32 Genius Products That Make Traveling Easier

Frequent travel is made easier with a reliable carry-on like this softside model from Briggs & Riley. You can expand this suitcase for 25% more packing space. It has multiple zippered pockets, including a hidden pocket for a tracker and a pouch to hold a portable battery. The telescopic handle is on the outside of the luggage, so it won’t damage your clothes when you move it up or down (a common concern with other suitcases).

TEST RESULTS: “This suitcase has all the convenient organizational aspects I like (including enough pockets to meet my needs), and the handle and wheels work smoothly so that it is almost effortless to roll,” noted a tester. Textiles Lab analysts agreed: It fit every item in our packing tests in its spacious and well-organized interior, and it held up to drop testing.

You can check your suitcase with confidence when it is this durable yet lightweight one from Samsonite. It has of a polypropylene shell with a sleek design and four spinner wheels for smooth maneuvering. The interior has both zippered compartments and compression straps to keep your garments and toiletries secure. It’s sold in six shades, including neutrals and trendy hues.

TEST RESULTS: “I love the size of this luggage; it's perfect for a checked bag, big enough to comfortably fit enough things for a longer trip but not so big that you can overfill it or go overweight,” said one tester, who filled it with clothes for her whole family. “The expansion zipper was particularly helpful for our flight home, as we added a few bulkier souvenirs and needed a bit more space.” Travel pros liked the ergonomic handle with a hidden button to adjust the height smoothly and easily.

With its unique look and feminine detailing, this Vera Bradley checked spinner is sure to stand out at baggage claim. It features a hardside exterior with a faux quilted design to mimic the brand’s popular duffel. This case comes with a luggage tag and a dedicated laundry bag. Plus, the interior includes a colorful patterned lining.

TEST RESULTS: The durable exterior showed no scratches or dings after our scratch-resistance testing, and our travel testers said it looked great after use. “I just traveled internationally for five nights with my 4- year-old, and we had more than enough space,” said one tester. “The luggage stands out and is easy to spot in a sea of other luggage,” noted another. “I can’t see any wear and tear yet, and this suitcase has been dragged out and shoved in repeatedly, and it’s taken two trips via plane.”

Sized perfectly for smaller frames, Away’s newest kids’ carry-on features the same durable polycarbonate shell as on the brand’s signature luggage in a more compact size with fun, bold shades for kids. The clamshell interior helps keep them organized with both open and zippered compartments.

TEST RESULTS: Textiles Lab pros and parents alike appreciated that the adjustable handle extended to the same full height as all other Away luggage, making it convenient for both adults and kids to maneuver the suitcase. “My daughter absolutely adored this luggage,” said a tester who brought this suitcase on a trip to France. “It felt durable yet was lightweight and easy to pack.” The strong outer shell held up after repeated drops in our lab’s durability analysis.

Featuring an impressive 58-liter capacity, this spacious Vera Bradley duffel bag is ideal for long weekend trips. The outer quilted fabric is available in solid shades, paisley patterns, floral prints, and seasonal motifs. Plus, the whole bag is machine washable, making it easy to clean after traveling.

TEST RESULTS: The Textiles Lab has been recommending Vera Bradley duffels for years because of the brand’s beautiful print options and sturdy design. Testers loved this one too: “The bag holds way more than I originally thought—it’s surprisingly spacious without feeling bulky,” noted one. “On top of that, it’s incredibly lightweight, so even when it’s fully packed it’s still comfortable to carry around.” Another reviewer said this bag was “quick to pack, cute to look at, and made with an easy-to-maintain fabric.”

Weekender bags need to be spacious enough to fit what you need while being lightweight and compact to carry—and this luxury Victorinox duffel checks every box. It includes top handles and a removable shoulder strap for two carrying options. The wide opening makes packing easier, and when it’s closed, magnets keep the zippered ends neatly in place for a streamlined look.

TEST RESULTS: Testers were able to fit in enough clothes for long-weekend getaways with room to spare. “The bag was almost bottomless,” raved one tester. “You can keep stacking and packing.” Another tester called it “a great unisex bag that works well for my husband or me because of its sleek design.” A reviewer even said it was the “best-looking piece of luggage” they had.

