New Travel Awards: Discover the Must-Have Gear for Your Next Adventure
Shop has once again released its highly anticipated Travel Awards, offering a curated list of the best products to enhance your travel experience. This year, our team tested nearly 300 items, ranging from new launches to editor favorites, ensuring that you can find the perfect gear for your summer vacation.
Below are some of the standout products that have earned the prestigious “award winner” title this year. From tech innovations to stylish accessories, these picks are sure to make your travels more convenient and enjoyable.
New Tech Travel Award Winners
Apple AirTag
The Apple AirTag has long been a favorite among travelers, pet owners, and busy commuters. This year, it received an upgrade with a louder speaker and an expanded Precision Finding range. Testers noted that the sound quality on the location alarm was strong and could be heard from a distance.
Kodak Charmera Keychain Digital Camera Blind Box
If you’re looking for a compact camera that’s easy to carry, the Kodak Charmera Keychain Digital Camera Blind Box is an excellent choice. It attaches to a keychain, making it ideal for snapping photos on the go.
Camp Snap CS-PRO
This camera has become popular across social media for its ability to capture special memories. The Camp Snap CS-PRO offers a range of camera settings, producing high-quality photos that look like they were taken with a more expensive camera.
Laifen Mini Hair Dryer and Bag
This hair dryer is praised for being lightweight, compact, and powerful. It dries hair quickly and has multiple heat settings, making it a must-have for any traveler.
New Luggage and Bag Travel Award Winners
Béis The Pro Travel Sling
This belt bag is praised for its spacious design, making it a great option for those who want to keep their hands free while carrying essentials.
Kenneth Cole Renegade Hard Side Expandable Suitcase
Known for being lightweight, chic, and durable, this suitcase is a top choice for travelers looking for a reliable carry-on.
Halfday Garment Tote
This innovative garment tote makes it easy to transport formal wear while also having enough room for daily essentials. It even includes a shoe compartment.
Quince Expandable Carry-On Suitcase
This elevated carry-on is praised for its smooth design, perfect packing layout, and excellent value for money.
JanSport Smooth Ride Duffel
This duffel bag is known for its durability, made with ripstop canvas and a full leather base. It also features a fleece-lined pocket for delicate items.
Lo & Sons Aoyama Leather Crescent Crossbody Bag
This crossbody bag is praised for its versatility and capacity. It can hold a variety of items, making it ideal for both casual and formal occasions.
Solgaard Venture Backpack
This backpack is designed for both work and travel, featuring a front-opening design and a flowcloset system for quick access.
New Clothing and Accessory Travel Award Winners
Soma Swim Caftan Cover-Up
This cover-up is praised for its comfort and style, making it perfect for beach days and lunch outings.
Soma High-Waist Wide-Leg Pants
These pants are lightweight, soft, and comfortable, making them ideal for traveling and running errands.
Athleta Form Knit Mid Rise Straight Pant
These pants are praised for their soft fabric and durability, maintaining quality even after multiple washes.
Monday Swimwear La Jolla Shirt
This oversized swim coverup provides protection while still being flattering and versatile for different occasions.
Saucony Women’s Ride 19 Running Shoes
These shoes are known for their cushioned soles and comfort, making them ideal for long days on your feet.
New Balance 1080v15
These sneakers are praised for their versatility and comfort, making them a top choice for both running and everyday use.
Body by Miraclesuit Jesi Shaping Jumpsuit
This jumpsuit is praised for its comfort and support, making it a great option for both casual and dressed-up occasions.
More New Travel Award Winners
Gemi Hand Sanitizer + Serum
This hand sanitizer is praised for its effectiveness and pleasant scent, making it a must-have for travelers.
Owala SmoothSip Slider with Handle
This travel mug is praised for its ability to keep drinks warm and prevent spills, making it ideal for road trips.
The Flat Lay Co. Standing Makeup Brush Case
This makeup brush case is praised for its durability and cute colors, making it a great addition to any travel kit.
BrüMate Rise 25 Ounce Water Bottle
This water bottle is praised for its leak-proof design and ability to keep drinks cold for 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Travel Awards?
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’s seal of approval, selected by our editors and experts after undergoing a rigorous series of tests conducted by our team of reviewers.
What type of products do we test?
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.
How do we test products?
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 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.
