Best Travel Gear Examined by Editors: Shop TODAY Travel Awards 2026

It’s time to plan your subsequent journey — the 2026 Shop TODAY Travel Awards have formally landed.

For the much-anticipated fourth yr of our Travel Awards, our editors spent months testing out the newest and biggest throughout travel-friendly clothes, tech improvements, baggage, gear and extra. From widespread bestsellers to new, under-the-radar finds, we highway examined greater than 250 merchandise on trains, planes and vehicles — and even flew to nations like Norway and Japan for true journey testing — to crown these award winners.

To kick off the launch, Shop TODAY government editor Adrianna Brach stopped by the studio with a spotlight of the winners that earned our badge of approval. From the important gear you will not need to go away the home with out to viral equipment and boredom-busters, these finds will guarantee your subsequent journey is a first-class expertise.

Ready for takeoff? Read on to see a sampling of our favorites, and be sure you take a look at the complete record of winners right here.

Travel Awards winners seen on TODAY

When you are touring, the very last thing you need is added stress over what to put on. Enter: our winner for greatest journey costume, which earned an ideal rating. This cozy, versatile piece is a one-and-done outfit you’ll be able to put on anyplace — rock it within the daytime with a pair of sneakers or costume it up with a pleasant sandal and a scarf for evening time. We notably love its beneficiant longer size and ethereal silhouette.

“The fabric is fast drying, so it’ll absorb sweat on hot days, and I liked the length, making it a good option if you’re visiting sacred and holy places on your trip,” notes editor Shannon Garlin, who put it to the check this spring. “It hit about mid-calf on my 5-foot-4-inch frame.”

Our winner for best expandable backpack is for the folks who want to squeeze every inch out of the free item you’re allowed to bring on a plane. According to the brand, this is sized to fit as much as possible and maximize airline “personal item” standards (though we recommend always checking with your exact airline to be sure). The backpack opens like a suitcase so you can pack it flat and see everything at once, plus it has a luggage pass-through and a tech sleeve. When it’s expanded, reviewers say you can fit a few days’ worth of clothing inside and “one bag it” for your trip.

“I flew to L.A. with it and I believed I stuffed it full on the way in which, however in some way may match extra on the way in which again, because of its nice house and storage pockets,” attests junior insights associate Liz Iskander. “Backpacks often damage my again once I journey (I even have dangerous posture so it makes it worse) however for some cause it didn’t damage… I feel the straps had been simply tremendous tender and cozy!”

This brand, Halfday, previously won in our Travel Awards for their two-in-one duffel, and they’ve really impressed us once again with this tote that’s also a garment bag. Unzip the side and a built-in garment bag unfolds, which you can pack up with nicer clothes like suits, dresses and shirts to keep them in great condition during your travels. Then, there’s still plenty of room in the main compartment for a laptop, clothing, shoes, toiletries and more essentials. It’s perfect for wedding weekends, quick business trips and other adventures up to 48 hours.

Now through April 30, you can score 25% off the Halfday Travel Garment Tote with our exclusive code: TODAY

Ditch the passport panic with this winner that allows you to track your most important document down fast (which Brach says is especially useful these days, since you still need your passport for domestic travel if you don’t have a Real ID!). The passport cover works with Apple’s Find My network, so you can see where it is in real time right from your iPhone. Plus, it replaces your wallet when you travel, since it has slots for credit cards, money, boarding passes and more with RFID protection.

Whether you’re going to the beach or hitting the water park, Brach says this is a must have to keep your phone, keys, ID, cash and other important belongings protected from water, sand, dirt and more. This waterproof, adjustable lanyard has a transparent side that lets you touch and use your phone, even in the splash zone. Plus, it floats and has hidden pockets on the other side that can hold extra valuables and keep everything dry.

