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Dec 25, 2023

36 Tech Products You'll Want Before You Travel Next

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

Finger-print luggage locks, portable door alarms, and 34 other products that'll make traveling *so* much easier.

BuzzFeed Staff

To track your item, simply use your Find My iPhone app! The AirTag will even make noise if you select "Play Sound" in the app.

Promising review: "We used this on our honeymoon to Portugal. We were worried about the airport making us check our carry-on luggage – which they did make us do. We were able to rest assured that our bags were at the destination and on the plane." —Roberta

Get it from Amazon for $27.26 (also available in packs of four — great for multiple suitcases!).

AND (because I do all the hard work for ya) here's a luggage tag AirTag case and an AirTag keychain. Check them out!

You can also switch between pound and kilogram measurements.

Promising reviews: "This scale works and was accurate on four flights. First flight was a test at 46 pounds and Delta scales said it was 46 pounds. The next two flights were at 49 pounds and both United and Delta found it to be 49 pounds. The bag on the fourth flight weighed 49 but the United scale found it to be 48 pounds. Four different airports and scales proved that this scale is a good, low-cost must have item for air travel." —Robert

"Love it! Lightweight and easy to read! It even gives you the climate temperature (not that I need it but a neat feature). It reads in both kg and lbs. Definitely recommend if you're a frequent traveler and have weight requirements on luggage." —Patricia Velasquez

Get it from from Amazon for $9.39+ (available in four colors and in a set of two).

Promising review: "Okay, after a flight last month, I was convinced I needed a phone mount and ran into this. So I bought it. The wild part was that I haven't been on another flight yet and yet, I use this gadget every single day. So far, I found this to be durable and can contort to your needs. The different combinations of positions literally allows you to mount and position your device to nearly any position you need it to. I use the iPhone 11 as my device. I mount this on my standup desk at work, at my nightstand to watch movies while in bed, on my treadmill so I can watch something while walking, on a nearby counter as a 'tripod' for my phone and of course, as a standalone stand when I’m sitting at a flat table." —Justine E.

Get it from Amazon for $12.97 (available in two colors).

These also work great for wired EarPods!

Promising reviews: "Do not hesitate to buy these. My AirPod Pros were constantly falling out my ears and it was so annoying. These anti-slip ear hooks are a lifesaver. Do not hesitate to buy them, because they work. They help my AirPods stay in place, and I don't have to worry about losing them anymore. The pack includes three pairs of replacements hooks, and a cute little carry pouch." —Simone

"Finally, something that actually makes my AirPod Pros stay in! I was hesitant to try at first seeing as they’re made of a silicone material. But they fit and my AirPods stay comfortably in my ears. I danced, I ran, I jumped, I talked, and they still stayed in. I love that they come with three pairs so there are plenty of backups. Great product and a great price!" —Chad Johnson

Get a pack of three from Amazon for $13.95 (available for AirPod 3s and AirPod Pros).

Promising review: "I've been looking for a carry-on replacement for some time. My last carry-on was from 2007, so it was super old and not very good. Now that I have my July Carry On, I couldn't be more pleased. It's so good from functionality to style. I love the laundry bag — it's great that I don't have to remember to take my own separate laundry bag with me anymore + the charging is so useful. The wheels are silent and smooth — so much so that on the slightest decline the bag will 100% roll away from you. The bumpers are a bit scratched after some use, but it's hardy/designed to protect what's inside, and I accept that there will be some of that happening on long haul flights. I really enjoy the personalization as well — I had my name and a little frog etched on the top — so cute!" —Ameeka N.

Get it from July for $295 (available in 12 colors).

You can also use this on your backpack or even at a gym locker.

Promising review: "This lock comes with excellent directions and it's very easy to use. At times, I need to wipe the fingerprint sensor for it to read my fingerprint, but not so much where it's a hassle. My wife and I share this lock between us and we love it. It's so much easier than remembering a combination or having to have an extra key." —Ron Andres

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (also available with Bluetooth).

Promising review: "I have two of these, and they are amazing. The loop goes around the door handle and two thin metal prongs go in the crack of the door. If the door opens even a little, the prongs are separated, and it lets out the loudest, most obnoxious wailing sound in the history of the world. It's great for a single girl traveling on her own!" —Kelly

Get it from Amazon for $17.99 (available in six colors).

