Entertainment And News

50 Best Gifts For Travelers, Wanderlust-ers, And People Who Love To Fly

Photo: Getty
50 Best Gifts For Travelers, Wanderlust-ers, And People Who Love To Fly

"Being afraid of the world, of unknown beats, only makes you feel alone. Sometimes you just need to get on the plane and hope nothing bad happens." -Scaachi Koul. We all have that one person in our life who can't sit still, is always on the move, and simply seems to live for travel and adventure. This travel gift guide is for them! Whether they're serious jet-setters who's entire Insta feed is #travelgoals or the dreamer-type who's always seeking the next action-packed trip (or maybe not? a chill beach trip sounds pretty sweet, too.), we've rounded up 50 of the best gifts for travelers of all time. And even better: we've organized it stage-by-stage from boarding the airplane (or train) (or car) (or motorcycle) — whatever your transportation mode — to facing myriad types of travel days: sun, rain, hella-long walking days, whatever — we got you covered. And as someone with a serious case of wanderlust (my poor bank account), I can attest most of these items are tried and true and have saved my jetlagged booty many-a-time. So happy traveling, happy packing, and most importantly: The world is BIG — never stop dreaming!

For the flight itself:

1. Tula Major Glow Cooling & Brightening Hydrogel Mask

This innovative hydrogel mask, infused with probiotics & superfoods like citrus and papaya, improves the appearance of your skin’s tone, texture & hydration levels immediately and over time. Perfect to apply before, after or during long flights, when your skin gets extra-dry.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

2. Mer | Sea Charleston Travel Wrap

Are we the only ones who get super-chilly on flights? Why do they keep planes soooo cold? Solution: this travel wrap. It's exquisite cotton cashmere blend might be the ultimate combination of cozy + functional. This mid-weight weave of all natural fibers is heavy enough to keep you warm, but light enough that you can use it in any season. And the best part is: you can wear it outside of the plane, too! Pair it over jeans or dress it up for dinner out: there are no limits to where this lovely wrap can go. A must-have travel item.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

3. Patchology On-The-Fly Travel Treatment Kit

Arrive refreshed with this 5-minute in-flight, on-standby (or at your final destination) TSA-friendly skincare kit. It contains the perfect patch and mask combination to hydrate your skin, illuminate your complexion, wake up tired, puffy eyes, and smooth your dry lips for the true royal treatment, no matter when (or where!) pampering calls. 

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

4. Printfresh Geode Dip Dye Velvet Oversized Pouch

Travel in style with this irresistibly touchable pouch that fits perfectly into your suitcase or carry-on to keep what's important all in one place. 

(Printfresh, $58)

5. MYTAGALONGS Neck Pillow

Catch a few extra zzz's on your next flight or car trip with this super-comfortable memory foam neck pillow. It molds to your neck and head to provide support while seated — because let's face it: airplane seats are not comfy. This helps.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

6. Nidra Dreams Eye Mask

Another issue with plane travel is getting some shut-eye! Which is hard to do if you're sitting by a neighbor who has no qualms about keeping the window up for the entireity of the journey. (Side-eye.) Fear not! This eye mask completely blocks out light, so you can enjoy peaceful sleep and feel rested by the time you reach your destination. Morning flights, we're ready for ya!

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

RELATED: 10 Unforgettable Summer Road Trip Travel Destinations For Families

7. TIME Hi-top slippers

These slippers are made from Yoga Mat insoles. WE REPEAT: YOGA MAT INSOLES. Guys: it doesn't get comfier than that. These are thee ultimate flying shoes. From stretch laces and flexible outsoles to a plush wool lining and yoga mat insoles, it's a whole 'nother level of cozy — you might even forget you're on a plane. (A stretch? Maybe.) Either way, in addition to being comfy, how chic is the hi-top design, too? Trendy + travel-ready. 

