52 of our editors’ favorite travel products we can’t leave home without

After learning about the major benefits of wearing compression socks on the plane, I’ve never traveled without them again. They not only keep me comfy on cold flights, but they help to fight leg fatigue, prevent swelling and even deter potential blood clots when walking around or stretching in-flight is limited. I particularly love Comrad’s compression socks because they’re fun and colorful, and come in a variety of different styles and true-graduated compression to choose from! — Stephanie Griffin, social lead

My main issue with most toiletry bags is that I can never remember which products I put in each pocket. That’s not an issue with this completely clear case from Calpak. Even this small one from Calpak boasts plenty of room in its two compartments for all your bathroom stuff — it even fits many full-size products well! Plus, it's made from water-resistant PVC, so if a spill does happen, it’s easy to clean up. — Chelsea Stone, senior editor

Since Bose pioneered noise cancellation, it just makes sense that its newest QuietComfort 2 earbuds are a fantastic companion on any trip. I pack these powerhouse headphones with me for the dual punch of great sound and perfect, noise-canceled silence (bye-bye, airplane engine noise). Plus, they also let me filter in the important sounds by tapping once for transparent mode, letting me instantly hear announcements at the airport or speak to someone quickly before tuning out again. And, thankfully, they are as comfy as they are powerful. — Tobey Grumet Segal, reviews editor

I’m not a fan of most travel pillows — I’m a petite person and find that most of the donut-like pillows are too bulky for my short neck. So when I was on the hunt for a new one, I wanted to find an option that was cushy and flexible. The Infinity Pillow was the answer to my search; it’s like a puffed-up infinity scarf that you can wrap around your neck and position for ideal comfort. While it isn’t the most cushiony, its flexibility is its biggest benefit. Throughout my flight, I had it tied around for upright neck support, folded in half and tucked behind my head like a headrest and simply smushed in between me and the plane wall (I’m a window seater) so I could lean over and get some shut-eye. The only downside is that it’s a bit bulky to pack in a carry-on, but I usually roll it up as tight as I can and am able to fit it in my backpack. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor

The Lo & Sons Waverly 2 is probably the most innovative bag I have ever owned. This one compact — but roomy — bag can be worn four different ways. With two adjustable straps and D-rings, you can wear it as a crossbody, belt bag, wristlet or shoulder bag. I love that it can be worn with casual clothes while sightseeing and can also be dressed up for evenings out. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

I’ve tried a ton of different neck pillows in the past, but none have ever been as comfortable or prevented post-plane neck and back pain as well as this one. It features a unique 360-degree ergonomic design, a memory foam core and a Velcro closure that fully supports my neck and helps to maintain proper spinal posture while I sleep or read. And unlike other neck pillows I’ve tested, this one compresses to 60% of its size when stored in its little travel bag, making it a no-brainer to bring along with me in my carry-on! This is without a shadow of a doubt the first thing I will be packing when it’s time to embark on my long-haul flight to Italy next month. — Stephanie Griffin, social lead

Normally, I’m a real paper book person — but not when I’m traveling. Books take up way too much space in a suitcase, so I turn to my trusty Kindle for all my literary needs. The Paperwhite also happens to be water-resistant, so I never worry about whipping it out at the pool or beach. — Chelsea Stone, senior editor

Whether you call it a sling bag, fanny pack or belt bag, one thing’s for sure: They are the perfect travel bag. After envying a family member’s Caraa bag while on vacation (and maybe threatening to steal it), I received one as a gift from her and couldn’t be more thankful. These are so lightweight but also have so much room. There is a pocket for everything imaginable and I love the little touches like the key fob and D-rings. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

We’ve long sung the praises of packing cubes as a useful tool for organized packing. I’m personally partial to Baggu’s sets of two (one small and one larger), mostly because they come in the most fun prints you could imagine. Nothing adds a little cheer to your business trip like a cloud-patterned cube! — Chelsea Stone, senior editor

I have been using Away luggage for years now, and at this point, I think I’m a fan for life. The medium size suitcase is the perfect size for an over-packer like myself — I have brought this on trips ranging from four days (don’t judge) to two weeks, and it always seems to fit everything I need. I need to be organized when I travel, so I love the fact that one side is for soft clothing and the other side of the suitcase is for harder items that won’t compress. I find myself able to pack everything I need without having to struggle or stress out — plus the laundry bag in the suitcase is genius. I love this newer lavender color because it’s pretty and unique enough that I can always spot my suitcase on the luggage belt. — Hayley Saltzman, former head of social

This summer, I’ll be traveling overseas with a husband and two teen boys, which means there’s going to be some serious packing going on in the Segal household. And that is why I love these bright, colorful and super-useful Neon Packing Cubes from Away. I will be hoarding these four soft cubes to compress both my intimates and bulkier items so we can save space and not have to pay more for checking extra bags. And, because of the neon colorways, I’ll know exactly what belongs to me — and I won’t have to mingle with dirty boy stuff. Always a plus, especially on the way home! — Tobey Grumet Segal, reviews editor

