Today, I am going to be sharing must-have travel essentials, if you want to experience a smoother experience. Conveniently enough, the holiday season is right around the corner. We could say that this is the 2024 travel essentials gift guide. I have provided you with an awesome list of great gift ideas for your friends and your family and, let’s be honest, for yourself too. When it comes to travel products, I am a minimalist of sorts. But, there are certain things that I just cannot do without it. In fact, I refuse to leave behind.
I have reserved this article for only the highest quality products for that reason. I will cover a range of travel products that include something for both men and women. I will discuss luggage, gadgets and electronics; among other things.
Of course, I cannot leave out comfort items for that long haul flight. I will be sharing some gift ideas under twenty bucks at the end, so please stay tuned. Believe me when I say these are some of my favorite travel products and I hope you will feel the same way too.
Luggage
You are not going to want to miss out on these items.The first category is gift ideas. Luggage is a great gift item, especially carry-on pieces since many people are traveling with only a carryon bag these days. I have had the privilege to have this amazing carryon luggage from Rollink. I had never seen anything like this before until a friend of mine recommended it. It opens up when you pack it, but when you unpack it, you can fit it into a closet or on a shelf. It conforms to the space and flattens out to fit the space. I have a picture of it right here. See what I am talking about? And on top of that, it is lightweight and compact when traveling and fits easily in the airplane’s overhead bin.
Rollink Slim Collapsible Spinner Luggage
I really love this hard shell luggage because I can put it away after I am done with it and it seems as if I folded some clothes from the laundry to never see it again until I get ready to wear it. You know what I mean?
I have never had any issues cramming my stuff in this as it can fit a ton of stuff. I also love the wheels because they are so strong. I feel like the wheels on most suitcases are kind of weak but Rollink, for some reason, has this one figured out. I don’t know what it is, but I’ve taken this carry-on through cobblestone streets and I’ve never had any issues with the wheels. I guess I am stuck on those wheels, huh?
Compression Packing Cubes
Ok, next gift idea is packing cubes and in my opinion packing cubes are the perfect gift for a fellow traveler or family, especially if they’ve never used them before and recently over the last couple months, I have been testing out compression packing cubes, which to be honest with you, I was very resistant to – for the longest time. One of the reasons is that I didn’t think it really saved that much space. But, let me tell you, my mind has changed. I was taken aback at how much space I saved with these compression packing cubes. I also tried out the TRTL Packing Pods, which are also a game changer.
TRLT STORE
The Packing Cube for Hanging, Carrying and Packing Made from Recycled Plastic Bottles
Packing cubes and packing pods are for almost any situation that you would ever need. I tested both the compression packing cubes and the pods and they did not disappoint.
What I really love about the compression packing cube set is you can tell it’s built with a little bit higher quality materials as well as the organization is something that I’ve never seen in a packing cube before. It has two sides, one side for your clean clothes and one side for your dirty clothes. So,if you’re going for a long weekend trip or just a weekend trip and you don’t want to come back with all these dirty clothes that are taking up more space you can just move the dirty clothes to the other side of the packing cube.
In doing so, you still have that separation, but again not taking up any more space than you need. Make sure to check these products out as I heard they might be running some pretty sweet sales over Black Friday.
Click on my SHOP LINK HERE. And My Other Shop Here!
Anti-theft Backpack
The next travel essential or gift idea I’d recommend is a high quality backpack and not just any backpack, but the ANTI-THEFT one. Here are a few of them you can choose from. And why anti-theft? Well, that is obvious. If you are going to a destination away from home, it is for your own safety to get one of these backpacks and it is a great gift for someone. And, on Black Friday, they are all on sale.
Having a good backpack can make your travel a lot more comfortable and a lot more organized. I highly recommend the Securtex Anti-theft backpack. It is water resistant and unisex with a RFID feature. It comes in several colors also. Customers say, “t’s well-made, sturdy, and holds up to weather pretty well. Customers appreciate the security features, comfort, and travelability. They say it’s nice looking, neat, and compact. Customers also mention it’s lightweight and easy to carry.”
Electronics and Gadgets Organizer
We are now going to move into our next category of items which I’m going to label electronics and gadgets. We are going to start with a product from Bellroy travel gear and it is called their tech kit and that’s why I put it in this category because it does a perfect job solving the problem of all of those loose electronics. The one thing I’ve really appreciated about using this product is before I could never find something like this that was the appropriate size. I mean something that was big enough, but not bulky where it’s going to take up your whole suitcase.
