logo
If Your Next Family Vacation Involves A Long Car Ride, You Probably Need These 28 Products

If Your Next Family Vacation Involves A Long Car Ride, You Probably Need These 28 Products

Buzz Feed30-03-2025

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.
If your kids won't stop reading what the billboards say (even after you told them to stop), I suggest flipping open the road trip Mad Libs to ~nonchalantly~ stop them.
1. An over-the-seat organizer that'll hold everything your kid's heart desires 'cause telling them not to bring three mini plushies is a recipe for disaster — aka, you'll experience a meltdown before you even start driving. It can hold snacks, coloring books, and a tablet, so you never hear the words "Are we there yet?" But no promises, though.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "These were a last-minute purchase before a summer road trip with our 4- and 7-year-old sons, and I couldn't be happier! It's a great way to keep the car organized with games, toys, colors, devices, water bottles, etc. Definitely recommend for everyday and road trip uses!" — Kathy
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in five colors).
2. A car cup holder and eating tray for when you're on a 12+ hour car ride 'cause you're gonna want to eat in the car to get to your destination before nightfall. With this, you can have something to eat over so you won't get ketchup from your double cheeseburger all over your clothes — happens to the best of us...
www.amazon.com
Make sure to *not* eat while you drive — it's dangerous!
Promising review: "I used it for a 13-hour road trip to Colorado for camping/wheeling, and it held up great. So nice to be able to throw snacks, fries, or whatever on there while I was driving. Perfect arm's length for everything I needed for the long drives. When I got home, I just removed the table part and used the big drink holder. Perfect to have a large water bottle in one and a big coffee tumbler in the other." — SamoanJoe
Get it from Amazon for $33.99+ (available with different add-ons).
3. A fluffy pillow 'cause napping in the car not only hits different, but it'll make you feel like you're on the road for less time — which is super important on long hauls. Reviewers say this *actually* gives good support, so you don't have to press your head up against the window — and tweak your neck in the process...
It's designed for kids *and* adults!
Promising review: "My second grader used this while we road-tripped for two weeks. It eliminated that awkward contortion that kids do when they nap in the car. It was definitely one of our more useful purchases for the trip. Keep in mind that the pillow is large and can take up some space in a cramped car. Outside of traveling, my kid likes to use it inside the house since it's so soft. She naps with it on the bed or just snuggles with it while reading." — Sarah Aquino
Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in two styles and various colors).
4. Andddd, a super comfortable sleep mask when the car turns right onto a new highway and the sun is GLARING in your face. It's designed to fully block out light, leave no pressure on your eyes, and be comfortable in any sleep position you may find yourself in. And that's highly important when you *finally* feel comfy enough to fall asleep.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:" Never thought I'd spend this kind of money on a simple eye mask, but I did and don't regret it at all. Yes, it's perfect for side sleepers; it doesn't move and blocks out every bit of light. The game changer is the space around your eyes so it's not pushing on your lashes. Buy this, and you'll never look back." — Jessica
Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in eight colors).
5. A license plate game that'll make the minutes whizz by as you scour the lanes of traffic to find Alaska's plate — be patient, you'll probably find it once you get to Mt. Rushmore (everyone road trips there, after all). Plus, it's a great way to sneakily keep your kids from being on their tablets so much!
The little pieces are magnetic, so they're less likely to end up underneath the seat!
Promising review: "I love this for road trips. I bought this for our first road trip that was longer than we have ever gone. Now I take it every time we go more than two hours from home. I, the mom, love it the most. I'm always looking for plates now. Haha. A fun activity for the whole family to do that is not just iPad time." — Amanda Gainey
Get it from Amazon for $12.68 (available in 10 other styles).
6. A Springer leak-proof water bottle with a built-in bowl, so when you pull off the highway to let your dog stretch their legs, you can give 'em a little H2O, too. Just squeeze the bottle to fill it up; when you're done, the bottle sucks the leftover water back in. That's especially useful when you're nowhere near a rest stop, and your dog is THIRSTY.
Springer Pets is a woman-owned small business run by a mother-daughter duo (and the dogs who love them). They were also featured on Shark Tank!
Promising review: "I am extremely happy with this purchase! We have two medium-sized dogs (30 lbs and 42 lbs), and this was a LIFESAVER. We beat the heat, car anxiety, and quenching thirst by providing our fur babies with much-needed water breaks. This bottle is 'mess-free' and was absolutely easy to provide water to our dogs even while we were driving. No water spills, no need for extra plastic water bottles or collapsible bowls. Throw some ice cubes in there, and you'll see it holds cool and fresh water for a good amount of time." — Tatiana
Get the 22-ounce size from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in five colors).
7. A kid's car seat lap organizer that'll make a great travel companion, thanks to the tablet holder, dry-erase board that doubles as a food tray, anddd pockets for whatever else your child insists on bringing. This will keep their crayons, markers, water bottle, toys, and coloring books all nice and secure, so you don't have to pull over to pick up anything off the floor.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Some color options come with dry-erase markers and an eraser included.
Promising review: "Are you a parent who is sick of picking up everything your kid accidentally drops off their lap while on a car ride? If not, lucky you. If you are… this thing is great! We recently went on a beach vacation that involved a 9-hour drive each way with my 4-year-old. Usually, he drops stuff while playing with it. With this, everything stayed on the tray! It also helped him balance his tablet to watch, held his drink and foodstuff in place without anything spilling, and gave him a space to draw and play on. Easy to take on and off for potty breaks." — Dawn Michele
