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31 Things That Frequent Travelers Use While Traveling (So Maybe You Should, Too)
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We hope you love our recommendations! While every product is independently chosen by our editors, BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. You can read more about how our affiliate partnerships work in our Editorial Standards & Ethics Guide. Frequent travelers are experts when it comes to knowing what to pack, so take it from them that these are worth buying before your next trip. My colleague Elizabeth Lilly travels A LOT. Here's what she has to say about the perks of signing up for this membership: "I put off getting TSA PreCheck and even Global Entry for YEARS despite flying ~10x a year because I'm a person who likes to get to the airport early and has getting through security down to an efficient routine. However, my breaking point was July 2021, when I had to wait soooo long at the airport when coming back to the country from Croatia (I had Mobile Passport at the time, but the machines were broken, so I had to wait in line with everyone else). I went to Italy about a month later after signing up for Global Entry, and coming back to the country was a breeze. I just had to let a machine take my picture, print out a receipt with said picture, and then place it in a nearby TSA agent's open palm. Then, onto baggage claim! I've since used the Global Entry portion six times and the TSA PreCheck about a dozen times since getting it. So I feel as if I've already gotten my money's worth in less than two years." Apply with the Department of Homeland Security for $120. Once you're approved, you have to do an in-person interview, and if approved on the spot, you can have your TSA PreCheck and Global Entry privileges available immediately. Elizabeth is also a big fan of Clear! Here's what she has to say about it: "I recently finally gave in to getting Clear after enjoying Global Entry and TSA PreCheck for 2.5 years. The hook was...the (pricey) annual fee is covered by my American Express Platinum every year! You can do most of the work online for an application and just spend a few extra minutes at a Clear kiosk in an airport terminal before you go through the security line. So the application is more convenient than Global Entry (no need to go in for an official interview) and gets you through the security line much faster than TSA PreCheck. I travel about 10x a year and have always been put off signing up for Clear because of the annual fee. Though, I (and so should you) take advantage of every single credit card membership benefit that I possibly can, so that was the clincher for me. Is it worth it if you only fly a few times a year? Unlikely. And if your main airport doesn't have the kiosks, it's even less worth the money. But if your credit card or someone else (like, ahem, your job that makes you travel) will foot the bill, go for it!" Sign up for $189/year from Clear or visit American Express to learn more about credit card rewards, including the paid annual fee for Clear through AmEx Platinum. Promising review: "I can fit all the things! Wish I had bought these sooner! I travel a lot and have been using quart-size freezer bags. I can fit SO much more in these. Durability seems good. I've used them on four trips already and pack them full. They are simply great! The only things I thought of that could make them better are if each side had an elastic strap on the inside to hold items down while opening." —JB Get a pack of three from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in four colors). Sam: These headphones had been on my wish list for AGES, and Bose was kind enough to send them to me recently, and they're even better than I imagined they'd be. I have tried MANY earbuds/headphones over the years — classic AirPods, Tozo headphones, Beats headphones, etc. The fit is just perfect — snug enough that they don't feel too big, without being too tight. They're SO COMFY! The sound quality on these is chef's kiss!!! When I tell you that there are lyrics in songs I've known for years that I'm realizing I was singing wrong because I hear them more clearly with these headphones, I'm not kidding (I'm too lazy to look up lyrics sometimes, sorry). And the noise cancellation? Let me just say, as a girl with sensory issues, these truly block out every sound. I am veryyyy noise sensitive, and even the sound of someone breathing near me when I'm feeling irritable and need to concentrate on something is enough to make me lose my focus. These headphones truly keep me ~in my zone~ and I am very grateful for that. 