The ergonomic design features on this Alpaca backpack help distribute weight for comfortable carrying. It includes padded back panels and an adjustable sternum strap that can move up or down. The 23-liter pack has two side pockets and plenty of interior organizational compartments.

TEST RESULTS: “It looks professional, sleek, and sophisticated, and I was wowed by the incredible amount of compartments and storage inside,” said a tester who brought this pack on both business travel and a family vacation. All testers said it fit everything they needed (including laptops), and one noted that the roomy side pockets could accommodate large water bottles. Textiles Lab analysts applauded the easily accessible stash pockets in the front that could hold important items while keeping them secure.

Designed to fit everything you need on the go while fitting within most airlines’ personal-item size restrictions, this Portland Gear backpack has a wide wire-frame opening to accommodate bulkier items. The waterproof exterior helps keep contents protected even in inclement weather. This pack includes helpful travel features like a hidden zippered pocket on the back and a trolley sleeve. It’s available in more than 15 colors, including bright shades like purple and red.

TEST RESULTS: Both Lab analysts and travel testers found it easy to pack this bag and were impressed by how much fit in it. “It’s super spacious, and the shape of the top makes it really easy to access everything inside,” noted a tester. “It also fit perfectly under the airline seat and was easy to grab by the top handle.”

This ingenious Coop travel pillow allows you to enjoy comfy neck support on long flights without dragging along a bulky pillow. It’s partially filled with the brand’s signature blend of cross-cut memory foam and polyester clusters, and it includes a built-in pump to inflate it to its full size. You can wear the contoured shape six different ways for optimal support when sleeping in various seated positions. Plus, the cover is removable and machine-washable.

TEST RESULTS: Lab analysts found that it took just 30 seconds to fully inflate this pillow. They also highlighted the drawcord that can be adjusted for a snug fit. “It is compact, so it saves valuable space,” noted one tester. Multiple reviewers appreciated its compact size, easy-to-clean design, and comfortable feel. “It really feels like they thought of everything,” said one, who called it her new go-to travel pillow.

Keep tabs on your passport when traveling internationally with this Satechi passport cover that includes a built-in tracker that pairs seamlessly with Apple’s Find My technology so you won’t need an additional app. Its faux-leather material looks stylish while holding your passport, IDs, credit cards, and travel documents. The cover offers RFID protection to help keep your information secure.

TEST RESULTS: Tech analysts liked the easy setup that allowed for instantly beginning to track in real time. “Having the integrated Find My [technology] meant I no longer had to shove an AirTag into my passport cover and pray it didn’t fall out, so this solved a very specific problem I did have,” said one tester. “The material feels high-quality and durable, and it fared well throughout my summer of constant travel.”

Whether you’re on the beach or in your backyard, the Elegear pop-up tent offers UPF 50+ sun protection. The tent folds into a small package and can be stored in an included carrying case. There are mesh windows on the sides (with optional covers) to allow airflow inside the sun shelter. It also includes an optional canopy for extra sun cover outside the tent.

TEST RESULTS: All testers said they would continue using this sun tent on future trips because of its compact size and convenience for toting. “I like how lightweight and compact the packaging is; it’s super easy to transfer even after it’s refolded and put away post-use,” said one. “I also like how you can open the back curtain for some extra sun or a breeze, and the canopy is nice too—especially since you can leave it closed or prop it open.”

Bring your furry friends on your next trip with Lesure’s portable dog crate. It’s sold in four sizes to fit both smaller pets and larger breeds (up to 90 pounds). The crate features a sturdy frame, a built-in leash, and breathable mesh sides. The soft sherpa mat is removable and machine-washable. It all folds down into an included carrying bag.

TEST RESULTS: All testers reported that they liked using this crate and that their dogs, from Chihuahuas to Australian shepherds, were happy in it. “I love the material, as opposed to a metal dog crate,” said one. “There is more flexibility with traveling, and our dog seems a lot more comfortable in it!” Multiple testers appreciated the crate’s mesh sides that allow ample airflow to prevent the dog inside from overheating.

These 2XU socks offer moderate compression to help prevent swelling without feeling restrictive. The material is a blend of nylon, cotton, and lycra, allowing it to have moisture-wicking capabilities while feeling soft and comfortable. The solid black, unisex design can fit most sizes from a women's 5/ men's 3.5 to a women's 15.5/men's 14.

