My Favorite Travel Essentials from Amazon
- Megan
- Apr 25
- 8 min read
Updated: May 19
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Traveling can be both exciting and a bit stressful. Having the right essentials can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey. These are some of my favorite travel items I use that can all be found on Amazon.
Before we get started, a little personal note: One of my missions is to teach people how to shop mindfully. I am not encouraging you to go buy everything on this list. My goal is to provide a resource of items that I use and love when traveling in hopes that if you have been looking for something similar I can give a good recommendation. While Amazon is not always my favorite option, there are still quality items you can find that will hold up well and won’t need to be replaced in a year. These are the products I have been happy with and continue to use so I am happy to share them.
My 13 Favorite Travel Essentials from Amazon
Quick Links: Black Palazzo Pants/ New Balance 574 Sneakers/ Striped Lady Jacket Cardigan/ Black Cross Body Purse (item 10 in list)
We have an upcoming trip to Europe and I was on the lookout for a pair of pants that was comfortable for wearing on the plane but also cute enough to wear the rest of the trip too. I bought this pair to try out and they are so comfortable I have already been wearing them all the time at home! The black is a great option for travel since the versatility makes it easy to mix and match with various tops so I can wear them for everything from sightseeing to dining out. I found the length to be perfect for me, but I am 5'9 and got the size large, so take that into consideration.
Comfortable shoes are crucial for traveling and I like to have a pair that is functional but also cute. New Balance sneakers are known for their support and cushioning making them ideal for long walks and sightseeing, and the 574 are also stylish enough to not look silly with normal outfits (the way running shoes often can). I finally got the ones I own for a birthday gift last year after eyeing them for months and have been verey happy with them. This style also comes in lots of great colors making it easy to find a pair that matches your style.
I also recently did a lot of research on what are considered the best walking shoes for traveling in Europe and I was happy to see this shoe listed on multiple sources as being a top option for a city walking shoe. I know we will be covering many miles everyday in cities that are hilly and have lots of cobblestones so I wanted to make sure the shoes I bring are a good option.
Layering is essential when traveling, especially if you are moving between different climates. I like to have a light but cozy layer to wear on the plane that keeps me warm and comfortable but is easy to take off in case I get too hot. I had my eye on this striped cardigan for months and finally ordered it recently. It exceeded my expectations in person with how soft and cozy the fabric is. It is now my go-to travel sweater layered over a basic white tee and I know I will get lots of use out of it in Europe as a light layer for cool evenings or early mornings.
Quick Links: Travel-Sized Liquid Bottles / Make-up Bag / Jewelry Case
For those traveling with carry-ons travel-sized liquid bottles are essential for organizing toiletries while staying within airline regulations. I am almost exclusively a carry-on-only kind of gal so I almost never travel with full-sized toiletries. I like using refillable bottles so I don’t have to buy travel sizes of all the different products I use and can just add more product from my supply at home before a trip. I usually take shampoo, conditioner, lotion and sunscreen with me. These bottles have been easy to use and having the different colors makes it a lot easier to remember which toiletry is which.
5) Make-Up Case
Keeping makeup organized while traveling can be challenging. When I am bringing a paired down version of my makeup with me for a short trip I pack a small cosmetics bag, but I find it incredibly frustrating rifling through it every time I get ready trying to find the next item I need (my eyebrow pencil is a notorious culprit of getting lost in the bottom of the bag).
I ordered this make-up case before our wedding since I wanted a better option that could hold all the makeup I was bringing while also making it easier to find what I was looking for. I have been a huge fan of it since it erases the frustration of not being able to find what I am looking for with the clear flaps, it is easy to sort items into different sections, and there is ample room to store everything. For trips where I don’t need a full amount of make up I use one side to store my toiletries and the other side to keep makeup and hair products!
6) Jewelry Case
I learned the hard way that a jewelry case that doesn’t have a middle divider will result in a tangled mess of necklaces and rogue earrings when traveling. I was gifted this one for Christmas and it has been a much better option than the one I was using previously. It is small and compact while still offering plenty of storage compartments for necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings.
