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If You’ll Simply Never Be A Carry-On–Only Traveler, Here Are 31 Items That’ll Make Checking A Bag Worth It
Including an adjustable harness that can turn any ol’ chair into a high chair.
1. A hanging luggage organizer so you can *poof* a portable closet into existence and not have to rummage through your bag every day. This is especially helpful if you travel with three white T-shirts and three black T-shirts and are trying to keep track of which ones are clean/dirty.
Bonus: This works with your existing suitcase, unlike versions of this that come pre-built into more expensive versions!
Promising review: “I was able to pack seven outfits and have way more space in this organizer. I just packed the clothes in the organizer, closed it up, and placed it in my carry-on. Once I got to the hotel, I just hung it in my closet. It would be perfect for cruises since there is never any drawer space and very little room to move around.” —jess
Get it from Amazon for $27.39+ (available in various sizes/colors/sets).
2. A waterproof hanging cosmetic bag with room for every. last. step. of your hair/skin/beauty routine. Four spacious zip compartments = no product left behind!
Promising reviews: “I saw this on TikTok and purchased it for my trip! Got back home and used it in my own bathroom. I love it that much! Best Amazon purchase I’ve ever made!” —Amazon Customer
“WILL NEVER TRAVEL WITHOUT IT. I am mad that I didn’t purchase this sooner. I was able to fit the toiletries for my entire family into this easily. The hook makes the items easily accessible, especially when switching hotels/houses and traveling frequently. I would purchase this again!” —Elisa D
Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in two sizes and 10 colors).
3. And a pack of LeakLocks Toiletry Skins you can slip on the top of your beloved full-size toiletries so you don’t have to triple-bag them and cross your fingers and toes hoping they don’t explode all over everything else in your suitcase.
Rinseroo is a small business specializing in problem-solving cleaning, pet, and travel products.
Promising review: “I bought these for a cruise, just in case. I always pack my own shampoo, conditioner, and other hair treatments as I don’t like the ones that are supplied for free. Two of my products leaked, but both stayed within the confines of the rubber skin. I have used them several times since. Think of it as a condom for your shampoo bottle. 😃 Easily cleaned by turning them inside out, rinsing them off, and letting them air dry.” —SunnyMD
Get a four-pack from Amazon for $11.99 (available in two colors).
4. A portable SlumberPod if your kiddo has trouble sleeping anywhere that isn’t their own bed. The canopy is quick to assemble, features four ventilation flaps (and a fan pocket), and provides much-needed privacy and darkness so you can convince them to take their daily nap!
SlumberPod is a woman-owned, mother/daughter–run small business that appeared on Shark Tank.
Promising review: “I am so pleased with the SlumberPod. On previous vacations, my daughter would be up all night from not being in her completely dark bedroom. This has saved the day! I can’t believe how well it works! I never write reviews, but this product is worth it! The best investment we have made for baby sleep!” —Marissa Biglow
Get it from Amazon for $179.99 (clip the coupon for this price!).
5. A wedge doorstop alarm with an *extremely* loud 120-decibel siren that’ll sound should anyone try to force open your door. If you have trouble sleeping in unfamiliar hotel rooms or Airbnbs, this might just help.
No wiring is required, either, just pick up a 9V battery.
Promising review: “Travel must-have. I use this traveling, and it provides extra peace of mind in motel rooms considering I’m a cheapskate and stay in dives and my dog is getting so old he is likely to refer any criminal who breaks and enters to me for further processing. Works well, as a startled maid in a West Virginia motel can attest when she thought I had checked out and unlocked the door to clean. I gave the second one to my sister, who uses it at home.” —QuintessentiallyYours
Get it from Amazon for $12.31.
6. And a portable no-install door lock that’ll give you even more peace of mind. The durable steel mechanism slips into any doorjamb to keep it nice and secure.
Just FYI: If you’re keeping this in your carry-on, put it in an accessible place! TSA may want to inspect it, so that just makes things easier for everyone.
Promising review: “Love love this product — it helps me feel secure. I have one for traveling (hotels, cruise ships, and even overnight at relatives). I love how it’s easy to use, quick, and it secures the doors. Yes, it’s more expensive than the knock-offs, but I think the metal is thicker than on the knock-offs. FYI, if someone wanted to get in, they can with a lot of effort and a lot of nois,e but it will definitely make me aware and give me time to call for help and to get something to defend myself.” —S Blocker
Get it from Amazon for $17.95.
