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Home » Gear » best travel watch

17 Best Travel Watches for your Travel Style in 2024

If there is ever a time to have a trustworthy watch, it’s when traveling. A great travel watch can save your ass time and time again. Journeys of all kinds rely on being in the right place at the right time – to catch a flight, meet up with a guide, claim that restaurant reservation, or check in to a hotel.

Though other bits of gear, like smartphones, have usurped the role of the watch for many in everyday life, with changes in time zone and attempts to get away from the constant demands of working life, there’s still no single item more useful to the modern traveler than a good watch.

Besides, in certain places, you want to reduce how often you’re pulling out your phone. A travel watch can keep your smartphone from getting snatched in busy urban areas, where it’s all too common.

Here we bring you what we believe are the very best travel watches to keep you on schedule!

Quick Answer: The Best Travel Watches

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• Best men’s travel watch – Casio G-Shock Gravity Master
• Best women’s travel watch – Timex Women’s Ironman Transit
• Most attractive travel watch – Nordgreen Influencer
• Best watch under $500 – Garmin Instinct 2 Solar
• Best watch under $100 – SOLARMATE watch CITIZEN Q
• Best analogue travel watch – Tissot Seastar 1000
• Best digital travel watch – DIDITIME Sports and Military Watch
• Best travel watch for hikers – Samsung Galaxy Watch
• Best smart watch for staying fit while traveling – Fitbit Charge 4
• Best travel watch with GPS – Garmin Fenix Chronos

Casio G-Shock Gravity Master

• > Protective body
• > Water resistant to 200 m

Timex Women’s Ironman Transit

• Price > $55
• > Durable on the go
• > Follows two time zones

Nordgreen Pioneer

• Price > $289
• > Quality Build
• > Interchangeable Straps

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar

• Price > $449.99
• > GPS tracking and route finding
• > Web connectivity

SOLARMATE watch CITIZEN Q

• Price > $56.43
• > Large digital display
• > Metal wristband

Tissot Seastar 1000

• Price > $493.85
• > Luminous hands
• > Large face

DIDITIME Sports and Military Watch

• Price > $45.99
• > Fabric strap

Samsung Galaxy Watch

• Price > $249.99
• > In-built GPS
• > 4-day battery life

Fitbit Charge 4

• Price > $149.95
• > Measures heart rate without chest strap
• > GPS connectivity

Garmin Fenix Chronos

• Price > $499.95
• > TracBack GPS feature
• > Activity monitor

• Price > $36.98
• > Great look
• > Water resistant

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The Casio G-Shock Gravity Master is a serious travel watch for serious travelers. What makes it so great? First off, the microchips and inner workings of the G-Shock Gravity Master are encased in a body that protects from sudden shocks such as dropping or knocking, centrifugal forces, and vibration. Then there’s the fact this watch is water resistant down to 200 meters, meaning evening scuba diving is an option with this watch. Finally, techies, in particular, will love the fact that the G-Shock Gravity Master will automatically synchronize to your time zone when you reach a destination – using a combination of GPS and radio waves. How cool is that!

• Protective body
• Water resistant to 200 m
• Automatic synchronization to time zone
• A little bulky for some
• Analogue-digital display
• Imported from US for UK customers
• 52 mm diameter

Is the Casio G-Shock Gravity Master for me?

If you’re a frequent traveler or you simply struggle with working out time zones when you do, the Casio G-Shock Gravity Master is definitely the travel watch for you! Not only does it use GPS technology to ensure it’s always synchronized to the correct time (even taking account of daylight saving time!), its hard protective body and impressive level of water resistance mean you’ll never find yourself without a functioning watch when away.

The Women’s Ironman Transit by Timex offers a great blend of functionality and style. The relatively large digital display makes it super easy to check the time while moving, whether you’re on a busy underground train or scaling a mountain on a rope harness. The resin case means it will resist knocks, while the strap is durable and easily cleaned. The clock itself has the option of two different time zones, so you can keep a clear idea of the time at home, and a customizable alarm, which is always a useful feature while traveling. What’s more, it’s also water resistant to a depth of 100 meters! What more could you want?

• Durable on the go
• Follows two time zones
• Water resistant
• Resin strap
• Simple buckle closure
• No automatic synchronization of time zones
• Digital display

Is the Timex Women’s Ironman Transit for me?

The answer is undoubtedly yes! Its stylish modern design of smooth lines and molded resin certainly means it looks the part, while the ability to follow two time zones, the customizable alarm, and water resistance down to 100 m also means it acts the part! It may not have some of the bells and whistles of other travel watches on our list, but we still love it!

Nordgreen Pionee r

Not every travel watch has to feature James Bond level gadgets and gizmos. The Nordgreen Pioneer is an industry leader when it comes to producing quality minimalist watch designs that are fit for your days exploring cities and nights on the town. A big selling point for this watch is that you can easily change out the bands if you are feeling like a different look/color (bands sold separately).

The combination of sleek specs like the domed Sapphire crystal face and Japanese quartz make for a watch that you will be using for many years to come. In addition to being a sexy travel watch – the Nordgreen Pioneer also is a great everyday watch. 

• Minimalist design
• Comes with Steel Case
• Water-Resistant
• Scandinavian Made
• Extra Watch band colors not included
• No smart technology
• No alarm feature

Is the Nordgreen Pioneer for me?

If you are looking for a no-frills watch that looks much more high-end then the price reflects, this is the watch for you. As mentioned, the Pioneer is not just a travel watch – and it is classy enough for use in a professional setting as well as when you are not on holiday. 

Just scrapping under the $500/£390 mark at its full recommended retail price, the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar gives the widest array of features for a travel watch under $500. Coming from a trusted brand like Garmin, you know what you are getting here! What we also love the most is that being solar powered it will basically stay charged indefinitely if you spend a few hours a day outside, pretty rad! It’s also got stealth mode to disable wireless communication if you’re going to be doing some rogue ops or just don’t want your crazy girlfriend to know your whereabouts!!

Other cool features include built-in 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter plus multiple global navigation satellite systems meaning you can track your adventures over varied and challenging terrain. You’ll never be lost again!

If that wasn’t enough, this watch also boasts several built-in sports tracking modes like running, biking, swimming and strength training as well as tracking for things like heart rate, VO2 max and sleep!

• Tested to military standards
• GPS tracking and route finding
• Real-time weather information
• Web connectivity
• Requires USB charging
• Nylon strap
• Not touchscreen

Is the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar for me?

You don’t have to be a hardened adventure to see the benefits of the Traverse Alpha GPS Outdoor Watch by Suunto. If you’ve ever got hopelessly lost in a foreign city you’ll really appreciate the real-time GPS tracking and route finding functions, while its web connectivity will ensure you can stay in contact with friends and family while away too!

Want to compare this watch to other awesome outdoor models? Check out our EPIC review of the best outdoor watches .

We think the SOLARMATE watch CITIZEN Q is simply a bargain for what it offers! Deep within the inner workings, you’ll find (if you were ever to look), a movement by Japanese watchmakers Citizen, and a battery meant to last three years. On the outside, you have a large, easy to read, digital display with a classy metal band. The watch is also waterproof so you’ll have no issues taking anywhere you end up on your travels.

• Great price
• Trustworthy internal workings
• Large digital display
• Metal wristband
• Only water resistant to 50 m
• Not great for slim wrists
• No second time zone function

Is the SOLARMATE watch CITIZEN Q for me?

You don’t have to be counting the pennies to think that the SOLARMATE watch CITIZEN Q is a great buy for what it offers. For an incredible price, you get a trustworthy brand, and an easy-to-read digital display alongside waterproofing and a nice look. Brilliant!

Although aimed at the diving market, the Swiss-engineered Tissot Seastar 1000 is just as functional as a general analogue travel watch. The large face makes it easy to read the luminous dials even in the low light of an aircraft cabin or a candle-lit restaurant, while maintaining enough style to ensure you won’t feel embarrassed at wearing it even at more formal occasions. The tough body will keep it safe from knocks, while the resin strap is comfortable and easy to keep clean. As you might expect, the Seastar 1000 also has an impressive degree of water resistance too – safe down to 300 m!

• Luminous hands
• Water resistant to 300 m
• Lacks GPS features
• Not as tough as the Casio G-Shock Gravity Master

Is the Tissot Seastar 1000 for me?

Having been making watches for more than one and a half centuries, Tissot is clearly doing something right! Their Seastar 1000 is no exception, with this analogue travel watch bringing a touch of class to the proceedings. But more than just having a pretty face (very literally) its also functional thanks to luminous hands and water resistance to 300 m.

From the best analogue travel watch to the best digital watch of our reckoning with this number from DIDITIME. It can be argued whether the best digital watch should be as simple as possible or as feature heavy as possible – we’ve sided with simple. But simplicity doesn’t mean you’re laying aside reliability – the DIDITIME is based around a Japanese-made movement and battery for precision timing. The time/date display, auto calendar, alarm, and backlight are matched nicely by the black fabric strap, and protected by the carbon fibre case.

• Japanese movement
• Fabric strap
• Lacks features of other digital watches we’ve covered
• Not suitable for submersion
• No analogue dial
• Some customers mention build issues

Is the DIDITIME Sports and Military Watch for me?

If you’re after a digital watch that can tell you exactly where you are at any given time and what the weather is likely to be in the next couple of hours, we’d recommend the Garmin Solar 2 Watch, however if you’re looking for a simple digital display with which to tell the time, this DIDITIME watch will be perfect for you!

It’s a fact of life that tech has encroached into the world of hiking as much as other sports and activities, and while a paper map and physical compass is always a good idea, a lot of the hard work of route finding can be made simple with a watch such as this Samsung Galaxy offering. As well as keeping you connected with calls and messages straight to your wrist to keep you hands-free, the Samsung Galaxy also automatically (yes, automatically) detects movement and activity and monitors it for you. This watch also has in-built GPS, so you can follow pre-planned routes or find a short cut home on the move effortlessly!

• Lets you stay connected hands-free
• Automatically detects and monitors activity
• In-built GPS
• 4-day battery life
• Requires regular charging
• Water-resistant to only 50 m
• Weighs 300 g

Is the Samsung Galaxy Watch for me?

If you’re an Apple fan, look away now…While a smart watch may not be the obvious choice for hikers, the Samsung Galaxy watch does in fact make a fine travel watch for hikers. Why? Because you can stay connected, have your activity monitored without even having to touch a screen, and have the safety and security of GPS route finding as well!

Market leaders are market leaders for a reason, and the Charge 4 by Fitbit remains to our mind the best smart watch for staying fit while traveling. The smooth lines of the Charge 4 monitor your heart rate from your wrist – meaning no unwieldy chest strap for starters. Its all-day activity tracking measures distance, steps, and calories among other metrics, and can remind you to move if you’ve remained still for longer periods. Finally, with its GPS connectivity, you can see real-time stats in addition to your current location and route!

• Stylish look
• Measures heart rate without chest strap
• All-day metric measurement
• GPS connectivity
• Requires regular charging (every 4+ days)
• Additional accessories cost extra
• Touch screen scratches quite easily
• Two-year warranty

Is the Fitbit Charge 4 for me?

Staying fit while traveling used to be difficult to monitor, what with the change in routine (and the added calories that undoubtedly come with many types of travel!). Then the Fitbit Charge 4 came along, with the possibility to record metrics from heart rate to steps taken without issue, alongside the brilliant functionality of GPS connectivity.

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You’ve got to love GPS, don’t you? Endlessly useful in your home town and abroad, its certainly saved us from all manner of potential pitfalls! The Garmin Fenix Chronos is a masterly GPS-enabled travel watch, with a tracking log for pinpoint accuracy and its ‘TracBack’ feature that helps users head back the same way you’ve come. But as well as GPS functionality the Fenix Chronos has ABC (or altitude, barometer, and compass) functions, and will record and monitor your activity levels, whatever sport or activity you’re undertaking. All this, smart phone connectivity, and a battery life of up to eight days make this the best travel watch with GPS for us!

• TracBack GPS feature
• Altitude, Barometer, and compass readings
• Activity monitor
• 8 day battery life
• Leather strap
• Water resistance to just 100 m
• Has a traditional look some users may not like

Is the Garmin Fenix Chronos for me?

If you’re regularly traveling, looking for the very best of travel watches with GPS, we think you’ve probably found it with the Garmin Fenix Chronos! The ‘TracBack’ feature will be really useful for many, while more seasoned adventures will love the ABC functionality too!

The FIZILI’s combination of ageless elegance and simple minimalist design makes their watch a hands-down winner. Their travel watch, just like the Nomatic travel bag , is extremely versatile; it can be used whether you’re traveling for work or pleasure, and when roughing it or in the highest-end resorts – without looking out of place.

There are a whole number of different colourways to choose from too, whether you want the uber cool black-on-black look or you want to throw in some red highlights or a blue face, there’s even gold, silver and blue wristbands available too.

Is the FIZILI for me?

If you’re after a pared-back but classy travel watch which you know you can rely on while on the move the FIZILI is the perfect choice for you. With a style that looks great in any situation, the quality steel mesh strap and the variety of different styles means there’s something to suit everyone and at this price you could buy them all!

Shinola Runwell

Detroit’s Shinola has a growing legion of fans on both sides of the Atlantic, and travelers old and new will be sure to fall for the Runwell too. This analogue watch has a traditional look, complete with a real leather strap, while ensuring a large face to ensure the clock face is easy to read whatever the light levels. The sapphire crystal window is scratch resistant, which is obviously ideal when traveling, and the watch is also water resistant down to 50 m – more than deep enough for a swim in the hotel pool!

• Beautifully styled traditional look
• Scratch resistant sapphire crystal window
• Water resistance to 50 m
• Imported from the US for UK customers
• Luminous hands but no backlight
• Not for budget travelers
• No GPS functionality

Is the Shinola Runwell for me?

The style-conscious traveler will be very happy to be seen wearing the Shinola Runwell, as a result of its phenomenal looks and literally crystal-clear analogue display. But this watch isn’t just style over substance, with durability built in with the leather strap, scratch resistance, and water resistance. When looking for a traditional and trustworthy watch, the Shinola Runwell is a great option!

Seiko SEIKO SRPE99 Prospex

The SEIKO SRPE99 Prospex watch comes with a stainless steel bracelet style strap that slips over the hand to close. The 21 jewels used in its analogue movement ensure accuracy, and although this is an automatic movement – rather than a battery-powered one – it has a power reserve of 40 hours, meaning you can forget to wear it for an entire day without having to manual wind the watch on to restart it. The face incorporates a very useful day and date window, that will surely stay clear as a result of the scratch resistant Hardlex crystal glass. The fact it’s a diver’s watch also means it boasts water resistance to a depth of 200 m.

• 21 jewel movement
• 40-hour power reserve
• Scratch resistant Hardlex crystal glass
• Automatic movement
• Metal bracelet style strap
• Intended as a men’s watch

Is the Seiko Divers Automatic for me?

If you’re an experienced diver you’ll be probably looking for a more sophisticated divers watch than that offered by the Seiko Divers Automatic. However, for mere mortals, this watch reaches the right balance between everyday practicality and specialization. Accurate and tough, we can’t see the Seiko Divers Automatic letting you down!

Timex Expedition Scout

The Timex Expedition Scout offers an analogue face with both twelve- and twenty-four-hour time settings, and accuracy you know you can trust. This rugged outdoor watch is protected by a durable body that is guaranteed to be water resistant down to a depth of 50 m and has the added feature of an ‘Indiglo’ light-up watch face. There’s also a quick date window on the face so you’ll never lose track of the time or date, while the classic yet contemporary look will have to check the time far more than is actually necessary!

• 12 and 24-hour dial settings
• Water resistant to 50 m
• Indiglo light-up dial
• Analogue watch
• Lacks different time zone settings
• Date but no day window on face

Is the Timex Expedition Scout for me?

Forget those tempting added features of other watches in our review, the Expedition Scout is a good ‘solid’ watch that will see you through while always looking fresh and up to the minute thanks to its classic looks.

Suunto Core

The brother of the Suunto Traverse Alpha GPS Outdoor, you might consider the Core the more basic (and also cheaper) of the two watches, but that’s not to say the Core is not a fantastic travel watch in and of itself. Though it obviously doesn’t match all the Traverse Alpha GPS Outdoor’s incredible functions – such as being military grade – this unisex watch still has a lot of flash features of its own! Its barometric altitude measurements, depth gauge, and weather warnings make it an ideal companion in the Alps if you’re hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing, where its tough enough to do the job thanks to a metal casing. Comprising aluminium, it keeps the watch light, while it has a battery life of up to a year, meaning you have little worry over when it’s going to need its next charge!

• Dedicated mountain watch
• Cheaper than the Traverse Alpha GPS Outdoor
• Detailed altitude and depth measurements
• Lightweight
• Water resistant to just 30 m
• No GPS tracking
• Too large for some wrists
• No different time zone settings

Is the Suunto Core for me?

Avid skiers and mountaineers are the target market for the Suunto Core, and they are undoubtedly the group of people likely to get the most benefit from wearing the Core thanks to its barometric data, altitude graphics and depth gauge. The rest of us will just have to make do with having a pretty cool watch on our wrists!

North Edge Dive and Sports Watch

North Edge brings us this travel watch which is water resistant to a depth of 100 m, meaning you can check out its analogue-digital face pretty much anywhere you choose – from a city centre café to a shipwreck on a coral reef! The large backlit dial makes it easy to read the time too, while the mineral glass mirror surface is resistant to scratches and the body protective against knocks and bumps. This clever little watch is also capable of monitoring steps with its pedometer, and calculating calories burnt, as well as offering users the ABC of altimeter, barometer, and compass too!

• Trusted brand
• Analogue-digital face
• Water resistant to 100 m
• ABC functions
• Intended for men only
• No GPS tracking or route finding
• Stainless steel strap
• Not the longest battery life when heavily used

Is the North Face Dive and Sports Watch for me?

This dive and sports watch by North Edge should definitely find its way onto your shortlist for best travel watch, combining traditional analogue looks with the benefits of digital technology. It has great features for anyone who likes to get outdoors, from mountains to seabed, making it a good all-round travel watch!

Lad Weather Sensor Master III

Look at the full list of what the Lad Weather Sensor Master III can track and you’ll feel like you’ve got NASA monitoring your every move, calories, highest peaks, lap speed, total distance…. We could fill up this entire space just listing them! So this watch by Lad Weather certainly meets the need of anyone who likes (or needs) to record data while travelling. What also makes it a great travel watch is the fact it is preset with 59 city time zones, can provide a weather forecast for your location, has two daily alarms, AND is water resistant to 100 m – far deeper then you’ll ever head unless scuba diving!

• Fantastic data collection
• Preset city time zones
• Weather forecasting
• Overly complicated for some travellers
• Large dial face
• Thermometer function can be affected by body heat
• Plastic dial window

Is the Lad Weather Sensor Master III for me?

Greatly improved over the Sensor Master I, the Sensor Master III is a phenomenal travel watch by Lad Weather. Having clearly absorbed customer feedback from the previous models, this travel watch is both well protected against physical damage and packed full of very useful monitoring and forecasting data!

Luminox Navy SEAL Colormark

And finally… we bring you the Luminox Navy SEAL Colormark, and unbeatable travel watch when it comes to durability! Comprising an incredibly light carbon compound case, this analogue watch has been tested to 20 atmospheres of pressure, has a window made from tempered mineral glass, and has the added protected of a double-gasket security crown. The large numbers on the face make it easy to read in all light levels, although the in-built Luminox light technology will provide constant night lighting for up to 25 years! The Swiss-made movement comes with a two-year guarantee against faults, providing added peace of mind!

• Very light on the wrist
• Added Luminox light technology
• Swiss-made movement for precision
• Analogue rather than digital
• Large bezel numbers can confuse with time

Is the Luminox Navy SEAL Colormark for me?

If it’s good enough for the Navy SEALs its good enough for us, right? As you would expect from a watch made for military personnel this Luminox is as tough as old boots and you’d have to really go out of your way to damage it – great news for all travellers! It also has a Swiss-made movement for accuracy, and innovative lighting technology for checking the time in the dark.

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What is the most stylish travel watch?

Our favorite is the Nordgreen Pioneer . With the changeable straps and the sleek design you can combine it with every outfit. It’s also relatively affordable.

What is the most practical travel watch?

The Suunto Traverse Alpha GPS Outdoor Watch is a military tested travel watch that stands out with amazing features. You can connect it to the internet, track your location precisely and get real-time weather information.

Smart watch, digital or analogue?

What kind of watch you should purchase really depends on what your travels will look like. If you can afford it, a smart watch will always offer the most features, while a digital or analogue watch is way more reliable.

What does a a travel watch need?

A travel watch needs to be reliable, durable and ideally, track your location. Especially for backpackers and hikers, a GPS tracker to look back at miles and location comes in very handy sometimes.

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There we have it – the very best of the best when it comes to travel watches. Whether you prefer a simpler analogue watch, want a digital watch with GPS tracking and route-finding, or are happy with a travel watch that looks stylish whatever the backdrop, we’re sure you’ll find your next travel timepiece among these fantastic watches!

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Check out Vaer watches. Swiss ETA movement, American assembly. 100M water resistant with a screw down crown. To me, it’s a much better value than the Nomad.

Hi Joel, Indeed we will check out Vaer watches, thanks for the heads up.

The Nomatic battery does not last 45 years! No watch battery does. It’s rated for 45 months.

Thanks for the correction Dwight! Indeed, no battery will last 45 years :).

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20 Affordable GMT Watches for Budget-Conscious Travelers

Of all the different types of complicated timepieces, watches with a GMT or second-time-zone function are among the most useful in everyday life, especially for those of us who travel frequently, do long-distance business in other parts of the world, or some combination of both. Until relatively recently, if you wanted such a watch with a traditional mechanical movement (as opposed to a digital or quartz option), you could expect to pay a fairly hefty price for it. Fortunately, a growing number of watch brands — large and small, well-established as well as plucky newcomers — have started to make GMT watches that are attainable for newer, less affluent aficionados while also being robustly built and thoughtfully designed. In this article, we spotlight 20 of these affordable GMT watches, in ascending order of MSRP, all of which fall under the $2,000 threshold. (If you’re interested in a broader look at the GMT watch category, and might be convinced to spend a bit, or a lot, more, check out our original list of the best GMT watches. )

Under $1,000:

Timex q timex gmt.

Price: $229, Case Size: 38mm, Thickness: 12.5mm, Lug Width: 18mm, Crystal: Acrylic, Water Resistance: 50 meters, Movement: Quartz Analog

Always known for its value proposition, mass-market Timex has also gotten onto the radar of vintage-watch fans in recent years by reproducing some of its cult-favorite historical models, seeking out the sweet spot between historical flair, modest dimensions, and great pricing. Among the success stories is the colorful and sporty Q Timex, a modern reissue of a popular model from the 1970s, which also happens to be one of Timex’s first models with a quartz caliber. Among the elements that echo the original models are the bicolor GMT bezel, diver-style geometrical indexes on the dial, the integrated SST bracelet and even the battery case cover in the back, which enables the wearer to change his own battery with the simple turn of a coin edge.

Nodus Sector GMT

Price: $475, Case Size: 38mm, Thickness: 12.25mm, Lug to Lug: 47mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 100 meters, Movement: Automatic Seiko TMI NH34

California-based microbrand Nodus takes its name from the Latin word signifying the intersection of pathways, and symbolizes its mission of merging the two worlds of vintage and modern design.The Sector GMT delivers on that promise with its modestly sized, brushed 38mm case and sector-style dial design that draws inspiration from military watches issued during the 1920s through the 1940s. The watch diverges from many other GMTs with its use of an inner 24-hour scale, within the main ring of radial Arabic hour numerals, to designate the second time zone rather than the more common 24-hour bezel. The outsourced Seiko movement inside the case has been heavily regulated by Nodus’ Irvine, California workshop and offers a 41-hour power reserve. 

Seiko 5 Sports GMT SSK001

Price: $475, Case Size: 42.5mm, Thickness: 13.4mm, Lug Width: 22mm, Crystal: Hardlex, Water Resistance: 100 meters, Movement: Automatic Seiko 4R34

Seiko introduced the first GMT complication to its entry-level, automatic Seiko 5 sports line in 2022, equipping the watches with the automatic Caliber 4R34. Available in three colorways for the dial and bezel — blue, orange, and the black version featured here — the watches have a central GMT hand in a contrasting color, used in coordination with the bicolor day/night bezels (here in black and gray), with rings made of Hardlex glass like the crystal, to indicate a second time zone. The GMT hand is coated in Seiko’s proprietary LumiBrite for nighttime legibility. Based on the design of the much-beloved SKX series of Seiko sports watches, the model has a five-link bracelet with polished middle rows.

Lorier Hydra SII GMT

Price: $599, Case Size: 41mm, Thickness: 12.2mm, Lug to Lug: 46mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Crystal: Hesalite, Water Resistance: 200 meters, Movement: Automatic Miyota 9075

Founded by the husband-wife team of Lorenzo and Lauren Ortega and based in New York City, Lorier is one of a handful of American microbrands (you’ll find others on this list) that have availed themselves of the revolutionary Japanese Miyota 9075 movement to power an automatic GMT watch at an eye-raising low price. The Hydra GMT is a 41mm steel watch with deep-diving capabilities as well as GMT functionality: it’s water-resistant to 200 meters and features both a unidirectional ratcheting dive-scale bezel and a 24-hour ring outside the hour track for indicating a second time zone. The Hydra is even highly legible in the dark, with blue-glowing Super-LumiNova used for the hands and indexes and green lume used for the 24-hour scale.

