30 Travel Essentials for Thanksgiving 2024

The holiday season is rich with excitement, but what’s less thrilling is actually packing for the trip at hand. From heading home to spend time with family this Thanksgiving to taking advantage of the time off to enjoy a vacation of your own, there are countless ways to spend the season — all of which can be improved by putting some extra thought into your packing list ahead of time.

In order to make your next getaway run as smoothly as possible, we’ve created a comprehensive list of the best gear to stock up on before Thanksgiving, from the perfect suitcase to comfy outfit options that will make your upcoming flight a breeze. And with brands like Vuori, Everlane, Apple, and Samsonite included in the mix (and all on sale), you can trust that we’ve put together your dream packing list for you — all you have to do is check the boxes.

Your Suitcase

With holiday travels right around the corner, you’ll want to approach your next adventure with the proper luggage for the job. Whether you’re flying across the country or merely driving to the next city over, a reliable bag is still an essential part of the travel experience, and Amazon has everything you need for the occasion. For shorter trips, the $161 Samsonite Solyte DLX Softside Expandable Luggage is a sleek and durable option, while longer getaways may call for the SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable 3-piece Set which is nearly $90 off. And if you’ve been known to overpack, the Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Large Checked Bag is an unbeatable choice that’s currently on sale for $170.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Checked Bag

Your Personal Item

Thoughtfully employed hacks like swapping your personal item for a spacious backpack or investing in a theft-resistant purse can easily help you streamline even the most chaotic travel days. If you’ve been on the hunt for a good tote bag to hold your in-flight essentials, the Baggu Small Heavyweight Canvas Tote is a high-quality (and stylish) selection that’s now on sale for more than half off. And if you’re traveling home with a furry friend during the holiday season, you’ll be happy to have snatched up the Petmate 2-door Small Pet Carrier while it’s a mere $50.

Baggu Small Heavyweight Canvas Tote

Your Travel Accessories

No flight — or travel day, for that matter — is complete without the right accessories to get you through the hours of monotony comfortably, but there are some items you especially won’t want to forget at home. At the top of that list is a reliable pair of headphones, and the Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise-canceling Headphones are the perfect addition to your carry-on at $50. Of course you can’t board a longhaul flight without a sturdy and supportive neck pillow, and this Bcozzy Neck Pillow is a best-seller at Amazon for a reason. And to provide yourself with peace of mind when checking a bag, don’t forget to pick up a four-pack of Apple AirTags — it’s on sale for $80, after all. 

Apple AirTag 4 Pack

Your Packing Hacks

Following a thoughtful list is the best way to make the most of the limited space in most suitcases, but luckily for you, many of our favorite packing hacks are now on sale at Amazon, starting at just $10. First and foremost, the Bagail 8-set Packing Cubes are a must-have for compressing your favorite outfits for only $13, while the Chelmon Luggage Straps 4 Pack will help you keep even the largest bags firmly secured shut for $9. Best of all, these luggage straps double as an easy way to spot your suitcase at baggage claim, eliminating one stressor from your holiday adventures.

Bagsmart Travel Toiletry Bag With Hook

Your Travel Outfit

The perfect travel outfit is dependent on the quality and comfort of your clothing, but you don’t necessarily have to turn to loungewear to feel your best in flight. If you’re partial to cozy sweaters, you’ll be thrilled to find that the Madewell Cashmere V-neck Sweater is currently double discounted to only $84 with the code HARVEST — and it will make for a flattering and relaxed layer for chilly flights. And if you want to look your best while putting as little thought into your outfit as possible, the Vuori Falls Jumpsuit is for you. It’s on sale for $94, is made from a decadent, buttery-soft material, and will look great layered under a cardigan or worn on its own.

Everlane The Mariner Dress

Your Travel Footwear

There are any number of shoes that you could plausibly choose as your go-to for travel, but comfort should always be the top consideration. For colder travel days when you want to bring the warmth of your home to the airport, the Inpaksa Women’s Platform Mini Boots are an effortlessly cool choice — and right now, they’re on sale for $47 (and look very similar to another popular pair right now). As for sneakers, add a retro twist to any outfit with the New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneakers while they’re $65. And if you have somewhere to be straight from the airport, the Dr. Martens Anistone Lo Leather Boots are supportive, stylish, and easy to dress up or down depending on what you wear them with.

Inpaksa Women’s Platform Mini Boots

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