These days, the most important factor within the photograph house is available in a tiny bundle. Kodak’s Charmera digicam captures all of the nostalgia of previous cameras, with out the trouble of growing movie or taking on further house in your carry-on. You can swap between seven completely different vintage-inspired photograph filters and 4 frames, after which take footage and document movies with the contact of a button. Once you’re again out of your journey or carried out capturing reminiscences, simply take the SD card and add the images to your laptop computer or laptop.

Note: This digicam would not include an SD card, so you may have to purchase one. Below, store a suitable SD card together with an SD card reader that connects to your laptop computer or sensible cellphone:

• Lexar 64GB Micro SD Card 2-Pack, $37.99
• SD Card Reader, $14.44 (was $16.99)

Travel Awards winners seen on The third Hour of TODAY

With summer season proper across the nook, the most effective time to seize a brand new bathing swimsuit is now. Brach has a message for any women on the lookout for a cute, one-and-done swimsuit that’s nonetheless modest — this swim costume is the one. It checks all of our containers: beneficiant protection, snug extensive straps, light compression, built-in shorts, supportive cups and two dozen colours and patterns to select from. Plus, the connected skirt runs no danger of falling off or blowing away like a sarong.

For the fellows, these hybrid swim shorts will take you from walks and exercises to the waves, since they pull double obligation as each athletic shorts and swim trunks. They’ve obtained a simple pull-on type, a zippered pocket and go-dry materials that wicks moisture and retains you cool… our tester stated he may really bodily really feel his legs cooling off when he put these on! They are available 5 colours and sizes as much as 4XL.

Never get caught paying a pesky bag fee again. This handy tote packs down to the size of a deck of cards when not in use, so you can throw it in your luggage or purse and pull it out when you need it. Unlike other packable bags associate editor Kamari Stewart had tried before, she said this one was really easy to fold back up into its little pouch after use and it actually zips closed.

“Personally, I all the time want an additional bag by the top of the journey for souvenirs, and it additionally works as a private merchandise on a airplane so you’ll be able to keep away from these further charges,” Brach cautions. “I had to purchase one at an airport throughout our honeymoon and it was so costly… so getting this for $30 proper now’s a journey PSA!”

Let’s face it: Most travel pillows aren’t great. This one actually impressed our skeptical editors, because you can manipulate it into different positions, so you can wear it like a donut, just on a shoulder, or leaning against a window or wall. It’s made from a comfy memory foam that bounces back into shape when you change positions, giving you support and none of the cramping in your neck you can wake up with after a rough plane nap. Plus, you can wash the cover to get rid of all those germs you pick up on your travels.

You by no means know what the outlet scenario goes to appear like while you’re touring to new locations, so a charger that powers a number of gadgets directly is a large win. This “ButterFly” charger is small however mighty, unfurling to disclose two charging surfaces so you’ll be able to energy each your cellphone and AirPods or Apple Watch in a single. Our tester in contrast it to a make-up compact in measurement, which she stated makes it tremendous straightforward to throw into your private bag or purse when touring.

The charger comes with a meter-long charging cable and you need to use it with any normal 30W USB-C adapter block, just like the choices beneath:

• Anker Nano USB-C Charger Block, $14.99 (was $19.99)
• Apple 30W USB-C Port Power Adapter, $39.00 (was $59.00)

Whip this boredom buster out while you’ve obtained downtime to kill and don’t need everybody to get sucked into the telephones. The recreation board is compact and has two sides: one for chess and checkers and backgammon on the again. There’s a built-in zippered storage pocket to maintain cube and recreation items neatly contained between makes use of, and it rolls up so you’ll be able to tuck it in your bag and go. The model says it’s made with clean leatherette that wipes clear and holds as much as repeated rolling and unrolling. Plus, it comes able to play, with 4 cube and 32 recreation items, so you can begin a recreation evening anyplace.

These colourful bands clear up a small however very annoying drawback on seaside and pool days: your towel blowing off your chair. They take up subsequent to no house in your seaside bag, however they’re so helpful. Just lay your towel in your chair and stretch one across the high.

