23 Useful Amazon Travel Must Haves – Handpicked By Travel Experts
If you love traveling and frequently shop on Amazon, then this article is for you.
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Our Vacation Countdown App team travels the world several months a year. We also regularly use Amazon to buy our travel products, so it only makes sense that we should share our favorite Amazon Travel Must Haves!
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These items were handpicked and tested ourselves, and we can attest to their usefulness while traveling, but this isn’t your typical list. We don’t want to bore you with typical products like a boarding pass holder, Apple Watch, or portable charger with an extra USB charging port to extend the battery life of your devices. We’re sure you already have those basic items already. Instead, we’ve added some unique items you may not have thought of before.
This list is frequently updated with unique products and the latest Amazon deals and discounts. Now let’s get started!
The right suitcase or travel bag is the most essential travel item you’ll need. But you also need travel cubes and travel organizers to keep everything in its place. Here are some of our favorite items that are available on Amazon.
1. High-Quality Hardcase Suitcase
If you want a quality hard case suitcase that won’t drain your vacation budget, the Samsonite Freeform is a solid choice – and we should know. We have used this suitcase ourselves for four years and across 16 countries – and counting!
They are good-looking, lightweight, and have the durability you need to get wherever you need to go without you having to feel concerned about theft and scratches like on more expensive, alternative options.
It comes in 12 colors and 3 sizes (21-inch carry-on, 24-inch checked bag, and 28-inch large checked bag) and we particularly love the carry-on size because it’s easy to maneuver on all surfaces.
2. Weekend Travel Bag
Duffle bags aren’t only great weekend travel bags, they are also perfect if you don’t want to pack light and avoid the additional weight of a hardshell suitcase.
This Gonex Canvas Duffle Bag is ideal for shorter trips but with 50L capacity also a good alternative for a hardshell suitcase – especially for road trips when you want to access items easily while on the go. You can also stay more mobile than if you had a suitcase. Just slip the shoulder strap on and you’re ready to go.
The bag doesn’t just look great, it’s also very durable. The bottom really does protect the bag from damage. The pull-down zippers on each side are perfect for quick access during TSA or when grabbing your camera at that scenic viewpoint.
We used this back on a train trip and found the pockets easy to use while keeping food and essentials even more accessible than a standard backpack.
If you have been hesitant about duffle bags, this travel weekend bag will make you a believer.
3. Packable Backpack
We never travel without a packable backpack because it’s ideal as a personal item, for day hiking, groceries, beach trips, or souvenir shopping, but finding the right one took some work. After trying over 10 models, our favorite is the Naturehike 18L packable backpack.
We have used this backpack for years and never travel without it. The bag is lightweight (only 4.2 ounces!), rainproof, easy to store, and extremely durable.
At 18L, it is quite roomy and works well in real-life scenarios. We even tested it carrying four 32-ounce water bottles.
Using it for heavier carrying does feel like the straps cut into the skin, but it does what it is supposed to do and holds up just fine. It is also ultra compact when stored in its attached bag, making it easy to toss in a purse, backpack, or suitcase.
Plus, you can choose from three colors. This bag was an easy choice for us when compiling our list of Amazon travel must-haves.
4. Packing Cubes
Compression packing cubes are the ideal way to organize all your clothing and travel items in your luggage, and can also be used as a laundry bag or shoe bag.
We particularly love compression packing cubes and are fans of this packing cube set by TRIPPED as it helps you keep all that clothing snug and extra compact. That means more room for special gifts and other treats while on your journey.
We have used these bags personally for years and are especially impressed with their strength even when with especially tight packing. They truly have been a game changer for us. When you arrive at your destination, they unzip easily for roomy access to all your clothing and travel items.
They are ultra-lightweight, and the faint white fabric helps you spot the clothing you want without even opening the bags.
We are fans of packing cubes and also wrote articles about how to use packing cubes and the 5 best packing cubes for travel. Check them out!
5. Hanging Toiletry Bag
A hanging toiletry bag makes it easier to access all your toiletries no matter what bathroom storage you face. It just so happens that our pick for one of the best designs happens to be by the same company that makes our pick for the best weekend travel bag.
