The benefits of traveling are endless: seeing beautiful sites, immersing yourself in other cultures and spending time with loved ones, to name a few. Still, airport delays, lost luggage and jet lag can add layers of stress if you’re not prepared.
That being said, I’ve rounded up some of the best travel accessories that can help give you peace of mind before your next trip.
How I picked the best Amazon travel essentials
I spoke to travel experts, who have collectively explored hundreds of countries via various transportation modes, and asked them what products are most important to have on hand. I'm also including products we’ve tested ourselves. Here are the factors I kept in mind when compiling this list:
- Size and weight. Size matters since most airlines allow only one carry-on and a personal item, says travel coach Sahara Rose De Vore. Choose products that offer the most value at minimal weight and size since the volume of your toiletries has to be within Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations, which is up to 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters, according to the TSA.
- Comfort. Lack of sleep and discomfort can lead to fatigue long after you deboard, says travel wellness expert Edyta Satchell. To help avoid jet lag, she recommends products that block out noise and light or support your head and body so you can sleep and sit more comfortably — think neck pillows, foot hammocks, compression socks and sleep masks.
- Organization. Easy access to your belongings is essential, so prioritize bags and organizers with several pockets. This list includes toiletry bags and packing cubes to help keep all of your skin care products and clothing more centralized.
- Health and hydration. “You can’t be ignorant of the negative impact travel has on your health,” says Satchell. For example, sitting for a long time on the plane can cause muscle, circulation and joint problems, not drinking enough water can result in dehydration and lack of sleep can cause fatigue, she adds. That being said, pack items that keep you hydrated, such as sheet masks, serums and electrolyte powder.
Best Amazon travel essentials to shop in 2025
I rounded up a variety of products no traveler should leave home without, including accessories tested by NBC Select staff. I’ve also included travel products with at least a 4-star average rating from 500 reviews or more on Amazon, all of which align with expert guidance.
Best travel tech accessories
Twelve South AirFly Pro
The Airfly, which plugs into the in-flight entertainment’s audio jack and connects to earbuds via Bluetooth, has become a travel essential for NBC Select editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez. “I can never use my Apple Airpods Max on airplanes because they don’t come with an auxiliary cable. My Airfly seamlessly pairs with my Airpods with the touch of a button, then recognizes them whenever I use it next. I used it on six, three- to four-hour flights before needing to recharge it, so it has great battery life.”
Tile Pro
This Bluetooth tracker is a good alternative to Apple’s Airtag, especially if you don’t use an iPhone. It comes with a built-in loop to connect to a keychain or bag, so you don’t have to buy a separate holder for it. Within 500 feet of the tracker, you can ping it to make noise and use the Tile app to help find its precise location. Outside that distance, the Tile Network can help you find your tag. It has a replaceable coin-shaped battery, which lasts up to one year, inside and is dust- and water-resistant, according to the brand. Plus, if you’re ever in an unsafe situation, you can use it to send out an emergency signal.
Apple AirTag 4-Pack
The Apple AirTag can help you find and/or keep track of your items by syncing it with your smart devices. If your tagged items go missing, you can set your AirTag into “lost mode,” which will automatically notify you when it’s detected back in your network. You can then use your phone to see a map and view the exact location of your lost personal item.
Hicober 3-in-1 Charging Station
This 3-in-1 wireless charger for MagSafe Apple devices is foldable and just 4.5 ounces, so you can throw it in your bag or purse when traveling. “In essence, I used to have a nest of cables next to my bed to charge my phone, earbuds and Apple Watch,” says NBC Select tech reporter Harry Rabinowitz in his Hicober review . “This charging station took me from 3 cables to one, and got rid of the unsightly nest of wires next to my bed.” It takes less than three hours to fully charge and also works as a phone stand that you can angle horizontally or vertically for FaceTime calls or movies on the go.
Perilogics Universal in Flight Airplane Phone Holder Mount
This phone holder clips onto your plane’s tray table so you can go hands-free while watching movies, sports or any other media you’ve downloaded. It has a 360-degree rotation to offer different viewing angles (including vertically and horizontally), plus it’s compatible with multiple phone sizes, according to the brand.
EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter
Another favorite of Rabinowitz is this Epicka Universal Travel Adapter, which he uses for both domestic and international travel. According to the brand, it works in more than 150 countries and has four USB ports, one USB-C slot and a socket to charge six devices simultaneously at high speed. It’s also compatible with all USB devices. Keep in mind that this is not a voltage converter and that your devices must have dual or variable-voltage capabilities to use it.
Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB)
If you like to read while on the go, the lightweight Kindle Paperwhite is one of the best e-readers out there thanks to its glare-free screen and battery life, which lasts up to 10 weeks on a single charge, according to the brand. You can also pair it with Bluetooth earbuds and listen to audiobooks with an Audible subscription.
Sure Lock Travel Luggage Locks
These TSA-compatible travel locks are durable, easy to carry and work with nearly every type of luggage, according to the brand. It’s especially helpful for those staying in shared accommodations, like hostels, or anyone in need of extra luggage security. Former NBC Page Hannah Fuechtman uses them while backpacking around Europe, and highly recommends these for the peace of mind they bring.