Make sure to read the reviews below for some important tips!

Promising reviews: "Loud little dude! Good for home and travel for hotel room doors. Sensitivity control and on/off switch. Be sure to measure from floor to bottom of door to make sure it will engage the alarm. After demonstrating it, my sister-in-law, niece, and mom wanted them. A little peace of mind for very little money." —Jim Walker

"H/M/L sensitivity settings and an on/off trigger. I tape the trigger in the off position to pack it in my carryon. Haven't tested it on super smooth floor surface, but the grips on the bottom seem to provide enough traction on carpets, tile, and engineered hardwood." —EV

Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (available in two colors and multiple packs).

Not talking from experience...not at all. 😬

Promising review: "I travel frequently both for work and pleasure and always find myself lugging around a bag full of power cords and converter depending on the country I am visiting. This useful tool has saved me at least 5 lbs worth of excess luggage (a multitude of extension cords, power connectors and external plugs) by consolidating the my connection needs into one tool. This power bank comes with two plugs (you can choose configuration based on the country specific outlets) and four USB plugs. The travel bag makes it convenient and keeps it organized. This is a great investment and value for the price." —LocalistGal

Get it from Amazon for $39.98.

These come with a wireless charging case that provides up to 14 hours of charge (with the earbuds able to play for 4+ hours with each full charge). The earbuds are also sweatproof and waterproof so you can use them during workouts or runs, (even in the shower!), and have a built-in mic so you can chat on the phone.

Promising review: "I like that these came with several different options for sizing in the ear. I was able to find one that didn't ever seem to make my ear sore. I don't believe I have ever had that before. I haven't used earbuds a really long time because they just never worked out for me. I wore these for several hours when I got them prior to doing any charge or anything and was extremely satisfied with sound quality and comfort. I haven't done much other then working around the house so I can update once I take them to the gym or some other environment. I don't foresee any issues though. Great product." —Nathan J. Hamilton

Get it from Amazon $25.99 (available in five colors).

Promising reviews: "Very easy to set up and pair with my JBL headphones. I’ve used the AirFly to connect to an iPad and the Delta in flight entertainment system. Worked flawlessly with both! I’m glad I found this product." —AdvRacer

"I was a little nervous that they wouldn't connect but once I got on the plane ✈️ plugged it in and pressed AirFly (4 secs) then pressed and hold AirPods Pro back button 'Voila' connected YAY 😀! Now I can get caught up on a couple of movies 🎥 I missed. LOVE IT. 💚 Volume is loud and clear." —Nicole J

Get it from Amazon for $54.99.

I recommend still throwing your hair up and out of the way to get the full ~cool~ effect.

Promising review: "This neck fan is awesome!!! It fits comfortably around the neck and is very lightweight. Love that the vents are all the way around so you feel the cold air around your whole neck. Cools you down quickly. Would buy again!!! If you are reading this... Do not hesitate to buy this, get one now before they run out." —Kathy Jones

Get it from Amazon for $31.99 (available in nine colors).

BuzzFeed Shopping Editor Heather Braga says: "I picked up one of these bad boys for a recent trip to Walt Disney World and BOY was it worth every penny. It really does make a difference when you're walking around in the scalding hot sun. It also folds up so it isn't super bulky when not in use."

Get it from Amazon for $18.99 (available in five colors).

Promising reviews: "I purchased this item before I traveled to Greece for one week. I used this multiple times at the airport, on the airplane, and during my day trips while exploring during my vacation. This has lasted multiple charges it has been very convenient since you are not attached to an outlet while you’re recharging your phone." —christine k.

"When traveling I often run down the battery on my phone, especially on cruises when I go off the ship on an excursion and take a lot of pictures. I have had portable chargers before but they are heavy for their size and you need to carry a cable as well. The iWalk solves both problems. It is compact, lightweight, and requires no cable. And it is reasonably priced. I highly recommend this product." —Nancy J.

Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in six colors).

This charger is compatible with Apple Watch models 1-8 and SE.

P.S. to use it in your car, be sure to have the correct cigarette lighter adaptor.

