The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is back — and unlike many sales that discount last season’s leftovers, this one marks down new-season favorites that are perfect for travel. I combed the sale and pulled traveler-friendly highlights across clothing, shoes, luggage, beauty, and accessories so you can shop the best deals without digging through every page.
Sale timing and access
– Early access for Nordstrom cardholders began in mid-July (Icon, Ambassador, Influencer tiers got staggered access).
– The sale opened to the public on July 18 and runs through August 9. If you want a specific item, don’t wait — popular sizes and colors sell out fast.
Top picks for travelers
Below are the picks I’d prioritize for packing, airport comfort, or giving travel-focused gifts. I grouped them by category and noted why they’re useful on the road.
Women’s clothing
– Cozy airport layers: lightweight half-zip sweatshirts and wide-leg loungewear are staples for flights. Look for the AirEssentials half-zip and matching wide-leg pants for an easy, packable travel uniform.
– Easy pants for transit and sightseeing: Vuori’s wide-leg Villa pants feel polished but move with you — great for long travel days and summer sightseeing.
– Leggings and bike shorts: Zella’s Studio Luxe leggings and pocket bike shorts are supportive, breathable, and inexpensive to replace when marked down.
– Rain and outdoor layers: a compressible, waterproof rain hoodie (The North Face Antora) or a lightweight Barbour casual jacket for varied climates.
– Travel cashmere: Nordstrom’s cashmere crewneck or V‑neck cardigans make great plane layers that don’t take up much space in a suitcase.
Men’s clothing
– Versatile chinos and shorts: Bonobos stretch chinos and AG chino shorts travel well, resist wrinkles, and work for casual dinners or hikes.
– Performance tops and half-zips: Barbour and The North Face half-zips and insulated jackets are excellent layering pieces for unpredictable weather.
– Joggers and destination-ready pants: stylish joggers and travel-specific pants keep you comfortable on flights and walking tours.
Comfortable shoes
– Everyday sneakers: look for cushioned, walking-ready sneakers (Nike Vomero, New Balance 327, Adidas Samba) for airport dashes and long days on foot.
– Supportive flats and loafers: Vionic woven Mary Jane and Rothy’s driver are comfortable for airports and light touring.
– Sandals for summer travel: OluKai slides and Birkenstocks are easy to slip on in security and at beach destinations.
– Waterproof and seasonal boots: Hunter Chelseas and Sorel options are on sale for rainy or colder trips.
Luggage
– Carry-ons and expandables: the Away Bigger Flex carry-on and Béis expandable roller are good mid-price choices that pack well and fit most overhead bins.
– Value sets: multi-piece luggage sets (Delsey, Nonstop/New York Elite, Samsonite) can offer big savings if you want coordinated checked and carry pieces.
– Long-trip and premium options: if you travel often or for extended trips, look at Tumi’s extended-spinner and Travelpro crew sets that are deeply marked down.
Handbags and travel bags
– Crossbodies and travel-friendly totes: Longchamp Le Foulonné, Béis travel crossbody, and Tumi nylon crossbodies give secure, lightweight ways to stash essentials.
– Convertible and everyday bags: Rag & Bone and Tory Burch offer larger totes or convertible shoulder bags that transition from sightseeing to dinner.
Beauty and skincare for travel
– Travel-ready tools and styling: Dyson Supersonic hair dryer and Therabody TheraFace depuffing wand are popular splurges that travel well if you like to bring salon-grade tools.
– Sunscreen and essentials: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen bundles and La Mer/Chanel curated beauty sets are excellent for packing in carry-ons and make great gifts.
– Skincare kits: look for minis or discovery sets from La Mer and Sulwhasoo — concentrated skincare that fits neatly in a toiletry bag.
Accessories every traveler needs
– Sleep and comfort: mulberry silk pillowcases and silk sleep masks (Blissy, Brooklinen) for better rest on planes and in hotels.
– Compression and socks: Bombas multi-packs are comfortable travel socks for flights and walking days.
– Organization: packing cubes, accordion organizers, and custom-fit organization pods (Wayb, Baggallini) help maximize luggage space and keep items accessible.
– Jewelry and small-item storage: compact zip jewelry boxes are handy for keeping valuables safe while traveling.
Home upgrades to return to
If you prefer to upgrade the home you return to, the sale features deals on bedding, blankets, kitchen staples, and air purifiers — think Cozy Earth throws, Parachute comforters, Brooklinen or Blissy silk pillowcases, Le Creuset Dutch ovens, and compact HEPA purifiers.
How I prioritized picks
When picking travel winners, I looked for items that are lightweight or compressible, multiuse, quick-drying or easy-to-wear, and those that solve common travel problems (temperature changes, long flights, packing organization). I also favored brands and products that hold up over multiple trips.
Shopping tips
– Start with non-negotiables: if you know you want a specific suitcase, shoe, or jacket, buy early in the sale — sizes and colors go fast.
– Think seasonally: the Anniversary Sale includes next-season items, so pick pieces that’ll be useful for upcoming trips rather than impulse buys you won’t wear.
– Check for bundles: beauty and skincare mini-sets often deliver the best value and are easy to travel with.
– Read return policies: Nordstrom’s return policy is generally flexible, but check whether specific items are final sale during the event.
Quick FAQ
– Who can shop? The sale opens early to Nordstrom cardholders and then to the general public (public access began July 18). Everyone can shop during the public window.
– Will new items be added later? Nordstrom typically releases most marked-down items at the start. If you see something you want, don’t delay.
– What categories are the best for deals? Luggage, outerwear, select designer handbags, shoes, and beauty bundles tend to offer the most noticeable savings.
Bottom line
If you travel frequently, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is one of the best times to refresh core travel pieces — luggage, comfortable shoes, easy layers, and TSA-friendly accessories — at meaningful discounts. Shop early for the items you’ll use most; the sale window is limited, and popular travel staples sell out quickly.
