I’m a travel writer, and of the 5 million Prime Day deals on the site, here are the 12 I’m looking for

Prime Day has been all I’ve been thinking about since it started yesterday morning, and with the deals only lasting until midnight tonight, it’s my duty as a travel journalist to capitalize on the sale and finally check off a few essential boxes on my own shopping list. The last few weeks have largely been spent scouring pages and pages of deals on Amazon to find the best prices for Travel + Leisure readers, but along the way I’ve also compiled a sizable list of items I’m coveting myself during this epic sale.

I used my shopping expertise to round up the 12 last-chance deals I’ll be buying in the final hours of Prime Day to prepare for my future travels, and from comfy sandals to noise-canceling headphones and even a replacement for my years-old Kindle, you won’t want to miss out. Prices start at just $9 on some of my most sought-after cart additions, so if you’re also racing against the clock to make the most of this sale, keep reading for the list of must-haves I’m not leaving behind.

Cushionaire Lane Women’s Cork Insole Sandals

As a self-proclaimed shoe hoarder, I’m always on the lookout for the next new addition to my collection, especially when it comes to summer footwear. These slip-on sandals have been on my radar for a while now, and with over 46,000 five-star reviews, I’m confident they’ll deliver the comfort and style other shoppers have raved about. I’m particularly drawn to the cork footbeds that are meant to mold to the shape of my foot, creating a luxurious everyday wear experience—and it certainly doesn’t hurt that they’re on sale for 43% off.

Etronik travel bag

Despite all the luggage I’ve accumulated under my bed, I still have one hole in my arsenal that needs to be filled: a weekend travel bag. This roomy tote is a bestseller on Amazon, so I was naturally intrigued, and the built-in shoe compartment at the base of the bag was really the main selling point that convinced me of its value. Now on sale for just $26, I won’t let Prime Day end without adding this bag to my cart.

Montana West Handbag

One of my biggest weaknesses is my inability to exercise restraint when I discover a new handbag I love, and this Montana West hobo bag is putting my resolve to the test this Prime Day — especially since it’s double marked down to just $16. The smooth vegan leather exterior feels way more expensive than the actual price tag suggests, and it even comes with the option to be worn as a crossbody or shoulder bag. And on top of its travel-friendly nature, this bag folds completely flat, allowing me to toss it in my carry-on without worrying about it getting crushed (or being woefully unprepared without the perfect handbag for my adventures).

Santiny Pleated Tennis Skort

I’ve been meaning to give the skort trend a try this summer, but since I didn’t know where to start, I naturally turned my gaze to the endless clothing options on sale for Prime Day. I knew I’d found my perfect fit once I spotted this ruffled skirt from Santiny — and it’s priced at $20. The high-waisted silhouette is sure to be flattering whether I’m pairing it with a sports bra and sneakers or a tank and stilettos, and the pleated design adds a stunning volume to the piece overall. It may be meant to be worn as an activewear piece, but I’m confident this skort will be a staple in all of my outfits for the rest of the season.

Soundcore Noise Cancelling Headphones

I should have bought a pair of noise-canceling headphones a long time ago, considering how much I hate being bothered by noise while traveling. That’s why when this highly-rated pair from Soundcore dropped to just $44, I knew it was time. The well-cushioned ear cushions will stay comfortable even when worn for the duration of a long-haul flight, and up to 40 hours of nonstop playback will keep me entertained without having to engage in conversation with a chatty seatmate.

Seaband Anti-Nausea Bracelets

While I swear by Dramamine and my balance goggles as my first line of defense against motion sickness, I’m always looking for a more subtle solution, which is how I stumbled upon these wristbands. They work by applying pressure to points on the wrists that are known to relieve nausea, even helping to combat motion sickness and other common causes of nausea. At just $9, these reusable wristbands are about to change the game.

Kindle Paperwhite

I’ve been an avid Kindle user for years. In fact, it’s usually the first thing I add to my bag when packing for a trip, no matter how long. However, after years of regular use, the battery life starts to take a hit, so I figured there was no better time than Prime Day to trade in my old Kindle Fire for the Paperwhite. The anti-glare screen is great for hanging out at the beach or reading outside in the park, while an impressive 10-week battery life will eliminate an extra charging cord from my personal belongings. My favorite feature is that I can connect my Kindle directly to my public library’s website so I can check out books throughout my trip without weighing down my suitcase.

Jisulife Bladeless Portable Neck Fan

Staying cool and comfortable during the summer can often feel like an uphill battle, especially when it’s time to rush through the airport to get to my gate or spend more than 10 minutes outside. It’s because of this sweltering heat that I decided it was time to get a portable fan to accompany me on my travels, but in the interest of keeping my hands free, this bladeless neck fan is my top pick. It’s designed with four different speed settings for maximum cooling, plus the bladeless interior provides up to 20 hours of cool air while creating much less noise than other models.

Bagail Packing Cubes Set of 8

I’ll never stop looking for new ways to maximize packing space in my suitcases, which is why I’m adding this set of eight packing cubes to my cart while it’s on sale for just $15 right now. Not only does this kit include four cubes in varying sizes, but it also comes with a makeup bag, laundry bag, shoe pouch, and an extra zippered pouch for miscellaneous items. With over 24,000 five-star reviews to back it up, I’m sure this set will be a helpful addition to my packing routine.

Matein cabin backpack

I keep threatening to replace my old backpack that’s now riddled with holes, but I think the time has come since this incredibly spacious carry-on backpack from Matein is now on sale for just $29. A roomy interior that can be stuffed to the brim is at the top of my list of requirements for a personal item, and this bag delivers with a clamshell design that claims to have the capacity to hold three to five days’ worth of clothing inside the 40-liter frame. The waterproof exterior will keep my belongings safe even if I’m traveling in inclement weather, and the overpacker in me is especially excited about its expandable design.

She’s Birdie The Original Personal Safety Alarm

After keeping my trusty Birdie detector on my keychain for two years, I recently had to face the facts: the battery had taken a turn for the worse. But since I refuse to travel without taking the necessary precautions to make my safety a top priority, it’s of the utmost importance that I get another one before I head to Norway in the fall. This device emits a shrill alarm when the plug is pulled, and when paired with a strobe light, it’s sure to scare off potential attackers. Once you’re done, the pin can simply be replaced—and you can be sure that after years of aimlessly tossing it around in my bag, the alarm has never gone off unless I wanted it to.

Apple AirTag

AirTags are another item that’s been on my “things to replace” list for months, and with an international vacation on the horizon that I’ll likely be checking a bag into, there’s no time like the present. The button-sized device is one of my favorite travel items because it lets me track my luggage even when I’m checking a bag, eliminating the unnecessary stress of wondering if my suitcase will ever make it to baggage claim once I arrive at my destination. I also have one on my keys, but since I’m always losing track of my wallet, it wouldn’t hurt to get an extra one to slip inside and track via the Find My app on my phone.

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