I've waxed poetic about LifeStraw's collapsible bottle before, which had some durability issues and was more oriented toward backcountry camping. Now the brand has released a brand-new bottle specifically designed for travelers that instantly became my new favorite. It looks like a typical bottle, but inside, it has LifeStraw's amazing filter that lets you drink water from basically anywhere. Plus, it's got a charcoal filter (which the collapsible one didn't), so it drastically improves the taste of your water on top of removing harmful bacteria. — Kai Burkhardt, sustainability and outdoors editor

This tote is my tried-and-true travel product. For four years now, I’ve brought it everywhere with me — including the office, weekend-long road trips, to Italy and back by plane, the list goes on — and it still looks as good as new. It also has never-ending storage; it comes with six interior pockets, three detachable pouches, a cross-body strap, a phone pocket and even a keyring strap. Just when I think I can’t fit anything else, there’s always more room for one (or 10!) more of my personal items. — Stephanie Griffin, social lead

Whenever I embark on an overnight or weekend trip, I never leave my Dagne Dover carry-on bag behind. It’s large enough that it fits everything I need for a short trip, but small enough that it still fits underneath the seat in a plane or overhead in the storage compartment. It comes with a thick strap so it’s easy and light to carry, and also features a laptop sleeve and shoe and dust bag to keep my things organized. I absolutely can’t recommend this bag enough to frequent travelers. — Stephanie Griffin, social lead

I love a good hotel. What I don’t appreciate is the noisy neighbors that tend to come with an overnight stay. Whether it’s late-night revelers stumbling in from the bar, early risers slamming doors or families (like mine) being, well, families, having a pair of good earplugs to block out all the noise is always helpful. These Loop earplugs are small, crafted from super-comfy silicone and are presented in a little carrying case you can attach to your keychain. They even come with four sets of different sized ear tips to help you find the perfect fit, and best of all, they let you sleep easy even when you’re away from home. Of course, these earplugs are also great for plane, train and car rides, or even loud concerts. And the new Solstice collection lets you choose from three vibrant colors, in case you do decide to don them in public: orange, pink and purple. — Tobey Grumet Segal, reviews editor

An airplane bathroom is not very conducive to a skin care routine, but these cleansing wipes allowed me to keep up with my regimen on a couple long-haul flights earlier this year. Instead of navigating the tiny airplane bathroom sink to cleanse my face, I simply pulled out the wipes and my other travel-size skin care and was able to do my entire routine from the comfort of my seat. The wipes made me feel like I was washing away the stale airplane air and grime and left my skin feeling hydrated and refreshed. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor

For weekend getaways, I love packing this tote from Troubadour. There’s a slot for your laptop as well as your phone and even pens. It’s large enough to fit everything you need for a trip but doesn’t feel heavy once it’s packed. One thing I dislike about most bags is that they’re usually only used for one thing. This one is super versatile and can be used for your everyday commute and not just for traveling, so I get multiple uses out of one bag. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

When I’m traveling, I like to use this large toiletry bag from Away. It’s sleek, it's easy to clean and it has a handle and a zipped exterior pocket. The mesh compartment inside the bag is perfect for holding things that have no risk of spilling like sanitary towels and floss, while the other compartment is great for storing items like your shower gel, mouthwash and sunscreen. When I’m not traveling, I treat this case as a “hygiene pack” and carry it to work and the gym. — Rachel Dennis, editorial coordinator

This bag has repeatedly sold out online, and for good reason. It’s the kind of product that you will never stop wearing and using once you purchase it. I have used it almost daily, but it really shines during travel. Whether I’m on a flight or taking a road trip, I love that this bag helps me keep my essentials — like extra face masks, hand sanitizer, my wallet and my phone — handy without moving around or adding bulk to my travel setup. I strap it around my chest and it’s a super-simple, hands-free way to carry essentials and avoid having to dig around for anything in my bags. It’s the perfect size for an iPhone, and the variety of colors and new extended sizing make it accessible to everyone. — Hayley Saltzman, former head of social

These gender-neutral Reef sandals are called a classic for a reason. They’re the perfect addition to any warm weather vacation and are incredibly comfortable. Unlike most sandals, these Drift Classics have great arch support that won’t make your feet ache and the soft straps don’t leave red marks on your feet. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

There’s no worse feeling than a dead phone battery and no memory of where you packed your charger. This cute and compact tech organizer keeps all my chargers, cables, earbuds and more tidy and in one spot, so they’re always easily accessible when I need them. There are two pockets inside, plus handy elastic loops for securing smaller items — and don’t forget the extra pocket on the outside (I usually keep my wired earbuds in there for easy access). With this case, loose cables in your carry-on are a thing of the past. — Chelsea Stone, senior editor

