Even though most people in my life would probably say that I’m difficult to travel with, I find myself on multiple
long-haul flights
a year, especially during
summer
. With family located on every corner of the globe, I’ve had to curate a selection of “safety blanket”
items that help me feel prepared for any situation that might arise during my travels
and make me comfortable while in transit.
I am terrified of turbulence, airports stress me out and majorly trigger my germophobia and I get unreasonable snack panic when I don’t know where my next meal is coming from. Luckily for me,
Amazon’s biggest sales event of the year
,
Prime Day
, is the perfect time to stock up on
travel items that make life a little easier
, from carry-on must-haves like
beauty
products, a luxurious
hand sanitizer
to my trusty motion-sickness glasses, a great eye mask and more.
Below, I’ve rounded up a list of my travel must-haves, all of which make life easier, comfier and infinitely smoother while on the go — especially when unexpected hiccups arise. Pick up a few for yourself and be ready for anything next time you hit the road (or skies).
Prices change quickly on Prime Day, so keep checking back to see the latest updates. Make sure to sign up for an
Amazon Prime account
to get the best deals.
Laneige lip sleeping mask (30% off list price)
This popular lip mask
sells keeps my poor lips hydrated even under the most taxing travel circumstances. It creates a seal on your lips while you sleep, essentially slugging them and letting all those good, hydrating ingredients nourish your lips. It’s a dream while traveling since my lips usually feel like the Sahara the moment I step on a plane. I just pack it on, put on my mask and zone out.
A universal international travel adaptor (16% off)
This one
is especially versatile as it can be customized to work with American, EU, UK and Australian electrical plugs (which covers over 160 countries). It can charge five devices simultaneously, is safe and extremely convenient. I store mine with my travel items at all times so I never forget it.
Away Bigger carry-on luggage (20% off list price)
I’ve been eyeing my wife’s Away suitcase for a while now, and the time has come to get one for myself.
The Bigger carry-on
is what put Away on the map. It fits an astonishing amount of clothing while still complying with carry-on regulations for most major airlines. It’s a game-changer for people who never want to check a bag. Like all of Away’s suitcases, it’s made with durable, water-repellent and lightweight materials and 360-degree wheels that glide with ease. The adjustable trolley handle has two height settings, while the interior compression pad system and organizer makes it easy to load up on clothing. It also comes with a water-repellent laundry bag. It’s available in eight colors.
A suction tool to help with bug bites (33% off list price)
I get eaten alive by mosquitos in the summertime, and if I’m traveling to a buggy location, I bring this handy suction tool with me. This
bug bite tool
is compatible with most bug bites. This device suctions out insect venom, saliva, and other irritants left under the skin to prevent that dreaded post-bite itching, swelling and discomfort. Reviewers
call
it the best $10 they’ve ever spent. It has over 53,800 5-star-ratings on Amazon and was created by a mother-daughter duo who lived in an area frequented by mosquitos. It’s also safe to say that it’s gained a big cult following since it was first seen on “Shark Tank” in 2019.
A four-pack of Stasher reusable silicone storage bags (38% off list price)
Stasher bags
are great for all the little things I want to keep close at hand while on a flight. I use the large size to hold things like medications, mouthwash, mints, lip balm, hand cream, a contact lens case, hand sani and more, while the smaller bags are great for little treats like nuts, ginger candies and other goodies to help stave off my inevitable snack panic. They’re a really great, versatile investment that I’m always really grateful to have in my bag. This set includes one half-gallon bag, two sandwich-size bags and one snack-size bag.
A light-blocking sleep mask (41% off list price)
good eye mask
is key to keeping out light and other distractions while you sleep. I am obsessed with this mask, and wear it on all flights, especially overnighters. This soft, molded option won’t put too much pressure on your eyes, but will block out offending light so you can rest as much as possible. Plus, reviewers are
saying
this mask is “like blackout curtains for your eyes.”
