There’s one item you should be stashing in your bag before every international flight, and it’s neither expensive nor cumbersome—but it could save you from a huge headache on your next trip. 

Enter the humble ballpoint pen. This handy writing utensil is an absolute must-have, especially on international flights, when you’ll have to go through immigration and customs.

Georgia Fowkes, a travel advisor for tour operator Altezza Travel, experienced this firsthand when she recently visited Tanzania. “I landed in Dar es Salaam after a red-eye, [with the] immigration hall packed and buzzing, all of us funneling off the plane, and by the time I reached the counter every pen was gone—dry, vanished, even the chained-up one,” Fowkes says. “There I was, holding up the line, with the rest of the no-pen folks, waiting for my turn to borrow one. Not my finest travel moment.”

Fowkes’s experience isn’t unique. Many countries still have paper customs and immigration forms that travelers are required to fill out before entry. The hunt for pens can be stressful, especially in larger international airports that see significant numbers of people moving through each day. 

“People assume there will be pens waiting at immigration. Maybe, but with a few hundred passengers hitting the counter at once, those pens disappear fast,” Fowkes says. She adds that late-night arrivals present even more challenges. “Sometimes I land at odd hours, like 2 a.m. or 3 a.m., when even asking to borrow one isn’t really an option.”

Instead of relying on an external supply of pens, Fowkes always has a couple of her own. Plus, she brings along an extra just in case someone else may need to borrow a pen. “Pull a spare pen out of your pocket at 35,000 feet and people look at you like you’ve just invented fire,” Fowkes says. “In that moment, a pen is social currency at 35,000 feet.”

And as for what kind of pen to bring, she says she always goes for basic, nonmetal pens. Fancy metallic pens or fountain pens can sometimes cause issues with airport security. Additionally, you should opt for basic ink colors rather than bright, eye-catching hues.

“I stick to cheap plastic, blue or black only—anything else and you risk being told to rewrite the whole form, if the ink looks doubtful,” says Fowkes. 

However, there are many instances beyond immigration paperwork when a pen could come in handy during your travels. Erin Carey, founder and director of Roam Generation, a public relations agency specializing in travel and lifestyle brand clients, explains that she always brings a pen as backup in case her phone dies. 

“What if your phone goes flat and you need to jot down an address or a phone number, or you meet someone you’d like to reach out to again, and you need to get their email address?” says Carey. “Maybe you need to have something written in a local language to show a taxi driver, or you lose your luggage and want to fill out a form for that.”

There are many surprising things that could happen during a trip—and you’ll be all the more prepared for them with a pen at your side.

Flight attendants don’t just know how to travel—they’ve mastered it. From squeezing a week’s worth of outfits into a carry-on to gliding through airport security with effortless precision, they’ve turned packing into an art form. So when they swear by a travel essential, you know it’s worth the suitcase space.

We rounded up the Amazon finds flight attendants actually use to make packing smarter, simpler, and less stressful. Think space-saving packing cubes, leakproof toiletry bottles, and clever gadgets that help keep every trip running smoothly—starting at just $14. Whether you’re a chronic overpacker like me or a minimalist jet-setter, these flight attendant-approved picks will have you packing like a pro in no time.  

Best Flight Attendant-loved Travel Essentials at Amazon:

Fyy Travel Cable Organizer Pouch

When it comes to travel accessories, everyone has their favorites, but one often-overlooked essential that deserves a spot in every carry-on is this tech organizer. No one wants to deal with tangled cords or missing adapters mid-vacation, and this best-selling Amazon case keeps everything from chargers to memory cards neatly in place.

One flight attendant called it the “perfect system” to keep their chargers in one secure place. Plus, thanks to its padded, waterproof shell, even your fragile gadgets have a safe place to stay, proving that even the smallest accessory can make a major difference in how smoothly you travel. 

Matein Carry-on Backpack

When it comes to traveling light and staying organized, flight attendants don’t mess around, and their go-to backpack proves it. The popular Matein carry-on backpack unzips like a suitcase, making it easy to pack and access everything you need on the go. It’s roomy enough to hold three to five days’ worth of outfits, yet compact enough to meet most airlines’ carry-on requirements—perfect for weekend getaways or short work trips.

