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27 Things That Will Help You Pack Smarter And Lighter For Your Next Trip
The 50-pound suitcase limit will NOT be sneaking up on you this time.
1. A collapsible silicone water bottle that rolls up in a tiny package, making it perfect for when you want to stay hydrated but still save some space in your bag when the water runs out. It’ll sure beat shelling for pricey water bottles at the airport — they’ve taken enough money from you already.
Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed
BuzzFeed Editor Elizabeth Lilly loves this bottle and has this to say:
“I bought this water bottle before a 2.5-week trip to Vietnam (where you don’t drink tap water) and Malaysia (where you do). I didn’t want to bring one of my ride-or-die S’well bottles because it would take up extra room in my bag when I wouldn’t be able to use it during the majority of the trip. This handy silicone bottle did just the trick! It’s very easy to roll up and *stays* rolled up thanks to the just-stretchy-enough loop. Said loop was also very handy while walking through airports and just around sightseeing. The bottle is easy to clean and doesn’t make my water taste weird. I’m now using it as my daily water bottle and feel confident it’ll serve me well for a long time. Plus! With a collapsible water bottle, it’s easier to remember if you left water in it before you go through security.”
Promising review: “Overall, I really like this bottle! The color is nice, and you can see through it. The lid is secure, with no leaking. I like the compact size that it folds up into. The material seems durable and thick. This is perfect for camping or hiking. It’s annoying to take a big stainless steel cup when being active. The clip seems to work great.” —Andrea
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $8.98+ (available in three sizes and 10 colors).
2. A set of Tide sink packs if you’re adamant about only bringing a carry-on but also adamant about not wearing dirty socks. Now you can wash your clothes in the hotel sink and avoid wasting valuable vacation time at the laundromat.
Tide
Promising review: “Game changer for travel! We were gone for two weeks, and I was able to wash all the clothes I had packed! Helped with using only a carry-on for the trip and kept my clothes fresh and clean! So easy to use and smelled nice! Will never travel without them again!” —Kristy
Get three packs from Amazon for $6.85+ (available in two scents, two sizes, and four pack sizes).
3. A wireless transmitter that’ll connect your AirPods (or any other wireless headphones) to the headphone jack on the flight so you can get access to the free entertainment without having to use those tinny-sounding earbuds they offer during flights. If you were only planning on bringing your heavy laptop for entertainment purposes, maybe now you don’t have to!
The standard edition allows you to connect one pair of headphones and lasts for 20+ hours on a single charge. It also comes with a USB-C charging cable, travel pouch, keychain holder, quick-start guide, and a manual.
Promising review: “This product worked flawlessly! I travel often for work, and hated that I couldn’t use my Apple AirPods on the airplane to watch in-screen entertainment movies, until I discovered the AirFly Pro. I paired these with a dummy device before traveling in order to create the initial connection. Once I got on the airplane, I plugged the AirFly Pro transmitter into the headphone jack, turned on my AirPods, and it instantly connected. I would happily recommend these again. Thanks again!” —Bill
Get it from Amazon for $23+ (available in four colors and five styles).
4. Stasher scrunchies with hidden pockets so you can keep tiny valuable literally at arm’s length while you cruise through security or shuffle through the subway. Everyone is gonna be so impressed when you pull out a lip balm from your ponytail.
Promising review: “LIFE CHANGER. I don’t have to bring my whole purse with me anymore. This fits so much more than expected and the colors are perfect. The blue especially is beautiful. Good quality.” —Tia
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $11.99 (available in two colors).
5. A Munchkin Sparrow designed to be the perfect travel stroller. It’s super lightweight (under 13 pounds), thin enough to maneuver over narrow sidewalks, and folds up into a tiny square that can easily be slipped into an overhead bin or behind a train seat. Babies and toddlers will enjoy the mesh headrest, sun shade, and bottom basket for their essentials.
It even comes with a handy carrying case!
Promising review: “I love this stroller! After years of hauling around a bulky, full-size stroller for all four of my kids, the Munchkin travel stroller has been a breath of fresh air. It’s compact and lightweight, so it’s perfect for quick errands, airport travel, or theme park days when I don’t want to push around a tank. It folds up easily, fits in the trunk with room to spare, and still feels sturdy and smooth when we’re on the go. My toddler is comfy in it, and I actually don’t dread dragging a stroller around anymore. Such a great change of pace from my giant stroller! Highly recommend. 🙌” —Jess L
Get it from Amazon for $175.99.
6. A Hackwith Design House shirt you can wear *five* different ways (or more if you get creative), depending on how you tie it. Get five styles for the suitcase space of one — genius!
