From what you wear to how you behave or even how you purchase your ticket, certain actions can catch the TSA’s attention and lead to extra security screening. While in many cases, passengers are randomly selected for secondary screening, some common behaviors can hold you up at security longer than necessary, adding stress and delays to your travel day. Make your next trip go as smoothly as possible by understanding what might get you flagged by the TSA.

Traveling on a One-Way Ticket

There are plenty of legitimate reasons to buy a one-way ticket, but sometimes, TSA officers may interpret a one-way ticket as a potential red flag, particularly if you are flying internationally. When combined with other factors (more on those below), a one-way ticket can result in a Secondary Security Screening Selection (SSSS) stamp on your boarding pass. 

While many passengers don’t get flagged, the reason some do is based on past instances in which individuals with one-way tickets were later found to have hijacked a plane, had the intention to join a terrorist organization overseas, or were fleeing the country. If you’re flagged by TSA for additional screening while traveling on a one-way ticket, remember that the agents are simply doing their due diligence to help keep air travel as safe as possible.

Wearing the Wrong Clothing

When it comes to what triggers a search at TSA checkpoints, what you’re wearing can play an important role. Clothing that is too tight or too bulky may prompt additional screening and lead to a more thorough inspection. Tight clothing can create bulges in certain areas that appear as hidden objects on the scanner, while clothing that is too loose may give the impression that you are trying to conceal something. Any item with enough metal in it can also trigger the alarm. 

While most of us know to remove watches and jewelry before passing through the metal detector, there are less obvious items that can cause issues. For example, women’s underwire bras have been known to set off the detector, as have boots with prominent buckles. With so many clothing items capable of ringing the alarm, the best approach is to dress comfortably, calmly obey instructions, and be aware of your rights if you are selected for a pat-down. You have the right to request a private room, have a witness of your choice present, and ensure that an officer of the same sex conducts the search.

Excess Reflex Behavior

TSA officers are trained through the SPOT (Screening of Passengers by Observation Techniques) program, which uses a list of behaviors that could indicate high levels of stress, fear, or deception. On that list are common human behaviors such as yawning, rapid blinking, gulping, skin flushing, coughing, throat clearing, and leg shaking, all of which are considered stress indicators that can draw TSA scrutiny. 

Air travel is stressful, and displaying these reflexive behaviors doesn’t mean you’re guilty of anything, but it may attract extra attention from officers. Interestingly, a yawn isn’t just a sign of fatigue — researchers have found that nervous people yawn more as a “displacement activity,” a way to calm their body in a heightened or stressful state. While anxiety and stress can naturally trigger these reflexes, staying calm can help make the process smoother. One practical strategy is to give yourself plenty of time to get through TSA so you avoid rushing, which is a sure way to stress yourself out and potentially prolong your experience.

Talking Too Much

Most travelers passing through TSA just want to get through quickly and on to their gate. With long wait times, passengers are anxious about making their flights, but TSA officers are extremely busy — they see an estimated 2 million to 3 million passengers every day. They’re focused on their duties, whether that’s monitoring the X-ray machine, manning the metal detector, or keeping the line moving smoothly, and they generally aren’t looking to make small talk. 

Excessive chatting can raise red flags, making it seem like you might have ulterior motives or are trying to distract them from their work. While a joke can sometimes break the tension in a crowded security line, it’s a good strategy to keep your humor to yourself, especially anything off-color. And of course, comments about weapons, bombs, or terrorist activity will almost certainly land you in hot water, leading to extra screening and questioning.

Purchasing a Ticket in Cash

“Cash is king” is a saying that still holds some truth today, but it’s losing its relevance as the world shifts toward credit cards and digital payments. For large purchases such as a flight ticket, paying with cash can even raise suspicions that wouldn’t have existed a decade ago. 

The reason? Credit card transactions can be easily tracked, allowing authorities to verify a purchaser’s identity if needed. Cash payments, on the other hand, leave little paper trail, making both the money and the buyer more difficult to trace. Combine a cash purchase with other factors — such as a one-way ticket or a last-minute purchase — and you may raise even more suspicion.

