For avid couponers and savvy savers, Amazon’s Black Friday sale can feel like an Olympic event. Think about it: You’ve been training all year to catch the best deals on top-notch travel gear as they pop up, and now’s your time to shine since Amazon is sporting the season’s lowest prices. For the rest of us, though, knowing how to find bargains on brand-name luggage, travel clothing, or walking shoes isn’t exactly second nature. 

If you belong to the latter group, worry not as we’ve created 15 handy rules of thumb to follow this Black Friday that’ll ensure you get the best bang for your buck. We’ve already sifted through hundreds of Amazon Black Friday deals to get a better idea of what discounts are really worth the buy — and which ones are worth skipping. From money-saving luggage sets to heavily discounted noise-canceling headphones, our 15 Amazon Black Friday “dos” and “don’ts” await, and you can expect savings starting at just $10.

Don’t Buy: Single Luggage Pieces 

Do Buy: Luggage Sets

American Tourister Stratum XLT 3-piece Set

Rather than splurge on a single carry-on or checked suitcase, use these Amazon Black Friday deals as an opportunity to upgrade your entire luggage rotation in one fell swoop. Swapping individual luggage pieces for discounted luggage bundles — like this American Tourister three-piece set, above — can save you hundreds of dollars in the long run. Usually, this hardside luggage set costs $440, but for Black Friday, it’s on sale for just $185 (aka: a three-for-one steal). 

Don’t Buy: a Lightweight Laptop

Do Buy: a Tablet

Apple iPad 10th Generation

The light-as-a-feather feel of ultra-thin laptops can be alluring, especially if you’ve been schlepping around a heavier model for the past few years. But if you’re primarily interested in buying one for ease of travel, consider investing in a tablet instead while they’re discounted for Black Friday. Tablets, like this 10th generation Apple iPad, nearly $100 off, are a better pick for travel since they can operate as an e-reader, movie player, gaming device, and computer all at once, making them a great choice for family travel and solo travel alike. 

Don’t Buy: Single GPS Luggage Trackers

Do Buy: Multipacks

Apple AirTags 4-pack

One genius way to keep track of your checked bag is by placing a mini GPS tracker (like an Apple AirTag or Tile Tracker) inside it. These genius tracking devices deliver real-time location updates to your phone, giving you peace of mind on trips. But on Black Friday, it makes sense to buy a pack of multiple rather than one at a time, considering how discounted tracker bundles are for the shopping holiday.

With this Apple AirTags pack of four, on sale for $73, you can track your suitcase, parked car, carry-on, and passport at the same time while saving money. 

Don’t Buy: Trendy Footwear

Do Buy: Comfy, Versatile Shoes

Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Time Off Sneakers

Amazon’s footwear sale section is jam-packed with impressive discounts on trendy boots and heels this Black Friday. But unless you’ve had your heart set on buying a specific pair this weekend (perhaps these viral Frye Boots, or a pair of popular platform Uggs), skip the micro trends. Instead, opt for a pair of comfy, versatile shoes that pair well with just about everything in your travel wardrobe.

These Time Off Sneakers from podiatrist-beloved brand Dr. Scholl’s have anatomically cushioned insoles and are flexible and lightweight, making them great for travel. The best part? They’re on sale for 41 percent off right now for Black Friday.

Don’t Buy: Mesh Organizers

Do Buy: Compression Packing Cubes

Bagail 6-set Compression Packing Cubes

Sure, mesh organizers do a fine job at separating clothes inside of your luggage. But when it comes to maximizing your space, they tend to fall short. Compression packing cubes, on the other hand, squeeze your travel clothes down to a fraction of the space they usually take up. These Bagail compression packing cubes, on sale for $17, will keep your clothing items separate while freeing up room for extra clothes, toiletries, or souvenirs.

Don’t Buy: Individual Hair Tools

Do Buy: All-in-one Hair Stylers

Skimi Hot Air Styler

There’s no shortage of awesome Amazon Black Friday deals on curling wands, flat irons, and blow dryers, but having multiple tools can end up taking valuable space in your bathroom — and eventually become a tangled mess in your suitcase. Instead, you can choose a multi-use air styler that curls, straightens, and dries your hair, removing the need for more than one tool in your arsenal.

This Skimi Hot Air Styler, for example, comes with six different head attachments that transform it from a blow dryer to a curler and even a straightening brush depending on which one you use. 

Don’t Buy: Single Layers

Do Buy: Multipacks of Basics

Xieerduo Women’s Long-sleeved Tee 3-pack

If there’s one area of your travel wardrobe that you should save money on, it’s your travel capsule wardrobe basics. Quality and comfort should still be a priority for layering tees, tanks, and sweaters, of course, but it’s worth buying these staples while they’re on sale. This Black Friday, you can stock up on layering basics for winter while saving money by purchasing them in multi-packs, like this three-pack of long-sleeved tees, just $30.

Don’t Buy: an Inflatable Neck Pillow

Do Buy: a Memory Foam Neck Pillow

Napfun Memory Foam Neck Pillow

Inflatable neck pillows are a tempting purchase, considering they can be deflated to stow in your carry-on bag when you’re not using them, they tend to lack the ergonomic head, chin, and neck support needed for long-haul flights. Not to mention that if your inflatable pillow gets punctured on your travels, you won’t be able to recoup the money you initially spent on it.

