Gift Items for a Twenty Year Old Traveling to Europe
The 68 Best Travel Gift Ideas, According to Frequent Travelers
Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photo: Retailers
After the disappointment of canceled trips and rescheduled vacations, many previously postponed travel plans are finally taking place. While the travelers in your life may exist excited to jet-set afterward a long hiatus, they could probably employ new and better gear. The best travel gifts are also often the virtually practical, from things that will make that long flight seem shorter to items that make a hotel room feel like dwelling. If y'all have already given your friend a nicer-than-airline-administered eye mask or a handsome leather passport holder, fright not: Nosotros've compiled a list of 68 gifts for people who travel recommended by frequent travelers, including expats, flight attendants, travel writers, travel bloggers, travel agents, couples who travel together, and one consultant who flies multiple times a week for work. We as well added a few of our favorite travel products we've discovered here on the Strategist.
For those who struggle to find a comfy sleeping position while cramped in economy class, writer Alyse Whitney recommends this airplane-friendly foot sling called the Sleepy Ride: "The 21-inch-long, vii-inch-wide footrest is made of costly memory foam, simply is flat enough to fold upward neatly in a trivial pouch that I tucked into my haversack. The straps are adjustable and claw around the tray table in front of you lot and so that it becomes a pes hammock, rocking gently with the motions of the aeroplane." Not but does it brand your seat more comfortable, it besides helps forbid bloated ankles and feet.
"A total-grown Capri Dominicus" is how Strategist contributor Caroline Bankoff describes this foldable, washable anti-canteen that can be reduced (when empty) to the size of an iPhone. A lite packer's dream, the size of the Vapur "adjusts to the amount of water that'southward in it, so I tin fit information technology into any bag," and information technology gets smaller equally you drink out of it.
"I'd recommend a Hydro Flask then y'all tin can avoid paying the pricey fees for water at the drome and refill anywhere once you get through security," says flight attendant Jennifer Nors. Hydro Flask also happens to be a favorite water bottle of Strategist managing editor Maxine Builder, who says that it "really is as squeamish a water bottle every bit everyone says it is."
Travel blogger Jessica Ufuoma likes the Welly water canteen, which can continue drinks hot or cold and comes with an infuser for tea or fruit. "It eliminates the temptation to indulge in single-use plastics (which are even more than convenient while on the go) and allows me to be sustainable and ecofriendly while staying hydrated on my trips," she says.
When quondam Strategist senior author Lauren Levy tested travel pillows, her favorite was this one from Trtl. "The Trtl pillow is so pocket-sized that it's essentially a padded scarf, taking up the same amount of infinite as a couple of magazines," she wrote. "Three interconnected bands subconscious inside a hypoallergenic fleece exterior hold your head almost completely upright." Ufuoma likes it too: She says it'south a good alternative to "erstwhile-fashioned pillows that look clunky and uncomfortable."
If you're looking for a pocket-size travel gift, Nikki Helms — 1 of the legion of flying attendants who own the jumpsuit that many consider their "unofficial compatible" — suggests Justin's peanut-butter packs. Not only are these swell for some "quick protein" betwixt bodily meals, they're travel safe. "They maintain quality in whatever weather condition, so I don't have to worry about them getting besides hot or cold at any time," says Helms.
Equally far equally last-infinitesimal airport snacks become, Chex Mix is a reasonable option. But if you have time to fix, consider this alternative that Emily Elyse Miller, a cookbook author and the founder of the vegan-cereal brand OffLimits, says is "what I e'er wished Chex Mix would exist." Westbourne's Togarashi Crunch is "packed with an array of crunchy $.25 that are perfectly salty," including rice crisps, organic smoked almonds, puffed rice, and quicos (a crunchy corn kernel).
Another thoughtful pocket-size gift, according to Helms: Tide's Travel Sink Packets, designed for mitt-washing clothing in the sink. She explains that throwing the packets in her baggage means "I don't have to pack and then many clothes, leaving more room in my bag for goodies I find on my trips."
