1. Start with a packing checklist so you can identify the *essentials* for your trip, depending on length, location, and itinerary — and what should probably stay behind. If you (like me) are a chaotic packer whose typical process is throwing a bunch of things in your suitcase and praying it closes later, seeing everything laid out like this can ensure you’re not over-packing — and that you don’t forget your toothbrush, either.
Amazon
Promising review: “We travel frequently and have two children. As any parent knows, packing for yourself and your children can be overwhelming (especially for a trip longer than a few days). I have found this list to be a lifesaver, and I also give it as a gift for other traveling families. It is easy to plan, organize, and list out items that are easily forgotten. You can also list the quantity of each item needed. It has a variety of clothing options and space to add more. Overall, wonderful purchase and has likely saved me many forgotten items!” —I-really-bought-this
Get it from Amazon for $7.
2. Or, try another approach: Start by laying everything you think you might need out on the bed, then going through one by one to identify what you *know* you’ll wear versus items that are just a “maybe.” Circle back to the “maybes” pile only once you’ve packed all the essentials — and see how much space you have left, if any.
Hannah Haston / Camille Styles
This great tip comes from blogger Katherine over at Camille Styles, who writes: “Once you have everything you need, lay it out on the bed and divide into sections so that you can easily find all your items once you reach your destination. I like to divide mine out by tops, bottoms, undergarments, shoes, accessories, and toiletries (including hair and makeup supplies).
Lay it all out, then see if there’s anything you can omit from the piles. Only keep items that you know you will wear on your trip. Anything else that is a ‘maybe’ gets put into a separate pile, which you can go back to and pull from depending on how much space you have after you have packed all of your essentials. Once you have the necessary items, gently fold each one into a small square to try and prevent wrinkles forming once everything is stacked up in your suitcase.”
3. And if you have nooo idea where to even start — especially if it’s your first time traveling out of the country — try following a ~formula~ like this blogger’s 5-4-3-2-1 packing guide, which has you start with five flexible tops, and work your way down to one of each essential accessory: a hat, a watch, and sunnies.
Collective Gen
This is *actually* genius, and you should check out blogger Geneva’s full breakdown over at Collective Gen. Of course, be sure to keep in mind the climate you’re traveling to and your itinerary as well!
4. Weigh your suitcase using a digital luggage scale so there aren’t any surprises (and unplanned over-capacity fees) when you get to bag drop-off and have to heave it onto that big scale. Plus, if you’re traveling between several cities or hotels during your trip, it can help give you a reality check before you’re in the middle of Seoul lugging a packed-to-the-brim suitcase up the subway stairs (side-eyeing my past self here). Do you reeeally want to carry 40+ pounds around with you from location to location?
To use, just hook the scale to your luggage handle, lift up, and the LCD display will show the weight! You can also switch between pound and kilogram measurements.
BTW, BuzzFeed Shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly put this scale to the test while packing for a trip to Iceland — check out her demo of how it works on TikTok!
Promising review: “Took this for a 10-day trip overseas with lots of flights. Weighed the luggage as things were added to it/purchased, and when we weighed in at the airport, it was perfectly accurate. Very important when the airline will charge $70 more for a suitcase that is too heavy or make you open the whole thing up and take stuff out in order to fly with it. Saved so much hassle.” —B. M. O’Connor
Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in six colors, as well as a two-pack and another style).
5. Opt for clothing that can be styled different ways, especially if your trip spans a week or longer — don’t worry, it’s OK to be an outfit repeater (despite what Kate Sanders from Lizzie McGuire might have taught us). Except, you’re not really repeating an outfit when you have a truly versatile piece like Hackwith Design House’s Everything Top, which can be worn more than five ways!
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.
Promising review: “I’m being honest when I tell you this is the most ‘worth-it’ top around. I read a review from some frequent flyer who claims this is her go-to for flying. She said aside from the top’s flexibility — which allows much less packing as the top itself looks and behaves like four shirts and a jacket — it’s a savior on planes because it allows you to get into a usually overheated plane, and to weather the transition to iceberg that happens about 20 minutes into most flights, and it holds its shape and looks great. I was skeptical, as I do not have the money to blow on someone else’s opinion, but my husband told me to try it as I have the same issues with temps. Long story short, I got it. It’s a gorgeous fabric despite my usually hating the ribbed thing. It’s nice. REALLY nice. Yes, it’s extraordinarily flexible, and yes, it’s like a jacket. Ordering in the off-white now.” —Mary B.
