The best Black Friday travel items that real-world travelers are buying this week
Editor's Note
There are tons of great deals available for Black Friday weekend and Cyber Monday sales, and it can be challenging to decide which items are worth spending your hard-earned money on.
If you need a little help making up your mind, take the lead from TPG readers and staff with this roundup of the items real-world travelers are spending their cash on right now.
And remember, you can potentially stack additional savings by using the right credit cards or shopping portals alongside your purchases.
Apple AirTags
It's no surprise that once again this year, travelers are snapping up Apple AirTags. They are perfect for keeping an eye on your things, especially if you plan to check bags.
Buy:
- Apple AirTags (four-pack) for $62.99 (normally $99)
- Apple AirTag (individual) for $17.97 (normally $29)
Apple AirPods Pro 3
A firm favorite here at TPG, and as it seems, our readers, too. Apple AirPods Pro are the perfect travel companion for long, noisy flights, thanks to their exceptional audio quality and impressive sound-canceling capabilities. You can pick up a set of the third-generation version for 12% off the regular price right now.
Buy: Apple AirPods Pro 3 for $219.99 (originally $249)
Apple iPad 11-inch
The 11-inch Apple iPad is currently available for $75 less than its usual price. Packed with great features and a crystal-clear display, there's a reason why this is one of the premier tablets on the market.
Buy: Apple iPad 11-inch, $274 (normally $349)
Avantree Relay airplane Bluetooth adapter
The pocket-sized Avantree Relay Premium Bluetooth 5.3 Adapter enables you to connect your wireless Bluetooth headphones to any in-flight entertainment system via a single or dual-pin 3.5mm headphone jack. In other words, you don't have to settle for shoddy free earphones and can use your own personal pair for the best audio quality.
Buy: Avantree Relay Premium Bluetooth Adapter, $29.99 (normally $39.99)
Gin-Gins anti-nausea ginger chews
Whether in the air, on the sea, in the car or on a roller coaster, nobody wants to deal with motion sickness while they are traveling. These all-natural ginger chews can help alleviate motion sickness and nausea, so you don't miss a minute of vacation fun.
Buy: Gin-Gins anti-nausea ginger chews 1-pound bag, $12.38 (normally $15.49)
Anker Prime 100W 3-Port USB-C charger
Anker’s 100-watt USB-C charger is ideal for keeping your devices charged without needing to carry multiple chargers. This compact cube easily fits into your backpack, boasting two USB-C ports and one USB-A port for convenient charging of up to three devices.
Buy: Anker Prime 100W 3-Port USB-C Charger, $41.99 (normally $69.99)
"How to Win at Travel" by Brian Kelly
Turn your wanderlust into reality with expert strategies from Brian Kelly — founder of The Points Guy and the leading voice in travel and loyalty programs — with this ultimate resource for everything from leveraging airline and credit card points to planning your dream itinerary.
Buy: "How to Win at Travel" by Brian Kelly, $16.79 (normally $30)
Jmfone universal travel adapter
Similar to the above, but with even more charging power. This international travel adapter can charge six devices at once and works in more than 200 countries, including the U.S., Canada, Japan, Ireland, the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, France and Germany. Its versatility makes it a favorite among TPG readers and staffers alike.
Buy: Jmfone universal travel adapter, $15.91 (normally $21.89)
Travel Inspira portable luggage scale
Have you ever heaved your luggage onto the scale at the airport check-in desk only to realize it was a few pounds overweight? At that point, your only options are to show off the contents of your luggage to the entire airport as you shuffle things around or to pay the overweight luggage fee. Luckily, there is a third option. Purchase this portable luggage scale and verify your luggage is within the weight limit before heading to the airport.
Buy: Travel Inspira portable luggage scale, $7.80 (normally $12.99)
Riemot Luggage travel cup holder
Finally, a solution to wheeling your luggage through an airport, carrying your coffee and keeping your phone handy without the chance of dropping anything. An essential you didn't know you needed.
Buy: Riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder, from $9.49 (normally $12.99)
Kidde battery-powered carbon monoxide detector
The Kidde battery-powered carbon monoxide detector runs on two AA batteries, which are included in the packaging. No wiring is required, and you can mount the detector on a wall or set it on a tabletop. It’s also pretty compact — at 4.5 inches by 1.5 inches by 2.75 inches — so it won't take up a ton of space in your travel-friendly backpack.
Buy: Kidde Battery-Powered Carbon Monoxide Detector, $21.89 (normally $27.57)
30-piece magnetic hooks
These small yet mighty magnetic hooks can hold up to 25 pounds. They are handy to have around the house, but also have several travel-friendly uses. Most notably, they are great for cruise ships, where storage space is in short supply. You can hang wet towels, swimsuits and any type of hanging storage organizer in your stateroom because most cruise ship cabin walls are magnetic.
Buy: 30-piece magnetic hooks, $8.48 (normally $9.98)
Magnetic multi-angle phone tripod stand
You will find yourself grabbing this low-profile phone tripod all the time when you travel. It's great for watching shows and movies while flying and taking hands-free photos and videos. Made with vegan leather, it attaches to your iPhone using MagSafe technology, allowing for easy snap-on and snap-off functionality.
Buy: Magnetic multi-angle phone tripod stand, $31.99 (normally $39.99)
Oura Ring 4
An Oura Ring helps you feel your best by tracking biometrics like sleep, fitness, heart health and more. From Nov. 20 through Dec. 1, you can get 30% off select Oura Ring 4 styles when shopping at OuraRing.com or on Amazon.
That's already a great price, but you can save even more if you have the American Express Platinum Card®. Cardholders receive up to a $200 Oura Ring statement credit per calendar year, which can only be used to purchase hardware (enrollment required) directly from Oura Ring's website. When you stack these savings, you can effectively purchase an Oura Ring for as little as $49 (excluding taxes and fees).
Buy: Oura Ring 4, from $249 (normally $349 and up)
Cadence medium travel capsules 3-pack
Cadence refillable capsules are compact, leak-proof and magnetic for mess-free organization. This set of three medium-sized capsules allows you to bring your beauty routine with you wherever you go, without worrying about a messy, disorganized makeup bag.
Buy: Cadence medium travel capsules 3-pack, $57.60 (normally $72)
The best credit cards for Black Friday purchases
- Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees): 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in quarterly rotating categories (that you must activate)
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: 3% cash back on online purchases from U.S. retailers (on the first $6,000 spent during a calendar year, then 1% until the following year). Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout
- Citi Double Cash® Card: 2% cash back on all purchases (1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases; see rates and fees)
For additional options, check out our favorite cards to use for Black Friday shopping in 2025.
Related reading:
- Black Friday deals: Save up to 50% on these top 10 Amazon travel items already on sale
- The best Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday hotel deals you can expect in 2025 (so far)
- Maximize your Amex Platinum statement credit during Lululemon’s Black Friday sale
- How to prepare for the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday travel bargains
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.