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Sep 18, 2023

31 Travel Products Reviewers Say Are A Necessity

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

A portable door lock, a popular travel pillow, waterproof shoe bags, and other things reviewers recommend getting before your big trip.

BuzzFeed Staff

Here's why BuzzFeed shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly loves this:

"^ That's me pumping my signature perfume into one of these travel atomizers I've been using for about a year. As the reviewer down below mentions, it's great to just throw in your purse on the reg for a fragrance re-up throughout the day. As you can see, it's about the size of my thumb and therefore takes up very little room. Plus! It's smaller than most rollerball travel fragrances you can pick up. This first one is working so well, that I just have the other three in storage. But if this one bites the dust this summer during travels, I'll be OK about digging into my stores to use one of the remaining three...especially at this price point."

Promising review: "I never want to take my nice perfumes traveling, because I'm scared of them leaking, braking, etc. But these bad boys work amazing. They work so well for on the go, whether it's to throw in your purse or in your suitcase!!! Definitely a necessity." —Mica krone

Get a four-pack from Amazon for $8.99.

It's the perfect size to hold phones or wallets, and easily carry in your beach or tote bag.

Promising review: "This safe has become a MUST-HAVE on all our vacations. We no longer travel without it. We put two iPhones, cash, and car keys in this little safe, locked it to a beach cabana, threw a towel over it and took off for a hour of snorkeling. Never once worried about our belongings. We now use several of these as room safes AND as 'hide a key' lockboxes outside our vacation condo for teens who come and go throughout the day. They are invaluable!" —KeepIT Reel

Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in two colors).

Promising review: "Travel essential. I really love this — it's great for the plane and travel. Really comfy, but firm foam, and the wire makes it easy to adjust and keep its shape." —Liz B.

Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in two sizes and seven colors).

Promising review: "Travel essential. I don't travel without these! We need makeup wipes on the go WITHOUT the bulky regular sized packs. The individuals are so cute and small. They fit in your pocket! " —Amina G.

Get a pack of 20 from Amazon for $6.49.

It even has spots where you can write out where you're going and for how long, what the weather's gonna be like, if you have any special events planned, and more so you can make sure you're prepared for everything!

Promising review: "If you travel often for business or pleasure this is the list for you! It helps me to plan ahead for my trips and even has a cute little section to write in the number of days and weather for my destination! This list has become essential for every trip I take!" —Kpille1

Get it from Amazon for $7 (available in three colors/styles).

Promising review: "As a flight attendant, I always need wipes. These small packs are great for putting in your purse and having on the go. The bundle pack is a great value." —SJ1326

Get 10 packs of 20 wipes each from Amazon for $19.70.

Here's why BuzzFeed editor Abby Kass loves this:

"My mom and I both used these when we went to Paris in January 2020 and loved them. They're super convenient to use and since we visited in the winter, we actually kept them under our coats, so nobody (especially pickpockets) could see them. I like how nice the case and strap looked and that I could hold my phone out over the ledge of the Eiffel Tower ledge for an epic sunset shot, and not worry about it falling to its death. Plus, the attached wallet is perfect to stash a credit card, ID, and even a subway ticket. Can you see it chilling at my side in the right photo? Yep, that's where it was the entire trip and will be every other trip I take."

Promising review: "Perfect for phone, card, ID, and cash on the go! I wasn't sure how I’d feel about this, but now that I’ve had it for a while, I can't imagine not having one now. Must-have!" —Cathy Casas

Get it from Amazon for $98+ (available in five iPhone sizes and three color combinations).

Promising review: "Perfect, discrete, and secure. High quality and sturdy. Holds a good amount of cash and cards. A must-have for travel." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $16.03 (available in two colors).

Promising review: "Essential for air travel! This gadget is a must-have if you are traveling by air. It's simple to use and seems to be accurate (the weight measured on the airline scale always matches the weight on this scale). Overweight baggage fees are annoying and expensive. This handy little device eliminates any worries about extra baggage fees." —Jennifer McKinney

Get it from Amazon for $10.99 (available in eight colors and a pack of two).