Promising reviews: "I’ve had this for about a year now and it's saved me multiple times. Great to keep in my purse or vehicle to give a bump in my watch's charge during long days or overnight trip. It's holding up well still works perfectly. So I had to get another to just leave on the 2nd floor. For $10 it's pretty great!" —Erika S.

"Keeping this in the car for trips. Holds the watch very securely and keeps it charged and ready." —Rob

Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in four colors).

Promising review: "I love the fact that I can read on this Kindle in both daylight and dim light conditions. It is so light and compact, which makes it easy to hold, easy to travel with, and the battery lasts forever. I love it." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $129.99 (available in four colors).

Promising review: "I couldn't be happier with this light. I use it for reading in bed and when I travel. It's comfortable, has multiple settings, is easy to use, and the battery stays charged for a long time. You can turn on either one or both sides of the light and its flexibility allows the light to be adjusted easily. I highly recommend this light for reading in bed, for outdoor walking at night, and for doing close work that requires good lighting." —Jean G

Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in eight colors).

BuzzFeed Editor Elizabeth Lilly owns and loves this organizer!: "After putting this well-reviewed item in stories for YEARS, I finally bought one for myself because I'm one of those AirPod holdouts who's still managed to stick with the wired OGs. But! That means that I've clocked too much time untangling said wires. This little leather square with a buttoned strap is so simple, but works so well. I can easily throw it in a jeans pocket but most often put it in a jacket or coat pocket for my everyday. I do the same when traveling. It takes me about 10 seconds to unravel (or re-ravel) my headphones and I'm on my merry way listening to my fave podcasts or Spotify playlist. For such a small amount of money, it really does make my day to day much easier."

Promising review: "I travel a lot — well, used to. I'm also one of the last people with wired buds. Every time, my ear buds would be a tangled mess. No matter how I tried to keep them wrapped or organized. This gaget is the perfect solution. It's compact, and takes seconds to get your buds wrapped up." —Susan Rahn

Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (available in five colors).

Mister Crafter is a small business that creates handmade, personalizable travel products, wallets, and accessories made from 100% top-quality genuine cowhide leather.

Promising review: "I bought this for my husband before a trip and he loved it! The quality and durability were obvious the moment I took it out of the box. Definitely recommend this company and product." —Maureen Murphy-Weiss

Get it from Mister Crafter on Etsy for $39.80+ (originally $56.86+; available in two sizes and two colors; personalization also available).

BuzzFeed editor Chelsea Stuart loves this travel essential and said: "After a bout of pandemic-induced insomnia I picked up one of these USB-chargeable masks and can honestly say it was LIFE-changing. If you're sensitive to light or sound, this mask is where it's at. The contoured, cool-to-the-touch eye pads are super cozy and extra padding on the bridge of the nose ensures no light seeps in. I was concerned about feeling the headphones through the mask and not being able to sleep in my usual position (mountain climber, the hands down comfiest position), but they really are unnoticeable. I can sleep through the night with it on and the Velcro straps have never once gotten stuck in my hair. The battery also lasts for a full 10 hours, so I don't have to worry about my audio going out right as I'm dozing off."

Get it from Amazon for $22.58 (available in five colors).

Promising review: "I bought this to take pics when traveling so I can store it in my luggage...I also use it when applying makeup. Its great because you can take it anywhere...Definitely a great buy if you take a lot of selfies and need better lighting." —Shirley Smith

Get it from Amazon fro $12.99.

Promising reviews: "Cute, compact, and convenient. I use it with TikTok and the Kindle App. I knit at the same time as watching TikTok vids or reading so this is an amazing little gadget. It also wouldn't take up much room in a purse so I can travel with it." —annaangela

"Super compact and works great! Setting it up was easy and it fits snugly in my book bag without taking up a lot of room. It's great for laying in bed while having my tablet set up and scrolling without removing my arms from my blanket." —Kindle Customer

Get it from Amazon for $20.99+ (available in three colors).

InvisaWear is a female-cofounded small biz dedicated to helping people stay safe with stylish and discreet SOS alert systems (think bangles, necklaces — even athletic bands) that are backed by ADT Security.

There are no monthly subscription fees for this service! All you need to do is download the free app on your phone and customize your contacts and settings.

