How to Score the Best Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals for Your Next Travel Adventure

Updated on February 26th, 2025

This week I had the first email which contained offers available now under the Black Friday banner. And what’s great, is that the company offering some fab (up to 30%) discounts is my favourite tour operator, G Adventures. I have done several tours with them, most notably an epic Bucket List visit to the Galapagos Islands (hence the photo), a 3-week tour of Peru & a fantastic trip around the highlights of Costa Rica. I have always been impressed with the quality of the tours, the itineraries have perfectly fitted my needs, the groups have been fun & a good mix of ages but most importantly the guides have been excellent. They are all local with a huge amount of knowledge & an enthusiasm to share it. If you are interested to see what they have on offer, then check out the sale HERE. 

So, rather than wait for another couple of weeks before the big deals are announced from all your favourite brands, I thought I’d take the early approach this year with a look at how to snag some incredible deals on travel. After all, travelling requires planning and budgeting, so why not start today?

Whether you’re looking for discounts on flights, accommodation, or travel gear, savvy shopping during these sales can save you a significant amount of money. Here’s my guide to finding the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals to help you prepare for your next adventure. Click on any of the blue links to go directly to the sites you need.

Start Early with Research and Planning (hence this email…You’re Welcome!)

The key to scoring the best deals is to be prepared. Start by making a list of everything you’ll need for your trip, from flights and accommodation to travel accessories.

• Identify Your Needs: Determine what you need most for your trip. Are you looking for discounted flights, a good deal on a suitcase, or perhaps a new camera? Having a clear list of priorities will help you stay focused.

• Set a Budget: Decide how much you’re willing to spend on each item. Having a budget will help you avoid impulse buys and ensure you get the best value for your money.

• Sign Up for Newsletters: Many travel companies and retailers offer early access to deals for subscribers. Sign up for newsletters from your favourite airlines, travel booking sites, and travel gear brands to stay informed about upcoming sales. You can always Unsubscribe once you have the deal you were looking for.

• Use Deal Alerts and Price Trackers: Set up deal alerts and price trackers on websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Amazon. These tools will notify you when prices drop, helping you snag the best deals before they’re gone.

Focus on Travel Deals: Flights and Accommodations

Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer some of the best opportunities to save on travel bookings, including flights, hotels, and holiday packages.

• Look for Early-Bird Flight Deals: Airlines often release their Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals early, so keep an eye out in the days leading up to the big sale. Use flight comparison sites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak to quickly compare prices across multiple airlines.

• Consider Alternative Airports and Flexible Dates: If you’re flexible with your travel dates or can fly from a different airport, you might find even better deals. Sometimes flying on a weekday (Tuesday & Wednesday are consistently the cheapest) or choosing a less popular airport can save you a significant amount.

• Check Out Package Deals: Many travel agencies and booking sites offer discounted packages that include flights, accommodation, and sometimes even car rentals or tours. These can be a great way to save if you’re planning a multi-destination trip.

• Book Accommodation Early: Hotel chains, Airbnb, and other accommodation providers also offer substantial discounts during these sales. If you have specific hotels or locations in mind, book early to lock in the best rates. Booking.com will be starting their deals from 21^st November to 4^th December (for travel anytime from 21^st Nov to the end of 2025). Check out their deals when the time comes HERE.

• Use Loyalty Points and Rewards: If you’re a member of any airline or hotel loyalty programs, check if they’re offering any special deals or bonus points during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Sometimes you can combine these offers with the sale prices for even greater savings.

How About Travel Gear?

Travel gear is often heavily discounted during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Click HERE to see my blog post on the essential travel gear I recommend but also bare these in mind:

• Luggage and Backpacks: If you need a new suitcase or travel backpack, this is the perfect time to buy. Brands like Samsonite and Osprey (I swear by their backpacks & have several) often offer significant discounts on their products. Look for durable, lightweight options that will suit your travel style. HERE is the backpack with wheels that I use.

