Backpacking tips

It’s a common scenario while boarding a crowded flight: Flight attendants start Tetris-ing suitcases, backpacks, briefcases, jackets, and other items into overhead bins, trying to make sure there’s room for everyone’s luggage. A key piece of the what-fits-where puzzle is the personal item, which generally refers to the small purse, backpack, or tote bag that airlines allow passengers to carry on board for free—and which must be able to fit under the seat in front of you.

“Traveling light” is not something I’m especially good at. To put it into perspective, I was once charged a $123-plus excess baggage fee for a single checked bag. It means I’m never without outfit options—you never know when that spare sweater will come in handy—but it does make lifting my carry-on in and out of the overhead bins quite an ordeal, for both myself and the unsuspecting fellow passenger who is inevitably called on for assistance.

I barreled down New Mexico State Road 150 in a Ram ProMaster.

Leisure travel came roaring back from the pandemic lockdowns and has not slowed, with planes jammed, record international hotel prices and more people tackling those once in a lifetime and Bucket List trips they once put off for “someday.” There’s never been a better time to give gifts to travelers, and there has never been a better crop of options. As a very frequent traveler myself, I am constantly testing and tweaking and seeing what works best to make travel better.

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 Black Friday and Cyber Monday. While we still have a few weeks to go until the mega-sales officially begin, many travel-friendly brands have already started rolling out early Black Friday deals. We're seeing discounts on everything from headphones and fitness trackers to weekender bags and luggage sets from popular retailers and brands like Amazon, Calpak, Target, Sephora, 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 early Black Friday deals for travelers.

Earlier this year, I was browsing Amazon for a few last-minute carry-on essentials when I saw the Airplane Pockets tray table cover pop up as a suggested item. I had never seen such a thing, and my first thought was that it's actually pretty genius. Would this mean I never have to touch or eat off a dirty airplane tray table ever again? I turned to my fellow Condé Nast Traveler editors to see if I'd been missing out on the tray table cover trend. In a room full of frequent fliers, no one had seen or used anything like this before, but our editors were equally intrigued. I was sold. I purchased this $30 Amazon travel essential, and now, a few flights later, I will never fly without it again.

We all have at least one friend or family member who’s a bona fide Disney adult. They likely spend all of their PTO on trips to Disneyland or even an Adventures by Disney vacation, can be spotted wearing Mickey Mouse Crocs outside of the theme parks, and will always say yes to a Disney-themed trivia night. If you’ve already started thinking about that person, and you have a big celebration or holiday coming up that includes gift-giving, then you’re in luck.

Your favorite running sneakers might fly on a quick jaunt around the big city when you’re out traveling, but when it’s time to hit the trails, you’re going to want something with excellent traction, waterproofing, and solid support on uneven ground. Water bottle and cozy layers aside, nothing is more essential for comfortably exploring the wilderness (sans blisters) than a solid pair of the best hiking boots for men. Experts agree that the right boot and fit could mean the difference between a mood-boosting experience and the never-ending drama of jammed toes and ankle blisters.

You’ve spent all that money on plane tickets getting to the bottom of the southern hemisphere. Now you want to make the rest of your travel fund stretch as far as possible. The good news is that affordable travel in New Zealand is possible – if you plan carefully.

Nearly a decade ago, I woke up in the middle of the night thinking that I should travel to the Grand Canyon solo — the first National Park on what would become a yearslong personal quest.

Whether you’re going for a 30-minute stroll along a neighborhood trail or tackling a multi-day trek in Alaska’s Denali National Park, one thing’s for certain: “hiking” can mean a lot of different things. No matter where your adventure may take you, it’s crucial to find a pair of hiking boots or shoes with excellent grip, good ventilation, and solid waterproofing—if you expect to encounter inclement weather.

There are 333 islands in Fiji's archipelago, so choosing the best one for you is an intimidating endeavor.

If you’re planning a camping trip to the great outdoors, now is the perfect time to check out the top Amazon Prime Day camping deals. Travelers can save on all the outdoor gear you'll need for your next adventure. In case you need a quick refresher, Amazon Prime Day is a 48-hour sales event where Prime members can save on products across all categories, including luggage, shoes, outdoor gear, home goods, and more. Amazon is calling its October savings event Prime Big Deal Days, and the sale runs through today, October 11.

Having the right gear on an international trip is the key to staying organized. For a backpacking trip around Europe, compact and condensed is the goal. Here is the ultimate gear guide for backpacking in Europe to keep you moving efficiently and with less stress. Each of these items can be purchased through Amazon Prime via the links here, saving you both time and shipping costs.

Amazon Prime Day 2023 is coming to a close, but there's still some great luggage deals ahead. Whether you're looking to get a head start on gifting for the fellow travelers in your life or upgrade your own collection, we're sure you'll find what you're looking for below. This year, we’re seeing great markdowns on suitcases, luggage sets, luggage tags, backpacks, and totes from some of our favorite brands—Tumi, Samsonite, and Delsey included.

Another massive two-day sale from Amazon is here: Prime Big Deal Days, fall's answer to Amazon Prime Day, ends today; October 11. Travelers can save big on everything from luggage to packing cubes to travel accessories. It should come as no surprise that Condé Nast Traveler editors have been going through their wishlists to see what's on sale. Read on to see what travel gear we’re eyeing for last minute price drops, from face serums and rain jackets to alarm clocks, steamers, tech necessities, and cameras. For more ideas, check out the best early Prime Day travel gear deals we have found so far.

Amazon Prime Day 2023 is officially here—and the luggage deals are hard to pass up. Whether you're looking to get a head start on gifting for the fellow travelers in your life or upgrade your own collection, we're sure you'll find what you're looking for below. This year, we’re seeing great markdowns on suitcases, luggage sets, luggage tags, backpacks, and totes from some of our favorite brands—Tumi, Samsonite, and Delsey included.

If you’re planning a camping trip to the great outdoors, now is the perfect time to check out the Amazon Prime Day camping deals. You’ll be able to save on all the outdoor gear you'll need for your next adventure. In case you need a quick refresher, Amazon Prime Day is a 48-hour sales event where Prime members can save on products across all categories, including luggage, shoes, outdoor gear, home goods, and more. Amazon is calling its October savings event Prime Big Deal Days, and the sale runs from Tuesday, October 10 through Wednesday, October 11.

Southeast Asia’s lush landscapes, dynamic cities, and delicious food make the region a must-see for many international travelers. The subregion of Asia consists of eleven countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Each has differing cultural norms, weather patterns, and tourist attractions, so packing appropriately and light requires careful consideration. Before you embark on a journey of a lifetime, you need a few essentials and perhaps the odd luxury. Here are the top items of travel gear for Southeast Asia that are fundamental packing.

Amazon Prime Day 2023 is officially here—and the luggage deals are hard to pass up. Whether you're looking to get a head start on gifting for the fellow travelers in your life or upgrade your own collection, we're sure you'll find what you're looking for below. This year, we’re seeing great markdowns on suitcases, luggage sets, luggage tags, backpacks, and totes from some of our favorite brands—Tumi, Samsonite, and Delsey included.

The TPG team is deep in the process of searching for the best Amazon Prime Day deals for travel-related items.