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Because you really don’t need to bring an entire perfume bottle for a week-long trip.

I am a contributor and former resident writer at BuzzFeed Shopping, where I covered everything from fashion to kitchen products — but beauty and travel are my bread and butter (and shopping vices).

Just pack in your clothes, roll up the bag, and watch as the excess air is squeezed out. 

BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord says, "HELLO, I AM OBSESSED WITH THESE. Despite all the rave reviews I was definitely skeptical of space-saving bags that didn't require a vacuum, and even as they were actively squishing my clothes into oblivion I still couldn't quite believe it. I had easily two suitcases worth of clothes I wanted to pack for a three-week trip to London, and I managed to neatly pack the entirety of my wardrobe in one roller carry-on bag. Truly all I had to do was put my clothes in the bag, push them to the bottom, and then sit on it to get the air out before sealing it up. I had tons of extra bags and make a habit of taking them with me in case other people joining me on trips need them to be able to pack souvenirs on the way home. I'm never taking a long trip without these again — these are worth every damn penny."

Promising review: "I travel monthly for work, usually gone for 4–5 days. Before these, I would have to check a bag. Dress shirts and pants roll up nicely and stay wrinkle free. It's tempting to want to over-stuff these, but if you're packing golf shirts or cloths with 'slippery' fabric, they slide out of the top of the bag as you get close to the end. The clips take a minute to get used to, but after a couple of times zipping up the bags, it's pretty easy." —BigSkinny

Get a set of eight from Amazon for $17.28. 

Promising review: "I travel frequently and travel light. My luggage is usually limited to a backpack that slides under the airline seat. For a two-week European cruise, I added a carry-on rolling suitcase. I've used these packing cubes twice so far, and I am hooked. One cube holds everything (including clothing) I take on a three-night trip. The cube slides into my pack, saving massive amounts of room, and everything is easy to find during travel and at the hotel. Taking out one cube and unzipping is much better than digging through a pack! I will never leave home without these!" —Gura

Get a set of five packing cubes (also comes with a laundry bag) from Amazon for $25.99 (available in 26 colors and also in sets of eight).

Beauty Goodies is a small business that specializes in chic storage and travel accessories. 

Promising review: "This garment bag is an exceptional value for the money. Well built, top quality materials, including 'beefy' zippers, should hold up well for airline travel. Minimal wrinkles if any in garments, and a cavernous bag for storing shoes and other items for a trip. Added bonus, it fits easily in the plane overhead storage, similar in size to a standard roller bag. I highly recommend this product." —Kindle Customer

Get it from Amazon for $42.99+ (available in two colors). 

BuzzFeed Editor Elizabeth Lilly owns this bag and says: "I snagged this backpack after hearing my colleague Chelsea Stuart sing its praises. I wanted a bag for some upcoming travel (2.5 weeks in Europe with *just* carry-on for five flights) that opens up like a suitcase for easier packing. Since buying, I've taken it on two long weekend trips with no complaints. In fact, for both of those trips I packed MORE than I needed. 

Inside, you'll find a mesh zippered pocket and a plastic pocket perfect for your toiletries. I can fit enough wet toilet toiletries in the second pocket as I'd be allowed to carry-on for a plane. In the mesh pocket I put other necessities like cotton swabs, medicine, eye glasses, etc. The main compartment is deceptively deep so you can easily roll clothes and Lego-fit them in together without using packing cubes. In fact, I fit all of the stuff in the second picture in that section (a romper, PJs, a bikini, sunscreen, five pairs of undies, a pair of jean shorts, nap dress, three pairs of socks, two pairs of sandals, two T-shirts, a slip skirt, sleep mask, curling iron, mini flat iron, makeup bag, and tote bag). AND it has stretchy X-straps to keep it all secure like you'd see in a roller suitcase so when I unzip it, everything stays put. But before I forget, there's a separate cushioned laptop pocket close to the backpack straps that I found works well for books or a Kindle if your travel leaves you laptop-less. 

I love that this backpack has DEEP side pockets so your umbrella or water bottle won't fall out. In fact, I stuck a flashlight and an umbrella in one side pocket. (You could always use a flashlight.) Plus! It has a generously sized pocket on the front of the backpack with easy access for sunglasses, snacks, writing pens...all sorts of those little extras you need to access quickly. To top it all off, the backpack straps and top handle are STURDY. I felt totally secure toting it around and slinging it into overhead storage compartments on the trains. I love the look and construction of it with faux leather and sturdy black canvas, and the trolley passthrough to easily fit on my roller suitcase I'm about to drag through a bunch of airports. This isn't the cheapest backpack option but if you're a frequent traveler, you'll get so much mileage on it and seriously save on some baggage fees, making it well worth the cost. This backpack and I are going places, for sure."

Get it from Beis Travel for $118 (available in three colors). 

Promising review: "Lots of space. I bought this for a business trip so I could carry my laptop and clothes for two nights and not check a bag at the airport. This worked perfectly and looks nice." —Angie J

Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in four sizes and 18 colors). 

