Our Writers’ 17 Favorite Travel Gear Items on Amazon [Black Friday]

The holiday season is here, and that means lots of travel and lots of shopping.

Whether you are looking for the perfect gift for the traveler in your life or just a little something for yourself, we asked our writers for their favorite pieces of travel gear available on Amazon — perfect for Black Friday savings!

From laundry to luggage, the Upgraded Points team tests this gear year-round. Let’s see what made the list!

Upgraded Points’ Top Travel Accessories

Travel Scarf With Pockets

“I didn’t know I needed a blanket scarf until I was gifted one. Since U.S. airlines love to keep the temperature of their planes below freezing, this has become my new go-to. It’s tiny when folded and rolls out to become an entire blanket I can use on flights. Plus, the snaps mean I can wear it as a scarf or shawl if need be.” — Carissa Rawson, Senior Content Contributor

Hidden Money Belt

“There are bad travel experiences — like the FAs running out of the meal you wanted or the IFE screens being broken — and then there are bad travel experiences — like being shaken down by AK-47-toting border guards as you try to get to the safe side of the border of a war-torn country or being held captive in your room while an angry, dope-fueled mob ransacks your belongings because they’re convinced you’re an opium mule. I’ve had the dubious honor of experiencing all of the above, and though the Zero Grid Travel Security Belt, which has a zippered, hidden money pocket, won’t save the last penne Bolognese for you or fix your touchscreen, it’s the most foolproof way I’ve found yet of keeping my emergency cash stash safe and close at hand. Plus, the buckle’s made of heavy-duty plastic, so it actually keeps your trousers up and doesn’t set off the metal detectors at the airport.” — Michael Y. Park, Senior Editor and Content Contributor

Upgraded Points’ Top Luggage Items

Kid’s Ride-On Suitcase and Bed

“This kids’ suitcase is a game changer if you travel with a toddler or young child. My 3.5-year-old son refuses to get in the stroller but can’t handle long airport walks, especially if we’re rushing. But he’ll zoom through the airport riding on this wheeled suitcase, which is spacious enough to fit some toys and clothing items alongside the included pack to turn an economy plane seat into a small bed for long-haul flights. If we’re flying short-haul, we take out the bed pack and stock it fully with all his items for the trip. Just make sure your airline allows the bag to be used as a bed, as certain airlines (such as Air France) don’t. Others mandate that it be used in the window seat only so as not to block exits.” — Lori Zaino, Senior Content Contributor

Bungee Luggage Straps

“This bungee strap has not failed me yet, and I have put it to the test. It keeps my tote secure on top of my rolly bag, even when I am bumping along a cobblestone street.” — Kathryn Schroeder, Compliance Associate

Osprey Transporter Carry-On

“If you want a wheeled carry-on that is super light, has tough wheels that won’t break, repels water, and keeps things simple when packing, you’ll love the Osprey Transporter. I know I love mine.” — Kathryn Schroeder, Compliance Associate

Extra Large Duffle Bag

“When my family of 5 travels internationally, we pack as lightly as possible — typically with just 1 checked bag or all carry-on bags. To make space for souvenirs on the return journey, we always bring a large empty duffle bag that we later stuff with dirty laundry and check on our flight home. The Vorspack Extra Large Duffle Bag for Travel is a 100-liter bag made of water-resistant 600D polyester. As it weighs less than a pound, it’s easy to bring along empty inside of a larger bag and comes in clutch when you happen to win a 3-foot stuffed bear at Tivoli Gardens (ask how I know!).” — Keri Stooksbury, Editor-in-Chief

Osprey Backpack

“My Osprey backpack is by far my number 1 travel item. It has traveled tens of thousands of miles over the past 6 years and has been a much better option than traditional luggage. Additionally, Osprey has a fantastic warranty, and when my front backpack’s zipper broke, Osprey quickly replaced it for free.” — Brett Holzhauer, Content Contributor

Upgraded Points’ Top Travel Self-Care Items

Collagen Face Mask

“Planes tend to leave my skin feeling tight and dry, but this mask saves my skin. I’ll wear this mask in-flight (yes, I look weird, but who cares!) on long-haul flights, and it leaves my skin looking hydrated and refreshed, even amid my jet lag. I’ll also leave it on overnight during a hotel stay to help my skin recover from those long travel days.” — Lori Zaino, Senior Content Contributor

Liquid I.V.