I have no problem fitting SD card external hard drives headphones, you name it. I can fit it in there. This includes charging cables, and any cords. The bag has a really nice organizational structure to it with tons of pockets. So again, just another great product from Bellroy travel gear that is very affordable and can be a great gift for somebody that not only loves Tech and electronics, but anyone that needs an organization solution for maybe makeup toiletries. This could be the product for you.
Power Bank
Next, we have a power bank and this one is from a company called Anker. I really love Anker. It is just a great company that makes really high quality products. With this power bank, I can get like four or five full phone charges out of it. And, it’s still TSA approved. You will have no issues getting through security and to be honest, Anker has some new products that are super cool including some wireless chargers and things like. Check out their website here.
I would highly recommend checking those products out but a power bank for travel is a great gift idea and it will for sure come in handy.
Amazon Kindle
The next gift idea is a Kindle. This can be a great gift for any traveler that loves to read as well as loves to travel because a Kindle takes up almost no space compared to books. Obviously, it is just a great gift.
4 in 1 Cable
The next travel essential or gift idea is a 4 in one cable and arguably, this has been my favorite electronic or Gadget as of late. One of the reasons is that I love when I can get rid of stuff and replace it with better stuff. So with this 4 in1 cable, I get to eliminate a lot of the cords and cables that I normally bring with me while traveling. This specific 4 in1 cable is from a company called Nohon which I just found on Amazon and it’s honestly built super super well with nice high quality indestructible material.
I really like how the cable is flat and it really prevents tangling. But, with this one cable, I can charge almost all of my electronics. It has a USBC connection and USB. It charges my phone fast.
Noise Canceling Headphones
Noise canceling headphones are great for travel. I highly recommend the Bose headphones or something that you enjoy wearing and that are comfortable and that block out some of the noise of travel. We also have air tracker tags. This is a great gift for a lot of reasons. The first one being that it’s just really affordable and so it can be a nice small gift for somebody as well as it’s super functional. You can throw these in your suitcase or in your backpack or even in your wallet. It’s just a great way to maintain your peace of mind to help keep track of your stuff when you’re traveling.
Power Adapter
The last item in our electronics and gadgets category is a travel power adapter. This one is from Ceptics. I just got off Amazon. It is really affordable and great for a gift because most people
people don’t think about buying it for themselves, However, I really like this one because it is universal and so you can use it anywhere in the world. A travel adapter can be a great travel essential as well as just a gift for somebody.
Comfort Essentials
The next category is comfort travel essentials. These are travel essentials or gift ideas that are hopefully going to make your travel experience a little bit more comfortable, especially on a long haul flight. We are starting with a puffer jacket. I threw this one in here because personally I feel like this is probably one of the more versatile pieces of clothing that I bring with me while traveling. It packs down super small as well as you can wear it in cool weather like fall weather or really cold winter weather. It has a hood to keep your neck and head warm. It packs down into the pocket so that way it doesn’t take up a ton of space in your suitcase.
Compression Socks
Next, we have compression socks. These are key for really all travel, but especially if you’re somebody that does a lot of long flights or international travel. They really help with blood flow, swelling, and inflammation in the lower legs. Compression socks are just a great travel essential to have and something that people often don’t think about especially the younger people.
People think they’re Invincible including myself, but once I got a pair of these compression socks, my game changed when it came to long haul flights. When I wear compression socks, I just leave the flight feeling a lot better and during the flight, I feel a lot more comfortable. So, a pair of compression socks can be great for any traveler.
Travel Neck Pillow
Now, we have to talk about the travel neck pillow. This is a great travel essential to be honest with you. I am still not totally sold on the whole neck pillow thing because I think they take up a lot of space, but on my last long international trip, I tried out this neck pillow from a company called TRTL and it was really comfortable. Their travel neck pillow is different. No matter how you turn your head, it fits comfortably. And, it doesn’t take up that much space.
I recommend this one because it is a little unique compared to your traditional neck pillow. This one might be a great option for somebody. So whether it’s yourself or you’re looking for a gift for somebody, a neck pillow specifically this turtleneck pillow could be a great option.
Travel Towels
OK, so the last travel essential in the comfort category is the travel towel. Yes, you heard me. A travel towel is a great essential to have with you. Now I have two options. The first one is our minimalistic version which is this Airlight Travel Towel from a company called Sea to Summit. I love this towel because it is so small as well as when you open it up, it’s actually quite big so it functions pretty well. What’s really nice about a travel towel is they have tons of uses whether it’s actually drying yourself off or or cleaning stuff. You’d be surprised how much use a travel towel has.
