Whether you’re shopping for the holidays, a birthday, or any special occasion, this curated list is guaranteed to delight the traveler in your life. From making their journeys smoother to enhancing their content creation or simply upgrading their in-flight comfort, these gifts are the next best thing to a plane ticket (if that’s out of budget!). Items marked with a blue ribbon are items I personally own or have used and highly recommend! The rest are highly rated finds I’ve researched—and a few might even be waiting in my cart!
Luggage and Bags
CALPAK Evry Medium Luggage, $245
I had an older version of this bag, which lasted me 6 years as a carry-on and checked bag! It unfortunately was on its last leg this past year on my trip to Alabama. I was devastated because I absolutely loved this suitcase as it was perfect for when I wanted to over-pack a little bit and could dub as a Carry-on on bigger aircraft(s) at airlines like Delta and United.
SAMSONITE Outline Pro Large Spinner, $279
Samsonite has the best reputation for luggage in all sizes. Investing in a durable, bigger, suitcase like the Outline Pro is essential for those who are always checking their bag for long vacations and need a long lifespan.
AWAY Bigger Carry-On, $295
This is my go-to carry-on bag whether it is a quick weekend trip or a week-long trip. It has a built-in portable charger (you have to pay extra for it) and I have never had an issue with the size while boarding a plane. I also can’t forget the lifetime warranty on the suitcase! Best investment ever.
CALPAK Luka duffel, $128
If I’m headed home for the weekend the first thing, I grab is my Luka duffle. There is a shoe pocket, a side pocket for your water bottle, many different-sized pockets on the side, and one larger zipper pocket on the front. I do find it difficult to pack a pair of shoes and a toiletry bag so if you choose to purchase this item, be mindful of the amount you are bringing as space can fill up quickly!
BEIS The Weekender, $108
I have heard nothing but great things about this bag and honestly am waiting for my Luka duffel to be on its last leg before I purchase The Weekender to try it out. Many of my colleagues have this bag and swear by it for business trips and for fun vacations!
CALPAK Luka 17 inch Laptop Backpack, $138
I would not trade my Luka Backpack for any other backpack… ever. I can fit up to two laptops, a book, shoes, a toiletry bag, water bottle, and more. There are so many pockets, its square shape helps fit a lot of items and it is comfy to wear on your back! I use this for going to work, going home on the weekends and long trips abroad to carry all of my electronics and plane accessories.
Bag Accessories
BEIS Belt bag, $54
I finally purchased this belt bag and can’t wait to use it on my next trip! It is so handy to store your go-to cards and IDs when traveling and all other small plane accessories instead of digging in my backpack for it!
AWAY Passport Wallet, $75
This is a non-expensive, yet sleek, leather Passport wallet to store your money, passport and debit/credit cards, this is a great option!
BAGSMART Toiletry Bag, $34
Not only is it affordable, but this toiletry bag can fit everything you need for that long vacation. All my travel bottles, makeup skincare, and everything I need for hygiene and jewelry goes in this bag and I’m absolutely obsessed!
BAGSMART 6PCS Compression Travel Packing Cubes, $43
Changing to compression cubes was a game changer for me especially when I started to travel more for work and started using a carry-on more often. Sometimes I don’t even use all 6 pieces but it is great to have all different size options.
CALPAK Portable Luggage Tag + Charger, $35
Spending money on a suitcase that comes with a portable charger can be pricey… CALPAK has a solution! This luggage tag comes with a portable charger at a great price.
SAMSONITE 3 Dial Luggage Strap, $20
In case a luggage bag doesn’t have a lock to keep belongings safe, getting a dial luggage strap is a great option to keep anyone from getting into your belonging and is very cost friendly!
Plane Accessories
BOMBAS Travel Compression Sock and Gripper Slipper 2-Pack, $78
This is the perfect gift for flyers who have a hard time with feet swelling during their flights! The best part is that they are fashionable and come with a matching slipper.
SEATDREAMZZZ Eye Mask, $30
A product I hope to try in the near future as I am also a victim of head bobbing while sleeping on a flight. This eye mask attaches to the back of the seat headrest and is pulled over the flyers eyes to block out any light and keep your head in place.
OSTRICHPILLOW Go Neck Pillow, $69
Finding a comfortable travel pillow that fits around your neck correctly and allows you to sleep with your head tilted has been really hard to find…until now! Don’t let the price scare you as this is for sure an investment to make sure you are getting a good rest on a flight, train, or car ride!
AIRFLY Duo Bluetooth Adapter, $35
In the age of Bluetooth everything, especially earphones, the AIRFLY adapter is a total game changer. I recently saw the person sitting next to me use it on a flight to connect her air pods to the plane Bluetooth option on her seat to watch what she wanted with her own headphones instead of using the one provided by airlines. This device will only work on airlines that provides the Bluetooth option when watching or listening to the entertainment offered.
LOOPS Quiet 2, $24.95
I currently own the Loops Concert ear plugs and use them to help me sleep sometimes. My next purchase will be the Quiet 2 for the flights were there is nonstop chatter or screaming children!
Cameras & Tech
GOPRO Hero 12, $349
Since Generation 3, I have been a Go Pro user and supporter. The GoPro 12 is my 3rd GoPro and I cannot be more happy with all of the upgrades from my GoPro 6 to 12… it is night and day! If you love to do activities, water sports, and vlogging I highly recommend getting this camera as it is an all in one for a great price!
SNAPTAIN P30 4K Drone with Camera, $269
After a year of creating travel content for social media, I have been inspired to purchase a drone for some amazing aerial shots on my trips. If you are looking to use your drone for some creative shots and content while on vacation, be sure to do some research on your destination’s rules for flying drones as they can be very strict. Overall, I would highly suggest purchasing this item if you want to step up your content game!
CANON PowerShot IXUS 285, $499
Taking pictures on your phone camera can go a long way but does not capture amazing photos like a professional camera does. The Canon Powershot has been on my Wishlist for some time now. It is small, making it easy to carry around and travel with! This camera is also great for beginners and goes a long way when creating content.
SONY Alpha ZV-E10, $699
A two for one camera for vloggers and photographers! Getting its fame from TikTok, this Sony camera has become very popular in the travel community for being lightweight, small, versatile and easy to capture all travel content with!