For today’s traveler, a laptop is more than just a piece of technology—it’s a lifeline. Whether you’re working remotely from a café in Paris, navigating a bustling airport, or simply commuting to the office, your laptop is essential. That’s why investing in a high-quality Travel Laptop Backpack is a smart move to protect your valuable tech while keeping you comfortable and organized on the go.
We understand the importance of finding the perfect blend of protection, comfort, and style. That’s why we rigorously tested over 50 laptop backpacks in our New York City lab and real-world scenarios to bring you the best options for every need and budget. Our tests focused on comfort during long carries and durability to withstand the rigors of daily travel. We loaded each backpack with laptops, tablets, books, and everyday essentials, simulating real travel conditions. We even performed drop tests to assess their protective capabilities (using dummy laptops, naturally!).
Keep reading to discover our top recommendations for the best travel laptop backpacks of 2024, categorized by what they do best, so you can find the ideal companion for your tech and your travels.
Our Top Travel Laptop Backpack Picks
- Best Overall: Stubble & Co. The Everyday Backpack
- Best Leather Travel Laptop Backpack: Bee & Kin The Midi Nomad Backpack
- Best Expandable Travel Laptop Backpack: Samsonite Elevation Plus Backpack
- Best Solar-powered Travel Laptop Backpack: Solgaard Lifepack Backpack
- Best Splurge Travel Laptop Backpack: Lo & Sons Rowledge
- Best Budget Travel Laptop Backpack: Tzowla Travel Laptop Backpack
- Best Organized Travel Laptop Backpack: Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe
- Most Versatile Travel Laptop Backpack: Monos Metro Backpack
- Best Travel Laptop Backpack for Students: Fjällräven Räven 28
- Best Basic Travel Laptop Backpack: Béis The Backpack
Best Overall Travel Laptop Backpack
Stubble & Co. The Everyday Backpack
Why We Love It: This incredibly versatile backpack offers exceptional organization with a multitude of pockets in various sizes, perfect for keeping all your travel essentials neatly arranged.
What to Consider: The chest straps detached during our tests and proved difficult to reattach, which could be a minor inconvenience for some users.
The Stubble & Co. Everyday Backpack stood out as our top pick for overall excellence. Having previously impressed us in our waterproof backpacks test, its stylish design combined with its incredibly practical pocket configuration makes it a winner. True to its name, this is an ideal everyday backpack, striking a balance between slim, compact aesthetics and surprisingly generous storage capacity. It comfortably accommodates a 16-inch laptop, headphones, charger, light jacket, water bottle, notebook, travel pouch, and even a small toiletry bag – everything a modern traveler needs.
“The sheer number of pockets would be a dream for any traveler who values organization,” noted Travel + Leisure testing editor Jackie Cucco. “I particularly appreciate the variety of pocket sizes and shapes; it provides a designated space for items of all kinds.” The backpack features a dedicated back compartment for a 16-inch laptop and flat documents, a main compartment with six internal pockets, a small top pocket for quick access items, a tiny strap pocket perfect for earbuds, dual water bottle pockets on the sides, and a large front external pocket. It also includes an adjustable chest strap for added carrying comfort, although we did experience it detaching during testing.
Beyond its organizational prowess, the waterproof nature of this backpack is a significant advantage for travelers. We subjected it to rigorous showerhead tests, and all electronics inside remained completely dry. This reliable waterproof performance provides peace of mind, especially when navigating unpredictable weather conditions during your travels.
The Details: Dimensions: 18.1 x 11.8 x 5.5 inches | Capacity: 20 liters | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Material: Recycled PET, recycled RPET lining, polyester air mesh | Laptop Pocket Size: 16-inch | Special Feature: Waterproof
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao
Watch Our Travel Laptop Backpack Testing in Action
Watch Us Test the Best Laptop Backpacks
Best Leather Travel Laptop Backpack
Bee & Kin The Midi Nomad Backpack
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Why We Love It: The sophisticated Italian leather material elevates this backpack beyond typical nylon options, offering a touch of luxury for discerning travelers.
What to Consider: The shoulder straps are on the longer side, even when fully adjusted, which might not be ideal for those with shorter torsos.
Crafted from supple and luxurious Italian leather, the Bee & Kin Midi Nomad Backpack perfectly marries style and practicality. Its mid-size design is spacious enough to accommodate laptops up to 13 inches, yet compact enough for everyday use beyond travel and commuting, making it a chic option for errands or social outings. After four months of continuous use, we found it to be an exceptionally versatile medium-sized bag that is easy to maintain and clean, solidifying its place as a top choice for daily use. It readily holds a laptop, water bottle, wallet, notebook, and headphones with room to spare. Despite its versatile size, it’s thoughtfully designed with travel in mind, including a dedicated pocket for a wireless charger (sold separately) and multiple interior pockets for accessories.
