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1. A travel backpack that you will ABSOLUTELY need when planning your European adventure. Spacious? Check. Different compartments for your numerous items? Check. Water-resistant? Double check! No need to fear the wayward splatters of Staubbach Falls while in Switzerland, your items are safe!
With a separate compartment for shoes and gadgets, plus a USB charging port, this bag is certainly your best bet for hauling over a month's worth of supplies across international waters.
Promising review: "THIS BAG DOES EVERYTHING! FITS UNDER PLANE SEATS and HOLDS A TON! I relied on previous positive reviews before purchasing this backpack, and waited until I just finished my own 2-week international travel to write this review. There are compartments everywhere, including one at the low back that perfectly securely and safely fits your passports and travel docs, one underneath for shoes or wet items, three large sections [with smaller additional storage compartments inside] that I used for laptops/iPads, large makeup bags, and a change of clothes, plus a small outside zippered compartment for those small items you want to reach quickly [ie: hand sanitizer medicine, etc]. The straps are comfortable and I walked through numerous airports, hotels, train stations, and more without any pressure on my shoulders or back." —Beach and Mountain Lover
Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in 43 colors and two sizes).
2. A passport holder with slots to hold all of your cards, money, and travel documents. Being thin enough to slip into the tiniest of pouches, this RFID-blocking case can help protect your most sensitive information as you trek through the crowded alleyways of Rome. Added bonus: it comes equipped with an AirTag holder so your fears of misplacing it vanish like Lake Cerknica in Slovenia.
3. A stylish fanny pack that can keep your most valuable items strapped close to your chest — it's necessary while you weave through busy airport terminals or the cluttered streets of Las Ramblas in Barcelona. With four zipper pockets to store all of your miscellaneous necessities, as well as a keychain hook, this bag is perfect for your European excursions! (Perk: no need to dig through your backpack for the slim passport you will need to whip out at every hotel you stop by.)
Promising review: "I bought this specifically for a trip to Europe to keep things safe avoid pick pockets. This product was much better than expected. First of all, it is the perfect size. Not huge but has lots of pockets and it holds a lot more than it looks like. The rear pocket (next to chest/belly) I used for my passport. The hidden pocket (inside the larger inner pocket) I used for my wallet. The larger inner pocket I used for charging accessories and a small roll of toilet paper. There is also a key hook inside the inner pocket. The outer front pocket I used for hand sanitizer and non valuables. Pockets upon pockets, and I found a use for all of them. Looks stylish as well!" —Eugene H. Cha
Get it from Amazon for $15.77+ (available in various colors and three sizes).
4. A set of four mesh pouches because you will find it incredibly convenient when Heathrow Airport security in London inevitably asks you to place all toiletries and liquids in a see-through bag. Trust me, using these bags saves you many crucial minutes when you're trying to sprint through security checks.
Promising review: "I like these bags a lot for travel!!!! It saves me so much time when i put things in these bags because i can see right away what it has instead of having to open up every single bag to see what it has. This comes with a variety of size therefore accommodating all of your needs. I highly recommend these." —jazmin rios
Get if from Amazon for $11.64 (available in two colors).
5. A universal power adapter to prove that you are always prepared no matter which country you end up stumbling upon, as it works in over 160 different countries! Making an unscheduled trip to Malta, you weren't quite planning on? Don't worry about your devices running out of charge since this adapter has got you covered no matter where you end up!
Promising review: "I have used this adapter in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Luxembourg, France and the UK. It worked perfectly in all those countries. The four ports at the top of the adapter make it a breeze to pug in all of my electronics. I've had other adapters but this one is the most useful."—VCW
Get it from Amazon for $19.98 (available in four colors).
6. A set of four compression cubes for smushing down any bulky articles of clothing into the perfect size to slide comfortably into your backpack. You'll be happy for the extra shorts you packed after staining your favorite joggers by attempting to eat the creme-filled éclair in Marseilles.
