We hope you love our recommendations! While every product is independently chosen by our editors, BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. You can read more about how our affiliate partnerships work in our Editorial Standards & Ethics Guide.

Whether your seat is on a plane or train, by the pool, or even on an excursion.

As a shopping editor who always has a trip planned, I do a lot of research and on-the-ground (or in-the-sky) testing on travel gadgets and products. There are some that I always pack for every flight, and then there are others that I feel pretty meh about. In this story, I only included the best of the best, like a slim phone charger that'll charge up to six devices at once and then a neck fan that helped one reviewer stay cool enough to successfully take on a grueling hike. Oh, and when whoever is sitting beside you asks about whatever clever product you pull out of your bag? Send 'em here. 

Check out a TikTok of the Airplane Pockets tray table cover in action. 

Airplane Pockets is a small business that specializes in sanitary, portable travel organization products. 

My colleague Emma Lord owns and loves this: "I used this on a roundtrip from NYC to Tokyo, both with connecting flights in Canada, and cannot sing its praises enough. It fit all four of the different tray tables I used it on and was so ridiculously handy for keeping track of all my littler odds and ends like AirPods, the plane's headphones, earplugs, a sleep mask, a book, gum, a scrunchie, and little snacks. The hanging end of it easily tucked into the built-in sleeve of the seat in front of me for takeoff and when other passengers needed to scoot past me in my aisle seat. Usually, I feel like a hot mess and get frustrated rooting around in the grimy sleeve for my stuff, and this was such a refreshing solution! Several flight attendants even asked where I got it to buy one for themselves!"

Promising review: "Very useful, especially when traveling with kids. Provided easy access and storage to things like water bottles, hand sanitizer, snacks, wipes, and headphones. I didn't have to access my carry-on." —JJ

My colleague Chelsea Stuart owns and loves this: "I splurged on some AirPod Maxes and for the amount of money I threw down on them, I was determined to get as much use out of them as possible and that included on plane rides. With the AirFly Pro, I can connect my headphones via Bluetooth and use the seat-back screen without having to fiddle with the free wired headphones they hand out that 1.) have horrible sound quality and 2.) don't fit my ears in the slightest. (I swear my ear canals are tiny or something??)"

It also comes with a USB-C charging cable, travel pouch, keychain holder, quick-start guide, and a manual.

Twelve South is a small business that has been creating innovative tech accessories since 2009. 

Promising review: "I was a little reluctant purchasing Airfly after reading the reviews, but I’m so glad I did! It worked perfectly on the plane, and while on my trip, I also used it to listen to music in the car. It acted like a speaker because I had no aux cable. It was great!" —Yamile cardozo

Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in three styles and two colors).

Promising review: "I finally gave up and bought a charging station for several devices. I travel a lot, and taking turns charging my iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch was annoying, especially if the room had a limited number of outlets and I was not the only one who needed to charge all of them ASAP — plus, hauling all of the cords. Ugh. Hooray, I'm hustle free now. It comes with one fold-up station, one cord, and one nob for three devices that charge simultaneously. It works with my iPhone 12 Pro Max from 2020, Apple Watch Series 6 from 2020, and AirPods Pro (2nd generation) from 2022 without issues. I am more than satisfied with the purchase." —Sneaky Pete

Get it from Amazon for $27.98+ (available in six colors). 

This contraption provides 360-degree support thanks to a wraparound design and clips that connect it to your seat's headrest. 

Promising review: "Just took a 15-hour flight with this travel pillow, and this was the best travel pillow by far. I've used inflatable and memory foam neck pillows before; the major problem is that they don't secure your head and torso, so either your muscles have to hold up your body, or your head and torso will end up swinging around, and both are disruptive to sleep. With this travel pillow, my muscles can relax, and the padded eye mask will hold up my head and torso. One minor downside is that the pillow needs to be mounted on your seat's headrest; if someone bumps your seat, it can be disruptive, but this rarely happens. Its size and weight are also much less than memory foam neck pillows, and I don't have to bring an extra eye mask, so it is very travel-friendly." —Sky

Get it from Amazon for $19.54+ (available in nine colors).

