Travel Product Awards 2024: The Good, the Bad, & the Baffling

Technology drives just about every industry in the world—travel included.

While most tech-travel content is focused on how AI will revolutionize the sector, there are still plenty of options when it comes to good old-fashioned gadgets.

Travel gear, after all, is constantly evolving.

But which picks are worth your hard-earned money?

With consumer trends slipping over into travel more and more every year, I’ve seen more domestic brands launch travel-related products—but not all fit the bill.

Let’s take a closer look at some of my favorite picks from the Travel Goods Awards 2024 and the TODAY Travel Gear Awards 2024. (It looks like the Travel Goods website is down, so I’ve included an alternative link that lets you view 2024’s winners.)

Travel products from 2024: the winners

Below, I’ve listed the picks that I would find immediately useful on a trip. On top of utility, these items also won’t make any part of travel more difficult, whether adding weight or requiring maintenance while on vacation.

Travel Sentry Foldable Backpack

You never know when you’ll need an extra bag when you’re on vacation. What better way to keep a last-minute option with you than a near-weightless foldable backpack? They’re durable, they’re spacious, and they’re going to save your ass on vacation someday.

D_b_ Photo Pro Luggage Bundle

If you’re ever traveling with specialized equipment—from instruments to high-resolution cameras—you need to have specialized luggage. This bundle makes it easy to carry all the tiniest pieces of your photography setup with you.

Thanks to its rigid and modular packs, you can fit small equipment into well-protected slots. Though designed for photographers, I imagine this type of equipment is helpful for just about any endeavor that has a lot of expensive, moving parts.

HYDAWAY Collapsible Water Bottle

Here’s my favorite water bottle pick—one that barely weighs a thing and doesn’t require any extra equipment to work. It collapses up to 75% while also being rigid enough to stand on its own. You can even adjust its height for all your drinking needs.

Available on Amazon

Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 Pet Carrier

Pet carriers are a tough sell. Every pet is different, while every airline has different carrier requirements.

But I think the Delsey Chatelet is worth every penny thanks to its more unique and pet-centric features, such as its antimicrobial lining, safety straps so that you can buckle Fido’s carrier in, and great mesh sides so that your pet can breathe, bark, and growl its way to another continent.

Alpaka Bravo Sling Mini Waterproof

Forget those acrylic pouches that let you take your phone underwater—we’ve moved on to better and brighter territory. This Alpaka mini-pack lets you take all your most important goods into the water with you.

No more asking strangers to babysit your bag on the beach. (Seriously—this isn’t a water-resistant attempt, but a fully waterproof solution.)

Travel products from 2024: the strangest picks

I’m listing out some of the strangest picks from TODAY and Travel Goods, along with why I think travelers should think twice about these products. That being said, if you still feel that they’re a good pick for you, then go for it! After all, every product listed below took home an award from a major travel publication.

Northbay Kiddietotes Scooter Luggage

I’m going to be blunt about this one. Letting kids take off on scooters at airports sounds like a pretty big risk for two reasons.

First, airport floors are notoriously sticky, slippery, and hard, which makes them a bad place for a fall. (Especially before boarding a plane.) Second, I imagine it’s even more difficult to maneuver a scooter when there’s a hefty piece of luggage weighing down the front wheel.

But I’m not a parent or a scooter girl, so take my conclusions with a grain of salt.

Available on Amazon

Brita Hard-Sided Plastic Premium Filtering Water Bottle

Here’s the catch: Brita filters don’t make non-potable water safe, meaning this isn’t one of those purifying straws that are designed for remote use.

That means this is just a plastic water bottle with a disposable filter that you need to replace. So, you either need to order more replacements while traveling or pack them with you. Neither sounds like good travel practice to me.

Available on Amazon

Stanley IceFlow Bottle

One of the core tenets of packing well is to avoid heavy items. Aside from photo ops, I see absolutely no reason to have a Stanley-anything with you while traveling. That being said, this might be a great stocking stuffer for a traveler who sticks to resorts and other all-inclusive, simplified trips.

Available on Amazon

Props Luggage

This suitcase transforms into a luggage rack that has built-in clothes racks on the interior. The result is a shelf-like system that lets you easily arrange your clothes while staying in a hotel. It even doubles as a table that can hold up to 50 pounds.