The premium leather material is incredibly soft and comfortable against the body, enhancing the carrying experience. However, we noted that even at their shortest adjustment, the straps could be slightly shorter, as the bag tends to sit a bit low on the back. Given the backpack’s smaller size and lightweight nature, this is not a major drawback. We still believe this high-quality leather backpack is a worthwhile investment for travel, daily commutes, and everyday elegance.
The Details: Dimensions: 13 x 11.6 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 2.6 pounds | Material: Leather | Laptop Pocket Size: 13-inch
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Best Expandable Travel Laptop Backpack
Samsonite Elevation Plus Backpack
Why We Love It: Expandable zippers provide a significant boost in packing space when needed, making it incredibly versatile for travelers who need flexibility.
What to Consider: Limited color options may not appeal to everyone seeking a wider range of styles.
Having tested countless backpacks, I can confidently say the Samsonite Elevation Plus Backpack truly stands out. Its understated exterior belies a wealth of thoughtful features that elevate it above the average backpack. Packed with numerous pockets designed for every conceivable travel essential – laptops, tablets, notebooks, chargers, passports – it also includes a secure side water bottle pocket that proved exceptionally reliable, even during rigorous drop tests. The innovative laptop pouch creates a hammock-like suspension system, providing superior protection against bumps and drops. My personal highlight is the expandable zipper feature, adding 1.5 inches of extra depth – incredibly useful when you need to pack an extra layer or travel souvenirs. It fits comfortably under airplane seats and boasts enhanced padding in the back panel and shoulder straps for exceptional comfort during long journeys.
The Details: Dimensions: 17.8 x 12 x 6.5 inches | Capacity: 22.75 liters | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Material: Recycled polyester | Special Feature: Expandable Design
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim
Read More: The 13 Most Durable Backpacks for Every Adventure, Tested and Reviewed
Best Solar-powered Travel Laptop Backpack
Solgaard Lifepack Backpack
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Why We Love It: Eco-conscious travelers will appreciate that it’s made from recycled plastic bottles reclaimed from beaches and rivers, plus it features a built-in solar-powered USB charger for sustainable tech on the go.
What to Consider: The overall capacity is somewhat smaller compared to other backpacks we tested, which might be a limitation for those who pack heavily.
The Solgaard Lifepack Backpack impressed us with its performance during testing, but equally compelling is Solgaard’s commitment to sustainability. All their products are crafted from ocean-bound recycled materials. This backpack utilizes their patented Shore-tex material, derived from recycled plastic water bottles collected from beaches and riverbanks. Adding to its eco-friendly appeal, it integrates a solar-powered USB charging port, allowing you to recharge devices on the move without relying on traditional power sources. In our lab tests, we successfully packed a sweatshirt, laptop, iPad, notebook, and water bottle, but space was limited. The laptop sleeve, while a simple fleece-lined slip pocket at the back, provided adequate protection in our durability assessments. Ample padding and an adjustable, supportive chest strap ensure comfortable carrying, even when fully loaded.
The Details: Dimensions: 12.4 x 6.9 x 19 inches | Capacity: 19 liters | Weight: 4.85 Pounds | Special Features: Anti-theft lock, Integrated USB port, Solar Charging
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Best Splurge Travel Laptop Backpack
Lo & Sons Rowledge
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$485 at Amazon View on Loandsons.com
Why We Love It: The blend of durable nylon and elegant leather accents creates a sophisticated look without compromising on protection for your tech.
What to Consider: The laptop compartment is sized for laptops 13 inches and smaller, which may not suit users with larger devices.
The Lo & Sons Rowledge laptop backpack is undeniably a premium investment, but its performance justifies the price. The nylon exterior, enhanced with refined leather accents, results in a timeless, sleek design ideal for both travel and professional settings. While appearing compact, we found it surprisingly spacious, easily fitting a sweatshirt, laptop, iPad, notebook, and water bottle. The main limitation is the laptop pocket’s capacity, best suited for 13-inch laptops or smaller. Consider this size constraint if you carry a larger computer.
Comfort and durability are paramount in its design, featuring adjustable straps and generous padding throughout. Although initially a bit rigid, the material quickly molds to your shoulders and back, becoming more comfortable with each use. While it passed our initial lab drop test, after six months of regular use, some minor scuffing and tarnish on the hardware became noticeable.
The Details: Dimensions: 16.5 x 11.5 x 6.75 inches | Capacity: 21 liters | Weight: 3.2 pounds | Material: Nylon, leather | Laptop Pocket Size: 13.5-inch
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Best Budget Travel Laptop Backpack
Tzowla Travel Laptop Backpack
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Why We Love It: This incredibly affordable backpack is packed with smart features often found in higher-end models, making it an exceptional value for budget-conscious travelers.
What to Consider: The material quality is noticeably less premium than more expensive backpacks, but still offers good durability for the price.
The Tzowla Travel Laptop Backpack dramatically exceeded expectations given its budget-friendly price. Its thoughtful design rivals bags costing significantly more. After four months of regular use, we particularly appreciated the well-padded laptop sleeve, which securely protects laptops up to 15.6 inches. It boasts a range of smart features, including a USB port for on-the-go charging, a passcode lock for added security, and a headphone port – all making electronic device management while traveling effortless. The main compartment is surprisingly spacious, easily accommodating bulky items like jackets or lunch containers, while the front compartment is equipped with numerous smaller pockets for organized storage of accessories.
Constructed from polyester fabric, the backpack feels reasonably durable and withstood our durability tests without damage. While the material is not as high-grade as premium backpacks, the comfortable padding in the straps and adjustable buckles ensure it remains comfortable to carry. For travelers seeking maximum functionality without breaking the bank, the Tzowla Travel Laptop Backpack is an outstanding choice.
The Details: Dimensions: 18.5 x 11.8 x 5.5 inches | Capacity: 34 liters | Weight: 1.83 pounds | Material: Polyester blend | Laptop Pocket Size: 15.6-inch | Special Features: USB and headphone port, Password lock
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Check out: The 13 Best Affordable Luggage Pieces, Tested and Reviewed
Best Organized Travel Laptop Backpack
Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe
$169 at Amazon View on Timbuk2.com
Why We Love It: An abundance of interior and exterior pockets ensures every item has its place, appealing to travelers who prioritize meticulous organization.
What to Consider: While well-organized, the overall capacity could be larger for travelers needing to carry a significant amount of gear.
The Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe lives up to its “Deluxe” designation with an impressive array of pockets designed for optimal organization. It provides designated compartments for all your essentials: a padded laptop pocket at the back, a main compartment featuring slip and zippered pockets, and a roomy front pocket for items like notebooks or documents. Additionally, a side slip pocket accommodates a water bottle, and a trolley sleeve allows for secure attachment to rolling luggage. We particularly appreciated the dual laptop access, either through the back zipper or the main compartment. The sleek design is enhanced by compression straps, allowing you to adjust the bag’s volume. However, we felt the main compartment could benefit from slightly increased capacity. The padded shoulder straps ensure comfortable carrying for extended periods, and the durable, recycled nylon exterior offers water resistance, ideal for unpredictable climates.
The Details: Dimensions: 18.9 x 11.42 x 5.31 inches | Capacity: 20 liters | Weight: 2.51 pounds | Material: Recycled nylon | Laptop Pocket Size: 17-inch | Special Feature: Water-resistant
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Most Versatile Travel Laptop Backpack
Monos Metro Backpack
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Why We Love It: The detachable front pocket offers adaptable storage, allowing you to customize the backpack’s capacity based on your travel needs.
What to Consider: The shoulder straps lack substantial padding, which may be less comfortable for carrying heavy loads over extended periods.
The Monos Metro Backpack stands out for its innovative removable front pocket, adding significant extra space when required – a major advantage for travelers. While earlier models had visible snaps when the pocket was detached, the updated version features a seamless design. For situations where less capacity is needed, simply detach the front pouch using the discreet cord at the back. Impressively, even without the pouch, the backpack maintains a sleek aesthetic, with no indication of missing components, thanks to Monos’s clever modular system.
We appreciate the soft vegan leather finish, which not only looks stylish but also proved effective in protecting laptops during drop tests. The interior includes several pockets within the main compartment, with the laptop pocket situated at the back, separate from other items. Whether for air travel or daily commutes to the office, this fashionable backpack is perfect for those seeking adaptable versatility. It is also available in nylon with a broader color selection.
The Details: Dimensions: 11.5 × 16.5 × 6 inches | Capacity: 18 liters | Weight: 3 pounds | Material: Vegan leather or nylon | Laptop Pocket Size: 15-inch
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Best Travel Laptop Backpack for Students
Fjällräven Räven 28
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$120 $90 at Amazon View on Fjallraven.com
Why We Love It: Exceptionally comfortable for walking, with ample pockets to organize classroom essentials, making it perfect for students navigating campus life.
What to Consider: The polyester-cotton blend material is not as resistant to wear and tear as we had hoped, showing dust and lint more readily.
For students traversing campuses or rushing between classes, the Fjällräven Räven 28 Backpack is our top recommendation. The back padding is remarkably breathable and provides excellent cushioning and support while carrying. Its streamlined design avoids bulkiness, essential for navigating crowded hallways or public transport. It includes numerous pockets within the main compartment for academic necessities, and each side features a water bottle slip pocket.
We did observe that the fabric tends to attract dust and lint. Despite this, the backpack excels at protecting laptops within its dedicated padded sleeve. Its versatile capacity and compact design make it easy to maneuver in crowded environments. Even after six months of daily commuting, it effectively shielded a computer from rain. Our only suggestion for improvement would be larger water bottle pockets to accommodate larger reusable bottles like Hydro Flasks or Yetis.
The Details: Dimensions: 18.5 x 14 x 6.1 inches | Capacity: 28 liters | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Material: Polyester and cotton with wax coating | Laptop Pocket Size: 15-inch | Special Feature: Water-resistant
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Also Consider: The 13 Best Messenger Bags, Tested and Reviewed
Best Basic Travel Laptop Backpack
Béis The Backpack
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Why We Love It: Its straightforward, no-frills design enhances its versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of users and situations.
What to Consider: Its generous size might be overwhelming for everyday use if you prefer a more compact backpack.
The Béis Backpack impresses with its simplicity and is brimming with practical features, making it an excellent backpack for travelers, students, and commuters alike. We were struck by the main compartment’s large capacity, easily accommodating our packing list items, including tech devices like a laptop and iPad, and a water bottle in one of the two side slip pockets. The main compartment’s wide opening and smaller internal pockets, along with a dedicated padded laptop sleeve, are highly functional. “I appreciate how the main compartment unzips fully, providing a clear view of the contents, and it holds a remarkable amount,” notes T+L Associate Editorial Director Morgan Ashley Parker after six months of testing. “I think it’s a fantastic value for a basic black backpack that avoids an overly sporty look.”
During our drop test, the padding effectively protected the laptop. However, the lack of bottom padding raised some questions about overall protection. After six months of testing, we concluded that slightly more padding in the straps would enhance comfort, especially when the backpack is fully loaded.
The Details: Dimensions: 19 x 13 x 5.5 inches | Capacity: 22 liters | Weight: 1.8 pounds | Material: Cotton, PVC, polyester | Laptop Pocket Size: 14.5-inch
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Best Style Travel Laptop Backpack
Paravel Alta Via Backpack
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$245 at Amazon View on Tourparavel.com
Why We Love It: This sleek and compact backpack is accented with stylish vegan leather, crafted from recycled water bottles, and offers monogramming for a personal touch.
What to Consider: The vegan leather accents may require more careful maintenance to preserve their appearance over time.
Whether you are a minimalist packer or tend to bring everything, the Paravel Alta Via Backpack adapts to your needs. Despite its trim and elegant silhouette, it impressively accommodates bulky items such as jackets, water bottles, laptops, tablets, and toiletry bags – and much more. Organization is a key feature, with a padded breathable mesh back including a zippered pocket, a trolley pass-through sleeve, an external mesh side pocket, a front zippered pocket, and multiple internal pockets, including a padded compartment for laptops and tablets up to 16 inches.
A special touch we loved is the option to personalize the backpack with up to three foil-stamped letters, adding a subtle mark of luxury. Constructed from recycled water bottles, with water-resistant properties inside and out, it features recycled vegan leather accents and zippers. While these eco-conscious and stylish details are appreciated, the vegan leather elements will likely require extra attention to maintain their pristine condition.
The Details: Dimensions: 17.7 x 12.4 x 6.3 inches | Capacity: 17-liter capacity | Weight: 2.09 pounds | Material: Recycled vegan leather and zippers | Laptop Pocket Size: 16-inch | Special Feature: Water-resistant exterior and interior
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Other Travel Laptop Backpacks We Liked
Here are a few more backpacks we tested that deserve a mention. While each has its merits, they also presented minor drawbacks compared to our top picks.
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Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack: Its design is undeniably sleek and functional, but we felt the padding was insufficient for optimal comfort and laptop protection, especially if the bag undergoes rough handling during travel.
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Vohler Laptop Backpack With Charger: This backpack was a strong contender for the best budget option, thanks to its robust construction and protective padding. However, our top budget pick offered a slightly more compelling set of features overall.
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Swissgear Travel Gear 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack: Ideal for students, travelers, and commuters, this backpack impressed us with its durability and numerous storage solutions. However, it didn’t quite match the comfort level of some of our top-rated backpacks.
