Thanksgiving kicks off the official holiday travel season and is one of the busiest travel periods of the year. If you're flying this year for the holidays, you'll no doubt run into the challenge of how to pack outfits that you need on your carry-on. Some of the more discounted airline fares are more restrictive in terms of what you can take on board. In general, however, packing light means less stress and more savings.
This season, before you start your holiday trek, take a look at these vital packing essentials you can find on Amazon. These nifty gadgets can help anyone pack a carry-on for a weekend getaway or a full-week vacation.
Most purchases can be delivered to your door in 24 hours if you're an Amazon Prime member. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your holiday shopping today.
Travel bags
Choosing the right travel bag is step one to tackle the most critical aspect of packing. Keep in mind how long your stay will be and what restrictions the airlines may have in terms of what size is considered a carry-on.
Large travel backpack: $36.99
This viral Amazon backpack is waterproof and features a separate shoe and laptop compartment. It also has a built-in charging port, enabling it to charge your phone anytime and anywhere. A bonus feature is the anti-theft compartment on the back of the bag, which can store valuables.
Asenlin travel backpack: $27.99
Original price: $33.99
The Asenlin 40L travel backpack meets the carry-on size standards for most airlines and fits perfectly in overhead compartments. The sturdy construction and well-padded straps make it comfortable to carry even when fully packed. It also includes three custom-made storage bags to help organize your travel gear.
HYC00 sport gym bag: on sale for $16.89
Original price: $29.99
The HYC00 sport gym bag is the perfect carry-on compliant bag for airline travel. It's your ideal overnight weekend boarding bag for business or personal trips. The high-density, water-resistant material can help you separate dry and wet items.
Amazon Basics hard side spinner: on sale for $62.99
Original price: $69.18
This 20-inch hardside spinner suitcase comes with an extra-thick hard shell. And the four double-spinner wheels make it easy to roll. It's an excellent option for travelers who want to carry on luggage but avoid carrying the weight on their backs.
Travelers Club 4-piece luggage set: on sale for $95.19
Original price: $118.99
While carry-ons save you the hassle of checking baggage, they work best for shorter trips. This Travelers Club hardside four-piece luggage set will give you the space to pack for longer voyages. This four-piece set includes one 26" hard side spinner, a 20" hard side spinner carry-on, one 15" boarding tote bag and a 10" toiletry kit. The wheels on the suitcases are durable and make transporting them easy.
For organization
Keeping everything organized can be a challenge. One of the best things you can do when packing for any trip — especially one that requires packing lots of layers — is to use packing cubes or compression bags.
Packing cubes: on sale for $19.99
Original price: $25.99
Gift yourself some space-saving organization with the Veken eight-set of packing cubes. The cubes are made of high-quality nylon fabric with finished interior seams to increase durability and fit into most airline carry-on suitcases, totes, weekenders, backpacks and duffle bags.
Travel compression bags: $11.99
These compression bags are the ultimate space savers – roll to get the air out and save up to 80% of space without requiring a vacuum. The bags feature dual zippers with one lower side and one higher side, making them easy to open and close.
Packing essentials for toiletries
If you travel with a carry-on, keep your toiletry bag light and TSA-compliant. Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less per container, and they must be stored in one quart-sized, clear plastic zip-top bag.
BAGSMART toiletry bag: on sale for $19.99
Original price: $27.99
The BAGSMART toiletry bag is designed with four separate compartments with zip and back open pockets for great organization. The inner main pockets have elastic straps to hold your bottles upright and avoid spills.
Travel bottles for toiletries: on sale for $7.99
Original price: $9.99
These 3 oz. Mrsdry travel bottles for toiletries are TSA carry-on approved. This set of small bottles is perfect for storing your favorite shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion and more. The bottles have a three-layer leak-proof design that prevents liquid leakage or spillage and its opal shape allows no liquids stuck in the bottle corner and helps you to get the last drop out without wasting.
Travel pill organizer: $5.92
This portable pill case will make keeping track of your medicine while away from home easier. Each pill box consists of six small and two large compartments for different sizes of pills and vitamins.
For comfort and entertainment
Long flights can be tedious, so make sure you have everything you need to keep yourself entertained. From phone mounts to foot hammocks, these items will help you actually enjoy your flight.
Universal airplane phone mount: $11.98
Original price: $14.97
Up your in-flight entertainment viewing pleasure with the Perilogics universal airplane phone mount. The strong clamp can attach to tables, luggage handles, and gym equipment and allows for 360-degree rotation to adjust your device for the best viewing angle. It is compatible with many phone sizes, from the iPhone Mini to the Samsung Note 20 Plus.
EverSnug travel blanket: on sale for $37.95
Original price: $39.95
Amenities are light on many domestic flights today, so if you feel chilly packing, this EverSnug premium travel blanket will keep you warm. The blanket is lightweight and extra comfy. The carrying case is also the perfect place to rest your head.
MLVOC travel pillow: on sale for $25.99
Original price: $29.99
If you plan to catch some shut-eye on your flight, pack this MLVOC travel pillow. This travel pillow is designed with an adjustable rope lock you can use to size to different neck size requirements. The pillow comes with a 3D sleep mask and earplugs.
Airplane foot hammock: on sale for $14.99
Original price: $26.97
This Airplane foot hammock is the perfect footrest to relax your feet during travel. Wrap your plane footrest around the seat tray in front of you and adjust the strap to your desired length. Place your feet in your new comfy airplane foot hammock airplane, relax, and settle in for a smooth flight!
Essentials for kids
Many kids don't enjoy traveling. It's often boring and intimidating, but if you plan ahead of time, you can keep your kids entertained while you're at the airport or on the plane.
Hardshell suitcase scooter: $129.99
No kid can resist the call to travel with this KIDDIETOTES hardshell ride-on suitcase scooter. Your kids get entertainment and a carry-on wrapped up in this handy gadget that folds up easily to store in the overhead bin.
Travel pillow for kids: $45.97
This BCOZZY kids' travel pillow is great for kids napping in the car and airplane. The pillow offers neck and chin support, so your child's head doesn't fall forward when they sleep.
Hide 'n' seek busy bag: $17.99
Pack screen-free entertainment for your kids with this Hide 'n' seek busy bag. There are 12 adorable characters to collect and over 250 hidden objects to find.