If you’re planning a trip or simply live the nomadic life, you know how much fun packing and planning can be. But what should you pack and where should you get your trip necessities?
We compiled a list of the top merchants and brands, ranging from direct-to-consumer (DTC) businesses like the luggage maker Away to significant online retailers like Amazon and everything in between. Whether you’re shopping for accessories, clothing, shoes, or luggage.
Optimal for luggage
Away is a relatively new luggage company that debuted in 2015, but the travel sector has certainly noticed its impact. You can rely on high-quality, useful suitcases with a minimalist-modern aesthetic, even though it isn’t the most economical option available.
We especially adore the small-yet-spacious Carry-on Flex for its superior manoeuvrability, which Away carries along with other truly excellent luggage and packing supplies. Bundling a set with a Medium Flex bag or both a Medium and Large Checked Suitcase will result in a price reduction.
Price as of publication: $325
Optimal for bags
Another relatively new travel company with a tonne of trendy options is Monos. Everything from luggage to packing supplies to bags of different shapes and sizes are included in the straightforward, superior designs—all at affordable costs.
Particularly, we’re great supporters of the Metro line. For every trip and occasion, the collection offers modular carriers, such as weekenders, duffles, slings, toiletry boxes and chic backpacks like the Metro Backpack, which is a T+L editor favourite.
Price as of publication: $200
Suitable for Clothing
Almost nobody needs to introduce Nordstrom. The retailer has been a mainstay of the fashion industry for more than a century. It is renowned for its high-end selection of apparel, accessories, and shoes as well as for its unmatched customer service and liberal, take-almost-anything-back refund policy.
You definitely can’t go wrong when purchasing vacation attire at Nordstrom. From swimsuits and cover-ups to outerwear and cold-weather accessories to athleisure and formalwear for every occasion, everything is available here. Want a dress for a trip in the sun? A fantastic option is the Reformation Juliette Side Slit Dress.
Price as of publication: $248
Optimal for shoes
Many of the shoes made by the footwear company Vionic, which was developed by a podiatrist, have the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) Seal of Acceptance and are renowned for their great comfort.
Many trendy shoe styles may be found in the collections, as well as more traditional silhouettes. Our top recommendation for a supportive shoe is the Zinah Slip On Sneaker, especially for days when you’re travelling and running through TSA.
Price as of publication: $120
Top for Tech
Best Buy is a top choice for buying tech products and accessories, whether you want to shop in-person or online. To discover exactly what you need, the website makes it simple to search, explore categories, and filter products.
The store carries all of the most well-known brands, including, but not limited to, Apple, Fitbit, Bose, Beats, GoPro, Nikon, Canon, and Sony. The Beats by Dr. Dre Beats Studio3 headphones may be purchased here, along with phones, tablets, smart watches, cameras, and e-readers.
Price as of publication: $350
Optimal for accessories
Are you looking for premium travel accessories? You can rely on Leatherology. The company creates opulent, ground-breaking goods that, in terms of quality and appeal, endure the test of time.
Each piece is made of full-grain leather, as the name would imply, and the majority of them may be customised with names or initials. Wallets, passport covers, cross-body bags, coin pouches, magnetic cord wraps, jewellery cases, train cases, and toiletries bags are among the available options.
Price upon publication: $40
The best outdoor gear
Take a cue from Cheryl Strayed’s book Wild and visit REI if you need outdoor equipment. Since it began operations in 1938, the Seattle-based co-op has become a favourite among outdoor enthusiasts, thrill seekers, and inquisitive explorers.
Even though anybody can purchase at REI, the lifetime advantages might make the one-time membership price worthwhile. Offerings for camping, hiking, climbing, cycling, and rafting trips include sporting goods, accessories, wearables, and tough luggage.
Price as of publication: $700
Optimal for hiking
Similar to REI, Columbia is an outdoor gear manufacturer with roots in the Pacific Northwest. It has been in business since 1938. The tried-and-true brand is a favourite among hikers since it offers sturdy clothing and boots made for hitting the trails.
You may find waterproof boots, zip-up fleeces, windbreakers, down jackets, vests, tactical pants, joggers, backpacks, headwear, and trekking poles when you browse the hiking selection. The Newton Ridge Amped Hiking Boot is a favourite of ours.
