20 Editor-loved Early Black Friday Deals on Amazon

As a loyal Amazon Prime member and shopping writer of over 10 years, I know a thing or two about what makes an Amazon deal worth springing for. And while I’ve written plenty of articles about the biggest, most impressive discounts on luggage, travel clothes, and camping gear the site offers, I can’t help but keep track of some hidden, lesser-known deals that I intend to shop for myself. Usually, I keep these finds to myself out of fear that they’ll sell out quickly (selfish, I know), but these Black Friday Deals are just too good not to spread the word about. 

If you’re curious to know what a travel writer has on their radar for Black Friday, keep reading: Ahead, I dive into the specific, and frankly, can’t-miss Amazon deals I’ve dogeared for myself, including a picnic-perfect Igloo cooler, a Vera Bradley weekender bag that’s built to last, a mini massage gun that’s small enough for a carry-on, and a durable luggage set that’s over $250 off. You’ll find surprising deals on Travel + Leisure editor-trusted brands like Samsonite, Brooks, Apple, and Sorel — with prices starting at just $18. 

Vera Bradley Performance Twill Weekender Bag

I love weekender bags for their versatility — they’re great for short trips, but they can also function well as a gym bag or carry-on. This gorgeous weekender from Vera Bradley is made of a water-repellant performance twill fabric I won’t be afraid of roughing up between trips. It comes with an adjustable, removable shoulder strap, two exterior zip pockets, and a trolley sleeve that I can attach to my suitcase at the airport. Considering it’s nearly 50 percent off for Black Friday, this bag is at the top of my must-buy list. 

Aquasonic Black Series Electric Travel Toothbrush

I really dislike the mini plastic travel toothbrushes that come in toiletry cases, and because of it, I usually toss the toothbrush I already use at home into my carry-on. But since I travel so often, I’ve been looking for a portable electric toothbrush to replace it with, and this Black Series option from Aquasonic caught my eye. On sale for just $30, this electric toothbrush has ultra-fast wireless charging capabilities and, per the description, can last up to four full weeks of brushing without a recharge. Complete with eight additional brush heads and a travel case, this brush is one Black Friday deal I’ll be sending to all my family and friends, regardless of their travel interests. 

American Tourister Stratum XLT Luggage Set

As someone who relies on a mishmash of different luggage pieces for travel, I’ve been dreaming of upgrading to a matching set. And this gorgeous three-piece Stratum XLT set from American Tourister is on my radar, now that it’s a whopping $255 off for Black Friday. Made with rugged ABS outer shells and equipped with ergonomic handles, interior mesh pockets, and single spinner wheels, this set boasts over 5,000 perfect five-star ratings. 

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)

I bought this exact Apple Watch for my boyfriend when it was on sale for October Prime Big Deals Day, and he loves it so much that I’m considering buying one for myself. On sale for 32 percent off, this second-generation Apple Watch SE can send texts, take calls, and track everything from your heart rate to your sleep cycle. Not only that, it has safety measures built-in — like Crash Detection and Emergency SOS features — that provide peace of mind on solo travels.   

CamelBak Hydrobak Hydration Backpack

I hate carrying around a clunky water bottle on hikes, and digging through my backpack to locate and unscrew a bottle of water mid-hike is annoying. That’s why I’m considering grabbing this CamelBak Hydrobak hydration backpack, on sale for $32 off. It’s lightweight, has ventilated panels for airflow, and is not too small, yet not too big — the perfect size for shorter hikes. 

Tripped Travel Gear Compression Packing Cubes

I already own (and love) my set of Bagail packing cubes, but these gorgeous themed compression packing cubes from Tripped Travel are on my radar now that they’re $40 ahead of Black Friday. This set of seven cube organizers separates clothes and compresses them down to a fraction of the space they’d otherwise take up. Plus, they’re covered in cheery, stunning landscape graphics that remind me why I love traveling so much. 

Arboleaf Travel Mini Massage Gun

I have a personal massage gun at home that I absolutely adore, but it’s far too clunky to bring on trips, which is unfortunate considering my legs get super tight and achy on long flights. This Arboleaf mini massage gun, however, is perfect for travel — and it’s just $45 ahead of Black Friday. It has five speeds and comes with four different heads that help target different muscle groups. 

Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-canceling Headphones

My #1 travel accessory of all time, hands down, has been my Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones. The sound quality and functionality are a dream, but I’ve run mine through their paces over the last four years. Now, I’m considering trying these newer WH-1000XM5 headphones on for size, since they’re over $100 off for Black Friday. They have hands-free phone call capability, 30 hours of continuous battery life, and an updated noise-cancellation feature powered by eight microphones. 

Igloo Tag Along Too Picnic Cooler

I own an extra-large rolling Igloo cooler that’s great for large events and outings, but I need something smaller for picnics. A sucker for cute products, I’ve been eyeing this adorable Igloo Tag Along Too cooler, on sale for $40. It comes in seven fun colors (Apricot and Powder Blue are my favorites) and has an adjustable shoulder strap and an interior perfect for holding a day’s worth of snacks and drinks. 

