This past week, my newsfeed, like many of yours, has consisted of publications touting Amazon Prime Day deals and the horrific devastation in south-central Texas. It’s certainly a stark contrast—one that left me feeling uneasy about sending out a newsletter that only added to the consumerism noise.
So I decided to do something a little different. While this has been a completely free Substack for the last few months, I’m going to start weaving in subscriber-only posts, starting with this one. The revenue from this month’s subscriptions—plus any of the commission I receive from items purchased through the affiliate links—will go directly to Kerr Country Flood Relief (an organization recommended by the editors at Garden & Gun).
I’d also encourage you to donate directly, rather than buy a bag, suitcase, or piece of clothing you don’t technically need right now. A few more resources below:
Southern Living: Deadly Flooding Devastates Several Central Texas Towns: Here Is How You Can Help
The Texas Tribune: Hill Country flooding: Here’s how to give and receive help
And if you are in the market for a new suitcase or travel-appropriate sneakers you can use for the foreseeable future? I have several recommendations below—and they’re all heavily marked down.
Because I’m on the internet a good part of the day, often scouting out luggage deals for publications like Condé Nast Traveler, and frequently testing all manner of travel products, I have some strong opinions on what you actually need (plus, what is technically a good deal, not just a marketing play).
Carry-on suitcases
I swear by my Away Bigger Carry-On. It’s the only carry-on suitcase I’ll travel with on trips longer than three days (it fits a solid week’s worth of clothes), and I’ve never had a problem getting it shut. It always holds up to the sit-and-zip test. Béis has a similar on-sale style, currently $68 off.
From left to right: Away Flex 22-Inch Bigger Spinner Carry-On, Béis 22-Inch Expandable Carry-On Roller
Checked bags
A quality checked bag is another essential. Unsurprisingly, I also heavily rely on my Away suitcase, which I purchased at full price several years ago. This one is currently over $100 off, so I’d grab yours now if I were you.