The 100 most valuable products that change the way we travel

Holiday travel has become quite the chore. Between high check-in fees, long security lines and middle seats that seem to only get tighter, you may find yourself feeling more stressed than excited about your next trip. To mitigate travel-related mishaps and to make your time en route to wherever you’re headed easier, the NBC Selected editorial team rounded up our 100 most essential travel products.

As shopping editors, we’ve tried almost every major brand and random accessory you’ve heard good (or even so so) things about. We’ve tested neck pillows to find which ones are the most comfortable and pushed the limits of what a carry-on suitcase can actually fit, top-loaders included — all to find the most helpful tools that make travel, whether by plane, train or car, better. Bookmark this as you prepare for your holiday vacations and thank us later. Bon voyage.

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Backpack are always my go-to for travel because they distribute the weight more evenly for my bad back than a tote. I recently treated myself to this one and am so glad I did. It looks sleek and polished but fits a ton inside. On a recent trip, I was able to pack my laptop, iPad, headphones, an oversized scarf, makeup bag and other odds and ends without it feeling like it was going to burst at the seams. - Bethany Heitman-Samuda, commerce editor

Being an over-packer and someone who refuses to check luggage presents me with a challenge every time I go on a trip — I want to bring all my stuff, but I don’t want to use a large suitcase to fit it all. The solution to my problem? Halfday’s Carry-On Garment Roller. Not only is the main compartment deceivingly spacious, but it also has a built-in garment bag that folds out to fit long dresses and skirts, pants and suits. Plus, the wheeled duffel’s soft material lets me overstuff it and still close the zipper. There’s also interior shoe pockets, and lots of organization pockets that I put cords, socks and other small items in.

The first time I flew with this bag, I wasn’t sure it would fit in the overhead compartment because I packed over five days’ worth of clothes inside and a pair of sneakers. But it slipped right in, and right then, I knew it would be my go-to carry-on for life. I love using it for roadtrips, too. - Zoe Malin, reporter

I was gifted this carry-on eight years ago and it still zips like new. Sure, it has a few battle scars and scuffs, but it’s sturdy, glides effortlessly and has survived every single trip I’ve taken since. And, I always get compliments on the rose gold color. - Lauren Swanson, editorial director

All eyes are on me when I roll into LGA (hopefully never JFK) with this beauty. It looks futuristic — and honestly, it is the future of travel luggage.

The rectangular shape is a game-changer. It fits clothes and packing cubes perfectly without squashing them. No zippers means no snagging (a godsend if you’re constantly catching them on delicate fabrics), and the integrated lock system is intuitive and easy to set up.

This bag is huge — but not oversized. Perfect for chronic over-packers like me. The material is sturdy, super easy to clean, and check-in stickers come off without a struggle. Plus, it glides like a dream through airports. - Jem Alabi, editorial operations associate

This isn’t a brand I was familiar with but I suspect it’ll be on everyone’s radar soon. I took this suitcase on a trip to the Berkshires and it was able to handle the rocky terrain and the bumpy concrete of NYC. I love the leather handle, and the fact that it is aluminum making it the most sustainable luggage out there. The wheels are quiet and the TSA locks are built into the latch frame which makes it easy to close and secure. It also looks different from any other suitcase on the market so I don’t get confused at the airport. - Alabi

Learn more: Away Luggage is Now Available on Amazon

This toiletry bag is one of our tried-and-true travel accessories, and one I rarely leave on a trip without. It keeps my makeup, skin care and hair care products neatly organized and easy to access, especially given each of the four compartments is transparent, so I can see exactly what’s inside. I love that it’s soft-sided, which makes it easier to pack in an already over-stuffed suitcase. It even has a hook at the top to hang it from a door or mirror and avoid a mess of products everywhere. - Mili Godio, commerce editor

