10 Fall Travel Items to Upgrade at Amazon

When investing in high-quality travel gear, one thing you can always rely on is those pieces remaining usable and in good condition for years to come. However, some common additions to your packing list may be either outdated or of a lower caliber than other options on the market right now—and those items are worth swapping out to craft a lasting collection of reliable gear. 

This fall, we’ve built a list of the 10 common travel items you’ll be best served leaving out of your suitcase, as well as cost-effective replacements you’ll trust for every vacation. From versatile backpacks to upgraded luggage tags, these are the new additions you should include on your packing list in the coming months, starting at just $7 at Amazon. 

Don’t Pack: Lightweight Layers

Instead Pack: a Compressible Down Jacket

Packing an abundance of lightweight layers that—in theory—don’t take up too much space in your luggage may seem like the most practical way to approach fall travel, but instead of stuffing your suitcase with excess fabric, why not opt for one versatile, compressive down jacket instead? This best-selling puffer comes with its own portable carrying pouch so it can be packed down to take up minimal space in your suitcase, plus it’s equipped to keep you comfortable despite the dropping temperatures so you’re not forced to wear three layers of clothing to compensate. It’s available in an impressive size range from XS to 6X, and it’s the perfect versatile jacket for all your fall activities.

Don’t Pack: Individual Loungewear Pieces

Instead Pack: a Cozy Matching Set

Aside from being adaptable and comfortable, matching sets are also an easy way to keep your travel wardrobe looking uniform and put-together this fall. The Amazon best-selling Anrabess lounge set is also a T+L editor-favorite pick, and not only can the sweatshirt and wide-leg sweatpants be styled together, but they can also be mixed and matched with other pieces in your suitcase. This cozy airport outfit is flattering enough to wear during your adventures straight off the plane, and of course the fleecy lining is paramount for staying temperate this season.  

Don’t Pack: a Standard Laptop Backpack

Instead Pack: a Do-it-all Carry-on Backpack

Instead of opting for a basic laptop backpack for your in-flight needs, we suggest snagging a do-it-all carry-on bag for your seasonal travels and beyond—and this shopper-loved pick is on rare sale for 40 percent off. The front pocket is still fitted with a padded compartment that’s suitable for your laptop and other electronics, but the main pocket unzips like a clamshell to reveal a staggering amount of packing space for extra clothing, toiletries, and more. This bag boasts a handy built-in shoe pouch and a wet bag for dirty laundry, and it’s a far more efficient personal item than your standard backpack. 

Don’t Pack: a Portable Charger

Instead Pack: a Battery Pack with Built-in Cables

A high-quality portable charger is one of the most important pieces of technology to bring on trips of any length, but if you’d like to avoid having to remember to pack another cord, you’ll be well-served selecting a power bank with built-in cables instead. This Charmast battery pack is an unbeatable choice as it comes with four different cables that are compatible with a wide range of electronics, plus it’s fitted with a screen at the front that shows exactly how much charge it has left. It’s so compact that it’ll slide into your purse or the smallest pocket of your personal item with ease, and it’s so popular that more than 10,000 have been purchased at Amazon in the last month. 

Don’t Pack: Knit Gloves

Instead Pack: Touchscreen Gloves

Cold weather is here to stay, and wearing gloves while sightseeing is essential for protecting your skin from becoming dry and cracked. But if you’re constantly taking off your gloves to respond to texts or use your phone to navigate an unfamiliar destination, it defeats the purpose of wearing them to begin with. 

This season, we suggest trading in your traditional knit gloves for a touchscreen pair that will keep your hands warm and covered without impeding on your phone usage. This best-selling pair has touch screen capabilities on every single finger and the palms feature grippy material that ensures your device won’t slip from your hands. At $7, it may even be wise to snag two pairs. 

Don’t Pack: Wide Leg Pants

Instead Pack: Sweans

Since a good travel wardrobe should effectively tie together comfort and style, you can set aside your rigid denim, wide leg pants, and even worn-in lounge pants all for one, simple style: sweatpant jeans, aka “sweans.” The relaxed style has gained popularity within the last year among celebrities, fashionable travelers, and even T+L editors, and this stretchy pair is a steal at $32. They’re made from a cotton and polyester blend that’s forgiving yet flattering with a partially elasticized waist, and a drawstring at the front completes the look. There’s no doubt they’ll become the most worn bottoms in your suitcase year-round, whether you style them for a long-haul flight, a day of sightseeing, or a nice dinner on the town. 

Don’t Pack: Ballet Flats

Instead Pack: Clogs

When selecting your footwear options for your next trip, it’s important to consider the temperature to determine which shoes you can most easily pair with thick, insulated socks. While ballet flats are stylish (and perfect for the spring and summer), you’ll be far better served opting for a pair of clogs during the cooler months since you can slide them over wool socks to stay warm and cozy without losing the convenience of a slip-on design. 

This beautiful pair of leather clogs is fitted with cloud-like memory foam insoles and impressive arch support so you can wear them during long days on your feet—and right now they’re on sale for 36 percent off. Plus, while they’re not as dainty as ballet flats, they’re just as versatile, looking great with everything from maxi dresses to denim. 

Don’t Pack: Synthetic Layers

iInstead Pack: Merino Wool Clothing

There are some areas of your wardrobe and travel gear collection that are truly worth investing in, and high-quality basics and layering pieces are that arena—especially during the colder months. So, now is the time to swap out your synthetic base pieces for insulated, sweat-wicking merino wool garments that’ll last in your wardrobe for years on end and actually keep you warm throughout the day. 

This high-value set comes with a pair of pants and a fitted top in sizes XS to 2XL for $95 with a special on-site coupon. They can be worn for colder hikes, under your clothing during breezy walking tours, and even used as pajamas if your lodgings lack proper heat. Best of all, merino wool pieces are more sweat-wicking and odor resistant than other fabrics, so you won’t have to worry about packing them back into your suitcase with your other outfits. 

Don’t Pack: an Extra Garment Bag

Instead Pack: a Duffel with a Built-in Garment Bag

Fall is a popular time for weddings, so if you’re traveling for one such event you may be figuring out how to get your clothing to your destination without wrinkles or damage. You could carry along a bulky garment bag, but we recommend a more compact, tidy option: a duffel with a built-in garment bag. This shopper-beloved bag unzips to lay flat, revealing a spacious pouch for your hanging belongings to fold up while creating minimal wrinkles. Once your clothes are packed inside you can fill the bag as normal, and you’ll even find the side is fitted with a hidden compartment for your shoes. 

Don’t Pack: a Standard Luggage Tag

Instead Pack: an Apple AirTag Holder

Keeping a luggage tag affixed to both your checked and carry-on luggage is always a good idea since you never know when you’ll be separated from your bags. But the days of standard luggage tags have passed, and you’ll instead find a tag with a built-in AirTag compartment to be far more useful in keeping track of the exact location of your bags at all times. This durable tag comes with a name card so you can still fill out your recovery information, but it also features a reinforced steel plate under which you can safely store your AirTag without threat of theft. It won’t fall to pieces like airline-issued paper luggage tags, and for $30 it’s a great investment for your long-term travel experience. 

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