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Looking for a Unique Travel Tipper

  • Thread starter td1223
  • Start date May 13, 2018

AzB Silver Member

  • May 13, 2018

I'm looking to pick one of these up if you have one you don't use or have grown out of it. I realize the Cue Companion is the way to go and I already have one along with other machines. I have a specific use for a TT and a mini lathe is over kill for my need. Please PM if you have one. Thanks  

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Unique Gifts For Travelers: 101+ Brilliant Gifts for Travel Lovers in 2021

unique products travel tipper

Looking for the best gifts for traveler lovers?  Well, move over, scratch maps — I’ve got awesome ideas for totally unique gifts for travelers!  Whether you’re shopping for a foodie traveler, a beach lover, or even The Most Interesting Traveler in the World, I’ve got the perfect gift ideas for all the wanderlusters in your life.

These are gifts that say not only “I love you and had to buy you a gift,” but “I really know you” and “I saw your eyes glaze over the last time you unwrapped another tie/bath set/pair of slipper socks.”  (No offense — I love smelling nice and a cozy pair of socks.)

I’ve got the best travel subscription boxes, thoughtful travel gifts, and unique handmade finds for every traveler on your gift list, at a variety of price points. Don’t miss the stocking stuffer ideas and inexpensive travel gifts at the end!

I’ve grouped the gifts by traveler profile, to save you time.  But feel free to browse all of my ideas of unique gifts for travelers, since you might want to put some of these on your own wish list!

I hope this travel gift guide helps you knock out your shopping in record time. My goal is for your travel-loving friends and family to get misty-eyed because of your SUPER THOUGHTFUL AND AWESOME GIFTS.

This article contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I might earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support in this way! Learn more in my Disclosure Policy .

Top Picks & Last-Minute Unique Travel Gifts:

  • Best snack box for travel lovers: Universal Yums. Learn to say yum in every language with snacks from a different country delivered monthly. Shop here!
  • Unique travel gifts with quick shipping: Hop over to this list at UncommonGoods and look for items marked “ships within 3 business days”
  • Books to inspire 2021 travel: Comfortably Wild: Top Glamping Destinations in North America , 50 Best Road Trips in the USA , and National Geographic Road Atlas 2021: Adventure Edition
  • Best virtual travel gifts: Online Experiences from Airbnb and fun online cooking experiences with Eating Europe
  • Best gift for women travelers: a gift membership to the Wanderful community to connect with other women travelers.
  • Best splurge for foodie travelers: American Wagyu beef from Snake River Farms .
  • Best wine subscription for travelers: curated French wines by the family of winemakers and travelers at SomMailier
  • Travel-themed jewelry and handmade gifts for travelers: check out all my curated Etsy lists here ! (Tip: be sure to check production and shipping times)

In this Unique Gifts for Travelers Shopping Guide:

The Explorer | The Ocean Lover | The Bon Vivant | The Wanderluster | The Outdoor Lover | The Theme Park Fan | The Bibliophile | The Techie | The Minimalist | Stocking Stuffers

The Explorer

The Explorer: Unique Gifts for Adventurers

Have an old-school adventurer in your pack?  Or maybe a traveler with space on their work desk for a gift that reminds everyone, “When I’m not here, I’m Indiana Jones-ing my way around the world.” Check out these unique travel gifts for the explorer on your gift list!

Flaviar Premium Whisky Club Subscription

It’s pretty much a given that serious adventurers should belong to a premium whisky club. Flaviar is the club for explorers at heart. It’s the go-to place to discover and taste craft and premium spirits – from Bourbon and Scotch to Rum, Gin, Cognac and others, as well as learn the ways of a true whiskey aficionado. Membership is reasonably-priced and offers a wide variety of perks & benefits you won’t find anywhere else, with an undertone of a 1920’s speakeasy club.

Flaviar whiskey club - gifts for travelers

Shaker and Spoon

Worldly explorers will love Shaker and Spoon , a craft cocktail subscription box with original recipes from expert mixologists. Each box contains 3 recipes focused on one type of liquor, and ingredients and garnishes to make 12 drinks total. Shaker and Spoon doesn’t include the spirits (but that means you won’t have to sign for the box when it’s delivered!). Plus they have how-to videos and great customer service. Your traveler can pretend they’re at a secret speakeasy in Mexico City with this gift!

Shaker and Spoon subscription box

Unique Handmade Travel Gifts for Explorers

Please allow me to call your attention to this leather bow-tie , to ensure your explorer looks dapper at special occasions this holiday season. Check out this elegant handmade jewelry roll , which you can personalize with an inscription and a choice of colors. And I’m more than a little in love with these expertly handcrafted leather cuff links .

For history-loving adventurers, I’d also suggest a replica of an antique marine compass with leather case , an armillary with compass , or leather and brass spyglass – all handmade!

Or perhaps a custom engraved compass with sundial , a personalized ivory globe , or the pinnacle of classy explorer cool: a handcrafted brass diving helmet replica to channel their inner Jacques Cousteau .

These are thoughtful and unexpected gift ideas for the intrepid explorers in your life!

gifts for travel lovers - leather bow tie

For more unique gifts for travelers, check out the Etsy list where I squirrel away my favorite artisan gear for adventurers including personalized passport covers and luggage tags, custom compasses, leather dopp kits, and more!

The Ocean Lover

The Ocean Lover: Unique Gifts for Beach Travelers

We all love the ocean, but some of us live, breathe, and die for the beach.  Luckily, I’ve got tons of gift ideas including ocean subscription boxes, unique jewelry, and gifts for your friends and fam with a “beach hair, don’t care” outlook on life!

Ocean Subscription Boxes

Send your traveler on a beach break with an ocean gift box, even if stuck at home this winter. Cratejoy has beach-inspired boxes like top-rated Oceanista and Sea Crate , with beach boutique essentials, nautical treats, and ocean-themed gifts. (Seriously, look at that Oceanista haul below!)

Oceanista from Cratejoy

Unique Jewelry & Gifts for Beach Lovers and Surfers

For travelers who love the Florida Keys, how about a dainty palm tree necklace, a cute sea turtle pendant , or a charm of the Key West “Mile Marker 0.” And for surfer girls and guys, there’s a delicate surfboard necklace , travel surf kit , or a cool handmade enamel surfboard pendant .

These are thoughtful travel gift ideas for surfers, snorkelers, and sun-lovers that will make them say “shell, yeah!” (Sun’s out, puns out, people!)

palm tree pendant

For more ocean-themed gifts including one-of-a-kind items, shop my ocean lovers Etsy list.

The Bon Vivant

The Bon Vivant: Unique Gifts for Traveler Foodies

I forgot the term bon vivant the other day and had to google “what’s the word for a fancy person who enjoys the finer things in life.” If you have an epicurean traveler in your life (AKA: foodie), an oenophile (wine connoisseur) or craft cocktail lover, then you know how tough they can be to buy for. As unique gifts for foodie travelers, I suggest subscription boxes, gourmet food, and other gifts to explore their sophisticated tastes.

Snake River Farms American Kobe Beef

For starters, consider having mouth-watering American Wagyu (Kobe-style) steaks from Snake River Farms delivered straight to your foodie traveler’s door. Step away from the Omaha Steaks website, and instead let me introduce you to Snake River Farms. Their family-owned, humanely-raised, sustainable American Kobe beef is regularly featured in Michelin starred restaurants.

As a perfect holiday gift for your favorite foodie, check out Snake River’s gift center. Or treat your family to a special holiday meal with Snake River steaks, roasts, or grilling favorites as the main course!

Gifts for Foodie Travelers - Snake River Farms American Kobe Waygu Beef

SomMailier Exclusive French Wine Subscription

For your favorite wine-lover, how about French wines personally curated by a family of travelers and winemakers? SomMailier selects wines from handcrafted French vineyards that aren’t available anywhere else in the U.S. They offer several subscription options, as well as a single-delivery gift option of 3 or 6 wines in red, white, or mixed. The SomMailier site has really great reviews of personal service touches, plus each box comes with stories about the winemakers and vineyards. But what really sold me on SomMailier is the company story – read it here .

Gifts for travelers wine lovers - French wines subscription

Universal Yum Snack Box Subscription

Universal Yum is like a dream to me: a curated box of salty and sweet treats shows up at my door from a different country each month?  Don’t mind me over here, camped out by my mail slot already.  The Universal Yum selection team says that they’ve sampled thousands of treats from around the world, but only the ones that made them say “Holy &#%!” made it into the Yum Shop.  With each snack food subscription box, you’ll receive a booklet of trivia and games, and the larger subscription options also include bonus content recipes and more.

example of universal yums snack subscription box

Try The World

Try the World offers curated boxes of gourmet foods, cooking ingredients, drinks and snacks from around the world, delivered to your door each month. If your foodie traveler hits up the local grocery store for souvenirs (OK, this is me), then Try the World is the perfect travel gift for them! There are options of boxes focused on a certain country every month or an assortment of artisanal snacks, and plans ranging from monthly to yearly.

Try the World subscription box for foodie travelers

Expert and aspiring mixologists will love this cool travel gift box that includes everything you need to make 4+ craft cocktails , including the spirits! Saloon Box expands cocktail lovers’ palates by exposing them to new drinks and spirits they might otherwise not have tried. It’s perfect for reminiscing about a favorite speakeasy visit on a date night in, and consistently gets high ratings from subscribers. This box only ships to certain states since it contains liquor – so if it won’t work for your traveler, check out the Shaker and Spoon box instead .

saloon box cocktail subscription

Murray’s Gifts & Subscriptions

For foodie travelers you can’t go wrong with a selection of gourmet cheeses from Murray’s, an artisanal cheese and specialty foods shop based in New York City’s Greenwich Village. Try their Red Wine Lover’s Collection or one of their monthly club subscriptions .

Gifts for foodie travelers - cheese club subscription

More Unique Gifts for Travel-Loving Foodies and Craft Cocktail Conoisseurs

The book “Wine Folly” is a must-read for everyone from amateur wine-lovers to experts, and be sure to get the accompanying journal and wine flavors chart. The Boomerang corkscrew is one that travelers find least likely to be confiscated by airport security. And for the true oenophile, splurge for them on a wine aroma set , so they can learn to discern the nuances of wines.

Every foodie traveler should have a pasta machine – check out this best-in-class option by Marcato that Cook’s Illustrated called “the Ferrari of pasta machines.” Cocktail-loving travelers will love a swanky bar set like this one (available in several metal finishes including copper!) and be sure to pair it with a speakeasy recipe book like this one from the mixologists at the West Village bar-restaurant Employees Only . And for travelers who miss Japan, set them up to try making sushi at home with this kit that includes exclusive how-to videos . (Just promise me that you’ll also get them a sushi boat for an over-the-top presentation!)

unique products travel tipper

These travel gift ideas are as sophisticated as your bon vivant traveler’s palate! 😉

The Wanderluster

The Wanderluster: Artisan Gifts for Worldly Explorers

Do you have a Wanderluster on your gift list?  This worldly adventurer loves exploring the art, culture, and artisan goods of faraway lands.  Check out these unique travel gift ideas and see which are a match for your wanderlust traveler!

Atlas Coffee Club Subscription

An Atlas Coffee Club subscription will take your traveler on a tour of the world’s best coffees each month. Every box includes a curated selection of single-origin coffee with tasting notes and brewing tips. Atlas Coffee is roasted-to-order, so it always ships fresh right after roasting. Plus, each box includes a postcard from the coffee’s origin (so you can imagine yourself there as you sip away!). I think Atlas Coffee is a thoughtful travel gift for coffee-loving travelers, especially those working from home or dreaming of future adventures.

Globe In Artisan Gifts Subscription Box

Globe In is a subscription box that curates full-size, handmade artisan products from around the world and delivers them to your traveler’s door each month. Each box has a monthly theme. All products are ethically-sourced and support job creation and fair wages in communities around the world. So this is a thoughtful travel gift that both you and your traveler will feel good about! Or, shop their marketplace for handmade global goods and take 10 % off with the code “ARTISAN.”

Globe In artisan subscription box

Facetory K-Beauty Box from CrateJoy

For sheet mask junkies and travelers who love the latest K-beauty trends from Korea, check out the FaceStory gift box from Cratejoy . Choose from 3 different levels – fresh, luxe and glow – to gift your traveler an at-home spa staycation. And if your traveler loves Korea, check out all of Cratejoy’s Korea-focused options including snack boxes, beauty boxes, and cute stationery!

✨#1 Sheet Mask Destination✨

Unique Gifts for Wanderlust Travelers & One-of-a-Kind Global Etsy Finds

Textiles from Oaxaca and Puebla, Mexico are having a moment. If your wanderluster loves textile art, check out these artisan handmade Zapotec rugs or gorgeous hand-embroidered dresses . Or for travelers who long to visit the landscapes of Turkey, this Etsy shop creates bags and goods with antique kilims and handmade rugs .

What explorer doesn’t need a handmade leather bag or organizer from Italy ? Travelers who have visited Colombia will recognize these artisan crocheted bags made by women from the Wayuu tribe. (Update: my mom couldn’t resist the Wayuu bags and ordered one from this seller — she received it within a week and reports it’s gorgeous and really well made!) And I have a pair of these beautiful Portuguese azulejo tile earrings myself, which come in several different styles and colors.

Zapotec rug

For more artisan jewelry and one-of-a-kind items, check out my list of thoughtful travel gifts for wanderlusters on Etsy .

