9 Amazon Travel Essentials That Are ‘In’ for 2025

New Year’s resolutions often get a bad rap, but as someone who loves new beginnings and has a shelf full of self-help books, I’m here to defend this longstanding tradition. Resolutions that are too lofty or self-punitive are the quickest to be abandoned (rightfully so), which is why it’s best to pick out ones that are attainable and positive. Alongside learning a new language and visiting a new country, one of my 2025 resolutions is to improve the way I travel. 

Looking back on my travels last year, I’ve been considering which travel products made my journeys easier — and which ones fell short. In the spirit of the phrase “out with the old, in with the new,” I’ve collected a list of functional travel essentials I’m deeming “in” for 2025, plus underwhelming accessories that are “out.” From twistable memory foam travel pillows to portable chargers with built-in cables, here are nine travel essentials I’m using to up my travel game in the new year starting at just $9 at Amazon.

In: Insulated Travel Tumblers

Owala FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle

Out: Plastic Bottles

Like many people, I’ve made the switch from single-use plastic bottles to reusable options over the past few years. Currently, I use a shaker cup for my protein drinks and a twist-cap bottle for hiking. They’re great for short outings, but I’ve realized they don’t keep drinks cold, and the lids are inconvenient. 

This year, I’ve decided to finally invest in an insulated water bottle from Owala. This FreeSip tumbler has been popping up all over my social media feeds, and I can see why. It has a double-wall stainless steel insulation that keeps drinks cold for 24 hours, along with a smart drinking spout that allows you to sip slowly or gulp quickly. Plus, the lid locks into place and swings back open with the push of a button, and it comes with a carrying loop that you can easily clip onto your bag or belt.

In: TSA-friendly Slip-on Shoes

Skechers Women’s Hands-free Bobs Slip-ons

Out: Lace-up Shoes

Over the holiday break, I decided to save room in my carry-on by wearing my clunky lace-up snow boots on the plane. While this saved me from a surprise checked bag fee, taking the time to pull them off and put them back on at the security checkpoint was cumbersome (and quite frankly, a little embarrassing). 

I’ve decided that the inconvenience of lace-up shoes at the airport just isn’t worth the hassle. Instead, I’m stepping into 2025 with TSA-friendly kicks, and these Skechers slip-ons are currently sitting in my Amazon cart as I type this. These comfy sneakers have elastic laces that allow you to slip them on and off in a flash. They also have cushioned midsoles, a breathable mesh knit upper, and a padded ankle collar that won’t dig into your heels. One five-star reviewer called them a walking shoe “winner” and noted that they’re lightweight, comfortable, and supportive.

In: Anti-theft Travel Bags

Travelon Anti-theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag

Out: Normal Purses

As a former fashion writer, I love a chic purse. My closet is packed with totes, handbags, and clutches, and I almost always pack a style-forward bag on trips. But these bags, while undeniably gorgeous, are easy targets for pickpockets. While they’re great for dinner or cocktails at the hotel, I wouldn’t bring them along for hours-long sightseeing tours. 

This anti-theft Travelon bag was built to ward off thieves. Available in 12 colors, the bag has a sleek, minimalist design that’s fashion-forward and goes with just about any outfit. Made with a slash-resistant material, this crossbody bag comes with lockable zippers, multiple interior pockets, RFID-blocking credit card slots, and a lockdown strap that prevents thieves from running off with your belongings.

In: Organizational Weekender Bags

Etronik Weekender Overnight Bag

Out: Single-compartment Duffels

I’ve been an avid gym-goer for the past 10 years, and in that time, I’ve accumulated quite a few gym bags. In the spirit of saving money and using things I already own, I tend to use these duffels as weekender bags and carry-ons. The problem is that they lack the pockets and compartments I need to keep my travel gear organized. 

That’s why I’ve decided to add a designated weekender bag to my current rotation. This budget-friendly Etronik weekender is at the top of my list — and it’s on sale for $32 right now. This spacious bag has a separate zippered shoe compartment at the bottom for two pairs of shoes, three large wet pockets to separate toiletries and wet clothes, and two inner slip pockets perfect for wallets, small notebooks, or accessories. There’s also a larger zippered pocket that can hold a tablet or laptop. Plus, it has an easy-access zippered pocket at the back for travel documents, a padded, removable shoulder strap, a trolley strap, and an external USB charging port for keeping your devices powered while you’re on the go.

