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Vacations are meant to be relaxing. So why does prepping for one always feel like a marathon? That’s where we come in. We combed through our favorite brands’ travel essentials, discovered budget-friendly accessories from Amazon and Walmart, and rummaged through our own closets to find 17 problem-solving products that’ll help you rest more and stress less while you’re OOO.
Mini capsules for everything from vitamins to shampoo…
There’s nothing worse than losing precious luggage space to a chunky shampoo or pill bottle. Enter: these capsules from Cadence. They’re completely leakproof, TSA-compliant, and magnetic, so you won’t have to worry about them shifting around in your bag. Select your preferences here to build your own personal capsule set.
A toiletry bag that won’t take up counter space…
Long trips typically require a bulky toiletry bag. Instead, we turn to this hanging water-resistent bag to keep our makeup, skincare, and oral care neat and organized without taking up a lick of counter space. Oh, and it’s under $25.
A foldable hairdryer with infrared light…
You might not be able to fit your red light helmet in your carry-on, but you should be able to fit this folding hair dryer with ease. The built-in infrared light therapy helps strengthen your hair and stimulate growth. It has four modes, three speeds, and works wonders when it comes to battling frizz. It’s perfect for when the weather at your destination is less than ideal.
A massive tote for when you just want to shove stuff somewhere…
Listen, we don’t judge. Shoving last-minute items like a neck pillow or a sweatshirt for the plane is our bread and butter. And this bag is perfect for that. It’s exceptionally roomy, with hidden pockets on the outside for things you need to access quickly. One of our editors tested the mini version and was shocked by how much room she had. Mary Poppins who?
A pair of really good noise-canceling headphones…
By “really good,” we mean it has over 50 hours of battery life on a single charge, multiple modes (including a “Stay Aware” mode that lets you hear your surroundings), and — most importantly — comfort. The gorgeous colors and prints don’t hurt.
A high-quality umbrella that should last you years…
Umbrellas are like luggage — if you don’t invest, you’ll end up re-buying a new one over and over again. This umbrella is sturdy, reliable, and designed to withstand winds up to 100 mph (although, if that’s the case, please don’t be outside). It’s specifically meant for travel, so it’s small enough to stow in a tote or carry-on without taking up too much space.
Packing cubes with compression zippers…
Each of the cubes included in this seven-piece set has a handle for easy packing and removal, and a second compression zipper that’ll save you more space. They’re also easy to wipe clean and dry quickly.
A cute passport wallet that protects against card swipers…
This printed zippered case will keep your passport and cards safe without sacrificing style. It has designated slots for your credit cards, passport, travel documents, cash, SIM cards, and a pen. The inner lining is engineered with a metal composite to block RFID signals and protect against digital skimming.
A hypochlorous acid mist to spray upon landing…
If there’s one skincare hack we label as a “must,” it’s this SOS Spray from Tower 28. It’s a derm-approved hypochlorous acid spray that can help reduce redness and soothe stressed skin. It’s great to have on hand after gym sessions or long flights when your skincare products may not be readily available.
Stress-relieving vitamins you can wear on your skin…
One editor tried these out during a stressful bachelorette trip and confirmed they live up to the hype. Each sticker is no bigger than a business card and will stay on your skin for hours throughout the day. These travel ones are packed with elderberry, zinc, and ashwagandha to support immune health and circulation, but they also have versions for better sleep and an energy boost.
A phone holder that connects to tray tables…
Not many phone grips have passed over eight hours of turbulence vibration testing, but this one has. It has a military-grade dual-spring grip that will keep your phone steady and secure during your flight. It’s easy to adjust and can fit in your pocket once folded up.
A portable neck fan if you’re going somewhere without A/C…
If you haven’t already added a neck fan to your cart, let this be your sign to do so. This under-$25 one will power up to 18 hours of direct airflow on a single charge. It has three speeds and comes in six cute colors.
A retractable charger that isn’t a total eyesore…
We love this charger so much, we gave it an award. It’s the only USB-C charger that we don’t mind leaving out for the world to see. It’s made of soft silicone that comes in a variety of muted colors, and holds a 4-foot long cord coiled inside for when you’re ready to use it.
Compression socks that are actually kind of stylish…
These medium-level compression socks are great for reducing swelling during long flights, but they’re also nice enough to wear for everyday comfort and support. They’re lightweight and flexible, so you won’t feel uncomfortably squeezed.
A self-cleaning travel water bottle…
A water bottle that removes bacteria from itself? We’ll take 10. This 17-ounce insulated bottle has a UV-C light on the underside of its cap that can remove 99.99% of bacteria with the push of a button. It’s stainless steel and double-walled to keep your drinks cold or hot all day, and even has a carrying strap for easy toting.
A skincare set to rescue your post-flight skin…
Summer Fridays’s aptly named Jet Lag Essentials kit includes a pair of under-eye patches, a moisturizer and mask combo, a soothing face mist, and a deep-hydration serum to help revitalize your skin upon touchdown.
A mini sling bag that holds all your essentials…
This crossbody is sleek and minimalist, yet can hold a 40-ounce water tumbler, in addition to your wallet, snacks, keys, earbuds, and anything else you might need on the go. The interior is insulated in case you want to carry any warm or cold snacks with you, too.