As mandates are lifted and travel is deemed safe for fully vaccinated people, your jet-setting friends and family members will soon be back to all their traveling adventures. This means for the holidays, you can help them avoid the returned travel woes of sitting in a middle seat on an overnight flight or dragging their carry-on suitcase behind them with the right travel gear.
The best travel gifts are often some of the most practical items or things that can help remind them of all their travels. That’s why we’ve come up with our top 13 favorite travel necessities that we think are perfect gifts for the travelers in your life.
- World Travel Adapter
In order to use electronic devices in a different country, it’s important to have a travel plug adapter. Basic adapters that convert from one country to another are easily available, but it’s better to have a universal travel adapter that caters to every different region. The Bestek Universal Travel Adapter offers three separate international travel adapters that cover more than 150 countries.
- Travel Scratch Map
Scratch maps are a new popular way for avid travelers to record their adventures and display them for all to see. One of our favorite places to find them is on Etsy where hundreds of local shops create gorgeous maps. If they enjoy a very chic, modern design, this World Scratch Off Map in black and gold is a stunning and eye-catching display.
- Portable Carry-on Luggage Bag
What better way to hop back into traveling than with a new carry-on bag? With airlines charging extra fees for checked luggage, more and more people are cramming belongings into their carry-ons. Between hard shell and soft shell, there are a variety of options on the market no matter the budget. For soft-shell, we suggest the Travlepro Crew Versapack or the Paravel Aviator Plus for the hard-shell.
- Jewelry Travel Case
For those who love to accessorize, a jewelry travel case is a must-have. Every traveler should have an organizer for their jewelry to help keep their precious items safe while on the move. The Wanderer is an upgraded version of the classic travel jewelry case and fits wherever they need it to: a purse, suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or hotel safe.
- SleepPhones
Ideal for long flights where you need to catch some zzz’s in peace and quiet, the SleepPhones Bluetooth Headphones are comfortable headphones that function as a headband. They allow you to surround yourself in sound without worrying about being disturbed by the people surrounding you. You can stream audio via Bluetooth and listen to your favorite music, meditation sounds, audiobooks, or movie.
- Travel Pillow
At some point in their travels, every explorer has thought to themselves, “I wish I had a travel pillow”. With early or late flights, or long ones across the sea, something about the wings attached to the plane headrest just doesn’t cut it. Having a pillow like this memory foam pillow from Amazon keeps you from getting a crick in your neck or accidentally nodding off on your neighbor’s shoulder.
- Loungers
Everyone needs a go-to pair of versatile shoes for their travels, and these shoes from Allbirds are perfect. They are the right blend of style and comfort, and they’re easy to slip on and off when going through TSA. Made of merino wool, they will not only keep your feet warm on the cold flight but also helps minimize odors created in shoes from wearing them for extended periods of time.
- Travel Blanket Scarf
A stylish and functional blanket scarf is another must-have to stay warm on flights. The Travelista was designed to be the perfect combination of style, comfort, and functionality. This oversized blanket scarf not only keeps you cozy during travels but also doubles up as a blanket during long flights, car rides, or train rides.
- Portable Power Bank
Let’s face it — our phones, tablets, and laptops are our main source of entertainment on the go. While some airlines come equipped with individual charging ports on the seat, that’s only one port, and we all have at least two out of three of the mentioned devices. That’s when a fast-charging portable charger comes in handy for those loved ones who are always on the go.
- Phone and Tablet Holder
Speaking of in-flight entertainment… If the traveler in your life prefers to watch their shows or movies on their phones and tablets, the Flight Flap is the ultimate travel companion. It adjusts to any aircraft seat or tray table and folds flat for easy storage when it’s time to land. It works with virtually any phone or tablet no matter the type of case, cover, or protector.
- Comfortable Leggings
Having a great pair of quality leggings that won’t slip is a need for frequent travelers. This pair from Zella is made from moisture-wicking fabric and fitted with a no-slip waistband. If the traveler in your life prefers a little more on-the-go style, Spanx designs a great pair of Faux Leather leggings made with their signature Power Waistband. They’re flattering for any occasion and their glossy finish creates a chic look.
- Collapsible Water Bottle
Airport food and drinks are expensive, even water bottles. That’s why it’s always a good idea to bring your own, empty water bottle to fill up right before you board a flight. To save room in their backpack or carry-on luggage, a collapsible water bottle is not only a space-saver but is a great alternative to a single-use plastic bottle.
- Hair Tie Bangle
Roaming around as a traveler can come with challenges. Climbing down steps in Laguna Beach or riding a boat through the Venice canal, hair can definitely make you feel too toasty or blow in your face. With a hair tie bangle like The Lift, it comes with a handy, stylish carrier that goes with your traveler no matter where the journey takes them. The bracelet alleviates the pressure and unsightly lines by wearing the hair ties and comes in a pack of three: silver, gold, or rose gold.
For all your travel accessories, check out what Roam Often has to offer. Founded by female travelers who wanted to make products that made traveling easier, they’ve created travel jewelry cases, blanket scarves, and hair tie bracelets/bangles.
