OUR EDITORS’ TOP PICKS FOR PRIME DAY 2023
Another massive two-day sale from Amazon is here: Prime Big Deal Days, fall's answer to Amazon Prime Day, ends today; October 11. Travelers can save big on everything from luggage to packing cubes to travel accessories. It should come as no surprise that Condé Nast Traveler editors have been going through their wishlists to see what's on sale. Read on to see what travel gear we’re eyeing for last minute price drops, from face serums and rain jackets to alarm clocks, steamers, tech necessities, and cameras. For more ideas, check out the best early Prime Day travel gear deals we have found so far.
For even more ideas, shop all of the Prime Day sales on Amazon directly, and visit Condé Nast Traveler's Amazon storefront for curated, real-time updates on the best deals for shoes, luggage, outdoor gear, travel-specific goods, and more—filtered specifically for you.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
A helpful washday tool
I've come to terms with the fact that my washdays will continue to get longer and longer as my hair grows. One of the longest parts of my washday is making sure my scalp is completely cleansed and free of product buildup. After most days I find my fingers and arms are sore from all the meticulous scrubbing, so I'm getting a scalp massager to alleviate some of the work on my part. —Paris Wilson, commerce producer
New kitchen essentials
I’ve had my eye on a new coffee maker and an air fryer for months. I’ve heard rave reviews about Ninja products—especially its single-serve coffee maker that has a built-in frother. I’ve held off, but now with Prime Day’s 25 percent off discount, I’m finally treating myself to a a few new kitchen essentials. —Meaghan Kenny, associate commerce editor
Durable phonecases
My phone case is starting to fade around the edges (the downside of its light blue color!), so I’m in the market for a new one. I’m eyeing a heavy-duty but still lightweight option from Pelican, and the bright, funky patterns Casetify makes. —Madison Flager, senior commerce editor
Rainy day essentials
A few weeks of heavy rain in New York City made me realize how ill prepared I am in the rain gear department. As much as I need some new waterproof gear, I definitely don’t want to pay full price for it. I’m adding a packable rain jacket, travel-friendly umbrella, and a comfortable rain boot to my Amazon shopping cart this Prime Day. As far as the rain jacket and boots go, I’m hoping for something polished enough to wear into the office and lightweight enough to fit in my carry-on. And I’ve got my eye on the Weatherman travel umbrella—it looks compact enough to fit in my tote bag. —M.K.
Restocking on holy grail skincare products
I use the Topicals Faded serum to treat acne scars on my face and chest. One tube goes a long way even with nightly use. I've noticed a real difference in how even my skin tone is as well as just how much lighter the dark marks appear after consistently using it the last five months. I use the detox serum from Grown Alchemist every day and night. It has been keeping my skin smooth, balanced, and free of blemishes. I’ll also be stocking up on the brand's hand cream, with cold weather creeping in, I want to make sure my hands are moisturized and soft during the harshest time of year. It's made from orange peel and vanilla, so it smells amazing while also locking in moisture. —P.W.
I’m nearing the end of a few go-to Tula products—the under eye balm and moisturizing primer, specifically—so if they’re on sale, I’ll stock up on a couple of each. I use the balm regularly, but it’s especially nice to have on hand after a long flight. —M.F.
A reliable travel steamer
As I frustratedly put on yet another wrinkled shirt the other day, it dawned on me that I could just purchase a steamer. So that’s what’s on my wishlist for this sale: a good steamer, large enough to smooth some serious wrinkles, but small enough to stow in my luggage. —Mercedes Bleth, global associate director, social
Upgraded home essentials
I’ve had the Hatch Restore on my radar for months now, thanks in large part to hearing many a podcast ad with hosts raving about what a difference the alarm clock has made in their morning routine. I’m hoping to see it on sale this week—with shorter, gloomier days ahead, the gradual sunrise light sounds like a pleasant way to wake up.—M.F.
I’ve been nervous about cleaning my couch on my own, but after going to Crate and Barrel to see what they recommend, a sales associate suggested I buy a velvet cleaner and save a couple hundred dollars having someone else do it. The moment I was ready to get to work, a quick read of the directions told me I was missing a key tool: a hand vacuum. The couch is going to look unrecognizable once it's delivered. —P.W.
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 the Adidas Aqua 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
Sporty, outdoorsy goods
First of all, I often travel with tennis gear, 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, and maybe eventually a backpacking trip. These lightweight hiking poles would be easy to bring along and helpful on intermediate trails. Lastly, 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, former senior editor, transportation and travel news
Road trip staples
This Prime day I'm prioritizing a mix of sustainability and fun—especially for my 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
A set of handy packing cubes
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 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, former travel bookings editor
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
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. —Arati Menon, global digital director
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! I adores these Calvin Klein half-calfs, and thankfully the Prime Day gods saw fit to discount. —Charlie Hobbs, editorial assistant