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If you're a habitual over-packer and *go-over-the-luggage-weight-limit*-er, I've got six words for you — compression cubes and digital luggage scale.
1. A neck pillow you can stuff with clothing because we love a product that serves more than one purpose. The listing says you can pack three days' worth of clothes in this baby, so if you have a few shirts and dresses that wouldn't fit into your suitcase without sending it over the weight limit, you can still bring 'em along! What a cozy way to outsmart bag guidelines.
Okay, and how perfect is this for those winter travel days when you need to wear a hoodie to the airport cuz it's freezing and then get to Mexico and sweat your butt off in the airport. Stuff your hoodie and extra layers in this bad boy as you wait at bag pick-up.
Check out a TikTok showing how someone used a similar neck pillowto just take that and a personal item onto a RyanAir flight that was charging for hand luggage.
Promising review: "Sick of paying for extra bags?!? Never again. This 'neck pillow' IS your extra bag. Comes as an empty neck pillow. I put a winter coat, two shirts, yoga pants, gloves, and a hat in mine where there was no room for my warm clothes in my carry-on. The gate agents don’t look twice at a neck pillow. Plus, it’s super velvety soft and CAN actually be used as a neck pillow on your flight. Genius! It’s a must-have travel hack!!" —Chris and Bobby
Get it from Amazon for $17.99+(available in nine colors).
2. A digital luggage scale so that you can bring as much as possible in your suitcase without having to pay the extra baggage fees. Bring the extra stuff without the extra cost. Take that, TSA!
Promising review: "Very handy gadget to make sure your bags are not overweight. Worth the money you would have to pay for overweight bags and the hassle of having to pull out stuff at the airport. Highly recommend getting one." —YvonneN
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in seven styles/colors and in a two-pack).
3. A travel-size hair dryer brushbecause, lets face it, your blow-dryer is too dang big. But I know, I know, you still want your signature, va-va-voom, bombshell blow-out look. This bad boy is the Hannah Montana of styling tools — all the power of your full-size one but won't take up too much space in your luggage. It's the best of both worlds.
It does not work with voltage convertors or adapters, but the brand does have a version that does! It has three heat settings and comes with a little carrying case!
Promising review: "This Hair Trends travel hair dryer is a game-changer for anyone on the go! It’s small and compact, making it a perfect fit for my carry-on backpack without taking up much space. Despite its size, it packs a powerful punch and dries my thick hair quickly and efficiently. I love that it doesn’t compromise on performance, even though it’s so travel-friendly. A must-have for frequent travelers who don’t want to sacrifice their hair routine!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $35.99+(available in two sizes).
4. A splurge-worthy set of seven aesthetically pleasingCadence containersthat'll hold your pills, moisturizers, shampoo, conditioner, and so much more. So, yes, you can bring all seven of your serums for your skincare routine — just throw 'em in these cute, itty bitty jars, and TSA won't give you any problems. The magnetic design makes them easy to cluster together so you can find all your bathroom necessities in one place.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Cadence is an AAPI woman-owned small biz founded by Steph Hon with the goal of eliminating single-use travel-sized plastics. The containers are made from recycled ocean-bound plastic.
The containers come with labeled interchangeable tiles — for shampoo, conditioner, body wash, moisturizer, cleanser, pills, and one that's blank. Say goodbye to having to always buy travel-size bottles of your bathroom necessities.
Promising review: "The BEST CONTAINERS for traveling! I have tried so many $5 travel containers and they always end up exploding or breaking. Super happy to finally find these travel containers that stand up and last throughout all of my travels, and I know I’ll have them for years to come. They are sturdy and hold a lot product. I love that they are magnetic, too, so they stick together which makes it super easy for travel. Would purchase again!" —Taylor
Get a set of seven from Amazon for$138(available in five colors).
5. Solgaard's Carry-On Closetthat has a super impressive six-tier, pop-out shelving system. If you're the kind of person who needs 12 outfits for a four-day trip (I mean, options, hello!) this little bag will help you practically bring a whole closet on vacay with you while keeping everything neat and compact in its assorted compartments. And it's an airline-friendly size!