Flying can be a stressful experience, and most people simply want to sit down in their seats and depart as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, many passengers ignore basic etiquette, especially during the hectic boarding process. Here’s a look at 10 of the rudest things travelers do when boarding an aircraft, so you know what to avoid on your next flight.

Acting Like “Gate Lice”

You may not have heard the term “gate lice” before, but you’ve definitely seen it in action — it’s the nickname airline employees give to those passengers who swarm the gate before the designated boarding time and often try to cut the line ahead of their assigned boarding group. 

There are several reasons why travelers act like this, according to psychologists interviewed by The Washington Post. Some chalk it up to a herd mentality, as less frequent flyers may follow the crowd without knowing any better. Other times, it’s due to airline policies — particularly baggage fees, which discourage people from checking luggage and make the already-limited space available to stow carry-ons even more precious. Many passengers worry about having room for their bags, so some may try to sneak on early.

Whatever the cause may be, the more gate lice there are, the more difficult it is to figure out who’s supposed to board and when. This leads to congestion, confusion, and delays during the boarding process.

Amid a concerning rise in “gate lice,” American Airlines has started implementing a new system to alert gate agents when a passenger tries to board early. This allows them to easily detect line cutters and send them to the back of the line.

Rummaging Through Your Luggage

There’s no good time to stop and rummage through your luggage during the boarding process. Instead, try to organize your belongings while waiting for boarding to begin, and have your boarding pass handy as you approach the gate. You should also organize everything you’ll need during the flight — from headphones to a bottle of water or reading material — in an easy-to-reach place before boarding, especially if you’re planning to stow a carry-on bag in the overhead compartment.

Not Respecting Personal Space

Whether it’s your body or your carry-on, physically bumping into others is one of the rudest things you can do while boarding a plane. For instance, if someone is blocking the aisle, respect their personal space and don’t try to sidle past them and risk knocking them over. It may be frustrating, but it’s best to just wait until they move before proceeding to your seat.

Blocking the Aisle

Nobody likes to feel rushed, but there’s an expectation that falls on every passenger to move out of the aisle so everyone can find their seats as quickly as possible. Be familiar with your seat number — bonus points if you familiarize yourself with the aircraft seat map ahead of time — so that you know exactly where you’re going. Once there, try not to dawdle and place your bag into the overhead bin as efficiently as you can.

Hogging Overhead Bin Space

Most airlines have rules that instruct passengers to store only one bag in the overhead compartment, and keep any other smaller carry-on bags, backpacks, laptop bags, or bulky jackets under the seat in front of them.

If you use up too much space in the overhead bin, other passengers seated near you will have no room to store their bags, which can cause delays as they stand in the aisle and search for bin space. If the boarding process ends and there’s still room overhead, feel free to put that jacket up there, but don’t assume off the bat that you can take up as much bin space as you’d like.

Buckling Up Too Early

If you’re sitting in the aisle or middle seat, don’t buckle your seat belt just yet. Chances are that someone will need to get by you to sit by the window, which means you’ll have to stand up and get out of their way. If you get settled in your seat before that, you’ll have to go through the hassle of undoing your belt, moving your things, and getting settled again. While this annoyance may eat up only a few seconds, every second adds up during the boarding process.

Sitting in the Wrong Seat on Purpose

Sometimes passengers inadvertently sit in the wrong seat, in which case they can simply apologize and move to the correct one. But some may attempt to sit in the wrong seat on purpose, even if it’s a much better seat than the one they actually booked. 

Not only is “self-upgrading” against airline policies, but odds are that the seat is reserved by someone else, and when they get on the plane, you’ll have to get up and move. This can lead to unnecessary delays during boarding. Other times, you may consider asking a fellow passenger to switch seats so you can be closer to your party, but there’s a proper etiquette for that — never just plop down in their seat and assume they’ll abide by your request, and be prepared to accept “no” as an answer. 

Being Distracted on Your Phone

It’s no secret that many of us are obsessed with our phones, but hold off on the urge to text friends (or just doomscroll) until boarding is complete. Otherwise, you risk being distracted and causing a traffic jam during boarding, or you could miss important safety information from the crew.