7. A portable safe you can wrap around an umbrella, picnic table leg, or chair so you can stow away your phone, keys, wallet, and other small valuables without worrying about them being lost or stolen. Reviewers use this guy at water parks, the beach, all-inclusive resorts, and even in Airbnbs.
P.S. SafeGo is a small biz.
Promising review: “Bought it for an overseas trip, and it worked great. We used it both in a hotel room when the room safe was out of order and on the beach. I look forward to using it on outings this summer, and I think it will be a very useful addition to my travel staples. I packed in my luggage full of toiletries and sunscreen, so it didn’t feel like it took up a ton of space, and I could carry it in my purse/tote without it feeling too bulky. That said, you can fit a lot into it.” —laurel
Get it from Amazon for $44.95 (available in five colors).
8. An adjustable universal travel harness that works great in lieu of an actual high chair. Reviewers note using it at grandma/grandpa’s house, restaurants, and even sports stadiums. It’s suitable for littles six months and up and has three height-adjustable straps to keep them nice and secure.
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 fit 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.
9. A set of eight compression cubes if — despite your best efforts and biggest bag — you’re prone to packing everything but the kitchen sink.
Promising review: “I was the most skeptical of all skeptics that these packing cubes would hold two weeks of clothes for my upcoming Italy trip, but they do!!! In the large cube, I fit four rompers (one is thick), four sundresses, and three pairs of pants; 11 outfits! The next size down has four pairs of shorts and approx. eight T-shirts, a sweater. Next size down has four swimsuits, a towel, belts, bras and other accessories… This is extremely impressive! I will never not use these cubes!!!” —sjaranyi
Get them from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in 22 colors).
10. Or, if you simply know yourself and between what you pack and the souvenirs you pick up, packing cubes aren’t enough — some *compression* bags! You don’t even need a vacuum to use them… just roll the air out, and you’re good to go.
Just a heads up — these things are SO effective, you may end up packing a whole lot more than intended, so weigh your bag before you leave home!
Promising reviews: “I am a heavy packer when I travel. I prefer to bring my own pillow due to allergies, but obviously, it’s hard to pack a pillow in a suitcase. But if you use these bags, it’s super easy! They’re also great for fitting more clothes in your suitcase or keeping dirty clothes separate from clean ones. You just roll out the air, and it compresses to at least half the size or smaller. If you use them for storage and vacuum them out, they compress even more. So far, they haven’t gotten damaged, and I’ve used them a lot. I’ll never travel without them again.” —shell0225
Get them from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in sets of 12, 16, 20, or 24).
11. A 3-in-1 foldable magnetic wireless charger so you don’t have to decide between juicing up your AirPods, Apple Watch, or phone because your hotel room only has one outlet to work with.
Promising review: “I finally gave up and bought a charging station for several devices. I travel a lot, and taking turns charging my iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch was annoying, especially if the room had a limited number of outlets and I was not the only one who needed to charge all of them ASAP — plus, hauling all of the cords. Ugh. Hooray, I’m hustle-free now. It comes with one fold-up station, one cord, and one nob for three devices that charge simultaneously. It works with my iPhone 12 Pro Max from 2020, Apple Watch Series 6 from 2020, and AirPods Pro (2nd generation) from 2022 without issues. I am more than satisfied with the purchase.” —Sneaky Pete
Get it from Amazon for $27.98+ (available in six colors).
12. A compact Nori travel iron and steamer that not only heats up in three minutes, but can easily get wrinkles out of both sides of the fabric, getting the job twice as fast as usual.
Amazon
Promising review: “Ordered this to bring to a wedding this past weekend, and it was a total hit. Perfect for getting last-minute wrinkles out of bridesmaid dresses! And will definitely be using it for touchups before work instead of lugging out my massive ironing board. Great purchase!” —Carolyn Toll
Get it from Amazon for $108.99 (clip the coupon for this price!; available in four colors).
13. Super springy Hoka Clifton 10s, which provide soft and even cushioning so your feet won’t be any worse for wear even after a day of 20,000+ steps.