When she'southward traveling, Strategist contributor Ashlea Halpern throws "a wee bundle of portable soap leaves" in her purse — just add together water and soap for clean hands, in an airport or on a hike. She notes that "some soap sheets smell overwhelmingly floral or perfumy; these merely smell straight-upward clean. Plus, I like that the brightly colored cases can exist hands spotted in the bowels of my carry-on."
"Since I'm commonly on the road for several months at a time, I typically rent or infringe a sleeping bag and then I don't have to lug one around when I'm not hiking," says Anna Mazurek, a freelance travel photographer and writer at TravelLikeAnna.com. After enduring a freezing dark on Kilimanjaro in a rented sleeping purse and dealing with a beefy ane in Torres del Paine, Mazurek says she finally decided it was time to invest in her own sleeping pocketbook for hiking trips. She purchased REI's Joule 21, which is sold out, just this model is very similar.
Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photo: Retailer
For germaphobes similar Strategist contributor Alison Freer, this Mulberry silk sleep sack is a phenomenon solution to questionably make clean hotel and Airbnb sheets. The machine-washable sack rolls upwards into a pouch the size of a burrito for piece of cake portability, and information technology has a pocket where you can insert a pillow because, equally Freer says, "If the sheets aren't clean, the pillow probably isn't, either." And if you're a restless sleeper, know that it doesn't feel confining like a sleeping handbag (though Freer says yous tin use the sack within of i for extra warmth).
Chris Bergaust, who has spent more than a decade abroad as an expat, has traveled to some places "with atrocious h2o," he says. "Surprisingly, most water purifiers don't actually filter everything out. While taking care of leaner and protozoa are nice, the smaller viruses will quickly ruin your dream vacation." He's had his eye on the MSR Guardian purifier, which "would make for a actually swell souvenir."
If yous're not gear up to shell out a few hundred dollars on a water purifier, the LifeStraw is a solid and much more affordable alternative. It comes recommended by a former U.Southward. special forces helm, who recommends it for disaster-preparedness kits. Jeff Jenkins, founder of ChubbyDiaries.com, who likes to bring it wherever he goes. "I can potable nearly any h2o in any city, state, or random pond in the middle of nowhere considering of this thing," he says.
Alexandra Brown, who co-authored the book A Year Off with her husband David, told us about this collapsible baby travel bed, which was first introduced to her and her family unit by friends. "This infant tent doubles as a bed and a cozy shelter for outdoor chill-fourth dimension and napping," she says. "Information technology'due south compact, lightweight, and incredibly versatile — and so much easier to bring with you on trips with your little ane than traditional 'pack-'n'-play' travel crib options."
Travel agent Lisa Murphy Harper told us she "loves packing cubes," modular organizers designed to fit in a suitcase. Her tip: If yous're sharing suitcases with family members, buy separate sets of packing cubes in unlike colors to differentiate whose clothes are whose while unpacking. Cookbook author Corky Pollan likes this set from Bagail. "I pack likewise much, I tin never organize myself, and with these, it's then easy to organize and set one size for underwear and bras, and some other for tops and blouses, and the other for pants," she told us.
Strategist contributor and "compulsive overpacker" Foster Kamer recommends this Hawkeye Creek packing-cube set, which comes with a pocket-sized, medium, and large container. "Your packing won't just have structural integrity, it will also have architecture," he says. "Y'all will become the Frank Gehry of luggage interiors."
When we talked to cruise-line operators and wildlife photographers about the best things to bring on an Alaskan cruise, they recommended atmospheric condition-safe gear, useful for travelers in all climates. Travel writer Susan Portnoy, a.grand.a. the Insatiable Traveler, recommends these all-purpose dry sacks for carrying camera lenses while traveling. The sacks are watertight, so they'd also work as carrying cases for larger toiletries.
This conveying case from Beis is a favorite of freelance writer and editor Kristin Corpuz. "I love that it'south double-sided, so I tin separate out my products as needed; and though it's quite small and can hands slide into a backpack or other carry-on, it really fits a ton." It also has a mirror, which she notes, is a big bonus.
Photo: Retailer
This nylon-lined canvass Dopp kit is a favorite of Philip Saul, the owner of Boston menswear store Sault New England. "They tin can fit into whatsoever bag and make it through the wash if anything opens up during travel," he says.
