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Some people were born to travel the world, journeying to far flung places with just a backpack and a positive attitude. Unfortunately, I am not one of these people — I am easily stressed, can’t stand jet lag, have major health-related anxiety and am quickly overstimulated when the general public refuses to follow the silently-agreed-upon social contract where we are all on our best behavior on public transport.
And yet fate has determined that I am someone who travels very often. I’m based on the East Coast, with family in California and Mexico, while my spouse’s loved ones are located in Australia and France, meaning I spend a significant amount of time on long-haul flights. As a result, I’m perpetually on the hunt for items that can potentially make travel days more comfortable.
I highly recommend taking advantage of big sales events like Amazon Prime Day to stock up on the items that make traveling feel like less of a battleground. Below, I’ve rounded up the travel essentials that I can’t live without — and they’re majorly discounted right now. Stock up before your next big trip and you’ll perpetually be ready for your next big adventure. They’ll make life easier, more organized and infinitely comfier.
HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. 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 deals.
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Hydro Flask insulated water bottle (up to 33% off list price)
Staying hydrated while traveling is imperative, and the easiest way to do so is to have your very own reusable water bottle on your person at all times — I don't go anywhere without mine. Keep your drinks hot or cold with this stylish stainless steel mug from Hydro Flask. It holds 32-ounces and has an insulated construction to keep drinks at exactly the right temperature.
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Apple AirPods Pro (32% off list price)
I don't go anywhere without my AirPods Pro. Not only are they a must for listening to music, podcasts and meditations, but the noise-cancellation feature helps me to zone out and decompress from the constant noise of the airport and plane. I like to switch between these and over-ear headphones during flights depending on how my head and body are feeling as well as if I'm planning to sleep or not. I generally keep these in while going through the airport, while in the lounge and when I listen to music on the plane and then switch to my over-ear headphones for movie watching and sleeping. I find that they have a really long battery life, are comfortable and stay in firmly place.
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Apple AirPods Max wireless over-ear headphones (28% off list price)
Apple's only over-the-ear headphones promise a dynamic and high-fidelity sound that the brand calls "a breakthrough listening experience" powered by their proprietary H1 chip. Additionally, these headphones boast noise-canceling capabilities, perfect for the plane, along with a transparency mode for all those instances where you still want to interact with the world around you. Enjoy up to 20 hours of listening time per charge from the accompanying slim smart case, along with other features such as audio spatial awareness.
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Purell Advanced travel-sized hand sanitizer gel six-pack (20% off)
I've got a major aversion to airplane water. Not only do I not drink coffee, tea or water that doesn't come from an unsealed bottle, but I am squeamish about washing my hands as well. As a result, having a lot of very good hand sanitizer close by is an absolute must. Purell kills many common germs and has a mild formula that won't strip your hands of its moisture barrier. I don't go anywhere without it. I use it well and often while in flight. Just pop a handful of these individual packets in your carry-on bag and you're good to go.
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A cult-fave and HuffPost reader-beloved lip mask from Laneige (30% off list price)
Laneige's cult-favorite and intensely moisturizing lip sleeping mask is adored for its cushiony formula and it's the perfect way to smooth parched, flaky lips. It uses a berry mix complex to boost moisture and deliver antioxidant benefits while you sleep, while a blend of shea and seed butters nourishes 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.
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The famous Bose QuietComfort 45 wireless noise-cancelling headphones (43% off list price)
These Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth noise-canceling headphones are a big investment, but one that I found to bewell worth it. They fit comfortably over my ears and come with a removable double-ended AUX cord so they can be wireless or wired, which is key while on a plane. They also have that famous Bose sound quality and adjustable EQ so you can set various music levels to your exact specifications. They're a traveler's dream and the perfect foil to my AirPods.
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The cult-favorite Bioderma Sensibio micellar water for easy and thorough cleansing (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 watercontains 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.
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These Cole Haan Grand Crosscourt II sneakers (up to 47% off list price)
Luxury brand, travel-friendly shoes for under $70? Say no more. These are high quality and gorgeous, not to mention comfortable. The Cole Haan Grand Crosscourt sneakers are also a HuffPost reader pick for their travel potential. They come in men's sizes 7-15W in nine colors and women's sizes 5-11W in 12 colors, though only the women's are on sale right now.
