1. A sturdy, lightweight eight-compartment pill organizer to keep all your medications and just-in-case remedies in one secure place. With this trusty companion, you'll never have to worry about leaving behind the heartburn or headache relief you might need, ensuring your vacation stays blissfully pill-free of discomfort.
Promising review: "Flight attendant–approved! These pill containers are simply amazing! The latch and seal on them is very secure due to its rubber gasket around the inside. I put my daily medications in each of the six smaller compartments on one side and then use the larger two containers for vitamins and supplements. I keep this in my tote bag for work and I am not concerned at all about it opening.
I can’t tell you how many times some of the other pill boxes I used have opened up, tossing prescription medications into the smallest corners of my bag. Well-designed and well-executed!" — Christina S. Get it from Amazon for $5+ (available in five colors).
2. A comfy, lightweight ergonomic Trtl neck pillow which is *scientifically proven* to prevent stiff necks and sore shoulders and will let you get some much-needed shut eye on those longer or late night flights, all so you can arrive at your destination refreshed and ready to explore. Best of all, it easily folds and stores away in your luggage without taking up too much space.
It also easily attaches to backpacks and luggage handles (see the photo on the right), weighs less than half a pound, and is machine-washable. Promising review: "This is the best travel pillow ever. As a flight attendant, I travel all the time.
This makes getting stuck in a middle seat palatable. I’ve used this in cars, planes, trains, etc; it's great. In fact my sister was so jealous on our last trip to Italy that she kept trying to steal it off me.
Ordered her one for Christmas." — Amazon reviewer Get it from Amazon for $64.99 (available in two colors).
3. Or a bendy travel pillow so you can get incredible lumbar support or some much-needed leg support while trying to snooze on an otherwise uncomfortable airplane (or cab ride to your hotel). Promising review: "I’m a flight attendant and I travel with this pillow all the time! In hotel rooms I use it to support my neck, on the plane I use it to support my lumbar area.
When I drive it helps my lower back. I love that it has a liner that can be removed to wash. I bought my boyfriend one too and it goes everywhere we do!" — Debbie Get it from Amazon for $19.
99+ (available in eight colors). 4. A luggage drink caddy featuring two spacious pockets to keep your coffee or iced tea (aka emotional support travel beverage) upright and securely attached to your wheeled luggage.
It also features a pocket for your phone, wallet, or any other essentials, freeing up your hands to tackle the airport hustle with ease. Genius. 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 reviews: "This cup holder is perfect! It helps me a lot! Last time I took a plane with a suitcase and a cup of coffee, when it’s my turn to check my passport and ticket, the coffee cup fell to the ground and coffee sprinkled. It was a nightmare! This time I bought this cup holder, and it did do me a favor! I don't have to worry about where my cup and phone are! I can free my hands to do other things. I love it so much! Hope you love it too.
" — Philip "Great tool to keep your hands free. I’m a flight attendant and I love this, especially the [hook and loop fastened] 'quick detachment.' It’s the best! I had one before that just stretched over the handle and it was a PAIN! This one is great.
There’s room for two large drinks and a slim pocket for phone or wallet. Many people see it and ask where I got my clever little caddy!" — Debra G Get it from Amazon for $8.48+ (available in 26 styles).
5. A durable TSA-friendly toiletry set to prevent leaks and ensure that TSA doesn't confiscate or toss your expensive shampoo or conditioner just because it's *slightly* too big for carry-on travel. The bottles are soft, squeezable, and, frankly adorable.
The set includes a zippered bag, four soft silicone bottles with leakproof caps, three compact jars, and two toothbrush caps. BuzzFeed Shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly owns and loves this set. She writes: "I've used this set on more than five trips and and for trips when I don't require body wash or shampoo (like to visit my parents) I use the extra room in the bag to shove in all my beauty products and daily contacts.
Plus! It comes with labels that stay on the containers really well despite my thoroughly washing these containers between trips. I bought this set in spring 2019 and have, admittedly, lost a container or two. But the ones that I've held onto over dozens of trips have all held up well!" Promising review: "If it wasn’t for me forgetting them in the hotels, I wouldn’t have to buy more.
