The Best Gifts for Travelers Who Are Always One Flight Ahead
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Even the most seasoned globe-trotter can find traveling to be stressful. Gifts for travelers should be all about ease. Between the packing, weaving through overcrowded terminals, and living out of a suitcase, it's a lot. Most jet-setters have their travel routine down to a science, but the perfect gift can upgrade any journey, whether it's a three-day business retreat or a two-week adventure across Europe. Here’s a list of essentials and luxurious gifts for the frequent travelers in your life.
Be sure to check out our other gift guides, like Gifts for Teens, 14 Fun Subscription Boxes for Kids of All Ages, and Gifts for People Who Work From Home.
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- Photograph: Away
The Only Carry-On
Away Carry-OnThe Away Carry-On (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is a fan favorite at WIRED. This glossy, hard-shell suitcase is built to last, with a TSA-approved lock, a nylon laundry bag, and a built-in charging block for when you might need it the most. It comes with a lifetime guarantee, which is why it’s the best carry-on for most people. That said, if you’re side-eyeing Away’s history and would prefer to shop elsewhere, editor Adrienne So recommends Monos ($255) and July ($295) as solid alternatives.
- Photograph: Paravel
Monogrammed Packing Cubes
Paravel Packing Cube QuadGive the gift of order to the chronically disorganized traveler with Paravel’s Packing Cube Quad set. These water-resistant nylon cubes (one large, one medium, and two small) come in vibrant colors like Scuba Navy and Safari—sadly, Bebop Red is sold out. The Cubes make it easy to compartmentalize clothes, so they’ll never have to dig through their luggage again. You can even have it embroidered with their initials for an additional $25.
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TSA-Approved Toiletries
Ries Limited Edition Gift SetIf you’re shopping for a toiletry bag, these Ries reusable bottles are a chic upgrade to put in it. This limited edition set includes five airless pump bottles—three for your essentials (shampoo, conditioner, body wash) and two for skin care (face wash and a blank bottle to go rogue). Each bottle is 3.4 oz, except the face wash bottle, which is 1.7 oz—all TSA-approved. I also love the rich pine green, which is festive for the holidays but still timeless enough for year-round use.
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An International Plug
Ceptics World International Travel Plug AdapterNo one wants to be scrambling for an adapter during a layover or post-flight. When it comes to travel adapters, the Ceptics World model covers most regions—EU, UK, US, Australia, and China—so you’re always covered no matter where you land. It also has three USB-A ports and two USB-C ports, so you can charge multiple gadgets at once. Your phone, laptop, tablet, and so forth will thank you.
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Travel Trackers
Apple AirTags (4-pack)Airports are chaotic enough without worrying about losing your luggage. I know AirTags can be a bit divisive, but they’re the best way to keep tabs on your valuables if you have an iPhone. Set up with the Find My app, and you'll always know where your travel bags are—even when the airline doesn't. Plus, with busy flights often leading to last-minute gate checks and delays, AirTags are well worth the extra security.
If your loved one is an Android user, we recommend the Chipolo One for $25. Our Best Trackers guide also has more options.
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A Hands-Free Pouch
Outerknown & GOT BAG Moonbag SmallEvery tourist needs a sidekick, and this Outerknown & GOT fanny pack fits the bill. Wear it over the shoulder, as a crossbody bag, or around the waist. It’s roomy enough for a phone, wallet, a compact point-and-shoot camera, and a few more small essentials. I also love that it’s mainly made from recycled Ocean Impact Plastic.
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- Photograph: Joseph Shin
The Best Noise-Canceling Headphones
Bose QuietComfort Ultra HeadphonesLong flights can be a brutal test of endurance, but with Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, they don’t have to be. Bose remains our top choice for high-quality noise cancellation (9/10, WIRED Recommends), cutting through the chaos, including that crying baby in 22B. With up to 18 hours of battery in Immersive Audio mode (or 24 without), they’ll last through the long hauls.
If you’re after something more budget-friendly, check out our Best Noise-Canceling Headphones guide, Best Wireless Headphones guide, or consider the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds for Bose’s noise-canceling magic at almost half the price.