Traska Venturer

Price: $695, Case Size: 38.5mm, Thickness: 10mm, Lug to Lug: 46mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 150 meters, Movement: Automatic Miyota 9075

Jon Mack founded Florida-based microbrand Traska after accidentally ruining one of his beloved vintage watches while wearing it in the water. The company is devoted to making watches that combine an authentic retro design language with a modern tool-watch build. The first Traska watch, the Freediver, paved the way for the brand’s first travel-focused watch, the Venturer, outfitted with the aforementioned Miyota GMT caliber. The Venturer has a field-watch-inspired dial and a vintage-appropriate 38.5mm steel case whose thin bezel frames a wide dial bordered by a 24-hour scale, A red-tipped central GMT hand points to the additional time zone while a second crown at 10 o’clock operates the rotation of the 24-hour ring. The case and bracelet finishing, with polished and chamfered surfaces, is impressive for the price point.

Vaer G5 Meridian Navy/Red

Price: $799, Case Size: 39mm, Thickness: 13.2mm, Lug to Lug: 48mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 200 meters, Movement: Automatic Miyota 9075

Vaer founders Ryan Torres and Reagan Cook pooled their collective life savings to start their own watch brand because “we couldn’t afford the watches we liked and didn’t like the ones we could afford.” Based in Venice, California, Vaer manufacturers all its watches in the U.S.A. and offers in them a variety of outsourced movements, including quartz, solar quartz, and the automatic inside the G5 Meridian Navy/Red, a watch that evokes the classically colorful charm of Rolex’s “Pepsi” GMT-Master at an eminently more attainable price. The 39mm case has a ceramic bicolor bezel; both the bezel and the dial are generously lumed, and the central GMT hand in bright red, which indicates a second time zone on the 24-hour scale, creates a contrast with the black dial.

Bulova Wilton GMT

Price: $875, Case Size: 43mm, Thickness: 12.7mm, Lug to Lug: 49.5mm, Lug Width: 22mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 30 meters, Movement: Automatic Miyota 9075

Over its long history, Bulova has become well-known for offering mechanical complications at very accessible prices, and the Classic Wilton GMT, which joined the collection in 2022, is no exception. Priced under a grand, the Wilton GMT is the rare example of a “true” GMT — i.e., one with an independently adjustable local hour hand — that just about any enthusiast can afford. The watch has a brushed steel case at 43mm; a dial in either white or blue, with applied Roman numerals matching the case tone, a date window at 3 o’clock, and a world-map textured pattern on its surface that adds to its value proposition. The central arrow-pointed GMT hand indicates a second time zone on the bicolor 24-hour scale on the dial’s flange. The automatic Japanese-made Miyota movement inside stores a 42-hour power reserve.

Tissot Chemin des Tourelles Powermatic 80 GMT

Price: $875, Case size: 42mm, Thickness: 12.5mm, Lug Width: 21mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 50 meters, Movement: Automatic Powermatic 80.661

True to its form, the Tissot brand offers one of the watch world’s most value-oriented mechanical GMTs on the market in its elegantly detailed Chemin des Tourelles family. The Powermatic 80 GMT comes in a 42mm steel case (including a gold-plated version) with a thin, polished bezel framing a wide dial bordered on its outer edge by a 24-hour numbered scale. The dial’s ring of applied hour indexes and Roman hour numerals is accented by a hobnail pattern, and the thin sword hands for the hour and minute are joined by both a sweep seconds hand and an arrow-pointed GMT hand that reveals a second time zone on the outermost 24-hour ring. This watch’s version of the Powermatic 80 caliber is derived from the ETA C07.111, enhanced with the extended power reserve and antimagnetic escapement.

Maen Hudson 38 GMT

Price: $906, Case Size: 38mm, Thickness: 10.5mm, Lug to Lug: 46mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 200 meters, Movement: Automatic Soprod C-125

Maen was founded in Stockholm, Sweden in 2018 after a successful Kickstarter campaign, starting off with a dive watch, the Hudson Automatic, and expanding the scope to the Skymaster 38, a vintage-style pilot chronograph, and more recently the Hudson 38 GMT, which adapts the flagship Hudson diver’s design to a dual-time-zone utility. The sandblasted dial is bordered by a flange bearing a 24-hour scale, which is itself framed by a rotating bezel with its own 24-hour scale in place of the 60-minute dive scale; with the aid of the red arrow-tipped GMT hand, the wearer can read three time zones simultaneously. Like all Maen watches, the Hudson 38 GMT is Swiss-made, with its modest 38mm steel case housing a self-winding Soprod movement and attached to a supple, meticulously finished steel bracelet.

Certina DS Action GMT

Price: $995, Case Size: 43.1mm, Thickness: 12.6mm, Lug Width: 21mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 200 meters, Movement: Automatic Powermatic 80.661  

Certina is a watch brand much better known outside the U.S. than within its borders, but that is rapidly changing as the company, which is owned by the Swatch Group, has expanded its distribution and thus the profile of its Swiss-made, value-oriented line of timepieces — particularly the divers’ watches that have put it on the radar of enthusiasts over the years. The DS Action line is Certina’s entry-level range of divers, the “DS” denoting the case’s “Double Security” case structure, in which the watch’s movement is protected within an extra shock-absorbing rubber ring inside the main case and the watertight crown features a proprietary sealant system. The DS Action GMT models, equipped with Powermatic 80 automatic calibers, swap out the traditional 60-minute diver’s bezel for a 24-hour GMT scale and a central hand.

Baltic Aquascaphe GMT

Price: 920 Euros, Case Size: 39mm, Thickness: 12mm, Lug to Lug: 47mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 100 meters, Movement: Automatic Soprod C125

Founded in France in 2017, Baltic has swiftly staked out its spot on the independent microbrand scene with its vintage-influenced collection, particularly the Aquascaphe, a retro divers’ watch heavily influenced by midcentury classics like Blancpain’s Bathyscaphe models. For the GMT version of the Aquascaphe, Baltic replaced the base model’s unidirectional bezel with 60-minute dive scale with a more travel-friendly, bidirectional (and bicolor) 24-hour bezel, which can be used in conjunction with a central arrow-tipped hand to read the time in a second time zone. The dive-watch DNA of the Aquascaphe series is clearly present, with the dial sporting geometric hour markers, plentiful lume on the markers and hands, and a 100-meter water resistance (half of the diving model’s 200-meter rating, but still substantial). Adding to the value proposition is Baltic’s use of a self-winding Soprod movement inside the brushed steel case.

Under $2,000:

Tissot seastar 1000 powermatic 80 gmt u.s. limited edition.

Price: $1,275, Case Size: 46mm Case Height: 15.4mm, Lug to Lug: 51.2mm, Lug Width: 22mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 300 meters, Movement: Automatic Powermatic 80.661

Tissot's ruggedly attractive Seastar family of dive watches debuted in the 1960s and underwent a crowd-pleasing revamp in recent years, which included the enduringly popular models being fitted with ETA-based Powermatic 80 movements, named for their substantial 80-hour power reserve. Among the many iterations of the Seastar 1000 is this GMT-equipped model exclusive to the U.S. market, featuring an unusual green-and black-colorway and accompanying bright red central hand for its 24-hour GMT scale. Like all Seastars, it is a robustly built professional-grade dive watch, with a hefty, 46mm steel case rated to a punishing 300 meters (or 1,000 feet, hence the model’s name) of water resistance. The watch comes on a steel link bracelet, with strap options extra.

Mido Ocean Star GMT

Price: $1,310, Case Size: 44mm Case Height: 13.28mm, Lug Width: 22mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 200 meters, Movement: Automatic Mido 80 (ETA C07.661 base)

Popular in Latin America but only vaguely familiar to many watch aficionados in the U.S., Mido has been making watches since 1918 and its nautically inspired Ocean Star line has been around since the 1940s, even before the era of the modern diver’s watch. The Ocean Star GMT, launched in 2020, is the family’s first dual-time-zone watch, with a sturdy steel case and ceramic divers’ bezel. The 24-hour scale that you might expect to find on the bezel is instead printed on the dial’s flange. A long, arrow-tipped hand points to the scale, enabling the wearer to read the time in additional time zones while the two main hands display the local time. The Powermatic 80 caliber inside the 44mm steel case has been equipped with an added module for the GMT functions.

Seiko Presage Sharp Edged GMT

Seiko introduced the Sharp Edged family, whose members were distinguished by their intriguing textured dials, into its dressy, all-automatic Presage collection in 2020, adding GMT models to the original group of time-and-date watches a year later. At just over 42mm in diameter, the Presage Sharp Edged GMT sits comfortably on the wrist thanks to sloping lugs; the case’s finish combines polishing and brushing at a level rarely found at this price point. The GMT bezel that frames the dial is made of steel and coated with Seiko’s fade-resistant DiaShield coating. The dial itself is, of course, the star of the show, with its geometric “Asanoha” textured pattern, an ancient Japanese design motif inspired by hemp leaves. The dial colors also take inspiration from Japan’s natural world, like the “Aitetsu” model pictured, whose tone evokes indigo-colored iron ore.

Sinn 105 St Sa UTC

Price: $1,400, Case Size: 41mm, Thickness: 11.9mm, Lug-to-Lug: 47.4mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 200m, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Sellita SW330-1

German watchmaker Sinn is known for tough, purpose-built timepieces and developing its own in-house technologies and processes to produce them. The recently released, entry-level 105 series, which offers a clean, pared-down offshoot of the brand’s pilot-focused 104 series, incorporates several, including the proprietary Tegiment hard coating on the rotating 24-hour bezel. The bead-blasted steel case resists 200 meters of water pressure. The matte black dial has the signature pill-shaped hands and hour markers as well as a bright orange UTC hand to indicate a second time zone. The orange color is also used for the contrast stitching on the tough leather strap, which can be swapped out for an even tougher steel bracelet.

Christopher Ward C65 Aquitaine GMT

Price: $1,425, Case Size: 41mm Case Height: 12.7mm, Lug to Lug: 46.68mm, Lug Width: 22mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 200 meters, Movement: Automatic Sellita SW330-2

U.K.-based Christopher Ward added a GMT to its Aquitaine dive watch collection, inspired by the original Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, in 2022. The 41mm steel case hosts a 24-hour GMT bezel, made of sapphire, that frames a clean, readable dial with sharp sword hands for the local hour and minute, a seconds hand with the telltale trident-shaped counterweight, a subtle 6 o’clock date window, and the signature element, a fourth center-mounted hand with a colorful triangle tip that indicates a second time zone. The C65 GMT still has the robustness of a dive watch — its case is water-resistant to 200 meters — and is powered by an automatic Swiss-made caliber, the Sellita SW 330-2, which beats at 28,800 vph behind an exhibition caseback.

Citizen Series 8 GMT

Price: $1,695, Case Size: 41mm, Thickness: 13.5mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 100 meters, Movement: Automatic Citizen Caliber 9054

Citizen introduced the Series 8 collection in 2021, a series of watches equipped with in-house, mechanical automatic movements and targeting a more luxury-oriented segment of the market than many of the Japanese brand's Eco-Drive watches. The “8” represents the symbol for Infinity, hinting at the collection’s “infinite” possibilities. In 2023, the family welcomed its first model equipped with a GMT function. In addition to the classical bicolor 24-hour bezel and arrow-tipped GMT hand, the dial features a distinctive checkered pattern that takes its inspiration from the Tokyo skyline at night, with its grid of windows. The two-part steel case has an array of mirror-polished and brushed finishes and includes a transparent sapphire caseback to proudly display the movement, the self-winding Caliber 9054, boasting a power reserve of 50 hours and a daily accuracy of -10 to +20 seconds.

  Zodiac Super Sea Wolf GMT World Time Automatic

Price: $1,795, Case Size: 40mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 200 meters, Movement: Automatic Soprod C-125

Zodiac’s Super Sea Wolf GMT World Time Automatic uses the same 200-meter water-resistant steel case, sturdy build, and vintage-influenced aesthetics of its siblings in the Super Sea Wolf collection, all tracing their lineage back to Zodiac’s historical dive watch from 1953. For this model, Zodiac has adapted the traditional diver’s bezel and the dial for world-time functionality. The bezel, in either rich red or deep black, is printed with the names of 24 world cities, enabling the wearer to use the GMT hand, in coordination with the 24-hour chapter ring surrounding the main dial, to track the time in any other time zone in the world. Zodiac first launched this simpler style of world-timer — different from a "true" world-time watch, in which the bezel rotates— in 1970. The watch is mounted on a sturdy three-link steel bracelet and contains an automatic Soprod movement.

Glycine Airman

Price: $1,895, Case Size: 44mm, Lug Width: 22mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 100 meters, Movement: Automatic Caliber GL293 (ETA 2893/Sellita SW330 base)

Glycine was founded in 1914 in Switzerland but its most famous watch didn’t make its debut until 1953: the aviation-styled Airman, which was worn by U.S. military pilots during the Vietnam War and featured the very first rotating 24-hour GMT bezel to track two time zones. (Rolex’s legendary GMT-Master, which debuted one year later, introduced the more common bicolor version of this innovative design.) The Airman (vintage model above, via Analog Shift ) is still Glycine’s flagship collection and still offers quite the value proposition for a Swiss-made watch with an automatic GMT function. The dial is extra-legible, with wide luminous hands, large geometric indexes, an understated 3 o’clock date window, and 24-hour ring on the flange. The steel bezel of the 44mm case is engraved with the emblematic 24-hour scale of the Airman series, allowing for a view of multiple time zones. The Swiss-made automatic movement is visible behind a sapphire exhibition back.

Fomex Reef GMT Automatic Chronometer

Price: $1,900 - $2,310, Case Size: 42mm Case Height: 11.4mm, Lug to Lug: 47mm, Lug Width: 22mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 300 meters, Movement: Automatic Sellita 330-2 (COSC certified)

Founded in 1999 and based in Biel, Switzerland, independent brand Formex has drawn admiration for making durable and stylish watches at value-oriented prices. In 2022, Formex introduced the Reef GMT, which adds a dual-time function to the brand’s popular Reef dive watch by means of a central GMT hand and a 24-hour scale on the interchangeable bezel rather than the traditional 60-minute dive scale. The chronometer-certified movement inside the Reef GMT watches is the automatic Sellita SW330-2, with a 50-plus-hour power reserve and GMT capability. Formex’s attention to functional detail is evident throughout the model, specifically on the bezel, redesigned from the 120-click tooth profile of the divers’ version to accommodate the 48 clicks for a precise GMT setting. 

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Would love for you to take a look at the Nezumi Aviera. Has the miyota movement and fun design for under $600.

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Can I wear a travel watch every day? ⌚14 Best Travel Watches: Your Perfect Journey Companion

Can I wear a travel watch every day? Yes! Travel watches are designed for daily wear, offering durability and versatility suitable for various occasions.

Traveling is an adventure, and every adventurer needs a reliable companion on their wrist. Enter travel watches – the perfect blend of style, functionality, and durability.

Whether you’re climbing mountains or exploring vibrant cities, having the best travel watch is essential.

Your style, particularly your accessory choices, reveals a lot about you. Watches are one of the most popular purchases for men and women, but which ones are the best travel watches?

• Classy or bold?
• Digital or analog?
• Leather or titanium?

In this guide, we’ll explore the world of travel watches, helping you choose the perfect timepiece for your journeys.

🤷🏻 how many watches can I travel with?

2. type (digital or  analog ), 3. characteristics, 4. material, 5. water resistance, 7. dial size and style, 1. sne329 sport solar-powered stainless steel watch by seiko, 2. casio g-shock gravity master, 3. samsung galaxy watch 4 44mm smartwatch with ecg monitor tracker for health fitness.

• 4. Women's Ironman Transit 33mm Watch By Timex

5. Premium GPS Running / Triathlon Smartwatch By Garmin

• 6. Eco-Drive Promaster Diver Quartz Men's Watch By Citizen 

7. Rugged Outdoor Watch With GPS By Garmin

• 8. Men's 3051 EVO Navy SEAL Colormark Watch By Luminox

9. Fitbit Charge 2 Heart Rate + Fitness Wristband

• 10. The Runwell Quartz Movement Blue Dial Men's Watch By Shinola

11. Wrist-Top Computer Watch With Altimeter By Suunto

12. suunto traverse gps watch, 13. garmin fenix chronos.

• 14. Nordgreen Pioneer Men's Gun Metal Chronograph Watch

Q. Are travel watches water-resistant?

Q. do travel watches require special care during flights, q. are travel watches suitable for different time zones, q. can i replace the watch battery on my own, q. do travel watches come with warranties, q. how do i choose the right travel watch for my needs, q. are water-resistant watches necessary for all travelers, 😇 conclusion, ✉ which travel watch from the list above is your favorite let us know in the comments..

While we don’t advise taking lots of watches on the trip, if you do, think about getting a lockable carrying case. To avoid deterioration, place each piece in a watch travel case or roll, like the one available from the shop. Keep in mind that you should ALWAYS take your watch(es) with you and never put it in your checked luggage .

🧐 Things To Consider Before Buying The best smartwatch for travel [Buying Guide]

Finding and purchasing a new watch is confusing because there are so many different elements to consider. However, it is important to choose the ideal watch for your personality and lifestyle.

We should look at the most important factors to consider when purchasing a watch. 

Watches come in a variety of styles and sizes. Watches can be categorized into one of the following styles.

• Sports Watches   
• Luxury Watches
• Casual Watches
• Vintage Watches

The style you should choose is dependent on how often you plan to wear your watch.

Like mobile phones, digital watches have large numbers across the face that indicate the time. Analog watches include clock hands and either Roman numerals or numbers around the outside, making them appear a little more antique.

The majority of athletic watches feature digital displays, whilst luxury and casual watches have analog displays. While digital watches are simpler to read and often provide more functionality, they are far more complex to use.

Decide on how you’ll use the watch. This is also related to the watch’s style and type.

How much more do you require, even if you have decided that you require more than a basic timepiece?

A timer and stopwatch are standard on most sports watches , but you might also want GPS, a speed calculator (tachymeter), or several alarms.

If you’re buying a watch for camping, it’s probably a good idea to look for a watch with a lot of functions.

The most common materials (for the band and case) are as follows:

• Leather (just for the band)

Although canvas and plastic watches appear to be less expensive, they are often more durable and useful outside.

The metal materials, on the other hand, all look fantastic, but gold and silver watches can quickly become too costly.

Leather is less durable than metal, but it is lighter and gives the watch a more classic look.

Nowadays almost all watches are water-resistant , so you won’t have to worry about water splashing on them when you’re washing your hands.

Many watches (especially sports watches) are splashproof or appropriate for swimming and diving.

It is one of the important things that we need to consider while purchasing the watch.

Brand matters if you’re buying a watch for fashion purposes, such as flaunting at work. A low-cost Rolex has more brand recognition than a high-end Timex watch. Rolex , Omega , and Seiko are some of the most well-known watch brands.

The case and the outside of the face are usually referred to as the dial. In general, select a dial size that matches the size of your wrist.

Choose a dial with a tiny height and diameter if you have thin, small wrists. If your wrists are thick, choose a larger face and a higher casing.

The weight of the watch is a final consideration. Some watches are so light that they barely feel like they’re on your wrist, while others are as heavy as a brick.

Look for anything that makes you feel at ease. If you enjoy a watch but prefer a lighter version of the watch , go for a model with a leather strap rather than a metal band.

• Adjustable green 20mm nylon strap fits up to…
• Black dial with date window at 3 o’clock; full…
• Black 40mm brass case with mineral glass crystal
• Indiglo light-up watch dial; luminous hands

• Adjustable black 12 millimeter genuine leather…
• White easy-to-read dial with date window at 3…
• Silver-tone 25 millimeter brass case with mineral…
• Indiglo light-up watch dial. To screw in, push the…

• 100 M Water Resistance
• 10-Year Battery
• Extra Wide Face
• LED Backlight (Illuminator) with Afterglow

Last update on 2024-05-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

✉ List Of 11 Best Travel Watches For Men And Women

After reading a lot of reviews and research we have shortlisted some of the best watches for travel .

A solar-powered watch is what catches everyone’s eye! Having a beautiful, yet pleasantly understated look. Having an analog with a day and date display makes it easy to read. It is a perfect watch for travel lovers .

A battery having a reserve of 10 months and deceptively light by nature is what makes it even more attractive. Having a 100m water resistance makes it suitable for swimming but not for scuba diving.

• Round watch with gleaming sunray dial featuring…
• 43 mm stainless steel case with Hardlex dial…
• Solar-powered Japanese quartz movement with analog…
• Nylon band with buckle closure. Operational…

Last update on 2024-05-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Also Read : 10 Best Smartwatches For Kids That Ideal For Travel

If you are a daring adventurer and lover of outdoor activities, this Casio G-Shock gravity master watch is all that you need! Having an automatic synchronization to the time zone tells you about your destination.

A 200m water resistance, water-lovers this is a Jackpot. Having a compass that is easy to calibrate and a thermometer along with an analog/digital display makes the day easy.

Being bulky is a drawback, but the pros surely outweigh the cons. This watch comes under the list of best luxury travel watches.

• Sports Watch Men’s Master Of G Gravitymaster Black

Also Read : 12 Best Cool Cheap Sunglasses For Travel

Are you a fitness freak? or a marathon runner? This Samsung Galaxy watch is what calling you. Having an inbuilt GPS always keeps you on track. With the silver touch, it gives an aesthetic appeal.

Keeping your hands free connects you with your loved ones’ calls and messages and detects every moment of yours automatically.

From counting your steps to average heartbeats a built-in sleep tracker for peaceful sleep is what makes it perfect for you. However, 50m water resistance and regular charging are something to look out for.

• BODY COMPOSITION ANALYSIS: Galaxy Watch4 is the…
• BETTER SLEEP STARTS HERE: Wake up feeling…
• BE SMART ABOUT YOUR HEART: Take care of your heart…
• MAKE EVERY WORKOUT COUNT: Get the most out of…

Also Read : 7 Best Headphones For Travel

4. Women’s Ironman Transit 33mm Watch By Timex

This stylish and elegant watch from Timex is available in 8 vibrant colors to carry from the pool to a nightclub! Plenty to choose from.

With an Adjustable [with respective color] 12mm resin strap that fits up to a 7.5-inch wrist circumference and a grey digital display, the Indiglo light-up watch dial makes it more versatile.

All those women who are into swimming this watch is calling for you with 100m water resistance.

Digital display and day-date-month calendar are what make it more preferable. Due to its variety of uses, it comes under the best watch for adventure travel .

• Adjustable purple 12mm resin strap fits up to…
• 100-hour chronograph with 10-lap memory; 24-hour…
• Customizable alarm; 24-hour military time mode; 2…
• Purple and chrome 33mm resin case with magenta…

Also Read : 11 Best Stylish Camera Bags For Travel You’ll Love To Use

Who does not like to hear songs? This Forerunner 945 watch allows you to take your music where you go.

With full-color, onboard maps, you’ll never get lost, and it has a battery life of 2 weeks in smartwatch mode.

A sports lover can find tons of sports categories in mind blogging. Sleep tracker, training metrics and the lightweight make this watch a full package of what you can truly desire. Also, it is one of the best smartwatches for travel.

• Premium GPS running/triathlon smartwatch with…
• Download songs to your watch, including playlists…
• Performance monitoring features include Vo2 Max…
• Garmin Pay contactless payment solution (available…

Also Read : 15 Best Travel Pillows That Will Make Your Journey Comfortable

6. Eco-Drive Promaster Diver Quartz Men’s Watch By Citizen 

SCUBA diving enthusiasts, here you go!!! This Citizen watch is 200m water-resistant and is the perfect wear for all sorts of marine activities.

Having luminous hands and markers, with the analog display can enable you to read the time how deep in water you are, or simply where you are.

The light-powered eco-drive is another breathtaking feature where the watch recharges itself continuously in any light for eternity. This is worth every penny you spend.

• Iconic Promaster watches with advanced functions…
• 3 Hand, Date
• Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
• Luminous Hands and Markers and Anti-Reflective…

Also Read : 11 Best Sleep Masks For Travel That Will Make Your Journey Comfortable

Too picky when it comes to choosing the color? This is the best automatic travel watch that best world travel watch offers you plenty of options. The Strap material made up of Silicone is what makes it more attractive.

The battery lasts for 14 days in smartwatch mode and the GPS navigation mode, it’s packed full of useful features (like the navigation and the ability to control Spotify) and yet it looks like a normal watch.

Having thermal, shock, and water resistance of 100m. It estimates your heart rate, activity and stress throughout the day, telling you how hard you work. Every feature makes this watch a must-buy!

• Solar charging capabilities allow you to extend…
• Rugged GPS Watch is water-rated to 100 meters and…
• Built-in 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter…
• Track your activities for running, biking,…

Also Read : 11 Best Beach Towels For Travel Lovers

8. Men’s 3051 EVO Navy SEAL Colormark Watch By Luminox

If you’re on the lookout to purchase an EVO navy seal color mark watch that’s as handsomely rugged as it is practical, you may want to consider that one.

The glow is peerless: you will see time no matter how dark it is outside, making it a remarkable feature.

Water-resistant to 200 m, suitable for professional marine activity [except scuba diving]. Its lightweight and durability add to the reasons why to buy this one.

• Officially licensed by the United States…
• Technical Specifications: 200 meters / 660 feet /…
• Lighting Technology: Blue & green Luminox Light…
• Details: Case diameter 44 mm, Case thickness 14…

Also Read : 10 Best Outdoor Blankets For Travel That Will Keep You Warm On The Go

Everyone wants calmness and this fitness wristband watch provides this! Tracking all-day activities like steps taken, calories burned, floors climbed and active minutes helps you to find moments of calm throughout your day with personalized guided breathing sessions based on your heart rate.

You can also see call, text & calendar notifications on the OLED display on your wrist. A perfect guide for your everyday reminder!

• Pure Pulse continuous, automatic wrist-based heart…
• Maximize your workouts using simplified heart rate…
• See call, text & calendar notifications on the…
• Get a better understanding of your fitness level…

Also Read : 09 Best Portable Chargers For Travel To Make Your Life Easy On The Go

10. The Runwell Quartz Movement Blue Dial Men’s Watch By Shinola

Shinola, based in Detroit, has a growing fan base on both sides of the Atlantic, and travelers old and new will undoubtedly fall in love with the Runwell.

This analog watch has a classic design with a genuine leather band, as well as a large face that makes it easy to see whatever the lighting conditions are.

The sapphire crystal window is scratch-resistant, which is great for traveling, and the watch is water-resistant to 50 meters, which is plenty deep for a swim in the hotel pool !

This electric black watch counts your ascent or descent, measures your overall progress on a climb, and identifies your present elevation—making it perfect for mountaineers, skiers, and wilderness visitors.

Along with a Compass to navigate and pinpoint locations to safely find your way through the wilderness and in whiteout conditions.

Keeping a close eye on air pressure tends. Lightweight and 1-year battery life. This should be on your list if going to the mountains next time!

The Suunto Traverse Alpha combines a strong, high-quality design with a comprehensive array of outdoor functionality. With GPS/GLONASS navigation, it provides your companion in the wild, keeping you on course.

Specific hunting and fishing features, such as automatic shot detection, moon phase calendars, sunrise alerts, weather trend alerts, and red backlights for use at night, provide useful tools for your activity.

• Features a rugged, knurled stainless steel bezel,…
• Suunto’s automatic shot detection technology keeps…
• Gps tracks your path, helping you find your way…
• Location based moon Phase calendar with moon rise…

Along with estimates of your VO2 max and training status, advanced training elements like PacePro provide grade-adjusted pace guidance throughout your exercise.

The battery life in smart Watch mode is up to 14 days, in GPS and music mode is up to 10 hours, in expedition GPS activity mode is up to 28 days, and in battery saving, Watch mode is up to 48 days.

• Fit for performance with rugged, sophisticated…
• Advanced training features include PacePro for…
• Navigate the outdoors with preloaded TOPO maps,…
• Support for Garmin Pay contactless payments (not…

14. Nordgreen Pioneer Men’s Gun Metal Chronograph Watch

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🙋🏻‍♀️ FAQs About Best Travel Watches

A lot of questions are asked by consumers when purchasing travel watches. The answers to a few frequently asked questions are provided here.

A. Yes, many travel watches come with varying degrees of water resistance. It’s crucial to check the specifications of each model to understand its capabilities.

A. While most travel watches are equipped to handle changes in air pressure, it’s advisable to check the manufacturer’s recommendations for air travel.

A. Yes, many travel watches feature multiple time zone settings, making them ideal companions for globetrotters.

A. While some travel watches have user-replaceable batteries, it’s recommended to have battery replacements done by professionals to ensure proper sealing and water resistance.

A. Yes, most reputable brands offer warranties on their travel watches. It’s essential to register your watch and adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines for warranty coverage.

A. Consider factors like durability, features, and design that align with your travel style.

A. While not mandatory, they are recommended, especially for those engaging in water-related activities.

In the realm of travel, time is both a constant companion and a precious commodity. The Best Travel Watches seamlessly blend style, functionality, and durability, ensuring your journeys are not just measured in miles but in moments. Elevate your travel experience with the perfect companion strapped to your wrist.

Also, don’t forget to book your personalized holiday package with  Fiery Trippers . Let us make your vacation a romantic as well as a dreamy getaway.

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He is a dedicated travel writer with a wealth of 10 Years + experience that enriches his narratives. He holds a degree in Hospitality and Hotel Administration from IHM Dehradun, which he couples with hands-on expertise in the field. Drawing from his diverse experiences, Rahul's writings offer readers a captivating glimpse into the world of travel. Embark on a journey of exploration and inspiration with Rahul as your guide. Read More

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6 of the Best Travel Watches Around Right Now

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Rolex Explorer II Read more

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If nothing else, the last year or so has made foreign travel an adventure again, at least for those who enjoy navigating their way through vaccination regimes and test requirements. It feels long ago when instead the burning question was whether it’s cocktail hour at the destination yet.

For the well-prepared traveler, the answer is on your wrist, as one of the few really useful complications watchmakers offer is the ability to show two or more time zones at a glance. Simply put, a “complication” in watch parlance is any function on a timepiece other than showing the time, such as a stopwatch or moon-phase display. Of course, you can do it in your head or use a world-time app on your phone, but a GMT or worldtimer saves you the bother and looks considerably more stylish. 

However, as easy as it is for you to decipher, showing multiple time zones is a significant challenge for both the watchmakers and the designer, as there’s always a tradeoff between simplicity and utility. How do you want the second time zone to be set? Should it link to the date? Do the time zones need to be named? How do you make sure the “travel” time is sufficiently distinct from the “home” time? What about places with just 30-minute differences? 

Here is our edit of some of the best mechanical worldtimers you can get right now, from entry level to high-end. All should serve you well, wherever your travels—once they begin again in earnest—may take you.

The standard approach to a GMT watch is exemplified by the Explorer II from Rolex, which has a second hour in bright orange that runs on a 24-hour cycle: set this 24-hour hand for your second time zone, then read the hour off the bezel scale, and minutes as normal. 

The design is built entirely around the presence of the extra hand and the bezel, with the contrast between hour and GMT hands being a feature rather than a hindrance (whether that’s a good thing is a straightforward matter of taste).

It’s simple, effective, and, as it’s a Rolex, bomb-proof. And even if you’re not traveling across time zones, Rolex points out that it might be useful for distinguishing day from night, should you emerge from a storm in an Arctic high summer.

This new version retains the signature 42mm sizing (want a larger case? Look to the brand's rugged 43mm Sea-Dweller and 44mm Deepsea). Inside is the in-house caliber 3285 power plant, new in the Explorer II, and the same currently found in the GMT-Master II. 

The really good news is this 3285 automatic movement—powered by the natural movement of the body as you wear it—packs in the best that Rolex currently offers: Chronergy escapement, 70 hours of power reserve, blue Parachrom balance spring and Paraflex shock absorbers. What does all this mean? A much more accurate, efficient, and robust piece that keeps running much longer after you've stopped wearing it.

There is currently no way to purchase a Rolex online. You will need to use Rolex's dealer locator that we've linked to below. This page has the model information you'll want to share with a dealer.

The same solution seen in the Rolex is behind Bell & Ross’s BR03-93 GMT, but the design makes the GMT more subservient to the watch design, obviously derived from the modular format of cockpit instruments, an aviation-inspired look that Bell & Ross has come to dominate over its 30-year history. 

One difference here is that the bezel can be turned, giving the watch more flexibility in terms of the extra time zone (the bezel is rotated however many hours difference between home time and the third zone to see the time in that destination without having to set the watch). Some will welcome that, others will see it as a complication too far, but it’s a smart watch that delivers a design presence that Rolex doesn’t look for. Speaking of which, the popular colorways of red and black—the "Coke" look as opposed to the red and blue "Pepsi" style—will justifiably draw attention.

The sturdy 42mm watch also has 100-meter water resistance, a 42-hour power reserve, curved anti-reflective sapphire crystal, and a small, subtle rounded date window towards the 4:30 position. Yes, you get a black calfskin leather strap, but we prefer this ultra-resilient synthetic fabric option.

Breitling’s Chronomat UTC offers a brutally effective, if not especially subtle, solution to the demand for worldtimer watches: fit a completely separate mini, quartz-powered watch into the strap . 

It helps that the Chronomat is a hefty piece of kit to begin with—44mm by 14.45mm, so the extra bulk shouldn’t be an issue. The mechanical movement has 70 hours of power reserve, which is the length of time it continues to tick once you have removed the Chronomat from your wrist. It's also water-resistant up to 200 meters.

The “UTC" name references Coordinated Universal Time, or UTC , the primary time standard by which the world regulates clocks and time and is not adjusted for daylight saving, making it effectively a successor to Greenwich Mean Time, or GMT, which is where worldtimers derive their alternative moniker from.

The Chronomat was inspired by the Frecce Tricolori watch that Breitling created for the Italian Air Force’s aerobatic fleet back in 1983, and is very much an all-purpose sports watch, which explains why the second time zone function was incorporated into the strap and not the watch itself.

There’s an alternative solution that can be seen in Chopard’s latest travel watch, the L.U.C Time Traveler One Black, which is to show time everywhere in the world at once, via an arrangement of counter-rotating discs on the edge of the dial. 

Amazingly, it’s almost suspiciously easy to read—the number below the city is the time there—but it needs a sensitive designer to manage the hierarchy of information delivered. Going monotone, as Chopard’s watch shows, is a beautifully effective way of doing just that. 

It's actually based on the Time Traveler One launched back in 2016, but now with an added dose of modernity thanks to that monochrome color palette that extends to the 42mm ceramised titanium case (which has a hardness of 700 Vickers when 316L stainless steel has a hardness of 150 to 200 Vickers). On closer inspection, it's not black but myriad subtle shades of gray. This is the secret to the watch's legibility. 

One the outside of the dial is a city disc, marked with 24 locations around the globe. The crown at 4 o’clock lets the user rotate this city disc. When the chosen city for the local time is set at the 12 o’clock position, you can determine the prevailing hour in all of those 24 locations simultaneously.

TAG Heuer has just dropped three new 2022 Autavia models comprising two new chronograph models and this, a three-hand GMT model—a first for TAG's Autavia collection to mark the line's 60th year.

Fitted with an automatic movement that will keep running up to 50 hours after you've taken the watch off, the piece focuses on simplicity and legibility: numerals and hands coated with glow-in-the-dark Super-LumiNova on an uncluttered blue dial contained in a 42mm steel case that's water-resistant to 100 meters. 

The addition of easily interchangeable straps is another boon, with traditional stainless-steel or  leather straps as well as on-trend woven NATO bands, too.

Not all globe-trotting GMT watches cost the Earth. Christopher Ward's C63 Sealander GMT has a pleasingly classic style yet costs a fraction of the other pieces here. You get a round stainless steel 39mm case secure to 150 meters, a power reserve that extends to 56 hours, and this piece is the first from the brand to use its new automatic movement that not only adds the display of a second time zone (indicated by the large orange hand), but also allows for a slightly more precise GMT setting than the previous version. 

It is available in black, white, green or blue polished lacquer dials, boasts an anti-shock system and is compatible with a range quick-change straps that includes this options made from recycled ocean plastic.

In the past, a criticism levied at Christopher Ward has been a tendency to add unnecessary information and clutter to its dials, as it did with its 2014 C900 Worldtimer, but here there are no such issues. It's smart and simple. 

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12 Best GMT Watches for Travel at Every Budget in 2024

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Next to a global Soho House membership and blackout shades, few things are more useful for travel than the best GMT watches. Also known as second or dual time zone, a GMT watch keeps track of the time where you’re at and in a second time zone. It’s the favorite complication among connoisseurs and novices alike, thanks to its practicality.

It’s a great time to get acquainted with GMT watches now that globe-trotting is the norm. From massive to micro, tons of brands are making them, and at low price points, making it easier than ever to keep track of more than one time zone.

Whether you want to stay up to date with mom or the office back home as you travel, scoring a handsome GMT watch on a budget is no longer a pipe dream—but not all are created equal.

A truly stand-out GMT watch needs to have a legible dial and reliable, high-quality movement. While it doesn’t necessarily need to have any other features, it does need to look good (at least to the wearer). Whether it’s got a fourth hand on the dial or a bi-rotational bezel, the best GMT watches need to keep track of a 24-hour time scale with grace and ease.

Key Takeaways 

The Baltic Aquascape is one of the best GMT watches, thanks to its precise movement, nostalgic yet unique look, and easy-to-read dial, all at a great price point.

For an even steeper deal without having to sacrifice traditional looks or functions, turn to the Timex Waterbury or sportier Citizen Promaster Diver with Eco-drive.

• What to look for
• Final Verdict

1. Best Overall GMT Watch: Baltic Aquascaphe GMT

Reasonably priced and beautifully rendered, Baltic’s Aquascaphe GMT pays homage to the near unattainable 60’s Rolex Pepsi GMT without feeling like a rip-off. Considering it’s also a French microbrand , a purchase from Baltic feels special. The Aquascaphe has everything you could want from a traditional GMT with its own unique style and look.

Coming in gray, green, or orange, it features a bi-directional bezel, iconic rubber tropic straps , and self-winding Swiss Soprod movement. Against a black dial finish, white Super-luminova hands are easy to read at a glance, especially in the dark. And there’s a sapphire insert for scratch resistance and a neat little date window at 6 o’clock.

Easy to find and of great value, the Aquascahpe is quickly becoming an icon on its own.

Diameter: 39mm | Case Material: Stainless Steel | Strap: Rubber | Movement: Automatic

2. Best Microbrand GMT Watch: The New York Iota GMT Collection

Perhaps the cleanest face on this list, Iota’s GMT watch exemplifies minimalist beauty. The collection offers four different models representing different cities in different time zones around the world, but I’ve chosen New York because it’s where I live. The brownstones of each borough serve as inspiration, coupled with a tan strap and golden case against a crisp matte white dial with golden lines. Choose from a variety of strap colors.

As a brand, Iota combines minimalist British design cues with Swiss manufacturing and Swiss-made Ronda 515.34H movement. Each watch is crafted from stainless steel with a glossy brushed metal finish for a clean, expensive look. Oh, and don’t forget easy quick-release straps.

Diameter: 40mm | Case Material: Stainless Steel | Strap: Leather | Movement: Automatic

3. Best GMT Dress Watch: Nomos-Glashuette Tangomat GMT 

It’s hard having expensive taste, but even the Tangomat GMT comes in at a decent price point considering all you’re getting. This watch is absolutely beautiful, from clear lines and angular form to the tempered blue steel hands and touch of red against the oversized white face. The beautiful strap is crafted in Horween genuine shell cordovan leather.

But my favorite feature is the window display where airport codes denote the 24 time zones. All it takes is one push of a button to switch your location moments from NYC to RIO before you land. It’s different, but that’s what makes it fun.

Diameter: 31mm | Case Material: Stainless Steel | Strap: Leather | Movement: Automatic

4. Best Budget GMT Watch: Citizen ProMaster Diver

Long gone are the days when you had to spend big on a GMT watch. Citizen proves that quality at a low price point that’s not only attainable but downright attractive. Ideally, Citizen Promaster Diver is a great summer sports watch, thanks to bright colors and 200 meters of water resistance. But regardless of season, it’s a feature-packed timepiece for a staggeringly great price.

Anti-reflective sapphire is common on more expensive watches. But luminous white hands and markers against a clear face make the dial easy to read. The band also happens to be extremely comfortable.

But perhaps its coolest feature is the Eco-drive movement, the first of its kind. This means the watch is powered by light, and not just sunshine, but any light, including artificial. Now that’s a feature worth getting used to.

Diameter: 44mm  | Case Material: Stainless Steel | Strap: Stainless Steel | Movement: Eco-drive

5. Best GMT Watch Under 500: Seiko SSK001 5 GMT 

The Seiko 5 Sports line has put out some fantastic variations since its reintroduction in recent years, but an automatic watch with a fourth hand for GMT ? Talk about balling on a budget. The brand pulls it off beautifully by simply modifying the movements for the world traveler,  who is concerned with function above all else.

True to Seiko form, it’s a well-built watch with excellent details and movement you can count on. The deep blue and black bezel against a shiny steel bracelet is eye-catching. And for under $500, quite frankly, it feels like a steal .

Diameter: 42.5mm | Case Material: Stainless Steel | Strap: Stainless Steel | Movement: Automatic

6. Best GMT Quartz Watch: Timex Waterbury Traditional GMT 

These days, getting your hands on the Timex Q is a struggle. The Waterbury Traditional GMT is a great fill-in with a slightly higher-end look, in my opinion. The green, red, and white hands are particularly attractive. And because it’s easy to dress up or down, it’s great for daily wear.

A colored rotating bezel that tracks an additional time zone, 100 meters of water resistance, and a quick-release strap are all features found on higher-end watches. Oh, how I love traditional looks and functionality at dirt-cheap prices. Seriously, this affordable gmt watch will only set you back a couple hundred bucks.

Another modern iteration of a vintage body, the Waterbury pays homage to the original Timex, the Waterbury Clock Company, founded in 1854.

Diameter: 39mm | Case Material: Stainless Steel | Strap: Leather | Movement: Quartz

7. Best Pilot GMT Watch: Zodiac Super Sea Wolf GMT

A rotating 24-hour bezel is a must-have feature for aviation. The Zodiac Super, a nod to the Zodiac Sea Wolf of the 1960s , is timelessly stunning, thanks to the gold bezel that can tell time in a third time zone and the matching middle strip of gold on the bracelet.

Pilots also need to be able to see well at a quick glance, so the reserved black dial provides the perfect backdrop for those white hands to really pop. Couple that with the deep 200 meters water resistance, and you’ve got one of the best GMT watches for flight .

Diameter: 40mm | Case Material: Stainless Steel | Strap: Stainless Steel | Movement: Automatic

8. Best Vintage GMT Watch: Pre-Owned Rolex GMT-Master 

If you’re going to go vintage, what’s better than the OG? This is the 1994 model, but there’s no mistaking the blue and red bezel, an iconic feature of the GMT Master Rolex launched in 1954 . It holds the title of the first timepiece to track two time zones simultaneously. Perfect for pilots, why not you?

Actually, thanks to the bi-rotational bezel, it’s possible to track up to three time zones at once. A classic look in excellent condition, this model also boasts a chronometer and 100 meters of water resistance.

If purchasing vintage leaves you feeling unsure, just know that Tourneau has very strict certified pre-owned watch quality standards with a 30-point inspection. The retailer itself has been around since 1900.

Diameter: 40mm | Case Material: Stainless Steel | Strap: stainless Steel | Movement: Automatic

9. Best GMT Watch Under 1,000: Bulova Wilton GMT

I love how the Tangomat captures the spirit of travel, but the Bulova Wilton takes an elegant stab at it as well. Handsome and refined, it resides in the premium tier of automatic self-winding movements, with a high-quality independently adjustable GMT hand. This makes it easy to set the hand to another timezone without affecting accuracy. Phew.

It’s not just movement that the Bulova offers up. A beautiful silver tone stainless steel case is quite the backdrop for a blue 4-hand GMT dial, striking Roman numeral markers, and a world map dial for some perspective. Pair it with the anti-reflective dome, and you’ve got one of the best GMT watches money can buy.

Diameter: 43mm | Case Material: Stainless Steel | Strap: Leather | Movement: Automatic

10. Best Automatic GMT Watch: Bulgari Aluminum GMT

I could’ve included any number of automatic GMT watches, but there is something so special and unique about this one. Maybe it’s in the limited-edition name, the Amerigo Vespucci Special, a nod to the spirit of travel. Or maybe it’s the Bugatti-esque appearance, that eye-catching combo of black and yellow that comprises the inner dial second time zone ring.

Either way, like a fine Italian car, Bulgari’s Aluminum is not only beautiful but comfortable, too. You can thank rubber for that. The black rubber strap locks at the center of the case for a flexible, secure fit. There’s also a black rubber bezel with the BVLGARI engraving and an added rubber insert for shock resistance.

Meanwhile, the hands are rhodium plated for extra strength and luster. No matter how you spin it, this is clearly one of the best GMT watches.

Diameter: 40mm | Case Material: Aluminum Titanium | Strap: Rubber | Movement: Automatic

11. Best GMT Dive Watch: Mido Ocean Star GMT

As the name implies, the Mido Ocean Star is one of the best GMT watches for aquatics . Again, here’s another well-priced watch with loads of features. But its most stand-out accomplishment is time-keeping . Imagine that.

Here is a solid yet refined dive watch from an established Swiss brand . Mido is a part of Swatch Group and gets its 80-hour power reserve automatic movement from the premier sister company, ETA. It’s also serving precision with a Nivachron balance spring, a titanium-based alloy that protects against shocks and the effects of time.

As for looks, a rich attractive navy bezel with a deeper navy dial matches the beautifully woven strap , made from a leather front and synthetic back. Perfect for breathability and comfort. For just over the $1,000 price tag, I think it’s a yes.

Diameter: 44mm | Case Material: Stainless Steel | Strap: Leather Front, Synthetic Back | Movement: Automatic

12. Best Value GMT Watch: Monta Atlas

With all the trappings of luxury at an attainable price point, the Monta Atlas is one of the best GMT watches out there. Whether you’re traveling, working, or out exploring, it’s a utilitarian looker that puts in work.

Seriously, this thing is built like a tank. Not only is the bracelet strong, but it’s comfortable, thanks to a highly adjustable clasp and two half-links to create your perfect fit. A 56-hour power reserve makes it ideal for daily wear and refined Sellita SW330 automatic movements means it runs like a charm.

To me, function must meet form to be considered the best. And boy, does the Atlas hold up. Red entails and rhodium-plated diamond-cut sword-style hands with Super-LumiNova pop against the deep charcoal dial. Polished bevels and a brushed sunburst finish on the bezel bring high shine. If you’re going to add one GMT watch to your wardrobe , this should be it.

Diameter: 38.5mm | Case Material: Stainless Steel | Strap: Stainless Steel | Movement: Automatic

What To Look For In A GMT Watch

A watch is no good if you can’t even read it. A cluttered dial isn’t ideal. The best GMT watches have either a dark dial and light-colored hands or a clean, light dial and hands that pop.

Generally, a fourth hand indicates the GMT time zone denoted on the bezel, while a rotating bezel allows for keeping track of an additional time zone. The Tangomat even created an entirely new style of time zone tracking with an airport code window.

If you’re flush with cash, by all means, feel free to splurge on the best GMT watches. However, there are some truly amazing watches in the $1,000-$3,000 price range and even lower, so it’s really not necessary to spend a ton unless you want to.

Final Verdict 

Without a doubt, the Baltic Aquascaphe is a top-tier choice. From its attractive price point, iconic vintage style, and bevy of features, including Super-LumiNova hands and Swiss movement, it’s one of the best GMT watches to put on your wrist.

“Greenwich Mean Time,” meaning the solar time at the Royal Observatory in London. It’s how the rest of the world’s time zones are compared. However, GMT watches can typically be set to any other additional timezone of your choosing.

GMT is always set to 0 on a watch and follows a 24-hour clock. It’s geared to turn half as quickly as 12-hour hands. To set your time zone, simply turn the hand according to the corresponding number of your time zone (Germany is +1, for example).

As global travel increases, it’s common to be in multiple time zones throughout the week. Whether you’re keeping time as you travel from home or work or want to keep track of a loved one living abroad, the best GMT watches are essential.

Why not? Depending on your needs, you could use it infrequently or daily. Considering the affordable price points on some fine watches, there’s no reason a GMT watch can’t be a part of your typical repertoire.

Rachel Cascella is an in-house writer at Fashion Beans with 14 years of experience in the fashion industry, balancing her knowledge of cutting-edge trends with a penchant for truly timeless style.

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Tested: The Absolute Best GMT Travel Watches for Your Collection

By: Ethan Brehm Published: Oct 25, 2023

By: Ethan Brehm and Johnny Brayson Published: Oct 25, 2023

Contributors

With the holidays upon us, many are preparing for their trips, both near and far. But in order to travel, one needs certain accouterments. A suitcase is essential, a passport sure comes in handy, and comfy travel clothes are a must. And then there’s the GMT travel watch. You may think that you don’t need a watch while on vacation . After all, your phone tells you the time, right? But you’d be wrong, as the best GMT watches are indispensable travel partners.

Yes, your phone tells you the time, but does it tell you the local time as well as the time at home at a glance? Didn’t think so. A GMT watch will do this, offering you the time in two places at once with a quick look at your wrist. Not only that, but the best GMT travel watches will also complement any outfit you have on and act as a companion that accompanies you on all your excursions , making memories alongside you. Are we being just a bit romantic about GMT watches? Maybe, but once you know the history of the GMT watch, it’s hard not to wax poetic about them.

Best GMT Watches Breakdown

Best Quartz GMT

Q Timex GMT 38mm

Best Budget Automatic GMT

Seiko 5 Sports SKX Sports Style GMT

Best Microbrand GMT

Lorier Hyperion Series II

Best GMT Diver

Mido Ocean Star GMT

Best Office GMT

Monta Skyquest

Best Vintage-Inspired GMT

Longines Spirit Zulu Time

Best Quartz True GMT

Grand Seiko SBGN027

Best Overall GMT

Tudor Black Bay GMT

Honorable Mention

Rolex GMT Master II

The gmt’s high-flying history.

