32 Products To Fix Annoying Travel Issues
32 Products To Fix Annoying Travel Issues
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32 Products To Fix Annoying Travel Issues

🕒︎ 2025-11-05

Copyright BuzzFeed

32 Products To Fix Annoying Travel Issues

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. 32 Products That'll Fix Those Annoying Travel Headaches So You Can Actually Enjoy Your Vacation Are these portable wipes and soap sheets boring? Yes. Will you be so grateful to have them when you're in a neglected bathroom? Also, yes. 1. An airplane pocket if you want to eliminate the hassle of constantly rummaging through the bag at your feet for the elusive ChapStick. It hangs from (and covers!) the tray in front of your seat and can be pre-packed with all your flight essentials — keeping them all organized so you don't have to quadruple check you're not leaving anything behind. Plus, reviewers say it's unobtrusive and *super* easy to slip back into their personal item! Promising review: "I don't know about you, but I refuse to have anything to do with seat-back pockets on airplanes. They are disgusting and dirty, and how many horror stories have you read about someone who left a phone, tablet, laptop, or goodness knows what else, never to be seen again. On a trip last year, my travel companion brought one of these, and initially I thought it was sort of silly, but by the end of the transatlantic plane ride, I was sold and ordered one to take with me so that I can keep essentials handy, and won't need to pull my backpack out from under the seat when I need something." —Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon $29.99. 2. Some compression bags for anyone who's committed to the thrill of packing two weeks' worth of clothes in a carry-on but struggles to squeeze in all their options. Simply roll these up to get every last bit of air out without the need for vacuums or pumps that you'll have to pack for the return flight. They're especially perfect because reviewers say they hold (and compress!) so much more than regular packing cubes! Promising review: "While planning for trips to Morocco, Greece, and Germany this year, I decided to get more serious about organization and the size of my bag. As advertised, these do cut back on the amount of space in the bag, but I was most surprised by the other benefits. First, it allows me to easily pack in two, three, and four-day increments, each in its own bag. This makes it really easy to put complete outfits in my wife's bag in case mine gets lost. Secondly, I started rolling the clothes as well, which in the bags makes them laid out like crayons. This makes it easy to find specific items without sifting through layers of clothes. Sifting through clothes is a big reason my bag becomes a mess toward the end of the trip. Third, the bags make it really easy to unpack and repack. Finally, everything is well protected from bugs, spills, dust, sand, etc.. I will never travel over extended periods without these bags!" —Amazon Customer Get a set of 12 from Amazon for $17.64. 3. A car trash can to save you from the clutter of food wrappers, receipts, and bottles that accumulate during a road trip. This leak-proof wastebasket can be strapped anywhere you need for quick access and doesn't take up much space, so nobody will have to sacrifice precious leg room. Plus, it has side pockets to hold other trip essentials, like extra bags and wipes! Amazon Promising review: "Should I be this excited about a car trash can? Yes! It’s sturdy, with a leakproof inside, which really comes in handy during long trips. You can fit a lot in this, though not taking up too much room. The velcro bottom is ingenious. It fits perfectly on the floor in front of my front seat middle console. The straps aren’t needed, but will come in handy if I want to move it. Typical store trash bags fit perfectly, and the side pockets are perfect to store more. What a great purchase!" —Kayla Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in eight colors). 4. An adjustable universal seat harness that'll make almost any regular chair kid-friendly, so you and your number one travel companion can both eat in peace. Reviewers mention lots of places abroad (or even their family's homes when visiting for the holidays!) don't have high-chairs, and this is a great way to keep their laps free and kiddo's secure. It's also lightweight and compact when rolled, so you can quickly throw it in your diaper bag. Amazon FYI, this is suited for little ones from the ages of six months and up. Liuliuby is a New York-based small business that specializes in stroller and car seat accessories. Promising review: "This thing was amazing! I give it 10 stars — it fits every type of chair we encountered on our Kenyan vacation! Kept our toddler controlled and made feeding on the go so easy. Very lightweight and packable, a vacation must-have!" —Kireme1 Get it from Amazon for $29.99. 