Get it from Amazon for $27.95+ (available in 13 colors).
8. A Mad Libs on the Road sure to make you *and* the rest of your crew laugh like hyenas. It has 21 stories all about adventures on the road that'll surely get VERY whacky.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Our 8-year-old and 3-year-old LOVE playing mad libs. We keep it in the car to play while we wait for the bus or on car rides. I like that it's educational, too — reinforcing parts of speech and practicing spelling and reading, as well as broadening their vocabulary. A must-have for every family!" — Chelsea Peterson
Get it from Amazon for $5.57.
9. A memory foam car seat cushion if that dull, persistent feeling in your butt is ~driving~ you up a wall. This will help ease the discomfort and relieve the pain you can get in your legs. You'll love it so much, you may just want to put it on your pool chair as you lay and soak in the sun once you (finally) get to your destination. ☀️
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "It worked great for long road trips to help with fatigue and lower back pain. I never imagined this would work as well as it did, and as an added bonus, it worked as a great pillow when we needed to pull over for short sleep [breaks]. It's worth the price for the pain it relieved." — Jess
Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in three colors).
10. And a back cushion that offers lumbar support and can help improve posture so you don't feel as much pain creeping up on you when you're on hour two of the drive. The ergonomic design can be used to help with lower *or* upper back pain, depending on which bothers you the most. One reviewer with spinal stenosis who also drives 40+ hours a week said they're "grateful every day for this pillow."
Promising review: "I bought a BMW with sport seats, and my back would hurt every time I sat in it. I tried several different pillows, but none of them helped. This one was a lifesaver — I can now drive for long periods without back pain, and it saved me from having to replace a brand new car." — Michael Shamis
Get it from Amazon for $26.69 (available in various styles).
11. A Febreze Unstopables car freshener if the mix of fast food and your kids kicking off their shoes is making your car smell a little... FUNKY. Just clip this onto your AC vent so you can neutralize that and any other odor you want to hit the road. 😉
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "These are great and pretty strong. I made the mistake and tried another scent after using these, and you have no idea how much I'm still regretting it. The scent lasts long after the oil inside is done, and it hits you as soon as you open your door, without being overbearing." — camelia virgo-evans
Get a pack of four from Amazon for $12.88 (available in three scents and five pack sizes)
12. A car power adapter that can charge six devices at once so when your child's tablet dies, you don't have to give up your charging slot. This way, everyone gets a fully charged device — which is very important when you're in the middle of nowhere and can't even play punch buggy.
This comes with a lighter adapter and allows you to plug in four USB chargers and two AC outlets! Plus, it has a built-in fan so it won't overheat.
Promising review: "I purchased this item for long trips with my grandkids to keep snacks cool in my plug-in cooler, but more importantly, for their medication that needs to be refrigerated. It has a cooling fan built into it. A few USB ports to charge electronics like phones and tablets, and regular plug outlets for anything else. I used so many things on it and all at once. Definitely pulled its weight. What a monster workhorse it is. It's compact enough and doesn't take up a lot of space. It's pretty quiet even with the fan running. It's great quality and the functionality is better than I expected. Such a cool little gadget. It would totally make a great gift for someone that travels a lot and spends a lot of time in their car. Will definitely buy this little beauty again." — Ginger Pasquale
Get it from Amazon for $20.95+ (available in two sizes).
13. An auto bingo card — it combines I Spy and bingo into one thrilling game, even if it's not as thrilling as a drive along the Pacific Coast Highway. Just close the *built-in* red windows when you find the thing (like a horse, fire hydrant, tow truck, etc.), and whoever screams BINGO first, wins! Reviewers love that their kids were taking in their surroundings instead of staring at screens!
www.amazon.com
Reviewers love that their kids were taking in their surroundings instead of staring at screens!
Regal Games is a small business based in Chicago, IL and has been around for over 70 years creating games for all ages.
Promising review: "I purchased as a gift for my daughter to use in the car with her children. These are perfect to occupy them on long road trips. She keeps them in the seat pocket so they are readily available. The sliding door for each square makes it very easy to play. No added pieces or markers to have to use." — noreen
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in five styles).
14. A sleek seat gap filler 'cause McDonald's fries, loose change, and other mystery tidbits are bound to pile up when you're in the car forever. Now you won't have to clean that weird, hard-to-reach area post-road trip.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Drop Stop is a small business that specializes in car accessories.
Promising review:"Somehow my phone manages to ALWAYS fall perfectly between the large gap between my console and seat. And MAN when I'm driving it is so frustrating, because I can NEVER reach it without stopping the car, because it's wayyyy under my seat. Before I ordered this I tried the traditional insert that is a popular solution because it gives you extra storage and such, but it didn't fit the gap, it was loose, sloppy and would literally slide forward with the brakes. UGH, Those are now sitting on my bar waiting to be gifted to some lucky person hopefully with a smaller gap. I immediately ordered these and love love love them!" — Ronald & Shannon White
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $24.99.
15. Or, a console side pocket if you want something that blocks stuff from falling into that deep crack and provides more storage for your things — AND adds an extra cup holder!! You'll ~roll~ up to your destination with three drinks and your phone and lip products in arm's reach. 😏
Amazon, www.youtube.com
The gap has to be *at least* .3 inches for this to fit — just FYI!
Promising review:"I put this in last night and went to work today and everything was perfect. I did have to install the foam spacers (included) to make it a really snug fit. It would have still worked without it but I like things perfect. So now the coins go in the coin pocket and my keys and other work related accessories go in the bigger pocket. This is one of the best cheap life hacks you can get if you're a car person and/or just like being organized and neat." — R
Get it from Amazon for $27.99 (available with or without cupholder).
16. A mini car trash can that's cuter and more functional than just filling up a gas station plastic baggie. After a long day on the road, the last thing you want to do is pick up wrappers, napkins, and empty bottles, so have your kids throw their junk into this instead! You can secure it to a headrest for *extra* convenience.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "These are the perfect size. We are going on a road trip, so I got one for each of my front seats. They're not too bulky, and they hold a fair amount of trash. Love that they are adjustable and have pockets on the outside. Great for holding knickknacks or extra trash bags." — Katlyn
Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in two sizes and nine colors).
17. A Travel Tray you can slip into your cupholder to make snacking easy *and* safe as you drive cross country. Have the passenger princess pour your snack of choice into the little tray so your driver has plenty of fuel to run off of — aka a Monster energy drink and M&M's.
Travel Tray is a small business that makes convenient products for easy snacking on the road.
Promising review: "I bought this for our car seat to use during a road trip. It really came in handy, and it's so easy to clean and reinstall. Bonus that it's snug enough in the cupholder, but not so snug that it makes getting drinks out of the holder hard for the child. I would buy this again." — Emily
Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in six colors).
18. A waterproof backseat pet protector 'cause your pup is ALWAYS sneaking their way up to the front no matter how many treats you throw back there. This not only gives them a comfy place to relax, but it also contains their shed hair and protects them from falling into the footwell if you slam on the brakes — which can happen on the highway!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
It's non-slip so your dog can have good traction on it. Plus, you install it by looping it around your headrests — easy peasy!
Promising review: "Perfect for travel. Didn't get to test it much because my pup just HAD to be in the front seat with me the whole time. I bought the front seat cover to match, so I know the material is amazing. Pretty comfortable, canvas-type material. Easily cleaned and mostly water-resistant. Had a slight spill on the front seat cover that was wiped rather quickly, and none transferred to my actual car seat. The adjustable straps and backseat anchors are easy to install." — Ashley C.
Get it from Amazon for $22.37+ (available in five colors and an optional dog seat belt).
19. A Munchkin Snack Catcher if your little one just loves to make their snacks end up everywhere but their mouth... This will be able to minimize the spillage thanks to its soft, protective flaps, so once they get hungry, their Goldfish go straight to their belly and not the car floor.
Promising review: "I absolutely love these. They are easy to use, my kids love them, and they are great for preventing spills! The lid has a unique silicone-type opening that the kids can just squeeze their hands through and grab some snacks. I would recommend this due to its versatility for road trips, events, etc. I am writing this review after owning these cups for YEARS. I have purchased them over and over again. They're fantastic. Never broke either, I've ordered more as I lost the original, so great investment for help with a mess-free life." — Amazon12x
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $5.96.
20. And a portable car vacuum because the best way to have a clean-ish vehicle post-road trip is to clean as you go — and this makes it possible! If your kid spilled their Goldfish crumbs everywhere (I WARNED YOU) or your dog's fur is all over your seats, you can quickly suck it up with this. It's powerful and can even fit in a cup holder!
Promising review: "This little crumb-sucking machine is awesome! I have had mine for about six weeks now. As a mom of four, I find that my kids are always dropping crackers or dry cereal and then stepping on them. The car seats are known to have entire ecosystems in all the nooks and crannies. This vacuum tackles all of them without trouble. I leave mine in the trunk of the van plugged into the outlet back there so that it's always charged when I need it. Worth every dime! It hasn't died on me yet… And I've run it 20 minutes straight before." — Wundermama
Get it from Amazon for $69.99 (available in five colors).
21. A comfy seatbelt shoulder pad so you don't have to tug at the strap that's uncomfortably chaffing your neck as you drive across Route 66 to sunny California. Reviewers who are shorter swear by this because it's soft, durable, and makes driving more enjoyable!
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "We absolutely love these shoulder pad cushions in our car. The seatbelt, even at its lowest setting, would scratch my neck. I would be left with scratches on my neck as a result. My husband often pulls his shoulder strap out on long trips because he is uncomfortable. Since purchasing these, I no longer get scratches and my husband is comfortable even after eight hours in the car. Great purchase!" — Fourth Grade Teacher
Get it from Amazon for $6.79 (available in 18 colors).
22. A battery-operated fan if the air in your car gets a little stuffy *but* you don't want to drain your gas by using the AC — I mean, you JUST filled it up, and you're in the middle of nowhere... This will circulate the air in your car without affecting the temp. Just attach it to a car seat or headrest, or stand it up on the middle console — yep, you can just put it where your heart desires. 💞