Fomin is a small business that specializes in travel soaps and wipes. 

Promising review: "Best thing ever. I work outdoors and I use this for my job. Doesn’t require lots of water either, but gets the job done. I actually bought it for my fishing trip and can’t wait to see how well it does." —Amazon Customer

Get a three-pack from Amazon for $9.99 (available in single-scent packs, unscented, and larger packs). 

Promising review: "As someone who travels for work, convenience is everything — and these are a game changer. Each toothbrush already has toothpaste built in, so there’s no mess and no need to carry extra supplies. They’re compact, lightweight, and perfect to keep in my purse, travel bag, or even my semi truck!" —Alicia Anderson

Promising review: "Used this on my hike up Half Dome. I used it for 6 hours on the 1-2 speed setting, and on the second day, it lasted about 2 hours on setting 1 before dying. Charged it for 45 min, and it lasted the rest of the 4-hour hike down. I don’t think I would have been about to hike Half Dome without this. Kept my face and neck cool and didn’t break one sweat on my face." —Hayley

Get it from Amazon for $27.87+ (available in five colors).

Promising review: "These are perfect to take when traveling because you never know if you’re gonna come across a nasty bathroom. They’re compact, and they come in packs of 10, so they're small enough to put in your bag or even your pocket." —ChrisB_DZ

Promising review: "Bought it to fit my floor-length black-tie wedding-guest dress. I was flying and didn’t have a good way to keep it from being damaged or being extremely crushed. Super simple to use, and you can put a ton of small items and a pair of slim shoes in the pocket. I did have to fold my dress slightly to make it fit, but it wasn’t hard.

Easy to put in the plane overhead and will probably fit if squished in a United Airlines–sized carry-on. Well worth $20." —Chelsea

Get it from Amazon for $57.45 (available in three colors). 

Parents especially love this because babies and toddlers can lay on it without getting sand in their mouths. It has four corner bags to fill with sand to keep it down, straps with pegs to hold it in place on extra windy days, a convenient carry bag with a shoulder strap, and a zipper pouch for secure storage.

Promising review: "This was the BEST purchase I've ever made for a beach trip. We took this to Hawaii and it fit perfectly in my bag. We used this every single day of our trip and there was more than enough space for all four adults and all of our things, we sat out in the rain in it and it was dry within 30 minutes of laying in the sun. This will for sure be coming with me on all of my future travels!" —Hannah

Get it from Amazon for $34.95 (available in two colors).

There are four cables (three output for charging devices and one input for charging this charger) and three input slots so you can charge up to six devices at once with this.  

Promising review: "Okay, when I travel, I take a lot of videos and many photos, so it doesn’t take me long to run out or be low on my battery. Recently, I traveled to Hawaii and was able to catch so many shots and videos without the fear of having a dead battery! When you’re flying, travelling around the world, or at different conferences, no need to worry about your battery charge! This device has you covered!" —Shannan C.

Get it from Amazon for $20.98 (available in six colors).

Check out a TikTok of the portable fan in action. 

I own this and use it ALL the time. It comes in handy in a variety of situations at home *and* while traveling — especially when you're sitting in a stuffy plane in Miami in July with the doors open, waiting for the pilot to board and take off. I def got some jealous side-eyes from other passengers as I kept myself cool with this. 

Get it from Amazon for $14.39+ (available in four colors). 

Promising review: "This case has been amazing for storing my earbuds, various loose cable connectors, chargers, etc. I am using it right now on a trip, and it has been fantastic for keeping these items in one convenient, organized place. It is lightweight and fits easily into my carry-on item when boarding the many flights I am taking. I’m pretty sure I will still be using it to keep all these items together and more easy to locate when I return home! I am so glad I bought this!" —V. Elia

Get it from Amazon for $9.85+ (available in three sizes and 25 styles). 

