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.


    If You’ve Always Been A Checked-Bag Person, These 36 Savvy Products Will Help You Pack Carry-On

    A few little adjustments can really add up to some freed space.

    1. A neck pillow you can stuff with clothing — even a whole outfit — to give you some comfy flexibility and help get around super strict carry-on size restrictions. The listing says you can even pack three days' worth of clothes in it! Which would especially be welcome if your carry-on-only budget doesn't exactly align with your fashionista status. 

    neck pillow stufed with clothes and looped on a suitcase handle
    the neck pillow empty and change of clothes that were stuffed inside

    Check out a TikTok showing how someone used a similar neck pillow to just take that and a personal item onto a RyanAir flight that was charging for hand luggage. 

    Promising review: "Took it on my trip to Europe. I went carry-on-only and this tube was a true gem! I fit one full outfit in it and it’s so valuable when traveling with only carry-on luggage. On the plane I used it as an arm support. It’s really helpful on a 10-hour flight. What an excellent idea to take something out of the weighted luggage!!! I was able to fit three T-shirts, two light long-sleeve sweatshirts, and one pair of underwear. I usually like to have a change of clothes with me on the plane, especially on transatlantic flights, so I can change it on the layover, just feels fresher." —Happy Shopper

    Get it from Amazon for $43.95.

    2. A compact eight-compartment pill organizer so you'll have space for all the stuff you take from all the delicious food that sometimes makes you feel bad on your travels. 

    reviewer image of the pill organizer in green, full of different pills
    Reviewer holding their pill organizer filled with pills and with the compartments labeled
    Same reviewer holding their closed pill organizer

    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 $9.47.

    3. hard-shell roller suitcase with a pocket on the front for your laptop to make getting through the TSA line much more effortless and then resting assured that it's safe in the overhead. Plus! It's equipped with TSA-approved locks!

    Travel suitcase highlighting TSA-approved locks, easy laptop access, and fits 15'' laptops, for stress-free TSA checks
    Black carry-on suitcase with extendable handle, in an airport setting for a travel-related shopping article

    Promising review: "This is my first time buying a 'fancier' suitcase, and I love it so far! I took it with me on a trip to NYC for work and used it as a carry-on. I was easily able to lift it up, and it fit very well in the overhead bins. A lot of people were asked to gate check, but as this bag met the requirements, I was able to bring it on all my American Airlines flights. I love the inside design with the different pockets and that my packing cubes easily fit. I had enough clothes and work items for four days and could easily have fit more, at least for a week! Also, it comes with a laundry bag, as I had forgotten mine. I highly recommend it. I think it will last me for a long time!" —Marie C.

    Get it from Amazon for $179.95 (available in two colors and more sizes).

    4. Or a wheeled carry-on bag small enough to qualify as a personal item on super stringent airlines. It can fit underneath an airplane seat! You can avoid checking a bag, glide through security, *and* don't have to hurt your shoulder by carrying a duffel bag that'd also fit strict bag measurement policies. Take that, Spirit Airlines. 

    Now you won't even have to pull your suitcase outta the overhead!

    Promising review: "This works out so well for me. I’m a flight attendant, and I’ve had an infinite amount of day trips over the summer. I got tired of carrying around my regular TravelPro spinner, so I finally ordered this. SOOOOO MUCH BETTER FOR ME. It’s light, has enough pockets, and can easily fit under a seat if needed.

    The ONLY picky thing I can think of is how loud it sounds going across rough concrete. The wheels aren’t as silent as others, but that won’t stop me from buying another in the future." —Kayla T

    Get it from Amazon for $49.99+ (available in four colors).

    5. A garment and travel bag set can cover you when you've gotta keep your outfit for your college roommate's wedding festivities tidy and wrinkle-free, and you have trust issues with airline baggage checks. It'll easily fold and unfold as you need it. 

    Garment bag rolled open to show shirt hung neatly inside
    reviewer holding pink duffel garment bag rolled up

    Beauty Goodies is a small business that specializes in chic storage and travel accessories. 

    Promising review: "This garment bag is an exceptional value for the money. Well built, top quality materials, including 'beefy' zippers, should hold up well for airline travel. Minimal wrinkles if any in garments, and a cavernous bag for storing shoes and other items for a trip. Added bonus, it fits easily in the plane overhead storage, similar in size to a standard roller bag. I highly recommend this product." —Kindle Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $30.45 (available in two colors). 