Come Fly With Me

GMT watches often conjure images of mid-century jetsetters and playboy pilots — think Leonardo DiCaprio in Catch Me If You Can and you’ll be on the right track. That’s because the watches were born in that era for those types of customers. Back in the early 1950s, long-haul intercontinental flights were becoming more and more common. Pan Am, the largest airline of the day, put out a request to watch companies to develop a watch that could track two timezones simultaneously so pilots could monitor the time at both their destination and origin. Two companies answered the call. The first was Glycine, which unveiled the Airman in 1953. That watch kept time on a 24-hour scale, with a rotating 24-hour bezel for tracking a second timezone. The next year, Rolex introduced the GMT Master. It kept time on a standard 12-hour scale but incorporated a fourth hand that made its way around the dial once every 24 hours. A rotating 24-hour bezel was employed here as well, allowing the wearer to track a second timezone on the fourth hand while still reading their current time on a 12-hour scale. Rolex’s design took off like a rocket, and other manufacturers began producing their own GMT watches based on the Rolex template. The age of the GMT watch had begun.

Video Guide: The Best GMT Travel Watches

While we’re suckers for the written word, nothing beats seeing our favorite GMT travel watches in all of their 4k glory.

Types Of GMT Watches

True Vs. Office

True GMT: When researching GMT watches, you may have come across the term “True GMT” and wondered what it meant. In 1983, Rolex made GMT history again. The brand introduced the GMT Master II, a new version of their travel watch icon with a handy new feature. The movement in the GMT Master II allows you to independently adjust the hour hand without stopping the seconds hand or disturbing the other hands. That means that, if your GMT hand is set to your home time, all you have to do when traveling is pop your hour hand over to quickly set your new local time. It’s a faster and more convenient way to set your watch for travel, and some watch enthusiasts consider it to be the only “true” GMT there is. That’s, of course, nonsense — there were GMT watches for nearly 30 years before this type of movement existed — but GMTs with this type of movement, also called a “flyer” GMT, are slightly better for travel.

Office GMT: The other type of (more common) GMT is the “office” or “caller” GMT. Instead of having an independently adjustable hour hand, these GMTs have independently adjustable GMT hands. This is far more convenient if you want to track a second timezone while you’re at home — as someone in a west coast office may do if they have East Coast colleagues — but it isn’t the most convenient arrangement when traveling.

Having said that, we’re talking about a minute or less in the difference it takes to set your local time on a “true” vs “office” GMT, so really any GMT watch will work just fine when traveling.

How We Tested

Our Selection Process

You could easily make a case that enthusiasm for wristwatches has never been higher than it is right now. We’ve seen a definite influx among younger wearers, who are taken by the idea of mechanical masterpieces adorning their wrists, as well as a plethora of new brands cropping up, many of which have something to offer. Not only that, the market now offers us more variety than we’ve ever seen, with wide-ranging prices as well as an increase in specialization. Sure, this means that there are more options out there to delineate, but it also means that the world is proving that digital technology isn’t always what people want.

Nevertheless, selecting the perfect timepiece in any category or price point has become more difficult. To tackle the task of finding the best GMTs out there, we began by selecting the watches we suspected would be the best candidates. Using both the eye test (e.g., design, color , dial configuration) and our expertise in the space to dig through specs (e.g., size, materials, strap, movement), we whittled all the options down to the ones we thought could be worthy of making the cut for this list. We also factored in price, value, and the reputation of the watch’s manufacturer itself, which is an earned quality in this industry.

And then there was the matter of testing the timepieces themselves. Any watch collector can tell you that, regardless of what you read on paper, you truly have to wear a watch on your wrist to get a feel for it and get a sense of the user experience. After acquiring the demo pieces for our initial shortlist, we put the watches on our wrists and put them through a variety of scenarios to see their fit, comfort, and wrist presence firsthand. The overall process took us weeks, but finally we were able to land on the list of the best GMT watches you see before you.

Why It Made the Cut

• Timex’s retro reissue is an incredibly inexpensive option for those into vintage-style timepieces, featuring an integrated bracelet and Pepsi-style bezel.

Best Quartz GMT: We’re so happy that Timex has been embracing retro-style models with its Q lineup. Inspired by the dive style of the original Q from 1979, this 38mm timepiece is still very much a GMT, with its bi-directional “Pepsi” bezel, domed acrylic crystal, hooded lugs, and functional battery hatch on the caseback. It has loads of nostalgia and is a steal at just over $200.

Recently revived in 2019, the Q Timex Reissue features an integrated bracelet with its 38mm barrel-shaped case. It’s incredibly compact, wears small, and feels even smaller than the dimensions suggest, but we love the sharp, angular styling and mix of vertical and horizontal brushing across the top of the main case. If you’re looking to save some shekels with a quality quartz-powered movement and a retro style, this will be your best bet.

Case Size: 38mm Water Resistance: 50m Movement: Quartz

• Seiko taps into the ethos of its discontinued SKX with this 5 Sports watch, featuring vintage charm, an exhibition caseback, and a fair price tag.

Best Budget Automatic GMT: After Seiko discontinued its beloved SKX dive watch, it revamped its entry-level Seiko 5 Sports range, albeit with loose relation to the outgoing models. However, with the debut of the first-ever GMT in the 5 Sports lineup, it finally gave the SKX the homage it deserved. Harkening back to its progenitor with similar color schemes and design ethos, the new 42.5mm GMT features an independently adjustable fourth hand and a rotating 24-hour bezel.

The larger case helps with visibility, as do the Lumibrite-coated hands and indices and the date window magnifier. It also ditches the 5 Sports’ Oyster-style bracelets and opts for a five-link Jubilee-style stainless steel option instead. We love the exhibition caseback to display the 4R34 movement, and the divisive five-row jubilee bracelet adds some charm and comfort that some third-party options forego. Despite the 100m of water resistance, this one certainly has that vintage Seiko diver character. However, the off-centered push-pull crown at 4 o’clock might make you cautious of taking this timepiece on your most aqueous adventures.

Case Size: 42.5mm Water Resistance: 100m Movement: Automatic GMT with manual winding capability

• Lorier’s handsome vintage-inspired watch is very robust, inexpensive, and endlessly classy.

Best Microbrand GMT: The very first Rolex GMT Master in the 1950s was the ref. 6542. It originally came with a lumed red and blue “Pepsi” bezel made of a plastic predecessor called Bakelite. However, concerns over the brittle bakelite cracking and exposing the radioactive tritium lume below caused Rolex to switch to aluminum bezel inserts after just a few years. These days, original bakelite bezel 6542s regularly sell for six figures, but you can get the same vintage feel for far less with this stunning microbrand GMT.

Series II of Lorier’s Hyperion uses Hesalite for its lumed Pepsi bezel insert and domed crystal, offering serious retro vibes to go with its traffic-stopping looks. For just $100 more than the Seiko GMT above, you can get a true GMT with an independent hour hand at an accessible price point. We love everything about this timepiece, including the price, the mid-century-inspired aesthetic that evokes the heyday of aviation, the robust construction featuring a marine-grade steel case and the aforementioned impact-resistant crystal, and, of course, the classy Pepsi bezel.

Case Size: 39mm Water Resistance: 100m Movement: Automatic “True” GMT

• Mido found the perfect middle ground between GMT and dive watch with this Ocean Star, sporting a graduated Pepsi-style bezel.

Best GMT Diver: Dive watch GMTs are becoming more and more popular, as you can see from this guide alone, and while there are several notable examples, our favorite has to be this Pepsi-bezeled Ocean Star from Mido. Whether you’re jet-setting or simply heading out on the trail –– or both –– this 44mm timepiece will do the trick. Boasting 200m of water resistance, the true GMT could have easily copied the styling of the iconic Rolex, but instead, Mido does its own thing with a fixed internal 24-hour bezel on top of the traditional rotating one on the outside.

Mido is a member of the Swatch Group. That means the brands have access to some of the same movements, such as the ETA Powermatic 80 GMT caliber that’s found here, with 80 hours of power reserve. Sure, the 44m steel case feels heftier on the wrist, but that translates to a superb wrist presence for those who want a bit more attention on their timepiece. Fortunately, the flat sapphire crystal helps with the thickness, erring more towards a modern styling in that regard. In terms of the bracelet , we also loved how you could adjust it quickly thanks to the double push button system within the clasp.

Case Size: 44mm Water Resistance: 200m Movement: Automatic “True” GMT

• With 300m of water resistance, the Skyquest from Monta showcases the brand’s unique design language while featuring superb on-wrist comfort.

Best Office GMT: American-owned and Swiss-made, Monta is one of the most highly-regarded microbrands in the business, and the Skyquest is arguably their best watch. The finishing is comparable to watches that cost twice as much, the fully-articulating bracelet features a quick-adjust clasp, the bezel is made of scratch-resistant ceramic, the water resistance is an impressive 300m, the hands are diamond-cut and rhodium-plated, and the GMT hand sports a quirky and ingenious bend that allows it to clear the applied indices while reaching to the outer edges of the dial.

Opposed to some other office GMT models, the Skyquest may be a little pricier, but with that price, you get a lot more than you’ve bargained for. This includes the in-house M-23 automatic movement , the overall build quality and finishing, and the Coke bezel, which nods to Rolex’s Pan Am collab in the ’80s. At 40.7mm across, the timepiece wears slightly smaller than you’d expect thanks to the lugs, which curve slightly towards the wrist. Operating with its own unique design language, the Skyquest is truly a sight to behold in person, with its features popping off the wrist and its contrast lending to nice visibility. We also love the bracelet, which features fully articulating links and supreme comfort.

Case Size: 40.7mm Water Resistance: 300m Movement: Automatic “Office” GMT

• Longines nods to its aviation-filled past with the Spirit Zulu Time, which pops off the wrist thanks to its 18K gold accents and handsome design.

Best Vintage-Inspired GMT: Longines may be one of the oldest Swiss watch manufacturers in existence — the brand was founded in 1832 — but they remain on the cutting edge of the industry, even credited with having the first watch with more than one time zone. Last year, it added a true GMT to its Spirit line. Named after a watch from about 100 years ago (which took its name from the military term for “GMT”), the Zulu Time is a watch made for true globetrotters, with 72 hours of power reserve and an independently set hour hand.

As classy as ever, the Spirit Zulu Time is a pilot’s watch through and through, with inspired colorways, a 72-hour power reserve, superb dial visibility, and easy adjustment. At a wearable 39mm, the stainless steel timepiece was dropped down a few sizes from its 42mm predecessor and the difference in comfort is noticeable on-wrist. Aesthetically, the 18K yellow gold accents truly pop and bring a great deal of wrist presence to the timepiece. Not to mention, Longines has several other variants if this handsome anthracite version isn’t for you.

For a deeper dive, read our Longines Spirit Zulu Time watch review .

Case Size: 39mm Water Resistance: 100m Movement: Automatic “True” GMT

• Pricier for a quartz watch, Grand Seiko proves that it’s movements are no cheap endeavor, while also finding a compromise between sportiness and class.

Best Quartz True GMT: The first watch to feature a GMT version of Grand Seiko’s lauded 9F High-Accuracy Quartz movement — arguably the best quartz movement in the world — this may be the ultimate “grab and go” travel watch. Accuracy is conservatively rated to within 10 seconds per year (1 second per year anecdotes are not unheard of), the finishing is easily the best you can get for the price thanks to Grand Seiko’s famed distortion-free Zaratsu polishing, and the handmade, fully-decorated, thermocompensated movement is a “true” GMT. Plus, it’s got looks for days.

Decidedly sportier than Grand Seiko’s typical options, this SBGN027 is certainly more expensive than your average quartz piece, but here it serves to preserve the timekeeping of the watch itself. Even when the offset crown is pulled out, the quartz GMT continues to keep the time. In-person, the 39mm diameter and 45.9mm lug size are about as perfect of proportions as you can get for everyday watch wearing. We’re also fans of the fixed 24-hour bezel with its black embossing and radial-brushed steel. The three-link steel bracelet looks beautiful, matching the case finish, and is easy to adjust with the screw posts and push-button clasp.

Case Size: 39mm Water Resistance: 200m Movement: Quartz “True” GMT

• Tudor’s near-perfect GMT utilizes its iconic Black Bay as the base layer, continuing to challenge conventions while maintaining a traditional ethos.

Best Overall GMT: As the more affordable sister brand to Rolex, Tudor has long had the reputation of offering Rolex quality and style for less eye-watering prices. And that’s never been more true than with this modern classic. Based on the brand’s popular vintage-inspired Black Bay diver, this GMT boasts a bi-directional bezel with a beautiful aluminum Pepsi insert, a subtly textured dial, and an in-house automatic movement with a “true” GMT function. It’s the closest one can get to a Rolex GMT — vintage or modern — without coming close to approaching the five-figure mark.

First debuting in 2018, the Black Bay GMT is still a favorite today. Boasting 200m of water resistance, this piece may have some definite diver properties, but we love it as a travel watch the most. Inside the 24-hour Pepsi bezel is a pearl-like opaline white dial, which is a nice change of pace from the typical dark GMT dials. Despite the modern touches, this automatic true GMT has some vintage design cues, including the aforementioned bezel with its coin edge and the domed sapphire crystal. Hopefully, Tudor will soon include its T-Fit adjustment system on the newer Black Bay GMTs, even if the bracelet is still really comfortable.

For a deeper dive, read our Tudor Black Bay GMT watch review .

Case Size: 41mm Water Resistance: 200m Movement: Automatic “True” GMT

• You can’t have a “Best GMT” list without including the most lusted-after GMT in the world.

Honorable Mention: You knew this was coming. The descendent of the original GMT watch, the GMT Master II remains the most lusted-after GMT in the world. The waitlist to purchase a new stainless steel Pepsi bezel variant is years long, and they routinely sell for more than double the retail price on the secondhand market. But the watch commands such demand for a reason. It’s unspeakably gorgeous, with an iconic design that few watches in the world can match. It’s also robust, dependable, and luxurious, and there’s not a person alive who wouldn’t want one of these on their wrist while traveling the globe.

As legendary as the Rolex GMT is, we couldn’t acquire the watch in time to perform in-studio testing. However, of all the pieces here, the reputation of the GMT Master II should be able to precede it.

Case Size: 40mm Water Resistance: 100m Movement: Automatic “True” GMT

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The 10 Best Watches for Travelers

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Executive Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Caroline has a passion for adventure travel and has hiked to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the bottom of the Grand Canyon in pursuit of a good story. Follow her around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline .

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This story is sponsored by eBay.

Whether you want to keep track of two time zones at once, measure your depth while scuba diving, check your route while hiking, or simply look stylish and well-accessorized, the right watch is an essential travel item. 

However, finding a legitimate watch online for a great price can be harder than snagging a cheap flight deal. You can shell out tons of money, but with knockoffs everywhere, how do you know that your watch is the real deal? The simple answer: get your watch on eBay , where you can search for watches that are covered by eBay’s amazing Authenticity Guarantee . 

Filter your search for watches that have eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee badge, and you can order with the peace of mind that you’re getting the real thing. Here’s how the process works: the seller ships the watch to independent experts who verify the watch through a multipoint inspection that looks at the movement, crown, bezel, dial, case, clasp/buckle, hands, end links, serial numbers, and more. The inspector then issues a NFC-enabled card that is included with the watch to prove the authenticity and ships the watch directly to you.

The Best Authenticity Guaranteed Watches for Travelers

Omega seamaster.

If you want a watch that you can wear on the beach and also out to a nice dinner, look no further than the Omega Seamaster . This classic timepiece has an eye-catching blue face with a subtle wave design that will go with any outfit. It’s also functional for outdoor activities like diving thanks to the helium escape valve, unidirectional rotating bezel, and screw-in crown.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date GMT-Master II

The original Rolex GMT-Master line was designed with Pan American Airways and worn as part of the crew uniform on long-haul flights. The newer GMT-Master II model features an adjustable hour hand that can be set to local time, so you can keep track of the time both at home and at your destination. 

Rolex Yacht-Master Watch

There may be a worldwide Rolex shortage , but you can find plenty of options from this iconic brand at eBay, all for a great price. The Rolex Yacht-Master is a classic for a reason , with an easy-to-read face and streamlined design. This model is available with eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee and will save you over $4,500 compared to buying new. 

Patek Philippe Complications Annual Calendar White Gold Mens Watch

For a splurge that won’t look out of place in the first-class cabin, Patek Philippe’s Complications watch is the best luxury watch for travelers. The stunning enamel dial center displays a map of Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Simply push a button and you can display two time zones at once, to help you stay on top of your jet lag. 

The Best Affordable Watches for Travelers

The apple watch series 6.

The Apple Watch Series 6 puts some serious tech on your wrist. On the Series 6, you can get real-time flight alerts, translate a conversation, and check walking directions, all without you having to dig out your phone. 

The Apple Watch makes a great adventure partner. It’s water-resistant so you can wear it while swimming or boating, it can track miles and your route while you hike, and it can even detect if you’ve taken a hard fall and connect you to emergency services if needed. 

Citizen Eco-Drive Elektra Women’s Crystal Silver-Tone Watch

When your phone is dead and you’re far from a charger, Citizen’s Eco-Drive Elektra watch will still be able to tell you the time. This beautiful timepiece is solar-powered and doesn’t require a battery. This model features gorgeous sapphire crystals to add a touch of sparkle to any look. 

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Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver Date Display 

Looking for an affordable, stylish, and functional dive watch? Citizen’s Eco-Drive Promaster Diver checks all the boxes. This solar-powered watch will never need a battery (so no need to worry about finding a charger or extra battery while you’re traveling). ISO rated for depths up to 200 meters, this watch will show you the date, time, and how long you’ve been in the water at a glance.

Garmin Fenix 6 Multisport GPS Watch

No matter how far you venture into the backcountry, you’ll never get lost as long as you have Garmin’s Fenix 6 Multisport watch on your wrist. This watch uses multiple global navigation satellite systems to track in places that are too remote for regular GPS. No access to electricity? Put the Fenix 6 in expedition mode and it will run for weeks without a charge. 

In addition to finding your way in nature, the Fenix 6 is great for urban travels, with the ability to send and receive text messages, tap-to-pay, sleep monitoring, and hydration tracking. 

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Bulova Classic Women’s Quartz Silver-Tone Bangle Watch

Bulova’s Classic watch has a sleek and understated design that will look elegant without calling attention to you while traveling. The simple black enamel face features four simple metalized crystal dashes to mark the time. The link bangle bracelet is comfortable to wear and can be easily adjusted for a custom fit. 

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Casio G-Shock G-Steel Tough Solar Connected Watch

Need a watch that can withstand anything? Made from a lightweight and extremely durable carbon steel, the Casio G-Shock G-Steel is nearly indestructible. This watch features G-Shock’s powerful shock resistance and can even be connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth. 

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Top Travel Watches for Any Budget

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May 2, 2023

Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or a weekend adventurer, having a reliable and versatile travel watch is essential for keeping track of your journeys. With countless options available, it’s crucial to find a timepiece that suits your style, budget, and travel needs. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top travel watches for any budget, from affordable picks to luxurious splurges.

I. Affordable Travel Watches (Under $100)

Casio World Time AE-1200WH-1AVCF

With an incredible reputation for creating affordable and durable watches, Casio doesn’t disappoint with the AE-1200WH-1AVCF. This digital watch offers world time functionality, a 10-year battery life, and a water resistance of up to 100 meters. The illuminator backlight ensures visibility in low light conditions, and the 31-time zone capability allows you to easily switch between different time zones.

Timex Expedition Scout

The Timex Expedition Scout is a great option for those who prefer analog watches. It features a durable 40mm brass case and a comfortable nylon strap. The watch boasts Indiglo night-light technology for easy readability in low light, and is water-resistant up to 50 meters. The date function and 24-hour time markings make it a versatile and practical choice for travelers.

G-Shock GA-100-1A1

The G-Shock GA-100-1A1 is a robust digital watch designed for adventure seekers. Its shock-resistant construction ensures durability in extreme conditions, while the 200-meter water resistance makes it suitable for water sports. The world time function, 29 time zones, and multiple alarms provide added convenience for travelers.

II. Mid-Range Travel Watches ($100-$500)

Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Nighthawk

The Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Nighthawk is an excellent choice for environmentally-conscious travelers. Powered by light, this watch eliminates the need for battery replacements. It offers a 42mm stainless steel case and a comfortable polyurethane band. The slide-rule bezel allows for easy calculations, and the dual-time function simplifies tracking multiple time zones. With a water resistance of up to 200 meters, this watch is suitable for snorkeling and swimming.

Garmin Instinct

For outdoor enthusiasts and fitness fanatics, the Garmin Instinct is a fantastic option. This GPS watch offers advanced navigation features, including a 3-axis compass, barometric altimeter, and trackback routing. Its rugged construction meets military standards for shock, water, and thermal resistance. The watch also tracks heart rate, activities, and sleep, making it a versatile companion for any adventure.

Seiko Prospex Solar Diver’s Watch

The Seiko Prospex Solar Diver’s Watch is a stylish and reliable choice for travelers who need a timepiece that can handle water-based activities. This solar-powered watch boasts a 43.5mm stainless steel case, a unidirectional rotating bezel, and a water resistance of up to 200 meters. Its luminescent hands and markers ensure readability in low light, while the date function adds practicality.

III. High-End Travel Watches ($500+)

Tissot T-Touch Expert Solar II

The Tissot T-Touch Expert Solar II is a sophisticated travel watch with a host of advanced features. The touch-sensitive sapphire crystal allows access to functions like altimeter, compass, weather forecast, and dual time zones. Its solar-powered movement ensures long-lasting power, while the titanium case and rubber strap provide durability and comfort. With a water resistance of up to 100 meters, this watch is suitable for most water activities.

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M GMT

The Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M GMT is a luxurious and high-performance travel watch that combines style with functionality. Its 43.5mm stainless steel case houses a self-winding movement with a 60-hour power reserve. The GMT function allows for easy tracking of multiple time zones, while the unidirectional rotating bezel offers a diving scale. The water resistance of up to 600 meters ensures suitability for professional diving and other water sports.

Rolex GMT-Master II

The Rolex GMT-Master II is an iconic watch favored by pilots and world travelers for its accuracy, durability, and functionality. The 40mm Oystersteel case is equipped with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a bidirectional rotating bezel with a 24-hour graduated Cerachrom insert. The GMT function displays a second time zone, making it an ideal companion for international travel. The watch is water-resistant up to 100 meters and is powered by a self-winding mechanical movement with a 70-hour power reserve.

Travel watches are essential companions for those constantly on the move. They not only keep you on time but also offer additional features to make your adventures more convenient and enjoyable. In this guide, we have explored a variety of travel watches for any budget, from affordable digital watches to luxurious timepieces. When selecting the perfect travel watch, consider factors such as durability, water resistance, time zone tracking, and additional features that cater to your specific needs. No matter your budget, there’s a watch on this list that’s perfect for your next journey.

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Best Travel Watches For Men & Women – Top Picks Reviewed

Those who love to travel know how specific time is since they are at its mercy. From checking in a hotel and catching a flight to meeting up with someone and or going to far-flung tours, time keeps them on their toes. And we are sure nobody wants to let the time slip from their fingers. This is why we will show you the best travel watches that will save you hassle at times.

Table of Page Contents

Here is the Quick Answer for The Best Travel Watches in 2022:

• Best Travel Watch for Men: Citizen Watches Men’s Eco-Drive
• Best Travel Watch for Women: Gramin Fenix Chronos Smart Watch
• Best Travel Watch for Kids: Waterproof Smart Watch
• Cheapest Travel Watch: BUREI Men’s Analog
• Best Travel Smart Watch: Samsung Galaxy Smart Watch
• Best Smart Watch Apple: Apple Watch Series 4
• Best Stylish Watch: Tissot Seastar 1000
• Best Waterproof Watch: Hamilton Men’s 

Travelers carry all the necessary gadgets while traveling , but they rely on their smartphones for the time. Have you ever considered that smartphones can die at any moment, and you might miss your journey because of not getting an accurate time estimate?

Here’s when a reliable and robust wristwatch helps you track time while you travel. Yes! That’s true. Though we know that smartphones have usurped wristwatches, there’s still something classy about them. You can’t pull out your phone in certain instances, for example, while swimming, but you can check time anywhere with the help of a watch.

And let us tell you something significant; this timeless tool serves as an excellent accessory for modern travelers to stick to their schedule. It’s more important the essential travel accessories for long flights .

But what is the best travel watch?

Want to gear up for a trip but don’t know how to select the best travel watch according to your requirements? Let us help you in doing this!

Let us help you in doing this!

First things first , reflect upon the features you want in a wristwatch. Still confused? We consider a watch the best which has certain features including;

Time zone- Can it adjusts itself with the time zone, or is it manual?

Stylish- Consider, is it good if you are going on a fine dinner or to formal events?

Durable- The most important thing; is it robust and sturdy?

GPS – Does the watch has a GPS tracker to help you make way if you are lost?

Visibility- Especially for night travelers. Can I see in low light or dark?

Water-resistant/Water-proof – For the marine adventurers or those who love to swim and snorkel.

Tachymeter- It can be a useful feature to consider as it lets you estimate short time frames.

Risk – Shock free and knock free

Alarm- Does the watch has a built-in alarm?

Versatility – Will it suit on formal occasions as well?

Battery timing – Do I need to charge it every 24 hours, or can I go without charging for months?

The strap – Will I feel comfortable while wearing it?

Having said that, to save you from the frustration of missing your journey because of improper time tracking, we have listed some of the best travel watches for you.

Best Travel Watches for Men

Gone are the days when the wristwatches used to tell time only. For travelers to be more proactive, manufacturers are coming up with unique and innovative designs. From up-ticking accurate time to pinpointing locations, these watches are helpful and range from being affordable to incredibly expensive. 

In a rush? Let’s have a look at the best travel watches for men . Find the best and the cheapest travel watches on this page for men who like to wear stylish watches.

1. Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Promaster Diver

With all its style and simplicity, this beautiful timepiece is a technical dive. This watch is specially designed for travelers who have packed their bags for an overseas adventure. And did we tell you that it works underseas too?

It has a mineral crystal dial and is an epitome of a style that is wearable. The time and date display are crisp because of the anti-reflective mineral crystal. This watch features a one-way rotating bezel and comes with an adjustable strap plus buckle to ensure it does not fall down your wrist.

With having a water resistance of 660ft (200m), you can wear this wristwatch while snorkeling or swimming. It is also suitable to wear this watch while in the shower. Want to do scuba diving? Well, we can’t get enough of this watch as you can wear it underwater without any worry.

Travelers have given this watch some extra points because it comes in scuba tank display packing. And the best thing, there is no need to insert batteries every time because of its Eco-Drive technology powered by light. It can convert artificial or natural light into energy, so it recharges and runs forever.

• Light power
• Water-resistant
• No batteries required
• A little bulky
• Analog display

2. Casio G-Shock Gravity Master

A combination of robustness and style, this timepiece is excellent for serious travelers. But what makes this watch the best? This watch’s microchips and inner dials are encased in a body, hence protecting the inner workings from any sudden shocks, for example, centrifugal forces, knocking, and vibration. Want to plan a scuba diving while wearing this watch? G-Shock Gravity Master, besides being shockproof, is also water-resistant. So, you can dive into the water for a maximum of 200 meters. 

We bet that this travel watch is best for globetrotting explorers as its technology is one of a kind.

Using a combination of GPS and radio waves, this Gravity Master synchronizes with the time zone once you reach your desired destination. It allows you to travel without worrying about time. Plus, the hybrid system ensures that the time displayed is correct every time wherever you are. Isn’t this a cool feature?

Save yourself from the hassle of setting the time manually.

• It has a calendar
• Its body is protective
• Water Resistant up to 200m
• It automatically synchronizes with the time zone
• Built-in thermometer
• G-shock resistant
• Some might find it bulky
• Analog-digital display
• Its diameter is of 52m

3. Bulova Precisionist 98B257

For travelers who want a sporty yet classy look, this watch serves their demand. Wanderers particularly like this watch because they can flaunt a sporty façade while wearing it.

Bulova has been making time watches for ages, and the watches they make are still the best. This flawless timepiece comes with a stainless-steel strap which is ion-plated and has a black matte finish, hence giving it a sophisticated look. Moreover, as perfect as the name, this perfectionist 98B257 can tell insanely accurate time because of its high-frequency quartz. A tachymeter coupled with a precision chronograph and vibrating at 262 kHz makes it stand out among high functional travel watches.

However, serious divers who want to dive into the water below 300 meters cannot wear this watch as it is not waterproof. Therefore, this watch is more towards recreational diving.

• Stainless steel strap
• Precise chronograph
• Gives insanely accurate time
• Ultimately sophisticated
• Great for fine dining or beach
• Low water resistance
• Not recommended for scuba divers
• Lack of pressure relief

4. BUREI Men’s Analog-Digital Sport Watch

Is adjusting your watch to different time zones every time seems a hassle? Buy this BUREI Men’s Analog Watch. This watch offers a convenient style while having the ability to adjust time itself in different time zones and that too with precision. The digital display makes it easy to view time in a second.

Now you won’t need to put an alarm on your phone as the watch comes with an alarm clock to wake you up at the set time. Moreover, the inner workings are enclosed in stainless steel, and its soft band makes it easy to wear.

Travelers can wash hands without worry while wearing this watch as it is splash-proof.

• Splash proof
• Auto adjustment to different time zones
• Digital display
• Not water resistant
• No GPS tracker

5. Hamilton Men’s 

This watch is among the perfect watches built for travelers. The dial of this watch is aviation-inspired and easy to read dial hence enabling the users to watch time quickly when they are in a rush. Along with the luminous hands, you can see a day/date window.

The dials and inner workings are encased in stainless steel, making no way for rust with a screw-in case displaying date and day. Travelers who go out on a day full of marine activity can use this wristwatch as it is water-resistant up to 600 ft.

Its brown leather strap and pin buckle make it less intricate for those who love minimalist style.

• Stainless steel
• Imported from the U.S.A.

6. Suunto Core All Black – Military

This masterpiece from Suunto has a robust case and is coal black. It has various features, including an alarm clock, altimeter, and a compass; so, you can locate your desired destination anytime, anywhere. You can see the air pressure and prediction about changing weather because of its built-in barometer.

However, please note that it is water-resistant for only 30 m. Moreover, it displays record sessions, shows elevation, and displays ascent or descent. Did we tell you that it tracks the sun and temperature as well? This watch is the best travel watch for those who want to plan their activities, keeping in mind the weather. 

The best part? It also tells you the drop in air pressure and senses any upcoming storm due to its storm alarm intelligence.

• Intelligent storm detector
• Weather trend graph
• In-built compass
• Heavy on pocket
• Water-resistant up to 100ft.

7. Samsung Gear S3 Frontier

Among all the best travel watches, Samsung Gear S3 is at the top of the list. Its top-notch features and simple yet elegant design will make you forget any other watch. But how?

This powerful gadget plus timepiece has a round and bezel design with a built-in GPS feature. Find nearby attractions or restaurants for mouth-watering food with this gadget instead of having a hard time locating them on maps.

Travelers who want to keep themselves fit and active will love this watch as it comes with an activity tracker and keeps their heart rate and fitness level checked. And the best part; you won’t have to take out your phone every time it buzzes with notifications because you can directly check notifications from your Samsung Gear S3 as it synchronizes via Bluetooth on Android devices.

What else might one need? It can be used as a payment method through Samsung pay.

But there are more features as well, including detecting high temperatures, shockproofing, and withstanding water above 5 feet.

The battery life of this watch is 2-3 days, which is not bad for a device like this, but travelers have to charge it constantly, which is cumbersome for those who move frequently.

• Activity detector
• Manually synchronizes with your phone
• Detects high temperatures
• The constant need to recharge the battery
• Is not compatible with iPhone users

8. Citizen Eco-Drive World Time AT9010-52E

The citizen Eco-Drive offers something best for the travelers. Those who are always on the move particularly love this watch. Its stainless-steel construction gives it a chic view. If you like something contemporary, then you won’t want to miss this watch. Moreover, it offers radio-controlled synchronization of time means that the time can be synchronized in 26 zones. It is adjusted to synchronize to an atomic clock and gives a superior time accuracy. This feature makes it stand out among the best travel watches.

This timepiece also offers a scratch-resistant feature, and it’s orange accented dial makes time watching an easy job. The combination of rechargeable lithium-ion battery and solar power holds charging forever, hence making it easy for frequent travelers always on the run. It converts light into energy and recharges in any light.

It has a built-in alarm, an indicator that displays power reserve, and has an anti-reflective sapphire crystal.

• Best for travelers who like to hop around different time zones
• Radio-controlled time keeping both automatically and manually
• Striking and functional
• Not suitable for serious scuba divers

9. Tissot Seastar 1000

As the name implies, Seastar is a travel watch explicitly designed by keeping marine adventurers in mind. Swiss watchmakers have come up with the idea of creating an entry-level watch for travelers; so they can quickly move between land and sea. Its classic and aesthetic design is loved by all types of travelers, let alone marine adventurers.

With a delicately crafted bezel, which is dive-style, it is available in different colors, keeping in mind their customers’ choice. The 42mm dial of this watch makes it exquisite and adds depth to it hence implying the serious water adventurers.

This timepiece will not let you feel out of place and features a silicone band hence pushing it towards the end of the spectrum. The hands of this watch are luminous and will not hurt your eyes, which makes this watch easy to read even at night or in situations where light is low.

Forget worrying about watching time during water sports. Moreover, it has a water resistance of up to 984 feet and a valve to depressurize the watch.

• Best travel watch for the marine enthusiast
• Fulfills all the land or in-water functions
• Up to 300m water resistant
• It cannot withstand shocks
• Lack of GPS can make travelers lose their track

10. Apple Watch Series 4 (GPS, 40mm)

I am presenting you with the game-changer watch, a leader of watches if we talk about form and function. This apple watch is a mix of splendor and more than a tech accessory.

We recommend you buy this top-notch travel watch, which will make people’s heads turn wherever you go. Its 30% enhanced display is the new incarnation in this series.

Want to monitor your heart activity after a day full of adventure? This watch comes with an ECG heart monitor so you can check your health any time, anywhere. Take the ECG on your wrist!

Also, it features a gyroscope for detecting falls. Along with this, GPS, a world clock, and a sleep tracker in this watch will make you choose this over other timepieces every time you look for the best travel watch.

Oh! And did we tell you that you can calculate currency exchanges and see real-time weather with this watch? Isn’t this something out of the world?

No need to fish around in your pocket or purse because this apple watch is everything.

Wait! We have another great feature of this watch. Now you can handle text messages and phone calls on your wrist. Use your favorite apps while on the go with Siri Shortcuts.

• ECG heart monitor
• 30% large dial
• Tracks sleep

Hey! We Gotcha. You are looking for the best Apple Watch charger, and that’s why we have listed this for you.

11. Ugreen Portable Charger

This is a certified charger best suited for charging smartwatches. And the best thing about this charger is its compatibility with all the Apple smartwatches, including a series of four-time pieces.

It is a portable charger and is compact, which means that you can take it anywhere hence making it ideal for travelers. Its design is foldable, and the charging module is magnetic and is known for its reliability. Moreover, its design has a contemporary touch.

And the best thing about the charger is that it is pocket-sized, which makes it more worthy. This charger has short circuit and overvoltage protection, and when you order this, you will get a 4 ft USB cable so you can charge the device by plugging it in any socket or PC.

12. Casio Men’s Digital Watch

This watch is the upgraded version of the Casio calculator watch, which was there a long time ago. And it is one of the highly recommended watches. Why?

Because it has the world time feature through which it allows travelers to access and set, not 10 not 20, not 25, but 31 (yep, you read that right) time zones and displays 48 city codes. A perfect choice for thrifty travelers that will keep you stick to the time anywhere. It comes in a stainless-steel case, which adds a class and style to it. Also, the strap is adjustable and comes with a buckle.

Moreover, it features five daily alarms that can be configured easily, or you can set only one alarm. It allows you to disable the alarm anytime you want.  And at the top of that, you can adjust it in a way and turn on an hourly time signal that beeps after every hour.

It is water-resistant up to 100m which is suitable for everyday snorkeling or swimming but not good for serious scuba divers or marine adventurers.

• Great on pocket
• 31 time zones
• 48 city codes
• No light for night wanderers

Best Travel Watches for Women

Not only men but women also travel frequently due to specific reasons such as job requirements, or they are cabin crews, or they might have a seminar to attend or they are traveling for leisure or are wanderlust. Thus, to make their traveling more comfortable, we have come up with some of the best travel watches for women that they can carry while on the go.

1. GARMIN FENIX CHRONOS

Manufactured according to the taste of women, keeping delicacy and style in mind, the GARMIN timepiece features a sapphire lens that is scratch resistant. This resistance is a convenience for those who move around a lot for one reason or another.

Moreover, it has a hand-brushed forged titanium hybrid link that makes it lightweight at the same time. Logically, it has a built-in GPS and a TracBack feature so you can reach the place from where you started your tour.

There’s a fitness tracker in the watch hence making it ideal for women who work out. Its VO2 max estimator provides data like the speed of running, heart rate, beats per minute, and a recovery advisor. Plus, if you connect it with a compatible smartphone, you can receive e-mails, messages, and alert displays anywhere.

• A.B.C. (altitude, barometer, compass) readings
• 8-day battery life
• Monitors activity
• TracBack GPS feature
• Extensive monitoring
• Up to just 100m water resistant
• Requires USB charging
• Leather strap

2. Timex Women’s Expedition Mini Watch

Are you looking for a travel companion? This slim and delicate timepiece can be a trustworthy travel companion. The Timex series is tried and tested to be water-resistant up to 165 feet. Moreover, it is ideally suited for trekkers because of its Indigo night-light. It is available in three different colors so you can choose according to your style.

• Light-weight
• Indigo light for night wanderers
• Suitable for recreational swimming
• Nylon strap
• Not useful while diving or snorkeling

3. Timex Women’s Ironman Transit

This watch is a perfect blend of style and functionality. Its strap is easily cleanable and durable. The large display makes it easy to check the time, especially when you are in a hurry or hiking on a mountain. The resin case is shock resistant, hence making your watch safe to use.

Also, this clock shows two time zones, so you will get a clear idea of the time at the place where you are and the time at home, which itself is a useful feature. You can also use its customized alarm, which is a helpful feature when you are traveling. And the best thing, this watch is water-resistant up to a depth of 100m.

What more could one want?

• Displays two time zones
• Water-resistant up to 100m
• Customized alarm
• Shock resistant
• Manual synchronization of time zone
• Resin strap

4. FOSSIL Q VENTURE HR

Let’s start by understanding the feature that is hidden in the name. ‘HR,’ which is heart rate monitoring. You can monitor your heart on your wrist.

This watch tracks your activity, including how many steps you have taken, the calories you burnt, and the distance you covered. Whether you work out, do yoga, run, or meditate, you will get precise feedback on your heart rate during all the activities.

Want to set customized goals? With this watch, you can set the health goals for yourself, such as the amount of water intake or any particular exercise. Also, this will keep you more productive by reminding you of the goals set by you.

Not to forget the splendor this watch carries because of its rose-toned stainless-steel case, which is lightweight and sturdy—hence giving you a feeling like you are wearing a bracelet. Thanks to its design, the strap is interchangeable with any 18mm.

You are tired of manually setting time when in a different time zone? This piece comes with automatic time adjustment features which prevent you from the worry of setting time. And you won’t lose track as it has a built-in GPS so you can explore any part of the earth.

You can also enjoy your favorite music while cherishing the scenic views because it stores music in itself. You can listen to any music through wide-ranging apps, including iTunes, Soundcloud, Spotify, or Google Play.

This watch helps you make online payments in places where credit cards can be used. Moreover, once you connect it with your phone, you will be able to receive calls, alarm clock, text messages, and all other notifications from your smartphone. You can also set the alarm on this watch in case you have a crucial meeting to attend or any vital work to do.

Water splashes are not a big deal as your watch is swim-proof.

Its built-in microphone enables you to give voice commands or enable any specific function to different buttons. You can also personalize this time tool according to your mood and taste.

However, the battery life is only 12 hours, which makes the frequent travelers look for other options. But its charging time is super-fast, and you get it charged up to 80% in an hour.

Not a bad deal for travelers who want to travel to nearby places.

• Elegant and stylish design
• Quick charging
• Heart rate monitor
• Light and sturdy
• Straps are interchangeable
• Its battery timing is not too good

Best Case for Travel Watches

We pack everything correctly from our dresses to small accessories, but when it comes to watches, we don’t care much. However, it’s also imperative to find the best place for our expensive travel watch.

Therefore, to keep your watches safe and well-organized, here are our favorite and best watch travel cases.

1. Cheopz Travel Watch Case

Do you want to carry an extra watch while traveling? You can go for this watch pad travel case, which is easy to carry. Its shell is hard with a Ballistic nylon exterior that keeps your watch protected and safe while traveling. The inner material of this case is soft hence preventing it from scratches and knocks.

You can’t go wrong with this travel case because of its ergonomic design, which comes with a zipper hence locking your watch in place and preventing water from going in.

And the best thing; this case can fit in any watch from your minimalistic watches to luxury timepieces.

2. ROTHWELL Watch Roll Travel Case

Protect your precious watches with this leather watch roll. Those who want to secure their collection of watches can get this as it’s designed in such a way

. It is compact, easy to store, and you can carry it along yourself anywhere. Made from high-quality leather, this roll is incredibly stylish and has plenty of space for your collection.

A lot to digest, eh? These are the best watches when it comes to traveling. From minimalist, analog, or digital clock to a watch with GPS trackers and shockproof tech, or a watch that looks stylish and classy, you can choose any from the list mentioned above.

The Conclusion

Time is money, so spend your money and invest in the best watch to save yourself from missing out on the journey. Also, read our guide about the “beach vacation packing list” for families. We tried our best to present you with the best and cheap travel watches , and we hope you like our effort. Happy travels!

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Think about your travel watch now so you’ll never have to think about it while traveling.

Let me make this clear right at the outset: I do not want to think about my watch–especially when I’m traveling. I want to put it on and forget about it, as it might be days before I remove it, depending on where I am and what I’m doing. I don’t want to worry about the battery dying, or having to recharge it, or whether or not I should take it off to protect it before I do something exciting/foolish. I want my travel watch to look after itself, and accurately, reliably tell me the time of day—that’s its only job. Unfortunately, in the course of my travels, I have occasionally been forced to think about my watch, usually in those very special moments when my latest watch finds yet another new way to fail spectacularly and screw up my travel plans.

When my last go-to travel watch failed (dead battery this time, not user-serviceable) with no warning when I was far from home, I got mad, made a checklist of all the interesting ways that my other watches have failed in the past, and set out to find one watch—the ultimate grab-and-go watch, the field watch par excellence—that checks every box on that list. And rather than throw a dozen candidates at you, I found you the perfect travel watch. You’re welcome. 

If you’re like most travelers, time is more precious to you than money. While you don’t want to be a compulsive clock-watcher while traveling, all your best-laid plans will go awry if you can’t accurately track the time when you’re on the go. You’ve got planes and trains to catch, tides to monitor, restaurant reservations and curtain times to think of. If you’ve ever looked down in horror at your watch and realized that the hands haven’t moved since the last time you checked it, then you understand the need to have a watch you can truly count on.

Get the Best Travel Watch

You need one watch that is accurate, reliable, imminently readable, low-maintenance, durable, versatile, affordable, effortlessly rechargeable in the field, and easily adaptable to a wide variety of environments. Can your travel watch do this?

• You need ONE travel watch . Yeah, yeah, I know, you’ve got a watch “library” with a fistful of slick timepieces for every outfit and occasion. That’s fine but, when traveling, pick one, and leave the others at home. Traveling smart means traveling light: ONE watch only.
• You need a RELIABLE watch This is the big one. Don’t buy the cheapest watch; it’s a false economy to do so. Buy one with a great track record from a famous maker with a reputation for excellent build quality.
• You need an AFFORDABLE watch . You want a watch that is well-made but fits your budget. Losing something pricey and precious while on the road can cast a pall over your trip. Expensive, showy watches can also make you a target for thieves. The threshold of affordability is different for everyone, but for the purposes of this article, we’re going to draw the line at $400. And—no, I don’t want to hear your defense of a $10k watch that you think is a travel watch because it has an illustration of the azimuthal map on its face—sorry. (Note: wristwatches routinely sell for significantly less than their MSRP, so I’m using real-world pricing and availability to determine the actual price.)
• You need an ACCURATE watch . This one’s easy: Quartz watches are typically less expensive than mechanical watches, and more accurate though only by the tiniest of increments. 
• You need a DURABLE watch. Quartz wins again. You need a watch that can take accidental punishment and come up smiling, and quartz wins that category hands down. Quartz movements are much less sensitive to variations in temperature, physical abuse, shocks, and falls than their mechanical cousins. Look for a watch with a titanium case and bracelet, and crystals made of synthetic sapphire.
• You need a watch that WON’T RUN OUT OF JUICE.  This is a big one. Murphy’s Law states that your quartz watch battery will last for many months—even as long as a couple of years—until it unexpectedly kicks the bucket just in time to make you miss your flight. For a while, my favorite travel watch was a stainless-steel, quartz Swiss watch. Insidiously, before the battery died without warning in Budapest, it first gradually slowed down, so by the time I noticed that the time was off, I’d already missed a train by 30 minutes. Worse, I discovered that said battery was not user-serviceable, and could only be replaced through an authorized service center equipped with special pressurized equipment to ensure water-resistance.  To put it mildly, you don’t want to waste a moment of your travel time worrying about this stuff so go for either an automatic movement (powered by the natural movement of your wrist) or—even better—a quartz movement driven by a solar-powered battery. 
• You need a WATER-RESISTANT watch.  Unless you’re actually a scuba enthusiast doing deep dives, 200m or 20 ATM/Bars is a more than suitable level of water resistance for your travel adventures. (If that seems like overkill, that’s because watch water-resistance is… complicated .)

• You need a watch that is EASY TO READ . Get a watch with a clean, uncluttered display featuring a luminous dial. You don’t want to have to hunt for a light source in order to read your watch. Luminous dials are slightly preferable to models that light up to illuminate the watch face as those can be potentially disruptive to those around you in some situations (don’t be that guy who turns on the arc light on his wrist during the quiet moment at the theater.)   On a side note, some watch face designs are either so minimal that you have to settle for “close enough” (I’m lookin’ at you, Movado Museum watch ) or so outrageously baroque that checking the time becomes an exercise in creative problem-solving ( anything by Tokyoflash .) A luminous dial with a clean, clear design, easily readable numerals, and indicators at every hour does the trick.
• You need a VERSATILE watch . Sure, that big, honking day-glow sports watch has every schmancy complication to set a techno-geek’s heart racing. It will also land you a nice seat at the kid’s table when you return to the surface and want to hit the cool restaurant that night. Choose a simple, subtle design that can scale up or down depending on the setting, and will easily harmonize with your travel wardrobe.
• You need a watch with a METAL WRISTBAND . Leather wristbands are comfortable and stylish, but they don’t do water. They can get saturated enough that they sag off your wrist to go plummeting to the bottom of the bay as you’re pulling in your pot of angry Dungeness crabs (true story.) Canvas, plastic, and rubber wristbands are fine and funky but not as tough as metal, and they generally don’t scale up very well. I like white metal (stainless steel or titanium) watches for travel as they arguably go with everything.  Note: An estimated 15-20% of the population suffers from allergic reactions to the nickel content in stainless steel and EWWW .  Look for metal wristbands made of titanium or featuring titanium coatings, as they are naturally hypoallergenic, as well as being tougher and lighter than mere stainless steel. 

Spare me the legwork—which watch does it all?

There were many watches that checked most but not all of the criteria on this list, but one wristwatch nails every checkbox on this list with ease and I gave it away right at the top: the Citizen Eco-Drive ProMaster Tough . 

Citizen has been around for 100 years, and they created the first solar-powered wristwatch way back in 1975. Fully charged, their Eco-Drive watches can run for six months in total darkness, so you’re good to go for your planned half-year winter vacation in Antarctica. For the rest of us, the Eco-Drive watches can draw energy from any available light source—anything from bright sun to cloudy days to low artificial light—to run continually without you ever having to wind, replace a battery, or plug into an outlet.

The Citizen ProMaster Tough offers 20ATM of water resistance, is highly shock resistant, anti-magnetic, features a sapphire crystal, and is made of stainless steel with the company’s proprietary titanium coating which not only makes it hypoallergenic, but offers 5X the scratch resistance of ordinary stainless steel.

The design is subtle and clean—almost austere—and the uncluttered face and luminescent hands and hour markers made it easy to read. That simple, spare design also allows it to scale up or down depending on your need. While I recommend the black dial for its design versatility, it’s also available with a green face, as well.

The Seiko Prospex Padi Solar is a handsome timepiece, and is similarly priced to the Citizen ProMaster Tough, but when you compare the two, the Seiko is significantly less… well, tough. Citizen invented the solar watch, while Seiko is considerably newer to the game, and the anecdotal accounts from online commenters seem to indicate that Seiko doesn’t have Citizen’s reliability record. Seiko uses their “Hardlex” mineral crystal instead of the stronger, more premium sapphire crystal found in the Citizen. And while both watches are made of stainless steel, the Seiko lacks the Citizen’s titanium coating so it’s not hypoallergenic, and more prone to scratches than the Citizen. 

Hey, but what about…

GMT watches? I own several (including a couple of sweet Shinola-made Filsons), and the GMT function is fun, but hardly essential. Look, if you know the difference in the time zones of the places you’re trying to monitor, just do it the old-fashioned way and add or subtract the difference. 

The Apple Watch? Cool toy, no argument, but it fails the water-resistance requirement, as well as the price point test, particularly if you spring for the metal mesh wristband. It also needs to be recharged every 14-16 hours, so doesn’t make the grade here. 

My smartphone? I love my iPhone but it runs out of juice in about ten hours. Carry a good portable charger (and I do) and you can dramatically increase the time between charges, sure. But their water-resistance is meager, to say the least (2m for up to 30 minutes). And yes, there are after-market cases that can bolster that protection. But if you want true peace of mind, especially if you do any diving, swimming or snorkeling, you need a watch specially designed to offer a high level of water resistance, typically at least 20ATM/200m.  On a more everyday level, digging your smartphone out of your pocket every time you need to reference the time is a hassle and, particularly in an urban area, clutching one out in the open, with your attention concentrated on it and your local awareness on hold, makes you a target. That $1k portable computer is easily snatched from your hand, and using a wristwatch to check the time allows you to keep that phone in your pocket more of the time. Nothing replaces the ease of glancing down at your wrist to instantly know what time it is.

Buy it, wear it, forget it.

One of the reasons I love travel is that I have the opportunity to be the best version of myself. That best version of me says screw status-seeking and wasting money on a needlessly expensive bauble when that money could be better spent buying a round for a new friend, or funding an experience that will transform you as a person. And that’s what time it is.

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• Robert Bundy

Robert Bundy has visited more than 300 cities and 32 countries in the last ten years and still gets a charge out of getting his passport stamped. He convenes The Travelers Roundtable is part of Lake Effect with host Mitch Teich for WUWM 89.7 Public Radio Milwaukee.

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The Best GMT and Travel Watches of 2023

Perfectly fit for the frequent flyers among us, these five gmt/travel watches impressed us the most in 2023..

Yesterday, we started looking back at 2023 and all the new watches we’ve seen to try and make a list of the best ones. The MONOCHROME Editorial Team took votes to determine the Best Chronograph of 2023 , which kicked things off, but also many other categories. Up next is the GMT/Travel category , and although the list wasn’t as long as the chronographs category, there was a lot of debate on which ones would make the cut. Going through the list reveals that there are plenty of directions to go in, but the diving travel watch is gaining traction. So, without revealing too much up front, here are the MONOCHROME team’s Best GMT/Travel Watches of 2023.

Going through all watch novelties for 2023, we ended up with a little over 70 watches under the GMT/Travel tag. The list  before voting saw some usual suspects making the rounds, but some new brands, like Jacob & Co with its The World Is Yours dual time watch , also entered the mix. Nevertheless, we narrowed it down to the five watches we think best represented what we would look for in a travel watch: good looks, practicality, and a solid mechanical movement. Enjoy, and do let us know what you think of our selection.

A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Time Zone

The Lange 1 Time Zone isn’t new in A. Lange & Söhne’s arsenal, but it was never available in platinum. And with this monochromatic solid silver rhodium-coloured dial, it looks the part! In 2020, the Lange 1 Time Zone was updated with a fresh movement and, more importantly, a better-organised layout for the dial without losing the signature display of the Lange 1. This new generation exemplified the striking purity the Lange 1 is famous for , with non-overlapping time indications, a city ring on the outside adjustable through a pusher, dual time displays with integrated day/night scale and the signature Outsize Date. All this is set in a beautifully proportioned case and powered by a superbly finished movement. The only downside? The fact that it’s priced upon request means it probably costs an arm and a leg.

For more details about the A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Time Zone in platinum, please check out our hands-on review here .

Longines HydroConquest GMT

A watch that made a lasting impression on me personally, but also on the MONOCHROME team, is the new Longines HydroConquest GMT. Not only were we taken by its robust build quality but also by its very handsome appearance (especially in green!) and the fact it’s a Flyer GMT . It shows that pairing a dive watch with a GMT function is a very clever move when done right! From top to bottom, just about everything on this watch is executed to perfection. The HydroConquest GMT is water-resistant to 300m, has a GMT indication that can be adjusted independently in both directions (including the date) and has a solid power reserve of 72 hours. On top of that, it feels brilliant on the wrist and doesn’t cost the end of the world. Well done, Longines !

For more information on this very capable Longines HydroConquest GMT, please consult our review article here .

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M GMT Dark grey

Call it expensive, which it very much is, but the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M GMT Dark Grey is one mean-looking ‘machine’ with specs to more than back up its robust and tactile look. This attention-grabbing watch comes in a case made of a silicon nitride ceramic composite and a mostly grey colour palette. The only ‘break’ in the monochromatic design is the orange elements on the dial and hands. Furthermore, not only does it have a titanium dial, but the high-tech calibre 8906 Ti is also crafted from the lightweight material. The movement matches the case in terms of looks and comes as a METAS-certified Master Chronometer with a 60h power reserve from two barrels and an independent home time indication.

For more information on the superb Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M GMT Dark Grey, please find our detailed review here .

Rolex Sky-Dweller 2023 edition calibre 9002

The year 2023 was very good for Rolex , as The Crown presented us with some unexpected evolutions. The refreshed Daytona made the cut for Best Chronograph, but the updated Sky-Dweller has also made this list. This combination of Oystersteel and Mint Green genuinely won us over because of its ease of use and good looks. The updates for Rolex’s ultimate travel watch were subtle but included touch-ups on the dial and, more importantly, the calibre 9002, which now features the Chronergy escapement. The Ring Command Bezel system makes it a brilliantly simple watch to set and use, and combining the annual calendar with local and home time in such an easy-to-read layout is a testament to why Rolex is so highly regarded by many. If you can get your hands on one, go for the Jubilee bracelet despite the fact it’s a smidge more expensive than the Oystersteel bracelet.

For more information on the updated Rolex Sky-Dweller, please check the hands-on review here .

Tudor Black Bay GMT Polar

We finish our selection for Best GMT/Travel Watches of 2023 with Tudor  and its gorgeous Black Bay GMT ‘Polar’ , or ‘Albino’ if you will. Part of the incredibly successful Black Bay range, this one combines retro appeal with an opaline white dial and a two-tone Pepsi-style rotating bezel. This pairing of colours takes us back to the GMT-Master Ref. 6452 , a highly coveted and rare watch by Rolex. The Kenissi-made calibre MT5652 makes this a Flyer GMT , so it has an independent local ‘snowflake’ hour hand and a red home hour hand, also the signature ‘snowflake’ design. Strap it to the wrist on the steel bracelet or the two-tone NATO-style fabric strap, and you’re guaranteed to be wearing a winner.

For more details on the ‘Albino’ Tudor Black Bay GMT, please head over to our hands-on review here .

3 responses

Great watches all, but the Breitling Chronomat GMT is my choice. Great watch for travel and as good for GMT function as any of these, at a reasonable price.

i’m always baffled by the Longines HC GMT. those “balls” at 6 and 9 are visibly too small and the final effect on the dial is totally unbalanced…

Omega Green worldtumer?

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The 8 Best Watch Travel Cases of 2024

Watches are a serious investment — here’s how to protect yours on your next trip.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Brian Kopinski

When traveling, an important function of luggage isn’t just getting your stuff from Point A to Point B, but it’s keeping it safe along the journey, too. And if you’re someone who has invested in your timepieces, you’ll probably want to make sure that these costly accessories are secure, scratch-free, and protected from the elements along the way. There are so many different types of watch travel cases out there — from roll style cases, to flat folding cases, to large-and-in-charge chunky plastic ones that are impervious to the damaging effects of water along the way.

But not all watch cases are created equal; it can be tricky to find one that balances form with function, and meets your specific needs. For example, not every traveler needs to worry about water exposure, and not everyone wants to bring along multiple timepieces. That’s why we’ve combed the market for the best of the best in a range of sizes and styles with options to suit every traveler’s needs.

Best Overall

Shinola travel watch case.

The leather is beautifully broken in, like a piece you’ve had forever.

It should be cleaned and conditioned annually for longevity.

Count on Shinola for beautiful products, especially leather goods, that are made in the U.S. and built to last. This leather watch case has the broken-in patina of a piece that you’ve had forever and taken on many adventures, even when it’s brand new! A matte black zip-around zipper keeps your watches secure inside the case, and opens to reveal a smart technical-suede-lined interior with two pockets to hold your watches, as well as a partition to prevent your watch faces from scratching each other. We also love this folding case for its low profile, which slips easily into your checked luggage or carry-on bag.

The Details: 6.5 x 3.75 x 1.5 inches | Zip closure | 2 watches | Leather

Best Waterproof

Benrus black watch travel case.

This case offers total waterproof protection.

It will take up a little more space in your luggage than softer cases.

People often think about impact resistance and dust accumulation when it comes to watch storage, but what about the elements, and, specifically, water? This small-yet-mighty travel watch case provides a watertight environment for your timepieces. We love the rugged look and feel, and the sturdy outer shell, which is not only waterproof but also shockproof and crushproof. And with a soft foam interior, this case is sure to keep your watches safe and sound no matter what environment you put it in.

The Details: 5 x 3.5 x 2.25 inches | Snap closure | 1 watch | ABS outer shell with foam interior

Best Impact-resistant

Invicta plastic watch box case.

It’s made from super sturdy, protective hardshell plastic.

It’s on the bulkier side, which could be an issue if you’re trying to pack light.

For trips where you need to keep your timepieces extra secure, consider this heavy-duty travel watch case from Invicta. The exterior shell is made from very durable plastic which is pretty much impervious to impacts, scratching, and the elements. It features a sturdy rubber grid handle and a double-latch closure so the case doesn’t open accidentally in transit. Inside, the case is filled with egg-crate-style memory padding that keeps your watches secure and scratch-free. The case holds three watches.

The Details: 5.91 x 5.91 inches | Snap closure | 3 watches | Plastic

Citizen Watch Roll Travel Case

We love the translucent cover so you can see inside without necessarily opening the case.

It only fits one watch.

Some collectors prefer the protection offered by a roll case; these store your watches in the same round shape as if they were on your wrist, which protects the integrity of the watch’s construction and prevents slipping and sliding like some flat cases. We loved this one for its clear top panel so you can easily see inside, and the sturdy zipper which opens and closes easily, but still keeps the case securely closed while in transit.

The Details: 3.5 x 2.75 inches | Zip closure | 1 watch | Ultrasuede interior

Best Folding

Wind up watch shop adpt edc watch fold.

Wind Up Watch Shop

The neoprene expands to accommodate any watch shape or size.

It doesn’t offer the impact resistance of sturdier watch cases.

Sleek, simple, rugged — that’s how we would describe this travel watch case. It unfolds to reveal two neoprene pockets, which expand to adjust to the shape and size of your watches, so you can easily slide them in and out and know that they will be protected. We love how portable, lightweight, and effortless this watch case feels, and how durable its materials are. The soft neoprene also makes this one a great case for sunglasses, or other small items you don’t want to get lost in your luggage. Simply fold it up, zip the paracord closure, and head out for your next adventure since, when you’re traveling with this case, you can rest assured that your valuables are safe.

The Details: 5.75 x 2.5 inches | Zip cord closure | 2 watches | Nylon and neoprene

Best Splurge

Lorenzi milano leather watch case.

Net-A-Porter

It’s made from highest quality Italian nappa leather.

It also comes with a few small tools for on-the-go watch adjustments.

Does anyone do leather goods better than Italy? This luxe Lorenzi Milano leather watch case is about as sumptuous as it gets as it’s handcrafted in Italy from the finest quality nappa leather, and stitched by hand. This case features an integrated foam roll to keep your timepieces secure and scratch-free, and a magnetic closure so it’s easy to open and close. It also comes with a few small tools so you can make minor watch adjustments during your trip, too.

The Details: Magnetic closure | 2 watches | Leather

Best Budget

Watchpod single watch travel case.

It’s small, it’s lightweight, and it’s under fifteen bucks.

It isn’t completely impact-resistant like some of the sturdier cases on this list.

Don’t overthink it — sometimes all you need is a single, small, secure case to prevent a timepiece from getting lost or damaged in your luggage. This one is made with a woven nylon exterior that sufficiently keeps minor bumps and shakes at bay, and is lined with a soft velvet interior to prevent scratching. And, at just under fifteen bucks a pop, it’s one of the best value travel watch cases you’ll find anywhere.

The Details: 4.5 x 2.25 inches | Zip closure | 1 watch | Nylon exterior with velvet interior

Best for Multiple Watches

Mark & graham travel watch roll.

Mark & Graham

It has a thoughtfully designed hidden compartment for cufflinks, collar stays, or small watch tools.

It’s made from polyurethane, not leather, and is not waterproof.

There is so much to love about this sleek Mark & Graham travel watch case. It rolls into a tidy cylinder that fits easily into your luggage yet preserves the shape of your watches’ wristbands yet, pull out the interior removable cushion and — voilà ! — it opens up to reveal a hidden compartment, just large enough to store some cufflinks, collar stays, or small watch tools. The case comfortably holds three watches, making it great for traveling with multiple timepieces without necessarily being overly large or bulky.

The Details: 6.75 x 3 inches | Double snap closure | 3 watches | Polyurethane exterior with microsuede lining

Tips for Buying Watch Travel Cases

Pick the best size for your needs.

Not all luggage is created equally — and buying even smaller accessories such as watch travel cases should be relevant to your particular needs. You’ll want to consider how many watches a case can carry and how much room it will take up in your luggage (which might relate to how protective it is). Don’t go larger than you need to, but be careful not to get something too small to fit your timepieces.

Consider adding security and other special features

Depending on your specific needs, the value of the watches you’re trying to protect, and the budget you’re set aside for a case, there are a range of added features available. You may want to look for a travel case that is lockable, so you can leave your watches with confidence if they’re beyond your reach while you’re in transit. Other features to consider are how discreet the watch case looks; if the worst happens and someone breaks into your luggage, you may not want a case that overtly screams, “Expensive watches in here!” Going for something a little more understated could therefore be its own form of security.

This is probably a bigger answer than you’d expect. Yes, cases keep the elements away from your watch and, in many instances, offer waterproof protection, impact protection, or, at a minimum, scratch resistance from other items in your luggage. But watch cases also offer a degree of security. Some can be locked, or easily tucked away in your luggage, so you can travel with confidence knowing that your watch is staying put as you reach your final destination.

The difference between a watch travel case and a watch roll is exactly what it sounds like — watch rolls store your watch in a rolled-up shape that mimics the shape of a human wrist. For more complicated and expensive watches, it can be better to store your watches in a rolled-up shape, which protects the structural integrity of the wrist band, and prevents the sliding and bunching which can sometimes happen in flat travel cases.

Care depends on the material of the watch travel case itself. Most cases are made from durable materials which can be cleaned with a soft cloth, or in some instances, a barely damp soft cloth. If your watch travel case is made from leather, you’ll also want to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for leather care (such as conditioning periodically) so that it lasts for many adventures to come.

It’s all in the details. Some basic travel cases are little more than a nylon envelope with a zipper whereas others have design details such as magnetic flap closures, hand stitching, Italian leather, or hidden compartments to carry small accessories or watch repair tools. But just because a travel case is more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean it will protect your timepieces any better than a less expensive model; read the product descriptions closely to see what kind of features your watch case includes.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this story, writer Todd Plummer drew upon extensive market research, and years of writing about menswear and travel to create this roundup of the best travel cases for watches.

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The best cheap smartwatch 2023: Great wearable tech that won't cost the earth

Our selection of the best cheap smartwatches

The best cheap smartwatch models allow you to track your health and fitness from your wrist and aren't as prohibitive in terms of price as the premium models. Some of them are a couple of years old but still run just as well, while others sacrifice certain features to bring the price down to manageable levels.

The best smartwatches – like the Apple Watch Ultra 2 – may offer more functionality, but not all of us need all the extra features. If you're just looking to do a 10K around your local park, a cheap watch will serve you just as well. Unless you're aiming to take regular ECGs, train for an ultramarathon, or spend your days hiking in the wilderness, you don't really need a top-end wearable. 

You may be tempted by a Google Pixel Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro , but the best cheap smartwatches below will do the job just as well. Many of these budget smartwatches can come with vital features like GPS, heart rate monitoring, or a beautiful, responsive screen as well, although at lower price points, you do have to pick and choose which features matter most, as they won't all be featured on a single device.

We've tested most smartwatches on the market so we know a thing or two about what makes a good one tick, even if it's a budget model. Take a look at our picks of the best cheap smartwatches below, including some of the best Android smartwatches and smartwatches for iPhones .

The best cheap smartwatch 2024

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

1. Apple Watch SE 2

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Even though it's more expensive than most of the cheap entries on this list, as the cheapest watch in Apple 's stable, this is the best option for iPhone users looking for a future-proof fitness watch that doesn't cost a bomb. It's 'nylon-infused' at the back, ensuring it's partially made of fabric to cut down on weight ( the new 40mm Apple Watch SE is about 13% lighter than the previous version, and 18% lighter than the 41mm Series 8) .and cost. 

The screen is still as tough as ever though, and it's got the same excellent watch OS 9 as it's more premium contemporaries, so on-wrist running power, vertical oscillation and other key metrics for runners (which even Garmin can't do without a HRM yet) make this one of the best cheap smartwatches for runners. Other fitness stuff includes stroke counts for keen swimmers and the ability to close your rings with movement, whether that's in the great outdoors or using Apple Fitness+, which you also get access to. 

You get additional health benefits including crash detection, which can register impacts and automatically notify emergency services in case of an accident. It comes in two sizes in both GPs and GPS+Cellular, depending on your needs. 

Read our in-depth Apple Watch SE2 review

2. Fitbit Versa 2

The Fitbit Versa 2 is proof that affordable smartwatches can rival some of the premium models. Even if it's an older smartwatch at this point, having been succeeded by Versa 3 in 2020 and Versa 4 in 2022, it's still one of the best cheap smartwatches, thanks to its plethora of great features that budget-minded fitness enthusiasts can appreciate.

We found the Versa 2 to be a near-perfect fitness tracker during our testing. It boasts a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for even non-beginners to simply focus on the activity at hand instead of trying to figure out where to go to record their workouts. Even if you forget, it’s smart enough to log any activity 20 minutes or longer as exercise. 

Having Alexa is a nice perk, although we did find the feature to be inconsistent during testing. In addition, there’s no GPS so you need to have your phone with you to accurately record location and distance-based information whenever you’re hiking or going on a run. However, even we bring our phones with us during hikes and runs so this isn’t much of a downside really.

Read our in-depth Fitbit Versa 2 review

3. Amazfit Bip U Pro

Amazfit Bip U Pro is the best cheap smartwatch if you're limited to that under-$100 price range. The brand is known for its reliable and well-built affordable smartwatches, so you can count on one of their bestsellers to see you through your daily activity tracking needs.

This particular model is an improved version of the highly popular Bip U. And, for a budget smartwatch, it comes with several great features including built-in GPS for outdoor tracking and a voice assistant with Amazon Alexa integration. In fact, it’s one of few budget wearables to have GPS. Amazfit also didn’t just add it for the sake of having it. During our testing, we found that the GPS tracking on this watch works beautifully, giving accurate results.

That might be the most important addition to this update, but there are loads of others to mention as well. It’s got many fitness and health features such as heart rate, SpO2, sleep, and breathing tracking as well as more than 60 workouts and activities, plus a camera shutter.

Read our in-depth Amazfit Bip U Pro review

4. Garmin Forerunner 55

There are smartwatches, and there are smartwatches for running. And, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is the best cheap smartwatch for running you'll find on the market, undercutting the Apple Watch SE 2 on price and nearly equaling it in running features. It’s an entry-level model, setting you back for much less than other advanced running smartwatches, but it’s a thoughtfully-designed one that’s a step-up from a basic fitness tracker with a design that’s new-user-friendly.

During our tests, we found the new workout suggestions to be the most useful features, as they not only encourage beginners, but also expand their workout options and allow them to discover new ones. The recommended rest time at the end of a workout is fantastic as well. 

Of course, specifically for runners, it features Garmin’s brilliant on-board GPS. In our tests it established a lock extremely quickly and recorded a three-mile route to within a few yards. That’s on top of the other tools included specifically to help you become a better runner.

Read our in-depth Garmin Forerunner 55 review

5. Garmin Descent G1

Although we haven’t reviewed the Garmin Descent G1 just yet, it’s a highly-recommended smartwatch for divers looking for a more affordable option. Dive watches aren’t cheap for good reason, but this one from Garmin offers budget-minded and beginner divers an option that’s almost half the price of its rivals while still boasting many dive-specific features.

That includes its display that’s crystal clear especially in dive mode, leak-proof buttons, and an up to 100m dive rating. There are several dive modes on hand as well, including apnea and apnea hunt mode as well as freedive modes. Meanwhile, the display will give you access to vital dive information such as a 3-axis compass, depth, deco-stop requirements, and residual nitrogen.

As this is more of a lifestyle-slash-dive smartwatch hybrid, you’ll find lifestyle-specific features as well like health monitoring, biometric tracking, and sleep monitoring. Best of all, it has a battery life of 25 hours (diving) and up to four months when used as just a smartwatch.

How to choose the best cheap smartwatch for you

Besides the price, it's important to check its compatibility with your phone, as some smartwatches aren't compatible with an iPhone, for example. There's also the battery life and the features. 

If you're a runner, it's important to get the best cheap smartwatch for running as it'll have running-specific features that others might not have. If you need to track your sleep, a longer battery life certainly important as you don't want to be charging twice a day.

Don't expect the latest Apple or Samsung flagships to be on the list, as those tend to sit at a much higher price point and out of people's reach if they're looking for a cheaper option. However, as we mentioned earlier, 'cheap' can be relative. A cheap regular smartwatch is going to be considerably more affordable than a budget smartwatch for divers. Keep that in mind when looking at your options.

How we test smartwatches

Although not every smartwatch on this list has been fully tested by us, our smartwatch experts have more than enough experience to know exactly what makes them tick and what makes an excellent choice. 

Those we have reviewed, however, we have put through their paces. To ensure that every cheap smartwatch gets fully tested in the real world, we use it as our own personal wearable for a week or so. We also perform a comprehensive sweep of its features – at least the most important ones, and varied usage over multiple days to give us a clear idea of how battery life performs. Once we have all the information we need, we compare it with its price tag to see if it's a great value and worth recommending to readers. 

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Matt is TechRadar's expert on all things fitness, wellness and wearable tech. A former staffer at Men's Health, he holds a Master's Degree in journalism from Cardiff and has written for brands like Runner's World, Women's Health, Men's Fitness, LiveScience and Fit&Well on everything fitness tech, exercise, nutrition and mental wellbeing.

Matt's a keen runner, ex-kickboxer, not averse to the odd yoga flow, and insists everyone should stretch every morning. When he’s not training or writing about health and fitness, he can be found reading doorstop-thick fantasy books with lots of fictional maps in them.

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Europe Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

From beautiful Paris to smoke-filled coffeeshops in Amsterdam, Oktoberfest to La Tomatina, Europe is a massive, diverse continent with an unlimited assortment of things to see and do. You won’t have any problem filling your time, whether you’re backpacking Europe for a few months on a budget or just spending a few weeks there on a well-earned vacation.

The continent boasts wonderful beaches, historical architecture, amazing wine, and tons of world-class festivals. Every country is incredibly different from the next too, providing limitless variety in what you do during your trip.

I first backpacked Europe in 2006 and was hooked immediately. I’ve been visiting every year since, have run tours around the continent, and even wrote a book on traveling in Europe . It’s a destination I love and never get tired of exploring.

This guide will give you an overview of Europe and the tips and tricks you need to start planning your trip. I’ve also written extensive travel guides to each country on the continent (linked below in this post) so you can get more in-depth information for your specific itinerary too!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Europe

Click Here for Country Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in europe.

1. Tour the Greek Islands

These islands are the mecca of summer beach fun and each is unique in its own great way. There’s Ios (beach party central with archeological ruins and awesome boat tours); Kos (ancient ruins and nature); Crete (Bronze Age ruins of Knossos, hiking, beaches, and wine), Santorini (iconic blue water, white buildings, and local wineries); Mykonos , (the upscale party island with beautiful beaches, villages, and sunsets), Naxos (best island in the Cyclades). Plus, Milos, Corfu, Lemnos, Zakynthos, and so many more! With hundreds of islands in the country, you can always find what you are looking for!

2. Ride the rails

Europe is famous for its international rail system. Rail passes like the Eurail Pass have been around forever and still make it very easy to get from country to country on a relatively small budget (and with lots of flexibility). Europe has some of the fastest trains in the world that travel up to an incredible 217 mph (350 kph). The whole continent is connected by trains and there’s a growing push for even more connections and long-distance, high-speed trains in order to reduce flying and help combat climate change. There’s nothing more quintessential than riding the trains in Europe and I encourage you to take as many trains as possible. It’s one of the best ways to see the continent.

3. Get lost in Paris

The “City of Lights” is everything people say it is. I fell in love with it the first time I stepped foot in Paris . The city is just magical. You have a ton of museums, cafes, jazz clubs, famous art, and beautiful architecture. I love just strolling around the streets of the Quartier Latin (Latin Quarter) or Montmartre neighborhood as it makes for a breathtaking day. Another one of my favorite things to do here is just sit in the Jardin des Champs-Élysées park and picnic like the Parisians. For something a bit different, check out the famous Catacombs and Paris Sewer Museum. With so much to offer in the way of culture, history, and gastronomy, it would take years to see everything here but you can still get a good feel of the city in a few days.

4. Go city hopping

There are so many amazing cities in Europe that we’d need a top 100 to list them all. Here are some of my personal favorites and must-see cities: London is rich in history, culture, and the famous Big Ben clock; Edinburgh is a vibrant medieval city with cozy pubs and a famous castle with a huge New Year’s Eve Party; Amsterdam has cozy coffee shops and canopied tree-covered canals; Berlin has a wild party scene, street art, and the Berlin Wall; Barcelona has tapas, beach, and unique Gaudi architecture; coastal Lisbon has colorful tiles, old tramcars, cobblestone streets and plenty of fresh seafood; Prague has a beautiful intact Old Town, incredible architecture and eclectic bars; Tallinn Estonia has beautiful medieval buildings with colorful roofs. Florence  is a mecca for Italian Renaissance architecture, art history, and gelato; Stockholm mixes medieval architecture and modern art and design. Crisscross the continent, take in the culture, and enjoy all the historic cities!