One Amazon reviewer shared that they knew their purchase was well worth it when they spotted a flight attendant carrying the same bag, adding, “If a flight attendant uses it, you know you made the right purchase.”

Apple AirTag 4-pack

Nothing has the potential to derail a getaway faster than missing luggage, which is why seasoned travelers swear by these smart trackers. Apple AirTags have earned “lifesaver” status among flight attendants and frequent fliers alike for the peace of mind they bring on travel days. This handy four-pack lets you keep an eye on all your essentials—checked bags, carry-ons, purses, and more—so you can properly focus on the adventure, not where your bag is. 

Veken 8-set of Packing Cubes

Not to be dramatic, but packing cubes have completely transformed the way I travel. They keep everything perfectly organized, so there’s no more rummaging through an overstuffed suitcase mid-trip. One Amazon shopper—a flight attendant who can’t stop raving about the cubes—confessed, “I honestly don’t know how I lived without these before.”

This versatile set includes multiple cube sizes, plus a dedicated accessories bag, shoe bag, large laundry bag, and a hanging cosmetics case to keep your essentials neat from takeoff to touchdown. 

Dot&Dot Leakproof Travel Bottles

If your reusable toiletry bottles are due for an upgrade, this flight attendant-loved four-pack is here to help—and only $15. Each container holds up to 3 ounces, making them TSA-approved for your carry-on or personal item. The wide openings make refilling your favorite shampoo, lotion, or cleanser a breeze (and easy to clean between trips), while the leakproof, drip-free caps ensure your toiletries stay exactly where they belong.

One flight attendant even shared that these travel bottles are “easy and convenient” compared to others they’ve tried—proof that even the pros appreciate a simple, spill-free solution. 

Bagsmart Toiletry Bag with Hanging Hook

As someone who loves skincare—and refuses to travel without my full lineup—I knew I needed a toiletry bag that could do it all. The Bagsmart Toiletry Bag delivers, with four spacious compartments, an exterior pocket, and a sturdy hook to keep your essentials organized and off the counter. It can easily hold travel-sized skincare, makeup, shampoo, and more, and comes in a range of colors.

One flight attendant raved, “This bag has saved me so much time and packing. No need to have several different bags to pack your toiletries,” adding, “I don’t know how I’ve survived so long without this pouch.” 

Hicober 3-in-1 Foldable Wireless Charging Station

Between your phone, headphones, and smartwatch, charging cords can quickly turn into a tangled mess during travel. This sleek 3-in-1 charging station streamlines it all, powering multiple devices at once without the clutter.

Compact, fast-charging, and perfect for quick layovers or overnight stays, it’s a must-have for travelers who need to stay connected on the go. One Amazon shopper summed it up by simply writing, “Just what a flight attendant needs.” And at just $23, it’s an easy, space-saving upgrade for any carry-on. 

Barefoot Caribou Hair Tools Travel Bag

No more wrapping your curling iron in a towel and hoping for the best. This heat-resistant case keeps your hot tools neatly organized with built-in elastic bands, a zippered pocket, and a lining that doubles as a protective mat—so you can pack up right after styling. Crafted from sleek neoprene, it’s lightweight yet durable, with a magnetic closure that keeps your styling tools safely tucked away.

One shopper raved, “If you’re a traveler or flight attendant like myself, I can’t stress enough how much I love this. Great to organize your hair equipment in one section.” Whether you’re jetting off for a weekend wedding or taking a holiday getaway, this compact case makes your hairstyling routine effortless and travel-friendly. 

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Amazon Big Deal Days has thousands of discounts on travel essentials. And while the online store is always a goldmine for unbelievable deals, none are greater than the exclusive sales set aside just for Prime members. 

Whether you’re looking for sleek luggage sets, a new comfy travel sweatshirt, or genius travel accessories, Prime members can take up to 71 percent off items before October Prime Day officially kicks off on October 7 (through midnight October 8). Below, find 60 must-have travel deals, including finds from Contigo, Delsey Paris, and more, for as little as $10.  

