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Who says you have to enjoy good food, great views, and learning new things with other people?

I'm Amanda Davis (she/her), a Shopping & Products Editor at BuzzFeed who specializes in many topics, including beauty, fashion, home decor, and my personal favorite — small businesses.

Traveling solo can be the scariest, most fun, and most rewarding thing anyone can do! When doing so for the first time myself, I was on a 15-hour flight (!!) from LA to Hong Kong and stayed for about five days, and I found myself SO grateful to have certain things (like vacuum seal bags, a Kindle, and a Baggu cloud) and wishing I had others (a portable charger 😩). So take my advice here when I say that having these travel essentials will make your solo trip a worry-free breeze! You've got this. Now go have the time of your life!

This anti-theft backpack opens from the back instead of the front, which means pickpockets won't get the opportunity to ruin your trip. It's super cute too!

Promising review: "I bought this backpack to use as a purse while on vacation, and it worked perfectly. The main pouch is protected when you’re walking around because the zipper is protected by your back. There are also two side zippered pockets, one of which kept my phone and the other perfect for sunglasses and a few other items that I wanted to access more easily. I loved that I could wear it as a purse to dinner but use it as a backpack during the day so that my shoulder didn’t get tired. I highly recommend this item!" —Allison

Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in two sizes and five colors).

You need this portable charger, because 1. fighting for outlets in the airport can totally be avoided, and 2. you don't want to be left stranded anywhere alone with a dead phone! With this, your phone will ALWAYS be charged, no matter where you are or how long you've been on the road. Plus, the its built-in USB-C port means it not only can charge your phone (iPhone 15 models or newer), but it can also charge laptops, iPads, and more. It's slim, compact, and no cables/cords are necessary.

Promising reviews: "Great little pocket phone charger for traveling or if I'm not near an outlet. Gives my phone one additional charge when I'm out and about. Pretty small and light too for what it is, you could easily fit a couple of these in a backpack for road trips." —NEIN2558

"Absolutely love this thing, I've had it for over a year now and it has held up spectacularly well... It quickly turned into a must-have in my everyday bag. It charges quickly, tops up the phone perfectly while letting me still use the phone, and comes in clutch with my iPad mini too, in case I forgot to charge it before the gym! It doesn't add much weight to my bag, nor is it uncomfortable to hold my phone while it's attached... 10/10 recommend." —Mags

Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in five colors). 

Vacuum seal bags — THEE best answer for space-saving when it comes to bulky clothes like hoodies, sweaters, and jeans. Solo travelers should definitely have as few bags to carry as possible, and if you're an over-packer like me, this is a must, an essential, and just very very helpful. 😅 

BuzzFeed Contributor Jasmin Sandal swears by these bags!:  "I swear by these bad boys not only for general storage purposes, but also if I know I'm going to be traveling for an extended period of time. As someone who tends to pack for every eventuality (who doesn't like to be prepared?!), I have learned that it's better to travel with them than without — especially since it's more or less a guarantee that my clothes are gonna take up a ~substantial~ amount of room in my suitcase. And if I can use something that's gonna shrink the size of my bulky hoodies and/or big tees in order for me to create more space, I'm sure as heck gonna do it. Plus, the satisfaction is indeed guaranteed because when you see those chunky layers flatten into a pancake...it's just *chef's kiss*."

Promising review: "I've used these bags before and they are so helpful. Even use the medium one for travel and I have tons of extra suitcase room. The clothes don't come out wrinkled at all as long as you fold them nicely before placing in the bag, then the air sucks out keeping them safe and sound and very compact." —Susie Kochsmeier

Get a three-pack from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in different sizes or a variety pack).

This TikTok-famous travel backpack lets you pack it like a suitcase while still counting as the personal item you put under your seat. It even has a shoe compartment, an easy-access pocket for portable charging, and bonus points: it's got a trolley passthrough in the back so you can secure it on your carry-on! *Swoon* 

This one checks all the boxes: super roomy, has plenty of pockets (including one for shoes and a separate wet bag!), and has a strap that slides down over your luggage handle for easy transport. And reviewers say it meets even Spirit and JetBlue's personal item rules and fits under airplane seats!

Promising review: "One bag handled a week of travel! This bag is like magic! I fit four pairs of shorts, four shirts, underwear, socks, and a couple of workout outfits with sports bras, two pairs of sandals, four bathing suits, a coverup, a sun hat, toiletries, cosmetics, a laptop, a notebook, three device chargers (computer, phone, and Fitbit) and an electric toothbrush. Even when packed to the max, the weight is comfortably distributed so it doesn’t break your back. It fits under the seat perfectly, too. I bought it when it was 50% off, but I’d pay full price knowing how awesome this bag is for travel." —AlexanderK

Get it from Amazon for $31.49+ (available in five sizes and 26 colors/styles)

This potentially lifesaving safety keychain features a hidden button that, when pushed two times, sends an SOS text and your location to five predetermined contacts IMMEDIATELY. This is great for all travelers (solo or not!) to keep on their keys, purse, or belt loops. 

InvisaWear is a female-cofounded small biz dedicated to helping people stay safe with stylish and discreet SOS alert systems (think bangles, necklaces — even athletic bands) that are backed by ADT Security.

Promising review: "This gave me peace of mind while I traveled alone.  I knew that I would have access to help if needed." —Lasonja B.

Get it from InvisaWear for $99 (available in silver and gold; also available as a necklace or charm).

There is a monthly subscription fee for this service! After subscribing, download the free app on your phone and customize your contacts and settings.

You'll need a compact digital luggage scale for when you've done some ~major~ shopping during your trip, and you want to be sure your luggage still meets requirements when packing to head home (those over-capacity fees are no joke!). Simply hook the scale to your luggage handle, lift up, and the LCD display will show the weight. 

You can also switch between pound and kilogram measurements. 

Promising review: "This scale works and was accurate on four flights. 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 fourth 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

Promising review: "Love it! Lightweight and easy to read! It even gives you the climate temperature (not that I need it but a neat feature). It reads in both kg and lbs. Definitely recommend if you're a frequent traveler and have weight requirements on luggage." —Patricia Velasquez

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

A wrinkle-release spray is a MUST when traveling. Sometimes your hotel, Airbnb, or hostel won't have an iron for you to use... and sometimes you just won't feel like ironing. This particular spray also helps with static cling, which can be one of the most annoying things ever. It'll be *so* handy to have, especially when satin and linen clothing are involved. Simply spritz your garment all over, and like magic, the wrinkles will disappear in front of your eyes. ✨

I brought this with me to a destination wedding this past summer, and I was SO glad I did! I ended up using it for my wedding guest dress, and my partner even used it for his suit. No wrinkles. No iron used. And it worked so quickly, too!

Promising review: "I will never travel without this anti-static spray again! I was amazed at how the wrinkles disappeared from the clothing. After unpacking, the first thing I did was hang my clothes and spray them with the anti-static spray. I let the clothes hang for a while, and when I returned to select an item to wear, I was amazed that the wrinkles were mostly gone. I highly recommend this product." Sharon M.

This international power converter is essential so you can plug in your electronics in 150 (!!) countries. This converter comes with a five-foot detachable power cable, four different sockets, AND voltage converters, so all of the power in the building doesn't go out when you've got your hair dryer on the high setting. Not talking from experience...not at all. 😬

Promising review: "I travel frequently both for work and pleasure and always find myself lugging around a bag full of power cords and converter depending on the country I am visiting. This useful tool has saved me at least 5 lbs worth of excess luggage (a multitude of extension cords, power connectors and external plugs) by consolidating the my connection needs into one tool. This power bank comes with two plugs (you can choose configuration based on the country specific outlets) and four USB plugs. The travel bag makes it convenient and keeps it organized. This is a great investment and value for the price." —LocalistGal

Every solo traveler could use a luggage-mounted cup caddy so you're not fumbling around searching for your wallet at the snack stand (that would cause some major drama for the line building behind you). It can hold essentials like your boarding ticket, passport, wallet, and beverages while keeping your hands free!

Promising review: "This cup holder is perfect! It helps me a lot! Last time I took a plane with a suitcase and a cup of coffee, I dropped and spilled my drink everywhere when it was my turn to check my passport and ticket. It was a nightmare! This time, I bought this cup holder to do me a favor! I don't have to worry about where my cup and phone are! I can free my hands to do other things. I love it so much! Hope you love it too." —Philip

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 21 colors/patterns). 

A pair of wireless Bluetooth headphones that are ~super~ easy to travel with because they're completely foldable (!!) and come with their very own carrying case. To top it off, they've got with a really cool adjustable sensory bass feature and a long-lasting charge. Whether you're taking calls while waiting for your flight or want to shut out outside conversations on the plane — traveling will never be the same with the excellent sound these provide.