Looking for practical travel gift ideas? Check out this list of all my favorite travel gear with links for easy online shopping!

The Outdoor Lover

The Outdoor Lover: Unique Gifts for Nature Travelers

Not sure what gear to buy an outdoor-loving traveler? Check out these ideas for subscription boxes and unique gifts to help them get out and get exploring!

Cairn Gift Subscription Box

Cairn is the original outdoor subscription box service , with carefully curated outdoor gear in 1-month, 6-month & 12-month options. Gift recipients can fill out a profile to help Cairn select products that best match their outdoor activity and lifestyle preferences – for example, backpacking over car camping, have a dog, are a vegetarian, etc. Cairn helps outdoor enthusiasts discover great brands and new products that will inspire them to get outside and embark on new adventures.

Cairn outdoor subscription box

Wild Woman Box

The Wild Woman Box is a monthly subscription box curated with gear, inspiration, snacks and body products. Their mission is to make adventure and the outdoors inclusive and accessible for ALL women! This box consistently gets great ratings on Cratejoy and is a thoughtful travel gift for the wild woman on your gift list.

Wild Woman subscription box

For outdoor lovers looking for new ways to explore, the book Comfortably Wild is a great gift idea! It catalogs the best glamping destinations across the U.S. including unique places and adventures to go along with them. Perfect for nature lovers with kids in tow, travelers who need a little more comfort than camping when they travel, and ideas for socially-distant travel destinations. Check it out on Amazon here!

Unique and Handmade Etsy Finds for Outdoor Lovers

For more unique gift ideas for outdoor travelers, check out this compass and coordinates pendant set from Etsy, or this handmade leather coordinates bracelet . This beautiful but simple round mountain pendant is handmade and available in yellow, white, or rose gold.

For artistic outdoor lovers, check out this geometric mountain necklace in gold or silver or sweet geometric flower pendant . And this handy travel hiking kit is great for the car or as a quick backup kit to toss in a suitcase.

coordinates and compass gold necklace

For more unique travel gift ideas, check out my Etsy gift list for outdoor lovers including more custom coordinates gifts and compasses.

The Theme Park Fan

The Theme Park Fan: Best Travel Gifts

Have a Disney or Harry Potter lover on your gift list? Check out these unique gifts for travelers including subscription boxes, specialty mouse ears, and Harry Potter gear!

Mickey Monthly

Mickey Monthly is the #1 Disney-themed subscription box that promises to bring the magic of Disney parks to your door. They offer an “Original” option with a mix of licensed Disney and partner gear, or a “Theme Park” edition which they warn is for serious fans ONLY. There’s also a cute trading pins box and a snack edition box which would be great for a Disney movie binge weekend! You can even take a quiz to get personalized recommendations.

Mickey Monthly Subscription Box

Geek Gear’s Wizardry Box

Geek Gear’s Wizardry Box is packed full of awesome licensed and exclusive merchandise every month! Each box includes a t-shirt, print, and at least four other items. Expect a mix of awesome products from Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts which will bring the magical world to your home. Use the code “GEEKGEAR10” for 10% off your first box.

Geek Gear Wizardry Box

Main Street Mail

Main Street Mail is the most customizable Disney-themed subscription box, with a questionnaire that lets you request your favorite characters and product types. (And they deliver – one reviewer called them the “Disney fairygodmothers of sub boxes”!) This carefully-curated box ships outside the U.S. and is good for all age levels.

subscription box contents - main street mail

Handmade and Custom Theme Park Gifts on Etsy: Unique Gifts for Travelers

For more unique gift ideas for theme park lovers, check out these handmade items from Etsy. How sweet is this Disney “Mom” necklace with sparkly mouse ears ? And to be ready for Disney, everyone needs a special set of ears – this one is rose gold and lights up ! Plus check out these dainty necklaces of the Cinderella’s Castle skyline.

For Star Wars fans, you can’t go wrong with Chewbacca-inspired mouse ears . And for Potterheads, check out this fun golden snitch necklace and wand display for their collection.

Mom Disney necklace with mouse ears

For more unique gift ideas and custom ears, check out my theme park fans gift list on Etsy.

The Bibliophile

The Bibliophile: Gift Ideas for Book-Loving Travelers

Does the traveler on your gift list make a beeline for the best bookshops in town? If they’ve waited in line to get into the Lalo Bookshop in Lisbon (of Harry Potter fame) or dreamed of making a pilgrimage to Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, they’ll love these gifts below for literate travelers!

Bibliophilic Excursions

Bibliophilic Excursions provides a curated travel-from-home experience for adventurous readers of all ages. Simply let them know your preferences, and each month you’ll receive a carefully-themed literary adventure including all the senses. Every box includes 1-2 books and 3-5 items like snacks, teas and more. This is a thoughtful, personalized gift for your traveling bookworm!

bibliophilic excursions - gifts for book loving travelers

The Intoxicated Intellectual

If you have a book-lover who is also a craft cocktail connoisseur, then this subscription box is a great chance to combine their interests! The Intoxicated Intellectual pairs classic books with classic cocktails. Each month your traveler will receive a book plus everything needed to make a themed drink (other than the liquor) — all of the syrups, garnishes, bitters, mixers and bar tools and more! This box gets great ratings for its curation and presentation.

subscription box contents for craft cocktails

Unique Gifts for Travelers: Books by Classic Adventurers and Photographers

Give your adventurous reader a travel education with books by travelers from the past. These early adventurers paved the way for all of us who love to travel today – they’re the OG digital nomads, bloggers, and Instagrammers!

*The below books include buttons to purchase on Amazon or on Bookshop.org, an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. Disclosure: I am an affiliate of Bookshop.org and Amazon and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

The Valleys of the Assassins by Freya Stark

The Valleys of the Assassins And Other Persian Travels

Freya Stark was an English-Italian writer, explorer and historian who, at the age of 34, set out to explore remote and dangerous parts of the Middle East via foot, donkey, camel, and car. The book was hailed as a classic when published in 1934, and established Stark as an explorer. It chronicles her travels into the mountainous region between Iraq and present-day Iran. This is a perfect read for adventurous women on your gift list.

Monumental Journey: The Daguerreotypes of Girault de Prangey

cover of the book Monumental Journey - The Daguerreotypes of Girault de Prangey

Joseph-Philibert Girault de Prangey was a student of the daguerreotype, an early photographic process, as well as architecture of the Middle East. He toured Italy and the countries of the eastern Mediterranean between 1841 and 1844, producing over 900 daguerreotypes that remain the earliest surviving photographs of Greece, Palestine, Egypt, Syria and Turkey. This is one of my favorite books and I recommend it for any traveler who loves photography!

The Lost City of the Incas by Hiram Bingham

book cover of Lost City of the Incas - Hiram Bingham

Do you know who “rediscovered” the famous Inca city of Machu Picchu? It was American academic, explorer and (later) politician Hiram Bingham. With the help of local indigenous farmers, he reintroduced Machu Picchu to the world in 1911 and went on to uncover two more lost Incan cities. If your traveler’s bucket list includes Machu Picchu or the Inca Trail, this is a perfect gift for them!

My Journey to Lhasa by Alexandra David-Neel

My Journey to Lhasa - Alexandra David-Neel

How did a 54-year-old Frenchwoman visit Tibet in 1923, when it was forbidden to foreigners? A student of languages, eastern religions and philosophy, as well as a former opera singer, Alexandra David-Neel disguised herself as a male pilgrim and traveled Tibet for two months before she was discovered! David-Neel was the first Western woman to be received by any Dalai Lama, and the tale of her determination is an inspiring read. (Caught in a snowstorm at one point, she and her guide had to boil their leather boots for sustenance!). If your traveler has Tibet on their bucket list, this is a great gift idea.

Travels in West Africa by Mary Kingsley

Travels in West Africa - Mary Kingsley

I first read Mary Kingsley’s book Travels in West Africa in a college course many years ago! A scientific writer and daughter of two doctors, she wrote an account of her solo travels in which she sought to finish her late father’s research on primitive religions. Kinsley made her way through the Congo and all of its dangers dressed in the same clothes she would have at home, and helped shape European perceptions of African cultures and British imperialism through her writings and lectures.

No Hurry to Get Home: A Memoir by Emily Hahn

cover of the book No Hurry to Get Home - A Memoir - Emily Hahn

Emily Hahn was the author of 53 books and nearly 200 articles and short stories for the New Yorker from 1929 to 1996.  She challenged all the stereotypes of her time, traveling solo to the Belgian Congo at the age of 25, living in China as the concubine to a Shangai poet, and advocating for environmentalism. This is a collection of 23 of her articles from the New Yorker, published between 1937 and 1970. It’s a perfect gift for adventurous women and literature-loving travelers.

More Travel Photography Books

Want to give the gift of travel inspiration? These are some of my favorite travel and photography books to recommend. They make perfect gifts and conversation pieces for a traveler’s coffee table!

unique products travel tipper

Looking for more gift books for travelers? Check out all of my books for travelers recommendations at Bookshop.org .

The Techie Traveler

The Techie Traveler: Unique Gifts for Photographers & Tech Lovers

Do you have a traveler on your gift list who loves photography and gadgets? Check out these ideas for courses and gear that will help them enjoy and document their travels!

CreateLive Online Photography or Video Course

CreativeLive is a platform that helps creators of all kinds grow their skills. With a library of more than 1,500 classes and over 700 creator-teachers, there are options for every level of student, for those wanting to learn a totally new skill or become an expert in their niche. Check out their library of photography and video courses including fundamentals of photography, Adobe Lightroom editing, and wildlife photography. As a gift, you can give the “Creator Pass”: an all-access pass to their entire library , with options for either a monthly pass or an annual membership with is currently offered at a huge discount!

creative live courses for photographers

TripIt Pro Subscription

I’ve had a TripIt Pro subscription for years and can’t imagine traveling without it! Just forward all of your booking confirmations, and it builds your itinerary, tracks your flights and miles, and gives you real-time travel alerts about delays. You can choose to share your itineraries with friends and family (a feature my mom loves). It even reminds you to check in and when to leave for the airport to be on-time for your flight. There’s also a free version — minus the alerts and tracking functions, but still super helpful for keeping your trip details organized.

Photography & Travel Tech Gear

Check out more ideas for techie travelers looking to up their travel game! I’ve got tips for instant cameras, portable Bluetooth speakers, and the best cameras for adventure-loving travelers.

KODAK Printomatic Digital Instant Print Camera

unique products travel tipper

Everything old is new again (for those of us who remember shaking old Polaroid photos, impatiently waiting for them to develop)! The portable Kodak Printomatic comes in a variety of fun colors, and is a camera and printer in one, so you never have to worry about buying toner. Its 2×3 prints are durable: water-resistant, smudge free and tear-resistant, which makes them perfect for travel. The prints are also adhesive backed so you can easily add them to scrapbooks. This is a great gift for travel kids and teens, travelers who keep a daily journal, or travelers who like meeting locals – they can snap a selfie together and share a copy right away.

Around the World City Radio

unique products travel tipper

Start your day by listening to 18 different radio stations from around the world ! Pair your smartphone with this bluetooth-enabled device and travel the world with this retro-styled radio. This is a great gift for travelers who love gadgets and music from around the globe.

Bluetooth Speaker Water Bottle

water bottle with bluetooth speaker

Stay hydrated and listen to music and podcasts on the go with this Bluetooth speaker water bottle . You can even use it for phone calls! Charge it with a USB cord and your traveler will be set for outdoor adventures, listening to tunes in your hotel room, or relaxing by the pool.

Sony Alpha A6100 Mirrorless Camera with 16-50mm Zoom Lens

unique products travel tipper

Sony’s A6100 was just released this year, and is the perfect camera for any traveler who wants to step up from using a smartphone or heavier DSLR camera. The a6100 offers excellent still and video image quality in all shooting conditions. It replaces the older A6000 which is still a sensational camera, and is available as a kit with some bargain deals .

DJI Mavic Mini

unique products travel tipper

DJI has become the industry standard for drones, and the DJI Mavic Mini is its lightest and most portable drone yet. The Mavic Mini is a perfect drone for travelers, since it’s super portable and takes 12MP aerial photos and 2.7K HD videos. If your traveler is looking for a first drone, this is a great option because of its easy-to-use controller and image quality. Also its light weight categorizes it as a “toy” in many countries. (Be sure to check local laws regarding drones where you travel.)

GoPro Hero 8 Black Edition Action Camera Kit

unique products travel tipper

GoPros make it easy to capture adventure travel experiences because of their durability and portable size. Plus the latest model, the Hero 8, has tons of extra features, like Hypersmooth image stabilization, livestreaming, timelapse and a burst setting to choose the best photo. If your adventure traveler doesn’t already have one (or if they HAD one but dropped it down a canyon), this is definitely on their wish list.

JBL Clip 2 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker

unique products travel tipper

I like to travel with a portable speaker so I can listen to music in my hotel room or if I’m lucky to be staying somewhere with a private pool (still dreaming of you, Bali!). This JBL speaker is waterproof and has awesome reviews for its battery life, sound quality, and easy Bluetooth pairing. Also, it’s pretty darn cute.

The Minimalist

The Minimalist: Unique Travel Gifts

What do you buy a travel lover who doesn’t like a lot of stuff? Whether they’re a digital nomad, Eco-conscious or just a minimalist, I’ve got great travel gift ideas for these adventurers! Check out my best tips including online courses, travel gear, Eco-friendly supplies and more.

