From AirPods to Hokas: 6 back-to-school deals that are actually great for travel, too
Editor's Note
Whether kids in your area have already returned to the classroom or are heading there imminently, back-to-school sales are in full swing.
But here's the thing about back-to-school sales: You don't actually have to be a student to take advantage of them.
This time of year can be a great opportunity to pick up those same items (think: comfortable shoes, backpacks and AirPods) as travel gear at a discount. So whether you're shopping for the first day of class or your next fall trip, here are six back-to-school deals worth checking out.
Hoka Clifton 10 women's sneakers — 50% off
Buy: $77.49 (normally $150), footlocker.com
They may not always win the fashion award, but when a trip involves lots of steps, Hokas are one of my go-tos for keeping my feet ready for more.
TPG tip: If you are a member of the Foot Locker FLX Rewards program, you can also get free shipping, earn 100 points for every dollar spent and more.
Apple AirPods Pro 3 — 24% off
Buy: $189.99 (normally $249), amazon.com
Whether you're using AirPods Pro 3 to listen to a recorded lecture or connecting them via Bluetooth to watch inflight entertainment, a deal is a deal.
These usually cost well over $200, so $189.99 is one of the better prices we've seen outside major sale events like Amazon Prime Day, when they dropped a bit lower.
Apple AirPods 4 — 23% off
Buy: $99 (regularly $129), amazon.com
If you don't need the noise-canceling Pro version, the regular AirPods are currently on sale for under $100. We've seen this price lower around Black Friday last year, but this is still a solid price if you need these now.
Apple AirTag 4-Pack — 10% off
Buy: $89 for four (normally $99), amazon.com
Toss an AirTag in each backpack — or each piece of luggage — and breathe a little easier knowing you'll have some help tracking it down if it goes missing.
These are the second-generation AirTags, which Apple says have expanded Precision Finding capabilities and a louder speaker. The replaceable battery should last more than a year — here's how to replace it when the time comes.
Samsonite Mother Lode Travel Backpack — up to 46% off
Buy: $118.79 with code "EXTRA10" (normally $219.99), samsonite.com
Whether you're off to Econ 101 or Ecuador, this Samsonite travel backpack has room for everything from a laptop to extra outfits with plenty of compartments to keep it all organized.
And even though it's already marked down to $131.99, use the code "EXTRA10" for an additional 10% off.
Related: The best weekender bags for your next weekend getaway
The North Face Jester Luxe Backpack — 20% off
Buy: $79.98 (normally $100), journeys.com
If you want a backpack with a laptop sleeve that's smaller than the Samsonite option, it's hard to go wrong with this sturdy, on-trend option from The North Face, especially when it's on sale.
TPG tip: Members of Journeys All Access Rewards receive free shipping, 10 points for every dollar spent and more.
Bottom line
Even if you're not a student anymore, you can still capitalize on these back-to-school sales to save on gear for your next trip.
On top of these deals, be sure to maximize your savings by stacking rewards earned through shopping portals on top of the points or cash back you earn from your credit card. Start with an aggregator like Cashback Monitor to find the best earning rates across dozens of shopping portals. Rakuten is a popular option and is currently offering new members a one-time $50 bonus if they join by Sept. 30 using this referral link and spend at least $50 at eligible retailers within 90 days of joining.
Card issuers, airlines and hotels also have their own shopping portals, so if you are loyal to a specific reward currency, you can earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points through Chase Shopping, Loyalty Points through the AAdvantage shopping portal, Delta SkyMiles through the SkyMiles Shopping portal and more.
Finally, don't forget to sign up for the retailer's loyalty program, if it has one, to earn even more points.
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