Best Member-only Amazon Prime Day Deals Overall

Prime members get the best prices, with savings on everything from Coolife luggage to Amazon Echo Buds. If you’re not a member yet, there’s still time for you to save — sign up for a 30-day free trial.

Best Clothing Deals

Amazon has markdowns on travel-ready outfits that’ll refresh your vacation wardrobe. For a comfy day on-the-go, opt for a cozy cardigan for an extra layer of warmth. Plus, you can snag highly-rated leggings for just $20—an avid traveler can never have too many.

• Iuga High-waisted Workout Leggings, $20 (originally $33)
• Merokeety Cable Knit Cardigan, $32 (originally $38)
• Ododos Wide Leg Palazzo Pants, $25 (originally $27)
• Astylish Waffle Knit Shacket, $29 (originally $36)
• Zeagoo Chunky Turtleneck Sweater, $34 (originally $41)
• Kinlonsair Henley Shirt, $15 (originally $17)
• The Gym People Half Zip Pullover, $20 (originally $47)
• Astylish Knit Cardigan, $35 (originally $44)
• Funuca High Waisted Wide Leg Jeans, $36 (originally $42)
• Iuga Wide Leg Trousers, $25 (originally $40)

Zeagoo Turtleneck Chunky Knitted Sweater

A cozy go-to for fall layering, this turtleneck sweater is made from soft knit fabric and has a relaxed silhouette that pairs easily with leggings, jeans, or skirts. Great for casual wear or cozy nights out when you want an extra layer of warmth, this staple is available in several colors and fun patterns.

Best Shoe Deals

It’s time to refresh your fall footwear, and October Prime Day is the perfect time to take advantage of exclusive access to some of the comfiest styles. Some of the best deals include these outfit-elevating platform loafers, and the slip-on running shoes shoppers love as an easy and comfortable option when traveling.  

• Project Cloud Platform Sneakers, $43 (originally $48)
• Dream Pairs Platform Loafers, $37 (originally $43)
• Aleader Energycloud Lightweight Slip-on Running Shoes, $36 (originally $70)
• Cushionaire Genuine Suede Ankle Boots, $50 (originally $100)
• Tiosebon Athletic Walking Sneakers, $36 (originally $39)
• Project Cloud Lightweight Lace-Up Sneakers, $38 (originally $40)
• Dream Pairs Knee-high Boots, $49 (originally $57)
• Dream Pairs Knee-high Biker Boots, $52 (originally $58)
• Mysoft Chelsea Ankle Boots, $40 (originally $55)
• Cvistpieo Slip-on Loafers, $34 (originally $37)

Aleader Energycloud Lightweight Slip-on Running Shoes

These Aleader running shoes are quietly creeping onto Amazon’s must-buy lists. With a sleek design, it’s the kind of gear you’ll be glad you have when you’re zipping through terminals and exploring new cities. At current pre-Prime Day prices, it’s a total steal—especially for members who can snag it for 49 percent off. 

Best Travel Bag Deals

Whether you’re in need of a new duffel bag or a fresh travel backpack, you can get exclusive access to popular styles if you’re a Prime member. Score this Bagsmart Duffel Bag that has enough room for all your essentials and more. And, don’t forget to grab the Vantamo money belt—a necessity that’ll keep your valuables secure during all your travel plans. 

• Bagsmart Duffel Bag, $25 (originally $33)
• Taygeer Travel Backpack, $19 (originally $30)
• Vantamo Money Belt, $20 (originally $30)
• Lovevook Canvas Laptop Tote Bag, $32 (originally $46)
• Olarhike Packing Cubes, $17 (originally $25)
• Gonex Canvas Duffel Bag, $42 (originally $54)
• Ododos Crossbody Bag, $15 (originally $18)
• Maxtop Large Crossbody Fanny Pack, $10 (originally $15)
• Tanto Laptop Tote Bag, $27 (originally $32)
• Hotor Travel Duffel Bag, $15 (originally $20)

Taygeer Travel Backpack

Available in more than 10 colors, this travel backpack comes loaded with thoughtful designs, including a USB charging port (just plug in your power bank), a shoe pouch to keep dirty kicks off your clean gear, and 180-degree zip access so you can breeze through security lines. It also fits your laptop, has multiple pockets, and is designed to meet most airline personal-item requirements.