Anker Soundcore 2
Bring music wherever your travels take you with one of our favorite bluetooth speakers. “I’ve brought it to outdoor picnics and parties, and the music is always audible and crisp even when there’s other competing noises,” says NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio. It’s built to boost low-end frequencies (bass) and deliver little to no distortion at all volumes. This speaker is also water-resistant, according to the brand, and has physical touch controls up top to help you play and pause your music.
Temdan 3 in 2 USB C Cable
Tired of having to travel with a million different cords to charge all your devices? This USB C cable has three different charging modes on the end — a Apple Watch charger, a lightning port and a Type-C port. It also comes with an attachment to turn the USB C end into a USB A. The cord is over four feet for convenience.
Best travel storage and organizers
BAGSMART Packing Cubes
Marina Radlinski, home organizing expert and owner of Palm Beach Organized, recommends this Bagsmart seven-piece packing cube set with different-sized cubes. “Think about the space you need for underwear and socks versus the space you need for sweaters,” she says. They’re made of nylon and mesh, allowing you to see your clothing options inside.
FYY Travel Cable Organizer Pouch
This compact organizer has two layers of storage space to hold all your devices and chargers in one place. At just 3.2 ounces, the waterproof case is compact and lightweight, giving you easy access to cords, cables and more.
Travel Inspira Suitcase Scale
The last thing you want to worry about when traveling is overpacking. Since airlines have strict rules about weight limits for bags, use a handheld scale to weigh out your bags beforehand instead of being anxious on your way to the gate. This option has a capacity of 110 pounds and comes with a stainless steel hook and a belt for attaching to suitcases. To weigh your bags, simply attach the loop to the bag and lift it up to get a reading.
Bagsmart Large Toiletry Bag Travel Bag
I love my Bagsmart travel bag because it securely holds all my toiletries in one place. When I get to my hotel, I just hang it on the bathroom door hook, which keeps the countertop open and free for other items. It has four separate compartments with elastic straps that hold my bottles upright, and transparent sides so I can easily see all my contents. It’s also well padded and protects everything inside when I’m on the go.
Stasher Bags
These reusable silicone Stasher Bags are a “go-to eco-friendly storage product” for NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin. “I have food allergies, so I always pack snacks to take with me on flights in these reusable bags. They’re also great for organizing toiletries. I’m obsessed with the small ones for packing pills, vitamins and medications.” These come in over 20 colors and are microwave-, freezer- and dishwasher-safe.
Gemice Travel Bottles
These leakproof travel bottles are TSA-approved and designed to hold up to three ounces of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion and more for your carry-on. They are also made of BPA-free food-grade silicone so they are safe for other liquids like sauce, salad dressing and even baby food, as detailed on the brand’s website. Sold as a four-pack with a choice of colors, each bottle has a no-drip valve and wide opening for easy filling, according to the brand.
WATERFLY Crossbody Sling Backpack
This crossbody bag has a padded strap, lots of pockets, fits close to the body and can withstand rain, all without being tiresome for the arms or hands. It comes in 17 colors and has an adjustable, reversible shoulder strap, loads of pockets (including two mesh side pockets) and a hidden earphone hole.
Travelambo Luggage Tags
Luggage tags make it easy to spot your suitcase coming off the bag carousel and also help ensure that it makes its way back to you if it gets lost. These eco-friendly faux leather tags are available in 32 bold colors and come in a set of two. They have a double-sided printing card and privacy flap, as well as an adjustable stainless-steel buckle.
How to shop for travel accessories and pack for your next trip
Satchell recommends swapping large containers for reusable TSA-approved ones if using a carry-on bag. She also suggests carrying ginger gummies in case of motion sickness. Here are some other important things to remember when shopping for travel accessories.
- Choose your suitcase wisely. To avoid extra fees and overweight charges from overpacking, choose a bag or suitcase that actually suits the length of your trip.
- Create a packing list. If you travel often, make a general list of things you need so you don’t have to recreate it every time, says De Vore. Then you can make a few adjustments tailored to each trip.
- Make your personal item count. Opting for a good-sized bag, like a backpack, for your personal item is a great way to carry additional essentials like spare clothes, shoes or travel-size toiletries, according to De Vore.
- Put your valuables in your carry-on. If there is something you wouldn’t want missing or ruined, De Vore says to put it in your carry-on bag. Our experts also recommend taking photos of your suitcase and belongings before checking them into the airline.
- Make a photocopy of your passport or ID and keep it in your suitcase. If your wallet or purse goes missing, you’ll need to show proof of identity. Be sure to have copies someplace other than where your original documents are stored.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Sahara Rose De Vore is the founder of The Travel Coach Network and has traveled to more than 84 countries. She was recently named one of 2023’s Most Influential Women in Travel by TravelPulse.
- Edyta Satchell is a corporate wellness expert and the founder and CEO of Satchelle Global and Finelle.com, a travel wellness platform for women.
- Marina Radlinski is a home organizing expert and owner of Palm Beach Organized.
Why trust NBC Select?
Barbara Booth is a former NBC Select editor who has written a number of guides on bestselling and highly rated products you can buy on Amazon that simplify your life, including bestselling kitchen gadgets and car accessories. For this piece, Barbara interviewed three experts and researched dozens of top-rated travel products on Amazon. We also included some Select staff favorites, along with those that are highly recommended by our experts.
Cory Fernandez is a commerce editor at NBC Select who writes guides and roundups on expert-recommended products for home, kitchen and travel. He updated this story.
Source : https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/best-travel-essentials-amazon-rcna197407#anchor-312fb5