“I first tried Liquid I.V. thanks to some cruise packing tips, and I have been a fan ever since. The ‘hydration multiplier'”‘ is packed with electrolytes and was great for my family, who found the high seas a little too rough on our last cruise. But I have also been drinking them before and after flights to help with dehydration. These are now a staple in my carry-on. Just mix with water and enjoy.” — Chris Hassan, Social Media and Brand Manager

Tee Tree Moisturizer

“This 2.5-ounce moisturizer is TSA-friendly and does double duty for your skin and hair. I use it as a facial moisturizer, body lotion, and leave-in conditioner so I can leave bulky products at home.” — Jessica Merritt, Senior Editor and Content Contributor

Upgraded Points’ Top Travel Tech Items

Apple AirTags

“These baggage trackers work for suitcases, wallets, keys, and even toddlers who like to take off in a crowded airport. The pack works well as a stocking stuffer or, better yet, a ‘to me, love me’ gift for yourself. There’s no better gift than avoiding lost luggage meltdowns, and thanks to a new iOS update, you can share your AirTag locations with certain airlines, making them even more useful should your bag go astray.” — Lori Zaino, Senior Content Contributor

Fast Charger

“I often bring my laptop while traveling but don’t love how bulky my laptop cord is. This charging brick is rated for laptops and includes a compact, fast charging cord. It has additional ports for USB-A and USB-C, so this is the only brick I need for all of my electronics.” — Jessica Merritt, Senior Editor & Content Contributor

Power Strip with USB Ports

“Whether at the airport, a hotel, or anywhere in between, keeping my family’s devices charged is an ever-present responsibility. And there are few things as frustrating as when you finally get settled for bed and go to charge your phone only to find 1 plug for the whole family to share. That is why I started traveling with this power strip with USB and AC outlets. The 6-foot cord makes it easily accessible (no more reaching behind the nightstand), and there is enough room to charge 7 devices at the same time, all in 1 spot. That makes packing up easier, too!” — Chris Hassan, Social Media and Brand Manager

Osprey Laptop Sleeve

“It took over a decade for my laptop case to render itself unusable (and it was my fault). The new version from that brand I did not like, so I went with my second favorite travel brand, Osprey, and this case has not disappointed me. It is light yet has good protection for my MacBook Air 13-inch, and the pocket in front holds my mouse and notebook with ease. The carrying handle is also nice when I just want to pop up to a hotel rooftop lounge and get some work done.” — Kathryn Schroeder, Compliance Associate

Upgraded Points’ Top Travel Toiletries

Laundry Detergent Sheets

“These detergent sheets are cheap and take up almost no space in my toiletry bag. I can rip them in half for small loads and always have detergent ready to go, whether I’m doing a quick sink wash or using laundry facilities.” — Jessica Merritt, Senior Editor and Content Contributor

Bungee Clothesline

“Whether we’re drying swimsuits or laundry for our family of 5, Coghlan’s Bungee Clothesline has been an essential item to pack on all of our extended vacations. Its clips easily attach to anchor points like a deck railing, and it stretches well beyond its 6 feet to accommodate an obscene amount of wet clothing. I love that I don’t need to bring along any clothespins, as its twisted bungee-cord design allows me to slip the clothes between the 2 cords to stay tight in place.” — Keri Stooksbury, Editor-in-Chief

Shampoo Bars

“A lot of the places we’ve stayed lately don’t have toiletries, so I bring shampoo and conditioner with us. These bars are compact, come with travel tins, and don’t count as liquids when going through security checkpoints.” — Jessica Merritt, Senior Editor & Content Contributor

Our Favorite Cards for Amazon.com Purchases

It’s not uncommon to spend quite a few dollars on Amazon during the holiday season, so you might as well earn some bonus points or miles for your effort, right?

Here are our favorite cards for cash back and points for Amazon purchases:

Final Thoughts

The Upgraded Points team travels the globe year-round, constantly testing and experimenting with gear to improve our travel experiences (and yours).

Whether it’s an Apple AirTag to keep track of your luggage or a collagen face mask to help you bounce back after an overnight flight, we’re here to test the products that make travel easier and find you the best deals on them.

If you see something you like on this list, be sure to grab it on sale at Amazon for Black Friday!