Reclining Before Takeoff

While you may be tempted to recline the moment you sit down, it will make it more difficult for other people to reach the seats directly behind yours. More importantly, seats are required to be in the upright position for takeoff, for safety reasons. Once the aircraft has reached cruising altitude, you’re free to make minor adjustments in order to improve your personal comfort, keeping considerate of those passengers around you.

Bothering the Crew

Considerate travelers know that boarding is no time to pester or distract the flight attendants. While it’s perfectly OK to exchange pleasantries, unless it’s an emergency, hold off on making any additional requests until boarding is complete or they’ve begun their in-flight service.

Flight attendants juggle many tasks while passengers are boarding. For example, they need to keep an eye out for any unusual and potentially disruptive behavior, complete safety checks, and potentially lend a hand if there’s an unaccompanied minor or passenger with disabilities who needs help. Also keep in mind that, at least for the time being, flight attendants at most airlines aren’t being paid (or are being paid a lesser rate) until the aircraft door closes, so a little consideration can go a long way.

Whether you’re an American traveling abroad or someone visiting the United States for the first time, it takes only a few days in a new country to realize how different U.S. tipping culture is. While gratuities are unheard of in many parts of the world, leaving a tip of at least 15% (but typically 20%) is essentially an unspoken rule when dining out in the States. But America isn’t alone in such customs. There are a number of other nations where tipping is part of the culture. Here’s a look at five regions of the world where local tipping culture is similar to that in the U.S.

Canada

America’s neighbor to the north is most similar to the U.S. when it comes to tipping. At restaurants, it’s standard to leave a gratuity of at least 15% of the total bill before taxes and 18% to 20% for good service. The same percentage is typical at bars where you order multiple drinks, though if you order a single beer, it’s common to leave just a loonie or a toonie (one or two Canadian dollars, roughly equal to 70 cents or $1.40 USD). It’s also customary to tip 10% to 15% for food delivery, including when ordering from an app like Doordash or Uber Eats.

Similarly, it’s standard to leave a 15% to 20% tip for taxis or rideshares. Tipping culture at hotels is also like the U.S. That means a few dollars for the bellhop if they help bring your luggage up to your room, some cash for the housekeeping staff, and a couple of dollars for the doorperson if they help you hail a taxi. If going to the spa or getting a haircut, Canadians typically leave between 10% to 20% in gratuity.

South Africa

The financial blog Wise notes that tipping is customary in South Africa, especially in places that have a reputation for catering to tourists. When dining out, expect to leave a 10% to 15% tip, though 20% will be appreciated for exceptional service. Tipping at hotels in South Africa is also quite common. As a rule of thumb, give between 5 and 10 South African rand (roughly 30 cents to 60 cents USD) for housekeeping services and valets, up to 15 rand if the concierge lends you a hand, and one rand per bag if the bellhop assists with your luggage.

Tips are also expected if you’re embarking on a safari. According to Yellow Zebra Safaris, a U.K.-based trip planning service, it’s typical to tip your South African safari guide 175 to 350 rand ($10 to $20 USD) per person, per day, and roughly half that to a safari spotter. It’s standard to tip employees at the lodge, too, so consider leaving between 90 and 260 rand in the communal tip box, which many lodges have.

Mexico

While tipping in Mexico is typically a bit less than the U.S., it is still expected for good service. At restaurants, diners should leave between 10% and 20% of the bill. However, check if the bill already includes a service charge, which is particularly common when dining out in a group; if it does, you don’t need to worry about tipping anything on top of that. Mexico is also known for its far more casual street stalls. If you pop into one of these spots to enjoy a tasty plate of tacos, a tip isn’t expected, but vendors will usually appreciate a few extra pesos.

One notable difference in Mexico’s tipping culture is that you’re not necessarily expected to tip taxi drivers. That said, you can tip them around 10 pesos if they help you with your luggage. Speaking of luggage, expect to tip hotel bellhops up to 50 pesos for their assistance and to leave 50 pesos for the cleaning staff at the end of your stay. Lastly, it’s customary to tip your tour guides in Mexico around 10% to 20% of the tour’s cost.