Get it from Hackwith Design House for $145 (available in women’s sizes XS–4X and in five colors).
6. One-piece outfits like rompers, jumpsuits, and dresses are a great option here, too, since they’re an all-in-one fit and can more easily be styled in a variety of ways. This particularly cozy jumpsuit is even flight attendant-approved and boasts over 35,000 5-star Amazon ratings!
Promising reviews: “I bought the navy blue to take on vacation after reading an article about how easy care these jumpsuits are. I loved it so much I bought the green. I take them out of my suitcase, hang them up, and they are ready to go in a few hours, no ironing needed. I get compliments every time I wear one of them.” —AKSunshine
“This jumpsuit is super comfortable. I wore it on an international flight, and it was the best fly day outfit with a denim jacket over it. Comfortable and cool without looking like I’m wearing pajamas in public. Easy to slip on and off in the bathroom. Only complaint would be the little button in the back is hard to use on your own. Thankfully, I had enough give that I didn’t have to undo it to get it on and off.” —Leigh Ann
Get it from Amazon for $26.98+ (available in women’s sizes S–3XL and 32 colors/patterns).
7. And where possible, reach for pieces made of thinner materials that’ll allow room for more options in your suitcase, like a lightweight slip dress for a chic dinner or going out look! You can always layer a cardigan, jacket, or shawl over it for warmth — and to style it in different ways for different occasions!
Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed
This dress is made from lightweight Japanese satin with a bias cut that gives it a slinkier, curve-hugging shape.
Elizabeth says, “I’ve worn the hell out of this Aritzia dress since buying it in 2019. Here, I was dressed for rooftop aperitivos in Rome and have worn it on a number of occasions when I wanted to be as comfy as if I were in PJs, while looking as if I’m dressed for anything but going to sleep. I bought it again in deep red on Black Friday 2022. It’s THAT good.”
Get it from Aritzia for $118 (available in women’s sizes 2XS–2XL and in 21 colors).
8. Roll your clothing instead of folding it into stacks — it’ll take up less room and help prevent wrinkles!
BuzzFeed Motion Pictures
Also, it’ll help you more easily see all of your clothing options at a glance, if you don’t plan on fully unpacking your suitcase once you get to your destination.
9. Utilize compression packing cubes that are see-through so you can find what you need without having to tear them all open. These’ll also tickle that itch if you love organization since you can pack them by outfit or by clothing type (jeans in one, tees in the other, etc.).
Amazon, amazon.com
The set comes with two large packing cubes, two medium packing cubes, a bag for dirty clothes (handy!), a cable organizer bag, and a shoe bag.
Promising review: “I am a carry-on-only girl. I frequently do 10+ day international travel and only use a carry-on size backpack. Thus, adding any extra bulk or weight just does not work. Ta da! Enter these compression packing cubes! They’re lightweight, see-through (making it a snap to locate what I am looking for in my bag), and able to compress, allowing me to take an extra outfit. These cubes are one of my all time favorite traveling accessories. Love, love, love them!” —Voracious reader
Get the set of seven from Amazon for $25.99 (available in seven colors).
10. Or, for a particularly long stint abroad, consider vacuum storage bags designed to squeeze out every bit of air and increase your storage space by a whopping 80%. If you’re traveling with bulky apparel like coats and sweaters — or just want to bring a wider variety of clothing options — they’re a lifesaver.
This highly rated set comes with a small travel hand pump.
Pro tip: Pack an empty one of these at the bottom of your suitcase in case you buy more clothes while on your trip and need to condense!
Promising review: “We needed to travel for a long trip to Japan, which included two days of skiing, and make all our clothes and gear fit in carry-on luggage. These bags were incredible. They worked well without any issues, and they were able to compress ski pants and gloves and warm sweaters down to a nearly flat surface. Everyone in our family used at least two in their carry-on bag, and that was what allowed us to pack everything we needed. Each bag worked well repeatedly, as we opened and shut them during the trip. Highly recommend when traveling and space is an issue.” —whitnch
Get a six-pack from Amazon for $24.99 (available in four sizes, as well as other multipacks).
11. Toss in a 50-count set of laundry soap sheets for easily washing your clothes on the go so you *can* wear them on repeat and not have to fill up a bulky “dirty clothes” bag over the course of your trip. They’ll come in clutch whether you’re hiking or camping or just don’t want to use your hotel’s expensive laundry services — plus, you can pack them in your carry-on since they’re nonliquid!