🙌 Promising review: "I used to be an AirPods guy, but after getting my hands (and ears) on these Bose QuietComfort wireless noise-cancelling headphones, there’s no going back. I travel a lot for work, and these things are an absolute game changer. The noise cancellation is next-level, making flights and noisy cafes feel like peaceful retreats. They’re super sleek, incredibly comfortable, and the sound quality is unreal. Plus, I feel cool wearing them — at least in my mind, I do. If you’re still rocking in-ear headphones, do yourself a favor and upgrade to these. Highly recommend!" —Grumpy Veteran Get them from Amazon for $229 (available in eight colors). Twelve South is a husband-and-wife-owned small business based in Charleston, South Carolina. They've been designing accessories inspired by and made for Apple products since 2009. It also comes with a USB-C charging cable, travel pouch, keychain holder, quick-start guide, and a manual. Promising review: "I love this gadget...I fly a lot, and this works on the majority of wide-body planes I’ve taken over the past six months. It plugs into one of the three-prong outlets (or a single outlet in economy), and you can connect any Bluetooth device. It doesn’t always connect on the first try, as I have multiple devices that my headphones are searching for, but if you turn off all other devices, it seems to connect right away. Once connected, it works for many hours. A few planes I’ve taken recently (Qatar Airways) have USB charge points so close to the headphone jack that you can even plug it in while it's working and never lose the charge. Highly recommend for travelers." —Joseph Britto BuzzFeed editor Chelsea Stuart used it on a European trip — check out her Twelve South AirFly Pro review. Get it from Amazon for $52.79+ (available in various styles and two colors). Read more about compression socks and swelling or long flights at Cleveland Clinic. Promising review: "These socks have not let me down! I do a lot of cross-country flying and often have pain in my calves or my feet falling asleep through the flights. I’ve worn these socks on a few different trips now, and they’re incredible! They don’t get too hot, and they’re just tight enough to feel like a little hug around my legs. Amazing." —N G Get them from Amazon for $28.82+ (available in unisex sizes S–XXL and 13 styles). Check out my colleague's Physix Gear compression socks review for more deets! Promising review: "I was definitely skeptical about a bar shampoo and conditioner, but I travel a lot and really wanted to cut down the use of plastic products as much as possible. I honestly am in love! I got the Heali Kiwi shampoo bar and the Wonderbar conditioner, as well as one of their eco-friendly bamboo and sugar cane storage containers, and my very long, fine, oily hair, which I do have to wash daily, looks and feels great. I recommend anyone on the fence to definitely give it a try! It works! So wonderful for travel too!" —M.A. Get it from Amazon for $14+ (available in 11 varieties). Promising review: "If you travel a lot, buy this!! Even if you don't travel, this phone holder would be useful. My hubby and I fly fairly often, and I'm always tired of holding my phone or figuring out how to set it up during plane rides. This is a game changer for flights. Makes it so easy and convenient to watch movies or shows during trips. A few people even asked me where I got it from. Definitely recommend!" —Alex Norman Get it from Amazon for $13.97+ (available in seven colors and as a two-pack). Note: This can get flagged going through security, so you may want to put it in an easily accessible place in your checked bag to be safe. Promising review: "I travel a lot for work and usually take a lot of measures for extra security, such as keeping the luggage roller in my room all week and rolling it in front of the door. It was large and cumbersome, but with this gadget, it's great! You can use it on almost any door, and it works better than the makeshift 'fork' one. Frequent traveler or not, this item offers peace of mind, which can prove invaluable while away from home. (I can even use it on my door at my house!)" —Deactivated Plus, it comes with a set of earplugs to block out all the noise around you! Promising review: "I do a lot of traveling and many red-eye flights! Sleep is an important issue! My previous masks let in some light as well as put pressure against my closed eyes! This product has no light seepage, and my eyes are not in contact with the mask, which gives me total comfort! I highly recommend this product to anyone who travels frequently!" —Donna Smolinski Get the set from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in eight colors). 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: "We are frequent travelers. I've been on 15 flights with my 17-month-old toddler. I wish I had bought this a long time ago. It's the best purchase we have ever made. It is sturdy, folds very easily, has a great design, and can literally fit in a reusable grocery bag. Highly recommend!" —Kateryna Get it from Amazon for $199.99+ (available in two colors and three styles). 