Best Luggage Deals

For travelers eyeing an upgrade, Amazon’s latest luggage deals for Prime members make it easy to pack smarter and cheaper. From hardside carry-ons to a matching luggage trio, these finds will make your upcoming adventures easier to navigate. 

• Hanke Underseat Carry-on, $105 (originally $127)
• Light Flight 3-piece Luggage Set, $130 (originally $170)
• Long Vacation Carry-on Luggage 3-piece Set, $60 (originally $80)
• Level8 Large Trunk Luggage, $279 (originally $310)
• Coolife Hardside Carry-on Luggage, $110 (originally $120)
• Coolife 3-piece Luggage Set, $80 (originally $100)
• Level8 Grace Hardshell 20-inch Carry-on Luggage, $135 (originally $150)
• Coolife Expandable Suitcase, $110 (originally $120)
• Delsey Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable Luggage, $180 (originally $220)
• Joyway 4-piece Hardshell Luggage Set, $80 (originally $90)

Coolife 3-piece Luggage Set

This aesthetically pleasing 3-piece luggage set blends style and practicality for travelers. Lightweight yet durable enough to resist dings while on the go, the carry-on suitcase is complete with spinner wheels and a telescopic handle to effortlessly glide through the airport. Plus, the suitcase has integrated TSA locks for additional security. 

Best Travel Accessory and Tech Deals

Sure, packing comfy outfits and shoes is important, but it’s the little tech and travel accessories that truly make travel days smoother. Amazon’s pre-Prime Day lineup is full of these unsung heroes—think the Bedelite Travel Blanket for getting sleep mid-flight, or a compact Ocheal Portable Cosmetic Bag that’s just $10.

Charmast Portable Charger with Built in Cables

When your phone inevitably runs out of juice, don’t catch yourself without one of these portable chargers. The compact design makes it easy to slip into a purse, carry-on, or pocket. Plus, it comes with built-in cable options so you don’t have to worry about carrying around extra cords that you have to dig out of the bottom of a bag. 

Best Outdoor Deals

Amazon’s member-only deals extend to outdoor gear and accessories, with prices slashed on tents, sleeping bags, and more. For example, Prime members can buy this spacious six-person camping tent for 20 percent off and snag a highly-rated Coleman sleeping bag for less than $65—just in time for fall outdoor adventures. 

• Unp 6 Person Camping Tent, $120 (originally $150)
• Fun Pac Camping Sleeping Pad, $29 (originally $50)
• Contigo Byron Vacuum-Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Mug, $12 (originally $20)
• Kuzmaly Camping Sleeping Bag, $20 (originally $36)
• Naturehike Ultralight Camping Chair, $40 (originally $45)
• Bluetti Portable Power Station, $219 (originally $269)
• Crenova Waterproof Fanny Packs, $10 (originally $14)
• Waterfly Small Hiking Backpack, $23 (originally $31)
• Contigo Streeterville 40-ounce Tumbler, $19 (originally $25)
• Coleman Sundome Camping Tent, $86 (originally $118)

Contigo Byron Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug

Say hello to your travel caffeine MVP. This sleek stainless steel mug keeps your beverages hot for up to six hours or ice-cold for 12, thanks to its double-wall insulation. Plus, it’s SnapSeal lid means you can sip without worrying about leaks. 

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

If you’re a frequent traveler, finding the right luggage is a necessary but expensive shopping expedition. While luxe brands have earned their reputation for a reason, that doesn’t mean there aren’t affordable and high-quality alternatives out there. 

Case in point: Quince’s Carry-On Hardshell Suitcase, which has a 4.9 star rating with nearly 800 reviews. This cost should hardly come as a surprise, considering the brand is built around luxury quality without the luxury price tag. This spinner is no exception. It even bears a striking resemblance to Away’s $248 version. 

