14 items real-world travelers are actually buying from Amazon Prime Day from $12

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 some early results for the best deals are in.

What real-world TPG travelers wanted the most this year wasn’t necessarily the newest premium luggage at a discount or (for the most part) cutting-edge tech and the latest releases; it was affordable, practical items such as portable power banks, handheld fans international chargers, travel-size carbon monoxide detectors and cut-price AirTags.

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.

And remember, you can potentially stack additional savings by using these ways to save even more at Amazon (including saving up to 50% on your order by using just 1 credit card point).

Anker power bank — $15.99 (normally $21.99)

This portable charger by Anker is a favorite of TPG managing editor Clint Henderson, and plenty of our readers seem to agree. It’s one of the slimmest and lightest power banks out there, and right now, it’s available for the discounted price of just $15.99 and is suitable for charging iPhone 13, 14 and 15 series, as well as Samsung Galaxy devices.

To buy: Anker power bank, $15.99 (normally $21.99)

FrSara Neck Fan — $23.99 (normally $46.99)

Each year, the summer season seems hotter than ever, and as such, a powerful (and portable) fan is now an essential travel item. Our readers and plenty of other Prime Day shoppers have been snapping up this sleek neck fan which is around 50% cheaper right than its usual asking price.

FrSara’s neck fan looks similar to a pair of headphones when in use is virtually soundless thanks to a bladeless design. It’s also so light that you probably 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)

Jisulife Handheld Mini Fan in pink — AMAZON

If you’re looking for a more traditional handheld fan, this rechargeable mini-fan from Jisulife has also proved very popular this year. It offers between 12 and 19 hours of use once fully charged (depending on the power setting you use), and TPG senior writer Tarah Chieffi swears by it. 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)

Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector — $18.99 (normally $27.99)

Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector_AMAZON — AMAZON.COM

Safety when traveling is paramount, and being able to detect a dangerous, odorless and invisible gas while on the road for less than $20 was clearly top of mind for TPG readers because, once again this year, this was one of the most-ordered items.

Its price dropped significantly during the sale. This is affordable and easy to toss in your travel bag at just 1.5 inches by 4.5 inches by 2.75 inches.

Buy: Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector, $18.99 (normally $27.99)

Apple AirTag 4 pack — $88.98 (normally $99)

We’re big fans of Apple AirTags here at TPG, and many of our staff members would 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 a marginal amount more with the latter.

Buy:

Apple AirTag — 4 pack, $88.98 (normally $99)
Apple AirTag — individual, $23.99 (normally $29)

Belkin Apple AirTag holder — $13.99 (normally $19.99)

It’s no surprise then that after snapping up their brand new airbags, plenty of our readers also invested in the tough holders to carry them around in. Belkin’s AirTag holder comes in various colors and is affordable for a quality brand.

Buy: Belkin Apple AirTag holder, $13.99 (normally $19.99)

Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) — $119.99 (normally $169)

Here at TPG, real-world travelers were keen on the latest version of AirPods splurging on the latest model. 3rd Gen model of Apple’s famous earphones.

Buy: Apple AirPods (3rd Generation), $119.99 (normally $169)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) — $168.99 (normally $249)

If you want something with a little more oomph, you can also get a discount on Apple AirPods Pro (second generation). If AirPods have been on your wish list for a while, this is a good time to pick them up at a decent discount. Best of all, this model comes with noise-canceling technology — a plus on plane rides.

Buy: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation), $168 (normally $249)

SAMSUNG T7 Shield 2TB, Portable SSD — $142.49 (normally $284.99)

If you regularly travel for work (or simply take a lot of pictures and videos on your travel), we can’t recommend a good quality external hard drive enough. The Samsung T7 Sheild is as good as it gets when it comes to portable SSDs. It’s hardy and designed to withstand all of the elements from water to dust, and it also features drop resistance for those everyday mishaps. Its tech is lightning fast and comes in options from 1TB to 4TB. This was a big seller this year among our readers.

Buy: SAMSUNG T7 Shield 2TB, Portable SSD, $142.49 (normally $284.99)

Fuel Rod Portable Charger Kit — $27.99 (normally $34.99)

FuelRods are not the best external power sources out there, but they are really easy to use in places where you can swap them for free, like Disney World and Disneyland. Judging by the amount ordered during the first day of the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale, TPG readers agree. Check out this article for more information on how FuelRods can be a lifesaver when visiting Disney and some other theme parks.

Buy: Fuel Rod Portable Charger Kit, $27.99 (normally $34.99)

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 United Kingdom. It also charges up to six devices at once, so it is 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 will fit laptops up to 15.6 inches and comes with 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.

To buy: Matein Travel Laptop Backpack, $17.59 (normally $39.96)

KOKODI Lcd Writing Tablet Doodle Board — $12.60 (normally $17.99)

If you’re a parent, you’ll certainly know the value of keeping your kids entertained while in transit. This LCD drawing tablet is currently on sale for less than $15 and is perfect if you’re looking to distract your kids.

Buy: KOKODI Lcd Writing Tablet Doodle Board, $12.60 (normally $17.99)

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: Get 5% cash back on all Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, among others.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Get 1.5% cash back on nonportal, drugstore and dining purchases, including Amazon; also, earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year), worth up to $300 cash back.
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.

Also, check to see if you have any targeted offers to save up to 50% off an eligible Amazon purchase when using as little as 1 point from one of your rewards credit cards.

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