The 14 Best Travel Brands and Retailers of 2023
Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
Here's where to shop and what to buy from standout travel brands and stores.
Travel & Leisure / David Hattan
If you have a trip coming up or just love the wanderlust lifestyle, you know packing and planning are a big part of the fun. But where should you shop for travel essentials, and what should you bring?
We rounded up the best brands and retailers, from direct-to-consumer (DTC) companies like luggage brand Away to major online stores like Amazon and everything in between. Whether you're in the market for luggage, clothes, shoes, accessories, organizational products, outdoor gear, tech gadgets, or all of the above, we'll point you in the right direction for the best travel brands and retailers.
Away
Best for Luggage
Why We Love It: Away offers functional suitcases with standout features and a minimalist-modern appeal.
What to Consider: Lighter colors may be more scuff-prone.
Having launched in 2015, Away is a relatively new luggage brand, but it's definitely made its mark on the travel industry. While it's not the most affordable on the market, you can count on high-quality, functional suitcases with a minimalist-modern appeal.
Away carries some really stellar luggage and packing accessories, and we especially love the compact-yet-spacious Carry-on Flex for its top-tier maneuverability. You can save money when you bundle a set with either the Medium Flex bag or both a medium and large checked suitcase. The brand's Insider Packing Cubes are pretty awesome, too.
Price at time of publish: $325
Monos
Best for Bags
Why We Love It: Monos offers lots of tasteful-yet-understated carriers in design-forward colors.
What to Consider: Most bags are vegan rather than genuine leather.
Monos is another new-ish travel brand with lots of stylish offerings. The simple, premium designs include everything from suitcases to packing accessories to bags of various shapes and sizes — all at accessible prices.
We're big fans of the Metro line in particular. The collection includes modular carriers for every outing and excursion, including weekenders, duffles, slings, toiletry cases, and sophisticated backpacks, like the T+L-editor favorite Metro Backpack. For this bag (and many others), you can choose from sturdy nylon or vegan leather in a range of fashion-forward colors from mahogany to juniper.
Price at time of publish: $200
Nordstrom
Best for Clothing
Why We Love It: Nordstrom is a reliable destination for virtually every clothing category, from casual to formal, for any occasion.
What to Consider: Prices can be steep, but it's not hard to find a good sale.
Nordstrom needs almost no introduction. The retailer has been a fashion-industry staple for over 100 years. It's known not just for its upscale collection of clothes, shoes, and accessories but also for its unbeatable customer service and generous, take-nearly-anything-back return policy.
When shopping for travel clothes, you really can't go wrong with Nordstrom. You'll find everything from swimwear and cover-ups to outerwear and cold-weather accessories to athleisure and formalwear for every occasion. Need a dress for a warm-weather vacation? The Reformation Juliette Side Slit Dress is a great choice.
Price at time of publish: $248
Related:
Vionic
Best for Shoes
Why We Love It: Vionic makes incredibly comfy, travel-friendly shoes with built-in arch support and ample cushioning.
What to Consider: The brand recommends wearing your shoes for a few hours the first few days until they're broken in.
Vionic is a podiatrist-founded footwear brand that makes exceptionally comfortable shoes with built-in arch support and cushioned footbeds — many of which carry the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) Seal of Acceptance. But unlike many other orthotic shoe companies, the designs don't sacrifice style for comfort.
When you browse the collections, you'll find many on-trend shoe styles, as well as more timeless silhouettes. The Zinah Slip On Sneaker is our top pick for a supportive shoe, especially for travel days when you're rushing through TSA, but the waterproof Bethany Ankle Boot is an endlessly versatile pick for trips that may warrant something dressier than a sneaker.
Price at time of publish: $120
Best Buy
Best for Tech
Why We Love It: Best Buy carries all the most popular tech brands and makes it easy to find exactly what you're looking for.
What to Consider: Return policies vary by product type.
Whether you shop online or in-stores, Best Buy is a go-to destination for tech gadgets and accessories. The website makes it easy to search, browse categories, and filter products to find exactly what you're need.