Quince Expandable Carry-on Hardshell Suitcase 

The carry-on comes in a 21-inch size that fits comfortably in overhead storage and still provides ample packing space. There are additional options too, including a 20-inch carry-on, as well as 24-inch and 27-inch sizes if you’re planning to check a bag instead. Even if you opt for the smallest version Quince has to offer, the expandable design allows you to customize it to your needs — whether that’s a longer vacation or overnight trip. 

The exterior is made from a sturdy and durable polycarbonate material that won’t easily wear and tear, even after longhaul travel. It’s ultra lightweight so you can easily pull it off the conveyor belt, while the Japanese-crafted Hinomoto 360-degree wheels glide through the airport. There’s also a TSA-approved lock, easy-to-grip telescopic trolley handle, and high-quality YKK zippers.

The interior of the suitcase was clearly made with overpackers in mind. It’s spacious, especially for the size, and includes compression panels to create more room. According to the brand, it can comfortably fit anywhere from six to 10 outfits. The lining is water-resistant to protect your valuables from leaky toiletry bags, and the removable laundry bag keeps your clean clothes separate from your dirty. 

One shopper called the suitcase “better than Away” versions and said they were so “impressed with the quality,” they “immediately bought a second” spinner. Another person called it “international travel-approved” and commented that the “separate compartments were awesome to stay organized.” They added that the design was “super agile and made weaving around people very easy.” Plus, it effortlessly maneuvered on “cobblestones, sidewalks, escalators, and stars.” 

A third customer said they were able to fit a full two weeks’ worth of clothing for a European trip in the suitcase. 

Head over to Quince to snag the carry-on suitcase, or shop more luggage, including checked baggage, backpacks, and duffles, below.

Quince 20-inch Expandable Carry-on Hardshell Suitcase 

Revive Nylon Backpack

All-Day Neoprene Duffle Bag

Nappa Leather Toiletry Bag

Cadence is an AAPI woman-owned small business that was founded by Steph Hon as a way to eliminate single-use travel-sized plastics. The containers are made from recycled ocean-bound plastic. 

But I’m not the only fan on the BuzzFeed Shopping team. My former coworker Abby Kass has these and loves them! Here’s what she has to say about them: “I recently got a set of four of these, and, wow, I love them so much. I used them on a six-day trip recently, and they were perfect. I customized the label so I knew which one was my shampoo vs. conditioner and did a general label for any other things I wanted to bring along. They do hold a surprising amount. According to the brand, they hold approximately one to two weeks of skincare products, more than two weeks’ worth of serum, two to three days’ worth of haircare, and more than 15 tablets (for medicine and such). And while two to three days’ worth of haircare might not seem like enough, I found it held more than that for me, but I also don’t wash my hair every single day. They were small enough to slip right into my toiletries bag and go through TSA with no problem. The container was easy to open in the shower (even with wet hands), and I had no leakage from them (like I did from my face wash bottle that will not be making the trip with me next time, SMH). These are an incredibly useful tool anyone who travels will want in their luggage.”

Promising review: “I absolutely love these! I ended up buying more of the labels and extra containers on the website. These are perfect for a first-time set and the perfect size for flying. 100% makes my packing lighter and more contained overall.” —Sara

Get a set of three from Amazon for $33.50 (available in four colors and in a haircare and daily routine set). 

You could wear the most comfortable travel set on Earth, but one inadequate item could ruin it all—and that item is almost always a bra. The undergarment might be the most overlooked piece of the perfect-travel-outfit puzzle. If it’s the slightest bit too tight, too loose, too pokey, or too pinchy, you will struggle.

Thankfully, other bra-wearers have tested tons of options so you don’t have to. And after searching high and low for the best bras for travel, many swear they’ve found the holy grail at Amazon. It’s even on sale right now for only $22. Warner’s Easy Does It wireless bra is, according to reviews, the right mix of comfort, coverage, support, and softness, even impressing customers on long flights, big road trips, and days lasting 18-plus hours.

Warner’s Easy Does It Wireless Bra

The Easy Does It bra stays dig-free by eschewing wire and seams. Instead of structured panels and restrictive cups, the bra stays in place with spandex that contours to each person’s unique shape. Rather than shopping by As, Bs, Cs, and band widths, sizes are simply XS to XXXL. You get a little more structure than you would with sports bras, but a more natural appearance than offered by underwired alternatives.

