“Travel Smart: 9 Must-Have Amazon Finds for Your 2025 Adventures!”

New Year’s resolutions frequently receive negative feedback, but as an individual who embraces fresh starts and possesses a collection of self-improvement texts, I am here to support this enduring custom. Goals that are excessively ambitious or self-critical are the first to be discarded (justifiably), hence it’s wiser to select objectives that are realistic and optimistic. In addition to acquiring a new language and exploring a novel destination, enhancing my travel experiences is one of my resolutions for 2025.

Reflecting on my adventures from the previous year, I’ve been pondering which travel items facilitated my trips — and which did not meet expectations. Embracing the sentiment of “out with the old, in with the new,” I’ve compiled a list of practical travel essentials that I consider “in” for 2025, alongside disappointing items that are “out.” From adjustable memory foam travel pillows to portable battery packs with integrated cables, here are nine travel necessities I’m implementing to elevate my travel experience in the upcoming year, starting at just $9 on Amazon.

In: Insulated Travel Tumblers

Owala FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle

Out: Plastic Bottles

Similar to numerous individuals, I’ve transitioned from disposable plastic bottles to reusable alternatives over recent years. At present, I utilize a shaker bottle for my protein shakes and a twist-cap container while hiking. They serve well for brief excursions, but I’ve noticed they fail to maintain drink temperature, and their lids can be impractical.

This year, I have made the choice to finally acquire an insulated water bottle from Owala. This FreeSip tumbler keeps appearing across my social media timelines, and it’s easy to understand why. It includes double-wall stainless steel insulation which keeps beverages cold for 24 hours, coupled with an innovative drinking spout that lets you sip gradually or gulp quickly. Additionally, the lid secures firmly and opens with a button press, and it features a carrying loop for easy attachment to your bag or belt.

In: TSA-friendly Slip-on Shoes

Skechers Women’s Hands-free Bobs Slip-ons

Out: Lace-up Shoes

During the holiday recess, I opted to conserve space in my carry-on by donning my bulky lace-up snow boots while on the flight. While this spared me from an unexpected checked bag charge, the process of removing them at the security checkpoint was unwieldy (and honestly, a bit awkward).

I’ve concluded that the trouble of lace-up shoes in the airport isn’t worth the effort. Instead, I plan to enter 2025 with TSA-compliant footwear, and these Skechers slip-ons are currently in my Amazon shopping cart as I write. These cozy trainers boast elastic laces for quick on-and-off ease. They also feature cushioned midsoles, a breathable mesh knit upper, and a padded ankle collar that won’t rub against your heels. A five-star reviewer referred to them as a winning shoe for walking, commenting on their lightness, comfort, and support.

In: Anti-theft Travel Bags

Travelon Anti-theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag

Out: Standard Handbags

As a previous fashion journalist, I adore a stylish handbag. My wardrobe is overflowing with totes, shoulder bags, and clutch purses, and I typically choose a fashionable bag when I travel. However, these purses, while undeniably stunning, are vulnerable to pickpocketing. They are perfect for evenings out or drinks at a hotel, but I wouldn’t take them on lengthy sightseeing excursions.

This anti-theft Travelon bag is designed to deter criminals. Offered in 12 shades, the bag features a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that complements nearly any outfit. Crafted from slash-resistant fabric, this crossbody bag is equipped with lockable zippers, several internal compartments, RFID-blocking credit card slots, and a locking strap that thwarts thieves from absconding with your possessions.

In: Organized Weekend Bags

Etronik Weekend Overnight Bag

Out: Single-Compartment Duffel Bags

I have been a dedicated gym enthusiast for the last decade, and during this time, I’ve gathered several gym bags. To save money and utilize what I already possess, I frequently repurpose these duffels as weekend bags and carry-ons. However, they are deficient in the pockets and sections necessary for keeping my travel accessories organized.

Consequently, I’ve decided to incorporate a specific weekend bag into my current lineup. This cost-effective Etronik weekend bag is at the forefront of my priorities — and it’s currently on sale for $32. This roomy bag includes a separate zippered section at the bottom for two pairs of shoes, three sizable wet pockets for separating toiletries from damp clothing, and two inner slip compartments perfect for wallets, small notebooks, or accessories. Additionally, there’s a larger zippered pocket suitable for a tablet or laptop. Furthermore, it features a zippered back pocket for easy access to travel documents, a padded detachable shoulder strap, a trolley strap, and an external USB charging port to keep your devices powered while traveling.

