Top 13 Must-Have Travel Essentials Purchased by T+L Readers in 2024

As we approach the end of 2024 and “year-in-review” reflections flood social media, we were intrigued: what exactly were the readers of Travel + Leisure purchasing over the last year? Some of my best travel gear originated from suggestions made by fellow globetrotters, so after some investigation, I uncovered what our top enthusiastic travelers favored this past year — and their choices were truly outstanding.

From Samsonite suitcases to Apple AirTags, we have assembled a collection of the 13 items that T+L enthusiasts bought most frequently on Amazon this year, serving you as inspiration while you curate your own travel gear for 2025. Starting at just $8, you can remain within your budget while acquiring innovative accessories. Moreover, several products are discounted due to end-of-year sales. Wishing you a Happy New Year and enjoyable shopping!

Iniu Portable Charger

It comes as no surprise that the portable charger emerged as the top choice among T+L readers this year — with over 53,900 five-star reviews on Amazon, it’s understandable that this high-performance option from Iniu came out as the favorite. The compact gadget features three USB ports, allowing you to charge various devices simultaneously, and its slim design enables it to fit easily into any pocket or section of your suitcase while leaving extra space. Its fast-charging feature has obviously attracted shoppers this year, providing up to 78 percent battery in merely an hour. Currently, it’s available at a discounted price of just $18.

Bounce Anti-static Spray 3-pack

Winter is one of the most challenging seasons regarding static electricity, making it timely to note that T+L readers were quite fond of Bounce’s static spray this year. This travel-sized mist not only eliminates cling from your garments, but it also provides a refreshing fragrance that’s invigorating after prolonged hours at the airport — plus, it effectively tackles stubborn wrinkles. If you don’t typically pack a portable iron or steamer, yet wish to eliminate unruly creases once and for all, this three-pack of fabric refresher will be a valuable addition to your 2025 travel toolkit.

BleedStop First Aid Powder for Blood Clotting

Safety remained paramount for travelers in 2024, as BleedStop Blood Clotting Powder became the third most-coveted Amazon item among T+L readers — and at just $15, it’s easy to see why. Whether you indulge in outdoor excursions or international journeys, being ready for cuts and scrapes is always wise, and this powder offers an exceptional remedy. Just sprinkle it onto the wound, and it will stimulate the clotting process, helping to reduce bleeding promptly. It’s perfect for travelers who might be on blood thinners, highly portable, and an essential component of any first aid kit, regardless of what your travel plans entail in the coming year.

Ostrichpillow Go Neck Memory Foam Pillow

Travel pillows are unsurprisingly among the most sought-after accessories to have for journeys of any length, and the Ostrichpillow was crowned champion this year due to its uniquely storable design and 360-degree comfort. The memory foam build provides remarkable support, elevating your head and neck to prevent awkward positions, and the modal blend pillow cover is both soft and kind to your skin (plus, it’s machine washable!). Best of all, when not in use, there’s no need to attach it externally to your bag. Instead, it conveniently packs into its own compact carrying pouch, saving up to 60 percent of space, according to the manufacturer.

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Apple AirTag 4-pack

The T+L editors expressed an abundance of positive remarks about Apple AirTags this year, and it appears that the audience resonated with their thoughts, as these items were among the most sought-after products of 2024. This collection of practical trackers can be conveniently placed in any compartment of your suitcase, enabling you to monitor the exact placement of your checked baggage during your travels. A set of four is currently available for only $73 — allowing you to store the additional ones in your handbag, wallet, or even attach them to a keyring — and all you need to do is synchronize them with the “Find My” app on your iPhone for immediate reassurance. If we had to speculate, they will probably remain a standout device in the forthcoming year, too.

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter 

You certainly don’t want to embark on an international trip without a charging adapter on hand, and the T+L readers were fond of this compact cube from Epicka in 2024. Equipped with ports for six devices simultaneously, this adapter is all you require to keep your electronics powered up, regardless of your travel destination. With four distinct plug types, this adapter is usable in over 150 countries. When they’re not needed, the plugs retract back into the cube, alleviating any concerns about damage. Best of all, it’s priced at just $23, making it an indispensable addition for all your overseas adventures in the new year.