I use these satin bags for my wigs when I’m traveling and for storage at home, but honestly, you could use themfor so much more. I’ve used one to transport shoes that had gems and precious accents. One could also work as a substitute satin pillowcase in a pinch, especially if you’re trying to catch some sleep on your flight. They’re especially important for keeping my wigs (my girls) from getting matted and knotty or shedding during transport, and they keep my big curly girls contained so that they don’t get cauch or snagged in any zippers. - Shalwah Evans, senior editor

I’ve always brought a garbage bag on trips to use as a hamper. When I get home, the laundry room is my first stop, so this makes it easy to throw all my dirty clothes in the washing machine. A garbage bag hamper is certainly not glamorous, but I didn’t think I had any other options until I discovered the Stinky Bag. It’s basically a dry bag with an interior mesh pouch, and it comes in various sizes — I use the extra-large size for everyday clothes and the standard size for sweaty workout clothes. I stuff the bags with laundry throughout my trip, zip them up and pack them in my suitcase, and when I get home, I flip the bag inside out so the mesh pouch is exposed and throw the whole thing in the washing machine and dryer. My clothes come out perfectly clean inside the bag, making post-travel laundry less of a headache. - Malin

My husband is infamous for “borrowing” cords when we visit family. So now, I bring this. It fits everything (chargers, adapters, mystery cables) and keeps them all right where I can see them. - Swanson

I’m an overpacker through and through. I got these packing cubes a few years ago for a few weeks in Europe, and have been using them for every trip I’ve taken since. I’m able to fit at least 2 weeks’ worth of tops and bottoms in each cube — and that’s before compressing them. The compressed cubes fit perfectly in both a carry-on and a checked bag, with extra space for shoes and toiletries. The set also comes with a drawstring bag, which I like to use to store dirty laundry while I’m traveling. - Caitlin Cusack, associate social media editor

I bring a lot of electronics wherever I travel, but I try to compensate by minimizing the amount of charging gear I need. Ideally, I bring two charging bricks, a few cables and this wireless charging station. It can charge my iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch at the same time, and charge them quickly too. And it’s tiny, it’s almost the same size as an Apple AirPods case. - Harry Rabinowitz, former reporter

The first time I traveled abroad, I brought four plug adapters for four different countries. Luckily, I’ve since found this. When I went back to Europe, I bought this $20 universal travel adapter, which has virtually every plug you’ll ever need. It has four USB ports and one USB-C port, so I can charge my phone, Airpods, Apple Watch, and portable charger all at once. A dead device in a foreign country is probably my worst nightmare, so I’ll never travel without this universal adapter again. - Cusack

I can’t sleep in silence. There needs to be some sort of noise filling the room, so I used to rely on a white noise app on my phone during my travels— it did the job, but I can’t say the audio quality was particularly notable. I discovered ErgoPouch’s mini noise machine while testing products for our Travel Awards in 2024 and I can’t believe how long I lived without it. It’s about the size of my palm and has a built-in loop you can hang it from, like on a bed frame, door knob or dresser knob. I use it for a few nights before plugging it in since the battery life is pretty impressive. One side of the noise machine is a speaker, while the other is a dim nightlight. I use the nightlight a lot more than I expected to, especially in dark hotel rooms. - Malin

As a kid, my family never left for a vacation without bringing along my dad’s camera, and we have the photo albums to prove it. As an adult, I like to continue that tradition on my own trips; however, instead of a digital camera, I like to grab this Fujifilm disposable camera. Each camera has 27 shots, and I love that they’re easy to operate and small enough to stuff into my bag on my way out the door. The camera’s photos are also clear and well-lit, but have a slight grain to them that gives each photo a nostalgic touch. - Ashley Morris, associate reporter

Learn more: What’s the deal with the $65 Camp Snap camera?

