I’m a Shopping Writer, and These Are the 15 Amazon Prime Day Deals I’m Telling My Travel-loving Friends to Buy

Amazon Prime Day is practically the Olympics of shopping, and as a travel writer, I love using the sale as an opportunity to restock on my favorite packable essentials while also snagging marked-down tech and luggage finds. I’ve collected an impressive selection of travel gear I won’t vacation without, securing my role as the friend who doles out shopping advice before upcoming trips. So, what better time than Prime Day to put that expertise to good use?

If you’re in need of guidance for what to buy during Amazon’s biggest sale of the year, I’ve composed a list of the 15 travel essentials I recommend picking up ahead of your own travels this season. Now’s the time to stock up on everything from Apple AirTags to the perfect lightweight carry-on, all in one place. Whether you’re looking to splurge or save, Amazon is the go-to destination for travel accessories built for the job, and these are the items I swear by—starting at just $16.

Best Overall Deals

Apple AirTags 4-pack

Ever since my brother’s luggage was lost in an Italian airport for over a month, I’ve never again taken to the sky without an Apple AirTag tucked into my bag. These coin-sized devices easily connect to the Find My app on my iPhone, so I can follow my checked luggage on its journey to baggage claim. Plus, I like having one on my keychain and in my wallet at all times. The tracker plays a simple chime alert that makes it a breeze to find my items in an over-stuffed bag, and right now, a four-pack is on sale for $65.

Travelpro Maxlite Air Hardside Expandable Carry-on Suitcase

Flight attendants and other airline crew members swear by Travelpro luggage for their work, which was all I needed to hear to snag a lightweight bag of my own—and I was not disappointed. The spacious, expandable frame of this carry-on suitcase makes it easy to pack to the brim, and it’s fitted with four spinner wheels that allow for a smooth ride across everything from airport floors to hotel carpets.

I have the checked-bag version, which was spacious enough to hold all of my ski gear during a cross-country adventure (excluding the skis, of course), and I’m always impressed that the polycarbonate exterior doesn’t dent, crack, or scratch. Best of all, the carry-on is super light at just over six pounds, so you should have no trouble getting it into the overhead bin, even when it’s fully packed. 

Adidas Women’s VL Court 3.0 Sneaker

Adidas Sambas have been my go-to streetwear sneaker for years, but since the outsoles on my pair are finally beginning to run thin, I’m eyeing the highly rated VL Court 3.0 Sneakers as the newest additions to my footwear collection.

The understated, casual style is surprisingly supportive and comfortable for long walking days thanks to its well-cushioned midsoles, and the padded heels will be especially forgiving right out of the box. The outsoles are made with reliable rubber treads to provide vital traction on slick city streets and beyond, and the sleek leather exteriors will remain in pristine shape even if you get caught in an unexpected rainstorm. 

Ueu Women’s Loose Wide-leg Yoga Pants

I’m a huge proponent of wearing flowy pants on travel days since they’re easy to rewear throughout the trip, feel just as comfortable as loungewear, and are effortlessly stylish with the right accessories. This loose-fitting pair from Ueu is made with a wide elastic waistband that won’t dig into the skin or cause discomfort. The wide-leg design isn’t unrestrictive, making them a great pick if you struggle to get settled in during a long-haul flight.

They’re complete with two deep pockets that are the perfect places to store extra snacks or your phone and wallet, and they come in 21 gorgeous shades that will be right at home in any travel wardrobe. 

Sony WH-CH720N Noise-canceling Wireless Headphones

My noise-canceling headphones are my prized possession, and there will never be a time when I board a flight of any length without them. This cushy pair from Sony is designed with an adjustable headband for maximum comfort, along with padded ear cups that won’t cause irritation with extended wear. They boast an impressive 35 hours of battery life, and you can even score an additional hour of listening time on a three-minute charge.

Perhaps best of all, the Bluetooth headphones come with an accompanying cable that plugs into your seatback screen for pristine audio while you’re watching your favorite movies. The noise-reduction feature is easy to toggle off and effectively blocks out distracting sounds for great rest while traveling. They even pack down into a portable carrying case so you can take them on the go.  

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

If you’re a traveler who loves checking off books from their reading list during vacation, I could not recommend the Kindle Paperwhite enough—and right now it’s on sale for $150 thanks to Prime Day. This thin, lightweight device is the easiest way to bring a wide array of novels onto the plane without bogging down your luggage with excess weight, and the glare-resistant screen is practically essential if you’re planning on getting your reading done on a sunny beach this summer.

My favorite feature, however, is that you can deliver eBooks directly to your Kindle from your public library, so you can swap out free books all vacation long without taking up that extra space in your bag. And with a staggering 12 weeks of battery life, you’ll be able to leave the charger at home. 

Bagail Compression Packing Cubes

Sure, standard packing cubes are great, but if you’re ready to save even more space in your suitcase during your next trip, the Bagail Compression Packing Cubes are the way to go. This set of six bags includes four different-sized packing cubes alongside a handy shoe bag and a pouch for delicates. The mesh lining at the front of each bag makes it a breeze to identify exactly what’s stored inside.

These cubes can save an additional 60 percent of space in your luggage, according to the brand, and they’re suitable for holding anything from bulky sweatshirts and pants to smaller tops and dresses. They’re durable, ultra-compact, and a surefire way to become a carry-on-only traveler without giving up your overpacking tendencies—and they’re currently on sale for just $19. 

