Whether you’ve already booked a trip out of town or just want to continue enjoying the warm-weather festivities, there are a few essentials you’ll want to have in your suitcase before you hit the road.
To help you get sorted, we gathered travel favorites that have earned Shop TODAY Travel Gear awards, and included picks that were previously shown on TODAY, by TODAY contributor Makho Ndlovu and Shop TODAY editorial director Adrianna Brach.
You won’t want to jet set without these essentials — from a tiny, cordless portable charger to a packable water bottle, you’ll be more prepared than ever for your next getaway.
Travel essentials to shop from Amazon
If you like to wear minimal makeup while you’re traveling, Wet n Wild says this affordable tinted moisturizer is extremely hydrating and has a buildable finish that offers sheer to medium coverage. With over 27,000 Amazon ratings, one reviewer wrote, “love that [it] makes it look like if I wasn’t wearing makeup. Very light, can build it up for coverage. A little goes a long way.”
This compact makeup brush set is a great option for anyone short on space in their toiletry bag, Ndlovu says. It includes five different brushes that can be used for eye shadow, foundation, powders and more, plus a carrying case. Since it's portable, you’ll be able to keep it in your handbag and use it long after your trip, too.
You’ll never have to worry about bad airport or hotel lighting again with this compact LED light mirror. According to the brand, it features both standard and magnifying mirrors, so you can easily apply makeup or touch up on the go.
Etekcity Luggage Scale
This luggage scale was a Shop TODAY favorite long before earning a 2024 Travel Gear Award for Best Flight Essential. Contributor and travel expert Katie Jackson says this gadget “helps to make packing as easy and stress-free as possible.” She’s also a fan of its easy-to-read indicator, so she never has to worry about accidentally overpacking.
Need an extra hand? Thanks to this travel caddy, you can easily stash your phone and drink while you’re navigating the airport. One reviewer — who’s also a flight attendant — said she loves the velcro attachment, continuing, “there’s room for two large drinks and a slim pocket for [a] phone or wallet. Many people see it and ask where I got my clever little caddy!”
Associate editor Kamari Stewart says she’s been using this passport holder for the past few years, and it’s been the perfect accessory for holding several documents while going through TSA. “I love that it has space for other things, so I use it to hold things like my Covid vaccination card and my Global Entry card,” she says. “But there are more slots for IDs, credit/debit cards, even cash! And if you’re the person who opts for a physical boarding pass, you can easily slide it in there as well.”
This compact bag is just the right size for keeping the essentials on-hand when you get to your destination. In addition to the main compartment, it also features a back zipper pocket and an adjustable strap. Plus, the brand says the bag is also waterproof.
Whether you’re stuck on a flight with minimal entertainment or have a long layover, you’ll want to have this phone mount with you. It clamps onto the plane tray table and your luggage handle, so you can watch your favorite shows and movies right from your phone with ease. According to the brand, it’s adjustable to suit most heights and can even be mounted on most objects up to 1.5-inches wide.
Ndlovu loves this No. 1 bestselling toiletry bag for a myriad of reasons, but says the swivel hook is a standout feature that makes it convenient for travel. The interior boasts four spacious compartments to hold everything from makeup to shower gel, and the brand also says it’s water-resistant. It comes in both medium and large sizes that can be used for short or extended trips.
For a sun-kissed glow, this is a beauty hack that’s not only a Shop TODAY favorite, but also an Amazon bestseller. That might be because these self-tanning drops are infused with hyaluronic acid, are fragrance-free and are made specifically for your neck and face, says the brand. Brach also says it’s easy to use: For a little extra hydration, she loves dropping five to seven drops into her daily moisturizer.
If you’re looking for the ultimate travel backpack, this option really does it all to keep you organized. Plus, Brach says it’s a teacher-, nurse- and Shop TODAY-loved item. According to the brand, it has 19 (yes 19!) pockets to hold all of your carry-on essentials. It also includes a trolley strap and a USB port to easily charge your phone. Brach loves the way it sits flat and how wide it opens to make packing that much easier.
Editorial assistant Annie Shigo thought she was an expert packer, but then admitted that these packing cubes changed the way she traveled. “Everything about these cubes was precisely thought out — from the durable nylon fabric to the high-quality zippers — and nothing was breaking through these cubes,” she says.
Seeing summer showers in the forecast for your trip? No need to panic — as long as you’ve got this neat jacket on hand. This waterproof rain coat for men and women packs up in a small pouch and is super lightweight, making it the perfect travel companion.
At about the size of your lipstick, this cordless power bank is one of the smaller portable chargers we’ve seen. Be sure to grab one that’s compatible with the phone you have, whether that’s an iPhone or another device.
