While the Black Friday deals landscape can be overwhelming – and you might be tempted to avoid it completely – some actually incredible deals do exist out there, particularly in the travel space. As a travel journalist and the writer of a packing list newsletter, I’m always on the hunt for luggage, clothing and gear that will streamline my travel process. During Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, I keep a trained eye on the retailers with genuine discounts on carry-on suitcases, comfortable loungewear and more. Pro tip: if a specific item catches my eye, I will Google it to see if another website is offering a more enticing deal. (It usually is.)
So if you’re hunting for items that will upgrade your travels without blowing your budget, use my curated guide to inform your shopping. I’ll be regularly updating the deals throughout the holiday sales period, so check back here for more savings over the next two weeks.
How I selected these Black Friday and Cyber Monday travel deals
My north star for investing in travel-related items has always been quality over quantity. I don’t need three kinds of carry-on suitcases; I just need one I can rely on for every trip.
I started my search for deals by outlining the key items every traveler should own. I also considered the “nice to haves,” or things that have made travel easier for me over the years. Then, I went to work hunting down those specific pieces from reputable retailers and brands – most of which I frequently shop from – and determining if the discounted prices were worthwhile. The ones that made the cut are featured below.
At a glance: the very best Black Friday and Cyber Monday travel deals
The best luggage deals
Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack
I started using the Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack last winter and was immediately blown away by the sheer amount it can comfortably carry. I’d even say it holds as much as my suitcase – and it will still fit underneath the airplane seat. The clamshell opening to a spacious main compartment makes packing a breeze, and the interior compression strap ensures everything stays secure. Part backpack, part duffel – you’re basically getting two bags for one.
Away Packing Pro Bundle
Away is my go-to brand for luggage. I’ve used the Bigger Carry-On for years, and I firmly believe (after trying at least 10 other suitcases) that it holds more than any other carry-on out there. The bundle comes with a set of packing cubes – which are helpful with suitcase organization – so it’s a great starter pack for anyone just beginning their travel journey or those who tend to overpack.
Away’s early Black Friday sale means everything from the luggage brand is 25% off, but you’ll want to stay focused on the items with the best cost-per-use. For the everyday traveler, that is the Away Packing Pro Bundle. The set includes the Bigger Carry-On and the Insider Packing Cubes (set of four), two travel essentials that can be used together or separately. Bonus: you can opt to get both in the same color or mix and match.
Roam Check-In Expandable
Make no mistake, high-quality checked suitcases are expensive, so I always recommend waiting to purchase one until it’s on sale. While the Roam Check-In Expandable suitcase is still on the pricier side, it’s the kind of suitcase you only need to buy once. Designed with an expandable feature (a 2in zipper expansion) and compression boards, it’ll comfortably hold between 10 and 13 outfits.
The best travel tech and gear deals
European Travel Plug Adapter Set
Is European travel in your future – or do you need a practical present for someone heading abroad? If the answer is yes to either, grab this European travel plug adapter set while it’s on sale (26% off). It comes with one type-C plug adapter (works for Americans traveling to Germany, Italy, France and Spain, among other countries) and one type-G mini adapter, which you’d use in the UK.
after newsletter promotion
JBL Tune 720BT Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
As someone who has lost too many AirPods while in transit, I’m a full headphones convert. This pair from JBL is 50% off and highly rated by thousands of shoppers. If you’re not totally sold on larger headphones but want to give them a try (without splurging on a pricier version), this is the way to go. Not to mention, it comes in a handful of colorways, including purple and blue.
Apple AirTag 4-Pack
There are certain things you can’t control at the airport – ahem, lost luggage – but you can arm yourself with tech that can track your belongings. Keeping an Apple AirTag in both my checked bag and carry-on gives me peace of mind when I’m making a tight connection or using a transfer service. If you haven’t invested in your own set of AirTags, now is the time.
If you went to Apple.com to purchase a four-pack of AirTags right now, you would pay full price. But on Amazon – and Walmart – the nifty tracking devices are under $65. While they’re definitely useful while traveling, AirTags can also do wonders in your daily life: attach one to your keys, throw one in your purse, or slip one in your wallet.
Travel Inspira Luggage Scale
Searching for a stocking stuffer? The Travel Inspira Luggage Scale is the type of item most people don’t realize is missing in their life until they experience the reassurance that comes with weighing a suitcase before arriving at the airport. You simply loop the weighing belt through your luggage handle and hold it up to get a read. Yes, the sale price saves you a few dollars, but you’ll also never pay an overweight luggage fee again.
The best travel clothing deals
Men’s Evolution EMB Oversize Hoodie
REI’s holiday sale features thousands of items that would work well in any traveler’s uniform, but the men’s Evolution EMB Oversize Hoodie (now 30% off) is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s just the right amount of oversized without looking messy – the ribbing on the cuffs and hem gives it a clean look – and you can confidently and comfortably throw it on for any upcoming travel.
Women’s Pioneer Camp Packable Puffer
Choosing outerwear is always one of the hardest parts of packing. The general rule of thumb is to wear your jacket or coat while in transit (so you don’t have to fit it in your suitcase), but sometimes you want to bring an extra layer. In that case, I’ll go with something like the Pioneer Camp Women’s Packable Puffer – a lightweight, water-repellent style that can be packed down into its carrying bag. The timing of the sale is perfect, too; this is the type of piece you need for most winter travel.
Women’s Forever Fleece Relaxed Crew Sweatshirt
I’m a firm believer that travel outfits should be both comfortable and presentable. I tend to stick with sweats and loungewear in solid, neutral colors, like the Forever Fleece Relaxed Crew Sweatshirt from Athleta. Not only will it never go out of style, but the dark navy also masks any inevitable travel stains.
The Athleta pre-Black Friday sale – 30% off everything when you download the Athleta app – is incredibly tempting for those who live in athleisure, but don’t go crazy just yet. Instead, only invest in the pieces that deserve a coveted spot in your suitcase. This cotton crewneck sweatshirt is machine-washable (a crucial trait for travel clothing) and comes in a ton of solid, neutral colors. Read: it will work for most, if not all, of the trips you have on your calendar.
Italic Amara Cashmere Wrap
A cashmere wrap is one of my travel essentials. It’s more elevated than a blanket, but it keeps you just as warm on a chilly plane. It also doubles as a scarf – and any travel item that can play more than one role gets extra points in my book. On sale for more than $100 off, this 100% cashmere wrap from Italic checks all the boxes: chic, versatile and functional.