Amazon
Promising reviews: “Have always been a Brooks girl but wanted to see what all the hype was over Hoka sneakers… and just let me tell you, I am now a Hoka girl. I am a nurse and am on my feet all day. If I could give them 10 stars, I would!!” —Christina Shields
“Great shoe! Hokas have become my go-to shoe. They are comfortable and allow me to walk miles without having sore feet.” —Shelley
Get them from Amazon for $1652.50+ (available in women’s sizes 4–12 standard, wide, and extra-wide and in 25 styles).
Want more? Check out a full review of Hoka sneakers here!
14. Or some Nortiv 8 walking shoes with a similar cushioned platform sole and bold and bright design. Reviewers say they feel like walking on a cloud and some say they even like them *more* than their Hokas.
Promising reviews: “Like a cloud☁️ These are the most comfortable shoes I have worn; it feels like a pillow hugging your foot. The same day they were delivered, I ordered another pair in a different color. I’m a healthcare worker and these are perfect for standing and being on your feet a lot. Walking feels very smooth and low-impact. I never leave reviews on anything, but these are amazing.” —Ian Durham
“As someone who owns a pair of Hokas, I think these are better. I have plantar fasciitis and work in a hospital. Believe me when I say this, I HAVE ZERO FOOT PAIN when I’m wearing these! For half the price and comfort, I will 100% recommend these to anyone.” —Jennifer Emilien
Get it from Amazon for $63.89+ (available in women’s sizes 6–11 and seven colors).
15. A waterproof travel cable organizer so your various chargers don’t get lost in the void that is the bottom of your tote bag and form one massive knot.
Promising review: “Excellent for travel! Nice to have a go-to individual pouch, especially for the cords. Husband travels for business and this is a must, so if he’s in an airport or hotel, he can locate them easily and they don’t get mixed with others.” —Brent Webb
Get it from Amazon for $9.85+ (available in three sizes and 23 colors).
16. A Tushbaby carrier sure to come in handy whenever you’re out and about somewhere without a stroller. The as-seen-on-Shark Tank product gives your kiddo four comfy ways to sit and can be used from newborn up to 3 years old (or 44 pounds).
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 Ziploc 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.” —A Moff
Get it from Amazon for $84.99 (available in two colors/styles).
17. Athleta’s Jetset Bomber — a lightweight layer with a stowable hood so you’re ready for rain. Look… you’re only on vacation for a week, so there’s no reason to deviate from your itinerary just because of some light showers.
Athleta
Promising review: “This jacket is not only comfy and cute, but also perfect for travel. It folds down so small you can put it in your backpack or carry-on. I love having the hood if you need it, but it’s nice that it folds into the collar when you don’t. I definitely recommend it.” —Athleta Customer
Get it from Athleta for $79.97+ (originally $159; available in women’s sizes XXS–XL and five colors).
Check out a similar style in sizes 1X–3X from Columbia for $35+ (originally $70).
18. A stroller cover so unexpected showers don’t ruin your day out. Look…you already went through all the trouble of carting your stroller across the country, so you’re gonna use it!
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 $17.98.
19. A travel jewelry case, because last time you threw all of your necklaces in a sandwich bag and ended up with a giant knot that took hours to undo. Like seriously, you could have solved a Rubik’s Cube faster.
Promising review: “I purchased this box for a weekend getaway. In the past, I have just thrown all of my jewelry into little makeup bags, but then everything gets tangled and disorganized. I love that this box keeps everything organized and leaves all my necklaces tangle free!” —Dogmom206
Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in seven colors).
20. A Bluetooth-enabled mask if falling asleep on vacation is not your forte. Slip this baby on, turn on your favorite thunderstorm simulator, and it’s like you never left home.
After a bout of pandemic-induced insomnia, I picked up one of these USB-chargeable masks and can honestly say it was LIFE-changing. If you’re sensitive to light or sound, this mask is where it’s at. The contoured, cool-to-the-touch eye pads are super cozy and extra padding on the bridge of the nose ensures no light seeps in. I was concerned about feeling the headphones through the mask and not being able to sleep in my usual position (mountain climber, hands down the comfiest position), but they really are unnoticeable. I can sleep through the night with it on and the Velcro straps have never once gotten stuck in my hair. The battery also lasts for a full 10 hours, so I don’t have to worry about my audio going out right as I’m dozing off.