That being said, the carry-on suitcase weighs almost ten pounds, which makes it a hard no for me. For context, other luxury carry-ons weigh the same—but I need a luggable suitcase way more than I need a portable desk.

If the opposite is true for you, and you’re looking for a suitcase-table hybrid, then know that this is one of the most hotly discussed and celebrated picks in terms of travel products this year.

Available on Amazon

San Diego Tours You’ll Want to Go On Twice

San Diego is full of surprises.

Though it often falls into Los Angeles’s shadow, San Diego has a distinct identity that’s not quite like the rest of SoCal. It’s the US’s capital of microbreweries, for example—even though not too many of us think about indy brews when we think about California.

It’s also highly walkable, deeply historical, and has some of the best weather in the United States. It’s diverse, it’s young, and its economy is healthy and modern.

I’d call it a hidden gem, but considering how quickly the city grew last decade, I think the secret is out.

And with hotspots like Carmel-by-the-Sea and Santa Barbara nearby, it’s a growing destination for many tourists. Most are after its quirky and cultural offerings, along with San Diego’s great weather and historical appeal.

Unsurprisingly, there’s a tour for just about every type of interest, from kayaking to brewery tours to historical train rides.

But which ones will have you signing up a second time? Keep reading for your ultimate list of San Diego tours.

Best San Diego tours

San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

This whale-watching tour is different from all the others in one major respect: You’ll be on a sailboat, not a motorized vessel.

In fact, you’ll be aboard a faithful replica of a ship from 1851. That’s important because motors scare sea creatures away. Less noise means you get closer to marine life, and more often.

Explore now

La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour for Two

Just like with whale-watching tours, you won’t be short on sea kayaking adventures that explore the caves of La Jolla. But the magic here is the small number of guests.

Fewer guests mean that you get more time to speak with your hosts. Plus, you’re more likely to spot marine life because they’re less intimated by the small number of kayaks.

Explore here

Intro to Mexico Day Trip (Tijuana)

I very rarely recommend city tours that take you outside the city itself—after all, what’s the point? But you can’t know San Diego until you’ve taken a closer look at Tijuana, its sister across the border.

Don’t be intimidated. I promise, Tijuana isn’t what you’ve heard in the headlines.

Explore here

Incredible Slot Canyons to the Pacific (Torrey Pines)

Did you know that stunning, Moab-style canyons line the coast just outside San Diego? Welcome to the slot canyons of Torrey Pines. These gorgeous grottos line the Pacific, which you can explore with the help of an experienced guide.

Explore here

Small Group Sunset Sailing Experience on San Diego Bay

With so many fusion foods and Mexican dishes available throughout the city, you’ll want a helpful guide to take you on a gastronomic journey. Plus, you’ll learn a few historical and cultural factoids as you sample five distinct dishes from five top restaurants.

Explore here

USS Midway Museum Entry Ticket

Nab your no-line tickets to the USS Midway Museum. This is a top pick for naval hobbyists, along with children. Whether or not you’re intrigued by exploring a naval ship, I recommend you go.

This museum is highly celebrated thanks to its vast range of exhibits. Plus, there are tons of planes. (They say the US Navy is the second-largest air force in the world for a reason!)

Explore here

Petco Park Stadium Tour – Home of the Padres

Just like the USS Midway, Petco Park is a bigger deal than you might think. Petco Park is regularly listed as one of the best stadiums in the US. It’s new, it’s located downtown, and it offers great city views. Plus, baseball is big in San Diego.

Explore here

Night Date Glow Pedal Boat with Downtown Views

Take your loved one onto a neon-lit paddle boat into San Diego Bay once the sun sets. You’ll be treated to a lovely experience that lets you see the San Diego skyline in all its glory. Simple, unique, and stress-free.

Explore here

Gaslamp Quarters Ghosts & Crime Walking Tour

It wouldn’t be a tour list if I didn’t mention ghosts at some point. This highly-rated ghost tour crew will take you to San Diego’s most haunted spots, including the Davis-Horton House, Old City Hall, and more.

Explore here

Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings

Like I mentioned up top, San Diego is the US’s capital in terms of the sheer number of breweries. Thanks to its booming micro-brewery culture, you can find delicious ales across the city.

