Who couldn’t use a few more practical gift ideas for this holiday season? If you have a traveler on your list (or you’re the traveler who would like one of these as a gift), scroll down for items to make visiting elsewhere a lot easier.
Samsonite Underseater with USB Port
Great choice for a carry-on item because it has a ton of pockets and a zip-down front section so it provides a quick and easy way to find and take out your laptop/iPad/phone and anything else electronic you need to put through security screenings. It also holds a change of clothes, files and your purse so if your luggage gets lost, you’ll at least have something else to wear. Spinning wheels make it easy to walk with and the USB port is another nice addition.
Outlander Ultra Lightweight Packable Daypack
For the days when you are picking up a few things from the market and maybe a bottle of wine, it’s nice to have a lightweight backpack to carry them in instead of lugging bags. This also comes in handy when hiking to carry your water bottle and snacks or lunch.
Anker Powercore Compact Portable Charger
Even though I always carry the cords for charging my phone and iPad, I inevitably get stuck somewhere and can’t find an outlet. This is a much better solution than asking the restaurant staff if they can charge it for you at the bar. It’s small and pretty powerful.
Bestek Power Converter with 4 USB Plugs
Once your charger has run out, it’s back to finding electricity to power up your technology. And then you remember, the outlets here don’t work with the plugs on my items from home. This handy gadget converts all country voltage to your choice of voltage so you’re back in business. It also includes 4 USB ports to plug in multiple items at once.
Nomader BPA Free Collapsible Water Bottle
It does annoy me that you can’t carry your water bottle through security although I completely understand and agree with the logic behind the ban. I’ve spent way too much money on bulky plastic disposable water bottles and then regretted not keeping the bottle when I get to my destination. The solution: this lightweight water bottle rolls up so it packs small and unfurls quickly.
Pacsafe RFID Blocking Travel Organizer
I learned the hard way that convenience and security are essential when keeping my passports, credit cards and money handy while traveling. I really like the fact that this Pacsafe organizer looks like an attractive clutch that holds a lot with a hard-to cut wrist cord.
3D Sleep Mask
The first time I took a long flight to London on Virgin Atlantic, they handed out these wonderful little amenity kits that included an eye mask. It worked perfectly and was my go-to sleep mask until I lost it. I am so glad I found this 3D sleep mask as a replacement. It is lightweight with an adjustable band that doesn’t get caught in my hair. It blocks the light so I can sleep – on planes or in hotel rooms.
Travelon Anti-theft Purse
I borrowed this purse from a friend when I traveled to Paris and loved it so much I put it on my holiday wish list this year. It’s a cross-body with a slash resistant body and strap that is also a nice looking roomy bag. It has an RFID blocking compartment and was deep enough and well padded so I easily carried my bulky SLR camera and lenses inside. In addition, I was able to carry a water bottle separately in the outside pocket which kept my camera safe too.
Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones
It’s rare to have a quiet plane when you are trying to fall asleep and noise cancelling headphones are wonderful. I bought a pair of wired Bose headphones at a Black Friday sale more than 5 years ago, and they still work well. The newer versions are wireless and the high end model even has Alexa voice control. You can’t beat Bose for sound quality when you do want to listen to music.
Silk Wool Blend Pashmina Scarf
Whether you are on an airplane or trying to eat in a restaurant, feeling cold from the air conditioning is not pleasant. It’s nice to have an attractive light weight scarf to keep you warm in both situations. Available in a variety of colors, this pashmina packs easily and makes a nice gift for non-travelers too.
Happy holidays! Hope this list makes your shopping easier. What’s your favorite travel gift?
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