29 Splurge

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A portable sound machine is definitely worth the money if you're not yourself without a full night's sleep.

BuzzFeed Staff

When I opened this up I was amazed at the quality and how much better it looks than the other backpack I've been using. I was a little worried about how much stuff would fit inside, but I put it to the test and was shocked with how much stuff it actually fit. Plus there's a padded laptop sleeve that holds up to a 16" laptop which is a super nice feature. Obviously, the star of the show is the front pocket that comes with a portable, wireless charger. So you can just put your phone in the pocket and when you pull it out it'll be fully charged!! What in the futuristic world is that?! I am super excited to swap out my dingy bag for this gorgeous one.

Get the coffee-colored one from Bee & Kin for $395 (available in other colors here).

I am a notorious vehicle sleeper — planes, trains, cars, you name it, I'm asleep almost immediately. And while I can sleep almost anywhere, it's not exactly the most sound sleep since I frequently wake up from the typical head bob situation. I also often end up with neck pain from not having proper support. I just tested this out for the first time and it truly changed the game. I actually felt like my head was supported in a comfortable position. I had some of the best travel sleep I've ever had with this!

Promising review: "Small and sturdy. Keeps your neck positioned up instead of lolling off to the side. You will wake up refreshed and not sore (in the neck anyways); airplane travel is stressful, but this little gem makes it bearable. Kudos to the creator! First time I actually slept comfortably on a plane. Other neck sleepers don’t compare." —Judy M.

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

Pond LA is a California-based woman-owned, Asian-owned independent product design studio that produces in small, handmade batches from fabrics sourced in Los Angeles.

Promising review: "Wow! I am so obsessed with this sweatshirt. It has made traveling, long car trips, and just wanting to be able to snuggle up and nap on the couch so much easier and nicer and I have convinced all of my friends that they absolutely need a sweatshirt like this for when they travel! I highly highly recommend it." —Alexandra M.

Get it from Pond LA for $128 (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and other colors here).

I always get annoyed about the concept of wearing wired headphones that are stuck in my ears for a long flight. I knew the only way I was going to be even reasonably comfortable on my recent 8-hour trip was if I was wearing my over-the-ear headphones, but of course the problem with that is that they use Bluetooth. Thankfully, I've been writing about this product for awhile so I figured this would be the perfect opportunity to give it a try. It is honestly the perfect answer to being able to use your own Bluetooth headphones. I would absolutely recommend these to anyone going on a long flight!!

Promising review: "You don't know it yet but you need this. A friend recommended this and I decided to try it. It works well in flight. Huge improvement in comfort and sound quality over the airline's headphones. Also used for various tours when traveling. Again far more comfortable than the typical tour listening equipment." —PJ14

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

IDK if I just have incredibly sensitive ears or what but leaving earbuds in for more than an hour or two is always so uncomfortable for me. I decided to bring these along so I could actually watch movies or listen to music for a more substantial part of my flight. I had honestly forgotten about the noise-canceling feature, but when I first put them on on the plane I was shocked by how much of the airplane noises had almost completely disappeared!!

Promising review: "These are the perfect noise-canceling headphones for traveling. Their ability to be folded and put into a small case that takes up very little room is amazing! I loved the set I received, so I bought my husband these for Christmas and he loves them just as much. Not only are these headphones perfect for traveling, but also for school usage and zoom meetings. I have used mine daily for the last seven months and they have not faltered at all. My top favorite headphones I have ever owned, and the best Beats headphones out there." —Taylor

Get them from Amazon for $169+ (available in seven colors).

Promising review: "I was very late to the AirPod bandwagon, stubbornly utilizing the old wired ones that came with iPhones for free. But they aren't noise cancelling and are horrible especially when traveling on an airplane. I started looking for noise cancelling headphones and considered splurging on the over-the-ear Sony one but I balked at both the price and the bulkiness. So instead I got the AirPods and was blown away at how effective the noise cancelling is. It doesn't completely snuff out extraneous sounds, but it does a significant enough job that I can clearly and comfortably hear what I'm trying to listen to without having to blast the volume or strain myself. It worked magically on an airplane but it's also great in any setting where there's a lot of competing noise. And because they're so small, it's easy to carry around and I feel like I'm utilizing them a lot more, such as on walks or in waiting rooms, than if I had gotten a bulky over-the-ear kind. So I'm glad I didn't get the Sony headphones and also glad I was late to AirPod bandwagon for Apple to come out with this iteration. This is an excellent buy." —Sophie

Get them from Amazon for $199.99.