This is my third set and I love these things! I’m a flight attendant and these are easy to fill, use, and pack!" — Raena Hill Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in five styles). 6.
A trifold travel wallet because when it comes to securing your passport and cards during trips, there's really nothing more important than a good, sturdy wallet that'll hold up well, keep everything organized *and* look super cute to boot. 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: "OMG I totally love this! First of all, it’s such a pretty pastel pink color and pink is my favorite color.
The quality is also so lovely with all the right amount of pockets to store my IDs and passport and other relevant documents. I’m a flight attendant so this is the perfect size of travel wallet for me. This definitely exceeded my expectations!" — Pravena Jay Get it from Amazon for $11.
19+ (available in 35 colors). 7. A lightweight, compact, and high-speed Anker portable charger as there's nothing worse than finally landing and then ~immediately~ dealing with a dying or dead phone, especially when you've got things to do, people to see and Ubers to call.
This highly rated slim option holds about 2.25 charges for iPhone 12, 1.6 charges for Galaxy S20, and 1.
2 charges for iPad Mini 5 and comes with a Micro USB cable (to charge the charger) and a travel pouch. Promising review: "Very handy! I’m a flight attendant and travel a lot. This has come in handy on the airplane and in the airport.
Perfect size and lightweight." — Rae Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in two colors and two styles).
8. A simple luggage strap so you can move through the airport with ease without hurting your shoulder or lower back by carrying way too much heavy stuff. Bonus points for it giving you more free hands, too.
Promising review: "Definitely what I needed for my luggage as a flight attendant. Very heavy duty and perfect for me. Works great with my extra luggage and lunch bag to hang on my suitcase.
Thank you so much. Will definitely buy again." — Mary Get it from Amazon for $8.
45+ (available in six colors and in packs of two). 9. A carry-on friendly Gillette Venus travel razor if you, like me, are particularly picky about what you use to shave with and don't want to settle for disposable razors that will potentially cut or nick your skin (the worst).
It comes with one handle and refill so it's perfect for longer trips, too. Promising reviews: "I am a flight attendant, and space is limited in my bag. This is a great product for your travel bag.
" — Caitlin Hemphill "I got this for a vacation and it was great! The little carrying container is awesome, and keeps you from having a weird, loose razor floating around in your suitcase. Plus, the heads are the same as a regular-sized razor , so you can keep using it when that one is worn out!" — Tegan H Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (also available in a two-pack).
10. An adorable and highly versatile off-the-shoulder jumpsuit comfy enough to sleep in on long plant rides and easy as pie to dress up or down for sightseeing and even nice dinners out in a new city. Prime members: You can try before you buy ! Promising reviews: "It is a favorite among our flight attendant group when we are traveling.
We call ourselves the sisterhood of the traveling jumpsuit! I absolutely love it, it’s comfortable, inexpensive, easy one piece, dress up or dress down. I add a belt and it’s perfect! I am planning to purchase more colors!" — Floridagirl0611 Get it from Amazon for $36.99+ (available in women's sizes S–3X and 32 styles).
11. A portable door lock that's a great extra precaution when staying in an unfamiliar space, whether it's a hotel room that feels a little dodgy or an Airbnb. Install it easily without hurting the door and sleep better at night.
Promising review: "My best guy friend bought this for me and I love it. I’m a flight attendant and am in hotels 4–5 nights a week. Sometimes the 'locks' just don’t feel sturdy enough.
This device gives me an extra layer of security and allows me to sleep at night. I keep it in my flight bag." — Emilia Duren Get it from Amazon for $11.
99 (also available in packs of two and four). 12. An electronics organizer if you're sick of digging through tangled cords and cables when you arrive to or from your destination.
Keep it all together, well cared for, and experience one less travel headache. You can fit tons of other miscellaneous stuff in here, too. Promising review: "I am a flight attendant and I LOVE this organizer! I keep my iPad, passport, cords, paperwork, and hand sanitizer in here.
It keeps me organized! Definitely recommend to anyone who travels and needs to keep organized." — amazonislife Get it from Amazon for $15.19+ (available in four colors and two sizes).
