I’m a Travel Writer, and I Can’t Resist These 13 Early Prime Day Deals — From Apple AirPods to Comfy Shoes

As a shopping writer specializing in travel gear, it should come as no surprise that I'm especially dialed in when it comes to sales. So, with Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days event right around the corner, I took an early peek at the site to see if there were any advanced markdowns that could tempt me before the sale officially started — and I was not disappointed with my findings.

I just returned from a lengthy European trip, so with a fresh list of travel essentials in mind, I rounded up the 13 deals available at Amazon that I'll be shopping before the second Prime Day of the year commences on October 8. From Apple AirPods to a spacious Samsonite underseat suitcase , the extent of the early deals was truly staggering — but hardly as impressive as the discounts reaching up to 60 percent off. So whether you have a big trip coming up this fall or you're looking for early holiday deals for your travel-savvy loved ones, these are the top discounts you're not going to want to wait for Prime Day to grab, starting at $14.

Samsonite Underseat Carry-on Suitcase I never knew the value of a good underseat carry-on until I recently traveled with one I borrowed from my Dad. After that smooth experience, I'm ready to invest in a bag of my own. This rolling Samsonite tote is fitted with four smooth wheels (an upgrade from most model's two-wheeled design), along with one spacious primary pocket and a conveniently accessible slim front pocket. The telescoping handle is easy to stow away to carry the bag by the durable straps, and it's so compact that it will slot into the overhead compartment or under my seat. Best of all, it's even available for just over $100 right now.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds After suffering the devastating loss of my beloved AirPods this summer, I'm officially ready to invest in a new pair — and while they're on sale for 20 percent off is the perfect time. The AirPod Pro 2 model has an active noise-canceling feature, which has become a must for my travels, and I can customize the fit thanks to a selection of different sized silicone tips for the most comfortable wear experience possible. I'm most excited for the fact that they offer up to six hours of listening time on a single charge, so I don't have to compromise my in-flight playlist for anything.

Viottiset Women's 2-piece Casual Knit Set Nothing makes a flight more enjoyable than wearing an outfit that's both comfortable and cute, so I'm taking these early Prime Day deals as an excuse to snag this matching sweater set from Viottiset while it's double discounted to a mere $43. Both the top and bottom can be worn together or separate, maximizing outfit potential for any trip. Plus, the set is made from a breathable and cozy blend that will feel like wearing pajamas — even on a long-haul flight. While I'm eyeing the duo in black, it's also available in 23 other stunning colors and patterns that will be difficult to resist.

Project Cloud Genuine Suede Ankle Boots Fall is finally here, and it's time to update my footwear collection accordingly after spotting these best-selling suede boots on sale for a whopping 45 percent off before Prime Big Deal Days. These stylish boots, with the shorter cut and slight platform design, are incredibly trendy this season, and the interiors are made for optimal comfort with memory foam insoles and a luxe faux-fur lining. Easy to pull on and off in a hurry, these boots are about to become my go-to choice for long days at the airport, sightseeing excursions, and everything in between, and at just $55, I may buy them in more than one color.

Makkrom Women's Double-breasted Trench Coat I just spent 10 days in Norway, and one of the first things I noticed were the droves of people wearing perfectly tailored trench coats around the streets of Oslo. After admiring the look for years, I've decided that while this high-quality cotton option is just $70, it's my time to finally hop aboard the trend. In addition to being stylish, this coat is also lightweight enough to be the ideal packable layer of the season. The double-breasted design is classy and timeless, and it even comes with a cinched belt that adds shape to an otherwise relatively boxy piece. While I'm too late to rock the look around Norway, this trench is sure to turn heads while I'm at home in New York City.

Sojoy iGelComfort 3-in-1 Foldable Gel Seat Cushion The older I get, the more uncomfortable long-haul flights become, and it's time I did something about it. This packable memory-foam cushion is just the solution I've been looking for, making it a no-brainer companion on my next trip. The cushion's construction is designed to alleviate back pain and improve posture, while the interior combination of gel and memory foam molds to your unique needs, all while boasting a foldable design when it's not in use. Right now, it's double discounted to less than $50 thanks to a special on-site coupon.