These work best with hand-washing! If you have quick-drying clothing you can pack, even better.
Promising review: “This came SO in handy during my vacation to Europe! I was making lots of different stops to places with different types of weather. With these laundry soap sheets, I was able to wash my clothes in the sink — letting me pack just the right amount of clothes for all the different places I went.” —Katie Fujarski
Get a pack of 50 from Amazon for $11.17 (also available in hand soap sheets).
12. And prepare for the possibility that you miiiight accidentally drip pasta sauce on your nicest shirt while dining at that fancy Italian restaurant — and problem-solve ahead of time by packing a little Tide stain-removing pen. It’ll take up HARDLY any space, but it’ll let you spot-treat your visibly dirty top (instead of having to rely on one of the precious few non-stained shirts you have left).
This pack comes with three, but you could just pack one (and leave the other two at home where they will, no doubt, get plenty of use in everyday life).
Promising review: “Now I’m a believer! Always had one in my desk at work. Now I have one with me whenever I travel. If I’ve worn something for just a couple of hours for dinner and gotten a few drops of coffee on it, I can’t see sending the garment to the hotel laundry. I just use my Tide Pen. Works great on men’s ties. At first it looks like nothing’s happening but keep working it and suddenly the spot magically disappears! It helps to put a tissue or paper towel behind the area you’re cleaning. They take out just about anything and don’t leave a ring like my prior spot-cleaning efforts did. The pens are small so they’re not practical for huge stains but for small mishaps, they’re amazing.” —GlamGalLovesStuff
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $7.88.
13. And! Plan to freshen up your wrinkled blouses and dresses from your *tightly* packed suitcase with a mini steam iron so small and lightweight, you’ll hardly notice it in your travel bag — but its effectiveness more than warrants its inclusion. Bonus: It’s dual-voltage and comes with a travel bag, so it’ll be ready to go for all of your worldwide jet-setting.
Yes, some hotels have irons in the rooms, but many don’t (or they’re broken/have seen better days) — and that’s if you’re even staying in a hotel!
Promising review: “This iron is so cool. It operates on dual voltage. I often go to Europe and this was so helpful for me. Super lifesaver. Also it worked very well in UK. This does get super hot, so if you forget to turn it off, it may burn the cloth. Be aware of that. It clears out tough wrinkles (like cotton fabrics). It’s very lightweight, so you can carry this in your carry-on. It’s TSA approved. 100% recommend this item for all travelers.” —Honey Kohli
Get it from Amazon for $20.49 (available in two colors).
14. Pack up to three pairs of shoes in a single, space-efficient shoe bag — like your sneaks for walking tours, sandals for the beach, and flats for a nice dinner. It’s a great compromise between wearing the same shoes the *entire* trip and, well, bringing along your entire Carrie Bradshaw-level collection. Plus, it’ll help keep the dirty soles from touching your freshly laundered clothes.
Of course, sticking to just one pair (that you wear on the plane) is the *most* space-efficient option, but if your trip includes a mixed itinerary of casual days and fancier reservations, this is a great way to cover all of your bases.
Promising review: “You can totally fit three pairs of shoes in this! (I wear a women’s size 6.5 shoe, and it fits heels, wedges, and sandals.) I bought two and will absolutely be buying more for my husband. 10/10 would recommend! I travel frequently, and I always overpack; this helped cut down space and stress immensely!” —Taylor
Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in nine colors and patterns).
15. Aaaand fill shoes with smaller items like socks, bras or underwear — because every inch of space counts! If you’re only bringing one extra pair, stash them in a shower cap that won’t add any bulk but *will* keep dirty soles from making a mess in your suitcase.
BuzzFeed Motion Pictures
16. Take some time to research what items are provided by the hotel or Airbnb you’re staying at as well as any tours you’re going on (or what you can borrow from your local friend, lol) so you don’t waste space packing items you don’t need!
Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed
This tip comes from Elizabeth, who says, “For example, will you be visiting French Riviera beach clubs that’ll rent a towel to you for a few euros? (The one above in Nice did!) Do you need some athletic sneakers for zip-lining through the jungle? Or, will the whitewater-rafting company have water shoes you can wear as you paddle through some picturesque canyon?”
