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I Never Check a Bag, and These 16 Carry-on Essentials Help Fit Everything in a Single Suitcase—on Sale From $9
Luckily, Amazon Prime Day is here and is always a great excuse to stock up on those travel essentials that make all the difference. Whether you're planning a multi-leg summer trip or just looking to make your next flight feel a little more seamless, these products are tried-and-true favorites that I've personally packed, tested, and relied on over the years. Think: the luggage scale that lets me avoid baggage fees, the headphones I always keep in my belt bag, and the comfortable sneakers I've worn straight off the plane into a full day of exploring.
Below, 16 Amazon Prime Day deals on carry-on essentials worth grabbing while they're on sale.
No matter your destination, I always recommend packing a portable charger in your carry-on. This Charmast power bank is slim enough to fit into any pouch, powerful enough to charge my phone twice, and has saved me during many layovers and delayed flights. Plus, the built-in charging cables mean you don't have to worry about remembering yours before heading out to explore. At $20 during Prime Day, it's a no-brainer buy.
I love wearing a cross-body belt bag or fanny pack whenever I'm headed to the airport. It allows me to hold all of my essentials (wallet, phone, etc) and easily access them whenever necessary. Plus, I can also easily stash it in my carry-on bag while keeping those items neatly organized in one place. This Pander belt bag is similar to my beloved Cotopaxi fanny pack—and right now it's on sale for $13 this Prime Day.
If you've ever had your luggage go MIA—even temporarily—you know how much peace of mind these little Apple AirTag trackers offer. I always recommend dropping them in a checked bag; I'll even include one in my carry-on just in case I have to gate-check. They're a smart investment for any frequent traveler, especially right now when they're 34 percent off for Amazon Prime Day.
I've been packing these Nisolo Flatform Sandals for all my spring and summer travels this year, which include Japan, Turkey, Austria, and Big Sur. The platform sole on these sandals offers ample support, and they feel more substantial than your standard slide (plus, they're easy to dress up or down). I almost couldn't believe my eyes when I saw they're a whopping 60 percent off on Amazon right now as part of Prime Day promotions. Get them before they're gone—you won't regret it.
The Bagsmart compression packing cubes have totally changed the way I pack. They're super lightweight and impressively compress your clothes into neat, little packages that are easy to stack in your luggage. Plus, the different sizes make it easy to separate outfits or categories (underwear, swimwear, workout clothes, etc.). I bring these on every trip, from long weekends to multi-week escapes (especially when I'm trying to stick to just a carry-on).
I used to travel with a small stack of paperbacks, until I finally gave in and got the Kindle Paperwhite. It's lightweight, waterproof, and can go weeks between charges. It's especially handy for long travel days when you want to toggle between a beach read and something more literary without taking up precious space in your bag. Courtesy of Amazon
I started wearing compression socks like this pair from Physix on long-haul flights a few years ago, and it's honestly a game-changer. They help reduce swelling in your feet, ankles, and legs, especially on red-eye flights; even if you're not prone to circulation issues, they're a solid choice for overall travel comfort. Grab this pair on sale for $17 now.
If you've ever done the airport floor shuffle to redistribute your belongings and avoid overweight fees, this tiny Travel Inspira luggage scale is your new best friend. I make sure to bring mine on international trips where airline baggage rules vary.
I'm picky about my body wash and haircare, so I always pack my own. These soft, leakproof silicone bottles are the best I've found—they don't crack, spill, or take up unnecessary space. Plus, they come with a TSA-friendly clear bag for a breezier experience through security.
Staying hydrated while traveling is key, and this Platypus collapsible water bottle makes it easy. It folds down to fit in even the smallest carry-on pocket, doesn't leak, and is perfect for filling up after security. It accompanied me throughout a backpacking trip across Europe, and now I never travel without it, especially for international flights where water access isn't always guaranteed.
I've worn my Apple AirPods on flights up to 16 hours, and I've consistently been impressed by the quality and comfort. The noise cancellation is excellent; they essentially double as earplugs, blocking out crying babies, cabin noise, and even chatty row-mates. They're ultra-compact (especially when compared to over-ear headphones), but still deliver incredible sound quality, making them perfect for travel.
I've tested the Dore & Rose luxe sleep mask on various trips, and I truly swear by it for long flights and hotel stays. It blocks light beautifully and feels gentle against the skin, even if you're sensitive or prone to irritation. If you're trying to sleep on a red-eye (or tackle jet lag when you arrive at your destination), it's a worthy addition to your kit. Or, for something a bit more budget-friendly, you can try this highly rated Amazon silk sleep mask (which is currently on sale for Prime Day).
A crisp button-up is arguably one of the most versatile pieces in any travel wardrobe. You can wear it as a blouse, a swimsuit cover-up, or even an overshirt during travel days. I personally love this classic one from Levi's, which is currently available on Amazon for just $27.
I've raved about these standout Allbirds sneakers in the past, as they're one of my go-to, ultra-versatile travel shoes. I've worn them all over the world (most notably, fresh out of the box during a trip to Hawaii) and have firmly cemented them in my travel wardrobe lineup. A true Amazon Prime Day miracle: they're currently on sale for 32 percent off, bringing the price down to $92—snag them before they're gone!
If you don't want to pack a combo of brushes, curlers, and a travel hair dryer with the hopes of having a good hair day—I've got some great news for you. This T3 multi-styler tool is an absolute game-changer when it comes to styling hair both at home and on vacation. It combines multiple hair tools into one (saving precious packing space) and styles hair in no time at all (so you can get out the door faster). I cannot say enough about this product, which leaves my hair looking shiny and put-together even after a long-haul flight. The best part? It's currently marked down to $226 for Amazon Prime Day.
Let's get practical for a second here: I always pack a change of clothes in my carry-on, and that includes a pair of underwear. You never know when you might be stranded during a layover and in desperate need of a clothing swap, after all. You can't go wrong with these Gap Body cotton pairs—especially when they're on sale for $25 for five pairs. They're breathable, stretchy, and comfortable, ideal for a long flight or heading straight into an activity upon landing.
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