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You've got better things to do when you're having the adventure of a lifetime than worry about how you're going to stay hydrated.

Starting off with the good stuff: Friends, if I had to pick just one thing — and only one — never, ever to travel without again, it would be packing cubes. This exact set of packing cubes, in fact. I started using them a few years ago, both for several-week-long adventures and short little getaways, and believe you me when I say they are life-changing. The set includes one large cube, one medium cube, one small cube, one extra-small cube, a slim cube, and a shoe/laundry bag (it’s good for both — source: me; I have used it for both. Not at the same time, though! Pick one or the other and commit to the decision).

Promising review: “You need these if you travel! If you are like me, trying to find a way to organize a suitcase can be quite a struggle. I feel like I need to pack my entire life into my suitcase, even for short vacations, or I feel under-packed. My biggest problem is keeping categories organized. With these organizers, you can easily store all your belongings. Everything stays in place even if you check your bag (suitcases get thrown around, and usually, my clothes are a mess). These also helped me pack more as the cubes condensed after zipping. I won't travel without these organizers ever again. In fact, I will most likely be buying more! Do yourself a favor and buy some. Great price point and great quality!” —Yvette Billing

Get them from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in eight colors and patterns; also available in five additional configurations).

Promising review: “These bags are absolutely wonderful! I will never travel without using them again. I can bring everything but the kitchen sink! I recently packed for a seven-day-long trip with various levels of dress, and these bags saved me from having to pack more than a suitcase, which is my norm. Highly recommended!” —Stacy Malyszka

Get a set of 12 bags from Amazon for $10.94.

Promising review: “Perfect for TSA approval when traveling! I travel a lot for work, and I prefer to bring only a carry-on bag, which means I’m limited to 3.4 oz of liquids on the plane. I used to use a sandwich-sized Ziplock bag, and it never worked very well. With this new Lermende toiletry bag, I can fit SO much more. I love that it’s clear so you can see everything at one glance. It’s well-made, and the zipper looks like it will hold up well. It came with five bags, so each family member has their own toiletry bag. Two thumbs-up!” —Rusty

Get it from Amazon for $12.96+ (available in sets of two, three, or five bags and in several color combinations).

Promising review: “To anyone who tells me they don't like dry shampoo, I ask if they use a spray or a powder. They always answer with spray. The powder is a game-changer. It not only makes my hair look cleaner, but it also refreshes my style. I always travel with this in my kit to make my blowout last as many days as possible.” —ELJ23

Get a 0.5-ounce bottle from Sephora for $16.

I bring this exact wallet with me whenever I travel (my color of choice is Paradise Blue, for the curious), and y'all, it works wonders for those of us who are a bit, uh, coordination-challenged (hi, it's me, your friendly neighborhood klutz).

I find it particularly useful during the hectic-airport-dash portions of my trips; I never have to worry about accidentally dropping my passport, my boarding pass, or any of my other Extremely Important Things, because it's, y'know, all safe and in one place.

If I'm super rushed (no one wants to be that person who holds up the entire security line), I can even just shove everything in it without even tucking stuff away in the pockets, snap it shut, and keep it moving until I have a moment to sit down and actually organize it all again.

Promising review: “Perfect for travel! I kept misplacing all my travel documents every time I took a vacation, and this has saved my life. It keeps everything together, all in one place, and I can’t travel without it now. Highly recommend!” —Ely

Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in 24 colors).

Note that this gadget only converts outlets; for actual voltage conversion, you'll need a separate device. (Stay tuned for that!)

Promising review: “After my passport, the item I must not forget when traveling! I’m writing this as I wait for my next flight. I’ve used this travel adapter countless times in North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. I’ve given some away as gifts because of the huge value it has for frequent travelers. It’s compact and useful…the different USB ports save you the need to carry socket adapters for your gadgets.” —tf

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

Promising review: “Hands down, a super converter that can be used at home or abroad. It worked great in all the countries we went to on a six-week vacation. I can use my fav 110-volt flat iron and hot curlers now instead of the low-performing 220-volt versions I was forced to buy for Europe, etc. The two plugs and USB outlets allow for different uses, and only one wall plug is needed. We use this at home as well for charging several devices. The drawstring travel bag helps keep items together for quick unpacking and use. I won't travel outside the house without it. Neither should you.” —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $36.99+ (available in two styles and colors).