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: "I bought this for my son for his trip to Europe. He was only taking a carry-on for a three-week trip. This proved to be very good quality, sturdy and functional. He used it as a neck pillow. It was the perfect size and soft enough. Very easy to transport by attaching it to his luggage and then use on the plane. He stuffed it with clothes for extra space and loved how comfortable it was to use as a neck pillow. Best purchase I made for his trip." —Amazon Customer

Check out BuzzFeed Shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly's TikTok of the digital luggage scale in action. 

Promising reviews: "This scale works and was accurate on four flights. The first flight was a test at 46 pounds, and the 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

Get it from Amazon for $8.90+ (available in three colors and as a pack of two). 

Psst — if you don't fill up all the compartments with pills, it's also great for stashing your earrings during travel! (Shoutout to this TikToker for the hack.)

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 different color sets). (They don't sell them in singles, but if you don't want three, here's a similar option.)

Each pack comes with three packets. And because they *are* liquid, they'll easily slide into the side of your toiletries bag.

Promising review: "Taking these out of the country to wash under things is exactly the right size." —Laura Wilson

Get nine packs from Amazon for $6.95 (available in two scents and other packs).

Hackwith Design House is a woman-owned small business that creates made-to-order apparel. This shirt can be worn as a V-neck, off-the-shoulder, boatneck, V-back, and even open as a jacket. And the color is simple, which means it can be paired well with many different bottoms. 

BuzzFeed Shopping editor Chelsea Stuart says: "I have this shirt and I *love* it. All credit for its discovery goes to TikToker @jennifer.bianca who I happened to stumble across on my FYP. It checks all my boxes: black, comfortable, versatile, and durable. My initial worry was that I wouldn't feel secure in it (I have a 38DDD chest and most wrap tops/dresses I've tried haven't stayed where they're supposed to), but I haven't had an issue with this! I've worn it tied in the front giving me a square neck (like the middle picture) and tied in the back giving me a V-neck up front (just like the photo on the right) — both were super comfortable, and I didn't have to adjust myself at all. As someone whose weight fluctuates, I also appreciate that this piece can handle pounds gained and lost. The fabric is medium weight, so I'll be wearing it season to season, and there's just enough elasticity in the arms that if you roll up your sleeves, they won't fall back down. All that is to say trust that I will be buying additional colors!"

Get it from Hackwith Design House for $145 (available in women's sizes XS–4X and in three colors). 

Promising review: "I recently traveled and had no problem with TSA. I like the moisturizer; you can just rub it in. If you have coarse hair, the blades may dull sooner than later. I preferred just to wet my leg and then spray the water. It seemed to get more of a lather for me. Super convenient!!" —Western Pa mom/grandma

It comes with one handle and one blade refill! And the mini handle will fit almost any Venus blade refill, which is a major plus.

Promising review: "This was the perfect small travel razor for traveling abroad. I was in a location with mostly outdoor showers, and the case was super handy for keeping lizards and bugs away from my razor. The case also has drainage holes, which make it easy to pack and transport. Highly recommend!" —Asha L.

Each stack also includes a mirror lid, a base, and a mini brush.

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 it for traveling, but have been using it daily and love it!" –Paula Bowie

Get the Starter Stack from Subtl Beauty for $55 (originally $80; available in 19 shades and two lip and cheek colors), or customize your own stack starting at $10 per layer, with up to nine product types available.

Promising review: "First time I bought this soap it was for traveling. Lugging around large bottles of shampoo for six people for a 4–6-week vacation is just not an option, and buying shampoo is sketchy since a couple of us have soap allergies. The little bar packs up perfectly in a little baggie and takes the smallest amount of luggage space. One bar washed six heads of hair for five weeks!! Every day!! Suds well and cleans well." —Dominique B. 

Get it from Amazon for $10.50+ (available in 11 styles).

Promising review: "This product...I have no clue how this works, but it does! Let me start by saying I was wearing a full face of makeup. I mean foundation, contour highlight, eyeliner, seriously the whole nine yards. All I did was wet it and wiped my face, my jaw literally dropped. This is hands-down my favorite makeup remover. The best part is that they are reusable so you don't have to keep buying those expensive disposables that leave your face feeling greasy." —Heather Griffith

Promising review: "I was looking for a dry shampoo that would be easy to use on the go for a trip I was taking. I had no issues taking this through TSA and it was so easy to use on the go. You literally just pat the poof on your scalp and then rub the powder in. I do have black hair so dry shampoo is usually very visible in my hair, but I didn't have any harder time than usual rubbing this powder in. It did a really good job of soaking up all the oil and giving my hair volume. I'm not a fan of the price for the amount that you get, but it is lasting longer than I thought it would. I would definitely recommend and will purchase again." —Teresa

Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in eight shades and in packs of two or three; refills also available).

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 $5.99 (available in two colors and packs of two or four). 

Promising review: "My favorite traveling item! Before I was sticking jewelry in Ziplock bags and in my suitcase and I’d lose them in there or they’d tangle and I was limited on what I could bring. I bring this with me every time we go out of town for business." —Kristy and Jose

Get it from Amazon for $14.21+ (available in two sizes and 10 colors). 