United Kingdom

Unlike in other parts of Europe where tipping is uncommon or even discouraged, it’s common to tip 10% to 15% of the total bill at restaurants in the U.K. Keep an eye out for service charges, though, as many eateries add between 12% and 15% to the bill, in which case you don’t have to tip any extra.

While tipping is less common when ordering drinks at the pub, as a gesture of goodwill, you can tell the bartender to “have one for yourself,” letting them know to charge you for another drink and keep the few extra bucks as a thank you for their good service.

Gratuities at British hotels are quite similar to those in the States. It’s common to tip the bellhop 1 to 2 pounds (roughly $1.33 to $2.66 USD), leave 2 to 3 pounds for housekeeping staff, and give 1 and 5 pounds each time the doorperson helps you hail a cab. While tipping for taxis isn’t necessarily expected, it’s common to tip cabbies 10% to 15% of the total fare for good service on metered rides. However, some cabs charge a pre-agreed fare, and tipping is quite uncommon in those cases.

The Caribbean

While the Caribbean isn’t one single country, tipping customs are quite similar across many Caribbean island nations. Before you leave a gratuity, however, it’s always important to check any bill for service charges between 10% and 20%. If you notice a service charge, then no extra tips are necessary on top of that, though you could always add more for great service.

Otherwise, leaving a tip of 10% to 20% is common at restaurants throughout Aruba, Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and more. As for taxi drivers, it’s expected to tip 10% to 15% of the fare in the aforementioned countries, along with others such as Grenada and Trinidad and Tobago. Lastly, when checking in to your hotel, expect to give the bellhop $2 per bag as an appreciative gesture for their time and assistance.

On August 19, 2025, three months after the Department of Homeland Security began enforcing the new REAL ID requirements for domestic air travel, I found myself in a long, serpentine security line at Newark Liberty International Airport, bound for Chicago. Earlier in the year, I’d renewed my driver’s license and opted for a New York Enhanced ID — a REAL ID-compliant license with the added perk of letting me cross into Canada or Mexico without a passport.

After 30 minutes of winding through a wildly inventive makeshift line, I approached the TSA officer and handed over my license. I said, “Good morning,” in a cheerful tone, but instead of a verbal response, the officer handed me a red slip of paper. It was about the size of a pocket notebook, and in large, white letters, it informed me that the ID I had presented was “not REAL ID-compliant.” Just as confused as I was? Here’s what to do if this happens to you.

Why the REAL ID Act Exists

First, you’re forgiven for wondering where this whole REAL ID thing came from. After all, when the effort to standardize a state-issued form of identification for boarding a flight began in 2005 in response to the 9/11 attacks, we weren’t carrying smartphones in our pockets, Myspace was the primary social media platform, and my beloved Philadelphia Eagles hadn’t yet won a Super Bowl. (They’ve since won two — go Birds!) 

Pushback and funding issues led to a series of extensions. States only began adopting the measure in 2012, with Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Ohio, and South Dakota as the first to receive certification. It took another eight years for the rest of the states to follow suit. Even then, we waited an additional four years for all the territories to do the same. To give the public sufficient lead time to update their IDs, enforcement began in May of this year.

It’s the Newark security line of regulations — long, chaotic, yet somehow progressing.

What Happens if You’re Not Real ID-Compliant?

When I asked why I received the sheet of paper, I was told that my driver’s license did not have a star in the upper right corner, the mark of a REAL ID-compliant license. I mentioned mine had a flag in its place because it was an Enhanced ID, which I thought was sufficient. 

“You need a star,” the officer responded. 

That the red slip of paper clearly stated I should look “for a star or U.S. flag” (emphasis, mine) was something I guess the officer missed. But figuring a drawn-out argument would do more harm than good, I acquiesced. 

“OK, so what should I do now?” I asked, imagining myself trudging back to the short-term parking lot and abandoning my travel plans altogether. The officer told me to get my ID updated soon, and then waved me on. 

“That’s it?” I responded. 

Apparently, it was. It seemed a sort of grace period was quietly adopted for travelers who didn’t heed the warnings of the REAL ID marketing blitz that took place in the lead-up to enforcement. 

