13 Travel Writer-loved Amazon Products of 2025

2025 was a year of movement for me—the kind where my suitcase never quite made it back to the top shelf. I eased into the year with a dreamy stretch in Maui, Hawaii, then hopped between France and Italy once summer hit, with quick escapes to Fire Island, the Hamptons, and Florida sprinkled in between. After logging that many miles across airplane seats, train compartments, and rental cars, I know exactly which travel essentials actually made all that motion feel smoother—and every single one of them came from Amazon.

My Amazon Kindle Paperwhite practically lived in my tote, my Ugg boots earned a permanent spot in my carry-on thanks to their comfort and versatility, and my Bagsmart Travel Jewelry Organizer became my unsung hero, keeping necklaces tangle-free and earrings easy to grab no matter how many times I repacked mid-trip. Ahead, I’m rounding up the travel products I relied on most this year that I’ll be packing again in 2026, starting at just $12.

A Travel Writer’s Top Essentials of 2025

Bagsmart Travel Jewelry Organizer

I always travel with a few pieces of jewelry, but for years it felt like I was rolling the dice—everything tangled, studs went missing, and I’d inevitably spend the first 10 minutes of every trip detangling a knot the size of a walnut. The Bagsmart Jewelry Organizer finally brought order to the chaos. It’s the No. 1 best-seller in jewelry rolls for a reason: The compartments are thoughtfully designed, the slots actually hold everything in place, and it folds down flat without taking up precious space. Now all my jewelry arrives exactly how I packed it.

Reebok Classic AZ Sneakers

I can’t walk down the street in the Reebok Classic AZ Sneakers without getting at least three compliments—they strike that perfect balance of low-key cool and actually supportive. I have the green pair for a fun pop, but the neutrals are equally sharp. They’ve carried me through 10,000-step days in New York and on trips without a single hot spot. They’re lightweight, versatile, and easy to dress up or down, and the fact that they’re 33 percent off makes them an even easier “yes.”

Trtl Neck Pillow

This is the neck pillow I won’t shut up about—and for good reason. I slept soundly in a middle seat on my overnight flight to Europe this summer with no neck pain, something I genuinely think I was capable of. The structured wraparound design keeps your head supported without the bulk of a traditional pillow, and it packs down into a tiny, travel-friendly case. I no longer step off a long flight with a stiff neck, which feels borderline miraculous.

Gap Crewneck Cardigan

This Gap cardigan has quietly become one of the hardest-working pieces in my wardrobe—I own multiple colors because it slots effortlessly into every season. It layers under a wool coat in winter, pairs with jeans and sneakers in spring, and looks chic tied over the shoulders with a summer dress. It’s lightweight, soft, and endlessly wearable, whether I’m running around New York or packing for a trip. 

Tessan Universal Travel Adapter

After two trips to Europe this year, I can confidently say the Tessan Universal Adapter saved me. You don’t realize how scarce U.S. outlets are until you’re staring at a wall of European plugs with a dead phone and an Apple charger that suddenly doesn’t fit anywhere. This compact brick handles it all with multiple USB ports, USB-C, and traditional AC outlets, so every device has a home. It’s not just for Europe, either; it works in the U.S., Australia, and the U.K., making it a true all-in-one travel essential.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

My Kindle Paperwhite is the first thing I pack for every trip—even if it’s just an overnight stay. I can load it with an entire vacation’s worth of books, flip through pages effortlessly, and read in direct sunlight without any glare. One charge lasts a staggering 12 weeks, which feels borderline magical. Dramatics aside, it’s truly my favorite product, and it doubles as one of the most reliable holiday gifts for the travelers or readers in your life.

Kusshi Hair Tools Bag

Traveling with a Dyson Airwrap used to feel like a logistical puzzle, but the Kusshi Hair Tools Bag is a total game-changer. It fits the main tool plus all the attachments, and still has room for toiletries or a curling iron. It was even selected as one of Oprah’s Favorite Things for 2025. The structured design keeps everything protected and neatly organized, and the exterior pockets are perfect for tossing in scrunchies, clips, or hair ties so they’re always within reach.

Pander Belt Bag

No matter where I’m going, a sleek belt bag is always clipped around my waist. I love the Lululemon Belt Bag for its hands-free convenience on hikes, streamlined design for airport security, and just-right size for my passport, wallet, and phone. But, if you want a more affordable alternative, the Pander Belt Bag hits all the same notes for less. It keeps only the essentials within reach, making it a smart choice for anyone who loves to stay organized on the go.

Rag & Bone Miramar Sofie Wide-leg Sweatpant Jeans

The Rag & Bone Miramar Sofie Wide-leg Sweatpant Jeans are my absolute favorite pants—I wear them at least twice a week. They’re technically sweatpants, but they look like real jeans, and I’ve fooled countless people with them. They’re soft, drapey, and make me feel put together on days when I’m nowhere near real-denim territory. I wear them with a hoodie to the airport or with a tee and a wool coat for a polished day out. 

Summer Friday Lip Balm

I always have a lip balm in my bag, and the Summer Fridays version was my No. 1 of the year. I own every shade, but the clear vanilla tube is the one I reach for when I just need moisture, like on a flight. It’s glossy, hydrating, and packed with shea and seed butters that revive dry lips instantly. It’s small enough to carry everywhere and reliable enough never to be left behind.

Madewell Harley T-shirt

Everyone needs a great white tee, and the Madewell Harley T-shirt is the one I wear on repeat. For $24, the cost per wear is unbeatable. Even in winter, I layer it under sweaters or cardigans for a crisp pop of collar, and once spring hits, it becomes the foundation of nearly every outfit. It’s soft, durable, and endlessly useful—the kind of quiet staple that makes getting dressed easier.

Ugg Classic Ultra Mini Boots

I practically live in the Ugg Classic Ultra Mini Boots—they’re the rare winter shoe that’s equal parts cozy, cute, and completely effortless. The plush lining keeps my feet warm, the slip-on design makes heading out the door a breeze, and they’re surprisingly comfortable for walking around the city. They style themselves, too: Wear them with sweats on slow winter mornings or with jeans and a chunky knit for Sunday brunch. 

Oura Ring 4

I had to include my Oura Ring—I received it as a gift last holiday season and haven’t taken it off since. It quietly keeps tabs on everything from sleep quality and recovery to daily activity and stress levels, even flagging those early signs that you’re overdoing it. It’s sleek and unobtrusive, far less bulky than a watch, and even has an airplane mode for long flights. It’s become my go-to tool for staying grounded, managing my energy, and bouncing back from jet lag.

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