Traveling for vacation, business trips and job opportunities can be exhausting and chaotic. It seems like I’m always forgetting something, or I find out I’m not actually as prepared as I think I am. Add TSA security checkpoints and COVID on top of that and it only gets more complicated.
Before you completely swear off traveling ever again, consider revisiting your to do list. There are so many unique, crazy useful items out there now to help you make each trip easier than the last. The internet is loaded with all things portable, mini, leak-proof, waterproof and packable.
The best part is, you don’t have to do it alone! We’re here to help. Below, we’ve listed out some of best travel items we could find on Amazon. All of these items are budget-friendly and multipurpose, so you can get the most for your money. Plus, it’s Amazon, which means fast, free shipping with Prime. You’ll be ready to jump on a plane in no time!
Watch your favorite shows on the plane with this phone mount
No excuse to fall behind now! Use this mount to watch your favorite shows wherever you are.
Protect your eyes with this polarized car sun visor
This visor is a great option for people who can’t wear sunglasses, or for those who drive a lot. It’s designed to reduce harsh sunrise/sunset light and snow glare – definitely a must-have for long drives.
Airline approved carry-on luggage for your next flight
If you’ve been using an old duffel bag or, worse yet, a plastic bag for travel, it’s time to upgrade to something more sturdy. This two-pack is the perfect duo: one rolling suitcase for overhead storage and one carry-on bag for quick access on the plane.
Don’t leave the house without this nail care kit
I get hang-nails and broken nails at the worst times. Next thing I know, I scratch an itch and I’m bleeding! Save yourself the pain with one of these kits – you never know when you might need it.
Buy this cute sanitizer sleeve for your favorite hand sanitizer or lotion
Public places are dirty – you’ll need some way to wash your hands when a bathroom isn’t convenient. These sleeves are the right size for air travel, so you don’t have to worry about losing them at the security checkpoint.
Make coffee on the go with this travel mug!
I’ve found it: the perfect travel mug. With this stainless steel mug, you can brew and enjoy fresh coffee anywhere. Ideal for delayed flights, late nights on the road and other impromptu backcountry adventures.
Charge all of your devices overnight with this charging station
Why choose between the lamp and a charged laptop when you could charge everything all at once with this charging station?
The ultimate beach blanket for travelers
This beach blanket is cute, waterproof, packable and comes with a bag for storage – what more could you ask for?
Take an umbrella, just in case
This umbrella is designed to be durable, windproof, and UV blocking. It comes with an auto-open mechanism, which is nice when your hands are full. There’s nothing worse than hauling bags in and out of your Airbnb when it’s pouring.
Dissolve stress headaches and migraines with this gel head wrap
This mask is great for me time; it’s like a weighted blanket for your face. Stick it in the microwave for heat or store it in the fridge for cold.
Don’t forget to grab an extra battery pack for your phone!
For safety and practicality, everyone should really have one of these. Especially if you’re hitting the PCT alone or adventuring in the desert, you’ll want to keep one of these with you.
Charge your phone during the drive with this super fast car charger
Speaking of chargers, all road-trippers should really have one of these. Between DJing and using Google Maps the entire time, I don’t know how our phones would have lasted for more than a few hours of our previous trip without one of these.
A new kind of portable cooler
Igloo coolers can be cumbersome and messy if they tip over in the car. If you’re looking for a packable, small cooler for travel, try this waterproof backpack cooler!
The most useful power adapter for international travelers
I know most of us are too broke to afford plane tickets to Europe, but in case you got lucky this year, grab one of these before your trip. It will be awkward if you get to Paris and have to shop around for a power converter like a stereotypical tourist. Cringe.
This mini Venus razor is so cute!
It’s so tiny! It could probably even fit in my purse (and my purse is small). It even comes with a little carrying case 😍
Campers and night hikers, get yourself one of these heavy duty flashlights
Apparently, this flashlight is waterproof, extra bright, made with military grade aluminum (wow) and strong enough to survive a 10 foot drop.
