Listen, I've dragged suitcases through enough airports and survived enough questionable hotel bathrooms to know what actually works when you're living your best travel life. These aren't your typical "influencer must-haves" that look pretty but fall apart the second you use them—these are the products that have earned their spot in my luggage through real-world testing. From sunglasses that can handle Saharan sandstorms to pajamas that double as socially acceptable daywear, this is my no-BS guide to the stuff that actually makes travel (and life) better. Fair warning: once you try some of these, there's no going back to whatever you were using before.

Dollger Sunglases on transparent background — *Dollger Sunglases, $14 on* *Amazon*

Dollger Sunglasses

If these $14 bad boys can survive me getting lost in a sandstorm in the Sahara (true story) and navigate the absolute chaos of Moroccan souks without a scratch, they can definitely handle your morning coffee run or that questionable decision to eat street tacos at 2am. They're basically indestructible, pack flat in any bag, and go with everything.

Acelitt Pants

Let's be real—these are pajamas that somehow convinced society they're real pants, and I'm here for this deception. The elastic waist is basically a love letter to every street food adventure and "let's try one more tapas place" moment. Plus, they have ACTUAL pockets (not those fake decorative nonsense pockets that can barely hold a chapstick). They're so ridiculously soft that I may have ordered a backup pair in another color because I'm not above wearing the same "pants" three days in a row. Sue me.

Two boxes of Glitter Freckles on a transparent background. — *Glitter Freckles, $14 on* *Amazon*

Glitter Freckles Face Tattoos

We used these backstage at Blue Ox Music Festival, and everyone wanted to know where we got our "cute freckles." These little beauties last all day through festival chaos and add just the right amount of sparkle without making you look like you wrestled with a kindergarten art project. Perfect for when you want to feel like a fairy but still maintain some dignity.

Unicorn Snot Glitter Sunscreen

I love a beauty product that can multitask. SPF 30 that makes you sparkle? Sold. It's reef-safe, smells like citrus, and gives you that "I definitely have my life together" glow. The shimmer is subtle enough for daytime but noticeable enough that strangers will ask what you're wearing.

Salt & Stone Deodorant

A deodorant that actually works and smells amazing. Fair warning: it's $20 for deodorant, but your armpits will thank you when you're not stress-sweating through long airplane rides. It legitimately lasts more than a day without having to reapply.

Pro tip: get the travel sampler set to save precious luggage space + test out all the scents.

EltaMD Sunscreen on a transparent background. — *EltaMD Sunscreen, $42 on* *Amazon*

EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Sunscreen

When your dermatologist recommends something, you listen. This magical little tube does triple duty as sunscreen, foundation, AND skincare thanks to the hyaluronic acid. SPF 40 protection without looking like you dipped your face in flour? Sign me up. I've worn this through 100-degree desert days and humid jungle adventures, and my face still looks human. Revolutionary concept, I know.

Woman on pool floats in a blue pool. — *Pool Floats, $13 on* *Amazon*

Pool Floaties

These $13 miracles have become my Greece trip essentials because they pack down smaller than my emotional baggage and transform into whatever floating situation your pool goddess heart desires. Seriously, the 4-in-1 design means you can lounge, sit, recline, or assume whatever position makes you feel like you're living your best mermaid life. For the price of a fancy cocktail, you get a portable piece of paradise that fits in your carry-on. I may or may not have bought three because sharing is not in my pool float vocabulary.

ODODOS Crop Tank

I'm not exaggerating when I say I practically live in these Lulu dupe tanks. The "cloud feeling" fabric sounds like typical marketing nonsense, but plot twist—it's actually accurate for once. With all the color options, I may have gone a little overboard and now own what could be considered a small rainbow collection. Zero regrets. It's basically like wearing a hug, but make it cute.

Clinique Black Honey Lipstick

The lipstick that looks scary in the tube but gives you that "I woke up like this" lip color. It's been around forever because it's basically foolproof—works on everyone and goes with everything.

ODODOS Joggers

These are what happens when sweatpants decide to have some self-respect. The modal fabric feels expensive, they have actual pockets that fit your phone, and the adjustable waistband forgives all your food decisions. I've worn them on international flights and felt human upon arrival—they’re perfect for the plane.

Package of 5 Ziploc Cosmetic Bags on a transparent background. — *Ziploc Cosmetic Bags, $10 on* *Amazon*

Ziploc Reusable Bags

Yes, they're literally Ziploc bags dressed up as makeup bags, and yes, I'm recommending them anyway because sometimes the simplest solution is the best solution (revolutionary, I know). They're clear so TSA agents can judge your skincare routine without opening anything, waterproof because that shampoo bottle WILL explode at 30,000 feet, and $10 for five means you can afford to lose one to the travel gods. I've tried fancy toiletry bags that cost more than my flight, but these basic beauties are what actually work. Don't overthink it.

Hydro Flask Water Bottle

The water bottle that keeps your water cold for longer than most relationships last. The straw cap means you can hydrate quickly, and it fits in cup holders (revolutionary). I recommend decorating it with some…stickers. :)

Shop Our Stickers

YiNi LuLu Pajamas

Satin pajamas for $30 that make you feel like you're living in a rom-com montage. They come in approximately 47 patterns (including "Zoo," which is chaotic energy I respect), and the oversized fit means maximum comfort. Perfect for pretending you have your life together while eating cereal for dinner.

Sand Cloud Beach Towel

This towel is what happens when you realize your old beach towel has been playing you this whole time. It's sand-resistant, dries 3x faster than regular towels, and packs down small enough for carry-on life. Plus, 10% goes to marine conservation, so you can feel good about your beach towel being more ethical than most people.

