Big news: Shop TODAY's Travel Awards are back, just in time for you grab some new gear before your summer vacation.
This year, our editors tested nearly 300 products including trending finds, editor recommendations, and yes, brand new launches from some of our favorite brands, so you can discover the best products that that will make travel days a breeze.
Below, we're sharing all of the new launches that earned our "award winner" title this year. From Apple tech to all-in-one travel outfits, here are our picks — starting at $12.
New tech Shop TODAY Travel Award Winners
Apple’s AirTag has long been a staple for frequent travelers, along with pet parents, busy commuters and more, but the brand recently upgraded the device with a louder speaker and an expanded Precision Finding range. Our testers noted that the sound quality on the location alarm was strong and could be heard from a distance.
If you don't have room to squeeze a large camera in your bag, this option is not only viral (and super cute) but it's the perfect pick for bringing on the go. It attaches to a keychain so you can keep it right on your keys or your belt to snap pics whenever you want.
In the last few years, people have been ditching their phones for actual cameras as a way to capture special memories. Campsnap has become a popular option across social media and was our top screen-free pick out of the ones we tested. Editorial assistant Annie Shigo shares that she liked that range of camera settings and that the photos looked like they were from a far more expensive camera.
"I absolutely love this hair dryer," says writer Danielle Murphy. "It is the lightest and most compact travel blow-dryer I have ever tried, and I can’t believe how powerful it is for its size. It dries my hair quickly and has multiple heat settings, just like its regular-sized version. Super impressed."
New luggage and bag Shop TODAY Travel Award Winners
When compared to other popular belt bags, social media video producer Anita Chomenko says that this one from Béis is far roomier. “If you’re still looking for a bag that keeps you hands-free, but you prefer the silhouette and design of a belt bag versus a sling bag, this is it. It’s super roomy and spacious. I took this on some errands with me and was able to fit my Kindle which was impressive to me. Usually I’d have my purse and a tote bag.”
This expandable carry-on was described as being "super lightweight," "chic" and "durable" by one editor who tested it. She adds that it doesn't scuff when you drop it, which is a good sign of how it might fare with hectic travel days or rough transport.
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Transporting things like formal dresses for weddings or suits for business meetings can be a pain. However, this innovative garment tote makes it easy to carry important clothes, while also having enough room for your daily essentials (it even has a shoe compartment).
Associate editor Kamari Stewart-Jackson says that "it rolls really easily and wasn't a pain to maneuver around the city." She adds, "I have two weddings to go to this year so I think this bag will be perfect to hold my dress and my husband's tux and our other essentials so that we'll only need one bag for the weekend."
If you're looking for an elevated carry-on, this is our top choice. In fact, senior social media editor Kate McCarthy calls it her "new favorite piece of luggage." She adds, "This carry-on is smooth, perfectly designed for packing and an excellent price. What more could you want in a piece of luggage? I was extremely satisfied with not only the size (I used it for a weekend trip and had ample room to spare, I'd 100% be able to take this on a week-long vacation) but the interior layout."
This JanSport duffel exceeded our expectations when it came to durability. Its made with a ripstop canvas material and has a full leather base. It also has a fleece-lined pocket that's offers a soft place to put your most delicate items, like your phone or glasses. One tester noted that the size is perfect for weekend trips.
“To say that I’m impressed with this bag is an understatement,” Stewart-Jackson says about this award-winning bag. “I initially thought I’d only be using it for our nicer dinners and nights out but, after seeing how much we could fit in here, it became the bag that came everywhere with us on vacation — even the beach! We were able to fit anywhere between three to five bottles of sunscreen in there, our wallets, lip products, a Kindle, an umbrella and even (on one occasion) a dress to change into — all at the same time!”
For a luxe upgrade on this design, the brand also recently released a newer version of the Aoyama style with a modular leather strap and upgraded key leash.
During the testing process, Chomenko used this as her go-to work backpack. And while she says that it was great for that purpose, it also has everything you would want from a travel backpack or personal item. “You can open up the front all the way so you can see everything inside, similar to zipping open a suitcase. The flowcloset system is great for a quick trip or for a trip in warmer weather where the layers are lighter.”