I suggest you let these tour guides beer-ucate you (their words, not mine) about the best brews in North Park, San Diego’s beer mecca.

Explore here

Experience Surfing Lessons on our Magic Beach

Consider this your sign to grab a surfboard and get into the water. This tour lets you invite up to five other friends for an expert surf lesson at Oceanside Harbor.

You’ll be in good hands regardless of your experience level, as guides carefully plan the experience based on favorable tides and conditions.

Explore here

Winery Train Tour

Who doesn’t love drinking and scenic, coastal train rides? This winery tour takes you on the high road to explore local wines, urban wineries, and even a brewery.

You also get to wander into a few villages to learn more about the wine-making process. In terms of wine-centric tours, it’s very well-rounded, in my opinion.

Explore here

Trail Rides from San Diego Trail Company

There aren’t too many cities that offer off-road horseback riding just outside of town. Take full advantage of this amazing opportunity. Not only do you get to ride horses while in the wild, but the company also takes the time to match each rider with a horse that suits their temperament and experience level.

Explore here

Winter Bird Escapes: Best Hotels on South Padre Island

Most Americans know about Texas’s tropical coastlines.

If you’ve missed out for some reason, here’s what you need to know: Texas is home to what’s known as the South Texas Tropical Region. It’s a culturally and geographically distinct stretch of the Lone Star State that spans around 23,000 miles of coastline.

Though Florida usually takes the cake in terms of tropical and subtropical wonders, Texas’s southern stretch is home to a handful of the US’s lesser-known tropical hotspots.

And famous spots like South Padre Island regularly welcome around one million visitors throughout the year.

One reason those numbers stay consistently high is thanks to South Padre’s mild winters. It’s a perennial selection for snowbirds who want to avoid winter’s coldest months.

If you’re looking for a little bit more sunshine this winter, keep South Padre on your radar—and make sure these South Padre hotels are on your list. I’ve got picks for all types of visitors.

Looking for great tours in South Padre? Explore here.
What about private vacation rentals? Shop around here.

South Padre hotels at a glance

Best budget pick: Best Western Beachside Inn
Best beachfront hotel: La Copa Inn Beach Hotel
Best adults-only pick: Upper Deck Hotel and Bar
Most well-rounded amenities: Sand Rose Beach Resort
Best all-around location: Hilton Garden Inn
Best for families: Margaritaville Beach Resort
Best OTT hotel amenities: Isla Grand Beach Resort

Top picks for South Padre hotels

Best budget pick: Best Western Beachside Inn

This Best Western provides all the basic amenities you need for a great South Padre trip. There’s a modest jacuzzi and outdoor pool on the property, while the beach is only a five-minute walk away.

Though this is a budget pick, it’s also a new construction—which means it has a sparkly and brand-new feel despite its price point.

Check out room rates

Best beachfront hotel: La Copa Inn Beach Hotel

Let me be clear: this beachfront selection isn’t located right on the water. Instead, guests head over a lovely wooden footbridge to the beach. Before that, they can stop to soak up the views from the large outdoor pool and jacuzzi.

On top of its elevated amenities, I love La Copa Inn’s clean and bright design. With a shop, exercise room, lounge, and Starbucks on the premises you’ve also got plenty of on-site benefits.

Check out room rates

Best adults-only pick: Upper Deck Hotel and Bar

What’s the deal with adults-only hotels? On a basic level, they’re a bit quieter—but they usually include a more social atmosphere and laidback vibe. At the Upper Deck Hotel and Bar, you can enjoy a smaller and more boutique stay.

Though not as grand as the other hotels and resorts listed here, it’s highly rated thanks to its fantastic staff, location, and on-site eateries and bars. If you’re heading to South Padre to really relax, head here.

Check out room rates

Most well-rounded amenities: Sand Rose Beach Resort

Let’s say you’re looking for a little bit of everything with your South Padre escape—you want the best amenities, a great location, and a guarantee of TLC.

I’d say go with the Sand Rose Beach Resort. It’s located right on the beach, has resort-caliber amenities like an outdoor pool and pet-friendly services, and delicious buffet breakfasts. You won’t be sweating the small stuff at the Sand Rose.

Check out room rates

Best all-around location: Hilton Garden Inn

If you’re going to be bundling your South Padre escape with plenty of outdoors activities, the Hilton Garden Inn gives you a great jumping off location.

