15 Travel Essentials Frequent Fliers Love From $8

Amazon is a vast world for travel products; from bags and luggage to electronics and destination-specific gear, there’s something for any type of trip. But when it comes to narrowing down items for every trip, frequent fliers know that there are a few key travel essentials that warrant a permanent place in their suitcase.

Personally, I never leave home without a silk pillowcase, and Blissy is my tried-and-true favorite. I recommend getting it in a vivid color so you don’t accidentally leave it behind at your hotel (speaking from experience!). The silk material is multi-faceted: it regulates my temperature while sleeping, ensures I don’t wake up with creases on my face (particularly important when I’m running behind after I hit snooze thanks to jetlag), reduces my acne from fragrant hotel detergents (even at the most luxe establishment, my skin is super sensitive) and it keeps my blow out for multiple days. Whether it’s a single-night stay or a multi-week journey, this travel accessory will be in my bag.

Every traveler has their own go-to gadget, though, from organizers for pills and electronics to de-wrinkling favorites like releasers and portable steamers. To help you find your new go-to travel favorite, I spoke with 11 frequent fliers to see what items never leave their bags — and everything is available at Amazon for under $50.

Yunnyp PVC Inflatable Foot Pad 

“For long-haul flights, I never travel without my inflatable footrest because I simply cannot fall asleep with my hips tilted forward,” shares Nicole Kliest, a freelance writer who travels up to four times a month. “Is it slightly inelegant to blow up said footrest next to a stranger à la pool toy? Yes. But it’s worth the few minutes of awkwardness in order to get a few extra hours of rest.” Plus, it’s only $10 and extremely durable, making this a quick fix for long-term use.

Cincha Travel Belt

When it comes to her frequent work travel, Kristen Shirley, founder of digital platform La Patiala, which covers all things luxury from travel to fashion, relies on this belt to safely secure her personal item atop her rolling luggage. “If I am using a different bag — like a chic work tote or a fun beach bag — I use my Cincha travel belt to secure [it to] the suitcase handles,” she says. “That way my bag stays secure, even if I’m dashing through the airport or carrying it up a few stairs.”

Corkcicle Stemless Tumbler

“The only downside of a tropical vacation is how quickly your drinks warm up on the beach,” shares Shirley. “That’s why I always travel with my Corksicle tumbler. It keeps my Diet Cokes and glasses of rosé crisp and cool, no matter how hot it is outside.” Plus, as lounges and concessions are phasing out takeaway containers, it could come in handy should you need to grab a coffee on the run and there’s not a cardboard cup in sight.

Lifewit Monthly Pill Organizer

“Hear me out: a month-long pill box is essential for not only extended trips but also organization,” says Joey Skladany, a freelance travel and food writer who travels every other week for work. He owns the large version that comes with 28 slots; he loves the separate, deep compartments that can be used for different types of pills. “I use the top row for prescription drugs, the second row for immunity-boosting vitamins, the third for everyday supplements, and the fourth for any emergency medications such as Advil and/or Sudafed. It keeps everything organized and in one place, which is exactly what I need while always on the go.”

Anker Portable Charger

Arianna Sartzetakis, founder of Uncover More, a hyper-local guide to experiences around the world, travels two to three times a month. During her travels, she not only captures photos and videos on her phone, but she also works from her phone, therefore, she says a portable charger is essential. “My top choice is the Anker portable charger,” Sartzetakis shares. “[It] charges my phone quickly and is compact enough to fit seamlessly into my bag.”

So Mine Airplane Pocket Organizer

When work calls you on the road every week, as it does for Brandon Berkson, founder and editor-in-chief of Hotels Above Par, you have to keep all your electronics in one place so you can stay productive while in transit. “This compact case saves time and stress by making sure everything is easy to find, preventing those frantic scrambles in crowded airports or train stations when you are trying to locate your charges and cords,” he shares. “I leave the cords and adapters in the organizer so it’s ready to go whenever I am.” It’s designed to hang from the seatback pocket of airplanes and trains, so it’s easy to store and access gadgets while traveling.

Luxebell Digital Luggage Scale

Another practical gadget that Berkson keeps packed and ready to go is this digital luggage scale. “It ensures I never have to guess whether my luggage is overweight, saving me from surprise fees at the airport,” he says, praising its compact packable size and its clear, easy-to-use digital display. “For travelers, this tool provides peace of mind, especially when you’re coming back from a trip with souvenirs or extra items. It helps you avoid the stress of last-minute repacking at the check-in counter.”