Solgaard
The smaller size is accepted as a carry-on by all international airlines, including European budget ones, while the larger one meets all US airline standards.
Promising review: "Great design that allows me to organize everything I need in much less space than I ever expected. Take your time to select and pack your things thoughtfully, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much you can get into this carry-on. I have several pieces of luggage in different sizes, and I’m giving them away because this is all I need. The size and versatility make it the perfect carry-on." —Michelle C.
Get it from Solgaard for $285+ (available in two sizes and 15 colors).
6. *OR* aStow-N-Go travel organizerso you can take a good third of your closet on vacation with you. Just load it up, collapse it, and throw it in your luggage. Then, when you get to your destination, you can hang it up and have your 'fits already neatly organized. One reviewer fit two of these small ones and three compression cubes in their luggage!
Plus, it has a zipper compartment at the bottom to store all your dirty clothes in so they don't get mixed in with your clean items.
Promising review: "I just love it. I travel alot. Now I don’t have to hang anything up but my organizer. I can see what I pack and where everything is. Just love it. I can easily fit seven days' worth of outfits and three pairs of shoes in a carry-on suitcase.Just great." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in two sizes and nine colors).
7. A 3-in-1travel razorthat'll handle everything from skin prep to moisturizing to the actual shaving part.Yes, it's a triple-blade razor, but turn the little dial and *BAM* — it's a refillable spray bottle. Turn it again, and *BAM* — now it's a shea butter moisturizing bar. All that in this itty bitty compact kit?! Witchcraft.
You'll actually get two razor blades!
Promising review: "I recently traveled and had no problem withTSA. 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
Get it from Amazon for $15(available in two colors).
8. A leakproof collapsible water bottleso you can stay hydrated without taking up precious luggage space. Plus, how much is a bottle of water at the airport or Disney, like $10? Pfttt, no thank you. It'll be like a little magic trick — now you see my water bottle, now you don't.
Promising review: "I love this collapsible water bottle! Its lightweight design and vibrant color are exactly what I was looking for in a travel-friendly water bottle. The fact that it's foldable is a huge plus, as it saves so much space in my bag when not in use.
One of my favorite features has to be the straw. It’s incredibly convenient, especially when I’m on the move. After getting through TSA at the airport, I can quickly fill it up, and stay hydrated throughout my travels without any hassle. The wide mouth opening is great for adding ice cubes on hot days and makes cleaning a breeze.
The silicone material feels sturdy and I’m impressed with how well it holds up — no leaks or drips at all, thanks to the well-designed threaded cover. This feature gives me the confidence to toss it in my backpack or purse without worrying about a mess.
Whether I’m cycling, hiking, or just navigating the daily commute, this bottle has become my go-to for staying hydrated. It’s functional, stylish, and perfectly suited for any outdoor activity or office setting. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a practical, eco-friendly way to keep up with their water intake!" —✅Maya Acosta✅
Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in five colors).
9. A set of vacuum-free,space-saving compression bagsso that instead of packing seven outfits for your three-day trip, you can pack 10. Put your clothes in 'em, zip 'em up, roll the bag, and *voila* you don't have to choose which 'fit to leave behind.
Promising review: "These were the things I never knew I needed for traveling. They work just as advertised and are really useful when going on a trip. I always hate having to mix dirty and clean clothes at the end of a trip — a 'laundry bag' or plastic shopping bag never really felt like a good enough separation. These bags seal up and conceal the most stinky, wet clothes from your clean, unused clothes. They are going to be one of my new necessities for my big family when traveling." —Sarbello
Get a set of eight from Amazon for $15.98.
10. Or a set of five compression packing cubes that'll allow you to bring plenty of options along with you cuz you know what they say, the more the merrier! These'll make packing all your cute vacay outfits a breeze. Plus, they come with a lil' laundry bag, too!
You'll get one large cube, two medium cubes, two small cubes, and a laundry bag.
Promising review: "I was able to take a five-day trip to Mexico from the US using only a carry-on size luggage bag. There is no way I would have gotten all of the stuff in there without these handy organizers. With good planning and patience for a learning curve, they will definitely help consolidate things for any over-packer like me. They are part of my luggage forever." —Jennifer
Get the six-piece set from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in six sizes and 22 colors).
