For the past two years, we’ve been testing new travel gadgets and accessories. We bought everything that promised to improve our travel experience and was highly rated across Amazon and blogs, from a power strip to leak-proof liquid containers. Here are 12 things that made it into our Amazon Travel Essentials list. Items that we feel every traveler should have:
1. Small travel containers
The first items that made it into our Amazon Travel Essentials list were intended for jewelry, pills or earplugs, but we mostly use them for liquids and creams. Although we’ve never experienced leaking, the liquids do spill a little bit and get on the sides of the containers. Just be careful when you open them.
Amazon Link: click here
2. Squeezable travel bottles
As all frequent travelers, we are always searching for the best travel bottles that will keep our liquids from leaking all over. We’ve tried A LOT, haha! Some have gone straight to the bin after one trip, others have lasted a bit longer, but these keep surprising us. We bought them 2 years ago and we haven’t changed them, so we’re rating them with 4.5 stars.
The only reason we’re not giving them 5 stars it’s because their triangular shape makes them a bit bulky. Other than that, they’re easy to clean, they don’t leak, and the silicone prevents them from getting yucky.
Amazon Link: click here
3. Packing cubes
If you’ve never used them, trust us when we say: it will change your life. Not only will it make the process of packing a lot less stressful, but it will also keep your suitcase super tidy and you’ll have easy access to your things. Plus, TSA won’t be able to make a mess when they do their inspection. Honestly, we don’t know how we managed before.
There are sets in various sizes, but we’ve found that we tend to use these medium ones a lot more. You’ll be surprised about how much they can hold! We tend to use 5: underwear, t-shirts/dresses, jeans/jackets, shoes, and laundry.
Amazon Link: click here
4. A good water bottle
We’ve tried lots of “travel-friendly” water bottles, some have leaked, left a plastic taste or have turned all rusty inside. We got this one two years ago and so far, so good. It keeps the water cool, saves us money (at the airport and when we’re out exploring) and reduces our plastic consumption.
Note: Mexican airports either don’t have drinking fountains or have very few, so don’t rely on them to fill up your bottle.
Amazon Link: click here
5. TSA Toiletry bag
We hate using ziplocks because we end up tossing them right away, so this clear toiletry bag is perfect. It fits more than you think, feels durable and we’ve had no issues with TSA. Highly recommend it.
Amazon Link: click here
6. Portable power bank
Having this is the reason why we feel comfortable wandering off in new cities and countries. We know that, even if we get lost, we always have enough battery to use Google Maps, order an Uber or call someone. For ages, we carried around the heaviest, most bulky, Anker power bank, so this one (also from Anker) was a nice upgrade. It’s lighter, pocket size and with 2-3 full charges, depending on your cellphone.
Amazon Link: click here
7. Pill case
Okay, this makes us seem like we’re 80, but we always pack ‘just in case’ medicines (broad-spectrum antibiotics, paracetamol, etc.), which have actually come in handy a lot of times. The best part of this case is the multiple compartments that allow you to keep your pills separate.
Don’t worry about immigration, we’ve traveled with this to Europe, Asia, Canada, Mexico, and the US, and we’ve never had a problem. But if you’re nervous, just pack it with your doctor’s prescription (if you’re carrying antibiotics).
Tip: put inside each compartment a tiny piece of paper with the name of the medicine and how to take it, just in case you forget.
Amazon Link: click here
8. Electronics organizer
We’re both organizer freaks, LOL! But this electronics organizer really helps keep everything untangled and in one place. There are many great basic options out there, like the Amazon Basics ones, but this has a more unique design.
Amazon Link: click here
9. Cell phone/iPad stand
This may sound too much, but once you buy it, you’ll never stop using it (even at home). Instead of figuring out how to place your phone or iPad to watch a movie, or getting cramps for holding it the entire flight, use this stand. It’s foldable, so it won’t bulk up in your handbag, and you can adjust the angle however you like.
Amazon Link: click here
10. Travel wallet
We long for the days when the giant printed tickets are gone, but until it happens, this organizer/wallet is a lifesaver. Plus, it has all the necessary compartments for your cash (including coins), credit cards, passport, and even a pen. Let’s just say it’s #1 on Amazon for a reason.
Amazon Link: click here
11. A great backpack
We love a practical, yet stylish backpack. This one is from a Mexican label that makes really good quality leather items. Although we haven’t tried this particular bag, Nils has a laptop briefcase from them that he adores and uses daily.
Amazon Link: click here
12. Power Strip
This and the packing cubes are life-changing. Don’t know about you, but we seem to always stay at hotels or Airbnb’s where we need to move furniture around or unplug lamps and TV’s just to charge our electronics. And even then, they’re almost always opposite to where we need them to be, LOL! But… a simple power strip can solve this, and this one is very travel-friendly (small with a long cable).
Amazon Link: click here
Will you be testing out any of our Amazon Travel Essentials? Do you have other travel essentials on your list? We’d love to know!