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:" I really love this fan because you can literally hang it or stand it on just about anything. I took it on a 12-hour road trip and stopped for a couple of hours to take a nap, and the fan lasted on high for about 2–3 hours. I still haven't had to charge it since I got it, but I probably will soon. I have another long drive, and I'm camping, so it's great to have it with me. It's also super light but feels like a quality fan. Hardly made noise, and the low hum it did make was soothing to me. I recommend this fan!" — Kelsey O'Leary
Get it from Amazon for $23.69 (available in three colors).
23.
A tissue holder that clips onto your sun visor so you don't have a clunky box slipping and falling all over the place — and that makes the top tissue gross anyways... Now the next time your kid has a sneezing attack or feels a bloody nose coming on, you can quickly grab a tissue and hand it to them. They'll be *so* impressed with how prepared you are.
www.amazon.com
People have also put napkins or disposable face masks in these!
Promising review: "This is my second time buying it; this car tissue holder makes my car more organized and saves space. I love this car tissue holder! So when my sister got her new car, I ordered this again for her as a gift. She loves it, too. She said the design is amazing; the clip holds on tightly. When she is driving and needs a tissue. No more stopping alongside the road looking for the box. This car tissue case is attractive, elegant, and modern. Good quality!" — Cathy
Get it from Amazon for $9.79+ (available in four colors).
24. A 3-in-1 car phone mount with a powerful suction cup that can attach to your dashboard or windshield — or just clip it onto your air vent! If you swear by your Apple or Google maps, this will keep your directions close by and up high so your eyes *stay* on the road. And if you take the wrong exit (that happens!), you are in a completely new part of the country after all...
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
This has a retractable arm and 360° rotation for the perfect positioning you want.
Promising review: "I had bought another auto phone holder but this was the best. Rather than placing it in the middle of my dash or blocking my front view, I placed it on the left of the steering wheel in an area that was already a blind spot. I was able to spin, bend, and tilt it to exactly the right position. The quick-release button for my phone is so convenient. It has held in place for three months now, even when the windows are down and the wind is blowing. Finally! My phone is not inconveniently taking up one of the spots in my cup holders." — Anonymous genius
Get it from Amazon for $12.99.
25. A portable Wi-Fi hotspot so you can keep scrolling away on TikTok and Reels like you're in your bed at home. It offers 4G WiFi for up to 18 hours, connecting up to 10 devices so you *and* your fam stay connected to the world even if you feel like you're driving through Ghostown, USA.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Portability and keeping me connected to the internet while traveling is the best. Kept my 6-year-old granddaughter connected to the internet while we drove for seven hours. Prior to that, she had only ridden in the car for no more than 60 minutes (and was not happy about it). Successful trip thanks to Solis Lite." — Steve P.
Get it from Amazon for $91.99+ (available with different GB plans).
26. A portable multipurpose cooler you can place in the middle seat so your kids have access to everything (and I mean everything.) they want. It has two water bottle holders, side pockets (for toys, tablets, and overflow of stuff) andddd last but certainly not least, the middle is a COOLER. That means you can fill it to the brim with your child's favorite snacks so you never hear "IM HUNGRY" when you're two hours away from civilization. Bonus: the top of this can be used as a desk for coloring!
Amazon
PSA: *ONLY* use ice packs (aka ice is a no-no) for up to eight hours and do not leave perishable food in it without ice packs for more than 2 hours in a vehicle over 85 degrees F.
Promising review: "Have had this bag for about 5 years now and used it for numerous road trips. We fill the main compartment up with snacks and the pockets with a few activities like car trip scavenger hunt cards. It's still going strong and plan to use it for an upcoming summer vacation. We do whatever we can to keep our young son content on days-long road trips and he likes to be able to access his own snacks and have an extra place to store his things. Part of the excitement of upcoming trips is filling this bin with road trip goodies that he normally wouldn't have access to." — lady.k
Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in two colors).
27. A little cleaner spray that comes with a microfiber cloth so your greasy fingers (from the large McDonald's fry) don't smudge up your car's touch screen, making you take the wrong exit to Disney World. I would say it's no big deal, but your kids say otherwise. Just spritz this onto the screen and wipe it dry!
Promising review: "I have a touch screen display in my truck and my wife's car. In the sunlight, fingerprints show up like a crime scene. This product and the cloth remove all "evidence" of using the touch display and without leaving streaks or requiring tons of effort. I find it works best to spray the cloth and then wipe...also the larger bottle is great for me in the truck, and the small one is perfect for my wife's sports car. Also, the cloth is modest in size, and that's a plus too." — Brian A.
Get it from Amazon for $17.99.
28. A handy foldable doorstep if you have a rack or roof box on top of your car that's filled with allll the things you want once you get to your destination. It's designed to fit both feet so you can feel balanced *and* eliminate the need for a ladder — which doesn't get you that close to your roof anyway. Forget the days of getting your dirty shoes all over your seats to grab what you need up there!
Amazon
To use it, just hook this onto your u-shaped door latch in your vehicle's doors. This *new* design can fit any car. Btw, you might've seen this on Shark Tank!
Rightline Gear is a small business that designs and manufactures outdoor gear for cars and people.
Promising review: "Really well made. Very pleased with this product. I tested it on a 2025 Subaru Forester and it works great — no indication of denting the car body when using. Great product! I've spent years climbing up hanging on with my toes on the seats when installing pods. Well, no longer." — Al Harlow