I've never been much of an over-the-ear headphone wearer. They're usually too bulky, too uncomfortable, and a little too heavy for my taste. But these Skullcandy Crusher Evo headphones?? OMG. It's confirmed I've been listening to music all wrong, because the bass feature on these headphones are amazing. It doesn't ruin the quality of sound AT ALL, and only enhances it (like, a lot).  And it can be adjusted for comfort if a song is too bass-heavy or not enough. The best part is that I can wear them for hours at a time without discomfort. I've worn them on a three-hour flight as opposed to my usual earbuds, and I was able to cutout the crying babies and listen to my playlists and podcasts in peace. They easily connect to both my phone and laptop, and I only charge them once about every two weeks. Trust me, these are well worth the investment!

Get it from Amazon for $153+ (available in five colors).

This July carry-on suitcase features a power bank AND optional built-in tracking that can be used through their app! It also has an odor-proof laundry bag, a hard-case shell with "crush-proof" bumpers for extra protection, and — the main attraction — an ejectable portable battery. It's cute, it's roomy, AND it charges your electronics? Sign. Me. Up!

And yep, it features TSA locks and 360 spinner wheels, too. 

Promising review: "I've been looking for a carry-on replacement for some time. My last carry-on was from 2007, so it was super old and not very good. Now that I have my July Carry On, I couldn't be more pleased. It's so good from functionality to style. I love the laundry bag — it's great that I don't have to remember to take my own separate laundry bag with me anymore + the charging is so useful. The wheels are silent and smooth — so much so that on the slightest decline, the bag will 100% roll away from you. The bumpers are a bit scratched after some use, but it's hardy/designed to protect what's inside, and I accept that there will be some of that happening on long-haul flights. I really enjoy the personalization as well — I had my name and a little frog etched on the top — so cute!" —Ameeka N.

Get it from July: with case-safe tracking for $325 (available in five colors) or without tracking for $295 (available in seven colors).

Or snag Calpak's best-selling Ambeur Carry-On if you're looking for something a little more simple. It maximizes the space in your luggage, while still being allowed in the overhead bins — a true icon if you ask me! It features a durable hardshell, ~beautifully~ smooth gliding wheels, an interior laundry bag, and more. Plus, choosing a colorful suitcase among their many gorgeous options makes it way less likely someone will grab your things by mistake at baggage claim. I mean, who else would have rose gold luggage!?

I own this suitcase in the (sadly sold out) chocolately walnut color, and I absolutely love it! It replaced a very old, tried and true carry-on from Target that I didn't let go of because it held A LOT. Seriously, like no other, and I was shocked that this Calpak suitcase met the challenge. I was able to pack two weeks' worth of clothes in this carry-on — (too many) shoes, included! Its 360 spinner wheels roll smoothly, has TSA locks, looks great in person, and I couldn't recommend it enough.

Promising review: "I’ve tried tons of carry-on luggage, and this one takes the cake. It rolls so smoothly, even with a trolley sleeve bag attached, and is super lightweight. It holds everything I need for week-long trips." —Ky

Get it from Away for $245 (available in 11 colors).

An Add-a-Lock so you feel safe and secure in your temporary room. It's super easy to install (just insert into the door's strike and close) and prevents anybody from opening the door from the outside — even with a key!

Promising review: "I'm a flight attendant and I go nowhere without this device. Especially in the hotels where the housekeepers just open the doors without knocking first. Also when guests are given the same room key by mistake or not and open the door while you are there. The BEST!" —Toozie

And a doorstop alarm that solo travelers swear by! All you've gotta do is place it in the gap between the bottom of the door and the floor, and it's ready to go. It doesn't take up much space in your bag and, with three alarm volume levels, it'll *definitely* give you some peace of mind. 

Make sure to read the reviews below for some important tips!

Promising reviews: "Loud little dude! Good for home and travel for hotel room doors. Sensitivity control and on/off switch. Be sure to measure from floor to bottom of door to make sure it will engage the alarm. After demonstrating it, my sister-in-law, niece, and mom wanted them. A little peace of mind for very little money." —Jim Walker

"H/M/L sensitivity settings and an on/off trigger. I tape the trigger in the off position to pack it in my carry-on. Haven’t tested it on super smooth floor surface, but the grips on the bottom seem to provide enough traction on carpets, tile, and engineered hardwood." —EV

Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in two colors and different packs).

