This article is a part of CNN Underscored’s Summer Travel Week, a weeklong focus on how to travel smarter and save money during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.
The most useful travel gear can help transform your journey into a seamless and more enjoyable experience. Luckily, Amazon offers a diverse selection of essential items to enhance every aspect of your trip.
From luggage and bags and headphones and earbuds to passport cases, travel clothing, toiletries and handy tools, Amazon has everything you need. Here are some of the best travel products you can buy for yourself or as gifts on Amazon.
Luggage, backpacks and packing accessories
We think that travel shoe bags are a must-have for those who want to keep the grime from their shoes away from their clean clothes. Each of the four bags in this pack features a strong zipper and is made of lightweight, waterproof nylon fabric.
Packing cubes make packing your suitcase infinitely easier and much more organized. And while we love fancy sets from Paravel, where you can monogram your initials, or Away’s sleek sets, those new to packing cubes can opt for this affordable Amazon Basics set of four mesh cubes. (There is also a variety pack available that comes with four different sizes.) With durable double zippers and soft yet sturdy fabric that comes in various color options, it’s no wonder these cubes have more than 13,000 positive reviews.
Using a portable luggage scale means you’ll never be caught with an overweight bag again. This easy-to-grip scale comes with a digital screen and sturdy fabric hook, making it simple to weigh your bag on the go and then store the scale back in your suitcase. It comes in muted tones like silver and gray, or go bold with a red or orange shade so you can quickly find it in your bag.
The FYY Travel Cable Organizer Pouch is a compact and lightweight storage solution for your electronic accessories, featuring durable waterproof material and double layers for ample storage space. With practical features like a hand strap and smooth zipper closure, it’s perfect for travel or daily organization.
When it comes to hard-shell carry-on luggage, durability is one of the most important requisites. Travelers who don’t want to sacrifice style for function don’t have to with this Delsey Paris carry-on, which is made of lightweight, crack-resistant polycarbonate. The bold red interior is a playful touch, and the exterior’s faux-leather accents make this suitcase a fashionable yet sturdy option for toting your belongings around. In fact, it was our runner-up choice for luxurious hard-shell carry-on bags.
This carry-on from Briggs & Riley has a suite of premium features, including a trifold garment keeper and an expandable compression system. Plus, it has enough space for week-long trips if you pack relatively light. This bag is ideal for travelers who are looking for two-wheel luggage.
Our pick for the best budget checked suitcase is also a favorite among reviewers on Amazon. It’s expandable, meaning it can fit more than many other hard-shell suitcases, and it's lightweight — one of the lightest we tested. We love its smooth-rolling wheels and the fact that it’s available in 15 different colorways.
This backpack was made for travelers of all kinds, and it comes at a price that’s hard to beat. Inside, you’ll find a separate compartment that can hold up to a 15.6-inch laptop as well as plenty of small pockets and organizational compartments to make packing and traveling a breeze. Plus, it’s got a USB charger outside and a built-in charging cable inside so your phone can stay charged while you’re on the go.
The Samsonite Modern Utility Double Shot is a durable backpack designed to hold a 15-inch laptop, along with all the accessories you need to work on the road or even spend a night or two. While I wouldn’t expect it to win any fashion awards, it’s lightweight, extremely durable and reasonably priced.
This Swedish brand’s bags are durable enough to survive winters in the Arctic Circle, so they can easily handle the average traveler’s journey. The iconic Kånken backpack is made from dirt-proof and water-resistant Vinylon F. It hasn’t really changed since 1978 — and for good reason. It’s a cult-classic bag that comes with a few additional zip pockets and ergonomic shoulder straps.
For those who want a classic tote, look no further than the Longchamp Le Pliage bag, a fan favorite for travelers and fashionistas alike. The water-resistant nylon bag is simple yet durable, and the leather straps and button closure offer an understated elegance. The bag is roomy enough to be an under-the-seat carry-on, ideal for taking along everything you might need to survive a long flight.
Made partly from recycled cotton, the Vera Bradley large duffel is ideal for the traveler who wants to store their items in a soft, flexible weekender-style bag complete with handy mesh interior storage pockets. For those who want the traditional quilted, patterned look, there are several color and pattern schemes to fit your preferred aesthetic. If you’d rather something more subtle, opt for a basic black, navy or army green, all of which offer the brand’s signature pattern style on the interior instead.
Yes, Amazon can even be a great spot to find personalized travel gear. This personalized luggage tag is buffed just enough to look rustic while still looking chic when attached to your bags. It comes with a card pocket and a snap closure, and you can personalize the tag with your initials.
These days, it’s hard to travel with no cords. An electronic travel carrying case can go a long way to ensuring you don’t arrive with a tangled mess of cords and power plugs. Available on Amazon for just $10 and in 10 different colors, this case will not only keep your cords organized but the hard shell will keep everything safe and secure while in transit.
