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If your carry-on doesn’t have a stash of Tide sink packs, you’re doing it wrong.

I'm a Shopping Editor who uses my passion for hitting "add to cart" (and my 8+ years in media) to curate the best products on the web — I'm particularly passionate about finding the best beauty products, which probably stems from my days of working at Lush Cosmetics, where I learned about effective skincare ingredients while getting covered in bath bomb dust every day.

Want this to finally be the summer that you absolutely crush this whole traveling thing? I'm right there with you, and here to help! Knowing what to pack and buy beforehand is honestly the secret to a great trip, so I've compiled a list of essentials to get *now* so your next vacay will have you feeling like you do this for a living. Prepare to discover the wonders of an airplane window tray, a micro Hydro Flask that holds the *perfect* amount of water, a waterproof phone pouch, and other must-haves that'll unlock a new level of travel.

The set comes with two face masks, two under-eye masks (one for day, one for night), and one lip mask.

Promising review: "I tried the Patchology On The Fly Travel Facial Kit, and it’s a really convenient little skincare set, especially for travel or when you want a quick self-care moment. It comes with a sheet mask, under-eye gels, and a lip mask, so it feels like a mini facial in one kit.

The sheet mask made my skin feel hydrated and soft, and it gave my face a nice glow. The under-eye gels were my favorite because they helped with puffiness and made my eyes look more awake. They also have a really nice cooling feeling. The lip mask left my lips feeling smooth and moisturized.

I also like that everything is individually packaged, which makes it easy to throw in a bag for a trip. The only downside is that everything is single-use, so it doesn’t last very long. Overall, it’s a great quick skincare pick-me-up, and I would definitely use it again." —Solange L.

The fan has three speeds to choose from, and the battery lasts between 4 and 16 hours, depending on which speed you choose.

Promising reviews: "Perfect for anyone dealing with menopause/perimenopause and the terrible hot flashes that come along. It’s fairly quiet, although I will say if you have it on high and are on the phone, you may have the person on the other line ask if you’re in a wind tunnel lol. My favorite thing about these is that they run even while charging!" —Al

"This fan is so lightweight and effective, I wear it everywhere, even to sleep. It’s the best white noise, and with a little breeze, I fall asleep instantly. Has three speeds, but I mostly just need the lowest unless I’m out playing pickleball in the sun. It’s so comfortable and lightweight you won’t even notice it’s there. I just ordered a second one so I can have one charged at all times, but the charge does last a long time!" —Real Hero

Get it from Amazon for $20.38 (available in eight colors). 

Promising review: "This little bottle is pure gold. I threw it in my purse for emergencies (you know the ones), and wow — it works. A couple of sprays in the bowl before you go, and that dreaded “public restroom aftermath” never happens. The Beach Bum scent is warm, tropical, and slightly sweet — not fake coconut or overpowering perfume. It’s discreet, travel-sized, and has saved me from several awkward moments. Honestly, this is one of those things everyone should carry but no one talks about. Also a fantastic stocking stuffer or cheeky gift." —Mildly Motivated Kim

Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (also available in a two-pack).

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 $39.95+ (available in five colors).

P.S. This only works if you have full access to the window (rather than those seats where you get the weird halves of two windows between the rows in front and back of you. 

Promising review: "A friend recommended this to me as a vital travel companion now that I've returned to frequent flying. I initially thought of it as a novelty, but now that I've used it, it's a necessity. It keeps the workspace clear for my laptop, but it also organizes all the little pieces that can become so annoying to keep up with — glasses, earphones, etc. It got my seatmate's immediate attention, as well as a few other folks nearby. I suspect they'll have one soon. Watch for one soon in a window near you!" —Timothy G. Wolfe

Each pack comes with three packets. And, because they *are* liquid, they'll easily slide into the side of your toiletries bag.

Promising review: "Game changer for travel! We were gone for two weeks, and I was able to wash all the clothes I had packed! Helped with using only a carry-on for the trip and kept my clothes fresh and clean! So easy to use and smelled nice! Will never travel without them again!" —Kristy

Get nine packs from Amazon for $6.97 (also available in packs of three and six).