Promising review: "Every traveler should have this! I loved how all my toiletries were able to fit without being cramped. A must-have for the avid traveler!" —RBurg

Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in 11 colors).

Promising review: "Must-have for travel! I took my first solo trip, and ordered this for extra security. It was super easy to install, and didn't require me to leave my hotel door ajar for an extended amount of time for installation. My hotel door didn't even move when I tested out the lock. 10/10 recommend for peace of mind." —Haley Gribble

Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (also available in multipacks).

Here's why BuzzFeed shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly loves this:

"~Trust me~ when I tell you that these will work in a pinch. I bought them a few years ago to take on a bachelorette party to New Orleans, and everyone in the Airbnb was grateful I did. Since then, I've always had them in my carry-on bag when going on a trip. They REALLY came in handy when I went to the Greek islands for 10 days with an apparent mission to eat every piece of seafood and cheese within sight while washing it down with jugs of wine. These are powder in small individual packets, so they're so easy to pack! And also you don't have to lug around a bottle of Gatorade to feel better."

Promising review: "Must-have for a traveling medicine bag. Same great product as in the liquid form, but with the advantage of being easy to pack and transport — and no worries about TSA." —Action Jackson

Get a 24-count from Amazon for $25.59 (also available as a pack of eight).

It folds up so small that it was awarded a Guinness World Record in 2014 for the most compact stroller. It can hold kids who weigh up to 55 pounds and only weighs 9.5 pounds.

Promising review: "Travel essential. I purchased this stroller for a recent trip to Canada. It was a lifesaver traveling through the airport because it is so easy to get through security, and you don't have to worry about gate checking as it is small enough to carry on. During our trip, we used public transportation at times, and we ate out a lot, and it was so easy and convenient to have under a chair or table. It's also lightweight to carry when my son decides he wants to walk, though he loves sitting in the stroller and is quite comfortable. I love that it easily reclines, and he even took a nap in it while being pushed on a dirt trail. We were mostly on concrete but also took the stroller on some easy/flat trails, and it did quite well. The basket is small but handy. All in all, I highly recommend this for travel and everyday use. I got many compliments and comments about this stroller!" —Matthew Gonzalez

Get it from Amazon for $199.95+ (available in two styles and colors).

The charger can be used in Europe, the UK, US, Australia, Canada, Russia, Asia, Central America, South America, and the Middle East.

Promising review: "If you travel a lot, especially internationally, this is a must-have because you have every kind of adapter on one plug and don't have to worry about constantly buying a certain adapter every time you travel to a different country. This has it all." —Abby Santiago

Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (available in four colors).

Each pack comes with bandages to fit your heel, toe, and foot. People who wear heels also recommend these!

Here's why BuzzFeed writer Emma Lord loves them:

"As a blister-prone human, I swear by these. A few years ago, before I invested in these running socks that prevent blisters, I got a blister on my big toe so unspeakably large and painful that I am cringing even TYPING about it, and no amount of rest from running seemed to heal it; it just kept coming back. I finally used one of these bandages, and the pain was virtually gone from the moment I put it on. It was also so airtight that nothing got inside, and it didn't loosen in the shower. You're supposed to take it off when it loses adhesive so it can come off gently without disturbing the blister if it hasn't fully healed yet. After using two of these in a row over the course of a week and a half, my blister was finally healed up enough that it stopped coming back."

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 than 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 multiple days through showers. I’ll never travel without these again." —Paul Hinman

Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in four types of packs).

Plus, it folds down flat when not in use for easy packing.

Promising review: "A friend recommended this to me as a vital travel companion, now that I've returned to frequent flying. I initially thought of it as a novelty, but now that I've used it, it's a necessity. It keeps the workspace clear for my laptop, but it also organizes all the little pieces that can become so annoying to keep up with — glasses, earphones, etc. It got my seat mate's immediate attention, as well as a few other folks nearby. I suspect they'll have one soon. Watch for one soon in a window near you!" —Timothy G. Wolfe

Get it from Amazon for $17.99.