This bag folds to close and opens to hang. Made from water-resistant polyester, the bag’s inside is transparent so you can easily locate your items. Elastic straps help keep your bottles upright to prevent spillage and leaks, and the metal hook allows you to hang the bag from a doorknob, shower or towel rack when you arrive at your destination. Pair it with a top-selling Bagsmart Jewelry Organizer for the ultimate travel set for your toiletries and jewelry.
This functional travel jewelry case made the list of Oprah’s favorite things for 2022 — and it’s a great find on Amazon for just $14 on sale. Available in nine plush velvet colors, the case offers ample storage space for all your most precious jewelry items. And your jewelry will reach your destination in place, thanks to the case’s zipper closure.
A good travel wallet should not only offer the storage needed to keep all your favorite credit cards and cash, but it should also offer RFID-blocking protection. This trifold faux-leather wallet comes in nearly 40 different color options and has room to store your passport, boarding pass, up to three credit cards, an ID, a SIM card, cash and more. It’s simple but effective, and for less than $15 when on sale, it’s a travel must-have.
Travel gadgets
Heading to Europe? Don’t forget this must-have power strip that has four USB-A ports, a USB-C port and three US plug outlets. Use it to charge your devices anywhere in Europe with its built-in European plug. Plus, it includes UK and US adapters for added compatibility around the world.
This small but mighty tool will help you stream your favorite entertainment from your phone without having to hold your device. The phone mount attaches to the tray table of the seat in front of you and allows you to view your favorite TV shows and movies at eye level. For a little more than $10, this simple device can make a world of difference on any travel journey.
Never stress about lost luggage again when traveling with a trusty Apple AirTag. The ultimate travel companion, just add one to each of your suitcases so you can track your luggage wherever you go.
This 10,000mAh portable charger is small enough to slip into a pocket or purse but strong enough to charge your iPhone multiple times. It comes in four colors and includes a USB-A to USB-C cable so you’re ready to charge right out of the box.
Venture anywhere with this handy travel adapter, which you can use in more than 150 countries. It comes complete with dual USB ports, as well as plugs for the US, EU, UK and Australia. Use it to charge your devices and more throughout travels to Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and beyond.
Play games, watch movies or take notes with the travel-sized iPad Mini. With an 8.3-inch display and an A15 bionic chip, the device is ultra speedy and small enough to fit into your carry-on. Creatives can sketch and take notes using the Apple Pencil, which connects wirelessly to the device.
This handy device uses Bluetooth to seamlessly connect your noise-canceling headphones or earbuds to the in-flight entertainment system without pesky cords. This way, you can stream in-flight entertainment to your own headphones instead of the uncomfortable ones that airlines provide. The AirFly Duo has a battery life of more than 16 hours too, so you can get the most entertainment on even the longest flights.
This pair of headphones from 1More are our pick for the best budget over-ear wireless headphones. Not only is the sound quality good for the price but they offer a good amount of noise-canceling power.
Especially good for those who want to travel light, these tiny earbuds have powerful noise-canceling capabilities despite their small size. The headphones boast clear sound and provide a comfortable fit, making them a top pick when it comes to wireless earbuds. Best of all? They can be slipped into a pocket, purse or carry-on when on the go.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are renowned for their exceptional active noise cancellation, offering unparalleled performance in blocking out external sounds. These flagship headphones boast immersive audio modes, AptX Adaptive Bluetooth codec support and a comfortable design with vegan leather cushioning. Additionally, they have Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and AAC, AptX Adaptive and SBC codec support, making them a top choice for Android users seeking premium sound quality and noise isolation.
The Sony XB13 is our pick for best travel speaker, thanks to its compact size and quality sound. It’s durable and comes with a built-in cloth strap that lets you securely attach the device to just about anything. Plus, you can pair two XB13 speakers to provide stereo sound on your next getaway. For less than $50 when on sale, it’s a great addition to any traveler’s packing list.
We love the convenience of this 3-in-1 charging unit. Perfect for travelers, it folds up and can fit in a pocket or purse, and the device can charge three devices at once: your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods. Plus, we love that it can be arranged as a stand to hold your phone while simultaneously charging your device.
If you’re traveling somewhere with a beach, a pool or really any body of water, make sure your phone stays protected. We love this pack of two waterproof phone pouches that will keep your devices safe. Each case comes with a detachable lanyard as well, so you can wear your device around your neck and not miss out on any photo-worthy moments of your vacation. It works for all the latest iPhones, including the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
These days, it’s all about video, and this Sony digital camera is ideal for content creators, professionals and even beginners. With a 24-70mm Zeiss lens, automatic face tracking, a directional mic for more precise sound and an easy-to-find record button, you’ll be able to seamlessly create all the video travel memories you want.
The T-magitic Travel Foldable Electric Kettle is a game changer for budget-conscious travelers. This compact kettle quickly boils water, allowing you to enjoy affordable meals on the go with freeze-dried camping pouches, saving you from splurging on expensive resort dining. Its collapsible design makes it easy to pack discreetly, ensuring you can enjoy your travels without breaking the bank.
Health and beauty
Tray tables can be one of the dirtier spots on an airplane, but these tray masks help you to keep your hands — and your belongings — germ-free while traveling. Simply place the mask over the tray and use your table as normal. Then, when your flight is done, take the mask off and use it as a trash bag. Perfect for kids and complete with several games on one side of the mask, this is both an activity and a way to help you travel safer.