“So much better than those annoying clips and they fit most standard chairs up to 25 inches in width,” Brach shares. “I just went on a cruise and I have to say these are genius for that too, since it’s always windy up on the deck.”

Travel Awards winners seen on TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle

Our winner for most elevated carry-on is this option from Quince, a brand known for making products that rival luxury labels in terms of quality, but at a much lower price tag. The expandable carry-on is a lightweight-yet-sturdy suitcase that has all the bells and whistles: a butterfly opening so you can see everything, interior compression panels, TSA lock, study telescoping handle and a removable laundry bag for your dirty clothes. Our team reports that it maneuvers smoothly with the 360-degree wheels, is thoughtfully designed for packing and has ample room and compartments to store smaller items. What more could you want in a piece of luggage?

Overpackers, pay attention up. Brach says these travel-sized vacuum storage luggage will change the way in which you journey without end. Just pack the bag along with your garments, seal the bag, unscrew the blue cap, pop the included little air pump on it and press the button to suck out the air. The model says it will get all the further bulk out in below 30 seconds, liberating as much as 80% of house.

“They’re clear, so you can see everything inside and almost treat them like little drawers in your suitcase to keep it all organized,” Brach provides.

Nothing’s more annoying than arriving at your destination and finding all of your necklaces tangled up or earrings bent out of shape. This jewelry box is our award-winning solution. It’s got two layers of organization for everything from rings to earrings and necklaces to bracelets. It zips closed so everything’s secure and safe inside and it’s roomy enough to fit everything you’d want to bring on your trip (even bulky watches and bangles). It also makes for a winning gift for the frequent traveler or accessory lover in your life.

When we’re traveling and our routines are disrupted, we’re less likely than ever to be hitting our hydration goals, so a good water bottle that encourages you to drink more water is a travel must have. Our pick is this 25-ounce bottle that’s cupholder-friendly for your car, has insulation that keeps drinks cold plus a leak-proof lid, and a covered straw to protect your bottle on the go. The straw is stainless steel, which actually helps to deliver crisp cool sips while offering a nice swap from the plastic straws a lot of bottles have.

A good hat is a must-pack, especially in the spring and summer when the temperatures are warmer and the UV rays are stronger, but it can be a nuisance when you want to wear your hair up. This brand, Ponyflo, makes hats specifically for those of us with long hair. They’re all designed with an open back to accommodate buns, braids, ponytails and more updos.

Plus, for a limited time, you can get 30% off sitewide at Ponyflo with our exclusive code TODAY.

Pants are one of the hardest categories to shop for. Luckily, the Shop TODAY team wiggled, zipped and tugged on a ton of top options during our travels so you don’t have to. These took home the title of best overall travel pant, earning a perfect score. They’ve got a lightly compressive, flattering high waist and a roomy wide leg cut that’s so comfortable and retains its shape even on long days, with side pockets and a super comfy “second pores and skin” feel. They come in three inseam lengths and sizes up to XXL, but we found that they run big, so size down if you’re hoping for a more fitted look.

More 2026 Travel Awards winners to shop

“I think if you’re like me (single woman) traveling, you’re likely worried about staying overnight anywhere, so having a portable door alarm can bring a lot of peace of mind,” displays editor Vivien Moon. “I am so thrilled to have this because it’s been something I have thought about getting for future travels after a bad layover that turned into an overnight stay. I couldn’t fall asleep because of the worry and this would’ve greatly helped pacify that fear. I truly think it’s not just great for solo travelers, but families too — you can never be too safe!”

Need a new dopp kit? This toiletry bag is the perfect size for short trips, keeping things neat and organized through any turbulence, while not taking up too much space in your carry-on or suitcase. It has over 7,000 ratings on Amazon and offers a great value for its under-$15 price tag.

Go straight from the beach to lunch with this caftan that provides generous coverage and has a breezy fit. It’s very lightweight, and we found the cotton construction dries quickly in the sun. We will note: it’s only available in one size.