Promising review: “Great product. Small size for travel. Long battery life. This is something I won't travel without.” —D. Brooks 

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two styles and colors).

Promising review: “So easy and convenient! I keep these in my shoulder bag while on trips. I have used them for trips to Nepal and most recently to Hawai’i. While on road trips and in bathrooms that may be iffy on the bathroom soap, these have been a great travel hack. They lather just right; not too much or less. Very compact and easy to use.” —jennifer metz 

Get a pack of six boxes from Amazon for $9.99.

Promising review: “Will not travel without them! Used these on my three-week trip, where taking showers was an absolute luxury. They were basically my shower replacements, and they did the job really well. The resealable packets did a great job of keeping the wipes sufficiently wet to remain functional, despite being opened and closed many times. Will definitely get them again for my future trips.” —TexasTraveler 

Get a set of 10 packs from Amazon for $19.70. 

Promising review: “Love these! I bought these for a recent trip to Europe/Africa for a few weeks with my family of six. We couldn't pack nearly enough to change our clothes each day, but we didn't want to wear dirty ones. This was the compromise, and we were skeptical. These little sheets weighed very little and were quick to dissolve, and were just soapy enough to clean our things. We were able to hand-wash our items when needed and use the small washer/dryer combos in our Airbnb. Needless to say, we loved them. Now that I have found these, I won't travel without them.” —Deb Thornton 

Get a pack of 30 sheets from Amazon for $13.99 (available in two scents; also available in three packs of 30 sheets each).

Other bells and whistles include a wet bag pocket, a shoe compartment, padded straps, a chest buckle, the aforementioned anti-theft pocket, and availability in tons of colors. Who needs a rollerboard when you’ve got this?

Promising review: “A must-have for travel! This came with me on a 3+ week international travel stint, and I will not travel again without it. The zippered sections were just right, and the zippers lined up to use TSA/travel locks. The straps are very, very comfortable, and the bag is sturdy and durable yet soft and comfy to wear for extended periods. I loved the color, almost periwinkle, but if I were to buy this bag again, I'd get a darker color to better withstand the inevitable dirt/marks from air/car/bus travel. This bag kept clothes, a blanket, money, electronics, and everything dry in rainy Ireland, snowy Germany, and a few downpours in Italy. There was a strap on the back that was perfect for the handle of my wheeled carry-on, and the weight distribution was such that the entire setup didn't tip over. I would almost call this bag indispensable!” —Mandi in VA

Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in four sizes and different colors and styles).

Promising review: “Best purse I have ever owned! I needed a small purse for travel. I usually carry a backpack, as I like having my hands free. But there are times when a small purse is more practical. With the many anti-theft features, this purse has traveled the world with me, keeping everything safe. Turns out I love this purse so much I use it every day, even when wearing my pack. It is small enough that I hardly know I am wearing it, yet the many pockets provide a surprising amount of carry room. The individual zippered sleeves are great and allow efficient use of space and organization. I love the secure key leash. I never have to worry about locking myself out! If this ever wears out, I'll get another. Can't imagine being without it.” —Gura

Get it from Amazon for $34+ (available in eight colors).

Promising review: “Disney World essential! This holds way more water than I thought! It also doesn’t leak even a bit. Even in 100-degree Florida heat, it kept the water cold. Super easy to roll up and pack away. It fits in any bag, even tiny fanny packs. I will never go to the parks without it again!” —Patricia O’Connell 

Get it from Amazon for $17.60+ (available in three sizes and 10 colors and designs).

Promising review: “I love this! I use a sheet every time I travel! Great gift for the itinerant traveler!” —Ronda P. 

I travel carry-on only whenever possible — and friends, I started to get really tired of having constant "oh no, is my bag too heavy???" anxiety every time I was about to get on a plane. (Have you seen the carry-on weight limitations — not just dimension limitations! — for most international flights these days??? Absurdity! Absurdity, I tell you!) So I bought myself this little guy a few years ago, and I am pleased to report that knowing exactly how much my bag weighs before I get to the airport has done much to put my mind at rest. It also forces me to pack more efficiently in the first place, so hey, everybody wins!

Promising review: “Best $10 I have ever spent on a travel accessory! I love this thing. I never travel without it because I’ve paid overage fees or had to check overweight carry-ons or repack bags on the airport floor like an imbecile. I depend on this scale so much when traveling that when I can’t find mine before a big trip, I order a new one with next-day delivery (I found the old one, lol).