5. Hit the Alps

Whether you go skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer, the Alps hold some of the most breathtaking views in all the world. You don’t even need to be an expert hiker because there are mountain trails for all levels and crystal-clear Alpine lakes. Check out the spectacular Eibsee trail loop in Bavaria at the foot of Die Zugspitze, Germany’s tallest mountain, for the clearest, multi-colored, sparkling lake you’ve ever seen. Or the Männlichen Kleine Scheidegg Panorama trail in Switzerland’s stunning green and snow-capped Alps. Or visit Italy’s Dolomites in South Tyrol for the scenic Seceda trail. The Alps have trails for every fitness level and in every season.

Other Things to See and Do in Europe

1. tour amsterdam.

I love Amsterdam so much that I lived here for a short period of time in 2006. Here cobblestone and brick streets weave around lovely canals as people ride their bikes to and fro. My favorite things to enjoy here are Amsterdam’s vibrant art and music scene and there are also a ton of interesting museums here like the Anne Frank House, FOAM, the history museum, and the hemp museum. Be sure you get out of the center into Jordaan and Oost with their wonderful outdoor cafes and fewer tourists. Also, a visit to Amsterdam wouldn’t be complete without a canal cruise to visit the many islands and there are many to choose from that include snacks and drinks, sunset cruises, live guided tours, and more.

2. Hang out in Barcelona

Barcelona is a city that goes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It truly could give NYC a run for the “city that never sleeps” title. Be prepared for late-night dinners and parties until dawn. Besides a great food and nightlife scene, there is a wonderful beach, tons of Gaudi architecture (including the fairytale-like Parc Güell, as well as the iconic Sagrada Familia , which has been under construction for over 100 years!), incredible food tours, one of the best history museums in the country, and lots of outdoor spaces. What I love about Barcelona is that when you’re ready to chill, you can wander around Parc de la Ciutadella and marvel at the majestic fountains, plant life, and buildings created from an ornate military fortress.

3. Visit Berlin

Hip and trendy Berlin is an energetic destination. It is one of Europe’s most affordable capital cities, with a vibrant music and art scene and a growing foodie movement. Be sure to spend some time learning about the city’s darker history via the many excellent museums, memorials, and landmarks. The East Side Gallery, a section of the Berlin Wall that’s now painted with murals, and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe are two especially powerful reminders of Germany’s past. For all periods of German history, don’t miss the Deutsches Historisches Museum (German Historical Museum) – it’s one of the best history museums in the world. Once you’ve had your fill of history, relax in Berlin’s many green spaces, from Tempelhof Field, the site of a former airfield and popular local hangout spot, to Tiergarten, a tree-covered former hunting ground for 17th-century aristocrats.

4. Drink beer at Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is a must for anyone going to Germany at the end of September. While not a budget option since beers now cost 15 € a maß, I love the energy and friendly camaraderie this event inspires. For two weeks, millions of people from all over the world gather for lots of beer, excitement, music, and wild fun. Watching thousands of people sing together, raising quart-sized beer mugs for endless toasts, and enjoying the general party atmosphere makes you feel good about the world. (Or maybe that’s just the beer?) Just be sure to book your accommodation well in advance and be prepared to pay top prices for them. If you don’t have an outfit, don’t worry, there are plenty of shops even at the main train station where you can buy a Bavarian dirndl dress and men’s lederhosen.

5. Experience London

Get a taste of English culture in diverse London . The museums here are some of the best in the world (most are free) and include the Tate, the British Museum, the City Museum, the National Gallery, the Historical Museum. There’s no shortage of iconic sights here as well, with Big Ben, the House of Parliament, the London Eye, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and of course, Buckingham Palace. I love London’s diversity because of the countless international eateries with great food and wonderful pub culture, perfect for after a long day seeing the sights. Head to Brick Lane on the weekends for some amazing food and craft markets. I prefer Paris to London, but there is something sophisticated and fun about London. Just watch those pints — London is not a cheap destination!

6. Get outdoors in Scandinavia

My favorite region in Europe is Scandinavia. The quality of life here is high, the people are beautiful and friendly, and the cities are clean and historic. Cycling the cities, taking canal tours, hiking the vast forested areas, archipelago hopping, enjoying fika (a Swedish coffee break), and warming up in saunas are just a few of the popular activities that await you here. True, this area of Europe is not cheap, but there are plenty of ways to reduce your expenses. Don’t let the high prices scare you away. Highlights for me include Copenhagen , Stockholm , Gotland, Norway’s fjords, and Lapland in Finland .

7. Get enchanted in Prague

Prague has an amazing history and is one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities I’ve ever seen. Highlights include the 9th-century Prague Castle, the magnificent Charles Bridge (built in the 14th century and one of the oldest standing bridges in the world), the 10th-century old square with its iconic astronomical clock, and the winding Jewish Quarter. Even if you only have a few days there don’t miss the free walking tour which is one of my favorites in Europe and the best way to learn about the Old Town and the tragic history of the city that went from thriving Bohemian capital of art, music, and literature to part of the Iron Curtain after WWII. Some of my favorite gems here include the fantastic black light theater shows in 4D and the one-of-a-kind medieval dinner show in an old tavern complete with musicians and jugglers not to mention hearty food and drinks. During the weekends it heaves with people enjoying the bars, cheap beer, and delicious food so try to visit during the week (and in the spring or fall) to beat the crowds.

8. Relax on the French Riviera

Here, you can pretend to live the high life for a little bit. Have fun in the sun, relax on the beach, swim in azure blue water, hobnob with the rich and famous, and sail on (or gaze at) gigantic yachts. As for cities, Nice is nice with its palm-tree-lined promenade, old town, and many art museums. If you want to go see how the rich and famous live, spend an afternoon checking out Cannes to soak up some glamorous vibes on La Croisette where they hold the famous Cannes Film Festival. The kingdom of Monaco with its tiny streets, beautiful buildings, and world-famous casino is just a skip away too.

9. Enjoy the great outdoors in Interlaken

Located in the beautiful mountains of Switzerland, Interlaken is a gorgeous place to unwind with fantastic hiking, delicious hot chocolate, and plenty of outdoor sports. The area is full of natural attractions to explore, including the St. Beatus Caves (complete with a legendary dragon), the cascading 500-meter-high (1,640 feet) Giessbach Waterfalls, the Jungfraujoch mountain railway (which leads to the highest train station on the continent), and a plethora of lakes (hence the town’s name). It’s a good alternative to all the cities and museums. Interlaken is also a popular party destination for backpackers and other young travelers. By far, my favorite scenic and visually stunning trail was the Oberberghorn panoramic hike, where you can wander the green mountain ridge ogling the amazing views and the turquoise-blue Brienzersee.

10. Experience history in Rome

In this thriving historical city, you can’t walk two feet without stumbling over a ruin, making Rome a history buff’s dream. Its tiny streets are perfect for wandering as you explore the Colosseum, see the Forum and Palatine Hill, visit the Pantheon, spend time in Vatican City, admire the Spanish Steps, and toss coins into the famous Trevi Fountain. The skip-the-line tickets can definitely be worth it so you don’t waste time waiting outside attractions. Rome also has amazing food (it’s Italy, after all) and nightlife. Visit the Trastevere area for a taste of “local” Rome and chill bars. It’s my favorite area in the city because you feel like you’re in a small village in the middle of a big city.

11. Hike around the Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is my favorite part of Italy. These five beautiful cliffside towns are perched near warm waters and beautiful olive and grape groves. There are wondrous and strenuous hikes in these hills; for a real challenge, take trail #8. Or just walk the coastline for something less difficult. Many activities here revolve around the coastline: kayaking, swimming, having a beach picnic or visiting the Technical Naval Museum. If you happen to be here in December or January, don’t miss the Nativity Manarola, the world’s biggest lighted nativity scene.

12. Tour Krakow

Krakow looks like it stepped out of a medieval postcard. It’s a hip, trendy, and youthful city that’s the center of education in Poland, meaning there are a lot of university students here. Most travelers come to party here (the vodka is cheap) but try to enjoy the city’s history and food besides just the bars. Walk the Royal Road through the Old Town to the 13th-century Wawel Castle, tour Schindler’s Factory (where Schindler saved over 1,200 Jews during World War II), and visit the sobering Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. You can also take a fascinating day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Wieliczka Salt Mine, a 13th-century mine with cavernous chambers, statues, chapels, chandeliers, and cathedrals all carved out of salt.

13. Visit the ruin bars in Budapest

The coolest nightlife in all of Europe is found in Budapest . Built in abandoned buildings, ruin bars feature funky art installations, repurposed furniture, and quirky decor. They are amazing, fun, and great places to meet locals, as people of all ages flock here. Open since 2001, Szimpla Kert is the original ruin bar and one of my favorites, along with Instant-Fogas Complex, which takes up an entire building and is actually many different bars in one. Don’t skip the ruin bars — they’re one of the most unique things about the city!

14. Explore Cornwall

The best part of England is outside London, yet unfortunately, not a lot of travelers leave London. Head west to the area of Cornwall for cheaper prices, welcoming locals, natural beauty, great hiking, rolling hills, plenty of medieval castles, and picturesque small towns. If you like biking, the Camel Trail from Bodmin to Padstow is worth the trip and you even pass by a local vineyard. It’s an easy way to spend a day (and it’s pretty flat so it’s not too hard to do.) Plus, I had the best fish and chips in Cornwall! Overall, it’s what you think of as “traditional England.”

15. Walk the Camino

El Camino de Santiago (The Way of Saint James) is an ancient pilgrimage route that stretches from France all the way across northern Spain. It is a 500 mile (800 km) trail that winds through incredible terrain, ending in Santiago de Compostela at the cathedral where St. James is supposedly buried. As a pilgrim, you get a “pilgrim’s passport” which allows you to stay in affordable pilgrim-only hostels, making this a surprisingly budget-friendly adventure. While it usually takes over a month to complete, you can just walk a section if you don’t have the time. To receive a “Compostela” (certificate of completion), you just need to walk the last 62 miles (100 km), which generally takes 4-5 days.

16. Throw tomatoes during La Tomatina

By far my favorite festival, the largest food fight in the world happens during the last Wednesday of August in Bunol, Spain. What started in 1945 as a local brawl has turned into a massive event drawing tens of thousands of people from all over the world. For about an hour, everyone throws tomatoes at each other, leaving streets ankle-deep in tomato juice. Afterward, everyone walks down to the river, cleans off, and then heads to the town square for sangria and music.

17. Find Dracula in Romania

Not a lot of people visit Romania but this underrated country in Eastern Europe has undiscovered yet picturesque medieval towns like Brasov (home to “Dracula’s castle”), Sighisoara, and Sibiu; gorgeous beaches on the Black Sea; and incredible hiking in the Fagaras Mountains — all at dirt-cheap prices. Other major sights include frescoed Byzantine monasteries, the steepled wooden churches of Transylvania, the hip university town Cluj-Napoca, the post-communist capital of Bucharest, and the Danube Delta, a huge nature reserve.

18. Drink whisky in Islay

Whisky has a long history on Islay , an island off Scotland’s west coast. It’s been made there since the 16th-century — first in backyards and then, starting in the 19th-century, in large distilleries. Over the years, whisky from the island came to be considered a specialty and was used to flavor a lot of other blends on the mainland. There are currently nine working distilleries on the island, all located along the island’s shores, with Laphroaig, Ardbeg, and Lagavulin being the most famous. Most distilleries here make single-malt Scotch, meaning that only one type of grain (barley) is used. My visit here was amazing and, even if you don’t like whisky, there are tons of good hikes and walks throughout this magnificent island.

19. Explore Iceland

Iceland is a magical country with majestic waterfalls, hidden hot springs around every corner, and sweeping vistas unlike anywhere else in the world. After my first visit, the country quickly became one of my favorite countries. With whale watching in the summer, the northern lights in the winter, and geothermal baths for soaking in year-round, there really is no bad time to visit! While Iceland’s main draw is the epic natural landscapes, it’s worth spending a couple of days in Reykjavik with its café culture, artsy feel, and brightly colored wooden row houses.

20. Sail the Croatian coast

With calm winds, short distances, a coastline littered with over 1,000 islands, and countless historical sites, Croatia is one of the world’s best sailing destinations. If you can, go during the shoulder season when you can find some great deals. Plan to stay at least a couple of days on one of the islands, with the most popular being Brac, Hvar, Krk, Cres, and Lošinj. However, don’t be afraid to get off the beaten path and explore some of the lesser-known islands such as Silba, Vis, and Lastovo. If you want to splash out and spend a week partying on a yacht, check out The Yacht Week, which hosts week-long parties, complete with DJs, from May-September. You can book a full boat to share with friends or just a cabin if you’re traveling solo. Prices start at 5,250 HRK per person and go up to 9,300 HRK.

21. Explore the Balkans

While the Balkans have become more popular with backpackers in recent years, it’s still largely overlooked by most budget travelers, despite being an extremely budget-friendly region. The Balkan peninsula is home to great (and again, overlooked) wine, beautiful medieval towns like Kotor and Mostar, stunning mountainous landscapes, beautiful pebble beaches, coffee culture, fresh, hearty yet inexpensive food, and museums covering the area’s history, including the most recent turbulent events of the early 1990s. I especially loved my time in Albania . Don’t miss the beautiful beaches in Ksamil, nicknamed the “Maldives of Europe’ as well as the mountain village of Gjirokastër, which was occupied by Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. The Balkans have so much to offer for every budget and every country has its unique cultural flavor.

22. Take a wine tour in the Loire Valley

Located in central France, the picturesque Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site and stretches 280 kilometers (174 miles) along the Loire River. One of the major wine-producing regions of France, the area is home to some of the best wines in the world, with over 1,000 vineyards open to the public. Even those who don’t drink wine will enjoy the beautiful small towns, great food, and the region’s over 300 impressive chateaux. I loved the medieval Chenonceau Castle and Chateau Villandry and the small villages like Saint-Florent-le-Vieil. Spring and Autumn are my favorite times to visit because you can go biking and do outdoor activities when it’s not too hot and there are fewer people. It’s an area not to be missed.

23. See Fado in Portugal

Fado is an important musical tradition in Portugal , originating in Lisbon and stretching back some 200 years. The word “fado” likely stems from the Latin word for fate, and it’s very haunting, poetic, and emotional music. Most of the songs follow themes of loss and mourning, and the music was popular with the working class (especially sailors). Performances normally take place in restaurants during dinner. In Lisbon, head to Clube de Fado, Tasca do Chico, Parreirinha de Alfama, or Senhor Vinho.

24. Tour green Slovenia

Slovenia is one of Europe’s least-visited destinations, which is mind-blowing to me because it’s an amazing place to visit. Slovenia offers all the beauty of Western Europe but at a fraction of the cost and with a fraction of the crowds. Perfect for outdoor adventure lovers, Slovenia offers rugged mountains, untouched landscapes, fantastic ski resorts, plentiful wine, sprawling cave systems, incredible food, and postcard-perfect lakes, such as the famous Lake Bled with its castle on an island. I loved Piran, Slovenia’s often overlooked coastal Venetian-style harbor town that was actually founded 3000 years ago. Stroll around its beautiful windy cobble-stoned streets, beautiful plazas, and take advantage of the many affordable restaurants right on the water. Make sure to also spend a few days in the country’s capital, Ljubljana, known as one of the continent’s greenest and most livable cities. Take a river cruise to see the city and enjoy the friendliness of the locals.

  For more information on specific countries in Europe, check out the guides below:

• Albania Travel Guide
• Austria Travel Guide
• Belgium Travel Guide
• Belarus Travel Guide
• Bosnia & Herzegovina Travel Guide
• Bulgaria Travel Guide
• Czechia Travel Guide
• Croatia Travel Guide
• Denmark Travel Guide
• England Travel Guide
• Estonia Travel Guide
• Finland Travel Guide
• France Travel Guide
• Germany Travel Guide
• Greece Travel Guide
• Hungary Travel Guide
• Iceland Travel Guide
• Ireland Travel Guide
• Italy Travel Guide
• Latvia Travel Guide
• Lithuania Travel Guide
• Malta Travel Guide
• Moldova Travel Guide
• Montenegro Travel Guide
• Netherlands Travel Guide
• Norway Travel Guide
• Portugal Travel Guide
• Poland Travel Guide
• Romania Travel Guide
• Scotland Travel Guide
• Slovakia Travel Guide
• Slovenia Travel Guide
• Spain Travel Guide
• Sweden Travel Guide
• Switzerland Travel Guide
• Ukraine Travel Guide

Europe Travel Costs

Accommodation – Accommodation prices vary greatly by region. In Western Europe, hostel dorm rooms cost between 25-45 EUR per night, depending on the room’s size and the popularity of the hostel. I stayed in a 6-bed dorm in Berlin for 20 EUR, while the same one would have cost me around 45 EUR in Paris. A room in Paris costs on the higher end and a room in cheaper Athens costs on the lower end.

In Eastern Europe, hostel dorm rooms cost between 10-15 EUR per night depending on the size of the dorm room and the popularity of the hostel. The further east you go, the cheaper it gets. Expect to pay around 30-60 EUR per night for a private room that sleeps two.

In Scandinavia, hostel dorm beds cost around 25-45 EUR, while private rooms are 65-80 EUR. Budget hotels start around 85 EUR.

Most accommodations offer free linens, free Wi-Fi, and a lot offer free breakfast, but it’s important to check specific websites for exact amenities.

Campsites cost between 10-15 EUR per night for a basic plot for two without electricity.

Food – Food traditions in Europe run deep, stretching back centuries to become integral parts of each country’s culture. From baguettes in France to tapas in Spain, from hearty Eastern European stews and goulash to the fresh vegetables and olive oils of the Mediterranean, European cuisine varies as much as the countries themselves. Food prices differ greatly across the continent, so check individual country guides for specifics.

But no matter where you are, even in the more expensive countries, finding places to eat within your budget is easier than you might think. Throughout Western Europe, you can find small shops, street food stalls, or food trucks where you can get sandwiches, gyros, kebabs, slices of pizza, or sausages for between 3-7 EUR. These shops are most often found in train stations, bus stations, and main pedestrian areas, and offer cheap food alternatives that can have you eating on 12-17 EUR per day. Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 7-10 EUR for a combo meal.

Turkish, Middle Eastern, and Vietnamese eateries abound in Germany, while Indian food is incredible and everywhere in the United Kingdom. Meals at these restaurants usually cost between 8-12 EUR.

Restaurant meals in casual, traditional eateries generally cost around 13-25 EUR for a main dish and drink. Food is much cheaper in the east than in the west, and in the west, northern regions like Scandinavia and the UK are more expensive than southern countries like Spain, Portugal, and Italy.

In Eastern Europe, even if you are eating out for all your meals, you can still get by on a food budget of as little as 15 EUR per day.

For drinks, a pint of beer is 2-5 EUR, a glass of wine is 2-7 EUR, a cappuccino is 2-5 EUR, and cocktails range from 6-14 EUR.

If you eat out, do so at lunch and get the prix-fixe menu (two-course or three-course set menu). Restaurants offer this set menu during lunch, and with prices between 10-20 EUR, it’s a way better deal than the regular dinner menu. You can also get affordable lunches at outdoor markets. So many European cities have huge fresh food markets throughout town.

You can cook your own food for around 45-65 EUR per week. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, seasonal produce, bread, and some meat. You can save money by shopping at discount supermarkets like Profi, Lidl, Aldi, and Penny Market.

If you want to save big money on meals, head to one of the markets, pick up some cheese, wine, bread, meats, or anything else, and go to the park for a picnic. (Or grab a sandwich for later!) You’ll find the locals doing the same thing, and it’s one of the cheaper ways to get a true taste of local food.

Backpacking Europe Suggested Budgets

Prices for travel in Europe vary greatly depending on how far north, east, south, or west you travel. If you stick to the budget accommodations, food, and tours listed here and use all my tips on saving money, you need about 65-110 EUR per day in Western Europe, 40-50 EUR in Eastern Europe, and about 85-130 EUR in Scandinavia.

Those numbers reflect a traveler who stays in hostels, cooks some meals and eats out cheaply, enjoys a few drinks, and sticks to free and cheap activities like hiking, walking tours, and enjoying nature. This is your typical backpacker budget. You aren’t going to have a fancy time, but you aren’t going to want for anything either.

However, by getting tourist cards and rail passes, avoiding flights, occasionally Couchsurfing or camping, cooking all your meals, and not drinking, you can travel a lot cheaper. On this budget, you could do Western Europe on 35-45 EUR per day, Eastern Europe on 20-25 EUR, and Scandinavia on 50-65 EUR. That would require you to take a train or a bus or hitchhike everywhere, skip most museums, and limit how often you go out.

Generally, the suggested daily budget for Europe is 80-120 EUR. You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Europe Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Individual country guides have more specific information on how to save money in them but here are some general tips on cutting your costs while you explore Europe:

• Picnic – This continent has a lot of little shops where you can buy pre-made sandwiches or ingredients to make your own. Many supermarkets have delis as well where you can get food to go. Buy some food, eat outside, and watch the city and its people go by. It’s a much more enjoyable and cheaper way to eat.
• Eat local and cheap – Not into picnicking? Eat at local sandwich shops, pizza parlors, Maoz, Wok to Walks, and outdoor street vendors. Avoiding restaurants and eating at a lot of the local “grab n’ go” places gives you a taste of the local cuisine at a much cheaper price. If you’re really on a budget, use your creative cooking skills to prepare meals at the hostel as well.
• Stay with a local – Hostels can add up really quickly. If you don’t have any friends with whom you can stay, consider using Couchsurfing , which connects you with locals who let you stay with them for free. Plus, they tend to also have meetups to meet other locals and travelers. It’s a great way to save on accommodation and meet a local who can share their insider tips and advice.
• Camp in a garden – A very good camping service specific to Europe is Campspace , which allows you to pitch a tent in someone’s backyard for free or for a small fee (around 10-20 EUR). All of the garden owners have profiles that tell you what services and facilities they offer. Also, many countries allow wild camping (like Sweden), which can save you a fortune if you have a tent.
• Take the bus – Budget bus companies like Flixbus can take you across the continent for cheap. I personally feel it’s best for day travel as sitting up for an overnight bus isn’t really ideal for sleeping. It isn’t glamorous, but with tickets starting at 5 EUR, you really can’t complain!
• Get a Rail Pass – Eurail Passes have saved me hundreds of dollars. If you are traveling far distances and through many countries, they are a great deal.
• Take the free city tours – One of the great things about Europe is that you can find free walking tours in all the major cities. They can be a great way to see the city attractions, take in some history, and learn your bearings without spending any money. Just make sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Plan accordingly – Plan your trip around Europe so you avoid doubling back. Transportation is a big expense so proper planning can save you a lot of money (and time). Go in a straight line or a loop. Booking your accommodation ahead helps you save as well since cheap, good places unsurprisingly get reserved first. One thing I’ve learned is that waiting until the last minute means you get stuck with expensive places or cheap places no one wants.
• Fly cheap – If you know where you are going and a train won’t do, try to book flights early. You can often get round trip fares for as little as 5 EUR from many of the European discount airlines like Ryanair or Wizz. Many capital cities have smaller airports farther from the city with ‘inconvenient’ times but cheaper fares. Keep in mind you might need to factor in an early morning Uber or taxi if the busses aren’t running and you have an early flight!
• Drink less – Those 5 EUR beers add up. Hit happy hours or pick and choose when you party. Hostel bars are a good place to get cheap drinks or buy your alcohol at the supermarket. Plus, in Europe, it’s legal to drink outside in parks, plazas, by the lakes or rivers. You’ll find you can save a lot of money by not going to bars and clubs. Partying your way across the continent will destroy your bank balance in no time.
• Get a city tourist card – Many local tourism offices sell a tourism card for all their attractions, tours, and restaurants. This card gives you free entry and substantial discounts on all the attractions and tours in a city, free local public transportation (a huge plus), and discounts at a few restaurants and shopping malls. They save a ton of money. If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, get one of these cards.
• Rideshare – If you’re flexible in your schedule, use the ridesharing service BlaBlaCar to catch rides with locals between cities (or countries) by paying a small fee. It’s like Airbnb but for rides. I used this service in Switzerland and, not only did I save a lot of money, but I got to meet interesting people and learn about local culture and life. Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe, though sometimes rides cancel at the last minute (which is why you need to be flexible). Check their ratings first and try to use rides where the person has done many trips.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water is safe to drink in most of Europe, so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Get a HostelPass – HostelPass is a discount membership for hostels in Europe. Members get 10-20% off select hostels around Europe, as well as perks like free breakfast or free drinks. There are discounts on tours and activities too. It’s a great way to save money if you’re bouncing around Europe as they have hostels in 18 countries around the continent.