Hackwith Design House
Hackwith Design House is a woman-owned small business that creates made-to-order apparel. This shirt can be worn as a V-neck, off-the-shoulder, boatneck, V-back, and even open as a jacket. And the color is simple, which means it can be paired well with many different bottoms.
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Chelsea Stuart says: “I have this shirt and I *love* it. All credit for its discovery goes to TikToker @jennifer.bianca who I happened to stumble across on my FYP. It checks all my boxes: black, comfortable, versatile, and durable. My initial worry was that I wouldn’t feel secure in it (I have a 38DDD chest and most wrap tops/dresses I’ve tried haven’t stayed where they’re supposed to), but I haven’t had an issue with this! I’ve worn it tied in the front giving me a square neck (like the middle picture) and tied in the back giving me a V-neck up front (just like the photo on the right) — both were super comfortable, and I didn’t have to adjust myself at all. As someone whose weight fluctuates, I also appreciate that this piece can handle pounds gained and lost. The fabric is medium weight, so I’ll be wearing it season to season, and there’s just enough elasticity in the arms that if you roll up your sleeves, they won’t fall back down. All that is to say trust that I will be buying additional colors!”
Get it from Hackwith Design House for $145 (available in women’s sizes XS–4X and three colors).
7. A teeny-tiny razor for travelers who like to shave on the move. The kit comes with an extra five-blade razor and a travel case.
Promising review: “The perfect razor for traveling! Easy to use and very practical, totally recommend it; the razors might be a little expensive, but at least you don’t have to change the whole razor every time.” —Maria Claudia
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
8. A bunch of Sriracha packets to help make the bland airplane food taste sliiiiightly more edible without having to bring a whole bottle on board (not that TSA would let you 😒).
Amazon
Promising review: “I travel extensively and often desire to spice up the food along the way. Carrying a bottle of hot sauce is precarious, so I welcomed these individual packets, which are TSA-compliant and easily packed.” —Randy Becker
Get a pack of 50 from Amazon for $12.99 (also available in a pack of 200).
9. A universal power adapter that works in over 200 different countries so you don’t have to pack a gazillion different converters on your multi-country trip. Travel the globe and keep your gadgets juiced up! It has a regular plug and both USB-A and USB-C ports, so you can charge several devices at once.
This gadget converts outlets; for actual voltage conversion, you’ll need a separate device. (See next slide.)
Promising review: “After my passport, the item I must not forget when traveling! I’m writing this as I wait for my next flight. I’ve used this travel adapter countless times in North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. I’ve given some away as gifts because of the huge value it has for frequent travelers. It’s compact and useful… The different USB ports save you the need to carry socket adapters for your gadgets.” —tf
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in six colors)
10. And a travel voltage converter to keep straighteners and other finicky devices from catching fire or blowing a fuse. Not all countries offer the same voltage, so do your research! This handy, easy-to-pack gadget converts 220/240V to 110/120V, allowing you to use American electronics in countries like the United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, Thailand, and more (150+ countries!).
Promising review: “Hands-down, a super converter that can be used at home or abroad. It worked great on all the countries we went to on a six-week vacation. I can use my fav 110-volt flat iron and hot curlers now instead of the low-performing 220-volt versions I was forced to buy for Europe, etc. The two plugs and USB outlets allow for different uses, and only one wall plug is needed. We use this at home as well for charging several devices. The drawstring travel bag helps keep all of the items together for quick unpacking and use. I won’t travel outside the house without it. Neither should you.” —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $33.98 (available in two colors).
11. A sports and yoga tank with a built-in padded bra because two-in-one pieces are essential when you’re trying to maximize suitcase space. Bonus: Reviewers compare the buttery soft fabric to Lululemon.
Reviewers recommend ordering one size up for a more comfortable fit.
Promising review: “It’s very comfortable for working out and traveling, too! It looks great on. I’m a small in tops, but I ordered a medium, and it fits perfectly fine. It’s super comfortable, not super fitted, but just about right.” —Kevin Shah
Get it from Amazon for $21.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and 25 colors).
12. A digital luggage scale so there are no surprises when it’s time to check your bag. Nothing more annoying than having to wear three sweaters and two hats while carrying an extra pair of shoes onto your flight.
You can also switch between pound and kilogram measurements.
Promising reviews: “I cannot imagine how we would have managed a big international trip without this. It saved us so much stress and, I’m sure, surprise charges at the airport.” —Potter Freak
“This scale works and was accurate on four flights. The first flight was a test at 46 pounds, and Delta scales said it was 46 pounds. The next two flights were at 49 pounds, and both United and Delta found it to be 49 pounds. The bag on the fourth flight weighed 49, but the United scale found it to be 48 pounds. Four different airports and scales proved that this scale is a good, low-cost, must-have item for air travel.” —Robert
Get it from Amazon for $7.91+ (available in four colors and also a two-pack).
