The holidays have come and gone, and now that you’ve generously given some thoughtful gifts to your loved ones, who can blame you for wanting to get a gift for yourself before the end of the year? If you’ve got some Christmas cash burning in your pocket, you might want to check out Amazon – it’s a one-stop shop Everything a traveler could need To prepare for all the adventures of 2025. That said, there are definitely some things worth giving up.
To help you spend your holiday funds wisely, keep reading to discover 10 products you can skip on Amazon’s virtual shelves, and 10 items you may want to invest in. whether you are prioritizing your comfort In the new year, looking for fresh goodsOr goal of becoming more organized On your journey, we’ve found the best products for every need, with prices starting at $23.
Don’t Buy: Heavy Neck Pillow
Buy Instead: A Folding Neck Pillow
Truttle Travel Pillow
Amazon
Traditional neck pillows are difficult to pack, take up extra space inside your bag, and may not provide the support you’re looking for during long-haul flights. So, for 2025, we recommend a more compact option like the Truttle Travel Pillow which is 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 hygienic option — plus, it’s earned nearly 20,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, with shoppers praising its comfort and travel-friendliness.
Don’t Buy: Pepper Spray
Buy Instead: A Portable Security Alarm
That’s Birdie The Original Personal Safety Alarm
Amazon
It’s natural to want to protect yourself while traveling (especially if you’re heading out 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 options that offer the same peace of mind. For this, travel+vacation editor takes oath She’s Birdie Original Personal Security Alarm. Which is currently $23 with the on-site coupon. It clips onto your key chain, and when you pull the pin, the little device emits a loud alarm with its strobe light effect to ward off potential threats. Female travelers liked this device, it is easy to use, And You can actually take it on your flight.
Don’t Buy: A Standard Portable Charger
Buy Instead: A portable charger with a built-in cable
Sabani Portable Charger
Amazon
There’s no doubt that 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 in your bag, this option with a built-in cable. It’s time to invest. , This compact charger from Sabani has four different cable options – including USB-A, Type C, iOS, and a micro cable – so you can charge your phone, tablet, and even headphones . The device 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 how much battery is left, making it a genius device for travel in 2025.
Don’t Buy: Extra Leg Room on Your Flight
Buy Instead: A Supportive Foot Hammock
Everlasting Comfortable Airplane Foot Hammock
Amazon
Upgrading your seat for extra leg space during flight can be expensive, but you may be able to skip this cost into the new year because the Everlasting Comfort Airplane Foot Hammock will make a huge difference — and it only costs $23. The device’s adjustable straps simply loop over your seatback tray table, and you can tighten or loosen them for more leg support without taking up much space or encroaching on your seatmates. Made from ultra-soft memory foam, it gives your travel-tired legs a good rest in the sky, with a separate space for each leg that also provides relief to your hips. Best of all, it’s incredibly lightweight and packable, leaving the bulk of your personal items for other essentials during the flight.
Don’t Buy: Standard Packing Cubes
Buy Instead: Compression Packing Cubes
BagSmart 6-Set Compression Packing Cubes
Amazon
Using packing cubes is one of our favorite hacks to optimize space in your luggage while staying organized. However, instead of going for the standard iteration in 2025, we recommend opting for compression cubes – especially If you are an overpacker. This set of six is currently on sale for $39, and with over 8,200 five-star ratings you can be confident that this is a worthwhile addition to your travel lineup. Each bag is a slightly different size to 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 heavy weekend bag
Buy Instead: A Roomy Travel Backpack
Metin Carry-On Backpack
Amazon
Weekender bags are certainly roomy, but to save your shoulders from the weight of an overloaded duffel, a durable backpack is a better option. A pack like this Matein Carry-On — which costs just $30 right now — will distribute the weight of your luggage evenly, without skimping on capacity. It opens like a clamshell suitcase, allowing you to pack every corner completely. In fact, according to the brand, it can fit up to five days’ worth of clothes, and its expandable design only serves to further improve your packing capacity.
Don’t Buy: Individual Outfit Pieces
Buy Instead: A Versatile Matching Set
Fixmatty Women’s Knit Sweatsuit
Amazon
We love a good knit set at T+L, and this high-quality option from Fixmatty is a cost-effective option for stocking up on different wardrobe pieces this season. Not only is it an easy way to look instantly stylish without much effort, but the loose yet comfortable fabric will keep you comfortable during your next long haul flight too. The wide-leg pants are a dream because of the comfortable elastic waistband, plus the neutral color makes this set easy to style in so many different ways. At $45 with an on-site coupon, it’s a great option for the cooler months.
Don’t buy: a single suitcase
Buy Instead: A Luggage Set
Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable 2-Piece Set
Amazon
If you’re already planning on revamping your suitcase selection for next year, getting a discounted set is far more wallet-friendly than choosing individual bags. Seeing as Samsonite is one of the Most prestigious luggage brands In the game, this two-piece hardsided pair is a safe investment, too — and it’s on sale for 37 percent off, bringing the price down to $150 per bag. The set includes a large, expandable checked bag along with a compact carry-on, and they both have sleek spinner wheels that make it easy to navigate the airport. With this combo you will save money And Your items will match.
Don’t Buy: A Single Bluetooth Luggage Tracker
Buy Instead: A Multi-Pack
Apple AirTags 4-Pack
Amazon
Apple AirTags are an invaluable asset for travel, as they allow you to keep track of your checked bags throughout your trip. That said, picking up a four-pack is far more cost-effective — and this set is now on sale for 26 percent off, bringing the price down to just under $18 per tag. With a few AirTags in your possession, you can easily track your key chains, wallets, and favorite purses using the “Find My” app on your iPhone. And if you pick up four now, you won’t have to think about replacing them anytime soon.
Don’t Buy: Wired Headphones
Buy Instead: A Bluetooth Audio Adapter
Twelve South Airfly SE Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter
Amazon
with celebs are emphasizing With wired headphones back in style, you might be tempted to pick up a pair for your upcoming trips. However, you don’t have to worry about running out of battery to do You have to consider the frustration of tangled wires and the possibility that they might snag your seatmate if you’re sitting across the aisle. As an alternative, we recommend choosing the best-selling audio adapter from Airfly that simply plugs into your seatback screen, allowing you to enjoy your movie in the comfort of your well-padded Bluetooth headphones. Yes – no wires required.
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