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Friends don’t let friends forget sunscreen. Or an outlet converter. Or just a really solid pair of sneakers.

I am a writer and editor based in Washington, DC whose work has appeared at Bustle, The Toast, and others; my book Dangerous Games to Play in the Dark was published in 2019.

Promising review: “Great travel item; spacious w/ solid zippers. I was leery about buying these online for a variety of reasons. I was glad I chose them. They fit so nicely in my checked suitcase. They are spacious and lightweight. The shoe bag held two pairs of shoes, a pair of water shoes, and a pair of flip flops. The other two larger bags held all of my clothes and swimwear. The smaller bags (that came free) were perfect for toiletries and makeup, and paperwork. This still left the other half of the folding suitcase for so much more, and kept everything from shifting when opening at my destination, or TSA, for that matter. I don't know how they would launder, so when needed, I will hand-wash and air-dry.” —Tracy

Promising review: “A total SPACE SAVER (savior)!! On my recent vacation, I packed four pairs of pants (three pairs of denim jeans), two knit sweaters, one jogging suit, two shirts, and undergarments. With the rollup bags, I was able to fit my bathroom items and hair/jewelry accessories in my carry-on as well. I have told several people about these bags, and I will always keep some on hand for future trips. I am a very happy camper!” —anonymous

Price: $14.38+ (available in packs of five or 10 bags)

Promising review: “Convenient, durable, and TSA approved! These travel silicone containers are excellent for trips and everyday organization. The 3-ounce size is perfect for TSA carry-on requirements, and the leak-proof design actually works — no spills or mess inside my luggage. The silicone material feels durable yet soft, making the bottles easy to squeeze and refill. I also like that the set comes in many colors, which makes it easy to identify different products quickly. Great quality for the price and very convenient for travel. I would definitely recommend this set to anyone who travels frequently.” —johanna

Promising review: “Size is great! I love these. I travel, and it's nice to have small amounts of what I need. I haven't had any leaks. I do put them in a separate zip lock to be extra careful.” —Amie

Promising review: “Get it! Much bigger than I thought, lots of spaces for everything, even full-size shampoo and conditioner bottles, my straightener, my hairdryer, all my makeup brushes, etc., toothbrush, toothpaste. It's an awesome case, and it hangs up. Everything I've been looking for.” —Jenny

Friends, I burn. So. Easily. And not only that, I burn even when I am slathered with sunscreen —unless it is this stuff. True, it’s a mineral sunscreen, so you have to work with it a bit to get rid of the white cast that mineral sunscreens tend to leave behind…and yet, despite that minor inconvenience, Blue Lizard is the only sunblock I will use now. When I put it on, I know that I will not, under any circumstances, end up red and itchy the next day, which, I would argue, is doubly important while you’re traveling, because who wants to be dealing with a vicious sunburn when you’re in the middle of an adventure? I throw a stick of this stuff in my backpack every trip I take, and I have never, ever regretted it.

Promising review: “Convenient and effective! Super easy to apply, easy to travel with, no mess, doesn’t feel heavy, and doesn’t leave a white cast. And most importantly, it works really well! No sunburns whatsoever using this brand. 10/10 will be repurchasing.” —Hannah

Promising review: The perfect mirrored pink sunglasses! I'm really happy with this purchase from Foster Grant. Reviews complained that these sunglasses felt huge. However, these aviators fit my face like a PERFECT FIT! These are actually my first mirrored lenses, and I'm in love with these pink shades!” —RetailLover

Promising review: “Very nice umbrella. If you're looking for a small umbrella to carry around with you in your book bag or purse, then look no further; this is the one you want. I plan on buying a couple more for my family members.” —Walmart Customer

Price: $12 (available in five colors and designs)

Promising review: “Highly recommend for travel! This was my carry-on on a flight, and it was perfect. Lots of pockets for organizing: sleep mask, earbuds, tablet, phone, passports, snacks, and a change of clothes, including shoes for when I arrive at my destination. I also took it on excursions and shopping.” —anonymous

Price: $23.09+ (available in three colors)

Promising review: “Took it on a cruise. Had a luggage strap on it for protection. Came back still looking brand new after two plane flights and the cruise. And I love the color!” —anonymous

Price: $78+ (available in carry-on, medium checked, and large checked sizes and six colors)

Promising review: “Get it! Stylish, spacious personal item bag that slides onto the handle of my carry-on luggage perfectly! I was worried it would be too big, but it also fit perfectly under my standard plane seat. Ordered online and it arrived just as pictured.” —Courtney

Promising review: “Small, lightweight insurance for traveling! Lightweight, small, easy to read, and easy to use. Given the increased scrutiny of baggage size and weight at many airports, this tool is becoming a must-have when traveling. It's small enough to carry with minimal added weight and doesn't take up precious space. Good purchase for peace of mind.” —Tom

Promising review: “Fun luggage tags that make it easy to spot your luggage in the airport. They were easy to attach and seem very durable.” —Nicole

Promising review: “Bought this to use on my five-hour flight. I used it basically the whole flight and didn’t even need to recharge it for my flight home. 10/10 recommend.” —Sarah

Promising review: I went to a hotel water park and needed something to safely hold my phone while I carried my daughter through the pool, and this did the job! I wore this around my neck fully in the pool for about 30–40 minutes in and out, and my phone was still completely dry afterward. I highly recommend.” —Shadel

Important to note: This gadget only converts outlets, not voltage.