13. A school-inspired 4-in-1 makeup pen with everything you need — eyeliner, highlighter, lip liner, and eyebrow filler — so you can free up some space in your bag.
This thing has all the benefits of four makeup items and all the fun of those four-color clicky pens. Click to your heart’s content and travel with a lighter load. Alleyoop is a woman-owned small business that specializes in functional makeup products.
Promising review: “I bought this to help make my travel makeup bag not so bulky. I really like how smooth every product is. The colors were nice and pigmented. I probably wouldn’t use this on a daily basis, but when I travel, it’ll be really nice and compact in my suitcase!” —Kara E.
Get it from Amazon for $17.40 or Alleyoop for $20 (available in three colorways).
14. A travel-sized Bounce wrinkle release spray to freshen up clothing after it spent a few hours jammed in your suitcase. The 3-in-1 formula straightens out wrinkles, deodorizes, and removes static with just a few spritzes. More than a hotel iron could do, thank you.
Promising review: “Hate dragging out the old hotel iron and board, so I just spray my wrinkled clothes with this, and viola! Takes the wrinkles out, and off I go — no wrestling while putting the iron and board away. I even have a small travel iron or use my hair styling irons if I want a better finish, but this usually does the job nicely.” —Audie
Get it from Amazon for $6.05.
15. A 2-in-1 hair tool capable of both curling *and* straightening so you only have to bring one device on your next trip. AND it’s dual-voltage so you can bring it abroad. Great hair knows no borders.
Promising reviews: “Don’t be fooled by the tiny price or size; this little baby is serious. If you are looking for a small travel option rather than lugging your big straightener and giant curling iron around the world, then I think you’ll love this. It performs really well, turning my frizzy, wavy hair into a smooth and sleek style. The curling iron option also creates shiny, silky lasting curls! It’s easy to transition between both. I also like the grippy handle and the fact that the curling iron clip is a different color than the straightening bars because that helps me see how I should be maneuvering it around. The voltage goes up to 240m, so you are good using it internationally without a converter (but you will need an adapter just to fit it into various foreign outlets). At this price, definitely give it a try and flaunt your tresses abroad.” —Christine
“Took this to Europe. It worked great. The barrel is a bit short, but I have short hair, so it worked. My hair is extremely curly and it worked great. There is only one setting of heat, which is hot.” —Barbara
Get it from Amazon for $49.99.
16. Or a foldable hair dryer so you can have your most essential hair tool nearby without sacrificing your entire carry-on. Reviewers say this dual-voltage gadget works just as well as the full-sized version.
Promising reviews: “As a flight attendant, I can’t always be sure my hotel has a hair dryer, so I bought this one, and it hasn’t disappointed me! It folds up to about the size of a roll of toilet paper, so it doesn’t take up much room. It’s powerful, too!” —Billy H.
“I ordered this for a recent international trip and loved it. For a small dryer, it has a great output and did wonders on my thick, curly hair. It has a dial that allows you to change the voltage and is very compact. A perfect handheld dryer to take with you when the hotel dryer just isn’t enough.” —TexasAggie
Get it from Amazon for $15.99.
17. A set of packing cubes that will bring peace and order to your messy luggage. They provide space for enough clothing to last a 14-day vacation!
Each set comes with different packing cubes, bags, and a laundry bag to accommodate different items. Shacke is a small business that sells travel solutions.
Promising review: “I am officially sold on packing cubes!! These things are amazing! I can believe I’ve been packing without them my whole life. The mesh lining allows you to peek inside, and I was able to pack all my clothes, shoes, and toiletries for a 10-day trip to Europe (full contents listed below). I packed them as I normally would first, and then packed them in the packing cubes. There was SO much more room in my luggage after packing everything in the cubes! Items I fit in the cubes and bag include two jackets, one jean vest, four pants/capris, two pairs of shorts, one romper, four dresses, one maxi skirt, seven tank tops, four shirts, three camisoles, three pajama sets, 15 undies, six pairs of socks, and four pairs of shoes. But why are you still reading?? Go buy these cubes!” —Tiffany
Get them from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in 14 colors and two pack sizes).
18. Anti-pickpocketing clips to keep your zippers in place and immune to sticky fingers. You’ll still have to be alert, but maybe you can now stop hugging your backpack like a baby while you waddle through town.
Amazon
Promising review: “Prefect for international travel! Easy to use and protected against theft/pickpockets. Used it on my recent trip to Europe!” —Rachel Bristol
Get a pack of four from Amazon for $12.99 (available in four color combos).