Maybe it's just me, but I hate portable chargers that require plugs because I can never seem to find the one that fits. This eliminates that struggle because it charges both your watch and phone wirelessly, so the only cord that is needed is the one to charge the actual charger when it eventually runs low. You can prop it up to keep watching stuff on your phone while it charges or lay it flat and charge it while you sleep. Once you're done you just put the pieces back in place, put it away in your bag, and you're ready to go with fully charged devices!!

Get it from Otterbox for $149.95

It's recommended for kids ages 3–7 and fits most standard economy seats. Plus, it has an adjustable strap so you can carry it over your shoulder, a top handle, and a mattress inside that can be removed and used while in the flight. Parents have even used this product while in the airport waiting for the flight to keep their kids comfy and happy.

Promising review: "Traveling with a toddler is always a challenge but comfort is key and this little magic package makes the airport trip that much smoother. We can store small toys, pillow, and one throw blanket for our family of three. Great idea and great buy. We will be using this until it breaks." —TifferTheTrend

Get it from Amazon for $229 (available in five colors).

Cincha Travel is a California-based small business that specializes in adjustable travel belts made out of vegan leather. The brand donates 100 airline miles for each purchase, which are used to reconnect separated migrant families. You may even recognize this from Shark Tank!

Promising review: "I just returned from my first trip using my Cincha, and it was fantastic! My backpack stayed on top of my roller bag instead of me carrying it, or falling off. And it was so easy to pop on and off the roller handle when I needed to. I highly recommend!" —Cheryl

Get it from Cincha Travel for $39.99 (available in 11 colors/patterns).

Cadence is a woman-owned small business specializing in personal care travel solutions. Each mini capsule is created from recycled ocean-bound plastic and is refillable and reusable!

Check them out on TikTok here.

BuzzFeed writer Jasmin Sandal uses these travel capsules and said: "I love my little containers that allow me to downsize but still carry my necessities while I'm traveling. They're not only cute to look at but they're pretty practical. I have used mine to store my vitamins, earrings, face cream and have not run into any issues. They have tight, screw-on tops so you know everything is secure *and* you can customize their labels so you know exactly what's in what. Oh, and the fact that they're magnetic? Genius. This way, they stay tightly together in your case or can be conveniently stored in a makeup bag."

Promising review: "This is my go to for all my travel, gym, camping trips. I can keep enough for four to five days of skincare. The best set I've had for carry-on toiletries." —Cadence Customer

Get a set of six from Cadence for $76 (originally $84; available in eight colors and 34 label options).

PS — When you choose your bundle size, each capsule can be a different color and comes with a pre-made label (custom labels are available for an additional charge).

The medium size fits pets weighing up to 10 pounds, and the large fits pets weighing up to 18 pounds — that said, some reviewers mentioned that the large size works perfectly well for their 20-plus-pound dogs. It can be wheeled using the telescoping handle, held using the strap, or worn as a backpack.

Promising reviews: "First time flying with my dog. I bought a large. He is a 21-pound Cavalier King Charles spaniel. He was able to sit and lie comfortably in the carrier. When on the plane, remove the hard-back bottom to fit beneath the seat. It is easily removable and reattached. I got a window seat, which allowed me to wedge the bottom at the edge of my seat/arm rail when detached." —Karen

"This is the best cat carrier I have ever found. I needed something for when I was flying. It fits under the seat in front of me, and it’s easy to pull because of the wheels. My cats can sit up and watch or they can lie down. I highly recommend." —Jane

Get it from Amazon for $59.95+ (available in two sizes and three colors).

The essentials pack comes with two Mates, one Slim, and one Sticker. The Tile can also make a beeping sound until you find your items.

Promising review: "A must-have. I have these on everything, including my wallet, car, luggage and dog. After being separated from my bag in another country and tracking it down, I swear by these things. Highly recommend." —Izzy Castro

Get the pack from Amazon for $79.88.

The Ollie World is a small biz based in Rancho Cucamonga, California, founded by a foster mom who set out to make her own swaddle that could meet all of her foster son's needs.

Worried about having to unswaddle for every diaper change? Don't! They thought it alllll through and have added an easy opening on the bottom for quick diaper access.