Promising reviews: "It is a favorite among our flight attendant group when we are traveling. We call ourselves the sisterhood of the traveling jumpsuit! I absolutely love it, it’s comfortable, inexpensive, easy one piece, dress up or dress down. I add a belt and it’s perfect! I am planning to purchase more colors!" —Floridagirl0611

Get it from Amazon for $32.39 (available in women's sizes S–3X and 30 colors/patterns). 

Just be sure to still pack a plug adapter if you're traveling to another country!

Promising review: "Traveled with just a carry-on and personal item from USA to Italy and this worked perfectly. Convenient size for luggage and worked perfectly as a curler or straightener! My hair looked cute the entire trip so I was happy!" —Jessica

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

Promising review: "I’m not one to write many reviews, but this one is one I decided was worth it. I purchased two of these for a cruise. They were great packing because they lay flat and take up hardly any space. I have purchased the silicon travel bottles, but they have a funky taste/smell to them, so I don’t really care for them. These were so much better!! I was able to easily clip them to my purse strap while we were in ports, and it was still lightweight enough! I highly recommend!" —JDeal

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

To fill the atomizers, remove the spray cap from your perfume, then align the bottom of the atomizer with the bottle and repeatedly press it down until it's filled (but don't *overfill* it).

Promising review: "I usually don’t leave reviews but this was so worth the money. I’m traveling for the first time in 12 years and squeezing everything into one bag and a carry-on. This works for perfume, but I had the great idea of using it for things like my setting spray for when I travel. Game changer. Obviously only has about 15–30 sprays depending on how much you fill it, but this is great for a vacay or a weekend getaway other than perfumes!" —AnnCRosas

Get them from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in packs of four or five in various colors).

The "daily routine" set includes four medium and three small capsules as well as magnetic, interchangeable labels for shampoo, conditioner, body wash, moisturizer, cleanser, a pill icon, and a blank tile. 

They also offer skincare, bodycare, haircare, and pill case sets as well as extenders that increase the size of the capsule! And if you fall in love with these and *really* want to customize your collection, head to their site to build your own unique set. 

Cadence is an AAPI woman-owned small business that was founded by Steph Hon with the goal of eliminating single-use travel-sized plastics. The containers are made from recycled ocean-bound plastic. 

Promising review: "These containers are perfectly sized for all my travel needs, whether it’s skincare products, vitamins, or even small jewelry pieces. They fit neatly into my carry-on, saving space and keeping everything organized. No more messy toiletry bags or digging around for tiny items — everything has its place with Cadence. The quality of the materials is top-notch. The containers snap together securely, making it easy to keep them organized and prevent any spills. It’s such a clever and practical feature that adds a touch of luxury to the whole experience. Plus, it’s oddly satisfying to hear the little click when they snap into place!

"I’ll be honest — the price did give me pause at first. These containers are definitely an investment, but I can confidently say they’re worth it. The peace of mind they provide, knowing my products are safe and secure during travel, is priceless. Plus, the high-quality build means they’ll last for many trips to come, making them a smart long-term investment." —Randy G.

Get the daily routine set from Amazon for $138 (available in five colors and other sets).

Check out BuzzFeed's full review of Cadence containers here!

BuzzFeeder Elizabeth Lilly says: "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 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 four color sets).

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 11 colors).

Promising review: "I am a flight attendant and I LOVE this organizer! I keep my iPad, passport, cords, paperwork, and hand sanitizer in here. It keeps me organized! Definitely recommend to anyone who travels and needs to keep organized." —amazonislife

Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in two sizes and four colors). 

Promising review: "I bought these for a trip for my family of five. I like to plan in advance to make sure no one forgets anything! These were a lifesaver packing for three kids! I was able to create a carry-on, toiletries, wires/chargers, and snacks pouch for everyone! I used clear sticker paper to create name labels, and it all worked perfectly! Would definitely recommend if you need to travel with family and need to set things out and pack." —mommyandbri

Get them from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in six different pack sizes).

BuzzFeed Editor Elizabeth Lilly (pictured above!) owns and loves this bags: "I wear a size L/XL in clothing and sometimes waist bags just don't work out so well for me. With this one, I can confirm that it fit around my waist comfortably without outerwear, across my chest without outerwear, *and* over a thick coat and several layers. The pockets inside are so handy and I even had room to spare throughout my Iceland trip. This was the only purse I brought for the whole trip and it performed its job flawlessly. Just make sure that you zip the zipper ALL the way because the zipper goes down pretty far on the sides for easier access to contents. Having my hands free was wildly convenient for a number of reasons, including crawling around inside of an ice cave and putting out my hands for some extra balance while walking on sheets of ice along cliffs. Oh, and it comes in so so SO many colors."

Promising review: "Sooo cute! Looks just like the Lululemon one. Very versatile and convenient to wear while traveling, hiking, running errands, sporting events, or anywhere you need your hands free and don’t feel like carrying a purse. Definitely going to buy more in different colors!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $12.98+ (available in 30 colors). 

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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.