Amazon’s massive Prime Big Deal Days event is finally here, and it’s the perfect time to upgrade your travel arsenal. As someone who flies at least once a month, I consider myself an expert on which travel essentials are actually worth it and make the journey feel seamless. But sometimes, even a short trip can feel overwhelming, which is why I’ve curated a lineup of go-tos that cut down on stress and help me stay grounded—even at 36,000 feet.
From noise-canceling AirPods that block distractions to a portable charger that keeps my phone powered during extra-long travel days, these are the items that make jet-setting feel manageable. Keep scrolling for my top frequent flier-approved picks, all on sale during October Prime Day.
Best Deals Overall
Prettygarden 2-piece Hoodie Lounge Set
Amazon
You can blame TikTok for my obsession with matching sets, and PrettyGarden is one of my favorite brands for cozy sets that last during long travel days. This two-piece set is comfy enough for a red-eye but stylish enough that I don’t feel sloppy walking into brunch straight from the airport. It’s a budget-friendly lookalike for pricier lounge sets, and it holds up trip after trip. Snag this comfy lounge set while it’s marked down to just $34 during October Prime Day.
Bagsmart Toiletry Bag With Hanging Hook
Amazon
A well-organized toiletry bag is the difference between a smooth morning and a toddler-level meltdown in a hotel bathroom. This sleek toiletry bag from Bagsmart folds neatly, hangs up in tight spaces, and keeps my liquids separate, so I never have to relive losing my $200 face cream again. The best part? It’s under $15 during Prime Big Deal Days and comes in nine colors, with a durable, waterproof exterior that’ll last trip after trip.
Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Sneakers
Amazon
When Chicago delays hit, and don’t worry, they always do, I end up sprinting through O’Hare to get from gate to gate. These comfy Dr. Scholl’s sneakers are supportive, cushioned with inserts, and actually cute, saving my feet from the swelling that happens from said terminal sprints. They’re built for long wear, and right now, they’re under $75, which is rare for a sneaker this durable.
Anker Magnetic Portable Charger
Amazon
The only thing worse than turbulence is facing it without a charged phone to distract me. I love Anker because its products are equal parts slim and powerful, keeping my devices at 100 percent no matter how long I’m traveling. This foldable, magnetic charger can recharge an iPhone 13 Pro up to nearly two times before needing a charge itself, making it a necessity for long travel days or moments when there’s no outlet in sight. During Prime Big Deal Days, the charger is $20 off, and given how long-lasting these backup batteries are, it’s worth buying one in every color.
Away Bigger Softside Carry-on Luggage
Amazon
One of the reasons I always overpack is that I can’t handle the mental load of wondering if my bag will fit in the overhead. I use and love Away’s hardside carry-on for exactly that reason—it always does, and it’s built to last. While that’s the version I travel with, Away bags across the board are T+L approved, and right now the brand’s softside carry-on is marked down for Prime Day. It offers the same thoughtful design, smooth 360-degree spinner wheels, and a roomy interior with compression panels, making it absolutely worth grabbing while it’s on sale.
Amazon Essentials French Terry Fleece Pullover
Amazon
Even if I’m flying in the dead of summer, I always bring a cozy layer because airplanes are almost always below freezing. This fleece pullover is light enough to stuff in my carry-on, soft enough to double as a pillow, and simple enough to wear on repeat all trip long. Plus, at $10 during Prime Big Deal Days, it’s an absolute steal for a staple I’ll get a lot of wear out of. I live in the mustard yellow hue, but you can’t go wrong with any of the colors.
Crest 3D Whitestrips Sensitive Teeth-whitening Kit
Amazon
I’m a bit of a chronic teeth brusher, so it’s not a far cry for me to travel with whitening strips. These easy-to-apply strips use the same enamel-safe whitening agent dentists rely on, lifting years of surface stains in as little as 30 minutes while I watch sappy rom-coms on the plane. They’re the simplest self-care ritual to pack and give me an instant mini glow-up. The reason I often skip these is the price, but during Prime Big Deal Days, they’re 44 percent off.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds
Amazon
My ADHD brain needs fewer distractions, especially in the air. Thankfully, these wireless earbuds block out everything from crying babies to engine hum to bathroom flushes, letting me zone out to my true crime podcasts with ease. They almost never dip below $200, so this deal is as good as it gets for something I literally never fly without.
Bagsmart 30L Travel Backpack
Amazon
As I age, so does my patience and ability to lug heavy backpacks through the airport. That’s why I love this lightweight option from Bagsmart. It’s priced just under $30, and the reinforced seams make it tough enough for repeat trips. I love the compartments—including one for shoes, a laptop, up to six shirts, and even eight books (if you’re old-fashioned like that). The quilted fabric keeps it on trend, and so do the color options.
Franco Sarto Ankle Boots
Amazon
Never mind that these ankle boots are favorites of Mindy Kaling and Katie Holmes alike; these are also my go-to when I want to feel pulled together without sacrificing comfort. They look polished enough for a client dinner in the city but are still comfy enough to tackle walking through airport terminals and cobblestoned streets. And, at 75 percent off, they’re a rare chance to snag a quality leather boot that will last for years of travel.
Grace & Stella Eye Patches
Amazon
You won’t find me leaving the house without these eye patches—even if I’m dangerously late for my flight. They come in clutch when my red-eye turns into red eyes, with a cooling effect that de-puffs and soothes all while tricking people into thinking I slept more than three hours. At under $10 during Prime Big Deal Days, they’re an easy stock-up item if you, like me, can’t live without them.
Yeti Rambler 18-ounce Water Bottle
Amazon
I am a Yeti stan and will be forever. It still shocks me that I used to spend $5 on plastic water bottles before every flight, when this one saves both my wallet and the environment. I fill this reusable water bottle before every flight, and it keeps me hydrated throughout. Yeti products are practically indestructible, and come in so many colors you’ll want to collect them all. I have it in key lime and lowcountry peach, and am adding big wave blue to my Christmas list.
Levi’s 94 Baggy Jeans
Amazon
Although you’ll rarely catch me flying in jeans, when I do, it’s this style from Levi’s. The baggy fit makes them way more comfortable than a straight-leg while still looking polished and pulled together—whether paired with a fitted tee or oversized sweatshirt. Not only that, the mid-rise design fits and flatters almost everyone, and Levi’s are notorious for lasting forever. They’re often not on sale for this big of a discount, so I’d recommend buying in multiple colors.
Tapo Smart Plug
Amazon
Everyone has that one “peace of mind” purchase, and this is mine. At home, I use this smart plug to schedule lamps so the place feels lived-in while I’m away, but it’s just as handy once I land. I can plug it into a hotel room or Airbnb outlet to control lights or a coffee maker right from my phone, which makes unfamiliar spaces feel a little more like home. At under $10, it’s one of those smart travel upgrades I don’t regret buying multiples of.
Baodini Mini Travel Umbrella
Amazon
Nothing derails my travel mood faster than stepping out of the airport and getting drenched with no backup plan. That’s why I always stash a small travel umbrella in my carry-on, and this one is my absolute favorite. It’s compact enough to slip almost anywhere, comes in over a dozen colors, and is still strong enough to handle big-city gusts. And at under $15, you can grab extras for friends so they’re never caught off guard by unpredictable weather either.
JBL Go 3 Mini Bluetooth Speaker
Amazon
It’s not the first thing most people think to pack, but having a portable, waterproof speaker on a trip makes a bigger difference than you’d expect. It turns a hotel room into a club, keeps pool days lively, and makes getting ready with friends way more fun. This one’s compact, fully waterproof, and durable, and at under $25 during Prime Big Deal Days, it’s an easy add-on that pays off every time I toss it in my bag.
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