<p>Now, without further ado, scroll down to discover 18 of the best game-changing travel gadgets on the market, each handpicked by yours truly or endorsed by passionate <em>Cosmo</em> travelers. And just a friendly reminder: you can totally trust us when it comes to jetsetting. Just peep our <a href=”https://www.cosmopolitan.com/cosmo-must-visit-list/” target=”_blank” data-vars-ga-outbound-link=”https://www.cosmopolitan.com/cosmo-must-visit-list/” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink” data-vars-ga-call-to-action=”CosmoTrips”>CosmoTrips</a> section for proof! </p>”/>
1
this Bluetooth adapter
Twelve South Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter
1
this Bluetooth adapter
Twelve South Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter
Pros
- You can watch airplane movies with your wireless buds
- You can ditch the wired headphones completely
- Works for treadmill TVs at the gym, too!
Cons
- Battery life isn’t great
My AirPods are practically glued to my ears when I’m flying. Idc if that makes me sound antisocial, it’s true. And thanks to this lil wireless audio transmitter, I can watch seatback movies using my favorite earbuds, without the hassle of wired headphones (thanks, Bluetooth!). That means you no longer have to worry about awkwardly getting tangled up in headphone wires (just me??) or, worse, forgetting to pack a pair and being forced to stare into the airplane abyss for hours. Just get it.
2
this itty-bitty tracking device
Apple AirTag
2
this itty-bitty tracking device
Apple AirTag
Now 17% Off
Pros
- Fast and easy to set up
- Pinpoints the exact location of tracked belongings
- Long battery life (like, a year)
Cons
- Only works with Apple devices
As someone who’s no stranger to luggage mishaps, the Apple AirTag has been a total game-changer. I used to stress out big time about lost luggage, but now I can find my bag’s exact location in a flash via the Find My iPhone app. Oh, and AirTags aren’t just for luggage, FYI. You can slap one on your wallet, handbag, or even passport. It’s just great to know my belongings aren’t taking a vacation of their own, ya know?
3
this phone mount
Perilogics Universal In-Flight Phone Holder Mount
3
this phone mount
Perilogics Universal In-Flight Phone Holder Mount
Pros
- Allows you to watch your fave shows hands-free
- Rotates 360 degrees, so you can customize the angle
- Compatible with lots of different phones
Cons
- It makes a loud-ish noise when you change its configuration
With over 10,000 five-star ratings, this phone mount is a crowd favorite—and a godsend for those times when your plane doesn’t have seatback entertainment. Instead of holding your phone in your hand for hours to watch a movie—or balancing it precariously on any flat surface you can find—this device clips over your tray table and turns your phone into a mini TV. It even rotates 360 degrees, so you can adjust the viewing angle to your liking.
4
this universal travel adapter
Tessan Universal Travel Adapter
4
this universal travel adapter
Tessan Universal Travel Adapter
Pros
- Works all over the world
- Prongs fold down to conserve space
- Can charge up to six devices simultaneously
Cons
- A little bulky
My phone is pretty much always dead, but I try to be better about it while traveling internationally for the sake of, you know, my well-being. This charger has been a lifesaver of mine in Paris, Greece, Costa Rica, and more, with six slots (including three USB-Cs, two UBC-As, and a regular outlet) for juicing up your devices. Plus, the outlet has four plugs in one, covering over 150 different countries, which saves you from having to travel with multiple chargers if you’re globetrotting!
5
this practical cosmetic bag
Lay-n-Go Cosmo Drawstring Cosmetic and Makeup Bag
5
this practical cosmetic bag
Lay-n-Go Cosmo Drawstring Cosmetic and Makeup Bag
Pros
- Makes it possible to see all of your cosmetics at once (no digging!)
- Comes in playful patterns and vivid monochromes
- Raised sides keep your makeup products from sliding away
Cons
- Eyeshadow palettes don’t fit super well
Digging through a jam-packed makeup bag stresses me out to no end. So much so that I sometimes just end up pouring all the contents into the sink. (I know, it’s gross, but hey, I’m working on it!) This bag changes the game with a drawstring opening—it allows you to see everything at once, the raised rim keeps your cosmetics from rolling away, and when you’re done, you simply cinch it back up by pulling the string. There are also brush holders and zippered storage compartments to keep your most prized beauty products safe and sound.
