We never board a plane without these Amazon travel essentials
Got pre-trip anxiety? These items can help minimize chaos and keep you happy while on the go.
Perilogics Universal in Flight Airplane Phone Holder Mount
$undefined
$13.97
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:
Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This small-ish Dopp kit (10 by 5 by 5.5 inches) is made of canvas with a polyurethane leather bottom. Its main compartment is roomy enough to fit a facial cleanser, electric shaver, travel shampoo and other toiletries, according to the brand. It also has four mesh pockets on the inside, and one outside zipper pocket.
At 65 inches long and 40 inches wide, this microfleece blanket has a carrying case that also doubles as a pillow, along with a sleeve at the back so you can slip it into your suitcase’s pop-up handle, according to the brand. You can also attach it directly to your carry-on with the included carabiner. It comes in six colors, including gray, teal, burgundy and black.
NBC Select commerce editor Cory Fernandez says this compact sound machine, an NBC Select Wellness Award winner, is easy to set up and use. “Even though it’s small, the sound is actually quite powerful and it has 10 volume settings, all of which are perfect for falling asleep or meditating.” You can store it in a backpack or carry-on bag and keep it on your hotel room nightstand for a more peaceful sleep away from home.
This ergonomic neck pillow provides double support with its overlapping arms that you can adjust several ways, according to the brand: If you’re a side sleeper, you can fold the pillow in half, place it on your shoulder and lean your head to the side; if sleeping upright, the double arms can hold your chin up for extra support. The shell is made of a mix of microsuede and microfleece and is filled with a down alternative, according to the brand.
This 3D-contouring mask lets you blink freely without adding pressure to your eyes, according to the brand, and comes in a pack of three with multiple color options. It’s washable, made of a breathable soft foam and has an adjustable strap to accommodate different head sizes too.
Airplane foot rests can help relieve pressure on your lower back and increase blood circulation, according to Satchell. “There is limited space on the plane, which means [you can have] muscle and joint problems because we sit for hours without moving,” she says. This inflatable foot rest adjusts to three different heights and weighs 12.8 ounces, making it easy to carry. When compressed, it’s 7 inches by 4.2 inches and fits into an included drawstring bag.
If you’re sensitive to heat, traveling during the summer or heading to a tropical locale, this handheld fan is a purchase you won’t regret, according to Fernandez. “It’s truly one of the best products I’ve ever bought for under $20. I use it year round, especially when I’m riding a hot subway train or boarding a crowded plane in the middle of June. Plus, the battery lasts an incredibly long time; I barely have to remember to charge it.” It also has a built-in flashlight on the end and a USB port on the side.
“Foldable travel flats are a must,” says former NBC Select managing editor Leah Ginsberg. These are made of polyurethane leather with a rubber sole and come in 36 colors with its own drawstring bag so you can easily stash them in your purse.
This memory foam travel pillow attaches to the plane’s headrest and keeps your head and neck in place to prevent slouching. It has an adjustable clasp in the front so you can make sure it isn’t too tight and it comes with a carrying case that you can keep attached to the handle of a rolling suitcase.
Ginsberg also packs a lumbar pillow for long flights. This self-inflating option is made of memory foam so it fits your body’s curve and reduces pressure along the spine, according to the brand. You can store it in its own bag and use it as a neck pillow too.
When traveling internationally, you have to carry multiple important documents like a passport, visa, proof of vaccination and more. Keep them all together and safe with this passport holder, a product Fuechtman can’t leave for a trip without. Not only is there a slot for your passport, but there’s also room for cards, cash, boarding passes and more. It comes in 24 colors and patterns like purple, sage green, orange, floral and more.
This collapsible water bottle frees you from lugging around a heavy metal bottle when you’re trying to pack light. “This bottle collapses down super flat,” says Ginsberg. “And I was surprised by how easy it is to carry when filled, as well as its stability, because it looks a little awkward.” It fits in a car cup holder, says Ginsberg, and holds up in the dishwasher. “It’s especially good for a trip where you have to go through TSA or where you’ll be doing a lot of hiking,” she says.
In her roundup of electrolyte powders, Malin says Liquid IV is the brand with the best flavors. The brand sells both regular and sugar-free options as well as a range of fruit flavors. Stay hydrated by adding a packet to a bottle of water mid-flight or once you land.
These are registered with the FDA and come highly recommended by experts in our guide to the best KN95 masks. They have an adjustable nose bridge and are available in nine colors. “I love that they come in multipacks so I can stash a ton in my bag,” says Malin. According to the company, these five-ply masks filter out 95% of particles and have 25 per pack.
Satchell recommends bringing along a reusable water bottle to fight off dehydration. The Hydro Flask, one of our favorite water bottles, comes in four sizes — 20 ounces, 32 ounces, 40 ounces and 64 ounces — and is made with a double-walled vacuum insulation, which keeps beverages cold for up to 24 hours, and hot drinks warm for up to 12 hours, according to the brand. It comes in 16 colors and has a flexible strap that makes it easy to carry too.
Ginsberg loves this lip balm from NBC Select-reader favorite brand Laneige for sealing in moisture on her lips when she flies. “The shape is streamlined and less messy [for travel], but feels and works as amazing as the Laneige lip mask,” she says.
Dry shampoo can provide an instant pick-me-up after a long flight. This talc-free one from Amika absorbs oil and refreshes hair with natural rice starch, leaving no white residue, according to the brand. Its main ingredient is sea buckthorn, a superfruit that contains the fatty-acid omega 7, which promotes elasticity and provides superior hydration, according to Amika.
“The air on the plane will literally suck you dry,” says Satchell. This intense hydrating cream, also available in a travel size, comes recommended by dermatologists in our guide to the best face moisturizers for dry skin. It works for all ages and skin types and you can use it on both your face and body, according to Cetaphil.
Keep your blowout in top shape even if it rains with this tiny travel umbrella. It weighs just over eight ounces and is 8.5-inches long to take up minimal space in a suitcase or purse. It’s also made from quick-drying material, so you can quickly stash it after a rainstorm.
This manicure kit weighs around nine ounces and contains 18 tools including nail clippers, eyebrow tweezers and scissors, a blackhead acne remover, a callus remover and a cuticle trimmer. Each item is made of professional-grade stainless steel, according to the brand, and the case is made of polyurethane leather that zippers shut.
Walking and moving your legs can be beneficial for your overall health, but it’s not always possible on a plane. This is why our experts recommend trying compression socks, like this highly rated option from Physix Gear, to boost circulation in your legs, feet and ankles, according to the brand. They are made from nylon and spandex and come in more than four sizes.
Malin always packs her Bala Bangles so she can do mini workouts in her hotel room. These wearable weights strap around your wrist or ankles with Velcro and are designed to add extra weight to any workout, according to the brand. They come in eight different colors, and you can opt for a set of 1-lb or 2-lb weights. Bala also uploads videos of fitness routines on its website.
These noise-canceling earbuds, a NBC Select Giftable Tech Award winner, have touch controls to pause music, skip songs, adjust the volume and even activate your voice assistant. Plus, the earbuds have up to six hours of battery life (20 hours with the charging case), according to the brand. They’re also water-resistant enough to handle sweat and splashes and they come with ear tips in multiple sizes for a snug fit.
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.
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.
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.
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