(Time Slippers, $190)

8. Triderma Foot Defense Soothing Cream

Your face isn't the only thing that gets dry on flights. So do hands and feet! This foot defense soothing cream helps improve the look of dry skin with powerful moisturizing botanicals and leaves you feeling silky-soft. (It's for tired, dry feet but you can use on your hands, too!) Make sure to buy the size that's TSA-approved for carry-on.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

9. Erin Flett Navy Rain Wristlet Zipper Bag

The perfect travel wristlet! These little gems are made from the highest-quality natural bark cloth and they're hand-printed and sewn in Maine. You can literally feel the quality of this piece. The best part: They're machine-washable and designed to be turned inside out and thrown in the wash. How easy is that?

(Erin Flett, $38)

10. COMRAD Compression Socks

Compression socks are a MUST for long flights. (So is getting up and walking around.) These pink stripe ones are stylish like a dress sock but have the comfort of a casual sock and the circulation benefits of a compression sock. Take these bad boys with you wherever you go.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

11. Demeter Lavender Roll-On Perfume

Lullaby and goodnight. This scent says chill out. Demeter's lavender is powdery, soft and enveloping. And the roll-on size is perfect for stashing in your carry-on and setting a zen mood before take-off.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

12. Tracy Anderson French Terry Pants & Pullover

Toss them on before an AM workout or after a day of jet-setting, this Tracy Anderson — yes, the celeb fitness guru! — tracksuit is the comfiest flying outfit around.

(QVC, $47 for pants and pullover, sold separately)

13. Repêchage Algo Mist Hydrating Seaweed Facial Spray

Unlike other products that are basically pure water in a bottle, Algo Mist has a unique combination of seaweed extract, Vitamin C, Gingko Biloba, Aloe and Orange Water to help keep your skin feeling smooth and soft. Perfect for travel, but use it anytime — early and often!

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

For a good night's sleep:

14. Sugarbear Sleep Vitamins

Taken 30 minutes before bed, these vitamins do their job to get you to sleep and keep you asleep — and major bonus…there’s no sleep hangover. Perfect for taking when traveling, SugarBear Sleep helps you sync up with the current time zone so you don’t have to miss a beat.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

15. Therapedic Cooling Weighted Eye Mask

Crafted from a soft and plush rayon fabric, this cooling eye mask is great to block light and can also help to soothe headaches and sinus pressure. NOTE: Do not wear while sleeping; only wear to relax before sleeping.

(Bed Bath and Beyond, $14.99)

16. Sound + Sleep Mini Sound Machine

If you're anything like me, it's hard to sleep with outside distraction. A sound machine is a must when I travel — it's the only way I fall asleep! This Sound+Sleep MINI is a compact, battery-powered sleep therapy machine. Just like the original Sound+Sleep sound machine, the Sound+Sleep MINI provides you with realistic, natural sound environments and white, pink and brown noise programs so you can get a good night’s rest — wherever you are in the world.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

For beauty on-the-go:

17. Elina Organics Gemstone Kit

This gemstone collection combines the healing properties of nature with the energy from a variety of precious gemstones. This kit also comes with a suggested day and night regimen for you to reference on-the-go. Note: I legit use this skincare IRL and I can't say enough good things about it, except to say I've never received more compliments on my skin ever before! The travel-size regiment is genius, so your skincare routine never gets off track.

(Elina Organics, $125)

18. Vitabrid C12 Dual Masks: Brightening & Luminous

Vitabrid C¹²'s set of five dual masks instantly brighten tired and distressed skin and enhances radiance and luminosity. Featuring unique Peptibrid and Vitabrid technologies to improve the stability and penetration of wrinkle-fighting peptides, these hypoallergenic microfiber sheet masks adhere comfortably to the skin to promote even absorption.