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Travel in style with these luggage options for any trip
Travel in style with these luggage options for any trip

Fox News

time2 hours ago

  • Fox News

Travel in style with these luggage options for any trip

Selecting the right luggage to stow all your essentials is crucial for a smooth travel experience, whether you're packing light for a solo tourist adventure or organizing essentials for the whole family. With a plethora of options available – from compact carry-ons to spacious suitcases – it's essential to choose luggage that suits your specific travel needs.​ Here are 10 luggage items to help you find the perfect match for your journey ahead. This Amazon Basics suitcase offers a durable hard shell, double spinner wheels, a scratch-resistant surface and an expandable design for extra packing space. Its compact size fits most airline overhead compartments, making it perfect for weekend trips or business travel. If you like it and want to complete the set, Amazon offers coordinating medium and large-sized bags. If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today. Original price: $169.99 Weighing just 5.4 pounds, the Maxlite 5 is designed for ease of use and maneuverability. Its softside construction allows for flexible packing and the expandable feature provides additional space when needed. The four-spinner wheels ensure smooth rolling through airports or wherever your journey may take you. Don't forget the matching underseat bag, which can also be used for a shorter trip when you're packing light. This Briggs & Riley fabric carry-on features compression-expansion technology, allowing for increased packing capacity without compromising size restrictions. The durable ballistic nylon fabric resists wear, while the lifetime guarantee offers shoppers peace of mind. You can also get it monogrammed. The brand's packing cube set makes travel even easier, helping to save even more space and keep items ultra-organized. Original price: $169.95 For travelers seeking a compact yet spacious carry-on, the PackSafe Metrosafe backpack is designed to comply with strict airline baggage policies, and fits easily under airplane seats. Despite its compact size, it offers a generous 20-liter capacity, making it ideal for short trips. The backpack features a dedicated laptop compartment, an anti-theft pocket and a luggage slip, all wrapped in waterproof nylon fabric. If you're looking to spend a little less, this Sinaliy style is another great option. Original price: $559.99 This lightweight yet spacious suitcase from trusted brand Samsonite, available at Macy's, features a durable polycarbonate shell and a 360-degree spinner wheel system for effortless mobility. The expandable design provides additional packing space, while the built-in TSA-approved lock ensures security for your valuables. Luggage tags like this patriotic set from Samsonite are essential, but you can take it a step further and grab this set of Bluetooth-enabled trackers to ensure your luggage never gets lost. Designed for extended trips, this Briggs & Riley medium-sized suitcase features the brand's signature technology for on-demand expansion. The flat interior surface minimizes wrinkling and the durable construction withstands the rigors of travel. The lifetime guarantee covers repairs, including damage caused by airlines. The same bag is also available at Amazon in basic black. This lightweight Foldie Foldable tote on Amazon folds down for easy storage, as its name implies. It expands to a generous 40-liter capacity, making it ideal for beach outings, weekend trips or as an extra bag for souvenirs. Original price: $160 Designed with children in mind, this American Tourister suitcase at Macy's features fun, colorful Disney designs and a durable hard shell. The easy-to-use pull handle and smooth-rolling wheels make it manageable for young travelers, encouraging independence during family trips. You might also consider the JetKids suitcase at Nordstrom, which allows kids to ride on it, saving your arms from carrying tired, cranky kids through the airport. When traveling with kids, it's always best to be prepared and purchase an airplane pillow set, which helps ensure their comfort the entire time. For more deals, visit This compact Rockland Jr. spinner is lightweight and features 360-degree wheels for effortless maneuvering for your tot. The playful patterns, including frogs, monkeys, ladybugs and more, and sturdy construction make it both fun and functional for little travelers. If a backpack bag is easier for them to carry, this Popatu airplane version also features a handle that pulls out and converts it to a roller bag.

