Lose count 😉

You’re gonna want to bookmark this email. 

I’ve been carefully collecting and sorting my Black Friday emails as if they were my Pokémon cards from 2nd grade.

Today, I present to you an early Christmas present: the best Black Friday deals categorized for your convenience.

Hey, this is Kelsey, and you’re reading the SiteSee newsletter. Think of me as your big sis when it comes to travel, inspiring you to keep going places. Expect an email from me every Friday filled with tips for living a location-independent lifestyle and the gear to get you there.

Travel Story✍️

This week I’m in San Diego.

I had originally moved here during covid and spent most days heading down to the boardwalk to run and unwind by the beach. It has such a special place in my heart.

To make the most of my time here, I scheduled dinners with old friends, including a catch-up dinner on Tuesday with a girlfriend I hadn't seen in a year.

We were updating each other on our lives when she asked, “So how many countries have you been to now?”

Funny enough, I’ve never actually counted. But I did when I got home. (It’s 22…I think).

Her question made me contemplate why I never bothered to keep track, considering that many people often do. Even just on a call with a client this week I heard them say, “I’m going to Denmark for Christmas, which will be my 40th country!”

As I gave it some thought, I realized that:

1) I’m just not a numbers person. In fact, I’m the one always having to take out my calculator to figure out the 20% tip on a $40 tab.

2) Traveling has never been about trying to "achieve" something. I do it because I love it. Not because I’m trying to increase my count.

And I often repeat places and have no sense of guilt for doing so.

For example, I went to Puerto Escondido, Mexico when I was 28. I went back again for my 30th birthday and brought all my friends. And I have no doubt I’ll go again in the next few years because who can say no to that sweet, sweet Oaxaca cheese?

I think that’s the takeaway.

Don’t do something just for the count.

Do something you love so much, that you lose count.

Gear Check🧳

I've divided this into two sections: the best Black Friday deals for everyone on your list, and the best for you. 

Because treat yo’self.

Best Black Friday Deals for friends and family

1. Crossbody, toiletry bags, and travel pouches: Quince

Quince has hands-down the best quality dupes. And they’re not crappy Amazon dupes, they’re legit. For friends, I recommend this toiletry bag (looks just like Dagne Dover), this leather phone crossbody (looks just like Cuyana), and this leather pouch travel set. (Sale from 11/23-11/2, 15%-75% off).

2. Packing cubes and cord organizers: Calpak 

I always think packing cubes are a great gift. It's one of those things you dislike purchasing for yourself, yet it turns out to be a necessity when you're on the go, and Calpak offers the cutest designs. (Sale from now until Black Friday, up to 60% off sitewide). 

3. Suitcases: Away 

I dropped my Away carry-on down a flight of stairs and it was totally fine. Plus, they’ve been around long enough and continue to be the best for carry-on suitcases IMO. (Sale from now until 11/27, 20% off all suitcases).

Best Black Friday Deals for you

1. Underwear: SKIMS

If you’ve been rocking your Target underwear from high school, now’s the time to upgrade. Love her or hate her, Kim K’s SKIMS underwear is the best and most comfortable. (Sale on Black Friday, up to 40% off).

2. Pretty much any accessory: Quince (again) 

Get this cashmere scarf that’s perfect for the plane and these earrings that look just like the ones from Mejuri. (Sale from 11/23-11/2, 15%-75% off).

3. Linen tops, pants, and dresses: Magic Linen

A staple in any travel wardrobe. I wore this linen shirt three days in a row last week. ‘Nuff said. (Sale from now until 11/19, 25% off sitewide).

4. Backpacks, weekender bags, sling bags: Lo & Sons.

I can’t say enough good things about this brand. Their weekender bags are top notch and I’ve used this backpack for close to two years now. This sling bag is also my go-to; I got rid of my purse entirely. (Sale from 11/20-12/4, up to 70% off).

Airport Reads🗞️

• Cue the White Lotus theme song. Expedia put together a guide forecasting the top travel destinations for 2024, inspired by television shows and movies.

• In the spirit of saving, check out this list from Thrillist of the best travel dupes for more expensive and popular destinations.

• I’m feeling called to participate in another plant medicine journey next year and ordered this highly recommended book, Alchemical Ayahuasca.

Last Thing✨

Thanks for being here! Before we part ways, I thought I’d pose a question that Tim Ferriss asks his podcast guests prior to interviewing. However, I've rephrased it to ask myself:

Asking myself this helped me prioritize time with friends and let go of busy work that didn’t matter much in the grand scheme of things.

Onwards,

Kelsey

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