This Napfun neck pillow, on the other hand, is constructed with supportive memory foam and has a machine-washable cover that’ll ensure it lasts trip after trip; get it while it’s on sale for just $13 thanks to a double discount. 

Don’t Buy: Single Device Portable Chargers

Do Buy: Multi-device Power Banks

Vrurc Portable Charger Power Bank

Having your phone die while in the middle of a sightseeing tour or long-awaited excursion is a travel disaster we wouldn’t wish on our worst enemies. While it’s always a good idea to keep a portable power bank on deck, many options can only charge one device at a time. Plus, they require you to use your own charging cord, which can take up valuable space in your day bag.

Instead, scoop up a power bank that can juice up multiple devices at once — sans tangled cables. This Vrurc portable charger, 33 percent off, has three different charging cables built in and can charge up to five devices at once. It comes with an LED screen that displays exactly how much battery is left in the bank and is small and slim, making it easy to slip into your carry-on bag. 

Don’t Buy: a Flimsy Day Bag

Do Buy: an Anti-theft Travel Bag

Travelon Anti-theft Classic Messenger Bag

Pickpockets love to pounce on unsuspecting travelers, and tourists with open bags tend to be their first pick. While Amazon has plenty of cute day bags on sale, consider leveling up to an anti-theft style while they’re majorly discounted on Amazon for Black Friday. This Travelon anti-theft crossbody bag has a five-point security system and is made with slash-resistant materials that deter sneaky pickpockets. Hidden RFID-blocking credit card slots inside protect your information from getting stolen by thieves with scanners, too; considering how valuable your identity and bank information are, this $42 purchase is well worth its weight in gold.

Don’t Buy: Heavy coats

Do Buy: Lightweight Puffer Jackets

Wantdo Women’s Quilted Winter Puffer Jacket

Depending on where you live, a heavy wool coat might be a necessary part of your cold-weather wardrobe. Still, huge, heavy coats are incredibly difficult to pack, and considering how quickly the weather of your planned trip can change, it’s smarter to stock up on lighter-weight options that you can layer up and down. Puffer jackets, like this $53 Amazon-loved option, are great since you can squeeze the excess air out of them to save space in your suitcase. Available in six colors and carried up to a size 3XL, this puffer jacket is lightweight, waterproof, and easy to pack for trips.

Don’t Buy: Pricy Knit Separates

Do Buy: Matching Sets

PrettyGarden Women’s 2-piece Set

One of the easiest, fastest, and most cost-effective ways to build a travel wardrobe is by buying comfy, versatile matching sets. Now, we’re not saying you shouldn’t spring for that statement jacket you’ve been eyeing all season while it’s on sale for Black Friday, but if you want to maximize your outfit possibilities while saving money, matching sets are the way to go.

Since winter is just around the corner, grabbing something like this Prettygarden Half-zip Tracksuit, 46 percent off, that’s perfect for chilly flights and outdoor activities is a good idea. Available in 18 colors, this matching pullover and wide-leg sweatpants duo can be worn together or separately for endless comfy outfit opportunities.

Don’t Buy: Off-brand Earbuds

Do Buy: Name-brand Over-ear Headphones

Apple AirPods Max Headphones

Hear us out (pun intended): Amazon already has a sweeping selection of budget-friendly earbuds this weekend, but this popular style of headphones can get lost fairly easily; lose one while in the middle of a trip, and you’re out of luck. 

On the flip side, Black Friday also presents a rare opportunity to save big on high-quality, noise-canceling headphones from top brands in over-ear styles. If you were eyeing these Apple AirPods Max Headphones, 27 percent off, or these Beats Studio Pro Headphones, nearly $200 off, now’s the time to buy.

Don’t Buy: a Standard Mini Toothbrush

Do Buy: a Portable Electric Toothbrush

Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5300 Toothbrush

The mini plastic toothbrush that comes in premade toiletry kits is fine in a pinch, but research shows that electric toothbrushes are far superior to their non-electric counterparts for removing plaque and reducing gingivitis. If you travel often, it’s well worth it to invest in a travel-friendly electric toothbrush that’ll keep your whites whiter year-round. 

Previously $110, this top-rated Philips Sonicare Toothbrush is 45 percent off for Amazon’s Black Friday sale. It comes with three brushing modes and a pressure sensor to warn you if you’re pressing down too hard on your gums. With the two extra brush heads, travel carrying case, and 14-day battery life span, this $60 electric toothbrush is well worth the buy.

Don’t Buy: All-in-one Toiletry Kits

Do Buy: Toiletry Bottles for Your Favorite Products

Zafit 18-set Travel Toiletry Bottles

A premade toiletry kit — that is, a kit that includes travel-sized versions of deodorant, shampoo, and other hygiene essentials — may seem like a great last-minute option. The problem with pre-made toiletry kits, however, is that you can’t choose what products each one contains. And depending on your sensitivity level some products in the kit may be too drying or damaging for your hair and skin.

Rather than buy a kit of products that may or may not work for you, scoop up mini versions of brands you already know and love — like this travel-sized Eos moisturizer or this haircare travel set from Sol de Janeiro. If you’d rather use the products you already use at home, add this on-sale Zafit travel toiletry bottle set to your cart; it’s complete with 18 differently-sized, TSA-approved containers and only costs $10 this weekend. 

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