You won’t have to worry about coordinating all of your outfits to one handbag while you’re away thanks to this set, Ndlovu says. You’ll have four different accessories that mix and match to create everything from daytime looks to dinner ensembles. The set includes a large handbag, messenger bag, wallet and clutch — all made from a faux leather and outfitted with “gorgeous” hardware — for under $40.
Brach says this comfortable tunic dress should be in the Shop TODAY Hall of Fame, and she even owns one herself! Amazon shoppers can’t get enough of it either — it has over 31,500 5-star ratings. Coming in 27 patterns and colors, Brach says this lightweight dress can easily be rolled up in your carry-on or suitcase. Plus, she mentions it’s perfect for all types of weather; wear it with sandals or pair it with boots and tights.
“This little tool is tiny but mighty!” says editor Vivien Moon. “I love it for on-the-go styling and used to keep it at my desk so I could give my hair a little refresh at the end of the day if I had plans afterward and wanted to give my hair a little extra styling. It’s great for covering small areas and is very portable which can be great for travel too if you have short hair and don’t need a lot of maintenance.”
These sandals offer a surprising amount of support and prove to be comfortable while walking around for a long period of time, according to social media editor, Kara Quill.
The adjustable straps allow you to modify the sneakers as needed for a comfortable fit, and they're available in 12 different colors to match any summer wardrobe.
“Remember the viral Fjallraven Kanken backpack?” asks production associate, Audrey Ekman. “This is like its newer, bigger sibling, which can be worn as a backpack or crossbody messenger bag. Same high quality, sustainable angle and the brand offers lifetime repairs.”
This 30-liter duffel was designed with long weekends in mind, fitting everything you need for an upcoming bachelorette, a weekend trip back home or anything in between.
2025 Travel Gear Award winners
Keep all your crucial documents, essentials and money in one safe and secure place. This passport holder not only includes several pockets and slots for staying organized, but it's also made with RFID-blocking protection to keep your information out of the wrong hands, per the brand.
How often do you lose your wallet, passport, or luggage — seemingly in mid-air? It won't stay lost for long with this Bluetooth tracker, which can locate your belongings from practically anywhere.
According to a physical therapist we've spoken to, compression socks can help control the swelling that occuts in legs and feet during flights. These options are said to deliver 360-degree stretch, per the brand, and offer relief without sacrificing mobility.
A pull-on pant might be the travel solution you never knew you needed, especially when it comes to stay comfortable for long periods of time — whether it's a flight or roadtrip. This Lands' End pair promises soft and stretchy fabric, as well as, a streamlined look.
Amazon travel essentials previously seen on TODAY
Unless you’re cruising in first class, finding a comfortable position on a plane can feel impossible — especially in the dreaded middle seat. This award-winning travel pillow can help, designed to offer ergonomic support for your head, neck and body. According to the brand, it’s quick to inflate and can be rolled up neatly for easy portability.
Small and portable, this Travel Gear Award winner allows users to watch movies and stream music without relying on corded headphones.
“I received this bag while testing for Travel Awards last year, and I’ve used it on every trip/overnighter since!” raves associate editor Sierra Hoeger. “It holds everything-from full-sized face washes to jewelry, hair products and more. It has three main zippered compartments, that include little pouches and compartments within, truly maximizing the space. Plus, it’s durable, and the recycled nylon fabric is easy to clean with a Clorox wipe, should anything spill.”
This collapsible water bottle is designed with food-grade silicone and a leak-proof lid. It also comes with a carabiner for easy transportation.
This Shop TODAY Travel Gear Award-winning power adapter is convenient for international trips, but one flight attendant Shop TODAY spoke with says the “additional USB ports, as well as the USB-C [connector] allow you to charge all of your devices with this one cube.” Ndlovu says it allows you to charge up to six devices at once, but it does not act as a convertor, so be sure that the devices you’re using support dual-voltage.
Ndlovu says that this money belt is a stylish way to securely carry all of your important travel documents, from your passport to cash and credit cards. The strap adjusts snugly around the waist, and the brand says the pouch will stay cool against your skin, thanks to the moisture-wicking backing. The pouch’s two hidden compartments, built-in RFID-blocking and water-repellent material also ensure your things stay safe and protected.
Editor’s Note: This article previously featured the VRURC Portable Charger. This has been recalled due to fire hazards, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
One Shop TODAY writer is singing the praises of this effortlessly chic matching set. It can be mixed and matched with pieces you already own, or worn as a full outfit. It’s comfy for long travel days but also looks polished enough to head out with you anywhere.
More travel products to shop
How we chose
We sorted through the thousands of travel products on Amazon to find the items that are worth packing for vacation.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
Meet the experts
- Makho Ndlovu is a Shop TODAY contributor and on-air expert.
- Adrianna Brach is the editorial director at Shop TODAY, with over a decade of experience as an editor covering beauty, fashion and shopping.