Like satin pillowcases help reduce friction, wrinkles and imprint lines on your face, this unique Mulberry eye mask does all that and more. The silicone dots on the inside of the mask help your facial muscles stay relaxed while sleeping — similar to how wrinkle patches work — and, according to the brand, stimulate receptors in the skin for deeper relaxation overall. While I’m not sure how exactly relaxation is measured, I do know that this mask has helped me sleep like a baby on flights at any time of day or night. I’ve found that the silicone dots have the practical benefit of helping the mask stay put on my face, so it won’t slip around or let light leak in during my slumber. Beauty rest, indeed! — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor

This power adapter is an absolute must-have if you're traveling internationally. It's got four easy-to-use settings — EU, UK, Australia and US —that will cover you in more than 150 countries. It can simultaneously charge five devices through its four USB ports and one universal AC socket. I've even started using it at home, as it can accommodate so many USB cords to charge up all of my devices at once. — Emily McNutt, senior travel editor

I can’t even get close to sleeping on the plane (or truthfully, anywhere) unless I have an eye mask with me. I can’t live without this eye mask from Ostrichpillow because it’s weighted and can get hot or cold, depending on how I store it and what my needs are at that particular moment. However, I use it as-is on the plane and it really helps to get me to sleep, and keep me asleep for a longer period of time. It blocks out every bit of light and has an adjustable strap, so it never slips off of my head. After using this eye mask during travel, I’ve legitimately noticed a decrease in my typical post-plane red, swollen and puffy eyes and under-eyes, as well as my inevitable painful migraines. — Stephanie Griffin, social lead

Whether I’m traveling by car, plane or train, it’s imperative I wear something that’ll keep me comfy and warm, but also something that’s practical and can be shed when it inevitably gets too hot. Enter this set, which has become my go-to for traveling. Not only is it super cute, but it’s legitimately the softest clothing I own and also has a slightly oversized fit, allowing for the utmost comfort. Each piece can be worn separately and is also available in 11 different colors, depending on your taste. — Stephanie Griffin, social lead

I won’t go anywhere without my holy grail eye cream, and thankfully it’s easy to travel with, thanks to the packaging. The Figaro Apothecary Eye Lift is creamy and oh-so-hydrating and is the perfect product to use after a long trip to look refreshed. It does a fantastic job of minimizing dark circles and the application tip is so easy to use. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

Ceremonia has officially become my favorite brand for hair products, so I’m thrilled that they have a travel-size kit of their best products. I use the Pequi Curl Activator almost every day, so it’s great to be able to bring it with me when I travel without having to carry around a giant bottle. — Hayley Saltzman, former head of social

One thing I will absolutely never travel without? These. Out of all of the under-eye eye masks I’ve ever tried (and I’ve tried a lot) these are the absolute best. They’re packed with an ultra-hydrating serum that sinks deep into the skin and results in glowy, de-puffed under-eyes. I’ve worn them on long car rides and even on planes — I have absolutely no shame! — Stephanie Griffin, social lead

If you enjoy a beach vacation as much as I do, you’re usually great about packing sunscreen. But do you ever remember to pack after sun lotion? My go-to sunscreen brand, Vacation, recently released an innovative soothing after-sun lotion that is unlike the ones we’ve all used as kids. This one isn’t sticky (!), smells incredible and is made with clean ingredients that immediately cools your skin. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

If you’re like me and never take off your jewelry even when you’re traveling, you need these. The towelettes are small and compact, so you can store them in your makeup bag or carry-on, and are also fast-drying, so they never leave a mess when you’re on the go. They instantly (and safely) remove everything from dirt and oil to beauty buildup and other residues from traveling, and always look new and shiny afterward. I don’t know how I ever traveled without them. — Stephanie Griffin, social lead

Traveling with your favorite perfume can be a hassle, and in the past, I’d forgo bringing any. Snif’s 10-milliliter mini bottles are TSA-friendly and are easy to take on all your travels. With the addition of the lightweight, durable case to stick the perfume in, the bottle will stay snug. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

Besides the fact that it fits perfectly into my Away suitcase, I love this hanging toiletry bag because it fits so many products. I am an overpacker, in particular when it comes to my many beauty products, and this hanging toiletry bag has been one of the first ones to truly fit all of my items. It’s deceptively spacious, yet it takes up less room in my suitcase than other toiletry bags I’ve tried, and once I get to my destination I can easily leave all of my products hanging in the bag for access. I’ve tried a variety of different bags and pouches over the years, and this one has been the most promising so far. — Hayley Saltzman, former head of social

This bag always comes with me when I travel because it keeps my products super-organized and tidy. And unlike my other toiletry organizers, this one stands upright, so I like storing my shampoo and conditioner and any other hair care or skin care essentials I want to prevent from spilling. It also features a handle on top for easy carrying, a zip-top closure, customizable compartments inside and an extra ring to hang things like scrunchies — all of which I absolutely love! — Stephanie Griffin, social lead

I have a habit of bringing way too much makeup with me on trips and have been trying really hard to keep my makeup bag from bursting. I recently got the Cream Highlight and Contour Sticks from 19/99 Beauty and they are incredible. These easy-to-use sticks replace the brushes and powder that will most likely spill everywhere and free up some space in my bag. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor