15 Amazon Must-Haves for Smarter Travel

New experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and enriching cultures makes an amazing travel experience. But let’s face it, being unprepared can quickly turn that dream adventure into a stressful ordeal. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of 15 travel essentials from Amazon that will transform your journey from chaotic to calm, organized to effortless, and mundane to magical.

The products below are items that we ordered from Amazon and use on all of our travels, especially when we fly overseas. So if you have questions please feel free to ask as they have made our travel experience better.

1. Packing Cubes/Compression Bags

As you are packing and getting ready for your trip you need to look at what you are bringing. If you are taking a large checked bag, don’t overload it before you even leave, but if you do, you need to look into Packing cubes that will keep your clothes neatly categorized, like little suitcases within your suitcase. If you just want to keep things organized and clean for travel for easy unpacking and organizing, then I would get the packing cubes. Amazon packing cubes.

Now if you are really trying to cram everything you both own into one bag, you might need to go with compression bags. We love the way we can add all our clothes and really have room once we started using the compression kind. You squeeze all the air out of the bag saving you precious space. Imagine effortlessly moving through the airport TSA with a perfectly packed carry-on, thanks to jackets. Cambond Compression Bags

2. Apple AirTag: I wish we could count on the airlines to deliver here, but I think it is much worse than we think. When we take any checked bag they always have an AirTag in the bag. These clever little trackers keep tabs on your bags in real-time wherever you roam. You can open up your phone and use the app to track your luggage thanks to the AirTag. Just be sure to set it up before you go and not while you are at the airport.

We purchased a great 4 pack from Amazon because it was cheaper and we are using them in other items around the house like keys and wallets so we don’t lose those also. Apple AirTag

3. Luggage Scale: This is something we use all the time when we fly. You really need to have a luggage scale to avoid the dreaded airport weigh-in surprise! This handy tool lets you pre-check your luggage weight at home, saving you from the embarrassment (and expense) of exceeding the limit. Did you know Spirit Airlines has a bag limit of 40 lbs and not 50 like most airlines? That is a costly mistake we hear about far too many times from our travel friends.

This Inspira Luggage Scale is compact, accurate, and takes the guesswork out of packing. It is cheap and you can find it on Amazon. Inspira Luggage scale

4. Travel Pillow: We have a basket full of travel pillows as each one says it will make your life easier. You need to find something that works for you. We have many that wrap around your neck, some that blow up and fill your entire seat, some that wrap around your neck like a scarf.

The pillow that has made travel better is the Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel pillow that is supportive, adjustable and cradles your head and neck in plush comfort since it straps to your headrest, making even the longest flights feel like a cozy nap. My wife swears by hers, and trust me, after one blissful journey, you’ll never travel without it again. Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Neck Pillow

5. Apple AirPod Pros: We are an Apple family, so this one might not work with everyone. But you need to really find a good pair of headphones that are noise-canceling headphones that helps you block out crying babies, the airplane noises and just immerse yourself in music, audiobooks, or a good movie.

The reason we picked these headphones not only because they are apple, we also picked them because they are small, the noise cancelation works, and the battery is pretty decent. You can always go with a standard Bose Headphones that are larger and will change how you use your travel pillow. But whatever you do you need a good pair of headphones, and if you like apple, Amazon has a great price. Apple AirPod Pros.

6. EverSnug Travel Blanket/Pillow: This ingenious 2-in-1 transforms from a compact, clip-on pouch into a luxuriously soft blanket and pillow. We all know that airlines are either ice cold or so hot you can’t sleep. Either way this blanket is a multi-talented travel companion that will quickly become your go-to comfort item. EverSnug Travel Blanket/Pillow

7. Airplane Phone Mount: Turn your airplane seat into a mini movie theater! This handy mount secures your phone at the perfect angle for hands-free entertainment on any flight…let me rephrase that. I recently was on a flight that my phone mount had no where to attach to, but it has only happened once. When you fly cheap you don’t get much. This Airplane Phone holder mount from Amazon is awesome.

8. Kindle: Leave the paperback book behind! I also decided to leave my iPad behind. I do lose things on my trips and I did not want to lose my iPad or get it stolen so the kindle started as my back up but quickly became a pretty good travel accessory. You can pick through thousands of books, magazines, and even audiobooks. Amazon Kindle And if you want an Amazon tablet, I use my fire HD because It can hold your books, movies, music, and games. Amazon Fire

9. Portable Charger: I can’t stress this one enough. Please don’t forget your back up chargers. It is important that you choose a portable charger with enough juice for all your devices, and can last for multiple charges. I liked this PowerCore charger because it is cheap, it has plenty of power and you get two for this price. Portable Chargers

Do not forget to bring your charging cables along with the portable charger. Unless it is a wireless charger or one that attaches to your phone like a case. I can’t tell you how frustrating it is carrying around a battery back up and not have a cord when you need it. If you like apple then you can pick from Lightning or USB-C. Or the Apple Charging station

10. Collapsible Water Bottle: Stay hydrated and ditch the overpriced airport water with this BPA-free, collapsible bottle. It folds down to pocket-size and stand up on its own, saving you space and money. If I could convince you to start with one item, I would say pick this collapsible reusable water bottle that is a must-have for any traveler. Now it is not perfect, but it worked for us as we spent 17 days traveling by boat, plane, and train. Two can fit into your backpack side pocket. Collapsible Water Bottle

11. Travel Planner Journal: Document your adventures in style! A travel journal is more than just a notebook; it’s something that helps you capture those memories your photos just won’t capture. Jot down your thoughts, feelings, and things that really stand out. That is why I recommend this travel checklist because it not only guides you before your trip on what you need to bring, but it also prompts you on what to write.

Now this journal only lasts 14 days so if you do a longer trip, this might be the wrong journal. We recently returned from a 17 day trip and I consolidated a few days to make it work because I love the style in this journal so much. Travel Planner Journal

12. Universal Travel Adapter: This versatile adapter ensures your electronics stay powered no matter where your travels take you. And you may not even travel over seas, but when you do, this adapter makes it easy and you don’t have to worry about frying your electronics. I used mine for my MacBook Pro with no issues and I didn’t have to worrying about incompatible outlets. Universal Travel Adapter

13. Foldable Backpack: Pack light, travel far! This ultra-compact backpack folds down to a pocket-sized pouch, easily fitting into your day bag or purse. Unfurl it in seconds for impromptu shopping sprees, souvenir hauls, or unexpected adventures. The freedom There are two bags here that can change your travel experience. One is a travel backpack that folds down to almost fit in your pants pocket. Foldable Backpack or the Foldie travel bag

14. First-aid kit: A first-aid kit is always a good idea to have on hand, especially if you’re traveling to a remote area. First aid travel kit. But I want to add to this. One thing we always need is medicine on our trips, so if you are going to get a first aid kit, include medicine for headaches, things to help your stomach, nausea, pain, and in case you get motion sick.

15. Good Shoes: I am hoping you already have good travel shoes, but if you don’t boy do I have 2 great ideas for you. My favorite shoes are the Kizik shoes that are easy slip ons. I got these shoes right before our trip and didn’t have time to break them in we put over 250,000 steps on them in just over 2 weeks and they were awesome. You can snatch those kizik shoes on Amazon. If you are looking for a great woman shoe for putting the miles on my wife absolutely loved her Ecco shoes that she walked her 250,000 steps with.

And there you have it! I didn’t mention a suitcase or cross over bag as there are so many choices and everyone of them really depend on color, style, and can vary depending on where you travel.

Remember before you do anything you please consider what items you need for your travel. These items are ones we have and love them. They are all not a perfect for everyone, so please read the reviews and buy what works for you and your spouse and always look at the price. Above all we are shoppers too and getting a good deal is important.

I hope this list helps you find the best travel items on Amazon for your next adventure. With a little planning, you can make sure your trip is everything you dream of.

Happy travels!

As an Amazon Associate, I’ve compiled this list of awesome travel essentials, and yes, I might snag a little commission if you click and buy. Think of it as chocolate bar to fuel my travel writing adventures!