Promising review: "Excellent beach towel and shower towel. I'm an international backpacker and space is a very valuable commodity. This towel serves its purpose well. I just got back from a six-day adventure in Oahu, Hawaii, and I am more than satisfied with my purchase." —ZMONEY

Get it from Amazon for $32.99 (available in 22 colors and patterns). 

Note: This will not get through TSA if filled with liquid, so be sure to empty it before going through security!

Promising review: "Adorable, and way more useful than you'd think. I've been using it for water; it fits in my purse or pant pocket perfectly, and it holds more than you think. I bought a second one for my daughter, and it was great at Disney the other day, not too heavy or cumbersome. It fit perfectly in the side outer pocket of her Loungefly mini backpack and kept her drink cold, and she just refilled it as needed." —erinm51 

Get it from Amazon for $15.96+ (available in several styles).

I'm obsessed with my Philips Sonicare electric toothbrush (and so is my dentist!), but it's just way too bulky to stuff in my already over-stuffed carry-on when I'm traveling. I decided to try this out on a recent trip and was super impressed with how well it works. I love that it has a two-minute timer built in (with reminders to switch quadrants every 30 seconds), and it gives a nice, gentle vibration. For under $20, this is a great alternative to lugging around a bulky rechargeable toothbrush and way better than most flimsy travel toothbrushes.

Get it from Amazon for $19.98 (available in nine colors).

But remember that this is not a voltage converter!

Promising review: "I am a digital nomad, so I travel full-time around the world. I have a lot of devices to charge (laptop, Kindle, phone, backup battery, portable Wi-Fi device, camera, the list goes on). A lot of times, hostel bunks or hotel rooms only have one outlet, and with the previous adapter I was using, I had to charge one device at a time. I used to literally set my alarm to wake up in the middle of the night and switch devices so that I could get more than one device fully charged overnight. I did my research finally and settled on this one because it is universal and has four USB ports. What a GAME CHANGER. On my latest trip, I was able to charge all my devices at once, and it made traveling so much smoother. It seems well made and good quality, too. Definitely recommend to my digital nomad and traveling peers. Happy travels! :)" —Maggie A.

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

Promising review: "Bought these for my whole family to wear at Disney World...worked wonderfully through the rain and rides like Splash Mountain and Kali Rapids. Would definitely recommend." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $5.43+ (available in 14 colors).

Promising review: "Made very well. Nice breathable fabric that isn’t too thick/heavy but also isn’t cheap or too thin. It’s very soft, lightweight, and flows nicely. Nice quality. I’m always extremely skeptical about elastic waists because they can kill a look; I was ECSTATIC to find that this isn’t your average elastic waist. It gathers just enough to give definition between the torso and hips and isn’t even close to being too tight or snug around the waist. Seriously, I was so excited. The off-shoulder neckline is sexy and feminine, and living in Arizona, between having a shoulder exposed and putting my hair up, it makes me feel 50% cooler in the hot temps. Love it." —Holly

Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in women's sizes S–3XL and 31 other colors).

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 $5.99 (available in two color sets).

The kit comes with 30 flexible fabric Band-Aids in various sizes, 21 sheer Band-Aids, three nonstick pads, one roll of paper tape, nine hand cleaning wipes, 10 packs of all-purpose dressings, one tube of Neosporin, and four Tylenol extra-strength caplets. Oh, and a plastic case to keep everything in!

Promising review: "Great little first-aid kit to have on hand. It’s compact but includes all the basic essentials you might need for minor cuts and injuries. Easy to store and perfect for travel, a car, or keeping in a rental. Good quality and gives peace of mind knowing it’s there if needed." —Connor

Promising review: "Guys. If you’re going on a trip and need a cute hat but don’t want to worry about it getting smashed…look no further. I bought this hat last summer. It’s been as far as The Maldives and all over Europe, and I wear it on the reg in southern California. It’s totally kept its shape, and I’m not shy of shoving it in bags. 10/10 recommend! I’m sitting on a bus in Croatia right now thinking how awesome this hat has been and decided to write a review, as I rely on reviews for my purchases on Amazon. Hope this helps someone!" —Lyra S.

Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in three sizes and 19 colors). 

Promising review: "It’s so cute! Can’t believe I haven’t bought earlier. It’s so practical and perfect. I bought it for a festival so I didn’t need to carry all day/night if I didn’t want to wear my hat." —DF218

Get it from Amazon for $6.98+ (available in ten styles and in two-packs). 

Promising review: "Bought this to replace a passport holder that 'lost' my passport several times. This one holds it in securely and is a beautiful color, which stands out in my backpack when I need to find it. Well worth replacing an inferior one that did not do what it was designed to do." —Collie Lover

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 17 colors).

Promising review: "Water sports shoes save the bottom of my feet from being torn up by the pebble tech on the floor of my pool. It also protects feet from the intense Arizona heat on pool decks (yes, even pool decks get extremely hot in Arizona). I will definitely wear them when at the beach — walking on sand and in the ocean." —noslip

Get them from Amazon for $7.19+ (available in women's sizes 4–13.5, men's sizes 3–12, and various designs).

Promising review: "I love this! I use it when traveling, and it works beautifully. Lasts a long time on a charge and sounds are perfect. Definitely would buy it again. Handy size." —Chris B.

Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in 11 colors and packs of two).

Plus, the curved design of the stick makes it glide around the contours of your face perfectly.

Promising reviews: "I FINALLY found the perfect sunscreen for me. It’s a bit pricey, but totally worth it. I’m brown skinned and this is the only sunscreen that leaves no white cast. It’s not greasy, it doesn’t budge so it’s not stinging my eyes. it gives a nice dewy finish that is perfect to put makeup over. I’ve even re-applied this over makeup and it works perfectly. And I love the stick application. It’s a lot easier to apply than liquid sunscreen and it has no scent." —Amazon Customer

"Saved my skin from the Aruba sun. This stick went above and beyond my expectations. It was actually used more for the men on the trip as it glided perfectly over their heads, neck, and behind the ears. This I will order over and over again. Also prevented sunburn, no smell, and not sticky at all." —ALJ

Get it from Amazon for $15.92+ (available in two finishes: glowy or semi-matte).

Promising review: "This is a great carry-on bag! It has numerous pockets and storage areas to keep everything organized. I've taken it on three trips to Europe this year, as well as a few domestic trips, and it fits well under most airline seats (unless the seat has a footrest). In those cases, it's easy to fit it in the overhead compartment. On a couple of occasions when airlines requested that carry-on bags be checked at the gate, this bag was OK for me to carry onboard since it's not too large (yet it holds a lot). In an emergency, I was able to fit three days of clothes, sweaters, a jacket, toiletries, shoes, and electronics in this bag because it's so easy to organize it in numerous compartments. It wheels great, too. I've traveled a lot over the years, and this is the best carry-on bag I've found. I bought two of them!" —DM7233

Get it from Amazon for $59.99+ (available in 12 colors).

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 and is similar in size to a standard roller bag. I highly recommend this product." —Kindle Customer

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

Get it from Amazon for $45.99+ (available in three colors). 

Listen, I always thought packing cubes were a waste of time, until I discovered the magic of *compression* packing cubes — and now I don't know how I ever traveled without them. As long as I didn't wildly overstuff these, the compression zipper was easy to close (though it does take a bit of elbow grease), and helped squeeze my clothes together so there was zero wasted space. I was able to fit many more shirts than usual, and having everything neatly organized in its own cube made getting dressed on my week-long vacation a breeze. The only downside? You do have to meticulously re-pack everything in the cubes the same way you did for your return trip, but that's a small price to pay for extra space and organization.

Get a set of six from Amazon for $28.57 (available in 28 colors and also in packs of two and four).

Plus, the zipper compartment at the bottom can be used for putting all your dirty clothes in so they don't get mixed with clean items.

Promising review: "I just love it. I travel a lot. Now, I don’t have to hang anything up but my organizer. I can see what I pack and where everything is. Just love it. I can easily fit seven days' worth of outfits and three pairs of shoes in a carry-on suitcase. Just great." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in two sizes and five colors).

