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May 21, 2023

35 Travel Products To Help Anyone Take Only A Carry

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

Checked luggage fees won't be getting you this time.

BuzzFeed Staff

Promising review: "I was in Rome and Florence, Italy for nine days, and the Away Carry-On was just perfect. From being able to charge up my iPhone at the airport or on the train traveling from Rome to Florence, it worked perfectly. Stylish and very versatile. It also kept my belongings packed beautifully, plus the perk of a laundry bag for my dirty clothes. Getting through security was a breeze, plus the added compliments of how beautiful it was. You have a customer for life. I was very happy and impressed." —Keith H.

Get it from Away for $275+ (available with and without a USB charger, seven colors, and optional personalization, for an additional charge).

Promising review: "I stumbled across these on TikTok and now they are in my everyday routine. These are amazing for cleansing or removing makeup. I love that they are paper thin but transform into an absorbent sponge. They are perfect for traveling as well." —Skye Rose Koshuta

Get them from Amazon for $9.98 (available in six color variations).

Promising review: "This product definitely surprised me with how much it holds! I can store my brushes, lip liners, mascara, lip gloss, and even my (cylindrical) foundation bottle. Now I just use this holder and only put my pallets in a makeup bag.... it's so convenient since you don't have to go digging through stuff to find some skinny brush or eyebrow pencil at the bottom of your bag." —RHIANNA

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

Alleyoop is a woman-owned small business that creates compact beauty products that typically have several functions.

Promising review: "I absolutely love this travel makeup brush and sponge combo! It's so convenient for when I'm on the go and need to touch up my makeup. The bristles are soft and the sponge is great for blending. Plus, it's compact and fits perfectly in my purse. I highly recommend it!" —Mary G. Murphy

Get it from Amazon for $27.98.

BuzzFeed editor Elizabeth Lilly has this and says, "^ That's me pumping my signature perfume into one of these travel atomizers I've been using for about a year. As the reviewer down below mentions, it's great to just throw in your purse on the reg for a fragrance re-up throughout the day. As you can see, it's about the size of my thumb and therefore takes up very little room. Plus! It's smaller than most rollerball travel fragrances you can pick up. This first one is working so well, that I just have the other three in storage. But if this one bites the dust this summer during travels, I'll be OK about digging into my stores to use one of the remaining three...especially at this price point."

Promising review: "These little bottles allowed me to take four different scents with me on my trip. I was about to take one big glass bottle, but I was worried that it would break, so when I saw these, I read reviews and took a chance, and I'm glad I did. I love it!" —QueenFrecklez

Get a four-pack from Amazon for $8.99.

Promising review: "This is perfect for airport travel or traveling with kids. I keep it folded until I pass security then fill it at the water fountain at the gates. Can dump it out and close it up when you're done. Definitely worth it!" —MP Lee

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two sizes, four colors, and multi-packs).

This set includes a high quality plastic bag, four bottles (two different sizes), four jars (two different sizes), two spray bottles, two product spoons, one funnel, one cleaning brush, and one page of labels.

Before buying this I had just a hodgepodge of random travel size products and a bag that didn't really fit any of it. I wanted to find a cohesive set, all of which actually had a place to go. Enter this guy. Not only is it all matching, but the variety of bottles, jars, and spray bottles is super convenient for all kinds of different products. The labels are also really helpful for making sure you don't end up conditioning your hair with body wash. The bottles are incredibly easy to fill because the openings are super wide and you can easily pour directly from the full size bottle.

Promising review: "I absolutely love this travel set!! First of all it looks great, clean, classic. Not only does it come with bottles and jars and spray bottles, it also comes with a spoon, a funnel, a cleaning brush and a page of labels. They thought of everything. The larger bottles for shampoo etc, are made of silicone, so you can squeeze the product out. My favorite thing about this set is the size. It fits into luggage so easily." —Funnymom

Get it from Amazon for $16.69.

Check out a TikTok of the toiletries dispenser in action.

Promising review: "This is the perfect travel companion for all your soap, shampoo, conditioner and lotion or face moisturizer... it's easy to remove each compartment and fill. The labels are handy or you can use a marker and write your own. You don't have little bottles rolling around or in a Ziploc bag... ONE container to carry to the bathroom. PERFECT." —Kathy❤️TEXAS

Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in two colors and a two-pack).

The five piece set comes with concealer, highlighter, bronzer, lip cheek, and shine control powder.

