16 travel essentials to buy during Nordstrom's super sale
If you're in need of a little retail therapy right now, well ... we can't say we blame you.
It's been more than three months since the coronavirus disease, COVID-19, was officially declared a pandemic, and if you've been sheltering in place since then, you're probably more than ready to start daydreaming about your next trip — especially now that destinations around the world have begun to reopen.
Even if you're not ready to hit the road just yet, now's a great time to stock up on travel essentials you can use during future trips.
For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
Nordstrom is having another one of its popular sales right now, with markdowns up to 70% off a huge variety of items (and, as always, free shipping.) While we know buying travel gear isn't a priority for many people right now, it won't hurt to dive into those sales bins if you're in a position to stock up for future vacations.
We'd normally tell you to use a shopping portal to get even more points and miles on your purchases, but unfortunately, you won't find Nordstrom on any of them. We do have a workaround, though. If you've been targeted to save $50 at Amazon using just one American Express Membership Rewards point, you may be able to buy Nordstrom digital gift cards for 20% off.
Either way, you'll also want to use a credit card that earns bonus points on shopping purchases. That way, you'll be racking up points and miles for your next trip in no time. Don't forget to earn your Nordy Club rewards, too.
Adidas Tiro Soccer Training Pants
To buy: $33.75, originally $45.
These pants just scream "airport mode," don't you think? Grab yourself a pair while they're on sale. They're a solid buy for quarantining at home, of course, but if we had to bet, we'd say you're going to get plenty of use out of them once travel picks up again.
Hacci Hoodie
To buy: $26.24, originally $59.
You (almost) won’t mind long-haul flights when you’re snuggled up in this cozy sweatshirt. You could buy one in both black and gray for less than the original price of just one. That’s a win in our book for use at home or on the road.
Tech Travel Organizer
To buy: $20.24, originally $45.
You promised yourself this would be the year you stop tangling all your cords in a hot mess heap and finally got a travel organizer. For less than $15, there's never been a better time to get one than now.
Calpak Silk Travel Neck Pillow and Eye Mask Set
To buy: $42.75, originally $95.
This neck pillow and eye mask set is more than half-off and will help you get some much-needed shut-eye on your next 10-hour flight — or cross-country drive. We're particularly fond of the rose gold color.
Herschel Barlow Trail Large Backpack
To buy: $58.50, originally $130.
This bag just screams "road trip." Whether you're planning a weekend-long car camping trip or just looking to fit the maximum amount of clothes possible in your bag, this backpack from Herschel will do the trick.
Related: How to tell if your backpack counts as a carry-on or personal item
Beis Convertible Backpack
To buy: $35.10, originally $78.
Get extra mileage out of your bag with Beis — we're big fans of their products, and this bag is no exception. You can wear it as a backpack or as a satchel without sacrificing style.
Champion Reverse-Weave Fleece Sweatshirt
To buy: $17.99, originally $50.
Act fast on this heavily-discounted Champion sweatshirt. It's the kind of sweatshirt you can picture yourself in while you're relaxing at the airport lounge, or roasting s'mores by the fire, don't you think?
Havianas slim "Frozen" Flip Flop
To buy: $14, originally $20.
You're about to be the parent of the year, although we're sorry in advance if your kids won't stop singing "Let It Go" for the rest of the day. Take them to the lake, pool, beach or even just the fort that's taken over your living room.
Adidas Stan Smith Sneakers
To buy: $56, originally $80.
We know you've had your eye on Stan Smiths for quite some time, so now's the moment to take the plunge. They're the perfect shoe for sightseeing or a casual dinner outside by the water.
Related: The 14 best travel shoes for your next trip
Ray-Ban Polarized Aviator Sunglasses
To buy: $142.80, originally $204.
It's not every day you see polarized sunglasses from Ray-Ban on sale. The polarized lenses will help reduce glare and make images appear sharper — ideal for sitting by the pool getting some work done, or just, well, sitting by the pool.
Marc Jacobs Small Leather Wallet
To buy: $66.50, originally $95.
You need somewhere to put all the credit cards you've applied for during this downtime, right? This small leather wallet from Marc Jacobs should do the trick. There's plenty of room for all your cards, ID and even cash.
Rag & Bone Straw Visor
To buy: $56.25, originally $125
This is exactly what you're going to want the second you step out onto the beach with your family or friends this summer. It's lightweight and blocks the sun without being bulky or overbearing. Get it now while the price is right.
Nike Kawa Slide Sandals
To buy: $20.77, originally $26.
It doesn't get much better than these Nike sandals — they're cute, comfortable and affordable. Your kids will love to wear them to the pool, beach, around the house or wherever your travels may take you this summer.
Bose QuietComfort noise-canceling headphones
To buy: $299, originally $349.
If you're planning on sitting in a car (or plane) for an extended period of time, you're going to want to get your hands on some noise-canceling headphones. And few headphones top the audio quality of Bose.
Tucker and Tate Translucent Rain Jacket
To buy: $17.70, originally $59.
This very-on-sale kids' rain jacket from Tucker and Tate will be just what the doctor ordered when you're caught in the rain during your upcoming outdoor vacation. Even if you don't have any travel booked this summer, the price is so good, you can pack it away for your future trips.
Calpak 5-piece Packing Cube Set
To buy: $31.50, originally $70.
Trust us when we say that packing cubes will change your life. We promise your items will never feel more organized and you're never going to want to leave the house without them (even if it's just for a coffee run).
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.