    6. An I Dew Care "Tap Secret" mattifying powder shampoo to tackle greasy roots without the aerosol or benzene formula. This'll even be easy to take to the bathroom toward the end of a red-eye so you can deboard feeling a bit fresher. 

    a model applying the powder to their roots
    the powder container and poof applicator
    Amazon

    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+ (available in 11 colors/styles). 

    7. A 4-in-1 travel adapter that'll work for a wide range of countries because you shouldn't have to google which adapters you need before every international trip. There are better things to do, like talking yourself into packing that one dress you've only worn once but MIGHT wear on this vacation.  

    Universal all-in-one travel adapter with multiple plug options and USB ports for international use
    Amazon

    Promising review: "As an international flight attendant, I am in different countries weekly. While the all-in-one adapters, in theory, are great, they often are too big/heavy to stay in the socket securely — you are much better off with one like this. It is sturdy in the socket, even with an electric cord (my hair curler) and my phone and iPad all plugged in. Very satisfied!" —Susan H.

    Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

    8. An *very popular* off-the-shoulder jumpsuit suited for just about any sightseeing needs. 

    reviewer wearing the black jumpsuit while standing in front of mountain scenery
    reviewer wearing the red jumpsuit while standing on a pier

    FYI, if you have Amazon Prime, you can give this a spin before you buy it!

    Promising reviews: "This jumpsuit is cute and comfortable. I love it. It is very comfortable to wear on a road trip or for flying." —B-More Mom & Luvin' It

    Get it from Amazon for $30.39+ (available in sizes S–3X and 32 colors/patterns). 

    9. An on-the-go Gillette razor that'll spare you some precious space in your bag without sacrificing quality.

    compact razor in carrying case
    Amazon

    It comes with one handle and one blade refill!

    Promising review: "I am a flight attendant, space is limited in my bag. Great product for your travel bag." —Caitlin Hemphill

    Get it from Amazon for $7.03.

    10. A mini lightweight flat iron to help you get your signature smooth locks, or at least tidy up your blowout you're really banking on lasting for a few days.

    reviewer showing their naturally curly hair and then pin straight hair achieved using the straightener
    reviewer hand holding straightener

    It also comes with a heat-resistant pouch for easy carrying!

    Promising review: "This fits perfectly in my toiletries travel bag that I take with me as a flight attendant. Anything that comes in a small size and still works well is perfect for me." —Kathy S

    Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in three colors).

    11. A Beis backpack that zips open like a suitcase without *looking* like one of those backpacks that does that. I used this and a space vac bag to pack ALL my belongs for my Iceland trip instead of paying $100 to check a bag. (That's how the discount airlines get you!) 

    open backpack stuffed full of things for a long weekend.
    stacks of some clothes packed in the backpack
    Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed

    I snagged this backpack after hearing my colleague Chelsea Stuart sing its praises. I had a trusty (now discontinued) InCase backpack I used as a personal item and served me well on dozens of trips for about five years. But I wanted a bag for some upcoming travel (2.5 weeks in Europe with *just* carry-on for five flights) that opens up like a suitcase for easier packing. Since buying, I've taken it on two long weekend trips (Amtrak to Newport, Rhode Island, for a wedding and regional train to a Connecticut country lake house) 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 enough wet toilet toiletries in the second pocket as I'd be allowed to carry-on for a plane. In the mesh pocket I put other necessities like cotton swabs, medicine, eye glasses, etc. The main compartment is deceptively deep so you can easily roll clothes and Lego-fit them in together without using packing cubes. In fact, I fit all of the stuff in the second picture in that section (a romper, PJs, a bikini, sunscreen, five pairs of undies, a pair of jean shorts, nap dress, three pairs of socks, two pairs of sandals, two T-shirts, a slip skirt, sleep mask, curling iron, mini flat iron, makeup bag, and tote bag). 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. But before I forget, there's a separate cushioned laptop pocket close to the backpack straps that I found works well for books or a Kindle if your travel leaves you laptop-less. 

    I love that this backpack has DEEP side pockets so your umbrella or water bottle won't fall out. In fact, I stuck a flashlight and an umbrella in one side pocket. (You could always use a flashlight.) Plus! It has a generously sized pocket on the front of the backpack with easy access for sunglasses, snacks, writing pens...all sorts of those little extras you need to access quickly. To top it all off, the backpack straps and top handle are STURDY. I felt totally secure toting it around and slinging it into overhead storage compartments on the trains. I love the look and construction of it with faux leather and sturdy black canvas, and the trolley passthrough to easily fit on my roller suitcase I'm about to drag through a bunch of airports. At nearly $80, 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 Travel for $88 (available in five colors). 