The Gonex Hanging Toiletry Bag gives you ample storage options for both large and small toiletries including the makeup that keeps you looking your best.
You have multiple zipper compartments both inside and outside the bag, making it easy to access often-used items like your toothbrush and toothpaste without digging into the abyss of a top-access toiletry bag. And it looks good too!
If you’re looking for more recommendations, check out our detailed reviews about the best hanging toiletry bags for women.
6. Travel Electronics Organizer
Storing your electronics gear in an organizer makes charging your phone and using your laptop and other devices a breeze. Every traveler should have travel electronics organizer, which is why we are including the BAGSMART electronics organizer in our list of travel products available on Amazon.
BAGSMART does an excellent job with its travel organizers. You get a quality, durable bag that gives you quick access to all your goodies while avoiding all the tangles and fumbling that comes with standard bags.
No matter what items you need to carry, there’s a slot for it – even a large one for your smartphone. If you need to store even more, you can also choose a bigger size.
Believe us when we tell you that once you have this organizer, you’ll wonder why you didn’t buy it earlier.
7. Travel Jewelry Organizer
Yes, you could just stuff your jewelry in a little pouch in your toiletry bag, but why? Keeping it all organized while traveling just makes life easier – and this bag does it right.
The BAGSMART Travel Jewelry Organizer is specially designed to hold rings, necklaces, bracelets, and other jewelry items so they remain detangled, easily viewable, and quickly accessible.
The bag comes in varying sizes to fit varying travel needs and is composed of quilted cotton and polyester for an extra soft touch. Its design is easy to love, making it a great option as a gift for friends, family, or just for yourself. Choose from nine colors and patterns.
We also reviewed a few other great options for travel jewelry organizers!
Travel Comfortably
Making sure you’re comfortable while traveling is key to having a good trip. That’s why we recommend packing good earphones, a travel pillow, an eye mask, and a travel blanket. And a travel footrest made our list of Amazon travel must-haves too because it can make a big difference on long flights!
8. Travel Blanket
We all have questions about the cleanliness of airplane blankets. Thankfully there are many great travel blankets you can own – and wash – yourself, but we particularly love the one from EverSnug. It doubles as a pillow and blanket in one!
Plus, it’s extra warm and synchs to carry. Just slip it over your suitcase handle or clip it to your backpack and go. It comes in six different colors to match your suitcase, backpack, or wardrobe.
The dual design makes it easy to get some extra comfort in your seat or some added warmth to make your time in the air, or anywhere for that matter, more comfy and restful.
No doubt an Amazon travel must-have and it’s often on sale.
9. Travel Neck Pillow
Like us, you may have struggled to find the right travel neck pillow and considered giving up entirely. For whatever reason, the dual requirements of comfort and support don’t seem to match up. This one is different.
The MVLOC travel pillow comes in a special ergonomic design with an extra high back and quality memory foam. It also has a clip that you can attach to get the best fit for your neck while making it easy to carry with a backpack or suitcase. The outer fabric is sweat resistant and can be removed and washed before your next trip.
But that’s not all. It comes in a compact back for smaller storage and inflates naturally out of the bag in just 5 seconds. You also get a comfortable eyemask and earbuds. Plus, it’s good-looking, which means it won’t cramp your style – or your neck.
10. Travel Eye Mask
A comfortable travel eye mask is a great way to get some shuteye any time of day, but what good is it if the material smells or irritates your skin?
We love the Alaska Bear Organic Mulberry Silk Sleep Mask because you get all of the benefits without the nasty drawbacks. Mulberry silk is a hypoallergenic material that is, odor-free, non-toxic, and won’t irritate your skin.
You can also use it anywhere you sleep. The material doesn’t stain bed sheets or pillowcases, helping you sleep even easier.
11. Travel Footrest
A travel footrest? We were skeptical about this, but it actually works!
This portable footrest attaches securely to your tray table on a plane or train and goes a step further with added comfort thanks to its foam construction and separate foot holds to reduce knocking. You can use it with or without shoes.
If you travel often or are planning a long flight, this product is worth including in your amazon travel essentials.
This device makes your journey less uncomfortable and exhausting. Plus, it folds up compactly into your carry-on or backpack. That’s a lot of comfort in a small footprint. Note that this product works best for users 6 feet or under.
