The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale isn’t just another calendar event. It is the one window of the year where the markup on luxury travel gear finally drops to reality. If you have been eyeing high-end luggage or shoes that refuse to budge on price, this is the time. The sale is now wide open.
Until July 18, only elite members of The Nordy Club and Nordstrom Visa Signature Cardholders could get a head start. Now, everyone gets in on the action. The event runs through August 9, 2026, meaning you have nearly a month to hunt down deals. But time is still tight. Inventory moves fast.
Here is how to shop smart, where the real value lies, and which travel essentials actually make the cut for your next trip.
Why the Anniversary Sale is Different for Travelers
Most retailers wait for Black Friday to slash prices on hard goods. Nordstrom flips this script. The Anniversary Sale introduces new styles early in the year, allowing customers to buy current-season merchandise at steep discounts. This matters for travel because it means you aren’t stuck with last year’s colors. You can get the new Away “Tawny Brown” or the Hoka Clifton 9 in the right shade right now.
It also matters because travel gear doesn’t go on clearance often. A good leather cosmetics case or a pair of On Running shoes rarely see a 30% drop unless you catch the Anniversary Sale.
- Early Access Dates (Already Passed):
- July 14: Icons
- July 15: Ambassadors
- July 16: Influencers
- July 18: Everyone (Current Status)
You can still maximize rewards even without the Nordstrom card. Use portals like Rakuten for roughly 2% cash back. Better yet, look at airline shopping portals. United MileagePlus Shopping and American AAdvantage eShopping sometimes offer extra miles on Nordstrom gift cards. Buy the card, use it for the sale items, and stack those points. It is a simple hack that adds value without extra cost.
Best Luggage and Carry-Ons for Every Trip Type
Luggage is a high-ticket item. Saving $100 or more on a set changes the equation from “nice to have” to “buy immediately.”
Samsonite Octiv Hardside Two-Piece Set
- Price: $267.99 (Normally $439.98, save nearly 40%)
- Why it works: You get a 20-inch carry-on and an 8-inch checked bag. This is a full solution for most trips. The hardside shell protects contents better than soft nylon. The set comes in four colors. The silver option stands out at baggage claim. If you are traveling for more than a week, the 28-inch option is essential.
Away The Bigger Flex Carry-On
- Price: $257.99 (Normally $345)
- Why it works: Away is a premium brand. They rarely discount deeply. Getting it for under $300 during a Prime Day event or Black Friday is rare. Nordstrom currently holds exclusive shades like Oxblood Red and Tawny Brown. The “Bigger Flex” model includes an expandable zipper. This gives you extra inches for souvenirs without buying a second bag. It is perfect for week-long trips. Most other sizes sold out instantly when early access opened.
Bags and Accessories That Actually Hold Things Together
A suitcase gets you to the hotel. Your carry-on bag gets you through the airport. These items focus on organization and style without weighing you down.
Longchamp Le Foulonne Cosmetics Case
- Price: $99.99 (Normally $150, save 33%)
- Why it works: It looks like a makeup pouch. It works as one. But its structured shape also keeps keys, AirPods, and chargers from sinking to the bottom of your backpack. It comes in black or a bright red that makes finding it easy. It is pebbled leather. Durable. Light.
Beis “The Travel Crossbody Bag”
- Price: From $57.99 (Normally $78)
- Why it works: Crossbody bags are the unsung heroes of city travel. This one features cobalt blue, a Nordstrom exclusive. It has an adjustable strap. Zip-top closure. Two exterior pockets and internal organization slots. It keeps your passport and phone separate from your loose change. Lightweight fabric makes it easy to wear all day.
Walking Shoes: Because 20,000 Steps Hurt
You will walk. A lot. Europe? Museums. City breaks? Cobblestones. Your feet will thank you for choosing support over fashion.
