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10 compact items sure to be treasured on an upcoming adventure.
Many of our best memories and most enjoyable experiences come through travel. Some of our worst memories and least enjoyable experiences also occur during travel. So whether you are looking for a gift for an elite status road warrior or the less frequent traveler, everyone could use a little more comfort, convenience and security while away from home. We’re not listing expensive luggage or trips to far-flung destinations here; these are all practical, attainable items that work well as small “thinking of you before your trip” gifts.
Travel Belt for Luggage
Leave the personal-item-carry-on balancing act where it belongs — the distant, forgotten past. The elastic band of the Cincha Travel Belt goes around a carry-on’s extended handle and can secure backpacks, briefcases, duty-free cargo or whatever else you might carry. Free a hand and comfortably navigate the crowds inside O’Hare or the potholes outside La Guardia. Launched out of Shark Tank, this is one of those “I never thought I would love something simple so much” products.
Portable Neck Fan
Am I wearing one of these is my next photo shoot? Of course not. But travel sometimes necessitates a little bit of comfort. One would be surprised how often this handy fan can be used. During a weekend getaway to Miami, for example, I might use it when boarding the plane, waiting for an Uber, during a workout and even on the beach. It’s especially handy for someone who is always warm or who often travels in business outfits.
Refillable Natural Hand Sanitizer Pocket Sprayer
Let’s face it, none of us love pulling out that clear plastic bottle and squeezing a rubbing alcohol-like liquid onto our hands. But, especially while traveling, there are times where we still think it’s better than the alternatives. Noshinku elevates the experience with a portable spray combining more pleasing scents like bergamot, vetiver or eucalyptus with sanitizer that still kills 99.9% of germs. The stylish matte, refillable misters are small enough to carry or stash in a bag.
Apple AirTag
As Bob Hope once quipped, “I love flying. I’ve been to almost as many places as my luggage.” AirTags are small tracking devices from Apple that help track keys, pets or anything else you might happen to lose. Let’s hope you never need to use an AirTag stowed in the pocket of your luggage, but traveling with one provides peace of mind to be able to track your bag if something goes awry. Additionally, we’ve all heard stories of the wallet left in the cab; the AirTag makes those moments less terrible. Consider this for the person in your life prone to misplace something from time to time.
Silicone Luggage Tag
Along the same lines, these sturdy, inexpensive luggage tags are a no-brainer, must-have item for any frequent traveler. If my luggage is lost, I wouldn’t rely on that paper tag from the airlines. Perhaps you stash a business card in side pocket, but who knows if anyone would find it should your bag end up in luggage limbo. The variety of bright colors can help identify a bag while also protecting personal information from those around.
Circulator Moderate Graduated Compression Sock
Many swear by compression socks for flying, but compression socks can also be great for the rest of your travel agenda. Whether for vacation or work, we’re often on our feet more while out of town and compression socks can help your lower half handle all the extra steps. These Made-in-America, medium weight compression socks from Sockwell are a great all-around compression sock and the solid charcoal and black colors can be used with many outfits.
Travel Mini Portable White Noise Machine
If you sleep with a noise machine at home, I don’t have to sell you on the value of traveling with one. If you don’t sleep with a noise machine at home, travel is probably the best time for you to try it out. A new environment comes with new sounds, be that of planes, trains and automobiles, neighbors or simply the pipes, fans and creaks of an unfamiliar space. This highly-reviewed portable noise machine from Yogasleep also has light features that can be helpful in an unfamiliar space. Don’t underestimate the power of a good night of sleep.
AirFly Pro
If you’re like me, the only time you might use corded headphones is on an airplane. That was true until I discovered the AirFly Pro. Plug this Bluetooth transmitter into the airplane’s display, pair with your AirPods and you can ditch the cords to watch in-flight movie sans cords. Game changer. How did we ever live with corded headphones anyway? Consider this for a gadget-lover in your life.
Universal Travel Adapter
While the AirFly Pro is unnecessary, but fun, the universal travel adapter is 100-percent necessary, but not the most exciting gift. Ideal for someone on an around-the-globe adventure or a frequent international traveler who doesn’t want to have to keep a bag of various adapters. The compact size and multiple USB ports have made this adapter from EPICKA much loved and highly rated.
Strikingly Unique Travel Guides
“I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.” – Susan Sontag
The smartphone dealt a deathblow to the traditional travel guidebook. Now that you have all of the information in the world in your pocket, curation is what matters most. The collection of beautifully illustrated guidebooks and maps from Herb Lester invite you to forget about the highest-rated or best marketed spots and see a location from a slightly different angle. For locales both familiar and unfamiliar, these guides will add a twist to your visit.
The Bottom Line
The greatest gifts for travelers are the memories they make along the way. And while experiences may mean more to this crowd than things, the items they carry can enable and enhance those memories. It’s also fun for the traveler to remember a friendly face when using something you sent them for their trip. If you’ll excuse me, I’m off to pack.