Promising review: "This gave me peace of mind while I traveled alone. I knew that I would have access to help if needed." —Lasonja B.

Get it from InvisaWear for $126.65 (originally $149; available in silver, gold, and black).

Promising review: "This safe has become a MUST-HAVE on all our vacations. We no longer travel without it. We put two iPhones, cash, and car keys in this little safe, locked it to a beach cabana, threw a towel over it and took off for a hour of snorkeling. Never once worried about our belongings. We now use several of these as room safes AND as 'hide a key' lockboxes outside our vacation condo for teens who come and go throughout the day. They are invaluable!" —KeepIT Reel

Get it from Amazon for $28.69+ (available in three colors).

I've never been much of an over-the-ear headphone wearer. They're usually too bulky, too uncomfortable, and a little too heavy for my taste. But these Skullcandy Crusher Evo headphones?? OMG. It's confirmed I've been listening to music all wrong, because the bass feature on these headphones are amazing. It doesn't ruin the quality of sound AT ALL, and only enhances it (like, a lot). And it can be adjusted for comfort if a song is too bass-heavy or not enough. I wear them while working at my desk, and find myself dancing to the beat way more (what better way to WFH, right?). The best part is that I can wear them for hours at a time without discomfort. I recently wore them on a three-hour flight as opposed to my usual ear pods, and I was able to cut out the crying babies and listen to my playlists and podcasts in peace. They easily connect to both my phone and laptop, and I only charge them once about every two weeks. Trust me, these are well worth the investment!

BTW, they come with their own matching carrying case!

Promising review: "Truly amazed with how great the experience is when listening to music with these! If you want a head rattle from the sensory bass, they got it! If you want loud volume to block out the noise of everyday life, no problem! Skullcandy nailed it with these and made me have to send back my Beats Studio 3 and Sony XM3's within days of using these bad boys. BUY THEM NOW!!!" Devin

Get it from Amazon for $169.99 (also available in black and grey).

This device is portable and has continuous play, memory function, non-looping sounds, and a one-to-five-hour timer setting.

Promising reviews: "I take this when I travel and have recommended it to so many people who also like it. Multiple sounds and if needed, volume goes up high enough to block out loud people in nearby rooms." —Erin M. Hueber

"Pleasantly surprised with this tiny noise machine, perfect for traveling...Great for meditation. It's got grippy feet on the bottom and comes with the plug adapter...I haven't noticed any annoying loop or background noises, the sounds are all consistent. It also has a memory of the last sound you've set it to, so you can turn it off and it will return to the same sound you last chose when you turn it back on." —Shayla

Get it from Amazon for $21.99.

Promising reviews: "This watch is the perfect size for everyday wear. I was worried it would look too big or bulky on my arm but I love it! It's helped me be more cognizant about staying active and taking walk breaks. Love it for step tracking, cycle info, heart rate, stress, and more!" —All The Sleeps

"I have never been a watch or jewelry wearer but I wanted to track my steps and also be able to read texts and get phone notifications on a watch without spending a ton. This is perfect for my needs. It is very slim and I barely notice it. The app is very useful and gives loads of information." —Stephanie

Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in four band colors).

Promising review: "This is a great product! I travel frequently, and I am always challenged with the number of USB ports I can get with the number of outlets available (and where) in hotel rooms. With this product, the number of ports problem goes away, and what's great is that it extends the charger interface out from behind a bed or nightstand, or other inconvenient receptacle location, up onto a work surface for easy access. As far as power, I have had an ASUS transformer, two iPads, HTC one M8, and two iPhones connected to it at the same time, charging for hours with no heat on the device whatsoever. It works great at home too. I have always had good luck with Anker products, good quality." —bishop

Get it from Amazon for $23.97+ (available in two colors).

Check out the emergency power kit in action on TikTok!

This portable car jump starter comes with a few other things, too. Including: four interchangeable nozzles for the built in air compressor, three kinds of charging adaptors, jumper cables, and more.

