Carry-On Luggage Essentials to Pack for Smooth Summer Travel, According to TikTok

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Carry-On Luggage Essentials to Pack for Smooth Spring Break Travel This Year, According to TikTok
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Save yourself from the headache of checked luggage by following these TikTok travel hacks.

Everyone can use some good rest and relaxation, and we're more than looking forward to getting away for a stress-free summer vacay this year.

But between airlines losing luggage, long waits for picking up checked baggage and general travel woes plaguing our airlines, it might be time to simplify your travel this season by packing all of your belongings in a carry-on bag. Not sure how you'll fit a week's worth or more of essentials into a TSA-approved 22x14-inch suitcase? TikTok is here to help. 

The video-sharing app is chock full of travel hacks for condensing your clothing and other must-haves into your carry-on luggage. Convenient and affordable products such as packing cubes, refillable toiletry bottles and shoe bags make it easier than ever to pack small. We've also found plenty of little luxuries for making even the longest flights bearable: compact neck pillows, noise-canceling headphones and packable footrests, to name a few. Of course, smooth summer travel starts with a great suitcase, so we've included our favorite carry-ons to shop.

Below, we've rounded up the best TikTok-approved travel products to shop on Amazon and from around the web to help you skip the dreaded check-in line and avoid bag fees, from vacuum-sealed travel bags to the internet's favorite carry-on suitcases. 

The Best Packing Essentials for 2024

It's not really about the luggage, it's about how you pack your luggage that makes the difference. We've found all kinds of nifty packing gear that will make you more organized and more streamlined than ever. 

OlarHike 6 Set Packing Cubes for Travel

OlarHike 6 Set Packing Cubes for Travel
Amazon

OlarHike 6 Set Packing Cubes for Travel

These packing cubes are a best seller on Amazon for keeping all your essentials organized, especially for carry-on luggage. 

Vonpri Leak Proof Squeezable Refillable Travel Bottles

Vonpri Leak Proof Squeezable Refillable Travel Bottles
Amazon

Vonpri Leak Proof Squeezable Refillable Travel Bottles

Bring your favorite products on board with you using these carry-on-approved silicone bottles.

Yamiu Travel Shoe Bags Set of 2 Waterproof Nylon with Zipper

Yamiu Travel Shoe Bags Set of 2 Waterproof Nylon with Zipper
Amazon

Yamiu Travel Shoe Bags Set of 2 Waterproof Nylon with Zipper

These zippered bags keep your dirty shoes from touching the rest of your luggage.

Calpak Terra Hanging Toiletry Bag

Calpak Terra Hanging Toiletry Bag
CALPAK

Calpak Terra Hanging Toiletry Bag

This travel bag can hold all of your essentials in one place, helping you save space in your luggage. Plus, it's water-resistant and can hang on the wall using the hanging hook for easy access to your toiletries. 

Travel Sunglasses Organizer

Travel Sunglasses Organizer
Amazon

Travel Sunglasses Organizer

There is finally a solution to keeping your sunglasses from breaking in your travel bags. This sunglasses organizer can store up to five pairs for your next trip.

Shappy 2-Piece Large Travel Laundry Bags

Shappy 2-Piece Large Travel Laundry Bags
Amazon

Shappy 2-Piece Large Travel Laundry Bags

Separate your dirty laundry from your clean clothes with this two-pack of waterproof laundry bags.

Apple AirTag

Apple AirTag
Amazon

Apple AirTag

Keep an AirTag in your carry-on for security just in case you become separated from your luggage. 

$35 $25

Shop Now

Dagne Dover Frankie Jewelry Case

Dagne Dover Frankie Jewelry Case
Dagne Dover

Dagne Dover Frankie Jewelry Case

Keep necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more safe and secure with this jewelry travel case from Dagne Dover.

Best Travel Accessories for 2024

Now that you've packed your carry-on, here's everything you'll want nearby to make your day of travel go as smoothly as possible.

Perilogics Universal in Flight Airplane Phone Holder Mount

Perilogics Universal in Flight Airplane Phone Holder Mount
Amazon

Perilogics Universal in Flight Airplane Phone Holder Mount

For planes without a built-in screen in the seats, enjoy your entertainment without straining your neck using this versatile phone holder and mount.

$18 $14

Shop Now

Riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder

Riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder
Amazon

Riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder

In for a long layover? TikTok users love this foldable pouch that can be pulled onto luggage to work as a drink carrier (and it has extra pockets on the back for your phone or boarding passes).

Perfuny Silicone Makeup Brush Holder

Perfuny Silicone Makeup Brush Holder
Amazon

Perfuny Silicone Makeup Brush Holder

Don't worry about damaging your makeup brushes while traveling with this silicone holder. It also grooves inside to work as a brush cleaner.

