The biggest shopping event of the summer, Amazon Prime Day, is now just days away. If you need ideas on how to take advantage of the savings, the editors at Condé Nast Traveler have already made their game plans and noted below the items they’re coveting most. Read on to see what travel gear we’re eyeing, from sunscreens and sandals to tech necessities, plus hammocks, surf boards, and underwater cameras. If you want to get ahead of the crowd, check out these early Prime Day travel deals that you can shop right now.
Then, once the madness begins, you can shop all of the Prime Day sales here, and visit our Prime Day guide for real-time updates on the best deals for shoes, luggage, travel-specific gear, and more.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
Summer skincare saviors
This year, I’m hoping some of my favorite sunscreens are on sale—I’m in need of a restock of Supergoop’s Play sunscreen spray and Glowscreen. I’ve also been meaning to purchase a humidifier for my room, ideally one that I can take with me when I travel, like the one Traveler editor Meaghan Kenny has raved about. Lastly, my passport holder is starting to fade, so I’ll be keeping an eye out for any fun ones that go on sale. —Madison Flager, senior commerce editor
Finishing touches for a destination wedding packing list
I’m filling up my Amazon shopping cart with essentials I need for a destination wedding in Italy this summer. First and foremost, I’m looking for a grass-friendly pair of block heels that will be easy to walk in, but are still appropriate for a formal ceremony. A comfortable and simple pair in nude will best match the few different dresses needed for the welcome dinner, rehearsal, and reception. I’ll also need a reliable travel adapter to use while I’m abroad that has an outlet for my computer charger and a USB so I can simultaneously power up my phone. — Meaghan Kenny, associate commerce editor
Summer road trip staples
This Prime day I’m prioritizing a mix of sustainability and fun—especially for my upcoming summer road trips. I am in absolute need of an on-the-go water bottle and recently fell in love with the look and feel of this reusable tumbler travel mug. From park days to hiking picnics, I’m also seeking a portable, ultralight hammock to add to my cart. I’m thinking it will make the perfect sun-gazing partner. — Jessica Chapel, editorial assistant
Surf gear—for two editors’ new favorite summertime past time
I’ve been learning to surf over the past couple summers, and I’m at the point where I’m ready for my own board. Nothing fancy, just an easy foamie I can really put in the hours on and practice with. I’m eyeing Wave Bandit’s very popular model (which I usually rent from Surfboard Tribe at the beach here in New York City). It’s a great starter board, and I’m really hoping for a good deal to convince me to buy it already. — Megan Spurrell, senior editor
My passion for surfing has deepened over the past few years, so I’m hoping to grab some gear I’ve been dreaming about during the sale. I find that my legs often get chafed from rubbing against my board, so I’m on the hunt for a lightweight, sleeveless body suit, like this one by Roxy. I’m also eager to capture footage of my friends catching waves, so I’m looking at either a waterproof phone case or an affordable underwater camera. — Mercedes Bleth, global associate director of social
A set of handy packing cubes
This summer, I’m looking to up my packing organization game. I used to be a staunch carry-on only devotee, but lately, have gotten a bit too comfortable lazily throwing a bunch of things into a checked bag. In order to maximize efficiency for my next trip, I’m following my co-workers’ leads and purchasing a set of packing cubes. — M.B.
A tiny iPhone flash drive
Along with everyone else in the world, my phone capacity always reaches its limits, and more often than not, it happens while I’m traveling. I’m tired of deleting my photos and having to upgrade my iCloud. I’ll be purchasing a flash drive for my phone so I can keep all my memories. —Paris Wilson, commerce producer
Sporty, outdoorsy goods
First of all, I always travel with tennis gear in the summer, so I have my eye on a large tennis backpack. These bags would also make a good carry-on for any traveler, as they have separate compartments for shoes and clothes. I’m also interested in doing longer, more difficult hiking this summer, and maybe eventually a backpacking trip. These light-weight hiking poles would be easy to bring along and helpful on intermediate trails. Lastly, at the end of the season, I’m planning a road trip through the Southwest this fall, and I’m looking to bring little gadgets like a phone charger adapter for the car and a fun Polaroid camera for snapshots along the way. — Jessica Puckett, senior editor, transportation and travel news
Necessities for when you’re short on space
My partner and I don’t currently have our own place—so while in theory, there are plenty of things on my Amazon wish list, in actuality, there’s really nowhere to put them. That said, there are still a few odds and ends I have my eye on, including this sumptuous coffee table book on entertaining by erstwhile socialite Deeda Blair, published by Rizzoli, which I’m planning to buy as a birthday present for a dear friend, and this Sisley Black Rose Cream mask, which I’ve never tried—but about which every beauty editor seems to be raving right now.