Moroccan Oil Body Wash

This body wash turns your basic hotel shower into a luxury spa experience, which is exactly what you need after a day of questionable street food decisions and aggressive souvenir shopping. Yes, it's a splurge, but the argan oil formula makes your skin feel like actual silk, and the signature scent is so addictive I may have bought the entire product line like some kind of beauty hoarder. Now my bathroom smells like a fancy resort, and honestly, if you're going to smell like anything, might as well smell expensive.

Voltage Converter

The travel essential that saves you from frying your electronics abroad. This thing converts 220V to 110V and has USB ports for charging multiple devices. It's cheaper than replacing your curling iron after plugging it into a European outlet. Trust me on this one.

Crossbody Phone Case

For when you need your phone accessible but your hands free for the important stuff—like holding cocktails or grabbing that perfect shot before some tourist photobombs you. The crossbody strap is adjustable (because one size definitely doesn't fit all), holds your cards so you can ditch the bulky wallet, and has a hand strap for those sketchy moments when you're hanging out of a rickshaw in New Delhi trying to get the perfect video and really, REALLY don't want to explain to your insurance company how your phone ended up in a gutter.

Sun Bum Face Mist

SPF 45 in a spray that actually feels refreshing instead of sticky. Hawaii reef-safe, TSA-friendly size, and smells faintly like vacation. Perfect for reapplying sunscreen without ruining your makeup or looking like you wrestled with a sunscreen bottle.

Waterboy Recovery Packets

The electrolyte powder for adults who know how to have fun but also need to function the next day. With 3,187mg of electrolytes plus ginger and L-theanine, it's basically insurance for your weekend decisions.

Biota Probiotic Drinks

Tiny, flavorless liquid probiotic shots that don't require refrigeration and actually work. Each vial has 3.5 billion probiotics to keep your gut happy while traveling (or just existing).

MightyGood Flushable Wipes

The individually wrapped wipes that make travel bathrooms bearable. They're actually flushable (tested and everything), aloe-infused, and unscented. Perfect for festivals, long flights, or any situation where regular toilet paper feels inadequate. Your future self will thank you.

SinkSuds Travel Laundry Detergent

TSA-approved laundry packets that let you pack light and wash anywhere. Each packet handles 2-3 items, or use four for a full load. At $7 for 8 packets, it's the difference between packing for two weeks or just bringing essentials and doing sink laundry like a travel pro.

Wet Brush Pop & Go

The foldable brush that actually detangles without ripping your hair out. The built-in mirror is surprisingly useful, takes up zero space in your bag, and the bristles are gentle enough for wet hair, which is a game-changer.

Allbirds Tree Runners

The sneakers that convinced me sustainable doesn't have to mean ugly. Made from tree fiber (yes, really), they're machine washable, which is clutch when you've been walking through dusty markets or muddy trails.

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

The belt bag that single-handedly brought fanny packs back from the dead and made them socially acceptable again. This little miracle comes in 2 sizes and holds your phone, cards, and keys without screaming "TOURIST WITH TERRIBLE FASHION SENSE" to every pickpocket in a three-mile radius. Perfect for those long city exploration days when carrying a purse feels like bringing a suitcase to a sprint. I've worn these through sketchy markets and bougie neighborhoods alike, and somehow it works everywhere. Plus, they’re machine washable and extremely durable. Peak functionality meets actual style—who knew that was possible?

The Foldie Travel Tote

Folds from a tiny pouch into a 40L bag, which is basically magic. Perfect for the "I'll definitely buy souvenirs" moments or when airlines surprise you with personal item restrictions. Water-resistant and airline-approved—it's your backup plan for overpacking.

Twelve South AirFly

This little gadget turns any airplane entertainment system into your personal Bluetooth paradise. No more dealing with tangled airline headphones or that one broken ear cup. The 20+ hour battery means it outlasts most flights, and at $35, it's cheaper than upgrading to business class for decent audio. Essential for anyone who values their sanity at 30,000 feet.

JBL Clip 3 Speaker

The tiny waterproof speaker that clips to literally everything and sounds way better than it has any right to. I've taken this thing through pool parties, beach days, and shower concerts. The carabiner clip is genius—no more leaving your speaker behind.

ODODOS Modal Sweatshirt

The cropped sweatshirt that makes you look put-together even when you're definitely not. The modal fabric is a perfect Lulu dupe (I have both, and for real—they’re almost the same, minus the huge price difference) impossibly soft and doesn't wrinkle, which is perfect for travel. The crop length is flattering without being too revealing.

TBMPOY UPF 50+ Sun Protection Hoodie

The lightweight hoodie that protects you from sun damage without making you feel like you're wearing a wetsuit. UPF 50+ means you can actually spend time outside without becoming a lobster.

ODODOS Modal Soft Wide Leg Shorts

These shorts single-handedly convinced me that comfort and style aren't actually mutually exclusive. The modal fabric literally feels like wearing clouds. They're forgiving in all the right places while still looking put-together enough that you won't feel like you rolled out of bed. Perfect for when you want to look cute but also need to accommodate that third gelato of the day. No judgment here.

There you have it, friends—my carefully curated list of things that don't suck and actually make your adventures better. I've tested all of this stuff in the real world, from India to Cuba, and everything here has passed the "would I pack this again?" test. Some of these links are affiliate links, which means if you buy something, I might make a few bucks to fund my next questionable travel decision (like that time I rode a camel through the desert at sunrise because YOLO). But I only recommend stuff I actually use and love—life's too short for products that don't deliver. Now go forth and travel better than the rest of us mere mortals.

You're Packed! Let's Book A Trip.

Summer Travel Gear That's Actually Worth Your Suitcase Space