Thanksgiving is already next week, which means the holidays will be here before we know it. Before the accompanying holiday madness kicks off, there are shopping lists to check off, hosting duties to be fulfilled and travel plans to prepare for.
If you're getting on the road this holiday season, you're in luck — we've rounded up plenty of products that can help make your life easier. Shop TODAY contributor Melissa Garcia stopped by Studio 1A to share everything you need to make holiday travel a breeze. From road trip essentials like a car cupholder expander to an insulated casserole carrier you can bring on the go, these are the season's most practical travel hacks. Plus, all of these picks are available on Amazon.
To see all of Garcia's picks for the best travel products to snag ahead of the holidays, just keep scrolling.
Amazon holiday travel products seen on TODAY
When it comes to dressing for the holidays, there’s nothing better than a staple cozy sweater you can just throw on and instantly look pulled together. Garcia loves this one because it “looks way more expensive than it is.” She says it’s soft and warm without being itchy, bulky or suffocating, thanks to a relaxed neck. Pair it with jeans or trousers and you’re good to go.
Garcia calls these her “favorite travel comfort hack.” The fluffy inserts go into any sneaker, boot or shoe and makes them feel like Uggs.
“Instead of buying a new pair of Uggs or shoes, you need these,” Garcia says. “They’re much less expensive to swap into your existing shoes than buying a new pair... reviewers even pop these in over their orthotics for added cushioning. You can even move them between shoes all season.”
This little pouch makes a great travel gift. It starts off as a plush travel pillow but unzips to reveal a nearly full sized travel blanket! The compact travel set is a must-pack for long flights or drives, with a luggage sleeve and zipper pocket on the outside for essentials. Garcia loves this for kids, too.
Be an all-star holiday host (or guest!) and bring this casserole carrier that fits two 9-inch by 13-inch dishes to your next function. It’s insulated to keep food warm or cold and stable (rather than sliding around in the backseat or on the floor), with an outer pocket to hold serving utensils so everything stays together and organized. Even beyond the holidays, Garcia loved this for tailgating, picnics, barbecues and more. Plus, it folds down flat, so it doesn’t take up space when it’s not in use!
Don't need a full double-decker carrier for your casseroles? This pick comes in a smaller, non-stacked size, too!
“If you’re doing any car travel or honestly if you have a car, you need this,” Garcia says. “I get so frustrated because so many of my water bottles have bases that are too wide to fit in the cup holder — but not anymore!”
This genius insert adjusts to snugly fit deep or square cup holders and houses most large-base water bottles, thermoses and more vessels that normally don’t fit in standard cup holders.
How many times have you been in your car and have trash with nowhere to put it? This is a little garbage made specifically for the car, attaching to the back of the middle console or headrest for easy reach without taking up space. It’s leakproof, with removable bags so the interior stays fresh and clean while keeping food and other odors contained. The side pockets hold wipes, tissues, chargers and any other odds and ends you don’t want rolling around between the seats.
More holiday travel products on Amazon
This silicone mat is a lifesaver when you’re styling your ‘do in the morning and then have to wrap up hair tools on the go. You can slide your tools into the silicone pouch or use it as a non-slip mat to protect any countertop surface.
This storage bag can help you make the most of every nook and cranny in your car. It’s big enough to hold your phone, snacks, a book and more, so no more shorting yourself on foot space for your road trip essentials!
Don’t waste precious time at your destination untangling your bracelets and necklaces. The travel accessory keeps all of your jewelry in its place for your journey, with compartments and hooks for everything from earrings to rings and more.
Keep the car organized on road trips with these hooks that are perfect for hanging bags, clothes, water bottles, toys and more. They’ve got over 60,000 ratings on Amazon and come in a set of four.
Don’t let crumbs, dust or hair tag along for the ride! This reusable cleaning gel is oddly satisfying to use, picking up debris in every nook and cranny of your car, keyboard, and more tight spots.
Getting ready on the road is rarely a breeze, but this makeup mirror will help make things a little easier. It illuminates with three different settings to give you perfect lighting, no matter where you're glamming from.
You might recognize this neat little invention from its appearance on Shark Tank. It’s an in-car holder for ketchup and dipping sauces, which is really useful for any fast food pit-stops.
Hitting the road? Leave funky smells behind. This air freshener comes in elevated scents like Teak and Pine and lasts for 30 days, according to the brand.
Nail your holiday looks with this layered set that gives you two necklaces that can be worn alone or together. The pendant necklace is even double-sided, so you can choose to wear it initial-out or heart-out.
This handy gadget turns your car charger into a full three prong outlet. With over 30,000 ratings on Amazon, this is a road trip essential.
We've all struggled to clean up smudged makeup during bumpy car rides or rushed mornings, but these purse-friendly cotton swabs make fixing mess-ups on the go a breeze. Simply snap the tip to release the makeup-removing liquid, then swipe away any smudges or mistakes, the brand says.
‘Tis the season for inclement weather and snowstorms. This easy-to-use cover will protect your car from any flurries and has windproof straps, so you won’t have to scape or shovel snow off when you’re ready to get on the road.
This car organizer turns any seat into a full entertainment and organization hub. The brand says that the straps work on any make or model for an instant backseat upgrade that protects your seats while creating extra storage. It’s got compartments for everything you need for a successful road trip or a quick grocery store run with the whole family in tow: a tablet display holder, two bottle sleeves, a spot for tissues and a big zipper pocket.
Don't let a virus or a bug ruin your holidays! This hand sanitizer is great to keep on hand when you're traveling over the holidays, which also coincides with flu season.
This Shop TODAY favorite that lets you use your Bluetooth headphones in flight is now available in a fun iridescent finish. We think it makes a perfect stocking stuffer for the frequent flyer on your list.
Long drives can take a toll on your body and leave you sore. Thankfully, this seat cushion from Purple helps to relieve pressure and make the journey much more comfortable.
Don’t show up at your destination with a bag full of wrinkly clothes! This garment bag zips into a duffel bag, so you can keep suits, dresses and other important clothing in the best condition through your travels.
Meet the experts
Our team features a range of qualified experts and contributors in our broadcast segments to reveal the latest in trends, remarkable sale events and all things shopping across a variety of categories. Products were independently chosen by members of the Shop TODAY team along with Melissa Garcia.
- Melissa Garcia is a Shop TODAY lifestyle and fashion contributor, a professional stylist and the founder of Melissa Garcia Styling.
- Shop TODAY is a team of shopping editors and writers who spend hours every day finding the best new products, tried-and-true favorites and more finds available on Amazon that are worth shopping, according to our high standards.
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How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time. Learn more about Shop TODAY.
