The thing about traveling is the more you do it, the better you get at it — better at preparing for all the nuances that can make or break the experience, that is. And because I take about 40 flights each year for my job as a travel writer and travel product reviewer, I have plenty of opportunities to up my game when it comes to perfecting my packing strategies, wardrobe, and overall comfort and style while I’m on the go.
I’m always eyeing new gadgets and tools to make my next flight even more streamlined or comfortable — or waiting for sales like Black Friday to restock my tried-and-true favorites. That’s why I’m all about these 20 on-sale picks from Amazon’s Black Friday deals hub. Follow my lead and stock up on everything from refillable water bottles to travel bags, tech tools, and wardrobe staples while they’re starting at just $4.
Apple AirTag 4-pack
My household has so many Apple AirTags, it’s ridiculous, but I consider them absolutely essential for tracking luggage, passport cases, valuables, remote controls, and my kids’ locations. I’m always in the market for more, and I’m adding this value four-pack that’s the lowest price we’ve seen in all month.
UnbreakCable Apple AirTag Holder 4-pack
More Apple AirTags means I’ll need more AirTag holders to go with them. I’m a fan of the Spguard Apple AirTag Holders as the cases come on a wire ring, which screws in tightly with a small hex key so there’s no issue with lost or stolen trackers when you depend on them most. But, I spotted a sweet deal on this UnbreakCable 4-pack that is ultra-durable and will securely fasten to whatever you need to keep an extra eye on.
Fyy Cable Organizer
I had this compact cable organizer… until I left it on the bullet train between Tokyo and Kyoto. Thanks to the incredible efficiency of the Japanese train system, I actually managed to locate it — but given the low price of this case, it wasn’t worth it to trek across town to the police station to pick it up. Now that the price is even lower for Black Friday, you can bet I won’t miss this opportunity to replace mine for less.
Bagsmart Toiletry Bag
The brilliance of this toiletry bag is that it comes with a built-in hanger, so it hangs from any hook, peg, or whatever makeshift tool available in a small space or moving vehicle. It’s a game changer for freshening up in an airplane lavatory after a long-haul flight as it keeps everything from rolling onto the gross floor at the slightest hint of turbulence.
Veken Packing Cubes Set
I consider packing cubes an organizing essential for staying sane when I travel — especially if I’m hitting the road with my kids and have their extra gear to keep tidy and accessible at a glance. This sale-priced set comes with eight cubes, from small to extra large. I love that there’s even a toiletry bag on a hanger, which is a brilliant addition to the set at such an affordable price point.
Iseyyox Foldable Charging Station
I recently sprung for a three-in-one Apple device charger, and it has done wonders to tidy up and organize my nightstand at home. Now I’m eyeing a version that can do the same for my tech essentials when I travel. This one charges an iPhone, Apple Watch, and Apple AirPods with a single cable. It folds flat, and it’s lightweight and compact.
Etronik Weekender Bag
I have the Béis Weekender Bag in two colors, but it hardly ever goes on sale. If you’re looking to jump on the bandwagon, which I recommend you do, check out the deal happening on the Etronik Weekender Bag. It comes with a game-changing designated shoe compartment and plenty of pockets to ensure everything you need fits. And, you even get a matching toiletry bag with it.
Anker Power Bank
If you follow my coverage, you know the travel motto I live by above all others: ABC (that’s “always be charging”). This popular backup charger has nearly 80,000 five-star ratings, and it’s super slim and compact with its under-6-inch frame that weighs a bit over 8 ounces.
Adidas Women’s Grand Court 2.0 Tennis Shoes
A pair of crisp, white tennis shoes is a must for travel days and city sightseeing, but I’ve found that they don’t stay perfectly clean for long. So I’m planning to ditch some of my old, worn-down pairs for these timeless classics from Adidas, which are now $48 and have comfy Cloudfoam midsoles for extra arch support and cushioning.
Lillusory Two-piece Set
I’m a big fan of two-piece matching sets for making travel day dressing comfy and effortless. I’ve been eyeing this knit set, which is finally on sale and looks so chic with the vertical pleating on the Palazzo pants, which have an elastic waistband for maximum comfort. They’re cuter than PJs — but just as comfy — for sleeping on a long-haul flight.
Torras Anti-theft Phone Crossbody Strap
The one time I got my iPhone stolen from an alfresco restaurant tabletop in Athens was enough for me. Now, when I travel in dense environments, I prefer to keep my phone literally on my body with this on-sale gold-chain style crossbody strap, which is chic and lightweight (and it fits on any style of iPhone). You can also get this solid lanyard-style one for 26 percent off.
Vigorport Luggage Tags
I try to keep luggage tags on all of my family’s checked luggage and carry-on bags — but that’s a lot of bags for a household of four people, and I often find they’ve broken or fallen off when it’s time to pack bags. These days, I like to stay stocked up on brightly colored tags that help me easily identify my luggage at a glance. This discounted set of three does the trick, and each tag comes down to $2 a pop.
Epicka Universal Travel Adapter
Back to my ABC mantra: It’s just as essential to stay powered up when I’m traveling internationally. And I love how this universal adaptor is tricked out with three USB-C and two USB-A ports so I can charge my whole suite of devices no matter where I am in the world.
FlyCoco Blackout Eye Mask
This is my favorite style of eye mask because the sculpted perimeter truly provides blackout conditions when you need them to get rest while traveling — or any time. It’s silky and super soft, made of memory foam, and it doesn’t put pressure on the eyes thanks to the contoured design. Bonus: They’re easy on eyelash extensions for the same reason, and I’ve been known to spring for the pricey beauty upgrade for special trips.
Jisulife Handheld Mini Fan
I never traveled with a personal, portable fan until I went to Tokyo in mid-summer, where it was sweltering and everyone carried one — and didn’t look uncool doing it. This top-rated version is pocket-sized, doubles as a backup power bank, and even serves as a nightlight in a pinch.
Apple MacBook Air
This is the lightweight laptop I use for work (and everything else), and it travels with me literally everywhere. It is the only tool I truly need to do my job, and it’s worth every penny I paid for it and much more. Mine is showing signs of — ahem — heavy use. And soon, it will be time to replace it. Now would be a good time to do so given it’s currently priced at the lowest I’ve seen in a long time.
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes
I always travel with these makeup remover wipes in my toiletry case. But I resent paying such a steep premium for the travel convenience of individual wrapping. That’s why I’m happy to stock up when they’re on sale; right now, a pack of 20 is 26 percent off.
Owala FreeSip Refillable Water Bottle
A refillable water bottle is essential for staying hydrated while traveling, but it absolutely must be leakproof, otherwise, it’s sure to destroy the contents of your luggage when you least expect it. Trust me, I’ve been there, many times. This best-selling bottle has a push-button lid with a lock for easy access on the go — and it’s a flight attendant favorite.
Amazon Fire 7 Kids Tablet
My kids are old enough now that they’ve graduated to Apple iPads. But when they were little, this nifty Amazon device was the only screen they needed for hours of entertainment on long-haul flights — and right now, it’s at a price that can’t be beaten.
Dramamine Motion Sickness Travel Pack
After I arrived at a posh island resort on a choppy ferry and almost lost my lunch, I made sure to grab Dramamine at the resort boutique for the way back — at an exorbitant single-dose cost. Never again. Now, I stay stocked up with Dramamine in this travel-friendly vial, which is currently on sale for 35 percent off. In fact, I’ll grab several before my next trip.
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