17. Don’t forget your universal travel adapter, especially if you’re planning to hit a number of countries on your trip — it’ll ensure you’re never left looking in confusion at a strange new outlet shape like, “Um…what am I supposed to do with that?” No need to pack separate adapters, either — and your USB cables can plug right into it!
amazon.com, Amazon
This style has one universal input and three USB ports, including two USB-A and one USB-C, so you can charge up to four devices at once. It works with outlets in most parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Dubai.
Note: This isn’t a voltage converter, so be sure to check what voltages your devices are rated for.
Ceptics is a small business that makes travel plug adapters for worldwide travel.
Promising review: “I bought this adapter some three months ago and it worked perfectly in Vietnam, Cambodia, Bahrain, Oman, and Italy (where I saw two different outlet types). My phone is at the stage where it needs to be charged once or twice per day. This is my ‘need to pack item’ when traveling. I also like the fact that it has USB outlets because I often have to charge my phone and something else at the same time. By the way, it also worked well in the Delta One cabin and in the ANA All Nippon Business cabin. This is also what I use for charging my phone, iPod, and smartwatch using the USB connections right here at home in the US.” —Mark, WV
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
18. And instead of packing a slew of chargers, streamline the process with a 3-in-1 magnetic wireless charger that folds up *so* small but can juice up your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch all at once! It’s so slim, you could literally carry it in your pocket (and free up your backpack for other items).
Promising review: “I use this product to charge my iPhone 13, AirPods, and Apple Watch. Prior to this 3-in-1 compact purchase, I have purchased three different kinds of 3-in-1 chargers — I frequently travel between school and home with carry-on bags on airlines, and all of the previous stand version chargers don’t fit well in my bags, or I am always worried I will break them. This is compact and folds so well that I can fit it in my carry-on or in any zipper pockets without having to worry about breaking anything. Charger works really well, and it is the best compact one you can find on the market. Love it and been using it for two months now with no issues!!” —Sbreddy
Get it from Amazon for $28.88 (available in nine colors).
19. Don’t bring that unread pile of books by your bed and instead pack a slim, waterproof Kindle to fill those long hours on the plane or train with some ~light~ reading — literally. It won’t weigh down your bag or add any bulk, and you’ll be able to download new books on the go whenever you have access to Wi-Fi!
HuffPost Shopping writer Haley Zovickian says, “I recently bought a Kindle, and it has, no exaggeration, revolutionized my life. I love mine for so many reasons — it’s truly helped me incorporate my love of reading into my often hectic life, and all my titles literally live inside of this half-pound wonder gadget, so I can switch between books super easily. For traveling, this is a literal dream. I don’t have to pick between titles and then regret the entire trip that I didn’t bring the one I left at home — and, as any book lover knows, traveling with books is heavy as hell, and the Kindle literally completely eliminates that weight. Traveling will never be the same for me. BTW, I am also obsessed with the Libby app, which allows you to check out e-books from your local library on your Kindle!! My inner child is *screaming* with joy.”
Promising review: “I love the feel of books and even the smell if I am being honest. … But as a traveler, lugging around the five books I like to read at a time is a back-breaker. I have grown to love the Kindle in more ways than just the light load. The fact that I can read in bed without a light glaring is A+. I can access books at anytime, anywhere in the world…even the doctor’s office! The library app is amazing. Absolutely my FAVORITE purchase on Amazon of all time.” —Jefi Moultrie
Get it from Amazon for $139.99+ (available in 8GB and 16GB sizes, in three colors, with or without lockscreen ads, and with three free months of Kindle Unlimited).
20. Leave the jewelry box at home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t sport some bling while exploring the world. Fill a slim, foldable jewelry organizer with the necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings you need to ~accessorize~ on the go without having to detangle the chaotic mess of chains when you finally get to your location. It’ll hardly take up any space and won’t add noticeable weight!
21. Consolidate all of your medications into a sturdy, lightweight eight-compartment pill organizer so small, it’ll fit into the palm of your hand — no more juggling half-empty bottles. Because leaving behind your prescription meds isn’t exactly an option, but they don’t have to be a space-hogger, either.
Promising review: “My husband and I travel a lot and take a number of prescription drugs. It was always a hassle accessing our medication when needed, so I purchased this organizer to make things easier. I used a label maker and labeled each little compartment, and it has performed wonderfully. I highly recommend this organizer to anyone who travels and needs medications throughout the day.” —Jacqueline
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $7.97, and a single organizer here if you only need one (but it’s more cost-efficient to get the bundle).