21 States That Have The Absolute Worst Food In The U.S.
21 States That Have The Absolute Worst Food In The U.S.

Buzz Feed

time5 hours ago

  • Buzz Feed

21 States That Have The Absolute Worst Food In The U.S.

If you're anything like me, you might've grown up watching a heck of a lot of food and travel shows on TV. Whether it was the Travel Channel, Food Network, or Destination America, I loved learning about food from different parts of the country — both the good and acquired tastes. So, I asked BuzzFeed readers from around the country to share "the worst regional American food" they've ever tasted, for science, of course. Here are 21 of the dishes they shared: Wisconsin: Cannibal Sandwiches "I'm not from Wisconsin and have never seen and will never try this! Apparently, in the Milwaukee area, there is this thing called a 'Cannibal Sandwich': raw hamburger meat mixed with raw onion on a bun. I've confirmed with multiple people from Milwaukee and the internet that this is real!"—fluffygazelle652"In some areas of Wisconsin, it is called 'Wildcat'. I've lived here my whole life and have only seen it once at a party."—spiritedlight8833 Pennsylvania: Altoona Pizza "Altoona pizza. It's supposedly famous and good. Well, it's an abomination of pizza. It starts off with a nice Sicilian-style crust, and then American cheese is placed on top of a perfectly good pizza."—Anonymous, 39 State College, PAThis mid-century Altoona classic is topped with marinara, green bell peppers, salami, and, of course, American cheese. Arkansas: Mountain Oysters —Anonymous, 65, Cordova, TNIf you're not familiar, Mountain Oysters have nothing to do with seafood. They're actually battered and fried bull testicles. Ohio: Skyline Chili "Hey Ohio...I do not see the fuss…"—beatnikinsc"Cincinnati Chili in Cincinnati itself. Get outta here with that stuff. Spaghetti? And the chili is, like, sweet? And not at all spicy? Calling it chili is incorrect. This is weird white people beef pasta. I'm sorry, Ohio. No."—Anonymous, 46, Minneapolis"We moved to Ohio a couple of years ago. I'd heard about Cincinnati chili before coming here but had never tried it. It is an abomination. I mean, gross. What fresh hell is this?"—Anonymous, 57, OhioSkyline Chili is a chain that serves Cincinnati chili, which is Greek-inspired and usually served over hot dogs or spaghetti, then covered in cheese. Its flavor is described as sweet and savory, with more emphasis on spices like cinnamon and clove than your traditional American chili seasonings. Georgia: The Luther Burger —Anonymous, 35, NJThe thing that separates a Luther Burger from a regular, schmegular burger is the bread. Rather than your traditional hamburger bun, it's served on a donut. Alabama: Alabama White Barbeque Sauce "In Alabama, they have this weirdly vinegary white barbecue sauce that they SWEAR by. It overwhelms anything I've tried it on and not in a good way."—Anonymous, Ben, KSIngredients, of course vary, but white barbeque sauce is typically made with mayo, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and spices. Maryland: Maryland Stuffed Ham "Hey kids, do you want your boiled ham stuffed with greens that look like grass clippings? Then I've got the holiday food for you! Stuffed Ham is a southern Maryland Christmas tradition that goes back over 200 years and needs to end."—christopheri3Maryland Stuffed Ham is a corned ham filled with cabbage, kale, and onion stuffing and is served cold. The Midwest: Bologna Salad Sandwiches "Ground Baloney Sandwiches are served on brioche bread with mayo and relish. Think like a tuna sandwich, but the meat is ring baloney instead of tuna. It's a Midwestern thing, and it's disgusting. "—Anonymous, 25, Utah Alaska: Alaskan Ice Cream "Also known as Akutaq. This once-popular Alaskan dessert morphed from wild berries mixed with blubber or tallow to loads of white sugar whipped in Crisco with either berries or chopped candies."—Anonymous, 66, AlaskaAkutaq is a Native Alaskan — specifically, Athabaskan — dessert. It can also be flavored with fish or meat. Utah: Funeral Potatoes "I don't know why these exist. It should be categorized as a hate crime against potatoes and humanity. It is almost as if the potatoes have unnecessarily died twice, and if you are able to choke it down, they died for the third time. The best way of preserving what little dignity there is left in those wasted potatoes is to toss it into the trash and set it on fire until there is nothing. Not even ashes can be found in the aftermath."