Out of curiosity, I asked what would happen if I tried to fly again without a REAL ID. I was told they’d pull me aside for questioning. How long said questioning would take and whether or not I’d be in danger of not being allowed through security, the officer wouldn’t say. The note itself says nothing about the potential of being denied boarding; instead, it warns that should I try again without an acceptable form of identification, I should “expect delays.”

When Will the Grace Period End?

I don’t imagine the TSA is eager to print warning slips forever, nor do I think they’re thrilled about conducting a never-ending parade of interviews, so there’s probably a window in which a loose-leaf slap on the wrist is all that comes from your transgression. Still, that likely won’t last forever. 

In fact, as of November 20, 2025, the TSA has warned that travelers could soon incur an $18 fee for attempting to fly without a REAL ID or suitable alternative.

But what if you have an Enhanced ID from one of the five states — Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington — currently issuing them? The TSA’s frequently asked questions about REAL IDs clearly states, “State-issued Enhanced Driver’s Licenses and identification cards (EDL/EID) are designated as acceptable border-crossing documents by DHS under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and are an acceptable alternative to a REAL ID for boarding a commercial aircraft.”

If you haven’t upgraded yet to a REAL ID or Enhanced ID, there are other identification documents you can use to board a domestic flight, including your passport, passport card, or Global Entry card.

Featured image credit: Jeff Greenberg/ Universal Images Group via Getty Images 

If you’ve been waiting to upgrade your travel gear until you found a great deal, you’ve come to the right place. Cyber Week is here, and top retailers have slashed prices on luggage, travel gadgets, and useful accessories. Below are some of the best Cyber Week and Black Friday deals we’ve found on highly rated travel gear that promises to make your next trip a little smoother — whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking for the perfect gift for the avid traveler in your life.

Noise-Canceling Headphones

Drown out disturbances on your next flight with a pair of noise-canceling headphones. The Beats Studio Pro wireless over-ear headphones — over 50% off for Cyber Week — offer premium lossless audio, up to 40 hours of battery life, and a range of vibrant color options. Additionally, the top-rated Bose Quiet Comfort headphones (a favorite of our team) are over 40% off for Cyber Week and offer some of the best noise cancellation on the market. 

Beats Studio Pro Wireless Headphones

Price: $170

$250

Buy at Amazon

Bose QuietComfort Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

Price: $199

$349

Buy at Amazon

Samsonite Luggage

Save up to 40% sitewide on Samsonite luggage, including the popular Freeform spinner — it’s lightweight, durable, and thoughtfully designed, with an expansion system that allows you to instantly add an extra inch and a half of packing capacity.

Buy at Samonsite

Apple AirTag

The Apple AirTag is a quarter-sized Bluetooth tracking device that makes it simple to keep track of luggage and valuables while traveling. Toss one in your checked bag so you always know where it is if the airline loses your luggage. For Cyber Week, you can score 30% off a single AirTag or save even more with a four-pack.

Buy at Amazon

Calpak Luggage and Packing Cubes

Everything on Calpak’s site is currently 20% off or more, including packing cubes — one of our must-haves to create more space and organization in your luggage. With Calpak’s set, you don’t have to settle for a boring design, either; there are eye-catching options including polka dots and cherry blossoms. Also on sale: the Luka duffel, a 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards winner that keeps all your items organized with nine pockets and a dedicated shoe compartment. 

Packing Cubes Set (5 Pieces)

Price: $48

$68

Buy at Calpak

Luka Duffel

Price: $110

$138

Buy at Calpak

MVLOC Travel Pillow

It’s not easy to fall asleep in cramped airplane seats, but a travel pillow can help. Instead of waiting until you get to the airport to purchase an overpriced pillow, score 35% off this comprehensive comfort kit that includes a memory foam pillow with a machine-washable cover, plus a contoured eye mask, ear plugs, and a carrying case.

Buy at Amazon

Monos Luggage Carry-On Plus

Travelers love the sleek, minimalist design of Monos’ line of award-winning luggage, and now you can save 25% sitewide. The Carry-On Plus has room for all your essentials, plus a dent-resistent polycarbonate shell, a sturdy telescopic handle, and premium vegan leather detailing.