The more than 32,000 Amazon shoppers who have rated it five stars come in all shapes and sizes. One who usually wears a 32A said it’s the only bra they’ve tried that fits their bust, and another who wears a 36D said they were considering a breast reduction before buying the Easy Does It. “This is the answer, my friends,” they wrote.

Several have purchased the bra specifically for travel. It turns out to be the ultimate plane bra, one calling it “heavenly” for back-to-back nine- and 14-hour flights and another saying it was “beyond perfect” for a day full of delays. And when you get to your destination, this thing seems up to whatever you have planned, no matter how active or sweaty. “I move, lift, and sweat like a lumberjack,” wrote a chef whose goal was “to find a comfortable, flexible, well-made, well-fitting bra that I don’t need to adjust during work, don’t have wires poking me, and no foreign padding shifting in the wash.” Their verdict? “This bra is a godsend.”

Warner’s Easy Does It Wireless Bra

Other highlights that make this bra as comfy as possible include the wide, adjustable straps and three rows of hook-and-eye closures. Many say it outperforms higher-end bras that cost over $50 or $60, and it’s an even better value now that it’s nearly half off the original $42 price. “I plan on ordering more and replacing all my expensive bras with this brand and style,” a reviewer wrote after wearing it for 12 hours. 

The Warner’s bra comes in 14 colors, including black, just about every shade of beige, and various pinks and blues. If you’re looking for other bras to travel, lounge, and live in, we found more with great reviews and enticing sale prices at Amazon, below.

More Deals on Comfy Bras for Travel:

Floatley Cozy Wireless Bra

Vertvie Seamless Bra

Bali Comfort Revolution Wireless Bra

Yummie Audrey Unlined Bralette

Vanity Fair Bra With Convertible Straps

At the time of publishing, the price started at $22.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

When curating our list of the best travel pants, we held them to sky-high standards: They needed to be versatile enough to wear straight off the plane and into whatever adventure awaits, comfy enough for the bizarre yoga-esque positions you’ll find yourself in while attempting to sleep on a long-haul flight, and stylish enough to pair seamlessly with the rest of your wardrobe (and avoid the dreaded overpacking guilt). Bonus points to pants with practical perks like wrinkle-resistance, technical fabrics, and — the holy grail — pockets.

In my years as an Italian travel writer and frequent flier, I’ve come to learn the hard way that your international flight experience can be seriously impacted by what you pack. And with airlines increasing baggage fees to near astronomical levels, I’ve started traveling with only a carry-on suitcase and a personal item bag to cut down on unnecessary costs. 

Through trial and error, I’ve discovered the 13 things you should never pack in your carry-on suitcase for an international trip, as well as what you should definitely have on hand. Smart tech items like noise-canceling earphones, matching sets to streamline your wardrobe, and space-saving items such as compression packing cubes are all travel essentials that help me maximize my limited luggage real estate and comfort levels on even the longest of flights. The good news is that many of my favorite must-haves are currently on sale at Amazon, and they start at just $8.

Don’t pack: Vacuum seal bags

Pack this instead: Compression packing cubes 

There’s no doubt that vacuum seal bags are great at compressing clothing, but once compressed, the bags’ material is rigid and hard to cram into a carry-on suitcase (not to mention they’re notorious for adding extra weight). I prefer compression packing cubes, like this set from Gonex, not only for their compressing ability but also because of how squishy and flexible they are—their ripstop nylon material makes it easier for me to fit more into my carry-on suitcase. And, because they compress via a zipper, I don’t need to carry around a hand pump or worry about finding a vacuum. 

Don’t pack: Loose cables

Pack this instead: A cable organizer 

I travel with a lot of tech, which means that I’m usually dragging behind too many cables and adaptors for my phone, portable chargers, camera batteries, and Amazon Fire Tablet. To keep everything organized in one easy-to-reach space, I use a cable organizer, like this one from Fyy. It’s slim enough to fit into a carry-on or personal item, and has a slew of compartments, pockets, and pouches so you can quickly grab what you need when you need it. Best of all, it’s racked up almost 17,000 five-star ratings and is currently just $8. 