Promising review: "Took our son at four months old to Scotland and could have never done so without our Ollie. He slept like a dream on the plane." —Amanda H.

Get it from The Ollie World for $59 (available in three colors).

Promising review: "The sound is a lot better than cheaper white noise machines — it's more relaxing and fan-like. It is also awesome that you can adjust the volume and tone directly from your phone." —Sarah

Get it from our Goodful shop for $99.99 (available in two colors).

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 $315+ (available in nine colors and optional personalization, for an additional charge).

Promising review: "We took the 24" and 28" suitcases on our vacation to Portugal and they survived wonderfully. Cobblestone streets and sidewalks, three-story stairs in a historic guest house, three-level stairs from one street to another below, two different airport transfers round trip, Lisbon subways, and regional trains. A few scrapes and scuffs but intact and waiting for the next adventure!" —Bob C.

Get the set from Amazon for $199.99 (available in five colors).

Promising review: "Took a lot of amazing photos on my trips to Poland, Jordan, and Idaho. Great zoom, lowlight, and bright pics, and action shots. The tilting screen is an AMAZING feature and helped me get some interesting angles. The NFC transfer is great for getting the photos off my camera onto my phone for sharing. This is the best point-and-shoot I have ever used, and I think three people on my last trip went home and sold their DLSRs and got this camera for its high-quality photos and portability." —Joy Hardt

Get it from Amazon for $629.

You never really know what you're going to get in terms of entertainment on a flight, so I always like to come prepared with my own shows downloaded in case I can't find anything that intrigues me. Plus I wasn't sure if some of the places we were going would have any TV shows in English, and since my husband and I like to fall asleep while watching a show, I knew this would be a backup option if we needed it.

Promising review: "This thing is like speedy Gonzalez let me tell ya. Great for reading my Harry Potter book collection too. Those folks at Apple really know what they’re doing when it comes to anything with a computer chip in it." —AmazonPrimeMan

Get it from Amazon for $413+ (available in two storage amounts, four colors, and with or without cellular compatibility).

When you rub it (on clean, dry skin), the solid melts into a silky, lightweight oil.

Promising review: "Love this moisturizer. This leaves my face feeling silky and smooth without feeling greasy. Perfectly balanced. And I love that I can take it traveling without worrying it will leak all over the place." —Lynn A.

Get it from Sephora or Kate McLeod for $68 (also available in a refill size).

P.S. It's also got a neck strap to keep it from slipping off of you during naps, and if you fold it inside out, it turns into a travel pillow! Is there anything they haven't thought of?!

Promising review: "Used this on my recent air flight and LOVED IT!!! I could use it as a pillow, and then when I got cold, opened it, stuck my feet in, and snapped the snap...stuck my head though and slept for the first time EVER on a plane!! Then, when landing, easily stuffed it back into a pillow and snapped to onto my under seat bag, and off on my adventure I went!!!" —Stacy S.

Get it from Gravel for $99+ (available in other colors here).

There are also four USB ports. It converts 220/240 V to 110/120 V.

Promising review: "Worked perfectly on a recent trip to England and France. I used it to power a MacBook Air, a Windows laptop, two iPhones, and two portable chargers. I like the design of the case. The form factor is so much sleeker than most of the other travel transformers available. One thing I didn't realize when I ordered it (because I was in a hurry and didn't read the specs thoroughly) is that this device has a fan to dissipate heat from stepping down the voltage. While the fan is not extremely loud, neither is it silent. I found it a pleasant source of white noise that actually helped me sleep at night, but you might not." —Lake Mist

Get it from Amazon for $33.95.

My colleague Emma McAnaw owns this very bag and raves about it. Here's what she has to say: "I use this every time I travel — and I never, I mean NEVER, check bags. I even took this with me to Amsterdam and easily packed about four sweaters, DOC MARTENS, and all my undies and toiletries. To be fair I wore the same pants for four days (I am cheap, guys), but I never felt like I needed more space. And yes — even Spirit lets me take this."