Hoka Clifton Nine Sneaker
- Price: $119.99 (Normally $145)
- Why it works: These are built for distance. Air-mesh panels keep feet cool. The cushioning absorbs impact. If you plan on hitting the ground for hours, skip the sandals. The gray and white combo is the safest bet. It pairs with jeans, shorts, or running tights.
On Cloudrunner 2
- Price: $99.99 (Normally about $160)
- Why it works: On shoes usually carry a premium tag. Here, the price drops nearly 40%. This is one of their lighter, faster models. Good for those who run to catch flights or just want a snappy feel while walking. Available in women’s sizing.
Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle Sandal
- Price: $109.99 (Normally $174.95, save nearly 40%)
- Why it works: Hotels have carpet. Airports have concrete. Sometimes you need something breathable. The Arizona is a classic for arch support. The “Big Buckle” update adds a metal accent that looks less like a slipper and more like a dressed-up sandal. Comes in baby blue, orchid pink, or white.
Outerwear and Comfort Layers
Weather changes. Plans change. You need layers that don’t add bulk to your suitcase.
The North Face Antora Waterproof Hoodie
- Price: $109.99 (From $140)
- Why it works: It is not a heavy parka. It is a lightweight hoodie with a durable water-repellent finish. Throw it on when the sun dips. It blocks light rain and wind. The slightly boxy fit looks modern on city streets. It packs down small enough to fit in any daypack. Available in black and white.
Vuori Villa Wide Leg Pants
- Price: $95.99 (From $128)
- Why it works: They look like nice trousers. They feel like pajamas. Vuori’s signature fabric stretches, wicks sweat, and resists wrinkles. You can sleep in them. You can eat dinner in them. You can look put-together for a show in them. Colors include light brown, black, and navy.
Skincare and Beauty for the Carry-On
Checking bags is risky. Liquids spill. Bottles break. Travel-sized luxury sets solve this problem by giving you full-size experiences in mini formats.
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50 (Duo Set)
- Price: $67 for the set ($32 per bottle)
- Why it works: Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen is a cult favorite. It goes on clear. No white cast. It works as a makeup primer too. The set includes two bottles. Keep one in your bathroom. Keep one in your toiletry kit. Sun protection is non-negotiable for outdoor activities.
La Mer “The Most Loved Minis”
- Price: $98 (Normally $208)
- Why it works: This set offers massive savings on a luxury brand. You get a foaming cleanser, serum-strength lotion, moisturizing day cream, rejuvenating night cream, and a green travel pouch. If you travel often, buying travel sizes separately costs way more than $98. This is a steal. Act fast; these sell out quickly.
Byredo Icon Travel Essentials Set
- Price: $200 (Normally $300)
- Why it works: Byredo fragrances are iconic but expensive. This set includes miniature bottles of woody scents like Gypsy Water and Bal d’Afrique. You also get floral options like Blanche. Stash them in your makeup bag. No leaks. No heavy bottles. Just your signature scent ready to go.
Gear for Parents: Because Traveling with Kids is Different
Kids grow fast. Strollers get heavy. Airports get long. This item bridges the gap.
Stokke JetKids BedBox
- Price: $185.99 (Normally $249)
- Why it works: Designed for ages 2 to 7. It looks like a small carry-on suitcase. But the top flips up. It becomes a bed with a mattress. Kids can ride it through the terminal. Then, once on the plane, the lid transforms into a seat pad and bed. It reduces the stress of long flights significantly. Parents will thank you for suggesting it.
The Bottom Line
The 2026 Nordstrom AnniversarySale ends on August 9. Deals will disappear as inventory runs low. Popular items like the La Mer set or specific Away shades often sell out within hours.
You don’t need a Nordstrom card to shop. You do need to act.
Check the links below to secure the prices mentioned. If you are planning a European trip this summer, the Hoka Cliftons and the La Mer minis are worth prioritizing. For a weekend getaway, the Beis crossbody and the Samsonite carry-on are the smartest buys.
Which item is on your list?