Don’t pack: A backpack

Pack this instead: A weekender with a shoe compartment

I used to always carry a backpack as a personal item when I traveled, until I was gifted this weekender bag from Etronik. While I’ve now upgraded to the Béis Mini Weekender, I find weekender bags to be superior to backpacks in terms of on-the-go organization and storage capacity. The Etronik weekender, for example, comes with a bottom zippered shoe compartment, which is ideal for packing away clunky pairs of shoes or any other belongings that don’t fit in your carry-on. It’s also slim enough to fit beneath the seat in front of you, and features a handy USB-charging port so you can stay connected while on the go.

Don’t Wear: Open-toed shoes

Wear this instead: Comfortable sneakers 

In my eyes, traveling with open-toed shoes is a big no-no. Not only do they raise questions surrounding hygiene, as airports and airplanes are dirty, but they’re also generally not the most comfortable footwear. To stay comfy while traveling, consider investing in a versatile and comfortable pair of sneakers, like these podiatrist-approved (and TikTok-famous) Dr. Scholl’s Madison Lace Up Sneakers. Clean and sleek, they can be worn around to sightsee, thanks to their next-level support and cushioning, but are classy enough to be worn out to dinner. Investing in a versatile pair like this will also save you much-needed space in your suitcase, removing the need to pack too many pairs of shoes.

Don’t pack: Wired earphones

Pack this instead: Wireless noise-canceling earphones 

I know, I know—wired earphones are a thing of the past, but they’re still handed out on flights, and I tend to see more people than not who accept and use them to watch an in-flight movie. Wired earphones get in the way and don’t necessarily provide the best audio quality, unlike these Apple AirPods Pro, which are wireless and noise-canceling. I pair them with this traveler-loved, pocket-sized Bluetooth audio transmitter, which lets me connect my AirPods to the airplane’s seatback television.

My AirPods help drone out the general cabin noise and the rumbling jet engines, letting me focus on my music, movie, or audiobook. Plus, the small charging case they come in can easily pack in a crossbody bag, or you can also invest in a traveling sleeve with a carabiner to hook them onto a bag strap. While these AirPods usually come with a heftier price tag, you can snag them right now for 40 percent off their original price.

Don’t pack: Large toiletry bags

Pack this instead: Small, transparent toiletry bags

Large toiletry bags can take up a lot of unnecessary and valuable space in a carry-on suitcase. To save on precious luggage real estate and remove a stressor when passing through hectic security lines, consider this pack of two small, transparent toiletry bags from Packism. 

Spacious enough to fit your essentials, the toiletry bags have two very specific advantages: they’re small enough to fit into a personal item such as a weekender bag so you don’t have to worry about fishing them out of your suitcase ahead of security; and they’re transparent, allowing airport workers to clearly see what you’ve packed, which can cut down on time spent passing through security checkpoints. Overall, they can help make your pre-flight experience a little smoother, which is all the more worth it when you consider that they’re currently on sale for just $8.

Don’t pack: An open-top purse

Pack this instead: A zippered crossbody bag

An open-top purse or tote bag, no matter how many features it may come with, isn’t an ideal option to travel with because it increases the risk of your personal belongings falling out and getting lost. Uto’s three-in-one crossbody bag is my go-to travel purse ever since I purchased it for a week-long road trip through Ireland. Although small, the bag boasts a slew of organizational options: three zippered compartments and a removable and zippered, chest-level coin purse. 

In the bag, I can pack away my three passports, my wallet, a portable charger and its cable, my Apple AirPods Pro, my AirFly device, and multiple lip balms, hand sanitizers, and hand creams—with room to spare. It can easily survive the wear and tear of traveling long distances thanks to its water- and scratch-resistant synthetic-washed leather exterior, not to mention that it’s pretty cute, too. The bag’s budget-friendly price tag is just the cherry on top. 

