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When I finally reach my hotel room after a long and tiring travel day, the last thing I want to do is dig through every corner of my suitcase to find my toothbrush or phone charger. And because I never ever travel light, I’m forced to pack strategically to keep things in order—with a little help from my beloved travel companions. My secret to keeping all of my belongings within easy reach? Travel organizers. I never go on a trip without them. I keep a small plastic storage bin underneath my bed full of my favorite ones: a pre-packed toiletry kit, a crush-proof makeup bag, a tangle-free tech case, and so on. These small-but-mighty travel pouches help me find what I need when I need it, and protect my essentials from rough-and-tough handling at the airport.
Over the past year, Condé Nast Traveler editors have recommended lots and lots of organizers. Lucky for you, I compiled a list of the very best travel organizers to pack in your suitcase. From hanging toiletry bags and leather Dopp kits to compressive packing cubes and durable jewelry cases, these travel organizers are guaranteed to make your next journey a more seamless one. Read on for the game-changing cases, kits, and pouches I recommend most.
Toiletry bags
Let’s start off with the most obvious—and most necessary—travel organizer of the bunch. Whether you’re headed on a two-night stay or a two-week vacation, a reliable toiletry bag is a must. These options from Away, Dagne Dover, and Monos hold daily essentials like contact solution, moisturizer, and shampoo without weighing down your carry-on or weekender bag. If you’re headed on a longer trip and plan on checking a bag, I recommend Parallelle’s extra-roomy Kit. The durable case is designed for the overpackers out there (like me) who refuse to skip a step in their skincare routine.
Browse more of the best toiletry bags.
Hanging toiletry kits
Toiletries can quickly create a cluttered bathroom counter. The next time you stay at a hotel or Airbnb, consider placing a hanging toiletry bag on the back of the bathroom door. It will help you see all of your products at a glance and eliminates the need to unpack and repack at the end of your trip. When I’m headed on a group trip or bachelorette where I know space will be limited, I opt for a hanging toiletry kit instead. Thank me later!
Tech bags
We’ve all been there: You’re sitting in a small, cramped airplane seat in economy hopelessly searching for your iPhone charger in your under-seat bag. The solution to never-ending bag searching and tangled cords: a smart tech organizer that keeps all of your gear neat and tidy. I’m a fan of Calpak’s organizer for its slim profile, but several Traveler editors swear by Peak Design’s best-selling tech pouch.
Browse more of the best tech organizers.
Makeup bags
I’ve ruined a few tote bags by throwing a lip oil or loose powder inside and hoping for the best. You can’t always be gentle with your personal item or carry-on while in transit, so a durable cosmetic bag helps protect your makeup products and everything around them. My top pick is Parallelle’s genius makeup bag; it’s designed to keep your products standing in an upright position, making them easy to spot and less likely to spill. More durable options include these super-sleek cases from Monos and Eachy. Kusshi’s soft neoprene makeup bag earns bonus points for being machine washable.
Browse more of the best makeup bags.
Packing cubes
If you’re not already using packing cubes, let this be your sign to start. Packing cubes keep your clothes organized and compressed, allowing you to fit even more in your suitcase. They also help you separate clean clothes from dirty ones and help protect delicate items like dresses and suits from any spilled liquids in your carry-on. My go-to packing cubes are from Béis, but our editors also love these budget-friendly options from Amazon.
Browse more of the best packing cubes.
Pill cases
Traveling can quickly throw me off of my normal routine, but I try my best not to skip my daily vitamins and medication—even when I’m busy. Packing a small pill case makes all the difference. I love this $6 Amazon find for everyday pills so I can keep track of what I need to take each night. It has a flew slots for small pills and two large compartments for bigger vitamins or Tums. I also keep a small Cadence capsule stashed with Tylenol and Benadryl in every one of my purses. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been out to dinner with friends or hanging out on a group trip when someone ends up needing something from my emergency case.
Browse more of the best pill cases.
Jewelry cases
The last thing you need upon arriving to your destination is to find all of your necklaces and bracelets tangled. Or worse, discover that you lost a special (or expensive) piece of jewelry while in transit. A sturdy jewelry case ensures your favorite pieces are protected from being squashed or broken. And if you’re in need of a thoughtful gift for your friend who loves to travel, a well-made jewelry case will be much appreciated.
Browse more of the best jewelry cases.
Water-resistant pouches
Sometimes you need a water-resistant pouch or an extra bag, just in case. Sets like these from Calpak and Baggu can hold wet bathing suits, dirty clothes, or sand-filled beach items, making them safe to toss them back in your tote or backpack. These types of bags can also keep your phone and other electronics safe if you’re lounging by the pool.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