Buy at Monos

Baggallini Travel Tote

Looking for a lightweight tote bag that easily fits under an airplane seat? The Baggallini Travel Tote has a 4.5-star rating from nearly 2,500 Amazon customers, and it’s over 45% off for Cyber Week. Thoughtful features include a padded laptop compartment, a machine-washable design, and a sleeve that allows you to easily place the tote over your roller luggage handle.

Buy at Amazon

The Bucket List: 1,000 Adventures Big & Small

With all your new luggage and gear, you’re going to need somewhere to use it. One of our favorite books for travel inspiration is 55% off for Cyber Week.

Buy at Amazon

Editor’s note: Prices are accurate as of publish date and are subject to change.

Featured image credit: Brasileira/ E+ via Getty Images. All other images: Courtesy of vendor.

We all know it’s the thought that counts, but even so, it’s not ideal to give (or receive) a gift that won’t be used. So, with that in mind, we decided to poll our editorial team to see if we could come up with an editor-approved list of their favorite luggage, gear, travel tech, and accessories — products they not only recommend but rely on themselves. That way, there’s a good chance the avid traveler you’re looking to surprise this holiday season will actually use their gift, too. Below, check out the best travel gifts of 2025 for anyone who loves to explore the world. 

Apple AirTag

I’m embarrassed to admit it, but I was late to the AirTag game, despite the fact that, here at Daily Passport, we’ve been calling it a “must-have” for travelers for years. But I haven’t looked back — it’s almost astounding how much peace of mind comes from this quarter-sized device. Now, I always pack one in my checked luggage so I can keep tabs on my bag en route. And if my bag ever gets lost, it’s easy to track it down because Apple has synced up with major airlines to share real-time location tracking data with them. — Peter Vanden Bos, Daily Passport Editor

Buy at a 4-pack at Amazon for $75

Syncwire Case for AirTag

Your AirTag looks after your belongings, but it’s also a good idea to look after the device itself. Enter these sturdy holders that protect against scratches and damage and come with a key ring that can be easily clipped onto a bag, backpack, or set of keys.

Buy a 4-pack at Amazon for $9

Compression Packing Cubes

I packed for a 10-day Alaska cruise using packing cubes for the first time, and I’m so glad I went with the compression version. I knew from friends’ recommendations that using the cubes to organize my packing would make a long journey less stressful, but the compression functionality was an amazing benefit. With just a quick zipper pull, the bulky bag squishes down into a sleek packet. I was able to fit so much more into a smaller suitcase, which was a huge help for the cramped cruise cabin. — Jennifer Freeman, Word Smarts Editor

Buy a set of 10 at Amazon for $28

Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones

Bose QuietComfort headphones really live up to their name. I’ve found that they easily drown out background noise on crowded trains and planes, and their over-ear design makes them far more comfortable than earbuds would be on long journeys. The headphones also come in a variety of fun colors that you don't always see. — Bennett Kleinman, Senior Staff Writer

Buy at Amazon for $199

Twelve South AirFly

The AirFly from Twelve South is a clever device that plugs into your seatback screen and lets you use your wireless headphones to listen to the on-demand entertainment on your flight. You simply attach the dongle to the screen’s 3.5 mm audio input and pair the AirFly to your Bluetooth headphones like you would any other Bluetooth accessory. Voilá — you now have the onboard entertainment’s audio piping into your wireless headphones. I’ve used the AirFly on a half-dozen flights and can attest that it works like a charm. — Mike Newman, SVP of Editorial Strategy

Twelve South AirFly Pro

Price: $55

Buy at Amazon

Twelve South AirFly SE

Price: $35

Buy at Amazon

Loop Quiet 2 Earplugs

I keep a set of Loop earplugs in every purse I own. I got them to use at concerts — and my hearing has benefited from that — but sometimes the airport (or even the grocery store) is just too loud. I can slip in the Loop earplugs and still hear enough of what is going on around me, but not feel so overwhelmed and overstimulated. — Jennifer Freeman, Word Smarts Editor

Buy at Amazon for $21

EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

I’ve taken this universal travel adapter on many trips, as it works in over 150 countries. It’s much more compact than the bulky adapters I’ve used in the past and fits neatly into an included carrying case. It can power up to six devices at the same time and features four USB ports and one USB-C port — perfect for charging smartphones, tablets, and cameras. — Kelsey Morrison, House Outlook Editor

