TPG’s favorite Amazon Prime Days deals for travelers this week

It’s no secret that at TPG, we love a good deal — whether that’s a business-class flight on points, an awesome welcome bonus on a top credit card or Amazon’s semi-annual Prime Day sales.

This year, Amazon’s June Prime Day sale is running for four days, from 12:01 a.m. PDT on Tuesday, June 23, until 11:59 p.m. PDT on June 26. Thousands of items across the site are eligible for deals, but we’ve already combed through to find some of our favorites so that you don’t have to.

These deals are only available to Amazon Prime members, but you can get a free 30-day trial membership to take advantage of the sale if you aren’t already a member.

So if you have an upcoming summer trip you’re planning for (or have a travel-lover’s birthday on the horizon), make sure to check out these Amazon Prime Day deals before they’re gone.

Travel deals

For those who don’t know, Amazon has its own Amazon Travel Deals platform where you can save money and get Amazon gift card rebates on car rentals and even — for the first time ever this Amazon Prime Day — hotels.

Select Chicago hotels — Up to 20% off

pendry lobby area — PENDRY CHICAGO/CHRISTIAN HORAN PHOTOGRAPHY/FACEBOOK

Amazon Prime members can save on select Chicago hotel stays by booking through Amazon’s Travel Deals platform (powered by Expedia). Featured hotels on sale include TPG-favorites like Pendry Chicago and Nobu Chicago. The list of available hotels is surprisingly extensive with hotels from Hilton’s Curio Collection, a selection of IHG hotels and more. If you’re thinking about a Chicago getaway anytime between now and spring 2027, it’s worth taking a look at what’s available.

Just remember that because these bookings are made via Expedia, you’ll likely miss out on the loyalty program benefits you get by booking direct. That said, if you can save up to 20% on nightly rates, the savings could be worth booking this way — especially if you’re also an Expedia OneKey rewards member.

Travel essentials

Apple AirTag 4-pack — $89 (normally $99)

It’ll come as no surprise that we’re huge fans of Apple AirTags here at TPG. They’re the perfect way to keep track of your possessions, especially if you plan to check bags. As someone who has had my bag go to Germany when I was headed for Croatia, I can personally attest to these being a true trip-saver. These tend to sell out when they go on sale, so make sure to snag them before they’re gone!

Buy: Apple AirTag 4-pack, $89 (normally $99)

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Tile by Life360 Mate 4-pack — $49.99 (normally $79.99)

If you’re looking for a luggage tracker other than the much-lauded Apple AirTag, Tile is certainly a worthy contender. The tracker is compatible with most cellphone operating systems, including Android and iOS, and various smart home devices. It’s also water-resistant and is on sale for much cheaper than an AirTag set of four.

Buy: Tile by Life360 Mate 4-pack, $49.99 (normally $79.99)

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB — $124.99 (normally $159.99)

The front and back of an Amazon Kindle with text displayed on the screen — AMAZON

I love to read when I’m traveling — on long flights, at dinner when traveling solo, while relaxing pool- or beachside. For any fellow voracious readers, the newest Kindle Paperwhite is on sale this week. Its Paperwhite display provides a no-glare screen, and its battery lasts up to 12 weeks. You can even use library apps like Libby to download books via your local library instead of purchasing digital copies online. And if you trade in your old Kindle, you can save an extra 20%.

Buy: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB, from $124.99 (normally $159.99)

Anker nano portable charger — from $41.99 (normally $59.99)

TPG staff members swear by their Anker power banks, and this version is 30% off right now. This ultra-high-capacity charging pack has a capacity of 10,000 mAh and can charge an iPhone to 100% in just over an hour. It comes with a built-in retractable USB-C cable, so you don’t have to search for your charging cords. If you want to charge more devices at the same time, it also has additional USB-C and USB-A ports.