Promising review: "I would 1,000% recommend this for anyone and everyone. My dad bought me one for Christmas and it has got me out of bad situations a couple of times. I have since bought one for everyone in the family and have recommended to the rest of the extended family. It comes in handy and can help avoid being in an unsafe situation where you are stranded and someone taking advantage of the situation. Not only does it charge your car battery but you can use it to emergency charge your phone or to plug in something during a trip. This one airs up tires. Just perfect." —SA Sunshine

Get it from Amazon for $129.99 (available in five styles).

Check it out on TikTok!

This power bank has a little screen to let you know how much charge is left and how long it's going to take to fully charge your device. There's also a second USB so you can charge your phone at the same time!

Promising review: "Bought for travel. On one day where I needed to use the phone more, I realized that my phone was low on power but was able to connect it to the power bank. It charged very quickly and I was able to keep going without disruption. Quite a relief! It, of course, has just a bit of a heft to it, as expected with a battery like this, but nothing too bad. It's compact enough to be easily portable (I tucked it into a pocket of my tote)." —MAB

Get it from Amazon for $99.99.

Promising reviews: "I bought two for my granddaughters who have iPhones and one for my Android phone. We absolutely love them. They are and have been a life/phone saver when we didn't have our original chargers. Besides, they make a nice looking bracelet too. Highly recommend it." —Maria

"This has been a great buy and it has stood the test of time. The charge and transfer data has been great as well. Will purchase another one." —Fresh Prince

Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (available in two sizes and for iPhone and Android).

Promising review: "One of my favorite purchases this year! I used to Clorox wipe my phone all the time. Such a pain and leaves a weird residue on my phone. I love that I can put my phone in, and go wash my face. By the time I am done, so is my phone! I also clean my wallet, keys, jewelry. Pretty much anything I can that normally doesn't get cleaned. I thought it was kind of expensive at first. However, I have used it so many times, it more than makes up for the price." —DoeEyedFawn

Get it from Amazon for $59.95+ (available in five colors).

This is powered with a rechargeable battery (USB cable included!) that can last up to two to three weeks on one full charge. You can also use the top to sanitize larger items!

Promising reviews: "I love this product! This is one of the lightest sanitizers that I’ve gotten so far. I hate when my daughter's pacifier falls onto the floor at the store. This puts me at ease because it's easy to use and sanitizes things in about a minute. This is extremely easy to travel with and makes everything so much easier!" —Maddie Martin

"I LOVE this sterilizer! It's portable, wireless, and works in minutes. It gives me confidence when we are out and about...It's so easy [to use], just place the item in the small sterilizer and BOOM it's clean!..This is a must when traveling especially with COVID-19 and flu season upon us!!!" —Jarhn

Get it from Amazon for $23.95.

You can mount this directly on your car's air vent or dashboard.

Promising review: "I love using the Echo Auto, as it is a great assistant while driving. Asking Alexa to search GasBuddy for the cheapest gas nearby takes the frustration out of pulling over to look at the GasBuddy app. It works as it should, like a helpful passenger who can pull up the information you need and help you get there. Once Alexa finds the gas station, she can provide you with further details about the station or provide you with directions to the location. If I ask for directions, she seamlessly opens up my Google Maps and I’m on my way. This hands-free feature is very valuable to me, as I frequently drive in a great deal of traffic and I’m not always able to pull over to locate the information I need. She can help you locate restaurants, stores, and more. Of course, you can stream music and have her tell you jokes, but you can also listen to podcasts and create lists as you drive or wait in traffic." —Jeannie M. Bushnell

Get it from Amazon for $49.99.

Check it out in action on TikTok!

It includes two AAA batteries so it's ready for use right away!

This cordless light comes from small biz Brainstream, a company with tons of fun high-tech gifts like singing pasta timers and motion-activated therapy sound boxes.

Promising review: "This item is one of those things I didn't think I needed (but bought anyway) but now won't ever be without! The light just sits in my purse and turns on when it's bounced or bumped. The light is soft but effective at the same time. It is really a lifesaver if you're always feeling like you need to dump out your purse to find what you are looking for! Great gift too." —D. Leander

Get it from Amazon for $29.98.

Promising review: "I needed a charger that would be great for traveling. It's very useful when packing. I was bringing three chargers around with me — this is great because it's three in one! Definitely worth the buy not to mention I have MagSafe and it secures my phone while charging so I don't have to worry about my phone slipping off and not charging. I’ve had instances where I bought the chargers that you lay your phone on and you have to place it a certain way to charge. This one magnetically secures with MagSafe which I love!" —Emily

Get it from Amazon for $33.99 (available in nine colors).

