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12 spring travel must-haves for a smooth getaway

From tech to fashion, the best finds to keep things hassle-free.

Three Touchland hand sanitizers on a colored background Credit: Reviewed / Touchland

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Spring is in the air and you know what that means, right? Your spring trip (or trips!) is just around the corner. While traveling is exciting, it can also be a total headache. Between figuring out what to pack, dealing with long travel days, and somehow keeping everything organized and on schedule, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. And if you’re traveling with kids? Forget it.

That’s why I’ve made it my mission to find the best travel essentials that actually make life easier. These are the must-haves that help me stay organized, comfortable, and maybe even a little stylish and feeling confident while on the go. Whether you’re jetting off on a long-haul flight, heading out for a weekend road trip, or just trying to survive airport security with your sanity intact, these finds will make your next trip so much smoother.

A Game-Changer for In-Flight Entertainment

You know that moment when you settle into your airplane seat, excited to watch a movie, only to realize your fancy wireless headphones are completely useless with the seatback screen? Been there. That’s why I never travel without the Twelve South AirFly SE Bluetooth Wireless Transmitter. It lets me connect my AirPods or wireless headphones to in-flight entertainment, gym equipment, or anything with a headphone jack. With 20+ hours of battery life and a pocket-sized design, it’s the travel hack I never knew I needed.

Product image of Airfly dapter
Airfly dapter

An easy way to make sure you can pass time on your flight.

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at Amazon

The Book I’m Packing

I refuse to travel without a good book, and right now, I’m obsessed with Funny Story by Emily Henry. If you need a light, funny, and charming read for your trip, this one is perfect—whether you’re lounging on the beach, killing time at the airport, or hiding from your travel companions for a little alone time.

Product image of Funny Story by Emily Henry
Funny Story by Emily Henry

A NYT Notable Book of 2024

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at Amazon

Hand Sanitizer, But Make It Fancy

Let’s be honest. Travel is a germ-fest. But the Touchland Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Trio makes staying clean way more enjoyable. These little sprays smell amazing (Mint, Citrus, and Lemon Lime are my favorites), don’t dry out my hands, and fit perfectly in my bag. Bonus: the packaging is so sleek, I actually don’t mind pulling it out in public.

Product image of Touchland Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Spray, FRESH Trio Set
Touchland Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Spray, FRESH Trio Set

These slim sprays are all the rage.

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at Amazon

Sunglasses That Stay Put

Nothing is more frustrating than digging through your bag trying to find your sunglasses—especially when you know they’re in there somewhere. That’s why I love the Squeeze Top Sunglass Pouch (it includes two!). It keeps my sunglasses safe, scratch-free, and easy to grab when I need them. No more crushed shades at the bottom of my tote.

Product image of Squeeze-Top Sunglasses Pouch (2)
Squeeze-Top Sunglasses Pouch (2)

You'll be happy to have it when you're scrambling for your sunnies.

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at Amazon

The Skincare Kit That Saves My Face

Between recycled airplane air, changing climates, and long days out and about, traveling is rough on my skin. The TULA Skin Care On the Go Best Sellers Travel Kit has everything I need in a TSA-friendly size—a cleanser, exfoliator, moisturizer, and vitamin C serum. It keeps my skin hydrated, glowing, and selfie-ready, even after a red-eye flight.

Product image of TULA Skin Care On the Go Best Sellers Travel Kit
TULA Skin Care On the Go Best Sellers Travel Kit

Perfectly sized to take with you anywhere.

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at Amazon

A Power Bank That Lasts

There’s nothing worse than having your phone die mid-travel day, especially when you need it for directions, boarding passes, or keeping yourself entertained. The INIU Portable Charger—the slimmest 10,000mAh power bank—is super lightweight, fast-charging, and holds enough power to keep my phone alive all day. No more frantic searches for an outlet at the airport or missing the chance to capture some special family moment on your trip.

Product image of INIU Portable Charger
INIU Portable Charger

A dead phone can't take pictures!

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at Amazon

Packing Cubes = My Secret Weapon

If you’re not using packing cubes yet, you’re seriously missing out. The Bagsmart Set of 6 Compression Packing Cubes have changed the way I pack. They keep everything organized, make it easy to find what I need, and somehow let me fit twice as much in my suitcase. Packing stress? Gone!

Product image of Bagsmart Set of 6 Compression Packing Cubes
Bagsmart Set of 6 Compression Packing Cubes

The best way to stop yourself from overpacking.

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at Amazon

A Travel-Size Makeup Mirror

Hotel bathroom lighting is the worst. The FUNTOUCH Rechargeable Travel Makeup Mirror with LED Lights gives me perfect lighting anywhere and is small enough to fit in my bag. Whether I’m getting ready in a dim hotel room or touching up my makeup in the car, this mirror makes life easier. It also features three different lighting options and a dimmable touchscreen.

Product image of FUNTOUCH Rechargeable Travel Makeup Mirror
FUNTOUCH Rechargeable Travel Makeup Mirror

Carve out your own little spot to do your makeup.

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at Amazon

The Most Comfy Travel Pillow Ever

I’ve tried every travel pillow out there, and the Huzi Infinity Pillow is by far the best. Forget about those big, hard ones you see in all the airports. This one is super soft, completely adjustable, and lets me sleep in any position without waking up with a stiff neck. Whether I’m on a plane, in the car, or just napping at my Airbnb, this pillow is a lifesaver (especially on a plane).

Product image of Huzi Infinity Travel Pillow
Huzi Infinity Travel Pillow

It's flexibility is a major win.

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at Amazon

Separate Those Shoes

I used to just put my shoes in my suitcase and hope for the best. Then I started using ziplock bags, which got expensive (and wasteful). But the Mossio Shoe Bag is so much better—and better for the planet. It keeps my shoes separate from my clothes, holds up to three pairs, and makes packing way easier. Plus, I don't have to stress about my shoes' dirty soles touching my clean clothes.

Product image of Mossio Shoe Travel Bag
Mossio Shoe Travel Bag

Don't let those dirty shoe bottoms touch your nice, clean stuff.

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at Amazon

The Versatile Travel Tote

A good travel bag needs to be lightweight, roomy, and stylish enough to take anywhere, and the Travel Woven Tote Bag checks all the boxes. I can use it as a carry-on, a beach bag, and even an everyday purse while traveling. It fits everything I need without feeling bulky, which is basically a miracle. And, of course, it totally looks like the perfect spring travel tote.

Product image of Vegan Woven Travel Tote Bag
Vegan Woven Travel Tote Bag

Perfectly sized to take with you everywhere and perfectly styled for spring (and beyond).

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at Amazon

The Sandals I’ll Be Wearing All Spring

If there’s one thing I need when I travel, it’s a pair of sandals that go with everything and won’t destroy my feet. The FITORY Women's Flat Sandals with Square Open Toe are comfy enough for all-day wear, cute enough to dress up, and easy to throw in my bag. Perfect for sightseeing, dinner, or just strolling around town. The neutral color choices really make them versatile!

Product image of FITORY Women's Flat Sandals with Top Knot
FITORY Women's Flat Sandals with Top Knot

Available in a few neutral colors, these knot-top sandals are super cute and comfy.

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at Amazon

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