22. And *even* if you’re checking a bag, transfer your shampoo, conditioner, face wash, and other essential liquid toiletries into travel-sized bottles that’ll take up way less space and add less weight than those full-sized bottles. No need to go out and buy them in a mini size (if they’re even sold that way at all)!
PS: It also comes with pre-printed labels and a handy, clear zipper pouch! The label options are: soap, sunblock, conditioner, lotion, shampoo, or blank (so you can write your own label).
Promising reviews: “Just took a trip to the Dominican Republic and used carry-on luggage only throughout the entire trip, never once was questioned about the size. The holes are big enough to get your product into the bottles without any complications. My fiancé and myself had plenty of shampoo, conditioner, sunblock, and lotion for seven days.” —Stephanie Miller
“I had in checked luggage, and they didn’t spill or leak, are easy to fill due to the wide mouth, and are easy to dispense. Used for shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Much more convenient to fill my own bottles than search for travel sizes or use products I don’t prefer!” —Suzanne Edwards
Get a set of four 3-ounce bottles from Amazon for $9.59+ (available in a variety of sizes and colors).
23. And for liquids you only need a tiny amount of, fill a spare contact lens case that’ll take up barely any space and will prevent any leaks en route. I mean, this is just genius.
BuzzFeed Motion Pictures
Don’t forget to pack your actual contacts if you wear them, though!
24. Stop making room for both your huge curling iron and straightener in your suitcase by opting for a 2-in-1 tool that’ll take up literally half the space and give you ~options~ for how you want to style your hair every day. Reviewers swear by it for international travel — it’s dual-voltage!
Promising review: “The international traveler’s BFF. 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 240 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
Get it from Amazon for $39.95+ (available in black or white).
25. And keep a Hairbrella on hand in case you get caught in a downpour, since it folds up into a little pouch for travel (goodbye, unwieldy umbrella) and is more effective at keeping your hair dry (even Niagara Falls was no match for it, reports one reviewer). Here’s the real kicker, though: It’s satin-lined, meaning it won’t give you that dreaded “hat hair” or frizz once you’re ready to take it off.
Of course, this’ll only cover your hair, so make sure you’re packing some kind of rainproof jacket or a little fold-up poncho if the forecast looks wet. BTW, people who wear glasses say it keeps them from getting wet, too!
Hairbrella is a Black-owned small business that specializes in hats that protect hair from all kinds of weather.
Promising review: “Traveled to London last month with a raincoat that did not have a hood, and wanted something that would protect my head/hair/blowout without lugging an umbrella. This definitely did the trick. Two of the three days were rainy (some quite heavy), and my hair stayed totally dry. It stows nicely, too. I’m still learning how to adjust it while it’s on my head (easier to adjust first and then put it on), and I wish the adjustment/clasp was less prominent. But, all in all, this is perfect for anyone who wants to keep their blowout fresh in the rain.” —Miss Information
Get it from Amazon for $39+ (available in 10 colors).
26. Ask yourself if you REALLY need to bring a slew of full-sized makeup products and ~options~ on that trip abroad. Multi-use products are your friends here, like the reviewer-beloved Ilia Multi-Stick to pop gorgeous color onto your lips, cheeks, and lids — and the genius Alleyoop Pen Pal that functions as an eyeliner, lip liner, brow pencil, *and* highlighter!
Sephora, Jasmin Sandal / BuzzFeed
You won’t need to pack brushes for products like this — just blend as needed with your fingers — and no risk of powders cracking or crumbling while traveling!
Promising review (for the Multi-Stick): “I am traveling to Costa Rica and don’t want to pack/bring makeup with me. That being said, my natural complexion is ‘death warmed over’ so I wanted to bring something that was packable, easy to apply, can be worn over sunscreen, and looks natural. This product is perfect! Love it and might even start wearing it on a daily basis at home, too.” —CJBpepper
Promising review (for the Pen Pal): “Really great addition to your makeup collection, especially if you want to take your makeup with you but you don’t want to take 10 things. This makeup pen is great, and you always have what you need in your packet. I really recommend you to get one.” —Teresa W. (BTW, Alleyoop is a woman-owned small biz!)
Get the Ilia Multi-Stick from Amazon or Sephora for $36 (available in up to 12 shades) and the Alleyoop Pen Pal from Amazon or Alleyoop for $25 (available in three shades).
27. And plan on taking off your makeup using a makeup-removing cloth instead of packing a bulky set of disposable makeup remover wipes. It’s cheaper, more eco-friendly, gentler (no tugging!), and requires only water to get the job done — meaning you don’t need to pack any heavy liquid makeup removers, either.
