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Dec 20, 2023

Must

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.

You'll want to book a vacation *just* to buy these products.

BuzzFeed Contributor

BuzzFeed Staff

A swim bottom and top that stay in place during water activities *and* look super cute to boot. Your other suits just cannot compete.

A portable door alarm to help you get a good night's sleep knowing that you're safe in your room. If triggered, this lets out a loud sound which will wake you up and ward off any unsavory characters.

A cup holder adapter so it can hold more than just your spare change. After all, road trips are easier with your trusty Hydroflask water bottle by your side.

It's designed to fit any phone up to 100mm x 170mm (or about 3.9 inches x 6.7 inches). And not only will it keep your phone protected from water, but it will also keep sand and dirt out.

Promising review: "This item is a must-have for family vacations anywhere near or in the water! I had no problems whatsoever with this product and many people during our last vacation kept asking us where we got them. My phone stayed dry, and I could take pictures, text, and surf the web without any problems! I would highly recommend this product to anyone!" —Zatanna Winters

Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in 14 colors).

Promising review: "This is a must-have for vacations. We took it to Atlantis in the Bahamas. It worked perfectly. Held our phones, room keys, etc while we were out enjoying the beach or pool. Just looped it to beach chair or table. Highly recommended." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $44.95+ (available in five colors).

Wine and Whiskey Co is a small biz creating clothes, phones cases, and car accessories!

Promising review: "I had to remove the foam wrap that was on it for it to fit in my cup holder, but now it works perfectly. No more having my water bottle in the seat next to me, rolling on the floor, or spilling 'cause I forgot to close it! Yay!" —sprocketnellie

Get it from Wine and Whiskey Co on Etsy for $12.99+ (available in packs of one. three, four, and six).

Promising review: "This is so much better than those stupid heavy bar chargers and require you to bring alone a cord as well. I love that it fully charges your phone. It's a must-have for vacations and days at the beach." —Heather J. Mangrum

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

Promising review: "This thing is the greatest thing invented since chicken and biscuits. It's like a nice scarf with just enough support to keep your neck just in the right position. I highly recommend it. Works great with big headphones, too." —Deana Hero

Get it from Amazon for $59.99 (available in four colors).

The wallet has a passport pocket, boarding pass compartment, three credit card slots, an ID slot, a slim card pouch, slim pocket, a ticket slot, a cellphone pouch, a coin zippered pocket, key holder, and pen holder.

Promising review: "I absolutely love this wallet. I needed a new travel wallet, and this holds everything I need all in one place, and it still closes nicely and stays flat! I can fit my boarding pass, passport, ID, credit cards, money, checked baggage tickets, receipts, and more in it, yet it doesn't bulk up or look like an overstuffed mess. It's just amazing. The description says it only holds US money, but I just used the boarding pass flap to hold all my Japanese Yen (¥), which are larger. I didn't use the zippered pocket for coins as I much prefer a separate coin purse for that sort of thing. I definitely recommend to anyone who travels a lot!" —Anthony Luu

Get it from Amazon for $10.79+ (available in 37 colors).

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 for $25 (available in three shades).

It also comes with a USB-C charging cable, travel pouch, keychain holder, quick-start guide, and a manual.

Promising review: "If you have a wireless earpiece and fly frequently, this is a must-have. Most newer planes have a monitor on the seat backs which enable you watch movies, etc. This unit enables you to do it using your wireless earpiece. Connection is simple and automatic once you have initially paired your device or devices. It's convenient. I'm happy with the purchase." —JCE

Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in three styles and two colors).

The travel belt is adjustable to 38 inches so it will fit most bags.

BTW — Cincha Travel is a small Cali-based biz started by a BIPOC couple that makes these adjustable straps from vegan leather. The brand also donates 100 airline miles for each purchase, which are used to reconnect separated migrant families.

Promising review: "Love this! I am constantly struggling between holding my jacket and two carry-ons. This is the perfect solution! I can't wait to start using it when I’m back to regular business travel." —Allison

Get it from Cincha Travel for $39.99 (available in 14 colors and designs; can be monogrammed for an additional $17).

See founder Shay Mitchell showing how the weight indicator works.

Promising review: "I love this bag so so much, it has an amazing amount of storage that is well thought out and spacious. The bag's color is also the perfect color of beige and did not pick up too many scuffs while traveling. The sections inside of the bag were also thought out well and helped me utilize the space as best as possible." —Hannah Z.

Get it from Béis for $328 (available in nine colors).

Promising reviews: "This was a LIFESAVER while traveling. I kept my cards and cash in it and had no stress about thieves lifting my essentials while traveling heavily pickpocketed cities. I loved it so much, I actually continued to use it when I got home instead of carrying a purse! The top flap did start to unravel after about six months — but this was also after six months of everyday use." —Krista Hinz

Get it from Amazon for $16.30+ (available in two colors).

