Got someone in your group of friends, family, or extended circles who’s constantly traveling or daydreaming about their next getaway? Someone for whom happiness means exploring the unknown and enjoying new experiences? Hard to blame them. The freedom and wonder of travel can be addictive. However, amid all the excitement of preparing for a trip, the list of things to pack can become really long really fast. So, if you want to lend a hand by giving them something useful, here are a few gift ideas for travelers that will make their next adventure even more enjoyable.
Starting simple
1. A good travel adapter to keep devices charged
Let’s start with the free square. Yes, a travel adapter is quite common, even in households that don’t necessarily have frequent travelers. But there are certainly more modern adapters, and others that are less so. For example, this model from Insignia has two USB ports for charging two devices at the same time, in addition to the traditional wall socket. And it supports plugs from Australia, the United Kingdom, and Europe (as well as North America). That already covers quite a bit of ground.
2. A power bank to avoid the anxiety of running out of battery
Will my phone battery last until the end of the day? Am I going to have to hunt for power outlets? With a power bank, these questions will never be an issue. Take Belkin’s 20,000 mAh model, for example. With two USB-A ports and one USB-C port, it can charge up to three devices. Even better, it’s fairly small and can easily fit in a pants or coat pocket. Having carried it with me on a few trips, I can say it’s a great backup solution.
3. A Bluetooth transmitter for the plane
Not everyone has the natural talent to sleep during a flight or concentrate enough to read a book. And not everyone wants to pay for in-flight Wi-Fi to browse the web and binge a show on Netflix. With Twelve South’s AirFly Pro, simply plug the transmitter into the headphone jack on your seat’s screen, pair your Bluetooth headphones, and voilà! You can now listen to movies in much better audio quality than with the often disappointing headphones distributed during flights.
For various needs
4. Packing cubes for organized luggage
If you travel regularly, you probably know that packing your suitcases can quickly turn into chaos, even with the best intentions or years of Tetris experience. With packing cubes, all your belongings can have their own designated space, without spilling over onto each other or becoming a chaotic mess. They also make the often dreaded task of repacking much easier, whether you’re heading to the next leg of your trip or returning home.
5. A passport holder worthy of its name
It may seem simple at first glance, but a good passport holder can be more useful than you might think. In addition to protecting against the elements and accidents that can happen so quickly, many modern passport holders are also RFID-blocking, offering protection against unauthorized scanning and potential identity theft while traveling abroad. Not to mention that they usually have extra compartments for plane or train tickets, hotel or credit cards, and other small personal items.
6. A tracking device to keep tabs on what matters most
Even the most seasoned travelers are never immune to unpleasant surprises or unforeseen events. A suitcase misplaced by airport staff? A bag left behind in a hotel room? Whatever it is, a tracking device such as Apple’s AirTag can be a big help in finding what’s been lost.
For gifts that go the distance
7. A water bottle for environmentally conscious travelers
Staying hydrated while traveling can be more complicated than it seems. One option is to make pit stops at supermarkets as needed to pick up plastic bottles of water. Over time, however, this approach can lead to unnecessary expenses and waste. This is where a bottle like LARQ’s PureVis 2 comes in handy. Its insulated design keeps water cold for 24 hours, and its UV-C LED technology purifies the water and disinfects the interior by eliminating bacteria. A great option for those who want to limit their environmental footprint (and have enough space in their bag!).
8. An eReader for quieter moments
Traveling also means moments of peaceful relaxation, far from the worries of work and routine. For travelers who love to devour books on the beach or in a park but don’t want to weigh themselves down with paperbacks, an eReader can hold all their favorite stories in a lightweight and discreet format. With its color screen and impressive battery life of up to eight weeks, the Kindle Colorsoft could be the perfect companion.
9. Headphones to block out the outside world
Finally, most trips involve a fair amount of noise, whether it’s the hum of airplane engines (or the snorring of the passenger sitting next to you), lively conversations from a nearby group, or the blend of formless sounds that so characterizes many of the world’s major cities. In situations like these, when it’s tempting to retreat into your own bubble, a good pair of noise-canceling headphones can work wonders. For those traveling with limited space, earbuds like the Beats Powerbeats Fit offer a highly effective barrier, plus they can last for nearly an entire transatlantic flight on a single charge, even with noise cancellation on the whole time. And if space isn’t an issue, over-ear headphones are always a safe bet.
Finding the perfect gift for travelers doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether it’s meeting basic needs or helping them enjoy their freedom to the fullest, simplicity and convenience are often key. Or, if you want to go the extra mile, learn about your recipient’s needs to make their next trip even more memorable.
