Holiday travel is an endurance event with a baggage fee. Somewhere between the security line and the middle seat, your patience will leave without saying goodbye, and your phone will slide off the tray table at the exact moment the person in front of you reclines. Nobody is coming to rescue you from the gate that changed twice in ten minutes.
The good news is that a few smart gadgets can take the edge off the whole ordeal. We rounded up travel finds that keep your drink upright, your toiletries organized, and your feet off the floor of a questionable cabin. Some are tiny, some fold flat, and a few will make the people sitting near you ask where you got them. Toss a handful in your bag, board with a smug little smile, and let everyone else fight over the armrest.
#1 Movie Time At 35,000 Feet Gets A Lot Easier With A Phone Holder That Bends Into Whatever Shape Your Tray Table Needs. This Flexible Phone Holder Lies Flat Or Props Your Screen Upright, Then Rolls Up Small Enough To Disappear Into A Pocket When The Show End
Review: “Whether in a hotel room, during a hospital stay or in a friend’s guest room – these bendy, clever fold-flat-again to pack easily device stands are awesome – and beyond useful ! How did I survive w/o them?” – alicebgoodNYC
Image source: amazon.com
#2 Why Bring Four Bottles When One Will Do The Job? The 4-In-1 30 Ml Travel Dispenser Bottle Keeps Your Liquids In A Single Tiny Container, So The Clear Security Bag Stops Looking Like A Science Fair Project
Review: “This is a clever way to carry several toiletries without having multiple small bottles loose inside a travel bag. The four separate 30 ml containers can hold products like shampoo, conditioner, lotion, or liquid soap while keeping everything together in one compact dispenser.” – Blakey
Image source: amazon.com, Blakey
#3 Hang An Airplane Foot Hammock From The Tray Table And Your Swollen Ankles Can Finally Stop Filing Complaints. Your Feet Get A Spot To Rest That Is Not The Floor Of The Cabin
Review: ” I loved it! . It worked great, very light and easy to pack. Kept my legs up and I have zero complaints. I’ll use it again for sure!” – Nancy R
Image source: amazon.com, Marion Franklin
#4 Turbulence Has No Respect For Your Starbucks Cup. An Airplane Drink Holder Gives Your Cup A Dedicated Parking Space, So The Tray Table Stays Free For Snacks And Elbows
Review: “This is my 2nd one ….. because the first one (I believe) was stolen. Everyone wants to know where I got it when I place it in the tray holder to hold my Starbucks while I put my luggage away.” – Letitia A Mika
Image source: amazon.com
#5 The Flamingo Travel Razor Kit Is Cute Enough To Leave On The Hotel Sink, Which Beats Burying It At The Bottom Of Your Bag
Review: “Perfect for travel. Great price. Works well no skin irritation. Will purchase again. Great stocking stuffer.” – Donna Smolder
Image source: amazon.com, Laura Salazar
#6 You Land Late, The Dinner Reservation Is In Twenty Minutes, And The Curling Iron Is Still Scorching. Shove It Straight Into The Heat Resistant Case With Mat Pouch, Then Unfold The Mat And Use It As A Safe Spot For Hot Tools On The Hotel Counter
Review: ” It’s perfect for my hair tools, and having a dedicated case for travel is so helpful.” – J. Wright
Image source: amazon.com
#7 The Flimsy, Questionable, And Probably-Never-Washed Airline Blanket Can Now Stay In Its Sad Plastic Bag Thanks To The Infinitely More Cozy Eversnug Travel Blanket And Pillow
Review: “This is really warm and soft and a good value for the money. It felt good. It was comfortable and perfect for my long flight. I was expecting it to be more difficult to wrap up and zip back into the cover, but it is very easy to wrap and fold up. I’m 6 foot two so I do wish this was a little bit bigger. But overall, this is a great product.” – Mohit
Image source: amazon.com
#8 A Set Of Leaklocks Toiletry Skins Will Prevent Your Shampoo From Throwing A Wild, Sudsy Party All Over The Clean Clothes In Your Suitcase
Review: “I usually travel with my bottles in a plastic bag and something always leaks. So I am super excited about these. They fit a variety of bottles snug. It will prevent your tops from opening. They are fairly easy to put on and take off. You can turn them inside out to clean, if you need to. I will update if these do not hold up; but using them for a weekend trip by car, they worked perfectly! They are cheap, so I would recommend them to save yourself from a mess in your travel bag.” – Sunnie H.
Image source: amazon.com, Sunnie H.
