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You might not THINK you need hand soap sheets, but have you ever sat in a car for three hours after using a public restroom that ran out of soap?

I am a writer and editor based in Washington, D.C.

Starting off with the good stuff: Friends, if I had to pick just one thing — and only one — never, ever to travel without again, it would be packing cubes. This exact set of packing cubes, in fact. I started using them a few years ago, both for multiple-week-long adventures and short little getaways, and believe you me when I say they are life-changing. The set includes one large cube, one medium cube, one small cube, one extra-small cube, a slim cube, and a shoe/laundry bag (it’s good for both — source: me; I have used it for both. Not at the same time, though! Pick one or the other and commit to the decision).

Promising review: “You need these if you travel! If you are like me, trying to find a way to organize a suitcase can be quite a struggle. I feel like I need to pack my entire life into my suitcase, even for short vacations, or I feel under-packed. My biggest problem is keeping categories organized. With these organizers, you can easily store all your belongings. Everything stays in place even if you check your bag (suitcases get thrown around, and usually, my clothes are a mess). These also helped me pack more as the cubes condensed after zipping. I won't travel without these organizers ever again. In fact, I will most likely be buying more! Do yourself a favor and buy some. Great price point and great quality!” —Yvette Billing

Get them from Amazon for $20.39+ (available in nine colors and patterns; also available in four additional pack sizes).

Promising review: “These bags are absolutely wonderful! I will never travel without using them again. I can bring everything but the kitchen sink! I recently packed for a seven-day-long trip with various levels of dress, and these bags saved me from having to pack more than a suitcase, which is my norm. Highly recommended!” —Stacy Gladden

Get a set of 12 bags from Amazon for $15.94.

Promising review: “Perfect for TSA approval when traveling! I travel a lot for work, and I prefer to bring only a carry-on bag, which means I’m limited to 3.4 ounces of liquids on the plane. I used to use a sandwich-sized Ziplock bag, and it never worked very well. With this new Lermende toiletry bag, I can fit SO much more. I love that it’s clear so you can see everything at one glance. It’s well-made, and the zipper looks like it will hold up well. It came with five bags, so each family member has their own toiletry bag. Two thumbs up!” —Rusty

Get it from Amazon for $9.98+ (available in sets of two, three, or five bags, two styles, and multiple color combinations).

Promising review: “To anyone who tells me they don't like dry shampoo, I ask if they use a spray or a powder. They always answer with spray. The powder is a game changer. It not only makes my hair look cleaner, but it also refreshes my style. I always travel with this in my kit to make my blowout last as many days as possible.” —ELJ23

Promising review: “Use every time I travel! Nothing wrong with this product! I've traveled with it cross-country and overseas, and while hiking. The bottle doesn't make your water taste funny. It's durable and holds up well in my backpack and in the seatback pocket on the plane. Easy to drink out of and rolls up nicely when not needed. Cost was acceptable. Good product for me.” —Sheryl D 

Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available individually or in two-packs and in six colors).

Each of these adapters features different combinations of USB and USB-C ports, as well as different colors. Also note that this gadget only converts outlets; for actual voltage conversion, you'll need a separate device. (Stay tuned for that!)

Promising review: “Highly recommend!!! I bought this to take to Spain. It was FANTASTIC!! I could plug in my phone, my iPad, and my fan (yes, I have to travel with a fan), and my charger for my watch. It worked so GREAT!!! Whether I'm in the country or out, this will be my go-to plug because it accommodates all my things. I was so impressed by this item. I will never be without one when I travel. Highly recommend.” —Cynthia Rowe Zelbst

Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in three configurations and colors).

Promising review: “Hands down, a super converter that can be used at home or abroad. It worked great in all the countries we went to on a six-week vacation. I can use my fav 110-volt flat iron and hot curlers now instead of the low-performing 220-volt versions I was forced to buy for Europe, etc. The two plugs and USB outlets allow for multiple uses, and only one wall plug is needed. We use this at home as well for charging multiple devices. The drawstring travel bag helps keep items together for quick unpacking and use. I won't travel outside the house without it. Neither should you.” —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $33.14+ (available in two styles and two colors).

Promising review: “An essential part of your travel kit! I travel continuously for work all over the world. This small and lightweight router is always in my bag. It works well in hotel rooms, is fast, and the open-source firmware is fully featured. A huge selling point for me is that it supports Tailscale and allows remote access to the unit from the cloud.

