Sure, we here at Travel + Leisure love traveling (naturally). But just because we love exploring new places doesn’t mean that we aren’t privy to how frustrating and tiring traveling can be. From missing luggage to stolen wallets to delayed flights, there’s no shortage of things that can derail a trip. Luckily, though, some of the most common travel mishaps can be avoided with the right gear. Considering the upcoming Amazon Prime Big Deal Days event — an exclusive sitewide sale taking place October 8 and 9 — is around the corner, now’s a great time to stock up on essentials that make traveling easier. To save you time, we’ve already dug through hundreds of deals in order to bring you the best discounts we could find on products worth picking up before your next trip.
Ahead, we’ve handpicked 14 genius travel essentials that will change the way you travel and make the journey easier — all majorly discounted for Prime Day, with some deals as high as 92 percent off. From noise-canceling headphones to anti-theft bags to electronic cable organizers, these picks prevent common travel mishaps and annoyances, allowing you to get to your destination worry-free. Act fast, though: These discounts won’t last beyond October 9, and with prices as low as $8, we can’t guarantee how long they’ll be in stock.
Apple AirTags, 4-pack
Apple AirTags are travelers’ best friends; even T+L editors swear by them. These micro GPS trackers sync up to the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or Macbook in order to provide you with the last known location of your valuables. Incredibly compact, these tracking disks can be stored in your wallet, checked luggage, carry-on, or even your car. For a limited time, you can score a pack of four on sale for just $80.
Bagail Packing Cubes, Set of 4
Save space and keep your clothes organized with this $16 packing cube set from Bagail. These water-repellant cubes can be compressed, flattening your clothing down to a fraction of the space they would normally take up in your bag, removing the need for vacuum-sealed bags. This set contains four different sizes, a feature that this five-star reviewer appreciates, considering they’ve taken trips that only called for two, and longer trips that required all four.
Loveledi Portable Charger, 2-pack
Having your phone die on you in the middle of a long-awaited sight-seeing excursion is a travel nightmare we wouldn’t wish on our worst enemy. You can travel confidently knowing you’ve got extra battery thanks to this portable battery charger, on sale for an eye-popping 92 percent off. This $20 pack comes with two chargers that contain USB-A, USB-C, and micro USB inputs, and can charge two devices at once, meaning you’ll be able to help a travel buddy who needs extra juice, too.
Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag
Prevent pickpots from stealing your valuables with this Travelon messenger bag, on sale for 59 percent off this Prime Day. Lightweight and durable, this spacious messenger bag is slash-proof, cut-proof, and has lockable zippers that prevent thieves from sneaking through your belongings. Complete with RFID-blocking credit card holders and a side water bottle pocket, this $33 anti-theft bag has received over 6,000 five-star ratings for its function and security.
Napfun Neck Pillow
If you never seem to get comfortable enough to fall asleep on long haul flights, consider trying this ergonomic neck pillow on for size. Unlike standard neck pillows, this neck pillow has a scalloped silhouette that’s molded to support your head, neck, and chin without digging into your shoulders. Inside is high quality memory foam, while the outside is covered with a removable, machine-washable fabric. When you land, simply stash it in the provided drawstring travel pouch for compact storage.
Caoodkdk Electronic Cable Travel Organizer
If you travel with multiple devices, you likely know how annoying it is to lug around several charging cables at once. This $8 electronic cable organizer can help you avoid a mangled mess of wires. It’s waterproof and shockproof and padded throughout in order to keep your electronics, charging cables, and accessories safe. It has two zippered pockets with mesh sleeves built in that can keep your AirPods, power banks, cables, and smartphone separate.
Travel Inspira Luggage Scale
Never second-guess whether your checked bag will fall within the weight limit again thanks to this portable Inspira luggage scale, on sale for $10. Simply clip the scale onto your suitcase, click the button on the front, and pull the scale up with both hands. The digital screen on the front will then tell you exactly how much your bag weighs, saving you time (and money!) at the check in counter.