#9 A Pair Of Anti-Nausea Wristbands Will Gently, Acupressure-Ly Inform Your Stomach That It Is Not, In Fact, On A Roller Coaster And It Can Calm The Hell Down
Review: “We went for a 2-hour lobster fishing boat trip and a 4-hour whale-watching boat trip. These worked surprisingly well for both my husband and me! Neither of us experienced sea nausea so we could enjoy the trips fully! And I have a reputation for ANY kind of motion sickness (car/sea/flight/etc)! Usually I’ll take a motion sickness pill but I’m pregnant now so I’m trying not to take meds these days. These little bands are amazing.” – Aileen
Image source: amazon.com, Aileen
#10 Loose Razor Blades Have Zero Manners Inside A Packed Toiletry Bag. A Silicone Razor Holder Gives The Blade A Snug Little Cover, So Your Toothbrush Survives The Trip Unharmed
Review: “This holder has completely changed razor travel. No more in the toiletry bag without a cover and getting micro cuts when reaching in to grab it.” – Scott
Image source: amazon.com
#11 Is Your Little Bag Sliding Off The Rolling Suitcase Again? Cinch A Luggage Strap Around Both And The Small One Rides On Top Like A Very Well-Behaved Passenger, Leaving Your Hands Free For Coffee And A Boarding Pass
Review: “We have transitioned to carry on luggage only, even for international travel. I purchased this strap to use with my favorite personal item rather than spend $100+ for bag with trolley sleeve. I have not been disappointed. It is quick and easy to attach and works well for those long treks from plane to customs.” – Jan
Image source: amazon.com, Jan
#12 The Luggage Travel Cup Holder Is A Glorious Invention That Will Finally Allow You To Navigate The Airport With A Coffee In One Hand, Your Phone In The Other, And The Quiet, Smug Satisfaction Of A Person Who Has It All Figured Out
Review: “Got compliments on its first travel day! So easy to use and sturdy. I use one side for drinks, the other side for sandwiches, and the small pocket for receipts, napkins, or utensils. Made traveling easy.” – J. Livingston
Image source: amazon.com, J. Livingston
#13 The Jet Bag Wine Protection Bag Is A Tiny, Padded Superhero That Will Protect Your Precious, Boozy Souvenir From The Villainous, Luggage-Tossing Baggage Handlers
Review: “I used these bags to bring home several bottles of beer from Germany. Perfect fit.” – Marl K
Image source: amazon.com, Marl K
#14 Pack Like A Pro With This Water-Resistant Toiletry Bag; Ideal For Super Organized, Stress-Free Travels
Review: “My daughter and I tend to travel a lot, so it is essential for me to have everything she needs in one place since sometimes we leave out of town last minute. I bought it because I wanted to be able to see everything she had to ensure I was never missing anything, and i am happy with my decision… I don’t think I could ever go out without having it. It makes trips so much easier because I know she is good and has what she needs for our time away. Highly recommend!” — Glenda Cordoba
Image source: amazon.com, Diandian Shen
#15 Boost Your Packing Game With The Chestnut Space Saver Bags, No Vacuum Required
Review: “These bags are amazing! You save a ton of room in your luggage by using these. I have pack cubes and nothing wrong with them and I’ll continue to use them, but for jeans and shirts, this is the way to go! In the pictures I have male clothing, 9 jeans, 15 shirts (different thickness.)” — IshopALOT
Image source: amazon.com
#16 Say Bye To Paranoia With The Og Portable Door Lock For Foolproof Travel Security
Review: “I travel quite often and this made me feel safe. The video was very helpful with the instructions and I had no issues installing it.” — Bowmangirl
Image source: amazon.com
#17 Secure All Your In-Flight Gadgets With Airplane Window Organization StatioN Making Cramped Cabins Not-So-Bad
Review: “If I could be the spokesperson, I totally would. This is pure genius. Creating ample space, so that I don’t have to use the tray table, or when one is not available. I have loaded so much stuff onto it, including, placing items in between the window and the actual holder. I’m surprised as to how much weight he can actually withstand. I never have encountered a crewmember that has told me to remove it at any time. Most crewmembers actually get other crewmembers to take a look so they can take a picture because it just blows their mind.” — Amazon Customer
Image source: amazon.com
#18 The Trtl Neck Pillow Is A Socially Acceptable, Scientifically-Engineered Neck Brace That Will Prevent Your Head From Doing That Awkward, Bobble-Head Thing When You Fall Asleep On A Plane
Review: “I read a glowing review about the Trtl pillow a while back, added it to my Amazon cart, and forgot about it. Having several upcoming international flights, I decided to give it a shot. I’m so glad I did! Most travel pillows hurt my neck but this one is very comfortable. It was a little tricky to use initially but I love it now that I got the hang of putting it on. Strongly recommend!” – Kristen
