17 Best Amazon Prime Day 2022 Picks From Condé Nast Traveler Editors, From AirPods to E-Readers to Bucket Hats
Amazon Prime Day is here, and if you’ve shopped the sale before, you know what that means: steep, sometimes lightning-fast deals on everything from home appliances and electronics to clothing and beauty products. And while we are crawling the sales to find you the best deals on travel gear—luggage, gadgets, shoes, and more—we’re also personally shopping for things to use every day, like sunglasses, toiletry bags, and smart lightbulbs. Below, Condé Nast Traveler editors share their wish-list items for this year’s Amazon Prime Day.
And don’t forget, you can shop all of the Prime Day sales here July 12-13.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
Wireless earbuds
These are my husband’s favorite headphones for the gym, running outdoors, and watching movies on an airplane—and I’ve been wanting in! They sound good, are secure in your ear, and are super sweat-proof (his words). While they weren’t outrageously priced to begin with, on sale, they’re pretty irresistible. —Arati Menon, global digital director
A camping chair
I’ve been in the market for a good camping chair for a while, and this one from Timber Ridge fits the bill. With its spacious seat, side table with a cup holder, and lightweight frame with a carry handle, it will be perfect for toting along to barbecues in the local park and late summer camping trips alike. Plus, it folds up thin enough to store in even the tiniest of closets. —Jessica Puckett, senior editor, transportation and travel news
Tech accessories
I have an old pair of headphones that I have to remember to bring on flights in order to watch movies on the plane. However, I hate the way they feel in my ears and they are constantly falling out. This Prime Day, I’m interested in splurging on a Twelve South AirFly Duo to bring with me on flights so that I can use my AirPods. It’s a compact Bluetooth device that connects up to two AirPods or wireless headphones to any single audio jack and transmits audio wirelessly. This will be ideal for a long flight, especially with i
ts 20+ hour battery life. —Kayla Brock, associate manager, social media
Sunglasses and athletic gear
I wear my Ray-Ban Wayfarers all the time, and have done so for the last few years. Along the way, they’ve gotten pretty scratched up, so I’m hoping to replace them with a fresh pair this Prime Day. I’m also interested in splurging on a Theragun Elite if it comes on sale to bring with me on future half-marathons. During my last destination race in Wisconsin, a friend of a friend brought one and let everyone else try it out—it was a godsend both before and after the run to loosen up and soothe sore muscles. —Madison Flager, senior commerce editor
AirPods and an upgraded toiletry bag
The pair of AirPods I’ve had for years have seen better days. I wear them everywhere—commuting to work, while on the plane, at the gym—so it’s time to invest in a new pair. The AirPods Pro are a bit pricey, so I’m hoping to snag a discounted pair this Amazon Prime Day. This version is a step up from the original pair I have—they have active noise cancellation, are sweat- and water-resistant, and come with three sizes of tapered silicone tips for the most customizable fit possible. I also have my sights set on this Lay-n-Go drawstring toiletry bag. It’s different from other toiletry bags I’ve used in the past: a drawstring allows you to widen the bag and lay it flat on a bathroom sink. This will make finding and using all of my go-to makeup and skincare products easy on quick trips when I don’t want to spend a ton of time getting ready. —Meaghan Kenny, editorial assistant
Sunscreen and bucket hats
I’m spending a lot of time in the sun this summer, so I’m stocking up on essentials I know I’ll use, like sunscreen. I’ve always been a Supergoop fan, and the body Glow Screen is my next purchase. It’s a bit shimmery, which is a fun beach vibe, plus it glides on without feeling greasy. The SPF 40 formula is also water- and sweat-resistant for 40 minutes—perfect for days in the water. I’ve been looking for a great hat for surfing, too, but whenever I see someone in the water with a hat they love, I’ve heard a similar refrain: they found it on Amazon. So, this Prime Day, I’m going to scoop up an affordable safari-style bucket hat or two that I can get wet and count on for coverage. —Megan Spurrell, senior editor
Picnic supplies
There’s no summer activity I love more than a spontaneous picnic—which makes it slightly odd that I don’t own a picnic basket. So, after having settled for overfilled totes and smushed contents for far too long, it’s time! I love the split-lid design on this one (think: easy access), as well as that charming gingham lining—and it includes all you need for a picnic for two (plates! napkins! glassware!). The outdoor spread? That’s on you. —A.M.
An e-reader
While I prefer reading paperbacks, I always travel with a Kindle. I like how durable the device is, the convenient size, and how I can choose what to read once I’m at the destination. This summer, I can’t wait to read The Far Land: 200 Years of Murder, Mania, and Mutiny in the South Pacific by Brandon Presser. The journalist and adventurer tells an expertly reported account of one of the biggest nautical mysteries of the 18th century: the 1789 mutiny of the Bounty. Presser combines his own experiences on Pitcairn Island in the South Pacific—where the fugitives hid for almost two decades in complete isolation—with the captivating retelling of the true story. —Scott Bay, associate editor
Home decor
Fewer things bring me more pleasure than good lighting in my home. Dinner party? You need that beautiful soft light. Movie night? It’s all about that light ambience. This Prime Day, I’m excited to step up my lighting game and invest in color changing Wi-Fi smart bulbs that work on voice command and pair with Alexa and Google Home. Plus, they come with 16 million (yes, million!) color options so there’s a perfect hue for any moment. Because my new bulbs need the right home, I’m also watching the price on this show-stopping floor lamp which will bring my entire vision to life. —Lara Kramer, global associate director, audience development
Ranch-friendly jeans
I’m already breaking in my cowboy boots for a trip to a Wyoming dude ranch later this month, but there are a few other things I need to pick up before I go. First on my list are a pair of jeans for riding. In my mind, it makes sense to seek out some Wranglers—affordable and durable in equal measure, I can straddle and stretch and douse myself in dust without worry. They even come in a cowboy cut. If they go on sale, I’ll probably also pick up some Carhartt Force Performance Work Socks to wick moisture and protect the calves. —Charlie Hobbs, editorial assistant
Beach-ready beauty products
This summer, I am determined to spend every spare second I have outside—preferably by the ocean, throwing myself into the waves for a couple hours and napping on the beach afterwards. As much as I love salty beach hair, I recently learned how much damage that (plus UV rays) can cause to my strands. So this Prime Day I’m planning to purchase a leave-in conditioner or two to keep my hair just as protected as my skin all summer long. —Mercedes Bleth, global associate director, social media