Whether you’re an adventure-seeker living out of a backpack or someone who spends a week a month in the Delta One lounge (or both!), you know that your travel experience can hinge on what you pack—and what you don’t. With space at a premium, every item you take needs to justify its place in your bag—whether that’s for business or pleasure.
From durable and stylish travel bags to the best ways to keep yourself comfy and entertained on a long-haul flight, here are some of our favorite gift ideas for every kind of traveler.
Filson Rugged Twill Duffle Bag
We love Filson's sturdy and reliable gear. This classic duffle bag won’t break the bank, but there's still an understated luxury to it. The body of the bag is made from an industrial-strength British fabric that’s lightly waxed to keep your valuables protected from the elements, and the deep brown leather shoulder strap is detachable for hand carry. It also comes in navy and olive green, but we’re partial to the tan.
Buy: $595Kenektrek Boots SlideRock Hiker
If you’re looking for something for the outdoorsy adventurer in your life, look no further. The Sliderock Hiker is comfortable, durable, and surprisingly lightweight at 3.6 pounds for the pair. Each all-terrain boot has a breathable, waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry, and the Grapon outsoles provide outstanding traction to keep even the tiredest of legs standing strong.
Buy: $345WeatherTech FloorLiner HP
[PARTNER] Safeguard your vehicle’s interior from spills, stains, and unsightly wear and tear with the best in bespoke protection from WeatherTech. Their laser-measured FloorLiner HP perfectly fits every inch of your footwell to keep your interior pristine. Made from a durable yet soft Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) compound, it withstands extreme weather without cracking or curling. Give the gift of a clean car for the holidays with WeatherTech’s FloorLiner HP.
Buy: $75Rains Hilo Weekend Bag
Multiple Cool Material editors swear by this weatherproof overnight bag, which looks as good on its 10th holiday road trip as it did on its first. The coated full-length zipper wards off snags when you're stuffing it full of souvenirs, and built-in compression straps ensure you're making the most of your space. Want something more punchy than black? It's available in 11 colors.
Buy: $110Kensington Tours
Kensington Tours’ global travel experiences offer the perfect blend of luxury and authenticity, with private guides and custom itineraries that reveal the essence of your destination. We're particular fans of their bespoke polar tours, as well as their curated wine and food itineraries of the Basque region and Bordeaux.
Learn More: $Mismo Tote Bag
Danish brand Mismo offers elevated versions of all your fraying travel bags. We especially like the unstructured M/S Haven tote—an ideal gift for anyone who deserves to arrive in style. This versatile, lightweight bag easily transitions from commute to holiday with two straps that allow it to be worn over the shoulder or as a crossbody.
Buy: $530AirPods Pro 2
Take it from our team: These are the headphones to get—the ones you’ll reach for 95 percent of the time. With their sound quality, portability, and noise cancellation modes, the AirPods Pro 2 is the GOAT for travel, commuting, working out, falling sleep, gabbing on work calls, and … basically everything else. They make flights and subway rides infinitely better, and they’ve got nifty adaptive tech to lower your media volume when you speak to someone nearby.
Buy: $199Valvoline
True road warriors know oil changes are a fact of life. Our marketing manager Julia swears by Valvoline, which offers coupons to save cash ahead of your next cross-country odyssey, or when you’re making a pit stop mid-journey.
Learn More: $Nintendo Switch Lite
Nintendo's Switch handheld may be getting a bit long in the tooth, but that also means its library is absolutely stacked. If you're someone who only gets the chance to game occasionally—say, on a long-haul flight—the slender form-factor of the Switch Lite makes it a perfect way to burn through a few hours. We love that it's a little sleeker and less delicate than the standard model.
Buy: $199Dreamegg Portable White Noise Machine
A good night’s sleep is essential, whether you're traveling for business or pleasure. If you have trouble sleeping due to jetlag or noise, this little miracle machine might help send you to your slumber. It includes 21 different types of noise, including fans, rain, and ocean waves. Best of all? The tidy form factor means it easily stashes away in a backpack or carry-on.
Buy: $16.99Anker 633 Magnetic Battery
Frequent flyers know all too well that in-seat power isn't as reliable as it should be. Thankfully, Anker's magnetic, portable battery pack is perfect for travel. It's compact, lightweight, and offers efficient, high-speed charging. Plus, the included foldable stand allows you to prop up your phone for easy viewing on planes or in the airport.
Buy: $54.99More Travel
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