12. Noise-Canceling Travel Earphones
Noise cancelation earphones are ideal for blocking out noise in airplanes or anywhere you are surrounded by noisy travelers. Apple did a fantastic job with its Apple AirPod Pro. We love the comfort and sound quality, two of the biggest factors that go into choosing travel earphones.
You also avoid the pain of larger earphone designs that cover your entire ear, and the compact design makes it easy to pack and lighter to carry.
You can use these earphones for making phone calls as well as listening to music or movies. All benefits combined have made it an easy addition to our list of Amazon travel must-haves.
Eating and Drinking On The Go
If you’re anything like us, staying hydrated and eating healthy are important parts of your travel routine. That’s why we suggest packing a travel water bottle, travel food container, and travel cutlery.
13. Travel Water Bottle
A travel water bottle is a must-have if you’re trying to stay hydrated while on the go and care about the environment. We recently reviewed the best travel water bottles and will definitely add the Revelist 32oz Insulated Water Bottle to our list.
We love it because it comes with everything you need to stay hydrated on the go. The double vacuum-sealed walls keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours or hot for up to 12 hours, and the three compatible lids make it easy to swap between chugging, sipping, or screwing on the stainless steel cap.
Tho travel water bottle is also non-toxic, BPA-free, lead-free, and phthalate-free, making it a safe choice for everyone. Plus, the lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects means you can rely on Revelist to last.
14. Travel Meal Container
A travel food container is another must-have if you want to eat healthy while on the go.
You may be familiar with HumanGear’s toiletry bottles, pill containers, and utensils. Now you can complete your set with this HumanGear STAX interlocking food container set.
It works like Asian tiffin carriers, or dabbas, by giving you separate storage for wet and dry foods or hot and cold ones. Each section clicks together for easy transport and the company’s GoBites Click fork and spoon set.
You even get a utility tray to carry the Click set along with napkins, sauce packets, and anything else you need to make that meal extra delicious. The containers are FDA-food safe and BPA-free.
15. Travel Cutlery
A travel fork and knife set make eating while traveling a time of joy instead of an utter mess, and the Forkanife Travel set is very unique and of the best we’ve tried so far. This set fits in any bag and is so flat that it can even fit inside of a wallet or phone case!
It folds inwards for an ultra-compact size and for improved cleanliness on the go. It is TSA compliant, making it an easy choice for any type of travel.
If you are concerned about the environment, this durable set is easy to clean and durable enough for ongoing usage, which means fewer plastic forks and knives in landfills. The world will thank you.
16. Travel Straw
Not everyone considers a straw a necessity, but if you are one of them, using a reusable straw is the best way to reduce plastic waste in landfills. The FinalStraw Travel Straw is our recommendation for our list of Amazon travel essentials.
Yes, we love it, but we’re not the only ones. Forbes, Time, and USA Today also give it their thumbs up. Once you look at it more closely, it’s not hard to see why.
This straw breaks down into four segments while still staying connected with an elastic band, making the straw easy to reconnect the instant you remove it from the case. The attractive case also helps you cleanly and compactly transport the straw between sips while also doubling as storage for a cleaning tool inside, keeping everything together and damage-free.
The straw comes in a wide range of colors to let you express yourself. That’s right; you can save the world and have fun doing it. While you’re at it, check out our list of other eco-friendly travel products.
Essential Travel Clothes
When it comes to travel clothes what is a must-have really depends on where you are going and what type of traveler you are. Two items that are essential for every traveler are a travel scarf and travel compression socks.
17. Travel Scarf
A travel scarf is an Amazon must-have for any traveler, no matter where you are going. A travel scarf can be used as a blanket on a cold plane or train, as a towel at the beach or pool, as a headscarf to protect your head from the sun, and as a fashion accessory to add some style to your travel outfit.
Our favorite pick is the Zero Grid Infinity Scarf for its super soft material, lightweight design, and patented pocket technology. The travel scarf also comes with two hidden zipper pockets that are perfect for storing a passport, ID, credit card, cash, or a cellphone.
Plus, the reflective loop is great for easy hanging. The best part about this travel must-have is the $300 trip assurance that will reimburse you up to $300USD in the event that items are stolen from the scarf.