6
this travel cup holder
Accmor Luggage Travel Cup Holder
6
this travel cup holder
Accmor Luggage Travel Cup Holder
Pros
- Holds up to two beverages
- Can be placed on the front or back of your luggage
- Has a zippered pocket on the back for other quick-grab items
Cons
- It’s not the most heavy-duty gadget out there (she’s a lil flimsy)
I can’t fully romanticize my travel experience unless I’m double-fisting an iced coffee and a bottle of water (or Diet Coke, depending on the day). But carrying said fluids through the airport is less than ideal, especially when you have multiple pieces of luggage. That’s why this clever travel companion, which straps onto your suitcase handle, was invented. With room for two drinks—one large and one small—you won’t have to risk losing your passport just to enjoy your coffee.
7
this hat clip
Lindsay Albanese TOPTOTE Leather Hat Holder
7
this hat clip
Lindsay Albanese TOPTOTE Leather Hat Holder
Pros
- Attaches to any bag
- Holds your hat with a magnet
Cons
- Doesn’t work with every type of hat (thicker ones might not hold)
I have squished one too many hats into my luggage for my liking, so I was determined to find a chic solution. This clever clip from Lindsay Albanese, which clips onto any bag and holds tight to the brim of your hat using uber-strong magnets, is that solution. It has since saved the lives of many of my accessories, and for that, I am thankful. Not only is it a smart travel gadget, but it’s also a cute accessory in its own right. It comes in a few different styles, but I love this chic black and brushed gold option.
8
this portable luggage scale
Travel Inspira Luggage Scale
8
this portable luggage scale
Travel Inspira Luggage Scale
Now 40% Off
Pros
- Hundreds of shoppers attest to its impressive accuracy
- Can weigh baggage up to 110 pounds
- Has a low-battery indicator
Cons
- You have to lift the weight of your luggage to measure, which can be heavy!!
As someone who’s had to pay an overweight luggage fee more than I’d like to admit, this luggage scale couldn’t have come into my life quicker. Just turn it on, hook it onto the top handle of your suitcase, lift it, and watch as the LCD screen lights up with your bag’s weight. Then you can either rearrange and retry, or pat yourself on the back for a job well done. And for less than $10?! Think about how much money you could save in the long run. Girl math, ftw.
9
this travel makeup mirror
Mocado LED Foldable Travel Makeup Mirror
9
this travel makeup mirror
Mocado LED Foldable Travel Makeup Mirror
Pros
- Three LED light settings: cool, warm, and neutral
- Includes a velvet storage bag
- Comes with a small magnifying mirror that suctions onto the big one
Cons
- Some shoppers complained about the battery life
Raise your hand if hotel bathroom lighting has done you dirty in the past (✋). If you, too, have been victimized, then you’ll want to pack this foldable travel mirror. It’s slim, so it won’t hog space, and it’s equipped with LED lights to ensure your makeup will look as flawless in the shining sun as it does indoors. Bonus: It comes with a small magnifying mirror, perfect for eyebrow tweezing and intricate eye looks.
10
this travel steamer
Conair Power Steam Handheld Travel Garment Steamer
10
this travel steamer
Conair Power Steam Handheld Travel Garment Steamer
Pros
- Heats up quickly
- Has dual voltage option for world travelers
- Comes in both neutral and bold colors
Cons
- It’s a little bulky
Most hotels have irons and ironing boards, but a rare few will leave you high and dry…and that can be a downright outfit ruiner. That’s where this cute and compact travel garment steamer comes in. What makes it stand out from the pack? Well, for starters, it literally stands out with its fun color options. Plus, it’s super easy to use. Just fill up the water reservoir, turn it on, and it’ll heat up quickly to effortlessly remove wrinkles. Trust me, you didn’t want to lug out the ironing board anyway.
11
this handheld fan
JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan
11
this handheld fan
JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan
Now 42% Off
Pros
- Has nearly a full day’s worth of battery life
- Doubles as a phone charger and flashlight
- Can fold to sit on a flat surface
Cons
- Battery life depletes quickly when used as a phone charger
When my friend whipped this personal fan out of her handbag when I was melting in Disney World last year, I knew I had to buy one as soon as I got home. With just the push of a button, it springs to life to cool you down. You can hold it in your hand and direct it at your pretty face (like I did in front of the Hollywood Tower of Terror), or fold it down to a 90-degree angle to use as a tabletop fan. And get this—it even doubles as a phone charger and flashlight, because, hey, why not?
12
these perfume containers
Kayzon Mini Refillable Perfume Atomizer
12
these perfume containers
Kayzon Mini Refillable Perfume Atomizer
Pros
- Easy to fill with your fave perfume
- You can ditch the full-sized bottles and save precious space
- Comes in packs of three through eight
Cons
- A few people dealt with minor leakage
FYI, you don’t need to splurge on the travel-sized version of your favorite perfume. Nor do you have to take a gamble by tossing a full-sized bottle in your checked luggage. Here’s the trick: Scoop up a set of these refillable spray bottles, which will help you pack only what you need. You just take the little cap off your go-to scent, attach the atomizer to it, and press up and down to fill the container. (You can see when it’s full through the glass window.) Then pop the cap back on and voilà! You’ll have a five-milliliter bottle that’ll keep you smelling good the whole trip.