Promising review: “This is the best thing I have ordered in a long time! I work nights and recently took a travel position. Staying in hotels is fun until your neighbor is loud or the highway traffic is horrible. The speakers on this are quality! The only thing I heard was the rain and thunder from my app. The rain was so clear-sounding that I could easily visualize each drop hitting the ground. I was about to fall asleep when the thunder kicked in and seriously scared me to pieces! Highly recommend!” —Dana Harris
Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in four colors).
21. A clear Calpak cosmetics case so you can see all of your goodies and not have to pull everything out in the hunt for your moisturizer.
Calpak
Promising review: “Love the size. I’m able to fit quite a bit of toiletries in this bag. Love the durability. It feels solid — as though bottles would be protected from being squished and potentially leaking. I imagine this won’t compare to anything found on Amazon as far as durability goes. And I love the color. It makes me happy 🙂 Already have my eye on the smaller size in a fun color for shorter trips.” —Amy H.
Get it from Calpak for $75+ (available in three sizes and nine colors).
22. A packable floppy hat that way, your scalp doesn’t suffer any third-degree burns while you’re hanging out by your resort’s pool. The wide brim will also keep your schnoz in the safe zone because, if you’re anything like me, your nose *will* burn after just 0.01 seconds of sun exposure.
Promising review: “Bought this for our trip to Jamaica and also to use at home when lying in the sun. It’s perfect to cover my face, with a wide brim and adjustable inside, too. Also has a drawstring you can tighten, so if it’s windy, it won’t blow off. I love it and highly recommend.” —datlady
Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in sizes M–XL and in eight colors).
23. A mini white-noise machine so you can get a good night’s sleep on the road instead of being kept up by unfamiliar noises like creaky Airbnb floors or rowdy hotel neighbors.
The small device has 11 non-looping sleep sounds (including fan and ocean sounds) and it can connect to wireless devices via Bluetooth so you can use it as a portable speaker and play your own audio.
Promising review: “Bought one of these for my hubby for Christmas, and he loved it. Then I bought one for my daughter a few days later. A few days later, I bought our third — I also had to have one for when I travel. Love all the options to select from with the various sounds, volume control is great, love the Bluetooth. Brought it with us to a hotel on vacation and used it at night to drown out the noise of other guests walking and talking in the halls, and during the day we rocked out to music on Bluetooth!! Added plus, we used it with our new puppy to get him to sleep and stay asleep through the night. Only downside is I wish the battery life was longer. It lasts about three nights before you need to recharge.” —Romeo’s Girl
Get it from Amazon for $39.95 (also available in black).
24. Satin pillowcases if you’re the type to give yourself a bangin’ blowout the day before you leave for vacation and then simply not touch your hair the whole trip. These reduce friction while you sleep, so you can prolong your hard work.
Amazon
Promising review: “I travel for work and having this case has helped so much with my hair and it’s great quality, I have washed it so many times and yet it’s durable and comfy.” —Maritza Cruz
Get two from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in four sizes and 35 colors).
25. Some quick-dry water shoes that’ll protect your toes from hot sand, sharp rocks, and whatever other terrain you’re dealing with. And when you’re done, they fold down to basically nothing, so you can slip them in your pack without playing tote bag Tetris.
Promising review: “I bought these for a Caribbean cruise. They are perfect!!!!! Once we put them on at the beach, we ended up just wearing them back to the ship. Fairly easy to get your foot into, which is a huge plus if you have ever used water shoes. They dry quickly and have a thin rubber sole that is perfect for any beach, jet ski, canoe, or kayak activities! I plan on ordering more for my family.” —tontosmom
Get them from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in women’s sizes 4/5–13.5, men’s sizes 3/4–12, and in 40 colors/designs).
26. An inflatable beach pillow so you can take the BEST damn beach naps. Even better, there’s a slot where you can insert a cooling gel pack!!
