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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
As a senior writer for TPG, Tarah Chieffi helps readers travel better, more often and within their budget.
July 12, 2024 • 8 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Quick summary
Major retailers are offering significant discounts on travel gear and tech to coincide with Amazon Prime Day, with sales running July 16-17.
Deals include savings on smartwatches, wireless headphones, portable chargers, luggage sets and travel accessories from brands like Apple, Samsonite and Anker.
Competing sales at stores such as Walmart, Best Buy, Target and Nordstrom provide alternatives for shoppers who are not Amazon Prime members.
The article highlights nine standout deals tailored for travelers, covering both tech essentials and luggage options.
What to consider
Some offers mentioned in the article are no longer available; readers should check current listings before purchasing.
Sale prices are time-limited and may vary by retailer or inventory, so acting quickly is advised.
Product features such as size, compatibility and warranty terms should be reviewed to ensure they meet your travel needs.
What you'll miss from the article
A curated list of the best travel-focused deals across multiple retailers, plus tips for maximizing savings during major sale events.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
Whether it's on hotels, airline tickets or travel gear, there are few things we love more than saving money — which is why we are particularly excited about the next few days.
Tuesday marks the start of Amazon Prime Day. Amazon Prime members can access limited-time sales starting July 16 and running through July 17. Think of it as the summertime version of Black Friday, with exclusive savings only available to Prime members.
But there’s no need to fret if you are 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 competitor deals for travelers from other retailers so you can save money no matter where you love to shop.
Tech and accessories
Apple Watch Series 9 GPS — $329 at Walmart (normally $429)
WALMART
If you've been looking to upgrade your Apple Watch, now is the time. The Apple Watch Series 9 is currently on sale for $329, down from its normal 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, monitor how many miles you walk each day and more. The sports band is on sale in four colors: pink, silver, starlight and midnight.
Belkin 3-Port USB-C Wall Charger — $20.99 at Best Buy (normally $44.99)
BEST BUY
Whether you have an Apple Watch or a newer iPhone, you can't use these devices unless 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 to $20.99 from $44.99.
Apple AirPods (3rd generation) — $139.99 at Best Buy (normally $169.99)
BEST BUY
Is there anything worse than boarding your flight and realizing you forgot your headphones, or they’re not charged? For many of us, the answer is no, given the alternatives of awkwardly striking up a conversation with a seatmate or simply staring 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 a five-hour battery life. As is the case with all AirPods, these include a charging case. You can currently save $30 off the regular price of $169.99 and get this third-generation model for only $139.99.
Apple AirTag 4-Pack — $74.98 at Walmart (normally $99)
WALMART
We would be remiss if we failed to include a holy grail Apple product in this tech roundup: the Apple AirTag. Just in case you’ve been living under a rock, AirTags are widely used among TPG staffers and readers alike to track bags, suitcases and other items you don’t want to lose when traveling or in daily life.
Simply attach the Bluetooth tracking device to anything you own to passively track its location. Your AirTag will ping you when there is a nearby Apple device, whether it be your iPhone or someone else’s iPhone or iPad. If your checked bag is attached to an AirTag, it will triangulate its location off that iPhone and report the location back to you, which you can view in the Find My app alongside your other iOS devices.
We've seen many good deals on AirTags lately, but the highest discount we've seen is the current Walmart price of $74.98, a $24.02 discount off the regular price of $99.
One of the best things about AirTags is their size: They're slightly larger than a quarter. However, their small size does make it easy to lose or drop them by mistake when shoving them into your purse or luggage. To protect yourself from losing this affordable 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, reduced from $7.99.
The shockproof, waterproof design will protect your AirTags while making it easy to attach them to your bag, keys and other important items.
Anker MagGo Magnetic Power Bank — $39.99 at Best Buy (normally $59.99)
BEST BUY
When you're on the go, there are times when your smartphone battery just can't last the day — a portable charger is a necessity when spending long hours away from your hotel room. We love this Anker MagGo Magnetic Power Bank because it allows cord-free magnetic charging. We also love that you can save $20 off the regular price of $59.99 and get this sleek charger for only $39.99 right now.
Samsonite 2-piece hard-sided luggage set — $149.99 at Samsonite (normally $249.99)
SAMSONITE
Samsonite products are tried, true and a favorite among travelers, which makes 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 other items in this story) by making the purchase through an online shopping portal.
This set comes with a hard-shelled carry-on (21.75" x 13.75" x 9.75") and a medium checked bag (26.75" x 17.5" x 11.5"). The carry-on size should fit in the overhead bin on most major airlines. To be on the safe side, check your airline's specific luggage requirements before your flight.
Each piece weighs under 9 pounds. These extremely lightweight suitcases feature 360-degree spinner wheels, a scratch-resistant finish and a Transportation Security Administration-compatible lock. They also come with a limited 10-year warranty.
Travelhouse 4-Piece Hardshell Luggage Set — $99.99 at Walmart (normally $189.99)
WALMART
If you are in the market for a budget-friendly luggage set, you can save $90 on this four-piece hard-shelled luggage set from Travelhouse. Each piece is lightweight, durable and has a TSA-compliant combination lock and 360-degree spinning wheels. The set comes with 16-inch, 20-inch, 24-inch and 28-inch suitcases. The smallest two bags are sized to fit in the overhead bin on most major airlines, and the two larger bags should be checked and work best for longer trips.
Samsonite Mobile Solution Deluxe Backpack — $69.99 at Samsonite (normally $99.99)
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 one will fit under the seat in front of you but is still large enough to hold essentials like your laptop and a water bottle.
This bag is not only practical — with dual adjustable shoulder straps, a padded laptop sleeve and exterior side pockets — but it also elevates your travel style with a sleek design. Grab yours while it only costs $69.99 — 30% off the regular price of $99.99.
If you shop the above brands and stores or score any other deals, you’ll want to use a credit card that maximizes your online purchases.
Use the Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees) for 1.5% cash back on nonbonus spending or the Blue Cash Everyday Card® from American Express for 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases (on up to $6,000 per year, then 1% after that). Cash back is received as reward dollars that can be redeemed for statement credits or at Amazon.com checkout.
Rest assured, between next week's Prime sale and the deals mentioned in this guide, you will save big on your next travel gear purchase. We will update you on must-have travel products throughout the sale period.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.