As a travel writer and founder of packing site Just Packed, I've found that the only way to minimize stress and maximize efficiency during the packing process is preparation. No matter the length of your trip, it's always beneficial to take the time to think through what (and how) you're going to pack. I might even create a travel outfit list a week before I leave. It's also important to keep your bathroom cabinet well-stocked with travel-sized toiletries so they're easy to grab and pack the night before.
With summer travel just days away and can't-miss Memorial Day sales already online, now is the perfect time to start planning your packing for the coming months. We encourage you to inspect your current packing essentials (suitcases, packing cubes, toiletry bags, etc.) and determine if there are any that you need to purchase or replace. If you're not sure which items to invest in to make packing easier overall, let me help.
Below, we combed Amazon's travel sales to find the best and most highly reviewed packing essentials, like a packing cube set and a durable, expandable suitcase. With these items in your travel arsenal, you'll be ready to make the most of all your last-minute trips and weekend getaways this season—and you won't have to spend a fortune to do so.
Hotor Packing Cubes
I firmly believe that all travelers can benefit from using packing cubes, whether they're carrying a carry-on or checked luggage. Packing cubes are great for organizing the contents of your suitcase and are also useful for storing things you want to keep separate from others, like dirty clothes or wet swimsuits. I usually suggest picking up a set of packing cubes in different sizes, like this one from Hotor. For under $10, you get three packing cubes, a shoe bag, a drawstring pocket, and an underwear bag.
Traveler's Choice Pagosa Carry-On Spinner
Suitcases vary in price, but you don't have to spend a fortune on a high-quality, decent-sized suitcase. A great example is the Traveler's Choice Pagosa Carry-On Spinner, currently on sale for under $70 (in select colors). With a scratch- and water-resistant polypropylene hardshell, this bag has a built-in USB port, an internal power bank compartment, and spinner wheels that rotate 360 degrees. It also has rubber carry handles on the top and sides, and an adjustable telescoping handle for increased maneuverability. Finally, a good carry-on bag should have internal organization features. This bag has several zippered pockets and internal compression straps to keep your clothes safe.
Vorspack transparent shoe bag
While packing cubes often get all the attention in the travel industry, clear (and affordable) shoe bags shouldn't be overlooked. Most travelers buy them to protect their delicate shoes from damage while on the road, but I also use them to carry toiletries, socks, underwear, and other small items. I sometimes even pack an empty one or two in case I need an extra bag or organizational compartment while traveling, as they take up very little precious suitcase space.
Iniu Portable Charger
There are some inevitable stresses when traveling (like flight delays and cancellations), but running out of battery on your phone because you can't find a working outlet isn't one of them. The night before traveling somewhere, I always make sure my portable charger is fully charged and safely tucked away in my bag. By purchasing a charger like this one from Iniu, I'll never again have to experience the stress of arriving at my destination only to realize I can't call an Uber or access Google Maps until I can find a plug to revive my phone's battery.
Raycon Everyday Bluetooth Wireless Earphones
I've long been a fan of large noise-canceling headphones. They're comfortable and almost impossible to lose, but they take up a lot of space in my bag. To lighten the load a bit, I'm swapping out my bulky headphones for earbuds like the Raycon Everyday Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds. On sale for 25% off, these earbuds are a great alternative when you want to listen to music or audiobooks on the go but don't have a lot of extra space.
Kebnor Handheld Travel Steamer
The secret to looking neat while traveling is simple: you need a steamer. Forget the hotel iron (they take too long to set up anyway). Leave your oversized steamer at home. Instead, pull out the Kebnor Handheld Travel Steamer, currently discounted by 33 percent. With eight minutes of steaming time in just 15 seconds, you can quickly refresh linen tops or wrinkled pants. Plus, it's small, so it's easy to slip into small spaces between your personal-items bag or packing cubes.
Tocelffe TSA Approved Silicone Travel Container
If you're a traveler with a set beauty or skincare routine, you know that packing toiletries can be a challenge. Not all shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers, and serums come in travel-sized containers. If you're traveling with just carry-on luggage, you often need to carry them in small containers or risk them being discarded at airport security. With these Tocelffe TSA Approved Silicone Travel Containers on hand, you can easily transfer your favorite products into silicone bottles, spray bottles, or cream jars using a funnel or spatula (both included in the set).
Bevegekos Cord Organizer Storage Case
For some travelers, staying organized is a natural fit. For others, staying organized can be a constant struggle that adds unnecessary stress and worry. If you're in the latter group, the Bevegekos Cord Organizer Storage Case might be just what you need. Marked down to under $7, this travel pouch is designed to keep all your electronics, like power banks, charging cables, earphones, and adapters, safe and secure in one place. Gone are the days of frantically rummaging through your backpack to find a charger or spare battery before your phone runs out of juice.
Niveaya Hat Clip
If your travel plans this summer include the beach, pool, or strong sunlight, you might be considering bringing a sun hat. Though important for sun protection, wide-brimmed hats aren't always the easiest accessory to carry around, unless you use a magnetic hat clip. Selling for under $22, the Niveaya Hat Clip simply snaps onto your hat and clips it to your tote bag or backpack for hands-free carrying. You'll thank us later.
Vorolo Crossbody Belt Bag
Whenever I fly, I always stash an empty shoulder or belt bag in my carry-on suitcase or personal item bag because I want to have a smaller carry-on bag to use when I arrive, but I don't want to pay the extra baggage fee. The Vorolo Crossbody Belt Bag is a perfect example of this type of packable accessory. Not only is it functional (the nylon material is waterproof), but it's also smart enough to pair with a variety of outfits and can be worn as a crossbody bag, waist pack, or across-the-body style.
Travel Inspira Luggage Scale
A few years ago, I finally gave in and bought a luggage scale, and I haven't regretted it since. I use it to weigh my checked bags before I head to the airport (instead of hoping it works out when I check in). It's also small enough to take on trips, so that if I end up buying a few souvenirs, I can re-weigh and adjust the contents of my suitcase. I guarantee it will be the best use of $8 you'll ever spend.
Balulhg Travel Toiletry Bag
For me, a reliable, roomy toiletry bag is an absolute must, and I have several in different shapes and sizes that I can alternate between while traveling. One of my favorites is the hanging toiletry bag, which is designed to have enough space for all the products I use every day and eliminate the need to rummage through my bag to get to a specific product. This style from Balulhg comes in two sizes, medium and large (and a variety of colors), allowing you to choose the one that's most appropriate for you based on how many products you usually bring on your trips.
Npcqun Compact Umbrella
Umbrellas are an often forgotten packing essential, but I've learned the hard way that you should always have one in your luggage. While you might not use it every day, it can make or break your trip, especially if you're traveling to a place where the weather is constantly changing. This umbrella folds up to just 11.5 inches long, so it can easily be stored in the bottom of a tote bag or on the side of a suitcase.
Molniya Travel Backpack
If, like me, you rarely travel without your laptop, it might be time to reconsider how you transport it from place to place. I always carry mine in a backpack to avoid putting undue strain on my shoulders and arms. But this travel backpack, with 20 percent off with the on-page coupon, can hold a lot more than just your laptop. It has enough space for clothes, shoes, books, and even a small toiletry kit. And the best part is, it's compact enough to fit under an airplane seat.
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