5 days ago
26 Things For Anyone Who Just Doesn't Believe In Checking A Bag
A portable gel lint roller so that you don't show up to that business meeting covered in pet fur — because hundreds of thousands of miles away and their white hairs still somehow remain on your black blazer.
A water-resistant weekender duffel roomy enough to fit the essentials (no fewer than 63 outfit options and seven pairs of shoes). The back strap fits conveniently over suitcase handles, plus it's water resistant and really darn durable.
Promising review: "I take a lot of 2–3 [week] business trips. This bag is a perfect companion for my Away carry-on luggage. Love all the compartments which hold my laptop, wallet, and passport in addition to a large general storage pocket." —ScotGet it from Away for $195 (available in seven colors).
A 3-in-1 foldable magnetic wireless charger so you can juice up your iPhone, AirPods, *and* Apple Watch at the same. damn. time. Imagine all that saved space. Let's all give a collective sigh.
A vacuum-free space-saving compression bag so you don't feel compelled to check a bag, i.e., don't have to wait at baggage claim for an extra 30 minutes after having already traveled several hours for an IRL meeting that very much could have been an email.
Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF40 for keepinng not-reapplying- sunscreen excuses at zilch. This teeny bb contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and niacinamide for an immediate sheen of glow and light coverage.
Promising review: "I love this stuff! It was recommended to me in a Facebook group when I asked for a one-and-done face cream for someone who doesn't really wear makeup. I wanted dewy, I wanted some light refraction, I wanted sun protection, and I didn't want heavy color. This is all those things. It works really well in the Florida sun. I'm covered in freckles and it doesn't dull or smudge them, it just brightens everything. I don't wear face makeup, other than the occasional swipe of bronzer, and this works great with that. Love it love it love it." —KristenBGet it from Amazon for $18.
A travel backpack here to make like a Marvel character and save the day (by which I mean you won't have to check a bag). This has two laptop sleeves, a shoe compartment, a USB charging port, and an anti-theft pocket for valuables in addition to a plentiful amount of space for clothes, accessories, and toiletries.
Packing cubes capable of helping you fit your entire 👏 friggin' 👏 wardrobe 👏 inside your carry-on. Plus, this keeps everything lookin' niiiiice and neat.
Promising review: "I am officially sold on packing cubes!! These things are amazing! I can believe I've been packing without them my whole life. The mesh lining allows you to peek inside, and I was able to pack all my clothes, shoes, and toiletries for a 10-day trip to Europe (full contents listed below). I packed them as I normally would first, and then packed them in the packing cubes. There was SO much more room in my luggage after packing everything in the cubes! Items I fit in the cubes and bag include two jackets, one jean vest, four pants/capris, two pairs of shorts, one romper, four dresses, one maxi skirt, seven tank tops, four shirts, three camisoles, three pajama sets, 15 undies, six pairs of socks, and four pairs of shoes. But why are you still reading?? Go buy these cubes!" —Tiffany Get a set of five from Amazon for $21.99 (available in 14 colors and also in an eight pack).
A Rockland two-piece set with a carry-on that'll fit perfectly into any overhead bin and a smaller bag you can comfortably stuff under the seat in front of you. That's right, folks — no more sharing legroom with your slightly too large backpack.
Promising review: "I bought this duo for business trips. I can easily pack for a week's stay out of town. No checking bag worries, no extra cost at the airport. The wheels are amazing and slide across the concrete or finished floors at the airport. Small enough to pick up and carry. The small bag can ride on the suitcase handle. Awesome investment." —Tela DitzerGet a set of two from Amazon for $32.26+ (available in eight colors).
A mini Gillette Venus razor so you can shave whilst traveling without having to bring bulky tools. Just stow this palm-sized bb into whichever corner of your messy carryon; rest assured that the blades won't snag on any of your beloved clothes (all thanks to the case it comes with).
This razor is designed with five blades, plus the compact storage case is designed with holes at the bottom to prevent water from being trapped inside, therefore avoiding the whole "rusty blades" problem. Promising review: "I cannot express how much my daughter and I love these razors! They are perfect for traveling, and the little grip is much easier to hold on to than I expected. Now there is no need to take those awful disposable razors on vacation — we can use the same quality razor that we use at home." —Anitra D. Ware Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
Frange Puff that's a dry shampoo with a powder formula, one that's *far* superior to the ghosts of aerosol's past. A brush applicator makes it easy to refresh your scalp — all without having to battle a) white residue caked onto your fingertips or b) needing to break out the paddle brush. Plus, it's compact enough for any carry-on.