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 travel a lot for work and needed something lightweight and convenient. This fits the bill nicely and allows me to completely jettison a second carry-on. It’s great! Lots of storage. I love that it has room for shoes. No issues with wrinkles. Highly recommend it." —CB Get it from Amazon for $37.99+ (available in three colors). For more info on how to use acupressure for nausea management, check out this guide from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Promising review: "Simple game changer! My car sickness has been getting worse for years. I often drive with my family back to my hometown, about five hours away. I put these on and was finally able to ride without constantly fighting nausea. They fit comfortably, and I quickly forgot they were on. This feels like a simple, cost-efficient fix." —Breya Porter Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.39 (available in adult and children's sizes). Promising review: "This is a great product! I travel frequently, and I am always challenged with the number of USB ports I can get with the number of outlets available (and where) in hotel rooms. With this product, the number-of-ports problem goes away, and what's great is that it extends the charger interface out from behind a bed, nightstand, or other inconvenient receptacle location up onto a work surface for easy access. As far as power, I have had an ASUS transformer, two iPads, an HTC One M8, and two iPhones connected to it at the same time, charging for hours with no heat on the device whatsoever. It works great at home, too. I have always had good luck with Anker products — good quality." —bishop The wallet has a passport pocket, a boarding pass compartment, three credit card slots, an ID slot, a slim card pouch, a slim pocket, a ticket slot, a cellphone pouch, a zippered coin pocket, a key holder, and a pen holder. Promising review: "This wallet is durable, chic, and spacious. The lining is very soft and feels expensive. From the design to the material to the zippers and snaps, it's well-made. I ordered it in rose gold, and it's a beautiful color. I travel frequently and love the boarding pass pocket. I recommended it to my sister and mom, who also love theirs! They ordered in yellow and bronze and were also happy with the color." —Brianna graham Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 20 colors). Promising review: "I love this travel pillow! As someone who travels frequently for work and leisure, I try to get sleep on planes whenever I can so I am ready to go when I land. However, when bulging discs in my neck developed a few years ago, I tested six or seven different types of travel pillows and couldn’t find a pillow that gave proper support and didn’t aggravate my injury. Then I found this cozy little gem!!! I have now had my Trtl for about six months, and it’s been a game-changer. I am able to get some of the best sleep I’ve gotten on planes without further aggravation to my neck. I’ve recommended this to so many people who all have reported back their equal appreciation of the Trtl. It’s easy to pack around once you get to your destination, so you don’t have to have a travel pillow hanging off your bag. I also appreciate how easy it is to take apart to wash — with so many germs on planes, I like that I can wash it without worrying about ruining it. I’m buying another for my mom, who is getting ready for an overnight flight to Europe. I highly recommend this product!!!" —Henninsa Get it from Amazon for $64.99+ (available in four colors). Promising review: "This is essential for flying! I fly pretty often throughout the year, and after having numerous leakage issues with regular plastic travel containers, I decided to go the silicone route and am so glad I did. I love that this set includes different sizes of bottles and tools to help fill/empty them, so reusing them is a breeze, and there is no wasted product. The variety of colors is great, so I can easily tell apart my toiletries, even without the included labels! Love this set and highly recommend it!" —Hennie S. Get it from Amazon for $7.98+ (available in various combos). Promising review: "This works out so well for me. I’m a flight attendant, and I’ve had an infinite number of day trips over the summer. I got tired of carrying around my regular TravelPro spinner, so I finally ordered this. SOOOOO MUCH BETTER FOR ME. It’s light, has enough pockets, and can easily fit under a seat if needed. The ONLY picky thing I can think of is how loud it sounds going across rough concrete. The wheels aren’t as silent as others, but that won’t stop me from buying another in the future." —Kayla T. Get it from Amazon for $70.46+ (available in four colors). Promising review: "My husband and I travel a lot and take a number of prescription drugs. It was always a hassle accessing our medication when needed, so I purchased this organizer to make things easier. I used a label maker and labeled each little compartment, and it has performed wonderfully. I highly recommend this organizer to anyone who travels and needs medications throughout the day." —Jacqueline Get a three-pack from Amazon for $7.49+ (available in two color combos). This is made of allergen-free, plant-derived ingredients and infused with vitamins A and C! Promising review: "I don't normally have trouble with blisters or pain from my work shoes, but I travel regularly to Washington, DC, for work. I walk a lot while I'm there, including when it's hot and muggy in the summer, and any kind of shoe I've tried gives me blisters when I walk five miles a day with extremely sweaty feet and no socks. I thought my only options were to coat my feet in Band-Aids or bite the bullet and start wearing tights or socks in the heat, but then I found this stuff. I just got back from a week in DC in shoes that have given me blisters before, and my feet are completely fine. I did reapply in the evenings, going out for dinner, but otherwise, just a few swipes on the problem spots, and I