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After spending nearly a year traveling at least two times a month, there’s one thing I’ve learned: packing light may be important, but there are still some items no traveler should be living without, whether they’re just going on vacation once in awhile or flying all over the world regularly.
If you’re trying to think up gift ideas for friends and family members, consider what kind of travel they do before anything else. Maybe they have to go on business trips all the time, or maybe their ultimate goal is to be a travel blogger and they spend all of their free time exploring. Or maybe they just have a big trip coming up they’re excited about. Whatever the case, rest assured that they will eventually use, and most likely love, any of the below products for their next vacation:
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Rushing through an airport with a purse and a bulky carry-on is even harder than it sounds. A travel backpack is a wonderful solution because it’s easier and more comfortable to carry. This Dagne Dover option comes in small, medium, or large, and holds a ton of items. A padded pocket keeps a laptop safe, while the other section is big enough to keep plenty of things close by, with lots of little compartments. The front pocket makes it easy to grab your essentials when you’re rushing. It’s also very chic, which is a big plus.
A full-size hairdryer is bulky and annoying to pack, but relying on a hotel hairdryer to get the job done? Not a great option. This ghd mini hairdryer is small and easily folds up to make packing more efficient, but it still has plenty of strength to give anyone a good hair day no matter where they are.
Calpak Faux Leather RFID Travel Wallet, $75 at Nordstrom: A travel wallet with RFID lining brings a little extra peace of mind — it’s supposed to prevent anyone from being able to snatch your information. This one has plenty of pockets for credit cards, a pen, a passport, other documents you might need, and currency outside of the US. That furry handle can also be taken on and off to make it even more versatile.
Few things are worse than realizing your phone or tablet is about to die when you’re in the middle of a long flight — and you have no way to recharge it. A portable charger is something every person should have on hand. This Amazon best-seller is lightweight, small, and works for pretty much every device. As a plus, it's great to have when you’re not going on vacation.
A really nice face mask is always a good gift to give or receive, and this one is especially great for that person who’s always on the go. Incredibly hydrating, but lightweight enough to wear comfortably, this mask was made with airplane dry skin in mind. The large tube lasts a long time, and this can double as an overnight moisturizer or as a quick refreshing face mask.
A silk eye mask makes a nice gift because it’s something people don’t usually buy for themselves. This one is also great for travelers: in order to get any sleep on a busy and probably bright airplane, having an eye mask on hand to keep the light out is imperative. This one is super comfortable, doesn’t slide around despite the silk, and makes anyone feel luxurious even at 30,000 feet.
I’ve tried a lot of travel pillows in my day because I’m extremely picky about them, and this BCOZZY option has emerged as the winner. It’s sturdy without being too stiff, and it’s flexible enough to give extra support wherever you need it. I love tucking it under my chin to stay comfortable even if I’m stuck in the middle seat.
Traveling can be exhausting, whether you just stepped off a long flight or you had a long day of activities planned. This Becca concealer hides dark circles, but also illuminates the area to literally make it look brighter. I put this on when I’m feeling (and looking) extra tired, and it works like a charm.
If you’re looking to splurge on someone, opt for this Travelpro carry-on suitcase. It fits so many items that one could probably use it instead of checking a bag, which is always ideal. There’s laptop storage, a fold-out suiter to keep clothes from wrinkling, and pockets and compartments everywhere. It also happens to glide like a dream.
Help a friend keep their valuables safe and stay cozy with this travel scarf. It has a hidden zipper pocket that happens to be the perfect size for money, credit cards, and a passport. It’s also convenient for those extra cold airplanes. This one comes in multiple colors and patterns, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
It’s always great to have a portable water bottle handy, especially when traveling and feeling a little extra dehydrated and exhausted. This Brita water bottle has a small filtering system inside to ensure that no matter where you go, you’re drinking water that tastes and feels great. It also has a built-in straw and loop that makes it easy to tote around and sip wherever.
Packing cubes might not be the most exciting gift to give, but they certainly are practical and helpful, especially for someone who travels quite often. They can be a gamechanger when it comes to packing efficiently and in an organized way. This set from Amazon is breathable, holds a lot, and can be thrown in the washing machine when needed.
An oversized shawl that can double as a scarf or a sweater is ideal for traveling. It can be worn in pretty much any situation, and is especially lovely on a freezing cold plane ride. Whoever gets this one, which is super soft and long enough to actually keep you warm, will probably get about a million wears out of it.
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