When it comes to packing for your next getaway, efficiency is key. From travel-size skin care products for in-flight facials to handy tech gadgets you didn’t know existed and wardrobe essentials that keep you comfortable, these finds can help you make the most of any journey. Packing light is no easy feat; considering all the options on the market, it can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best products that are small enough to fit in your carry-on but impactful enough to make every future trip feel smoother and more enjoyable. Travel season hasn’t officially started yet, so check out these vacation-ready finds and stock up before your next holiday.
A travel wrap that pulls double-duty
This travel wrap is a great addition to our international trips because airplane cabins can get surprisingly cold, and we like having something versatile on hand. Reviewers have used it as a warm blanket in flight and as a stylish scarf once you land, making it a go-to layer that keeps you comfortable and put-together from takeoff to arrival.
These socks offer gentle, non-restrictive compression from feet to knees
We think traveling in style can be easily achieved without sacrificing comfort, so we turn to smart essentials like these compression socks. This pack of eight socks offers padding, compression, and zoned cushioning that helps prevent the swelling we get on long flights, and they slip on and off easily. “They feel surprisingly comfortable for something so functional,” wrote one.
Charge your adventures without limits with this portable charger
For a portable charger that will power up all your devices fast, look no further than this 50,000mAh option. With a weight of only 4.15 pounds, it is easy to carry in your carry-on or backpack, whether you’re powering up your phone at the airport or giving your laptop a boost mid-flight. You can even use it to charge up to three laptops at the same time.
A travel blanket that can be used as a pillow
Just because you’re traveling with others doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort. This ultra-soft travel blanket gets bonus points for being easy to travel with. While it isn’t small, it comes with a matching travel bag that, when rolled up, doubles as a pillow.
Snag these comfy earplugs if you’re a light sleeper
Not quite ready to invest in noise-canceling headphones? Try these Amazon’s Choice earplugs instead. Their design makes them fit securely in your ear, blocking out everything from cabin noise to loud chatter. “These are for noise reduction. I’ve even slept in them. I travel a lot, and the ability to sleep soundly when hotel walls are thin is important,” wrote Susan.
A compact blush that delivers a full look in the palm of your hand
Hate looking tired after a long flight? This 7-in-1, compact blush from Wander Beauty is for you. Shoppers agree that it’s perfect for refreshing your look before heading straight from the airport to your next adventure because it can be used on lips, cheeks, eyes, and body, as it has a buildable illuminator on one end and cream color on the other.
A moisturizer with SPF30 for essential sun protection at high altitudes
Don’t have the time for a complete skincare routine mid-flight? Pick up this tinted moisturizer, which covers multiple bases at once. It has SPF 30 — essential for sun protection at high altitudes—and keeps your skin hydrated throughout your flight. Plus, it’s travel-size at two ounces.
Prevent cracked lips from haunting you during a vacation with this lip mask
With this compact lip mask that’s become a staple in our travel kit, we can keep our lips soft and hydrated no matter how dry the cabin air gets. Swipe on a bit before, during, and after flights to prevent any chapping, thanks to its nourishing formula of healing bentonite clay and smooth shea butter.
Save money by using this reusable water bottle
Getting comfy not only means bringing the right layers but also staying hydrated throughout your flight. While we always pack an empty water bottle to fill up post-security, this insulated, reusable bottle has become our favorite. It’s easy to toss in your carry-on, helps you avoid pricey airport drinks, and keeps you from relying on questionable in-flight water.
A top that effortlessly transitions from day to night
It’s hard to argue with a versatile top that earns a permanent spot in your carry-on. This go-to piece pairs beautifully with relaxed shorts, as it does with a flowy skirt. Whether you’re exploring a new city or toasting the sunset on a rooftop, it always feels like the right choice. Choose from six colors.
These high-waisted leggings make long voyages a breeze
Reviewers had been seeing these high-waisted leggings on their FYP for a while, but they didn’t realize how essential they’d become. Now, they’re hooked. These leggings with pockets are “supportive without feeling restrictive, comfortable enough for long flights, and stylish enough to wear straight to a casual lunch or hike once you land.”