Get it from Violette FR for $37.
A TSA-approved transparent organizer so you don't have to fish around your suitcase for liquids (and then stuff them in a clear plastic bag) while going through airport security. Flying is nerve-wracking enough. Let's not be panicking about whether or not our favorite moisturizer will be unjustly confiscated.
Promising review: "I am a flight attendant, and this case is perfect for all my international flights that require going through security. Plus, love the handle. It makes it easy to pull out of my suitcase!" —Krissti Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in 11 colors).
Alleyoop Pen Pal is an eyeliner, lip liner, highlighter, AND eyebrow pencil packed into one tool. Consider this an adult upgrade of the multi-color pen you adored scribbling with in middle school.
It's vegan, and cruelty and paraben free, and the packaging is recyclable! Alleyoop is a woman-owned small biz that takes "beauty efficiency" to a new level. Most of their products are compact and have many functions!Promising review: "I love the ease of this product. It's so perfect and the colors are great for all looks — casual, fancy, quarantine extra, everything! I love how effortless it is and how easy it is to use. I'm serious that as a makeup novice, these colors are impossible to mess up. I love it! " —Stephanie it from Alleyoop for $20 (available in three shades).
Cable ties because tangled charging cords and headphones are the second most frustrating thing on the planet. (Forgetting said charging cords and headphones at home is #1.)
These cable ties are also great for when you're NOT traveling! See below. Promising review: "This is a must for business travelers. I travel a great deal so not only do I have to carry so many electronics and associated accessories, but I need them to be as compact as possible." —JTNGet a pack of 20 from Amazon for $6.99.
A large travel wallet because there is NOTHING WORSE than losing a connecting boarding pass while on a plane. Is it underneath your seat? In the carry-on you stored in the overhead compartment? DID YOU DROP IT EN ROUTE TO THE PLANE? I don't know, I'm tired — just get this and save yourself the potential headache.
The wallet has a passport pocket, boarding pass compartment, three credit card slots, an ID slot, a slim card pouch, slim pockets, a ticket slot, a cell phone pouch, a coin zippered pocket, key holder, and pen review: "I've traveled for work for years and this wallet is the best I've had. It holds everything and it isn't bulky." —JoaquinaGet it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 29 colors).
An inflatable wedge pillow you can slip on over your hand for deep sleep that feels genuinely restful (no small feat amidst turbulence). Prop open your tray table, rest your hand, then rest your head. The best part? Deflate when not in use for easy storage.
Batiste Dry Shampoo capable of making your 'do look freshly washed when, midway through your birthday dinner, your hair starts to look — how do I put this — stringy. Grease? You don't know her.
Not to mention this adds immediate volume to even the flattest hair. Promising review: "After trying several dry shampoos and thinking that none of them would work for me, I finally found a product that does what it's supposed to do — and VERY WELL!!! My flat hair had immediate volume and smelled great!!" —SDGet a pack of three from Amazon for $16.28.
A luggage strap for folks who avoid bringing a slew of necessities (neck pillows, light jackets, the wide-brim hat you specifically bought for a sunny trip but never pack, etc.) for the sake of easy transport.
An anti-theft belt currently moonlighting as a fashion accessory to help hold up your mid-rise jeans when, in fact, it functions as a secret purse. This is actually equipped with a "secret" wallet for storing valuables whilst walking through a new city.
Promising review: "I purchased this for a trip to Cuba where I needed to carry all of the money I needed for that week in cash. Although I am not typically worried/normally cautious when traveling, the idea of carrying that much cash on me made me nervous. Traditional money belts/fanny packs just didn't seem like a fit for me. I was worried they would become uncomfortable in the hot sun. This security belt was perfect. It allowed us to carry most of they money for the trip hidden within the belt and carry in my purse on the money I needed for that day. It also worked like a breeze with no issues getting through security. I'm not sure how much I'll use this in the future, but it was perfect for our needs for a trip to Cuba." —fendiGet it from Amazon for $17.99 (available in four sizes and six colors).