was ready to go, with no painful rubbing. And, of course, the size is convenient for travel and to keep in my bag in case I do need to reapply." —L. Kelly Promising review: "I was skeptical at first about how well this little noise machine would work in my hotel room. (I am a frequent business traveler.) However, skepticism gave way to satisfaction. This little sound machine blocked out hotel noises very well and helped me sleep through the night. For a little machine, it provides very good volume and different noise options. I highly recommend this product!" —Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two styles, packs of two, and with a travel case). Promising review: "You can totally fit three pairs of shoes in this! (Size 6.5 female shoe, fit heels, wedges, and sandals.) I bought two and will absolutely be buying more for my husband. 10/10 would recommend! I travel frequently, and I always overpack; this helped cut down space and stress immensely!" —Taylor Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in nine colors and patterns). Promising review: "I travel a fair amount and am an admitted tech gadget enthusiast and became tired of dragging around a jumbled bag of cables, connectors, adapters, earbuds, thumb drives, card readers, MP3 players, and other necessities that resembled an episode of Hoarders. This little pouch tamed the beast — a place for everything and everything in its place. The other side of the double-sided pouch holds a power pack, a multi-port USB charger, and even a short extension cord. This is a great setup if you're frequently on the road, and you don't have to worry about forgetting that 'critical' connector..." —Snowbound Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in two sizes and four colors). Promising review: "I got this for a friend after buying one for myself! I travel frequently and always struggle to organize my jewelry so it won't be in a tangled mess once I reach my destination. This organizer accomplishes that as well as helps me to easily see what I brought with me!" —Lauren Get it from Amazon for $14.24+ (available in two sizes and eight colors and patterns). Promising review: "Excited to find these! I travel a lot and didn’t want a bulky brush holder. These will be perfect!" —Lana P. Get a two-pack from Amazon for $7.25 (available in six colors and larger packs). Reviewers say it's ideal for a suitcase that can roll on four wheels! If you have a suitcase that has to tilt while it rolls, just be careful if the drinks are open at the top. Promising review: "We travel by air a lot, and this is great for your carry-on luggage when you have no hands. We always get a drink at the airport, so this helps a lot." —Rhonda Bolash Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in 27 colors, patterns, and styles). Promising review: "I love these bags. I frequently travel overseas and always want to bring olive oil, wine, or the like back. These bags are perfect for protecting my finds, and I am comfortable that they will absorb the liquid if it does get broken. My husband actually put a bottle of cracked-open wine in the bag to test it, laid the bag on its side, and it absorbed the liquid!" —JHN Get a set of three from Amazon for $13.99 (available in four styles). Promising review: "This is incredible! I can't believe how well this works! I travel a lot for work and usually take makeup remover wipes because of the liquid restrictions for travel, but they are expensive and heavy. I have been using this cloth all week and LOVE IT! A bit of warm water and everything comes off in a few easy swipes. I am super excited to travel with this. It weighs nothing and rolls up to take very little space. I am ordering another for my mom, who also travels. Highly recommend!" —KT Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in six colors and multi-packs). Promising review: "These are great! I travel around a lot for work, and I also have Invisalign, so I like to keep one in my work bag as well as my travel bag. The best part is the convenience. I used to carry a toothbrush in a case that took up a lot of room in my work bag as well as my travel bag. Now, I just use these. They are small, durable, and easy to use, and the brush is fully covered when it is fully closed, which is what I was a little worried about at first. It was exactly what I was looking for in a travel toothbrush. I highly recommend it, and I will be purchasing it again." —Demetri Get the two-pack from Amazon for $5.99 (available in two brush stiffnesses). Promising review: "I travel a lot internationally, and so I love the duality of a scarf that's also a blanket. It does come with a pocket to put a hand heater pack into, but I never use that. It's very comfortable, not scratchy at all, and it's easy to wash. It's great to wear traveling or as an awesome big scarf. I use it all the time." —Laura Get it from Amazon for $46+ (available in 11 colors). Promising review: "As a flight attendant I always need wipes. These small packs are great for putting in your purse and having on the go. The bundle pack is a great value." —SJ1326 Get 20 packs of 10 wipes each from Amazon for $19.70. Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity. BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.