If you're looking for something to turn your Costco-size products into travel-friendly versions, you'll need these. "We all know the struggle of packing our skin care and toiletries with u.s.a. while traveling," Ufuoma says. "This is why I love these Matador toiletry bottles." You can make full these TSA-approved pouches with your favorite shampoo or face wash. They hold three ounces, and so they work for carry-on travel besides. Ufuoma adds that "their sleek and minimalist designs make for the perfect souvenir for stylish and savvy travelers."
If y'all find yourself struggling to pull your laptop out of your carry-on, try this featherlight quilted example that Strategist senior author Liza Corsillo considers the all-time thing she bought all yr. Corsillo says the "nylon material is a piddling glace, and then they slide into a haversack or purse quickly and easily," and "they're ultrapadded, and so they protect my computer no matter what pocketbook I throw it in."
Music journalist and Strategist contributor Issy Sampson suffered from swollen ankles that were so painful she couldn't fall asleep during flights — until she discovered this gel that works better than compression socks. A tablespoon of the cooling, nonsticky formula is all Sampson needs to reduce swelling "within minutes," she says. "I'm convinced you can see your legs shrink but seconds later using it."
It'due south always useful to have some TSA-approved size toiletries on manus, and our skin-care hobbyist Fizz Bissinger wrote that this Laneige lip mask is one of the products he packs to make in-air time less miserable and protect against chapped lips. "Yeah, I know yous should utilise it merely before you go to bed, but it's sooo velvety and shine and pampering," he says. "Information technology has a multi-berry scent and contains hyaluronic acrid to truly protect the skin."
Founder of All Call Natasha Hoskins, likes these gel-textured face up masks from Loops. "It'southward the simply confront mask I've used that has actually worked to get my skin back to itself afterward a traveling twenty-four hours," she says.
Although y'all may not be able to give the gift of a shower immediately upon landing, you tin give dry shampoo. Our dazzler writer Rio Viera-Newton included this in her list of travel items that work also as her daily staples. "Information technology cancels out whatsoever kind of intense shine and oiliness, without making your hair look weird and dry and without any white bandage," she says.
Actor Hari Nef says that she "slathers [Skin Food] on" afterwards a flying — the super-rich moisturizer feels "like your face is having a repast." It'southward also recommended by Sweetbitter author Stephanie Danler and makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes, who calls information technology a "wonder product" for recovering from dryness and creating a dewy glow.
Heat-styling can be particularly challenging for the frequent traveler who's hopping between countries with varying voltage needs. Corpuz recommends the Dyson Corrale, which is wireless and tin can both straighten and scroll hair.
We've written a lot about using sunscreen daily, and it'southward definitely necessary on that beach vacation. Travel blogger Oyin Edogi says this is the one to pack. "This sunscreen is my favorite for traveling because it'south pocket-size enough to fit in my acquit-on, and it protects my skin while adding a bit of glow," she explains.
No holiday is consummate without your toiletries, and Edogi likes to start her day with a deodorant from Raw Sugar. "They go on me feeling fresh and clean," she says. "My personal fave is Beach Rose + Aloe because of its clear, dry glide and biodegradable packaging."
Levy calls the Radius Tour the "the platonic ideal of a travel toothbrush" for its "curtailed" and "practical" design. It unfolds into a full-size toothbrush and folds down into thirds, with a "roomy" chamber that protects the bristles from debris without trapping moisture.
According to Rachel Coleman, the social media lead at Berlin travel agency GetYourGuide, i of the best things y'all can give a frequent traveler is the souvenir of … more travel. "I moved to Berlin this yr, which ways I've been spending my weekends exploring new cities in Europe and across," says Coleman. "One of my favorite gifts from my family has been gift cards to airlines similar Ryanair, which can get me to Edinburgh or Athens for a weekend getaway for less than $50." If the recipient is based in the U.Due south., Coleman suggests giving an American Airlines souvenir carte, which doesn't expire. [Note: The Ryanair souvenir carte du jour price is an estimated conversion of euros to U.S. dollars.]