The retailer carries all the most popular brands, like Apple, Fitbit, Bose, Beats, GoPro, Nikon, Canon, and Sony — to name just a few. This is the place to buy Beats by Dre Beats Studio³ Headphones, but you can also get phones, tablets, smart watches, cameras, e-readers, and pretty much anything else on your list.
Price at time of publish: $350
Leatherology
Best for Accessories
Why We Love It: Leatherology's collection of full-grain leather accessories includes travel must-haves and fun extras you'll love.
What to Consider: Personalized items can't be returned.
Looking for high-quality travel accessories? Leatherology won't let you down. The brand makes luxurious, innovative products that stand the test of time in terms of both durability and aesthetics.
As the name suggests, each piece is crafted from full-grain leather, and most can be personalized with names or initials. The selection includes wallets, passport covers, cross-body bags, coin pouches, magnetic cord wraps, jewelry cases, train cases, toiletry bags, and valet trays that unsnap and pack flat. For some suitcase swag for yourself or for a gift, consider a Deluxe Luggage Tag.
Price at time of publish: $40
REI
Best for Outdoor Gear
Why We Love It: REI has all the essentials for your next outdoor adventure, whether you're camping, skiing, hiking, or floating down the river.
What to Consider: It might be worth just becoming a member for the lifelong benefits.
For outdoor gear, take a page from Cheryl Strayed's book Wild and head over to REI. The Seattle-based co-op has been operating since 1938 and is a staple among nature enthusiasts, adventurists, and curious explorers.
Though anyone can shop at REI, it might be worth paying the one-time membership fee for the lifelong benefits. Offerings include sports equipment, accessories, wearables, and rugged luggage for camping, hiking, climbing, cycling, and rafting trips. In the market for a new tent? The MSR Habitude 6 is an excellent choice for three seasons and fits up to six people inside.
Price at time of publish: $700
Columbia Sportswear
Best for Hiking
Why We Love It: Columbia's hiking collection includes everything from rugged boots and outerwear to backpacks and trekking poles.
What to Consider: It is on the pricier side.
Columbia is another outdoor gear company with Pacific Northwest roots — and like REI, it's been operating since 1938. With dependable apparel and footwear made for hitting the trails, the tried-and-true brand is a favorite among hikers.
When you browse the hiking collection, you'll find waterproof boots, zip-up fleeces, windbreakers, down jackets, vests, tactical pants, joggers, backpacks, headwear, and trekking poles. We’re big fans of the Newton Ridge Amped Hiking Boot, thanks to its surprisingly breathable, lightweight design, and a wide range of sizes.
Price at time of publish: $100
Related:
L.L.Bean
Best for Camping
Why We Love It: With everything from sleeping bags and tents to lanterns and pour-over coffee makers, L.L.Bean is a camping staple.
What to Consider: The selection of specific items is somewhat limited, but it has most essential items.
Originally a hunting and fishing company, L.L.Bean has been around for over 100 years. The outdoor-friendly brand is arguably most famous for its Bean Boots (aka duck boots), but in recent decades, it's become a staple for camping trips.
L.L.Bean's camping collection includes flannel-lined sleeping bags, foldable chairs and tables, flashlights, battery-powered lanterns, outdoor blankets, hammocks, and even a Campsite Organizer for all your cookware and coffee-making supplies.
Price at time of publish: $129
Tommy Bahama
Best for Beach Vacations
Why We Love It: Tommy Bahama boasts a curated selection of swimwear, beach gear, and warm-weather accessories.
What to Consider: Returns are only accepted in the original packaging with all tags attached.
Planning a beach vacation? Tommy Bahama has you covered. The brand boasts a curated collection of warm-weather clothing, footwear, sand-friendly gear, and sun protection for the whole family.
You can't go wrong with the ultra-comfortable signature beach chairs like a Backpack Beach Chair. The retailer also carries men's and women's swimwear, cover-ups, hats, sunglasses, towels, beach umbrellas, pop-up shades, and canopies. If you ever head to Hawaii, it's worth dining at a Tommy Bahama restaurant.