Charmast Portable Charger With Built-in Cables

Since my AirPods died during a long-haul flight to Portugal several years ago, I haven’t boarded a plane without a portable charger tucked into my personal item. However, since my older version requires me to pack a cable of my own (which I oftentimes forget), I’m looking to score this Charmast Portable Charger that’s complete with built-in cables, so I can take the stress out of packing my electronics.

The device is fitted with a screen at the front that will let me know exactly how much battery life it has remaining, so I’m not left in the lurch. Plus, it’s compatible with everything from Apple devices to laptops, so I can keep all my devices fully charged while on the go. The slim design is packable and unobtrusive, and it even contains up to two full charges of the latest iPhone model. 

Automet 2-piece Matching Shorts Set

Matching sets are the easiest travel outfits to have on hand since they instantly look put-together, can be dressed up or down, and—most importantly—are incredibly comfortable. I love the oversized fit of this button-down top and baggy shorts pairing since I know it won’t restrict my movements while running through the airport or getting settled in my seat. I can also see myself wearing this set with sneakers during a busy day of sightseeing when I don’t want to be encumbered with heavy or too-tight fabric.

The shorts are designed with an adjustable drawstring waistband and pockets, and the top will make for a beautiful beach cover-up in any of the 21 available colors. A bonus? It’s on sale for $26 right now, bringing the set to just over $13 apiece.

Trtl Travel Neck Pillow

For years, I have struggled to get restful sleep during long-haul flights for one painful reason: my head bobs. Every time I start slipping into sleep, my neck snaps forward, bringing me back to reality regardless of the neck pillow I’m using. That is, until I discovered the magic of the Trtl Travel Neck Pillow—the solution that all fellow head-bobbers have been seeking.

This pillow is crafted with a built-in neck brace on one side, and it’s designed to wrap around your head to keep it firmly in place. If you haven’t invested in the window seat (or are an aisle seat person like me), you’ll relish the opportunity to rest your head on something sturdy. It even comes with a handy carrying case that keeps it stowed away and sanitary when not in use. 

Teva Women’s Hurricane Xlt2 Sandals

If I’m going to pack a pair of sandals to travel with, they need to be so much more than just stylish—they should also be comfortable, supportive, and reliable. Fortunately, the Teva Women’s Hurricane Xlt2 Sandals check all the necessary boxes, and they’re now on sale for $54 for Prime Day.

The thick rubber outsoles are super-grippy, so I’m confident I won’t slip and fall if I wear them on hiking trails or in the airport. Plus, I love that the adjustable straps don’t chafe my feet or cause discomfort when I wear them for hours on end. The heels boast additional padding that makes them comfortable straight out of the box, so if you have an active vacation on your hands, you can’t go wrong with adding these sleek sandals to your shopping list.

The Drop Women’s Britt Tiered Maxi Tent Dress

As soon as the weather turns hot, I can’t be bothered to wear anything other than a breathable maxi dress, and The Drop Women’s Britt Tiered Maxi Tent Dress is perhaps one of my favorites. This stylish maxi is the easiest throw-on-and-go outfit I own, and whether I style it with sneakers or heels, I always feel my best while putting in minimal effort.

It has pockets, which would be my favorite feature if the dress didn’t also come with adjustable button straps that can be worn as a racerback and shortened to my preferred length so I never trip on the hem. I opted for the dainty dusty purple shade (and have even influenced several of my friends to buy the same), but you really can’t go wrong with any of the 20 available colors—not to mention it comes in an impressive size range, spanning from 2XS to 5X. 

Taygeer Travel Backpack

As a dedicated carry-on-only traveler, I’ve found that a roomy backpack is the best personal item choice for maximizing my packing space while keeping my hands free. This carry-on backpack from Taygeer unzips like a suitcase to reveal an impressive amount of packing space, plus it’s fitted with a shoe pouch, a wet bag, and stretchy X-straps to keep you organized once you arrive at your destination.

It’s the perfect size to fit into the overhead bin or beneath your airplane seat (even when packed to the brim). If you’re traveling with electronics, it’s also complete with a padded laptop compartment that’s extra secure and easily accessible in flight. 

Thopeb Rechargeable Safety Alarm

Living in New York City, I take my personal safety very seriously, and that carries into my travels as well. I’ve found that carrying a portable safety device has given me so much peace of mind both when I’m adventuring on my own and while traveling in a group. 

This highly rated pick from Thopeb is the perfect addition to your keyring since it’s TSA-friendly and easy to use. Simply pull the pin, and the device will emit a blaring siren sound in combination with a strobe light that will draw attention to your situation and scare away would-be threats. This device is set apart from others of its kind since it’s rechargeable, and it’s currently on sale for only $20 during Prime Day. 

Jisulife Handheld Mini 3-in-1 Fan

The summer heat often leaves me irritable and uncomfortable while traveling, which is why I always have a portable fan on hand after enduring a brutal Italian train ride with no air conditioning. This compact fan works with three different speeds for customizable cooling, and it even converts into a flashlight and a portable charger to save space.

It can be propped up on your seatback tray table or next to your bedside in a toasty hotel room, and it even contains up to 19 hours of cooling time on a single charge. Regardless of where you’re traveling this season, you won’t want to leave this $16 fan behind—especially while it’s on sale for Prime Day. 

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