If you're not sure what airline your frequent flier flies, Coleman says that another option is to care for them to a more relaxing time at the airdrome. "Priority Pass lets me access airport lounges around the globe without an expensive fantabulous ticket," she explains. Memberships start at $99 a yr, and give the recipient admission to 1,300 airport VIP lounges effectually the world.
Photo: retailer
For the person whose travel plans have been pushed out to 2022, Hoskins recommends a mag subscription to Yolo Journal, founded by former Condé Nast Traveler creative director Yolanda Edwards. "The escapism of this magazine has been one of the things that I've relied on to get through quarantine," says Hoskins. "If yous want to trigger some major wanderlust, option this up."
With this Bluetooth adapter recommended by nutrient stylist Judy Kim, you won't have to pack an additional pair of headphones or resign yourself to the airline-provided ones when you desire to picket an in-flight moving picture. The adapter allows Kim to use her AirPod'southward noise-canceling setting and prevents her seatmates from getting tangled in cords when they need to achieve the alley.
Photograph: retailer
Ufuoma says every traveler volition appreciate this device. It'due south "a handy 2-fashion translation device that fits in your purse and is a neat way to overcome language barriers," she says. You can talk direct into it in your native tongue, and it will automatically translate your words into one of the 82 languages it's compatible with. If yous're by yourself and demand help, Pocketalk'southward photographic camera tin translate text then you can read signs or restaurant menus.
"Sure, it'southward not the most glamorous gift of all time, but a USB adaptor is extremely practical, and I find myself using mine on every trip," says Coleman. She loves that this adapter has four USB ports, meaning that instead of carrying effectually four unlike USB chargers, she can charge her phone, headphones, and external batteries all with 1 device (only annotation that you would nevertheless need four USB cords). Another reason why this adapter makes a peachy gift, according to Coleman, is that it'southward universal. "I can charge everything in one identify, no matter which country I'g in," she says.
Consultant Vikram Saini (who flies multiple times a calendar month for work), suggests a portable charger. "While more shipping these days exercise provide charging outlets, a fair corporeality practise not, particularly regional or brusque haul aircraft," says Saini. "Portable charging devices can too come up in handy when traveling abroad and without an adapter, or even backpacking." This is his go-to model, which he says can usually provide v–6 full iPhone charges before you need to recharge it. We've heard near Anker's portable chargers before from comedian Jacqueline Novak, who told us that calculation an Anker charger to her life has "been huge."
Photo: retailer
Edogi is fractional to this portable Wi-Fi hot spot. "I tin can't count the amount of times I've traveled to another country and spent hours struggling with Wi-Fi connection," she says. With the Sapphire 2, it's less of an issue. "The portable hot spots are compatible in over 130 countries, so the possibilities are endless when it comes to connection." Y'all can connect up to five devices and manage your data from the Sapphire app. If y'all want to save more than and know your traveler's itinerary, at that place's also a rental option from $vii a day.
Travel agent Bryan L'Heureux says a hanging luggage calibration is a "lifesaver" for traveling, peculiarly for those who worry whether packing that actress fix of shoes volition put their checked bag over the weight limit. L'Heureux has gifted the scale himself: "I put it in a gift basket with luggage packing cubes, a passport holder, and luggage tags." While he didn't proper name a detail preferred brand of hanging luggage scale, this one is highly rated on Amazon.
"I've had my optics on Bose noise-canceling headphones for a long fourth dimension," says Bergaust. He also mentioned Sony's Bluetooth set, which are a favorite of our tech contributor David Pogue. "The bass is stronger and deeper, the midrange is counterbalanced, the highs are crisp," he says of the Sony pair. Either way, over-ear headphones are most comfy for long-haul flights, according to Dr. W. Chris Winter, a sleep specialist, and both options fit the beak.
The latest GoPro makes a nice gift for travelers who like to record every detail of their adventures. It's waterproof, with features including vocalisation control, video stabilization, and a touch on screen, making it peculiarly easy to use while on the go. We heard about when nosotros talked to VSCO girls — who are known for documenting their time in nature — most what they wanted for the holidays.
