For many of us in clinical research, travel is a huge part of our lives. As clinical research professionals, we are always looking for ways to improve our travel experience and maximize suitcase space. Some travelers prefer not to check bags, making it easier to leave the airport and head directly to the hotel after a long travel day, avoiding baggage claim altogether. In many cases, only a carry-on suitcase and a laptop bag are used, reducing the number and size of items that can be packed.

Being a road warrior, I frequently find myself shopping online, especially on Amazon. Here are some items I purchased on Amazon that have turned out to be my travel picks! I call them my Fave Five! These items allow us travelers to bring things we love while taking up very little packing space.

MDDRUIQI Perfume Travel Refillable-Perfume Atomizer Bottle Portable

This tiny device allows you to bring your favorite perfume or cologne. Airlines only allow 3 oz of liquid, preventing you from bringing a whole bottle of perfume or cologne. The travel perfume bottle will hold a small amount of perfume and has a spill-proof cap so no perfume spills all over your clothes. To use, you simply remove the spray top from your regular perfume bottle and place the travel perfume on top of the bottle. With a few pumps up and down, it fills up.

At only $5.99 for 5, you can bring several scents. Each is only about the size of a lipstick tube, making it extremely space-saving!

SPECIAL MADE Collapsible Water Bottles Cups Leakproof Valve Reusable BPA Free Silicone Foldable Travel Water Bottle Cup

How many times have you left for a trip only to realize you forgot your water bottle? Well, that won’t be a problem with this item! Collapsed, this water bottle measures only 5 cm and has a strap to keep it collapsed until you’re ready to use it. Made from natural silicone, this bottle can withstand temperatures from -50°C to 200°C. Fully open, it holds up to 20 oz of liquid and is affordable at $9.99.

MEACOLIA 3 Pack 8 Compartments Travel Pill Organizer Moisture Proof Small Pill Box

Have you traveled with the plastic pill cases that open and spill in your bag? Not with this case! It has an inner plastic case inside an outer zip-up case. No more worries about losing your medicine! You can get a 3-pack with 8 compartments for $8.97.

KElofoN Travel Jewelry Case Travel Jewelry Box Travel Jewelry Organizer

This jewelry case will keep all your jewelry organized and safe! At only 2 inches by 4 inches, it won’t take up a lot of room in your bag. It has 4 divided compartments, 2 removable dividers, and a mirror. It also has a velvet liner inside to protect your precious pieces. This was definitely worth the $12.99 price tag!

SATURNBIRD Specialty Coffee Instant Cold Brew, Light/Medium/Dark Roast 6 Flavors Variety Packs, 100% Arabica Powder, Enjoy Hot/Cold, 24 Single Serves

Last but certainly not least is my absolute favorite travel item: Saturn Bird Instant Coffee. These cute little cups are sealed inside and come with a cap to prevent spills. Shaped like a coffee cup, they come in 6 strengths, from light to bold. This coffee has excellent flavor and can be mixed with hot water, cold water, or milk. You can enjoy a hot cup of coffee or iced coffee on the go without the airport price tag! The variety pack comes with 24 cups, and at $35.98, it will cost you about $1.50 per cup.

Melissa Huettner

Melissa is the Global Digital Strategy Lead for Interim Visits Magazine. She is an experienced CRA and Clinical Research Coordinator with experience in several therapeutic areas including oncology and ophthalmology.

Melissa is an experienced Clinical Research Associate (CRA) with experience in numerous therapeutic areas including ophthalmology, endocrinology and oncology. Melissa is also the Associate Editor of Interim Visits Magazine.

Outside of clinical research, Melissa is a beekeeper. She is the owner and manager her family’s apiary. Rabbit Hole Farms, in Eastern Tennessee. She eventually hopes to collaborate on clinical trials related to medicinal honey, bee venom, and/or bee allergies.