—Anonymous, 30, CalforniaThis cheesy potato casserole, famously popular amongst Mormons, is made with potatoes (either fresh and cubed or as defrosted hashbrowns), cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and cornflakes. Missouri: St. Louis-style Pizza —Anonymous, 39, Los Angeles, CASt. Louis-style pizza is made with a thin, unleavened crust that's topped with a sweet tomato sauce and Provel cheese (which is Swiss, cheddar, and provolone cheese combined with liquid smoke). It's typicaly served as a square rather than a slice. Massachusetts: Creamed Oysters "Creamed oysters from Cape Cod."—Anonymous, 48, Shoreline WA, USAAlso known as Oyster Stew, it's pretty much exactly what it sounds like: oysters in a cream-based sauce. It's kind of like a thinner, more minimalist clam chowder. It's described as having a more seafood-forward flavor, and rather than being loaded with potatoes or other veggies, oyster stew keeps it simple with celery (or celery salt) and is usually seasoned with pepper. Pennsylvania: Scrapple "Philadelphia: top 3 worst:1. Scrapple 2. Scrapple 3. Scrapple"—Anonymous, 43, PhiladelphiaHence the name, Scrapple is a meat pudding made with pork scraps (including organs), spices, and cornmeal. It's usually pan-fried until crispy and eaten with breakfast. It originated with the Pennsylvania Dutch. Georgia: Boiled Peanuts "Tasted like, well, I can't describe how awful it was. Why would anybody pay good money for this???"—Anonymous, 73 Cincinnati Ohio"I bought some at some roadside gas station somewhere between Atlanta and Augusta. They tasted otherworldly-level salty, but OK, except that within 15 minutes, I was in the throes of migraine aura, like my vision was completely 'overexposed' to a degree I could barely see anything. Then, I had an actual seizure during that migraine. It was the worst one of my entire life. It took me a couple of weeks to recover and feel normal again. They must put a LOT of MSG in those suckers."—Anonymous, 31, Canada The Midwest: Ambrosia Salad "I think it's more of a midwestern dish, but I was forced to try it at a church potluck in Georgia. Weird texture, no taste, and is overall gross."—Anonymous, 30 and Atlanta, GAWhile inclusions vary, it's traditionally a whipped cream-based salad with coconut, mandarins, pineapple, and colorful marshmallows. Maryland: Beaten Biscuits "Beaten Biscuits. I have a neighbor from Maryland; he LOVED it. So awful."—Anonymous, 65, San JoseThe recipe dates back to the start of the 19th century. Reportedly, the name comes from the way the dough has air "beaten" into it, as yeast isn't involved in the recipe (as it was much harder to come by back in the day than it is today). They're described as being harder, drier, and tougher than a classic biscuit, with a more mild flavor. The South: Grits "I'm from the North, a true Yankee, but live in the South now. Anything with GRITS has got to go!!🤢🤮"—AnonymousGrits are essentially a porridge made from ground-up white corn or hominy that's been boiled. Texas: Frito Pie "FRITO PIE here in Austin. Disgusting "—Anonymous, 32, Austin, TexasFrito Pie is a Southwestern casserole made with — you guessed it — Fritos, cheese, beans, enchilada sauce, and seasoned beef. Idaho: Fry Sauce "Anything with fry sauce. Idahoans love to claim this. It's basically just mayo and ketchup, arguably already the two worst condiments. Sometimes, they get wild and add seasoning salt. Disgusting. "—Anonymous, 45, Idaho New York: Pimento Cheese "Pimento cheese, just gross."—laughinggoat523Originating in New York but now popular in the South, Pimento Cheese is made of pimento red peppers (which are more sweet in flavor), cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise. Nebraska: Runza —Anonymous, 34, TexasConsidered a sandwich to some and a pastry to others, Runza is traditionally filled with ground beef, cabbage/sauerkraut, and onions. There's a chain restaurant of the same name in Nebraska known for them. Do you have a regional dish you think is the absolute worst in the U.S.? Tell us what it is and where it's from in the comments or anonymous form below:

25 Disney And Universal Theme Park Essentials
25 Disney And Universal Theme Park Essentials

Buzz Feed

time17 hours ago

  • Buzz Feed

25 Disney And Universal Theme Park Essentials

Hey guys! I'm Samar Hadri, a BuzzFeed shopping writer and Orlando, Florida native 🍊. I've been a Disney World *and* Universal Studios Annual Passholder for well over a decade (I may or may not have even gotten married at Disney 😅), so yeah, I'm something of a theme park expert. These are the products that I've tried and can recommend firsthand to make sure your amusement park experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible. With these products, you can feel prepared for almost any situation that pops up during a full day of trudging through the parks. First things first, a mid-size sling backpack to carry all of your essentials, while being small enough to fit in the pouch of whichever rides you love the most. With several compartments inside the bag, as well as a front pouch on the strap, you can keep everything incredibly organized to cut down on the time it takes for you to dig for your phone for spontaneous photos or sunscreen for your two-hour reapplications. Plus, it even has mesh pockets for your water bottle and umbrella! A reusable rain poncho for the buckets of water that can suddenly, without warning, drop from the Florida skies. With a long body piece and a big hooded cap, this poncho will keep you dry head to toe. It also comes with a matching carrying case so you don't have to worry about lugging a drenched poncho around the park after your excursion down a "waterfall" at Kali River Rapids in Animal Kingdom. A four-pack of cooling towels because that Florida sun can be brutal. Just soak it in some cold water at any sink/water fountain, wring it, and place it on your neck for some much-needed relief! These towels will stay chilly for several hours, saving you from having to refresh in every country you pass through in Epcot. Bonus: each towel comes with a carrying pouch and a carabiner clip, so you can just clip it onto your backpack for easy access! A Disney ear holder that clips onto your backpack for the times when your head is tired of propping up those famous Mickey ears (or new Universal headbands!), but you still want them on public display. With the ability to hold up to two ears, this strap is great for parents when your little ones might be over wearing the ears, and you don't want them to take up any space in your bag. A trendy pair of polarized sunglasses to block out the sun's rays while you're enjoying the weather. No need to fear losing these bad boys while aboard Hagrid's Motorbike Adventure at Universal; these polarized glasses (while cute) are extremely affordable, so you can even keep a backup pair on hand in case Fluffy happens to board your ride and run away with your original pair! A handheld fan that will bring some much-needed cooling relief as you trek your way through your favorite rides. Small and compact, with two different speed functions, this fan is a necessity, especially during the height of summer. No need to let the humidity ruin your day, this FAN-tastic device will ensure your vacation remains as cool as can be. (Plus: the fan also works as a backup portable charger!) And a stroller fan so that your little one stays cool in the heat as well! The fan's head can adjust vertically and horizontally in any direction to create the perfect cooling breeze, while also having three speeds so you can ensure your baby is the perfect temperature. Now, the fear of your child overheating can disappear as swiftly as Peter Pan at the sight of an adult! A four-pack of reusable straws because absolutely nobody enjoys the taste of the soggy paper straws that grace every Disney concession stand and restaurant. This straw is collapsible and fits into a small carrying case, which can also be clipped onto your backpack, making it incredibly convenient to carry without feeling like it's taking up some much-needed space. Absolutely perfect for that midday Pandoran Sunrise you'll be happy to sample at Animal Kingdom. A Body Glide anti-chafe balm you'll want to apply liberally before starting your day at Universal City Walk. The last thing you want during your vacation is any pain halting your ability to walk freely through the parks. With this balm, say goodbye to chafing troubles and say hello to magical relief! And an anti-blister foot balm to ease the pain of walking over 10 miles through four different parks, all in a single day. This will add a layer of protection between you and your shoes so you can skip through Diagon Alley with ZERO pain! Vanish the potential of blisters with this balm — even Hermione herself would be jealous of how magical this product seems! A two-pack of reusable snack bags because sometimes hunger pangs hit right in the middle of a line, when exiting to purchase a bite to eat is pretty much impossible. These bags come with a zippered closure and are made from waterproof fabric, so no need to fear the splatters from Tiana's Bayou Adventure tainting your go-to snack. A foldable water bottle that will take up little space and be the hydrating savior of your park day. Buying several bottles of water while inside the park will get expensive FAST, so having a refillable bottle on hand is key, especially when they can roll into a small size so that they don't take up too much room. A much-needed addition to your park essentials when you find yourself incredibly thirsty while waiting to meet Toothless. A 10-pack of mosquito-repellent bracelets you will be incredibly grateful you packed when love-bug season hits Florida. Powered by essential oils such as citronella, these bands can help repel the pests without the need to douse yourself in bug spray several times a day. No mosquito will dare approach you as you embark on your theme park adventures; these bracelets will help keep the creepy-crawlies far, far away! A tube of Neutrogena Ultrasheer SPF 70 sunscreen to protect your skin from the harsh rays of the sun. This lightweight formula helps prevent sunburn without the heavy finish and is conveniently travel-sized, making it the perfect addition to your pre-Disney routine. With this lotion, the only sun you need to fear is the one that comes barreling toward you on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. A pack of compression socks that can help your circulation, foot swelling, and pain, and make it easier for you to hike across the Magic Kingdom parking lot. You can say goodbye to the days of leg swelling and hello to *sweet* relief as you march countless miles each day of your trip. Don't let the potential pain stop you from having the time of your life at the Happiest Place on Earth! A Color Wow Dreamcoat anti-frizz hairspray to maintain those picture-perfect locks, despite the heat! This spray repels moisture to stop humidity from impacting your hair, leaving your hair feeling smooth and silky. Just spray it liberally on damp, towel-dried hair, then blow dry for the finishing touch. With this spray, your blowout will stay as perfect as Princess Belle herself! A Burt's Bees after-sun lotion perfect for bringing some relief to any sunburns that may occur while you're skipping across Tomorrow Land. With aloe and coconut oil, this skin lotion can soothe and bring hydrating relief to your sun-kissed skin. An Anker portable charger because you will be constantly using your phone to check the wait times, plan ahead with your Genie+, or just playing Charades with your family (or random strangers) while stuck in a line. Don't let its slim exterior fool you; this device is one of the highest reviewed power banks on Amazon for a reason. It can charge a smartphone up to three times while still being light enough to comfortably carry around Hollywood Studios as you search for hidden Mickeys! A pill organizer to keep all of your meds on hand so that you're not trying to dig through your bag for different bottles. With eight multi-size compartments, this carrier can safely store any size pill or vitamin you need. Small enough to fit in your pocket, this organizer will be your saving grace as you attempt to squeeze in just one more plushy from the Emporium into your bag. A travel umbrella designed to block out both the constant Florida showers and the overbearing midday sun. This is a heavy-duty umbrella has eight sturdy fiberglass ribs, making it incredibly wind-resistant, while still being able to fold into a small size. Don't miss your chance to join the line for Pandora's Flight of Passage just because of a little rain, this umbrella will help you make the most of your day no matter the weather! A set of travel perfume carriers that can hold all of your favorite eau de parfums as you make your way around The Isle of Berk. After sweating under the sun for a whole day, you will be happy you packed these sprays so that you can refresh yourself at your convenience. A Miss Mouth's stain remover spray to help wipe away the Mickey Ice Cream Bar residue from your little one's shorts. Designed to remove even the toughest of stains, this spray is a necessity when wrangling your family through the parks while attempting to keep their clothes Instagram-worthy. A three-pack of Disney-inspired lanyards so your family can keep their key cards strapped close to them at all times. With pouches to hold any additional cards or cash, these are great for anyone trying to waltz around Disney without the feeling of being weighed down by a wallet. Perhaps one of the most important items on this list, these ID holders are necessary for those who tend to misplace things more often than not. A pair of aqua socks to protect your feet and save you from any pool slipping incidents while at Typhoon Lagoon or Volcano Bay. Super lightweight and flexible, these socks are perfect for your water excursions during your ultimate Disney vacation! A hand sanitizer holder because you should always have one on hand when you're in a place as crowded as Disney or Universal. Hook these cute keychains to your backpack and don't fear losing them on the monorail, your favorite scented sanitizer is always close by! Ta-da! I declare you ready for your theme park adventure!

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store