Corpuz often travels solo, so she likes having this selfie-stick tripod duo to snap photos of herself forth the fashion. "I've had to learn how to become my own Instagram husband," she says. "It has a Bluetooth-enabled remote that allows me to trigger the shutter on my camera or phone, making information technology like shooting fish in a barrel to have all my travel snaps on my own. Now I even bring it when Iam traveling with someone because it allows me to take full command over my photos."
Some other option for travel documentarians is Peach & Lily founder Alicia Yoon's "become-to" phone tripod. "The legs are super-bendy, so I can go the perfect angle and height for my video," she says. "Because the legs have a rubbery grip to them, information technology'southward and so stable."
Corpuz says she has bought one of these Moleskine daily planners every year since graduating high schoolhouse, and it ever comes with her on her piece of work trips. She finds the index in the back of "fourth dimension zones, international measurement conversions, and dialing codes" particularly useful for international travel.
The Baron Fig Squire pen came in at the top of our exhaustive 100-pen ranking for its sturdy aluminum barrel and polish writing. "I was worried that the Squire would neglect the smudge test, due to the heavier distribution of ink onto the folio, but it passed with flying colors," wrote quondam Strategist deputy editor Jason Chen — helpful for filling out forms in a customs line.
Travel agent Jane Freund says, "I love giving frequent travelers passport covers that can also concord a few credit cards and cash. It's like shooting fish in a barrel to grab when y'all demand something and keeps it all in ane identify and then you don't have to shuffle through your bag at the drome." Freund suggests this ane from Zoppen, which she uses herself.
Travelers will appreciate a gift that helps brand an unfamiliar infinite feel like their own. We recommend Piper Perabo's favorite nag champa incense: "When I'yard traveling and move into a hotel or flat where I'one thousand filming a bear witness, I'll low-cal information technology correct abroad because it makes the room experience familiar and homey," she says. Plus, the box is modest enough that it'south easy to sideslip into a suitcase. If nag champa isn't their style, try Strategist-favorite incense make Nippon Kodo, which offers a range of scents.
They may non exist able to travel with a full set of sheets, but they can accept their ain pillowcase. "While I love the classic hotel bed with the white sheets and perfectly laid duvet, I never fail to bear with me a silk pillowcase and use it while staying at a hotel," says Ufuoma. Non only does information technology keep her skin and hair protected, just if you're shopping for a germaphobe, they'll thank you. "There's no telling how clean some of these hotel pillows can be," Ufuoma says.
With a sprawling board and small pieces, Settlers of Catan isn't exactly designed to be played at 30,000 feet, just the travel version is an easier-to-acquire and faster-paced game, according to Strategist contributor Steven John. Players take turns rolling half dozen dice — covered with the familiar brick, wood, and wheat illustrations — and record gameplay on a small notepad that can hands exist tucked into a carry-on. If yous're traveling alone and want to piece of work on your strategy for futurity rounds, it tin too exist played solo.
Author Lisa Przystup, who describes herself as "hyper-particular when it comes to coffee," includes this "actually actually, for real good" instant coffee on her packing list. It's made past Savannah roaster Perc and comes in biodegradable packaging.
When author and CEO Meena Harris started traveling more ofttimes, these slippers became a staple in her suitcase. "When I was traveling a ton, I would always bring them with me because it is then dainty to accept your own slippers in a hotel," she told united states. "I think it'southward kind of gross to walk around a hotel room with your blank anxiety; obviously some places volition have slippers, but they're always actually flimsy. And a lot of hotels don't take them at all, so these became an essential travel item for me."
If they love their pinch socks for long flights but wish they were cuter, they'll be charmed past these ones from VIM & VIGR. Strategist contributor Allison Freer explains, "The dazzler of VIM & VIGR is that it takes nice-feeling black or tan compression socks and injects them with bodily style."
For a sportier pinch sock, Coleman suggests Bombas, which offers its compression socks in various neutral and brilliant colors, all with a gym sock-inspired double stripe detail at the top. "They help me avoid swollen feet on airplanes, and they go softer every fourth dimension I wash them," she told us.
Photo: Retailer
This sweatsuit from Pangaia is a favorite of Hoskins, who likes the make's sustainable mission (they plant a tree with each purchase and employ only recycled organic cotton) and the fact that she can wear the top and bottom separately. "A comfy set can turn into a bunch of different looks," she says.
