The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Travelers

by Lauren Bowman
Last updated: 10:00 AM ET, Thu November 28, 2024

It’s that time of year again.

Do you have your gifts set yet?

If you have a traveler in your family, here is a round-up of some of the best-loved travel gear items sure to make them smile this holiday season.

Travel Insurance - Annual Policy

In today’s world, it isn’t uncommon to have a flight delayed or canceled. But having travel insurance - especially an annual policy for those who travel frequently - can help alleviate any headaches when travel plans fall through. Allianz Travel Insurance helps protect you with medical coverage, rental car damage and theft protection and more depending on your plan.

Global Entry

For international travelers, Global Entry is a must. This “skip-the-line” ticket is good for five years and can save tons of time when re-entering the country. Double check your credit card, because reimbursement for this cost may be included as one of your special offers.

Hard Sided Luggage

A trusty way to carry your belongings is a traveler’s number one piece of gear. In today’s world where it seems every other piece of luggage looks the same, ROAM Luggage delivers a tailored, quality product that can be customized to your individual personality. And they have a whole line of backpacks, totes and duffles that can also be made to order for a unique coordinating set.

Multi-Purpose Bag

The JustinCASE bag serves as a cooler and a carry-on bag all in one. It's perfect for the beach, the lake, the pool or any trip you know you'll need wet and dry items. It holds up to 38 liters of dry luggage or cooler space. Plus, it can keep ice cold for over 24 hours. You can use it as your carry-on bag on the plane with all your clothes, unpack it at your destination and then use it as a cooler throughout your trip.

Battery Backup

It’s easy to assume that all planes have outlets in the seats now, but unfortunately, that’s not always the case. And even if there is one, it might not be working. Therefore it’s a good idea to have your own battery backup because there’s nothing worse than getting to your destination with a dead phone and no way to contact anyone. These make great stocking stuffers.

Outlet Converter

Another great stocking stuffer, outlet converters always come in handy for international travelers. Grab one with a voltage converter to ensure your loved one’s appliances will work without blowing a fuse.

Packing Cubes

These are huge space savers. As an added bonus, if you travel with multiple family members at once, these are great for helping you stay organized. A personal favorite is Tom Bihn’s packing cubes which have held up well after years of family travel.

Portable Hotspot or Subscription Service

It’s weird to think that not everywhere will have free Wi-Fi available, and even if it does, it’s nice to have your own secure network. Solis provides a variety of Wi-Fi plans from US-only to Global that can be tailored for how long you plan to travel.

Travel Power Strip

It can be frustrating to check into a hotel room only to find there are two outlets available to charge all of you and your family’s gear. Luckily they make these portable travel power strips that have multiple outlets and USB outlets to help alleviate family arguments over who gets to charge their phone first. These are especially great for cruise travelers and international travelers who only have one outlet converter.

Travel Car Seat (Toddler)

For those who are traveling with small children, bringing a car seat can be a necessary headache. They’re big and bulky, but knowing your child is protected while in a rental car is worth it. Thankfully WAYB has made the Pico portable car seat that has passed all U.S. safety standards and gives parents a lightweight, compact option while traveling.

All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller (Newborn and Infant)

Families traveling with newborns or infants will love the all-in-one travel-friendly car seat and stroller from Doona. This car seat can easily click into a LATCH base or be strapped into a car seat with a seatbelt. And with the push of a button, it quickly transforms into a stroller – allowing parents to transfer their child out of the car without waking them.

TSA-Approved Toiletry Containers

Travel-sized toiletries can add up quickly, and they may not make your preferred brand’s shampoo and conditioner in a TSA-approved sized.

Wash Bag

So where are you going to put those toiletry containers? Every traveler needs a good wash bag. Horizon Studios offers multiple styles, including waterproof bags, as well as the clear see through bag perfect for all your liquids. You can also re-use it as a purse for any stadium venues that require clear bags only.

Packable Toddler Mattress

Figuring out where your child is going to sleep while on vacation can always present problems too. But with an inflatable toddler mattress from JetKids by Stokke CloudSleeper you know your child always has a safe place to sleep. It’s super compact, so it won’t take up your entire suitcase.

Travel Crib and Playard (Newborn and Infant)

For those with newborns or infants, the Guava Lotus Travel Crib provides a safe sleeping space while also folding into a carry-on size backpack.

Airplane Seat for Kids

Long-haul and overnight flights can be rough on anyone. Fly Away Designs is hoping to change that for kids at least with their inflatable mattress that fits most economy airline seats. The mattress can be quickly inflated with a hand pump and folds away into a compact carrying case. However, it is up to the flight attendants on your flight if this is permissible or not.

Weekender Bag

Sometimes all you need is a simple bag for that shorter getaway. Enter the weekender bag. And what better way to travel than to do so sustainably too. The Shibuya Weekender bag from Horizin Studios is lightweight, spacious, and easy on the shoulders when carrying all your stuff.

Cross Body Bag

Whether you're at the theme park with the family or strolling around the big city, having an easy bag for all your essentials is important. A cross body bag provides that comfort. The Chiado Cross-Body from Horizin Studios is water resistant, super durable, and the adjustable shoulder strap provides great comfort.

Travel Umbrella

The Davek Mini Umbrella is an ideal present for travelers. It measures less than 7 inches when closed but when open gives a full coverage of 38 inches. You never know when Mother Nature might open up the skies and pour down rain, so having a compact umbrella for on the go that fits well in bags (or even your pocket) is clutch for travelers.