Twice a month, I send out my Just Packed newsletter, sharing the five essentials I’ll be bringing on my upcoming trip. Each newsletter focuses on a different destination or type of trip, but the basic theme remains the same: pack only items that will make your life easier or keep you organized. For me, that means filling my trusty carry-on suitcase with clothes and shoes that I can wear multiple times, carefully sorting my toiletries and other essentials, and bringing only what’s essential for my trip.
Having worked for years as both a professional packer and travel journalist, I’ve also learned that packing is an iterative process. It requires thinking ahead and editing out essentials along the way. That being said, I recently combed through Amazon’s best Prime Day deals to find travel-friendly items that can make packing a breeze and avoid extra baggage fees. Shop my picks below, all currently on sale for up to 46% off. But before you do, sign up for a free 30-day Amazon Prime trial to receive exclusive member-only discounts during this epic two-day event.
Amazon Prime Day’s best deals overall
Onebeat European Travel Plug Adapter Set
At home, I have a basket where I keep all the miscellaneous items I need for international travel. This way I can easily access things I might accidentally leave behind when I’m not using them, like my passport, luggage scale, or extra bills from previous trips. The basket also holds power plug adapters. Keeping an international power plug adapter like this 2% off set from One Beat on hand can help prevent last-minute panics when your electronics don’t work at your destination. Plus, their compact design means they take up very little space in your carry-on or personal items bag.
Depoza 16 Pack Travel Bottle Set
Even if you avoid TSA’s liquid size rules and travel in checked luggage, it’s still wise to leave full-size products at home. Not only will they make your luggage heavier, but they’ll also be more likely to leak or completely spill in your suitcase. Instead, I use a travel bottle set for my shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, and other creams and serums. This set is especially versatile, as it comes with a variety of container types and a waterproof clear makeup bag to safely store them in.
Tiny Twinkle Wet Bag Set
Depending on the length and type of trip, I usually bring an extra bag for dirty laundry and other things I want to keep separate from my other belongings. If I’m going somewhere where I’ll be out in my swimsuit a lot, I opt for this wet dry bag from Zcyzuuw. Made from 100% polyester fabric, this 34% off bag is waterproof and machine washable. It can double as a beach bag or pool bag, so you don’t have to waste extra space with a separate waterproof tote bag. It can also double as a packing cube if needed.
Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets
Longer trips require a bit more planning than a weekend getaway. If you expect you’ll need to do laundry while you’re away from home, pack one or two of these detergent sheets in a reusable plastic bag. Freshening your clothes means you can wear each garment multiple times, extending the life of the contents of your suitcase without having to pack (and weigh) extra clothes.
Bagsmart Compression Packing Cube Set with Vacuum Storage Bags
Most frequent travelers never pack a bag without some sort of packing cube. I especially like Bagsmart’s Compression Packing Cubes, which are 46% off on Prime Day. This two-pack comes with four hand-rollable vacuum bags for even more space-savings. Simply place your clothes in the bag and roll from the open end to the closed end. Air is pushed out through the check valve, compressing all your belongings as much as possible.
Rainleaf Microfiber Towel
Have you ever been to an Airbnb and been told you needed to bring a towel or beach towel? I have, and I quickly realized how much space a regular towel takes up in your bag. Microfiber towels are a far cry from luxury bath towels, but they’re a go-to option when you want to pack light. These towels from Rainleaf are heavily discounted, come in a variety of colors and sizes, and come with a handy, reusable, breathable storage bag.
Ododos Unisex Mini Belt Bag
Whenever I travel, I always take three bags with me: a suitcase, a tote bag, and a small carry-on handbag. To get around the “one carry-on and one personal item” rule on airplanes, I keep my handbag in my suitcase. That said, I always bring a packable bag like the Ododos Unisex Mini Belt Bag, which takes up very little space and fits easily in a seatback pocket. It’s also super versatile, being able to use it as a crossbody bag, shoulder bag, or waist bag, so I can leave my big tote bag at the hotel and head out to explore my destination.
Cirea Portable Cosmetic Toiletry Bag
I’ve tried all sorts of ways to make more space in my carry-on bag – rolling, folding, using packing cubes – but I’ve yet to find a way to make my dopp kit and toiletry bag not take up at least a fifth of my suitcase. Instead, I always pack in a personal items bag. I try to use a travel bag that zips up completely because it ends up right next to my laptop and other electronics. This bag from Cirea is on sale for $13 and will keep all your products safe and secure, plus it’s compact enough to easily slip into a tote without taking up valuable space.
Vancropak Carry-On Backpack with Packing Cubes
I’m not normally one to travel with a backpack, but for some types of trips it’s the only option. VancropakI’s Carry-On Backpack is highly rated among shoppers for its spacious capacity, multiple pockets and compartments, adjustable chest strap, waterproof material, and anti-theft features. It’s also roomy enough to carry everything you need for a 3-5 day trip, depending on the weight and thickness of your clothes, and it comes with a set of packing cubes. Add it to your cart during our 40% off sale.
Barefoot Caribou Hair Tools Travel Bag and Heat Resistant Mat
Even though it’s not on sale, I promise this will be the best $33 purchase you’ve ever spent. If you have long, unmanageable hair, like me, you know the struggle of packing various hair tools and products. They’re often bulky and unwieldy in your suitcase. To free up some space in your suitcase and feel a little more organized, we recommend investing in a hair tool travel bag. This bag from Barefoot Caribou has two interior pockets, a zippered pocket, and two elastic band sections to neatly store your hair care equipment and accessories. Plus, it also comes with a heat-resistant interior mat, perfect for those who frequently use curling irons or hair straighteners while traveling.
In addition to these, there are plenty of other Amazon Prime Day deals to choose from. Scroll through to see other discounted space-saving accessories that can double the space in your suitcase, starting at just $8.
Other great deals on suitcase organizers and accessories from Amazon Prime Day:
- Bagail 8-Piece Packing Cube Set, $15 (list price $25)
- Wtree Vacuum Seal Bag Set, $18 (list price $36)
- Eachy Open Flat Dual Compartment Large Capacity Makeup Bag, $21 (list price $26)
- Fyy Tech Cable Organizer, $8 (list price $13)
- Vorspack Clear Shoe Bag, $9 (originally $12)
- Niveaya Hat Clip, $22 with local coupon (regular price $26)
- Mariton Hanging Toiletry Bag, $13 (regular price $20)
- Teamoy Travel Hair Tool Storage Bag, $27 (list price $33)
- Matein Jewelry Travel Organizer, $19 (list price $22)
- Tube-shaped travel pillow with clothing compartment, $30 (regular price $50)
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