Whether it’s on hotels, airline tickets or travel gear, there are few things we love more than saving money — which is why we’re especially excited about the next few days.
Tuesday marks the start of Amazon Prime Day. Amazon Prime members can access a limited-time sale starting July 16 and running through July 17. Think of it as the summer version of Black Friday, with exclusive savings only available to Prime members.
Related: Save up to 50% on Amazon purchases using just 1 Amex point
But don’t worry if you’re not a Prime member; There are other ways to save. Multiple retailers — including Target, Walmart, Best Buy and Nordstrom — are currently running sales that rival upcoming Prime Day deals on July 16 and 17.
In preparation for Prime Day, we’ve rounded up 9 of the best competing deals for travelers from other retailers so you can save money no matter where you choose to shop.
Tech and accessories
Apple Watch Series 9 GPS — $329 at Walmart (regularly $429)
If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your Apple Watch, now is the time. The Apple Watch Series 9 is currently on sale for $329, down from its usual price of $429. This smartwatch is great for activity tracking at home or on vacation. You can take your heart rate at any time, track workout performance, track how many miles you walk per day and more. The sports band is on sale in four colors: pink, silver, starlight and midnight.
Buy: Apple Watch Series 9 GPS$329 (normally $429)
Belkin 3-Port USB-C Wall Charger – $20.99 at Best Buy (regularly $44.99)
Whether you have an Apple Watch or a new iPhone, you can’t use these devices until they’re charged. Along with charging cables, you’ll need a USB-C adapter to plug them into hotel room outlets. This Belkin model can charge three USB-C devices simultaneously and is currently marked down from $44.99 to $20.99.
Buy: Belkin 3-Port USB-C Wall Charger$20.99 (usually $169.99)
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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) – $139.99 at Best Buy (regularly $169.99)
Is there anything worse than boarding your flight and realizing you forgot your headphones or they aren’t charged? For many of us, the answer is no, given the options of awkwardly conversing with a seatmate or simply looking at the back of the seat in front of us.
Needless to say, headphones are essential for any traveler. Apple’s AirPods provide a hands-free connection to your iPhone thanks to wireless Bluetooth technology. They also offer high-quality audio and five-hour battery life. Like all AirPods, it includes a charging case. You can currently save $30 off the regular price of $169.99 and get this third-generation model for just $139.99.
Buy: Apple AirPods (third generation)$139.99 (regularly $169.99)
Apple AirTag 4-Pack — $74.98 at Walmart (regularly $99)
We’d be remiss if we failed to include the holy grail Apple product, the Apple AirTag, in this tech roundup. If you’ve been living under a rock, Airtags are widely used among TPG staff and readers for bags, suitcases and other items you don’t want to lose while traveling or in everyday life.
Pair a Bluetooth tracking device with anything you own to passively track its location. Your AirTag will ping you when an Apple device is nearby, whether it’s your iPhone or someone else’s iPhone or iPad. If your checked bag is attached to an AirTag, it will triangulate its location on that iPhone and report the location to you, which you can view in the Find My app along with your other iOS devices.
We’ve seen a lot of great deals on Airtags lately, but the biggest discount we’ve seen is the current Walmart price of $74.98, which is a $24.02 discount off the regular price of $99.
Buy: Apple AirTag (4-pack)$74.98 (regularly $99)
Waterproof Airtag Keychain Holder 4-Pack — $5.99 at Walmart (regularly $7.99)
One of the best things about AirTags is their size: they’re slightly larger than a quarter. However, their small size makes them easy to accidentally lose or drop when tossing them in your purse or luggage. To protect yourself from losing this inexpensive yet essential item, consider purchasing an Airtag holder, such as this keychain and protective case cover from Walmart. It’s on sale for $5.99, down from $7.99.
The shockproof, waterproof design will protect your AirTags while making it easy to attach to your bag, keys and other important items.
Buy: Waterproof Airtag Keychain Holder 4-Pack$5.99 (usually $7.99)
Anker Maggo Magnetic Power Bank – $39.99 (usually $59.99) at Best Buy
When you’re on the go, there are times when your smartphone battery just won’t last all day — a portable charger is a must when spending long hours away from your hotel room. We love this Anker Maggo Magnetic Power Bank because it allows for cord-free magnetic charging. We also love that you can save $20 off the regular price of $59.99 and get this awesome charger right now for $39.99.
Buy: Anker Maggo Magnetic Power Bank$39.99 (usually $59.99)
Luggage and backpacks
Samsonite 2-Piece Hard-Sided Luggage Set — $149.99 (regularly $249.99) at Samsonite
Samsonite products are tried, true and a favorite among travelers, making this set — on sale for $149.99 (marked down from $249.99) — hard to pass up. You can save even more on this set (and the other items in this story) by buying one by one Online shopping portal.
The set comes with a hard-shell carry-on (21.75″ x 13.75″ x 9.75″) and a medium checked bag (26.75″ x 17.5″ x 11.5″). Carry-on size should fit in the overhead bin on most major airlines. To be on the safe side, check your airline’s specific baggage requirements before your flight.
Each piece weighs less than 9 pounds. This ultra-lightweight suitcase features 360-degree spinner wheels, a scratch-resistant finish and a Transportation Security Administration-compliant lock. They also come with a limited 10-year warranty.
Buy: Samsonite 2-piece hard-sided luggage set$149.99 (usually $249.99)
Travelhouse 4-Piece Hardshell Luggage Set — $99.99 at Walmart (regularly $189.99)
If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly luggage set, you can save $90 on this four-piece hard-shell luggage set from TravelHouse. Each piece is lightweight, durable and features a TSA-compliant combination lock and 360-degree spinning wheels. The set comes with 16-inch, 20-inch, 24-inch and 28-inch suitcases. Most major airlines have the smallest two bag sizes to fit in the overhead bin, and the two larger bags should be checked and work best for longer trips.
Buy: Travelhouse 4-Piece Hardshell Luggage Set$99.99 (usually $189.99)
Samsonite Mobile Solution Deluxe Backpack — $69.99 (regularly $99.99) at Samsonite
For our fellow carry-on-only travelers, having a good backpack is absolutely key. At 12.5 inches by 7 inches by 16.3 inches, this will fit under the seat in front of you but is still big enough to hold essentials like your laptop and water bottle.
This bag is not only practical — with dual adjustable shoulder straps, a padded laptop sleeve, and exterior side pockets — but it also enhances your travel style with a sleek design. Get yours for just $69.99 – 30% off the regular price of $99.99.
Buy: Samsonite Mobile Solution Deluxe Backpack$69.99 (usually $99.99)
Bottom line
If you shop at the above brands and stores or do any other deals, you’ll want to use a credit card that maximizes your online purchases.
Rest assured, between next week’s Prime Sale and the deals featured in this guide, you’ll save big on your next travel gear purchase. We will update you on essential travel products throughout the sale period.
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