Now I do have another option, which closely resembles a traditional beach towel and this is a towel from a company called Sandcloud and I take this towel anytime I am going to a beach because I have discovered that this towel is superior to all other towels when it comes to removing sand when you are done with it. This one is super absorbent as well.
If you go to the beach, you can shake this thing off and every grain of sand falls off, which is really nice. I have been in that situation where you get a hotel towel and it doesn’t absorb very well and then when you go to the beach and you put it in sand, it seems like the sand never comes out. You won’t have that issue with the Sand Cloud towel. I highly recommend it.
Items Less Than $20
Now to my favorite category with items costing less than $20. Who doesn’t love a bargain? So, let’s have some fun with this. My favorite is the cross body bag or fanny pack. Some people call it the belt bag. I got this cross body bag from Amazon, which is actually very similar to the Lululemon bag, but a fraction of the price.
It costs like literally $12.98 and it has a really high quality build and as you know a crossbody bag or Fanny Pack is super functional when traveling because you can store important documents. your phone, and wallet. It is honestly a travel essential that everyone should have.
It is just a great product all around and could be a great gift for a very affordable price.
Amber Fragrance Oil
I know I’ve basically said I love every item that I mentioned thus far today, but if you’re looking for probably what is going to be the most unique and the most fun gift idea, it’s going to be this oil perfume. It is key for travel for a lot of reasons. It is a roll on perfume, kind of like an essential oil perfume and I love this thing. I got this on Amazon. It’s called Amber fragrance oil and what I like about this is, first of all, it smells super great. And it’s pretty much gender neutral.
You could wear it if you’re a female or male as well as it’s an oil versus a perfume, which is really key when traveling because sometimes when you’re traveling, very strong perfumes can be hard on a lot of people. Right? You may have been on an airplane and somebody sprayed their perfume and it’s just a little bit much. Some people are really sensitive to smells. Therefore, with this roll on oil scent, it is much more subtle.
Collapsible Water Bottle
Next, you should never travel without a water bottle. And not just any water bottle, but the one that collapses and is easy to carry and takes up less space. It is important to stay hydrated while flying. This collapsible water bottle is from Platypus. You can fold it down super small. One of the main gripes I have with traveling with a water bottle is they take up tons of space, but this, when you’re not using it, folds down. You can just slide it in a pocket or in your backpack and you’re good to go.
It does take some getting used to as far as drinking out of it just because it has an awkward shape. It looks like a bladder. Yes, it does. I guess there is a reason why they made it like that. But, I would think they are sending you a subliminal message to fill your bladder and then empty it. Just kidding! But, I would highly recommend this, if you’re not interested in something big and bulky.
Travel Jewelry Box
Next is the jewelry box and specifically a travel jewelry box.I found one that is excellent for both males and females. And, it can fit anything from rings, bracelets, necklaces to earrings and watches; you name it. You can keep track of all your jewelry in one place while traveling. The Songmics travel foldable jewelry case is ideal as a gift for holidays and birthdays. It is easy to travel with because it folds and doesn’t take up much space. And, it is affordable at less than $19.
Bag Tags
Another great gift idea that is super affordable is a bag tag. I have one that is not only affordable, but durable, made of leather and very nice. I have had it for a couple of years now. And, it still remained at less than $12. As we know, your suitcases get thrown around when you travel so you want something that’s pretty strong.
Ginger Chews
Another fun gift idea that some people might not even consider a travel essential is the Chimes Ginger Chews. It helps to ease a nervous stomach when traveling. As we know, traveling can be really hard on you. This includes the air pressure changes from flying as well as you’re just probably eating different foods. Ginger or lemon has a great way of calming down the stomach. And a pack of these ginger chews are under $15.
And we cannot leave out electrolytes. I have been using one from a company known as Elements. It is important to have electrolytes while traveling. They help you to stay hydrated. And I like these because they are in powder form and sugar free. Essential Elements Electrolytes is so easy to consume. You just mix it with water and you are good to go.
Final Thoughts
Ok, so that is it for now folks. Thanks for reading until the end. And I hope you got some value from this. All the links in the article will offer a small commission to me, but at NO EXTRA cost to you. Every item suggested was used by me. I never recommend anything that I cannot put my name on.
Of course, you know BLACK FRIDAY and Thanksgiving Day are in a few days. And, Christmas and New Years are just around the corner. So, you should jump on these now before the prices go up. Please check out my other travel essential content on my Youtube channel and subscribe to the channel, if you want more value. CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE.
Please share this content with your fellow travelers as they are probably looking for gifts this time of year. Have a safe holiday until next time!