5. A lightweight 2-in-1 straightener and curling iron if you tried preparing for your trip with a TikTok folder filled with heatless-curl tutorials, but still can't quite get it down (the hair goes... what way?). Reviewers say this compact tool does the job nicely for a fraction of the space the full-sized counterparts take up — and it has dual-voltage in case you're traveling abroad! Amazon The complete kit includes the straightener-curler tool, a heat-resistant travel pouch and glove, and two hair clips. Promising review: "I randomly bought this little curling iron/straightener to save space for travel...and after trying it out, I now find myself reaching for it over my big, expensive, full-sized regular curling iron and straightener. It just heats up so fast and does the best job, especially curling. It curls quickly, and the curls last all day, on both regular hair and extensions. If I could change anything about it, it would be to have it in a full-sized version, too, with the same effectiveness. Not sure if one exists, but if it does, I will buy it." —Melanie Get it from Amazon for $41.58. 6. And a powder dry shampoo that'll help your 'do last — because you're not spending vacay time re-doing it every morning. The lightweight formula has cornstarch, which absorbs oil and can be easily blended into the hair, and a sponge applicator for precise and even distribution (unlike aerosol sprays). It's also super compact, so you can throw it in your purse for quick touchups that'll have you oil-free and picture-ready! And since it's non-liquid and non-aerosol, there's no need to worry about TSA! Also, reviewers with dark hair mention it blends in well for them, too. Promising review: "Wow! How did I not know about this product? In this hot and humid weather we’re having, my hair looks awful, but when I can’t wash it, I tried this. WOW! You immediately see results. My hair looked freshly washed. I’m not kidding. I have some expensive spray powders where the nozzle is near impossible to use. This powder couldn’t be easier, and the results are unbelievable." —G. Nesta Promising review: "I love this dry shampoo powder!! I have been using the Batiste spray for many years, but I wanted to try something that would work better for travel purposes. What I love about this product is that you can dab it directly on the oily areas of your hair. It works fairly quickly to absorb the oil, and I found that it lasts longer than the spray with much less mess! Also when I use the spray, if I ran my fingers through my hair they would always come away with a sticky residue. This powder does not do that. My only caution is that sometimes that lid on top of the powder comes loose, so every time I use it I just make sure it's screwed on tight. I will continue buying this in the future. —PurdueGirl Get it from Amazon for $9.88. 7. A super slim travel umbrella because even if you (a self-professed Type A) researched the weather in advance and planned your outfits accordingly, you never know when the universe will be like, "Sike! Torrential downpour!". Reviewers say it's super durable and holds up well against wind and sun. Plus, the designs look super cute in pictures, and it's so lightweight and compact you can just throw it in your crossbody! Psst — the umbrella opens and closes with the press of a button. Promising review: "I bought this umbrella in 2017 and took it on countless trips around the world in super rainy destinations. Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Iceland, Seattle, Canada, basically many classically wet and windy cities. It never blew out on me or broke. The ribs, seven years later, are still holding in place, and the button open/close still works as normal. I surprisingly never lost it despite its small, travel-friendly size. What did stop working after many storms and being rained on is the water-repellant cover. I couldn't find other umbrellas in a similar price point that had all the same features. I kept finding either similar-sized umbrellas with only six ribs (seriously, how did they fit nine on here?) or smaller ones without auto open/close. Finally, I noticed the company had a lifetime guarantee. Lo and behold, within a few hours, someone emailed me back saying that they shouldn't have happened, that they stick by their products, and they would be shipping me a new one. I could not believe how quick and low-hassle their customer service was." —Anthony De Pascale Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in 15 colors and as a two or three-pack). 8. A versatile travel scarf that'll become your wardrobe staple when you realize it isn't just a gorgeous accessory, but also a shawl that'll protect you from the sun (UPF 50+!), a blanket you can use when it gets chilly on a plane, or even a towel or coverup on the beach! Reviewers love how soft and luxurious the fabric feels, and that it's somehow still lightweight (not bulky!) despite its size. Promising review: "I absolutely love this wrap!! It is the perfect weight and size for travel. It didn't leave my side on an 11-day backpack trip through Europe and was used as a scarf, blanket, towel, and wrap all throughout the trip. Fashionable enough to dress up a basic travel day outfit, warm enough to keep away a chill on a cooler night, and light enough to pack away small into a bag or tie around a purse strap. I can't say enough great things! I am buying these as gifts for everyone I know who travels." —Jenn Get it from Amazon for $46+ (available in 11 colors). 