Buy: Anker Nano portable charger, from $41.99 (normally $59.99)

Tessan universal travel adapter — from $20.51 (normally $27)

A universal power adapter is a must-have for any international traveler. This Tessan model has multiple USB and USB-C ports for your devices, and it’ll work in over 150 countries. Right now, you can get it for 24% off.

Buy: Tessan universal travel adapter, from $20.51 (normally $27)

Bagsmart compression packing cubes (set of 6) — from $24.19 (normally $43.49)

Packing cubes are absolute game changers: They are every pro traveler’s best-kept packing secret. Bagsmart’s set of compression packing cubes features various organizers in a range of sizes. They’re waterproof to boot and available in several different colors.

Note that not all colors are available, and the price depends on the color selected.

Buy: Bagsmart compression packing cubes (set of 6), from $24.19 (normally $43.49)

Cabeau Evolution Cool travel neck pillow — from $49.99 (normally $64.99)

Cabeau Long Haul Flight Cooling Travel Neck Pillow – Evolution Cool — AMAZON

This supportive memory foam travel neck pillow is my current go-to for getting sleep in economy on longer flights. It’s extremely comfortable, can be worn multiple ways, has a storage pouch that I easily clip to my backpack and it has mesh vents for better airflow (so you don’t get overheated with the pillow fastened around your neck).

Buy: Cabeau Evolution Cool travel neck pillow, from $49.99 (normally $64.99)

Jisulife portable hand-held fan — $13.67 (normally $17.99)

This compact desk fan won’t take up too much space in your bag, and it’s perfect for keeping cool while on the go in the summer. I use mine constantly when I’m traveling (especially to destinations that don’t have the same love of indoor air conditioning as the U.S), but it’s also an at-home staple for me while I’m out and about during the summer.

Buy: Jisulife portable hand-held fan, $13.67 (normally $17.99)

Carry-on and checked luggage

Travelpro Platinum Elite hard-sided luggage carry-on luggage — from $229.99 (normally $314.49)

Travelpro is offering big discounts on a number of its top-performing luggage and accessories during this June’s Amazon Prime Day sale, including its Platinum Elite hard-sided luggage, and Maxlite 5 soft-sided expandable carry-on.

TPG’s Clint Henderson is a big fan of his Travelpro spinner suitcase. Overall, it has held up well. These carry-on spinner bags are great whether you’re looking to carry-on or check your bag.

Buy: Travelpro Platinum Elite hard-sided luggage, from $229.99 (normally $314.49)

Amazon Basics 21″ hard-sided carry-on luggage — $44.86 (normally $59.91)

Amazon Basics 21" Hardside Carry-On Luggage — AMAZON

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly hard-sided carry-on option, the Amazon Basics brand isn’t a bad choice — especially when it’s on sale. This carry-on comes with a standard TSA-approved lock and internal dividers.

Buy: Amazon Basics 21″ hard-sided carry-on luggage, from $44.86 (normally $59.91)

Osprey Daylite expandable travel backpack — $82.50 (normally $110)

Osprey Daylite Expandable 26+6 Travel Pack — AMAZON

Osprey’s expandable backpack, which can be used as a personal item on most domestic and international flights, is on sale for 25% off. The “tunnel vision grey” color is an Amazon-exclusive, and the bag comes with an easy front-zip pocket, an internal laptop sleeve and a luggage sleeve so you can strap it to your roller bag for easy maneuvering. What I personally love about this backpack is that the zipper goes all the way around, allowing you to open it like a carry-on. This makes it easier to pack.

Buy: Osprey Daylite expandable travel backpack, from $82.50 (normally $110)

Headphones and travel speakers

Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth headphones — from $179.99 (normally $359)

Bose’s staple noise-canceling wireless headphones are often touted as the perfect balance of quiet, comfort and sound. They have two modes: Quiet for noise cancellation and Aware for hearing your environment and music simultaneously. These are currently a whopping 50% off, so they are definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of over-the-ear headphones.

Buy: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth headphones, from $179.99 (normally $359)

Beats Solo 4 headphones — $99.95 (normally $199.95)

Beats Solo 4 - Wireless On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones — AMAZON

This model provides up to 50 hours of total battery life and features a more streamlined design than your typical over-the-ear headphones. These Bluetooth headphones are compatible with both Apple and Android devices, but you can also use a USB-C or 3.5mm audio cable if you prefer. All color options are currently 50% off.

Buy: Beats Solo 4 headphones, from $99.95 (normally $199.95)

Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $179.99 (normally $249)

Apple AirPods Pro are a TPG favorite thanks to their superior sound quality, noise-canceling capabilities and snug fit. These are not the newest model, but they are currently available 28% below their usual asking price, which is a good deal.

Buy: Apple AirPods Pro 3, $179.99 (normally $249)

Apple AirPods 4 — $89 (normally $129)

While these AirPods don’t have the fancier noise-cancellation feature of the higher-end model, they do the trick with a comfortable fit and up to 5 hours of listening time per charge. Clint has used these earbuds for years and can attest to their sound quality.

Buy: Apple AirPods 4, $99 (normally $129)

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Stacie Harris

Stacie Harris is a local resident and reporter of the Maple Grove area. Stacie reports on medicine and science for the Maple Grove Report.

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Recent Reviews

No Collection Rights for IRS-Assessed FBAR Penalties – Houston Tax Attorneys

The IRS’s historical abuses led Congress to create specific taxpayer rights, including rights stemming from collection due process (“CDP”) hearings. These administrative hearings are intended to pause IRS collection actions while the IRS Office of Appeals considers whether the collection is both lawful and warranted.

One might assume these rights extend to any liability assessed by the IRS. Since the IRS is part of the U.S. Treasury, it would seem logical that these rights would apply to any liability owed to the Treasury, especially when the Treasury delegates assessment authority for the liability from one of its sub-departments to the IRS, which is another one of its sub-departments.

The fact that a liability originated with another sub-department shouldn’t matter if that original sub-department never handles the liability because it has been fully delegated to the IRS, the other sub-department. However, as the Jenner v. Commissioner, 163 T.C. No. 7, case demonstrates, this assumption is incorrect. The case involves Foreign Bank Account Reporting (“FBAR”) penalties assessed by the IRS.

Facts & Procedural History

This case involves a couple who were assessed FBAR penalties for tax years 2005 through 2009. The penalties relate to foreign bank accounts that were not reported to the Treasury Department.

When the couple did not pay the penalties, the Treasury Department’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service (“BFS”) informed the couple that funds would be withheld from their monthly Social Security benefits through the Treasury Offset Program (“TOP”) to pay these penalties.

In response, the couple submitted Form 12153, Request for a Collection Due Process or Equivalent Hearing, with the IRS. The IRS issued a letter to the couple saying that FBAR penalties are not taxes and therefore not subject to CDP requirements.

The taxpayers filed a petition with the U.S. Tax Court under the CDP hearing procedures, which was the subject of the court opinion described in this article.

About FBAR Penalties

FBAR penalties can be imposed on U.S. persons who fail to report certain foreign financial accounts to the government. The reporting requirement generally applies if the aggregate value of all foreign accounts exceeds $10,000 at any time during the calendar year.

This reporting is done on FinCEN Form 114 (formerly TD F 90-22.1). The form is due on April 15th and there is an automatic extension to October 15th.

The amount of the penalties can be severe. Non-willful violations can result in penalties of $10,000 per violation. Willful FBAR violations can result in penalties of the greater of $100,000 or 50% of the account balance at the time of the violation. Criminal penalties can also apply in some situations. Notably, for purposes of this article, these penalties are assessed under Title 31 of the U.S. Code (which is the Bank Secrecy Act) and not under the Internal Revenue Code (which is Title 26 of the U.S. Code).

Assessment of FBAR Penalties

While FBAR penalties are not tax penalties, the IRS has been delegated the authority to assess FBAR penalties through a chain of delegation.

The Secretary of Treasury first delegated authority to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”). FinCEN is a bureau of the Department of the Treasury that works to detect and prosecute financial crimes and money laundering. FinCEN then redelegated this authority to the IRS for FBAR penalties.

The typical assessment process begins when an IRS agent conducts an audit and proposes penalties. The IRS then issues Letter 3709 proposing the penalties, and account holders have 30 days to either pay the penalty, request an appeals conference, or provide additional information.

The taxpayer may also trigger an assessment by voluntarily submitting FBAR forms after the due date. The IRS will review the late filing and determine whether to impose penalties. When FBARs are filed through FinCEN’s BSA E-Filing System, the IRS receives this information through an information-sharing agreement with FinCEN. The IRS can then review these late filings as part of its normal examination process.

If the taxpayer files a timely request for appeals review

If the taxpayer files a timely request for appeals review, the IRS Office of Appeals has the ability to consider the proposed FBAR penalties, including whether the violations occurred, whether they were willful or non-willful, whether reasonable cause exists, and whether the penalty amounts are appropriate. Appeals officers can sustain, reduce, or eliminate the proposed penalties based on their review of the facts and circumstances.

They can also consider hazards of litigation, meaning they can take into account the IRS’s likelihood of success if the case were to proceed to court. This review is particularly important for willful FBAR penalties, where the government must prove willfulness by clear and convincing evidence in any subsequent litigation. Appeals officers may also consider the ability to pay and can help facilitate alternative payment arrangements if the penalties are sustained.

Remedies After Missing or Unsuccessful Appeal

If account holders miss the appeals deadline or receive an unfavorable appeals decision, there are still several options that may provide remedies.

For example, the account holder can challenge the administrative offset through Treasury procedures. When the Treasury’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service initiates an offset (such as withholding Social Security benefits), they must provide notice to the account holder. The account holder then has certain due process rights under Title 31, including the right to inspect records, request a review of the debt, and establish a payment schedule. They can also present evidence that the offset would create a financial hardship or that the debt is not valid or legally enforceable.

Account holders can also wait for the government to file suit to collect the penalties and raise their defenses in the collection suit. They do not have to pay the penalty and file a refund claim first with this option. This is different from tax assessments, where taxpayers typically must “pay first, litigate later.” When the government files suit to collect FBAR penalties under 31 U.S.C. § 5321(b)(2), the account holder can raise defenses such as reasonable cause, lack of willfulness, statute of limitations, or constitutional challenges. The government bears the burden of proving its case, including proving willfulness by clear and convincing evidence for willful FBAR penalties.

Collection Due Process Not Allowed

Notably absent from the discussion above are the IRS collection programs and procedures. That is the issue in this Jenner court case.

In Jenner, the tax court answers the question as to whether the traditional CDP hearings and rights are available for FBAR penalties. As noted by the court, FBAR penalties are not “taxes” under the Internal Revenue Code and CDP rights only apply to collection of “taxes.”

The court emphasized that the IRS’s authority to assess FBAR penalties does not convert them into tax liabilities. Instead, Title 31 provides its own separate procedures for assessment and collection. The collection mechanism for FBAR penalties is through civil action or administrative offset, not through IRS liens and levies that would give rise to CDP rights.

Thus, while the IRS may assess these penalties, they remain non-tax debts subject to Title 31’s collection procedures rather than the Internal Revenue Code’s collection provisions. The CDP hearing is not a viable option for contesting the assessment or underlying liability for FBAR penalties.

The Takeaway

Unless Congress changes the law, account holders who are assessed FBAR penalties by the IRS do not have fundamental rights, such as CDP rights, that are afforded to taxpayers for tax balances. This is the case even though the same agency whose abuses gave rise to the CDP hearing and CDP rights for taxpayers, the IRS, is involved in assessing FBAR penalties. The remedies outside of the IRS are there, even though they do not afford taxpayers the rights and remedies available for taxes. Account holders have to contend with this when assessed FBAR penalties by the IRS and do not agree with the assessments.