(Barney's, $35 for set of 5)

19. The Baby Brush Crush Mini Heated Straightening Brush

Hotels generally have blowdryers on hand, but straighteners? Not so much. One part flat-iron, one part brush, the new Drybar Baby Brush Crush is a compact and travel-friendly tool that combines the heat of a flatiron with the structure of a paddle brush to create smooth, frizz-free hair in a matter of minutes. Great for touch-ups, flyaways, bangs and short styles and to pack in your bag when you’re on-the-go.

(Nordstrom, $59)

20. Love Wellness Intimate Cleanser Kit

Everyone feels a bit ick after a long flight, amiright? Cleanse in a safe, natural way and keep your down-there area pH where it needs to be. These do-it-all wipes keep you feeling fresh and healthy at home or on-the-go.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

21. Borghese 3-Step Purifying Facial Set

This 5-piece purifying kit puts the deep in deep cleaning. Made to clear clogged and congested skin, the cleanser, mask and moisturizer trio purifies, exfoliates and helps minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines. Upon getting to your hotel, immediately apply. (Or if you have some downtime during an otherwise busy trip, it's a perfect relaxation antidote.)

(Borghese, $48)

22. Baggage Claim Gold Eye Masks

Individually packaged foil eye masks to visibly brighten, hydrate and reduce the appearance of dark circles. Perfect for red-eye flights.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

23. Biosilk Strength & Shine On-The-Go Styling Kit

Strengthen, moisturize and repair your hair on-the-go! Silk protects against humidity, heat, cold, UV rays and pollution and it's perfect for air travel with the bag being FAA approved.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

For weekend getaways:

24. Raven + Lily Addis Weekender

Room for everything you need on a weekend getaway. Travel minimally and in style with this full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather bag. Soft to the touch, wears beautifully over time, and comes lined with convenient interior pockets for smaller items. And the quality of the item — it's made by artisan partners in Ethiopia —means it'll last you a long time; it's truly equally durable and gorgeous.

(Raven + Lily, $288)

25. Cinda B Crossbody Weekender

 

This crossbody weekender tote will be your new go-to luggage piece, we swear! We suggest packing this bag with everything you need and taking some time away to enjoy much-needed rest and relaxation. It's lightweight yet durable for all your travel needs and the best part? It's WASHABLE. (Because airport floors and overheard storage bins are gross.)

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

26. MYTAGALONGS Set of 3 Packing Pods

As someone who travels frequently, I can attest packing pods are a game-changer for staying organized and efficient. Packing and unpacking becomes a cinch with this set of packing pods that comes in 3 different sizes. They also come with mesh windows so you can easily see what's inside each one. 

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

27. Eloise & Lolo Rory Backpack

For the mom on-the-go, this backpack-turned-diaper bag is an incredible travel solution. Ordinary diaper bags are chunky and clunky. Diaper bags fall off your shoulder, are bulky to carry, very disorganized, and the top smooshes flat! Good luck finding what you need in that messy lump, right? This solves all of those pesky issues with the convenience of being able to carry all your baby must-haves on your back, not your shoulder. Genius travel solution for moms.

(Eloise & Lolo, $94.99)

28. TSP Oxford Leather Backpack

Inspired by vintage backpacks, the Oxford Backpack provides a vintage look with the convenience of a daily backpack. It's handcrafted from suede leather and roomy enough to carry your everyday essentials. Contains multiple internal pockets for organizing and easy access to your belongings. There's versatile shoulder straps for carrying as a handbag or over-the-shoulder as a sling bag when you need to. And ... drum roll, please: for anyone flying basic economy (raises hand), this backpack is the perfect size — trust us, you'll get no airline hassle over this and frankly, that's a relief because airports are stressful enough.

