Happy Thursday!

I'm finally done traveling for the summer after a few fun weeks seeing friends and family around the US.

And WOW, I need the break since I've been basically nonstop since late April.

This week, I wanted to talk about some places that I shop for all my travel essentials that aren't Amazon.

If you’re looking for new travel gear, there are plenty of other places that offer high-quality products, good deals, and reliable shipping.

Here are some of my go-to spots for travel gear:

• ​Target – My go-to for travel-size toiletries, basic clothes, and affordable accessories like hats or sunglasses.
• ​Teva – If you need durable walking sandals or water shoes, Teva makes some of the most comfortable ones out there.
• ​REI – One of the best for travel gear that overlaps with outdoor gear—especially if you need high-quality luggage, rain jackets, or packing solutions.
• ​Kohl’s – Where I shop for all my basics like leggings, activewear, and travel-friendly layers. Prices are usually low, especially with sales or Kohl’s Cash.
• ​Liquid IV – Not gear, but a must-have for staying hydrated on long travel days or in hot climates. I pack a few of these for every trip.
• ​Dick’s Sporting Goods – Great for athletic clothes, lightweight jackets, and practical shoes that work well for travel days or hiking.
• ​HeyDude – If you want lightweight, packable shoes that are easy to slip on and off, these are a solid choice.
• ​Nomatic – Known for sleek, functional backpacks and bags that are made for travelers. Their packing cubes and organizers are also worth checking out.

You don’t need to spend a ton to get durable, useful travel gear. And shopping around these stores can help you find better fits and options than what Amazon offers.

As always, you can reply to this email if you want to chat!

Have a great weekend :)

Sarah

Some links in this email are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you click the link or make a purchase through the link. This is at no extra cost to you.

Travel Giveaways

​Discover Your Italy is giving away a 4-day escape for two the Italian Riviera. Enter to win by July 31, 2025.

​Salterra is giving away a 3-night stay for two at the Salterra Resort & Spa in Turks & Caicos. Enter to win by July 31, 2025.

The Home Edit and Southern Living are giving away a Color Your World prize pack worth over $1,900 in prizes. Enter to win by July 31, 2025.

​iHeartRadio and jtv are giving away a trip to Hawaii for two, including airfare, a 5-night stay, and more. Enter to win by August 3, 2025.

Reminder: Grand Colorado is giving away a stay at the luxurious resort in Breckenridge, CO, with 12 monthly winners! Enter to win by November 30, 2025.

The Latest on the Blog

I have some new itineraries up to some of my favorite places I have traveled!

• ​7 day Thailand itinerary​
• ​7 day Seoul itinerary​
• ​1 day Quebec City itinerary​

YouTube

My latest YouTube video is up! It's about Hakone, Japan, where we stayed in a traditional Ryokan hotel.

Check it out here:

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Make sure you subscribe to my channel! And check out the full Japan playlist :)

Social Media Sneak Peek

Right now I'm sharing Quebec City on Instagram and Facebook. Malta is next!

Travel News

Amtrak’s Cascades line, which runs in the Pacific Northwest, is getting new cars in 2026 - read more from Travel + Leisure.

Want to visit a US National Park, but don’t want to drive? Here are the best National Parks to visit by train, from National Geographic.

Travel Insurance

One of the things I get asked about the most is travel insurance. Should you get it, and if so, which one?

YES, you should have travel insurance, as you never know when things may go wrong. SafetyWing is my go-to for travel insurance because it covers so much, is easy to purchase for days or months, and is affordable.

Many credit cards also include travel insurance. Personally, I get SafetyWing on top of my credit card insurance.

Learn more about SafetyWing and the benefits of using them in my blog post about travel insurance.