Downy Wrinkle Releaser

When it comes to looking fresh, even straight from the plane, Berkson, points to this wrinkle releaser (available in a pack of two TSA-approved bottles) for keeping clothes looking spick-and-span. “Just a quick spritz and my shirts and jackets look crisp, even after being crammed in a suitcase. It’s the perfect solution to avoid wrinkled outfits and saves time, especially when you’re heading straight from a flight to a meeting or event.”

Newbealer Dual Voltage Garment Steamer

“You can’t turn up anywhere with crinkled clothes,” says Francesca Squillacciotti, co-founder of communications agency Bond Global. Even after long-haul flights, the travel PR professional knows the importance of putting your best foot (and fashion!) forward in client meetings. “Sometimes hotels only have irons,” she says, noting that when you’re on the go and time-strapped, irons aren’t always efficient means of de-wrinkling your wardrobe. This steamer folds down into a compact 6- x 3-inch packable item that’s only 1.5 pounds, so you can truly take it everywhere. “I always turn to my trusted steamer that has traveled the world with me,” says Squillacciotti.

MiiKare Airplane Travel Essentials Phone Holder

What if we told you that you can prevent stubborn neck strain on an airplane for only $12? That’s what you’ll get with this phone holder, which Squillacciotti swears by. “I always need to be hands-free when flying, especially since I use flights to catch up on work, TV shows, and podcasts,” she shares. “This gadget is perfect for propping my phone up at eye level, preventing neck strain while I stay productive or enjoy some entertainment. Plus, you can charge your phone while it’s in use.” 

Caudalie Beauty Elixir Face Mist

It’s no secret how dehydrated the body becomes on a plane, but it’s even worse on a long-haul flight. Squillacciotti knows this all too well as she’s frequently on flights back home to Australia. Her secret to dewy skin upon arrival? This Beauty Elixir from Caudalie. “It never leaves my travel bag, so I’m never not with it on any flight. It’s such a refresher and makes my face feel clean, revived, and hydrated.”

Perilogics Luggage Travel Cup Holder 

“One thing most travelers wish they had is another set of hands to carry just one more thing,” shares Will Hatton, founder and CEO of The Broke Backpacker. This is especially relevant when it comes to securing your pre-flight coffee fix, only to realize you need to juggle wheeling your bag and holding your phone, boarding pass, and beverage. His solution is this foldable drink caddy that you can fit in your carry-on and then whip out when you need that extra set of hands. It slides over the handle of your rolling bag to hold two beverages and even has a back pocket that doubles as storage for items you need at a moment’s notice, like a passport or cell phone, Hatton shares.

Renoj Resistance Bands

Part of being a freelancer and traveling for work means juggling multiple clients at a time; therefore, every second counts. As much as I love and appreciate luxury hotel gyms, sometimes they’re located on the other side of the property so it takes almost 10 minutes to access them. To save myself roundtrip travel time, I always keep one of these resistance bands in my suitcase so I can turn my room into a gym and use those precious minutes more efficiently. I love that they come in different resistances so I can pack a light one for working my arms and a heavier one for legs.

Oral Pulsar Battery Powered Toothbrush

Traditional electric toothbrushes can take up a lot of space in your luggage. Plus, their bulky chords don’t always work in international charging outlets, so if you’re going on a longer trip, you need a toothbrush you can rely on. For Alissa Fitzgerald, a freelance travel writer who is constantly on the road, it’s these Oral B battery-powered electric toothbrushes. “I buy a two or four-pack so one can be for home and one for travel, or even as a backup. The battery is replaceable, but in reality, they last forever (and I travel a lot).” 

Otium Bluetooth Headphones

The sinking feeling of losing an AirPod is already onerous, but losing one while on the road just takes the frustration to another level. That’s why Jessica Parker, luxury travel advisor and founder of Trip Whisperer, chooses to leave her buds at home, opting instead for these wireless earbuds when heading somewhere. “They’re great because of the connecting cord and the way it hooks over my ears that I never stand to lose them like the loose AirPods,” shares Parker, who’s on a trip at least once a month. “They’re waterproof and the battery lasts long with a quick charge time. The little case it comes with tucks right in my carry-on or jacket pocket.”

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