11. A four-pack of pocket-size, refillabletravel perfume atomizersso you don't have to bring your entire bottle ofCarolina Herrera's Good Girl perfumeand risk it either spilling all over your bag or breaking (and wasting your fave $100 scent). Plus, you won't have to buy any travel versions! Just pump your fave perfume or cologne right into this and easily bring it with you in a much more convenient way.
Promising review:"So glad I found out about these. Now, I can travel with my favorite perfume and not have to worry about checking in my luggage. So easy to fill (less than a minute) and so far no leakage. Take the top of your perfume off and insert the bottom of the mini bottle and press down until it is full. Love the fact that it has the little window so you know when it's time for a refill." —Kema
Get a pack of four from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in six sets).
12. The iconicAlleyoop Pen Pal,which is an eyeliner, lip liner, highlighter, and brow pencil all in one. Now, you can leave a few full-size products at home to make more room in your luggage. And it looks just as fun to use as those multicolor pens we had as kids. If this baby got paid, it'd deserve a raise. Assignment = understood.
Jasmin Sandal / BuzzFeed, Alleyoop
Alleyoopis a woman-owned small biz that specializes in functional makeup products.
Here's what BuzzFeed editorJasmin Sandal has to say about it:"I gotta say, I love the concept of the Pen Pal from Alleyoop! After using all of the functions (eyeliner, highlighter, lip liner, eyebrow pencil) and as someone who LOVES makeup but was applying as little as humanly possible during lockdown, I think it’s a great tool for anyone looking to streamline their routine. It's ideal to use for touchups come the end of the work day, or a subtle, minimalist way to apply makeup in the a.m. The brow pencil is particularly soft and pigmented, and filled in my eyebrows quickly. I just adore the ease of application of each product, and appreciate the universal, does-it-all-for-you concept. Plus, it saves me so much room in my already-overflowing makeup bag!"
Get it from Amazon for$20(available in three shades)or Alleyoop for$15(available in three shades).
13. A clever Altoids tin pill organizing insert you can get with different amounts of "cubbies" so you don't have to bring a whole seven-day pill case for your three-day trips. Plus, it'll take up less space!
Bridge Designed/Etsy
Bridge Designed is a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based small biz on Etsy that specializes in unique personal care accessories.
Promising review: "These inserts are so handy!! I decorated a small Altoid tin out of boredom and have been using it as a pill tin ever since. I just had pills rolling around until I found these little inserts! Colors are fun, and now my handbag doesn’t rattle." —Janet Park
Get it from Bridge Designed on Etsy for $3.57 (available in nine styles and seven colors).
14. A16-piece travel toiletries setso you can stop worrying about how you're gonna bring your favorite conditioner or if you'll need to sacrifice a step in your skincare routine cuz you can't fit all of your products in your bagandcomply with TSA rules. Why buy all the travel-sized versions of your hair and skin products when this set comes with literally everything you need to bring what you've already got?
The set comes with four bottles, four jars, two spray bottles, two scoopers (to help transfer creams), one funnel (to help transfer liquids), one cleaning brush, a page of labels, and a bag that everything fits in.
Promising review:"This zipper pouch is very well made. I use it all the time, and it has held up nicely.Save your quart-size bags. I love the refillable silicone squeeze bottles instead of having to buy all new travel-size products. Saves money and allows you to bring your favorite products along. Overall would recommend, a nice set with various sizes, well-made containers." —Julia Crabtree
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+(available in eight color sets).
15. A jewelry organizer to hold all of your accessory options and, you guessed it, save space, of course! It folds up into a wallet-sized little pouch and keeps your jewelry separate (🙌) since they love to mingle and become a tangled mess.
Promising review: "I would give this more stars if I could. It's exactly what I've been looking for forever!!! It has plenty of room for my clunky jewelry and enough separate pouches that things don't get tangled. I LOVE it." —Carrie Minturn
Get it from Amazon for $12.99+(available in two colors).
