It's time to plan your next trip — the 2026 Shop TODAY Travel Awards have officially landed.
For the much-anticipated fourth year of our Travel Awards, our editors spent months testing out the latest and greatest across travel-friendly clothing, tech innovations, luggage, gear and more. From popular bestsellers to new, under-the-radar finds, we road tested more than 250 products on trains, planes and automobiles — and even flew to countries like Norway and Japan for true travel testing — to crown these award winners.
To kick off the launch, Shop TODAY executive editor Adrianna Brach stopped by the studio with a highlight of the winners that earned our badge of approval. From the essential gear you won't want to leave the house without to viral accessories and boredom-busters, these finds will ensure your next trip is a first-class experience.
Ready for takeoff? Read on to see a sampling of our favorites, and be sure to check out the full list of winners here.
Travel Awards winners seen on TODAY
When you're traveling, the last thing you want is added stress over what to wear. Enter: our winner for best travel dress, which earned a perfect score. This comfy, versatile piece is a one-and-done outfit you can wear anywhere — rock it in the daytime with a pair of sneakers or dress it up with a nice sandal and a shawl for night time. We particularly love its generous longer length and airy 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 test 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 thought I stuffed it full on the way, but somehow could fit more on the way back, thanks to its great space and storage pockets," attests junior insights associate Liz Iskander. "Backpacks usually hurt my back when I travel (I also have bad posture so it makes it worse) but for some reason it did not hurt... I think the straps were just super soft and comfy!"
Halfday Garment Tote
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 biggest thing in the photo space comes in a tiny package. Kodak’s Charmera camera captures all the nostalgia of old cameras, without the hassle of developing film or taking up extra space in your carry-on. You can switch between seven different vintage-inspired photo filters and four frames, and then take pictures and record videos with the touch of a button. Once you’re back from your trip or done capturing memories, just take the SD card and upload the photos to your laptop or computer.
Note: This camera doesn't come with an SD card, so you'll have to buy one. Below, shop a compatible SD card along with an SD card reader that connects to your laptop or smart phone:
Travel Awards winners seen on The 3rd Hour of TODAY
With summer right around the corner, the best time to grab a new bathing suit is now. Brach has a message for any ladies looking for a cute, one-and-done swimsuit that’s still modest — this swim dress is the one. It checks all of our boxes: generous coverage, comfortable wide straps, gentle compression, built-in shorts, supportive cups and two dozen colors and patterns to choose from. Plus, the attached skirt runs no risk of falling off or blowing away like a sarong.
For the guys, these hybrid swim shorts will take you from walks and workouts to the waves, since they pull double duty as both athletic shorts and swim trunks. They’ve got an easy pull-on style, a zippered pocket and go-dry material that wicks moisture and keeps you cool… our tester said he could actually physically feel his legs cooling off when he put these on! They come in five colors and sizes up to 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 always need an extra bag by the end of the trip for souvenirs, and it also works as a personal item on a plane so you can avoid those extra fees," Brach cautions. "I had to buy one at an airport during our honeymoon and it was so expensive… so getting this for $30 right now is a travel 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 never know what the outlet situation is going to look like when you’re traveling to new destinations, so a charger that powers multiple devices at once is a huge win. This “ButterFly” charger is small but mighty, unfurling to reveal two charging surfaces so you can power both your phone and AirPods or Apple Watch in one. Our tester compared it to a makeup compact in size, which she said makes it super easy to throw into your personal bag or purse when traveling.
The charger comes with a meter-long charging cable and you can use it with any standard 30W USB-C adapter block, like the options below:
- 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 when you’ve got downtime to kill and don’t want everyone to get sucked into the phones. The game board is compact and has two sides: one for chess and checkers and backgammon on the back. There’s a built-in zippered storage pocket to keep dice and game pieces neatly contained between uses, and it rolls up so you can tuck it in your bag and go. The brand says it’s made with smooth leatherette that wipes clean and holds up to repeated rolling and unrolling. Plus, it comes ready to play, with four dice and 32 game pieces, so you can start a game night anywhere.
These colorful bands solve a small but very annoying problem on beach and pool days: your towel blowing off your chair. They take up next to no space in your beach bag, but they’re so useful. Just lay your towel on your chair and stretch one around the top.
"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, listen up. Brach says these travel-sized vacuum storage bags will change the way you travel forever. Just pack the bag with your clothes, 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 brand says it gets all of the extra bulk out in under 30 seconds, freeing up to 80% of space.
"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 adds.
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.
Ponyflo Solid Wide Brim Sunblocker with Back Bow
Ponyflo Sunblocker Bucket Hat
Ponyflo Alex Active Hat
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 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," reflects 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, especially for the under $30 price point," admits associate partnerships editor Lauren Witonsky. "Even though they don't appear to have any arch support, the memory foam-like footbed makes them surprisingly comfortable to walk around in — especially for shorter distances. I also didn't notice any discomfort with rubbing from the toe post... They take up almost no space in a suitcase and can easily 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 if your portable charger didn't take up precious space in your travel purse? This slim, credit card-sized charger is MagSafe compatible, so it'll stay on your phone and powers up devices that charge with USB-C.
Getting sunburnt never fails to put a damper on your vacation. Be sure to pack this lightweight, breathable sun shirt on your next sunny trip, which keeps you protected from harmful 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 writer Emma Stessman of New Balance's latest 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.
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 do you add Shop TODAY as a Preferred Source on Google?
Google’s new Preferred Sources feature allows users to manually select their favorite publishers and news outlets for a more customizable experience tailored directly to the reader. Once you’ve opted to receive our content, you’ll begin seeing more of our recent and trending articles displayed within your Top Stories news feed.
The easiest way to add us as a preferred source is to click here and type in “TODAY.com.” Once the box is checked and you’ve refreshed the page, Shop TODAY content will start appearing in your feed.
Halfday Garment Tote
Halfday Garment Tote