    12. A quick-drying microfiber beach towel built to shake off sand and pack small in your suitcase. No need to sneak out a hotel towel to the beach!

    Promising review: "Love this! I am a flight attendant and keep it in my suitcase for various uses, but it's an outstanding for beach or picnic blanket. It weighs nothing, beautiful, and great quality! My new go-to gift item." —Laurance F. Haun

    Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in 25 patterns). 

    13. A set of packing cubes that'll magically help you pick lots and lots of outfit options because you need options!

    Promising review: "I am officially sold on packing cubes!! These things are amazing! I can't 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 a set of four from Amazon for $21.99 (available in 25 colors).

    14. Or a packing cube that comes with built-in shelves (!!!!) that'll surely come in handy if you're bopping between a few different cities and don't want to completely unpack for two nights in one hotel. You can take it out of your suitcase and hang it in your closet. 

    reviewer image of packing cube with clothes in it
    packing cube hanging up in closet

    Plus, it has a zipper compartment at the bottom you can put all your dirty clothes in, so they don't get mixed together and you end up just washing everything when you get home (bc that's usually what happens to me).

    Promising review: "I used these while traveling around Europe with four children and then later on a cruise. They were super helpful in both cases." —Tucker Sw

    Get it from Amazon for $31.99+ (available in 10 colors and also a smaller size).

    15. A *foldable* wide-brim hat to help you keep the sun off of your face, make your outfits look even cuter, and easily fit in your carry-on without crushing it.

    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, 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 $24.99+ (available in 20 color combos). 

    16. A fanny pack with a ton of storage room inside that has a long enough strap to wear crossbody *or* comfortably fit over outerwear so you can use your arms to help you balance while teetering toward a glacier. If you plan on wearing it across your chest, attach your waist buckles together with a zip-tie to prevent it from getting unclipped from your back. 

    reviewer wearing the fanny pack over a heavy coat while posing in an ice cave
    Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed

    I wear a size L/XL in clothing and sometimes waist bags just don't work out so well for me. With this one, I can confirm that it fit around my waist comfortably without outerwear, across my chest without outerwear, *and* over a thick coat and several layers. The pockets inside are so handy and I even had room to spare throughout my Iceland trip. This was the only purse I brought for the whole trip and it performed its job flawlessly. Just make sure that you zip the zipper ALL the way because the zipper goes down pretty far on the sides for easier access to contents. Having my hands free was wildly convenient for a number of reasons, including crawling around inside of an ice cave and putting out my hands for some extra balance while walking on sheets of ice along cliffs. Oh, and it comes in so so SO many colors. And in case it looks familiar, TikTokers compare it to the Lulu waist bag. 

    Promising review: "Love this little bag! And the price — you can’t beat it." —Jolie

    Get it from Amazon for $13.98+ (available in 34 styles). 

    17. A set of three Cadence containers that are magnetized and'll stick together in your toiletries bag AND on your metal cruise ship bathroom walls. They're super sturdy, leak-proof, and even work great for a few days' worth of vitamins or holding small jewelry. They've quickly become one of my packing go-tos. 

    Three skincare product containers labeled Cleanser and Moisturizer, one open showing product
    Amazon

    Cadence is an AAPI woman-owned small business that was founded by Steph Hon as a way to eliminate single-use travel-sized plastics. The containers are made from recycled ocean-bound plastic. 

    But I'm not the only fan on the BuzzFeed Shopping team. My coworker Abby Kass has these and loves them! Here's what she has to say about them: "I recently got a set of four of these, and, wow, I love them so much. I used them on a six-day trip recently, and they were perfect. I customized the label so I knew which one was my shampoo vs. conditioner and did a general label for any other things I wanted to bring along. They do hold a surprising amount. According to the brand, they hold approximately one to two weeks of skincare products, more than two weeks' worth of serum, two to three days' worth of haircare, and more than 15 tablets (for medicine and such). And while two to three days' worth of haircare might not seem like enough, I found it held more than that for me, but I also don't wash my hair every single day. They were small enough to slip right into my toiletries bag and go through TSA with no problem. The container was easy to open in the shower (even with wet hands), and I had no leakage from them (like I did from my face wash bottle that will not be making the trip with me next time, SMH). These are an incredibly useful tool anyone who travels will want in their luggage."

