A Backpacker’s Black Friday

A Backpacker’s Black Friday. Yes, friends – it’s that time of year again. The day we wait for all year long. No, we’re not talking about Christmas – it’s Black Friday! The first Friday after Thanksgiving was traditionally a massive shopping day for customers in the US but it’s now spread to our shores. This year Black Friday falls on Friday 29 November and Cyber Monday (when the specials continue) is on Monday 2 December. 

As teachers or English as a Foreign Language, we are naturally travellers too and Black Friday is a great way to stock up on all backpacking essentials that we need for our nomadic lives. Or, it can be a good chance to find that perfect Christmas gift for that special backpacker in your life. 

So what are you waiting for? Let’s have a look at what you can expect from our favourite retailers this year to help you find the perfect backpacking accessory or gift. 

Flights

Where would a backpacker be without cheap flights? Last year Ryanair offered amazing deals on Black Friday, such as 25% off 1 million seats, £30 off return flights and 100 000 seats from £9.99. Plus they had great specials on their car hire and accommodation too. Be sure to check out their website on Black Friday to see what they are going to offer this year. 

Virgin Atlantic are sure to also have some crazy specials on offer, with their Black Friday sale starting on Friday 29 November and running until Monday 2 December, so whether you want to fly to Dubai or Delhi, Virgin has got you covered. 

Luggage

It’s all well and good having flights, but we can’t go anywhere without cool luggage! Herschel Supply Company have gorgeous suitcases, duffles, totes and backpacks for the whole family, which are perfect for everything from weekend trips to gap years.

Buy maybe you’re a more adventurous backpacker who is considering jungle trekking in Chiang Mai, Thailand, or hiking a volcano in Quito, Ecuador. Then you should head on over to Gossamer Gear for more serious backpacks, tents and other hiking and trekking paraphernalia. 

Fashion

One of the great things about backpacking is that you never know what you’re going to be doing. One day you could be on a desert safari in Dubai and the next soaking in a mountain mud pool in Vietnam. One thing’s for sure, though, the days of backpackers in scruffy shorts and dirty vests are long gone. These days it’s easy and affordable to dress well while living your best life abroad. Ray-bans and Havaianas are quintessential backpacker gear, so keep an eye on their websites for their Black Friday deals to ensure you look good while living your best life. 

Technology

Even if you’re planning on venturing far off the beaten track, there’s not much we do these days without technology. To make sure you capture your Instagram-worthy lifestyle, check out Amazon for their deals on phones and cameras. While you’re there, you should probably get yourself some new earphones or a Kindle too. Last year saw a price drop of £100 on the Samsung Galaxy S9 and £50 on the Kindle Paperwhite, so we’re hoping for similar (if not better!) deals this year.

Don’t forget, even though Black Friday is only on 29 November, that doesn’t mean you can’t start preparing now. Make a list of the items you need or really want and get to know their regular prices, so you can be sure the Black Friday specials are really, well, special. Sign up for newsletters, create online accounts, and add items to your wishlist so you don’t waste time on the day looking for products. Many retailers are already offering amazing deals in the run up to Black Friday so there’s no need to wait to start shopping!