Travel News
October 12, 2023
The most popular Amazon Prime Day deals aren’t always the most expensive. Many of the most-purchased items by Condé Nast Traveler readers this week were under-$20 travel essentials. And while there were thousands of products on sale for Prime Big Deal Days, a handful of categories stood above the rest, with outdoor gear, tech products, and viral beauty favorites coming out on top.
In case you’re curious what deals your fellow readers scooped up, we’ve rounded up the 17 most-purchased Amazon items our readers added to their carts this week—many of which are still on sale now. Below, the Amazon travel essentials our readers were after, from silk eye masks and portable mirrors to solar power charging banks.
Shop Prime Day bestsellers by category:
Top travel essentials still on sale:
Outdoor gear
LifeStraw personal water filter
This personal water filter is a great buy for any frequent hikers and was a top seller last Prime Day, too. It’s been tested and reviewed by Traveler contributor Kaitlyn McInnis, who says it’s the perfect solution for times when carrying around a water bottle or water filtration system isn’t practical.
LifeStraw Peak Series personal water filter
Many of our readers also purchased LifeStraw’s Peak Series water filter. It protects your water from bacteria, microsilt, sand, cloudiness and even microplastics. Plus, it has an unlimited shelf life—so if you have to break it out years from now, it will still give you the protection you need.
Eveready rechargeable LED headlamps
These high-powered headlights are made with rechargeable LED lights and have three modes to choose from depending on your activity: high, low, and red. They’re perfect for outdoor adventures and are still on sale for $13.
Gutimo rechargeable hand warmers
This two-pack of rechargeable hand warmers were among our top three most purchased items this week. They stay warm for up to 12 hours and only take a few seconds to heat up.
In-flight essentials
Apple AirTag 4 Pack
Apple AirTags were a top tech essential this Prime Day. Never worry about losing your luggage or other personal items again with these lifesavers on hand.
Mulberry silk sleep mask
Every traveler needs a sleep mask in their carry-on. The next time you’re trying to catch some ZZZs in-flight, pop this silky-soft eye mask on to block out every bit of light.
Beauty and skincare products
Laneige Lip Glowy Balm
Another top-selling beauty product from Laneige is this Lip Glowy Balm. It gives lips a subtle tint and keeps them hydrated all day long. I keep one of these in my tote bag at all times.
Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0 hot air brush
A cheaper alternative to the Dyson Airwrap that still gives a salon-worthy blowout, the Revlon Volumizer 2.0 is easy to use, has various heat settings, and features a detachable head that helps it fit nicely in a weekender bag. Even better, it’s still on sale for $40.
Funtouch rechargeable travel mirror
On sale for $21, this foldable and rechargeable makeup mirror offers perfect LED lighting wherever you go. Hotel bathrooms don’t always have the best lighting or you might be sharing one mirror on a group trip—this portable, lightweight option makes getting ready while you’re traveling easier than ever.
Crest 3D Whitestrips
Crest’s 3D Whitestrips have racked up nearly 100,000 ratings on Amazon with an average of 4.6 stars. This bonus-pack features 44 classic whitening strips and two one-hour express treatments. The pack is no longer on sale, but based on these rave reviews, it’s still absolutely worth it.
More travel accessories
Nesugar portable garment steamer
Several top-rated portable steamers were discounted for Prime’s Big Deal Days, this packable option from Nesugar included. This steamer weighs less than a pound and the adjustable head helps it fit neatly in any carry-on.
Case-Mate IP68 waterproof phone pouch
Rounding out our list of the most purchased travel essentials this Prime Day is the Case-Mate waterproof phone pouch. It’s the perfect companion for days spent swimming or kayaking. If your phone accidentally falls in the water, it will stay afloat and dry. The detachable lanyard offers even greater security.