I'm a Travel Writer, and These Are the 24 Deals I'm Shopping During Amazon’s Prime Early Access Sale

Amazon’s Prime Early Access Sale is just hours away, and the retailer has already kicked off the savings fun with hundreds of early deals across its site — which is great news if you’re an avid online shopper like me. Starting on October 11, the two-day savings event is expected to bring markdowns up to 80 percent off, giving shoppers the chance to start their holiday shopping early and enjoy another opportunity to save on the items they’ve been eyeing since last Prime Day. 

Many of the best early deals are happening on Amazon's travel gear and essentials, and they’re so good that my cart is already filled to the brim. Everything from Coolife Expandable Luggage Sets and highly rated memory foam travel neck pillows to comfortable walking shoes and travel-friendly water bottles to keep you hydrated on the go are more than 60 percent off right now, in anticipation of the October Prime Day. Plus, tech items like the Amazon Fire Stick, portable chargers, Bluetooth baggage trackers are more than half off leading up to the event.

And if you're looking to stock up on comfy, cute travel apparel or items to protect and refresh your skin during travel, you’ll be delighted to hear that there are tons of early deals on Amazon’s fall fashion items, including cozy fall sweaters, trendy jackets, travel-friendly loungewear, and comfortable footwear from top brands like Adidas, Steve Madden, and Levi’s, as well as markdowns on beauty and wellness products. Not to mention, home and kitchen items are also heavily discounted, so you can get a jumpstart on your shopping before Black Friday even rolls around.

While aimlessly scrolling through thousands of deals to find the best ones sounds overwhelming, I’m here to help. As a travel commerce writer who spends a lot of her time on Amazon, I’ve used my expertise to compile the best deals from the Prime Early Access Sale. Below, you’ll find 24 items that I never travel without, plus reviewer-loved and editor-approved products that have been sitting in my cart waiting for their prices to drop.  

Remember, you have until October 12 at midnight PT to enjoy these super savings, and there’s still time to become a Prime member if you’re not already. Start your free 30-day trial now so you can be privy to even more exclusive deals and savings ahead of the two-day sale, during the event, and after. 

Beats Powerbeats Pro

Since the concept of the Prime Early Access Sale is technically to get ahead of your holiday shopping, I’m going to seize the opportunity to score a pair of Beats Powerbeats Pro for my sister. Their adjustable, secure-fitting design perfectly hugs your ears without budging, even if you're leaning against a plane window to catch some Zs or in the middle of an intense workout. Right now, they’re 20 percent off, which means you can get them for $200 — and while the price tag might still be a splurge, Beats rarely go on sale, so it's well worth it.

To buy: amazon.com, $200 (originally $250)  

Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Another gifting opportunity, the JBL Clip 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is the perfect birthday present for my outdoorsy friend. Its innovative clip design easily and securely fastens to backpack zippers, belt loops, water bottle lids, and other convenient places, which will come in handy when she’s hiking, camping, and kayaking. The mini speaker is waterproof, dust-proof, and has impressive sound quality according to reviewers. 

To buy: amazon.com, $50 (originally $80) 

Luggage Set

My mom's go-to suitcases are in need of some serious upgrading, and I couldn't wait to show her this markdown on the Coolife 3-Piece Hardshell Expandable Luggage Set. The trio includes 20-inch, 24-inch, and 28-inch suitcases, each featuring a durable exterior, 360-degree spinning wheels, a TSA-friendly lock, and an ergonomic telescoping handle. The set has more than 16,000 five-star ratings from shoppers, and there's a special on-site coupon that helps you save an additional $20 off the sale price.

To buy: amazon.com,  $160 with on-site coupon (originally $300)

Packing Cubes 

I know, a travel writer that doesn’t use packing cubes? Blasphemy. But, after seeing the 20,000-plus glowing five-star ratings that the Veken Packing Cube Set has earned, I’m officially sold. They’re known to help travelers free up “so much extra room” in their luggage, even the shoppers that are self-admitted “overpackers” like myself. The six-piece nylon set comes with four packing cubes, as well as a handy laundry bag and shoe compartment. Don't forget to tick the on-site coupon for an extra 10 percent off these best-selling packing cubes.

To buy: amazon.com, $21 with on-site coupon (originally $26) 

Travel Neck Pillow 

Not having a neck pillow also feels like a travel-writer sin, and after reading the testimonies reviewers have left for the Mlvoc Neck Pillow — and catching it while it's 55 percent off, thanks to the addition of an on-site coupon — I’m finally convinced to buy it. Discount aside, its unique ergonomic design, memory foam construction, and soft-yet-breathable fabric puts it in a league of its own, according to shoppers. And, it also comes with a carrying pouch, an eye mask, and a set of earplugs. 

To buy: amazon.com, $20 with on-site coupon (originally $40) 

Cozy Sweater 

This Anrabess sweater is perfectly oversized for lounging around, running errands, and long flights. But it can easily be dressed up with jeans, a skirt, or leggings when needed. It comes in dozens of colors to seamlessly fit into an existing wardrobe and is currently 32 percent off with the help of a special on-site coupon. 

To buy: amazon.com, $35 with on-site coupon (originally $64) 

Workout Top 

I’ve fully embraced the athleisure trend, and my favorite sporty tops are ones are from Amazon — especially the Natural Feelings Padded Sports Bra Top. This supportive and sleek crop top sports bra can be worn as a traditional sports bra or on its own as a workout top, which comes in handy on flights or car rides when the temperature gets too toasty. I already have the black and gray one, and I’m going to definitely be grabbing the burgundy and white tops while they’re on sale. 

To buy: amazon.com, $24 (originally $28) 

Joggers 

If you’re like me and can’t travel in anything but sweatpants but want to look put-together when you touch down, these Baleaf Lightweight Joggers are the best of both worlds. The travel pants have a nylon construction, high waistband, tapered fit, and cuffs at the ankles that make them sleek, but they have just enough spandex to provide enough stretch for you to recline and be comfy. 

To buy: amazon.com, $26 (originally $50) 

Stainless Steel Water Bottle 

My go-to water bottle straw broke and I’ve been in need of a replacement — and this insulated, stainless steel option has been dubbed the “best water bottle in the history of the world” by Amazon reviewers. Right now, the 25-ounce version is the perfect size to put in my carry-on and is on sale for an impressive 63 percent off. It also comes in so many pretty colors, including an ombré version.

To buy: amazon.com, $15 (originally $27) 

Comfy Sneakers

I’m a big fan of Puma shoes for their long-lasting comfort, especially on big travel days, and couldn’t resist this deal on the brand’s California sneaker model. Ahead of the Prime Early Access Sale, their $75 price tag has been slashed to a budget-friendly $30, and I’m loving the beige and white combination since it's neutral enough to go with everything in my closet. 

To buy: amazon.com, $30 (originally $75) 

Cord Organizer Case

My laptop and phone chargers always take up so much room in my travel bag and make me feel incredibly disorganized going through TSA security. I’m also officially fed up with dealing with tangled cables, so I’m adding this cord organizer case to my cart that's up to 43 percent off. It has multiple compartments that can also fit a portable charger, Apple AirPods, and other tiny tech must-haves.  

To buy: amazon.com, $8 (originally $14) 

Portable Charger 

Speaking of portable chargers, I'm in need of a new one to help keep all of my devices juiced up on the go. I've been eyeing this multi-port, compact option from Amazon, since it has nearly 38,000 five-star ratings from shoppers — it's just that good. The portable charger is currently marked down 58 percent ahead of the Prime Early Access Sale, meaning that it's less than $20 and a total no-brainer.

To buy: amazon.com, $17 with on-site coupon (originally $43) 

Pyrex Baking Dishes

Switching gears, there are plenty of amazing early deals on cookware and kitchen appliances right now, too, so you can whip up your favorite meals from traveling the globe right at home or travel with dinner to your campsite. I’ve had these Pyrex Glass Baking Dishes sitting in my cart and I’m finally ready to commit. The four-piece set is equipped with lids and convenient carrying handles, which are game-changers for transporting to and from my car for beach picnics and more.

To buy: amazon.com, $16 (originally $19) 

Fanny Pack

I’ve been on the hunt for a fanny pack that’s durable and lightweight enough to bring on hikes, but still stylish to use in place of a purse when I’m out and about or traveling. This affordable and sleek belt bag has a sleek nylon exterior that makes it on-trend while boosting its durability, and it’s equipped with three handy pockets. Oh, and there are 16 cool colors to choose from. 

To buy: amazon.com, $15 (originally $23)

Packable Duffel Bag

Another budget-friendly travel bag pick, this packable Narwey duffel is the perfect size for toting around on vacation, especially if you like to shop when you’re traveling and need extra room for souvenirs and gifts. It also makes for a convenient gym bag, grocery carrier, and so much more. If you’re a frequent Spirit Airline flier, its 18-inch by 14-inch by 8-inch frame allows it to double as a personal bag and carry-on. 