The hotel is oceanfront, meaning you have easy beach access. Nearby, you also have popular destinations like the Schlitterbahn Waterpark, Dolphin Research Center, and the Sea Turtle Center. Have it all at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Check out room rates

Best for families: Margaritaville Beach Resort

No, this Margaritaville resort isn’t adults-only—and it’s a great option for families thanks to its bright and exciting atmosphere. Even the simple seating areas are scenic, while the outdoor pool is absolutely a place you want to lose track of time with a drink in hand.

Toss in a few shops, restaurants, and lounges and you’ve got a casual but memorable family resort experience.

Check out room rates

Best OTT hotel amenities: Isla Grand Beach Resort

While Margaritaville packs a punch in terms of South Padre offerings, I think the best over-the-top amenities come from Isla Grand Beach Resort. This four-star selection has jaw-dropping grounds that are home to a grand outdoor pool and plenty of green gardens.

There are also tennis courts, an outdoor Tiki bar, and live entertainment to soak up at the Quarterdeck Lounge. There’s even an on-site café that offers free coffee. Welcome to paradise.

Check out room rates

Quick Denver Travel Guide: Where to Eat, Sleep, & Have Fun in Mile High City

Denver packs a punch for travelers.

The Mile High City offers a unique range of appealing features, from its natural beauty to its young and independent outlook. It’s got a laidback-yet-hardworking reputation and is home to many distinct neighborhoods and communities.

In summary, it’s one of those Midwestern hotspots that seems to offer something for everyone.

While its main attraction is its natural wonders and proximity to the Rockies, there’s plenty to do without ever leaving Denver’s city limits.

Want to get more out of your Denver trip this time around? Take a load off with this handy Denver travel guide.

I’ve got the very best recommendations when it comes to finding great places to stay, popular eateries and bars, and memorable activities, from museums to tours.

Welcome to your total Denver travel guide.

Stay at these Denver hotels & rentals

Best hotels in Denver

Hotel Teatro

This classic Denver selection is known for its top-tier service and its stellar location. On top of its helpful, friendly staff and its downtown location, Hotel Teatro is also located inside a historic building, giving you a little glimpse into Denver’s rich past.

Book here

Kimpton Hotel Monaco

This hotel offers a unique and elevated design, along with its highly rated on-site Panzano Italian Restaurant. Once again, guests get to enjoy the building’s historical appeal. Guests also rave about how quiet the grounds are.

Book here

The Crawford Hotel

My final suggestion is located inside Union Station—one of the top attractions in the city. This hotel blends historic appeal, like the last two, but includes a few other cool amenities. You can enjoy Union Staton restaurants, for example, or wander the hotel’s three floors, each of which showcase a unique era in the city’s history.

Book here

Explore more Denver hotels.

Best rentals in Denver

Historic carriage house

Often dubbed the No. 1 Airbnb in Denver, this gorgeous historic carriage house is located in one of the city’s coolest neighborhoods.

Not only can you get lost in the tiny details that make this Airbnb so charming, but you can easily get out and dive into the city’s most walkable and popular streets. It’s a win-win from just about every angle.

Book here

Loft in Denver

This downtown Denver loft lets you explore the city at your pace, giving you a quiet respite after a long day with its spacious and stylish open floor plan. It’s got all the basics covered, along with a few extras like its unique design and solid entertainment center.

Book here

Platt Park Pearl

If you’re heading to the city with a larger group, consider staying at this bright and upgraded loft. I’m a huge fan of its freestanding tub and cool lofted beds, along with its flower-laden backyard. It’s yet another quiet stay for those who want a cozy retreat.

Book here

Explore more Airbnb rentals.

Eat at these Denver restaurants & bars

Best breweries: 14er Brewing Company & Sandlot Brewery

Explore more Denver breweries

Best eateries: Rioja & Happy Camper

Explore more Denver restaurants

Best bars: Ghost Donkey & The Abbey Tavern

Explore more Denver bars

Have fun at these Denver hotspots & go on these tours

Heading to Denver during Christmas? Check out these experiences and soak up the beautiful light displays.
Looking for the best things to do in Denver? Don’t miss these hotspots.
What about the best tours in Denver? I suggest looking at the top picks from TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide.

