#travel-gear

#travel-gear

Black Friday may not officially be here yet, but luckily for us, Amazon clearly didn't get the memo because the online retailer's early travel deals are already in full swing. From comfy matching sets you'll actually want to wear on a red-eye flight to sleek luggage that looks way more expensive than it is, this year's early sales are too good to miss out on.

At 500ml, the Multi toes the line between being large enough to see me through a half-day's activities and small enough to slip comfortably into my backpack's bottle holder. It's double-wall insulated so is suitable for hot and cold drinks and, after a good test, I'm really impressed with its insulating qualities. Cold drinks have stayed that way all day and, while I've not tested the full 12-hour staying power for hot drinks,

On the face of it, this looks like any ordinary, well-made cable. It can carry up to 100W of power, the connectors are robust and have very good strain relief, and it's nylon braided so it resists snagging. It also comes in a variety of colors, from the traditional black, stylish blue, and, my favorite, bright blaze orange. Just the color I need to make sure it doesn't get lost in the bottom of my backpack.

Half the battle of preparing for a big trip is ensuring you're well-equipped with the right gear for the job, and REI is the one place you can rely on for top-notch outdoor essentials from the best brands on the market. Right now, the retailer is hosting an under-the-radar fall sale with up to 50 percent off must-haves for any type of vacation you have this season-and with Patagonia, Vuori, Hoka, and more included, you won't want to let these deals go unclaimed.

As a travel and food writer, it feels like I'm always dragging a million things with me to the airport-and I never have enough hands to carry everything. Whether I'm packing an extra bag with plane snacks, carrying a travel pillow, or lugging a laptop tote, there's always a lot to balance. Trying to stay organized on the road is hard, especially when I'm also doing my best to avoid spending extra money on travel accessories that I don't actually need.

While many big-ticket travel essentials are on sale during the two-day event, we found an astounding volume of gear under $50 that's primed for refreshing your seasonal packing list on a budget. The Prime Big Deal Days event has no shortage of packable must-haves that are both affordable and deserving of making an appearance on your next tripand we even found steals from brands like Apple, Adidas, and Puma.

Last year, I did something that I never thought I would do in a million years: I lost my passport while traveling abroad. To make matters worse, I was traveling solo. My flight home was in two days, and I couldn't remember the last time I had seen it after leaving the airport. To set the scene for you, I had been spending the weekend staying in a gorgeous open-air villa at Origins Lodge, a luxury mountainside ecolodge nestled between dense Costa Rican rainforest.

There are countless packing cubes to pick from out there, and they all serve the same function, which is to organize and condense the items in your suitcase. But some are hardier than others, particularly when they're built for bona fide outdoor adventure. The Yeti Crossroad Packing Cubes are designed to take a beating, and reviewers say they hold "everything but the kitchen sink."

When I'm traveling, a reliable water bottle is a must-have, especially one that will last through years of trips. Right now, Amazon is offering rare discounts on top-rated Stanley water bottles, Yeti tumblers, Owala, and Hydro Flask. These popular brands are known for their durable, high-quality designs, and many of their water bottles have earned near-perfect ratings, with thousands sold in just the last month. Necessary for filling up at the airport or keeping drinks hot and cold while you're on the go, these travel-ready bottles are as practical as they are stylish.

When I came across this Mini Portable Washing Machine from Amazon on Instagram, though, it really got me thinking. It's small enough to bring on travels so I wouldn't have to pack as many clothing items, and I could store things inside of it among my luggage. Also, since it's rechargeable, I could bring it on camping trips, too. It might just be genius.

The digital nomad lifestyle may look chaotic from the outside, but it really comes down to mastering two things: planning ahead and having the right tools. From a versatile backpack and reliable power bank to a VPN, noise-cancelling headphones, portable displays, and external storage, these essentials make it possible to stay productive anywhere while keeping work secure, comfortable, and stress-free.

Whether you're heading off on an international adventure or to your local campground, a portable projector can be a fun addition to your packing list. I use projectors everywhere from home to hotel rooms to create a movie theater-like atmosphere when it's time for a quiet night. Most recently, I brought one to Mexico where I was able to create fun and cozy evenings on a girl's trip.

Louis Vuitton began his journey in 1854 by crafting train cases, which laid the foundation for an empire. His unique designs revolutionized travel cases with rectangular shapes and airtight compartments, making them popular among royalty.

The Switch Stick Folding Seat is a part cane, part portable seat, essential for travel days, lightweight but sturdy, and convenient for resting in line or taking pressure off legs.

The Case-Mate tote is different from your average beach tote because it's waterproof, sandproof and tip-proof. It also brings mermaid-style shimmer to your beach gear game.

Waterfield's Magnetic case for Nintendo's Switch 2 embodies luxury, crafted from full-grain leather that offers a soft, opulent feel. It's a significant upgrade from standard cases made of plastic or polyester.

Aerothotic sandals are highly rated for comfort and support, with features like high arches, supportive heel cups, and gel insoles that contour to unique foot shapes.

The Calpak Terra collection is fantastic from top to bottom, made with recycled materials and water-resistant ripstop polyester that is practically impossible to scuff up or get dirty.

The best shower shoes should be made of waterproof, lightweight materials that dry quickly and resist grime accumulation. Comfort for wear outside the locker room is a plus.