compact and charged well. I absolutely love my new Kindle. I'm on my fifth book this week!" —MamaoffourPrice: $109.99 A pack of Ecos laundry detergent sheets to bring along just in case you need to do some laundry on the road. I can't even tell you how much I wish I would've had these when I was traveling in Europe and needed just *one* single serving of detergent every week or so. The sheets work in hot or cold water. Just toss them in with the wash and you're good to go! Promising review: "Works great. No residue on clothes or washer. Smells nice. Really cleans the clothes and helps with stains." —MapgottschallPrice: $15.99 for 64-pack (available in two scents) A Sun Bum SPF 40 face and body sunscreen stick so you can have sun protection at the ready *without* having to check a bag just to bring lotion along. Oh, Sun Bum. We've spent so many days together already this summer, and there are many more to come! Promising review: "This is great for your face and small areas that need sunscreen. It is a very small container that easily fits in a bag/purse. SPF worked well in direct sunlight. Texture reminds me of coconut oil — solid that melts as it is rubbed in. The scent is light and smells like summer at the beach." —trudi2012Price: $21.99 Or a mini bottle of Vacation Super Spritz SPF 50 face mist if you want to spritz your way to safer skin and a little higher SPF. Or better yet, just get both! The more sunscreen the merrier, in my opinion. Promising review: "I love it! It's easy to apply. I used it as a first application, but I like it for reapplying even over other sunscreens. It's not sticky, tight, or oily, and I've had no breakouts. So convenient because reapplying a cream sunscreen can cause gross buildup and feel heavy. Plus, it smells great when applied! I could see this potentially irritating someone with really sensitive skin, so maybe test it before putting it on your face." —tk104Price: $8.79 A Hatch Rest Go portable noise machine so your little one can get some shut-eye on the road, even if there are some unfamiliar noises around. And hey, this works for adults, too, I know a lot of my pals swear by their white noise machines. Promising review: "Love how convenient it is having a portable Hatch like this. My kids both have Hatches and this is a great idea when traveling and away from home." —CassiePrice: $39.99 (available in five colors) A reliable external battery in case the outlet at your airplane seat is out of order, you need to navigate through a new city, or for any other travel tech task that might come up. Promising review: "This little thing is amazing!!! Took it to Disneyland and was able to charge my phone from 38%–98% and my daughter's from 46%–100%. 😍🤗 Love it and recommend it!!!!!" —NormaJeanPrice: $4.99+ (originally $9.99; available in four colors) A small pack of disinfecting wipes to give you peace of mind when using high-touch surfaces away from home. Nothing's worse than discovering your airplane tray is mysteriously sticky. Promising review: "These are perfect for travel! I buy a few before traveling and use them on the plane and in the hotel. Perfect size for a backpack/purse, so I don't have to bring a giant Clorox container!" —R19Price: $0.99+ (available in three pack sizes) A box of sleep earplugs so you can rest in peace and quiet, whether you're on a road trip with rockers, staying in a hostel with talkers, or are doing some city living for the summer where sirens rule. Promising review: "Love how affordable and effective these are. I keep these in my travel bag and they've been life savers since I'm a light sleeper." —TtPrice: $4.29 for 12 pairs A ruled hardcover Moleskine notebook to use as a travel journal. I love writing small daily entries whenever I'm on a trip, but I hate lugging around enormous journals. This one is slim, easy to carry, high-quality, and always in my carry-on. Promising review: "I've been looking for something to put all my writing in, and this book is awesome! The quality of the paper, the lines aren't that close, and it allows you so much room per page. Will buy again!" —KimbePrice: $24.95+ (available in six colors and three page styles) Some strawberry lemonade flavored Liquid IV so you can pack a little more hydration into the water you bring onboard a flight or in the car. Getting up to go to the bathroom on a flight or having to pull over is the worst. Make the most of the liquid you decide to drink! FYI, depending on your situation, water may be enough to rehydrate you! Read more about electrolyte-enhanced drinks and hydration at Cleveland Clinic. Promising review: "I've had nearly all LIV flavors and this is my fave. A little less sweet than the regular strawberry, but still overall sweet with a slight saltiness. Doesn't taste artificial. Perfect for a hot day or before/after working out." —rashifflerPrice: $16.19 for a pack of 10 A seven-piece set of packing cubes to keep your items as compact and organized as