13. A resealable travel-size pack of antibacterial wipes in case you want to snack on the plane but can't get out of your seat to wash your hands first. These are fantastic for keeping clean and zapping germs before they zap your immune system.
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 $16.39 (also available in larger packs). 14.
A clear TSA-approved toiletry bag to take all your essentials through security without fuss and without TSA tearing your entire carry-on apart. This also prevents potential suitcase spills. Promising review : "I am a flight attendant and it's perfect for my international flights going through security.
I love the handle, easy to pull out of my suitcase." — Kristi Get it from Amazon for $11.19 (available in 11 colors).
15. A weighted sleep mask as when it comes to airplanes, perfect darkness is never guaranteed, especially when your seat mate insists on watching blindingly bright movies when you're trying to get some shut-eye. These can also help with migraine attacks and relieve puffy eyes.
Promising review: "I am a flight attendant and have a wild work schedule. I frequently have to sleep during the day. These are SO comfortable and cool as well.
I have ordered and tried out at least 10 eye masks from Amazon and have found these to be the best. They are SO comfortable and do not have velcro on the straps, for which I am thankful, because I usually sleep on my back and am sensitive to the thickness of eye masks which have the Velcro straps." — SW Get one from Amazon for $11.
99 . 16. A mini lightweight flat iron that's simple to slip into your purse or carry-on and get your hair or bangs all sorted out as soon as you step off the plane and have access to an outlet.
No unruly hair for you, traveler. It also comes with a heat-resistant pouch for easy carrying! Promising review: "This fits perfectly in my toiletries travel bag that I take with me as a flight attendant. Anything that comes in a small size and still works well is perfect for me.
" — Kathy S Get it from Amazon for $14.44+ (available in three colors). 17.
A pocket-sized, refillable travel perfume atomizer so you can re-up on your favorite fragrance while traveling without having to bring an entire pricey and potentially heavy bottle with you. Promising review: "Perfect scent options for a flight attendant! These are perfect for travel and putting in your purse. You can put different scents and the little bottles hold up well.
You don’t need the tiny funnel. Just remember which scent you put where! Definitely recommend." — Britney Get a four-pack from Amazon for $6.
99 . 18. A jewelry organizer as the last thing you want to do when arriving at your destination is get knotty untangling necklaces or playing hide-and-seek with a missing earring.
Promising review: "I am a flight attendant and am away from home for long periods at a time. This is perfect for traveling! It fits so many things, bracelets, necklaces, SO many earrings, rings, etc. that you will not have to worry about leaving behind your favorite pieces of jewelry because they don't fit.
I looked at many other travel jewelry holders before and this one is the best because it packs so much yet isn't bulky. Honestly this is like my 5th bag from Bagsmart and I just love everything they have." — Hope Ayala Get it from Amazon for $12.
79+ (available in two sizes and 12 styles). 19. A compact, carry-on friendly portable espresso maker to guarantee you have your morning coffee wherever you go, quickly and effortlessly, especially for early mornings when you want to be in a good mood on your trip but need your java first to function.
This gadget lets you use Nespresso pods and is totally hand-operated, with no battery or electricity needed. Promising review: "I'm a flight attendant so I travel a lot and spent a lot of money on coffee when I wasn’t home with my Nespresso machine . This has been a GAME CHANGER.
Very easy to use and clean. Very travel-friendly!" — Rikki Get it from Amazon for $43.92 (and here are some Nespresso pods to go with it).
20. And a reusable collapsible coffee cup to let you enjoy said java either from your espresso maker or hotel room without dealing with bulky thermos or having to waste extra $$ on pricey to-go coffee. It's also dishwasher safe so when you get home (or if you have one in an Airbnb), you're good to go.
It's also microwave-safe! Note that the 12-ounce size does not include a straw, but both the 16-ounce and 24-ounce sizes do. BuzzFeed Shopping editor Danielle Healy writes: "This is of the first zero-waste swaps I made and I've never looked back. If you buy to-go coffee – whether you're jet-setting or just grabbing a mid-day pick-me-up — this cup is a must-have .