Quick Links: Nuun Daily Hydration Tablets / Reusable Ziploc Bags
I have been using Nuun Hydration Tablets for over a decade and it is a brand I love. When traveling I usually take both the Sports Hydration and the Daily or Vitamins Hydration with me. I can always tell the difference when I use electrolytes instead of just water, and when I am traveling and out of my normal routine it is even more important since I don't always drink as much water as I do at home. I like to use electrolyte tablets in transit since proper hydration significantly impacts how you feel upon arrival, as well as any days we are being active or are in the sun and heat a lot so that my body absorbs water more efficiently. My current favorite flavor is the Wild Strawberry which is a Daily Hydration tablet so keep a lookout for that one!
Re-usable ziplock bags are great for multiple things when traveling - they can keep liquids contained in your luggage, organize snacks, or store small items. As a girl with Celiac Disease I always pack lots of snacks with me for a trip and having resuable bags is great. Once I have eaten a snack I can wash out the bag and reuse it later in the trip if I get food from a grocery store or have leftovers I want to eat later. The larger ones also work great for keeping wet clothes like swimsuits separated from the rest of your luggage, or for storing your charging cords so they are easy to find.
Quick Links: Sunglasses / Black Cross body purse
9) Sunglasses
I like having a cute pair of inexpensive sunglasses to travel with so I won't be heartbroken if they get broken or lost. I ordered this two-pack since the price was good and they have a number of different style options. UV-protection is also benenifical for protecting the eyes on bright days.
I got this little black purse a couple of years ago because I was looking for a black cross-body bag that was small but could still hold a lot inside. It quickly became a favorite and is now my go-to purse for travel.
For flying I like having a purse that is compact enough to slip into my personal item before boarding the plane yet can still easily fit everything I need inside. I usually carry things like my wallet, phone, tissues, hand sanitizer, chapstick, a small medicine container, and a couple small snacks with me and I have no problem fitting all of that in this purse. It has also held up very well with the amount of use it has gotten over the last couple years and I am considering ordering the same one in another color too!
Quick Links: Murder Mystery Book / Noise Canceling Headphones / Sleep Eye Mask
11 ) Book
I love having a book on hand for travel since it can make long waits or delayed flights so much more tolerable, plus having something to read while relaxing on the beach or at a cute corner cafe is a must. I recently discovered the "Daisy Dalrymple" series by Carola Dunn and have been loving them. They are a classic British cozy mystery series set in the 1920s with a wonderfully spirited heroine who is fun to follow. Think "Nancy Drew" but grown up, British, and in an earlier time period and you have this series. If you enjoy a fun mystery with a great main character give these books a try! I personally prefer a hard copy but if you are a Kindle or e-reader type there are downloadable options too.
For long flights or train rides noise-canceling headphones are a must for me. Especially if I need to be able to sleep during transit, having something to block out the crying baby or the flight attendant’s announcement about signing up for the airline’s credit card is invaluable. After trying out a different pair of headphones that gave me a headache after only 20 minutes of use I immediately ordered another pair to try and ended up with these. I have found them to be very comfortable and easy to wear. You do get what you pay for and the quality is not as good as higher end options for noise cancellation, but I was looking for something inexpensive since I won't use them all the time and they work well for the price I paid.
If I am taking a shorter flight or trip I actually prefer to use small EarPods since they are easier to pack and not so cumbersome. They are also my preference for exercising since they don’t get in the way as much and don’t get as sweaty as large headphones do. I have linked the ones I use HERE also.
13) Sleep Mask
Getting quality rest is essential, especially when crossing time zones. I use eye masks not only to sleep on the plane but also for any hotel rooms that don't have great blackout curtains. They are also great for when you are ready to go to sleep but the person you are sharing a room with is still getting ready for bed. This pair is great at blocking out light and is quite comfortable despite being on the larger size.
Final Thoughts
Having the right clothes, tools, and entertainment can make getting from Point-A to Point-B so much more seemless. I hope this list has been beneficial in helping you find some good options for essential travel items and can provide solutions to some of the problems we all face when traveling. By investing in the right items you'll be well-equipped for your adventures – whether you're flying to a new country, taking a road trip, or enjoying a weekend away. Until next time, safe travels!
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