9. A set of shoe bags if you don't want the mysterious muck on the bottom of your sneakers staining the one white tee you brought. The reusable drawstring bags are also great to keep on hand — especially if you need somewhere to store your muddy shoes after a hike or wet bathing suit after a day at the beach! Truly one of those simple finds you'll be so happy you bought. Promising review: "Love these! These are sturdy and large. I used them on a recent trip to pack boots and sneakers that I didnt want to touch my clothes. They also came in handy for putting in my backpack on hikes to keep food and drinks separate and safe from leaking. I used one for storing a wet bathing suit after a swim. So many uses and take up little space!" —Amazon Customer Get a pack of five for $5.99+ (available in four colors and as a ten pack). 10. A waterproof electronics organizer with a double-layer design so you'll know exactly where your chargers are — instead of rummaging in your bag, pulling out everything but what you need. It has different slots and compartments to keep your wires tangle-free and a spongey interior to cushion all your gadgets, and reviewers especially appreciate the bright color options so they can quickly spot it in their bag. Promising review: "I really like this organizer — the double-layer design helps me keep all my cables, chargers, and earbuds neatly separated and easy to find. The waterproof material gives me peace of mind when I’m on the go, and the green color is a nice touch that stands out in my bag. It’s compact but still fits a surprising amount of stuff. My only small gripe is that sometimes the zippers feel a bit stiff, but overall it’s a solid and practical organizer that’s perfect for travel or daily use." —Andrew P Get it from Amazon for $7.95+ (available in 3 sizes and 23 colors). 11. A slim Anker portable charger so you never find yourself at the end of the night with a drained battery when GPS, every number you don't have memorized, and the address to your Airbnb are all on your phone. It's ultra-lightweight and high-speed, can charge two devices at once, and actually has enough power for many uses — so you (and your friend!) can take all the photos you want without worry! Anker This charger holds about 2.25 charges for iPhone 12, 1.6 charges for Galaxy S20, and 1.2 charges for iPad Mini 5, and comes with a Micro USB cable (to charge the charger) and a travel pouch. Promising review: "Just got home from 10 days in Paris and this slim little charging bank saved my bacon almost daily. I charged my phone rapidly and on the move, at cafes and on train rides—a full charge only took about 15 minutes, and this bank holds probably 2.5 phone charges. On the flight home, it kept my iPad charged while I watched movies for 10 hours. Even used it to charge my headphones once! Absolute travel MVP." —Farren Stanley Get it from Amazon for $25.99. 12. Luggage-connector straps that'll make life a little easier for all the designated bag holders out there (we thank you for your service). These attach along the tops of your wheeled suitcases to create a train of luggage so you can stroll more smoothly with everything in tow. Reviewers have used these to securely transport five (and even eight) suitcases at once! Promising review: "This thing was a freaking lifesaver! I recently traveled with my disabled mother and my 5-year-old, who had never been on a plane before. I was debating about whether or not to get these because I thought they may be more of a hassle to get on and off through security than they would be worth. Eventually, I decided just to give them a shot. I am SOOOOO glad I did!!! I'll be honest, the setup does take a few minutes, so be ready for that. But once they are strapped together, it's beyond worth the extra time to get yourself together!! We were able to zip through the airport with ease, and I was able to strap my daughter's backpack to my luggage and then pile our jackets and my mother's purse on top of our 'train.' 🤣 I was able to tote ALL of our things by myself with ease! Even my daughter was pulling them around when there wasn't an incline in the floor. Lol. The only thing you need to be careful of when using them is making sure you have the tension just right so bags don't slip down when you start moving or hit a bump. And make sure to make WIDE turns, or you will topple them all over. 😅" —BlueEyedBatman Get it from Amazon for $12.69+ (available in five sizes and with plastic or metal buckle). 