possible. I used to be skeptical of packing cubes at first, but can conform they help even the most disorganized of travelers (me) maintain some semblance of order. Promising review: "These are a game changer. They kept my suitcase organized for travel, and spared me from the digging to find 'that one shirt' on vacation! I got several colors, one for me and each of my kids for maximum organization. Highly recommend." —EmPrice: $35 (available in three colors) An AirFly adapter so you can connect your Bluetooth headphones *right* to the in-flight entertainment for the highest quality sound without a wire in sight. Your fiftieth viewing of The Greatest Showman is gonna be your best yet. Price: $54.99 A simple and useful zippered pouch that is meant for makeup, but can be used for almost any travel paraphernalia like other toiletries, small electronics, cords, jewelry, travel tickets... You name it, and it can tuck away nicely and neatly here! Price: $23.45 (available in 12 colors) An AirTag so you can track your luggage juuuuust in case it gets lost. No more looking out the window watching the airline workers load suitcases on the flight, praying yours makes it on. Promising review: "Like it. Easy way to keep up with items while traveling." —MichPrice: $24.99 (originally $29.99) A small bottle of CeraVe Moisturizing Cream that ensures you have access to your favorite moisturizer during your journey (especially a long, drying flight). Ack, that plane air always really gets to me. Promising review: "I have severe patchy, dry skin. I've used higher-end stuff and nothing worked, and some cheaper-end stuff that people swore by. The dermatologist stated to use this, and it really works. My skin is 80% better. I still fight with dry skin as I've only used a few days, but it has been the best by far for my super dry skin." —BrittPrice: $7.69+ (available in four sizes) A pair of Bose noise-canceling headphones so you don't have to blast your headphones to hear your podcast over the plane's engine. With an adjustable noise-cancelling level and up to 24 hours of playback, these are a worthy investment for your travels and for your everyday life. Promising review: "I love the color. I love how comfortable they feel. They really block out background noise." —GagaPrice: $229.99 (originally $359.99, available in five colors) A travel throw blanket to stay toasty warm even if your seat neighbor is blasting the air. Plane naps are so much better when you're the right temp. And when you're not using it, it folds down into a plush bag and doubles as a pillow. Promising review: "This blanket set is soft and cozy, perfect for long flights or car rides. The pillow provides great support and comfort. I love that it comes in a compact bag with pockets, making it easy to carry and store. This set is a must-have for any traveler and makes a great gift too." —AmandatwilightPrice: $19.99 (originally $39.99, available in three colors) An itty-bitty Venus razor with a carrying case so if you're planning on shaving on your trip, you don't need to bring your big ol' razor and try to find a way to store it safely. Promising review: "Love this compact razor for traveling. Very convenient size and the razor itself works very well. Smooth shave result. Would purchase again." —ChanningPrice: $12.59 An eight-piece toiletry bottle set to decant literally all of your favorite toiletries into small, manageable, TSA-approved bottles — yes, even sprays! The set includes two bottles with sprayers, two silicone bottles, two rolling bottles, two jars, and a zip-top pouch. Promising review: "I packed these with my daily toiletries for going overseas, and they are so fun and cute. I will buy these again!!" —TashalaPrice: $15
The Verge
9 hours ago
- The Verge
Airbnb now lets you ‘pay later' on vacation rentals
Airbnb has introduced a new 'reserve now, pay later' option that lets users in the US book a reservation without paying right away. Instead, users can put off their payment to a later date before check-in. Airbnb says it will require payment before the end of a stay's free cancellation period, ensuring 'hosts have time to secure another booking even if a guest cancels.' The option is only available for stays in the US with a moderate or flexible cancellation policy. Airbnb also notes that it will still charge upfront for travel insurance, climate contribution, or other optional add-ons. While Airbnb already offers a 'pay part now, pay later' option, which allows users to pay part of their bill at checkout and the rest before check-in, this new method means users don't have to make a payment at the time of booking at all. Airbnb offers payments with the buy now pay later service, Klarna, as well. Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All by Emma Roth Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Apps Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All News Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Tech