Promising review: “Very easy to use and works everywhere! We took this on a cruise to numerous countries and continents, and it worked flawlessly. We’ve had others, but this one is so far the best and easiest to use in whatever country you’re in.” —Stephen

Promising reviews: “Many uses! I put one of these in my daughter's backpack and one inside her passport purse as she traveled abroad. I use mine to keep track of my cellphone, which I am constantly misplacing!” —HB

Promising review: “First off, it's my favorite color!! I got it for going hiking to have all the important stuff in one safe place!! It's adorable and lightweight!!” —Jane

Promising review: “10/10, no notes! This is so cute! I love the color — it matches with everything (tan). The bag is even bigger than I expected. Looks like the name-brand product for a fraction of the cost. I would definitely recommend.” —Christine

Price: $15.88 (available in six colors; also available in a bigger size in eight colors)

Promising review: “Great walking shoe for a low price! Nice! Easy to put on and take off, comfortable. Not too soft or too hard. Nice support. A great walking shoe for a low price. Didn't need to break it in, and it didn't cause any blisters or rough spots. Bought a second pair in another color.” —Aimee

Price: $18.98 (available in women’s sizes 6–11 and six colors)

Promising review: “Lifesaver! Did four full days from open to close at Disney World parks in 80–90-degree weather and no chafing. My teen daughter and I, along with all her friends, used it with no issues. Totally recommend!” —Christina

Price: $9.99 (also available in a three-pack)

Promising review: “Handy organizer!! We recently took a couple of bus trips!!! It was great to have our cell phone/electronic cords all in one place. Highly recommend this organizer!!” —Walmart customer

Price: $11.99 (available in four colors; also available in an additional style in four colors)

Promising review: “Must-have! This is one of those things you don’t realize you need until you have it — and then you never want to be without it. The Tide To Go pen is incredibly convenient for quick stain fixes, especially when you’re out or traveling. It works surprisingly well on fresh stains and has saved me from ruining a shirt more than once. The size is perfect to keep in a purse or bag, and it’s super easy to use. Definitely a must-have for anyone who wants a quick, no-hassle way to handle spills and spots on the go.” —Linda

Price: $8.97+ (available in packs of two, three, and six pens)

Promising review: “Great wipes! Love these antibacterial wipes! Great for travel and everyday hand sanitizing while shopping. Really like the individual packages that'll last a long time without drying out, as compared to the wipes in pull-up packaging. Nice fragrance. Highly recommend.” —Cathy

Price: $6.56 for 48 individually-wrapped wipes

Promising review: “Great product! I am really happy with this product. When I fly, the air pressure in my ears gets clogged for days. I decided to give this a try, and it works as described. I just followed the instructions. No more ears clogged after my trips!” —vera

Promising review: “Works for me! Just got back from a cruise and didn’t get nauseous one time, even with a tropical storm and choppy water. I won’t leave home for another without them!” —DEE

Price: $8.54 (also available in a two-pack)

Promising review: “Excellent! I got this RFID wallet organizer to protect my credit cards. Truly loved how well the inside organizes cards. Snaps shut securely. Good looking design. Highly recommend.” —phyllis

Price: $9+ (available in 12 colors and designs)

Promising review: “Much better than my blow-up pillow! I just flew from NY to Colombia. It was a six-hour flight, and this memory foam pillow was a blessing! It forms so many different shapes, and when I repositioned it, the shape fit any situation!” —Kathy

Price: $15.92+ (available in three colors)

Promising review: “A must-have for travel! I wear these for traveling. I travel from Alaska, so flights in and out from anywhere are quite long. They give me a lot of compression on my calves that I really need, especially when sitting down for long hours. They are good quality and fit me very snugly. I also have very large calves for a woman that regular boots don’t fit; only wide calved ones do. I like that the patterns are cute, too. I feel like I got a good deal and it’s nice that it included several pairs.” —Aislinn

Price: $11.97 for a set of three pairs (available in regular and wide sizes and 11 color combinations)

Promising review: “The best dang travel sound machine I’ve come across. It’s easy to use, and the design is perfect. And it can go from a soothing low shush to a loud wind tunnel. This little machine is a must-have travel companion for you or your kids. It’s really great.” —Kaitlyn

Price: $39.99+ (available in five colors)

* If You And The Kids Are Going To Take A Long Car Ride, These 27 Finds Will Keep Them Busy In The Backseat

* Pieces That’ll Turn Your Vacation Into A Fashion Show

* Travel Light With These 43 Carry-On Packing Tips

* Products That’ll Make You Feel Like A Smarter Traveler, Because They’re Just Really Good

Plus, travel shoes 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.

Reviews for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.