Promising review: "Morning espresso essential for travel. Great product for producing a good coffee when traveling. I am an espresso drinker, and this meets my need first thing in the morning. Using Nespresso capsules keeps it clean and simple, which is just what I want when traveling." —Joanna Verdeja

Get it from Amazon for $54.90 (and here are some Nespresso pods to go with it).

It's recommended for kids ages 3–7 and fits most standard economy seats. Plus, it has an adjustable strap so you can carry it over your shoulder, a top handle, and a mattress inside that can be removed and used while in the flight. Parents have even used this product while in the airport waiting for the flight to keep their kids comfy and happy.

Promising reviews: "This is essential for travel. The easiest way to help your young child deal with travel." —Kris Menard

"Traveling with a toddler is always a challenge but comfort is key and this little magic package makes the airport trip that much smoother. We can store small toys, pillow, and one throw blankets for our family of three. Great idea and great buy. We will be using this until it breaks." —TifferTheTrend

Get it from Amazon for $229 (available in four colors).

Promising reviews: "Great essential to have when traveling or on-the-go! Not to mention the soap smells amazing! Also includes two razor blades. Great value." —Myles Allbee

Get it from Amazon for $14 (available in two colors).

Promising review: "I’m a flight attendant and I travel A LOT! This is a game changer! Folds up super small in the cute bag they provide and really makes a difference when on those long flights. The people in front of me had no idea I was using it. Thanks for the great product!!!" —sarah rubin

Get it from Amazon for $21.99 (available in two colors).

Promising reviews: "This is an essential item. especially for travelers." —Nadia Khan

"I love this bag for travel. It's the perfect size. Unlike so many travel laundry bags, this one is the perfect size for clothes and undies. So many are too small like a lingerie bag or too big like a bag to take to the laundry mat. This is cute and folds up into itself." —N. Newman

Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in seven colors).

Promising review: "This is great for travel, and keeps all my shoes separated from my clothes! This is a must-have travel item for me!" —Hannah

Get a set of two from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in six colors and packs of four).

Promising review: "Very happy with this holder. It has multiple configurations. I originally got it for plane travel, but find myself using it every day at work, school, while cooking, and taking it with me to the gym. So happy I got it. Very sturdy, and great quality. I'll be getting a couple more for friends and family. P.S. this is a must if you travel a lot!!!!!!" —Mila

Get it from Amazon for $12.99.

All it is is a hood attached to a vest you wear under *any* jacket to protect yourself (and your hair) from whatever the weather has planned.

Promising review: "LOVE this hood! I've been looking for something like this for a long time — what a great idea!! Most of my coats and jackets don't have a hood, and this is the best way to keep my hair dry when wearing them. My hair frizzes like crazy if even one drop of rain hits it (or fog or wind) so this is definitely a must have for my wardrobe and life. I really like the way it looks too - like wearing a hoodie under a jacket but it's not bulky or hot. I can throw it in my purse or pocket and it's there to keep my hair just the way I like it. Love it, love it, love it!!!" —Terry

Get it from Amazon for $29 (available in two sizes).

Promising reviews: "A true travel essential! I’m obsessed with these travel straps, and they’ve made keeping my luggage organized an absolute MUST!" —Suzanne

"This is seriously so useful for traveling. I bought this last year and used it on my two Europe trips — six different countries and lots of bus, train, and plane journeys, and it made my life so much easier. I hooked it to my book bag and hooked my neck pillow, collapsible umbrella, and reusable water bottle to it. I even hooked my parka through it some. 110% recommend. It is super sturdy, and I never had any issues with it even with me dragging it along with all the stuff hooked to it." —Logan

Get it from Amazon for $8.49+ (available in six colors).

The set includes one spray bottle, two pump bottles, two mini jars, three flat pouch bottles, one reusable travel pouch, one mini funnel, one mini spatula, and one mini pipette — and they're all TSA-approved!

Promising review: "Travel essentials. I used this kit on my last trip. The whole kit is perfect. No problems with TSA." —Pencils27

Get it from Amazon for $9.59+ (available in two colors).

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 colors).

Plus, it's made out of durable and water-resistant fabric.

