Best Editor-loved Amazon Travel Essentials of 2024

There’s nothing quite like the feeling you get when you’ve finally touched down at your final destination; but here at Travel + Leisure, we believe that feeling should be fueled by excitement rather than relief. While it’s true that you can’t prevent flight delays or change the weather at a moment’s notice, there are plenty of products out there that can make travel obstacles feel like a small bump in the road rather than a full-blown disaster. As shopping editors and frequent travelers, it’s quite literally our job to find the best travel accessories, tech gear, and clothes that money can buy. We may be based in different states and have different travel styles, but one thing T+L editors have in common is our favorite gear can be found on Amazon.

From noise-canceling headphones to spacious toiletry organizers, we’ve compiled a list of the Amazon products that changed the travel game for us this year. Whether you’re looking for a last-minute gift for the frequent flier in your life (like this genius foldable hair dryer), or need something to help ensure your holiday travel plans go off without a hitch (like these luggage-tracking Apple AirTags), you can rest assured knowing that we’ve tested these picks out for ourselves on our domestic and international trips. 

Gonex Compression Packing Cubes

“Ever since I tested these out on a week-long, carry-on-only road trip through Ireland, I’ve never not traveled without these handy and durable compression packing cubes. They’re able to compress a week’s worth of bulky clothing (think: sweaters, jeans, leggings, thermal base layers, and more) while still leaving plenty of room for a pair of shoes, toiletries, socks, and underwear. I’ve packed these to the point of bursting and they have yet to rip, and the zippers still glide like butter.” — Asia London Palomba, Writer

Baggallini Hanging Toiletry Bag

“This slim yet surprisingly spacious toiletry bag quickly became my go-to this year since it takes up such minimal space in my personal item without forcing me to make cuts on my skincare lineup. Once unzipped, the bag unfurls and can be hung from the back of a bathroom door hook, effectively clearing up counter space while I’m getting ready. I love the volume of pockets it has, and the ripstop fabric truly feels durable (as well as being easy to wipe down after my trip).” — Merrell Readman, Senior Writer

Apple AirTag

“These flight attendant-approved Bluetooth trackers are so useful that I keep one in my suitcase and personal item when traveling, as well as attached to my keys and even inside my dog’s harness. Apple AirTags give me more peace of mind knowing the location of my bags on a plane or train (I’ve even used one to track a package I mailed myself from Italy to the U.S.), and they make excellent year-round gifts for your favorite travelers!”  — Suz Brickell, Director 

Charmast Small Portable Charger

“I’ve said it time and time again, but this little portable charger is a lifesaver when I’m on the go because I never have my phone fully charged when I’m out the door. From Taylor Swift concerts to 10-mile hikes, this compact charger comes everywhere with me.” — Anna Popp, Associate Editor

Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

“This unassuming travel pillow is my hack for not only sleeping better on planes but also for beating jet lag on international trips. I’ve tested my fair share of travel pillows, and I’ve found this to be the most supportive and comfortable, due to the ergonomic design and plush memory foam. This Ostrichpillow helps me sleep more comfortably on long flights (even in the middle seat) so that I feel rested and ready to start my trip with energy and in the correct time zone. It might be a splurge, but that hasn’t stopped me from recommending it to countless friends with long-haul journeys, because I really stand by it (and they do too, now).” — Suz Brickell, Director 

Cayeelu Tech Case

“What started as a search for an Amazon Kindle case led me to the Cayeelu Tablet Carrying Case, a tech organizer big enough to fit a tablet. It’s been a game-changer because it keeps my devices and their accessories together, so I don’t have to worry about losing important chargers or cords (or having them all tangled together at the bottom of my bag).” — Emily Belfiore, Senior Editor

Jisulife 3-in-1 Handheld Mini Fan

“I visited Split, Croatia in late August, and the heat was intense. Each day, temperatures were in the 90-degree Fahrenheit range and each establishment we visited was, let’s just say… conservative about their air conditioning usage. That’s why I was so grateful to have this portable fan in my purse. It’s USB rechargeable, foldable, has two speed settings, and a wrist loop for easy carrying. The fan emitted a considerable amount of breeze and kept me cool when the sun was beaming and there was absolutely no shade in sight. It also has a backup power bank that I used to keep my phone battery topped up during sightseeing, as well as a flashlight.” — Jasmine Grant, Senior Editor

Saucony Women’s Hurricane 24 Running Shoes

“2024 was the year I learned that not every pair of sneakers is ready for spur-of-the-moment sprints through the airport to catch a connecting flight. One pair that is, though, is Saucony’s Hurricane 24 Running Shoes. They’re my new airport sneakers because they offer plenty of arch support and bounce, which comes in handy for early morning flights when I hardly have the energy to make it through TSA.” — Emily Belfiore, Senior Editor

Twelve South AirFly Bluetooth Transmitter

“As someone who is both a creature of comfort and someone who has never been able to comfortably wear any kind of earbuds, having my own Bluetooth headphones on flights is a must. Traveling with the the AirFly is a game-changer because, not only do I get the comfort of my own headphones, but I get to enjoy all the in-flight entertainment options. The pocket-sized device plugs into any single-prong headphone jack and allows any Bluetooth-compatible headphones to connect via the AirFly, so you never have to use complementary headphones again.” — Alessandra Amodio, Associate Photo Editor