- Photograph: Simon Hill
A 3-in-1 Portable Charger
Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Charging Station (Qi2)This portable 3-in-1 charger is a great gift for Apple lovers on the go. It delivers up to 15 watts to an iPhone or Qi2-certified device via an adjustable magnetic pad, so you can doomscroll while you charge. There's a second pad tucked behind for Airpods (or other wireless earbuds), and a fold-out Apple Watch charger. Anker even includes a 5-foot USB-C cable and a wall adapter, all backed by a two-year warranty. Read our Best Apple 3-in-1 Wireless Chargers and Best Portable Chargers guides for other recommendations.
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A Weekender for Getaways
Lo & Sons The O.G. 2A larger version of Lo & Sons' Nouvelle purse (8/10, WIRED Recommends), the O.G. 2 is ready for anything—work commutes, overnights, full-day excursions—with a place for just about every essential. It has an exterior laptop sleeve for quick access at TSA (bless), a side compartment for shoes, and interior pockets for the rest of your travel accessories (including a slot for your emotional support water bottle). This is reviews editor Adrienne So’s go-to for weekend trips; it fits under a flight seat as a personal item and is designed with a trolley sleeve to secure onto a suitcase. For more options, read our Best Tote Bags guide.
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In-Flight Entertainment Guaranteed
Twelve South AirFly SEAirplanes are still living in the wired age, but thanks to AirFly, I can watch all the Big Bang Theory reruns I want in cordless bliss. Just plug it into the seat-back jack, pair it with your wireless headphones (or earphones) via Bluetooth, et voilà!—you’re set for in-flight entertainment sans the questionable airline earbuds. The AirFly connects to most 3.5-mm audio jacks, from treadmills to gaming devices, so it’s a thoughtful gift idea for anyone who wants to stay connected on the go.
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Best Travel Pillow
Trtl Neck PillowThe Trtl Neck Pillow is the ideal red-eye or road trip companion. Instead of constricting your neck in a doughnut, these scarf-style travel pillows have an internal frame that cradles your head without physical strain. It's lightweight—just half a pound—and packable; you can stuff it into its accompanying storage bag and clip it onto your travel bag when not in use.
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The Gift of Hygiene
Moon Oral Beauty The Electric ToothbrushReviewer Nena Farrell loves this electric toothbrush for travel. It comes with a carrying case and extra brush heads for when you’re scrambling for spares mid-trip. Equipped with five cleaning modes, it's versatile enough for any giftee, and its slim charger fits easily into most toiletry bags. You can't go wrong with black, but the toothbrush is also available in gold, a Hello Kitty theme, and a Barbie edition.
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Compression Socks for Long Hauls
Bombas Men's Everyday Compression Sock 3-Pack (15-20mmHg)When you’re travelling, your legs deserve a little TLC, and Bombas is just that. Available in men’s and women’s, these medium-compression socks (15-20mmHg) boost circulation, reduce swelling, and help speed recovery after long days of travel and sightseeing. Bombas also gives back with every purchase, donating a pair of socks to someone in need.
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Trendy KN95 Masks
evolvetogether 5 black KN95 masks (Rio de Janeiro)In our post-pandemic world, I can't imagine stepping foot into an airport without a face mask. KN95s may not be the most thrilling gift, but this five-pack from evolvetogether has a luxe factor that most would appreciate. They’re six-ply (with a water-resistant exterior), made with activated charcoal to reduce odors, and they’re hypoallergenic—so your giftee won’t have to worry about skincare when nerves are already at their peak.
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- Photograph: Therabody
A Packable Massager
Therabody Theragun Mini (2nd Generation)The Theragun Mini 2 is a dream for active sightseers (or anyone who has spent hours wedged in a middle seat). It's 20 percent smaller and 30 percent lighter than the original, and it fits easily into a carry-on or tote bag. Compatible with the Therabody app, it’s ideal for a quick recovery in between flights or after a long day of exploring. The limited Getaway Collection colors—polar blue, alpine green, and twilight pink—are just a fun bonus. The Mini also includes three attachments and a soft case, though all attachments don’t fit inside at once. Check out our Best Theraguns guide for more.