These compression packing cubes flatten to a super tiny size
Waking up in a new destination and finding our suitcase a mess used to be the norm. What can we say? We like to pack options. With these compression packing cubes, however, staying organized and saving space has never been easier. Plus, we love its g-hook hanging system, which allows you to hang your cubes and never unpack again.
These comfy Levi’s jeans are flattering, comfy, and structured
There is no doubt that Levi’s straight jeans are a bit of a splurge. But if you need a flattering and functional pair, these are most definitely worth packing. The high-rise fit offers just the right amount of structure, and they’re comfortable enough for long days spent walking, shopping, or eating your way through a new city.
This compact concealer is a multi-tasking essential for instant skin confidence
@iamhannahcho has been using the same few staples in her travel makeup kit for years, and no new additions have really stuck — until this concealer from Saie came along. She likes its small size, ease of use, and provision of just enough coverage while still feeling totally lightweight. She won’t board a flight without it.
An umbrella that won’t fail you on a windy, rainy day
On the travels, you expect unpredictable weather, you should carry a windproof umbrella that’s a best-seller as a just-in-case essential. Not only is it compact and easy to stash in a bag, but it holds up impressively well against strong gusts and opens with the push of a button, making sudden downpours way less stressful.
These waterproof phone pouches are useful no matter what’s on your itinerary
Shoppers attest that after trying out these phone pouches for themselves, “they’re never heading to the beach without them.” These waterproof pouches keep your phone safe from splashes, sand, and accidental drops, and the fact that they float gives you extra peace of mind when you’re out on the water.
Protect your valuables mid-flight with this seat pocket organizer
If you occasionally like to keep your essentials close and organized during flights, this seat pocket organizer is a great buy. It has three zippered pockets that are large enough to keep your tablet, snacks, and other travel accessories easily accessible without having to dig around in that notoriously grimy seat pocket. Plus, it has vertical and horizontal hanging loops.
Snag this Kindle Paperwhite if reading is your favorite in-flight pastime
When it comes to in-flight entertainment, you can’t go wrong with the newest Kindle Paperwhite. It’s a solid pick for the everyday traveler: It’s super slim, compact, and lightweight to slip into your carry-on. We love that this model has 16GB of storage so that you can take thousands of E-books with you. We also love its weeks of battery life and glare-free display.
A travel adapter that’s compatible in most countries
@bentaylor_nyc is a self-proclaimed frequent traveler, and he’s always on the hunt for reliable gear. He says this universal travel adapter is a must-pack. It works in most countries and features two USB ports, so you can charge your phone, laptop, and camera simultaneously without juggling multiple converters.
A viral neck fan to beat the heat
As the weather warms up, we’ve been loving this hands-free neck fan for staying comfortable (particularly if you’re traveling somewhere sunny). Designed with 78 outlets distributed around the neck, it delivers a refreshing breeze right where you need it and can run up to 16 hours on a single charge.
Combat dry airplane cabins with these lubricating eye drops
There are plenty of ways to stay hydrated while flying, and most people remember to pack lotion or lip balm. But these lubricating gel eye drops are just as essential for anyone prone to dry eyes. These travel-friendly drops provide instant relief in dry cabin air, and reviewers said that just a drop can make you instantly rest more comfortably mid-flight and arrive feeling refreshed — even if you didn’t realize how irritated your eyes were until after using them.
Achieve salon-worthy results wherever you’re headed with this travel hair dryer
For peace of mind when traveling, it’s worth packing one of a shopper’s favorite hair dryers like this TikTok-approved pick from Babyliss. It should deliver the power of a full-size model in a compact, suitcase-friendly design, so it must make styling your locks a breeze. Reviewers also appreciated the wide, detachable nozzle.
Snag this mini jewelry box if you can’t go without your accessories
If you constantly struggle with keeping your jewelry organized when you travel, this mini jewelry box will finally solve that problem. With three hooks and separate interior sections, it fits just enough to take a few of your favorite earrings, necklaces, and bracelets without getting tangled. Plus, the plush velvet exterior is so chic that you’ll start leaving it out on your dressing table at home. With thousands of glowing reviews behind it, it’s become a go-to for stylish, stress-free packing.
