Every trip is better when you've packed the right stuff. (Amazon)
It's summertime and, chances are, you've likely got a few upcoming trips. If you're like us, you may have never quite nailed the whole packing situation. No problem. We tapped a true expert in the field — a former flight attendant with many miles under her belt — to help. Sakkara Barnwell has traveled to 14 countries across four different continents, and she has some serious experience when it comes to the goods that can make or break a trip.
Whether you’re visiting your mom in Florida, heading to a national park or taking the European vacay of your dreams, you'll benefit from her wisdom and product picks below. Even better: prices start at just $7 courtesy of Amazon Prime Day. So stow your carry-on, fasten your seatbelts and take in these trip-transforming tips.
As you probably know, many countries have outlets that are different from those in the U.S. (much like how just about everyone else uses the metric system). Barnwell is always ready with her universal adapter that can be used in more than 150 countries. “Realizing you can’t plug in your blow dryer or cell phone when you arrive in another country is…not great. This universal adapter fits all the plugs in the world and keeps your phone from getting fried! I never leave the country without one.” This is arguably the most important item in this whole list!
Keep your hair and skin happy for the duration of your stay with a natural silk pillowcase, which Barnwell swears by. “Hotel bedding tends to be harsh and aggravating on my face. This lightweight silk pillowcase keeps my curls poppin’!” Since you’ll be spending a third of your trip (and your life) snoozing, we recommend you grab a couple of these to make every minute amazing.
Made with natural silk, this soft and smooth fabric won't absorb the oil from your face so it stays hydrated.
With limited space for packing — especially if you’re trying to pack light — items with multiple uses are treasures. The right pashmina can make or break a trip. “It’s large enough to be a mini blanket when the plane is cold. It's a shawl when I’m in a more conservative country. It's a scarf to keep me warm on cool nights. And in a pinch it can even serve as a sarong on the beach,” shares Barnwell. She loves this fringed option pashmina for its versatility and style.
If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $25 or more.)
Your Prime Day Shopping Guide: See all of our Prime Day coverage. Shop the best Prime Day deals on Yahoo Life. Follow Engadget for Prime Day tech deals. Hear from Autoblog’s experts on the best Amazon Prime Day deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Prime Day sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
"Anti-Prime Day" sales are happening elsewhere if you don't want to shop at Amazon.
Prime Day 2025The 9th generation iPad now $249 at its lowest price ever for Amazon's Prime Day.
Prime Day 2025Here are all the best October Prime Day deals we could find gathered in one place.
Prime Day 2025These are the Prime Day deals under $50 that are worth shopping on day two of Amazon's sale.
Prime Day 2025