It's a bargain price for this level of functionality, and if I ever lose it, I'll buy another one right away.” —Doug in California

Promising review: “Best portable charger! This thing is a must-have. It’s literally saved me so many times. I don’t travel anywhere without it. With all the charging options, I’ve been able to help friends with low batteries. Lightweight; fits easily in your belt bag. Must have item!” —Troy Zimmerman 

Get it from Amazon for $21.99 (available in six colors).

Promising review: “Perfect for my work! I travel and stay in other places regularly for work. These soap sheets work perfectly for me, and I never let myself run out. I've tried other brands (and have kept their cases because of the convenience of their size), but I wasn't as happy with those sheets. I keep a pack in my overnight bags and my purse, along with my hurricane bugout bag. I love these soap sheets and highly recommend them.” —Terri

Get a pack of six boxes (300 sheets total) from Amazon for $9.99.

Promising review: “Will not travel without them! Used these on my three-week trip, where taking showers was an absolute luxury. They were basically my shower replacements, and they did the job really well. The resealable packets did a great job of keeping the wipes wet enough to be functional, despite the many times it was opened and closed. Will definitely get them again for my future trips.” —TexasTraveler 

Get a set of 10 packs (200 wipes) from Amazon for $19.69+ (available in two scents).

Promising review: “Love these! I bought these for a recent trip to Europe/Africa for a few weeks with my family of six. We couldn't pack nearly enough to change our clothes each day, but we didn't want to wear dirty ones. This was the compromise, and we were skeptical. These little sheets weighed very little and were quick to dissolve, and were just soapy enough to clean our things. We were able to hand-wash our items when needed and use the small washer/dryer combos in our Airbnb. Needless to say, we loved them. Now that I have found these, I won't travel without them.” —Deb Thornton 

Get a pack of 30 sheets Amazon for $13.98+ (available in six scents; also available in three-packs of 30 sheets each).

Other bells and whistles include a wet bag pocket, a shoe compartment, padded straps, a chest buckle, the aforementioned anti-theft pocket, and availability in tons of colors. Who needs a rollerboard when you’ve got this?

Promising review: “A must-have for travel! This came with me on a 3+ week international travel stint, and I will not travel again without it. The zippered sections were just right, and the zippers lined up to use TSA/travel locks. The straps are very, very comfortable, and the bag is sturdy and durable yet soft and comfy to wear for extended periods. I loved the color, almost periwinkle, but if I were to buy this bag again, I'd get a darker color to better withstand the inevitable dirt/marks from air/car/bus travel. This bag kept clothes, a blanket, money, electronics, and everything dry in rainy Ireland, snowy Germany, and a few downpours in Italy. There was a strap on the back that was perfect for the handle of my wheeled carry-on, and the weight distribution was such that the entire setup didn't tip over. I would almost call this bag indispensable!” —Mandi in VA

Get it from Amazon for $21.84+ (available in four sizes and multiple colors and styles).

Promising review: “Best purse I have ever owned! I needed a small purse for travel. I usually carry a backpack, as I like having my hands free. But there are times when a small purse is more practical. With the many anti-theft features, this purse has traveled the world with me, keeping everything safe. Turns out I love this purse so much I use it every day, even when wearing my pack. It is small enough that I hardly know I am wearing it, yet the many pockets provide a surprising amount of carry room. The individual zippered sleeves are great and allow efficient use of space and organization. I love the secure key leash. I never have to worry about locking myself out! If this ever wears out, I'll get another. Can't imagine being without it.” —Gura

Get it from Amazon for $38+ (available in eight colors).

I got one of these for myself in the 10L size a number of years ago, and it has come with me on literally every trip I’ve taken since then. I use it mainly on the days I know are going to be particularly long, for short hikes, and during times when the weather is going to be variable, and I don’t want my hands to be full juggling an extra layer I may or may not need throughout the entire day. Is it fancy? No. Is it comfortable? Surprisingly so. Does it get the job done? With aplomb. And it really is packable — when it’s folded up, it’s roughly the size of a paperback book — so it won’t take up much space in your luggage, even if you’re a carry-on-only kind of traveler like I am.

Promising review: “I absolutely love this hiking backpack! It's foldable, portable, and super lightweight, making it perfect for all my trips. Despite its compact size, it holds a surprising amount of stuff and has plenty of pockets for organization. I especially appreciate the dedicated space for my water bottle. It's become my go-to for every trip, and I highly recommend it for anyone who needs a reliable and convenient backpack.” —Toni Tate 

Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in three sizes and 15 colors).