8 Hotels With a View of the Manhattan Skyline

Finding a good place to stay in New York City isn’t for the faint of heart.

New York City’s hustle starts even before you visit the city.

If you want to find a hotel that offers solid amenities and won’t break the bank, you need advice, some research skills, and plenty of patience.

That’s doubly true now that the city has changed the rules related to short-term rentals; platforms like Airbnb and VRB haven’t yet recalibrated since the change in policy.

What does that mean for your trip to NYC? You’re going to be shopping around primarily for hotels.

Unfortunately, most hotels aren’t nearly as affordable as vacation rentals. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, so long as you know which hotels are worth your money.

Along with location and amenities, you should be worried about getting a great view. For me, views are deceptively important. The bigger the city, the bigger the view should be.

Views will hold you over as you recover from a long day running around the city. If you’re too tired to go out, you can kick back with a drink in hand while you soak up the Manhattan skyline.

As one of the world’s most iconic urban landscapes, visitors around the city pay good money to visit cocktail lounges, restaurants, and other locations with views.

But if you play your cards right, you have them back at your hotel.

Looking for fantastic views of the Manhattan skyline? Start with these hotels. They’ve got top-tier views that let you get more out of your trip to New York City—even during your downtime.

Disclaimer: Visitors have two ways to see the Manhattan skyline, either from New Jersey or from Brooklyn and Queens. Both are great options, but I’m sticking to BK and Queens this time around.

Looking for affordable rentals, instead? Start here.
What about the coolest tours in the city? Go here.

Best Brooklyn hotels with a view of the Manhattan skyline

Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, Downtown Brooklyn

This five-star selection is the dreamiest option for visitors who want total views of the Manhattan Skyline—and the Brooklyn Bridge.

It’s a five-star selection, so be prepared to fork over thousands. That being said, there are multiple high-level amenities that make this worth the price tag for those who can splurge. As in, a stylish rooftop pool and an on-site restaurant with panoramic views.

Book here

The Box House Hotel, Greenpoint

This trendy hotel is located in the hyper-cool neighborhood of Greenpoint, putting right you into Brooklyn’s hippest streets.

Along with art-filled rooms and suites, guests also have access to a rooftop with stunning panoramic views of the Manhattan Skyline. Some rooms also have views, so be sure to ask for one when booking.

And if you want my opinion, Greenpoint and Long Island City (below, in Queens) are the best places for that view.

Book here

The William Vale Hotel

If you’ve visited Brooklyn over the last decade, you’ve probably heard someone talking about the William Vale Hotel. It’s one of the starkest impressions in the Williamsburg skyline, commanding attention thanks to its modern, brutalist structure.

Inside is a luxury hotel—and it’s got great views. Once again, be sure to request rooms that showcase the Manhattan skyline, as not all have them. Or head to the rooftop bar and lounge to have a drink while soaking up the sunset.

(I’ve been up there before—it’s absolutely worth a visit, even if you don’t stay at the William Vale.)

Book here

The Hoxton

This is another Williamsburg selection, which puts you smack in the center of Brooklyn’s most famous neighborhood. The Hoxton is a seamless extension of the world you’ll find outside its doors.

It’s trendy, hyper-chic, and fresh in all the right ways. Once again, request rooms with a view of the skyline or pick a time to soak up the views at the on-site restaurant and bars.

Book here

Arlo Williamsburg

I’m rounding off my Brooklyn suggestions with another five-star hotel. The Arlo Williamsburg goes above and beyond to showcase its Manhattan skyline views, including from its suites, rooftop pool, lounge, and terraces. It’s not quite as chic as Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, in my opinion, but I think it leverages its views in a more consistent and commanding way.

Book here

Best Queens hotels with a view of the Manhattan skyline

Boro Hotel

Long Island City (in Queens) gives you the best of many worlds. It’s a transportation hub that can take you into Manhattan, Brooklyn, and deeper into Queens and Long Island.

That means you’ll be paying less to lodge in Long Island City without being stranded far away from the action. On top of that, Boro Hotel offers beautiful views of the skyline straight from many of its rooms—and its layout is designed to maximize the vistas.