Zesica Fall Long Batwing Chunky Sweater zesica-fall-long-batwing-sleeve-open-front-chunky-knit-cardigan-sweater-Sweaters are the best clothing for layering during long flights and mild fall days, and this oversized cardigan from Zesica has already earned a spot in my shopping cart for its versatility and undeniable style. Wide, batwing-style sleeves won't feel restrictive and, instead, act almost like a blanket, and the two deep front pockets are great for stowing extra belongings while hustling through the airport. For a limited time, this dreamy sweater is double-discounted to a mere $28, and I'm going to struggle to choose between the 25 neutral and jewel-toned shades available.

Sabani Portable Charger With Built-in Cables One of my fatal flaws while traveling is the sheer volume of electronics and chargers I insist on packing, so if I could cut down on just a few cords, I would be content. That's why I've been eyeing this portable charger that comes with built-in cables, and considering it's now on sale for a stunning 60 percent off, I'm sold. The charging port is fitted with four built-in cables (USB-A, iOS, USB-C, and micro cable) along with three charging ports, so I'll be able to keep all of my devices fully powered at once without depending on the limited outlets at any given airport. Portable chargers are also essential for keeping my phone on the grid while navigating to my lodgings after landing at my destination, and with quick-charging capabilities, I won't have to worry about ever running out of juice.

Gmcell Bluetooth Transmitter Watching movies on a long flight is one of my greatest pleasures, but airline-issued headphones always detract from the comfort and overall audio experience. This bluetooth audio transmitter simply plugs into the headphone jack of the seatback screen and connects wirelessly to your cordless headphones, so you can use your AirPods or noise-canceling headphones while still enjoying your movie. Another added bonus is that this device eliminates the need to unplug when your seatmates have to scoot past you to use the restroom, so you don't have to interrupt your program to let them through.

Baleaf Women's Hiking Pants The moment I stopped hiking in leggings and made the switch to pants that are actually designed for the activity, my entire world changed. So, it's no real surprise that I'll be grabbing a pair of the best-selling Baleaf hiking pants while they're on sale for just $38 ahead of Prime Big Deal Days — especially since they're comparable to higher-end brands without the accompanying steep price tag. The lightweight and supremely packable pants are quick-drying and are made from UV-protection fabric that's essential for spending long hours outdoors. Plus, the adjustable, elastic waistband promises comfort without digging into my skin.

Travelon Anti-theft Classic Messenger Bag Becoming a victim of theft while traveling puts a damper on any vacation, so I've been on the lookout for a purse that will alleviate some of my worries while still flattering my favorite travel outfits. This anti-theft Travelon messenger bag caught my eye initially thanks to its impressive 6,500-plus five-star ratings, but the functional, slim design and genius five-point security system sold me. The bag boasts slash-proof straps, durable hardwear, and RFID-blocking fabric, and it even has the space to hold a water bottle — a dream for walking tours. As an added bonus, it's on sale for 59 percent off right now, making it a must-have early deal.

Ring Stick Up Cam Battery It's easy to stock up on travel accessories and tech, but with a cat at home, I've realized it would provide peace of mind to have a camera inside of my apartment to check on her while I'm away. Fortunately, this highly rated Ring camera is on sale for 45 percent off for a limited time, so I won't hesitate to add it to my cart before Prime Day kicks off. It's programmed with handy features like two-way talk, and is incredibly easy to set up. Plus, I can mount it to my wall to get a full view of my living room without worrying that my cat will knock it over.

Veken 8-set Packing Cubes Packing cubes are my favorite hack for truly optimizing space in even the smallest suitcases, so I could hardly let a Prime Day go past without picking up a best-selling set of Veken packing cubes (especially since they're double discounted to $14). The set contains every size packing cube imaginable, from small to extra-large, and it even features a handy toiletry bag, shoe pouch, and laundry bag, which will make packing and unpacking that much easier. At less than $15, this would also be an excellent gift for your favorite traveler before the holiday season rolls around.