Levi’s Women’s Original Trucker Jacket

I have a pretty impressive collection of leather jackets, peacoats, and puffers, but none are quite as versatile as the classic denim jacket. This Levi’s trucker jacket goes with just about anything in your closet, from dresses, to leggings, to jeans (who doesn’t love a denim suit?) and is carried all the way up to a size 4XL. 

Ring Battery Doorbell with Ring Indoor Cam Bundle

One of the hardest parts of traveling is not knowing whether or not my apartment is safe back home. So, I’ve decided to finally spring for a doorbell camera, and this Ring set, which also comes with an indoor camera, has caught my attention. The discounted bundle features the latest generation of the super-viral Ring Doorbell camera, which delivers 66 percent more vertical coverage thanks to the Head-to-Toe video feature. It delivers real-time updates to your phone when a guest passes by your front door, keeping you informed of potential intruders and missed package deliveries. 

Samsonite Electronic Luggage Scale

I’ve had to pay my fair share of surprise fees for overweight luggage, but this Samsonite luggage scale, on sale for $18, would prevent that in the future. This compact little scale attaches directly to the handle of a suitcase or duffel bag, and when pulled up, displays the weight of your luggage on the digital screen. Plus, it has a built-in measuring tape that’s helpful for measuring the dimensions of your carry-on. 

Csjt Travel Neck Pillow

This travel neck pillow is currently sitting in my cart for a number of reasons. First, it’s constructed with memory foam and shaped into a scalloped silhouette, molded to support the head, neck, and chin on long flights. Secondly, it has a compression strap that can be tightened or loosened for extra support. Third, it comes with its own zippered protective carrying case when it’s not being used. And last but not least, it’s 41 percent off right now. 

Automet Women’s 2-piece Sweatsuit

I love to thrift, and I work out on the regular, so naturally I’ve accumulated plenty of vintage hoodies and sweatpants over the years. But for days that I’m running errands or planning to board a flight, I prefer a matching sweatsuit for a more elevated (yet still effortless) look. As such, I’ve added this Automet set to my Amazon cart while it’s still on sale for $56. It has a perfectly oversized silhouette and according to one five-star reviewer, it’s soft, thick, and “great for traveling.”

Brooks Women’s Glycerin 20 Running Shoes

I got to test and review a pair of Brooks Glycerin Stealthfit 21 shoes for a previous article I wrote, and I fell in love; they quickly became my go-to walking shoe. Since then, I’ve been wanting to add another pair of Brooks to my collection, and these Glycerin 20 running shoes, on sale for $70 off, are at the top of my list. They share many of the features I love about my Stealthfit 21s, including the brand’s plush DNA Loft v2 cushioning technology and breathable mesh uppers. Plus, they’ve earned the American Podiatry Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance for promoting good foot health. 

Amazon Kindle 2024 Edition

I’ve recently fallen in love with reading again, and while I don’t mind reading digital books on my iPhone, I wish I had a way to fully unplug from the rest of the world — and fully plug into the book I’m reading. That’s why I’m considering purchasing the latest Amazon Kindle while it’s still on sale for under $100. It’s the “lightest” and “most compact” Kindle e-Reader yet and comes with a 25 percent brighter light setting, plus a higher contrast ratio that’s easier on the eyes. 

Sorel Women’s Out N About lll Boots

I recently moved from Texas to New York City, and now that winter is around the corner, I’ve been hunting for deals on boots that can hold up to New England’s unpredictable winter weather. These Sorel rain boots have everything I’m looking for: They’re waterproof, with a removable cushioned footbed and high-traction rubber outsoles. They’ve also earned nearly 4,000 five-star ratings on Amazon alone, and are on sale for just $55.

Apple AirTag 4-pack

Apple AirTags have been an absolute game changer for me as a frequent traveler. These nifty GPS tracking discs are small enough to fit inside a wallet, and I use them to track my checked luggage, my wallet, and even my parked car. Typically, a single AirTag costs $29, but right now, you can snag a pack of four for just $73 — saving you $43 in the process.  

Samsonite Centric 2 Luggage Set

Another luggage set I’ve got my eyes set on is this sleek two-piece Samsonite Centric 2 set. It boasts Samsonite’s signature quality and durability and has convenient features like locking zippers and a USB port for outlet-free phone charging. Typically $450, this set is just $169 right now — the lowest price I’ve ever seen. 

Coleman 4-person Cabin Camping Tent

As someone who loves a last-minute weekend camping trip, I’m always keeping an eye out for deals on tents, and this four-person cabin-style tent from Coleman has caught my attention — especially now that it’s 50 percent off. This tent has it all: Vertical walls for space maximization, airflow-enhancing vents, panoramic windows, a detachable rainfly, and a tub-like floor that keeps ground water from seeping in. The best part, however, might be the enclosed screen porch, which adds 35 percent more space than a standard dome tent.

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