Promising review: "I have left the house on numerous occasions and needed a hair tie and could never find one. I could dig through my purse, diaper bags, and car, and there was never a hair tie lying around. I have had to refill this hair-tie holder on about five occasions because of how many times I've taken hair ties off for myself and the friends who need one. Great invention." —Samantha

Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in three colors). 

Promising review: "Honestly, before these items, I would have to take so many things just to shave during vacation, but this has a four-in-one and it’s easy to travel with and it gets through TSA when in your carry-on. 😁" —Maria Allegue

Get it from Amazon for $20 (refill pack also available). 

Promising review: "This stuff really is awesome. It really works, and I don't know where it has been all my life. I started looking for something for thigh chafing after running into a few issues (not fun). It is super easy to use; just slide it on like you'd use deodorant." —SweetPea

BodyGlide is a small business that specializes in chafe-preventing personal care products.

Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in five sizes).

Promising review: "Miracle worker. This stuff is seriously magic. I glide it along problem areas on my feet AND the shoes, and I hardly ever get blisters anymore. Cannot recommend this enough!" —Alexandra 

Here's what my colleague Elizabeth Lilly thinks of them: "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 (I own four of this one!) 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!"

Reviewers say the scent is primarily of mint and menthol — similar to that of Vicks VapoRub. Check out a TikTok of the nausea relief inhaler in action. 

Read more about essential oils and morning sickness at Mayo Clinic, peppermint oil and nausea in one small study at the National Library of Medicine, and aromatherapy at Cleveland Clinic.

Promising review: "Took this on my first cruise. Anytime that I started to feel woozy, I'd reach for it. I'm sure the required act of deep breathing helped a lot — and breathing in the fragrance of the essential oil is very calming and effective. Worked for me! Wonderful!" —Willy&Lilly

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $12.99 (also available in a pack of four). 

Don't forget the matching conditioner bar!

Promising review: "I was skeptical about a bar shampoo, but wanted something that would last and I could take on my frequent travels... This was the solution I was after, and I plan to use it even back home. A little goes a long way and leaves my hair feeling bouncy and refreshed. It also has a nice, clean scent that isn't overpowering. Would purchase again." —Jennifer G.

Get it from Amazon for $14 (available in 11 styles).

Promising review: "I travel frequently for work and keep this in my suitcase. Works great; I no longer carry a lint roller." —Liza Przekop

Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in four colors and also in packs of two or four). 

Promising review: "Hate dragging out the old hotel iron and board, so I just spray my wrinkled clothes with this, and viola! Takes the wrinkles out, and off I go — no wrestling while putting the iron and board away. I even have a small travel iron or use my hair styling irons if I want a better finish, but this usually does the job nicely." —Audie 

You can also switch between pound and kilogram measurements. 

Promising review: "This scale works and was accurate on four flights. The first flight was a test at 46 pounds, and Delta scales said it was 46 pounds. The next two flights were at 49 pounds, and both United and Delta found it to be 49 pounds. The bag on the 4th flight weighed 49 but the United scale found it to be 48 pounds. Four different airports and scales proved that this scale is a good, low-cost must-have item for air travel." —Robert

Get it from Amazon for $8.90+ (available in four colors and also available as a two-pack). 

The standard edition allows you to connect one pair of headphones and lasts for 20+ hours on a single charge.

Promising review: "Worked beautifully on a recent eight-hour flight from New York City to Frankfurt! Really easy to pair with my Bose noise-canceling earbuds and charges quickly. The sound quality was excellent. I'm so excited about this product that I'm going to buy one for each of my family members!" —emily p murray

Get the standard model from Amazon for $34.97 (available in five colors; also available in a Pro version that allows you to connect two headphones and has longer battery life).

My colleague Elizabeth Lily loves it: "I have this in pink and am OBSESSED. I like to pack on the lighter side for trips (more room for souvenirs!) and make up for it with accessories and fun jewelry. It does make a difference! I find that with this, I can also slip some silk and satin scarves in here to use for my hair and change up my outfits even more." —Elizabeth Lily

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two sizes and nine colors/prints).

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Plus, finds from Amazon, Target, and Walmart.

BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

The reviews used in this post have been edited for length and clarity.