Price at time of publish: $90
Backcountry
Best for Ski Trips
Why We Love It: Backcountry carries all the popular ski brands and all the necessary gear for hitting the slopes.
What to Consider: Used or damaged gear has to be returned within 30 days.
With roots in Park City, Utah, Backcountry is the shopping destination for ski trips. The retailer carries many popular brands, like Mountain Hardware, Spyder, The North Face, Tecnica, Smith, Helly Hansen, and Mammut.
You'll find pretty much everything you need for hitting the slopes on the robust website. We're talking skis, boots, bindings, jackets, helmets, gloves, gaiters, goggles — you name it. While it may be hard to predict shoe or clothing sizes, items like Smith Squad S Goggles make a great gift for ski bums.
Price at time of publish: $120
Briggs & Riley
Best Luxury
Why We Love It: Briggs & Riley backs its upscale luggage and travel bags with a lifetime guarantee.
What to Consider: Prices are steep.
Luxury travelers appreciate the innovative, upscale offerings from Briggs & Riley. The brand backs its stunning, functional luggage with a lifetime guarantee and offers free repairs in the event anything breaks.
Our testers liked the Sympatico collection, specifically the Hardside Expandable Spinner, as well as the brand's wheeled duffle bag. Briggs & Riley also makes excellent weekenders, briefcases, and garment bags, and you can personalize any carrier with your initials.
Price at time of publish: $599
Tumi
Best for Business Trips
Why We Love It: With sleek, functional suitcases, carry-ons, briefcases, and laptop bags, Tumi luggage is made with business travelers in mind.
What to Consider: The price could be hard to justify, and the brand's checked bags are somewhat heavy when empty.
Tumi is another high-end travel company that makes good-quality luggage and bags with business travelers and frequent fliers in mind. From short-trip suitcases and compact carry-ons to briefcases and laptop bags, the brand backs its professional line of carriers with a five-year warranty.
Tumi also stands out for its smart and security features, like USB ports, locking zippers, and TSA-approved locks. Our testers were impressed with the suitcases and under-seat bags, noting the spacious capacities and easy-to-organize designs, and were particularly fond of the sturdy and sleek Continental Dual Access 4 Wheeled Carry-on.
Price at time of publish: $975
Amazon
Best Online Store
Why We Love It: Amazon has an extensive selection of travel products from your favorite brands and many you've never heard of.
What to Consider: Non-Prime items can take a little longer to ship.
We probably don't need to tell you Amazon has, well…everything. But it's true — and it's why the online conglomerate is a go-to for all things travel. Amazon carries tons of brands, including all your favorites and plenty that are new to you.
You can buy luggage, travel accessories, clothing, footwear, tech, gear, sports equipment, gifts, and then some. For instance, the Etekcity Luggage Scale is sure to come in handy for frequent fliers. Beyond the extensive selection of products, the user reviews (many of which include photos) can give you peace of mind about your purchase. Shipping is usually fast, especially for Prime members, and the returns process is typically pretty painless.
Price at time of publish: $11
Tips for Buying Travel Products
Consider what you need
It's always fun to browse products — that is, when you have time to spare — but it's also good to know what you're looking for before beginning your search. Consider where you're going, the activities you have planned, the events you'll be attending, and what the weather will be like. Then think about what you need, such as luggage, a formal outfit, or walking shoes, and go from there.
Set a budget
Like booking a vacation, you're wise to have a budget in mind before you start shopping for travel products. This will prevent you from overspending or regretting an impulse purchase, and can encourage you to shop around for the best price. (Many of the best travel brands are available at multiple retailers, too.)
Prioritize quality
When shopping around, prioritize high-quality products that'll last multiple years — or at least multiple vacations. While it might be tempting to buy something specific you need for an upcoming trip, it's worth investing in items you'll continue using. In addition to quality, look for versatile, timeless styles you can see yourself using again down the road.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Travel+Leisure contributor Theresa Holland is a seasoned commerce writer specializing in luggage, footwear, on-the-go gear, and consumer tech. For this article, she relied on research and her own personal experience with products from Away, Monos, Vionic, Columbia, L.L.Bean, and Briggs & Riley.
Related:
Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.
