Catherine Cortez Masto Slams Tariffs as Airfares and Hotel Prices Soar—Here Are 20 Travel Must-Haves to Grab Before Costs Skyrocket
It started with a simple flight search. I was planning a quick weekend getaway—nothing fancy, just a little escape before the summer chaos hit. But when I saw the price of a round-trip ticket to Denver, I nearly spit out my coffee. $486 for a basic economy seat.
Not business class. Not even extra legroom. Just me, crammed next to a stranger, for almost $500. Then came the kicker—hotels were no better. Even the “budget” options had jumped by 20% since last year. What in the world was going on? Turns out, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto’s been asking the same thing.
The Nevada senator recently called out the impact of new and expanded tariffs, warning that these policies are slamming not just businesses, but everyday travelers like you and me. And she’s not wrong. These rising costs aren’t just limited to plane tickets and hotel rooms—they’re baked into almost everything we use to travel.
From luggage to power banks, headphones to water bottles, nearly every item on your packing list is about to get more expensive. Here’s what you need to know—and the 17 travel must-haves I’m stocking up on before prices skyrocket.
Luggage and Travel Bags
Over 70% of the luggage sold in North America comes from China and Vietnam. Tariffs on these imports have already pushed up prices by 30% in some cases, according to data from the American Apparel & Footwear Association.
And it’s not just designer brands—budget options at places like Walmart and Target are feeling the heat too.
Power Banks and Portable Chargers
I never travel without a portable charger. But most of these are manufactured in China, and new tariffs could raise prices by 25–40%. Retailers like Anker and Mophie have already hinted at upcoming increases.
One tech analyst at Gartner noted that “travel electronics are particularly vulnerable because of their narrow profit margins and China-heavy supply chains.”
Noise-Canceling Headphones
I paid $249 for my Bose QuietComforts two years ago. Today, they’re hovering around $279—and climbing. Why? Because brands like Bose, Sony, and even Apple still rely on manufacturing in tariff-hit countries.
A report from the Consumer Technology Association noted a nearly 10% average price increase during the last wave of tariffs.
Travel Adapters and Converters
You’d think a $10 adapter wouldn’t be that big of a deal. But when tariffs get tacked onto the mass-produced plastic, metal, and internal parts, the price could double. Almost all universal travel adapters are imported. So if you’ve got international travel planned, grab one now.
Smartphones and Accessories
This one stings. iPhones, Androids, chargers, earbuds—all those sleek little travel gadgets are caught up in the tariff mess. Goldman Sachs projected that the average iPhone could see a $100 or more price increase if tariffs remain in place
. And it’s not just phones—the cases, pop sockets, and cords are going up too.
Digital Cameras
I’m old-school. I still carry a separate camera on vacation. But whether it’s Canon, Nikon, or Panasonic, almost every model is built in Asia. Industry insiders say tariffs could increase the prices of some camera brands by $50 to $100. And if you’re buying lenses? Brace yourself.
Travel Clothing and Footwear
It’s not just electronics. Nearly 98% of apparel and 99% of shoes sold in the U.S. are imported. That’s not a typo—ninety-nine percent. Tariffs here could mean price hikes of 10% to 25%, depending on the item. I’ve already noticed my favorite travel joggers go from $45 to $58 in under a year.
Car Seats
Traveling with little ones? You might want to pick up that car seat now. Prices have already jumped from $59 to $145, depending on the model, thanks to tariffs on plastics, textiles, and steel. Safe Kids Worldwide has warned that costs for family travel gear are among the hardest hit.
Laptops, Tablets, and Gaming Consoles
You might be surprised to learn that the average laptop is projected to cost up to $269 by the end of 2025 if tariffs stay in place. Dell, HP, Apple, and Lenovo all manufacture primarily in Asia.
The Consumer Technology Association estimated a cumulative $1.6 billion price increase across the sector this year alone.
Reusable Water Bottles and Travel Mugs
Hydro Flask, S’well, Yeti—they’re stylish, sustainable, and tariff-affected. Most are imported from China or assembled using imported parts. I paid $28 for mine last year; today, the same bottle is $35. That’s a 25% hike—and we haven’t hit the peak yet.
Travel Pillows and Comfort Items
Manufactured abroad using memory foam and synthetic blends, these little luxuries aren’t immune. A mid-range neck pillow that once cost $19 is now hitting $27. It adds up when you’re buying for a family of four.
Toiletry Kits and Organizers
Tariffs on plastics and zippers have raised the cost of toiletry bags by 15–20% over the last year. I used to grab a sturdy one for $12—now they’re starting at $18. Brands like eBags and Sea to Summit are quietly passing costs along to consumers.
Rain Gear (Jackets, Umbrellas, Ponchos)
Planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest or anywhere with unpredictable weather? You may want to snag that rain jacket sooner rather than later. Outdoor gear brands—most of which manufacture overseas—have been steadily raising prices. Tariffs on nylon and polyester-based products are a significant reason.
Certain Food and Beverage Products
That fancy imported tea or espresso you love sipping while watching the sunset from your Airbnb balcony? It just got pricier. Tariffs on imported coffee, tea, chocolate, and wine are making luxury consumables a luxury in every sense of the word.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the average price of imported packaged snacks has jumped by 12.5% this year alone.
Smart TVs and Streaming Devices
Many travelers now pack streaming sticks like Roku or Fire TV. But tariffs on electronics and smart home gear have caused a 20% price spike in these devices over the past 18 months. Even the budget-friendly options are creeping up.
Outdoor and Sporting Equipment
Heading to Yosemite? Planning a Grand Canyon hike? Outdoor gear, including backpacks, hiking boots, and sleeping bags, is experiencing significant cost increases. The Outdoor Industry Association has voiced concern about tariffs inflating prices by 25–30%, particularly for imported gear.
Sunscreen and Personal Care Travel Sizes
Travel-size toiletries are being hit from both ends: tariffs on ingredients (such as zinc oxide) and packaging (like plastic mini-bottles). The FDA has warned that imported personal care products may rise by 10–15%, with smaller sizes impacted most.
Key Takeaways
I’m not saying panic-buy your packing list—but I wouldn’t wait too long either. Prices are climbing, inventory is tightening, and global supply chains aren’t exactly stable.
Senator Catherine Cortez Masto’s criticism isn’t just political posturing. The numbers speak for themselves: $22 billion in projected travel spending loss, a 12.3% drop in international tourism, and nearly every product on our travel checklist now under pricing pressure.
So what can you do? Start with smart timing. If you’ve got travel planned in the next 6–12 months, grab your essentials before tariffs really sink their teeth in.
Look for sales on current inventory—retailers are eager to move stock purchased before tariff hikes. Rotate out streaming services, buy refurbished electronics, and borrow what you can from friends.
And maybe… just maybe… plan that vacation closer to home. At least until the tariff dust settles. Because while we can’t control global trade policies, we can outsmart the system—one travel pillow and portable charger at a time.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
Don’t Swipe Until You Read This: The 7 Best Credit Cards for 2025 Ranked by Rewards
The 7 Best Credit Cards for 2025 Ranked by Rewards
There’s this moment that sticks with me—standing at a checkout line, swiping my old card like I always did, and thinking, “Wait… why am I not getting anything back for this?” I wasn’t traveling on points. I wasn’t getting cash back. I was just spending. Sound familiar?
Look, the truth is, credit cards can work for you—if you choose the right one. And in 2025, you’ve got some seriously rewarding options that can actually boost your bank account. From travel lovers to grocery haulers, there’s something for everyone.
Let’s break down the best credit cards out there this year—the ones that actually give back.
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