Promising review: "I got the blush-colored bag. It is such a pretty neutral color. I packed it in my overnight bag to have an extra bag for shopping. It came in handy when I needed it! I put my water and light sweater in there. Also, I put my shopping items in there also instead of carrying extra store bags that leave a mark on you wrists. This little bag zips up compact and will always be a necessity when traveling anywhere! I highly recommend getting one!" —Nubia C.

Get it from Calpak for $35 (available in 19 styles).

Promising review: "This footrest pillow is essential for those who travel very long distances. It is not only uncomfortable but unhealthy to leave feet dangling down for many hours or days at a time while traveling. I purchased this pillow to situate between my airplane seat and the seat in front of mine. It is wonderful to be able to prop my feet up, with bent knees, while watching movies or sleeping. I regularly fly the same route that is about 30 hours (including layovers), and when I am unable to get a seat upfront, this footrest pillow keeps me more comfortable at the back of the plane." —Yvonne N

Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in four colors and a pack of two).

Promising review: "I was tired of fumbling around in my cosmetics case and saw this. I was skeptical, but...WOW! On my recent two-week trip to Europe, with constant laying out and packing up, this item was wonderful. I could find what I wanted quickly, right away. Packing up was just a matter of pulling the drawstring. At first I wasn't sure about changing to this bag, but now I could not do without it." —Mojosharkey

Get it from Amazon for $29.95+ (available in three sizes and 32 colors and patterns).

Plus, it has a hidden pocket inside the kangaroo pocket to safely hold your valuables (phone, keys, headphone case). Reviewers do say it has an oversized fit, so size down if you want a closer fit.

Pond Los Angeles is an Asian- and woman-owned small business that creates bags and clothing perfect for traveling.

Promising review: "I am so obsessed with this sweatshirt. It has made traveling, long car trips, and just wanting to be able to snuggle up and nap on the couch so much easier and nicer. I have convinced all of my friends that they absolutely need a sweatshirt like this for when they travel! I highly highly recommend it" —Alexandra M.

Get it from Pond Los Angeles for $128 (available in women's sizes XS–XL; also available in oak and rose).

Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Promising review: Promising review: Never once worried about our belongings. Promising review: Promising review: Promising review: Promising review: Promising review: Promising review: Promising review: This handy little device eliminates any worries about extra baggage fees Promising review Promising review: Promising review: Promising review: Travel essential. It was a lifesaver traveling through the airport because it is so easy to get through security, and you don't have to worry about gate checking as it is small enough to carry on. Promising review: If you travel a lot, especially internationally, this is a must-have I got a blister on my big toe so unspeakably large and painful that I am cringing even TYPING about it, I finally used one of these bandages, and the pain was virtually gone from the moment I put it on. After using two of these in a row over the course of a week and a half, my blister was finally healed up enough that it stopped coming back Promising review: Wore these for 10 days in Europe and had zero issues, total comfort, left them on for multiple days through showers Promising review: It keeps the workspace clear for my laptop, but it also organizes all the little pieces that can become so annoying to keep up with — glasses, earphones, etc. Promising review: Promising reviews: Promising reviews: Promising review: Folds up super small in the cute bag they provide and really makes a difference when on those long flights. Promising reviews: Promising review Promising review I originally got it for plane travel, but find myself using it every day at work, school, while cooking, and taking it with me to the gym P.S. this is a must if you travel a lot!!!!!! Promising review Promising reviews: I hooked it to my book bag and hooked my neck pillow, collapsible umbrella, and reusable water bottle to it. I even hooked my parka through it some. Promising review: Promising review: The baby didn't get overheated inside and was a happy camper since he could see through it Promising review: I put my water and light sweater in there. Also, I put my shopping items in there also instead of carrying extra store bags that leave a mark on you wrists Promising review: this footrest pillow keeps me more comfortable at the back of the plane Promising review: I could find what I wanted quickly, right away At first I wasn't sure about changing to this bag, but now I could not do without it. Promising review: I have convinced all of my friends that they absolutely need a sweatshirt like this for when they travel!
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