A good discount is always much appreciated, and especially so on items that are going to see plenty of use, or make life easier day-to-day. So when we spot a sale on travel essentials, we know it’s time to invest – and the Black Friday sales are providing plenty of opportunity for us to do so. We’ll always be tempted by buys that will make flying long haul more comfortable, or help us zip through security more quickly.
We've seen reductions of up to 40 per cent on several of our favourite travel accessories, including an Apple Airtag to help make life easier if you lose your luggage, some luxe leather passport covers, game-changing packing cubes, and three of our best travel pillows. Several of the items below have been tried and tested by the Conde Nast Traveller team, so you know you’ll be getting a fabulous saving on a product that should serve you well for years to come.
Here are the best travel accessories sales to shop in the 2023 Black Friday sales.
The best travel pillows on sale
Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow
This memory foam style has considered everything, from an adjustable toggle clasp to secure the pillow comfortably around your neck, to a handy side pocket – ideal for storing headphones or earplugs. What really sets this pillow apart from the rest though are the velcro straps at the back, designed to loop around a plane seat's headrest, helping to keep your head upright and take any pressure off your neck.
Trtl Travel Pillow Plus
More a fleece scarf than a pillow per se, Trtl travel pillows have a curved u-shaped internal support stand that sits under your jaw, over which there’s a memory foam pad to rest your head, secured in place by wrapping the fabric around your neck and connecting the velcro. The brand has now released a new adjustable offering that ensures more customised support for people of all heights.
The best Packing Cubes on sale
Antler Chelsea Packing Cubes
One of our top rated packing cubes, this pack of four by Antler have a whole host of features to make packing a breeze including mesh windows and expandable zips. From big trips to the Maldives and Australia to city breaks in Paris where I've had carry on luggage only, I have used these on so many trips. Whenever I fly with my son I fill the smallest bag with toys and snacks for him, so it's easy to grab quickly. Antler is one of the best luggage brands in the UK, so the quality is great and the mesh lids make it so easy to spot what's stored inside. Lauren Burvill, commerce editor
Nere Stori 3 pack packing cubes
Australian luggage brand Nere recently launched in the UK, bringing their affordable and brightly coloured range of hard shell suitcases, weekender bags and tote bags. Their zip up packing cubes come in packs of three and are available in a multitude of bright colours, from hyper pink to light aqua and classic black. These provide space for clothes, delicates and shoes, at a great price.
The best suitcase trackers on sale
Apple AirTag
Since its release in 2021, Apple’s Bluetooth AirTag has become a must-have for frequent travellers or anyone prone to misplacing their keys. Simply attach the small button-shaped AirTag to your suitcase or valuable item, and connect to your iPad or iPhone via bluetooth. Once connected you can find your item via the built-in speaker when it’s nearby or via the Precision Finding function on the app when it’s further away – a gadget gift that’s sure to come in handy when waiting at baggage claim.
ATUVOS Luggage Tracker, 2 pack
Eufy Security SmartTrack
The best travel water bottles on sale
A water bottle is a true travel essential, saving you from purchasing endless single-use plastic bottles while out and about. We've already called out Larq as a go-to brand with strong sustainability credentials; with a built-in filter, its bottles ensure you can drink tap water safely, where ever you may be. Other beloved water bottle brands that are ideal for travel include Stanley, Yeti and George Jenson.
Stanley IceFlow water bottle
SKY Water Bottle
YETI Rambler chug cap bottle
The best wash bags on sale
Bagsmart toiletry travel bag
After hours of research, Bagsmart Toiletry Travel Bag With Hook is the ultimate long-haul travel wash bag. It may look like any other wash bag, but it is the smallest details that make this a winner. The design ensures that it packs flat, even when it’s stuffed full, there are compartments for everything you’d ever need, and it has a hanger to save valuable space in the bathroom. It’s perfect. Anita Bhagwandas
Cosmetic Case 4 Pack
From Nere, one of our favourite luggage brands, comes this handy four-pack of cosmetics cases. Use the large container to neatly keep the other bags together, or it doubles up nicely as a roomier washbag. The other two cosmetics bags will serve your makeup and skincare, while the larger is just right as a jewellery case.
The best portable charger on sale
Anker PowerCore 20100 portable charger
An essential for not just the flight but your trip in general, a portable charger is an important safety net for being able to access important documents and details. It’s also a lifesaver when it comes to passing the time (especially if your flight is delayed) with your favourite entertainment. Opt for a charger that is small and lightweight. If you're travelling in a couple or with family, a charger with at least two charging ports, like this one from Anker, will come in handy.
The best passport covers on sale
A passport cover gives your regular old ID documents a sleek new look, and many come with additional sleeves for your bank cards and boarding passes too. They also serve as lovely gifts. See our full edit of the best passport covers to shop now.
Aspinal of London Plain Passport Cover
Aspinal’s passport wallet comes in a choice of 13 colours, but our choice is this rich chestnut brown number; a classic, elegant pick. It’s made from quality full-grain leather with a contrasting suede lining, and is personalisable for an additional fee. There are no card holders, but there is a handy slip pocket for your boarding pass and a grosgrain ribbon marker to make life easier while fiddling for your photocard at the gate.
Smythson Leather Passport Cover
This vibrant passport cover doesn't feature any card holders, but what it lacks in functionality, it easily makes up for in character. Coral pink croc-embossed leather? Count us in.