Buy at Amazon for $23

Away The Carry-On: Aluminum Edition

This is my go-to bag for short trips. I’ve gotten compliments (some from total strangers) on the eye-catching silver aluminum design, but what I like most is that it’s sturdy yet lightweight, functional, and versatile. Because it’s made of aluminum, you can expect it to pick up a few scruffs and minor dents (which can be easily fixed); for anything more serious, Away also offers a lifetime warranty. — Peter Vanden Bos, Daily Passport Editor

Buy at Away Travel for $625

Weighted Eye Mask

One of my favorite products for overnight train journeys (and I’ve taken many!) is this weighted sleep mask, which helps limit outside stimuli and encourages sleep. This mask is ergonomically designed to block out light entirely, which I’ve discovered is quite helpful when the train pulls into a well-lit station or if you’re trying to get some shut-eye in the middle of the day. — Bennett Kleinman, Senior Staff Writer

Buy at Amazon for $9

Grace & Stella Under Eye Mask

It’s no secret that cabin air dries out your skin, which is why you should always stay hydrated on flights. But after a cross-country flight, there’s only so much that water can do, and I’ve found these under-eye patches helpful for softening those pesky dark circles the next day. — Peter Vanden Bos, Daily Passport Editor

Buy a pack of 48 pairs at Amazon for $30

Vapur Collapsible Water Bottle

This collapsible water bottle is a great way to stay hydrated on the go without resorting to single-use plastic bottles or lugging around my usual stainless steel monstrosity. When folded tightly, it measures 5 inches long, 1.5 inches wide, and 3 inches high. It might be a pain in the butt to clean (air-drying takes so long), but it’s the only water bottle I own that’s compact enough to fit in a cross-body or belt bag. It stands upright when full, and you can easily clip it onto your person using the attached carabiner. — Kelsey Morrison, House Outlook Editor

Buy at Amazon for $12

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater

When I travel, I like to pack to be able to wear light layers and lots of mix-and-match outfits. I found a new favorite with the Mongolian cashmere crewneck sweater from Quince. The supersoft luxury knit comes in myriad shades and styles (I have the crewneck in both long- and short-sleeve), and this price point makes it easy to buy multiples. — Jennifer Freeman, Word Smarts Editor

Buy at Quince for $70

Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles

I know many travelers — my dad among them — who swear by Allbirds, a comfortable, lightweight shoe that’s machine washable and made with sustainable materials. And if the forecast might call for rain on your next trip, these sneakers are a must-have. They’re treated with a fluorine-free water repellent coating to keep your feet warm and dry if you step in a puddle, and they’re more comfortable than rain boots, especially when you’re out exploring a new city. — Allie Takeda, Senior Managing Editor

Buy at Amazon for $62

VGCUB Carry-On Backpack

This carry-on backpack is basically Mary Poppins’ carpet bag. It holds so much that you’ll have to be careful not to overstuff it if you’re using it as a personal item. You’ll find a compartment for every essential, including a 17-inch laptop slot, a separate area for shoes, a waterproof pocket for toiletries, and a secure pouch for your phone and passport. Plus, the convenient trolley sleeve slides right over your telescoping luggage handle. — Kelsey Morrison, House Outlook Editor

Buy at Amazon for $30

Travelpro Crew Classic Compact Carry-On Spinner

We’re all pretty well traveled here, but if you’re looking for luggage that’s built to stand the test of time, there’s no one better to ask than a pilot. In 1987, pilot Robert Plath invented the first upright, wheeled luggage with a telescoping handle to make travel easier for pilots and flight crews, forever changing the luggage game. But it’s not just for crew — it’s a favorite among avid travelers like us, too. All Travelpro luggage features the brand’s patented Precision Glide system, with 360-degree magnetic spinner wheels and an airline-grade aluminum handle for smooth maneuverability.

Buy at Travelpro for $240

Editor’s note: Prices above are accurate as of the time of publish and are subject to change.

Featured image credit: miodrag ignjatovic/ E+ via Getty Images. All other images: Courtesy of vendor.