Lillusory two-piece lounge outfit (up to 50% off list price)
You’ll never catch me in hard pants on a long-haul flight, but that doesn’t mean I sacrifice style for comfort. It is important that I still feel like myself, even after 24 hours of travel. This
two-piece set from Lillusory
is downright elegant, with a uniquely tailored silhouette that elevates it from your average tracksuit. It is devastatingly put-together and wildly comfortable. The top features a front pocket, a classic crewneck and a sophisticated rib knit. The pants have a stylish tapered hem with pleats along the ankle that add visual interest and give the overall look a structured feeling. Both of these pieces are cool enough to be worn separately or together and can easily be dressed up or down depending on shoes and other accessories. It’s about as versatile as a loungewear set can get. You can get it in sizes XS–XL in multiple color combos.
Eachy travel makeup bag (30% off list price)
Reviewers say
this makeup bag
is “brilliant” and praise it’s “genius design” — and for good reason. It’s ultra-utilitarian, functional and aesthetically pleasing. Fans of “Doctor Who” might liken this smart little bag to the
TARDIS
; it’s bigger on the inside than it looks. It is full of inner pockets to help keep your items tidy, and the bag’s unique flat design opens up to give you a clear view of the interior without causing everything to come tumbling out.
The bag has a soft, smooth waterproof faux leather exterior plus a long-lasting polyester lining. A clear, waterproof makeup brush compartment sits right down its center, so you don’t get makeup residue all over the inside of the bag. The design is also made to withstand all manner of travel adventures while keeping your belongings organized. Shopping managing editor
Emily Ruane
learned about this bag from her sister, who is an ardent fan. I also recently discovered my own mother has this very same dopp kit and swears by it, and I’ll be grabbing my own before I hit the road this summer.
Mighty Mist premium hypochlorous acid spray (up to 30% off list price)
I’m acne-prone to begin with, and nothing makes my skin freak out more than yucky airplane air. I always have a hypocholorous acid in my carry-on and apply it liberally while in transit.
Hypochlorous acid sprays have
proven
to be an incredibly helpful product for soothing inflammation, fighting acne, reducing redness, and helping to improve skin conditions like eczema and rosacea.
This Mighty Mist
claims to contain medical-grade hypochlorous acid in its simple formula for maximum potency and stability. You can get it in a 1-ounce travel size or a larger
4-ounce size
.
Stanley IceFlow flip straw tumbler (25% off list price)
I refuse to be stuck in Europe with only tiny cups of water to quench my thirst. A reusable waterbottle is an absolute must while traveling. If you’re looking for the ice retention and gorgeous design of a Stanley cup, but crave the practicality of a more traditional water bottle — meet the
flip-straw style Stanley IceFlow
. It’s a leakproof option that reviewers love for throwing in
backpacks and gym bags
and taking
in the car
. And today, select colors and sizes are discounted in a rare sale. The IceFlow features a movable top handle, instead of the fixed side one on the Quencher. The slimmer body lets you slide it into a side cupholder on your backpack, while the double-wall vacuum insulation can keep ice solid for up to two days.
You can shop all of Stanley’s Prime Day deals
here
.
A set of four Apple AirTags (up to 29% off list price)
Come on now. At this point, you know all about
Apple’s AirTags
. If you already use them, then you know that their ability to help you track and recover everything from your keys to your phone to your cat is pretty priceless. I have theme everywhere from my son’s stoller to my suitcases, wallet and carry-on bags.
If you’re new here, then here’s how they work: Each AirTag can ping its own location, so when you attach it to one of your belongings, you can track that item via Apple’s Find My app, which is available in the cloud and on Apple devices like iPhones, laptops and more. Through Find My, you can even tell your AirTag to play a sound so it’s easier to find. People love these things for a reason and they’re always finding new ways to get the best out of them.
Promising review:
“Excellent for tracking luggage when you travel multiple days. My new use is when waiting at airport for luggage, you can get a sense when they will arrive on carrier or if you ship luggage to next hotel, you know they have arrived before your arrival.” —
Leonard Tsai
Salt & Stone aluminum-free deodorant (20% off list price)
I keep deodorant on me at all times when traveling, and this
revered natural deodorant
promises a sensitive skin-friendly formula that claims to ward off odor for up to 48 hours, without the use of parabens or aluminum. It contains soothing seaweed extracts, hydrating hyaluronic acid and odor-neutralizing probiotics. It comes in several different fragrances, including saffron and cedar, bergamot and orange blossom and black rose and oud.
