Backpacking tips

It’s not too late to get some last-minute gifts shipped for folks on your list who enjoy the great outdoors, but want to do it in style. Glamorous camping is made easy with these finds.

With landscapes ranging from glaciers to deserts and home to every adventure activity imaginable, it’s no surprise that Latin America is a prime destination for trekkers. If you’re planning a trip, you’re covered with this travel gear for Latin America list. Whether hiking on glaciers in Argentina, trekking to Machu Picchu in Peru, driving 4WD through the deserts of Chile, or swimming with sea lions in the Galápagos, you’ll be ready for any adventure.

Scuba diving is one of the most amazing ways to see the world. And since about 70 percent of the world is water, it also means you get to see islands, creatures, and underwater worlds most people can barely dream of.

I think we all can agree: traveling is stressful. While I consider myself a frequent flier, finding my way to an airport on average two-to-three times each month, my biggest fear has been (and always will be) losing my luggage.

Is there an outdoor lover in your life? Perhaps a hiker, biker, camper, or other adventurer? Need a gift for them?

When shopping for travel and outdoor clothing, keep this golden rule in mind: An article of clothing, be it a shirt, pant, or jacket, must combine four important attributes to make it worthy of a spot in your suitcase or backpack: Versatility, packability, performance/function, and appearance.

Closets organized by seasons, labeled containers in the pantry, shoes laid out by style and color—we all have that friend or loved one who can’t help but organize every element of their life. If you happen to be shopping for such a person this holiday season, there’s no doubt that they’re just as tidy when they travel. Thankfully, there are plenty of accessories to help them maintain their propensity for orderliness while on the move. From a thoughtfully designed toiletry bag to premium TSA-approved containers, these are the best gifts for organized travelers.

As you begin holiday shopping for all of your loved ones, you might be stumped on what to get the hardest person to shop for on your list—a teenager. Finding the best gift for the teen traveler in your life can be quite the challenge—no one stays up to date on the latest trends quite like them. But don’t worry, we have plenty of gift ideas that your teenage daughter, grandson, or niece will appreciate.

Utah’s Zion National Park is raising visitor rates next year, increasing by as much as 75 percent. 

Siem Reap’s hotel scene has moved on from the backpacker hostels of decades past, with plenty of oasis-like options to retreat to after a day’s exploring in the Cambodian heat. 

How do you live out of a suitcase? That's the second-most common question I get as a travel journalist. I'm on the road 365 days a year. And it's true: I manage to fit almost everything I own into a regulation-size carry-on bag.

With the holiday season upon us comes the scramble to find the right gifts for the special people or pets in our lives. So, we turned to our Nat Geo staffers for ideas on items they have loved to give (or receive) over the years—gifts that are practical, unique, or quirky without creating a gaping hole in the wallet. Here are 12 suggestions accompanied by links on where to purchase the items and bit of reasoning behind the choice. Happy shopping!

On Wednesday night, I opened the United mobile app and noticed that the upgrade list went on. And on. And on.

It’s that time of year again.

Good news for travelers: Cyber weekend has officially come to an end, but there's still dozens of after Black Friday deals for travelers to shop today. There's still time to save on luggage, outdoor gear, tech essentials, home goods, premium beauty, clothing and shoes, and just about everything else. We're still seeing discounts on everything from duffel bags and luggage sets to cozy robes and slippers from travel-friendly retailers and brands like Amazon, Target, Brooklinen, Dagne Dover, and more. Below, we rounded up the top deals for travelers that are still running, so you can start your holiday shopping early and save on popular products before it's too late.

Pushing the limits of wilderness exploration can mean extreme weather conditions, hours or days spent outdoors, and lots of pulling and hauling, all to achieve an extraordinary experience. The products you wear, use and carry can be like superpowers that put impossible journeys within reach. Here are the best luxury gifts for exploring the great outdoors:

There's no better time to upgrade your luggage than during the biggest savings event of 2023—Cyber Monday. This year, some of our favorite travel brands are offering an array of discounts on everything from sets of checked suitcases and carry-ons, to versatile duffels and totes, to travel accessories like cosmetic bags and packing cubes. Whether you're looking to refresh your own luggage collection or gift a loved one something new, you'll definitely save big on travel gear with these sales. Below, find the best Cyber Monday luggage deals worth adding to your shopping cart.

Nordstrom's Cyber Monday deals are in full swing: With items up to 60 percent off at both Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack, you can save big on holiday gifts and travel gear for yourself and your family through November 27, 2023. While Nordstrom's inventory tends to stick around for most of Cyber weekend, there are certain products that fly off the proverbial shelves (looking at you, Dyson Airwrap), so don't delay if you do see something on sale you're sure you want.

Cyber Monday camping gear deals may not be as highly sought after as, say, flat screen TVs or Apple watches, but for outdoorsy folks looking to upgrade their gear, these discounts shouldn't be overlooked. Trusted brands like Coleman, Thule, BioLite, and Solo Stove are running Cyber Monday promotions on all kinds of camping gear: big items like tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads; smaller items like cookware sets and headlamps; and everything in between—base layers, First Aid kits, water filtration devices, and on and on.

Amazon Cyber Monday deals are here, and that means there are still plenty of opportunities for travelers to save on holiday gifts or travel gear restocks of their own. As always, discounts span nearly all categories, from tech to apparel to luggage. Among the highlights: Tablets from Samsung and Google, Yeti coolers and drinkware, and suitcases from Samsonite and American Traveler. Below, find dozens of the best Cyber Monday deals on Amazon to shop now, and keep checking back for more discounts you'll want to snag before Cyber Week comes to a close.

Good news for travelers: The best Cyber Monday deals have officially landed. There's no better time of year for travelers to save on luggage, outdoor gear, tech essentials, home goods, premium beauty, clothing and shoes, and just about everything else than Cyber Monday. We're seeing discounts on everything from headphones and fitness trackers to weekender bags and luggage sets from travel-friendly retailers and brands like Amazon, Away, Béis, Nordstrom, Target, and more. Below, we rounded up the top deals for travelers to jump on now, so you can start your holiday shopping early and save on popular products before they sell out. We'll be updating this page as more sales go live, so be sure to check back here for the very best Cyber Monday deals for travelers.