The $8 Gadget That Saved My Summer (From New York to Charleston)

Summer is great until you're sweating through your shirt on a sticky subway platform, wondering why you ever complained about January. Two years ago, after a string of miserable, sweat-soaked commutes, a colleague suggested I pick up a portable fan. I grabbed one on Amazon for eight bucks, and it's been a lifesaver ever since.

Once the temperature climbs—like it did this week in New York—that little fan never leaves my tote. On weekends, I slip it into my crossbody bag for walks along the Hoboken waterfront, beach days in Jersey, or steamy outdoor dinners in the city. A gentle breeze hits my face the moment I need it.

Last month, I took it to Charleston, South Carolina. On a scorching day, my friends and I walked Rainbow Row and the City Market from morning till dusk. The fan kept me cool for hours without losing power or slowing down. My friends kept borrowing it, passing it around like a secret weapon against the heat.

If you run warm or just love spending summer outdoors, consider this your nudge to grab a portable fan. I'd call it the ultimate travel accessory—whether you're heading to the South of France, a Caribbean island, or simply trying to cross town without melting. Below, I've listed my go-to fan, plus a few that my fellow editors swear by. Compact, lightweight, and easy to use, these little fans deserve a spot in your bag all season long.