10 Amazon Travel Essentials Not to Buy in 2025

The holidays have come and gone, and now that you’ve generously treated your loved ones to some thoughtful gifts, who could blame you for wanting to snag a present for yourself before the end of the year? If you have some Christmas money burning a hole in your pocket, you might want to check out Amazon — it’s a one-stop shop for everything a traveler might need to prepare for all the adventures 2025 has to offer. That said, there are definitely some items worth skipping.

In order to help you spend your holiday funds wisely, keep reading to find the 10 products you could stand to leave on Amazon’s virtual shelves, and the 10 items you’ll want to invest in instead. Whether you’re prioritizing your comfort in the new year, on the lookout for fresh luggage, or aiming to be more organized in your travels, we’ve found the best products for every need, starting at $23. 

Don’t Buy: A Bulky Neck Pillow

Instead Buy: A Foldable Neck Pillow

Trtl Travel Pillow

Traditional neck pillows are difficult to pack, take up an excess of space inside your bag, and may not even provide the support you’re looking for during long-haul flights. So, for 2025, we recommend a more compact option like the Trtl Travel Pillow that’s uniquely designed to support the head and neck from all angles, without pushing your head away from the plane seat. The machine washable fabric makes it a far more sanitary option — plus, it’s earned nearly 20,000 five-star ratings at Amazon, with shoppers raving about its comfort and travel-friendliness.

Don’t Buy: Pepper Spray

Instead Buy: A Portable Safety Alarm

She’s Birdie The Original Personal Safety Alarm

It’s only natural to want to protect yourself while traveling (especially if you’re embarking on a solo adventure in the new year). And while pepper spray isn’t allowed in your carry-on, there are some more plane-friendly alternatives that provide the same peace of mind. For this, T+L editors swear by the She’s Birdie Original Personal Safety Alarm. which is $23 right now with the on-site coupon. It clips onto your keychain, and when you pull the pin, the small device emits a blaring alarm in tandem with its strobe light effect to scare away would-be threats. Female travelers adore the device, it’s easy to use, and you can actually take it onto your flight.

Don’t Buy: A Standard Portable Charger

Instead Buy: A Portable Charger with Built-on Cables

Sabani Portable Charger 

There’s no doubt you should pack a portable charger for your travels in the new year, but if you’re tired of forgetting cords at home or finding them tangled up in your bag, then it’s time to invest in an option with built-in cables. This compact charger from Sabani features four different cable options — including USB-A, type C, iOS, and a micro cable — so you can charge your phone, tablet, and even headphones on the go. The device even allows you to charge up to six things at once thanks to two additional ports, so you won’t have to choose between in-flight entertainment options. It has high-speed charging capabilities and an LED screen that shows exactly how much battery is left, making it a genius tool for 2025 travel.

Don’t Buy: Extra Leg Room on Your Flight

Instead Buy: A Supportive Foot Hammock

Everlasting Comfort Airplane Foot Hammock

It can be pricey to upgrade your seat for extra leg room while flying, but you’ll be able to skip this cost in the new year because the Everlasting Comfort Airplane Foot Hammock will make a world of difference — and it’s only $23. The adjustable straps of the device simply loop over your seatback tray table, and you can tighten or loosen them for more leg support without taking up much room or encroaching on your seatmates. Made from ultra-soft memory foam, it gives your travel-weary feet a well-deserved rest in the sky, with an individual space for each food that also provides relief to your hips. Best of all, it’s incredibly lightweight and packable, leaving the bulk of your personal item space for other in-flight essentials.

Don’t Buy: Standard Packing Cubes

Instead Buy: Compression Packing Cubes

Bagsmart 6-set Compression Packing Cubes

Using packing cubes is famously one of our favorite hacks for optimizing the space in your luggage while staying organized. However, instead of going for the standard iteration in 2025, we recommend opting for compression cubes, instead — especially if you’re an overpacker. This set of six is currently on sale for $32, and with more than 8,200 five-star ratings you can trust it’s a worthwhile addition to your travel lineup. Each bag is a slightly different size to best accommodate everything from socks and undergarments to sweaters and sweatshirts, and their ripstop fabric will keep them in pristine condition for years to come.

Don’t Buy: A Bulky Weekender Bag

Instead Buy: A Spacious Travel Backpack

Matein Carry-on Backpack

Weekender bags are certainly spacious, but to save your shoulder from the weight of an overstuffed duffel, a durable backpack is a better choice. A pack like this Matein carry-on — which is just $30 right now — will evenly distribute the load of your luggage, without skimping on capacity. It unzips like a clamshell suitcase, so you’ll be able to pack every corner to the brim. In fact, it can fit up to five days worth of clothing, according to the brand, and its expandable design only works to further improve your packing potential.

Don’t Buy: Individual Outfit Pieces

Instead Buy: A Versatile Matching Set

Fixmatti Women’s Knit Sweatsuit

We love a good knit set at T+L, and this high-quality option from Fixmatti is a cost-effective alternative to stocking up on individual wardrobepieces this season. Not only is it an easy way to look instantly stylish without much effort, but the loose yet cozy fabric will also keep you comfy throughout the duration of your next long-haul flight. The wide-leg pants are a dream thanks to a relaxed elastic waistband, plus the neutral color makes it easy to style this set in a number of different ways. At $46 with an on-site coupon, it’s a steal for the colder months.

Don’t Buy: A Single Suitcase

Instead Buy: A Luggage Set

Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable 2-piece Set

If you’re already planning on revamping your suitcase selection for the next year, it’s far more wallet-friendly to score a discounted set than opt for individual bags. Seeing as Samsonite is one of the most highly-regarded luggage brands in the game, this two-piece hardside duo is a safe investment,  — and it’s even on sale for 37 percent off, bringing the price down to $150 per bag. The set includes one large, expandable checked bag alongside a compact carry-on, and they both have smooth spinner wheels that make navigating the airport a breeze. With this combo, you’ll save money and your luggage will match.

Don’t Buy: A Single Bluetooth Luggage Tracker

Instead Buy: A Multi-pack

Apple AirTag 4-pack

Apple AirTags are an invaluable asset for travel, since they allow you to keep track of your checked bags throughout the entire journey. That said, it’s far more cost effective to grab a four-pack — and this set is now on sale for 29 percent off, bringing the price down to just under $18 per tag. With a few AirTags at your disposal, you can easily track  your keychain, wallet, and favorite purse using the “Find My” app on your iPhone. And if you pick up four now, you won’t have to think about replacing them any time soon.

Don’t Buy: Wired Headphones

Instead Buy: A Bluetooth Audio Adapter

Twelve South AirFly SE Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter

With celebs making the push to bring wired headphones back into style, you may be tempted to snag a pair for your upcoming travels. However, while you don’t have to worry about the battery dying, you do have to consider the frustration of tangled cords and the potential that they may block your seatmates if you’re seated in the aisle. As an alternative, we recommend picking up the best-selling audio adapter from AirFly that simply plugs into your seatback screen, allowing you to enjoy your movie from the comfort of your well-padded Bluetooth headphones — no cords necessary.

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