16. A 2-in-1 hair toolthat includesa curling iron and flat iron, so you don't have to attempt to curl your hair with your straightener because you can't fit your curling iron in your luggage. No need to cut down on makeup bags (I know you need all five, and leaving one to make room for a hot tool issucha sacrifice). Just bring this bad boy along.
Amazon, www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Don't be fooled by the tiny price or size. This little baby is serious. If you are looking for a small travel option rather than lugging your big straightener and giant curling iron around the world, then I think you'll love this. It performs really well, turning my frizzy, wavy hair into a smooth and sleek style. The curling iron option also creates shiny, silky, lasting curls! It's easy to transition between both. I also like the grippy handle and the fact that the curling iron clip is a different color than the straightening bars because that helps me see how I should maneuver it around. The voltage goes up to 240m, so you are good at using it internationally without a converter (but you will need an adapter just to fit it into various foreign outlets). At this price, definitely give it a try and flaunt your tresses abroad." —Christine
Get it from Amazon for $39.99(available in two colors).
17. A tiny3-in-1 portable chargerthat'll charge your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch all at the same time so that you don't need to bring several chargers for your devices. You know all your chargers are the extra long ones, which take up an unnecessary amount of valuable carry-on space, so grab this one, which folds down to the size of a macaron.
Promising review: "These are fabulous for travel — they charge three devices from just one USB port, especially helpful when frequenting hotel rooms. The first one is now permanently stationed bedside to help clean up the clutter, and this will go into my briefcase for future excursions. Compact, and effective!" —see2xu
Get it from Amazon for $89.99+(available in four colors).
18. Away's popular The Carry Onwith a TSA-approved lock, a laundry compartment, and a compression system to help you cram in 5–7 outfits and avoid having to carry an actual suitcase. Which also means you won't have to go through a luggage check. Oh! And for an extra $50, you can personalize it with up to three letters *or* grab a personalized tag for $10! This is the GOAT carry-on bag if I've ever seen one.
Away Travel
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 in 12 colors).
19. A foldable compact LED mirror and 14 makeup brushes that fit right into it, so you don't have to bring your huge kabuki brushes. And since hotel lighting usually isn't the greatest, this little mirror with lights will be a lifesaver.
It has a touch screen switch and is rechargeable.
Promising review: "I bought this for a trip where I couldn't bring anything except a 22-inch carry-on, and it was perfect! For the price, I was absolutely shocked at the quality. The brushes were soft and blended out my makeup quite well. The lights on the mirror were bright and very nice to have.The brushes didn't have any weird smells or anything. Really great set that I'll continue to use even after my trip!" —Teresa P.
Get it from Amazon for$16.99+(available in six colors).
20. A three-pack of insect-repellent wipesso you don't have to carry the large bottle that'll likely leak. And since theyaren'tliquid, you can tuck 'em into a pocket in your carry-on without TSA giving you any problems!
Amazon
Promising review: "Bought these for our recent trip down to Oaxaca, Mexico. Applied before one of our outings into the mountain areas where I swear the mosquitos were the size of pterodactyls, and we didn’t find a single bite on either of us. Highly recommend this product." —Jamie P.
Get three packs of 12 wipes from Amazon for $26.37.
21. A5-in-1 Subtl Beauty Starter Stack— a perfect, compact, on-the-go stack of five makeup products that'll save you way more space than bringing your big ol' jar of One/Size translucent powder. Perfect if you're always scared about your expensive full bottles of concealer and such breaking and spilling everywhere because the way the baggage handlers throw our suitcases around is diabolical.
@subtlbeauty / Via www.instagram.com
You'll pick your concealer shade and lip + cheek shade, and then you'll also get a powder bronzer (based on your concealer shade, scroll down to "What's Included" for bronzer shade deetz), a champagne powder highlighter, and a shine control translucent powder. Each stack also includes a mini brush, a base, and a mirror lid.
They're also a small biz that specializes in innovative, on-the-go makeup essentials. They're known for their compact and customizable beauty product stacks.
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 $60 (available in 18 concealer shades and two lip+ cheek shades), or customize your own stack starting at $12 per layer, with up to nine product types available.