Reviewers say it’s comparable to the infamous Makeup Eraser — only this is cheaper!
Promising review: “This is incredible! I can’t believe how well this works! I travel a lot for work and usually take makeup remover wipes because of the liquid restrictions for travel, but they are expensive and heavy. I have been using this cloth all week and LOVE IT! A bit of warm water and everything comes off in a few easy swipes. I am super excited to travel with this. It weighs nothing and rolls up to take very little space. I am ordering another for my mom who also travels. Highly recommend!” —KT
Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (available in five colors).
28. Pack a teeny-tiny travel Gillette Venus razor in place of your full-sized razor and kit, especially if you’re embarking on a long trip abroad. Your baby-smooth skin is going on vacay with you!
It comes with a little carrying case, and one blade lasts for up to 30 days! Reviewers also love that regular Venus razor refills work with it.
Promising review: “I am a minimalist, so for me, the less the better, but you do need the essentials, especially when traveling abroad. This little mini razor came in so handy. You hardly even know it’s in your toiletry bag; it’s so small, but big enough to get a good grip and shave. I always bring this little razor with me whenever I travel. I love the compact size. Highly recommend as a space-saver when traveling.” —Deb H.
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
29. If you’re not bringing your heavy shampoo and conditioner and would rather not pack an aerosol dry shampoo bottle either, this small tub of dry shampoo powder will keep you fresh on the go! It’s so easy to apply while traveling: Just dab it on your roots to release an ultra-fine powder that absorbs oil and revives ~volume~.
BTW, this is cruelty-free and benzene-free!
Promising review: “I was looking for a dry shampoo that would be easy to use on the go for a trip I was taking. I had no issues taking this through TSA and it was so easy to use on the go. You literally just pat the poof on your scalp and then rub the powder in. I do have black hair so dry shampoo is usually very visible in my hair, but I didn’t have any harder time than usual rubbing this powder in. It did a really good job of soaking up all the oil and giving my hair volume. I’m not a fan of the price for the amount that you get, but it is lasting longer than I thought it would. I would definitely recommend and will purchase again.” —Teresa
Get it from Amazon for $18.
30. Swap that bulky bottle of sunscreen for a slim SPF 50 stick version that’s solid — meaning you won’t be getting any side-eye from TSA if it’s in your carry-on, and it’s much more lightweight than the liquid kind. Plus, it’ll be so easy to reapply (without mess) when you’re out seeing the sights all day!
Amazon
Just be sure to apply it evenly, and don’t miss any spots!
Elizabeth brought this on an international trip and loved it: “I first bought this for a weeklong Croatian vacation in 2021 when I did carry-on, and as long as you are *thoroughly* reapplying, this stuff stays on pretty well. On a beach club afternoon, I did haphazardly reapply and missed a strip on one arm, but I tend to do that with spray-on or lotion sunscreen, too. Since then, I’ve packed this for any trip I’ve been on, including a two-day Disneyland trip where I toted this around in my bag and shared it with friends.
“I sometimes carry it with me in my purse on my everyday adventures because I know it’s so easy to apply. Also worth mentioning…I am about the palest lady you’ve ever seen and swear by daily application of sunscreen. But when on a beach trip, I’m constantly swimming in the water and sweating. So, yeah, this stuff works. And if you’re a bit hesitant about jumping on the solid sunscreen bandwagon, you can pack a stick of this, knowing you have enough sun protection to get you through to finding some spray-on or lotion SPF at your destination.”
Get it from Amazon for $9.29.
31. In place of your full-sized toothpaste that’s prone to ~leakage~ inside your toiletries bag, pack all-natural toothpaste tablets that are lighter, smaller, and both mess- and plastic-free. All you have to do is pop one in your mouth, wet your toothbrush, and start scrubbing! And, of course, there’s the other obvious benefit: These are solid, aka not subject to TSA’s restrictions.
Huppy is an Asian-owned small biz creating plastic-free toothpaste tablets out of sustainably and ethically sourced ingredients. Everything is vegan, GMO- and cruelty-free. Best of all? Huppy donates 2% of revenue to fund sustainability initiatives!