Book here

LIC hotel

LIC takes its name from Long Island City, the same neighborhood discussed above. Again, it’s not central, but it won’t take you long to get where you want to go from here.

The LIC Hotel is a more basic three-star selection that lets you comfortably relax and recharge after a long day. Though it doesn’t look like many rooms have a skyline view, there’s a massive rooftop where you can hang out and soak up the sights.

Book here

Ravel Hotel Trademark Collection

This sleek and modern hotel offers all the necessary amenities that visitors need—with some extra flash and panache. Its bathrooms are particularly beautiful for anyone who enjoys high design.

Once more, request a room that features the Manhattan Skyline. That’s particularly important here as it doesn’t look like there’s a rooftop where you can kick back to soak up the views.

Book here

Stop Thinking & Start Traveling With One-Click Trips

Tis the season for travel trend reports.

From Booking to Expedia, the travel world is abuzz with next year’s potential.

Which trends will actually take off? Which ideas will fall flat?

It’s too soon to tell—but that hasn’t stopped passionate travelers from trying to get ahead of the game.

One of the more interesting predictions from Expedia is the rise of one-click trips. These are travel experiences purchased from social media influencers and correlates to Expedia’s new Travel Shops endeavor.

As per the report, “According to Expedia’s Unpack ’25 data, 49% of travelers asked say they’ve previously wanted to book an entire trip they’ve seen on social media, from flights and activities to restaurants and car rental.”

That’s where Expedia’s new Travel Shops comes in.

Travel Shops make it easy for you to shop around for drool-worthy experiences, stays, and more around the world. And you can purchase them with a single click of the mouse—it’s really that easy.

But I want to dig a little deeper into this concept.

Beyond the scope of Expedia’s Travel Shops, what other sorts of one-click experiences are travelers interested in? Given one of Expedia’s biggest predictions is the rise of all-inclusive hotel bookings, I’m going to categorize these two trends together.

One-click trips and all-inclusive resorts have one thing in common: They pass the responsibility of planning and/or booking trips off to someone else.

While that probably sounds obvious, this is brand-new territory for the travel world—and a departure from the previous realm of travel agencies.

Why one-click trips?

Travelers are seeking out one-click trips because they let them purchase what they’ve seen on social media and similar platforms. Consider it the ultimate commoditization of a travel experience, letting travelers shop around to put together their dream trip.

At their most basic, a one-click trip might only involve one experience. For example, a travel influencer might post about their favorite stay in the Maldives, which their follower then books.

Though technically a one-click purchase, it also segues into the future of one-click trips.

And some one-click trips are a lot more elaborate, designed to lift the responsibility of travel planning while promising an unforgettable trip. As travelers seek out more curated and unique experiences, they’re opting for comprehensive and yet customizable one-click trips.

My favorite one-click travel opportunities

One-click trips and experiences come in all shapes and sizes. Here are some of my favorites that I think you should keep an eye on in 2025 and beyond.

Travel shops from Expedia. This is a novel idea that I haven’t seen elsewhere. On their Shops page, you can peruse various influencers, from Condé Nast editors to Latinx entrepreneurs. Shop, buy, travel, repeat. (I’d go straight to Life With A Land Cloud, if I were you.)
Pack Up + Go. This mystery travel group has been on my radar for a while. They’ve got a winning formula and a great, easy-to-navigate platform. While their main focus is offering one-click mystery trips, you can also customize them as you see fit. Best of all, they offer 24-hour support channels, which give travelers pure peace of mind.
Black Tomato. This exclusive and ultra-lux travel company lets you seek out curated trips based on the occasion, your interests, or specific destinations. Though Black Tomato is similar to a modern travel agency, it’s at the forefront of cutting-edge destinations. Greenland, anyone? What about Malawi? Qatar? Singapore? You name it, they’ve already got your one-click trip planned.
Few & Far. Similar to Black Tomato, Few & Far specializes in luxury experiences around the world. But this travel company offers more meaningful forays into the world’s wildest corners—and it goes above and beyond to not just preserve but actively replenish these landscapes and communities. This one-click company gives you a stamp of social and environmental approval.
Tripmasters. It’s not the prettiest website and its tours aren’t necessarily cutting-edge—but Tripmasters has been around for a long time for a reason. If you’re new to travel and are looking for a seamless one-click travel experience, start here.