(Travel Starter Pack, $59)

29. Makeup Mitty 

Mittys are next-generation washcloths. They're ultra-soft, really effective, adorable, and they last for years. Such a better, lighter-to-carry alternative to single-use makeup wipes — and better for the environment.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

RELATED: 21 Couples Share Their Amazing, Atypical Honeymoon Destinations

30. Vera Bradley Iconic Lunch Bunch

Packing a lunch or some cold brews in a brown paper bag is a disaster. And bringing a giant cooler isn't always feasible ... or cute. This lunch bag, which doubles as a summer cooler for drinks, is made in the same iconic Vera Bradley but with a modern twist on their classic silhouettes, refreshed with added functionality. Carry your sandwich and seltzers in style.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

31. Lulu Dharma Linen Weekender

This amazing weekender bag features vegan leather handles, trim, and gold-toned hardware. These bags are durable, trendy, and are also the perfect size, so you don't accidentally overpack or feel burdened by how heavy your bag is while you’re traveling around. 

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

32. MYTAGALONGS Plug-In Charger Case

Store and organize all your tech accessories all in one place when you're on-the-move. Each case features give inner compartments including a large middle one that can hold your cords, chargers, travel adaptors, earbud cases and even your cell phone. (I used to use a plastic gallon zip bag to store all my cords; this is soooo much chic-er and efficient.)

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

33. MYTAGALONGS Silicone Travel Bottles

This set of BPA-free refillable travel bottles are made of soft and durable silicone. Easy to fill and to squeeze, and carry-on approved. Perfect for your fancy shampoos and conditioners that you don't want to put in a checked bag. 

(MYTAGALONGS, $12)

For sunny days:

34. Erin Flett Oatmeal Dandelion Bucket Hat

The perfect light-weight, washable, and adorable-as-a-button bucket hat for sunny spring and summer travel days!

(Erin Flett, $39)

35. Rainbow OPTX Magenta Sunnies

Not only do these sunnies have the major WOW factor, they literally will make your world more colorful. Everything's coming up roses (or shall we say, magenta!) when you put these babies on. Don't wear while driving.

(Rainbox OPTX, $59)

36. Blenders Eyewear Moon Virginia Sunnies

Heaven-sent style is here, courtesy of the ‘Moon Virginia’ sunnies, part of Blender's glass-lens-designed ‘Halo Wireframe Collection.’ The chic circular frames are made of high-gloss stainless steel, while the lenses feature a smoke-to-clear gradient that’s reminiscent of the gradient of the sky. The effect is both celestial and ethereal, creating something that’s otherworldly beautiful. The chances that special someone gravitates toward you when you wear these? Astronomical.

(Blenders Eyewear, $58)

37. Dynamikos Journey Sunnies

A refreshing twist on a classic round lens, this lightweight frame is made of high-quality Japanese acetate and metal. Whether you're vacationing through Europe or planning a beach day, these are a must. This colorway is pure perfection.

(Dynamikos, $205)

38. Bare Republic Mineral SPF 30 Holographic Shimmer Sunscreen Lotion 

Sunny days call for serious SPF protection. When you're playing it safe but not ready to fade into the crowd, reflect your inner sparkle with these new shimmer sunscreen lotions. They blend non-nano zinc oxide with sustainable, light-reflecting mica for a healthy go-get-'em glow no matter the occasion. Express yourself while protecting yourself. Especially great for beachy vacas!

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

39. Greenerways Organic 2-in-1 Sunscreen And Bug Repellent

Because no traveler wants to be bitten by bugs, add this 2-in-1 suncreen and bug repellent — it's deet-free — to your travel shopping list. All Greenerways products are chemical-free, skin-soothing, and family and pet-friendly.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

RELATED: 15 Travel Quotes To Appease Your Wanderlust & Inspire You To Go On An Adventure

For rainy days:

40. Cotopaxi Teca Patterned Half-Zip Windbreaker

This patterned teca half-zip windbreaker is packable, weather-resistant, and great for travel, camping, or just cruising the town. What makes it stellar? DWR-treated repurposed polyester taffeta, a large front kangaroo pocket, a front-flap pocket, and an internal phone pocket that doubles as a stuff sack. Plus: if you look closer, you’ll notice the form-fitting scuba hood, front zip, and elastic binding at hood, cuffs, and hem. Another perk: It' s made from 100% repurposed fabric. We dare to say this may be the best (and most eco-friendly) windbreaker on the market right now.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