$20 $16

Shop Now

Tessan Universal Power Adaptor With 4 USB Ports

Tessan Universal Power Adaptor With 4 USB Ports
Amazon

Tessan Universal Power Adaptor With 4 USB Ports

Don't worry about losing charging power during international travel with this adapter that works in 150 different countries.

$21 $20

Shop Now

Toovren 2-in-1 Luggage Straps

Toovren 2-in-1 Luggage Straps
Amazon

Toovren 2-in-1 Luggage Straps

Jealous of travelers who can hook their bags on top of their suitcases? Now you can do it with any type of tote bag that fits on top of your luggage with this highly-rated strap.

$16 $14

With Coupon

Shop Now

Highwind Cruise Luggage Tags for Suitcases

Highwind Cruise Luggage Tags for Suitcases
Amazon

Highwind Cruise Luggage Tags for Suitcases

TikTok Cruise travelers love these durable and waterproof luggage tags that will secure your paper luggage tags provided by the cruise line to better ensure your bag makes it to your cabin.

$15 $13

Shop Now

Travel Inspira Digital Hanging Baggage Scale

Travel Inspira Digital Hanging Baggage Scale
Amazon

Travel Inspira Digital Hanging Baggage Scale

Never worry about overpacking again. Unlike standing on the scale with your luggage and doing math to figure out the weight, simply loop this around your bag handle and lift it off the floor to see how much your bag weighs.

$13 $10

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Saucemoto Dip Clip (Pack of 2)

Saucemoto Dip Clip (Pack of 2)
Amazon

Saucemoto Dip Clip (Pack of 2)

Dipping fries in ketchup when you're driving can seem impossible, but these sauce holders, seen on Shark Tank, are here to save the day. They attach to the air vent and can hold ketchup in the removable white tray, or the tray comes out to hold bigger sauces that already come in a container with a peel off top.

$13 $10

Shop Now

Beautural Mini Travel Steam Iron With Dual Voltage

Beautural Mini Travel Steam Iron With Dual Voltage
Amazon

Beautural Mini Travel Steam Iron With Dual Voltage

If you've been thinking of a travel iron, just read this customer's review: "I originally bought this to use for traveling as I was getting sick and tired of using the irons that come in hotels that are cheap and spill water everywhere. This little iron was such a good buy, very small, easy to travel with, not heavy at all. Heats up pretty quickly and easy to use. I have also started using this for day to day use. Because it is so small, it stores well as well."

$35 $30

Shop Now

Miroposs Rechargeable Slim Makeup Mirror

Miroposs Rechargeable Slim Makeup Mirror
Amazon

Miroposs Rechargeable Slim Makeup Mirror

Airbnbs and hotels are notorious for having dark lit rooms where getting ready can be tricky. This makeup mirror that unfolds to stand up while offering a backlight will stop the dreaded fight for the single bathroom mirror. 

$26 $17

Shop Now

Body Glide Foot Glide Anti Blister Balm

Body Glide Foot Glide Anti Blister Balm
Amazon

Body Glide Foot Glide Anti Blister Balm

Those prone to blisters know that all the extra walking during your trip can lead to some painful sores, but Body Glide's Anti-Blister Balm can cut down on friction and help prevent blisters from forming. You can also bundle this product with their anti-chafing skin cream.

LokiStashed Velvet Hair Tie Scrunchies (3 Pack)

LokiStashed Velvet Hair Tie Scrunchies (3 Pack)
Amazon

LokiStashed Velvet Hair Tie Scrunchies (3 Pack)

These work just like your average scrunchie, except they have a hidden zipper so you can hide away cash, lip balm or a single key. You can also choose from a variety of colors. 

$15 $13

Shop Now

Twelve South AirFly SE: Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter for AirPods

Twelve South AirFly SE: Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter for AirPods
Amazon

Twelve South AirFly SE: Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter for AirPods

Whether traveling for work or play, many flyers use wireless headphones these days — meaning there's no way to plug in to listen when they want to watch the in-flight entertainment on the built-in screen. The AirFly connects via Bluetooth with preferred wireless headphones, including the popular AirPods, and plugs into the screen for seamless listening.

iWALK Small USB C Portable Charger

iWALK Small USB C Portable Charger
Amazon

iWALK Small USB C Portable Charger

Keep phones alive throughout the day with the help of this compact and portable phone charger.

MZOO Sleep Eye Mask

MZOO Sleep Eye Mask
Amazon

MZOO Sleep Eye Mask

Get some shut-eye in style with a classic sleeping mask complete with cozy contoured cushions.

$29 $23

Shop Now

Everlasting Comfort Airplane Footrest

Everlasting Comfort Airplane Footrest
Amazon

Everlasting Comfort Airplane Footrest

This ergonomic memory foam footrest hangs from the tray table for a much more comfortable flight.

Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
Amazon

Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

Apple's premium headphones offer crystal-clear clarity with a lightweight rubber headband, spacious and comfortable earcups, and excellent noise cancellation.

