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Save big on travel-friendly tech gifts before the shopping frenzy begins.
Travel + Leisure / Madison Woiten
On a recent trip to Iceland, it dawned on me mid-flight that I never travel without my Apple products. There I was, working on my MacBook Air (the laptop that had us rethink what a lightweight computer was capable of), listening to music with my AirPods via my iPhone, and keeping tabs on my luggage with an AirTag. Apple has been a constant in my life since before the first iPhone launched, and to this day, it’s my go-to for all things tech.
Why? The brand’s reputation for quality, ease of use, and cutting-edge features makes managing multiple devices a breeze. Sure, I occasionally switch to other headphones, but Apple is always my first choice when it comes to most tech, like my laptop or phone. Yes, their premium products come with premium price tags, but the quality speaks for itself. If you’ve been considering diving into the Apple ecosystem — maybe eyeing an iPad or hunting for new headphones for your next flight — you don’t need to wait for their rare sales events to upgrade.
Apple fans know that sales of their coveted items only happen a handful of times yearly. Luckily, I’ve done the legwork for you and found the best pre-Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals at Amazon for AirPods, Apple Watches, iPads, and more. Take it from someone who’s been writing about tech and sniffing out the best deals for years — don’t wait until Black Friday or Cyber Monday to snag an upgrade. These 10 Apple deals are live now and are too good to miss.
Related: The 52 Best Amazon Early Black Friday Travel Deals You’ll Catch Us Shopping This Weekend — All Under $50
Apple AirTag 4 Pack
For all your upcoming holiday travel, it’s wise to have more than one of Apple’s game-changing AirTags tucked into your checked bag or carry-on luggage. These handy little devices have been a traveler’s best friend since their debut. Using Apple’s Find My app, AirTags helps you locate and keep tabs on your suitcase, keys, or backpack. They proved invaluable during my trip to Iceland, when I left my tote in the van while hiking all day. With my phone always on hand, I could quickly and easily check on my belongings no matter where I trekked. But for most folks’ needs, they help you keep track of any luggage mishaps. Oh, and they double as excellent stocking stuffers. Right now, you can get these for 26 percent off.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds
Apple AirPods changed the game for in-ear sound, and the AirPods Pro 2 takes it to the next level. Even as an over-the-ear headphones guy, I was amazed the first time I tried them. The sound quality is incredible, with deep bass and Apple’s Spatial Audio that tailors the experience just for you by tracking your head movements and adjusting the audio. Active Noise Cancelation mode is a lifesaver on flights or in noisy spots, while Transparency mode lets you stay aware of your surroundings — perfect for walking or biking. With over five hours of battery life, these were my go-to on recent trips, from Iceland to New York City. Normally $249, they’re now available at a steal. You’ll definitely want to grab a pair (or two) at this price — you won’t regret it.
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
The Apple Watch SE is Apple’s most accessible option for anyone looking to elevate their wrist game — and it’s a fantastic travel companion. With features like maps, translations, weather updates, and boarding passes right on your wrist, exploring new places has never been easier, especially when you’d rather not keep pulling out your phone. You can download maps and travel info for offline use, adjust to new time zones automatically, and use the Translate app to decode phrases in other languages quickly. Plus, the SE handles all the essentials, from activity tracking and heart rate notifications to Emergency SOS and Crash Detection. It’s Apple’s signature smartwatch experience, and at this price, this one early Black Friday and Cyber Monday deal you won’t want to miss.
Apple Watch Series 10
especially for travel. Its slimmer design and larger, more polished display make it feel more premium, while features like health monitoring and fast charging with 20 hours of battery life add functionality. The always-on display and health tools are particularly handy when you’re on the go, whether you need to track your sleep on a long-haul flight or check your vitals during an active day exploring a new city. Plus, the improved screen-to-body ratio makes glancing at notifications, maps, or time zones a breeze. If you don’t need all the extras, the Apple Watch SE is a great, budget-friendly option that covers the basics. However, if you value a larger display with more features, the Series 10 is worth the upgrade.