SwissGear 7366 Hardside Expandable Luggage Set
Don’t get us wrong, vintage luggage is cool — but if your suitcase has broken zippers, frayed fabric, or faulty handles, it’s definitely time for an upgrade. This Prime Day, you can get a fresh carry-on and two checked suitcases at once while saving money. We love this three-piece SwissGear luggage set for its durability, functions, and fun variety of color options. Each suitcase is equipped with TSA-approved locking zippers, 360-degree spinning wheels, locking telescopic handles, and an ABS hardshell exterior.
Nishel Travel Toiletry Bag
Using a gallon Ziploc bag for your travel toiletries seems like a convenient, low-cost idea — that is, until you unpack your bag to find that your body wash exploded mid-flight, soaking your previously clean clothes. You can avoid such a toiletry disaster in the future by upgrading to this Nishel hanging toiletry bag, on sale for $20 this Prime Day. This leak-proof organizer is large enough to fit 10 full-sized toiletry bottles and has a 360-degree swivel hook that can be hung for easy access in your hotel room.
Beats Studio 3 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
Noise-canceling headphones are an absolute game changer for travel. These Beats Studio 3 over-ear headphones block out background noise on flights and during workouts while doling out high-performing spatial audio — and they’re les $200 for Prime Day. These bluetooth headphones have earned over 13,000 five-star ratings on Amazon alone, with one reviewer sharing that the “battery life is excellent” and that the ability to fold them into the supplied headphone case is a plus.
Dayday Passport Holder Wallet
The most valuable thing you travel with isn’t your smartphone, your laptop, or even your fine jewelry — it’s your identity. Having your passport, credit card, or ID stolen on a trip abroad isn’t just an annoying headache. Thieves can open up bank accounts, access your funds, and commit fraud if they get access to the right information. You can keep your travel documents safe and secure with this Dayday passport wallet, on sale for $17. This water-resistant wallet is made out of durable rip-stop nylon and has RFID-blocking card holders that block thieves from stealing your personal information via scanners. It can hold up to four passports and has a mesh pocket perfect for loose change, too.
Ring Video Doorbell Camera
This Ring doorbell camera is $40 off for Prime Day, but the peace of mind it provides while you’re away from your home is truly priceless. This 1080p HD video doorbell camera syncs up with your phone to provide real-time notifications of who is outside your front door. This doorbell has a built-in motion sensor that will automatically deliver a live audio and video feed to your smartphone when movement is detected, meaning you’ll be able to see if you’ve received a package or had a visitor stop by, even if they don’t ring your doorbell. This video doorbell system has earned over 166,000 five-star ratings with one shopper sharing that it’s easy to install and gives them “a better sense of security” while they’re traveling.
Yamiu Travel Shoe Bags, 4-pack
Keep your dirty or stinky shoes separate from the clothes in your luggage with these $10 shoe bags. Available in a pack of four, these zippered waterproof pouches can hold sneakers, running shoes, heels, or even hiking boots. The best part is that they don’t just operate as shoe bags. You can use them to pack underwear, swimsuits, hand towels, toiletries — the storage possibilities are endless.
Nulaxy Folding Phone Holder
Some airplanes have drop-down phone holders on the back of the seat in front of you, but many models do not, which means if you want to watch a movie or read a book on your phone, you’re stuck between balancing it on the tray table or holding it in your hand the entire time. To prevent this, you can stick this $9 folding cell phone holder in your carry-on. Made of durable, lightweight aluminum, this universal phone holder has two rotating hinges that allow you to adjust the height and angle of your phone. When you’re done using it, the holder fully collapses into itself, saving space in your bag.
Apple Watch SE 2nd Generation
If you have yet to try a smartwatch for yourself, now’s your chance to get the top-rated, best-selling Apple Watch SE on sale. This 2nd generation version operates like a second phone, allowing you to text, call, and even FaceTime your contacts handsfree. On sale for $189, this smartwatch is swimproof, scratch-resistant, and tracks your heart rate, workouts, and sleep, helping you stay healthy at home and abroad.
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