41. Oliver Thomas Wanderlust Weekender Duffel

Whether you’re exploring the world or that nearby resort with the great spa, who wants to travel with three different bags? Not me. This is the perfect lightweight travel partner with enough pockets and compartments to provide ultimate organization. The My Secret Stash Bottom allows you to stash away, well, secret stuff. Whether that’s dirty clothes, a new pair of shoes or triple cream brie is up to you. Aaaaand ... drum-roll please: It's water-resistant!

(Oliver Thomas, $150)

For beach vaca days:

42. Freedom Moses Mikado Splatter Slip-Ons

The slip-ons are the comfiest! Extra-great for hot-weather locales or beachy getaways because you can slip 'em on and go. They come in a plethora of fun, rainbow colors — so buy a ton of them!

(Freedom Moses, $45)

43. Surf Gypsy Open Back Cover-Up Maxi Dress

Flaunt tantalizing glimpses of sun-kissed skin in this breezy maxi cover-up with a dramatic open back, side cutouts and deep skirt slits.

(Nordstrom, $65)

44. Nike Court Aerobill Tennis Visor

Not just for tennis! Great for beaches, too. Shield your eyes from the sun's glare in this court-ready visor that serves up a lightweight design and sweat-wicking fabric.

(Nordstrom, $14.40)

45. Adjustable Tablet Holder Stand

The AmazonBasics Adjustable Tablet Stand has two vertical pivot points to position your tablet or e-reader at virtually any angle to work at your desk or a seat-back tray on an airplane. Or even better: on your lap while you're lounging in a beach chair, margarita in hand.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

For long walking days:

46. Vivobarefoot Women's Primus Lite Trainer Running Shoes

Vegan travel shoes? Yes, please. Wear your sustainability statement with the Primus Lite shoes, putting your feet in control of every run, walk and workout. The PET plastic bottles recycled into a durable yarn create a lightweight and breathable material perfect for a vegan movement shoe.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

47. Cotopaxi Bataan 3L Fanny Pack

Fanny packs are back, people! Named after a city in the Central Luzon region of the Philippines, the Bataan is Cotopaxi's take on the classic fanny pack. With its 3L size, this handy hip hugger keeps your necessities secure, organized, and close at hand. Snacks first, then lip balm, wallet, phone, and keys. And if there’s still some room ... more snacks, of course! Wear it up front, on the side, or in the back. So much more convenient than lugging a purse or heavy backpack.

(Cotopaxi, $30)

48. Bolt Thread Wallet

For the true travel minimalists, who consider even a fanny pack too hefty to carry, Bolt is a slim leather card holder equipped with an elastic pocket, which not only stretches and contracts tightly around your cards, but it also gives the wallet a unique style. A credit card and an ID can get you far — plus, you can stow this literally anywhere.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

49. Toesox Casual Crew Socks

Lots of walking = a need for sturdy shoes and functional socks. These are it. They fit well, are made from rich material, and don't sag. You can count on them to take you from point A to point B in comfort: a true mark of a solid travel sock.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

50. Minaal Daily Bag

The Daily Bag is a durable, versatile and stylish everyday backpack that's the perfect accessory to protect, store and transport all of your travel essentials. The Daily’s custom-designed DeviceNest keeps your laptop (up to 15”) safe in case you drop it unexpectedly. It also has lockable zippers for added security, a seam-sealed rain cover to protect you in case of any unexpected inclement weather and a full zip, lie-flat clamshell scoop that increases capacity and helps with faster packing and unpacking so you can maximize your time.

(Minaal, $249)

Andrea Zimmerman is the editor-at-large at Yourtango. She enjoys reading, traveling, and reading while traveling. Follow her on Instagram.

YourTango may earn an affiliate commission if you buy something through links featured in this article.