In: Multi-Cable Power Banks

Charmast Portable Charger With Integrated Cables

Out: Single-Device Portable Chargers

I’ve attended nearly 20 music festivals throughout the years, most involving on-site camping. As a result, I’ve gathered a substantial assortment of portable phone chargers. Unfortunately, many of these have diminished in performance over time and do not charge as quickly as they once did. Moreover, most are too bulky and impractical for overseas trips, and can only charge a single device at a time.

This year, I’m opting to replace some of my older portable chargers with a more compact version. This Charmast portable charger, available in six colors, is diminutive yet powerful. It’s slim enough to slide into your pocket and includes four distinct built-in cables — a lightning cable, micro-USB, USB-C, and USB-A — and can charge up to six devices due to the extra USB-A ports. The most remarkable feature, though, is the illuminated LED display on the front that indicates how much battery power remains.

In: Travel Blankets

Bedelite Travel Blanket

Out: Feeling Chilly on Flights

Even after boarding hundreds of flights throughout my life, one difficult lesson I have yet to master is that cabins can get cold — like, really cold. I enjoy traveling in comfortable sweats, but often, a heavy fleece hoodie does not suffice to keep me warm during flights.

While some airlines still provide free blankets, I am finally investing in my own travel blanket. This Bedelite blanket is precisely what I have been seeking. The microfiber fleece blanket folds compactly into a zippered pouch, converting it into an auxiliary pillow. It also comes with a practical carabiner for attaching it to a bag and features a wide luggage sleeve that lets you slide it onto a wheeled suitcase.And currently, it’s available for $16 with an on-site discount coupon.

In: Memory Foam Travel Pillows

Brookstone Free-form Memory Foam Twist Travel Pillow

Out: Inflatable Neck Pillows

Inflatable neck pillows hold an allure as they can be deflated to fit into a carry-on. Nevertheless, their cumbersome design can press against your neck and dig into your shoulders, and if the pillow sustains a puncture, you’re out of fortune. Conversely, memory foam neck pillows are long-lasting and shape to accommodate your body — not the other way around. 

The Brookstone memory foam travel pillow features high-density, responsive memory foam enveloping an adjustable internal spine. This spinal structure enables you to twist and shape the pillow into countless forms, depending on the additional support you require. It can serve as a U-shaped neck pillow, wrap around your lower back for lumbar support, or twist into a Z while resting against an airplane window. Additionally, it includes a removable, machine-washable cover and a button-snap closure that can be fastened to your carry-on, backpack, or suitcase.

In: Refillable Toiletry Bottles

Yahaa 18-piece Toiletry Bottle Set

Out: Wasteful Travel-sized Toiletries

Confession: I’m a habitual procrastinator. A last-minute packer at heart, I’ve succumbed to the travel-sized toiletry aisle of pharmacies far too often. While tiny shampoos and sunscreens suffice in a pinch, these spontaneous purchases can be wasteful and expensive. Furthermore, these items are typically ones that I don’t consistently use, resulting in uncertainty about how my skin or hair will respond to them.

To conserve money and lessen my ecological impact, I’m pledging to solely bring a reusable toiletry set in 2025. This 18-piece collection from Yahaa contains everything I require to pack my favorite skincare and haircare items. It features four travel bottles crafted from soft, squeezable silicone, two mini spray containers, four travel jars, a clear, TSA-approved zippered case, and printed labels. Priced at just $9, this practical set costs about the same as two travel-sized hair items — but can be reused repeatedly.

In: Trackable Passport Wallets

Pascacoo Apple AirTag Passport Wallet

Out: Regular Passport Covers

After nearly misplacing my passport last year in a Costa Rican rainforest, I’ve resolved to replace my conventional passport holder with a practical alternative that I won’t easily misplace. In 2025, I’m opting for a location-tracking passport wallet such as this one from Pascacoo. 

This passport wallet features a built-in compartment at the back for an Apple AirTag, allowing you to monitor its location via your iPhone. Additionally, it offers four RFID-blocking credit card compartments, two SIM card slots, a travel document pocket, and a cash pocket. Over 12,000 Amazon customers have rated the $16 wallet a perfect five-star rating, with one reviewer indicating that it’s easy to store and proved useful on a recent international journey. 

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