TEST RESULTS: Lab analysts appreciated the comfort-focused design with a seamless toe box and vented panel for breathability. One tester called it "tight enough to offer compression but not so tight they are uncomfortable," and said they wore this pair on eight different trips, including four- to 12-hour plane rides. "They really helped with circulation after a longer flight."

Travel clothing should feel cozy while in-transit without causing you to overheat. This zip hoodie from Huk does just that. It's made with a buttery-soft spacer fabric using a modal, polyester, and spandex blend for impressive breathability and a cooler feel. The slightly cropped fit is flattering and versatile, pairing well with all types of bottoms. It's sold in four shades, including the stylish green pictured here.

TEST RESULTS: GH's fiber scientists pointed out the silky-smooth feel of the innovative fabric—and testers agreed. Testers especially liked wearing this hoodie when in transit because of its breathable, lightweight feel that offers a bit of coziness without feeling hot or stuffy. "This super soft hoodie was the perfect companion for my eight-hour flight. I never felt sweaty or too hot once!"

Stay hydrated with this smart water bottle from LARQ. It includes an effective and removable filter straw to purify your water by removing contaminants as you drink. Plus, the smart sensors in the bottle track each sip with the brand's phone app, meaning you can monitor your water intake each day. The bottle charges via a USB-C port and one charge lasts for up to two to three weeks of use.

TEST RESULTS: It didn't leak at all during drop testing by our kitchen gear analysts. One tester called it a "do-it-all water bottle," applauding its smart capabilities and great tasting water. Another tester shared, "The filtration [straw] is handy, especially during trips when you may not always have access to filtered water." All testers liked the removable handle and the bottle's appearance, with one calling it a "sleek design."

Owala's newest launch features a comfortable top-handle for convenient carrying and a lockable lid to prevent spills when traveling. The brand's popular FreeSip spout lets you drink two ways: through an open spout or as a straw. The contoured shape of the bottle is cup holder–friendly and provides an ergonomic grip. This bottle is sold in 15 trendy shades and in 30- or 40-ounce capacities.

TEST RESULTS: "The top handle was great when traveling to hook onto my bag or carry when on the move," shared one tester, who brought this water bottle on three trips, adding that it's "definitely the prettiest water bottle I've ever seen." Kitchen Lab analysts found that the bottle kept water cold after 24 hours and they liked that it fit into car cup holders.

With these travel-friendly noise-canceling headphones from Sony, you can tune out your environment, whether on an airplane or at a noisy hotel. They feature up to 30 hours of battery life, comfortable padding, and exceptional sound quality. Their lightweight, foldable design makes them easy to transport inside the included travel case.

TEST RESULTS: “These sound amazing. They’re some of the clearest, most full-range headphones I’ve ever listened through,” said a GH engineer and audiophile who was impressed by their noise cancellation and low distortion. Testers also found the headphones extremely lightweight and, as one said, “very comfortable on the ears.”

Keep your packing to a minimum and leave excess cables and chargers at home. This 3-in-1 wireless charger from Satechi can power your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously. It features a slim, foldable, compact design that makes it easy to transport. Plus, it's just as convenient and useful when you're charging devices at home.

TEST RESULTS: GH tech experts found the Satechi effective at charging their Apple devices, and testers liked that it barely took up any space in their travel bags. “It is so convenient for traveling, as I only have to remember to pack one charger versus three,” said one. Testers also loved that it charged devices quickly.

They may look like ordinary glasses, but these interactive Ray-Ban Meta frames can capture high-quality photos and videos with the quick press of a button or hands-free with the command “Hey Meta”. You can also use them to send text and voice messages, make phone calls, take video calls, listen to music, translate conversations in real time, and more.

TEST RESULTS: One GH Institute expert and mom of two found the glasses perfect for a trip to Disney World, claiming that they enhanced her experience because she didn’t need to hold up a phone or a camera to record unexpected moments: “These were amazing for travel because I was able to capture my memories easily and hands-free, from my point of view.” Testers were also impressed by the quality of the photos and videos as well as how easy it was to import footage onto their phones.

