I’m a Travel Writer, and Out of the 5 Million Prime Day Deals on Site, These Are the 12 I’m Shopping

Prime Day has been the only thing on my mind since it kicked off yesterday morning, and with deals only extending until midnight tonight, it’s my duty as a travel writer to capitalize on the sale and finally check some essential boxes off of my own shopping list. The last several weeks have largely been spent scanning the pages and pages of deals on Amazon in order to find the best prices for Travel + Leisure readers, but along the way I also compiled a sizable list of items I myself am coveting from this epic sale.

I’ve used my shopping expertise to round up the 12 last-chance deals I’ll be shopping for in the final hours of Prime Day to prepare for my future travels, and from comfortable sandals to noise-canceling headphones and even a replacement for my years-old Kindle, you’re not going to want to miss out. Prices start as low as $9 on some of my most highly sought-after cart additions, so if you’re also racing against the clock to make the most of this sale, keep reading to find the list of must-haves I’m not leaving behind.

Cushionaire Women’s Lane Cork Footbed Sandals

As a self-proclaimed shoe collector, I’m always searching for the next great addition to my collection — especially when it comes to summer footwear. These slip-on sandals have been on my radar for a while now, and with more than 46,000 five-star ratings I feel confident that they will deliver the comfort and style that other shoppers have raved about. I’m especially drawn to the cork footbeds which are said to mold to my foot shape, creating a luxe everyday wearing experience — and it certainly doesn’t hurt that they’re on sale for 43 percent off.

Etronik Travel Duffel Bag

For all the luggage I have accumulated under my bed, there’s one hole I’ve yet to fill in my arsenal: a weekender duffel. This spacious tote is a best-seller at Amazon so naturally I was intrigued, and the built-in shoe compartment at the base of the bag was really the main selling point that convinced me of its value. Now on sale for just $26, I won’t let Prime Day come to an end without adding this bag to my shopping cart.

Montana West Hobo Bag

One of my greatest weaknesses is my inability to exercise restraint when I discover a new purse that I like, and this hobo bag from Montana West is testing my resolve this Prime Day — especially since it’s double discounted to just $11. The smooth vegan leather exterior looks far more expensive than the actual price tag indicates, and it even comes with the option to be worn as either a crossbody or a shoulder bag. And adding to its travel-friendly nature, this bag packs down to be completely flat, so I can add it into my carry-on without worrying about crushing it (or being woefully unprepared without the perfect purse for my adventures).

Santiny Pleated Tennis Skort

I’ve been looking to dip my toes into the skort trend this summer, but since I was unsure where to start my search, naturally I turned my sights to the endless clothing options on sale for Prime Day. I knew I’d found my perfect fit once I spotted this flouncy skirt from Santiny — and it’s $20 price tag. The high-waisted fit is sure to be flattering whether I pair it with a sports bra and sneakers or a tank top and kitten heels, plus the pleated design adds stunning volume to the piece on the whole. It may be intended as activewear, but I’m sure this skort will be a mainstay in all of my outfits for the remainder of the season.

Soundcore Noise-canceling Headphones

I’m long overdue for a pair of noise-canceling headphones considering how much I hate being bothered by sound while I’m traveling, so when this highly-rated pair from Soundcore dropped to just $44, I knew it was time. The well-padded ear cushions will remain comfortable even when being worn during the entirety of a longhaul flight, and up to 40 hours of non-stop playtime will surely keep me entertained without having to indulge in conversation with a chatty seatmate. 

Seaband Anti-Nausea Wristbands

While I will always swear by Dramamine and my equilibrium-balancing goggles as my first line of defense against car sickness, I’m also still on the hunt for a more subtle solution which is how I stumbled upon these bands. They work by applying pressure to points on the wrists which have been known to alleviate nausea, even helping with motion sickness along with other common causes of queasiness. At just $9, these reusable bands are about to become a game-changer.

Kindle Paperwhite

I’ve been a dedicated Kindle user for years — in fact, it’s usually the first thing I add to my bag when I’m packing for a trip of any length. However, after years of regular use the battery life is beginning to take a hit, so I figured that there’s no time like Prime Day to swap out my old Kindle Fire for the Paperwhite. The glare-free screen is ideal for spending time at the beach or reading outside in the park, while an impressive 10 weeks of battery life will eliminate one more charging cable from my personal item. My favorite feature is that I can connect my Kindle directly to my public library website so I can check out books throughout my trip without weighing down my suitcase.

Jisulife Portable Bladeless Neck Fan

Staying cool and comfortable during the summertime often feels like an uphill battle, especially when it comes time to hustle through the airport to get to my gate or actually spend more than 10 minutes outside. It’s thanks to this stifling heat that I’ve decided it’s time to pick up a portable fan to accompany me on my travels, but in a bid to keep my hands free, this bladeless neck fan is my top choice. It’s designed with four different speed settings to achieve maximum cooling, plus, the blade-free interior offers up to 20 hours of fresh air while creating significantly less noise than other models.

Bagail 8-set Packing Cubes

I’ll never stop seeking out new ways to maximize packing space in my suitcases, which is why I’m adding this set of eight packing cubes to my shopping cart while it’s on sale for just $16 right now. Not only does this kit contain four cubes of varying sizes, but it also comes with a cosmetic bag, a laundry bag, a shoe pouch, and an additional zippered pouch for miscellaneous items. With more than 24,000 five-star ratings to back it up, I’m sure this set will be a worthwhile addition to my packing routine.

Matein Carry-on Backpack

I keep threatening to replace my old trusty backpack that’s now riddled with holes, but I believe the time has actually come since this incredibly roomy carry-on backpack from Matein is now on sale for just $29. A spacious interior that can be packed to the brim is at the top of my list of requirements in a personal item, and this bag delivers with a clamshell design that claims to have the capacity to hold between three to five days’ worth of clothing inside the 40-liter frame. The waterproof exterior will keep my belongings safe even if I’m traveling in inclement weather, and the overpacker in me is especially excited about its expandable design.

She’s Birdie The Original Personal Safety Alarm

After keeping my trusty Birdie alarm on my key ring for the last two years, I was recently faced with the reality that the battery had taken a turn for the worse. But since I refuse to travel without steps in place to keep my safety a top priority, it’s of the utmost importance that I snag another one before I head to Norway in the fall. This device emits a loud blaring alarm when the plug is pulled, and in tandem with a strobe light, it’s sure to scare away would-be attackers. When you’re done, the pin can simply be replaced — and you can rest assured that after years of throwing it aimlessly into my bag, the alarm has never gone off unless I intended it to. 

Apple AirTag

AirTags are another thing that have been sitting on my “to replace” list for months, and with an international vacation on the horizon during which I’m likely going to check a bag, there’s no time like the present. This button-sized device is one of my favorite things to travel with since it allows me to keep track of my luggage even when I’m checking a bag, effectively eliminating the unnecessary stress of wondering if my suitcase will ever arrive at baggage claim once I get to my destination. I also have one on my keys, but seeing as I’m always losing track of my wallet, it won’t hurt to pick up an extra to tuck inside and track via the “Find My” app on my phone.

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