The only drawback of this scarf is that you have to hand-wash it but other than that, it’s the perfect travel accessory!
18. Travel Compression Socks
Compression socks are a must-have for any traveler who wants to avoid swollen feet and ankles on long flights or car rides.
We are huge fans of the Wanderlust Travel Compression Socks, another travel must-have available on Amazon. The company’s slogan is “love at first flight” and we couldn’t agree more. We recently tested these socks on an 11-hour flight from Los Angeles to London and on a hike through the Swiss Alps.
These socks will not only prevent thrombosis, but they will also keep your feet warm and super comfortable. The extra soft foot padding and ribbing prevent bunching and the light graduated compression improves circulation.
We also appreciate the company’s 100% satisfaction guarantee so you can buy with confidence. If you’re not satisfied with your purchase, they’ll refund your money or send you a new pair free of charge!
Best Travel Gadgets 2022
If you travel frequently, you know that there are certain must-have items that make the packing process a lot easier. And while there are plenty of travel gadgets out there to choose from, we’ve handpicked our 2022 favorites that are available on Amazon.
19. Travel Neck Fan
A travel fan would have been just a fun little accessory a few years ago, but the world is heating up, and more areas climbing well over 100 degrees during summer. This travel neck fan is a cool (literally!) travel gadget that is quickly becoming a powerful tool for helping more travelers enjoy time outdoors, so we are happily adding it to our list of Amazon travel essentials.
Will it become the latest fashion trend? Probably not, but you will stay comfortable outside while everyone runs inside for air conditioning. The fan rests comfortably on your neck and uses a USB fan to blow air and gently cool your face and neck.
Choose from three speeds to meet varying weather needs to cool yourself down in as little as three seconds. It is also quiet and ergonomically designed to bring comfortable usage throughout the day.
20. Travel Door Lock
We believe travel safety should remain a top priority, and a travel door lock goes a long way in ensuring it. This portable door lock is our top pick for keeping both you and your belongings safe so that you have more peace of mind while you sleep.
The small and thin design is easy to toss into any suitcase or bag.
It installs in seconds onto any inward-swinging door, making it a smart choice for any hotel, Airbnb, or hostel. You get powerful protection with minimal expense, making it well worth taking along just in case you ever need it.
21. Travel Clothesline
Traveling for any extended period of time inevitably means you will need to wash your clothes, and a quality travel clothesline makes the process exponentially easier.
The HAWATOUR Portable Elastic Travel Clothesline is our pick for the easiest setup and drying no matter where you are. It has been a true life saver for us!
The elastic hooks make it easy to wrap around objects like railings or tree trunks to keep all your clothing off the ground and in the sun. The onboard clips help secure the clothing so it doesn’t blow into a neighbor’s yard or on wet ground.
Choose your favorite of four colors, including some bright ones so you can find them more easily in your bag.
22. Luggage Scale
Every airline seems to have different weight limits, especially for carry-on bags. Stop stressing at the airport and invest in a travel luggage scale so you can make sure your bag is within the limit and avoid the additional cost that comes with overpacking.
This handheld luggage scale from Luxebell did a fantastic job on a recent trip through Europe. It is accurate and very lightweight, making it easy to travel with. We also like the T-sharp design which made it comfortable to use and the stainless steel hanging hook is a nice touch.
You can use it single-handed for weights up to 30lbs or double-handed for heavier weights up to 110lbs.
Overall, we think this travel scale is a great option for anyone looking for an accurate and easy-to-use travel scale.
23. First Aid Travel Kit
You can never be too prepared when you travel, and this includes having a quality first aid kit.
We’ve tried many first aid travel kits over the years but are particularly impressed with this First Aid Kit by Protect Life Store.
This 100-piece set provides you and your family with the important emergency supplies you need until you can get more thorough medical care. At the same time, it is relatively compact. At just 7.5 x 5.2 x 1.5 inches, the bag can be easily added to any backpack, suitcase, or glove box.
The pouch is also well made, which means when you can simply refill the bag with new supplies once the old ones are used. It is well made and durable with strong stitches and high-strength zippers. The bright red color also makes it easy to find when the timing is of the essence.
