Travel, though it can be stressful, fun, exciting, overwhelming, tedious, and a myriad of other possibilities, offers the potential of any activity to be translated from hobby to carefully honed skill.
To be polished. Refined. And with a little attention to detail and finely tuning your approach, you can truly optimize your experience for comfort and ease.
It begins with packing. And unpacking. And repacking. A dozen or so turns around the airport carousel and you’ll quickly learn how your gear and belongings can make all the difference.
If you know someone taking to the sky in the near future and want to give them a sweet send-off, here’s my handpicked list of 10 of the best gifts for travellers—these items are tried and tested by yours truly.
1. Carry-on suitcase
This seems like a no-brainer but there are a few additional components worth considering when you select your next carry on. Go as small as you can (but opt for one that’s expandable). The luggage bins vary between aircraft and there are times when even a standard sized carry on can’t quite squeeze into the compartment.
That’s added stress you do not need. Look for one with 360-degree spinner wheels and a hard-shell exterior for maximum protection. If you’re feeling fancy, some also have bonus features like a built-in USB charger.
2. A travel pillow (that actually works)
I’m not willing to let jet lag ruin the first few days of my holiday. If I’m on a red-eye, or even an early-morning or late-night flight, I’m going to do my best to catch twenty winks. A comfy travel pillow can be the difference between arriving refreshed or a total mess.
Look for squishy foam with good neck support and, for goodness sake, wear it around the front of your neck to properly support your noggin. (Trust me on this one.)
3. Noise-cancelling headphones
I received a high quality pair of noise-cancelling headphones from my audiophile friend who knew that the only thing more exhausting than a day of travel is one that’s also filled with crying babies or unwelcome chit-chat (nothing signals “quiet, please!” like a pair of these beauties strapped from ear to ear).
JBL is a top option for listening to music, podcasts, or simply embracing the sounds of silence.
4. A travel eSIM
No traveller wants to scramble for a local SIM card at an airport kiosk. A travel eSIM is one of the most underrated gifts for travellers—but also one of the best! An eSIM allows users to connect to a mobile network instantly upon arrival at their destination when downloaded before takeoff.
The best part? No physical SIM card swapping, and no overpriced roaming fees.
5. Airtags
Never live the nightmare of lost luggage again. Especially in the case of longer trips, or if you packed special items that couldn’t be included in your carry-on luggage, it’s always a little anxiety-inducing to trust that your luggage will arrive at your final destination.
Though it can’t give you more control, it can provide a little peace of mind to know where your important belongings are at all times. Just drop one in the pocket of your bag, and they’ll always know where it is.
6. A high-capacity portable charger
Stay charged all day without hunting down a powersource. A powerful portable charger saves you from searching for an open outlet (that actually works) and ensures you can use your device as needed—whether you’re navigating a new city or posting travel memories to social media.
7. Packing cubes
I know this seems minor but staying organized can go a long way to helping to lift the mental load so that you can make the most of your time away. These inexpensive cubes can make a world of difference by keeping your clothes, shoes, and toiletries neatly separated. No more digging through a messy suitcase.
8. Skincare kit
Recirculated airplane air is rough on your skin. A quality, dermatologist-approved skincare kit with essentials like moisturizer, facial mist, and lip balm can help keep your skin hydrated and fresh during long flights and across tedious travel days.
9. Universal adapter
Don’t forget that power outlets vary across countries. A universal adapter is a worthwhile investment to help ensure you can charge your devices anywhere. Bonus points if it includes multiple USB ports for charging several gadgets at once!
10. A travel journal
You don’t have to be into writing to want something to help you track your travel experiences. You can jot down your memories or sketch the landscapes you witness on the road.
A beautiful book of blank pages can also be turned into a perfect keepsake, or even a scrapbook or junk journal for gluing in ticket stubs, receipts, polaroids, and any other memento from your trip.
