Condé Nast Traveler
The 50 Best Gifts You Can Buy the Traveler in Your Life
Finding the perfect gifts for travelers strikes a balance between personal touch and practical utility, ensuring they fit seamlessly into limited carry-on spaces. The frequent flyer in your life may already have their travel essentials sorted, making gift selection a bit of a challenge. Your chosen present must go above and beyond—a clever gadget they didn’t know they needed, a skincare solution to enhance their long-haul flights, or a small indulgence they might forgo for themselves.
This curated selection presents 50 thoughtful travel gifts that visitors will genuinely look forward to packing for their next journey. The list incorporates an array of gadgets and gear suited to all types of travelers, whether you choose to upgrade their luggage or assist them in capturing travel memories with a compact camera.
Featured Gifts
Away - The Bigger Carry-On ($295)
Away luggage stands out as a favorite among frequent travelers for good reason. This larger-than-average carry-on is an excellent choice for graduates, new travelers, or family members looking to enhance their suitcase collection.
Cuyana - System Tote ($358)
Cuyana’s System Tote serves as the ideal day-to-day bag. It accommodates everything needed for city commutes or day excursions, combining ample space for a laptop, wallet, and cosmetic essentials with a beautiful leather exterior that only improves over time.
Apple - AirTag ($24-$29)
Even seasoned travelers can experience anxiety regarding their checked luggage. These compact, cost-effective trackers serve as a simple solution to mitigate those concerns. The newest generation offers enhanced tracking accuracy and extended battery longevity.
Kodak - Charmera Keychain Digital Camera ($35)
The Kodak Charmera is a diminutive keychain camera that can easily be carried in the palm of a hand, allowing the jetsetter in your life to document their adventures effortlessly. It records videos and includes various filters for an added touch of '80s nostalgia in their photography.
Ōura - Ōura Ring 5 ($491-$499)
Traveler editors recommend the Oura Ring as an indispensable accessory for modern globetrotters. This advanced device monitors sleep, physical activity, and recovery cycles, providing insights into the impacts of travel on one’s biological rhythms.
Aeropress - Original Coffee Maker ($40)
For discerning coffee aficionados traversing remote locations, the Aeropress offers an exceptional, portable brewing solution, ensuring they can enjoy a quality cup of coffee while camping or skiing. Simply add hot water, pull its user-friendly mechanism, and relish freshly brewed coffee in seconds.
Amazon - The Inn Crowd Book ($47-$60)
This aesthetically pleasing coffee table book offers glimpses into the charm of the Northeast's most cherished owner-operated inns, reminding us of the pleasures of travel itself.
Dyson - Supersonic Travel Hair Dryer ($300)
Say hello to the travel hair dryer of dreams—compact yet powerful, designed to fit even the tightest carry-on while effectively managing unruly hair.
Ember - Travel Mug 2 ($195-$200)
The Ember Tumbler 2 boasts improved battery performance and a dishwasher-safe design. It maintains beverage warmth for three hours, ideal for the slow-sipping traveler who cherishes a hot drink throughout the morning.
APL - Techloom ZipLine Sneaker ($350)
The right footwear has a significant influence on travel comfort, and these APL sneakers are built for endurance. With a sleek, machine-washable design, they provide essential support for extended days filled with exploration.
Afform - The Medium Traveller Makeup Bag ($110)
Afform’s makeup bag is designed to keep beauty products organized and secure. Its innovative foldable design opens flat, providing easy access to all items at a glance.
Helight - Red Light Therapy Sleep Device ($139)
This compact device leverages patented, NASA-backed technology to emit a specific wavelength of red light therapy (630nm), which many travelers claim helps alleviate jet lag. The straightforward 28-minute protocol aims to aid in regulating circadian rhythms for better sleep.
Eagle Creek - Pack-It Reveal Cube Set ($59)
Eliminate disorder in your luggage with these packing cubes that differentiate between the unorganized and well-prepared traveler. Made from 100% ocean-recycled materials, they are celebrated for their durability.
AO Eyewear - Saratoga Sunglasses ($210)
Since 1883, American Optical has been a leading manufacturer of high-quality sunglasses, donned by pilots, presidents, and even NASA astronauts. The Saratoga frame, famously worn by JFK, continues to exude a timeless appeal.
FAQ
What do you get someone who is always traveling?
Frequent travelers are likely well-equipped with essentials, so consider innovative options. Pay attention when they recount their travel experiences for any challenges they mention—perhaps they would appreciate a foot hammock for economy flights or a duplicate of a beloved item, like a cozy robe or slippers, for extended trips.
What is the best way to gift travel?
Gift cards represent a hassle-free choice. For those who prefer rental accommodations, Airbnb gift cards are available in various amounts from $25 to $500, making it easy to contribute to (or fully cover) their next stay. Likewise, rideshare expenses can accumulate quickly; offering a gift card to Lyft or Uber can alleviate the burden of transportation costs, especially for younger travelers embarking on group trips or gap years.
What are the best travel gifts for new travelers?
For the emerging jet-setter, consider practical fundamentals. A stylish leather passport holder will be appreciated, and if their travels take them abroad, a universal travel adapter and a phone case with a compartment for cards and cash will prove essential.
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