13. And a luggage strap because we only have so many hands (and so much patience) before the bag slipping off our shoulder becomes a real big problem. This'll securely hold your items and has an easy clip-in design for quick detaching (because airports = *so* much pressure to move fast 😥). It's also great for holding the sweater that slips off your waist on those daily excursions! Promising review: "I travel frequently and this has been a surprise must-bring for every trip. I got it as an 'eh...maybe it'll come in handy' and it's turned out to be so handy! I normally use it for tethering my water bottle or jacket/sweatshirt to my backpack or purse, but also used it while snorkeling to double-secure my camera pouch. I even used it to better secure my hotel room doors when I stayed in a room where the "lock" on my door was more of a suggestion than functional security. It's also been handy for airport bathroom moments when I need to hang things or attach them to my rolling luggage so they don't touch icky floors. When I'm not traveling, it's become a permanent staple in my work backpack, too. The clips are smooth-functioning. The strap is not stretchy, FYI, but it is adjustable." —Ang Get it from Amazon for $8.49+ (available in five colors and in packs of two). 14. And, aluggage drink caddy to hold your essentials (iced latte, breakfast, emotional support water bottle) while you stay on top of the boarding passes and passports. It attaches right to your luggage handles and can be quickly slipped on and off for max travel efficiency. The airport staff will all definitely agree you're the smoothest traveler they've ever seen — not that we care what they think.... Reviewers say it's ideal for a suitcase that can roll on four wheels! If you have a suitcase that has to tilt while it rolls, just be careful if the drinks are open at the top. Promising review: "Great tool to keep your hands free. I’m a flight attendant and I love this, especially the [hook and loop fastened] 'quick detachment.' It’s the best! I had one before that just stretched over the handle, and it was a PAIN! This one is great. There’s room for two large drinks and a slim pocket for phone or wallet. Many people see it and ask where I got my clever little caddy!" —Debra G Promising review: "This cup holder is perfect! It helps me a lot! Last time I took a plane with a suitcase and a cup of coffee, when it’s my turn to check my passport and ticket, the coffee cup fell to the ground and coffee sprinkled. It was a nightmare! This time I bought this cup holder, and it did do me a favor! I don't have to worry about where my cup and phone are! I can free my hands to do other things. I love it so much! Hope you love it too." —Philip Get it from Amazon for $12.34+ (available in 25 colors and two styles). 15. A neck pillow-eye mask hybrid so you can finally catch some travel zzz's without that awful crick in your neck (or jolting awake when you feel yourself leaning toward the stranger in the middle seat). With 360-degree support, the design is *truly* innovative, and reviewers say it's a comfy solution for arriving at their destination well-rested and jet-lag free. It works by attaching to a plane's (or car's) headrest and uses an eye mask with a thick and contoured 3D design (extra comfort!) to hold your head in place. Just note that for planes, it only works if the seat has a headrest that flaps inward. Promising review: "Our family of three was headed to Japan, 12 hours to Osaka and 9 hours back from Tokyo. We’ve traveled a lot and tried many pillows, neck wraps, etc, over the years. We never like anything. But, these we LOVED! Not only do they keep you from the dreaded head bob shock wake, they provide a blackout mask that makes it dark regardless of whether it’s light, someone’s watching a screen, or the plane has its lights on. I also found that it lessened the noise around me as it covered my ears. We all found it very comfortable, and these will now be our go-to for long flights. The mask and backing are nicely padded. I didn’t find the mask hot or uncomfortable in any way. —wendy g Get it from Amazon for $19.59+ (available in eight colors). 16. An adjustable car tray if you're tired of trying to hold your McGriddle, hash brown, and picante sauce in one hand after making the McDonald's breakfast stop that signals a road trip's officially begun. It tightens into your cup holder and has a swivel top (with a phone holder!) that'll make eating *or* keeping track of your essentials so much easier on those long-haul trips. The 9-inch tray has an arm and base that fits in cup holders between 3.1—4 inches wide. Promising review: "Took a long 500-mile road trip. Love it! Hands-free talking, a place for my phone. Stopped for a bite to eat, and the tray held that burger and fries, and the adjustable cup holder for my drink cup. That swivel table top…I could see this in the armrest in the back for those passengers too! Everyone should have one of these in their life. I’m buying gifts!" —Renelda M Turner Get it from Amazon for $29.90+ (also available with a cup holder). 