An all-electric travel trailer, Lightship offers an innovative and premium RV experience that runs on solar power. It features an aerodynamic shape to help reduce towing drag as well as modern, connected amenities and appliances powered by electricity instead of gas.

TEST RESULTS: Not only were testers impressed by how spacious it was, but as one noted, they loved that “just about every aspect of the RV was controllable from a tablet that was easy and intuitive to use.” On top of a high-tech interior lighting system, large windows, a “spacious and functional” bathroom, and an interior floor plan that was “thoughtfully designed, comfortable, packed with great storage, and lovely to spend time in,” testers loved switching between Road Mode and Camp Mode, which adjusted the trailer’s profile to make it better suited for either towing or stationary use.

You can carry Lysol’s disinfecting wipes on every trip thanks to these convenient to-go-size packs. The wipes kill 99.9% of viruses (like cold and flu) and bacteria (like Salmonella and E. coli) when used as directed. They’re formulated to be used on a variety of surfaces, including electronics.

TEST RESULTS: GH Cleaning Lab pros have been recommending these wipes for years because of their ability to kill germs and the pack’s convenience for easy transport. Testers agreed: “I liked how moist it stayed; I was able to wipe down the seat belts, trays, TVs, arm rests, and more for me and my two children with just two wipes,” said one. “The packaging kept everything wet inside as well; I used it over the course of two weeks, and the wipes stayed sufficiently wet.”

Zevo’s body spray helps keep mosquitoes and ticks at bay with eight-hour protection. It’s designed to be odorless and non-sticky and to go on skin smoothly. Regularly recommended for use for children, the formula is powered by IR3535, a synthetic amino acid that binds to the same sensory receptor as DEET does. The aerosol application is helpful in covering a wide area.

TEST RESULTS: Our testers found that the repellent was comfortable to wear and didn’t feel heavy on skin, even through camping, hiking, and beach excursions. GH chemists and outdoor editors regularly recommend this reliable repellent for families because of its unscented formula designed for sensitive skin.

Curb mosquito bite itching before it even starts with these medication-free patches from Moskinto. The grid-shaped stickers gently lift the outer layers of the skin to encourage the lymphatic system to drain mosquito's saliva (which is what causes itching). The traveling case makes it easy to keep these on hand.

TEST RESULTS: All testers reported that these patches were effective at preventing itchiness from mosquito bites with many saying they plan to bring them on all future trips. "I feel relief almost instantly after putting the patch on," shared one tester who called herself a "mosquito magnet." Another tester shared, "The case is slim and sturdy and I love that I don’t need to worry about aerosol rules or liquid capacity when flying."

A supportive footbed is key when you’re racking up thousands of steps a day during vacation. These multipurpose insoles from Dr. Scholl’s work in everything from sneakers to boots. They use memory foam and gel filled with small beads designed to return energy to your feet. Sold in both men’s and women’s sizes, the insoles have markings at the top to indicate where to trim them for each shoe size.

TEST RESULTS: Loved by both Textiles Lab analysts and consumer testers, these insoles offer gentle arch support with a cushy feel and fit nicely into a variety of footwear. “They are cushy and supportive without making the shoe feel too tight or overcrowded,” said a tester who wore these for several days of travel. “I was really impressed with how much they helped my feet avoid fatigue after super long wear times and intense travel.”

Coterie's popular wipes are made of a sturdy cloth that's impressively soft. The compact travel-size container features a snap-shut top to prevent the wipes from drying out, meaning you always have a moist wipe when on the go. These wipes are larger than traditional wipes to tackle bigger messes with just one wipe.

TEST RESULTS: "I never thought I would be this passionate about baby wipes, but here we are," shared one tester who said she plans to only use these wipes going forward. "They have absolutely saved me during travel, specifically during a few mid-flight blowouts with my son." Other users liked that the wipes are great for all types of messes without ripping. When GH analysts conducted a blind comparison test, consumer testers rated these wipes as the softest.

Bring lullabies, white noise, and nature sounds wherever you go thanks to this mini Yogasleep sound machine. Featuring six noise options, including the Dohm fan sound, and up to 34 hours of battery life, this compact device is the perfect solution for creating a calm, soothing sleep environment.