“I’m very impressed with these flip flops, particularly for the below $30 value level,” admits associate partnerships editor Lauren Witonsky. “Even although they do not seem to have any arch assist, the reminiscence foam-like footbed makes them surprisingly snug to stroll round in — particularly for shorter distances. I additionally did not discover any discomfort with rubbing from the toe submit… They take up nearly no house in a suitcase and may simply be dressed up or down.”

The last thing you want when you arrive in a foreign country is to find that your phone charger doesn’t work in the outlets. This travel adapter has you covered, charging up to six devices at once. Per the brand, it will work in more than 170 countries, including popular destinations across Europe, the U.K. and Australia.

What in case your moveable charger did not take up valuable house in your journey purse? This slim, credit score card-sized charger is MagSafe suitable, so it’s going to keep in your cellphone and powers up gadgets that cost with USB-C.

Getting sunburnt by no means fails to place a damper in your trip. Be positive to pack this light-weight, breathable solar shirt in your subsequent sunny journey, which retains you shielded from dangerous UV rays.

“From the moment I took it out of the packaging, I knew it was game over for all other products, because every detail of this set is perfect,” raves Moon. “It has infinite pockets that make traveling a breeze because no matter where you go, you can put what you need in a pocket and feel secure that nobody is grabbing those important things off you. It’s the comfiest set I can wear anywhere and feel at ease because it’s so soft. And the best part? It has a built-in sleep mask! Whoever designed this deserves a kiss on the forehead and I honestly wouldn’t change a thing about this set.”

“This is an adorable, flattering suit that fits true to size (I tested my usual dress size) and offers enough support and coverage for bigger busts,” vouches deputy partnerships editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil. “It’s very comfortable and doesn’t dig in the way some other bathing suits do. It’s an age-appropriate yet attractive style that I’ll be reaching for on family vacations and other situations where I want some extra coverage. “

“I’ve tried multiple iterations of the [1080] shoes and consider them to be one of my all-time favorite everyday sneakers,” notes author Emma Stessman of New Balance’s newest shoe. “They swapped the Fresh Foam material that they’ve been using for years for an all-new kind of cushioning … So far I’ve really been loving how bouncy they are and how effectively the cushion rebounds to its original form with each step. They’re lighter than the previous version too, which is always appreciated!”

For weekend trips, we love this sturdy, roomy duffel, which has a smooth, easy zipper and a ton of smart compartments for storage. Award-worthy features include a trolley pass-through to stack it on a suitcase, a removable adjustable strap, a packable side pocket and even a shoe compartment that accommodates kicks up to size 14.

Meet the experts

Our team features a range of qualified experts and contributors in our broadcast segments to reveal the latest in trends, remarkable sale events and all things shopping across a variety of categories. Products were independently chosen by members of the Shop TODAY team along with Adrianna Brach.

• Adrianna Brach is the executive editor at Shop TODAY, with over a decade of experience as an editor covering beauty, fashion and shopping.

• Shop TODAY is a team of shopping editors and writers who spend hours every day finding the best new products, tried-and-true favorites and more finds available on Amazon that are worth shopping, according to our high standards.

How we chose winners

We sorted through hundreds of new launches, editor recommendations, trending products flooding our social media pages and tried and true products to curate a list of must-have travel items worth reviewing for our awards. We then tried 281 products total — in our studios, putting them through practical experiments to see if they meet requirements when it comes to durability, function and quality for travel gear. Our team of editors and writers also signed up to try out apparel and shoes, putting them to the test in New York City and on our travels across the country as well as overseas. Finally, our panel of experts reviewed some of our winners and gave feedback based on their expertise.

As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time. Learn more about Shop TODAY.

What our badge means

Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet, give recommendations and interview expert sources to find the best products out there. Based on personal experiences and expert reccs, we aim to make shopping easier for our readers. Whether we’re flying domestically or internationally, our team is a well-traveled bunch, earning them credibility when it comes to recommending, testing and selecting products in a wide range of travel categories.

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