It may not feel like spring everywhere just yet, but travel season is officially heating up — and if you’re planning a trip, it’s time to make a little room in your suitcase.
For the latest Hot List, Shop contributor Melissa Garcia stopped by with clever travel must-haves — think organizing essentials, bestselling SPF and smart gadgets that make packing (and actually finding your stuff) so much easier. There’s even a TODAY-exclusive deal included.
Here are the spring travel essentials seen on TODAY — with prices:
Vacbird Vacuum Bags with Rechargeable Pump
$39.98 (Amazon)
$54.99 (Vacbird)
Save space fast with vacuum storage bags made specifically for travel. One Shop TODAY producer said she was able to pack double the clothes in her luggage. The portable pump is rechargeable, compact and easy to stash inside your suitcase.
Bril UV-C Toothbrush Sanitizer
$27.99 (Amazon) — was $34.99, now 20% off
$29.99 (Bril) — was $34.99, now 14% off
A toothbrush sitting in a toiletry bag can pick up bacteria quickly. This travel sanitizer covers your toothbrush head and claims to kill up to 99% of germs. It’s USB rechargeable, has a magnetic mount and comes in three colors — great for color-coding for couples or families.
Lisen Retractable Car Charger
$16.13 (Amazon) — was $27.99, now 42% off
No more scrambling for the right cord on a road trip. This 4-in-1 car charger includes two retractable cords plus two ports, so you can charge four devices at once.
The Flat Lay Co. Flat Lay Makeup Bag
$36.00 (The Flat Lay Co.) — was $44.99, now 20% off
Garcia calls it a personal travel pet peeve: not being able to find anything in a makeup bag. This one opens up and lies completely flat, so everything is visible at once.
Deal: Use promo code TODAY for 20% off sitewide at checkout through 7/31.
Pascacoo Passport Holder with AirTag Slot
$16.99 (Amazon)
One of Garcia’s biggest fears is losing her passport — and this holder is designed to help prevent that. It includes a dedicated slot for an Apple AirTag, plus RFID technology to help protect your information. There are also slots for travel essentials like cash, credit cards and SIM cards.
Apple AirTag
$29.00 (Amazon)
$29.99 (Target)
$29.00 (Apple Services)
Pair it with the passport holder for extra peace of mind. The AirTag works with the Find My app so you can track your passport if it gets misplaced. This version is described as the “most findable AirTag yet.”
Olay Face Cleansing Melts
$9.88 (Walmart)
$14.32 (Amazon) — was $19.99, now 28% off
Packing face wash gets easier with these water-activated cleansing pads that melt into a foamy cleanser in your hands. Since there’s no liquid, it’s TSA-friendly, saves suitcase space and helps avoid leaks.
Satechi FindAll Smart Glasses Case
$49.99 (Amazon)
$49.99 (Satechi)
If you’ve ever lost your glasses while traveling, this pick is basically “Find My iPhone” — but for your specs. The slim case works with the Find My app and offers alerts and chimes, helping you locate your glasses quickly.
