A Travel Agent Reveals 18 Amazon Packing Hacks

Before I was an editor Travel + LeisureI spent five years as an international travel consultant in New York City. I’ve helped all kinds of travelers plan their dream trips, including guided tours, cruises, honeymoons, destination weddings, bachelorette parties, family vacations, vacation getaways and last minute getaways. I booked any and every type of experience you can think of—from flights to hotels with daily activities to complete resort packages.

Naturally, clients often ask me for packing tips and travel hacks as they count down the days to their next trip. And after all these years in the business, I’ve picked up a few packing tricks to share with them along the way. From easy ways to make your hotel room more comfortable to tips on keeping your wardrobe fresh, here are 18 of my favorite Amazon products that will help make your next trip smoother, which is always the goal of any travel agent.

Bagglini bags everywhere

The #1 way to upgrade your travel experience? The right bag – the one that makes traveling seamless. I’m always looking for a durable, roomy crossbody bag for trips, and this one fits the bill. It’s big enough to hold essentials like a phone, sunglasses, wallet, and hand sanitizer with some extra breathing room, but it’s not so big that it weighs you down (it actually only weighs a pound). I love the abundance of pockets, the trolley sleeve that also zips into the pocket, the removable RFID wristband, and the fact that it’s machine washable.

6 sets of packing cubes

Another trick of the trade for maximum packing space is the use of packing cubes. These space spacers are the easiest way to fit more into your luggage, allowing you to keep your suitcase organized and squeeze in a few extra outfits. I love this set. Not only does it come with four packing cubes in different sizes (including a cube big enough to hold sweaters or jackets), but it also includes a shoe bag and laundry bag to keep your dirty items separate.

Sony Link Buds’ truly wireless noise-canceling earbuds

If you’re not a fan of long flights like some previous customers, these noisy headphones will keep you occupied, whether you choose to catch up on sleep, your favorite podcast, or a new movie selection. They come with four sizes of silicone earbud tips for a comfortable fit, as well as a charging case and USB charging cable for convenience.

INIU Portable Charger

A portable power bank is a game changer if you are going out and about all day. You can throw your phone in your bag to keep it on the go, allowing you to take more photos and videos without worrying about draining your battery. I usually use mine in airports and hotel rooms when outlets aren’t in the most convenient locations. This power bank also has led lights to show how much juice is left, so you’ll know when it needs charging – and you’ll never be caught empty.

Tigris passport holder

You can always buy new clothes or accessories at your destination, but one thing you can’t forget is your identity. When I was a travel agent, many people I met left their passports at home and missed their flights as a result. Do yourself a favor and get a special wallet or passport holder to store your travel documents, and always make it a top priority on your packing list. This simple option features a pocket, credit card slot, elastic band closure, RFID blocking material, and comes in over 15 color options. Above all, make sure you pack your passport!

Vaverto small memory foam pillow for travel and camping

As a travel agent, I never want to call someone on someone’s trip saying the bed is uncomfortable. Hotel pillows can be unpredictable, so save yourself some neck pain by bringing your own. You can also wear them on road trips, bus tours, or train rides as an easy way to make you more comfortable. can take This memory foam pillow has a removable cover that you can unzip and throw in the wash when you get home. You can also compress it into a compact carrying case that has a snap loop that you can clip onto your luggage.

Amango Shockproof Tech Tech Organizer Carrying Case

One thing you never knew you needed is a tech organizer. But take it from a former travel agent: This sleek carrying case makes it easy to keep your chargers, cords, and even headphones in one neat, little package so you don’t have to dig through the black hole of a handbag or backpack to find them all tangled together.

Reebok Women’s Club C Vintage Sneaker

It’s always a struggle not to overpack shoes, but my philosophy is that you can’t go wrong with a pair of classic white sneakers that you can dress up or down. The key is to pair them with as many outfits as you can so you don’t overload your suitcase with more than one pair, which can be overwhelming. These always-in-style Reebok shoes come in a variety of white and beige colorways with a retro vibe.