Image source: Amazon
#19 A Luggage Scale Will Finally Put An End To The Stressful, Public “Please Don’t Be Overweight” Prayer You Perform At The Check-In Counter
Review: “Love how compact it is. Pictures show how accurate it is compared to the scale at the airport.” – Kayycee
Image source: amazon.com, Kayycee
#20 A Portable Mini Perfume Atomizer Sticks It To TSA And Their Silly Rules
Review: “I love these atomizers. They are easy to fill, and great for travel or to keep in my purse when I’m out and need a fragrance refresher. I had no leakage when filling them, and none leaked in my purse as a few have mentioned. The colors are very pretty and I decided to label them so I can remember which fragrance it holds. They are lightweight which is good. I also purchased a second set to have enough for all my favorite fragrances.” — CCH
Image source: amazon.com
#21 An Rfid Blocking Passport Holder Is A Stylish, Sophisticated Way To Inform Digital Thieves That Your Identity Is Not, In Fact, Available For A Hostile Takeover Today
Review: “I try to bring the bare minimum with me for sightseeing and plane/train travel, and this fits just what I need. Minimal but can hold my iPhone 6S, passport, cards, and cash. I added the wristlet from another seller and it looks great. And my favorite color, no less!” – natatocious
Image source: amazon.com, natatocious
#22 Pack Smarter With This Genius Clothes-Stuffed Pillow That Doubles As Extra Luggage
Review: “Update after a travel: took it on my trip to Europe. I went carry-on only and this tube was a true gem! I fit one full outfit in it and it’s so valuable when traveling with only carry-on luggage. On the plane I used it as an arm support? It’s really helpful on a 10 hours flight. Definitely worth to add to the travel set up! What an excellent idea to take something out of the weighted luggage!!!” — Happy Shopper
Image source: amazon.com
#23 The Frantic, Post-Public-Transit Dig Through The Chaotic Abyss Of Your Bag For Hand Sanitizer Can Now Be A Thing Of The Past Thanks To A Purell Hand Sanitizer With Jelly Wrap Carrier
Review: “These small Purell bottles are great for your car. Hang on to your rearview mirror, and you’ll always have the hand sanitizer at the ready.” – Susan Amper
Image source: amazon.com, Susan Amper
#24 Keep Your Essentials In One Place With The Sportsnew Water Bottle Carrier
Review: “I have both a 40 oz and a 32 oz water bottle because sometimes I need to carry extra water and it’s not always easy to carry multiple water bottles around with you. This bag makes it easy to walk around anywhere or hike a trail with a bottle of water plus ID and keys and any other necessities. I’ll use it on flights as my purse too, and pack my real purse inside of a carry-on. I love it!” – Diane Jarecki
Image source: Amazon
#25 A Handheld Mini Fan Is The Perfect Accessory For When You’re Stuck In A Hot, Crowded Tourist Trap And You Need To Create Your Own Personal, Beyoncé-Level Wind Machine Moment
Review: “Perfect small but powerful fan for trips.” – Traveler742
Image source: amazon.com, Karlyboyyy
#26 Stress Less About Meds With A Compact Travel Pill Organizer For On-The-Go Doses
Review: “This product is amazing! Its small and compact and the perfect item to keep everything organized for traveling! We are headed to Disney and needed something easy and durable for in the park! It’s easy to open and close, and stays shut well! Very impressed with the quality and extremely functional fits easily in a purse or even a fanny pack!” — Brittany & Phillip
Image source: amazon.com
#27 The Grimy, Mysterious, And Probably Haunted Seat Back Pocket Can Now Be Avoided Entirely Thanks To Your Own, Personal Airplane Pockets
Review: “This is just what I was looking for. It is perfect for all your necessities that you need when traveling. It also keeps you things out of that gross pocket that everyone uses. Will buy them for Christmas gifts!” – HI808
Image source: amazon.com, HI808
#28 Condense Chaos With This Organizer Pouch, The Ultimate Travel Companion For Your Tech
Review: “Anyone who travels a lot will love this product! This was a great purchase! It’s a great size and I love that it is two sided, so more space for all your wires! There’s even space for you to put your power bank in, which is great for traveling.” — MysteryChick
Image source: amazon.com
#29 Never Fumble For Your Phone On Flight Again, Thanks To This Universal Airplane Phone Holder
Review: “Saw another traveler using one of these on my last flight and had to have one. They work great! I even used it on the chair in the airport at my gate! I had a little girl watching a movie with me over my shoulder lol. You’ll get a ton of jealous/curious looks. I even had 2 people on my flight ask me about it. Just know, when you reposition it, the clicking is a little loud. Seriously, buy this now!” — Amy
Image source: amazon.com
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