Don’t Wear: Pajamas

Wear this instead: A matching 2-piece set

I get it, pajamas are comfortable, but they’re not the most stylish option to wear when traveling, nor are they ideal when you land at your destination—hailing a taxi in pajamas in some European countries can automatically mark you as a tourist, and increase the risk of being scammed and paying a higher price (in Italy, for example, taxi drivers will sometimes take a more circuitous route to rack up time and money on their meters if they suspect this). But that doesn’t mean you have to forgo comfort on international flights. 

A matching set, like this one from Amazon, is a traveler-loved outfit that scores high in the style and comfort departments. But don’t just take it from me—after all, this matching set, on sale for $38 and available in over 20 colors, has more than 2,000 five-star ratings from shoppers.

Don’t pack: A travel steamer

Pack this instead: A travel-sized wrinkle-release spray

While travel steamers can help remove the more stubborn wrinkles from your clothing, they take up precious space in a carry-on suitcase. That’s where travel-sized wrinkle-release spray comes in. I use this small but mighty Bounce wrinkle-release spray to get any pesky lines and creases out of my clothes while I travel, and they have the added benefit of also eliminating static and musty odors.

The 3-ounce, TSA-approved spray comes in a pack of three at Amazon, which is great for if you’re traveling with friends or family. And for serious wrinkles, I usually spray my clothing and then hang them up in the bathroom when taking a hot shower and let the steam do the rest. 

Don’t pack: A plastic water bottle

Pack this instead: A stainless steel water bottle

Traveling by plane for extended periods of time can leave you feeling and looking like a dehydrated husk, which can also make it harder to fight jet lag. That’s why staying hydrated is essential when up in the air. I always bring my stainless steel Hydro Flask water bottle with me when I travel, and fill it up at the airport fountains and when flying (some flight attendants will generously fill it up for me). 

The Stainless steel interior not only keeps your water cool, but it’s also leakproof—and not to mention devoid of plastic. Next time you travel, skip the expensive airport plastic water bottles and help the environment by taking a stainless steel water bottle with you instead. Plus, the Hydro Flask 24-ounce Stainless Steel Water Bottle is just $40 in select colors.

Don’t pack: Hardcover books

Pack this instead: An Amazon Fire Tablet 

While I love the feeling of a good hardcover book in my hands, packing just one can take up a lot of space in a carry-on suitcase, not to mention the weight it adds. That’s why I always travel with my best friend: an Amazon Fire Tablet. It’s sleek and thin, so it can easily fit into my personal item, and it can store hundreds of books that I’ll have access to on the go. Plus, I’ve noticed that if I’m only using my device to read, it can go days without needing a charge. It’s a versatile device to have on that hand that’ll keep you entertained while taking up very little space. 

Best of all, the Amazon Fire Tablet is a literal tablet—you can use it to play games like Solitaire, download a movie on the Netflix app, listen to music on the Spotify app, and even jump on a Zoom call without needing to bring your laptop. 

Don’t pack: Loose jewelry

Pack this instead: A travel jewelry case

I always travel with a decent amount of rings, necklaces, and earrings so that I can properly accessorize my outfits. If you’re anything like me, then you understand the need to have your jewelry packed away in one secure and organized space. This foldable travel jewelry case from Bagsmart is a less clunky option to traditional travel jewelry cases, which are usually quite boxy. Its rollable pouch-like design is also very compact, so it can easily fit in a personal belonging or even a crossbody bag. 

But don’t let its small size fool you—it packs quite a punch when it comes to organization. It features three zippered compartments for larger earrings and necklaces, an earring panel that can hold seven pairs of earrings, and a long buckled band to store your rings, all of which can be yours for $16.

Don’t wear: An underwire bra

Wear this instead: A seamless bralette

Travel can already be a miserably uncomfortable affair, and there’s no need to make it worse by wearing an underwire bra that digs into your skin with every twist and turn of your body. If you’re looking for something that’s comfortable but still supportive, look no further than this Calvin Klein seamless bralette. It’s crafted with soft microfiber that’s gentle on skin and is lightly lined with removable pads for a barely-there look. It’s currently available in sizes XS to XL, and in neutral colors including black and beige, for $24.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.