Cabeau TNE travel neck pillow (25% off list price)
I refuse to fly without a neck pillow. It’s the least we can do for our own comfort while being hurled through the air in a steel tube surrounded by strangers who refuse to follow the social contract.
You might be familiar with Cabeau’s popular neck pillows, and their
TNE memory foam pillow
is on sale for Prime Day. Available in a bunch of different colors, this pillow is a must-have for flights, long train or car rides and more: It has seat straps you can attach to your chair to keep your head and neck in alignment, prevents your head from falling forward with “head catch” technology and is made with ergonomic memory foam. It also comes with a travel bag you can attach to your luggage.
Medicube Zero Pore pads (52% off list price)
I don’t go anywhere without my skin care must-haves, including these pads. Few items have impressed me as much as these cult-favorite toning facial pads. I’ve ditched my traditional AHA serums for these bad boys, and my skin has never looked better. The
Medicube pads
are designed to help exfoliate, balance and brighten skin while reducing oil production, minimizing breakouts and refining the look of pores. They are formulated with powerful alpha and beta hydroxy acids like white willow bark, vitamin C and calming botanical extracts like lavender to soothe skin. They’re just the ticket to glowing, clean and fresh summer skin.
I’ve noticed that my skin is softer, smoother and has a really noticeable glow. Most importantly, I’ve detected a decrease in
melasma
, which has plagued me since my pregnancy. They’re incredibly potent, and it’s very obvious to me why they’re so popular. I’ve tried out other exfoliating pads and can confidently say that these are just as, if not more, effective at a fraction of the price. They’ve been a game-changer for my skin in the last couple of months, and I just hope they don’t sell out now that the secret’s out!
Lysol disinfecting wipes (30% off list price)
This two-pack
includes 15 wipes each. I keep one tucked into my carry-on at all times so I’m never without them.
A reader-beloved neck fan (22% off list price)
This
rechargeable fan
features 78 ventilation holes and a battery life of four to 16 hours depending on the wind strength of your choice and also comes with a USB-C charging cable. Since this portable fan is bladeless and wireless, you don’t have to deal with annoying wires that would get in the way or tangle in your hair. You also don’t have to walk around holding the fan or misplacing it since you can simply wrap it around your neck. Just choose one of the three wind settings — weak, natural or strong wind — for major heat relief. It’s available in five colors and I love taking it with me to hot destinations.
Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth headphones (42% off list price)
I can’t deal with earbuds on a long-haul flight, I need over-ear headphones like these beauties. I have a pair of my wife’s hand-me-downs and love them. (She treated herself to a brand new pair last Prime Day).
Fully customize your music listening experience with these
Bose headphones
. You can set the bass, mid-range and treble levels to your preference and essentially create your own concert. They offer up to 24 hours of battery life and are a premium option from a trusted audio brand. They feature the brand’s proprietary noise-canceling technology, which smartly personalizes your level of noise dampening to your own ears and even includes a true quiet mode that silences noisy surroundings for an immersive listening experience.
Bioderma Sensibio micellar water (30% off list price)
If I have a layover, you better believe I’m going to take the time to wash my face and freshen up.
This gentle French pharmacy staple
is perfect for sensitive skin and people who wear contacts like I do.
Micellar water
contains tiny balls of cleansing oil molecules called micelles that are suspended in soft water. The micelles are said to be attracted to dirt and oil, so they can grab onto and remove makeup without drying the skin. With the swipe of a cotton round, Sensibio micellar water melts away foundation, lipstick or balms and even the toughest waterproof mascara without any tugging, rubbing or irritation. There’s no better way to get your skin feeling fresh and clean after spending hours in recycled plane air.