Promising review: "A++++++. This was a lifesaver during my WDW vacation this week. Temps felt like 105 degrees, and I was so happy to have this to help keep me cool. This made walking around the parks very manageable, and I am so happy with my purchase. Charged it every night at bed, and it was ready to go in the morning. Folds up nicely and the lights are so nice!!! Walked around the parks at night with my fan and lights on! A must-have!! I love this fan so much." —Jacquelyn

Get it from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in seven colors).

Promising review: "I travel a lot and this (with my AirPods) are my must-haves. I download a couple of movies to my phone, clip it up, and sit back and relax. Fits with the tray table closed. I have had so many people ask me where I got it. I bought it after seeing another passenger with one. 10/10" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $10.97+ (available in three colors and packs of one or two).

These are made with natural tea tree oil, peppermint, ginseng, and oil and come individually wrapped, so they're super easy to stash in your carry-on.

Promising review: "I purchased this product for a recent trip to China so that I could freshen up between flights and also so that I could clean up as needed. I predominantly used these to wipe my body between my long-haul flight and my connecting flight to a local destination. This was a nice alternative to a shower when one simply wasn't available. It just made me feel cool, refreshed, and slightly descuzzed. I'd recommend them for this purpose. As they are perfumed, I wouldn't recommend using them as a toilet wipe for fear of throwing off a critical pH balance for women, but as an overall body cleaner, they are great. :)" —Magdalene Sikora

Get a pack of 10 from Amazon for $9.99.

Promising review: "This is a must-have item for travelers. It looks and works great! As an international traveler, this is very useful for me. I love that I can use it when I’m in the US as an extension with four USB ports. It also comes with handy bag to keep everything together including the plugs for different country standards. I highly recommend this product." —Mary Panam

Get it from Amazon for $39.99.

Left on Friday is a woman-owned small business creating swimsuits that are cute and can be worn for water sports!

Promising review: "I love this suit! It's super comfortable with fabric that holds everything in but is still super soft and straps that don't dig in. I love the design of the party wave colorway and that both the top and bottom mix and match with solid colors, too. This is my go-to suit!" —Emma

Get it from Left on Friday for $85 (for the top; available in women's sizes S–XL and in seven colors) and $85 (for the bottom; available in women's sizes S–XL and in six colors).

Promising review: "The best thing for traveling ever!! I have to have espresso every morning and most small hotels and gas stations don't have espresso coffee so this is perfect! Easy to use. The cleaning takes 30 seconds; just rinse with water and let it dry." —joanna alvarez

Get it from Amazon for $54.90.

Promising review: "We travel a lot, carry on back pack 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 bucket because they took up too much space. These are perfect for travel." —Khrys Monet

Get a three-pack from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in three sizes).

Promising review: "I bought this to carry my jewelry in for a trip, it was awesome! My necklaces didn't get all tangled up like they usually do and my rings were nice and snug. I loved the extra spot behind the opening as it gave even more storage. So glad I found this it was super helpful!" —Deborah

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

Promising review: "This is a must-have for long flights! If you can't afford first-class seats like me, get this! I took a flight from LA to South Africa, and this saved me! It's easy to blow up and works great to elevate your feet to sleep. It does take up most of your space so if you don't have under-seat room, you will not have much other space. It is a little challenging it get it back in the travel bag, but I did it." —RSJ

Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in four colors and also as a two-pack).

Promising review: "I think it's a great product for protecting your brushes, especially while traveling, which is the main reason I purchased it. TikTok had great reviews on it." —Yasmin

Get a two-pack from Amazon for $12.49 (available in two sizes and seven colors).

Promising review: "Well, this is the coolest thing ever! I travel quite a bit, and I usually don't take a bottle with me because they are big and bulky and I usually lose it! This collapsible water bottle is a perfect traveling accessory. It stays collapsed until after security, and then I fill it up for the trip. It's a good size and fits in my side compartment in my travel backpack and the cap screws in securely so i don't have to worry about it opening accidentally and spilling all over the place. I follow the instructions on how to clean it and it works just fine." —M. Lyons

Get it from Amazon for $36.95 (available in eight colors).

Promising review: "I'm dealing with falling arches and one foot attempting to develop a heel spur. I had some travel coming up that was likely to involve a good bit of walking, so in addition to trying to make sure I had decent shoes, I thought some compression socks might be a nice addition to my travel bag. I was pleased to find this toe-less variety, as I'd heard of compression socks causing toe problems. I'm really happy to say the fit and comfort on these is perfect — in addition to being large, my feet also have pretty sensitive skin on top and these socks don't bother me even after several hours of wear. I've even slept wearing them with no irritation! They also definitely make my feet feel better; soon after I put them on, my aches and pains will fade off (not always completely but always noticeably!) and my feet are much happier. I was glad to have them on my trip, and I really enjoy wearing them around the house after a tiring day." —A. Phillips

Get them from Amazon for $10.95+ (available in four sizes and nine colors).