New clothing and accessory Shop TODAY Travel Award Winners
“I’m very satisfied with it and how it looks,” editor Vivien Moon’s mom Julia shares about this cover-up. “I would be able to wear it to the beach and lunch after because it covers up very well but also make you look and feel good. It love how light it is and how airy it feels.”
Writer Jannely Espinal says that she has received “many compliments” while wearing these pants. She adds, “They are lightweight, soft, comfortable and stretchy. They make me feel like I am wearing a second skin and love how stylish they look on. At first glance, I was unsure how they would fit but after you wear them, they feel so good! These are perfect for traveling, walking or running errands.”
Not only is the fabric of these pants "soft and thick," shares associate editor Madison San Miguel, but she says that it maintains its quality, even after a few washes. "I love that it came in a petite length so I didn't have to worry about getting it hemmed," she adds.
“Now this is what a good swim coverup looks like,” says associate editor Lauren Witonsky. “It’s oversized, providing protection over the shoulders and down to mid-thighs, but still somehow drapes in a very flattering way. It’s lightweight enough to wear to the beach, but structured enough to dress up for dinner after, making it a great versatile option for travel.”
Editorial operations manager Jill Ortiz says that she fell in love with these shoes as soon as she put them on. "They literally feel like walking on clouds," she shares. After she ran a half marathon, these were the only things she wanted to slip her toes into — proving that they're great for tired feet. "They are just a treat. The footbed, the built-in tongue — top 10!!"
I've been singing the praises for these shoes since I first tried them a few years ago, and while they're my top pick for running, they're a versatile sneaker that also help keep your feet comfortable and well-cushioned during long days on your feet.
And product associate Audrey Ekman agrees. "The sole is so cushioned and these actually make me excited to get out and walk. I logged over 100,000 steps in these in a week and my feet never blistered, they never came untied and I could honestly do it again."
Commerce photo editor Kara Birnbaum shares that she didn’t expect to like this jumpsuit as much as she did — so it was a pleasant surprise. “It is very comfortable and such an easy outfit that can be casual or dressed up,” she says. Birnbaum adds that in jumpsuits, she is typically uncomfortable, because they don’t offer support around the stomach. But this one does. “The shapewear in it is very tight and I felt completely secure.”
More new Shop TODAY Travel Award Winners
From taking public transportation to meeting new people, traveling comes with a lot of potential avenues for germ exposure. But keeping this hand sanitizer in your bag can help you feel better. "I think this is the best hand sanitizer on the market, and it doesn't leave my hands feeling chalky," says Shigo. She adds that it smells "great like a perfume."
Overall, this Owala travel mug exceeded our expectations when it came to how it kept drinks warm, had little spillage and stood up against damage. The brand says that it’s designed to be cup holder friendly too, so it’s great for long road trips.
Our editors were impressed by this makeup brush case, which proved to be very tear-resistant and water-resistant during testing. Not to mention, we love the cute colors and patterns.
When you're traveling, the last thing you need is a water bottle that will leak all over the place. Thankfully, we found that this one stays spill-free when it's shut. During our tests, we also found that it stood up to drops and kept a cold drink within six degrees of its original temperature even after 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Travel Awards is our annual guide spotlighting the best products across the travel category — from gear and clothing to tech, footwear and accessories. Each winning item earns Shop TODAY’s seal of approval, selected by our editors and experts after undergoing a rigorous series of tests conducted by our team of reviewers.
We evaluate a wide range of products designed to improve travel and travel‑related activities. Our list features a mix of new launches, editor‑approved favorites, trending items and reliable, time‑tested products relevant to the travel industry.
We test each product for a minimum of two weeks to assess its functionality, quality, compliance with standards and overall value. Our evaluations take place across multiple environments, including our testing site in Long Island City, Queens, on-the-road during testers’ travels, and at home, to ensure real‑world performance and reliability, using a scoring sheet to provide objective results.
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.
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.
Halfday Garment Tote
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