We just got back from our Norway trip, and now that everything’s been packed, unpacked, and put to the test, I’m ready to share my honest review of the 30 travel finds I bought before we left. Some were total game-changers, others were just okay—and a few I definitely could’ve skipped. If you’re planning a trip and wondering what’s worth buying (and what’s not), here’s the full rundown: hits, misses, and everything in between.
Gatorade Zero Tablets, Variety Pack
- I like these; it’s important to stay hydrated on vacation. LINK
In between: I like these, that’s why I bought them used, maybe one or two tablets. Should I have been drinking more water? Probably
Yogi Tea Relaxation & Stress Relief Variety Pack
- I’m not taking any melatonin, which might be a mistake. I do like tea and find it relaxing, so we will see if that helps me sleep on the plane. LINK
In between- Drank some before the trip, actually the trip itself- MISS because I didn’t drink any will use at home.
Technology type items
Foam Masters Ultra-Premium Memory Foam Ear Tips for AirPods Pro
- For me, it is the purple LINK
Hit- I love the way they look and are comfortable in my ear. I would buy them again, though on the trip realized I need new AirPods.
6PCS Black Carabiner LINK this one has a hook too –LINK
- I think they could come in handy
- Have string/ribbon make you own clothes line
- Hook your water bottle to
HIT: we used them to hang our water bottles off of, also a travel blanket.
RFID Blocking Cards LINK
- We are using them for our passport holder
MISS: Didn’t end up bring the passport holder I was going to put these in and my wallet is already RFID
TSA Approved Cable Luggage Locks LINK
- My daughter’s suitcase has one built in, but mine does not.
HIT: I loved having it on my luggage even for traveling on the train.
Anker 622 Magnetic Battery LINK
- I needed a charger
HIT: I loved it. Used it a few times because maps really drain my battery
Universal Travel Adapter, European Travel Plug Adapter LINK
HIT : Very helpful
Shoes
Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Time Off Sneaker Off White LINK
- I read a lot about these being great shoes for Europe. I have been walking a lot in them. They are comfortable. The white is the one that is popular but the off-white was on sale and I love them. It mentions them getting dirty. Mine are from me walking in them but I’ll wipe them off and for the price and comfort, I’d say they’re a win.
MISS- This might be a hot take because they are so popular, but I didn’t even bring them back with me. They do have a cushion. I wore them before we left. However, by the time we left, my left foot, while wearing them, tilted down. I wore my sandals mostly.
Crocs Women’s Classic Solar Rainbow Clogs LINK
- My daughters favorite
HIT- She loves them, not many croc wearers in Norway, but she did not complain once about her feet
Travel Journal
Scrapbook Tape LINK
- My daughter and I are bringing a journal, so we got this tape to put things in it.
- Travel Journal Post
MISS: did not use while there. We did scrapbooking when we got back.
Canon IVY ZINK 2″ x 3″ Photo Sticker Paper 50 sheets Pack LINK
- Extra paper for the printer
- Travel Journal Post
In Between- MISS as far as I only printed 3 pictures while there. Hit- is was nice to have them to use when we got back. Next time, won’t even bring my printer.
Sleeping Help
Mack’s Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs LINK
- For help sleeping on a plane and at hotels
MISS: I didn’t need them, maybe so sleepy it didn’t matter.
100% Mulberry Silk Sleep Mask Eye Mask for Women Man with Adjustable Band LINK
- Seems comfortable so far!
Premium Soft 2-Pack Travel Blanket Pillows Airplane LINK
We will get a blanket on the plane and a pillow. However, I think this will add comfort.
- When we are at the places we are going to stay, we will have are own blanket if needed. I got one for my daughter and me.
HIT: I didn’t use it but a couple of times, but my son, husband, and sister all used it. A lot of the time as a pillow.
OUTSIDE
Bug Spray Travel Size LINK
- Just in case
MISS: didn’t use
EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46 LINK
- This is what I normally use
HIT: used daily great travel size
Sunglasses
FEISEDY Retro 90s Square Sunglasses LINK
MISS: I wore my old Maui Jim sunglasses
OJOS Sunglasses Women’s LINK
- Sunglasses for my daughter
- More Sunglasses
MISS: She liked the other sunglasses and left these at home. Hopefully, she wears them. I really like these.
Polarized Square Sunglasses For Men and Women Matte Finish
- My son picked out these sunglasses LINK
Miss- I bought the wrong color he wanted, so he used some other sunglasses that he had. We did keep them and will use them as extra sunglasses.
Vintage Round Sunglasses for Women
- My daughter got these sunglasses that she loves LINK
- More sunglasses
Hit: She did love them, and the pictures with her wearing them look so good too!
Lens Cleaning Wipes LINK
- for the phone and sunglasses
In between, I used them a few times, and didn’t need to bring too many. They don’t take up much space, just bring them with you.
Clothing and Accessories
GIRL Sport Cami Bras Cotton LINK
- My daughters favorite
Hit- She has got these before so already new we liked them.
Merino Wool Hiking Socks for Women LINK
- Comfortable with lots of walking
Hit: I did wear my hiking boots and these felt good with them. I only brought two pairs, which were perfect.
Compression Socks Women and Men LINK
- My daughters and mine
In between: I did not like them too tight for me. My daughter likes them.
Copper Compression Socks LINK
- For my son and husband
In between: I wore my husband’s on the flight, would recommend
Fruit of the Loom Girls’ Cotton Brief Underwear, Multipack LINK
Hit: We have bought before already new we would like it.
NORTHYARD Men’s Athletic Pants Running Workout Joggers
I had already bought my son some earlier, so he is taking on the trip. I decided to get some for my husband (he’s a jean’s jeans-only guy). However, just in case it’s supposed to rain a lot and wet jeans are not fun. LINK
Toiletry Items
Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening Alpine Breeze Toothpaste LINK
- What we use at home
Hit: used mine all up
Aquaphor Lip Repair Ointment LINK
- For dry lips
Hit: used multiple times
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