Based on what the scale at the airport reads, it's pretty accurate (assuming you can get the bag off the ground). I have weighed suitcases up to 55 pounds/25 kilograms, but any more than that, and it’s hard to pick up the suitcase and hold it far enough away from your body and the ground to get an accurate reading.

This thing will cost a few ounces in weight to carry with you, but will save you money when you get to the check-in counter at the airport because you’ve already packed and repacked your bags to be perfectly within weight limits.” —AK 

Get it from Amazon for $9.89+ (available in five colors; also available as a two-pack in Ash Silver and one additional style).

Promising review: “Best overall travel shoes! I purchased these for my trip to Italy, and I was pleasantly impressed by how well they held up. These were the only shoes I wore through Rome and through the Tuscany region. I logged 73,000 steps, 56 flights of stairs and inclines, and 33 miles with these. They are comfortable, lightweight, and supportive. Even through the cobbled streets of Rome!” —Pam Caffery

Get them from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in women’s sizes 6–10 and in 16 colors).

Promising review: “A travel must! This is a game changer. The size is perfect. It doesn’t take up much room in your suitcase. I took seven necklaces on vacation, none of them tangled. It fits several pairs of earrings and bracelets. I don’t know how I lived without this. This would make a great gift for a trip.” —Jenny T

Get it from Amazon for $14.44+ (available in two sizes and seven colors).

TravelTubeBlankets is a woman-owned small business based in Bainbridge Island, Washington.

Promising review: "I’m a repeat customer. I just bought my second tube scarf. I have given a bunch of these as gifts and every person that received it was impressed and loved it. The quality is amazing, it washes well, and it’s warm!! I’m planning to treat myself to #3 soon." —Koree Kor

Get it from TravelTubeBlankets on Etsy for $73.50 (also available in numerous other colors and patterns for $65.90+).

I know these lil’ guys don’t look like much, but trust me: They make a huge difference for those 8-, 10-, or 16-hour flights, especially if you'll be up in the air overnight. I started taking these on longer international flights a year or two ago, and now they’re a must-pack for my under-the-seat bag. They feel like socks, but walk like sneakers — exactly what I need when I'm going to be stuck on a plane for hours on end. Bonus: They both squash down super flat and can fold in half if needed, so they take up almost no space in my backpack. A-plus, no notes.

Promising review: “I love these! These are the most comfortable slippers! I wear them when traveling. My airport ‘shoes.’ I get a ton of compliments. Slip-resistant soles. Soft inside and out. Just straight up comfort. Easy on and off. I bought two, then my daughter-in-law wanted a pair. Get them!” —Kia

Get them from Amazon for $17.59+ (available in women's sizes 4/5– 11.5/12.5 and 26 colors and patterns).

Promising review: “When these first came out, I was skeptical. Now I'm a believer! Always had one in my desk at work. Now I have one with me whenever I travel. If I've worn something for just a couple of hours for dinner and gotten a few drops of coffee on it, I can't see sending the garment to the hotel laundry. I just use my Tide Pen. Works great on men's ties. At first, it looks like nothing's happening, but keep working it and suddenly, the spot magically disappears! It helps to put a tissue or paper towel behind the area you're cleaning. They take out just about anything and don't leave a ring like my prior spot-cleaning efforts did. The pens are small, so they're not practical for huge stains, but for small mishaps, they're amazing.” —GlamGalLovesStuff

There are two schools of thought when it comes to packing for trips: Pack as light as possible or BRING ALL THE THINGS. If you’re a light packer, you may not need something with this much space — but if you’re a BRING ALL THE THINGS person, this is the toiletry bag for you.

Promising review: “A TRAVEL MUST-HAVE. I was looking for a toiletry bag that could fit all my toiletries and makeup in one place. THIS IS THE ONE. Everything fits, and it helps me stay organized while traveling. I can’t imagine traveling without it now. Bonus for all the color options they have! I have both the medium and the large. I recommend the medium for a carry-on suitcase. The large item in a carry-on takes up half of one side.” —Brenda

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in two sizes and 15 colors).