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Danielle Healy says, “I love how zero-waste the process is with Huppy. You get a forever tin (pick from blue or blush) and then buy refills that come in compostable pouches. The whole chewing thing can be weird at first (my boyfriend found it aggressively minty, I just think they taste like Altoids), but both of us got used to it pretty quickly. With water, the tabs foam up pretty instantly, and after that, it’s just a normal teeth-brushing experience. In fact, I’m actually finding that not dealing with drippy toothpaste and tiny screw-on caps is actually pretty delightful. And I’m absolutely not traveling with regular toothpaste ever again — this is a travel must-have regardless of what you use at home. A cleaner process both in and out of my mouth.”
Get 62 peppermint-flavored tablets (the “trial size”) from Huppy for $13.
32. Also! Keep in mind that you can always buy personal items, makeup, and toiletries at your location — and it can be fun stumbling upon and trying new brands that way!
*Especially* if you’re traveling abroad for a long period, don’t feel like you need to pack enough sunscreen, moisturizer, or shampoo for the entire time you’re away from home. You’re just weighing yourself down unnecessarily!
33. Wear your bulkiest clothes onto the plane: chunky boots, thick sweaters (it’s cold on there anyway!), sweatpants, etc. Aside from the space-saving benefits, you’ll also be cozy as heck while you binge-watch your downloaded movies on that looong flight.
34. And in place of that huge neck pillow that’s an absolute *pain* to lug around for the entirety of your trip, treat yourself to a Trtl neck pillow that’s waaay more space-efficient and lightweight (not to mention more ergonomic and comfortable). When traveling internationally, a neck pillow is one of those real “worth it” items, but it doesn’t have to be a burden to bring along.
It also easily attaches to backpacks and luggage handles (see the photo on the right), weighs less than half a pound, and is machine washable!
My former colleague Ciera Velarde has used this pillow for the past few years and swears by it: “Before this, I always found traditional neck pillows uncomfortable and would end up ditching them halfway through the flight and getting frustrated. The Trtl pillow is adjustable — you wrap the pillow around your neck and secure it with Velcro, and if you find it’s too loose, just make it a bit tighter! I’ve truly never slept better on a plane than with this pillow.”
And check out our full Trtl neck pillow review for more on why it’s worth the hype!
Get it from Amazon for $64.49+ (available in four colors).
35. Beat dehydration *and* those absurd airport water bottle prices by investing in a sturdy collapsible water bottle that rolls up to fit in the palm of your hand when empty — no more lugging around your bulky everyday bottle. Whether you’re backpacking through cities or hiking to ancient ruins, you’ll appreciate how little space it takes up in your bag and just how *useful* it is.
It’s lead-, latex-, and BPA-free as well as dishwasher-safe.
Promising review: “Bought these collapsible water bottles for a European adventure — because apparently, in Italy, they charge you for water, not to mention it feels like walking through the fiery pits of Mordor during summer. Spoiler alert: These bottles are the hydration heroes we didn’t know we needed. They collapse to fit into our bags seamlessly when not in use, proving that staying hydrated can be as effortless as deciding what gelato flavor to try next. If you’re planning a summer escapade to Europe, these bottles are the secret weapons against both dehydration and overpriced aqua. Trust me, your taste buds and your wallet will thank you!” —Julie
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in multiple colors and packs).
36. Upgrade your carry-on bag situation with a genius Carry-On Closet that, honestly, might make you forgo the price (and headache) of checking a bag for good. Its built-in compression and organization will help you pack your carry-on as efficiently as possible, with a six-tier pop-out shelving system that’ll let you bring along all of your cutest ‘fits for roaming the world without a bulky full-size suitcase.
Psst: Its lining is made with plastic from coastal communities that otherwise could have ended up in the ocean! The smaller size is accepted as a carry-on by all international airlines, including European budget ones, while the larger one meets all US airline standards.
Promising review: “Great design that allows me to organize everything I need in much less space than I ever expected. Take your time to select and pack your things thoughtfully and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much you can get into this carry-on. I have several pieces of luggage in different sizes and I’m giving them away because this is all I need. The size and versatility make it the perfect carry-on.” —Michelle C.
Get it from Solgaard for $325+ (available in two sizes and 14 colors).
37. And for your personal item, don’t waste it on a skimpy purse or tote; instead, choose a sturdy travel backpack that can also double as your day bag for your entire trip. You can’t go wrong with the sleek Beis backpack, which literally zips open like a suitcase (!) and features *extensive* storage with stretchy X straps to keep it all secure. For a shorter trip, this might even be all you need, if you’re a minimalist.
