The frequent traveler is a rare breed – especially in this day and age. Whether one’s travels are domestic or international, it helps to have gear on hand that makes life on the road easier and more fun. Our gift guide for the traveler includes our editors’ picks for travel gear that is not only affordable, but incredibly practical and, in some cases, even entertaining.
Bellroy Tech Kit
When travelling today, you need both a dopp kit as well as a tech kit, because who doesn’t travel without their computer? For those on your gift-giving radar, Bellroy’s Tech Kit boasts lots of nooks and crannies to stash virtually all of a person’s tech accessories in one compact place. Made from recycled, water-resistant woven fabric, the Tech Kit is outfitted with a magnetic slip pocket for a power bank, mesh pockets to hold odds and ends, and even a floating wall with an elastic cable organizer inside.
Mumbai Pouch
The Mumbai Pouch is a carry-all for essential COVID-related protection items to take on the go. With four separate labeled pockets for face masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, and up to 10 packs of wipes, this foldable pouch can be laid out flat for easy packing and unpacking and it fastens with a Velcro flap. Made with Vegan antimicrobial materials, the Mumbai Pouch comes with a face mask and a refillable bottle for hand sanitizer.
Aesop Adventurer Roll-Up
With hand hygiene being top-of-mind these days, the Aesop/Raeburn Adventurer Roll-Up provides hand sanitizer, lotion, and mist — each in its own pocket within the portable roll-up heavy cotton pouch. This collection of products requires no water and each is suited for all skin types, plus all are fully vegan, produced with a focus on sustainability, and all are housed in recycled PET plastic packaging.
The Away Carry-On
With its robust aluminum hard shell, the Away Carry-On with 360° spinner wheels will make traveling a breeze for the adventurer on your holiday gift list. Boasting dual TSA-approved combination locks and sized to fit in overhead bins, the Away Carry-On can also be equipped with an ejectable USB charger to charge a phone and other portable devices. Inside, the luggage provides a compression system and a clip-in pocketed panel which enables users to pack more items in. It even offers a laundry bag to keep dirty clothes separate.
BÉIS Survival Sling
The BÉIS Survival Sling is the perfect choice for a multi-wear, comfortable bag to carry a traveler’s essentials. Whether it’s worn around the waist or on the shoulder, the Survival Sling offers a zippered main compartment, as well as a variety of pockets, to store all the user’s EDC while traveling. Constructed with a 100 percent nylon shell and a recycled polyester lining, the sling will keep items dry and well-protected from the elements.
Kindle Paperwhite
For the global nomad on your list, the new lightweight and ultra-thin Kindle Paperwhite features twice the storage of the previous generation, and will provide reading enjoyment for weeks on a single charge. This new Paperwhite is fully waterproof, so users can keep up with their reading while at the pool or in the spa or bath. It also boasts an adjustable built-in light, perfect for indoor or outdoor nighttime use.
‘Standards Manual: Parks’
For those who happen to be setting out on a trip throughout the United States, the ‘Standards Manual: Parks’ is an essential travel companion. With over 300 U.S. national park maps, art, printed materials, and brochures, this 384-page book provides new insights into the history of the beloved national parks throughout America. Perfect for gifting, this elegant manual comes case-bound with a cloth wrapped, silk-screened cover and spine.
Grayl UltraPress Covert Edition
The Grayl UltraPress water purifier is a must-have gift for the global traveler. This handy water filter will make 16.9 ounces of clean water in just 10 seconds. Easily tucked into a backpack, the Grayl UltraPress is guaranteed to remove 99.99 percent of a wide variety of waterborne pathogens found in local water sources. Incredibly easy to use, as Grayl’s website states, “Simply Fill. Press. Drink.”
Quantum Crumbs – The Complete Collection
If New York City happens to be on a friend’s or loved one’s future travel itinerary, we’ve got just the food-related gift for you. These pocket-sized maps of 10 NYC bakeries, created (and taste-tested!) by Quantum Crumbs, give travelers the low-down on specialties such as croissants, bagels, cookies, ice cream, and more from under-the-radar bakeries throughout the Big Apple. Gifting these beautiful print maps will help travelers plot the ultimate gastronomic tour.
Airbnb Gift Card
With the holidays upon us, a unique present for those on your list who love to travel, is an Airbnb gift card. Regardless of where in the world one wants to travel, you can bet that there will be an Airbnb property there. Through Airbnb, you can even video chat with your host prior to your trip to ask any questions or get tips to help plan your itinerary.
Go Neck Pillow by OstrichPillow
This sleek travel pillow will put any airport gift shop neck pillow to shame. The Go Neck Pillow offers 360º natural ergonomic neck support and is crafted with a high density memory foam core and has a soft, breathable outer fabric sleeve that is easily removed for washing. Once you’ve reached your destination, simply fit the Go Neck Pillow into its included travel bag for easy transport.
‘Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer’s Guide’
What better gift could one give to the epicurean/travel buff in your life than ‘Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer’s Guide’? Readers will be treated to an unforgettable food tour that highlights more than 500 dishes from all seven continents and the traditions surrounding them. Noted chef Tom Colicchio sums it up best when he says, “Like a great tapas meal, Gastro Obscura is deep yet snackable, and full of surprises. This is the book for anyone interested in eating, adventure and the human condition.”
VIDA 99% Filtration Protective Mask
The comfortable VIDA Mask is ideal for the frequent travelers on your gift list. It is a doctor-recommended mask, made of two layers of 100 percent cotton and, for added protection, has a pocket to insert the included filter, which blocks up to 99 percent of airborne particulates. Featuring adjustable straps and a pliable metal nose-piece, the mask provides a snug, long-wearing fit for airline travel, and it comes in a wide variety of colors.
‘Behind the Bar: 50 Cocktail Recipes from the World’s Most Iconic Hotels’
Celebrating hotel bars throughout the world and their signature drinks, the book, ‘Behind the Bar: 50 Cocktail Recipes from the World’s Most Iconic Hotels’, is the perfect gift for the world traveler. Budapest-based and New York-raised travel writer Alia Akkam, highlights not only 50 cocktail recipes from esteemed hotel bars in major cities around the globe, but also photos of the beautiful interiors of said bars.
Monos Metro Backpack
Looking for a premium travel backpack for that special someone on your holiday gift list? Look no further than the Monos Metro Backpack. Available in Carbon Black and Oxford Blue, this backpack has a dedicated 15-inch laptop pocket, as well as a spacious interior, complete with numerous pockets and zippered compartments. The Metro Backpack also features a small, front zippered compartment that can be detached by virtue of its QuickSnap design and used on its own.
Noshinku Pocket Hand Sanitizer Discovery 3-Pack
A great stocking-stuffer idea, Noshinku’s Pocket Hand Sanitizer is made from pharma-grade 70 percent ethyl alcohol. It checks all the boxes for an FDA-registered, effective, and super portable way to keep your hands clean without drying them out. This 3-pack includes eucalyptus, bergamot, and lavendula blends, which smell great, but are tough on germs. Each of the misters offer 300+ sprays and they fit easily in a pocket or purse, making them ideal for travel.