This leakproof, filter-equipped water bottle is a must-have for travelers as it collapses and folds when not in use. When open, its plastic body is easy to grip and the cap won’t leak. Plus, it’s got its own filter so you can fill up with water from basically anywhere — from a river to a hotel’s bathroom sink.
This travel amenity kit offers six of Malin+Goetz’s bestselling travel products in a clear, biodegradable bag: Grapefruit Face Cleanser, Peppermint Shampoo, Cilantro Hair Conditioner, Bergamot Hand and Body Wash, Vitamin E Face Moisturizer and Vitamin B5 Body Moisturizer. The products are 100% vegan, free of sulfates and stored in travel-size recyclable aluminum tubes, perfect for your next weekend getaway.
Banish that exhausted, jet-lagged look with this travel pack of bestselling Sunday Riley products: Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment, CEO Vitamin C Brightening Serum, A+ Retinoid Serum and Auto Correct Brightening and Depuffing Eye Cream. Each of the bottles is just 15 milliliters, so you can easily take them along in your carry-on bag through TSA security.
Amazon is great for travel essentials like these leakproof containers. Perfect for all the liquids and gels you want to bring on your trip — from shampoos to conditioners, toners to moisturizers and much more — these silicone bottles come in their own quart-sized zipper pouch. We also love that each of the bottles is less than 3.4 ounces, meaning you’ll be able to zip through airport security without having to worry about your liquids and gels being too large.
This silicone holder will keep your favorite makeup brushes safe during transit. The small model can fit up to two large makeup brushes or up to eight smaller brushes. We love that this case is available in eight colors for every travel style, and it’s easy to clean if mascara or other makeup smears onto the exterior of the case.
The Suri Sustainable Electric Toothbrush offers a dentist-approved clean with a slim aluminum body, plant-based brush heads, over 40 days of battery life and a 100-day money-back guarantee, embodying sustainability without compromise.
Stay comfortable on the go
Keep your airplane drink close (and prevent spills) with this drink holder from Flyga. It quickly attaches to the seat in front of you and doubles as a phone stand as well so you can watch movies hands-free.
We love products that make travel easier, and that includes this handy drink caddy. Perfect for families and solo travelers alike, this caddy straps on to your carry-on bag’s handle and offers a space for everything from your phone to your passport and even a drink. It’s simple to use and comes in 25 different color and style options to best match your suitcase.
Although selecting the right travel pillow can be highly personal, the Ostrichpillow Go Neck pillow tends to fit most travelers, thanks to its firm 360-degree neck support and plush memory-foam filling. Unlike a traditional travel neck pillow, this option offers added support and folds down to 60% of its size for easy storage. In our testing, we found this neck pillow to be the best splurge option out there, and it’s a surefire way to ensure you travel more comfortably.
On long flights, sitting in an economy seat for hours on end can be taxing on your body. While no product can give you more space, this footrest will help to give your feet and lower back a break from sitting upright for long flights. The adjustable footrest wraps around the tray table on the seat in front of you and can improve any journey in a matter of moments.
The Kimiandy Inflatable Travel Pillow makes it easy to sleep on a plane in various positions for relaxation during long flights. Plus, its innovative air valve makes for easy inflation and deflation, even in tight spaces.
Our pick for the best sleep mask is available on Amazon for less than $20. Mavogel’s soft jersey cotton sleep mask is a cozy option that effectively blocks out all light. We love the adjustable nose wire, which you can tweak to fit your face, ensuring no light enters around the nose bridge area. Tapered wings also block out any light from the sides, and the adjustable head strap is tangle-free.
This cozy scarf is one of the most versatile travel clothing options out there. It keeps your neck warm, but you can also use it as a hoodie, shawl or travel blanket. But its best features are the two hidden zipper pockets for added storage, which can fit key items like your phone, credit cards, cash or passport.
Amazon is a great place for stocking up on tools that will make you travel better and safer — and that includes a travel door lock. The Addalock travel door lock is both portable and lightweight. It installs in seconds at your destination without any tools required and will offer an added level of security to provide peace of mind on your next trip. With more than 13,000 5-star reviews, this device offers not only top-notch security but an affordable price point.
Travel with kids
Traveling with small children doesn’t have to be quite so stressful. The JetKids by Stokke is a combination ride-on suitcase and fold-out bed for children, making both airport time and flying time infinitely easier. The suitcase is wheeled, with straps for both adults to pull and kids to hold on to. It has space for your little one’s essential items inside, and it also comes with a fold-out bed (yes, they can still wear the seat belt) that fits even in the smallest economy plane seats.
Travel with pets
If you plan to travel with your four-legged friend, this pet travel bag is a suitable option at a price point that won’t break the bank. It’s approved by most airlines to fit under the seat in front of you. We especially love that the set comes with everything you’ll need for pet travel: one tote bag, two food carriers, a water-resistant placement and two collapsible bowls.
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