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It might seem counterintuitive that somebody as frugal as I am has worked as a shopping editor and writer for almost five years. However, I believe this mindset puts me in the perfect position to give travelers the best advice on what not to buy for Amazon Prime Day—and what’s worth purchasing instead.
My number one rule during these major sale events is to avoid impulse buys and focus on products I actually need. Prime Day is a great time to stock up on travel essentials you already use; for me, that means replenishing my stock of must-haves like hydration tablets and makeup remover wipes. But, it’s also a good time to grab that high-ticket item you’ve been eyeing, like a new Samsonite luggage set or comfortable sandals. Ahead, I’ve rounded up 15 items to skip this week—and what Amazon Prime Day deals to shop instead.
Don’t buy: Flimsy luggage
Do buy: Durable luggage
Samsonite Freeform 21-Inch Hardside Carry-on Luggage
Amazon
Prime Day is packed with luggage deals, but you’ll want to have a discerning eye when deciding what’s worth buying. For me, it means sticking to tried-and-true luggage brands that you know have long-lasting bags. Samsonite is a popular brand to shop for Prime Day, and this best-selling Freeform Hardside Carry-on is a great deal at $130. It’s been Travel + Leisure editors’ No. 1 pick for the best carry-on due to its organization, large capacity, and easy maneuverability, and shoppers say it’s “built to last” and can hold enough for up to two weeks of travel.
Don’t buy: A new travel wardrobe
Do buy: A versatile matching set
Wiholl matching set
Amazon
With deals on thousands of Amazon fashion items, it’s hard to resist overhauling your travel wardrobe on Prime Day. However, many of the clothes on sale this week will be on sale in the future, too, meaning this isn’t the only time you can score these deals. So, instead of a fashion haul, pick out a two-piece set that you can mix and match on your upcoming trips. This Wiholl matching set has cap sleeves for an elevated look, while maintaining total comfort thanks to the drawstring waist on the shorts and stretchy, soft fabric.
Don’t buy: Traditional travel pillow
Do buy: Supportive travel pillow
Napfun Neck Pillow
Amazon
I was firmly anti-travel pillow until I found a supportive, packable one that helped me sleep even in the middle seat. Prime Day is a great time to stock up on travel accessories, but you want to ensure you aren’t wasting money on a flimsy pillow that you’ll find more of a nuisance than a helpful addition. Neck pillows that will actually help you sleep and not just be a nuisance to carry around, like the Napfun Neck Pillow, are good items to pick up this week. The Napfun pillow is made of memory foam to keep your head supported, and the 360-degree design will prevent your head from bobbing forward and waking you up.
Don’t buy: Uncomfortable sandals
Do buy: Reliable walking sandals
Crocs Brooklyn Low Wedge
Amazon
You aren’t saving money if you buy a cheap pair of sandals on sale that you end up getting rid of because they’re uncomfortable. Instead, Prime Day is a good time to invest in a pair of comfortable walking sandals for summer, like these Crocs Brooklyn Low Wedge sandals that have a supportive foam footbed for days on your feet. The water-resistant material also makes them a great pick for the beach, so these will be a versatile pair to pack on your next trip.
Don’t buy: One-off toiletries
Do buy: Bulk toiletries
Neutrogena makeup wipes
Amazon
Stocking up on bulk buys is a smart Prime Day move that you’ll thank yourself for later. These easy-to-pack Neutrogena makeup remover wipes come in a pack of 20, now on sale for under $7. Toss them in your toiletry bag for quick overnight stays or longer trips for easy makeup removal at the end of the day. Other smart bulk buys include hand sanitizing wipes, Tide pens, Advil packets, and more.
Don’t buy: Single-purpose travel tech
Do buy: Multipurpose travel tech
Charmast Portable Charger With Built-in Cables
Amazon
Grabbing a multipurpose gadget is basically getting two things for the price of one, and buying it on Prime Day means even more savings. This Charmast portable charger has built-in cables, which means you can leave your phone cords at home. Plus, it has multiple types of cables so you can charge multiple devices at once, like your phone and AirPods.
Don’t buy: Stiff, uncomfortable pants
Do buy: Wide-leg, flowy pants
Faleave Women’s Cotton Linen Summer Palazzo Pants
Amazon
Skip the jeans and constricting pants this Prime Day—instead, grab these wide-leg pants that are comfy enough for the flight and a walking tour, and the linen-blend material will keep you cool even if you’re visiting a hot, humid destination. Similar to matching sets, this style of bottoms is so versatile that you’ll get constant wear out of them this summer since you can easily dress them up, too.
