16 Best Gifts Our Travel Writers Have Ever Received

“Fracture believes that moments are meant to be celebrated and stories should be shared. Isn’t that what life is all about? A glass photo print from Fracture is the perfect gift for a traveler to showcase and commemorate their adventures. Available in several sizes, these high-quality prints can be displayed on a desk, mantle, or hung as wall art. At these super affordable prices, you can easily take care of your Christmas list (and maybe treat yourself too)!” — Allison Weston

Editor’s Note: Right now, TravelAwaits readers can save an additional 20% on their purchases with code: TRAVEL20!

“It’s a dream of every traveler to go carry-on only. But it’s those pesky lotions and potions that thwart our efforts. I might be compelled to use the fancy hotel shower gel, but I draw the line at shampoo and conditioner — I need to bring my own. And that’s why HumanGear GoToobs were a game changer. These squishy, refillable bottles have been en route with me since I bought them as a gift, to myself, at the Denver airport. I’ve since purchased several sets for friends who were squeezing conditioner into empty vitamin bottles. And at 3.4 ounces or 100 ml, they meet international carry-on regs. Yeah GoToobs!” — Shel Zolkewich

“FLIGHTFŪD The Travel Water Bottle and the FLIGHTFŪD Flight Elixir make the perfect gift for jet setters. For long flights, bring this lightweight travel bottle along with the Flight Elixir, which is a natural travel aid for those that fly a lot, such as TravelAwaits readers. Mix this up with water and drink a packet before you leave and once every 4 hours during your flight. The megadose of travel-supporting ingredients is formulated to help reduce travel bloat, support circulation, replenish hydration, prevent jet lag, and much more.” — Peggy Cleveland

“I spend my traveling life on the harry edge of luggage weight. I always pack my suitcase to the limit. I am an over-packer — I like to have clothing options when I travel! I received a digital luggage scale as a Christmas gift in 2021, and it changed my travel packing. Sure, weighing your suitcase at home is not too difficult, however, anywhere else it’s simply guesswork. I am not a big fan of opening up my checked bag at the ticket counter trying to hit the weight limit and piling on layers of clothes that then need to be dealt with in my flight’s economy-size seat. With the portable luggage scale, I know before I leave the hotel if I need to repack and shift some gear into my extra carry-on bag. I love getting to the counter knowing my bag is not over the weight limit — one less thing to stress about.” — Sandi Barrett

“Durable and waterproof, this well-designed, fun-colored bag is the best new carry-on. Like a backpack but better, it zips open similar to a suitcase so you can easily pack for a weekend trip or plane getaway and see all your belongings. TSA-approved. Inside find fun prints, too. The bag exudes happiness. The comfortable straps make it easy to carry. I used it on a 3-day trip via plane to the California Russian River Valley from L.A.” — Melissa Curtin

“If you are a wine lover, the VinGardeValise by FlyWithWine will change your life. This high-quality suitcase has dense foam inserts that surround your wine in a safe, cozy space. My days of wine bottles rolling around in the backseat are over and no more checking a case of wine and hoping it makes it home.” — Peggy Cleveland

“I love this wallet because it keeps all the essentials in one place. It’s great for holding passports, your phone, and currency. It’s lightweight and makes a great gift to help the traveler in your life keep their essentials organized. I know I need that because I am always digging for my documents or currency and this wallet helps to store them in one place.” — Jeanine Consoli

“Silk long underwear is a must for any trip that is not tropical. It takes up very little room in a suitcase, doubles as pajamas, dries overnight, and adds that extra layer and amazing warmness with no extra bulk.” — Carol Stigger

“I can’t travel without my best-ever rain jacket! Whether I’m in New York City or the Arizona mountains, this packable, lightweight rain jacket always makes the trip with me. It’s well-made, has plenty of pockets, a hood, and a sturdy zipper. It’s a little big so I can layer underneath. The drawstring waist makes it fashionable, and it’s long so I wear it with leggings all the time. I like the olive green color that goes with everything, but it does come in a ton of other colors.” — SJ Morgensen

“Receiving a pair of Classic Blundstone Boots was my best travel gift ever! I wear them on all of my trips and find them comfortable from morning till night, indoors and outside. They feel nice and light, and yet are rugged enough for walking and hiking even in the rain or snow. I couldn’t think of a better gift for an active traveler who wants to look stylish and be practical. I now want them in other colors as well.” — Judi Cohen

“I like to travel with a carry-on only. Flipping Bling turns one pair of flip-flops into many pairs of elegant footwear. From jetway to the boardwalk to upscale restaurants and even to a wedding, Flipping Bling has lightened my load! Not for cold weather trips or hiking.” — Carol Stigger

“Do you have an eco-friendly friend or family member who adores the earth and Texas? You can’t go wrong with gift-giving something that someone on your list will love and actually use many times over. This stainless steel Texas tumbler with laser etched design of Texas will keep coffee or cocoa hot and wine chilled. Plus, ditch the straws because this tumbler comes with not one but two stainless steel straws and a straw cleaner. For a price point of $24 bucks, you might want to grab two — one as a gift and the other for you. Comes in several colors.” — Kim Croisant

“The Silicone Phone Lanyard Holder is ideal for travelers and people on the go. I love it because it allows me to keep my phone handy without holding it in my hand. No more laying it down and walking away, et cetera. The extra strong lightweight silicone used in the phone holder provides a secure carrying solution to prevent drops. The lanyard goes around your neck so when you are taking photos on a ledge or in a boat, et cetera, you don’t have to worry about dropping the phone.

“I like this particular model because it stretches to fit just about any size phone and is very lightweight. The rotating finger ring doubles as a stand for your phone, so less equipment to take with you when traveling. The web design also provides a convenient credit card, cash, and ID holder. It would make a great stocking stuffer for the traveler in your life. I received my phone lanyard as a gift, and I love it. Will be using it during future travels as well as when I go hiking, to conferences, and just about everywhere.” — Robin O’Neal Smith

“I love my travel yoga mat that I bought as a present for myself. It is way more compact than a roll-up mat so it fits in my suitcase, no problem. I am much more likely to keep up with my daily yoga practice when I have a yoga mat with me. This mat comes in several different designs and is perfect for the yogi on your list!” — Laura Ray

“I received this gift, and it is now a staple on every trip I take. Who knew hand sanitizer could be such a great gift? I love the delicate Citrus Grove scent. This tiny bottle packs 500 sprays, and it comes out as a moisturizing mist. Usually on trips my hands get so dried out from frequent washing and drying gel hand sanitizers. Not so with Touchland. It moisturizes without being drippy or drying.” — Peggy Cleveland