As a travel writer from Rome, I’ve been traveling internationally for over 20 years. Whether it’s been road tripping through Ireland, temple-hopping in Cambodia, or soaking in natural hot springs in the Azores, I’ve accumulated a list of must-have travel accessories that make everything from long-haul flights to carry-on-only packing easier. And with Amazon Prime Big Deal Days kicking off tomorrow, I noticed that many of my favorite travel essentials, including those from big-name brands like Apple and Bose, are already marked down—as much as 50 percent off.
To save you time and effort sorting through the many deals already live ahead of the annual Amazon sale event, I’ve put together a list of the 16 best must-have travel accessories for international travel, starting as low as $4. Just remember to snag what catches your eye when you can, as stock may be limited. And, if you really want to take advantage of these incredible deals, you can sign up for a 30-day free trial Amazon Prime membership to score two-day free shipping on most items. Happy shopping!
Best Writer-loved Deals Overall
Travel Inspira Portable Luggage Scale
Amazon
This small portable digital scale has saved me from paying exorbitant overweight baggage fees on several of my international travels. Compact enough to pack away into a personal item, the easy-to-use scale can weigh your luggage in both pounds and kilograms (which is handy so you don’t have to convert it yourself). Currently on sale at Amazon for $10, it’s a handy gadget that could potentially save you hundreds of dollars at the airport in overweight baggage fees!
Gonex Compression Packing Cubes
Amazon
Compression packing cubes, like this set from Gonex, are one of my top go-to items for carry-on-only trips. This set is crafted out of a durable ripstop nylon material that’s squishy and flexible and works great at compressing even bulkier clothing like sweaters and jeans. I’ve taken them with me all around the world, from Ireland and Italy to Cambodia and Thailand, and they haven’t shown any sign of wear. Best of all: they’re available in four different sizes for just $20.
Apple AirTag 4-pack
Amazon
Not only do these quarter-sized Bluetooth trackers give me peace of mind when I fly and have layovers, but Apple AirTags have also helped me track my lost luggage more times than I can count. I was once able to see that my suitcase had been left behind in Dublin during a layover flying from Boston to Rome, and I was able to track it when it eventually arrived in Italy and was making its way to my house via an airport worker. Their batteries have lasted me over a year and are easy to replace when they run out. You can now score a four-pack to share between friends or family, or to distribute among various bags, for $65.
Matein Carry-on Expandable Travel Backpack
Amazon
An expandable travel backpack is always part of my travel arsenal, and this one from Matein is a great option for travelers who want a little extra packing space. The 40-liter backpack has the same capacity as most carry-on suitcases and comes with a slew of pockets and slots to keep all your belongings secure and organized. When expanded, you can take advantage of an extra five liters of packing space, all of which can be maximized with some handy packing cubes. Shop it now while it’s on sale.
Izuzta Personalized Luggage Tag
Amazon
Trying to find your suitcase at baggage claim can be tricky, which is why I make mine stand out with this small but chic monogrammed luggage tag. Made from supple faux leather, the incredibly affordable luggage tag comes with a subtle privacy shield to cover your personal information. Snag it while it’s 50 percent off at just $4.
Etronik Weekender Bag
Amazon
On longer trips, I often pack a weekender as a personal item, as it provides more space to pack away extra clothes and shoes. This weekender bag from Etronik features a bottom zippered shoe compartment that’s great for packing away several pairs of shoes or even a smaller compression packing cube with extra clothes. It’s slim enough to fit beneath the seat in front of you, and features a handy USB-charging port so you can keep your devices juiced up while on the go. The weekender also comes with a small matching zippered pouch that I’ve used to store toiletries.
Anrabess 2-piece Lounge Outfit
Amazon
When it comes to long flights, I need to be absolutely comfortable. But that doesn’t mean sacrificing style. A matching set, like this one from Amazon, is a great way to balance comfort and style—and with more than 2,000 five-star ratings, it’s clear this set is a favorite. It’s made of soft material and has a medium weight to it that will keep you warm in chilly airplane cabins without sweating. On sale for $40, it’s available in over 20 colors.
Azmuth Magsafe Battery Pack
Amazon
Staying connected on the go is essential, and a battery pack like this Magsafe option from Amazon is a smart device to keep with you at all times. Compact enough to slide into a jacket pocket, it features two built-in cables and a magnetic top that seamlessly connects to the back of your phone. It also comes with a small but handy screen that displays the device’s remaining battery life.
Uto 3-in-1 Crossbody Bag
Amazon
This budget-friendly crossbody bag is my go-to personal item when traveling. Not only is it sleek and stylish (and available in various colors), but it’s also incredibly spacious while remaining compact. Inside, I can pack away my three passports, my wallet, a portable charger and its cable, my Apple AirPods Pro, and lip balm, hand sanitizer, and hand cream—with room to spare.
Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Amazon
I always bring my stainless steel Hydro Flask water bottle with me when I travel, so I can fill it up at the airport when I’m flying because I’ve found that staying hydrated can help me fight jet lag more easily. I love how the stainless steel interior keeps water cool, and I’ve never experienced any leaking. Shop it now for $25 to save yourself from paying for overpriced water at the airport.
Samsonite Freeform Carry-on Luggage
Amazon
A good carry-on luggage is essential for any type of trip, like this suitcase from Travel + Leisure-trusted brand Samsonite that comes with smart features like expandable sides, TSA-approved locks, and an interior divider pocket. It also has smooth-rolling wheels and a comfortable telescoping handle. And, with nearly 2,000 five-star ratings from Amazon shoppers, it’s not surprising that it’s currently the best seller in the carry-on luggage category. Don’t forget to snag it now while it’s $50 off.
Sony Ult Wear Over-ear Noise Cancelling Headphones
Amazon
These Sony noise-canceling headphones work wonderfully at drowning out everything from the loud rumbling of airplane jet engines to your snoring seatmate, allowing you to listen to music or watch television without issue. They connect seamlessly to your smartphone via Bluetooth and boast a long battery life. If these standout features aren’t enough to convince you, then consider that they’re currently marked down for a limited time.
Amazon Fire HD Tablet
Amazon
Sleek and thin, the Amazon Fire tablet easily fits into a personal item like a weekender or backpack, and it can store hundreds of books that I can easily access when on the go. While I primarily use it to read, you can also play games, listen to music, or watch movies. It’s a versatile device that takes up little space while keeping you entertained on even the longest international flights. I’ve noticed that if I only use it for reading, its battery lasts several days without needing to be recharged.
Calvin Klein Invisibles Seamless Bralette
Amazon
If you’re looking for a bra that’s comfortable but still supportive, this Calvin Klein seamless bralette is your answer. It’s crafted with soft microfiber that’s gentle on skin and is lightly lined with removable pads for a barely-there look. It’s my favorite bra to travel with, especially on long flights, as it doesn’t dig uncomfortably into my skin. Shop it in several neutral colors, including black and beige, and in sizes ranging from XS to XL, for $29.
Bagsmart Travel Jewelry Organizer
Amazon
I usually travel with a decent amount of rings, necklaces, and earrings so that I can properly accessorize my outfits. This foldable travel jewelry case from Bagsmart is a less clunky option to traditional travel jewelry cases, which are usually quite boxy. It may look small, but its rollable pouch-like design provides plenty of slots and pockets to store multiple pieces of jewelry, and it can easily fit into a crossbody bag so you can keep your accessories close. Best of all: it’s currently on sale for just $14.
Klearlook Airplane Phone Holder
Amazon
I often prefer to download movies and television shows on my cellphone rather than rely on in-flight entertainment, which is why this airplane phone holder is great for letting me watch them in comfort. Featuring a multi-directional and 360-degree rotation feature, it allows me to clip my phone onto various seat backs or tray tables to watch my favorite movies at a comfortable eye level. It folds up very compactly and barely takes up any room in my personal item. It’s a simple but effective flight upgrade for just $10.
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