Honestly, I couldn’t resist creating this gift guide. There are so many items I’ve come to love over the past few years of traveling and I wanted to share them with all of you to make your travels better. Whether you’re shopping for a travel-loving friend or family member this holiday season, or want to treat yourself to something new for your next trip, this list has it all!
I love making purchases for myself when I’m not traveling so that I have something to look forward to next time I depart. This list includes almost all items I have tried and loved or ones that come highly recommended! Most of these items are evergreen travel musts for me, so I hope they can serve as gift inspiration for Christmases and birthdays to come.
I’ve broken up the traveler’s gift guide into categories to make it easier to sort through and shop! Some of the links are commissionable, meaning I make a small amount of money when you purchase through the link. I have tried to avoid Amazon at all costs, but of course, some items can only be found there.
luggage
Brics Milano 30′ roller suitcase
Bought this suitcase this summer and love it! For the traveler in your life who is always leaving for months at a time.
Brics Milano 21′ roller suitcase
A matching set! This one is perfect for weekend escapes and European city breaks.
bags
I have used this tote for over four years and it’s truly the best. It folds up easily making it suitable for packing. Plus it makes the perfect size bag for a carry-on or a day trip.
For the traveler who likes to hit the club. Or really anyone – belt bags make great travel purses when you just need your essentials and want to avoid pickpocketers.
An essential when traveling. Makes a great carry-on, especially if you will be walking or taking public transportation upon arrival. Fits a laptop easily, too.
By one of my favorite travel brands, Beis.
This is a nice carry-on because it fits easily over your suitcase so you don’t have to carry it all over the airport. I’ve even started using it as my ski bag and for short overnights!
packing accessories
For the one that’s always overpacking (me, no matter how hard I resist it).
Jewelry travel case (can be monogrammed)
The best way to transport all your jewelry when traveling.
I had seriously been searching FOREVER when someone recommended this toiletry bag to me. I cannot recommend it enough! It fits everything, plus it’s easy to organize with two compartments and you’ll never have problems going through security since it’s partially clear.
A travel essential that I don’t know how people live without.
For those who love to stay organized, especially when traveling.
Another great choice.
Doubles as a wallet while you’re flying to and from your destination.
in-flight essentials
The only journal I trust to hold all my travel memories.
I love this pillow so much I even sleep with it at home!
On-ear noise-canceling headphones
Over-the-ear headphones are a must, especially for long flights. As are noise-canceling headphones. Do you know that incessant blowing noise on airplanes? Block it out with these headphones! Plus, they come with a cord so you can use them to watch movies on the plane.
Easy and small headphone option when you’re listening to music on your phone.
So much better than the gel, trust me. Plus the lavender smell will relax you while traveling.
I think these masks are the most comfortable and safe, in terms of disposable masks that you can comfortably wear for a long time.
These face masks are made by a brand that doctors trust, so I trust them too. Comfortable reusable masks in a wide variety of colors, with sizes for adults and children.
toiletries
This one is perfect for daily pills or vitamins when you’re on the go.
Bocco is the best brand for travel bottles, because they are easy to refill and come with built-in labels. Unfortunately they are hard to find! These 3 oz bottles are good for a longer trip, otherwise I’d recommend the 1.25 oz size.
Better suited size for weekend trips or shorter stays.
My favorite facial lotion with sunscreen built-in. Perfect when you’re spending all day outside.
Literally the only lotion I trust for my hands and feet in the winter. Buy it for the traveler in your life to give them a spa moment on the road.
clothing
Low key I cannot say enough good things about this robe. I’ve adopted the Italian way of traveling with a robe now. This one is easy to pack and can double as a towel if you’re ever in a pinch.
If you’re like me and get cold very easily, a pair of Cuddle Duds are an absolute travel must. I typically layer them under my pajamas, or even under a sweater for a day of exploring. They keep you warm without becoming sweaty or overheated.
shoes
Nike Air Force 1 Shadow sneakers
One of my favorite pairs of sneakers I’ve ever owned (I’ve gone through two pairs!).
The most stylish sneakers for pairing with dresses while traveling, and still being able to walk around all day.
Probably the comfiest sneakers I have ever owned.
destination essentials
This is literally one of my top travel items, ever. It’s a leather tray that folds flat so you can pack it easily. I use it when I get to my destination, so I have a safe place to put my jewelry and glasses at night without losing them in a hotel room or Airbnb.
My favorite water bottle.
For the traveler in your life who is a hostel lover, or just prefers to sleep in their own cocoon.
For hostels and Airbnbs that provide scratchy towels (we’ve all been there). These are thin and easy to pack, plus they dry very quickly.
just for fun
The most fun when traveling! I bought one this summer in Italy and I love the captures I got of me and my friends in Florence and Rome.
I always travel with one (until it gets confiscated in the Bari airport lol).
True everyday essential for me. Usually, I travel with at least two pairs. Quay is one of my favorite brands.
smart subscriptions
Buy them Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
What a thoughtful gift for the seasoned traveler on your list. Save them time in the airport with one of these security benefits.
Condé Nast Traveler magazine subscription
My favorite in-flight read!
As I mentioned, this post uses commissionable links. It’s actually my first post with affiliate links (!!) so if you’d like to support me, you can buy your items directly through the links provided.
My blog has always been a passion project and I’d rather write what I cared about than try to monetize it, but I thought I would try commissionable links in this post and see what happens. Thank you for continuing to support me and this venture, and happy holidays to all of you wanderlusters out there! xxMaggie