13 items real-world travelers are actually buying from Amazon Prime Day from $13 and up
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
It’s the final day of the two-day Amazon Prime sale, and we have some early insights into some of the most popular deals with travelers.
This year, as we've seen before, real-world TPG travelers were all about the essentials, from hi-tech gizmos to great value luggage and packing solutions.
Here is a roundup of what TPG readers are buying the most from the Amazon Prime Day sale, in case it helps you spot something you want to “add to cart” before the deals dry up.
Anker Portable Charger — $18.99 (normally $25.99)
Recommended by none other than TPG's own Clint Henderson, this Anker Power Bank may look no thrills, but it took every box when it comes to travel charging solutions. Right now it's on sale for just $18.99. The 10,000-milliampere-hour battery pack has a USB-C port and works for all iPhone 13, 14 and 15 series phones.
Buy: Anker Power Bank, $18.99 (normally $25.99)
FrSara Neck Fan — $23.99 (normally $46.99)
Handheld fans are so last year. These days if you want be at the cutting edge of cool breeze blasting tech, you need to get yourself a neck fan. Our readers and plenty of other Prime Day shoppers have been snapping up this sleek neck fan, which is priced around 50% cheaper than its usual asking price right now. FrSara’s neck fan looks similar to a pair of headphones when in use. Thanks to a bladeless design, it’s extremely quiet. It’s also so light that you probably won’t even realize you’re wearing it.
To buy: FrSara Neck Fan, $23.99 (normally $46.99)
Jisulife Handheld Mini Fan — $13.67 (normally $24.99)
That said, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. If you’re looking for a traditional handheld fan, this rechargeable mini fan from Jisulife has been a popular choice year-on-year. When fully charged, it provides 12 to 19 hours of use (depending on the power setting you use) and is a firm favorite of TPG senior writer Tarah Chieffi. It can also be used as a portable power bank to charge your devices while you’re out and about and features a handy built-in flashlight, too.
To buy: Jisulife Handheld Mini Fan, $13.67 (normally $24.99)
Apple AirTag 4 Pack — $79.98 (normally $99)
We’re big fans of Apple AirTags here at TPG, and many of our staff members never travel without them. It seems many of our readers feel the same way. We hope you never have to actually use them to find lost luggage, but if you plan to check your bags, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Our readers splashed out on both individual tags and four-pack varieties, though you’ll save more with the latter.
Buy:
- Apple AirTag — 4 Pack, $79.98 (normally $99)
- Apple AirTag — Individual, $24.99 (normally $29)
Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) — $129.99 (normally $169)
Here at TPG, real-world travelers were keen on the latest version of AirPods, splurging on the third-generation model of Apple’s famous wireless earbuds.
Buy: Apple AirPods (3rd Generation), $129.99 (normally $169)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) — $168.99 (normally $249)
If you want something with a little more oomph, you can get a discount on the second generation of Apple AirPods Pro, always a popular device with both our readers and TPG staff, you can pick up a pair right now at a great price.
Buy: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation), $168.99 (normally $249)
Epicka Universal Travel Adapter — $19.99 (normally $24.99)
Frequent flyer? This international travel adapter will cover almost any destination you’ll ever visit. It works in over 150 countries, including the U.S., Canada, Japan and the U.K. It can charge up to six devices at once, so it’s perfect if you’re traveling as a family or in a group — no more fighting over that one phone charger.
Buy: Epicka Universal Travel Adapter, $19.99 (normally $24.99)
Matein Travel Laptop Backpack — $17.59 (normally $39.96)
This travel backpack can fit laptops that are up to 15.6 inches wide and has a handy luggage strap that allows you to slide the backpack over your suitcase’s upright handle tube. It also has antitheft pockets and a built-in USB charger. A simple, foolhardy, and dare we say it, stylish backpack.
To buy: Matein Travel Laptop Backpack, $17.59 (normally $39.96)
Bagsmart Compression Packing Cubes (set of 6) — $31.99 (normally $42.99)
Packing cubes are should be on every pro traveler's best-kept packing secret. Bagsmart's compression packing cubes come in a range of sizes, and they're waterproof to boot and available in several different colors.
Buy: Bagsmart Compression Packing Cubes (set of 6), $31.99 (normally $42.99)
American Tourister 3-Piece 4 KIX 2.0 Softside Expandable Luggage Set — $209.76 (normally $349.97)
American Tourister is offering a great deal on this three-piece soft-sided luggage set. Each case is expandable and comes with spinner wheels to help you glide through the airport. The various sizes should suit most travel situations, meaning you'll always have the right case for exactly when you need it.
Buy: American Tourister 3-Piece 4 KIX 2.0 Softside Expandable Luggage Set, $209.76 (normally $349.97)
Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX set — $208.34 (normally $489)
For $208.34, you'll get two cases: a 20-inch carry-on and a medium 24-inch checked bag by luggage powerhouse brand Samsonite. The bags come with a 10-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, and they feature four multidirectional spinner wheels to help you glide through the airport.
To buy: two-piece Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX set, $208.34 (normally $489)
Podoru wireless portable charger — $26.98 (normally $34.99)
The Podoru wireless portable charger is super convenient with its USB-C cable, LED display, and MagSafe compatibility with all iPhone 12, 13, 14 and 15 models. With USB-A and USB-C outputs, it can also charge two additional devices simultaneously.
Buy: Podoru wireless portable charger, $26.98 (normally $34.99)
Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones — from $199 (normally $349)
For something more robust, consider Bose's staple noise-canceling wireless headphones. They are often touted as the perfect balance of quiet, comfort and sound. They have a Bluetooth range of up to 30 feet and two modes: Quiet for noise-canceling capabilities and Aware to hear your environment and music simultaneously.
Buy: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones, from $199 (normally $349)
Best credit cards to use for Amazon purchases
When you add these items to your cart, be sure to use a credit card to maximize your Amazon purchases this Prime Day and beyond. Options include:
- Prime Visa (see rates and fees): Get 5% cash back on all Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, among others.
- Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees): Get 1.5% cash back on nonportal, drugstore and dining purchases, including Amazon.
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on every purchase, every day.
Related reading:
- 8 ways to save money on Amazon orders
- Amazon credit card refresh: New look, new names, new ways to earn
- The best credit cards for Amazon purchases
- 10 headphones on sale for Amazon Prime Day — from Bose to Sony
- Amazon Prime Day deal: Travel-size carbon monoxide detector on sale for just $17
- 9 Amazon Prime Day competitor deals for travelers
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.