After being a movie obsessive for so long, I decided that it was high time for me to start recording my own memories and experiences, which is why I got this camcorder before my last trip to Brazil. It has a long battery life and is easy enough for a beginner videographer like me to use with no issues. I also like that the videos have time and date stamps to help me keep track of the footage, and that the screen spins around for easier visibility while recording. - Morris

This was finally the year I got sick of running on 5% battery or less. This powerbank isn’t fancy and it doesn’t charge up at lightning speed either, but once it does, I can charge my phone, laptop and headphones before it needs more juice again. It’s also slender enough to fit in the side pocket of my purse or luggage. The camera records HD 1080p video, and has a built-in microphone and night-vision mode for filming in the dark. You can also easily mount it on a tripod for steadier shooting, and capture photos in camera mode. - Nikki Brown, senior editor

I first bought these during a rough round of antibiotics-induced nausea, and now I never travel without them.

I’m naturally prone to nausea, whether it’s turbulence, motion, strong smells, or just a bumpy car ride. I usually pack Zofran, Dramamine, alcohol wipes, or essential oils, but these cuffs provide instant, reliable relief — especially when I don’t want to take anything orally.

You wear them three finger-widths below the wrist joint, with the plastic stud pressing on your pressure point (near the thumb). They’re snug — on purpose — and you don’t have to keep them on for long to be effective. Last but not least, they come in a neat little carrying case. - Alabi

I am unfortunately one of those people who’s not fun to be around if I don’t get a good night’s sleep. So when traveling can mean changes in time zones and sleeping in unfamiliar places, sleep aids are a priority. These travel packs of AdvilPM are a life saver, and I love that I can throw a few packs in my overstuffed travel bag instead of needing room for an entire bottle. I took these on my overnight flight to London, and I give them credit for how easily I got seven hours of sleep and beat jet lag. This comes with 50 packs, so it lasts me a while. - Kailey Sigoda, intern

I don’t leave my house, let alone the state or country, with at least a few of these in my bag. My stomach is known to do strange things at any given moment, and the last thing I want is for it to start flip flopping while I’m at the Louvre. These tablets are chewable so I can take one anywhere without the need for water or a pour cup, and I don’t have to worry about TSA liquid regulations. And yes, they taste just as bad as the original liquid formula, and they work just as well (and quickly). - Evans

I’ve never been the type to brush my teeth in airport bathrooms, but I do get a serious case of dry mouth — especially as a tea drinker and a fan of those addictive Maui onion pretzels on Southwest flights. I don’t like gum or traditional mints, so this spray has been a dream. It freshens breath, combats dry mouth, and has xylitol to help prevent cavities between brushings. I’ve noticed a difference in my oral health since using it regularly. I keep one in every bag — home, work, travel. The mint flavor is gentle (no burning), and it also comes in grape if you want to mix things up. It’s practical and makes me feel like a cool character from a teen drama. - Alabi

Motion sickness is a common struggle for me; when I’m in a car, plane or boat, panic immediately sets in with the onset of nausea, dizziness and an upset stomach. Dramamine is one of the only treatments that actually works for me, and I have a tube in nearly every purse and backpack I own. I prefer the less drowsy version since the original formula makes me too sleepy, and it’s equally as effective, in my experience. I take one around half an hour before I’m in a moving vehicle for peace of mind. - Godio

If you’ve ever had cramps while traveling, you know the struggle. I used to rely on boiling water in a traditional rubber bottle, which is obviously not feasible outside the house, especially on planes.