Promising review: "I have two of these, and they are amazing. The loop goes around the door handle and two thin metal prongs go in the crack of the door. If the door opens even a little, the prongs are separated, and it lets out the loudest, most obnoxious wailing sound in the history of the world. It's great for a single girl traveling on her own!" —Kelly

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in five colors and also in a two-pack).

Promising review: "Fits perfectly in my purse or desk drawer. I have 3 dogs and wear black slacks almost every day, this lint roller is a lifesaver for me! No more showing up to work covered in dog hair!" —Texas Mommy of 2

Get it from Amazon for $18.01+ (available in four colors).

Promising review: "This is a must-have beach item. When we are on vacation where there are beaches, we always bring this product. It has been to Hawaii as well as European beaches and is still in great shape after numerous uses. Storage is easy and compact, so it doesn't take up space in luggage. The material is comfortable and the anchors work just fine wherever we have gone. I'd buy this product again." —STR

Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (also available as part of a bundle).

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).

Plus, the bag is water-resistant and has two exterior zip pockets, two interior shoe pockets, and a padded handle wrap. Yes, this one bag really can do it all.

Promising review: "I purchased this in preparation for some day trips for work and it sure did the job. My suit stayed crisp and I was able to fit everything I needed. The bag feels very durable, which I can't say for some of my other bags that cost five times the amount. Although many bags have a separate compartment for shoes, be careful not to overlook the importance of this feature when shopping for luggage. The last thing you want is to wake up and get dressed, only to find that something on the bottom of your shoes found its way onto your clothes. The side pockets make it easy to get essentials out of your bag, including when it's in the overhead bin on a plane." —Ronald

Get it from Amazon for $36.88+ (available in eight colors).

Plus, it's made out of durable and water-resistant fabric.

Promising review: "I got the blush-colored bag. It is such a pretty neutral color. I packed it in my overnight bag to have an extra bag for shopping. It came in handy when I needed it! I put my water and light sweater in there. Also, I put my shopping items in there also instead of carrying extra store bags that leave a mark on you wrists. This little bag zips up compact and will always be a necessity when traveling anywhere! I highly recommend getting one!" —Nubia C.

Get it from Calpak for $35 (available in 19 colors and designs).

Note: If you’re immunocompromised, be sure to read all the package instructions to make sure it's safe for you.

And it lasts for a long time! It will provide about 1,000 gallons of safe drinking water.

Promising review: "This thing is no joke! I took it backpacking in Maine's Bigelow range. When I ran out of the water I brought, I was A-OK with this. On top of one of the lower peaks, I drank from the most disgusting-looking crevice filled with brown scum. I thought, this is going to be safe, but taste horrid. WRONG. IT TASTED LIKE THE FRESHEST SPRING WATER, better than any tap. I'm from Maine, and I've tasted plenty of water right from mountain springs, so take my word for it. One note: It can be a little challenging to use at first. You have to start by soaking it; if it still doesn't work, blow into it a bit. Get one for your outdoor adventures and one for your bug-out bag, which everyone should have in case of natural disaster." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $17.47+ (available in two colors).

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

Promising review: This item is a must-have for family vacations anywhere near or in the water! My phone stayed dry, and I could take pictures, text, and surf the web without any problems! Promising review: Held our phones, room keys, etc while we were out enjoying the beach or pool. Promising review: It's a must-have for vacations and days at the beach." Promising review: It's like a nice scarf with just enough support to keep your neck just in the right position. Promising review: I can fit my boarding pass, passport, ID, credit cards, money, checked baggage tickets, receipts, and more in it, yet it doesn't bulk up or look like an overstuffed mess. Promising review: Promising review: If you have a wireless earpiece and fly frequently, this is a must-have. Promising review: This is the perfect solution! Promising review: The sections inside of the bag were also thought out well and helped me utilize the space as best as possible Promising reviews: I kept my cards and cash in it and had no stress about thieves lifting my essentials while traveling heavily pickpocketed cities. Promising review Temps felt like 105 degrees, and I was so happy to have this to help keep me cool. This made walking around the parks very manageable A must-have!! Promising review I download a couple of movies to my phone, clip it up, and sit back and relax. Fits with the tray table closed. Promising review: As an international traveler, this is very useful for me. I love that I can use it when I’m in the US as an extension with four USB ports. Promising review: With this collapsing bucket, my son is now able to take beach toys to the beach. Before we didn't pack sand bucket because they took up too much space. Promising review: It's easy to blow up and works great to elevate your feet to sleep. Promising review: great product for protecting your brushes, Promising review: They also definitely make my feet feel better; soon after I put them on, my aches and pains will fade off (not always completely but always noticeably!) Promising review: It has been to Hawaii as well as European beaches and is still in great shape after numerous uses. Promising review 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! Promising review: My suit stayed crisp and I was able to fit everything I needed. The side pockets make it easy to get essentials out of your bag, including when it's in the overhead bin on a plane Promising review: I put my water and light sweater in there. Also, I put my shopping items in there also instead of carrying extra store bags that leave a mark on you wrists
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