Gifts for travelers - online tours and experiences

Online Experiences from Airbnb

Airbnb Experiences have become one of my favorite ways to find “hidden gems” and culture tours with locals when I travel. Now, they’re expanding experiences with online tours, workshops, and more. Follow a “plague doctor” through Prague , take a tour of an animal sanctuary , discover the history of beer and so much more — from cooking classes to acting lessons to Harry Potter London secrets . Airbnb has hundreds of options, and you’ll be supporting creatives and tourism professionals while travel is paused!

Virtual Tours and Workshops from Viator

Viator, one of the top websites for booking tours and excursions, is bringing travel into your home with virtual tours from around the globe. Choose from virtual culture experiences like a street art experience in Brooklyn, guided tour of the Sistine Chapel, live “wonders of Lisbon” experiences and more. With their global workshops , you can drop into a yoga class in the DR, learn origami from a local in Seoul, can even take a flamenco dance in Spain.

4ocean is an organization that sells products to fund its programs to clean oceans and coastlines. Their business is founded belief that business can be a force for good and the actions of individual people, collectively, have the power to change the world. Check out their gift options including a “bracelet of the month” subscription which is twofold: your traveler gets a cool bracelet, and they clean up one pound of ocean trash! Or shop all of their gifts , including reusable bags, Yeti tumblers, t-shirts and more.

unique products travel tipper

Minimal Gear for Travelers

Check out these ideas for easy-to-pack, easy-to-store travel gear for minimalist and Eco-conscious adventurers.

Adventure Essentials Survival Kit

unique travel gifts - Adventure Essentials Survival Kit

This sleek adventure essentials survival kit has everything you need for outdoor adventures packed into a metal kit that’s also a flashlight! Inside you’ll find water purification tablets, a compass, a wire saw, reflective trail markers, and waterproof matches.

Portable Beach Chair

travel gifts - portable beach chair

This portable beach chair packs down small for travel, but assembles quickly for lounging on the beach in effortless style. If your minimalist traveler lives near the coast or prefers beach vacations, this is a gift that will get a lot of use.

Multi-Tool Watch and Swiss Army Knife

gifts for minimal travelers - multi tool clip watch

Packed with handy outdoor tools, this minimal multi-tool combines a Swiss army knife and watch. This gadget combines seven tools at your disposal, including a watch, bottle opener, knife, screwdriver, compass, tweezers, and a toothpick all in one design. (I have needed every one of these things while traveling!)

Glass Cold Brew Tea Bottle

unique products travel tipper

For tea-loving travelers, check out this glass cold-brew tea bottle for brewing tea overnight or infusing water with fruit. Makes smooth tea without bitterness, plus it’s easy to clean with removable silicone lid. This is the perfect gift for travelers who like tea on-the-go without having to worry about hot water for brewing.

Eco-Friendly Camping / Travel Toiletry Kit

travel gifts - eco-friendly camping kit

This Eco-friendly camping toiletry kit is perfect for throwing into your backpack for a weekend away! Includes a 2 oz aluminum free deodorant in a cardboard push up tube, goat milk soap bar, peppermint and rosemary shampoo bar, and a citronella candle in a reusable bag.

Zero-Waste Cutlery Kit With Beeswax Wrap

zero waste kit with beeswax wrap

This zero-waste travel cutlery kit eliminates the need for plastic cutlery and straws! Includes a beeswax wrap; reusable bamboo knife, fork and spoon; reusable bamboo straw; and a coconut bristled straw cleaner so you can clean your straw without plastic. This is the perfect gift for travelers trying to reduce waste (and how cute are those bees!).

Zero-Waste Vegan-Friendly Travel Kit

zero waste kit vegan gift set

Help your traveler reduce single-use plastics with this zero-waste travel kit that’s sustainable and vegan-friendly. You can customize the size of the kit and even request a custom kit. Includes sandwich and snack tins, reusable utensils, market bags and more.

Travel Stocking Stuffers

Travel Stocking Stuffers: Pocket-Size & Inexpensive Travel Gifts

Looking for a few more gift ideas for the travelers on your list? I’ve got cool travel stocking stuffers, inexpensive travel gift ideas, and travel necessities packing items for every type of traveler!

Done with your holiday shopping yet thanks to these ideas of unique gifts for travelers?

I hope that this gift guide helped you with awesome gift ideas for your favorite travelers! Be sure to pin it for later so you can come back for any last-minute shopping needs.

The Haphazard Traveler is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Item Gift Options

Unusual gifts for travelers that'll show them the world.

Posted August 28, 2023 by Jordan White

Gifting can be a daunting task, especially when there are so many options available. From clothes to gift cards to gadgets, the options are really endless. How do you choose? To guide you, focus on the recipient's interests. For example, if you’re shopping for a globe trotter, look at gifts for travelers (i.e., things that will make traveling easier and more fun). 

Are you shopping for someone who takes frequent road trips? Goes camping every weekend? Or maybe someone who’s always flying for work? Regardless, there are plenty of products available. 

Best Gifts For Travelers 

Celebrate States!

Celebrate States!

Celebrate States will allow you to support small businesses from all over the country while staying in the comforts of home. A great gift for travel lovers and adventurous souls, each month features a different state, sending small-batch treats and artisan goods from local businesses, along with interactive information and fun facts. Explore and expand your horizons with every box.

Shipping: We will ship your first box between two and five business days of your order. Subsequent boxes ship between the 11th and 22nd of each month.

“As a Geography Teacher, I have been getting this box for over a year and have been nothing but happy! They always have great stuff sourced from each specific state that delights me and/or makes me say “wow! I didn’t know that came from there!”. They also always include great print info about the state like travel brochures, maps, visitor’s guides etc that adds extra information and value. Very worthwhile purchase!! Highly recommended!” – Layne S.

Explore Local Box Monthly

Explore Local Box Monthly

Take a tasty trip to a new town without leaving the house, thanks to the Explore Local box. Each month, this subscription service spotlights a different U.S. city. They’ll receive a curated selection of artisanal snacks and locally-made treats from that region, along with a beautiful watercolor map and fun facts. It’s a neat way to discover small businesses and local artisans, and it’s the perfect spring subscription box for people who love to travel. With the Explore Local Box, they can sample a little taste of a whole new place.

Shipping: Your first box ships within 3 days of purchase. All subsequent boxes ship the first week of the month. Order by the 14th to receive this month's box.

"GREAT GIFT, GREAT BOX. They support small businesses all around the country and choose the very best locally made items for each month. 10/10 reommend!" - Gene E.

Travel Subscription Box- Quarterly/Annually

Travel Subscription Box- Quarterly/Annually

Shipping: Your first box will ship on the 1st of the next month. Order by the 30th of every month to get the current box. For current subscribers, the fall box will ship on September 1st. Your winter box will ship on December 1st. Your spring box will ship on March 1st. Your summer box will ship on June 1st.

Backpack The World - Cultural Geography Kits for Kids 9 to 15!

Backpack The World - Cultural Geography Kits for Kids 9 to 15!

Shipping: Your first month will ship 3-5 days after your purchase. Each month following, your kit will ship on the 30 day anniversary of your initial order.

Fellow Traveler Box

Fellow Traveler Box

Shipping: Subscription boxes will arrive every three months. Each box will center around a different theme and include our latest guidebook along with carefully selected goods from around the world.

Japanese Mystery Box from Japan!

Japanese Mystery Box from Japan!

Experience Japan’s Kawaiiness with this fun Kawaii Mystery Box! All boxes are hand curated from a variety of Kawaii shops from all over Japan and include Japanese kawaii home decor, plushies, accessories, and more!

Shipping: We ship via DHL Express 2 times a week so you will be sure to receive your box 5-7 days after processing.

“I was trying to find a fun Japan crate for myself and my granddaughter, and came across this one. This was by far the best crate I have ever received. Thank you so much! 💗💗💗” –Lorraine H.

Outdoor Essentials

Outdoor Essentials

Shipping: Your first order ships in 5-7 days. Subsequent ones ship quarterly on the 4th of the month. (We now ship using eco-friendly padded mailers made of 50% post-consumer material!) Subscriptions renew on the 12th or must be canceled by the 1st (unless pre-paid or a gift). Please message if you have questions. Please remember to Leave No Trace!

The Escape and Explore Box

The Escape and Explore Box

Shipping: We ship around the 28th of the month.

The Happy Glamper

The Happy Glamper

If they love outdoor adventures –– but, say, not sleeping in a tent –– the Happy Glamper is one of the best travel subscription boxes for them. Featuring outdoor gear and goodies like picnic blankets, warm socks, drink mixes for sitting around the fire pit, books, and more, this box is perfect for getting cozy and some fresh air, too.

Shipping: Our boxes ship around the 15th of March, June, September and December! In between those times, new orders ship out via USPS or UPS on Fridays. Please message us with any specific shipping questions. Between December 18th-3st, boxes will be shipped the next business day.

“I simply ADORE the Happy Glamper crates! Seeing the tiffany blue packages waiting on the step when I get home always makes my day! I also really appreciate the fact that they introduce me to wonderful and unique products I wouldn’t encounter otherwise!” – Layne S.

Travel Through Music (No commitment)

Travel Through Music (No commitment)

Give the music fan in your life the chance to go on a world tour with this unique subscription box tailored to whisk them away to new travel destinations through music. Tailor their VIP experience with different tiers that include unique products from the featured destinations, travel items, a curated Spotify playlist, and a guide with links to virtual tours, coupons, and other info. They'll discover new great music that they'll want add to their ever-growing playlist. A portion of the proceeds goes toward supporting the featured artist, small businesses, and artisans. The perfect gift idea for travelers and wanderlusters itching to hit the road again!

Shipping: Shipping PANAMA BOX last week of March There are unprecedented international delays. If circumstances change with our boxes due to this, updates are emailed to subscribers.

“I've had a year worth of boxes from Travel Through music and nothing compares to this box. it's absolutely unique and magnificent. I love the artist interaction. Each box is like a Christmas morning, full of surprises.” – Janet S.

Wanderkarma Travel the World Box

Wanderkarma Travel the World Box

If they’re interested in supporting global, female artisans from Cuba, Rwanda, or Colombia, Wanderkarma is the subscription box for them. They’ll receive 3-5 pieces of fair-trade artisan jewelry or home decor, plus a digital guide to show them where their items were made.

Shipping: Your first box will ship within 5-7 business days from order.

"I love that this is sustainable tourism in a gift box! Hopefully my mother-in-law loves receiving these boxes as much as I loved giving them! :)The seller is extremely easy to communicate with and helped us personalize a delivery schedule that worked in our budget and timeline." - Christa T.

Treats International Snack Box

Treats International Snack Box

Shipping: Your first box ships 3 days after purchase. All subsequent boxes ship between the 12th -18th each month. Please order Standard Boxes before 12/17 and Premium Boxes before 12/15 To ship in time for Christmas.

Wordy Traveler Dual Backpacker Subscription One Fiction and One Non-Fiction book

Wordy Traveler Dual Backpacker Subscription One Fiction and One Non-Fiction book

No matter where in the world they find themselves, the Wordy Traveler sends the sweet message that all places are up for exploration. This seasonal subscription sends them on a new journey every 3 months with 2 books that feature a new destination, 1 fiction and 1 non-fiction, plus a mix of scene-setting gifts and goodies. Plus, every purchase pays it forward to women and children in need.

Shipping: Your first box will ship via USPS Priority Mail within 2 weeks. Subsequent boxes will be shipped quarterly. Renewals take place on the 11th of the month and ship out afterwards. International customers are responsible for any duties.. . Subscriptions must be cancelled 24 hours before the renewal. Once the renewal processes we cannot issue a refund

"I have got 2 boxes and loved them both. Books were great as were the gifts. I got the full suitcase. Loved the most recent with the hat" - Angel S.

Fun Gifts For Travel Lovers

For instance, the Wild Woman Box is perfect for the lady in your life who loves being in the mountains. Whether she’s an avid hiker or camper, each box is filled with delicious snacks and useful gear they can use to navigate the outdoor terrain. 

Speaking of snacks, the Just The Snacks! Box would also make a great gift. Each is filled with over 35 delicious snacks; from healthy options, salty snacks, and even delicious sweets in these boxes. 

Maybe you’re shopping for a travel enthusiast who’s also a coffee lover. The MyBean Monthly subscription box would make the perfect gift! With each box, they can immerse themselves in coffee from renowned regions worldwide. Heck, with this gift, they don’t even have to leave their homes to feel like they’re traveling. But if they do, they can always pack these beans in their suitcase to enjoy wherever they go. 

Maybe you’re shopping for someone that travels for work and could use some help relaxing. The CBD Box is curated with the best tinctures, edibles, and other CBD products that can help calm their nerves. This is also an excellent gift for anxious fliers!  And these are just a few of the many products available through the Cratejoy marketplace.

Find even more options hand-selected for the traveler in your life in our travel category . 

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31 Useful & Unique Travel Accessories

There are a ton of unique travel accessories out on the market you probably didn’t know you needed until now. These cool travel gadgets have forever changed the way we travel.

No more tangled cords or feeling disorganized, these useful travel things make the act of traveling easier and less stressful. From long-haul flight essentials to the best air travel accessories or even backpacker gadgets, these travel tools will save the day in more ways than one.

In this article, I’ll go over all the best unique and cool travel accessories that not only make your trips safer and easier but they make perfect gifts for the traveler in your life.

Useful & Unique Travel Accessories

For full transparency,  I have sprinkled some affiliate links in this post which gives me a small commission at no extra cost to you if you decided to make a purchase. As always, I would never recommend a product or service that I didn't truely believe in. If you find this post useful, you can also treat Jess to a cup coffee by clicking the icon on the bottom of the page. This will allow me to continue to create more content for you to enjoy ☕️. 

Table of Contents

30 Useful & Unique Travel Accessories

  • Nomatic Travel Pack
  • Compression Packing Cubes
  • Travel Cord Roll
  • Universal Adapter
  • Toiletry Bag
  • Nomader Collapsable Water Bottle
  • LifeStraw Go Water Bottle
  • Portable Speaker
  • Nano Hair Dryer
  • Leather Passport Cover
  • Travel Jewelry Case
  • Utility Credit Card
  • Solar Power Bank with a Flashlight & Compass
  • Luggage Travel Cup Holder
  • Travel Steam Iron
  • Joby Gorillapod
  • Wilderness Navigation Flask
  • Zero Grid Infinity Scarf
  • Portable Espresso Machine
  • Digital Hand Luggage Scale
  • Travel Door Alarm
  • Inflatable Wine Bags
  • Airplane Footrest
  • Inflatable Neck Pillow
  • Travel Clothesline
  • Portable Safe
  • Universal Airplane in Flight Mount

Useful Travel Accessories

Useful travel accessories

1. PRVKE by WANDR

The PRVKE by WANDRD is one of the best travel/cameral backpacks on the market. This is the backpack that I use and I travel around the world searching for rad adventures with my camera in my hand.

Everything about this was designed with the traveler on the go in mind. It’s the perfect bag to take with you when you are doing the actual act of traveling.

If you’re not a professional photographer don’t worry, just don’t use the camera insert. This bag is still the perfect travel companion. A thoughtful and useful travel bag.

View Product →

Well Traveled Packing Cubes

2. Packing Cubes

These handy dandy Compression Packing Cubes keep your clothes organized and makes it easier to pack bulkier items like jackets.  They also make it easier to separate your clean and dirty clothes.  This is one of the most useful travel accessories in this list.

unique products travel tipper

3. Hat Clip

A Hat Clip is one of my recent purchases and I can’t believe it took me this long to get.   This useful travel accessroy can clip onto your travel tote or backpack and keep your brimmed hat in prime condition.   The clasp/magnet is strong and will keep your hat looking neat and stylish when you’re on the go.

Electronic cords case organizer

4. Electronics Organizing Case

Keep your electronic companions organized in style with this Electronics Cords Organizing Case . It’s also great for stowing small knick-knacks like watches, hair clips, or other on-the-go necessities. Now this is a useful travel accessory!

Universal Adaptor GIft

5. Universal Adaptor

A Universal Adapter  makes for a great stocking stuffer and is a super useful travel accessory.  Compatible with over 150 countries including all of Europe and Asian countries.

Steripen

6. SteriPen

Womens toiletry bag

7. Toiletry Bag

Collapsable Water Bottle

8. Collapsable Water Bottle

Lifestraw Go Water Bottle

9. Lifestraw Go Water Bottle

Portable speaker

10. Portable Speaker

A Portable Speaker is a must have for any traveler.  This Bose speaker produces a deep, loud sound and has a wireless range of about 30 feet.  Battery lasts up to 12 hours, perfect for getting ready in your hotel room, for extra added surround sound as you watch Netflix on your computer and for the beach.

Travel Hair Dryer

11. Nano Hair Dryer

Matching passport covers

12. Passport Holder

Travel Jewelry case

13. Travel Jewelry Case

Utility Credit Card

14. Utility Credit Card

Sky roam Personal wifi

15. Sky Roam

Sky Roam is an awesome travel companion.  This personal WiFi can travel with you on a vacation home for connectivity anywhere, anytime. Enjoy the convenience and flexibility of pay-as-you-go WiFi with no contracts.  Perfect for work and play.

Get your Carry-On-Packing Guide Checklist

Unique travel accessories.

Unique Travel accessories

16. Solar Power Bank with Flashlight & Compass

Luggage cup holder

17. Luggage Travel Cup Holder

Travel Steam Iron

18. Travel Steam Iron

Joby Tripod

19. Joby Gorillapod

Navigation Flask

20. Navigation Flask

Travel Scarf

21. Travel Scarf

Portable Espresso Machine

22. Portable Esspresso Machine

Portable Luggage Scale

23. Portable Luggage Scale

Travel Door Alarm

24. Travel Door Alarm

Inflatable Wine Bags

25. Inflatable Wine Bags

Foot Hammock

26. Foot Hammock

Inflatable Neck Pillow

27. Inflatable Neck Pillow

Travel Clothesline

28. Travel Clothesline

A Travel Clothesline is a very useful travel accessory.  This backpacker gadget is perfect for backpacking,  traveling or camping.  The suction cups on the end make it easy to attach to windows or shower stalls.

Portable Safe

29. Portable Safe

Airplane in flight Mount

30. Airplane In Flight Mount

Aloha sling one of the best long haul flight essentials

31. Aloha Travel Bags

Lastly, the last unique travel accessory to make the list is the ALOHA Collection Bags . These bags come in multiple different sizes, styles and colors. I wear the Aloha Mini Hip Pack on the daily when I’m in airports and when I’m out and about in a foreign country.

Santa Catalina Arch in Antigua

Travel Guides

If you love the act of traveling as much as I do, check out the guides below for more travel product recommendations, tips & tricks to survive long haul flights.

Long Haul Flights Tips & Tricks – Find out 10 tips and tricks to help you survive a long haul flight in economy.

Long Haul Essentials Every Traveler Must Have – Don’t fly a long-haul flight without these cool travel gadgets.

20 Must-Have Travel Accessories – These travel accessories make traveling smoother and more comfortable.

The Best Gadgets for Backpackers  – Check out the most unique and useful backpack travel gadgets out there.

20 Travel Pieces of Exercise Equipment – Exercise equipment for the road.

What’s in my Bag – A page full of my favorite products and treated travel gear. These are products that I swear by and have made my life so much better.

Travel Vlogs 

Want to see what it’s like to travel around the world and live out of a Carry-on Roller Suitcase and Backpack/Camera Bag ?

Check out my YouTube Channel and please subscribe or give us a thumbs up 👍. It doesn’t cost you anything and really helps us be able to continue creating free content for you to enjoy.

🎥 Watch our Long Haul Travel Days Series on YouTube

Final Thoughts on the Best Useful & Unique Travel Accessories 

There are lots of unique and useful travel accessories on the market that make the act of traveling much more comfortable and enjoyable during your next travels. If you found this article useful, let fellow travelers know in the comments below 👇.

More Travel Guides ↓

10 Ways to Stay in Fit & Travel

Gift Ideas for Travel Couples 

22 Ways to Save Money to Travel the World

22 Ways to Save Money for Travel

Enjoy this Post?!?! Pin in for Later ↓

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57 Brilliant Travel Accessories Every Traveller Must Have [2024 Edition]

Best Travel Accessories in 2024

Travel smarter and safer in 2024 with 57 of the best brilliant travel accessories and travel gadgets. From the best adapters, earplugs, space-savers, travel safety to portable chargers.

1. this ergonomic travel pillow.

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Travel Pillow

The smart design of this washable pillow prevents your head from falling forwards as you sleep. Suitable for adults and children and perfect to use on airplanes, buses, trains, cars, camping, while backpacking, wheelchairs, airport terminals, or even while watching TV.

Buy it here

2. Pack more with these awesome space bags ! I have 20 of them!

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Space bags

Saving space in your suitcase is no longer a challenge with these amazing space bags that push out the air when rolled up. You effectively gain up to 50% more space in your baggage. I use the larger ones at home and the smaller ones for travel. They make for great organisers too!

Buy them here

3. Keep your dirty clothes separate with this handing laundry bag

Travel Accessories and Gadgets- Nomatic Hanging LaundryBag

Keep your dirty clothes organized and separate. This handy GOMATIC hanging laundry bag has a strap to attach it to a doorknob. Once your laundry bag is full, you can easily pack it and have it ready to empty straight into your washing machine when you get home. Buy it here.

4. Get this cute secret pocket infinity scarf

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Infinity Scarf

5. This Travel-sized Wireless Router with USB Media Storage

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Wireless Travel Router

Convert any wired network to a wireless network and stay connected! Not only that you can also stream your videos, photos, and music to your connected media devices. If that wasn’t enough, back up and free up space on your mobile devices by using an attached USB flash drive or hard disk.

6. This Travel Door Alarm

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Travel Door Alarm

Travelling alone or just wanted added peace of mind in your accommodation? Attach this pocket-sized alarm to your door or window and be alerted the second there is an intruder. There’s also a built-in LED flashlight so there’s no fumbling in the dark.

7. This Multi-Bag Stacker

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Multi-Bag Stacker

No more bag juggling or pushing multiple trolleys/carts, just attached this nifty strap that connects suitcases and bags together through their handles.

8. These Amazing Space-Saving Laundry Soap Sheets

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Laundry Soap Sheets

Add water and the sheet will dissolve instantly. They also come in shaving, body wash and hand soap versions.

9. Protect your phone from water, drops and scratches with this Lifeproof Case

10. this digital luggage scale.

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Luggage Scale

You’ll never be surprised with having to pay for excess weight at the airport again. This compact and lightweight luggage scale can weigh up to 110 lb / 50 kg luggage. No batteries required.

11. No more breaks and leak with this inflatable bottle bag

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Inflatable Bottle Bag

This versatile roll-up travel bag suspends items in an inflatable air cushion to protect your bottles such as wine and olive oil. No more nasty surprises and messy spills when you open your suitcase.

12. Boost Circulation with these highly-rated compressions socks

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Compression Socks

13. Keep your Laptop and Other Items safe with a Portable Safe

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Pacsafe Travelsafe Portable Safe

14. This Vintage Laptop and Travel Backpack that Charges your Gadgets

Best Travel Accessories 2024 - Backpack with USB charger

15. The Only Travel Adapter You’ll Ever Need PLUS Dual USB Ports (Covers 150 Countries)

Best Travel Accessories 2024 USB Travel Adapter

16. This inspirational luggage tag with card slot

Travel Accessories - Luggage Tag with card slot

17. Always Be Ready with a Pocket, Picnic and Beach Blanket

Best Travel Accessories 2024 travel pocket blanket

18. For Those Who Love a Mini Electric Toothbrush

Travel Accessories - Travel toothbrush

19. Keep Your Drinks Hot on Long Haul Flights with this Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Mug (Different Colours Available)

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Mug

20. Get This Gorgeous Multi-Use Travel, Hiking, Camping Bag Rucksack

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Multi-Use Travel Hiking Camping Bag Rucksack

21. This Smartest Carry-on suitcase Built-in USB Charger

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Smart Luggage

22. Keep your toiletries organized with this waterproof organizer

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Waterproof Travel Kit

23. Stay clean with these laundry sachets 

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Travel Accessories Laundry Kit

24. This personalised passport holder and protector  

Travel Accessories - Passport Holder and Protector

25. Charge multiple accessories super fast with this portable compact charger

Best Travel Accessories 2024 - Portable Charger

26. Get some shuteye with this contoured sleep mask

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Sleepmask

27. Avoid the knots and get this nifty cable organizer

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Cable Organiser

28. Sleep anywhere with the ultimate ergonomic neck supporter

Best Travel Accessories 2024 - Sleep Anywhere Travel Pillow

29. Pack like a boss with these space-saving packing cubes with shoe bag

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Travel Accessories packing pouch

Keep your gear organised with these travel cubes in assorted sizes. Buy it here

30. Keep your stuff safe with this TSA approved luggage lock

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Luggage Lock

31. Keep your jewellery organized with this compact jewellery box

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Jewellery Box

32. Never buy cabin luggage again with this durable and lightweight case

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Cabin Suitcase

33. Stay hydrated with this collapsible water bottle

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Collapsible Water bottle

34. Breathe easy with this USB or battery operated mini humidifier

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Humidifier

35. Take your music with you with this wireless and waterproof Bluetooth speaker

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speakers

36. Get safe drinking water wherever you go with the LifeStraw water filter

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Lifestraw

37. Get 18 in 1 multi-purpose credit card size pocket tool

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Wallet Tool

38. These cabin-approved leak-proof travel bottles for makeup and cosmetics

Travel Accessories - Travel bottles for makeup and cosmetics

39. Stay charged on the go with this mini power bank

Best Travel Accessories 2024 - Mini Power Bank

40. Take your phone underwater with a universal waterproof case

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Underwater Phone case

41. Protect your camera with this anti-theft shoulder strap by PacSafe

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Anti-theft shoulder strap

This camera strap is essential for supporting heavy cameras like DSLRs and even popular travel cameras such as Mirrorless ones.

Buy it here $26.87

42. Take this lightweight tripod anywhere and wirelessly take pictures and video

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Tripod Stand

43. Protect your gear with this anti-theft shockproof backpack that’s ScanSmart TSA friendly and water resistant

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Anti-theft Shockproof Backpack

44. Charge your phone and tablet with this USB solar charger

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Solar Charger

45. Keep your phone clean with this sanitizer and universal phone charger

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Sanitiser

46. Put your feel up with this compact foot hammock

47. hang up your washing with this travel clothes line.

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Pegless Washing Line

No more hanging your delicates over hotel room chairs. This pegless washing line stretches up to 2.5metre and can be to affixed to either a  wall or furniture with its metal hooks or suction cups.