An airplane phone mount because it may just be the most handy item on the list. Not all flights have TV screens and free movies, but this will ensure that YOU do! It's small and easy to toss in your bag, too.

Promising review: "Okay, after a flight last month, I was convinced I needed a phone mount and ran into this. So I bought it. The wild part was that I haven’t been on another flight yet and yet, I use this gadget every single day. So far, I found this to be durable and can contort to your needs. The different combinations of positions literally allows you to mount and position your device to nearly any position you need it to. I use the iPhone 11 as my device. I mount this on my standup desk at work, at my nightstand to watch movies while in bed, on my treadmill so I could watch something while walking, on a nearby counter as a 'tripod' for my phone and of course, as a standalone stand when I’m sitting at a flat table." —Justine E.

Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in 10 colors). 

This convenient travel wallet has room for all the essentials that you may need within arm's reach (especially when TSA is giving you the inevitable "hurry up" look). It features a slot specifically for passports, four card slots, a bigger slot for boarding passes, two SIM slots (!!), and even a pen slot so you can quickly sign the bill from your airport lunch before you miss your flight. And it has RFID blocking, because you can never be too safe!

Promising reviews: "Ordered these when we got our new passports this spring. Great purchase! Soft, durable leather, lightweight, compact, and provides several compartments and a pen if needed. I love that they are so compact while completely protecting your passport and offering several compartments for credit cards, driver's license, cash, and plane/baggage tickets. The elastic to hold the case closed and the RFID protection provide peace of mind when traveling, and the price was well within reason for two. I highly recommend this product for anyone looking for a holder for their passport and other documents when traveling." —KMCCAV

"I was looking for a passport book with nice material, and this is perfect! Very comfortable and doesn’t collect lint and is very easy to clean." —Terrill Kuykendall

Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in three styles and 17+ colors/patterns). 

An OG Kindle — the lightest, most compact, *and* least expensive of the Amazon e-reader clan. It features an adjustable built-in light and an anti-glare screen, so no worries about reading on a dimly-lit plane or at the beach in the bright sun. OH, and it fits perfectly in a purse! 

This was a purchase I thought looong and hard about, and TBH I should've gotten it way sooner!! My bookshelf is juuust about full and this was the perfect way to continue reading without adding the clutter of books in my home (especially the ones I have yet to read 😅). My favorite features are the anti-glare screen (a real game changer!) the easy dictionary look-ups, auto-saves so I don't lose my place, and easy Bluetooth connection for when I want to read with an audiobook. The size is another huge plus, because I can take it everywhere without feeling like I'm lugging something around. The text can be enlarged, too so I don't ever worry about straining my eyes. If you're someone who buys physical books constantly, this will definitely save you a bit of money, too since Kindle versions tend to be cheaper. So, it really is a great investment. 11/10, 5 stars, I highly recommend! 

Promising review: "I am so in love with my new Kindle! I’ve never owned one and decided I wanted to bring more books with me as I travel. This holds so many. I have over 3,000 titles and I’ve barely used 3 GB. The screen is bright and clear. I was able to read during a three-hour car ride without getting motion sickness. I love the touchscreen; it’s very smooth and so easy to use. The design is light and not heavy in my grip. So simple to use, and having Kindle Unlimited has been incredible to open my eyes to new books and genres! It’s so pretty!!! The matcha color is just perfect!" —Sidney Kelly

Get it from Amazon for $149.99+ (available in two colors; with or without Kindle Unlimited).

Or if you're a physical book-lover, an LED reading light I think is peeerfect for reading on a dark plane. We all agree those overhead lights can be a little bright, right? This will ensure the light is directly on what you're looking at and not bothering others. It'll be great for reading at night, too! It features three different light settings *and* it's rechargeable, with a battery life of up to 80 hours on a single charge.

Promising review: "I couldn't be happier with this light. I use it for reading in bed and when I travel. It's comfortable, has different settings, is easy to use, and the battery stays charged for a long time. You can turn on either one or both sides of the light and its flexibility allows the light to be adjusted easily. I highly recommend this light for reading in bed, for outdoor walking at night, and for doing close work that requires good lighting." —Jean G

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

A collapsible water bottle that'll save you SO much space in the bag you take through security. It'll also save you $$$ when you don't have to buy an entirely new water bottle at the airport. (Everyone agrees those are way overpriced, right?) 