22. A TikTok-popularspacious travel-friendly backpack that'll hold SO much stuff and fit right under the seat in front of you so you can use it as the "personal item" you're allowed to bring along. Plus, it has a USB port! If you like piña coladas, getting caught in the rain, lots of pockets/compartments, a separate waterproof wet bag, and saving $$ on luggage fees, this is the perfect bag for you.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
It also has a pocket for your shoes and a strap that slides down over your luggage handle for easy transport. Reviewers say it meetsSpirit,JetBlue, American Airlines,Alaska Airlines,Southwest,Delta, Frontier, andUnited Airlinespersonal item rules and fits under airplane seats!
Check it out on TikTok.
Promising review: "I was going to a friend's house for a week via Frontier and only wanted to bring one personal item. In addition to clothes and toiletries, my work also told me I had to bring my laptop, so I decided to purchase this bag. It was perfect! I was able to fit my laptop, three pairs of clothes, a pair of sandals, various toiletries, and electronics in this little bag. At the airport, Frontier made everyone put their bags in the bag size checker, and this one passed the test! Of course, I had to do laundry while I was there, but I saved a ton of money by purchasing and using only this bag. Plus, it's cute as heck!" —Caroline McCormick
Get it from Amazon for$29.99+(available in four sizes and 23 colors).
23. Awaterproof toiletry bagbecause you have a 14-step skincare routine, and you refuse to miss a step cuz glass skin doesn't take a vacation.You can fit SO much stuff in this, and it has a rotating hook that'll make it easy to hang up.
Promising review: "We are a family of seven, and this held all of our bathroom supplies for a weekend trip. This is a must-have for traveling. The best feature is it being able to hang up on a robe hook or the back of a door. It frees up hotel sinks and keeps you well organized." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in two sizes and 11 colors/styles).
24. An in-flight organizer pouch you can put your flight essentials, like your phone, charger, headphones, and snacks in so that you don't have to sit there rummaging through all the things you stuffed into your carry-on. Paying for convenience > being a panicked mess at takeoff, trying to get your bag back into the overhead bin after finally finding your earbuds.
Promising review: "I bought this before a big trip, and it became one of my favorite purchases. This pouch is very well made, has a ton of slots for every one of my different types of cords and many adapters, and even totally full, it zipped up to be nice and compact, and I easily threw it in my backpack — I was amazed every time." —KarinB
Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in two sizes and three colors).
25. A spinning snack containerso that you don't have to pack five different kinds of chips to keep your indecisive little one content on the seven-hour road trip you have coming up. Now you'll have space to pack all the juice boxes and toys you'll also need to keep them occupied.
Promising review: "This thing is SUPER handy for plane and car travel with kids. We took one of these on a four-hour flight to California, and it kept my 1- and 4-year-olds enthralled for several minutes. My only regret is that I did not have a second one so that each kid could have their own so they could stop fighting over one. Highly recommend. I will be taking one or two on all future trips with the kids." —rwspoon
Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in three sizes and seven colors).
26. A pack of threecollapsible silicone pailsthat'll be super convenient to bring along because they won't take up too much space in your suitcase. This is def a family beach trip upgrade.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Wetravela lot, carry-on-backpack-only style. I try to find ways to not over-stuff my bag as I don’t like to check bags. With this collapsing bucket, my son is now able to take beach toys to the beach. Before, we didn’t pack sand buckets because they took up too much space. These are perfect for travel." —Khrys Monet
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $19.99+(available in two sizes).
27. A4-in-1 toiletries dispenserso you can fit your conditioner, shampoo, lotion, and body wash in one little compact spot and *not* worry about your pink Bath & Body Works soap bursting and ruining the new white dress you plan to wear on vacation. And bonus! It has a little window so you can see just how much shampoo you've got left.
Amazon
Check out a TikTok of the toiletries dispenser in action.
Promising review: "This is the perfect travel companion for all your soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, or face moisturizer. It’s easy to remove each compartment and fill, and 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 $7.99(available in a two-pack).
You, trying to stuff all your clothes into your suitcase *without* the compression cubes:
CBC Television
Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.