Enter: the Slimpal. This little heating pad has truly saved me. A full charge delivers up to two hours of soothing heat. It has adjustable straps, so you can wear it under your clothes and move around hands-free. It’s discreet, effective, and easy to travel with. - Alabi

These face wipes live in my gym bag, my desk drawer, and my carry-on — and for good reason. Whether I’m getting off a flight, leaving a workout, or just need to wipe the day off my face, they actually make me feel clean. No sticky residue, no overpowering scent. - Swanson

I occasionally stop by Sephora to get more Touchland hand sanitizers whenever I run out. I love that they have such refreshing scents, but also are practical — they keep my hands clean without leaving a residue and they don’t have a strong alcohol aroma. Plus, they don’t dry out my hands, so I can use them more than once throughout the day, which I often do when I travel, especially by plane. - Cory Fernandez, commerce editor

I know we’ve mostly moved on, but airplanes are still petri dishes with wings. I keep a few of these individually wrapped face masks in every bag when I travel. They’re comfortable, easy to breathe in and (most importantly) I haven’t come home with the dreaded post-flight cold since. - Swanson

When I pitched our story on the best body wipes, I had chaotic travel days in mind — and these wipes deliver. Hand sanitizer and alcohol wipes are great, but for bathroom breaks, sweaty commutes, or quick freshen-ups, I need something gentler.

Moonies are compact, durable, and actually flushable. I keep them on hand for everything from post-meal cleanups to rainy subway rides. They also make me feel like the most thoughtful friend when I offer one to someone else. - Alabi

I used to think of hydration supplements as fancy juice, but after using them regularly, I see why people love them. They truly make a difference each time I drink them — I feel more refreshed and less tired in the morning, especially when I have to get up early for a flight. I also often get headaches after traveling, and these help me avoid that once I get off the plane. My favorite is the lemon-lime flavor, but there are so many options to choose from that you’ll definitely find one for you. - Fernandez

I feel like a big kid when I’m eating one of these but honestly, I don’t care — I love them. I started buying these when I would go to the gym too early for me to have an appetite, but needed to put something in my stomach before a rigorous workout. Now, I travel with them too because they take up practically no space in my bag and I can eat them as I walk through an airport or ride in the back of a car. I also love that the cap can be screwed back on if I don’t finish it. The apple banana is my favorite; my friends with kids appreciate that I always have that flavor on hand when they come over because the kids love it too. - Evans

Every one of my co-workers has heard me rave about this handheld fan before — that’s how much I love it. It has an incredibly long battery life; I charge it once for an entire day and it lasts me for weeks. It has three speeds, and I rarely have to use the fastest one, since the first one is relatively strong. It also has a light on the end that I sometimes use when I’m looking for my keys or drop something in the dark. Plus, it’s the perfect size to fit in any pocket or cross body bag, which I do when I travel abroad. - Fernandez

Learn more: This bladeless neck fan saves me from hot flashes

After I saw a news report about a couple’s trip to the Bahamas ending in a carbon monoxide fatality I started taking this with me on vacation. It’s small enough to fit inside the bag that fits inside my personal item, which is where I keep it in order to ensure I have it no matter what happens to my luggage. It gives me peace of mind, especially since laws around carbon minoxide monitors differ by country (and even by state). I love that it also operates on batteries if the power goes out. Just be ready for the loud test ringing, the sound is piercing — exactly what I want if there’s an odorless, colorless threat present. - Evans

I’m a light sleeper, so I’ve had plenty of hotel experiences ruined by loud street noises and conversations. Now, I take Loop’s Quiet 2 earplugs on every vacation. They’re lightweight and comfortable enough to wear all night long, and they manage to filter out enough noise for me to stay asleep through the night without filtering out too much noise (so I don’t feel like I’m in a soundproof cell). Plus, they come in a tiny case so I don’t lose them. - Godio

I don’t take off most of the jewelry that I wear on a daily basis, and I never bring a bunch of accessories on trips, so I don’t need a large jewelry case taking up space in my suitcase. I do, however, need a safe place to put my rings when I’m working out, showering or doing a very hands-on activity. Enter the Lion Latch. It’s a little round, keychain-looking case that’s just the right size to fit all my stacking rings (eight, to be exact), and sometimes I throw in a dainty necklace or an earcuff. Each Lion Latch comes with a carabiner — I attach mine to a pouch or the key leash inside my bag if there is one. I also appreciate that it’s made from a hard, durable material, creating an outer shell of sorts around my jewelry so it doesn’t get scratched or nicked if I’m on the move. - Malin