48. Get this beautiful waterproof travel and passport wallet

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Organiser

49. This Convenient Water Bottle with Built-in Pill Organizer

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Travel Bottle and Pill Organiser

Great way to take your medication while on the go! This water bottle can store your medication for each day of the week. The medication holder can also be detached. Holding 23 oz. or 600ml, the bottle cap also doubles as a cup. Ingenious!

50. Keep all your documents in once place with this travel wallet

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Travel Wallet

51. Alert others when in trouble with this safety whistle

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Safety Whistle

52. Stay entertained with movies, TV shows, songs, Kindle e-books, apps and games on Kindle Fire

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Kindle Fire

Buy on Amazon for $79.99

53. Wash your clothes wherever you are with this machine quality wash bag

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Washing Bag

Buy on Amazon for $42.44

54. This Clever Tank Top  with Secret Pockets

Best Travel Accessories 2024 clever tank top

Keep your  passport, cash and credit cards safe with this versatile tank top. Perfect for both warm and cool climates. It can even fit your cell phones and keys.

Buy on Amazon

55. This Anti-Crease Shirt Transporter

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Shirt Organiser

Save time on ironing! This Tupperware for shirts and blouses is called the Shirt Shuttler, perfect for those trips when you know you’ll be spending a night out on the town or in a boardroom, or both!

Buy on Amazon for $24.99

56. This Optical Camera Lens for Smartphones and Tablets

Best Travel Accessories 2024 SmartPhone Tablet Camera Lens

57. The only worldwide travel charger and power adapter you’ll ever need  (UK/US/AU/EU/JP) + Dual USB Ports

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Travel Charger Adapter

Buy on Amazon for $25.99

Want more? Check out these 43 Amazing Money-Saving Tips for Smart Travellers

Stay tuned! I’m constantly updating this page as I discover the latest and greatest travel accessories. If you’re going backpacking or long-term travelling, check out my ultimate travel packing list . Got a favourite travel accessory? Share it below! :)

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Want more travel tips? Don’t miss these

  • How to Travel Cheap: Ultimate Guide to 108 Travel Resources
  • 43 Amazing Money-Saving Travel Tips and Hacks
  • Travel Insurance for Italy (What You NEED to Know Before You Go)
  • 10 Simple Long Haul Flight Tips for Arriving Rested and Relaxed
  • 23 Top Travel Essentials: Ultimate Travel Packing List for Backpackers
  • What Pack for Winter in Norway: 17 Must-Have Packing Items
  • 10 Travel Hacks That’ll Make Your First Solo Trip A Total Breeze
  • 20 Clever Ways to Staying Fit While Travelling You Should Try

Like it? Pin it for later!

Best Travel Accessories in 2024

Over to you!

What other travel accessories do you recommend? Have you used any of these? Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

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Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. What separates her from other instructors is her ability to explain complex grammar in a no-nonsense, straightforward manner using her unique 80/20 method. Get her free guide 9 reasons you’re not fluent…YET & how to fix it! Planning a trip? Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today!

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Howdy Michele, I love to travel. I’ve read so many posts about travel gadgets, but you are the best one. Your article was beneficial in finding the necessary devices. I personally like an anti-theft shockproof backpack, which is ScanSmart TSA friendly and water-resistant. It is useful for everyone.

Thank you so much, Kim :)

unique products travel tipper

Hello, I have gone through your guide and seems to be interesting though I have one more concern on the WiFi devices. Can you recommend me on the best Pocket Device that will work well on anywhere I travel. I have using AllDayWifi but its very slow on their international data plan. I have been considering RentnConnect though I know very little about it

Hi Collins, have you considered this Skyroam device ? It one of the leaders in the market and very compact.

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What about this Trackimo 3G Travel Tracker device this has Light Exposure Sensor – detect/alerts when package or luggage is opened. I am currently using this tracker and i found this very useful to me every time i go travel around the world :)

Excellent addition Helen, thank you :)

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A tracking device would be a great addition to this list.

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Amazing! This makes traveling easier.

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Definitely brilliant ideas worth sharing

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This IS such a cool list! I thought I had everything, but then I found out the door travel alarm (never would’ve thought of it)!. And I wonder how good the neck support (#33) is because there were PLENTY of times I could have used something like that on my trips.

Hey Trang, the door alarm is such a great idea especially for those times when you just don’t feel safe :) Is there anything you’d add to the list?

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I just carry a small rubber door stop wedge.

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WOW! This is one extensive list of all things travel and certainly one that I will be using to give hints to my friends and family round the holiday season. The new ScanSmart backpack along with the waterproof phone case and solar charger are on top of my list. However my top two purchases are going to be the smart suitcase and the backpack which are absolutely brilliant. Thanks for such a cool list.

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Hi Michele, There are all great ideas. I have one more suggestion for you. Smart Blanket! I used it when flying to Zurich to see my son and his family. The plane was freezing, and there were no blankets to be had. I was the only one that was warm and cozy for the whole 8 hours. I love mine. Got it on Amazon http://amzn.to/2hTYlOP I paid $49.00 for mine. Think they are having a sale on them now. Hope you like my suggestion.

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The door alarm and aeroplane pillow are a great idea to stay comfy and safe! I always take an extension lead when I travel; so that I have more plug sockets in a hotel room, and it also means you don’t need as many adapters when you travel. You also can’t go wrong with baby wipes and small-ish plastic bags in case a seat is wet, a bottle is leaking or you’ve got a mark on your clothes! ✈️?

All brilliant ideas Emily :) Thanks for sharing. I love the baby wipes idea!

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Home » Travel Tips » 50+ Unique Travel Gifts You’ll Love on the Road and at Home

50+ Unique Travel Gifts You’ll Love on the Road and at Home

By Author Laura Longwell

Posted on Last updated: November 3, 2023

Looking for the perfect present for the traveler in your life? Something they might actually use? It’s not always easy. We’ve had the chance to road test a lot of unique travel gifts and gadgets in different situations around the world to find the things that will actually be awesome, helpful gifts.

This list of travel gift ideas is designed to be interesting and fun and to help make travel easier. But, for the times you’re not able to be on the road, we’ve also included things that will help you remember your trips and be inspired even when you’re not globetrotting. There’s a wide price range if you’re looking for stocking stuffers or a splurge gift. Most items on this list are less than $50, so hopefully you can find some cool gifts for your friends and family (and yourself, too!).

Top Gifts for Travelers in 2023

Best travel presents under $30, insanely useful gifts, for foodie travelers, must-have luggage.

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Pacsafe Anti-theft Backpack

Pacsafe makes the best safety-related travel products.

This daypack has enough room to carry a camera, laptop, and other essentials without being so bulky that it will weigh you down. It has slashguard embedded in the fabric and an RFID blocking pocket, so all your belongings and your information stay safe. The lockable exterior pockets and zippers are also a huge bonus.

Check prices for anti-theft backpack

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Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones

When it comes to good gifts for travelers, we always look for something that will make the experience easier or more enjoyable. These headphones are one of those things.

With the touch of a button, these headphones allow you to block out the world and let your music stand out. Plus, they have a long-life battery and noise-rejecting mics that make it easier for people to hear you on phone calls.

Check noise cancelling headphones prices

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Personalized Puzzle

Reminisce about past trips and look forward to new ones while working on a puzzle personalized with your own image. This company will convert a favorite vacation photo or family memory into a 500-piece puzzle, making for a truly unique gift.

Check puzzle price s

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Polaroid Go Camera & Film

The cool Polaroid Go camera is a new spin on old technology. A mini version of the original, the small camera has a reflective selfie mirror and self-timer plus film that you can get creative with by using a double-exposure feature. This bundle comes with the camera and film to take 16 photos.

Check Polaroid Go prices

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White Noise Machine for Travel

We always travel with a white noise machine because we’re light sleepers. It’s indispensible.

This machine has three settings to customize what kind of noise works best for you for inducing sleep. At just 3.5 inches wide and less than 4 ounces, this white noise machine is super portable and easy to throw in your carry-on. It comes with a 101-night trial to make sure it’s the right fit.

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Roku Streaming Stick

Make streaming entertainment easy when you travel with the Roku Streaming Stick. This wildly useful device puts all your entertainment in one place from Netflix and Prime Video to cable and AppleTV. Just log on to the internet and all your favorite channels will be at your fingertips.

Check prices for Roku Streaming Stick

Pix-Star Wifi Digital Picture Frame

A huge part of traveling is taking pictures, but so often, we leave them on our smartphones. The Pix-Star frame is a wifi digital picture frame that can display photos from your phone or camera easily–just email them straight to the frame or transfer from the app.

The Pix-Star frame is easy to set up and holds about 30,000 photos and videos. You can showcase your own photos or buy a frame for a loved one and send them photos from your trips or simply everyday activities.

The Pix-Star frame has lots of features, including displaying weather, playing music, and connecting with social media so you can display photos shared on Facebook or Instagram. All the bells and whistles make it great for families and one of the best gifts for people who travel a lot.

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Fitbit Fitness Tracker

A Fitbit Versa 2 is awesome whether you’re traveling or not.

When we’re on vacation, we tend to walk. A LOT. I love the feeling of accomplishment when I can see how many steps I’ve taken, and I love that it makes me feel OK about indulging in a few of the local treats. At home, my Fitbit prompts me to get up and move more–an occupational hazard of being tied to a computer most of the day.

The Fitbit Versa 2 tracks your steps and calories burned and how well and how long you sleep. It also tells time and notifies you of texts and calls to your smartphone.

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Homesick Candles

If you’re traveling somewhere for awhile, moving to a new state, or embarking on the adventure of being an expat, it’s nice to have things that remind you of home like these Homesick Candles. Made of soy wax with a 60-80 hour burn time, you can enjoy the scent you miss whenever you want.

There are so many options to choose from, including states, regions, specific cities, and many more.

Check prices for Homesick Candles

Multi-purpose Passport Wallet and Organizer

There are a million things to organize when you’re traveling. Some people are very good at that (Lance), but others aren’t so much (me). That’s why I use a multi-purpose travel wallet . Especially when I’m traveling on my own, it helps me know that I have all my important things in one place.

My travel wallet helps me keep all my essentials together. That way, I never have to frantically search from my passport, boarding pass, credit cards, tickets, and other things that seem to go missing along the way. There’s even a spot for a SIM card. This passport wallet is available in 35 colors and includes RFID technology to safeguard your privacy. It’s the perfect gift for the (slightly disorganized) traveler.

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GorillaPod Tripod for Cameras or Phones

Full-size tripods are big and can be clunky, but tripods are an important part of taking photos. Low-light settings, selfies, odd angles, and other scenarios make a tripod essential. To solve the problem, we use GorillaPod tripods whenever possible.

GorillaPod tripods are small, lightweight, and flexible so you can carry them easily and twist and bend them however you need. They take up very little room and are super useful.

Check prices on GorillaPods

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Tile Mate Item Finder

Are you always asking yourself where your phone is or where you put your keys? That was me until I got Tile Mate.

Tile Mate is a Bluetooth tracker that you attach to things you don’t want to lose. When you can’t find them, you can locate them using an app on your smartphone, Alexa, or Google Assistant. It’s the only way I get out the door on time.

Check Tile Mate prices

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Scratch-off World Map

We admit to being those people . You know the ones–the people who count and keep a list of all the places they’ve been to in the world. And that’s exactly why we love this scratch-off map!

Scratch off the spots on these high-quality maps to reveal where you’ve been and get inspiration for where to go next. You’ll find all the countries of the world plus 210 national flags. In the US, Canada, and Australia, individual states are outlined, too.

Travel Phone Mount

With more airlines offering in-flight entertainment via streaming, having an easy way to watch on your phone is critical. This mount means you don’t have to hold your phone for hours or watch shows and movies at a weird angle. It’s a game changer.

Check prices for the phone mount

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50 States, 5000 Ideas

You don’t have to travel around the world to have a great adventure. There are plenty of amazing things to see without breaking out your passport, and 50 States, 5000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do will help feed your US-based wanderlust.

From main attractions to things to do off the beaten path, this book will help you discover them all. It’s a cheap present for people looking to discover somewhere new.

Check prices for 50 States, 5000 Ideas

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Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow

This is not your typical travel pillow. You can bend and contour this unique travel gift into almost any shape you need to support your neck, back, head, or shoulders. It’s great on the road but works at home and at the office, too, if you need additional support while reading in bed, sitting at a desk, etc.

I love the Twist pillow most because I always found traditional travel pillows a little too bulky. But I can shape this one just perfectly for me. It’s also great because the memory foam inside is firm, but it’s covered in breathable cotton. The cover is machine washable, which is ideal because–let’s be honest–traveling can be dirty sometimes.

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Quick-drying Microfiber Towel

We love being around water. Beaches, waterfalls, hot springs, oceans — you name it, and it’s probably on our list. We even travel with our own snorkel gear . That means we also spend a lot of time wet on our trips, which isn’t very convenient when you’re renting a car or otherwise traveling around.

This microfiber towel makes it a lot easier to continue with our adventures without having to worry about air-drying or soaking our clothes or car seats. The towel is compact and dries quickly, which is perfect when you’re moving around. It’s also great as a bath towel if you’re renting an apartment or staying in a hostel.

Check prices for microfiber towel

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Sleep Mask and Ear Plugs

Traveling means often finding yourself in places where you need or want to sleep but where sleeping may not be that easy. (I’m looking at you, uncomfortable airplane seat and too-bright hotel room).