19. A viral “Soft” perfume in a convenient rollerball style so you can still smell good, even if your carry-on bag doesn’t have room for an entire fragrance bottle. Reviewers compare this $10 scent to caramel, lemon cupcakes, warm vanilla scones, and cotton candy.
Promising review: “Like so many, I found this scent on TikTok. I was a bit skeptical at first but finally got around to trying it. First off, this scent smells amazing! Almost every time I’ve worn it, I receive compliments. It has a sweet smell, almost like warm cake or sugar cookies with a hint of lemon. With such an affordable price, I would definitely recommend this to anyone curious about trying it.” —Chrissy
Get it from Amazon for $4.08.
20. A pack of Neutrogena makeup remover towelettes sooo much easier to pack than a giant bottle of cleanser. They’re compact and won’t leak all over your stuff, so you might as well throw a bunch in every bag.
Promising review: “Just what I needed. This worked perfectly on a recent business trip. Felt refreshing and left my skin feeling soft.” —Glenda E
Get a pack of 20 from Amazon for $6.88 (also available in a larger pack).
21. A teeny-tiny umbrella that will take up so little room in your bag, you’ll be like, “Why not?” It won’t stand up to a monsoon, but you can count on it for unexpected drizzle or harsh sunlight (UPF 50, baby!).
It comes with a zippered hard case for easy stowing.
Promising review: “I purchased this for a theme park trip to Florida to keep the sun and rain off me. Over the course of the trip, I used it for both, and it worked well. It is compact with a nice carrying case. The handle could be a bit sturdier. Would definitely repurchase.” —Clark2774
Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in 15 colors and double packs).
22. A convertible duffel bag with a garment bag lining so you can carefully pack your nice dress or suit without *shudder* having to fold it. You don’t have to lug around a separate garment bag *or* arrive at your next wedding in wrinkly finery — you’re welcome!
There’s room inside for other items and even a zippered side pouch for your shoes.
Promising review: “I bought this as a solution to my frequent travel for work. I wanted something to store my shirt and ties and also any extra shoes and items. This is perfect! It has some really thought-out pockets, clips, zippers, etc. It’s great-looking and the materials seem like it will last a long time. If I were ambitious, I could probably bring my whole wardrobe in this thing, but that might be packing it pretty tight. I like extra room. This thing has plenty of room, though, so you could easily do a weekend with this without much of an issue for space. Highly recommended!” —Al Jur
Get it from Amazon for $36.79+ (available in eight colors).
23. A set of bendy small containers perfect for face creams, pills, or any other small items. They’re easy to clean at the end of your trip, so you can use them over and over.
Amazon, Amazon
Promising review: “I packed enough shampoo, conditioner, and toothpaste for a week. I was afraid they would leak but surprise, they didn’t. Love the small size. Would hold more than a week’s worth of product.” —maryd
Get a pack of four from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in six colorways).
24. Orrr travel bottles with built-in pumps for an elevated showering experience. They come in a grippy travel case to keep them secure. Your fancy shampoo and conditioner deserve nothing less.
25. A hair tie keychain that fits up to three elastics and takes up exactly zero bag space because you can clip it anywhere. Bon voyage, annoying indents on your wrists!
Amazon
Promising review: “I have left the house on numerous occasions and needed a hair tie and could never find one. I could dig through my purse, diaper bags, and car, and there was never a hair tie lying around. I have had to refill this hair-tie holder on about five occasions because of how many times I’ve taken hair ties off for myself and the friends who need one. Great invention.” —Samantha
Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in three colors).
26. A *foldable* wide-brim hat because aren’t you sick of having to buy a new one on every vacation? This lightweight paper straw fedora rolls up neatly, so you can bring it on all your future warm-weather adventures.
Promising review: “Guys. If you’re going on a trip and need a cute hat but don’t want to worry about it getting smashed…look no further. I bought this hat last summer. It’s been as far as The Maldives and all over Europe, and I wear it on the reg in southern California. It’s totally kept its shape, and I’m not shy of shoving it in bags. 10/10 recommend! I’m sitting on a bus in Croatia right now thinking how awesome this hat has been and decided to write a review, as I rely on reviews for my purchases on Amazon. Hope this helps someone!” —Lyra S.
Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in three sizes and 19 colors).
27. A luggage strap to hold extra essentials — like that jacket you really only needed for the first couple hours of the day. Just clip on the heavy-duty carabiner and suddenly gain an extra hand while traveling. So simple, so reliable, so genius!
Amazon
Promising review: “I love this little gadget. I used it to attach my jacket and computer bag to my luggage on an extended business trip. It made my airport walks so much easier. Now that I’m back home, I’ve been using it daily to attach my jacket or cardigan to my work bag or purse.” —Michele
Get it from Amazon for $8.49+ (available in four colors and in multipacks).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.