Promising review: "I purchased these... for a recent trip to Italy. They were perfect for us to fill from fountains around the city. Light to carry and easy to collapse - fit in small handbags when not in use. No leaking, durable." —Christina Baumann

Get it from Amazon for $6.95 (available in five colors).

Brita filtering water bottles are great if you're traveling somewhere with iffy drinking water or just prefer to splurge on bottled water because fountains and sinks taste a little... off... to you, no matter where you are in the world. This has an activated carbon filter that helps cut the taste and odor of chlorine and reduce particulates in drinking water, so you can stay hydrated without worry.

It's also leakproof, durable (reviewers mention it doesn't break when they drop it), and requires replacement filters every two months. It's also recommended to use a small cleaning brush for easier cleaning.

Promising review: "Bought this on the advice of other overseas travelers. I went to Scotland with it. It was great for going through TSA security since it’s transparent, traveling around the country by train, bus, camper, car, or the tour bus. The charcoal filter worked great, and I could put tap water in the bottle and know that the water was safer to drink. I was able to put a carabiner on the handle, hook it to my purse or backpack so my hands were free, and just take a sip anytime I wanted. It was durable and looked nice." —Venza Mom

Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in two sizes and four colors, and in insulated stainless steel for $26.99+). And get a pack of three replacement filters for $11.97.

Toss an Apple AirTag in your checked luggage for peace of mind that you know *exactly* where it is! This is perfect for those times your luggage is on a totally different flight than you are, or just for the paranoid person that would freak if their luggage was lost (I mean, same here). And when you're not traveling, it's great to leave on your keys, wallet, or whatever seems to get misplaced the most. 

To track your item, simply use your Find My iPhone app! The AirTag will even make noise if you select "Play Sound" in the app. 

Promising review: "We used this on our honeymoon to Portugal. We were worried about the airport making us check our carry-on luggage – which they did make us do. We were able to rest assured that our bags were at the destination and on the plane." —Roberta

AND (because I do all the hard work for ya) here's a luggage tag AirTag case and an AirTag keychain. Check them out!

Use this top-rated Trtl travel pillow to help prevent stiff necks and provide comfy, cozy support because it ~literally~ holds your neck in an upright, ergonomic position. It can also attach to luggage, making it super easy to travel with!

This pillow has over 16,000 5-star reviews!

Promising reviews: "I really love this pillow. I am someone who stays cold. So I usually travel in a hoodie with my travel blanket and pillow. With the Ttrl pillow, I no longer need the hoodie. The pillow provides me with neck support regardless of where I'm seated. It can be positioned different ways, keeps my head from bobbing, and fits perfectly in my backpack along with my blanket and travel snacks!! I am a fan!!" —MsMason

"I’m a side sleeper so this is a game changer for flying. Makes so much more sense than the neck rolls!" —Hollie Schroeder

Get it from Amazon for $64.99 (available in four colors).

This neck pillow you can stuff with clothing is perfect for anyone who always says, "Ugh, I should've packed that one outfit!" whenever they travel. You can *literally* fit a whole outfit in this neck pillow, and zero airline rules will be broken! 👏🏾

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: "The Tube Pillow was a savior on my last trip. It held a surprising amount of clothes and doubled as a dirty laundry bag. I used it as an on-the-lap pillow... for extra storage without extra fees, it's worth it!" —Sharon

A set of Sea Bands perfect for those who experience motion sickness, morning sickness, and migraine nausea. You don't want to feel quesy on vacation, but especially not when you're alone! This band targets an acupuncture point on your wrists to help reduce the nauseous feeling.

Read more about acupressure and nausea at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Note: both bands should be worn at once to help alleviate symptoms, and they may be uncomfortable for those with larger wrists. 

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

"I followed the instructions and placed it about three fingers' width below my palm, and it works! For this price, I cannot believe I waited this long. It's a plus that it is decent-looking and can be part of your outfit. I get pretty bad motion sickness, especially on boats and planes. Sometimes I would even forgo vacations because I don't want to deal with the nausea on the plane. This past vacation, I was going on a 20+ hour flight AND a boat tour. I was realllyyyy dreading it. Put me on an idle boat and it's game over. BUT! This time I had these magical wrist bands. I wore it for the whole flight and the whole boat tour. I wore it on these bumpy car rides up and down the mountains. The boat even idled on the water for like an hour for the sun to set. I felt ....fine?? I was AMAZED. I feel like I can live!! My family can benefit from more vacations now!" —tl

Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.53 (available in six colors and in two- or four-packs). 