She’s Birdie Safety Keychain Alarm

“I solo travel multiple times a year and have a small arsenal of personal safety gadgets I adventure with, including this little Birdie alarm. While traveling with mace is not always an option, when activated, this device becomes an extremely loud alarm to help discourage an attacker and gives me more peace of mind when walking home or to my Airbnb or hotel at night alone.” — Suz Brickell, Director

Automet Women’s 2-piece Sweatsuit

“This year, I decided to prioritize building up a functional travel capsule wardrobe, and the star of the show so far has been this comfy matching hoodie and sweatpants set from Automet. As a curvy girl who fluctuates between a size 14 and 16, it can be difficult to find athleisure that fits, but this oversized set provided plenty of breathing room. I’m also someone who is always freezing on airplanes, and this comfy set has kept me warm and cozy on multiple flights now while still making me look put-together.” — Amelia McBride, Associate Editor

Dreame Foldable Pocket Hair Dryer

“Like many travelers, I’ve blown too many fuses while using high-powered hair dryers in hotels. This small dryer from Dreame takes up minimal luggage space and works with a simple power adapter, so you don’t run into any embarrassing obstacles.” — Taylor Fox, Editor

Etoile Jet Setter Travel Case

“This is the only makeup bag I use while traveling. It’s so spacious, so for someone who likes to bring a lot of makeup and toiletries with her on any trip, it’s perfect for me. I’ve had it for over a year now and it still looks good as new. It’s super sturdy and has outside and inside pockets to keep things organized. If you’re still on the hunt for a gift for someone who frequently travels, this is a great option because it’s also super stylish with the gold hardware.” — Rosie Marder, Writer

Viture Pro XR/AR Glasses

“Have you ever wanted to watch a movie while traveling but not on a tiny device? Well, let me introduce you to this product that can stream Netflix onto a huge screen that no one sees but you. The glasses connect right to your phone, and the sound is clear for the wearer but unnoticeable in a normal environment. You can adjust the transparency and focus if you want to be able to partially see your surroundings or lose yourself in a film, and they can also mirror your phone when you need to get some work done with your favorite portable keyboard and mouse instead.” — Morgan Ashley Parker, Associate Editorial Director

Yeti Rambler Tumbler

“I bought my first Yeti Rambler Tumbler this year and it has made road trips so much more enjoyable. I drive across the state pretty often, and I love that this keeps my drinks ice cold for the entire trip. I also love that the massive 42-ounce version fits in my car’s cup holders and that the handle and straw combo make it easy to safely grab a drink whenever I need it. Plus, it comes in just about every color you can think of.” — Anne Taylor, Writer

Sony ULT Wear Noise-canceling Headphones

“Without a doubt, these noise-canceling headphones have transformed my travels for the better this year. They’ve effectively eliminated noise from a crying baby on my Amtrak ride to an entire high school theater company on my long-haul flight home from Norway — and they’re so comfy for long hours of wear. I love that I can toggle between active noise canceling and regular listening so I can stay aware of my surroundings while walking around New York. Plus, the weeks-long battery life is really the icing on the cake.” — Merrell Readman, Senior Writer

Sorel Women’s Joan Now Chelsea Boots

“I never used to travel with boots because most of mine are clunky, but these ones from Sorel are so lightweight that it’s a no-brainer to bring them everywhere I go now. And the best part is that they are fully waterproof while being breathable and comfortable. They are the perfect pair of do-it-all boots.” — Anna Popp, Associate Editor

Akholz SD Card Reader for iPhone

“Being a photo editor and photographer, I’m someone who naturally spends the majority of my trips taking photos. It’s always been such a pain to have to either bring my laptop with me or wait until I get home to upload and look at my photos. After buying this iPhone SD card reader, it comes with me in every single carry-on. It’s smaller than a wallet, and for $10, you can take as many photos on your camera as you’d like and view and upload them directly to your iPhone.” — Alessandra Amodio, Associate Photo Editor

Pacas Women’s Alpaca Crew Socks 3-pack

“It can be so hard to find the right pair of socks to travel with. When I wore these ones from Pacas for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised to find that they hit all the marks. Made from alpaca fur, they’re comfortable, breathable, warm but not too warm, and moisture-wicking, so I wasn’t racing to take them off after a long flight. I might even pick these over my compression socks in the future.” — Anne Taylor, Writer

Tripped Toiletry Bag Kit Set

“Nearly every time I travel, I’m sharing a hotel room with several friends — which means there is limited counter space in the bathroom. This Tripped Toiletry Bag changed the game for me with its convenient hook and easy-to-use pockets that keep everything accessible. I like that it has a variety of pockets, with a detachable clear pocket for liquids and two large pockets I usually put my makeup in one and the rest of my items in the other. What really sets this bag apart from other hanging styles is the extremely durable and flexible material. I love the flexibility of it, too, which means I can stuff a ton of items inside and still be able to zip it. The detachable bottom pocket is a great touch because I can take it off for shorter trips when I don’t need as much space.” — Erin Cavoto, Editor

Grove Co. Laundry Detergent Sheets

“I tend to go on longer, often backpacking trips, so I need to be able to do at least a little bit of laundry. Instead of relying on access to machines or packing another liquid, I love these laundry detergent sheets. They use natural ingredients, have the power for stain removal, and I can pack just one or two sheets depending on how long my trip is. Plus, I can use them right in my hotel sink!” — Taylor Fox, Editor

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