Never miss a dose with this colorful pill organizer
When life gets busy, it can be easy to forget important medication. I’m definitely guilty of missing doses, and it always stresses me out. As someone who takes pills twice a day, I like that this case offers different sections for morning, afternoon and evening. Get yourself one of these so you don’t lose track!
Take a few of these laundry bags on the road
With these bags there will be no more sniffing clothes to find out which are clean and which are gross!
Replace your bulky Hydro Flask with one of these lightweight collapsible water bottles
I’m adding this to my cart right now – what a clever alternative to heavy stainless steel bottles! This will be much nicer to take hiking.
Leak-proof your bottles with these LeakLock Toiletry Skins
With these there will be no more sunscreen or shampoo spills!
Everybody needs a first aid kit
This is a travel essential. This kit comes with 291 items, including bandages, gauze, cold compresses, scissors, Q-tips, a whistle, tweezers and more.
Get your car road trip ready with this car seat organizer
Maybe it will keep your kids from fighting over toys, or you’ll use it to organize your rock climbing gear. Either way, with this, no one will have to sit on your stuff.
The portable bathroom you’ve always wanted
I always have to pee in between rest areas, it’s the unwritten rule of the road. Also, I find it super scary to go squat out in the dark – what if there are snakes?? No thank you, I’ll just take this portable toilet and be on my way…
You’ll feel so much better if you have this portable air compressor in your trunk
Imagine being three hours from the nearest city and suddenly getting a flat tire. I hope you brought the tire sealant and some extra water… You’ll be happy to have this with you.
Instructions lovers, get these measuring cups for your next trip
Especially important for baking at the Airbnb – you’re one spoonful away from ruining the entire surprise birthday cake, watch out!
Shatterproof wine glasses for traveling moms
It’s wine o’clock somewhere! And by somewhere, I mean anywhere. It’s always a good time and place for wine. These are shatterproof, making them easily portable.
Noise cancelling headphones = much needed peace and quiet
When you’re trying to drown out the screaming baby on the plane, your sibling’s terrible taste in music or the sounds of your party-hard motel neighbors, these earbuds will do the trick.
Keep food fresh with this bag sealer
Someone left the chips out overnight and now they’re soggy – ew. Train your beach house guests how to use this genius device and you never have to worry about food waste again.
The coolest clock you’ve ever seen
Why didn’t Keanu Reeves have one of these at his desk in the first Matrix movie? Seems like the perfect fit for that aesthetic. If feeling like you’re in the Matrix doesn’t sell you on this clock, I don’t know what will.
Hook this speaker onto your shorts and party all day!
This speaker is definitely a buyer favorite! Reviews are raving about the sound quality and how this speaker really does hold up in water.
Reduce the shine with this volcanic stone face roller
I know it sounds strange, but this roller actually works. Here’s what Kelsey B. had to say about this product: “First off, if you have extremely oily skin, this. is. it. …After my first use, I was in love. Now, it doesn’t pickup everything but it does make it more matte and gives you a natural look. I am so excited this product exists and I already feel more confident.”
Personal coolers and storage? Yes, please!
These little backseat kits are genius! No one will be stealing your energy drinks or sodas if they have their very own cooler. Travel trays are great for younger kids, but this product is perfect for teens and adults.
Keep allergies at bay with this portable air purifier
Perfect for hotel rooms and springtime travel. You could probably take this camping too, since it’s USB-C powered.
The ultimate bottle opener
You don’t want to be caught without one! They don’t usually sell bottle openers at the ranger’s station or the hotel lobby. Bonus: this bottle opener comes with extra grippy handle, which makes it easy for seniors and handicapped individuals to pop open their favorite beverages.
A 10-piece survival kit for unexpected side quests
In case you do end up stranded somewhere, it’s good to come prepared. This survival kit has all the right gear to get your through a night of unknowns, no problem.
Long days in the sun call for sunscreen
Smell great and avoid skin damage with this awesome spray-on sunscreen by Sun Bum! This sunscreen is easy to apply and is reef safe, perfect for water sports and snorkeling.
Keep the bugs away with this pop-up mosquito net
Bug spray is no fun, but mosquito bites are way worse. With this cute bug net tent, you can enjoy outdoor excursions without feeling sticky or itchy.