On the note of cosmetics and self-care, I just returned from a 10-day trip to Israel, and it reminded me how much I’m in need of a set of reusable travel bottles (bag included) that I can load up with face wash, shampoo, conditioner, and moisturizer, whose actual containers are too large to travel with; this one, I think, will do the trick. Lastly: I’ve probably worn out the warranty on my Paravel weekender bag, which I’ve had for a good six years now, and I’ve been eyeing this one from Rains. It’s waterproof, streamlined, and malleable, not to mention, stylish—everything a good weekender should be. — Betsy Blumenthal, editor, features and franchises
A tech refresh
I’m ready to get my act together when it comes to my day-to-day tech—that’s right, I still don’t have Airpods. I was resistant for years, and leaned into the cord-girl aesthetic for a minute, but it’s time to move on and catch up with the rest of the world. Also, as someone who becomes scattered under stress, I am the ideal candidate for Apple AirTags, and honestly, I’m a little hurt and surprised that my friends and family didn’t buy them for me a long time ago. — Alex Erdekian, travel bookings editor
A smart and stylish duffel
I bought my husband one of these a few years ago and he loved using it for the gym and overnighters—but misplaced it in a move. It was smart-looking, durable, and easy to carry with its detachable shoulder strap, and I loved the little details like the striped liner and the compartment for shoes. It might be time to buy him another. — Arati Menon, global digital director
A sleek, satisfying tech kit
I’ve been looking for a travel organizer that sorts out my always-tangled tech—and dare I say, looks good while doing it. I think the Bellroy kit might be it. I love how this has room for all my accessories, including larger ones, and zips out flat for easy access. Plus, it’s made from recycled fabric, and comes in a range of fun colors. Sign me up for the Bronze, please and thank you. — A.M.
TikTok–discovered beauty secrets
I’m on a mission to stock up on all my wishlist hair and beauty finds during the sale. I confess that TikTok has inspired most of these, and for good reason. Who hasn’t been amazed by the magical properties of Chris Appleton’s Pure Wow hair line (frizz-free hair here I come) or the Laneige lip mask, which has now become my holy grail lip product, and the brand’s lip balm, too. In my quest for glass skin, I’ve been dabbling in LED therapy and have my eye on the Project E Beauty Skin Rejuvenation Photon Mask. It has seven LED color settings, and promises glowy results. I’m going to round out my stash with Avène’s thermal spring water spray, a refreshing staple during this hot New York summer. — Pallavi Mohan Kumar, senior visuals editor
Socks, because you always need more
It’s no secret that single socks sneak away whenever your back is turned. Travel amplifies the issue—it’s easy enough to lose a pair between your dryer and your bedroom, but when you’re throwing them all crumpled and used into your backpack and moving from hostel to hostel? Forget about it! Brooks Marks adores these Nike half-calfs, and also quite rightly advised that you refresh your stock once every few months. Hopefully the Prime Day gods see fit to discount. — Charlie Hobbs, editorial assistant
Cozy goods for a new home-owner
Since moving (and traveling a lot) this spring, I’ve been stocking up on all things comfy and relaxing in order to help make my new place feel like home. The first thing on my Prime Day list is a pair of summer-friendly house slippers like these Bronax unisex house slides that I’ve heard are super cushiony-soft. I’m also looking for aromatherapy to use in my new bathroom, with these Body Restore Store shower therapy packs on deck for my next extra-long hot shower. — Shannon McMahon, editor, destinations
