10 Nurse-approved Amazon Travel Essentials

Nurses, much like travelers, rely on an arsenal of tried-and-true products to get through the day, which is often long and grueling. One of my closest friends, Amanda Hyman, is a nurse at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York, so I know this firsthand. Her ability to stay organized and power through long night shifts is crucial. So, it’s no surprise that the products she relies on can fit seamlessly into both her daily life and travel routine. 

Curious to know how the two interlap, I asked her to share the Amazon products that never leave her bag, whether she’s headed to work or on a trip. Her wish list included travel essentials like a blackout eye mask that lets her sleep during the day after grueling 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. shifts, as well as the most comfortable shoes that keep her feet happy during those long hours. Below are the 10 products Hyman swears by for maintaining comfort, staying organized, getting quality rest on the go, and more. Luckily, you don’t have to be in the medical field to benefit from her picks; they’ll help you travel smarter and make your next adventure smoother and more enjoyable. 

Weiman Electronic and Screen Disinfecting Wipes

Hyman is extremely cautious about spreading germs, especially since she works in a hospital and wants to avoid bringing them back to her apartment. To keep unsuspecting items like her cell phone clean, she uses these disinfectant wipes, which have more than 4,000 five-star ratings at Amazon, on both the front and back of it as soon as she gets home. She follows the same routine when traveling by plane, wiping down not just her phone but also the seatback TV screen, which is a high-touch area. 

Coolover Copper Compression Socks

Like many other nurses, Hyman spends long hours on her feet during her 12-hour shifts. Standing for extended periods can lead to aching, tired, and swollen legs and feet, which can also happen when you’re traveling on a plane. To promote blood flow and reduce swelling at work and in the air, she “absolutely loves” the Coolover Compression Socks. “I’m prone to swollen feet, so these compression socks are a lifesaver,” she tells Travel + Leisure. “They help relieve pain and improve circulation, which means less swelling not only when I’m at work, but also when I’m on a plane.”

Alonefire LED Clip-on Flashlight

“Working the night shift means I have to be mindful of not waking up patients when checking on them during the night,” Hyman explains. “This clip-on flashlight is perfect for seeing what I’m doing without turning on the room light, whether it’s for drawing labs or administering IV medications.” While it’s incredibly useful during her shifts, she notes that it’s also handy for travel as it can be clipped onto a book or anything else she might need on a night flight.

Simple Modern Tumbler

The Simple Modern 40-ounce Tumbler is a must-have for travel and everyday use — and Hyman loves that she doesn’t have to worry about her drink temperature changing throughout her shift. It’s designed to fit in most cup holders, is leak-resistant, and keeps liquids hot for up to 12 hours or cold for 24 hours. With nearly 6,000 five-star reviews, it’s earned high praise from customers, who rave about its long-lasting temperature retention, thoughtful design, ample size, and impressive durability. Also, since the water bottle keeps drinks cold for so long, it’s a great motivator to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Amazon Essentials Full-zip Fleece Jacket

Comfort is key when traveling, and this fleece jacket makes it easy to stay cozy at any destination with its layerable design. You can throw it on over lighter clothing if it gets chilly or add extra layers if you didn’t anticipate colder weather. Hyman also keeps it in her work bag for when the hospital gets chilly, enjoying the extra comfort it provides whenever she needs it.

MathCat Seamless Workout Shirts

During the chillier months, Hyman wears the Matchcat Workout Shirt under her scrub top to stay warm. She also loves traveling in these shirts because they’re incredibly comfortable and breathable. Whether you’re heading to the gym, going for a walk, or jetting off on a trip, these shirts are versatile enough to become a staple in your wardrobe. Plus, they’re currently 20 percent off.

Hatch Restore 2 Sunrise Alarm Clock

Getting quality rest is Hyman’s top priority when she’s off the clock, but it didn’t come easy at first. “It took a lot of getting used to, learning to sleep during the day and be awake at night,” she began. “What really helped me transition was the Hatch Restore Alarm Clock.” Unlike a traditional alarm clock, this one allows you to customize your wake-up experience with soothing, gentle sounds instead of a harsh, jarring alarm. “The sunrise feature helps me wake up at unusual hours by mimicking natural daylight,” she added. This feature can also come in handy for those early morning flights when it’s still dark outside or for anyone trying to kick jet lag.

BeeVines Sleep Mask

Hyman’s sleep routine also includes her trusty eye mask, which ensures she gets the rest she needs even when it’s bright out. This can be a game-changer when traveling, as it blocks out any unwanted light or distractions on a plane, in a hotel room, and so on. Her favorite eye mask set is currently 40 percent off, so now is a great time to grab them for your next flight and enjoy peaceful, undisturbed sleep.

Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside Carry-on Luggage

For short-term traveling, Hyman swears by the Amazon Basics Carry-on Luggage. It’s perfectly sized to meet carry-on requirements for both domestic and international flights and has the option to expand if you need extra room for an additional pair of jeans or a backup outfit. With nearly 36,000 five-star ratings, it’s a well-loved choice. One reviewer shared, “This suitcase is fantastic. My mom uses it for every trip and won’t consider anything else. It’s incredibly sturdy and rolls smoothly.”

New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoes

Comfortable shoes are essential for both nurses and travelers, and Hyman highly recommends the New Balance Arishi V4 Shoes. They offer ample cushioning and provide the support you need for long days on your feet. Unlike most arch-support shoes, these sneakers eliminate discomfort without sacrificing style; their neutral color makes them easy to pair with any outfit (which means you can get away with packing fewer shoes). They’re also affordable with their under-$100 price tag, which is currently marked down to $51 for a limited time.

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