17. A Tushbaby hip carrier (as seen on Shark Tank!) when you've got an itinerary filled with spots that aren't the most stroller-friendly. This'll securely buckle around your waist and help ease the burning arms and aching back that come with carrying your little one for long stretches of time. Plus, it has a spacious fanny pack in the front *and* various pockets for you to keep all your baby essentials near — no more bulky diaper bags! Psst — it's machine washable. Also, the seller offers a belt extender, and for a hands-free option, a wrap for newborns. Promising review: "Seriously a lifesaver (or at the very least a lower back-saver). Took this on an international trip with my toddler and used it to carry them around any time they didn't want to be in the stroller. The pockets are so spacious — I was able to use this instead of a purse and fit a Ziplock bag with a couple of diapers, wipes, a changing mat, and a spare onesie, as well as my phone, cash, and cards. I cannot tell you how helpful it is to not have a giant diaper bag to contend with when you're trying to change your squirmy toddler in an airplane bathroom the size of a broom closet. It's not a hands-free solution (obviously), but I much prefer it over bulky traditional baby carriers with their million straps and buckles. My one caveat is that if you're a person on the thinner side, you'll probably need someone else to help you pull the strap tight enough for the carrier not to slide down. A good alternative I found was to tie a sweatshirt around my waist and then buckle the carrier on top of that." —A Moff Get it from Amazon for $63+ (available in five colors/designs). 18. Gold Bond's Friction Defense stick because there are fewer things that can kill your vacay vibe like chafing (*shudder*). The stick's formula easily glides onto skin and can be put anywhere where friction occurs, like between thighs and under your clothes or gear. It creates a barrier against chafing without feeling greasy, has aloe to soothe any roughed-up skin, *and* reviewers say it holds up against sweat or getting wet! For anyone who has gone to an amusement park only to end the day with a limping, circular walk, this one's for us. Promising review: "I just did 12 hours at Universal Orlando Epic Universe and this stuff saved me. I used to use deodorant for my [chafing] when I wear a skirt, but this seemed to last longer. I also used it on my feet (I was wearing EVA foam sandals), and I most definitely would’ve gotten blisters if I hadn’t used this stuff. I’ll never do a theme park without this in my bag again." —Susie Get it from Amazon for $6.26. 19. A hanging toiletry bag that can fit so (and I do mean, SO) much stuff *and* hooks anywhere to display it all at once — no more rummaging through a makeup bag or dumping it out on your very limited hotel counter! And when you're finished getting ready, it folds up into an organized, compact bag so you don't have to return to a messy bathroom at the end of the day. Reviewers say the material is durable (even if they pack the bag to its limits) and can be wiped down or washed easily if your makeup spills! Promising review: “A TRAVEL MUST-HAVE. I was looking for a toiletry bag where I could fit all my toiletries plus my makeup in one place. THIS IS THE ONE. Everything fits, and it helps me stay organized when I travel. I can’t imagine traveling without it now. Bonus for all the color options they have! I have both the medium and large. I recommend the medium for a carry-on suitcase. The large in a carry-on takes up half of one side.” —Brenda Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in two sizes and 13 colors). 20. And a set of leakproof toiletry sleeves for your larger bottles because when you land, you want to be "go go go!" — not staying in trying to get the stains out of your clothes when your favorite lotion explodes. These elastics can stretch and mold over most full-sized bottles (minus anything with a pump, tho you can always try separating the top!) and if they catch any leaks, they're super easy to rinse out and reuse. Rinseroo is a small business specializing in problem-solving cleaning, pet, and travel products. Promising review: "These covered various sizes of products — hair care, body wash, etc. Nothing leaked out of these whatsoever, even after a lid popped open during a flight. These prevented it from leaking out on the other contents of my luggage. Easy to use. Not flimsy. Very flexible. LOVE THESE!" —TAG Get a four-pack from Amazon for $11.99 (available in two color sets and also available in an eight-pack). 21. Some compact Tide sink packets because wherever your travels take you, you may not have a washing machine, and a capsule wardrobe is all fine and dandy until the staple plain white tee starts getting some pit stains. Simply squeeze these mini detergents into a sink (each can wash a few items!) for a fresh set of clothes that won't have you spending your daily meal budget on laundering fees. Tide BuzzFeed Shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly is a big fan of these: "Each pack comes with three packets. And, because they *are* liquid, they'll easily slide into the side of your toiletries bag. I've packed these on international trips with much success!" Promising review: "I bought these just in case. I'm the overly prepared type. And then I was sitting there in Florence eating this incredible sandwich for lunch, and it all came pouring out the bottom onto my linen pants. Olive oil, liquid from sundried tomatoes.... FUUUUUUUUDGE. Luckily, we were eating in our room, so I immediately stripped my pants off, put them in the tub, and dumped in two of these Tide packets. We'd packed carry-on only, so I needed these pants frequently! The Tide saved the day. They also came in handy to refresh my husband's socks after walking around in the heat all day. GET THEM. It's an easy pack and a no-brainer." —NolaForever Get three packs from Amazon for $6.39 (available in two scents and other pack amounts). Also, if you're traveling somewhere with a washing machine and want a liquid-free option, check out these detergent sheets! 