You can also switch between pound and kilogram measurements. 

I tested this digital luggage scale out when packing for a trip to Iceland — check out my demo of how it works on TikTok!

Promising review: "We used this on a six-flight trip across Europe and it made it easy to know that we repacked our bags according to the various weight limits. Some bags had a 10-kilogram limit and some had a 50-pound limit so it was convenient to switch back and forth between units (even though dividing by 2.2 isn't exactly rocket science)." —Robert

Get it from Amazon for $9.39+ (available in five colors and a two-pack).

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. 

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 four colors and in a haircare and daily routine set). 

Promising review: "I love this foldable airplane blanket! There are few things worse on a flight than being too cold. This little blanket is the perfect weight to keep you warm but doesn’t take up too much room in your carry-on/personal item bag. I actually clip it to the outside of my backpack." —Danielle Gaudette

Get it from Amazon for $25.03 (available in 16 colors).

Ciera Velarde, a former editor here at BuzzFeed, also loves this! She says: "I've used this for the past few years and swear 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." 

Promising review: "I love this TRTL!! I first used it on a trip from Seattle to Buenos Aires and will now always use it. It made it possible for me to be comfortable on that long flight. I found it to be the best neck support in how it holds up my neck in a comfortable natural way. I love how I can use it on either side of my neck, and even in the front and back of my neck. I love how I can cover my face to just below my eyes if I want privacy. It is cozy, lightweight, durable and packs easily, or I can wrap it around my carry bag handle for quick transport. I bought one for a friend who took it on a Seattle to New York flight and she said it was a game changer for her as she was able to sleep for the first time while flying. Now I know that with my TRTL and Bose noise cancelling head phones, I can be cramped in a middle seat on a long flight and survive in relative comfort. Thank your TRTL!!! I just bought another one for a gift for my daughter. It is a well-designed product!" —Amis Balcomb

Get it from Amazon for $60.99+ (available in six colors).

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

Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.47+ (available in six colors).

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). 

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 22 color combos). 

It has RFID-blocking technology; is made of slash-resistant, Securtex anti-theft fabric; and locking zippers that blend in with the backpack's design. 

Promising review: "This has great security features. The compartment that holds cards has a locking zipper and sits securely against your back. Two side pockets for water bottle, umbrella, etc. Very roomy and lightweight. I used it this weekend at a tulip festival in Washington. It lightly rained the whole time I was outdoors, and nothing in my bag got wet. It wiped dry easily. A great daypack for adventures!" —pixie

Get it from Amazon for $108.59 (available in seven 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

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 $50.09+ (available in four colors).

Cliganic is a small biz specializing in health and wellness products. Check out a TikTok of the mosquito-repelling bracelets in action. 

Promising review: "I bought this to take on a cruise. Never had issues with bites. Once back home I put them on my son who is allergic to some bites and always itchy after time outdoors. Since he’s had these on outside it’s hardly an issue anymore. Very cool." —MardiGrasGirl

Check out a TikTok of the drink holder in action. 

Promising review: "I bought this to use on a cruise. I had such an easy time carrying my drinks around. So many people asked where I purchased it from." —Jasmine

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in multipacks). 

Promising review: "I have a big spot of blood vessels in the inner corner of my left eye. I use the expensive lubricant eye drops for moisture — I've used Visine, Clear Eyes, you name it. No eye drop has made my eyes look this great. Only Lumify! I was soo happy when I looked in the mirror and saw some beauty in my eyes instead of darkness and redness." —Angela Leonard

"Two drops in your eyes and all day, they look perfectly white and healthy. I would definitely buy these again." —Kelley

Promising review: "Perfect for international travel! Easy to use and protected against theft/pickpockets. Used it on my recent trip to Europe!" —Rachel Bristol

Get a four-pack from Amazon for $12.99 (available in three color combos). 