Promising review: "Used these on my trip to Europe where I was just taking a standard backpack. Got way more clothes than I would have without them. Also allowed me to have room for souvenirs." —Amazon Customer
Get a set of four from Amazon for $24.99 (available in 12 colors and two styles).
7. A comprehensive first-aid kit that you will be grateful you packed when you inevitably skim your knee while attempting to hike the Trolltunga Trail in Norway. (Advice: keep those pain relief tablets on hand; your muscles will thank you.)
This is an all-purpose first-aid kit with over 299 pieces and encompasses everything from gauze to bandages and more.
Promising review: "I solo hike. Being prepared can mean life or death at the end of the day. I've added to mine. It's packed full and still is easy to carry - lightweight. It has come in handy more than once out there. Prep, prep, prep. Stay safe out there!" —Victoria
Get it from Amazon for $20.58.
8. A collapsible water bottle to take up very little space when every square inch counts — it'll be incredibly helpful when attempting to hydrate yourself as you squeeze your way through the bustling bazaars of Istanbul.
Promising review: "I love this bottle. I've used it now many times while traveling and it is so convenient. It's perfect for filling once you get to the airport or locations where bottles must be brought in empty. It folds up super small and can squeeze into any backpack or carry-on. The large screw off top is easy to open and makes cleaning very easy." —Travis
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in various colors and packs).
9. An anti-chafe balm for you to use liberally during the humid summer nights in Athens or on the long hiking treks in Switzerland. Say goodbye to chafing woes and hello to sweet *sweet* relief!
Promising review: "We loved this so much that we are repeat customers. This works so well and is small enough to pack and travel with. This is great for working out and works so well on the thighs to prevent chaffing." —Natalie DeMarino
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in three sizes and multipacks).
10. A contoured sleeping mask to block out the light streaming through your hostel window in Hungary. This mask basically molds itself to your skin and allows you to have a comfy, pressure-free sleep no matter which intriguing shelter you find yourself in for the night.
Promising review: "I bought this mask because so much sunlight would emit into my room no matter how I angled my blackout curtains. I felt my sleep quality improve immediately. Also a godsend when traveling! I put it on in the airport during long layovers and while on several flights and it makes me wonder how I lived before owning one. Super comfortable and really nice quality! I will always have one of these on me at all times from now on." —Casey MacWilliams
Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in six colors).
11. A pair of noise-canceling silicone earplugs for the loud festival nights in Seville. With four different ear tip sizes to choose from, you can basically guarantee you'll get the perfect fit for your ear! Get an actual good night's sleep with this pair because the last thing you want after a night of partying and flamenco dancing is to be woken up before dawn by your roommate's passionate snoring.
Bonus: They come in a compact travel case so that you don't accidentally misplace them on some random dresser in Malaga.
Promising review: "I am someone who values my sleep and get very grumpy when snoring interrupts it. I bought these for traveling with friends and family who snore when we share a hotel room. I used these for one trip so far over 3 nights in a row and they made a huge difference. I could barely hear my friend snoring. They were comfortably enough to sleep in (you can feel them, but it did not bother me). The case they come in is useful and there are different sizes to customize to your ear." —Madbug
Get it from Amazon for $27.95 (available in four colors).
12. A portable charger with built-in cables that will prove itself to be lifesaving when your phone dies while you're stuck at some Irish pub far from any remaining signs of civilization. Slim and light to carry, this portable charger has all major charging cables built into it, with the ability to charge a smartphone up to three times before needing to recharge.
Promising review: "I recently bought this portable charger for my backpack and it has exceeded my expectations. The sleek design, fast charging capabilities, and the convenient features is a game changer for me. It allows me to charge different devices and provides enough power to charge my phone several times a day. It displays the battery life and charging status, which comes in handy when you are trying to guess how much power is left. This charger is slim and fits perfectly in my backpack. The build quality feels solid and durable, which is perfect if you drop things often. I highly recommend this charger to anyone looking for a reliable, and fast-charging power bank. I couldn't be happier with my purchase." —Katlyn Fry
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in seven colors).