Elizabeth says, “I snagged this backpack after hearing my colleague Chelsea Stuart sing its praises. I wanted a bag for some upcoming travel (two and a half weeks in Europe with *just* carry-on for five flights) that opens up like a suitcase for easier packing. Since buying it, I’ve taken it on two long-weekend trips with no complaints. In fact, for both of those trips, I packed MORE than I needed.
“Inside, you’ll find a mesh zippered pocket and a plastic pocket perfect for your toiletries. I can fit as many ‘wet’ toiletries in the second pocket as I’d be allowed to carry on for a plane. The main compartment is deceptively deep, so you can easily roll clothes and Lego-fit them in together without using packing cubes. AND it has stretchy X-straps to keep it all secure, like you’d see in a roller suitcase, so when I unzip it, everything stays put. I love that this backpack has DEEP side pockets so your umbrella or water bottle won’t fall out. Plus, it has a generously sized pocket on the front of the backpack with easy access for sunglasses, snacks, writing pens, etc. To top it all off, the backpack straps and top handle are STURDY. I felt totally secure toting it around and slinging it into those overhead storage compartments on trains. This isn’t the cheapest backpack option, but if you’re a frequent traveler, you’ll get so much mileage on it and seriously save on some baggage fees, making it well worth the cost. This backpack and I are going places, for sure.”
Get it from Beis for $88 (available in eight colors).
38. Also: Instead of a big ol’ fanny pack, make one of the most unassuming (yet v necessary) clothing accessories do double duty for you — we’re talking about a money belt, folks. Yes, it’ll snugly hold up your pants when you’re making a steep climb to see a cool view. It’ll *also* hold your cash thanks to a hidden zip-up pocket that even the sneakiest of pickpockets can’t reach. It’s 2-in-1 brilliance at its finest!
Amazon
I mean, you can *literally* wear this onto the plane so you don’t even have to pack it.
Promising review: “Wore this belt on a recent 10-day trip, with several hundred dollars neatly folded in its full-length zippered pocket. The bills (USD) had to be folded lengthwise, in thirds, and for practical reasons, in stacks of four to five (or less). My belt had room for four such stacks, so theoretically $2,000 could be comfortably carried in complete concealment. The nylon buckle was perfectly adequate for its purpose, and nothing about the belt would indicate its hidden purpose. Well worth it.” —Tony B.
Get it from Amazon for $17.99 (available for pant sizes 20″–50″ and in seven styles).
39. Strap your hefty shoulder bag onto your suitcase using a luggage strap that’ll be the extra set of hands you *desperately* need when you’re dashing to make your connecting flight from one country to the next. It’ll help lighten the physical load you have to carry and make it feel like you’re only rolling around one piece of luggage. It’s great for holding bulky coats and sweaters, too!
Promising review: “Saw this in an article about travel items and decided to get it for a trip overseas. So glad I did — the forecast said rain so I packed my rain jacket only to find hot sunny skies. Rather than tie this around my waist and have it fall or get in the way, I wadded it up and used this strap to attach it to my bag. The strap is adjustable, so you can get a tight fit. Carried my coat for me. Would also work to attach a bag to a suitcase, water bottle to a purse, etc. So many uses, just get it and try it out. Really helpful and handy little travel item.” —David Shaughnessy
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in six colors and in sets of two).
40. Or, let that personal item sit on top of your suitcase (strapped securely using a travel belt) so it can go for a ~ride~ as you’re dashing through the airport or navigating to your hotel so you can keep a free hand on your phone. Again, condensing your luggage in this way will help lighten the load on yourself — because traveling internationally is physically taxing enough as it is!
The travel belt is adjustable to 38 inches to fit most bags. The belt itself is vegan leather with elastic accents and a quick-release buckle.
Cincha is a small business in California that develops adjustable travel belts made out of vegan leather. The brand donates 100 airline miles for each purchase, which are used to reconnect separated migrant families.
Promising review: “This little belt saves so much hassle when traveling. For years, I wound the straps of my underseat bag through the handle of my suitcase, but the bag inevitably shifted while maneuvering through airports. And the straps were a nuisance to unwind when the luggage pieces needed to be separated. Now I don’t have to look back to see whether my carryon is secure. When it’s time to separate my luggage pieces, the buckle makes it simple. The belt even stays put when the buckle is open because of the part that slips over the suitcase handle. All in all, a nice little extra comfort while traveling. Wish I had bought it years ago.” —Trumpetvine
Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in 17 colors).
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.
