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16 travel essentials to buy during Nordstrom's super sale

June 15, 2020
8 min read
NORDSTROM
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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.

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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

(Photo courtesy of Nordstrom)

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.

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Hacci Hoodie

(Photo courtesy of Nordstrom)

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

(Photo courtesy of Nordstrom)

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

(Photo courtesy of Nordstrom)

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

(Photo courtesy of Nordstrom)

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

(Photo courtesy of Nordstrom)

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

(Photo courtesy of Nordstrom)

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

(Photo courtesy of Nordstrom)

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

(Photo courtesy of Nordstrom)

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

(Photo courtesy of Nordstrom)

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

(Photo courtesy of Nordstrom)

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

(Photo courtesy of Nordstrom)

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

(Photo courtesy of Nordstrom)

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

(Photo courtesy of Nordstrom)

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

(Photo courtesy of Nordstrom)

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

(Photo courtesy of Nordstrom)

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).

Featured image by TIMOTHY A. CLARY/GETTY IMAGES

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  • LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn up to 400K bonus miles: 200K miles when you spend $30K in the first 3 months, and an additional 200k miles when you spend $150k in the first 6 months
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  • With no preset spending limit, enjoy big purchasing power that adapts so you can spend more and earn more rewards
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  • Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Every year, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. Enjoy access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
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  • This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month
Apply for Capital One Venture X Business
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for businesses with high spending
TPG Editor‘s Rating
4.5 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

2X miles2 miles per dollar on every purchase
5X miles5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel
10X miles10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel
  • Intro Offer

    LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn up to 400K bonus miles
  • Annual Fee

    $395
  • Recommended Credit

    740-850
    Excellent

Why We Chose It

The Capital One Venture X Business Card has all the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has to offer and more. It offers an incredible welcome bonus and requires an equally impressive spend to qualify. In addition, the card comes with premium travel perks like annual travel credit. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • The Capital One Venture X business card has a very lucrative welcome offer.
  • In addition, the card comes with many premium travel perks such as an annual $300 credit for bookings through Capital One Business Travel.
  • Business owners are also able to add employee cards for free.

Cons

  • The card requires significant spending to earn the welcome offer.
  • Another drawback is that the annual travel credit can only be used on bookings made through Capital One Business Travel.
  • LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn up to 400K bonus miles: 200K miles when you spend $30K in the first 3 months, and an additional 200k miles when you spend $150k in the first 6 months
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
  • Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel
  • With no preset spending limit, enjoy big purchasing power that adapts so you can spend more and earn more rewards
  • Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
  • Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Every year, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. Enjoy access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
  • Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
  • This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month