13
this clip-on portable charger
Rorry Portable Apple Watch Charger
13
this clip-on portable charger
Rorry Portable Apple Watch Charger
Pros
- Has a built in USB cord
- Can charge iPhone and Apple Watch simultaneously
- Has a keychain attachment to clip onto a bag
Cons
- Doesn’t come with charging cable (to charge the device itself)
If you’re anything like me and can never remember to charge your phone and/or Apple Watch, I highly recommend snagging this wireless charger. Just clip it onto your bag, and you’ll always be ready to give your devices the much-needed juice they deserve. I’m obsessed with the fact that it comes with a built-in USB cord, so I don’t have to rummage through my bag to find a separate one (that I probably forgot anyways).
14
this neck fan
Samisko Portable Bladeless Neck Fan
14
this neck fan
Samisko Portable Bladeless Neck Fan
Pros
- V lightweight
- Three cooling settings
- Design prevents hair from getting stuck
Cons
- It’s a tad loud (but could be a pro if you like white noise)
One of my best friends is an anxious and sweaty flier. (She gave me her blessing to say that.) Because of this, she has a whole goodie bag of in-flight essentials, including this neck fan, which she says is the next best thing to having a personal AC. With three settings to choose from (with one being the least intense and three being the chilliest), it’s ideal for staying cool, calm, and collected wherever necessary.
15
this reusable lint roller
Tecogue Washable Reusable Gel Lint Roller
15
this reusable lint roller
Tecogue Washable Reusable Gel Lint Roller
Pros
- Easy to clean with water—no soap necessary
- Less wasteful than traditional lint rollers
- Small enough to stash in your purse
Cons
- Since it’s small, it can’t collect *that* much debris
I’m constantly covered in dog fur thanks to my perpetually shedding corgi, Cooper. I usually lug a big-ass lint roller around at all times, but it’s not exactly travel-friendly. Enter this little ball-shaped roller, that has a sticky texture you can roll over your clothes to grab debris, fur, crumbs—you name it. The cherry on top? You can rinse and reuse it without it losing stickiness.
16
this streaming stick
Roku 4K/HD Streaming Stick With Remote Control
16
this streaming stick
Roku 4K/HD Streaming Stick With Remote Control
Now 22% Off
Pros
- Works with all the big streaming services, like like Netflix, Apple TV+, Prime Video, and more
- Compact and easy to throw in your personal item
Cons
- Can be challenging to connect to WiFi, per some reviewers
Jump right back into your favorite show after a long travel day with this compact Roku streaming stick. During the device’s initial setup, you’ll log into all of your streaming services, so when you’re ready to watch at your destination, you’ll barely have to lift a finger. Just plug it into any TV’s HDMI outlet, and you’ll be all set to binge-watch shows from Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV+, and more without the hassle of logging in (goodbye password guessing game).
17
this multipurpose charging cable
Top-Up 4-in-1 Magnetic Charging Cable
17
this multipurpose charging cable
Top-Up 4-in-1 Magnetic Charging Cable
Now 15% Off
Pros
- Charges up to four devices simultaneously
- Reduces the amount of wires getting tangled up in your bag
- Great for juicing up all your devices overnight
Cons
- The individual charging cables are a little short
I won’t pretend to be the most organized person around, but this four-in-one charger definitely helps me level up. It can juice up four devices simultaneously, with connectors for pretty much any piece of technology you can think of. (Seriously, it’s too many to list!)
Pros
- Can hold thousands of e-books
- Has a ten-week(!) battery life
- Glare-free display looks like real paper
Cons
- Doesn’t display in color—just black and white
Got a hefty TBR list and an upcoming vacay? Talk about a match made in heaven! But let’s be real: Cramming a buncha books into your carry-on can feel like a form of torture. Fear not, though, friends, because this waterproof e-reader is here to save the day. You’ll no longer have to stress about being able to fit all seven of your novels in one bag, nor accidentally soaking the pages of your next chapter.
Marisa Petrarca is a contributing beauty writer for Cosmopolitan.com. In the rare case that she’s not working on a story, you can find her testing new makeup, skin, or hair launches, binge-watching bad reality TV, or diligently working (but failing) to get her inbox to zero. Her work has appeared on The Zoe Report, POPSUGAR, and GRAZIA USA, among others. Follow her on Instagram for corgi photos and shameless self-promotion.
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