The 10 Best Holiday Gifts for Travel-Lovers

When I need to come up with the perfect gift for someone, I really struggle.  I am at a point in my life where I really don't want a bunch of extra stuff to store, or clutter up my space.  I also don't want to be the reason other people have clutter either.  I really like gifts that are either experiential, extremely useful, or otherwise make some of my life experiences easier or more enjoyable.   That being said, I have compose a list of my top gift recommendations for the traveler in your life.

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1.  A Universal Travel Adapter

This thing is amazing!  This is the exact one that I have.  It is small, easy to pack or store, and works in over 150 countries.  Given how inexpensive these little devices are, there's no reason not to have one in your suitcase.  This adapter allows the user to plug in any of their devices the old-fashion way or via USB as needed.

2.  A Portable Cell Phone Charger

This is the exact one that I currently use.   I used to be one of those people tethered to the wall outlet in the halls of the airport, seated on the ground, waiting for my phone to have enough charge on it.  Well, I'm not that person anymore.  Now, I can be seated anywhere, or even on the go and have my phone charging as needed.  Originally, I bought it to slip into a special cell phone charging pocket of my suitcase, but truth be known, it can easily be thrown into a purse or backpack for every day usage.  Bonus:  It's got two USB ports, allowing it to charge multiple devices at a time.

3.  Headphones



I can't tell you how many times I've forgotten to pack my headphones because I can't do it much ahead of time.  I use headphones during my daily commute so, they frequently don't make it into my travel gear.  It's not a problem for me anymore!  This is the set that's been designated for travel.  It's inexpensive, and lives in my suitcase ready for take off.  Also, this Sony pair comes with a built in mic, so technically it can be used on the airplane, or your cell phone.  Don't worry; it comes in other colors.  This is just the one that I like best!

4.  Carry-On Size Suitcase


I cannot tell you how much I love this suitcase (but I'll sure try)!  I know almost everyone sings the praises of Samsonite, and I agree that they're great, but what most people don't realize is that Delsey's been around since 1946, when they got their start making leather cases (camera bags, etc.).  I have searched high and low for a suitcase I love, and this is it!  First of all, I am a light packer, and prefer to use a carry-on.  Additionally, I love compartments.  There is a compartment on the outside sized for you to place a charging pack (like the one listed on #2). It has a tiny hole for your charging cord to come out through, thus allowing you to plug your device in from the comfort of you suitcase.  Furthermore, there is a small, square lined pocket that can be unzipped from the outside, allowing you to place something inside of your suitcase without it touching you other things.  For example.  Once I am in the airport, I might take off my coat, fold it up, and place it in this pocket.  Since the pocket is lined, my potentially damp coat will not touch my other clothing.  I can also access it again without getting into my entire suitcase.  I can't tell you how much I love this feature.  You don't realize how handy it is until you are in the airport  wanting to stash a coat, or swap shoes, etc.  There are also some pockets inside of the suitcase.  The one that captures my attention the most is a small, waterproof pouch.  This pouch is terrific for dirty clothing, or wet bathing suits.  It's waterproof nature means that it's contents won't taint clean or dry items in the rest of the suitcase.  Overall, the quality is durable, the price is relatively modest, and it's organizational features are first rate. The traveler in your life is sure to be thrilled with it.

5.  Under-the-Seat Suitcase



This Delsey suitcase is very much the same as the carry-on size that I have, but even smaller.  This is for the ultra-lite packer, and can be stashed under an airline seat.  The beautiful thing about it is that it has many of the same organizational features that can be found in the larger sizes (only compact).

6.  Hanging Toiletries Bag



One of the most annoying things about traveling (especially on multi-destination trips) can be packing and unpacking your toiletries.  If you have the right kind of set, this can be as easy as pulling it out of a suitcase, and hanging it in the bathroom.  It also makes repacking a much easier task!

7.  Packing Cubes



Packing cubes will change the way you travel!  Even if the travel-lover in your life has a set, these are useful.  I find that mixing and matching between regular travel cubes and slender.  I find the larger ones useful for bulkier items.

8.  Slender Packing Cubes



The slender cubes are great for making slightly less bulky items more compact.  As previously stated, I feel that combining regular styles with slim styles often yields the best result.

9.  Traveler's Wall Map



Any travel lover is literally guaranteed to fall in love with this piece of art.  This beautiful wall hanging comes with multi-colored push pins designed to track the travels of it's owner.  Not only is it a wonderful conversation starter, but it also comes in both standard and personalized designs.

10.  Travel Journal



Travel lovers are frequently passionate about documenting their adventures.  I personally use a leather bound travel journal with unlined pages so that I can paste items into it, in addition to jotting notes about my discoveries and experiences.

What are the go-to gifts for the traveler in your life?  If you are a frequent traveler, what are some of the best gifts that have enhanced your travel experiences?