Promising review: "I absolutely love how compact this product is. I have been pleasantly surprised at how natural the makeup feels and I love the natural look it provides. I originally purchased for traveling, but have been using it daily and love it!" –Paula Bowie

Get the Starter Stack from Subtl Beauty for $60 (originally $68; available in 19 tones), or customize your own stack starting at $14 per layer.

Promising review: "Great for travel. No need to pack multiple cords to charge devices." —jackieshack

Get it from Amazon for $11.98.

Check out a TikTok of the neck pillow in action.

Promising review: "I hate checking a bag when I fly. One bag, that's my game plan. With this neck pillow, I can pack several days of base layers (long sleeve top and tights), leaving extra room in my carry on bag for my camera or souvenirs. It straps onto my suitcase when I'm going through the airport, so it's close at hand." —CeCe Bee

Get it from Amazon for $49.95.

These work best with hand-washing!

Promising review: "This came SO in handy during my vacation to Europe! I was making lots of different stops to places with different types of weather. With these laundry soap sheets I was able to wash my clothes in the sink — letting me pack just the right amount of clothes for all the different places I went." —Katie Fujarski

Get a pack of 50 from Amazon for $5.87.

BuzzFeed Shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly brought this on an international trip and loved it: "I first bought this for a week-long Croatian vacation last year when I did carry-on, and as long as you are *thoroughly* reapplying, this stuff stays on pretty well. On a beach club afternoon, I did haphazardly reapply and missed a strip on one arm, but I tend to do that with spray-on or lotion sunscreen, too. Since then, I've packed this for any trip I've been on, including a two-day Disneyland trip where I toted this around in my bag and shared with friends. I sometimes carry it with me in my purse on my everyday adventures because I know it's so easy to apply. Also worth mentioning...I am about the palest lady you've ever seen and swear by daily application of sunscreen. But when on a beach trip, I'm constantly swimming in the water and sweating. So yeah, this stuff works. And if you're a bit hesitant about jumping on the solid sunscreen bandwagon, you can pack a stick of this, knowing you have enough sun protection to get you through to finding some spray-on or lotion SPF at your destination."

Get it from Amazon for $9.58.

It's simply ingenious — all it is is a hood attached to a vest you wear under *any* jacket to protect yourself (and your hair) from whatever the weather has planned.

Promising review: "I love this! The quality is very nice and it fits great. Wore it last week in the rain with a coat I love that doesn't have a hood and it was perfect. It slips right under your jacket so all you see is the hood, so it pretty much blends in with your jacket. Such a great idea! Wish there were more colors and patterns, I'd order more." —Jill Hammel

Get it from Amazon for $29 (available in two sizes).

It's also refillable.

Promising review: "Great to give, great to have! Giving this to my wife for a stocking stuffer since she really liked the one I had for travel. It's a beautiful travel-hack item to ensure your black clothes stay lint-free (or animal hair-free). Rolls back up into its own casing and back in the bag. Done! SIMPLE!" —Andrew Marquez

Get it from Amazon for $9.39+ (available in six colors).

The card includes multiple screwdrivers (including an eyeglass screwdriver), letter opener, nail puller, ruler, bottle opener, can opener, box opener, cellphone stand, hex-head nut and bolts, and a fruit peeler. Reviewers said it is TSA-approved, but some had to remove it from their bag and put it on the belt by itself just to be safe.

Promising review: "This is definitely helpful to have on hand! The Ninja is small and slim but punches above its weight class in terms of usefulness. The tools are all things you might find yourself searching through a drawer for and are useful in a pinch. It fits comfortably in your wallet and will help you open a beer or tighten a screw. The coolest feature that I couldn't find on most other similar products was the credit card phone stand. It is great for planes and other travel applications (I haven't had trouble bringing this on a plane anywhere I have traveled, FYI)."—Mary

Get it from Amazon for $10.99 (also available in packs of two, three, and five).

When you rub it (on clean, dry skin), the solid melts into a silky, lightweight oil.

Promising review: "Love this moisturizer. This leaves my face feeling silky and smooth without feeling greasy. Perfectly balanced. And I love that I can take it traveling without worrying it will leak all over the place." —Lynn A.

Get it from Sephora or Kate McLeod for $68 (also available in a refill size).