TEST RESULTS: Parent testers described the machine’s sounds as “really lovely" and "super soothing" for their little ones, noting that the sound quality was clear and high-quality for a portable device. They also claimed that the device was easy and intuitive to use, appreciating its backlit buttons, dimmable night-light, and carabiner clip to make it possible to attach to strollers when napping.

Keep kids entertained during travels with this screen-free, compact audio player from Yoto that’ll easily fit inside a bag. Just pop a Yoto Card in to play engaging stories, music, podcasts, or educational content without distractions like ads or open Internet access. It features up to 14 hours of playback on a single charge and has a kid-friendly interface.

TEST RESULTS: Parent testers raved about the Yoto Mini and found it a great source of entertainment for long car rides, as well as easy and intuitive to use. “We used it while on vacation recently and it made nap/bedtime in an unfamiliar place so much easier as he was able to relax and listen until he fell asleep,” said one parent. Others found that it held up well even after being dropped multiple times.

Sunscreen is a travel essential, but it's often one of the biggest hassles. With Neutrogena's easy-to-use stick, the sunscreen glides on kids' skin, saving parents time and mess. The active ingredient is zinc oxide, giving it broad-spectrum protection and a SPF of 60+.

TEST RESULTS: "With young kids, application can be a nightmare and the application was quick and easy!" raved one parent. Others said it was just as easy for their older kids to apply the sunscreen themselves, and our GH chemists confirmed it spread more easily than other formulas. Beyond that, parents found it easy to travel with, especially because it minimized the risk of leaky sunscreen bottles.

It’d be tough to find a carrier lighter and more compact and travel-friendly than this one from Tula. It’s designed to fold up into its own waistband when not in use, so it takes up as little space as possible. It is made with a breathable, quick-drying fabric and includes both a UPF 50+ hood—ideal for shielding babies from the sun—and a pocket for small essentials like phones, snacks, or diapers.

TEST RESULTS: “We keep this carrier permanently in our stroller now because it is so compact,” said one GH analyst and mom. Parent testers described the fabric as “super breathable and airy,” making it a great choice for beach days, as well as “extremely lightweight” and “convenient given all the items we need to carry for our children.” While it doesn’t offer as much structure as bulkier carriers, parents loved that it helped reduce the overall load for a trip.

Created for families on the go, this Bugaboo travel stroller offers a more convenient way to get around with little ones. Lightweight, stylish, and crafted with attention to detail, it folds up nicely into a small size that’s self-standing and air-cabin friendly. It also features larger wheels for a smoother ride, a spacious under-seat basket, and a back seat pocket.

TEST RESULTS: GH analysts couldn’t get over this model's impressive one-handed, one-second fold. Parent testers also raved about its lightweight, compact design that made it easy to navigate down airplane aisles, store in overhead cabins, and squeeze into car trunks. They also appreciated the stroller’s expansive canopy and peekaboo window, perfect for sunny vacations. “It has all the features of a full-size stroller, but it's just compact,” said one parent.

Featuring ample padding, a compact design, and one-hand fold, the Joolz Aer2 keeps kids comfy while still fitting inside most car trunks and overhead bins. Weighing only 13.2 pounds, it’s lightweight without sacrificing its generous under-seat basket, extended sun hood, and larger wheels.

TEST RESULTS: “Traveling with this stroller was a dream,” praised one parent tester. Both GH analysts and testers found that it rolled smoothly, was easy to maneuver, and collapsed quickly so it could fit in tight spaces. “It’s sleek and stylish while still being super functional,” said one parent. Parents also found the various recline options helpful in making their little ones comfortable.

Weighing 12.8 pounds and able to fold into a compact, self-standing package, this booster seat from CYBEX is an ideal solution for traveling families. It features a convenient carrying handle for easy portability, as well as a height-adjustable headrest to grow with your child and help keep them within the car seat’s safety zone.

TEST RESULTS: Practical, convenient, and just as suitable for everyday use, parents were impressed with the CYBEX’s folding feature, calling it nothing short of “amazing” and a must for travel. “It’s lightweight and super easy to install, which makes traveling or switching cars a breeze,” said one parent. Other parents appreciated its robust padding and smart space-saving design. “It’s compact enough to just throw in the trunk without losing space,” said a tester.