I'm Meme Multi Cube 3 — a pigmented vegan palette with four eyeshadows *and* a blush, making this the ideal all-in-one for fancy occasions that call for tiny clutches with no space. Wedding accessories = the bane of my existence.
Promising review: "I love this little all in one cube! It's easy to use, beautiful colors, good formulas, and you don't need much else. Perfect for traveling!" —Ashley Eickmeyer Get it from Amazon for $26.
A Trtl neck pillow, i.e. a pillow-scarf hybrid that prevents sudden upright jolts the second you start to doze off and hunch over. Post-nap airplane neck pain? Say goodbye.
Silicone travel bottles because — regardless if you're staying in a 10-person hostel or five-star resort — complimentary shampoo is almost exclusively trash. These bottles come with pre-printed labels that allow you to bring your favorite hair and body products along for the trip.
And it comes with a handy, clear zipper pouch!Promising review: "Just took a trip to the Dominican Republic and used carry-on luggage only throughout the entire trip, never once was questioned about the size. The bag they are in seems thin but it worked great to put bottles back in as well as some smaller items fit in the bag too, like lip gloss, mascara, and such. The holes are big enough to get your product in to the bottles without any complications. My fiancé and myself had plenty of shampoo, conditioner, sunblock and lotion for seven days. Highly recommend these bottles, they are perfect for carry-ons!!" —Stephanie MillerGet a set of four 3-oz. bottles from Amazon for $14.99 (available in eight styles).
Hair Finish Stick tames baby hairs and flyaways with a plant-based gel formula. The best part? This formula is non-greasy, completely transparent, the mascara wand makes it super easy to apply, and it's a *lot* smaller than lugging along a tube of gel.
Promising review: "I have super fine hair with lots of breakage and no matter how I put my hair up, I have bad fly aways. This stuff is great! So easy and it stays better and looks smoother than stiff hair spray." —Jill Stilfield Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
Hero Cosmetics Hydrocolloid Mighty Patches prevent picking and ~drain~ those zits at maximum speed — because what do we want joining us on our beach vacation? Not a pimple. Slap this transparent sticker on during your flight to reduce painful pimple swelling, stat. It's as thin as a sheet of paper and won't be flagged by TSA.
Promising review: "This sucks up the pus from those deep painful whiteheads and brings it to the surface. I'm totally fascinated. Where have you been my whole life? I suffer from hormonal adult acne and this really helped to reduce the inflammation and my pimples heals so much faster. The patch holds up well and it's a reminder to stop touching that pimple. I'm very tempted to pop it, but popping it leaves to scarring. It's also quite invisible, so you can get away with wearing it outside. Good stuff!" —Karin Chang Get a pack of 36 patches from Amazon for $12.99.
BPA-free covers if you've gotten into the habit of flinging your toothbrush into your foundation-covered makeup bag and calling it a day. When you think about it: ew. This tiny gadget keeps grime off the bristles that are intended to disinfect your mouth.
Promising review: "Fits my double brush electronic toothbrush perfectly. Cleans easily. A perfect accessory for health and cleanliness of the toothbrush. Great idea; and I like the way they look." —a l brock Get a pack of four from Amazon for $14.92.
A ruffle bodycon you'll want to pack for that destination wedding. Gorgeous design aside, this is thin enough to pack (without being see-through and/or prone to wrinkles) despite the ruffles.
Promising review: "I absolutely love this dress! I am planning on ordering more colors. It's extremely comfortable. It was great for my vacation to Mexico!" —Missy King YoungGet it from Amazon for $37.39+ (available in sizes S–XL and in 14 colors).
A tiny laundry bag to keep your dirty socks and wine-stained tops away from all your clean, fresh clothes. And when not in use, this folds up into a tiny compact bag you can attach onto your carry-on!
Promising review: "I bought the World Map bag to replace putting my laundry in grocery store plastic bags, and it serves its purpose quite well. It looks nice and folds easily into a small pouch (about 5x5 when folded). The material is light, but I don't hesitate to stuff the sack full of clothing to compress it down in my luggage with straps. The construction of the bag could have been better as there were some loose strings that I had to fix and I wouldn't hold it by its drawstrings when fully loaded (anything over 6 lbs)." —ChrisGet it from Amazon for $11.50.