Promising review: "I've started using this as my everyday charger now. It's amazing for travel and holds a charge for a really long time – even when I just throw it in my purse and forget about it for a week. Has enough juice to completely charge my phone in no time." —Alisha A.

Get it from Amazon for $45.99 (available in four colors).

They're also great for freshening up after meals and for folks with braces.

Promising review: "PERFECT for travel. When I travel, I always keep a pack of these in my purse/backpack. There is nothing worse than stinky/gritty breath after a long travel day and you can use these super easily and non-conspicuously. I always feel weird brushing my teeth at the airport, so this is a great alternative if you need something quick." —Berea Janzen

Get a 24-count pack of four from Amazon for $17.08.

Promising review: "I saw this recommended on TikTok and bought it on a whim. I never knew a jewelry organizer would be so useful! I absolutely love this organizer and think everyone should have one!!" —Savana Bishop

Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in two sizes and nine colors/patterns).

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 $15.97.

Promising review: "This is incredible! I can't believe how well this works! I travel a lot for work and usually take makeup remover wipes because of the liquid restrictions for travel, but they are expensive and heavy. I have been using this cloth all week and LOVE IT! A bit of warm water and everything comes off in a few easy swipes. I am super excited to travel with this. It weighs nothing and rolls up to take very little space. I am ordering another for my mom who also travels. Highly recommend!" —KT

Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in eight colors and in packs of two and seven).

Check out the new Kindle Paperwhite in action on TikTok!

This version of the Kindle is incredibly versatile: You can see your screen even in the sun, and you can customize your fonts, size, and layouts.

Promising reviews: "I am in love this with this Kindle. I debating which one to get for awhile and then decided on this one because it is water proof and can be read in the sun. I love being at the beach and outside during the summer so it was a must have for me. So far I have read more and had access to so many more titles than having a hard copy book. The lighting is just bright enough so that it doesn't hurt my eyes and is great for reading at night. The battery life has been great. For anyone contemplating getting this, it is worth it." —jennifer

"I LOVE Kindles, and this one is no exception. The warm light is in the pictures as yellow, but it also goes the other way to an ice blue! And the touch response is miles better than the older Kindle; a tap is almost instantly registered. If you are on the fence, just try it! You have my permission and recommendation!" —ErikJuun

Get it from Amazon for $139.99+ (available in two storage sizes and three colors).

Alleyoop is a woman-owned small business that creates compact beauty products that typically have multiple functions.

Promising review: "This pen is amazing. I travel a lot for work, and it's so nice to just have to grab this rather than four different pieces of makeup. The less things I have to remember, the better!" —Rachel B.

Get it from Alleyoop (available in three color combos) or Amazon for $25.

Promising review: "A must have so you don't have to ask the staff for the vacuum, and the bags are thick and high quality. Highly recommend for traveling saving you a ton of space. Great for at home too but a definite traveling need." —Samantha Garvey

Get them from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in five sizes and three quantities).

Plus, it has a zipper compartment at the bottom you can put all your dirty clothes in, so they don't get mixed together and you end up just washing everything when you get home (@ my husband who automatically dumps the ~entire~ contents of his suitcase into the laundry without question).

Promising review: "I got one for a friend's birthday and after hearing her rave about it I got two for myself (diff sizes) This is so cool. It's easy to pack, takes up half the space than normal, and when you arrive at your destination just unstrap it and hang it up!!! I like the zippered area for dirty clothes or extra shoes or toiletries or whatever. And the large size still fits in a carryon with extra room for more stuff!! This was a great find!!" —Wizard

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in two sizes and six colors).

P.S. It's also got a neck strap to keep it from slipping off of you during naps, and if you fold it inside out, it turns into a travel pillow! Is there anything they haven't thought of?!

Promising review: "Used this on my recent air flight and LOVED IT!!! I could use it as a pillow, and then when I got cold, opened it, stuck my feet in, and snapped the snap...stuck my head though and slept for the first time EVER on a plane!! Then, when landing, easily stuffed it back into a pillow and snapped to onto my under seat bag, and off on my adventure I went!!!" —Stacy S.

Get it from Gravel for $99.

I have been searching for the perfect travel backpack for a long time. I had found some I liked, but the zipper broke and it wouldn't fit my water bottle, so I needed to find a replacement. This bag has it all — it fits a 40-oz water bottle, it has straps to tighten the sides and make it not as bulky, it opens all the way for easy access so you don't have to shove your hand all the way down to the bottom, it has a ton of small pockets for everything you could ever want, and has a padded laptop sleeve. I was able to cram SO MUCH stuff into this thing, and it saved me the hassle of TSA pulling everything out when they pulled it aside for deeper inspection.