So long as you remember to bring it, it's all the convenience of to-go coffee with none of the waste. It's leakproof and, when you're all done, it collapses down teeny tiny and can be tossed back in your bag. Oh! And it comes with a straw, so all you iced coffee lovers can get in on the action, too.
" Promising review: "I love this cup — I am very glad I decided to get one as being a flight attendant I don't always find paper cups in the hotel rooms and ewwww, don't always want to have to clean a mug in the room. Having this is great! I like that it comes with a holder much like the cardboard ring that coffee shops provide — I always use it and it helps the cup be extra sturdy!" — AuthorEP Stojo is a small biz founded by three New York dads who wanted a better way to get their convenient coffee fix without all the waste. Now they make stylish collapsible essentials in a variety of sizes and colors, including bottles and food storage containers.
Get it from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in three sizes and 24 colors). 21.
A miraculous waterproof Kindle since you'll want to tackle some of your ever-growing TBR pile on your trip without lugging along heavy physical books or risking them (or this device) getting wet and ruined when you read by the pool or in a hot tub. Promising review: "Love it so far ! I am a flight attendant and I love to read so it’s so much easier to have a Kindle instead of carrying around multiple heavy books. The charge lasts what seems like an eternity.
And I love that it’s waterproof because I leave to read while on the beach or by the pool." — Tiffany Get it from Amazon for $159.99 (available in three colors).
22. A pair of anti-nausea wristbands which use pressure point acupressure to provide a safe, drug-free alternative to preventing motion sickness, migraines, cramps and more. I have used them and they are, in fact, quite effective.
Promising reviews: "FLIGHT ATTENDANT–APPROVED! They work. In my experience, 100% of the time." — Jessica "I was skeptical about these but I was quickly all about them when I put them on.
I get really motion sick when flying but this weekend I did not get motion sick at all during a four hour flight! I was even able to read my book for a while on the plane without sickness! I have never been able to do that before. I love these and they are now a must-have whenever I travel again. 10/10.
" — Rosse Get a pair from Amazon for $8.46 . 23.
A USB-chargeable mini handheld fan since getting sweaty and hot is an unfortunate side effect of long trips, especially in places where AC is limited. Until you get to hit the beach or pool, use this baby to quickly cool off any time, anywhere. Promising review: "This is the best little fan ever! Three speeds of pure bliss! I’m a flight attendant and it gets very hot on the aircraft.
This little dynamo works great. You can hold it in your hand or set it to stand hands free. It folds up to easily fit in your hand bag.
Recharges quickly. Perfect for hot flashes also. Worth every penny!!!" — Mary C.
Jones Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in five colors). 24.
A long-needed zipper puller since solo travel often demands that you zip yourself with no help. Don't limit yourself to what you want to wear on your journey and worry about struggling with zippered clothing. Promising reviews: "This thing is great! If you have issues with the puller disconnecting, head to the directions, because you probably aren't hooking it up correctly (I know this from experience).
Zipuller saves my life on a weekly basis. " — MoniqueRamsey " I am a flight attendant. Our uniform dresses are so hard to zip up in a hotel room when you are by yourself.
This is the best. It works wonderfully and is great quality. I would recommend this to anyone who isn't a contortionist.
Excellent product!!!!!" — L. ward Get it from Amazon for $19.98 (available in three styles).
25. A portable safe great for beach clubs, hotel rooms, Airbnbs, and anywhere else you'd like to stash your credit cards, cash and other valuables while you otherwise go and enjoy your vacation. One less thing to worry about? A need, not a want.
Promising review: "I'm a flight attendant and really recommend this! It's amazing to keep your things safe!" — Britany G Get it from Amazon for $18.40+ (available in two colors). 26.
And a soft faux-leather tote to save you precious carry-on space while offering a gorgeous carry-on accessory. It's also ideal as a day bag during your trip, with ample room for souvenirs and a secure zippered pocket to keep your valuables safe and out of sight. Promising review: "Bought this bag last minute for a uniform compliance as a flight attendant, and it’s sturdy and a great bag.
For the material and the price, it’s a great purchase. I’ve had it over four months." — Amber Get it from Amazon for $15.
99+ (available in two sizes and a wide variety of colors). Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity..