Promising review: “I threw these in my bag last minute for a trip to a resort in Cancun, and we absolutely loved them! They take up no room, and I easily fit two pillows in my carry-on bag to have for the beach. Made the beach chairs so much more relaxing by being able to be comfortable. They blew up so easily. It just took four big breaths for each pillow. Loved that I could either use the straps or sand to hold them in place. I also liked the idea of traveling with them in my carry-on in case we had a delayed flight, and I had enough time for an airport nap. I’ll be bringing these on all future vacations.” —Nikki Miller
Get it from Amazon for $35+ (available in 16 colors).
27. A CarryAround foldable cup holder, because you paid all-inclusive rates for the swim-up bar access, and you’re sure as heck going to make it worth it.
Check out a TikTok of the drink holder in action.
Promising review: “I bought this to use on a cruise. I had such an easy time carrying my drinks around. So many people asked where I purchased it from.” —Jasmine
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in four colors and multipacks).
28. Some collapsible travel hangers if you packed wrinkle-prone clothes, so you want to get everything hung up right away!
Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed
BuzzFeeder Elizabeth Lilly is a fan. Here’s what she has to say:
“This is a product that I put in travel stories over and over and over again, and would always think, “Hmm, I should buy some.” Once I booked my first-ever cruise (with Virgin Voyages, which was fantastic, btw), I knew that I needed to invest in these hangers to make the most of what I presumed would be a tiny closet for my cabin. These were super easy to slip into my super-packed suitcase and plenty sturdy for holding up a variety of stuff. In my pic above, you’ll see one collapsed and then one in use, with dips perfect for spaghetti or thin straps. So many hotel and rental places’ hangers don’t have those little dips, and my slip dresses are always slipping off of them. With these, I was able to put a variety of garments on them without anything slipping off — in fact, they work better at that than my regular velvet hangers I have at home!”
Get a 12-pack from Amazon for $9.99.
29. A fold-up duffel, so when you inevitably pick up 10x the amount of souvenirs you planned for, you have a carry-on option at the ready and don’t have to buy one at the airport.
It folds into a tiny pouch when not in use, is tear and water-resistant, and even has a separate side pocket for shoes. There’s also a side strap that slides easily over your roller luggage handle.
Promising review: “We bought this to take with us when we visited our daughter, who is studying abroad for four months. We figured she would not have enough room in her luggage when it was time to come home. Folded up, this bag was so compact and lightweight that it took up almost no room in our own luggage for the trip over. Then, sure enough, she had a ton of clothes and shoes to send home with us, and packed this bag full. We checked the bag and it made it through two international flights without a scratch. The BEST feature is the side strap that allows you to slide it over the handle of a rolling suitcase, so you don’t have to carry it. This is probably the most practical and the best-value item I have purchased in years.” —Tosa Mom
Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in 12 colors/patterns).
30. Thesus Weekend Boots — the ideal choice for adventure travelers everywhere, thanks to their seam-sealed water-resistant upper, anti-slip rubber lug sole, and temperature-control lining. While they’re perf for hikes and other demanding activities, the versatile design lends itself just as well to brunch, window shopping, and putzing around town.
Thesus
These boots generally fit true to size, but if you plan on wearing thicker socks or if you’re between sizes, it’s recommended to size up.
Thesus is a mission-driven, Ontario, Canada-based small biz creating outdoor footwear that’s easy on the planet, the eyes, and your feet! Their materials are 90% sustainable and traceable — and they’re working toward 100%. This brand is all about the details, taking years to develop each collection, and traveling the globe to seek out the best materials for the health of both people and the planet.
Promising review: “I took these hiking in the Rockies and they held up very well. The thicker sole also helped cushion my feet from rocky terrain. They look good too!” —Alice
Get it from Thesus for $198 (available in EU sizes 36–46 and 14 colors).
31. Some reusable bottle bags if local spirits are your absolute favorite souvenir to pick up, but you don’t really want to stain your entire suitcase a dark shade of Cabernet.
Amazon
JetBag is a small business specializing in creating bags to protect your wine and your stuff. It’s designed with absorbent padding on the inside, so in the event that the bottle breaks, it won’t get everywhere in your luggage.
Promising review: “I was a little nervous to transport alcohol back in my checked baggage after seeing how they fling things around without care, but these worked like a dream! Not one out of 6 (oops) bottles came back broken! Highly recommend!” —Melanie
Get a set of three from Amazon for $14.99 (available in four styles).
Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.