Where to Stay in Europe

Europe has a ton of budget accommodation options. The individual country and city guides have tons of recommendations but here’s a short list of some of my favorite budget hostels and hotels around Europe:

• The Flying Pig (Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
• Hotel 54 (Barcelona, Spain)
• Generator Hostel (Copenhagen, Denmark)
• Harcourt Hotel (Dublin, Ireland)
• Castle Rock (Edinburgh, Scotland)
• Ios Palm Pansion (Ios, Greece)
• Greg and Tom’s Party Hostel (Krakow, Poland)
• Largo da Sé Guest House (Lisbon, Portugal)
• Sophie’s Hostel (Prague, Czech Republic)
• The Yellow (Rome, Italy)
• City Backpackers (Stockholm, Sweden)

How to Get Around Europe

Public transportation – Transportation around most European cities is by tram, subway, or bus. Prices are typically around 2 EUR for a one-way ticket in Western Europe and closer to 1 EUR in Eastern Europe. Most large cities also have day passes available that offer unlimited public transportation. These passes are usually 5-12 EUR per day.

In large cities with international airports, there is usually a bus or train available that ferries travelers from the downtown core to the airport. Expect to pay around 5-15 EUR to get to/from the airport.

Bus – Buses are not quite as comfortable as Europe’s trains, although certain lines do have great amenities (like roomy seats and Wi-Fi). While buses are not the most efficient way to travel around the continent, they’re certainly dependable, reliable, and cheap. You can find last-minute rides for as little as 5 EUR. A route from Berlin to Munich is about 25 EUR, while Paris to Bordeaux can be as low as 10 EUR. Longer routes, like Amsterdam to Copenhagen, start at around 47 EUR.

Each country has its own national bus service, but some lines also take you long distances internationally. Megabus and Flixbus (which now owns Eurolines) are the most popular companies.

Train – Train travel is a great way to see Europe. Intercity train prices vary wildly from country to country, depending on whether you take the slow train or a high-speed train and how far in advance you book. For example, a high-speed train from Berlin to Munich costs around 38-60 EUR, Bordeaux to Paris is about 50-85 EUR, and Madrid to Barcelona ranges from 45-85 EUR. Non-high-speed trains and other intercity lines are a lot cheaper, generally costing about 40-50% of the price of high-speed trains. Eastern Europe inter-country trains usually cost between 45-100 EUR when the ticket is booked last minute. Short train rides of 2-3 hours within countries cost about 27 EUR.

To find routes and prices for trains around Europe, use Trainline .

You may also want to consider getting a Eurail Pass , which allows travelers to explore Europe by providing a set number of stops in a specific time period. These passes are continent-wide, country-specific, or regional. It can potentially save you hundreds of dollars.

Ridesharing/Car sharing – If your schedule is flexible, use a ridesharing service and catch rides with locals between cities (or countries). Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe. BlaBlaCar is the most popular.

If you’d rather rent a car yourself and find passengers to share a ride with, use Discover Cars to find the best car rental prices.

Flying – Budget airlines are so prolific that competition helps keep fares low. You can often find tickets where the fare is just 5 EUR round-trip! Companies like EasyJet, Ryanair, Wizz, and Vueling offer mind-blowingly cheap flights throughout Europe. Book at least a month early to scoop up great deals.

Make sure that the airport they fly into isn’t too far out of your way (transportation from the secondary airport sometimes negates the savings from using the budget airline itself).

Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay to check your baggage on these cheap flights. It costs about 25-39 EUR for one checked bag. If you wait to pay for your luggage at the gate, you end up paying almost double. Travel carry-on only to avoid this added cost.

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Europe is very safe, but it’s not for everyone. Hitching is quite common around the continent and I’ve met a number of travelers who have done it (I, myself, traveled this way in Bulgaria and Iceland). Some countries are very supportive (Romania, Iceland, Germany) while others may be a bit more time-consuming (Italy, Spain). HitchWiki is the best website for hitchhiking info.

Here are my suggested articles for how to get around Europe:

• 7 Cheap Ways to Travel Across Europe
• Are Eurail Passes a Giant Scam or Do They Save You Money?
• The Ultimate Guide to Finding Cheap Flights

When to Go to Europe

There’s no wrong time to visit Europe. Peak season is summer, when Europe gets crowded and August is the time most European families are at the beach so everything becomes more crowded and expensive. But the overall atmosphere and weather are great during this time, so it’s still worth visiting during peak season (just book your accommodation in advance — especially in August). Keep in mind it’s much hotter in summer so if you like AC, be sure to check that your hostel or hotel has it before you book. You can expect the most crowds in Western Europe. For this reason, I feel summer is a great time to visit the Balkans and the Baltics because many people head to the beaches in Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, and Greece.

Shoulder season is spring and fall (April-May and September-October). It’s still warm during this time but there aren’t as many crowds and prices are cheaper. This is my favorite time to visit hotspot places like Spain, Croatia and Greece, where it’s still hot enough to swim in the sea but you have way more room on the beach. It’s also a good time to go hiking in the Alps in Germany, northern Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland because it’s cooler during the day so you’re much less sweaty on the mountain without shade. The weather is good, the crowds are smaller, and the prices lower.

Winter is from November to February but in much of Central Europe, it’s wet and cold until March or April. It gets cold, even as far south as it gets (like Greece). On the other hand, the Christmas season has Christmas markets and festivals galore! Even if it’s cold, this is a cultural tradition you can’t miss and why I love Europe in December. There is hot mulled wine, sweets, and plenty of hot snacks, which vary by country. One of my favorites is Prague because the Old Town Square is lit up with a gigantic tree with aromas of crispy cinnamon pastries and mulled wine. Berlin takes their Christmas markets very seriously, so there are around 80 different markets with special themes.

Winter is fantastic in Europe for skiing and snowboarding but it doesn’t have to break the bank if you plan carefully. While Switzerland and France are probably the most famous, they are also expensive, but there are plenty of budget winter options.

How to Stay Safe in Europe

Europe is very safe for backpacking and solo traveling, even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. Violent crimes against tourists are very rare. In fact, some of the safest countries in the world are in Europe. (I wrote a whole article about how Europe is safe to visit right now .)

That said, there are scams and petty crimes you should watch out for, especially around popular tourist landmarks. The most important thing to be aware of is pickpockets in crowds and on public transportation. Zip your bags and don’t put your mobile phone in a jacket pocket where someone could quickly take it. This should be obvious but don’t flash your money to let everyone know you have a huge wad of cash.

When choosing a hostel, look for ones with lockers. It’s always a good idea to carry around a padlock or combination lock. Most hostels are safe and travelers respect each other and I’ve rarely seen things happen to people’s valuables. Nevertheless, I always think that prevention is better.

As anywhere, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). When at the bar, always keep an eye on your drink. Avoid walking home alone at night if you’re intoxicated.

For female travelers in particular, it’s always a good idea to have a bit of extra money on you just in case you need to take an Uber or taxi back by yourself so you don’t take unnecessary risks to save money. If you’re using apps to date people while traveling, please use common sense and meet in public places. Since I’m not a female traveler, please check out the numerous female bloggers who have first hand knowledge of this.

If you’re worried about scams, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you rent a vehicle, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. Break-ins are rare, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Be aware that the UK drives on the left and that most rental cars in Europe will have manual transmissions unless you request otherwise.

When hiking, always bring water, sunscreen, and bandaids or foot plasters. There is nothing worse than being halfway up the mountain with a blister and nothing you can do about it!

Likewise, when at the coast, don’t forget not only to wear sunscreen! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people get burnt to a crisp the first day. Be sure to check the weather before you depart and dress accordingly.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary to loved ones so they know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Europe Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

GO DEEPER: Nomadic Matt’s In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

While I have a lot of free tips on Europe, I also wrote an entire book that goes into great detail on everything you need to plan a trip here on a budget! You’ll get suggested itineraries, budgets, even more ways to save money, my favorite restaurants, prices, practical information (i.e. phone numbers, websites, prices, safety advice, etc etc), and cultural tips.

I’ll give the insider view of Europe that I got from years of traveling and living here! The downloadable guide can be used on your Kindle, iPad, phone, or computer so you can have it with you when you go. Click here to learn more about my book on Europe!

Europe Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Europe travel and continue planning your trip:

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The 25 Best Luxury Watch Brands of All Time

A good watch is a timeless investment. Here is our list of icons.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

With the advent of the digital age and the rise of smartphones, some speculated the timepiece would go the way of the pocket watch and become obsolete. A similar conversation came up again when the Apple watch was born. But those who have wondered about the fate of the traditional timepiece may have been missing the point. Yes, phones have given us a very efficient way to keep track of the hours, but has the appeal of a watch—especially a luxury one—ever really rested solely on practicality?

It is as much a signifier of status and taste—and, as auction records prove time and again, an excellent investment. But of course not all are created equal. Heritage watch brands exist for a reason, and many have been mastering their craft for centuries. So, where should you start? " Watch collecting is a journey," dealer and Graal founder Zoe Abelson recently told T&C . "For your first watch, figure out a budget and what you want out of it."

Van Cleef & Arpels

Founded in: 1906 | Price Range: $7,750-$489,000 | Made in: France

Van Cleef & Arpels's Alhambra motif has been a coveted status symbol since its invention in 1968. This watch is the best of both worlds: an elegant timepiece and stunning piece of jewelry , all in one.

Founded in: 1858 | Price Range: $1,270-$44,000 | Made in: Switzerland

Fine state-of-the-art craftsmanship is at the heart of every Montblanc timepiece, and especially in the Montblanc 1858 collection, which is a reinterpretation of the 1920s and '30s-era Minerva watches that were used for military exploration.

Jaeger-LeCoultre

Founded in: 1833 | Price Range: $7,000-$60,000+ | Made in: Switzerland

Established in 1833 in the Swiss Jura Mountains, Jaeger-LeCoultre is known for its clever designs. One of its most notable—and coveted—styles, the Reverso, f eatures a face that flips over to protect itself within the watch casing—while showing off a custom monogram design on the other side.

Audemars Piguet

Founded in: 1875 | Price Range: $45,000-$300,000+ | Made in: Switzerland

Founded by childhood friends Jules-Louis Audemars and Edward-Auguste Piguet in 1875, Audemars Piguet is perhaps most famous for its Royal Oak collection, which, since its debut in 1972, has become an obligatory status symbol for every A-lister , from hip hop legends to elite athletes. Now it has some competition: In 2019, the brand released a new collection, Code 11.59.

Frédérique Constant

Founded in: 1875 | Price Range: $795-$27,995 | Made in: Switzerland

Founded in 1988 by Dutch couple Peter Stas and Aletta Stas-Bax, Frédérique Constant's mission statement is to craft fine luxury watches using Swiss techniques but sold at a relatively accessible price point.

Founded in: 1874 | Price Range: $12,900-$87,500 | Made in: Switzerland

Georges-Édouard Piaget set up his first workshop on his family farm in the village of La Côte-aux-Fées in the Swiss mountains in 1874, launching the brand that is now famous for offering the thinnest automatic watch in the world.

Founded in: 1847 | Price Range: $3,050-$300,000+ | Made in: France

Louis-François Cartier founded the jewelry brand in Paris in 1847. Seventy years later, his grandson Louis Cartier invented the famous Tank Watch , which was modeled after a military tank . Several iconic watch models have followed since, including this Baignoire Allongée.

Harry Winston

Founded in: 1932 | Price Range: $2,560-$258,000 | Made in: France

Jeweler Harry Winston is relatively new to the watch game compared to other longer established brands out of Europe. Nevertheless, the same spirit of innovation that drives the brand's fantastical gems also applies to its timepieces. Take this avant-garde creation, the latest to join the Project Z collection —only 300 of them were made.

Founded in: 1735 | Price Range: $9,000-$30,000 | Made in: Switzerland

Founded in 1735, Blancpain enjoys the esteemed distinction of being the oldest watch brand in the world . In the 1950s, it introduced the Fifty Fathoms diving watches, which were crafted in collaboration with the French Navy's combat swimmers and soon became the standard issue of the US Navy SEALs.

Founded in: 1832 | Price Range: $825-$18,625 | Made in: Switzerland

Longines was founded in 1832 by Auguste Agassiz and two partners in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, where the company is still headquartered. Its iconic winged hourglass logo is the oldest logo of its kind still being used in its original form.

Founded in: 1865 | Price Range: $7,200-$166,000 | Made in: Switzerland

Georges Favre-Jacot was just 22 when he founded his eponymous watch company in 1865, eventually renaming it Zenith. In the century and half since, the brand has amassed a number of high profile wearers, including Mahatma Gandhi.

Founded in: 1926 | Price Range: $1,875-$32,100 | Made in: Switzerland

If you think Tudor watches look like Rolexes, you're not seeing things: the brand is a subsidiary of the luxury watch giant and its timepieces are especially perfect for those who want the look and feel of a Rolex —without as high of a price tag.

Founded in: 1848 | Price Range: $2,900-$525,900 | Made in: Switzerland

Omega holds the unparalleled title of being the first watch on the moon thanks to Buzz Aldrin, who wore the Speedmaster for his history-making feat. Today it may be most famous as the preferred timepiece of England's deadliest weapon: James Bond.

Founded in: 1905 | Price Range: $5,500-$75,000 | Made in: Switzerland

Arguably the most well-known watch brand, Rolex has many firsts under its belt, among them the first-ever waterproof watch, appropriately called the Oyster, which was created in 1926.

Patek Philippe

Founded in: 1839 | Price Range: $21,000-$485,000 | Made in: Switzerland

Patek Philippe consistently tops the list of best watch brands in the world and is a status symbol like no other. Founded in 1839, the Swiss company is also the last family-owned independent watch manufacturer in Geneva.

Vacheron Constantin

Founded in: 1755 | Price Range: $12,300-$131,000+ | Made in: Switzerland

Vacheron Constantin is among the oldest luxury watch manufacturers in the world, whose watches, which are known for their extensive complications , have been worn on the wrists of famous figures like Napoleon Bonaparte and Harry Truman.

Founded in: 1860 | Price Range: $1,400-$138,000 | Made in: Switzerland

"Techniques d'Avant Garde" is what the TAG in TAG Heuer has stood for since Edouard Heuer launched the Swiss brand in 1860. In 1962, John Glenn wore a Heuer stopwatch on the Mercury-Atlas 6 flight, giving the Swiss watchmaker the distinction of being the first in space. Now well-known for their sporty silhouettes, TAG Heuer has an illustrious list of celebrity ambassadors, both official and otherwise, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Will Smith, Matt Damon, and Tom Brady.

Founded in: 1860 | Price Range: $4,700-$180,000 | Made in: Italy

Founded as Officine Panerai in Florence, this Italian watchmaker has become known for its bold, sporty cases. From its former role as the official supplier to the Royal Italian Navy to its partnership with Ferrari, Panerai's timepieces guarantee the finest Italian craftsmanship .

Founded in: 1980 | Price Range: $5,800-$222,000 | Made in: Switzerland

The first luxury watch to tout a rubber strap, Hublot is also known for its bold cases. Fun fact: the brand's name is French for "porthole"—it's easy to see where the inspiration comes from.

Founded in: 1884 | Price Range: $3,400-$73,000 | Made in: Switzerland

Breitling is has long been a particular favorite of aviators —the brand even teamed up with Scott and Mark Kelly , the only twins to have traveled in space, and employs a team of pilots who travel around the world doing acrobatic display flights in fighter jets .

Dania Lucero Ortiz is Town & Country’s Fashion and Accessories Director, where she writes about style and jewelry.

Leena Kim is an editor at Town & Country , where she covers travel, jewelry, education, weddings, and culture.

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The 14 Best Travel Watches for the Holidays

We’ve curated some of the best GMTs, 12-hour bezels and digital travel watches available, from the ultra-cheap to the ultra-premium.

By Oren Hartov

While any watch can accompany you on a journey, there are certain types of timepieces that are particularly suited to travel . GMT and other types of dual-time watches, analog or digital world timers and even simple date watches can be particularly helpful when trying to keep track of multiple time zones. While these types of watches can be incredibly affordable or wildly expensive, the good news is that there’s a great travel watch for everybody. So when you’re looking to buy someone the perfect watch for that next adventure, do yourself a favor by starting here:

Casio AE1200WH-1A

The AE1200WH-1A features a world timer with 31 time zones, city code display, daylight savings feature, LED screen with afterglow, 10-year battery and 100m of water resistance, all for $25. Pretty much the most watch you can possibly get for the cost of a salad and a soft drink in NYC, and perfect for the traveling adventurer.

Timex Navi Ocean

The Navi Ocean may have a fairly standard field watch look to it, but it’s the 12-hour bezel, which can be used to track a second time zone, that makes this a great, inexpensive travel companion. With its grey leather Nato strap, quartz movement and quickset date, this black-dialed watch can go just about anywhere with you.

Dan Henry 1963

It’s not all that difficult to guess who made the watch the 1963 is based upon (hint: it rhymes with Schmeitling), but the benefit of this modern quartz version is that it’s distinctly affordable, and the additional strap, canvas strap roll and bi-directional 12-hour bezel make it perfect for travel.

Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Promaster Nighthawk

A highly technical dial with an integreated slide rule inner chapter ring operated by an extra crown, the Nighthawk clearly takes inspiration from the pilot’s watches of yesterday but improves the feature set with a quartz analog display, second time zone, Eco-Drive light-powered movement and 200m of water resistance.

Orient Polaris GMT

Orient consistently delivers incredible value for money, and the Polaris is no exception. You get an automatic movement powering an independatly-adjustable GMT hand, power reserve indicator and date function, all housed in an elegant, white-dialed 42mm case with blue steeled hands for $415.

Luminox RECON Nav SPC-8832.MI

A 46mm case may be large, but Luminox fit a ton of watch in here: you get a 24-hour bezel, a tachymeter scale in miles, an alarm function, a GMT function, 200m of water resistance, a countdown quadrant, and a black rubber strap with raised scale and compass. To want anything more for $500 would be a heavy ask.

Junghans Max Bill Mega

The Mega may look like any other Bauhaus-inspired watch in the Max Bill line, but this latest version, which is available in four dials, features a radio-controlled movement with perpetual calendar, accurate up the year 2400 without manual adjustment. Probably the perfect travel dress watch.

Mido Multifort GMT

The Mido Multifort is one of our favorite affordable, automatic GMTs. With a dual-crown design, inner rotating bezel in two colors and dial featuring a Geneva stripe motif, the Multifort GMT melds different influences to bring a fresh look to the dual-time zone complication.

Hamilton Jazzmaster GMT Auto

Hamilton consistently comes through with great value propositions, and the Jazzmaster GMT Auto is no exception. With a 24-hour hand and an inner, rotating city ring with 24-hour scale, this is the perfect complicated travel watch. Features include a 42mm steel case and automatic movement (a version on a bracelet is also available for an additional $50).

Farer Lander GMT

Probably one of the most beautiful GMTs of the last few years, the Lander combines a gorgeous sea-colored sunray dial with the workhorse ETA 2893-2 automatic GMT movement in a 39.5mm case for the perfect dual-time watch. Farer’s GMT is available in two other dial colors, but there’s something about the way the Lander catches the light that makes it special.

Monta Skyquest

If you’re looking for a technical, tool watch-GMT, look no further: the Skyquest is one of the best. Available in multiple bezel, dial and strap combinations, the Skyquest is water-resistant down to 304m and can actually give you the time in three different time zones thanks to the presence of a 24-hour rehaut on the dial.

Sinn 857 UTC VFR

Most modern pilot’s watches are really pilot- inspired watches, but the Sinn 857 is the real deal. Tested in accordance with a DIN standard for pilot’s timepieces, the 857 UTC features a 24-hour hand, countdown bezel and integrated de-humidfying technology for increased legibility. One of the toughest travel watches you can buy, hands-down.

Tudor Black Bay GMT

The Tudor Black Bay brought the functionality and look of its Rolex big brother to the masses at a much more stomachable price. With its COSC-certified, in-house GMT movement, beautiful dual-color bezel and 200m of water resistance, the BB GMT could potentially be the only travel watch you ever need.

Rolex GMT Master II 126710BLRO

The travel watch, or at least the latest iteration of it, in steel again — praise be to the Watch Gods! Featuring a new and improved movement, a Jubilee bracelet and Cerachrom bezel, this is the watch to wear in 2018, and the prototypical jetsetter’s timepiece. Good luck finding one available at MSRP, however.

Holiday Gift Guide 2018

Don’t know what to get the people on your list? We’ve got you covered with our holiday gift guide .

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here .

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10 Insider Tips for Scoring Incredible Travel Deals With Costco

Posted: July 5, 2023 | Last updated: March 12, 2024

If you’re a Costco member, there are plenty of options you may not know about or are taking full advantage of when it comes to saving money with your membership.

In addition to helping you save on groceries , the big-box retailer can also help you save on your next trip with Costco Travel.

Here are a few things that can get you up to speed to save money on your next vacation.

Compare the best travel credit cards for nearly free travel

Become a member

Costco Travel is exclusively for Costco members, so you’ll need a card to take advantage of the deals for travel.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a Gold Star or an Executive member; all Costco members can get deals on vacation packages, rental cars, cruises, and more with Costco Travel.

Are you a homeowner? Don't let unexpected home repairs drain your bank account.

Upgrade to an Executive membership

If you are booking a trip through Costco Travel with your Gold Star membership, upgrading to the Executive membership may be a good idea.

The Executive membership is $60 more, but you also get 2% cash back annually up to $1,000, which can put some money back in your pocket for a big trip.

Executive members can also get extra discounts and benefits that Gold Star members don’t get, including upgrades, gift cards, resort credits, and other perks.

Look for deals on the Costco Travel website

The Costco Travel website is a great way to browse the different options you can take advantage of as a Costco member.

You might be surprised at how many options are available to Costco members, and you can compare the perks of each experience, such as resort credits at one hotel compared to free meals at another.

Costco Savings: 7 genius hacks all Costco shoppers should know

Call Costco’s customer service number

If you don’t feel comfortable booking a travel package online, Costco offers members the option to talk to someone over the phone.

Costco Travel has a customer service number you can call to speak with a Costco representative who can help you book your travel.

It may be a good idea to check the website first, so you know what you want to book.

Review both domestic and international trips

Costco Travel has deals worldwide, so don’t limit yourself to the United States.

Check for international packages at beach resorts, hotels, rental cars for specific cities like London, Paris, and Rome, and domestic travel to New York City, Las Vegas, or a Hawaiian island.

And don’t forget about cruising international waters, which you can also book with a vacation package from Costco Travel.

Book your rental car and airline tickets

Just need a car or a hotel room instead of a big vacation package? Check with Costco Travel.

The members-only retailer can get you deals on a combination of options like a hotel and a flight or just a rental car at your destination.

Look at the travel website to see if Costco has hotels, rental cars, and other options for your next destination.

Travel Secrets Revealed: 7 nearly secret things to do if you fly Southwest

Consider a vacation package

Let Costco Travel pull together the perfect vacation package for you.

You can choose from resorts with options like spas, ground transportation, restaurants, and other on-site amenities, and extra perks for booking through Costco Travel.

Check the site to see what amenities you would like with your next vacation and if Costco Travel has options for you.

Watch for sales after you book

Costco Travel may have other deals that come up after booking your trip. But don’t worry: the travel site may be able to change your booked vacation to get you a better deal.

Check with Costco Travel for information about your trip and the discounted rate, and see if the retailer can switch your reservations after you’ve booked them and get you the extra deal.

Use rewards credit cards for extra deals

Check your wallet for the best travel credit cards that can get you extra perks when you’re on vacation with Costco Travel.

You also may want to use rewards credit cards for extra perks and points. A vacation can be an expensive purchase, so extra points you earn with a big-ticket item could come in handy.

Choose a trip that matches your budget

Costco Travel can offer you different options depending on your budget when deciding what perks and amenities you want.

Some packages give you different airline seats or hotel room options, helping you stick with your budget while ensuring you get what you want from your time away.

Bottom line

Costco has plenty of options for you if you need to go on a trip or want a good vacation. So take advantage of a great Costco hack and book your next trip with Costco Travel.

And don’t forget to sign up for one of the top travel credit cards so you can earn miles and travel more with Costco’s great travel deals.

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Experts recommend always having a ‘Plan B’ for summer travel

The vacationer reports that 82% of americans plan to travel this summer.

(InvestigateTV) — A 2023 Business Insider survey found that 38% of travelers bought insurance for their trip , meaning they saw at least the possibility of interruptions to their plans.

The report revealed the most common concern was flight disruptions, followed by health emergencies, but even smaller issues such as a lost credit card or travel costing more than expected can sour the trip.

One action that can help ameliorate issues that arise is creating and funding a vacation plan.

Cherry Dale, a financial coach with the Virginia Credit Union , said using a credit card for most purchases while on vacation is a form of security, but she also recommends that vacationers have cash and other credit cards on hand, just in case.

“If you are exchanging cash make sure it is a legitimate place. If you are at the airport, that’s often a great place to get in and if you’re traveling internationally and exchange there,” Dale suggested. “Often times it can be difficult if you’re in a foreign country to do those exchanges, even going to an ATM, you can make it happen, but often times it is more costly to do that.”

She said planning ahead of time how to access money on a trip is key. And she added that travel insurance is a really good idea as well.

“Making sure that where you’re going to stay is insured as well. And even if you’re flying, looking at if your flights are insured,” Dale noted. “How you’re going to get reimburse at the end of the day if it does not happen, as well.”

Dale advised people to contact their financial institution if they are getting ready to travel to another state or out of the country.

Credit card companies are often on the lookout for credit card fraud. So, setting a travel notice is a way to minimize the chance of your credit card company flagging a charge you authorized on vacation.

Copyright 2024 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Budget 2024: Date, Time And Where To Watch Live

The central government is all set to present the union budget 2024 in the parliament on february 1. this will ....

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