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If you have little kids and are unfamiliar with water-painting books...they are a total game changer.

As a Deputy Editorial Director for BuzzFeed’s shopping team, I love to get into the weeds of why a product’s worth the money by deep diving into customer reviews, and product-testing as much as possible.

The last few months of the calendar year are such a whirlwind that you can find yourself the night before Thanksgiving, scrounging for everything you need for the next day's road trip. But it doesn't have to be that way. I rounded up a variety of travel essentials that'll come in handy for surviving family road trips, taking a kid on an airplane, observing the holidays at the beach, and so much more. 

Storytime: After traveling summer 2022 carry-on only, and being a person who tries to carry on whenever possible, 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

Promising review: "Price is great for these. Used several times on several different vacations, never had a leaking issue. These are a staple vacation item to pack. You’re able to get those prime pictures you otherwise couldn’t. You can be involved, swimming and playing too, right in the mix while also still being able to take pictures. No sideline pics from the shore or your lounge chair. Honestly priceless." —M&L

Get two from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 22 pack options).

Promising review: "Confidentiality is everything in my line of work. I put this in my conference room near the door and set it to a low volume — just enough to mask conversations without being noticeable. The wall plug design means it's always ready, no batteries to replace. Sound quality is excellent — soft and ambient, not mechanical. My clients feel more at ease knowing their privacy is protected. Additionally, I have bought a second one for home use. I'm a very light sleeper, and have found this white noise machine to be an immense help in getting a good night's sleep. It has 30 different sound settings from white noise to nature, something to soothe anyone, plenty of volume, and a built-in direct wall plug. It also comes with a long USB cord, if you don't have a plug nearby. It also has a dimmable night-light. Because of its small, compact size, it's also great for travel, easy to pack, and take to a hotel/Airbnb, I've always got the soothing sounds I need to get some sleep." —Val

Psst — these don't work on bottles with pump tops! 

Promising review: "These silicone bottle covers work really well! They stretch easily to fit over different size bottles and stay securely in place. I’ve had no issues with leaking or spills, which makes them perfect for packing toiletries when traveling or heading to the beach. Simple, reusable, and definitely worth having. Highly recommend!" —Deanna Burnette 

Get a set of 10 from Amazon for $6.64 (available in five other packs) .

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 $11.99 (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

Mouthwatchers is a small business established by Ronald Plotka, DDS, that specializes in antimicrobial toothbrushes designed to get deeper cleans even patients with "great" dental hygiene might miss with traditional brush and floss routines. 

Promising review: "I love that this travel toothbrush has its own self closing cover. Makes it very handy for travel at half the size of a regular toothbrush when packed and full size brush when open. Also really love the bristles on this brush, they are soft but have enough stiffness to get between teeth when brushing." —Yvonne

Get it from Amazon for $5.97+ (available in two colors). 

Promising review: "I bought this for my recent European trip and it worked great. It’s compact, easy to use, and offers adequate pressure. Each fill of the tank lasts me one session, so it’s perfect for me. I used to pack my full-size Waterpik; no more — this is one of my better buys for traveling!" —Phuoc Lee 

Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in four colors). 

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

Promising review: "This is a fantastic light! I use it every evening to continue reading while my son sleeps, it does not wake him or impede my sleep after I’m ready to go to bed. Great product." —Brian Masters

Promising review: "As fans of Bluey and art, this Aqua Art Set is a wonderful find! It’s compact and lightweight, making it ideal for travel and keeping kids entertained on the go. The set uses water to reveal vibrant colors, so there’s no risk of spills or stains — perfect for car rides or waiting rooms. The included brush is easy for little hands to hold, encouraging creativity without the mess of traditional paints. Cleanup is effortless, as it only requires water. If you want a fun, mess-free art activity for Bluey-loving kids, this set is a must-have!" —Misty

Get it from Amazon for $7.11 (available in five other styles). 

My colleague Emma Lord swears by this: "My sister-in-law had one of these for my nephew on an international flight, so when I saw how much he loved it, I tried it on my little guy too — total hit! It didn't suction to United's weird tray tables (sigh), but I held it down myself, and it entertained him on and off for a long six-hour flight. Now that we're home, he still delights in watching it spin. We have more flights planned for this year to visit family, and I'm bringing this on every single one of them!"

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

Get a pack of 50 from Amazon for $9.99 (clip the coupon on the product page to get it for $9.49).

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 $34.97+ (available in four styles and five 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 $15.99+ (available in three colors). 

And it'll be super easy to wash once you're home! One reviewer points out that they tend to be pretty wrinkly because of their tiny storage, so they recommend going for the patterned bags because the wrinkles aren't as noticeable on them versus on solid-colored bags. 

Promising review: "Awesome bag! Cute design and color. Used on my Japan trip! Wild how small it is for putting in my crossbody, but super large when opened, and it holds a lot of items. Very lightweight. Will definitely buy more!" —Kimberly K. Davis

"I have carried this thing loaded up all over Hawaii on vacation. It seems like it wouldn’t hold up, but it absolutely does. Well-made and has not ripped or frayed anywhere. Very functional and lightweight. Probably very washable and it can be stored very easily in its attached little bag." —Jennifer Mick

Get it from Amazon for $17.95+ (available in three sizes and a variety of colors/prints).

Promising review: "Adorable and colorful for easy identification while traveling. Used these on my luggage for a 14-day on and off train adventure. Worked great, easy to find my luggage." —Tree

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in four designs).

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 four sizes and 23 styles). 

Promising review: "I was at a training, and someone had something like this, and it was just a must-have. I have a work phone, my personal phone, and an Apple Watch. Also, it was just nice because the person that I was in training with let others use one of the pads. It’s rare that all of your devices go dead at one time. Ever since that and since I’ve gotten this, I take it to every training I have and offer it to people around me. It’s a nice icebreaker and a way to make friends in training sessions where you don’t know a whole lot of people. It’s also very handy because it always seems like my watch goes dead when I least expect it, so I highly recommend putting it in your daily bag." —The_Adulting_Lab

Get it from Amazon for $24.69 (available in five colors). 

Promising review: "I was traveling to Germany in February and wanted a small umbrella for the trip. This umbrella was in a sturdy case and easily packable. I was very pleased with the quality and usability of this umbrella." —Terri A. Hannan

Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in a range of colors and multipacks). 

Promising review: "Discreet yet spacious. I purchased this for a recent trip. I was able to fit my phone, passport, credit cards, and cash in it easily and it wasn’t bulky or obvious under my clothing. It was comfortable to wear for extended periods of time." —KailensMom

Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in 13 styles and two sizes). 

Promising review: "I carried this pouch during a three-week cruise through Greece and Turkey. It was extremely comfortable, lightweight, and handy, allowing easy access to important papers and money. Love it!" —JC

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

You can also switch between pound and kilogram measurements. 

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 $8.90+ (available in four 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 travel pretty often, and I got tired of carrying bulky cosmetic bags when I only use a few products daily. These containers helped me minimize my carry-on and keep everything organized.I love that they’re magnetic and connect together, so they don’t get lost in my bag. The lid also attaches to the container while you’re using it, which is such a smart little detail. Another huge plus is the built-in labels. No stickers falling off or confusion about what’s inside. The whole set looks super aesthetic and satisfying to use." —Nika Smekhova

Get a set of three from Amazon for $42 (available in six colors and in a haircare and daily routine set). 

I own and love this set! it includes the zippered bag, four soft silicone bottles with leakproof caps, three compact jars, and two toothbrush caps. I've used this set on more than five trips and and for trips when I don't require body wash or shampoo (like to visit my parents) I use the extra room in the bag to shove in all my beauty products and daily contacts. Plus! It comes with labels that stay on the containers really well despite my thoroughly washing these containers between trips. I bought this set in spring 2019 and have, admittedly, lost a container or two. But the ones that I've held onto over dozens of trips have all held up well!

Promising review: "If it wasn’t for me forgetting them in the hotels, I wouldn’t have to buy more. This is my third set and I love these things! I’m a flight attendant and these are easy to fill, use, and pack!" —Raena Hill

Get it from Amazon for $9.90+ (available in seven variations).

EZPacking is a small biz specializing in, well, things that make packing easier!!~

Promising review: "I am a flight attendant and it's perfect for my international flights going through security. I love the handle, easy to pull out of my suitcase." —Kristi

Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in nine colors).

JetBag is a small business specializing in creating bags to protect your wine and your stuff. It's designed with absorbent padding on the inside, so in the event that the bottle breaks, it won't get everywhere in your luggage. 

Promising review: "Bought to bring wine from France home from vacation. We bought three bottles (one of which was champagne). All three made it on the Eurostar and two flights in perfect condition." —Katie

Get a set of three from Amazon for $15.99.

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 $24.48+ (available in 16 colors).

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 $59.99+ (available in four colors).

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

Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.53+ (available in six colors).

Just make sure that if you pack in your carry-on, it's easily accessible because I've had TSA pull me aside a few times to see what it is. 

Promising review: "My best guy friend bought this for me, and I love it. I’m a flight attendant and am in hotels 4–5 nights a week. Sometimes the 'locks' just don’t feel sturdy enough. This device gives me an extra layer of security and allows me to sleep at night. I keep it in my flight bag." —Emilia Duren

Get it from Amazon for $10.79 (also available in packs of two and four).

Check out a TikTok of the towel clips in action. 

Promising review: "I purchased these for a family of eight going on a cruise and they loved them! So easy to use, just put your towel on the beach chair and clip down with these. They said they were especially awesome on windy days when others towels were blowing away if they were not sitting on the chair. The family was able to go to lunch or take a walk and not worry that their towels had been blown away and someone had then snagged their seats. Very inexpensive and functional clips." —TypeA

Get a set of 16 from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in a set of eight). 

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 $25.99+ (available in three sizes and a variety of 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 $89.99+ (available in 10 colors). 

Promising review: "My husband and I travel a lot and take a number of prescription drugs. It was always a hassle accessing our medication when needed, so I purchased this organizer to make things easier. I used a label maker and labeled each little compartment and it has performed wonderfully. I highly recommend this organizer to anyone who travels and needs medications throughout the day." —Jacqueline

Get a three-pack from Amazon for $5.99+ (available in three colors and also in a two-pack).

Promising review: "This is exactly what I was looking for, and I took it on our summer cruise and still have some meds left in my purse. It's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. It's small enough to fit easily in my purse, backpack, or carry-on, but it includes the basic medications that are handy for everyday situations and travel. The case pouch that can be resealed keeps everything organized, so I don't have to carry several separate bottles. I also like that it's lightweight and convenient to grab whenever I'm on the go. It's great for road trips, vacations, or keeping in the car for unexpected needs. Having these essentials in one compact kit gives me peace of mind, knowing I'm prepared for minor aches, allergies, or stomach issues while away from home." —Kimmy Mc 

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 $35.09+ (available in four colors).

Promising review: "Purchased three pairs for our cruise. We all loved them. Best water shoes I’ve ever worn. Feels like you are barefoot but keeps your feet safe from anything you step on. Very comfortable! Highly recommended!" —Donna M

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in seven sizes and a variety of colors).

SlumberPod is a small biz that's been featured on Shark Tank!

Promising review: "We took a 10-day road trip stopping in all different locations with my 18-month-old. Such an game changer! No stress at all as to where or how he would nap! He slept great everywhere and I didn’t have to do my usual blackout shade where I’m trying to make shades on the fly everywhere we went like we had to do with my other two when they were little. Do a test run setting it up before you travel. It’s not terribly hard but the first attempt needs some extra time. The tent runs warm so make sure your child is wearing light breathable clothes is the room is 68 or above. My son wore just a short sleeve onesie and a light sleep sack and was still warm with the room temp 68. I cracked the window to make it a lot cooler in the room he slept in since we didn’t do the whole fan attachment thing." —jillyb

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

After putting this in MANY travel stories, I bought one for myself for a summer European vacation where I found myself at several beach clubs. It was perfect for keeping mine and my friend's belongings safe while we dozed in our beach chairs or swam in the sea. Plus, it's the perfect size to hold phones or wallets, and easily carry in your beach or tote bag. It's come in clutch in a few hotels and Airbnbs that didn't have working safes. 