To buy: amazon.com, $10 (originally $15) 

KN95 Masks 

I’m still not comfortable traveling on public transportation without a face mask, and Amazon is my go-to place for good deals on KN95 masks (plus, some international countries still require masks on public transportation and on planes). Ahead of the Prime Early Access Sale, a pack of 50 Levenis KN95 Face Masks are half off, which brings the price tag of the set to $15. The best-selling set has racked up more than 18,000 five-star ratings from shoppers and has a four-layer, multi-filter design to keep you protected. 

To buy: amazon.com, $15 (originally $30) 

Acne Patches 

While wearing a KN95 mask on flights gives me peace of mind, it tends to result in breakouts. That’s why I always travel with hydrocolloid acne patches. I can easily wear them under my mask to address zits or protecting a spot that's healing, and they help speed up the recovery time of my blemishes and reduce redness when I’ve arrived at my destination. These top-rated pimple patches have more than 19,500 five-star ratings from shoppers and come in boxes of 24 and 60 dots, so I’m always stocked before a trip. 

To buy: amazon.com, from $8 (originally $10) 

Long-Sleeve Dress

Fall in Los Angeles means lots of flowy, long-sleeve dresses to navigate the cool-ish and windy weather. This lightweight tunic from Amoretu is an Amazon best-seller with more than 3,000 five-star reviews under its belt, and its fit-and-flare-style silhouette looks incredibly flattering. The dress’ ruffle details and balloon sleeves gives it extra style points, and it comes in 23 shades perfect for autumn.

To buy: amazon.com, $31 (originally $46) 

Leather Jacket

A leather jacket is another West Coast must-have for fall, particularly for when it gets chilly at night. This faux leather jacket from Levi’s is the lowest price it’s been in 30 days and checks all of the boxes, in my opinion, with its versatile look, water-resistant exterior, and stylish, moto-inspired details. Plus, it comes in 19 color options, sizes XS to 3XL, and is on sale for up to 30 percent off in select shades and sizes, making it the perfect time to shop. 

To buy: amazon.com, $58 (originally $90) 

Air Mattress

My apartment is overdue for an air mattress, and this editor-approved EnerPlex model was just marked down up to 45 percent off. Its plush and easy-to-inflate design, which features a built-in pump, made it a favorite for Travel + Leisure testers. And, the 13-inch twin sized version makes it perfect for my small living room when guests stay over. Plus, it will come in handy for my roommate that loves to camp. 

To buy: amazon.com, from $78 (originally $140) 

Amazon Fire Stick 

It’s also time that I upgrade my hand-me-down, old-school television with an Amazon Fire Stick, which turns any TV into a smart TV so users can stream content from Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, Apple TV, and more. Plus, this one has a neat Alexa voice control feature that allows you to use the all-knowing virtual assistant to find the shows, movies, music, and apps you want to watch. I'm definitely scooping this up while it's 50 percent off!

To buy: amazon.com, $20 (originally $40) 

Joomra Pillow Slippers 

I bought the best-selling Joomra pillow slides in pink during quarantine to wear as slippers around the house, and they’ve completely changed my life. My feet are so happy when I slip into their bouncy, EVA foam shells and I’m convinced I need another pair in black so I can wear them out and about as cute sandals with everything from denim to leggings to trousers. Take my word for it, they are the most comfortable things you’ll ever put on your feet. 

To buy: amazon.com, from $24 (originally $40) 

Loungewear Set 

This Zesica loungewear set was another quarantine purchase that didn’t disappoint, and I’m definitely going to be picking up the sage green one now that it’s 27 percent off thanks to an additional on-site coupon that makes it even cheaper. Its waffle-knit fabric is so soft and cozy, and the matching long-sleeve top and short duo makes me look put-together and trendy — even when I’m working from home, getting the mail, or picking up groceries or takeaway.

To buy: amazon.com, $38 with on-site coupon (originally $52) 

Tile Mate Tracker

After my checked suitcase was mistakenly put on the wrong flight, I’ve been keen on buying a Bluetooth tracker, such as the Tile Mate, so I can always know my bag’s location. I love that the Tile Mate has a handy keychain loop so it can easily attach to my luggage tag, and what better time to buy one than when it’s on sale?

To buy: amazon.com, $23 (originally $25) 

More Amazon Prime Early Access Sale News:

• Apple AirPods and Headphones Are Nearly 40% Off Ahead of Amazon’s Prime Early Access Sale — but Not for Long
• These Comfy Shoes Kept My Feet Pain-free for 14 Hours of Walking — and They’re Just $35 Right Now
• These ‘Superb Travel Pants’ That Double for Hiking Are Just $36 Ahead of Amazon’s October Prime Day