13. A travel bottle set so you can minimize the amount of space your toiletry essentials take up in your backpack. These bottles are perfect for your cosmetic and beauty needs and are set in a leakproof bag so that you don't have to worry about getting shampoo stains on your clothing as you bike down the bumpy cobblestoned paths in Amsterdam.
This travel set includes a zipper box, 1 transparent makeup bag, 4 travel bottles, 4 travel jars, 2 spray bottle, 2 spoons, 1 funnel, 1 cleaning brush, and 1 label.
Promising review: "Loved this little kit that I stored my liquids and lotions in. Took this with me to Portugal and I really liked them. Colors and labels helped a lot. And the pouch size is TSA approved. Held everything I needed!" —Sue Meland
Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in two color sets).
14. A set of portable mini perfume bottles because you NEED all of your best eau de parfums for those walks through Monet's Garden in France. Incredibly small and durable, these bottles ensure you can pack a variety of your favorite scents while taking up very little space.
Promising review: "I have a ton of large perfume bottles that I cannot take traveling or they will get everywhere. This travel perfume sprayer is super easy to use and lightweight to carry. Allowed on planes also. Has never cracked or broken." —Heather Capps
Get it from Amazon for $6.99.
15. A compact travel towel that will prove itself to be your saving grace when you are unable to find anything to dry yourself with after cliff diving in Spain or boarding at a random hostel in Frankfurt. The towel is lightweight and fast to dry, so it is easy to pack and soft to the touch! (Bonus: It's sand-resistant and machine-washable!)
Promising review: "This is an excellent product, easy to use, absorbency is great, thin, carry case takes up little room and dries quickly. Terrific for travel." —Amazon Customer OP
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in 16 colors and six sizes).
16. A compact jewelry box for storing your absolute *best* of friends. With seven slot rolls and three rectangular compartments, you can store anything from rings to earrings to necklaces! Don't deal with the stress of misplacing any of your favorite pieces; keep them on hand for those glamorous nights out in Florence with this organizing box.
Promising review: "I bought this jewelry case in navy for travel. It is an attractive case, zipper works effortlessly and the inside is soft. I like the different slots and compartments for earrings, rings and necklaces or bracelets. It packs a lot of organization into a small space. Perfect for packing and easy to use once reaching my destination. I would definitely recommend." —Peach
Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in nine colors).
17. A travel sewing kit to be used during any wardrobe-related emergencies. Snagged your swimming trunks on a rock while swimming in the Mediterranean? No need to fear walking back to your lodgings while sporting the obvious tear. You can now quickly patch up any rip with this handy kit.
Promising Review: "This is the perfect little sewing kit for those emergency sewing situations! It has everything you need and it’s super small. Great for travel!" —Christina Hamblin
Get if from Amazon for $4.99+ (available in eight colors and five sizes).
18. An ultimate travel game kit that will help alleviate some boredom on those long plane or train commutes. Play Backgammon, Ludo, Cribbage, or just plain cards with this one simple kit! Smaller than a regular deck of cards, this kit holds up to three different games while taking up an incredibly small amount of space in your bag. Perfect for when you meet a random stranger on the ferry to Tangier and decide to partake in a competitive game of Ludo.
Davestar Gaming is a small business on Etsy based in Rochester, Minnesota. They sell miscellaneous tabletop gaming pieces and travel game kits.
Promising review: "This is absolutely excellent. I love it. Perfect for travel and has everything you need. Super fast shipping too. Thanks!" —Ben Muller
Get it from Davestar Gaming on Etsy for $27+ (available with customizations and a multitude of game choices).
19. An anti-blister balm to help prevent any unnecessary pain after hours of marching through the bustling markets of Les Halles. This balm adds a layer of protection so that you can trapeze through Europe worry-free.
Promising review: "This worked wonders! I will never travel without it again! I forgot to wear it the first day of vacation and got a blister; the second day I put it on over my blister and walked all day without pain. I didn’t get another blister after wearing this every day for two weeks and walking over 5 miles a day." —Lisa Massaro
Get it from Amazon for $8.99.