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Promising review: We were able to rest assured that our bags were at the destination and on the plane. Promising reviews: Promising review: I use this gadget every single day. I mount this on my standup desk at work, at my nightstand to watch movies while in bed, on my treadmill so I can watch something while walking Promising reviews: These anti-slip ear hooks are a lifesaver. I don't have to worry about losing them anymore my AirPods stay comfortably in my ears. I danced, I ran, I jumped, I talked, and they still stayed in. Promising review: I love the laundry bag — it's great that I don't have to remember to take my own separate laundry bag with me anymore + the charging is so useful. The wheels are silent and smooth Promising review: It's so much easier than remembering a combination or having to have an extra key. Promising review: It's great for a single girl traveling on her own Promising reviews: Be sure to measure from floor to bottom of door to make sure it will engage the alarm. I tape the trigger in the off position to pack it in my carryon. the grips on the bottom seem to provide enough traction on carpets, tile, and engineered hardwood Promising review: This useful tool has saved me at least 5 lbs worth of excess luggage (a multitude of extension cords, power connectors and external plugs) by consolidating the my connection needs into one tool. Promising review: wore these for several hours when I got them prior to doing any charge or anything and was extremely satisfied with sound quality and comfort Promising reviews: Worked flawlessly Promising review It fits comfortably around the neck and is very lightweight Love that the vents are all the way around so you feel the cold air around your whole neck. BuzzFeed Shopping Editor Heather Braga says: Promising reviews: I used this multiple times at the airport, on the airplane, and during my day trips while exploring during my vacation. It is compact, lightweight, and requires no cable. Promising reviews: Great to keep in my purse or vehicle to give a bump in my watch's charge during long days or overnight trip. Promising review: Promising review: BuzzFeed Editor Elizabeth Lilly owns and loves this organizer!: I can easily throw it in a jeans pocket but most often put it in a jacket or coat pocket for my everyday. I do the same when traveling. For such a small amount of money, it really does make my day to day much easier. Promising review: Promising review: BuzzFeed editor Chelsea Stuart loves this travel essential and said: The contoured, cool-to-the-touch eye pads are super cozy and extra padding on the bridge of the nose ensures no light seeps in. The battery also lasts for a full 10 hours, so I don't have to worry about my audio going out right as I'm dozing off. Promising review: Its great because you can take it anywhere Promising reviews: I use it with TikTok and the Kindle App. It's great for laying in bed while having my tablet set up and scrolling without removing my arms from my blanket. There are no monthly subscription fees for this service! Promising review: Promising review: Never once worried about our belongings. I've been listening to music all wrong, because the bass feature on these headphones are amazing. I can wear them for hours at a time without discomfort. They easily connect to both my phone and laptop, and I only charge them once about every two weeks Promising review: Truly amazed with how great the experience is when listening to music with these! Skullcandy nailed it with these and made me have to send back my Beats Studio 3 and Sony XM3 — Promising reviews: I take this when I travel volume goes up high enough to block out loud people in nearby rooms perfect for traveling Promising reviews: Promising review: As far as power, I have had an ASUS transformer, two iPads, HTC one M8, and two iPhones connected to it at the same time, charging for hours with no heat on the device whatsoever. Promising review: My dad bought me one for Christmas and it has got me out of bad situations a couple of times It comes in handy and can help avoid being in an unsafe situation where you are stranded Promising review: " It charged very quickly and I was able to keep going without disruption. Quite a relief! Promising reviews: They are and have been a life/phone saver when we didn't have our original chargers. The charge and transfer data has been great Promising review One of my favorite purchases this year! I also clean my wallet, keys, jewelry. Pretty much anything I can that normally doesn't get cleaned You can also use the top to sanitize larger items! Promising reviews: This is extremely easy to travel It's portable, wireless, and works in minutes. This is a must when traveling Promising review: It works as it should, like a helpful passenger who can pull up the information you need and help you get there. Promising review It is really a lifesaver if you're always feeling like you need to dump out your purse to find what you are looking for! Promising review:
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