"I like to go to extreme places when you aren't supposed to be in that location," says Sherry Ott, a self-described nomad and the founder of Ottsworld.com. Her travels have taken her to freezing climates such as Fairbanks, Alaska, where having the correct outerwear can make or intermission your trip. "I am a super-inexpensive traveler, and so I seldom buy myself the right equipment, but in this case, I can't really spiral around. I demand the right cold-atmospheric condition gear," Ott says. Her choice for an extra-warm coat is this Canada Goose downwardly parka, which can withstand temperatures every bit low as negative 13 degrees Fahrenheit. Simply if you don't have $950 to drib on Ott'south preferred coat, we've written nigh lots of other toasty, souvenir-worthy parkas, including this Mighty Low-cal hooded jacket from Columbia.
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Non every pair of pants could survive Special Forces missions and look appropriate at the Iv Seasons, merely the combination of durability, condolement, and polish is exactly what Strategist contributor Colin Nagy loves near these dungarees from Outlier. "I find them very comfortable to wear on flights as they have a flake of stretch and remain super-breathable in stuffy, overheated airline cabins," says Nagy, who likewise praises the fabric'due south quick-drying and stain-resistant engineering science.
Quality hardside luggage under $100 is a tall social club, but writer Robin Reetz beat the odds to find a budget-friendly acquit-on that expands upwards to 15 pct and has a three-year warranty. Reetz was fatigued to the compartments, which include a fully lined interior organizer with a divider and three zippered pockets for storing smaller items, as well equally its "much-better-than-expected functionality." Reetz even managed to persuade her Abroad- and Delsey-loyalist friends to consider getting this pocketbook.
Alexandra Brownish's hubby, David, directed us to this fold-up duffel handbag from Paravel. "Most every time I travel, I find myself needing a duffel for a day trip or overnight, or in situations where I want to bring back gifts and goodies from our travels home with united states of america," he explains. "These bags are light and tiny when folded but very large and strong when unfolded, and they expect skillful to boot!"
Susan Portnoy, founder of TheInsatiableTraveler.com, suggests the TLS Mother Lode wheeled duffel: "I dearest the ii-compartment design, perfect for when a trip includes hot and cold climates; reconfigurable dividers to go on everything in place; and expansion zippers, for when yous need a little more room. Basically, a i-end shop for all my packing needs."
Overpackers should take note of this Patagonia Black Pigsty Mini, which Strategist associate editor Louis Cheslaw has dubbed his "secret second suitcase." Cheslaw can attest that this personal-item-size handbag lives upwards to its proper name, easily plumbing fixtures two pairs of men'southward shoes equally well equally a week's worth of underwear, socks, and shirts in the main compartment. There's fifty-fifty more space in the exterior nada pockets for your laptop, charging cables, passport, and more.
Corpuz loves this backpack from Caraa so much, she has ii. "Information technology has then many different pockets and zippers to keep all of my items secure and organized, and it has a ton of space — I've fit four pairs of shoes in there," she says, noting that it's also h2o-resistant. She also likes that is has a padded laptop sleeve, and calls it "much nicer-looking than other travel packs I've seen."
If you lot prefer a travel purse, consider this zip-upward selection from Strategist-favorite brand Baggu, recommended by New York deputy editor Alexis Swerdloff. (The canvas style Swerdloff mentioned is sold out, just this nylon version is also great for travelers: It's lightweight and tin can be rolled up and packed in a suitcase or squeezed into overhead bins.) "The tiny-pocketbook trend has been fun, just let'south be real, it does not piece of work when y'all're trying to haul all your piece of work-from-anywhere items and makeup bag all in the same handbag," Hoskins says.
If you want to consummate L'Heureux'south luggage scale and passport-holder gift set with baggage tags, this handsome Aspinal of London fix was recommended to us by writer Bridget Arsenault. "The black croc feels luxurious," she says. "Each comes with an address card that'southward disguised by a flap, keeping my personal information slightly more concealed. And the gold hardware makes them stand out from other all-black tags."
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