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Journaling for Frequent Travelers
Traveller's JournalThe Moleskine Traveller’s Journal is for the friend who loves to document their adventures. It’s packed with pre- and post-trip prompts and features sections for both short and long journeys. Think pages for planned itineraries, sections for budgeting, checklists, as well as blank pages for keepsakes, sketches, and photographs. The only downside is that the included eight-year calendar only goes through 2025, but the rest is undated and perfect for recording memories.
★ Alternative: For wanderlust inspiration, there’s the limited-edition City Notebooks set, with travel guides for London, Paris, New York, and Rome. I’ve been to three of these four cities, but flipping through these made me want to rediscover them all over again.
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On-the-Go Coffee
AeroPress ClearFor the camper or caffeinated wanderer in your life, the AeroPress Clear guarantees a robust cup of coffee in the morning, an afternoon pick-me-up, or an evening espresso (no judgement here). Contributor Joe Ray swears that it brews coffee just as well as the Original AeroPress or the Go model. It’s also just as easy to clean, and with six additional colors, it adds a splash of personality if you have a somewhat blah-looking coffee setup.
- Photograph: Moment
A Tech Travel Pouch
Moment Tech OrganizerFor the individual who’s always losing chargers (guilty), the Moment Tech Organizer is everything. This is the best gift for the digital nomad or a creative wanderer. With six elastic cable holders and multiple compartments, this waterproof, padded case almost makes it impossible to be disorganized. It even has a “junk drawer” for power banks and other miscellaneous items. Moment also offers a mini version that I carry in my everyday tote bag.
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- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
A Teeny Travel Speaker
JBL Clip 5There are moments when you just need a portable speaker (instead of earbuds or headphones)—like when you're jamming with friends, singing in the shower, or lounging at the beach. Reviewer Ryan Waniata describes the JBL Clip 5 speaker as having a warm sound, with fuller bass and midrange frequencies. You can clip it onto yourself (with its included carabiner) while sightseeing or cycling through a new city. It's also dust and water-resistant, so it's safe to use in the shower.
- Photograph: Boutayna Chokrane
An International Infrared Hair Dryer
L’Oreal Professionnel AirLight ProEarlier this year, L'Oréal Professionnel debuted its first-ever pro hair dryer, the AirLight Pro. Harnessing the power of infrared light, windspeed, and controlled convection, the AirLight Pro offers a faster, gentler, and more sustainable approach to blow-drying, setting a greener standard in the industry. The fact that I can blow-dry my wet hair in only 10 minutes makes this an easy pick for travel—it's a huge time-saver. If the voltage matches, you can use the AirLight Pro in any country with the same voltage and outlet or a plug adapter. The American model of the AirLight is compatible with 100-127V power outlets, including those in Canada, Mexico, and Japan. The full list of compatible regions can be found here.
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- Photograph: Cozy Earth
Best Travel Set
Cozy Earth CityScape Hoodie & Sweatpant SetDesigned for comfort, the ultra-soft fleece hoodie and sweatpants boast a relaxed silhouette. I still opted to size up, because I like my travel clothes loose, and I'm glad I did; while the joggers are roomy, they don't run very long. The set is thick and plush enough to feel stylish on its own, but Cozy Earth offers the same set with a crewneck if you're looking for a slightly more polished look. What is it about a crewneck that makes an outfit look just a bit more put-together?
- Photograph: Bearaby
A Sleep Mask
Bearaby Tencel Sleep MaskTraveling means sacrificing the comfort of your bed and sometimes facing unpredictable sleeping conditions. A sleep mask is a small luxury that makes even the least ideal sleep arrangements more tolerable. I love Bearaby's full temple-to-temple coverage and gentle fit—it doesn't squeeze your head like some of the ones that airlines hand out. Made from natural eucalyptus fibers, it's breathable and anti-frizz, perfect if you're someone who styles their hair before flights.
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