And to double-down on the nausea relief, travelers love this Allclair inhaler!

A small Baggu Cloud Carry-on — the essential that will change the game when traveling. It's cute, it fits under airplane seats, it holds ALL your stuff, and the smooth material and thick straps help ensure it doesn't get too uncomfortable to carry (but don't worry, it has a luggage sleeve, too). It also features loads of exterior pockets, making reaching for your water bottle, laptop, or boarding pass a piece of cake.

I LOVE MY CLOUD BAG! I got it at the beginning of the year and have used it for every single trip so far. #1: It fits SO much. For a weekend trip, I'm able to pack five to six outfits (I like options, okay? 😅), plus toiletries and more. For longer trips, I love that it fits perfectly under airplane seats as a carry-on and has exterior pockets for my laptop, Kindle, passport, etc. And the pockets are *huge*. #2: It's packable!! As someone living in a smaller apartment, I don't have tons of storage space, especially not for bulky bags and luggage. My favorite thing about this bag is that it folds up compactly and fits inside the interior pocket. So when not in use, it's stored in a drawer in the closet! And #3: the patterns 😍. I own the blurred gingham brown colorway, but have been debating on getting another just because of how many cute options there are. 100% recommend.

Get it from Amazon for $78 (available in six styles) or straight from Baggu for $78 (available in 11 colors/styles).

And for those who prefer a smaller personal item, this 2-in-1 Cincha travel belt bag can be used as a crossbody or fanny pack, AND it can be used to securely attach your backpack or tote to your luggage, helping you avoid shoulder and back pain while traveling. And if that won't convince you this is a travel essential, having this compact belt bag will also make running to your gate much easier. As someone who is late every now and then, I think that's a real win!

Cincha is a BIPOC-owned brand that was created by a couple based in Oakland, California who believe traveling in style should also be secure. They've been making the chic travel belt since 2019.

Promising review: "Great little double duty bag. Highly recommend. I could fit four passports, an iPhone, a slim wallet, and many more things in my new travel bag. A must for your next adventure." —Lindsey O.

Get it from Cincha for $49.99 (available in cream and cerulean).

A portable safe — a must for resort and beach goers who leave their items to go for a dip in the water. Attach this to your lounge chair to ensure your valuables stay safe while you're away having fun all by your lonesome! It also works great for keeping things secure in your hotel room. 

Promising review: "This safe has become a MUST-HAVE on all our vacations. We no longer travel without it. We put two iPhones, cash, and car keys in this little safe, locked it to a beach cabana, threw a towel over it and took off for a hour of snorkeling. Never once worried about our belongings. We now use several of these as room safes AND as 'hide a key' lockboxes outside our vacation condo for teens who come and go throughout the day. They are invaluable!" —KeepIT Reel

Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in pink or grey).

A Bluetooth car adapter — one thing you absolutely need for a road trip if you don't have Bluetooth installed in your car. Simply plug this gadget into your auxiliary input, connect to the Bluetooth on your phone, and loudly sing along to SZA to your heart's desire. Just me? I guess you could also use it to follow GPS instructions and make hands-free phone calls, too...

Promising review: "I’m so glad my roommate talked me into getting this Bluetooth receiver! It’s been a great little upgrade for my car, and connecting my phone through the AUX input is quick and easy. The sound quality is clear, and the noise-canceling feature is a nice bonus. I also really like being able to use it for hands-free calls. The battery life has been solid, too, so I don’t have to constantly worry about charging it. It’s simple, convenient, and works exactly the way I hoped it would. Definitely glad I gave it a try!" —Kelly

Get it from Amazon for $17.99 (available in five colors).

And speaking of road trips, this emergency car jump starter is a trunk essential. It can — *deep breath* — be used as an air compressor for tires with a universal nozzle, an LED floodlight, a multi-device charger with two USB ports, and of course, a car jump starter. To say you need this on your next road trip would be an understatement! 

This portable car jump starter comes with a few other things, too. Including: four interchangeable nozzles for the built-in air compressor, three kinds of charging adaptors, jumper cables, and more.