Loop Switch 2 adjustable ear plugs (30% off list price)
These plugs
can help to muffle unwanted noise at bedtime or in places like airplanes, train stations, movie theaters and concert venues, and unlike the packs you’d find at CVS or Walgreens, these are made with a flexible silicone for an easy fit and come in their own little carry case. They feature three levels of noise reduction with an in-ear dial that makes it easy to switch between modes. This redesigned style offers Loops’ strongest level of noise reduction and includes the earplugs, four sets of ear tips in different sizes and one carry case.
Isdin Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50 (30% off list price)
This sunscreen
is 100% mineral-based and infused with skin-loving ingredients that make it a great multitasker. It’s a must, especially if you’re traveling to a sunny locale. It is one of the most comfortable mineral sunscreen formulas I’ve tried. It’s formulated with zinc oxide, DNA repair enzymes and vitamin E — so not only is it preventing sun damage, but it’s helping to nourish and repair the skin as well.
The Isdin sunscreen is significantly lighter and easier to blend than traditional mineral SPFs, and doesn’t have that lingering zinc smell that personally drives me up the wall. It dries down to a soft matte and is a nice base for dewy makeup looks. While this sunscreen blends well, there is a very slight white cast that’s typical of a mineral sunscreen formulation. The combination of lightweight finish, formula and UV protection has made it worth the troubleshooting.
Bausch + Lomb Biotrue contact lens solution (23% off list price)
I used to wear my glasses on flights, but find them very uncomfortable. These days, I just keep my contacts in, even on super long flights where I need to sleep a lot. This
hydrating contact lens solution
is a great refresher mid-flight, and the travel size is ideal for tucking in my carry-on, and I’ll be stocking up with this four-pack while it’s on sale.
Touchland hydrating hand sanitizer mist 3-pack (30% off list price)
Touchland’s Power Mist hand sanitizer
first made an
impact
with its incredibly sleek packaging that feels satisfying in the palm and its gentle, ultra-fine mist. It stayed an icon because the formulation is a far cry from the drying and sticky-feeling gel-based sanitizers that you’re probably used to. It also doesn’t have that strong alcohol smell. I swear by these hand mists because they feel refreshing on the skin, don’t irritate my chronic eczema, and I love all the fun scents to choose from. They are on the expensive side for a hand sanitizer, which makes a deal like this something worth taking advantage of. Nothing grosses me out more than airplanes and airports, so I need to have hand sani on my person at all times.
Bagsmart puffer weekender bag (19% off the list price)
During its continued time spent as a viral internet sensation, the
Béis weekender bag
spawned some pretty convincing lookalikes and
this hardworking puffer-style travel duffle
by Bagsmart is one such version that you may not have heard of. Like the Béis, it has a completely separate bottom zip compartment that’s perfect for holding a couple pairs of shoes or dirty clothes. Available in five colors, it’s equipped with tons of organizational compartments, including an interior laptop sleeve, two exterior slip pockets and two adjustable side pockets for water bottles and other essentials. It even has a trolley strap so it can attach securely to the handle of your suitcase and comes with a clear toiletry case.
A pair of editor-approved motion sickness glasses (38% off list price)
Like me, senior shopping writer
Tessa Flores
deals with severe car sickness. Rather, Flores
used
to have bad car sickness, until she grabbed a pair of these
funny-looking motion looking glasses
. For kids or adults, these glasses help reviewers in cars, on trains, planes, boats and all other travel.
Flores spoke to
Dr. Neil Bhattacharyya
, board-certified otolaryngologist and professor of otolaryngology at
Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School
about the glasses, who said they likely work by creating a “artificial horizon” for your eyes with the moving liquid in the rings.
I don’t go anywhere without these now, and anyone who has motion sickness (kids included) should grab a pair while the deals are hot.
A pair of cool aviator sunglasses (36% off list price)
Sunglasses make the outfit, and these are super cute and will go with all my summertime looks. Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and a powerful summertime glare with these
stylish sunglasses
. They put a rectangular spin on the timeless aviator silhouette and will likely look good on just about everyone. You can get them in a range of different colors, and at these prices, you can easily snag more than one to customize your summertime looks.
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