LiquiSnugs Premium Silicone Travel Bottles 

Navigating liquid regulations through TSA can be challenging, however, these silicone travel bottles will significantly simplify packing soap, hair products, and more. The carry-on compliant bottles are highly secure and prevent leaks, so there’s no need to worry about shampoo spills in your toiletries. Additionally, they are straightforward to find and grab (even during security checks). Notably, the best feature of these bottles is the suction cups positioned at the back of each one, permitting you to attach them to the hotel shower wall — eliminating the need for a shelf.

Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-on

Considering that luggage is essentially central to T+L, it’s no surprise that our readers were captivated by this hardside Samsonite carry-on in 2024 — it has also garnered over 11,100 five-star ratings on Amazon. The expandable structure makes it particularly suitable for those who tend to overpack, and the compact carry-on size fits seamlessly in the overhead compartment of most commercial flights. Now is the optimal moment to purchase this carry-on since it’s currently reduced to only $125 at Amazon — and a ten-year warranty guarantees it will accompany you on many thrilling journeys ahead.

Crep Protect Shoe Spray

A top-seller on Amazon, the Crep waterproof shoe protector spray was a favored buy among readers this year, and it can serve as a valuable addition to your travel essentials as well. This multifunctional spray dries within ten minutes and is effective on a variety of fabrics, ranging from leather to suede, to keep your footwear protected from stains. It provides up to four weeks of safeguarding and contains enough product to treat as many as 12 pairs of shoes, making it a wonderful companion for the snowy and rainy months of winter. Whether you’re preparing for hiking or sightseeing, don’t overlook using this spray before you embark on your journey.

Twelve South AirFly SE Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter 

Another best-seller at Amazon, this practical audio transmitter is an excellent means to avoid corded headphones during air travel — make sure to grab it while it’s on sale for just $30. Simply connect it to the audio jack on your seat’s screen and you’ll be able to link your Bluetooth headphones to the AirFly converter. It can even accommodate two pairs of earbuds simultaneously, allowing for shared movie viewing.

“`with your travel companion (without the need to frantically coordinate your displays). It’s effortless to connect, boasts over 20 hours of battery life from a single charge, and delivers top-notch sound quality consistently.

Fyy Travel Cable Organizer Pouch 

It might seem like sorting through a mess of charging cables is unavoidable during travel, which is precisely why numerous T+L enthusiasts grabbed this practical cable organizer from Amazon this year. With an impressive average rating of 4.4 stars on the platform, this streamlined pouch contains several roomy mesh compartments capable of accommodating anything from a spare portable charger to your laptop cord. Its waterproof outer layer is crucial for safeguarding electronics against the elements, and it also serves as an excellent spot to store your passport on hectic travel days. Priced at just $8, it’s almost unbelievable value.

Luumxai RFID-blocking Sleeves

Digital theft is regrettably becoming more prevalent in today’s tech-driven society, but these stylish (not cumbersome) RFID-blocking sleeves emerged to the rescue in 2024. This collection of 15 includes 12 credit card sleeves and three passport holders, ensuring your personal information remains secure while traveling. Just insert your sensitive documents or cards inside, and the outer layer of the sleeves will prevent any attempts to access your information. You can use them beyond just traveling — they’re also fantastic for those residing in urban areas.

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide 

Consistent skincare should be a priority throughout the year, and T+L readers clearly concurred, as this Blue Lizard sunscreen was among the top choices in 2024. In fact, Amazon customers acquired over 5,000 bottles of this dermatologist-recommended product in the previous month. The sensitive skin formulation is fragrance-free and applies effortlessly, providing up to 80 minutes of water-resistant coverage with SPF 50. Therefore, if you’ve been searching for a gentle, daily sunscreen, our readers have discovered your new favorite.

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