• Travel Gadgets and Accessories: This is also a great time to pick up travel essentials like noise-cancelling headphones, portable chargers, and travel adapters. Check out deals from retailers like Amazon.

• Travel Clothing and Footwear: Comfortable and versatile clothing is essential for any trip. Look for discounts on items like moisture-wicking shirts, packable jackets, and travel shoes from brands like Patagonia, Columbia, and Merrell.

• Toiletry Kits and Organizers: Keeping your belongings organized is key when traveling solo. Look for deals on toiletry kits, packing cubes, and other travel organizers from brands like Sea to Summit.

• Travel Insurance: While not a physical item, travel insurance is a crucial part of any trip. Some insurance providers offer discounts during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so it’s worth checking out (see Safety Wing for example). Make sure to compare policies to find the best coverage for your needs.

Don’t Forget About Digital Deals

Beyond physical gear and bookings, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are also great times to grab deals on digital products that can enhance your trip.

• Travel Apps and Subscriptions: Many travel-related apps and services, like language learning apps (Duolingo), travel planning tools (TripIt), or VPN services for secure browsing abroad, offer discounted subscriptions during these sales.

• Online Courses and Guides: If you want to learn a new skill before your trip, like photography or local language basics, check platforms like Udemy or Coursera for discounted courses.

• Ebooks and Audiobooks: Maybe now is the time to buy that Kindle (saves a lot of space & weight versus taking books). Or if you already have one, load it up with travel guides, novels, and audiobooks for your journey. Amazon often offers significant discounts on digital books during this time.

Shop Smart on the Big Day

When the sales finally arrive, here’s how to make the most of them:

• Prioritize Your Purchases: Start with the big-ticket items like flights and accommodation, as these deals tend to sell out quickly. Once you’ve secured those, move on to travel gear and accessories.

• Use Cashback and Discount Codes: Take advantage of cashback websites like Rakuten or Honey and use any discount codes you’ve collected in advance. These can add up to extra savings on top of sale prices.

• Be Prepared for Lightning Deals: Some retailers offer flash sales or lightning deals that are only available for a short period. Keep an eye on your favourite websites and be ready to act fast if you see something you want.

• Check Return Policies: Make sure to read the return policies before making a purchase, especially for travel gear and electronics. This way, you can return or exchange items if they don’t meet your expectations.

Plan for Cyber Monday

If you didn’t find everything you needed on Black Friday, don’t worry—Cyber Monday often brings a new wave of deals, particularly for tech and travel-related items.

• Monitor Cyber Monday Previews: Many retailers start advertising their Cyber Monday deals over the weekend, so keep an eye out for early announcements and plan accordingly.

• Check for Online-Only Deals: Cyber Monday is known for its online exclusives, so even if you missed out on a Black Friday deal, you might find something even better on Monday.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer incredible opportunities to prepare for your next adventure without breaking the bank. With careful planning, smart shopping, and a little bit of patience, you can score deals that will make your trip more affordable and enjoyable. Remember to stay focused on what you need, prioritize your purchases, and enjoy the process of gearing up. So, [NAME], what is top of your list for Black Friday? What travel bargains have you secured in previous years? Any tips that I’ve missed? Hit reply to this email to let me know or connect via your social method of choice (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Threads or LinkedIn) to give me all the details.

This week marks the final step on my Camino de Santiago videos over on YouTube but if you have ever thought about taking this epic journey for yourself, then this is one not to miss. In THIS VIDEO I share everything you need to know for an incredible first Camino. It includes all the basics for beginners, from training, where to stay, which route to choose, common pitfalls to avoid and why it is such a transformational journey. See it for yourself HERE.

Did you find this email useful? If so, why not forward it to a friend?

Until next time, 

Happy shopping and safe travels!

Sue x

This newsletter may contain affiliate links. By using these, Sue Where Why What may receive a small commission for which I say thank you, but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own.

​More of my Adventures…

Blog – ​My Top 12 Essential Things for Travelling

Blog – 20 Simple Tips for Travelling with a Carry-On

Video – Walking the Camino de Santiago What You Need to Know!

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