An eye mask and ear plug set is the best combination we’ve found yet to help with sleep in these challenging situations. The contoured, lightweight eye mask feels natural, doesn’t put pressure on your eyes, and blocks every speck of light. And the earplugs are a must.

Check prices for the sleep mask set

Wine Protector Sleeves

Bringing wine home from vacation is one of our favorite ways to make a trip last in our minds. From Alsace to North Carolina, we’ve found ourselves needing a safe way to transport wine while protecting our clothes. Sometimes, if stores know we’re traveling, they’ll give us a wine bag as an incentive to take something home. But they’re always one-use bags, which feels wasteful. That’s why we love these bags –they’re reusable.

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Refillable Leather Journal

Electonic devices are great, but sometimes you just want to go old school with pen and paper. Refillable leather journals are ideal for someone traveling who wants to have a tangible memory of their thoughts and impressions along the way. Write, sketch, doodle, or plan in this convenient journal.

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Soft Travel Blanket

Whether you’re napping on a road trip, keeping warm on a flight, or simply looking for a bit of extra comfort, this light-weight, plush travel blanket does the job. It’s easy to fold into its carrying case that can double as a pillow when the blanket is stored. It folds up small and comes with a hand luggage belt to easily attached to a carry-on.

Check prices on the travel blanket

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OtterBox Defender iPhone Case

I’m a klutz by nature, and I’m often taking photos at weird angles. Plus, I live on my phone. All of that adds up to the fact that I drop my phone. A lot. And thanks to the Otterbox Defender, I’ve never had a single worry about damaging my phone or cracking my screen.

The Otterbox Defender is one heavy-duty phone case, so it’s a great option for people who aren’t great at hanging on to things. It has several layers that spread out the force of any drops or dings, and it’s practically indestructible. I would never use my phone without it.

Check prices on OtterBox Defender

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Diversion Safe Hair Brush

There are many reasons to be cautious when you travel. If you have extra cash, jewelry, or other small items that you don’t want out in the open, a diversion safe like this hair brush with a hollow core can be the perfect solution. It’s a great gift idea for people who stay in hostels, who prefer not to use a hotel safe, or those who just want to be discrete.

Insulated Coffee Mug

Easily take your favorite beverage with you in this insulated mug. It keeps hot beverages hot for at least 3 hours and cold beverages cold for 9 hours or more. It’s stainless steel, has a BPA-free lid, and won’t burn surfaces or leave condensation rings.

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Multi Charging Cable

We often find ourselves in hotel rooms or apartment rentals with only a couple of outlets and numerous devices to charge. This multi charging cable comes in very handy in those situations.

The charger allows us to charge several phones, cameras, and tablets using only one USB port. Not only is it efficient, but it means we don’t have different devices strewn all over the room, so we’re less likely to accidentally leave a charger (or a device!) behind.

This charger isn’t the sexiest gift, but it’s one of the most useful things we’ve come across.

Check prices on the multi charging cable

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Infinity Travel Scarf

This travel scarf–which comes in five different colors–has two cool features. First, it can convert into a wrap or blanket, which is super useful for air travel. Second, it has two hidden pockets, so you can have your valuables with you at all times without needing to keep your eye on a purse or bag. They’re big enough to hold a passport, ID, phone, and other important items.

Check prices for the travel scarf

Sea to Summit Dry Bag

If you do a lot of water-related activities, having a dry bag can be critical. If you’re snorkeling, rafting, fishing, or just hanging out at the beach for the day, a dry bag lets you keep important things away from splashes.

It’s great to keep items—like your phone, camera, or wallet—dry and safe. But it’s equally convenient to have a completely dry change of clothes or towel when you’re done enjoying your day on the water.

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Burt’s Bees Cleansing Towelettes

I once packed for a month in Europe using only a carry-on. Let me tell you: that requires a little bit of creativity. These facial cleansing towelettes are perfect when you have to limit your carry-on liquids and want to still take care of your skin quickly and easily. Plus, who doesn’t love Burt’s Bees?

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Portable Power Bank

Whether you’re using a tablet for in-flight entertainment, posting on social media, or using your phone for a GPS, there are lot of opportunities to run down your batteries when you’re traveling and often fewer chances to get a full charge. Having a back-up power bank means you don’t have to worry if you’re not near an electrical outlet.

This power bank can charge your phone or tablet multiple times without having to be re-charged itself. That means you’ll never miss the end a movie or get stuck without a map or a camera while you’re on the road.

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Laundry Bag

It’s always a little bit of a challenge for me to separate my dirty clothes from my clean clothes in my suitcase, even when I feel like I’ve planned ahead. This laundry bag has helped immensely. It folds down small and expands when I need it either for doing laundry on a trip or taking it straight to the washing machine when I get home. Highly recommended for trips longer than a quick weekend getaway.

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4TB External Hard Drive

When you’re traveling, it’s best to back up your photos in two separate places–online and on an external hard drive–so nothing ever gets lost. And because slow Internet speeds are often a problem, a high-quality external hard drive is even more important.

This hard drive has fast transfer speeds, and with 4TB of storage, you can photograph an around-the-world trip and never run out of room.

Belkin Power Strip and Surge Protector

There are never quite enough outlets. With this power strip, you’ll have all the regular power outlets you need. Plus, it has a USB port for easy phone charging. Pair it with the multi-purpose charger and you’ll have all the room in the world to charge things.

Packing Cube Set

Packing cubes are the easiest way to stay organized whether you’re going on a weekend getaway or a month-long journey. They also help keep your clothes from wrinkling so you don’t have to deal with the hassle of ironing.

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Worldwide Adapter

If you visit different countries, it’s easy to end up with a large collection of electrical adapters. This all-in-one worldwide travel adapter makes all the other ones unnecessary. In fact, it’s the only one we travel with now.

In one small package, you have an adapter that works in the US, UK, EU, Australia, and more. In total, it works in over 150 countries. The adapter also has 2 USB ports for added convenience. Doesn’t get much simpler than that.

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3-Speed Folding Fan

We got this fan as a gift, which is how I know it’s the PERFECT thing for travelers going to very hot places. Yes, when we went to Egypt in the summer, it came in quite handy. But conditions don’t have to be that extreme to enjoy a handheld fan. A little breeze makes everything better. It’s the number one thing you never knew you needed.

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Standing Stone Farms Cheese Making Kit

Traveling in Europe, it’s easy to fall in love with world-class cheese. From trying sirene in Albania and a cheese smorgasbord in Athens to early-morning wake up calls to watch Parmigiano-Reggiano come to life in Parma , we’ve had our fair share of cheese experiences.

That’s why we love this kit. In a few simple steps, you can re-create some of those tasty cheese experiences and try other varieties for the first time—or give it to your favorite traveler to enjoy making mozzarella, burrata, ricotta, mascarpone, and more in their own kitchen.

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Map Rocks Glass

We have a thing for distilleries. Thus, we also have a thing for cocktail glasses. This whiskey glass is one of the best gifts for people who travel to help remember their favorite place (or pay homage to home) while imbibing. From Austin to New York, there are about 15 US cities available.

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1000 Foods to Eat Before You Die

Trying new foods is one of the best parts of travel. Just like 1000 Places to See Before You Die inspired people to visit new places, 1000 Foods to Eat Before You Die encourages readers to push their culinary boundaries worldwide. This book is a road map to try the best things to eat–both exotic and a bit more tame–no matter where you go.

Check prices for 1000 Foods to Eat Before You Die

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Compact cooking kit

With 11 cooking and grilling tools and a compact carrying case, this kit makes it easy to turn any outing or trip into grill time. It works for an afternoon at the beach, camping overnight, a hiking trip, or tailgating close to home. The kit comes in five colors, and each tool has its own pouch so they don’t bang around or get damaged.

Check prices of the compact cooking kit

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Mulled wine gift set

Many of our favorite holiday experiences involve visiting Christmas markets in Europe. And along with seeing the lights and stunning decorations, trying the delicious mulled wine is a central part of those visits. This kit makes it super easy to create the same flavors at home.

The set comes with all the mulling spices plus a grater for fresh ginger, an infusion bag, and more. Just add wine or cider and get started.

Check price for gift set

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Staresso Portable Espresso Machine

We love (and sometimes survive) on coffee. If there’s a coffee lover in your life who’s always on the go, check out the portable Staresso espresso maker.

This travel coffee maker lets you make real espresso anywhere using your favorite Nespresso pods or coffee grounds. It’s ideal for outdoor use while camping or picnicking. It’s the definition of decadence but a good option for travelers who already seem to have everything.

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Wine Folly: The Essential Guide to Wine

Cabernet or Merlot? Chardonnay or Viognier? We bought Wine Folly last year after we watched a documentary about people studying to become sommeliers and decided we wanted to be smarter because…well, we drink a lot of wine. The nice thing about this book is that there’s no snobbery or unnecessarily complicated terms–just a nice primer in good wine.

Wine Folly clearly and simply provides an excellent introduction to wine and wine tasting and is great for any wannabe oenophile. You can learn about different varietals, their characteristics and flavors, where they grow, and other information in a clear and approachable way.

Check the price for Wine Folly

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The Cocktail Box Co.

The perfect remedy for a long flight, the Cocktail Box Co. has everything you need to make your favorite cocktail in flight. Twice. Just add booze.

There are kits for a selection of classic cocktails, including Bloody Mary, Hot Toddy, Moscow Mule, Old Fashioned, and others. Depending on your selection, the kit includes items like a muddler, aromatic bitters, cane sugar, and even a linen coaster. It’s a unique gift idea for travelers who want something a little special on their next flight, and it makes a fun stocking stuffer.

Check prices for the Cocktail Box Co.

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The Gourmet Sea Salt Sampler

Our favorite souvenirs are related to cooking because they let us relive the tastes from our trips at home. We’ve collected salt from France to Trapani, Sicily, and more. This kit includes salt from both of those unique locations and 14 others that you can experiment with.

The Gourmet Sea Salt Sampler kit has 16 individually labeled salts from around the world with information about their origins and suggested uses. You can try Cyprus Onyx salt from Cyprus, Mayan Sun from El Salvador, and Tibetan Rose from the Himalayas, among others. Have fun experimenting with the global flavors.

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Osprey Farpoint

While we do like to pack in only carry-ons when we can, that’s not always possible. When we need more room, the Osprey Farpoint is our go-to bag. We love it so much that both of us have one.

The Osprey Farpoint has large, heavy-duty wheels for rolling over uneven surfaces and is made of fabric that lasts. The most important feature of the Osprey is that it has convertible straps to turn it into a backpack. This is particularly useful for managing your luggage in hotels without elevators, when walking over rough surfaces like cobblestones, and a variety of other scenarios. We’ve traveled with ours for seven years so far and would never give them up.

Check prices on Osprey Farpoint

Hardside Carry-On

We pack carry-on only whenever possible, which means we want to fit in as many items as we can without having our suitcases feel like we’re carrying rocks. Having a lightweight, easy-to-manage bag is an important part of that equation. That’s why we love this hardside suitcase .

This bag is light and compact enough to use as a carry-on on international flights, but it also expands to add 15% more room when you need it. It’s the ideal carry-on.

ZOMAKE Day Pack

Light, durable, and waterproof, this Zomake day pack is great from carrying your most needed items around the city, on a hike, home from a local market , or anywhere else you need a day pack. As a bonus: it’s waterproof, so your things stay dry even is you get splashed or rained on.

The ZOMAKE day pack folds up small and comes in 11 colors.

Check prices on the ZOMAKE day pack

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Laura Longwell is an award-winning travel blogger and photographer. Since founding Travel Addicts in 2008, she has written hundreds of articles that help over 3 million people a year get the most out of their travel. In that time, she has visited nearly 60 countries on 5 continents, often returning to favorite destinations over and over again. She has a deep love of history, uncovering unexpected attractions, and trying all the good food a place has to offer.

In addition to Travel Addicts, Laura runs a site about her hometown of Philadelphia—Guide to Philly—which chronicles unique things to do and places to see around southeastern Pennsylvania. Her travel tips and advice appear across the web.

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The Very Best Travel Products of 2023, According to T+L Editors

These are the luggage, clothing, and tech gadgets we were all about this year.

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Travel + Leisure / Marcus Millan

As you might imagine, we Travel + Leisure editors do quite a bit of traveling each year. Journeys abroad, cross-country road trips, weekend beach vacations — we do it all, and we tend to test out new gadgets and gear every time we hit the road. Over the past year, a handful of items really stood out, so we decided to compile a comprehensive list.

From bags and beauty products to nifty gadgets like a foldable keyboard, these are the 19 products that impressed us the most through a year of frequent jet setting — and that we continue to recommend to anyone who will listen. We have a feeling once you try these, you’ll never leave home without them again either.

Cuyana Small Easy Zipper Tote

This tote has it all: it’s lightweight, secure, stylish, and perfectly pairs with interior pouches to up your organization game. Even without adding a pouch, plenty of gadgets and essentials can fit inside thanks to a spacious main compartment as well as an interior slip pocket and keychain strap. The Italian leather bag is soft to the touch and both looks and feels luxurious. Our favorite thing about it, though, is just how many options you have to choose from — it’s available in six colors, four sizes, and both zippered and zipperless styles.

“I prefer to rotate between a crossbody and a lightweight tote when traveling, and I was shocked by how light this leather zippered bag is at just over a pound,” associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker said. “Not only does the fully enclosed tote make me feel comfortable in crowds and on public transport, I love the snaps inside to rotate other pouches in, too. I’m eyeing the System Flap Bag and Adjustable Strap next so I can carry this tote crossbody style and also use the smaller pouch with the strap as a separate purse on my trips.”