Price as of publication: $100
Suitable for camping
L.L.Bean has been in business for more than a century and began as a hunting and fishing outfitter. Although the outdoor-friendly company’s Bean Boots (also known as duck boots) are perhaps its most well-known product, in recent years, it has also become a go-to item for camping vacations.
Flannel-lined sleeping bags, foldable chairs and tables, flashlights, battery-operated lamps, outdoor blankets, hammocks, and even a Campsite Organiser for all your kitchenware and coffee-making equipment are all part of L.L.Bean’s camping collection.
Price as of publication: $129
For beach vacations only
Planning a trip to the beach? Tommy Bahama will take care of you. The company offers a carefully chosen selection of family-friendly warm-weather apparel, footwear, sand-friendly gear, and sun protection.
With ultra-comfortable iconic beach chairs like a Backpack Beach Chair, you can’t go wrong. Men’s and women’s swimwear, cover-ups, caps, sunglasses, towels, beach umbrellas, pop-up shades, and canopies are also offered by the merchant. It is worthwhile to eat at a Tommy Bahama restaurant if you ever travel to Hawaii.
Price as of publication: $90
Best for Ski Vacations
Backcountry, which has roots in Park City, Utah, is where skiers go to shop. Numerous well-known brands, including Mountain Hardware, Spyder, The North Face, Tecnica, Smith, Helly Hansen, and Mammut, are sold by the retailer.
On the comprehensive website, you’ll discover just about everything you need to hit the slopes. We’re discussing everything from skis to boots to bindings to jackets to helmets to gloves to gaiters to goggles. Smith Squad S Goggles are a terrific gift for skiers, even though it can be challenging to forecast shoe or garment sizes.
Price as of publication: $120
Top Luxury
Luxury travellers value Briggs & Riley’s cutting-edge, upmarket offerings. The company promises a lifetime guarantee on its beautiful, useful luggage and free repairs if anything breaks.
The Hardside Expandable Spinner from Sympatico and the company’s wheeled duffle bag were favourites among our testers. Excellent weekenders, briefcases, and garment bags are also made by Briggs & Riley, and you can personalise any bag with your initials.
Price as of publication: $599
Ideal for Business Travel
Another upscale travel firm that manufactures high-quality bags and baggage with regular flyers and business travellers in mind is Tumi. The company offers a five-year warranty on its professional line of carriers, which ranges from briefcases and laptop bags to small carry-ons for quick trips.
Additionally, Tumi is notable for its clever and secure features including TSA-approved locks, locking zippers, and USB ports. The big capacity and convenient organisational features of the suitcases and under-seat bags impressed our testers.
Price as of publication: $975
Amazon’s Best Online Store
You likely already know that Amazon has, well, everything. However, it is accurate, which is why the online juggernaut is a go-to for all things travel-related. Numerous brands, including all of your favourites and more you may not be familiar with, are available on Amazon.
You can purchase presents, apparel, footwear, gadgets, sports gear, luggage, travel accessories, and a variety of other items. For instance, frequent flyers will definitely find use for the Etekcity Luggage Scale. In addition to the wide range of products, you can feel confident in your purchase thanks to the user reviews, many of which have pictures.
Price as of publication: $11
Advice on Purchasing Travel Goods
Think on what you need
When you have the time, browsing products is usually enjoyable, but it’s best to be aware of what you want before starting your search. Think about your destination, the things you have planned, the occasions you’ll attend, and the weather.
Plan a budget
You would be prudent to have a budget in mind before you begin shopping for travel-related items, much like when planning a vacation. This will stop you from spending too much money or regretting an impulse buy, and it may even motivate you to look around for the best deal.
Place quality first
When shopping, give preference to durable goods that will endure for several years, or at the very least, several vacations. While it may be tempting to purchase something just for a vacation you have coming up, it’s wise to spend money on products you’ll keep utilising. In addition to quality, search for styles that are adaptable, classic, and future-proof.
Reasons to rely on Travel + Leisure
Theresa Holland is a contributing author to Travel+Leisure who has experience writing on consumer electronics, footwear, baggage, and travel accessories. She used research and her own knowledge of products from Away, Monos, Vionic, Columbia, L.L.Bean, and Briggs & Riley for this post.