Promising review: “So helpful! I use these literally every time I plan a trip that I need to pack for. Love.” —LS

I travel carry-on only whenever possible — and friends, I started to get really tired of having constant "oh no, is my bag too heavy???" anxiety every time I was about to get on a plane. (Have you seen the carry-on weight limitations — not just dimension limitations! — for most international flights these days??? Absurdity! Absurdity, I tell you!) So I bought myself this little guy a few years ago, and I am pleased to report that knowing exactly how much my bag weighs before I get to the airport has done much to put my mind at rest. It also forces me to pack more efficiently in the first place, so hey, everybody wins!

Promising review: “Best $10 I have ever spent on a travel accessory! I love this thing. I never travel without it because I’ve paid overage fees or had to check overweight carry-ons or repack bags on the airport floor. I depend on this scale so much when traveling that when I can’t find mine before a big trip, I order a new one with next-day delivery (I found the old one, lol).

Based on what the scale at the airport reads, it's pretty accurate (assuming you can get the bag off the ground). I have weighed suitcases up to 55 pounds/25 kilograms, but any more than that, and it’s hard to pick up the suitcase and hold it far enough away from your body and the ground to get an accurate reading.

This thing will cost a few ounces in weight to carry with you, but will save you money when you get to the check-in counter at the airport because you’ve already packed and repacked your bags to be perfectly within weight limits.” —AK 

Get it from Amazon for $9.88+ (available in two styles, six colors, and a two-pack).

Promising review: “Best overall travel shoes! I purchased these for my trip to Italy, and I was pleasantly impressed by how well they held up. These were the only shoes I wore through Roma and through the Tuscany region. I logged 73,000 steps, 56 flights of stairs and inclines, and 33 miles with these. They are comfortable, lightweight, and supportive. Even through the cobbled streets of Rome!” —Pam Caffery

Get them from Amazon for $36.99 (available in women’s sizes 6–10 and 16 colors).

Promising review: “A travel must! This is a game changer. The size is perfect. It doesn’t take up much room in your suitcase. I took seven necklaces on vacation, none of them tangled. It fits several pairs of earrings and bracelets. I don’t know how I lived without this. This would make a great gift for a trip.” —Jenny T

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in two sizes and seven colors).

Promising review: “So soft! This is a great, lightweight wrap. I always take it when traveling to Europe for the long flights. It doubles as a blanket and packs very small because it is lightweight. Very silky feeling, though it is a lightweight T-shirt material, but way softer than that. I would definitely buy again!” —epad novice

Get it from Amazon for $48+ (available in 11 color/fabric options).

4theloveofoils is a woman-owned small business based in Pismo Beach, California, that specializes in scarves for travel. 

Promising review: “I gave these out as Christmas gifts to traveling friends, and kept one for myself — and I've now given that away when it was admired by an acquaintance at a conference. So I had to buy myself another. It's not just the concept, but the details — including a key ring hook *inside the pocket*. Trust me — you didn't know you needed this, but once you have it, you'll wonder how you traveled without it. My current travel must-haves: folding toothbrush; hand sanitizer; phone charger; this scarf.” —Rebecca

Get it from 4theloveofoils on Etsy for $41+ (available in sizes XS–3XL, with one or two pockets, and 14 colors).

Promising review: “When these first came out, I was skeptical. Now I'm a believer! Always had one on 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 coffee drops 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, as 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

There are two schools of thought when it comes to packing for trips: Pack as light as possible or BRING ALL THE THINGS. If you’re a light packer, you may not need something with this much space — but if you’re a BRING ALL THE THINGS person, this is the toiletry bag for you.

Promising review: “A TRAVEL MUST-HAVE. I was looking for a toiletry bag that could hold all my toiletries and makeup in one place. THIS IS THE ONE. Everything fits, and it helps me stay organized while traveling. I can’t imagine traveling without it now. Bonus for all the color options they have! I have both the medium and the large. I recommend the medium for a carry-on suitcase. The large version in a carry-on takes up half of one side.” —Brenda

Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in two sizes and 16 colors/prints).

This is the pill carrier I use when I’m on the road — or in the air, or, y’know, anywhere other than home (banana for scale). I’ve got a couple of medications I need to take daily (talk about a literal can’t-travel-without-it situation!), so in order to avoid having to carry a whole bunch of bottles with me, I decant what I need into the four little compartments here and chuck the case in my backpack. It keeps things safe, secure, and all in one place.

Also, I… really like its aesthetics. I know, I know — “aesthetic” is not a necessity for medication storage, but it doesn’t hurt that this thing is nice to look at, too. It’s the little things, you know?