Samsers Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard

It may surprise you to learn this keyboard isn’t just for your laptop or tablet — it’s also for your phone! Gone are the days of cramping fingers and thumbs after texting novels to friends back home about your trip. With this compact, folding keyboard that wirelessly connects to a phone (or other device) via Bluetooth, you can text just as easily as you’d type at your desk. It’s equipped with a magnetic closure, seamless hinge for folding, PU leather exterior, and sensitive touchpad in place of a mouse. It even comes with extras like a USB-C charging cable, adjustable folding stand, and velvet storage bag. When opened fully, the keyboard measures in at 13.4 by 4.6 inches, which is standard keyboard size.

“Anyone who’s tried to write anything more than a sentence or two on a smartphone has likely cursed those tiny keys and autocorrect a time or two,” Parker said. “I ordered this Bluetooth keyboard and now I rely on it when I’m texting a lengthy tale of my travel adventures and can use it with my tablet (or laptop!) for more significant work as well. I ordered four versions to compare before committing and found this one has the best keypad response and the PU leather made it feel sturdier and look a bit sleeker, too.”

Charmast Small Portable Charger

You won’t find a portable charger more subtle and stylish than this one from Charmast. Roughly the size of a tube of lipstick, this compact device is just as easy to transport as it is to use. Just toss it in your purse, carry-on, or pocket for quick access and simply plug into the bottom of your iPhone to begin charging. Its non-bulky design makes it easy to continue to use your phone while it works, and you can even charge both your phone and the charger itself at the same time by keeping them connected and plugging the charger into a USB-C cable and block. The best part? It comes in seven colors including pink, white, and blue.

“I went to a lot of stadium concerts this year so I made sure to stock up on the essentials for getting through long nights, and this little charger has been a true lifesaver,” writer Anna Popp said. “I also brought it with me on four international trips and it takes up virtually no room in a purse. I am the queen of leaving the house with a phone on low battery so this portable charger for my iPhone is easily the best money I've spent this year.”

Iioscre Small Sling Crossbody Bag

This is one of the most versatile bags around, and it’s proven itself to us all over the world this year. Its simple, mostly monochromatic design allows it to blend effortlessly in situations ranging from shopping to sightseeing to commuting. The bag is also lightweight, comfy to carry, and capable of housing a handful of items like a phone and charger, AirPods, a wallet, keys, and cosmetics. The affordable and adjustable purse comes in 12 colors, but we’re especially fond of the various shades of pink and green.

“I wanted a minimalist bag to bring to Asia with me and this budget-friendly one from Amazon was the perfect accessory,” Popp said. “It fits more than enough for a long day of sightseeing and it's super compact to fit in a suitcase or personal item without taking up much space. It's versatile enough to wear for both outdoor adventures and urban escapades so it's usually the first thing I pack before leaving for a trip now.”

Frye Veronica Combat Boot

Frye  

If you’re looking for a pair of stylish and sturdy travel boots available in more than just run-of-the-mill black leather, consider ordering the Frye Veronica Combat Boots. They’re comfy enough to wear all day long and thanks to high-quality leather and rubber construction, they expertly glide over debris of all types. Waxed cotton laces stand up against moisture and mud, while a one-inch block heel and antiqued appearance add a hint of style. They come in eight unique colors and 13 sizes including half sizes.

“A travel writer friend of mine recommended these boots for safaris, and I'm so glad I took her advice,” digital editorial director Nina Ruggiero said. “I wore them all day for over a week — including on two walking safaris and four long haul flights — and they were comfortable, durable, and complimented all of my safari looks. I'll be taking them on outdoor adventures of all kinds from now on.”

Vuori Scout Jogger

These casual-yet-cute joggers are the travel pants you’ve been searching for. They’re so comfy that we’ve slept in them, but they remain stylish enough to wear to the airport, while exploring new towns, and straight off the plane to the office. They’ve never felt heavy or restrictive to us, and their abundant pockets make traveling, commuting, and running errands simpler than ever. You can snag them in two colors (army and dark salt) and sizes ranging from XXS to XXL.

“Like many SoCal residents, I live in Vuori’s activewear, but to me, these joggers are not for jogging,” Ruggiero said. “Instead, they’re the ultimate travel pant. The cargo look is definitely in right now, but it’s also practical — you can never have too many pockets on the go. Plus, these are comfortable, breathable, waterproof, and lightweight (but not too lightweight). I wore them on a 25-hour flying day and didn’t even need to change into pajamas for the overnight flight.”

Béis The Backpack

There are hundreds of travel backpacks on the market, but few impressed us as much as this one by Béis. It’s full of padded pockets and compartments (including a dedicated slot for a laptop), and it even has fun extras like a key hook and trolley sleeve to attach it to wheeled luggage. We’re also all about the comfy, cushioned straps: after a few particularly agonizing travels, slipping this backpack’s straps over our shoulders was like a breath of fresh air. There’s even a top handle for those who want to give their shoulders a break altogether. Grab this bag in six neutral hues including maple, beige, and navy.

“I used to only travel with a tote bag, but my go-to bag was sneakily giving me back and shoulder pain since it was so heavy to lug around,” editor Emily Belfiore said. “After a painful flight experience, I decided it was time to ditch it for a backpack, and I knew Béis would be the right brand for the job (I literally bought it in the cab on the way to my hotel from the airport). The Béis Backpack has a carry-on-style design with a spacious main compartment and compression straps. It also opens like a suitcase for easy packing, and there are two built-in pockets on the main flap that are perfect for toiletries, tech, and other tiny essentials. It’s so much more comfortable to carry and I feel like it makes my trip through TSA smoother — especially with its laptop pocket.”

Uniqlo Ultra Warm Long-Sleeve T-Shirt

Keeping a warm and cozy base layer in your travel wardrobe is wise no matter where you live — just take it from one of our Southern California-based editors. That’s why this breathable-yet-warm set from Uniqlo’s Heattech line is one of our favorites. It’s made of a comfy fabric blend that simultaneously locks in heat, wicks away moisture, and efficiently stretches to accommodate all types of movement. It’s even knit in a way that prevents snagging, and it’s quite soft to the touch. Pick it up in four colors ranging from off-white to brown.

“Living in LA, I really don’t have a lot of winter clothes,” Belfiore said. “But a recent trip to Big Bear made me realize I had to step up my base layer game, which is where the Uniqlo Heattech line came in very clutch. I sported the Ultra Warm Crew Neck Long-sleeve Top and leggings on a hike, while exploring the town, and while cozying up around the fire at our cabin. It really trapped in the heat and made me feel equipped for the chilly weather. I also picked up the line’s gloves and socks for the trip — and they were equally amazing.”

Shokz Open Run Headphones

These headphones are revolutionizing workouts for runners, hikers, and even travelers who simply like to listen to audio on the go. Not only do they stay put during high levels of activity, but they also offer quality sound without silencing the world around you. This is especially helpful for those looking to remain alert or have conversations while listening to their favorite music, podcasts, and audiobooks. The headphones are also waterproof and capable of holding a charge for eight hours — plus, feature a quick-charge mode that provides 1.5 hours of power from a 10-minute charge.

“I bought these bone conduction headphones for outdoor runs in NYC,” deputy photo editor Skye Senterfeit said. “They sit just above your ear and let you listen to music while still being able to hear what's happening around you, and others near you can't hear the sound. They've been great for runs but have also been a surprise hit for me for traveling too. When you're wearing them you can still easily hear safety demos, flight attendants asking you if you'd like almonds or cookies, or train and subway announcements. A tip: the mini size is bigger than the name would suggest, and might be the right fit for most people."

Fenty Beauty Blurring Skin Tint

We understand wanting to look put-together while traveling — but who wants to waste precious sightseeing time doing a full face of makeup? This Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint by Fenty has been a lifesaver for us this year because it evens skin tone with almost no effort at all. Unlike foundation, the light-coverage drops can be quickly and easily blended into the skin with the fingertips to cover small imperfections and discoloration. It’ll never look cakey or streaky, and it’s buildable for those days when you do want to layer more makeup on top. And in true Fenty fashion, it’s available in over two dozen shades.

“This skin tint is an easy way to simplify your makeup routine and a good way to look more alive when you're taking an early morning flight without having to slather on a full face of makeup,” testing editor Jackie Cucco said. “It's longwearing without being too thick or heavy. I usually wear it in place of foundation while traveling so that I don't have to pack extra makeup brushes.”

Alo Explorer Fanny Pack

Fanny packs are back in a big way, and we’ve enjoyed partaking in the trend this year with this sleek option from Alo. Forget the bulky, style-compromising fanny packs of yore — the Explorer is spacious yet subtle, structured, and lightweight enough to carry all day. It boasts two exterior pockets and one interior zip pocket to keep small items secure, plus the adjustable strap unclips completely for quick styling either around the waist or across the body. It comes in four monochromatic shades: black, ivory, fog, and espresso.

“I jumped on board the fanny pack train with this Alo bag, although I prefer to wear it as a sling bag,” Cucco said. “I like how compact it is, so you can keep your essentials close without taking up too much space, giving you easy access to your wallet and phone when you're out and about.”

Findcozy Toiletry Travel Bag

There are toiletry bags, and then there are hanging toiletry bags. We love this one from Findcozy — when hung up, it opens into four separate compartments, each with at least one pocket to store and separate your items. All of the compartments and pockets are either clear plastic or mesh so you can see what is in each of them. Plus, at 12.5 by 9 by 5.5 inches, the bag is large enough to store even your most sizable bottles and makeup palettes, yet it’s still small enough to easily pack into a suitcase. And, thanks to two durable top handles, carrying the bag on its own is equally as simple.

“I'm obsessed with this hanging toiletries travel case — I bring it on every single trip I go on,” editor Sophie Mendel said. “It has a ton of different compartments for everything from bandaids and medications to travel-sized shampoo and makeup remover wipes. It's an awesome one-and-done case to stick in your luggage and hang on any hook or door handle for easy accessibility to all your toiletries when you're on the road. It's a bit large (as I'm a chronic overpacker), but always makes me feel confident that I have everything I'll need while on a trip.”

Don Oehl Paris Print

There’s nothing like some fine art to elevate your space and bring back memories of your most cherished adventures when you're back home again. This year, we added this fun Paris print from artist Don Oehl to our collection. It’s not too busy or too abstract, and it’s a great conversation piece. At first glance, you may not even notice the hidden Eiffel Tower, but once you do, the print is sure to evoke Parisian daydreams.

"I love collecting art as my travel souvenirs and this vibrant print just makes me happy,” updates writer Taylor Fox said. “While it was actually made by an artist based out of New York, this print reminds me of the time I've spent in Paris, enjoying all of the fashion and architecture. It's so unique and can be paired with another beautiful travel print to add to a gallery wall or as a standalone piece.”

Birkenstock Boston Soft Footbed

These extra-comfy clogs are basically slippers you can wear outside, on errand runs, and even to work. They’re so soft that your feet will never feel sore in them, even after hours of wear. That’s thanks to their natural cork and latex footbed that provides superior cushioning and weight distribution, as well as a leather and suede upper that won’t rub uncomfortably against your foot. We love that they come in three colors and match with just about every outfit in our closets.

“After seeing these Boston Birkenstocks all over the internet and on the streets of New York City, I must've stepped into the Williamsburg storefront every day for an entire week waiting for them to be restocked,” writer Alexandra Domrongchai said. “And when they finally did, I immediately purchased a black pair and then proceeded to wear nothing but these shoes for the entirety of spring and summer. They go with absolutely everything in my wardrobe — whether that be a pair of joggers or jeans — and even with the temperatures dipping, they wear just as great with a pair of fleece-lined socks.”

Mystery Ranch Mission Stuffel 30L Bag

Backcountry

Here at T+L, we test a lot of luggage and bags each year. So when we say we loved one piece of luggage so much that we used it all year, it’s kind of a big deal. The Mystery Ranch Mission Stuffel 30L Bag came with us pretty much everywhere this year, from journeys across the world to short road trips. The bag can be carried as a duffel or backpack, and it’s able to fit several day’s worth of clothes. It features small interior pockets, tear- and abrasion-resistant nylon, and a horseshoe zipper opening to help you see everything inside. On top of that, it’s reinforced in areas that may wear quickly, so you’re sure to have this bag for years.

“I picked up this bright-orange duffel in preparation for a safari in Kenya, and it was the perfect frame-free luggage for hopping in and out of small planes and Land Cruisers,” news director Paul Brady said. “What's surprised me, though, is that I now use it for almost every trip, even quick weekend getaways closer to home. It's big enough to hold a ton but squishy enough that you can slip it through as a carry on. I also like the separate pocket for things like boots, swimsuits, or whatever else, that helps keep things tidy.”

Glossier Ultralip High Shine Lipstick

Imagine hydrating your lips after a longhaul flight and adding color and shine in a matter of about ten seconds. Believe it or not, it’s possible with Glossier’s High Shine Lipstick With Hyaluronic Acid, which we’ve used countless times this year. The feel-good lip product — which is part lipstick, part balm, and part gloss — is lightly tinted, allowing users to quickly swipe it on for some color without worrying about applying it perfectly. It’s a must-have for travelers and those who enjoy looking good, but often don’t have much time to dedicate to their appearance. Grab it in nine colors ranging from soft peony pink to deep mauve.