Check out the emergency power kit in action on TikTok!

Promising review: "I would 1,000% recommend this for anyone and everyone. My dad bought me one for Christmas and it has got me out of bad situations a couple of times. I have since bought one for everyone in the family and have recommended to the rest of the extended family. It comes in handy and can help avoid being in an unsafe situation where you are stranded and someone taking advantage of the situation. Not only does it charge your car battery but you can use it to emergency charge your phone or to plug in something during a trip. This one airs up tires. Just perfect." —SA Sunshine

Get it from Amazon for $129.99 (available in five styles). 

This set of packing cubes won't only keep you organized (pajamas in one, dresses in another, etc.), but it'll also free up some luggage space for, well, more stuff. It's a great solution for overpackers or for anyone planning to bring back gifts, but doesn't want to have to check a whole other bag.

Pssst, if you want to be even more organized, use labels so you'll know where everything is without unpacking your suitcase.

Promising review: "Great for travel. I used these when packing for a week-long trip. They definitely helped keep things organized and allowed me to pack more than I would have been able to without them. I think it's a good price for what you get. They seem well-made, so we will see if they last as I use them on more trips." —Allyson

Get a four-pack for $16.99+ (available in packs of four, five, and six and in various colors/patterns).

An AirFly wireless transmitter that'll connect your AirPods or any wireless headphones to things like airplane seats, gym treadmills, gaming systems, and more. No Bluetooth needed! It's small enough to toss in your purse or carry-on, too.

Promising review: "These work amazingly well. I was surprised that you can charge and use them at the same time. I use them on planes to listen to the in-flight entertainment with my AirPods. I also use them to listen to music on my laptop with my AirPods. They work really well. Now I don't have to carry my wired earbuds with me when I travel anymore. They really work as advertised. I have not had any issues with them since I started using them." —RPL

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

And if you are an AirPods user, these silicone silicone hooks will help keep 'em where they should be — in your ears! Those pricey things are too dang valuable to lose (again). They're also a great help if the shape of AirPods don't quite fit your ears, and you're always readjusting them.

Promising reviews: "Do not hesitate to buy these. My AirPod Pros were constantly falling out my ears and it was so annoying. These anti-slip ear hooks are a lifesaver. Do not hesitate to buy them, because they work. They help my AirPods stay in place, and I don't have to worry about losing them anymore. The pack includes three pairs of replacements hooks, and a cute little carry pouch." —Simone

"Finally, something that actually makes my AirPod Pros stay in! I was hesitant to try at first seeing as they’re made of a silicone material. But they fit and my AirPods stay comfortably in my ears. I danced, I ran, I jumped, I talked, and they still stayed in. I love that they come with three pairs so there are plenty of backups. Great product and a great price!" —Chad Johnson

Get a pack of three from Amazon for $15.95 (available for AirPod 4s and AirPod Pros 1-3).

A compact 3-in-1 charging station for the iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch you absolutely can't leave behind when you travel. This cool gadget folds out into three charging stations so you can keep the cords at home. Some reviewers use it as a phone stand, too!

Promising review: "This has been such a useful thing for travel. All cords are included to plug into the wall. It charges my phone, watch, and AirPods all at once. It folds into a small bundle, and it's perfect for fitting in small spaces. It charges everything overnight. I highly recommend this charging pad!" —Deep multani

Get it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in five colors). 

USB-C cord bracelets are great for when you accidentally leave your charging cable at home. Simply plug it into your laptop, portable charger, or wall charger, and you're good to go. And the best part? It looks like any other piece of jewelry!

Promising reviews: "I bought two for my granddaughters who have iPhones and one for my Android phone. We absolutely love them. They are and have been a life/phone saver when we didn't have our original chargers. Besides, they make a nice looking bracelet too. Highly recommend it." —Maria

"This has been a great buy and it has stood the test of time. The charge and transfer data has been great as well. Will purchase another one."  —Fresh Prince

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in two sizes and for iPhone and Android).

* Things That’ll Make Your Next Longggg Trip As Comfortable As Possible

* Products Parents Consider *Lifesavers* For Traveling With Kids

* Things You Can Wear Multiple Ways On Vacation If You’re Tight On Suitcase Space

* Things That Are More Exciting To Do On A Plane Than Stare At The Flight Tracker

* Planning To Travel More This Year? Check Out These 30 Products

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.

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.