Pack some light entertainment like a Nintendo Switch Lite
As far as travel essentials go, a reliable source of entertainment is always on our list. And while books and movies have their place, the Nintendo Switch Lite is worthy of a contender. It’s lightweight, easy to pack, and perfect for passing time on long flights. Reviewers swear by it to keep themselves entertained — and even to ease flying anxiety when turbulence hits.
Drift off faster with this contoured sleep mask
Finding a good eye mask is tricky because so many feel too tight or press down on your eyes, which is the last thing you want mid-flight. This contoured one is the one TikTokers always pack in their carry-on. Thanks to its sculpted design and adjustable strap, it blocks out light without that claustrophobic feeling.
A leather passport wallet that’s 5-star rated
You can never be too safe when traveling, which is why so many shoppers swear by this leather passport wallet. In addition to your passport, it offers some dedicated slots for credit cards and mobile SIMs. Choose from 22 available colors — you can also opt for the version with a luggage tag or the one with an AirTag slot.
A unique and compact pillow so you can lean and rest against the window
@freakingreviews put this compact hand pillow to the test. Needless to say, he said, “he’s never going back to balling up a hoodie against the window.” And if you’re someone who likes to pack light, this tiny, smushable pillow is the perfect solution. It slips over your hand so you can lean against the window.
Clip this Samsung tracker onto your carry-on the next time you prepare for takeoff
Losing an item sucks. Flying without knowing whether your luggage made it onto the plane with you is one of the most stressful parts of travel — especially if you’re carrying something valuable. The Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2 is a smart way to track your luggage. It gives you a mapped-out location history, so you can see exactly where your bag has been, and the long battery life means you don’t have to worry about charging it mid-trip.
A toiletry bag with a hook that shoppers can’t get enough of
This five-star rated toiletry bag hooks to the back of any bathroom door and keeps your products perfectly organized while traveling. It’s a total game-changer when it comes to keeping counters clutter-free and making everything easy to see at a glance.
Avoid sneaky overweight baggage fees with this luggage scale
Rather than hoping your luggage isn’t over TSA weight limits, use this ultracompact digital scale to check your bag before you even leave for the airport. It’s a handy, intuitive device that fits into any personal item, and you won’t have to pay those unexpected luggage fees again.
These toiletry bottles let you bring all of your favorite products with you
These travel-friendly toiletry bottles make it much easier to bring all your essentials without worrying about leaks or spills. We love that the set includes everything — silicone bottles, small jars, spray bottles, scoopers, a funnel, and even a cleaning brush. They all come in a clear, reusable case, so you don’t have to worry about any spills in your carry-on.
A linen button-down is a versatile piece you’ll rely on again and again
Packing for a trip is always easier when you have a few timeless staples, and a long-sleeved linen button-down is one you should never leave behind. You can throw it over swimsuits, pair it with jeans, and wear it with linen trousers when you want something breezy but polished. This one is made from 100% linen, so it’s breathable and durable.
These JBL earbuds offer excellent sound
If you’re traveling, you can’t forget to bring a solid pair of earbuds. Internet users love the JBL Tour Pro 3. You’ve probably used JBL for years because the sound quality never disappoints, and these are no exception. In addition to that, they connect easily to in-flight entertainment systems, which makes long flights so much more bearable.
Say goodbye to tangled wires and enjoy movies with this Bluetooth transmitter
Arguably, the worst part of travel is wanting to use your wireless headphones but being stuck with in-flight entertainment requiring a wired connection. To alleviate this, a good Bluetooth transmitter is key. This device lets you connect your earbuds without the hassle of cords. Even better, it lasts up to six hours on a single charge.
Snag these New Balance sneakers if your trip involves a lot of walking
Shoppers agree: These dad sneakers are a travel must-have. The New Balance 515 are a go-to for the reviewers — they look stylish and offer all-day support — making them great for a full day of sightseeing. Plus, they’re versatile enough to pair with almost any outfit.