Don’t buy: Packing cubes
Do buy: Compression packing cubes
Olarhike Compression Packing Cubes 10-pack
Amazon
Compression packing cubes are an overpacker’s best friend. They typically fit much more than traditional cubes because they have a special zipper that compresses them to more compact sizes. These Olarhike packing cubes are on sale for $35 and come with 10 pieces to fit all of your clothes, whether in a carry-on or checked bag.
Don’t buy: Sleep headphones
Do buy: Reusable earplugs
Loop Quiet 2 Earplugs
Amazon
These Loop Quiet 2 Earplugs work much more effectively than sleep headphones because they offer different sizes to get you the perfect fit. Sleep headphones typically rest on top of your ear and don’t provide noise cancellation, and they can be tricky to get to fit just right. These Loop earplugs, however, instantly block out sound, and they don’t require squishing and inserting into your ear like the disposable version. As an anxious sleeper when traveling, these earplugs are the only thing that lets me sleep anywhere, whether it’s an airplane or sharing a room with someone who snores.
Don’t buy: Pepper spray
Do buy: A personal safety alarm
She’s Birdie The Original Personal Safety Alarm
Amazon
Pepper spray is available at Amazon, but it’s illegal in many cities, states, and countries—and you definitely can’t fly with it in a carry-on. A personal safety alarm is a much better bet because you can take it with you wherever you go, and it won’t expire over time. Prime Day is a great time to invest in the She’s Birdie alarm because it’s not often on sale outside of special events. Many travelers feel peace of mind carrying this with them, especially for solo traveling. It emits a piercingly loud alarm and flashing strobe when the top is pulled to ward off would-be attackers. Other personal safety devices are on sale this week, like door stop alarms and portable door locks.
Don’t buy: Only AirTags
Do buy: Additional Bluetooth tracking devices
Satechi FindAll Wallet Card
Amazon
Apple AirTags are a go-to recommendation from the T+L team when it comes to sale events like Prime Day and Black Friday. And while they are a great deal to take advantage of, don’t forget that there are even more Bluetooth trackers to shop on Prime Day. For instance, this Satechi Wallet Card connects to the iPhone’s Find My App and can easily slide into any wallet or purse. Or, try a Bluetooth keyring, so you can keep tabs on even more items while on the go. Non-Apple users can also check out Tile’s trackers, which are compatible with Androids.
Don’t buy: Plastic toiletry bottles
Do buy: Silicone toiletry bottles
Cheodin Toiletry bottles
Amazon
For a set of toiletry bottles that will last for trip after trip, silicone is the way to go. Unlike plastic, silicone won’t crack or break, and the malleable material makes it easy to get the product out of the bottle. This budget-friendly set has five 3-ounce bottles in different colors to help you separate your shampoo, conditioner, and body wash (plus, there are included labels so you can make sure you know what’s inside). It also has a convenient carrying case, all for $8.
Don’t buy: A small travel backpack
Do buy: A carry-on travel backpack
Zomfelt Travel Backpack
Amazon
Compact travel backpacks are great for those who want to keep their personal item light, but carry-on backpacks are ideal for anyone hoping to maximize their on-board allowance. I’ve been traveling with a 29-liter Bagsmart carry-on backpack for months, and it’s seriously changed the way I travel. For Prime Day, check out this Amazon backpack on sale for $22, which has a 27-liter capacity and plenty of interior organization. One shopper even attests to fitting up to seven days’ worth of clothes inside. You’ll get a lot more bang for your buck with one of these spacious backpacks—and you won’t have to lug a bulky weekender bag around on top of your suitcase.
Don’t buy: A travel steamer
Do buy: Wrinkle-free clothing
Grecerelle Wrinkle-free Long Maxi Dress with Pockets
Amazon
Travel steamers can be costly and take up precious luggage space, which is why it’s worth it to invest in some wrinkle-free clothing instead this Prime Day. Try this basic maxi dress that boasts wrinkle-free fabric and offers an easy, versatile style you can wear from the airplane to dinner. Shoppers swear it “never wrinkles” and can be worn in many different ways, making it the perfect travel dress. Grab it now for just $20.
Don’t buy: A shoulder bag
Do buy: A crossbody or belt bag
Pander Cross Body Fanny Pack
Amazon
Another multipurpose item to buy on Prime Day is a crossbody or belt bag (AKA fanny pack) instead of a shoulder bag. These styles are much more secure than a traditional purse, and you’ll get a ton of wear out of it: use it at the airport, carry it on a hike, or take it on a sightseeing tour. The Pander crossbody is an often raved about pick with a durable water-resistant nylon fabric and has a versatile style that will match any outfit and occasion.
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