    Promising review: "I absolutely love these! I ended up buying more of the labels and extra containers on the website. These are perfect for a first-time set and the perfect size for flying. 100% makes my packing lighter and more contained overall." —Sara

    Get a set of three from Amazon for $42 (available in five colors and in a haircare and daily routine set). 

    18. A stick of Gold Bond Friction Defense will stop chafing caused by sweat before it even starts. It's sooo good and better than any other competitor in the thigh-saving category. Toss this in your bag and apply before you go on that long, lovely beach stroll.

    the stick
    Amazon

    My former colleague Ciera Velarde is a huge fan! (As am I!) Here's what she has to say: 

    "I've used it for about 12 years now and it's the only thing that I can trust to prevent that dreaded chafing after a sweaty day of walking around. It glides on perfectly, it's unscented, and it doesn't melt away when you start to sweat. If it's a particularly hot day out, it can start to fade after a few hours, so just make sure to bring it with you to reapply. In addition to preventing chafing between my thighs, I've also applied it on my arms where my sports bra rubs against them when I run and it works like a charm!"

    Promising review: "Used this on our cruise, for all the walking in hot, humid places. Literally saved my thighs from 'chub rub.'" —Traci Carpenter

    Get it from Amazon for $6.26.

    19. A cute portable charger can fit in your coat pocket or bag. And you can also easily use your phone while it charges! And because it's small enough to fit in your pocket, you can easily keep it with you at your seat. 

    Promising reviews: "I went on vacation with my family and was able to use my phone to take pictures and video for 18 hours or more without my phone dying. We were flying and transferring planes. I never once had to seek a charging station. It fit my daughter's phone as well. I could keep my phone on bright since it was extremely sunny where we were at. I charged them at night and was good to go. My phone never came close to dying. I also have a long commute and work days. I can't charge my phone, and my car charger sucks. This will come in handy." —Nancy J.

    Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in five colors). 

    20. A fold-flat jewelry organizer if you've given up on a blocky jewelry organizer. (Same!) This design will let you easily slip your baubles into your personal item without hogging a bunch of space. 

    Promising review: "What an adorable and efficient way to pack your jewelry! I have been hesitant even to bring jewelry on my last few vacations because it always got tangled. Love this! Bought one for my sister-in-law as well." —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in two sizes and 10 colors/prints).

    21. A set of cooling patches can work some soothing magic for a variety of uses including (perhaps most importantly), sunburn. But it'll also help with itchiness from bug bites and poison ivy. And! They're TSA-friendly. So you can probably leave your aloe vera gel at home. 

    Promising review: "Used these on a sunburn on my back, and they were very soothing. Also provided padding when leaning back in my seat. I stuck one on my shoulder also to keep my seatbelt from rubbing the sunburn there. I bought them to use on the back of my kids' necks to help prevent heat exhaustion on a very hot day outside but ended up just using them for burn relief." —Joanna

    "These saved us on our vacation with our little that is sensitive to sun!" —felicia faith

    Get a pack of 20 from Amazon for $13.99

    22. A set of Sea Bands with a little nub that targets the acupuncture point on your wrists meant to help reduce nausea. This'll be great in case anyone gets motion sick in the car or on a boatride.

    Promising review: "FLIGHT ATTENDANT APPROVED! They work. 100% of the time." —Jessica

    Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.05.

    23. A soft faux-leather tote will be the perfect personal item on the plane so you don't even have to pack it in your carry-on! And it would be useful as a day bag (of course keep your valuables zipped up concealed and tucked away inside) with plenty of room for your souvenirs. 

    reviewer pic of tote bag on bed beside of cat
    another reviewer's pic of pink bag hanging on wall hook

    Promising review: "Bought this bag last minute for a uniform compliance as a flight attendant, and it’s sturdy and a great bag. For the material and the price, it’s a great purchase. I’ve had it over four months." —Amber

    Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in a variety of colors and two sizes).

    24. Plus, a handbag organizer with LOTS of pockets to help you easily track down your ID, a pouch to take off those giant earrings before going through security, that half-drunk bottle of water you've gotta toss, and just about anything else you'll need to take out and put in a tray. 