Promising review: "I love this bag for travel. Size-wise it's acceptable as a carry on and I've even brought this bag with my roll aboard and had no problems on Alaska or American airlines. It's pushing the limits on you second personal item, but as long as you don't stuff it too full, you should be okay. This bag has pockets on all sides, a really nice shoe bag and a small zippered pouch that I keep my Lululemon travel shawl in. The grey neoprene is really nice and I get lots of compliments. It is prone to picking up dirt marks, so you need to be careful about putting it on the ground or shoving it anywhere that might be dirty." —CdnNordyFan

Get it from Nordstrom for $215 (available in four colors) or from Dagne Dover for $125+ (available in five sizes, six neoprene colors, and three air mesh colors).

Check out Elizabeth's full review in "8 Things You Should Buy Because Your Closet Is Hungry" (#2).

BuzzFeed editor Elizabeth Lilly has this and says, "I snagged this backpack after hearing my colleague Chelsea Stuart sing its praises. I had a trusty (now discontinued) InCase backpack I used as a personal item and served me well on dozens of trips for about five years. But 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 (Amtrak to Newport, RI, for a wedding and regional train to a CT country lake house) 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. At nearly $80, 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 $88 (also available in beige).

It folds up so small that it was awarded a Guinness World Record in 2014 for the most compact stroller. It can hold kids who weigh up to 55 pounds and only weighs 9.5 pounds.

Promising review: "This is a must-have for all parents with toddlers, especially if you are going on a trip. We went to a place where they do not recommend a stroller because it’s too bulky and gets in your way. Well, using this was not a problem at all. People were amazed how this thing works, and it’s really handy. Very easy to fold. Very light and not space consuming in your trunk! Love it so much!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $199.95+ (available in three styles and two colors).

That's right, it's both a hair straightener *and* a curling iron! And it has a carry-on bag. It can be used anywhere because it is dual-voltage! All you need is an adapter and you're good to go!

Promising review: "I bought this in advance of a big trip to Asia, because I was worried about blowing out my other curling iron and straightener, and this was perfect. You obviously need to purchase an adapter in order to plug it into international outlets, but it doesn't require a converter which is awesome, since the converters are the ones that get super expensive. I also have super thick, straight hair, and have been through, almost literally, 20 separate curling irons in my life in an attempt to find one that actually works on my hair, so I was a little skeptical of this guy, but it works great! This guy will be a new staple. And it's reasonably priced, so it's a win-win!" —Katy B

Get it from Amazon for $39.95 (available in two colors).

Check out the Kindle Paperwhite in action on TikTok!

This version of the Kindle is incredibly versatile: You can see your screen even in the sun, and you can customize your fonts, size, and layouts.

Promising review: "I am in love this with this Kindle. I debating which one to get for awhile and then decided on this one because it is water proof and can be read in the sun. I love being at the beach and outside during the summer so it was a must have for me. So far I have read more and had access to so many more titles than having a hardcover book. The lighting is just bright enough so that it doesn't hurt my eyes and is great for reading at night. The battery life has been great. For anyone contemplating getting this, it is worth it." —jennifer

Get it from Amazon for $139.99+ (available in two storage sizes and three colors).

Hackwith Design House is a woman-owned small business. Their sustainable designs are made to order and sewn in their Minnesota studio. Their sizes run from XS–4X. On Mondays, they also release limited-edition designs so you can be one of only 25 people to own a piece!

My colleague Chelsea Stuart owns this and loves it. Here's what she has to say:

"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 five colors).

Promising review: "I travel constantly for work, and I would hate to use the irons at the hotel. I bought this on a whim right before my most recent work trip (I'm telling you like three days before I left). I didn't have much hope for it as I had another steamer at home that was AWFUL. This steamer? AMAZING. I was genuinely shocked, when the wrinkles from one of my most difficult shirts just came out effortlessly. I was so excited I steamed ALL of my work shirts in ONE GO. It was very unlike me to actually be motivated to continue to steam my clothes. PLEASE BUY. I am never going on another work trip without this machine. PLEASE BUY IT. Worth every penny." —J Ortiz

Get it from Amazon for $39.99.

Nori is a woman-owned small business based in Connecticut hoping to make your life easier with this all-in-one travel iron and steamer.

Promising review: “I am not an iron girl, but this product sold me. It is so easy to use. The Nori is portable, so I take it with me everywhere. It has helped me to look sharp at weddings and weekends away. At home, I can refresh my dresses and shirts before starting work and going out. I would highly recommend this product to everyone who might be thinking of a change. No more heavy irons and dry cleaning for me. Thank you Nori!” —Elizabeth M

Get it from Nori for $120 (available in six colors).

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