In: Multi-cable Power Banks

Charmast Portable Charger With Built-in Cables

Out: Single-device Portable Chargers

I’ve gone to almost 20 music festivals over the years, most of them requiring on-site camping. So, I’ve amassed a large collection of portable phone chargers. Unfortunately, many of them have lost their juice over the years and just don’t charge as quickly as they used to. Plus, most of them are too clunky and inconvenient for trips abroad and can only charge one device at a time. 

This year, I’m trading some of my old backup chargers for a more compact option. This Charmast portable charger, available in six colors, is small but mighty. It’s slim enough to fit into your pocket and has four different built-in cables — a lightning, micro-USB, USB-C, and USB-A cable — and can charge up to six devices, thanks to the additional USB-A ports. The best part, however, is the light-up LED screen on the front that lets you know how much battery it has left.

In: Travel Blankets

Bedelite Travel Blanket

Out: Being Freezing on Flights

Despite boarding hundreds of flights in my lifetime, one tough lesson I’ve still yet to learn is that airplanes get cold — like, really cold. I love to travel in cozy sweats, but often, a thick fleece hoodie isn’t enough to keep me warm in the air. 

While some airlines still offer complimentary blankets, I’m finally springing for a travel blanket of my own. This Bedelite blanket is just what I’ve been looking for. The microfiber fleece blanket folds neatly into a zippered fleece pouch, transforming it into an extra pillow. It also comes with a handy carabiner for clipping it onto a bag, plus a wide luggage sleeve that allows you to slip it onto a rolling suitcase. And right now, it’s on sale for $16 with an on-site coupon.

In: Memory Foam Travel Pillows

Brookstone Free-form Memory Foam Twist Travel Pillow

Out: Inflatable Neck Pillows

Inflatable neck pillows are appealing since they can be deflated to fit into a carry-on. However, their bulky shape can push into your neck and dig into your shoulders, and if the pillow gets punctured, you’re out of luck. On the other hand, memory foam neck pillows are durable and contour to fit your anatomy — not the other way around. 

This Brookstone memory foam travel pillow is made with high-density, responsive memory foam that’s wrapped around an adjustable interior spine. This spine allows you to twist and mold the pillow into endless shapes, depending on where you need extra support. You can use it as a U-shaped neck pillow, wrap it around your lower back for lumbar support, or twist it into a Z while leaning against an airplane window. Plus, it comes with a removable, machine-washable cover and a button-snap closure that can attach to your carry-on, backpack, or suitcase.

In: Refillable Toiletry Bottles

Yahaa 18-piece Toiletry Bottle Set

Out: Wasteful Travel-sized Toiletries

Confession time: I’m a chronic procrastinator. I’m a last-minute packer through and through, so I’ve fallen victim to the travel-sized toiletry section of drugstores too many times to count. While mini shampoos and sunscreens are fine in an emergency, these last-minute purchases can be wasteful and pricey. Plus, these products are usually ones that I don’t regularly use, meaning I won’t know how my skin or hair will react to them.

To save money and reduce my carbon footprint, I’m pledging to only bring a reusable toiletry set in 2025. This 18-piece set from Yahaa has everything I need to pack my most-loved skincare and haircare products. It comes with four travel bottles made with soft, squeezable silicone, two mini spray bottles, four travel jars, a clear, TSA-friendly zippered case, and printed labels. On sale for just $9, this handy set costs about the same as two travel-sized hair products — but can be used time and time again.

In: Trackable Passport Wallets

Pascacoo Apple AirTag Passport Wallet

Out: Regular Passport Covers

After almost losing my passport last year in a Costa Rican rainforest, I’ve decided to swap my traditional passport holder with a functional one that I won’t be so quick to misplace. In 2025, I’m upgrading to a location-tracking passport wallet like this one from Pascacoo. 

This passport wallet has a built-in slot at the back for an Apple AirTag, allowing you to keep tabs on its location via your iPhone. It also comes with four RFID-blocking credit card slots, two SIM card holders, a travel document pocket, and a cash pocket. Over 12,000 Amazon shoppers have given the $16 wallet a perfect five-star rating, with one reviewer sharing that it’s easy to store and came in handy on a recent international trip. 

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