Apple iPad Mini (A15 Bionic)
With its ultra-portable design, the iPad mini is a dream companion for travelers, offering all-day battery life in an impressively compact 8.3-inch package. It fits handily into a backpack or even a larger purse. If I didn’t need to work on a laptop in hotel rooms, I’d use the iPad mini for everything else — watching YouTube, jotting down ideas for articles (like this one), reading, etc. The Liquid Retina display with True Tone adjusts the color and intensity to match the ambient light so everything you view — maps, eBooks, or shows — looks stunning. While the A15 chip in this model doesn’t offer the same power as the newer (and pricier) A17 chip, it’s more than capable of handling everyday tasks. And at a significantly lower price, this iPad mini remains one of the best options for travelers who want power and portability in one sleek device.
Apple Pencil (USB-C)
I’m old school when it comes to jotting down ideas, which is why I’m such a fan of the Apple Pencil. At under $70, it’s a fantastic investment for anyone who loves to write or sketch — and it makes an excellent gift for travelers, too. The Apple Pencil has the precision and ease of a traditional pen while working in step and unlocking the power of your iPad. You can take notes, markup maps, sketch, annotate photos, sign forms, and even translate text on the go. Whether planning, journaling, or capturing, it adds creativity, practicality, and fun to your travels. This USB-C model works with all iPad models. If you haven’t tried it yet, now’s the time to snag one — your inner jotter will thank you!
Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-ear Headphones
Yes, Apple’s AirPods were groundbreaking, but if you’re like me and prefer the comfort of over-ear headphones for long journeys, road trips, or flights, AirPods Max are the ultimate upgrade. Designed for extended travel, they deliver high-fidelity sound and pack advanced features like Adaptive EQ, which fine-tunes audio in real time based on fit; Active Noise Cancelation mode to block out distractions; Transparency mode for staying aware of your surroundings; and Spatial Audio, which uses dynamic head tracking for an immersive experience. Even better, they come in fresh holiday-ready colors like midnight, starlight, blue, purple, and orange. My go-to, space gray, is currently on sale alongside sky blue, though you’ll want to check back to grab your favorite colorway if it goes on discount!
Apple 2022 MacBook Air Laptop With M2 Chip
I bought Apple’s universally loved MacBook Air M2 in 2022, and it’s still my primary computer. The Air was once seen as more of a beginner’s laptop — great for college students or web browsing. But with its latest iterations, the MacBook Air has become the standard for anyone who doesn’t need the bells and whistles of the Pro. Unless you’re doing heavy-duty editing or coding tasks, this M2 chip delivers all the power most people will ever need. The redesign — with its sleeker, squared-off chassis — is aesthetically stunning and more durable while still incredibly lightweight. I use this Macbook to work in hotel rooms and my apartment, and I am still in awe of how portable yet powerful it is. Now, at the lowest price since its launch — 25 percent off with the on-site coupon — it’s a no-brainer. If you’re looking for a powerful all-around laptop that’s built to last for years, this is it.
Apple 2024 MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop With M3 Chip
If you’re someone who always needs the latest tech, the 2024 MacBook Air with the M3 chip is the way to go. With a 23-percent discount (make sure to apply to on-site coupon!), it’s an excellent value for this cutting-edge computer. This 15-inch MacBook offers upgrades over the M2 model: the blazing-fast M3 chip, support for two external displays, and Wi-Fi 6E for faster, more reliable connectivity while traveling. The improved chip makes it noticeably quicker for demanding tasks or running multiple programs simultaneously. While the design remains identical to the M2 model, the extra power under the hood and the larger display make it ideal for creative professionals or multitaskers who rely on smooth performance for photo editing, video projects, or heavy workflows. If speed and efficiency matter, this is the MacBook to get.
Apple 20W USB-C Power Adapter
We’ve all been there: you reach your destination, start rummaging through your luggage, and mutter, “I could have sworn I packed it!” Meanwhile, your Apple device is hanging on with less than 10 percent battery. That’s why it’s always worth tossing an extra adapter (or two) into your bag and keeping them there, especially for frequent fliers. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not scrambling to find a charger at the airport. This Apple adaptor delivers superfast charging for most iPhone, iPad, Watch, and AirPods models. Bonus? It makes an excellent stocking stuffer — practical, compact, and one of those essentials you don’t think to buy for yourself but always need. Think of it as the new-age equivalent of socks: humble yet indispensable.
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