    A customer review photo showing them pulling out the insert from their handbag
    A customer review photo showing everything they're able to fit into the insert

    Promising review: "I have always purchased handbags with lots of pockets and sections because I hate having to dig around trying to find something in the gaping hole of purses with no sections. But I have passed up so many cute bags because of this, and I was frustrated with having to do so. I purchased this medium size organizer, and I couldn't be happier!! It is very well-made, and it has so many great pockets to organize everything I need. THE BEST PART is, I can easily lift it out of one purse and put it into another one, and I always know where everything can be found. I wish I had gotten one of these years ago. When I first ordered this organizer, I didn't realize it had two zipper compartments on each side, and I was tickled to discover even MORE storage!!! With all the fun colors and patterns, it was hard to select one, but I've always been partial to polka dots. I love it and can't imagine anyone not being has pleased with this as I am!" —Ronna

    Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in sizes S–L and in 26 colors).

    25. A pack of laundry soap sheets you won't have to slip into your toiletries bag if you're flying. This way you can save more room for souvenirs than three changes of underwear for every day of your trip. 

    collection of shaving sheets, body wash sheets, and shampoo sheets
    Amazon

    In 2022, I went on a 2.5-week Europe trip (I stayed in Nice, Barcelona, Mallorca, and Rhodes Island, Greece) and only had in-unit laundry in one of those places. These sheets were a lifesaver for washing underwear, clothes that I sweated SOOOOOO much in, and also swimsuits that were laden with very salty sea water. They got the job done and I even found that the towel-warming rack in my Nice hotel did a fine job of hang drying my hand-washed undies much faster! Now, I went through about half of the sheets because my friend and I were having to wash a lot. But it was such a small investment (size- and money-wise) to keep our travel loads significantly lighter. 

    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 it from Amazon for $12.95 (available in four other styles, including hand soap and shampoo).

    26. Or, some Tide sink packets with the perfect amount of detergent for a sink wash to help lighten your clothing load. Plus! These'll easily slide into the toiletries bag that you thought had no. more. room. Can you tell I love a packet/wipe sitch?!

    person dumping packet of clothes detergent in a sink full of water
    Tide

    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 to much success!

    Promising review: "Taking these out of the country to wash under things is exactly the right size." —Laura Wilson

    Get nine packs from Amazon for $6.45.

    27. A Vanicream clinical strength anti-perspirant that'll be perfect for people with sensitive skin who sometimes get irritated when they switch to a solid deo for trips when they carry-on only. (It me!) As someone with *very* sensitive skin who's broken out from a rash before on a weeklong vacation, this stuff works just as well as my other clinical strength-level deodorants that are push-up gel and, therefore, need to be checked. 

    hand holding white deodorant tube
    Amazon

    Promising review: "I recently developed a serious reaction to antiperspirants. My underarms would break out in a horrible, painful red rash. So I tried different 'natural deodorants.' They did not break out my underarms, but they didn't really work! So I tried Vanicream after reading several reviews. IT WORKS!! My underarms don't break out, and it works as well as any antiperspirant/deodorant on the market. After my first order, I ordered two more. Couldn't be more relieved and happy to find this product!!" —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $11.25.

    28. An E.l.f. multistick so you can add color in all sorts of ways on your eyelids, lips, and cheekbones without weighing down your toiletry bag with another liquid.

    reviewer using the product on their lips
    reviewer with the product on lips cheeks and eye lids

    Promising review: "I love that this blush stick has a slight shimmer to it. I am still learning how to apply it properly, but I like that it adds color quickly and with little fuss! It is a lovely tone. I am normally darker, but have been indoors a lot, so I will update with a summer photo to see if this color still suits my skin in the summertime. Even if not, it works well with my winter skin and lasts all day!" —Paprika

    Get it from Amazon for $5+ (available in seven colors).

    29. versatile lightweight shawl you can even wrap up in on the plane then at night when it gets a bit chillier but it doesn't quite call for a jacket. Plus, let's be honest, this looks a little more elegant than your go-to denim jacket. It can also help cover your shoulders at cultural or religious sites that require it!

    Promising review: "Absolutely love this shawl! The color is a true red and will work beautifully for several outfits. I bought it specifically for travel...easy to pack in carryon bag and warmth without weight." —bojangles

    "Wore on a trip to Morocco. Lightweight and versatile. Wear it as a traditional scarf, draped over front, or as a head scarf. Good quality and color pigment." —Micki R. Leesch

    Get it from Amazon for $15.98+ (available in 43 colors).