“After years of hearing people rave about Glossier makeup, I finally bought the brand’s High Shine Lipstick With Hyaluronic Acid this year, and it’s become a travel go-to,” associate editor Hillary Maglin said. “It’s surprisingly pigmented for what is essentially a tinted lip balm, but it’s also one of those no-precision-needed lip products, so I can slap some on without even using a mirror (which is perfect for plane seats and train cars). I have the dusty rose shade, and it does an awesome job of providing subtle color, moisture, and shine. If I’m lucky, I can even skip regular lip balm when I’ve got this on hand.”

Zuihug Travel Pill Case

Traveling with pills can be a pain, especially if you’ve packed several different kinds. Leave your large, cumbersome pill organizers at home and transfer your medications and vitamins to a travel pill case when you hit the road. Zuihug’s 10-compartment Travel Pill Case has the space to secure dozens of pills, yet it folds up into a compact case small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. It easily slips right into carry-ons and personal item bags, and it comes in transparent colors like blue, pink, gray, and more.

“This compact little pill organizer is such an improvement on the bulky cases I've used in the past,” senior editor Lydia Price said. “There are ten separate compartments of various sizes, so it's easy to fit bigger pills like my hair supplements and vitamins while keeping smaller medications tidy. I'm one of those travelers who basically brings an entire pharmacy with them wherever they go, and this has made it effortless to pack everything from prescriptions to melatonin in virtually any bag.”

NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner

Got a long travel day ahead of you? Don’t risk looking like a raccoon by the time you reach your destination — just apply NYX’s Epic Ink Waterproof Eyeliner before you leave. This eyeliner has serious staying power thanks to its matte, waterproof formula, so wherever you apply it is where it’ll stay for the next several hours. We also appreciate that, unlike many other liquid eyeliners that require MUA-level precision and skill, the Epic Ink eyeliner glides onto lids and creates clean lines with minimal effort. Plus, it’ll hold up through torrential downpours, swimming, and skiing.

“I've tried a ton of different eyeliners from all over the price spectrum, and nothing has impressed me more than this drugstore buy,” Price said. “The tip is so fine and precise that even a shaky-handed gal like myself can get a nice thin line. With my video work for T+L, I have to feel confident in front of the camera everywhere from snowy ski slopes to scorching-hot beaches, and this eyeliner is actually waterproof enough to get the job done every time. It doesn't even budge when I fully submerge my head.”

Skyroam Solis Lite

It’s always a good idea to have a little Wi-Fi boost on hand. If you’re searching for the perfect compact device to bring on your travels, look no further than the Simo Solis Lite Hotspot. This hockey-puck-sized device majorly increases the speed of your Wi-Fi connection nearly anywhere in the world if there is a network nearby. It’s small enough to fit in virtually any purse, backpack, or suitcase, and it makes working or browsing the internet a breeze. To top it off, we’re obsessed with its bright orange exterior!

“I took this hotspot on a five-city trip around India and to Japan this year,” Price said. “It's truly a tiny powerhouse that provides lightning-fast Wi-Fi in all but the most remote locations. It connects to the fastest cell signal in any given area, so I'm free to use my phone and laptop as long as there is some type of network around, and I have just as good of service as the locals do anywhere I go. Simo also has a flexible, generous data plan, with users getting 250 megabytes for free each month and their choice of day passes, monthly subscriptions, and pay-per-gigabyte options after that.”

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, associate editor Hillary Maglin collaborated with other editors across the T+L team to curate a list of the best products we’ve traveled with this year. A frequent traveler herself, Maglin has personally used many of the items on this list and regularly recommends them to friends, family, and readers.

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Independent Travel to Moscow and St. Petersburg

My wife and I have traveled independently to many European countries and, after reading many of the comments in this forum, feel like we may be able to do so in Moscow and St. Petersburg as well, although we feel somewhat less comfortable than the other countries where we have traveled in Europe.

My biggest question is how much we will miss by visiting the main sites without a tour guide. In the other European countries we have visited on our own we have been comfortable and satisfied with the level of knowledge we have gained by studying and visiting on our own, although we believe a tour guide or tour company in any country would normally be able to provide greater insight than visiting a site on our own, but about in Moscow and St. Petersburg?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Unless you speak at least some Russian and read the alphabet it would be difficult without a guide. Very few signs in English especially in Moscow. Also not too many people speak English there.

I visited St Petersburg last Autumn for a protracted period , and did not find it anymore daunting than any other European city . As Ilja says , learning the Cyrillic alphabet is a big plus . I also found that it was fairly easy to grasp . It will , among other things , enable you to read signs with relative ease . I would answer the main part or your question ( about tour guides ) thus - I am not enamored of tour guides or tours. While I only use a tour under duress ( A sites rules prohibiting an independent visit - ie Glasgow School of Art , Municipal House in Prague , etc ) . Doing your own preparation and homework is the best way , in my opinion . My wife and I ventured through St Petersburg with nary a concern ,and made two day trips outside of the central district ( one was twenty five miles away , and no English speakers in sight ) Figuring out the logistical details , did not present any difficulties . While I never use tours , I am an inveterate eavesdropper , have done so many times , and find , that on balance , the information that they impart is fairly elementary . If you want greater detail , they are unlikely to supply it . I also prefer to go at my own pace , not being rushed and being able to dwell on things that most other visitors barely give a passing glance . If you are interested , let me know . I would be happy to provide you with information that will enable you to travel independently

Thank you, Steven. I am encouraged by your comments and feel the same way you do about tour groups. We are very much willing to prepare in advance and learn the basics of the Cyrillic alphabet to help us have a better experience.

I would be very interested in learning more about your experience in Russia and receiving any additional information you can provide on independent travel there, starting perhaps with obtaining the visa.

I am not opposed to hiring a private or small group guide for a specific site or for a day trip outside St Petersburg and Moscow, but, like you said, I much prefer the freedom of staying at places as long or short as I want and seeing the sites that interest me most. For example, neither my wife nor I are big into shopping, yet most tour itineraries leave afternoon time for just that. Not interested!

Please provide whatever you may feel would be helpful for us.

Russ , I see you are quite near San Francisco - you can start by looking at the VISA procedure , it's fairly straightforward . Since there is a consulate in San Francisco - look here http://www.consulrussia.org/eng/visa-sub1.html

And here - http://ils-usa.com/main.php

Having always traveled independently, we thought we could do a better job than any tour. How misguided (pun intended) we were. Now that we have had the experience of having someone native to the area walk us around and explain things through a personal perspective we realize how much we missed. For St. Petersburg I highly recommend http://www.peterswalk.com/tours.html . This is not a traditional guided tour, but an opportunity to receive some orientation to the area as well as insight into the "Russian soul". I think if you did this upon arrival the rest of your time would be much more meaningful. We really liked the http://www.pushka-inn.com . The location is superb (just around the corner from the Hermitage square), the rooms lovely, the included breakfast at the restaurant next door ample and overall an excellent value. We used this company to get our visa: https://www.passportvisasexpress.com/site/san_francisco_customer_service Note that it costs about the same for a 3-year visa as a one-year, and you never know if you might want to return within that more extended window of time. It is not cheap, so factor that into your planning.

If you like traveling without a guide in other countries and find this satisfying, the same will be true in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Of course it's not either/or - you can certainly take a guided walk or boat tour, for instance.

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of learning Cyrillic if you're going on your own. The book I used was Teach Yourself Beginner's Russian Script, which was great. It breaks down the alphabet into letters that are the same as English, letters that look the same but are pronounced differently, etc. It's out of print, but you can get used copies on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Teach-Yourself-Beginners-Russian-Script/dp/0071419861/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1459701143&sr=8-2&keywords=teach+yourself+russian+script

Russia is indeed a bit more "foreign" than say, Italy. However, in Moscow and St. Petersburg, I found enough English to be able to get by. Many restaurants had English menus and/or English speaking staff, for instance. This was most emphatically not true in Vladimir and Suzdal (two cities in the Golden Ring outside Moscow). I went with my sister, a Russian speaker, and if she hadn't been there, I would have been in big trouble. So, if you want to see places outside these two big cities, use a guided tour (even if just for that part). Also, Moscow and St. Petersburg are huge cities. Coming from New York, I wasn't intimidated, but those not used to a megacity may not be so cavalier (even I found them overwhelming at times, especially Moscow).

I found both Lonely Planet and Rough Guide to be helpful, and both to have various errors. Look at both, buy whichever one has a more recent edition, and then be prepared to have to discard some of the advice therein. Also, these places change more quickly than places in Western Europe. Be very careful of outdated advice. For instance, I was there in 2001 and 2010, so I won't give you any specifics on getting a visa - that changes constantly.

Just as a teaser, two things I saw and loved that I doubt would be included in any escorted tour are the Gorky House in Moscow (an Art Nouveau wonder) and the Sheremyetov Palace in St. Petersburg (it's now a museum of musical instruments, and the decor is amazing, particularly in the Etruscan Room).

Thanks for all the good advice. Any additional thoughts are welcomed.

One of history's seminal works pertaining to Russian history and culture and a MUST for anyone contemplating a visit or simply interested , is this fine work from 1980 - http://www.amazon.com/Land-Firebird-The-Beauty-Russia/dp/096441841X

This is about you and not about Petersburg. Do you like guided tours? We don't and didn't find that a guide added to our experience in China where we did hire private guides mostly for the logistics; it was easy to have someone drive us places. But once at a site, we didn't need the guide. I felt the same way about our 9 nights in Petersburg. We did hire a guide for the trip to the Catherine Palace again for the ease of logistics for us Olds. Here is our visit: https://janettravels.wordpress.com/2016/01/23/an-easy-trip-to-the-catherine-palace/ There are also snapshots of the Church on Spilled Blood in this photo journal. Having someone pick us up at the apartment and get us in without line ups and shepherd us through the palace steering clear of the tour groups was lovely. But we didn't need commentary because we can read and prepare.

You certainly don't need a guide for the Hermitage (we spent 4 days there), the Russian Museum, the Kazan Cathedral or Church on Spilled Blood or the Faberge Museum. We enjoyed a number of self guided walking tours including a couple from Rick Steves guidebooks. We took the canal cruise suggested by RS that had an English commentator. I would not take one without that as you will be totally clueless. The commentator was not all that good but at least we had some idea what we were seeing. So for people like us who like to do our own thing and can read a guidebook and don't particularly like to be led about, a tour is not needed. If you enjoy tour groups, then go for it. Petersburg is easy to negotiate. It helps if you can read the cyrillic alphabet and it is also useful to have the google translate ap on your phone. We found ourselves translating packages in grocery stores with it and the occasional museum sign or menu. I have one food I need to avoid and so it was handy to have the translator to talk with waiters (I could either show them the sentence, or play it for them or play it to myself and then repeat it to the waiter -- that all worked well)

Dear Russ, I cannot help you with Moscow, but about four years ago, my husband and I went to St Petersburg on our own. But, we did use a private guide for 4 half days. We both feel that our guide absolutely made our trip (we stayed 6 or 7 nights). We used a company owned by Tatyana Chiurikova, www.tour-stpetersburg.com I cannot say enough good things about her and our experience. I emailed her and we worked out a schedule/ sights that was tailored to our interests. She also offered some recommendations, which we took. The guide will meet you at your hotel. And frequently, at certain places, with the guide, we were able to skip the long entrance lines. We had an half day driving tour of the city (car, driver, & guide). You are taken to & go in places such as Peter & Paul Fortress, some of the cathedrals, etc. We had a half day with the guide at the Hermitage which ensured that we would see the major sights there. And, of course, you can stay after your guide leaves or return another day. Also, we had the guide for Peterhof (a must & go by boat) and Catherine's Palace. I hope that you will go to the website. As I said, our guide made our trip. I am positive that we would have missed quite a bit on our own everyday. And I'm sure we would have wasted a lot of time trying to get to various place.This was the best of both worlds, a guide where needed and plenty of time on our own. Whatever you do, I'm sure that you will love St Petersburg! Ashley

I am curious about the lines as we encountered no lines on our trip -- but it was in September. We got tickets for the Hermitage at machines and skipped those lines and our guide for the Catherine Palace which was our only guided experience (as noted before, chosen for the logistics of getting there) had arranged tickets and we didn't have a line, but then we also didn't see lines. We did not find lines at any other site.

Both Moscow and St Petersburg I've done on my own, that is together with the Dear Partner. I can't remember any problem getting where we wanted to go. The Metro systems are well signed, and with a little exercise and patience you can recognize the station names. With a good map and a good guide - we had the Rough Guides - that part of the logistics is solved. The language is a major problem, but the usual tricks of pointing, looking helpless, and making a joke of it all do wonders. I would hate to be led by a guide, but for others it is a comfortable thought.

We also did both cities on our own. I found the DK Eyewitness guide for Moscow has the best map. I used the one from our library (kept the book at home). Took the smaller RS book for St. Petersburg ( his book on northern cities). His map and restaurant ideas were all good. We also downloaded the Google maps in our Android Samsung tablets/phones for both cities and then could get directions to any place we typed in. The blue ball guided us everywhere. I'm sure we missed somethings by not having a guide, but we just enjoy walking around and getting a sense of a place. If you like art, The Hermitage is great. We went 3 times and still missed alot. In St. Peterburg we stayed at the 3 Mosta which we loved (quite and not far from the Church of Spilled Blood.) We also loved the Georgian food in both cities. There's a great Georgian restaurant near the 3 Mosta hotel. We're now in Belarus- very scenic. Enjoy your trip!!

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