Promising review: "I brought this crossbody with me on my Europe trip, and I’m so glad I did! I got the smaller size, and it held everything I needed without feeling bulky. The safety features really gave me peace of mind while exploring crowded places. Truly such a great value — worth every penny!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $35.39+ (available in 10 colors).

Storytime: I finally bought a couple of Apple AirTags during 2022 Black Friday sales. And I am SO grateful I did. My normal carry-on bag was too big to fit the Lufthansa luggage requirements (and BOY, do they check that!) so I had to check my bags for a December 2022 trip to Vienna and back from Prague (with a layover in Frankfurt). My bag didn't make it onto the plane in Frankfurt, and once I landed in Newark, New Jersey, I pulled up the app on my phone and saw that yes, my backpack AirTag was indeed with me, but my suitcase AirTag was still in Germany. (The screen grab is from an Amazon review, but you get the gist.) The AirTag also helped me track FedEx's delivery of the suitcase to my parents' house, where I was spending the holidays immediately after my Europe trip ended. I was even able to see it on a highway less than an hour's drive from my parents' house. TL;DR: I think AirTags are very much a worthwhile investment if you travel a few times a year. And I'm not the only one who thinks so.

Promising review: "I bought a pair of these AirTags for a trip to France, and I’m so glad I did! First of all, the setup is super easy. I had zero problems, and both were done in, like, five minutes. I put one in my purse and one in my suitcase. On the way back home, the airline lost my luggage. Checked the Find My Friends app where the AirTag is tracked, and I could see that it never left the Charles de Gaulle airport. I felt more assurance being able to track my bag through the app as it made its way across the world back to me. 10/10 would recommend!" —Lindsay Kirby

Get it from Amazon for $24 or a four-pack for $99.99. 

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 $16+ (available in five colors/styles). 

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 $18.99+ (available in two sizes and 11 colors/prints).

Promising review: "Definitely what I needed for my luggage as a flight attendant. Very heavy duty and perfect for me. Works great with my extra luggage and lunch bag to hang on my suitcase. Thank you so much. Will definitely buy again." —Mary

Get it from Amazon for $8.49+ (available in five colors and in multipacks).

Promising review: "I’m a flight attendant and I love this one! I love the Velcro 'quick detachment.' It’s the best! I had one before without the Velcro opening that just stretched over the handle and it was a PAIN! This one is great! There’s room for two large drinks and a slim pocket for my phone or wallet. Many people see it and ask where I got my clever little caddy!" —Debra G

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in various and patterns). 

Psst — it's also gluten free, soy free, and dairy free! 

Promising review: "This stuff seriously works. Took on a five-day cruise when we had the unlimited drink package, and these Liquid I.V.s saved my life several times. Wouldn’t have made it to dinner/gotten off the ship the next morning without them." —Laura Bales

Get a pack of 16 from Amazon for $23.45 (also available in sugar-free flavors). I'm also quite partial to the newer grapefruit flavor. 

* Products I Bring With Me Every Time I Fly, They're That Useful

* Travel Products That’ll Have Your Trip Companions Saying, “Woah, They’re A Pro”

* Maturing Is Realizing You Really Only Need A Carry-On, And These 28 Travel Products Prove It

* Toys And Travel Activities That’ll Help Mute The Incessant “Are We There Yet?”

* Flight Attendants Swear By These 27 Travel Products (So You Know They're Worth The Money)

* Versatile Travel Pieces That Are Perfect For When You’ve Committed To Packing Light

* Products For Anyone Traveling To A Warm Destination In The Near Future

* Travel Essentials That'll Make Your Economy Seat Feel Like First Class

* Must-Have Items For Your Next Universal Studios Trip

Plus, compression socks, travel bags, cosmetic bags, pet carriers, travel-ready sandals, things to pack if you're headed to Hawaii, and finds from Amazon.

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.

Elizabeth Lilly is a deputy editorial director with more than a decade of lifestyle journalism spanning a range of subjects under her (tool) belt that includes four and a half years at a home improvement magazine. 

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.