(Heads up, though, that if you take prescription meds and you're traveling internationally by air, you usually need to keep everything in their original bottles for airport security — so bear that in mind when considering pill cases of all varieties.)

Promising review: “Great pill organizer! Fits perfectly in my carry-on pouch. It has four slots, which don’t mix up the tablets in case you accidentally shake or flip them. This travel case has a great lock, so your tablets won’t spill. For me, I’ve put antihistamine tablets for allergy days, daily multivitamins, pain reliever tablets, and caffeine tablets for midday sleepiness. I just bring this with me at all times in case I need it.” —Henry

Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in eight colors; also available in a larger, six-compartment size and in multi-packs).

Promising review: “Made my travel SO much easier!! Wow, what a difference this made while traveling. Kept my hands free, and I didn't have to keep going in my purse/backpack for phone, travel documents, or passport. I will not travel without it. I bought it on a whim, but didn't realize how much I really needed it. I kept it in my carry-on, and it was no issue at all when boarding the plane to remove it (with a line of people behind me waiting for me to put my carry-on in the overhead container). I just took out my drink and slipped it up and off the handle. There is a velcro strip in between the cup folders, but I found it very easy to slip it on and off. I was also concerned about items falling out…nope. No issue whatsoever. My passport, papers, and phone were all secured.” —LisalouRN 

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 18 colors/patterns/styles).

Read more about compression socks and their benefits at Cleveland Clinic. 

Trust me: If you are not wearing compression socks for every flight, you are doing yourself a major disservice. They’ll keep your circulation going while you’re way high up in the sky, which will both keep you comfy while you’re in transit AND prevent your feet from swelling up like big ol’ fleshy balloons.

Promising review: “I travel a lot and always wear compression socks. These are the best ones I’ve ever worn, and they are less expensive than others I’ve bought. I highly recommend these!” —SHELLY 

Get a three-pack from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in two sizes and 19 color combinations).

Promising review: “Took this on a trip to Bali, and it was really a lifesaver. It was so easy to find my cords and have everything so neat. It was something I never knew I needed but now will absolutely never go anywhere without it.” —Daniela Amao 

Get it from Amazon for $9.85+ (available in four sizes and 23 colors).

Promising review: “Very awesome bag. I have traveled with it to so many parts of the world, from the Cook Islands to Mexico to the Carlsbad Caverns, to name a few, and it’s always protected my DSLR and lenses. Plenty of room for batteries, etc. Also has a bottom strap for a tripod.” —Michael Soto

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in two sizes and two colors).

Promising review: “A game changer for air travel! I will never fly again without this. I've recommended it to everyone. East Coast USA to Southeast Asia, 24 hours in long-haul flights each way, with a serious lower back pain condition to start. But being able to hang my legs, even in a sideways position, saved me from the hours of pain that I had endured previously flying in economy with limited legroom. So easy to loop over the tray table brackets in both the stowed and open positions. This is a must-have for any flight.” —DL Flin

Get it from Amazon for $14.95+ (available individually or in a four-pack).

Promising review: “Worked great! I had to take a nonstop flight across the US, and I really dreaded the turbulence and air sickness I usually feel on these trips. I don't like taking medication, so I found an article about these bands, so I thought I would give them a try. They are simply amazing! I did not expect them to work as well as they had; I will never travel without them again.” —Charity Rue 

Get a pair from Amazon for $8.53+ (available in six colors and two-packs).

With two pockets complete with RFID protection and a non-bulky design, this money belt straps securely around you and under your clothes, where no one will ever know you’re wearing it. Sneaky.

Promising review: “Won't travel without it again! We just finished an around-the-world trip. This money belt went through 18 airports, probably 25 security checks. It never set off an alarm. After six weeks and 40,000 miles, it looks as good as it did when we started our trip. I had one, and my fiancé had one. I used mine as my jeans belt with longish T-shirts, so it couldn't be seen. My fiancé had his under all his clothing. I kept only money in mine. He kept his passport, money, and credit cards in his. We'd take them off and put them right into the safe in our hotel room. Perfect!” —Chaz

Get it from Amazon for $21.99 (available in two styles and five colors).

* Things Here To Prove That, Yes, You Can Pack Light For Your Next Trip

* Things You Definitely Don’t Want To Forget The Next Time You Take A Trip

* Comfy Travel Fashion Pieces You’ll Wish You’d Bought Many, Many Moons Ago

* Your Feet Won’t Hate You At The End Of The Day If You Pack These Walking Shoes On Your Next Trip

Plus, travel wallets, portable chargers, and finds from 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 for this post have been edited for length and clarity.