20. A cable organizer because you should save yourself the pain of having to detangle endless cords and wires. Say goodbye to anxiously digging through a pile of clothes while stuck on the metro in Oslo, all of your tech essentials are in one convenient pouch.
Valentineforyou is a small business on Etsy based in the United States. They sell a wide-range of leather products, such as keychains, luggage tag holders, passport slips and more.
Promising review: "Perfect for our recent vacation. It kept all of our cords organized so we didn’t have a giant tangle to go through." —Amanda
Get it from Valentineforyou on Etsy for $25+ (originally $50+; available in 10 colors and with personalization options).
21. A set of sea bands for those who get nauseous when they even think about stepping onto a moving vehicle. By applying pressure to the P6 acupressure point on each wrist, it can almost instantly relieve motion sickness! A life-saver when taking that 100-minute ferry ride from London to mainland Europe.
Read more about acupressure and nausea at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Promising review: "I have suffered from car sickness for as long as I can remember, even as a child. I am 40 now. I was recently asked to go on a road trip which included day travel, busy city and mountains. (sun, stop and go traffic and winding roads are all triggers for sickness). I hesitated. It was then recommended by a family member to try these. With hesitation, I bought them and wore them the entire time. I did not feel nauseous ONE time. My boyfriend even pointed out on the way home that I was on my phone and not sick (reading anything while riding has ALWAYS been a no go!) I was able to look out the window and enjoy the scenery (typically I can only look at the road as looking out side window makes me sick). These will literally change my life as I can now enjoy traveling by car!!" —Sarah Martinez
Get it from Amazon for $8.47+ (available in six colors).
22. A handheld fan that will bring some much-needed cooling relief when hiking the Għajn Żnuber Tower in Malta, where temperatures in the high 90s are to be expected. With the fan being small enough to fit in your pocket, you will be thankful you packed it. PLUS, this fan can be used as a backup power bank for any of your devices!
Promising review: "I absolutely love this little gadget. I get really hot very easily, and this little beauty is a miracle worker for me. I travel across the country maybe 2–3 times a year, and y’all know how ridiculously stuffy airports and airplanes can be. So I use this fan on the flight to keep me cool and my phone charged. I have also used the flashlight a few times to help me find lost items." —Queenofmumpitz
Get it from Amazon for $14.38+ (available in five colors).
23. A laundry detergent sink pack because it is absolutely necessary when the presence of a laundromat is not guaranteed. Just rip open one of the packs and pour it into any sink full of water — instant suds for a wash on the go. No need to worry about finding a working washing machine in Romania, with this product, you have all of your laundry needs covered.
Promising review: "I got these for a European vacation while only taking carry-on. Worked great on shorts, socks and undergarments. A must for travel." —The Brown's
Get it from Amazon for $5.85.
24. A phone-holding mount perfect for propping up your device during any long plane/train/ferry rides you may find yourself partaking in. The strong clamp can attach itself to just about anything. The dual joints and 360-degree rotation allow for the best viewing angles! Comfortably watch Friends as the French countryside passes you by while aboard the TGV.
Promising review: "One of my BEST purchases to date! Very light, but sturdy, easy to install and easy to maneuver. Easily folds back into original form for easy storage. Good material and product is just as described. Very handy during those long flights, car rides. I Highly recommend." —Sonnie & Andrew
Get it from Amazon for $9.97+ (available in five colors and packs of two).
25. A compact travel razor to easily fit in even the most stuffed of backpacks. With a pivoting head that adjusts to your curves, no need for awkwardly angling your razor. It's perfect for a quick touch-up before hitting the beaches of Marbella.
Includes a blade refill and a cute traveling case!
Promising review: "For a small razor, it did a great job. I took it on vacation and it was perfect. I couldn't even tell I was shaving because of the moisturizing effect as it shaves. My skin felt very smooth and soft." —Tammy Stephens
Get it from Amazon for $11.99.
You're *so* ready for your backpacking adventure!
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.