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A set of reusable Stasher bags (30% 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.
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Bagsmart weekender bag (50% off list price)
A good carry-on bag is essential. I need it to be roomy enough to hold all my in-flight essentials without being too heavy or bulky. This highly-rated bag is spacious and has nine multifunctional pockets to help keep things organized. Most importantly, it has a trolley pass through so you can affix it to your suitcase without worrying about it sliding off.
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R+Co Death Valley dry shampoo (30% off list price)
A good dry shampoo helps me look like a human being even when I'm feeling like a fumigated spider. R+Co hair products are some of the best, and this dry shampoo is no exception. It can absorb oil and odor, leaving hair bouncy, fresh and looking lovely. Get the best deal on the full-size bottle, but grab a travel size to refresh on the go.
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A passport holder (42% off list price)
As you may have gleaned, staying organized while feeling like I'm maintaining my rigorous aesthetic requirements is a must to help keep me grounded and calm while traveling. A cute passport holder is always very handy. I like to tuck my boarding pass into my passport holder to keep track of it. This elegant option has pockets and a zipper compartment, which makes it even easier to stay organized and tidy.
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A contoured eye mask (41% off list price)
I become positively demented if I can't sleep on flights, especially the long haul flights — it's imperative that I remain unconscious for as long as possible to ensure my own survival. A good eye mask is key to keeping out light and other distractions. This soft, molded mask won't put too much pressure on your eyes, but will block out offending light so you can rest as much as possible.
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A pair of Allbirds ballet flats that are popular with HuffPost readers (up to 40% off list price)
Allbirds shoes have gained a cult following, but their prices are usually in the triple digits, making this sale pretty remarkable. These Tree Breezer ballet flats have been named one of the greatest walking shoes by HuffPost readers, and are popular for their breathable knit material, stylish appearance, and comfortable, flexible sole. They come in five colors in sizes 5-11, though only three are on sale right now (gray, white and navy).
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Grace & Stella Energizing eye masks (37% off list price)
I love to throw on hydrating eye patches while mid-air. It's a great way to add a bit of hydration to the delicate under-eye area and you can even do it with a face mask on. It can help with dark circles and puffiness, which always plague me during travel fatigue. This pack includes 24 pairs of patches.
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A 50-pack of KN95 masks (67% off list price)
Once I started wearing face masks while on planes, I never looked back. Not only can they actively help prevent illnesses like COVID, the common cold, flu and more, but they give the health-anxious traveler like me serious peace of mind. I'll happily wear them on a 14-hour flight from Los Angeles to Sydney (even while sleeping) if it will even slightly mitigate the possibility of getting sick. These popular and highly-rated masks have five layers of filtration and a metal nose clip so they won't slide off. I stuff my carry-on with at least four any time I go anywhere.
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L'Occitane hand cream (20% off list price)
All that hand sani really dries my skin out, which is why having a thick hand cream close by is a must. You can't go wrong with a classic like this L'Occitane cream. It's thick without being overly greasy and doesn't have a strong, pungent scent. This little one happens to be the perfect travel size. I keep it in my carry-on bag at all times so I don't lose track of it.
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Mighty Patch pimple patches variety pack (20% off list price)
Despite my best efforts, my skin always freaks out when I travel, usually resulting in a breakout or two. Having a pimple patch on hand to slap on my zits helps me take control of the situation, especially when I don't have my entire beauty closet close at hand. Hydrocolloid patches offer a gentler approach to reducing the appearance of acne by absorbing excess oil and debris from the blemish in just one night. TikTokers say that these stay-put patches also keep you from picking pimples.
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Laneige Water Bank Cream (20% off list price)
A deeply nourishing and hydrating cream is essential for a long flight. This is not the time to be slathering your skin with active ingredients like AHAs and BHAs; you want yummy, hydrating ingredients like squalane and ceramides that will drench your skin and protect it from dry airplane air. This Laneige cream will leave your skin feeling soft and supple (never greasy) with a lovely glow. This is definitely one of my go-to travel creams.
20.