Promising review: "This is a great bag. Exactly what I was looking for. It's lightweight enough yet sturdier than expected. I like the fact that it's rip stop material. The zippers are heavy duty. The adjustable water bottle cage is a great feature. Even has a cinch strap in the event it's a taller bottle. The storage pockets are very usable and multifunctional. The laptop sleeve is well padded without being too thick. I bought the version that comes with three packing cubes so if my bag is opened at customs they don't have to touch all my personal items and things won't fall out. I bought this for all kinds of travel; weekends at the coast, a week in Mexico and possibly even a two week trip to Europe next year. That's the plan. There are straps with buckles on either side so the bag can be compressed if need be or you can tether a jacket or travel blanket to the outside. I'm very pleased with this item." —SLR

Get it from Amazon for $49.35+ (available in five colors and with or without packing cubes).

Pssst: It also comes with a lifetime warranty!

Promising reviews: "My go-to bag for travel. As someone who is vehemently against checking in bags at the airport, this Go-Bag is the perfect item. Easy to transport and small enough to be taken as a carry-on, yet still spacious for all your essentials." —David C.

"This bag is amazing. Tons of space. I am an elementary school teacher, and normally have about 3-4 bags I haul around. I originally bought this to be a gym bag, but now it's my everyday commuter bag. It holds my laptop, snacks, chargers, paperwork, lunchbox, portable speaker, and a bunch of random teacher things. I love the protection of having the zipper against your back so there's no wondering if someone is opening your bag behind you. Super sturdy, waterproof, oh, and the straps are SO COMFORTABLE! Like, for real, better than any backpacking backpack. 11/10" —Brianna M.

Get the 32L bag from Baboon to the Moon for $159 (available in 12 colors). A larger 40L size is available here.

LovieStyle is a small biz based in San Diego making travel-friendly, 2-in-1 charging accessories.

Promising review: "Love love love this passport holder! Loved it when I got my hands on it. But I absolutely FELL IN LOVE with it when I took it on my first trip and completely forgot my phone charger. I was shocked and happy to discover the battery these come with has an adapter connected to it! Love love love. If I could give more than five stars I would." —Megan Rineheart

Get it from LovieStyle on Etsy for $41.99 (available in 11 styles).

Alleyoop is a woman-owned small business that creates compact beauty products that typically have multiple functions.

Promising review: "Love this all-in-one razor for travel and shaving on the go! I can't count the number of times I’ve left the house and noticed in the sunlight all the spots I missed in the shower. This razor is perfect for taking care of those and the moisturizing bar smells amazing! I wouldn't use them to shave my entire leg (the spritzing bottle is pretty small), but it's perfect for anyone who is busy and always on the go! Thanks, Alleyoop, for making multitasking products that save time, effort, and bag space ;)" —Nihaarika Sharma

Get it from Amazon for $14 (available in two colors).

It comes with a solution bottle, tweezers, stick connection, lens holder, and mirror.

Promising review: "Great product for the price!! Super cute!! Small and perfect for traveling, in your car, purse, or pocket!! The tongs have a super soft silicone type grip on the ends so they won't hurt your lenses. I am very impressed!! I would recommend to everyone!! Great product, great price!! Will purchase again!!" —Loni H. Rhymes

Get it from Amazon for $4.45+ (available in four colors).

Promising review: "We travel frequently and have two children. As any parent knows, packing for yourself and your children can be overwhelming (especially for trip longer than a few days). I have found this list to be a lifesaver and I also give it as a gift for other traveling families. It is easy to plan, organize, and list out items that are easily forgotten. You can also list the quantity of each item needed. It has a variety of clothing options and space to add more. Overall, wonderful purchase and has likely saved me many forgotten items!" —I-really-bought-this

Get it from Amazon for $7.

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 $9.97.

Promising review: "You can totally fit three pairs of shoes in this! (Size 6.5 female shoe, fit heels, wedges, and sandals.) I bought two and will absolutely be buying more for my husband. 10/10 would recommend! I travel frequently, and I always overpack; this helped cut down space and stress immensely!" —Taylor

Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in nine colors/patterns).

The reviews used in this post have been edited for length and clarity.