Promising review: "Loooove this safe! Took it on a cruise, and it was such a great feeling of security. I put all my cash and docs in it while around and off the ship in the larger room safe. In my case, I had a roommate I did not know prior to sailing. With this, I didn’t have to worry about a thing. Easy to lock and unlock. Easy to secure around things. I just love it! I will be using it with other things at home/work as well." —Cara Sievers

Get it from Amazon for $17.97+ (available in two colors).

Promising review: "We bought this for a road trip with our little one, who is still rear facing — it was perfect! We knew the seat was warm from just driving around town and wanted to make sure it was comfortable for a long drive. It kept it cool, isn’t loud, and love that we could plug it in vs. only the battery. We use it regularly in town now, too." —K Maddock

Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in six colors).

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 $12.99 (available in six colors). 

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 four 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 $35.99+ (available in two sizes and 10 colors).

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 $15.99+ (available in two sizes and many colors/prints).

Promising review: "My kids need the room to be pretty dark to sleep. I didn’t have much faith in this, but needed to try something. These are AMAZING!! Absolutely worth every penny. Instantly darker and help keep the room at a comfortable temperature." —Julie T

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in four designs and also in two-packs).

This is a product that I put in travel stories over and over and over again, and would always think, "Hmm, I should buy some." Once I booked my first-ever cruise (with Virgin Voyages, which was fantastic, btw), I knew that I needed to invest in these hangers to make the most of what I presumed would be a tiny closet for my cabin. These were super easy to slip into my super-packed suitcase and plenty sturdy for holding up a variety of stuff. In my pic above, you'll see one collapsed and then one in use, with dips perfect for spaghetti or thin straps. So many hotel and rental places' hangers don't have those little dips, and my slip dresses (I own four of this one!) are always slipping off of them. With these, I was able to put a variety of garments on them without anything slipping off — in fact, they work better at that than my regular velvet hangers I have at home!

Promising review: "As an international flight attendant, I am in different countries weekly. While the all-in-one adapters, in theory, are great, they often are too big/heavy to stay in the socket securely — you are much better off with one like this. It is sturdy in the socket, even with an electric cord (my hair curler) and my phone and iPad all plugged in. Very satisfied!" —Susan H.

Promising review: "Bought this bag last minute for a uniform compliance as a flight attendant, and it’s sturdy and a great bag. For the material and the price, it’s a great purchase. I’ve had it over four months." —Amber

Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in a variety of colors).

It also comes with a heat-resistant pouch for easy carrying!

Promising review: "This fits perfectly in my toiletries travel bag that I take with me as a flight attendant. Anything that comes in a small size and still works well is perfect for me." —Kathy S

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

These come with a wireless charging case that provides up to 14 hours of charge (with the earbuds able to play for four-plus hours with each full charge). 

I also use these on the reg in my everyday life to listen to Spotify and podcasts, and even talk on the phone. I have to charge them about once a week and always keep them in my coat pocket. 

Promising review: "I am a flight attendant and use this headset so much. Using FaceTime, making phone calls, listening to music, or watching a movie." —Ruben Mercado

Get it from Amazon $18.94+ (available in five colors).

Promising review: "This thing is awesome. Pretty sure I saw someone use it on TikTok, so I found it on Amazon, and it sat in my 'save for later' cart for a while. I thought it would be good for a splash pad we bought for our son a while back, and we didn't realize you had to blow up the outer ring before you could turn the water on. I finally hit the purchase button when we planned a boat day, and I knew I would be blowing up floaties left and right. This worked perfectly! Small but mighty! Comes with a carrying case to keep everything in one place, and it is super easy to charge. I definitely recommend it!!" —Caitlin Veach

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 $8.55+ (available in various and patterns). 

Psst — it's also gluten free, soy free, and dairy free! FYI, depending on your situation, water may be enough to rehydrate you! Read more about electrolyte-enhanced drinks and hydration at Cleveland Clinic. 

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 $23.46 (also available in sugar-free flavors).

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* Solo Travel Essentials That’ll Make You Feel Like A Total Pro On Your Next Adventure

Plus, the travel products we gave at 2026 Buzzy Award to and 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.