22. And a lightweight portable travel clothesline so no matter where you are, you won't be plagued by a slightly musty, clothes-didn't-dry-all-the-way smell (iykyk). The lightweight line is made of a stretchy bungee material with hooks on each end for easy looping *and* stoppers that keep everything from bunching in the center. It's perfect for outdoor trips or travels abroad (because fair warning, the rest of the world isn't too keen on dryers). The line measures at 4.6 feet, but can stretch up to 9 feet! It also comes with 12 clips already attached, and a bag for easy storing. Promising review: "I purchased two of these for our RV for camping. Once a year, we camp where we can go crabbing, and I usually get wet. I hung up my wet clothes after we got back to the rig. Then, later that night, we had a heck of a storm. Thunder, lightning, heavy rain, and WIND. The next morning, my clothes were hanging just like I left them. The area was slightly protected but not completely. I also love the positioning beads, which keep the clamps where I want them. It seems quite heavy duty and durable. I definitely recommend." —Jan Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in multicolor or black, a two-pack, or a more ~heavy-duty~ design). 23. A small-but-mighty portable steamer because with last-minute packing (i.e. shoving everything into a bag and hoping for the best), your clothes are going to be in dire need of a refresh. This takes up only a bit of space in your carry-on, and you'll be *so* grateful you have it when you don't need to lug out the ironing board. This mini steamer heats up in about 90 seconds and steams continuously for 15 minutes before needing to be refilled. Promising review: "I was pleasantly surprised by how good this little guy works. I work at a dry cleaners, so I'm super overboard about wrinkles, but I'm traveling to Alaska to be a bridesmaid, and my dress has to go with me. I was thinking ahead and brought this to take so I can make sure my dress doesn't look [wrinkled] the day of. I tested it at home, and this thing heats up QUICK. Like ridiculously quick and puts out a decent amount of steam. Not sure if it would tackle deni,m but for thinner fabrics, it worked great. And honestly, for the price — if I forget it in Alaska, I wouldn't freak out." —Jennifer Get it from Amazon for $24.98+ (available in three colors). 24. An anti-theft backpack — to everyone who says it's too dangerous to wear backpacks in high-pickpocket areas, I present you one with a capital-G Genius design where the zip to the main compartment can't be accessed since it's against your back! And if you need (like in museums), it can also be worn as a shoulder bag! Now your poor shoulder won't have to suffer under the weight of a crossbody for a week. Not only does the backpack open from the back, but it also has a phone pocket, a document pocket, a front zippered pocket, and an exterior side pocket. It's also made of nylon, so it's waterproof. Promising review: "This backpack lasted an entire trip through several airports and layovers, and all across our trip through Europe. It was amazing. Because the main zipper sat against my back, I never worried about getting my items stolen. But I also had the luxury of having the two front zippers that were also surprisingly spacious to hold non-precious items such as water bottles or cheap sunglasses, etc. This backpack is also extremely durable. It was the perfect day pack to gather knick-knacks and souvenirs for friends and family and hold whatever I shoved in it!" —H Bradshaw Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in two sizes and seven colors). 25. Or, some anti-pickpocketing zipper clips that'll upgrade your crossbody and backpack (or suitcase!) and make it *a lot* more difficult for anyone to open them up when you're out and about enjoying the sights. They'll give you extra peace of mind in bustling areas and are the perfect way to make the bags you already own (which may not have safety features built in) feel more secure without the need to drop $$$ on a new one. Amazon Promising review: "Perfect to keep zipper closures secure on our sling bags during our recent trip to London. We had heard there can be a lot of pickpocket activity around downtown London, so we grabbed these to ensure no one could easily unzip our sling bags while walking and doing tourist stuff. Just difficult enough not to be easy for a scammer, but easy enough for us to use when we wanted to access pockets of the bags." —K. Schmitt Get a four-pack from Amazon for $12.99 (available in three colors or a mix). 