16 Travel Items We Bought on Amazon and Tell Everyone to Buy

Our number one packing recommendation: luggage cubes. Not only do they help you make the most out of your carry-on by keeping your clothes compact, but they also keep you organized. This six-pack from Bagail features three convenient sizes of cubes. It’s a bestseller on Amazon (and has a special place in our hearts) thanks to smart details like double-zipper pulls and mesh paneling that keeps the cubes ventilated and gives you a sneak peek at contents. Consider getting two packs in different colors or designs if you’re sharing luggage space. Living out of a suitcase? Not so bad—if you're organized. 

It's a bummer to pack a bulky electric toothbrush on a trip, especially if you have to recharge it overseas—where an adaptor might blow your charger (yes, it’s happened to us.) This electric toothbrush is a saving grace with a whopping 30-day battery life and a USB charger. Plus, it’s lightweight and small, and thus easy to pack. It’s well loved by users, some of whom say they prefer this little guy—even for everyday use—to their more expensive electric toothbrush.

A collapsible water bottle is both eco-friendly and space-saving. Our pick from Nomader gets love from over 1000 reviewers on Amazon for its smart design, including a leak-proof cap, a wristlet, and a wide-mouth that makes the bottle easy to refill and clean. Plus, it’s super durable and can be put in the freezer or the dishwasher. A bonus for those of us who refuse to travel (or function) without coffee: it also holds hot liquids.

The Sony A6000 is the darling of photography magazine editors and amateurs alike, in part because it offers the same quality photos as DSLR cameras without the bulk or weight (thank you, mirrorless technology!). Plus, the camera offers all the manual controls pros love, and all the point-and-shoot options amateurs need. The camera has a huge range of stellar features, including full HD video, the capacity to change lenses, and smartphone sharing, for instant Instagram updates that are a serious upgrade from you standard cellphone snaps. 

A blister can turn any trip into a tragedy, so we like to come prepared. Blister bandages are a sturdier version of the classic Band-aid, offering cushioning and protection in spots where you have or are prone to getting blisters. This pick from Dr. Fredrick’s earns top marks for comfort and durability, with reviewers noting that they last through long-haul hikes, showers, and even multi-day wears. So, yeah, take a gamble on packing your new favorite shoes before breaking them in—as long as you have these blister bandages as backup. 

While these undies may seem like a practical joke, wearers agree they’re actually downright practical. This is exactly why they made the cut for our 10 Comfiest Underwear for Travel. They’re an awesome alternative to the classic money belt—the front pocket fits essentials like cash, credit cards, and even a passport. Amazon reviewers are shocked by how much they love them, saying they’re comfortable and the granny-panty style, while not exactly sexy, offers a Spanx-esque slimming effect.

We know how it is: your phone, Fitbit, camera, Kindle, wireless headphones, and wireless mouse somehow ALL have different proprietary cables, plus you need your back-up drive, USB sticks, and earbuds while you’re traveling. This Electronics Organizer from Bagsmart keeps everything untangled and easy to find while you’re on-the-go (or, honestly, at home). The organizers are available in five sizes, but we love the mid-sized pick, which can fit an iPad or Kindle in addition to charging cables, hard-drives, and other essential gizmos.

Whether you’re hiking, sightseeing in the peak of summer, or taking an overnight flight, body wipes are the secret weapon to keep you fresh and clean sans shower. A whopping 92% of customers give the Alcala-brand wipes five stars for being “thick and durable,” “extra large, extra soft,” and residue-free. They’re also biodegradable, fresh-smelling, and aren’t made with alcohol, meaning they won’t dry out your skin—the last thing you need after a 10-hour flight. Available in packs of three or 30—we recommend going big.

Yay—a comfortable neck pillow that doesn’t take up half the space in your backpack! This innovative neck pillow features push-button inflation and a raised back for better neck support. The super-soft cover is also removable, so you can wash it, and it all comes packaged in an easy-to-carry pouch. While you may still not get your beauty sleep on that red eye, at least you’ll get some sleep.

Fanny packs are having a fashion moment, which is great news for travelers who like to keep their hands free. This affordable option from SoJuourner has a mini-cult following on Amazon thanks in part to playful designs that run the gamut from dark florals to all-over donuts (yum!). The bag is also water-resistant and surprisingly spacious (you’ll be able to carry a water bottle and sunscreen in there). It has three pockets, including a hidden back pocket to help keep your most important items safe. Now: to wear it crossbody like the cool kids or rock it at the waist like a classic '80s mom?

Whether you're braving the tropics in rainy season, staying ocean-side, or floating in the pool, you need to protect your phone from water. This phone dry-bag isn’t just about protection, though—it actually turns your phone into an UNDERWATER CAMERA for under 10 bucks. Yes, touchscreen buttons will work while your phone’s in the pouch. A lanyard is also included to prevent your phone from going on its own bon voyage.

A packable tote is a traveler’s workhorse—it can be used to store wet swimsuits or muddy sneakers, it can transform into a last-minute laundry bag or a carryall for souvenirs. And if you’re going to Europe (where single-use plastic bags are banned), it’s destined to become your shopping bag. This pick from Baggu is our favorite because it’s made from super-durable ripstop nylon that can hold up to 50 pounds, plus it folds down into it’s own tiny bag. It's available in tons of playful colors and patterns ranging from stripes and polka dots to elephants and melons.

Forget struggling to take selfies, this gorilla tripod turns every location into a photo-op, and you won’t have your entire arm in the picture. Not only does this versatile tripod stay up just as easily on solid ground as it does in the grass, but its bendy legs can wrap around posts or trees. A wireless remote allows you to take photos without taking that photo-timer sprint. Plus, it can mount to your smartphone or your digital camera (like our pick above).

For stays in hotels, on cruise ships, or just at your aunt’s house, this hanging toiletry bag is a godsend. Not only does it keep your toiletries organized, but it frees up counter space by hanging on a shower rod, door hook, or towel rack. The toiletry bag features a slew of zippered and open internal and external pockets to keep your toiletries organized and upright. The best part? It holds full-sized bottles of your favorite products—meaning you won’t have to keep buying those tiny travel-sized hairsprays.

If you carry everything in your wallet… this isn’t for you (actually, in that case, THIS is for you). But if you’ve Konmari-ed your wallet, mostly carry just credit cards, and love minimalistic design, then you, like over 1000 reviewers on Amazon, will give this sleek best seller wallet five out of five stars. This thoughtfully designed wallet holds up to 15 cards, and makes it a cinch to slip out your four favorites. There’s also a tiny elastic pocket for cash or a few stray coins.

Prone to breaking your glasses? These sunnies from Distil Union made our list of Best Sunglasses for Travel thanks to their insanely durable construction. They’re made from lightweight, rubbery, bendable material and feature scratch-and impact-resistant polarized lenses. But their most distinctive feature is the magnetic temples—slip them over a collar or into a pocket, and they’ll stay put. And they’re not just functional—the classic wayfarer frame is super stylish, too.