Our Travel Laptop Backpack Testing Process
Across multiple lab testing sessions, we evaluated over 50 laptop backpacks from leading brands such as The North Face, Away, Samsonite, and Swissgear. Our evaluations centered on capacity, design functionality, carrying comfort, and long-term durability.
To assess capacity, we used a standardized packing list including items like a laptop, iPad, sweatshirt or jacket, water bottle, notebook, and toiletry bag. During the packing process, we critically examined each backpack’s design. Top performers in design offered substantial padding around the laptop compartment, a variety of strategically placed and useful pockets, and intuitive handles or straps that enhanced ease of carrying.
Next, we wore each loaded backpack and walked for at least 10 minutes to evaluate comfort in motion. We noted any discomfort points, such as pressure from shoulder or sternum straps, pinching, or general awkwardness. The backpacks scoring highest for comfort featured ample padding in the back panel and straps, avoiding any irritation or discomfort. For durability testing, we conducted drop tests from tabletop height, examining both the interior contents and exterior for any signs of damage, scuffs, or scratches. The backpacks also underwent four months of real-world, long-term testing to monitor their ongoing quality and functionality, ultimately determining our best-tested product selections.
As we continue to test new backpacks, we will regularly update this guide with our latest findings.
Essential Tips for Buying a Travel Laptop Backpack
Verify the Laptop Sleeve Size
Laptop screen sizes typically range from 10 to 17 inches diagonally. It’s crucial to confirm the laptop sleeve dimensions of any backpack you consider to ensure compatibility with your device. You can usually find the laptop size capacity listed in the “specifications” section of the backpack’s product description.
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Prioritize Padding for Protection and Comfort
Generous padding, particularly around the laptop compartment, is essential for protecting your device from impacts during travel or daily commutes. Since the laptop sleeve is generally located against your back, back panel padding also significantly enhances carrying comfort. Look for backpacks that also feature padded shoulder straps for improved comfort, especially when carrying heavier loads.
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Consider Useful Additional Features
Beyond laptop protection, consider features that enhance organization and convenience for your specific needs. Depending on your typical use, look for backpacks with organizational pockets, dedicated compartments for shoes or water bottles, or tech-friendly additions like USB charging ports.
Frequently Asked Questions about Travel Laptop Backpacks
Is it Safe to Put My Laptop Directly Into a Backpack Without a Case?
In our testing, we placed laptops directly into the padded sleeves of the backpacks without additional cases. We found that the top-performing backpacks provided sufficient padding to safeguard laptops from damage under normal travel conditions. However, if you prefer extra protection, using a laptop case inside the backpack can offer added peace of mind.
How Do I Measure My Laptop to Ensure it Fits a Backpack?
Laptop sizes are typically given as the diagonal measurement of the screen, ranging from 13 to 17 inches. To determine your laptop’s size, measure diagonally across the screen from one corner to the opposite corner. Laptop backpack product descriptions will usually specify the maximum laptop dimensions the sleeve can accommodate, so always compare your laptop size to these specifications.
Will a Travel Laptop Backpack Count as a Personal Item on a Flight?
Whether a laptop backpack is considered a personal item or carry-on depends on the specific airline and your ticket’s baggage allowance. Generally, a backpack can serve as a personal item in addition to a carry-on bag. However, if your travel laptop backpack is excessively large and cannot fit comfortably under the seat in front of you, it may be classified as a carry-on. It’s always advisable to check your airline’s specific baggage policies before traveling.
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Why Trust Travel + Leisure
T+L associate editor Anna Popp, who authors much of our tested content, actively participates in all lab and real-world product testing, including luggage, outdoor gear, and beauty products. Anna personally owns several laptop backpacks, including selections from Monos, Troubadour, and Lo & Sons. Her recommendations are drawn from her extensive personal travel experiences with backpacks and in-depth analysis of our rigorous testing data.
Explore More: The Best Carry-on Luggage, Tested and Reviewed
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Edited by Jackie Cucco
Jackie Cucco
Jackie Cucco is a testing editor at Travel + Leisure, overseeing product testing and writing/editing travel product reviews based on comprehensive testing methodologies. Her background includes experience as a travel agent, a journalism degree, and over eight years covering consumer products and gift guides. She is a frequent on-air expert, having made over 100 TV appearances to discuss consumer products and shopping trends.
Updated by Asia London Palomba
Asia London Palomba
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Asia London Palomba is a trilingual Italian writer based in Boston, originally from Rome. Her writing focuses on food, travel, and history, covering topics ranging from essential travel products for India trips to medieval judicial duels.