26. A set of silicone earplugs for anyone who desperately chews gum in an attempt to stave off that icky feeling of pressure in their ears during flights or road trips. These "Earplanes" twist firmly into your ear, and reviewers say they truly help make their travel more comfortable — especially because they help reduce noise around them, too! It is recommended not to reuse after two flights because pollen, dust, and moisture reduce effectiveness. Promising review: "This product has changed my life. I travel fairly frequently and always have issues with ear pressure on the plane. My ears will be clogged up, and it is painful to swallow for a day or two after short-distance flights. But now, I use these and fly incident-free. You are supposed to insert them before the plane takes off and then before landing. I have found that it works best if I leave them in the entire flight from before takeoff until landing, but they work almost as well if you take them out once you reach cruising altitude." —Thomasina Get a pair from Amazon for 7.89 (also available in packs of three, five, and ten). 27. A pack of body wipes when you're traveling somewhere with limited showers, need to clean off that icky feeling after a long flight, or just want to quickly freshen up before dinner after a day of sweaty sightseeing. These wipes have an oh-so-refreshing blend of antibacterial and soothing ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, and oatmeal to help keep your skin hydrated while reducing grime. Reviewers love how large they are (12x12!), how gentle they feel on sensitive skin, and best of all, that they do 👏 not 👏 tear. The wipes are free from alcohol, sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fibers. Promising review: "I recently went on a week-long camping road trip where I was outside all day and didn't have access to a shower. I used these at the end of the day, and I was really happy with how they worked. The 12x12 size is great and is much easier to use than small wet wipes. One was generally enough for the entire body. They didn't leave a residue, and I felt clean afterwards. I didn't feel sticky and there was no noticeable smell. They would be kind of heavy for backpacking but they were perfect for canoe or car camping. I'll buy them again." —WP Promising review: "I have tried countless wipes and these are my favorite. They are nice and big, and the grapefruit scent is fresh but not overpowering. They keep me shockingly fresh for quite a long time. I wasn’t expecting them to be so long-lasting. And so far they seem to be working fine for my sensitive skin. 🤞" —M Get it from Amazon for $14.95 (available in three scents or unscented, and in a 20 or 40 count). 28. And a pack of all-purpose wipes — if you've never been caught in a mayday bathroom situation, take a moment to thank your lucky stars. These are unscented and gentle on skin, and come in an ultra-portable package (about the size of a credit card!) so you'll never have to worry about stopping at a neglected gas station during your road trip and finding yourself in desperate need of some TP. These wipes are hypoallergenic, paraben-free, plastic-free, and alcohol-free. Also, though they're marketed as bathroom wipes, reviewers use them for everything! Promising review: "I Just completed a two-week trip through India. They use a water sprayer, instead of toilet paper, in most places. This product was a life saver. The package is small enough to carry in a small size purse. The wipes are soft, clean well, and are of good, thick quality. I highly recommend this product. Definitely will buy again." —Christy d. Get eight packs from Amazon for $9.99+ (each pack contains six wipes; also available in 24 and 48 packs). 29. And a pack of antibacterial soap sheets because if the pitstop has no toilet paper, they're definitely also leaving you to wash your hands with nothing but some water and a dream. With these, it's no problem — simply grab a sheet, add some water, and it'll dissolve into a perfectly sudsy lather. Plus, reviewers say they don't dry out their hands (unlike the hand sanitizer you'd be forced to use otherwise). Promising review: "My partner and I love parks and walking trails. Unfortunately, the public restrooms often have zero soap (sometimes no TP either, but that's a different product). Carrying a container of liquid soap isn't feasible, as several tragically retired mini-backpacks could verify, and bars of soap in containers take up more room than I want to mess with (and leak/drip water, in some cases). I found these while searching for a portable TP option for my mini-pack, and couldn't click 'Add to cart' fast enough. Used one for the first time in a park bathroom (no soap, no surprise) and it was divine. The razor-thin sheet instantly dissolved into a soapy gel with water, foaming nicely and emitting very little scent. It rinsed clean and didn't dry my hands out like most public soaps do. I still have 99 amazing little soapy miracles in the tin...it's almost too good to be true." —M Norton Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in four fragrances and as a pack of three). 