Our Favorite Travel Gear (Black Friday Edition)

In this episode of The Upgraded Points Podcast, Chris and Katie break down their all-time favorite travel gear—just in time for Black Friday. After years of testing backpacks, carry-ons, tech essentials, and outfit must-haves on real trips, they’re sharing only the items they truly can’t travel without. No random Amazon finds here—these picks are battle-tested.

They also highlight some exclusive Black Friday discounts on top award travel tools, including Seats.aero, Roame, and CardPointers, with all the codes and links waiting in the show notes. From choosing the perfect backpack and staying organized with a dedicated travel wallet to packing smarter with toiletry kits, versatile clothing, and go-to airport outfits, this episode is packed with practical tips you can use on your next trip. Whether you’re a carry-on-only traveler or gearing up for a long-haul flight, Chris and Katie share clever, experience-driven advice that makes traveling smoother, lighter, and a whole lot easier.

If you like saving money and traveling smarter, this episode is for you. Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app, and send your questions to [email protected]

Hosts: ‪‪@chrishassantravels‬ and ‪‪@katiegoesthere‬

Chapters:
00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 33
01:00 Black Friday Sales: Seats.aero, Roame, and CardPointers
02:15 Favorite Travel Gear
09:27 Carry-on Luggage Tips
13:32 Travel Wallets
17:10 Toiletry Bags
21:54 Travel Wardrobe
32:55 Packing Cubes
36:00 Travel Tech We Love
41:46 Black Friday Shopping Tips
44:43 Listener Q&A

Black Friday Deals (Good through December 1, 2025)
Save 30% on Seats.aero with code Friday2530: https://upgradedpoints.com/go/SeatsAero
Save 40% on Roame with code UPGRADED40: https://upgradedpoints.com/go/Roame
Save 50% on CardPointers: https://upgradedpoints.com/go/CardPoi...

Backpacks and Weekender Bags:
The Everywhere Bag - Away: https://upgradedpoints.com/go/AwayEve...
Tumi Voyageur Atlanta Backpack: https://upgradedpoints.com/go/SaksTum...
Lululemon City Essentials Duffle Bag 28L: https://upgradedpoints.com/go/lululem...

Carry-On Luggage
Tumi 19 Degree International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On: https://upgradedpoints.com/go/TumiInt...
ROAM Carry-On: https://upgradedpoints.com/go/RoamLug...
Away Carry-On: https://upgradedpoints.com/go/AwayCar...
Monos Carry-On: https://upgradedpoints.com/go/MonosCa...

Travel Accessories:
TUMI Alpha Electronic Cord Pouch: https://upgradedpoints.com/go/SaksTUM...
TUMI Small Madeline Cosmetic Case: https://upgradedpoints.com/go/TumiSma...
Monos Compressible Packing Cubes: https://upgradedpoints.com/go/MonosCo...
TUMI travel jewelry case: https://upgradedpoints.com/go/​​TumiJ...
TUMI electronic cord pouch at Saks: https://upgradedpoints.com/go/SaksTUM...
Credit card wallet: https://upgradedpoints.com/go/AmazonC...

Travel Wardrobe
Lululemon Be Calm Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Pants: https://upgradedpoints.com/go/Lululem...
Lululemon Dance Studio Mid-Rise Pants: https://upgradedpoints.com/go/lululem...
Lululemon Oversized Scuba Hoodie: https://upgradedpoints.com/go/lululem...
On Cloud 6 shoes: https://upgradedpoints.com/go/OnCloud...
Insider T-shirts: https://insiderstore.com/

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