If there is one item I would recommend to anyone traveling abroad and staying in hostels — it’s this one. This microfiber travel towel will fit in any size bag, but is also big enough to use as a shower towel. When traveling during my semester abroad, we stayed in hostels nearly every weekend, and most don’t provide towels, or charge a fee for them. I relied on this. It comes in a compact storage bag, is very absorbent, and even has a loop on the corner, so you can hang it up to dry while you’re out sightseeing. - Sigoda

My long hunt for spill-resistant travel containers ended once I found these bottles. Usually, I have to tape travel bottles shut to prevent them from leaking, but these are the only budget-friendly containers I’ve used that don’t create a mess of shampoo and face wash after being in my suitcase. The tops are extremely sturdy and never pop open during travel, and I love that the set of four comes with a zippered pouch to keep them together. - Godio

As a lifelong overpacker, I always keep a luggage scale handy, and although I’ve tried plenty of digital scales, I always end up reverting to this manual scale from Samsonite. My old digital scales usually need periodic battery replacements, but since this one is manual, it’s always ready to go — it’s my favorite thing about it. It’s a bit bulkier than digital scales, but I’ve always found its measurements to be reality accurate, and I never leave for a trip without bringing it along. It registers up to 80 pounds, and has a handle grip that makes weighing my suitcases easy and comfortable. - Morris

I’m a big fan of compressed packing cubes, which are great for saving space … but also great at wrinkling my clothes. Whenever I travel, I make sure to bring a bottle or two of Downy’s Wrinkle Release spray. All you have to do is mist it on your clothes, smooth out the wrinkles, and you’re good to go — no portable steamer needed. - Cusack

I was kind of unimpressed when I first saw this travel pillow because it looks more like a scarf. But after traveling through multiple time zones on a train in just one week, I’m glad this is the travel pillow I had by (and around) my side. Whether I was lying completely flat, sitting up with my head against the window or something in between, this pillow was able to shape shift into spaces and positions a boring neck pillow never could. - Brown

I tested this eye mask for our Wellness Awards earlier this year, and I was surprised by how well it helped me fall asleep. Aside from making everything completely dark (which I love), it was extremely comfortable on my face. The “eyes” of the mask don’t sit flush against your eyelids — they’re raised, almost as if someone combined a pair of glasses with a pillow. Plus, the strap on the back is adjustable, so it was super comfortable on my head and didn’t give me a headache. - Fernandez

As a very small person, my appreciation for this blanket knows no bounds. When I’m sitting in an airplane seat, it covers my entire body without grazing the floor or touching the person next to me. When combined with a hoodie, it provides the perfect amount of warmth. And I love that it’s easy to put in and out of the included storage pouch. - Brown

I’ve had some version of this pillow for years. I don’t wear it around my head like a cartoon villain plotting on a red-eye, but I do wrap it around my neck or wedge it up against the window. It’s light, soft and folds down small enough to fit inside my personal item. - Swanson

Learn more: You’re probably not cleaning your pillows correctly

Learn more: Do heatless curlers actually work?

When I travel, makeup remover wipes are my go-to. But most come in large packs that take up more space than I’d like. I bought this pack of single, individually wrapped Neutrogena wipes that I can easily throw in my toiletry bag or backpack so I have the exact amount I need for my trips. Plus, I’ve always been a fan of these wipes — they take off stubborn makeup (including waterproof mascara) with minimal swipes, and they cause little to no irritation. And since each wipe is pre-wrapped, they never dry out. - Godio

I don’t need fancy lip balm or body lotion: Vaseline does it all at a fraction of the price of most popular brands. I keep a small jar in my work bag, luggage and anywhere else I can think of. If I’m on an overnight flight or train ride, I like putting this on my face to keep my skin from drying out. I also apply to my lips every night before bed to keep them from cracking or peeling. And if I realize my elbows or knees are looking a little crusty as I’m moving through the airport, it’s much easier to apply some of this than a lotion that may end up exploding in my bag anyway. - Brown

I tell everyone about this hypochlorous acid spray. I first heard about it from our former beauty reporter, and now I keep bottles everywhere — three at home, four at work, and one in my bag.