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Cabeau TNE S3 travel neck pillow (25% off list price)
I have long gone back and forth over whether a travel neck pillow is worth it, but a really good one like this from Cabeau is worth the investment. This innovative pillow has a customizable, comfy fit that you can tailor to your own needs. Best of all, it is easily packed away in a small, compact carrying case. If you're flying for longer than four hours, you want this in your travel arsenal.
21.
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SKIN1004 Zombie Pack (20% off list price)
This multitasking treatment mask can help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, lift and firm skin, help clear breakouts, tighten pores, hydrate and improve skin texture, and balance and brighten your skin tone. All it takes is 15 minutes of relaxation to leave you skin feeling fresh and smooth, no matter where you are in the world. A word of warning, when the mask dries down it can give your face the appearance of a Zombie-like texture, hence the fun brand name. You may want to check out review photos before slapping it on in public in case it's not your style.
22.
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A two-pack of Mario Badescu facial spray with aloe, herbs and rosewater (30% off list price)
I don't go anywhere without a refreshing facial spray like this cult-fave from Mario Badescu. It's been one of my go-to's for decades and has a permanent spot in my travel bag. It's a lovely pick-me-up mid-flight when I'm feeling haggard and dehydrated and has a very gentle, rejuvenating mild scent. Pick from various size options so you can keep one in your carry-on bag permanently and another can live in your bathroom.
23.
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A universal international travel adaptor (15% off list price)
Don't even think about leaving the country without a travel adaptor. This one is especially versatile as it can be customized to work with American EU, UK and Australian electrical plugs (which cover over 160 countries). It can charge five devices simultaneously, is safe and extremely convenient. I store mine with my travel items at all time so I never forget it.
24.
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Oral-B Genius X Limited electric toothbrush (50% off list price)
Get your teeth in tip-top shape with this smart toothbrush. It uses AI and Bluetooth connectivity to recognize your brushing style, give you personal coaching and help you get the best brush ever. It comes with a rechargeable handle, a brush head, a charger and a travel case. It's slim enough to pop into your bag so you can take it with you on the road and keep up your routine with ease.
25.
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LifeStraw personal water filter (53% off list price)
While you don’t have to be an outdoorsy person to to have one, buying a Lifestraw really makes sense for avid hikers and campers especially. I find it comes in handy anytime I'm traveling somewhere remote or feeling apprehensive about my water supply. It can remove microplastics, bacteria, parasites and more (including E. coli, salmonella and giardia) from just about any water source. One single filter has a long lifespan, providing about 1,000 gallons of clean and safe drinking water, making it well worth the price tag.
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iWalk portable phone charger with USB-C port (22% off list price)
It may be the size of a lipstick tube, but this portable iPhone charger with a USB-C port holds one full phone charge for most iPhone 15 models and other compatible devices. It couldn't be more convenient and easy to tuck into a bag or pocket. I don't leave home without it. It's saved me in many a jam while traveling. Nothing is worse than parking your bum in a plane seat for the foreseeable future only to realize the outlets near you are non-functional. This little guy will save the day.
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A timeless plaid shacket (20% off list price)
It's all about lightweight layers while traveling. Nothing is worse than being cold on a flight, but the last thing you want to do is be overdressed, sweaty and uncomfortable. Shackets are the perfect layering piece. They look cool and casual, yet relatively structured and put-together. This cutie will keep you warm, cozy and looking like yourself. It's available in sizes XS–XXL. It's giving me major Isabel Marant vibes (at a fraction of the price).
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Apple AirTag four-pack (24% off list price)
In addition to being water- and dust-resistant, AirTags have a wildly simple setup, and you can assign each one a name to keep your most valuable belongings sorted, like your luggage. Each one is completely encrypted for privacy, and even when it’s far away, it can anonymously and secretly use a network of Apple devices to send its location back to you. When you move away from an item like your keys, it can even send you a notice.
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Bentgo five-compartment leak-proof lunchbox (53% off list price)
Whether you have a little one traveling with you or want to pack snacks for your flight, Bentgo's classic five-compartment, leakproof lunchboxes will be at their lowest price of the year today. This has over 58,000 Amazon reviews and a 4.6-star rating and they are simply all over TikTok. Reviews say these are great for picky eaters, as they keep food separated and protected, so nothing gets mushy or mixed together.