Kozia Merino Wool Socks

Beginner hikers don’t always realize that everyday cotton socks aren’t the best for keeping your feet dry, but wool socks are ideal for the job. This three-pack is a killer deal at just $15, and you can wear them for hiking or even with winter boots to keep moisture and blisters at bay. They’re also versatile enough to wear at home when you get back from your trip, so you’ll really put them to work.

Eddie Bauer Women’s Circelette Down Jacket

If you’re traveling to a cold-weather destination this fall or winter, the last thing you want is a bulky, heavy coat that’s taking up too much space. Whether you’re trekking through the mountains or to the cute coffee shop near your hotel, a lightweight, packable jacket is the way to go. If you’ve never had a packable jacket before, it’s impressive how little room they take up while still managing to keep you warm, although you may need more depending on where you’re traveling (again, always check the weather!). I love how the side pockets have zippers on this Eddie Bauer jacket, and how the water-resistant finish helps soak up the liquid beads instead of soaking them.

Nisugar Portable Handheld Garment Steamer

If you’re headed to a destination wedding or dinner reservations, a portable steamer is a lifesaver to help you look polished (and like you’re living out of a suitcase). Even if you’re not particularly worried about wrinkles, a steamer is the easiest way to freshen up a garment that’s been in your inventory a little too long. This compact steamer weighs less than a pound and is very easy to use, with just one button and a 15-second startup time before steaming.

Sojos Large Square Katie Polarized Sunglasses

Expensive sunglasses somehow always have a way of getting lost on vacation. My advice? Leave your designer sunnies at home and save yourself the stress by picking up an affordable pair that you don’t have to worry about as much. These cat-eye frames are flattering on almost any face shape, and they come in 15 colors to match your style. Bonus: They come with both a hard case and a microfiber pouch to take up less space.

Hydroflask standard mouth bottle with flex cap

Buying water bottles can be expensive when you travel. Stay hydrated (and eco-friendly) with a portable water bottle that’s slim enough to fit in backpacks, cup holders and seat pockets. I prefer a wide mouth bottle with a straw when I’m away from home because it feels easier to clean when I don’t have my straw scrubbing tools.

SY Compact Travel Umbrella

As a travel agent, I get a surprising number of complaints about bad weather (yes, really), because rainy days can spoil long-awaited trips. First, I would recommend keeping an eye on the weather a week or two before your trip. And second, I recommend bringing an umbrella – but one that doesn’t take up too much space in your suitcase. This umbrella is lightweight and compact enough to pack easily, so the rain won’t stop you from exploring your destination.

Meropas Rechargeable Travel LED Mirror

Slay any poorly lit hotel bathroom with your light-up makeup mirror that’s as thin as an iPad. At just $17, this mirror is a steal that will bring some of the comforts of home to your hotel room, allowing you to get up close and personal as you get ready for the day. It includes multiple brightness settings and light colors, so you can adjust it as needed.

Nicheel Large Capacity Travel Toiletry Bag

Organization is key when it comes to packing toiletries. Instead of throwing them all in one big pouch, this toiletry bag has multiple compartments, zippers, elastic and slots for full-sized bottles. You can open the baskets and even hang the bag in the closet or bathroom to easily access everything you brought without having to throw it on countertops and risk things falling or being left behind.

Bagsmart Foldable Jewelry Organizer Case

Tangled jewelry is the worst, especially when you pack it in a travel case and it somehow manages to all work together. This organizer has hooks, slots, and compartments to separate all kinds of jewelry, making it easy to find when you’re dressed. I love how you can save it flat and then fold it like an envelope as opposed to a jewelry box.

Versapack Transparent Shoe Bag For Travel

I’ve traveled without a shoe bag for most of my life, but now, I always sneak into my hotel room to find some sort of mystery bag to return my dirty shoes to my suitcase. This 13-piece shoe bag set is an easy way to prevent last-minute packing panics by keeping your shoes separate from the rest of your outfit, especially tough stained white shirts or delicate materials. Although they are big enough to fit in shoes, you can also use them to hold other things like dirty clothes. At less than $1 per bag, there’s really no reason to No To make your life easier by storing..

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