This is the pill carrier I use when I’m on the road — or in the air, or, y’know, anywhere other than home (banana for scale). I’ve got a couple of medications I need to take daily (talk about a literal can’t-travel-without-it situation!), so in order to avoid having to carry a whole bunch of bottles with me, I decant what I need into the four little compartments here and chuck the case in my backpack. It keeps things safe, secure, and all in one place.

Also, I…really like its aesthetics. I know, I know — “aesthetic” is not a necessity for medication storage, but it doesn’t hurt that this thing is nice to look at, too. It’s the little things, you know?

(Heads up, though, that if you take prescription meds and you're traveling internationally by air, you usually need to keep everything in their original bottles for airport security — so bear that in mind when considering pill cases of all varieties.)

Promising review: “Great pill organizer! Fits perfectly in my carry-on pouch. It has four slots, which don’t mix up the tablets in case you accidentally shake or flip them. This travel case has a great lock, so your tablets won’t spill. For me, I’ve put antihistamine tablets for allergy days, daily multivitamins, pain reliever tablets, and caffeine tablets for midday sleepiness. I just bring this with me at all times in case I need it.” —Henry

Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in eight colors; also available in a larger, six-compartment size and in multi-packs).

Promising review: “Made my travel SO much easier!! Wow, what a difference this made while traveling. Kept my hands free, and I didn't have to keep going in my purse/backpack for phone, travel documents, or passport. I will not travel without it. I bought it on a whim, but didn't realize how much I really needed it. I kept it in my carry-on, and it was no issue at all to remove it on the plane (with people behind me waiting for me to put my carry-on in the overhead container). I just took out my drink and slipped it up and off the handle. There is a velcro strip in between the cup folders, but I found it very easy to slip it on and off. I was also concerned about items falling out…nope. No issue whatsoever. My passport, papers, and phone were all secured.” —LisalouRN 

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 16 colors and styles).

Promising review: “Took this on a trip to Bali, and it was really a lifesaver. It was so easy to find my cords and have everything so neat. It was something I never knew I needed but now will absolutely never go anywhere without it.” —Daniela Amao 

Get it from Amazon for $9.85+ (available in four sizes and 23 colors).

Promising review: “Very awesome bag. I have traveled with it to so many parts around the world, from the Cook Islands to Mexico to the Carlsbad Caverns, to name a few spots, and it’s always protected my DSLR and lenses. Plenty of room for batteries, etc. Also has a bottom strap for a tripod.” —Michael Soto

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in two sizes and colors).

Promising review: “Game-changer for air travel! I will never fly again without this. I've recommended it to everyone. East Coast USA to Southeast Asia, 24 hours in long-haul flights each way, with a serious lower back pain condition to start. But being able to hang my legs, even in a sideways position, saved me from the hours of pain that I had endured previously flying in economy with limited legroom. So easy to loop over the tray table brackets in both the stowed and open positions. This is a must-have for any flight.” —DL Flin

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available individually or in two- or four-packs).

Promising review: “Worked great! I had to take a nonstop flight across the US, and I really dreaded the turbulence and air sickness I usually feel on these trips. I don't like taking medication, so I found an article about these bands and thought I would give them a try. They are simply amazing! I did not expect them to work as well as they had; I will never travel without them again.” —Charity Rue 

Get a pair from Amazon for $8.53+ (available in six colors).

With two pockets complete with RFID protection and a non-bulky design, this money belt straps securely around you and under your clothes where no one will ever know you’re wearing it. Sneaky.

Promising review: “Won't travel without it again! We just finished an around the world trip. This money belt went through 18 airports, probably 25 security checks. It never set off an alarm. After six weeks and 40,000 miles, it looks as good as it did when we started our trip. I had one and my fiancé had one. I used mine as my jeans belt with longish T-shirts so it couldn't be seen. My fiancé had his under all his clothing. I kept only money in mine. He kept his passport, money and credit cards in his. We'd take them off and put them right into the safe in our hotel room. Perfect!” —Chaz

Get it from Amazon for $21.99 (available in five colors).

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Plus, pet carriers, tips for traveling with a carry-on, a guide to the best luggage brands, road trip essentials, packing cubes, finds for frequent travelers and travel-friendly strollers, bathing suits, bags, pants, and perfumes.

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

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.

Lucia Peters is a writer and editor whose work has appeared in publications including Bustle and The Toast, and whose book Dangerous Games to Play in the Dark was published in 2019.