    30. Hackwith Design House shirt you can wear in 6(!!!) different ways...which takes "travel capsule wardrobe" to a whole new level without feeling like you're repeating. (Though, there is *no* shame in repeating.) 

    a model wearing the black long-sleeved wrap top in three ways: off the shoulder, tied in the front with a square neck, and tied in the back with a V-neck in front
    Hackwith Design House

    Hackwith Design House is a woman-owned small business. Their sustainable designs are made to order and sewn in their Minnesota studio. Their sizes run from XS–4X. On Mondays, they also release limited-edition designs so you can be one of only 25 people to own a piece! 

    My colleague Chelsea Stuart owns this and loves it. Here's what she has to say: 

    "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 in three colors). 

    31. A pack of towel bands to 1) keep your towel where you want it, 2) stake a claim on a chair on your cruise or at the resort while you go and see just what's included in the all-inclusive food selections, and most importantly 3) take up just a smidge of room in your suitcase. 

    White towel with a logo hanging on a ship's railing, with deck and lifeboats in the background
    Amazon

    Promising review: "Last-minute purchase for a trip to Jamaica. So happy I bought them. They always kept our towels on the chairs correctly. It was also easy to tell our chairs apart from others on the resort. Will definitely be recommending them to others." —RG

    Get a four-pack from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in five colors).

    32. A portable white-noise machine because you booked a spot in THE best neighborhood for nightlife — which was all well and good until the night you went to bed early to catch the (cheap) first flight out. (Ahem, Trastevere.)

    the small circular noise machine attached to the handle of a suitcase
    Amazon

    Promising review: "I purchased this for my trip to Europe as I sleep with white noise every night. The rohm scores extra points for volume control, and it can get quite loud. It’s also lightweight and chargers easily with a USB." —Jessie W.

    Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (also available in two- and three-packs).

    33. A travel scarf with hidden storage in it so you won't have to go digging in the overhead as soon as the pilot says it's OK to unbuckle your seatbelt. You can keep your wallet, phone, lip balm, and more stashed in this beaut. 

    model showing six ways to wear travel scarf
    Amazon

    Waypoint Goods is a small biz that specializes in travel accessories. 

    Promising review: "Traveled around India and Nepal and found this scarf to be indispensable. It did 'double-duty' as a warm and attractive wardrobe addition as well as a handy, hidden place to carry my passport and money. Wear it with the zipper low, keeping the weight of the contents at the bottom, and adjust the 'drape' to conceal the fact that anything is in there. It was comfortable and very handy to get into. Good looking and high quality. I was surprised at the level of quality, and the zipper and stitching stayed completely intact." —avm

    Get it from Amazon for $39.95 (available in eight styles).

    34. Or a set of storage scrunchies to help keep your hair off your neck and your lip balm easily accessible throughout your flight. 

    lip balm, pins, and other small items inside a reviewer's blue velvet scrunchie with zipper closure
    the scrunchie on reviewer's wrist

    LOKI STASHED is a small biz specializing in these scrunchies. See them in action on TikTok here!

    Promising review: "I use these every time I travel. Perfect for holding a key or some rolled-up bills for emergencies. Comfortable and reliable." —Poke-me-in-the-coconut

    Get a pack of three from Amazon for $12.99 (available in seven color combinations).

    35. A 4-in-1 makeup brush set that takes up the size of one makeup brush so you don't have to use up half of your personal item's space just for your beauty routine. (Tbh, I need these.) 

    different parts of the brush
    the different brush parts

    Promising review: "The bristles are soft and it applies the product very well. Love that it has a case which is perfect for traveling. Now I don't have to travel with 10+ brushes." —Yashira

    Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in 10 colors).

    36. A solid facial cleanser gentle enough for sensitive skin that'll be small in your bag but last you for weeks and weeks and weeks instead of figuring out how to pack a liquid cleanser or invest in the one-use foaming facial cleansing cloths. 

    model with the solid facial cleanser stick
    WYOS

    This brand specializes in solid toiletry options that are perfect for travel. I gave this cleansing stick a spin on a 2.5 week trip to Vietnam and Malaysia where I only did a carry-on. So I had to make some sacrifices with my toiletries in order to do that. Using this green stick didn't feel like a sacrifice! It helped get off makeup and sunscreen easily, and I still have a LOT of the stick left after that long trip! It's also worth noting that I have rosacea and dry, sensitive skin. This worked great on it. 

    Get it from WYOS for $12.49 (originally $16). 

    Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.