$549 $500

Shop Now

Jergens Cloud Creme Hand Cream for Dry Hands

Jergens Cloud Creme Hand Cream for Dry Hands
Amazon

Jergens Cloud Creme Hand Cream for Dry Hands

Dry skin can happen anywhere, including in the air. Appropriately named Cloud Creme, this hydrating lotion from Jergens is the perfect size for airplane travel.

lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L

lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L
lululemon

lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L

This TikTok-approved belt bag is perfect for anyone on the go. It keeps essentials such as keys, wallet, passport, plane ticket and phone handy.

Trtl Travel Pillow

Trtl Travel Pillow
Trtl

Trtl Travel Pillow

Avoid waking up with dreaded neck pain when you use this top-rated travel pillow that's easy to slip into your personal item.

Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Eye Masks

Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Eye Masks
Wander Beauty

Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Eye Masks

These foil patches from Wander Beauty give tired eyes a refresh with hydrating ingredients that can help reduce the appearance of dark circles.

Best Travel Entertainment for 2024

If you're in for a long flight or cross-country drive, you'll need some on-board entertainment. Here are our top choices.

ProCase iPad 10.2 Anti-Spy Tempered Screen Film Guard

ProCase iPad 10.2 Anti-Spy Tempered Screen Film Guard
Amazon

ProCase iPad 10.2 Anti-Spy Tempered Screen Film Guard

Before we suggest awesome shows and films for your trip, we recommend securing this iPad protector on your tablet that will black out your screen to those sitting next to you. 

$19 $16

Shop Now

Disney+ Subscription

Disney+ Subscription
Disney+

Disney+ Subscription

There are a lot of streaming services you could watch during your travels, but Disney+'s offerings of Marvel, Star Wars and classic movies and shows means you'll have countless hours of content to keep you occupied. Plus, you can bundle it with Hulu for even more hit shows and movies.

Plans start at $8/month

Shop Now

'First Lie Wins' by Ashley Elston

'First Lie Wins' by Ashley Elston
Amazon

'First Lie Wins' by Ashley Elston

A Reese's Book Club Pick, First Lie Wins is a thriller that centers around Evie Porter, who is actually someone else and was given her identity by the mysterious Mr. Smith. Evie wants a new life, but one slip-up will change her future forever.

$28 $17

Shop Now

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet
Amazon

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet

For a smooth flight, keep your kids entertained with the Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet. This product includes a year subscription to Amazon Kids+, so your little ones can stay engaged with the content they love.

$190 $150

Shop Now

Winning Moves Games Scrabble to Go Board Game

Winning Moves Games Scrabble to Go Board Game
Amazon

Winning Moves Games Scrabble to Go Board Game

The classic board game Scrabble has been miniaturized and modified to be the ideal trip companion. All you need is a travel buddy or some kiddos to play along with you. 

Time To Chill: Coloring Book for Stress Relief and Relaxation

Time To Chill: Coloring Book for Stress Relief and Relaxation
Amazon

Time To Chill: Coloring Book for Stress Relief and Relaxation

Focus your attention on the beautiful pages of this whimsical coloring book during your downtime for a relaxing activity. 

Best Carry-On Suitcases for 2024 

Now that you have all your other essentials, it's time to get a carry-on suitcase that's ideal for your specific needs. Here are some of the best carry-on luggage options from around the web.

Away The Carry-On

Away The Carry-On
Away

Away The Carry-On

This Away bag boasts flashy features such as a durable polycarbonate hard shell, spinner wheels and a TSA-approved, ejectable USB charger. The classic rolling hardside luggage with a retractable handle is designed to fit in most major airlines' overhead compartments, making it a great go-to Carry-On bag for travel, regardless of your destination.

Samsonite Centric 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage Carry-On

Samsonite Centric 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage Carry-On
Amazon

Samsonite Centric 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage Carry-On

With over 6,000 positive reviews, this lightweight carry-on will ease your overpacking worries.

$120 $114

Shop Now

iFLY Hardside Luggage Fibertech 20"

iFLY Hardside Luggage Fibertech 20"
Walmart

iFLY Hardside Luggage Fibertech 20"

The internet-famous suitcase features 360-degree rotating wheels, an inner lining pocket and elastic straps for keeping clothes in place.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage
Amazon

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage

This Travelpro Maxlite softside luggage has spinner wheels and is lightweight, making it easy to maneuver airport terminals and your flight's overhead storage bins. 

$170 $127

with coupon

Shop Now

Rockland Melbourne Hardside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage

Rockland Melbourne Hardside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage
Amazon

Rockland Melbourne Hardside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage

This Rockland Melbourne Spinner Luggage makes traveling easier by being extremely lightweight. While protecting your items, the wheels rotate 360 degrees for a smooth and seamless stride in the airport. Although it is compact, this carry-on luggage has the ability to hold everything you need for a short vacation.

$67 $62

Shop Now

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