Per my derm’s advice, I’ve stopped washing my face in the mornings (since I double-cleanse at night), and this Magic Molecule spray has been a total game-changer. It refreshes my skin, balances pH, and requires zero touching — so it’s a clean, hands-free experience. No residue, no stickiness: just a fresh, soothing mist.

It’s helped calm my eczema, improved my skin texture, and even found a second life as a disinfectant for my beauty tools. I use it on everything: LED red light masks, Theraface, gua sha tools, eyelash curlers, edge brushes — you name it. - Alabi

Between overzealous hand sanitizer use and airplane cabin air that could parch a plant, my hands are usually the first to suffer when I travel. This hand cream fixes that. It’s not fancy, but it works. - Swanson

Learn more: This sheet mask is trending on TikTok and Amazon — is it worth it?

These are the only compression socks I willingly wear — whether it’s after long runs or during long flights. The squeeze is subtle but effective, and they’re easy to put on and take off (which matters more than you’d think). I don’t wear them on every flight, but when I do, I’m always glad I did. - Swanson

Everyone on the NBC Select team knows that I’m serious about my sneakers, so trust me when I say this: these are the best travel sneakers I’ve ever tried, hands down. They’re comfortable for long-term wear, and have enough grip on the bottom to get me through rainforest hikes, cobblestoned streets and more. They also don’t have traditional laces — these sneakers have a drawstring closure that you can tuck into the tongue, meaning you don’t have to worry about untied or loose laces. The bright color also adds a bold pop to any look, and the shoes have a sleek design that makes them feel lightweight on my feet, despite their durability. - Morris

Slip-ons are a must for me when I’m traveling — I like to be able to easily get my shoes ff when I’m relaxing in my plane seat and on again for trips to the bathroom. These mules from Oofos are perfect. They have the most cushioned soles you’ll ever find, which makes treking through huge airports comfy and the sherpa gives them a stylish vibe. - Heitman-Samuda

I wore these shoes through the airport on a recent trip, and I plan to keep wearing them. They’re breathable, soft, supportive and slip on in seconds, which still matters even if you’re not pulling them off for TSA. They’re comfortable enough to walk miles in (trust me, I have), sleek enough for a coffee meeting after. - Swanson

Learn more: 50 best leggings of 2025, tested and ranked

My dog Bella is 15 pounds, which means she can fly with me on a plane. The only problem? She hates most travel carriers. I’ve tried many over the years, but few have come close to the comfort and durability of this Away carrier. It meets most airline requirements, has a soft and removable sherpa bed inside to keep Bella comfortable, and there are three mesh side panels that she can look out of. The zippers are also resilient to her pushing, so she won’t escape (which has happened on a flight before with another carrier). Though I love that it keeps its shape when Bella is inside and outside of it, I wish the sides were softer and flexible so I can more easily fit it underneath the plane’s seat. That said, it’d be a great option for road trips or car rides. - Godio

Learn more: Are dog harnesses better than collars? Veterinarians weigh in

Shalwah Evans is a senior editor for NBC Selected who oversees Selected 100 and Selected 50 packages (including our ranking of the 100 best Amazon products and the 50 best oral care products we’ve ever tried).

The NBC Selected editorial staff tests products regularly and has extensively covered many brands and product categories on this list. We frequently write about skin care, tech, travel, health and wellness in addition to brands like Anker, Touchland, Calpak and more. To curate this list, we relied on products our team has tested, loves and stands by.

Catch up on NBC Selected’s in-depth coverage of tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok to stay up to date.