I’m a Shopping Writer, and Nordstrom Rack Is My Secret for Saving on Travel Pieces

There’s a certain rush that comes with finding a really good deal. As a shopping writer, I’ve mastered the art of spotting truly impressive online discounts on designer pieces before the rest of the internet gets a whiff of them. At the risk of having to compete with you for deals, dear reader, I’ll let you in on a little secret: Some of my greatest travel sale conquests over the past few years — like a Michael Kors wool coat at 70 percent off and a Travelpro suitcase for under $100 — came from Nordstrom Rack, specifically in its Clearance section. 

That’s right — Nordstrom Rack is a hub for discounted luggage, too. It has a wide variety of travel organizers like toiletry bags and packing cubes, which is why it’s become a one-stop shop for my travel needs. Curious to know what I’ve spotted at Nordstrom Rack recently? Keep reading to discover the 12 luggage pieces, cozy separates, and comfy shoes I’m eyeing for myself, including a Roberto Cavalli duffel with over $400 off and these Sorel hiking boots for $118 off. A word to the wise, though: Nordstrom Rack deals are usually so steep that stock tends to run out quickly, so if something catches your eye, I recommend grabbing it now.

Sam Edelman Belted Trench Coat

We might still be in the thick of January, but before you know it, spring will be here, and with it, more rainy days. This gorgeous belted trench coat from Sam Edelman will shield you from the elements thanks to its water-resistant fabric and full hood. Functional and beautiful at the same time, this trench is yours for $100 — half of the original price tag. 

Travelpro Pilot Air 2 Rolling Underseat Carry-on 

We love the space-saving convenience of underseat carry-ons, and this Pilot Air 2 option from Travelpro is a steal right now at Nordstrom Rack. On sale for nearly $200 off, this roomy travel bag comes with a padded compartment for your electronics, zippered mesh pockets, large zippered pockets on the front, left, and right sides, and ball-bearing spinning wheels for smooth maneuvering in the airport. One shopper gave it a five-star rating, sharing that it’s “small but mighty” and easily held up to four days’ worth of clothing. 

Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Be True Sneaker

Podiatrist-loved shoe brand Dr. Scholl’s is known for its supportive, travel-friendly slip-ons and sneakers, and right now, you can try out a pair for yourself while saving $40. These lace-up Be True sneakers, available in three colorways, have a low-top silhouette that’s easier to slip in and out of in comparison to high-top shoes (a major convenience factor at the TSA checkpoint). They’ve got anti-microbial, anti-odor insoles, a grippy, lightweight rubber outsole, and a wide toe box for extra room.  

DKNY Men’s Essential Tech Pants

These DKNY essential tech pants, on sale for just $25, are perfect for any winter trips you have on the horizon. The relaxed pull-on travel pants have an adjustable drawstring waist, elastic ankle cuffs, and deep side pockets. Plus, they’re made with a soft, stretchy fabric that’ll keep you comfortable on flights, excursions, and everything in between. Versatile enough to wear to the office, one five-star reviewer says that they “liked them so much,” they ended up buying more pairs. 

Béis The Work Tote

Need a new work bag? Look no further than this stunning tote from Béis. Both color options — black and beige — are neutral enough to match just about any business ensemble you pair it with. The spacious tote has interior divider pockets for keeping your documents and valuables organized, plus a removable, padded laptop sleeve. A nifty zippered pocket trolly sleeve at the rear allows you to slip it on top of your rolling luggage should you want to use it as a carry-on or personal item. Previously $148, it’s on sale right now for $80.

Lucky Brand Geo Print Faux Fur Zip Jacket

I’m always on the hunt for cozy travel separates, and right now, I’m eyeing this Western-inspired faux fur jacket from Lucky Brand. On sale for 70 percent off, this jacket comes in nine different patterns and has a full-zip opening and a raised collar for added warmth. Several Nordstrom Rack shoppers rave about its warmth, with one sharing that they initially bought one as a gift before buying one for themselves, too. 

Roberto Cavalli Travel Drop Bottom Nylon Duffle Bag

It’s par for the course to pay hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars for a luxury handbag, so when I found this Roberto Cavalli duffel for less than $100, I was floored. On sale for 81 percent off, this gorgeous travel duffel combines style with functionality. It has a fully-zipped base compartment perfect for shoes, an interior mesh pocket, a fully-zipped top closure for safekeeping, and rose gold hardware throughout.

Melloday Bouclé Travel Coat

As someone who’s always freezing on flights, I try to keep an eye out for cozy layering pieces in between trips. This gorgeous Melloday travel coat, 44 percent off, is in my Nordstrom Rack shopping cart as I type this. Constructed with ultra-soft bouclé fabric, this coat has cardigan-like features — including a shawl collar, deep waist pockets, and a below-knee length — that make it easy to layer on top of business casual ensembles. As I originally suspected, one five-star reviewer attests that it “can go with just about any occasion or outfit.”

Sorel Women’s Hi-Line Cozy Lace-Up Hiking Boot 

You may already love Sorel for its rugged-yet-stylish hiking boots, and the discounted Hi-Line boots are no exception. With over $100 off, the lace-up boots are constructed with thick, rugged rubber outsoles and a cushioned EVA footbed for extra arch support. The exterior is made of water-resistant suede to shield your toes from water, snow, and mud, and the padded heel collar prevents ankle blisters. Somehow, the boots — despite being 51 percent off — are still available in every size, so grab a pair for yourself while you still can. 

Calpak Lomita 4-piece Hardside Luggage Set

California-based luggage brand Calpak is one of our favorites here at Travel + Leisure, so I was stoked to see that this four-piece hardside luggage set had made it into Nordstrom Rack’s clearance section. Typically listed at $330, it’s just $190 right now — a major steal considering that it has everything you need for travel, including a checked suitcase, a rolling carry-on, a comfy travel neck pillow, and a sleeping eye mask.  

Caslon Casual Gauze Button-up Shirt

Everyone needs a classic button-down in their travel wardrobe, and right now, you can scoop up one for yourself for as low as $8. This Caslon shirt, 86 percent off, is made with a gauze-y, 100 percent cotton material that’ll keep you cool on warm weather trips. Despite the breezy linen fabric, the classic point collar and chest pocket give it a business casual feel. One five-star reviewer called it their “favorite summer shirt,” adding that they use it as a “last-minute cover-up for the beach.”

Calvin Klein Belted Shirtdress

As a travel editor, I believe it’s essential for everyone to have a versatile, dinner-friendly dress on deck. The Calvin Klein belted shirtdress is a fabulous option for many reasons. It has long sleeves that can be pinned back to three-quarter length and a buttoned top that can be adjusted for warmer trips. The flowy A-line design is universally flattering, and you can easily swap the wide square buckle with any belt from your closet, making it a breeze to match with your existing wardrobe.

More Nordstrom Rack Travel Deals to Shop:

BCBGeneration Women’s Hooded Short Puffer Jacket

Marc Jacobs Quilted Medium Tote Bag

Splendid Jette Sweater Pants

Madden Girl Folding Makeup Case

Vionic Women’s Kensley Loafer 

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