30. A Tessan universal travel adapter that'll take all the thought out of charging your essentials (because you've got other things to worry about, like how the heck to get to the Airbnb). This little powerhouse works in over 200 countries and can plug in up to six devices at once (watch out for max watts, tho!), truly living by the motto "no device left behind". And it does it all while being a super portable little cube! Amazon The adapter has 3 USB-A ports, 2 USB-C ports, and a universal AC outlet that plugs electronics from the US, EU, UK, and AU. Also, this adapter does not convert voltage (i.e., your Dyson *will* short circuit). I studied in Rome for a summer, and this adapter became an ol' reliable for charging all my school supplies. I would normally charge around three devices at once, and it worked perfectly for my phone, tablet, laptop, portable chargers, and iPad pen! It's super fast — so even if I fell asleep doing homework one night and drained my iPad's battery, I would wake up and plug it in to charge, and it would be ready to go by the time I left. It's also compact and reduces a lot of clutter (especially in a dorm room, or train!) and even after eight weeks of summer adventuring (including Paris, where it worked perfectly too) it was still going strong! It's just a consistent lil' tool, and I've continued to use it on US trips to plug several things in at once in hotels. Promising review: "I initially bought this for a train/road trip and have absolutely fallen in love with it. I can charge my iPhone, iPad, ear buds, and Fitbit all at once. Makes it really easy when traveling with others because you end up just using one plug. Really useful on Amtrak. Good for international travel as well. I would highly recommend getting it. I take it on all trips and use it at home." —Katherine Decker Get it from Amazon for $24.42 (available in seven colors/styles). If you're searching for a travel adapter with a voltage converter, this one is a travel-friendly option! 31. A mini handheld fan — the ultimate travel find that solves not one, not two, but three problems! You're overheating in a stuffy plane? No prob, turn on those (quiet! powerful!) blades. It's hour five of sightseeing, and your phone's out of juice? Oh, it's also a portable charger. You take an evening hike and the sun goes down a little *too* fast? Yeah, it's a flashlight too (and brighter than a phone)! It does everything so well, you may even experience a divine awakening, like one reviewer did. The mini fan has up to 19 (!!) hours of cooling time and two speed settings. Also, if you were wondering, only the USB-A port can be used to charge your device —the USB-C only works to charge the fan itself. Promising review: I travel a lot as a travel attendant, and I will not even leave the house without my fan! I use this on all my flights, especially during boarding. It’s great for hot flashes too! I only charge my fan maybe once a month at most! I even went to Guatemala for a week and forgot to bring my charger, and let me tell you, that fan lasted me the whole trip! So many of my passengers ask me about this wonderful device, and I have sent the link to so many friends and family." —1SG JC Get it from Amazon for $17.99 (available in eight colors). 32. A pack of Apple AirTags, which became a necessary purchase for me after one too many horror stories of airlines losing people's luggage. These have a super accurate tracking system and reviewers love them in their suitcases, bags, wallets, or even pinned to their kids — because those bustling airports and train stations are no joke. Now, if you land at home and find that your belongings are still overseas, you can let the airline know exactly where they are and watch as they journey back to you. Promising review: "This has been a great investment for keeping track of my essentials, and they really proved their worth during a recent trip. When the Atlanta airport was severely disrupted due to freezing weather in Dec. 2022, the baggage system was completely disrupted, and it seemed like chaos with tens of thousands of bags separated from travelers. Thanks to the AirTag I had placed in my checked bag, I knew exactly where my bag was, and I could tell they were unlikely to be able to return my bag to me prior to my rescheduled flight two days later. Knowing this, I proceeded on to Bangkok without wasting time waiting for bags that would not be delivered to me prior to the flight. Days later, when I was notified my bags finally made it to Thailand, I was able to quickly locate my bags in the piles of separated bags at the airport using the "Find My" app. Beyond travel, these AirTags are so handy for keeping track of everyday items like keys and backpacks. They’re compact, easy to set up, and the battery life is long-lasting. I appreciate that replacing the battery is simple and doesn’t require special tools, and the battery is a standard model you can purchase anywhere. If you’re looking for a reliable way to keep track of your belongings, especially when traveling, this 4-pack is definitely worth it. Highly recommend!" —Dennis_F Get a pack of four from Amazon for $79.99. For a tracker that's compatible with Samsung, check out the SmartTag2, and for one that's compatible with all devices, try Tile by Life360! Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity. Why Trust BuzzFeed Shopping? BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

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