Traveling can be a whirlwind of excitement, new cultures, and wondrous sites. But the journey itself-whether by plane, train, bus, or car-can be made easier, more comfortable, and more fun with the right gear.
From handy gadgets that keep luggage secure and well-organized to simple items that offer a welcome bit of luxury in a cramped cabin, these gift ideas cater to every traveler’s style and need.
Let’s dive into the top picks from Wirecutter’s expert-curated list and see what 2025 has in store for the savvy jet-setter.
Tasty In-Flight Snacks
Nothing says “thoughtful travel gift” quite like upgrading someone’s munchies for a long-haul flight. Instead of relying on mediocre airline pretzels, consider:
- Yun Hai Taiwanese Dried Fruit Sampler
• Includes five toothsome dried-fruit flavors (green mango, pearl guava, wax apple, golden pineapple, and more).
• Low-heat drying preserves flavors and nutrients.
• A delicious and healthy alternative to overly sweet snacks. - Bessou Nori Crunch Popcorn
• Loaded with umami flavors from two kinds of nori and nutritional yeast.
• An addictive salty-sweet combo that beats bland airline snacks.
These lightweight, packable treats will keep your favorite traveler satisfied and energized.
Easy Baggage Identification
Reduce the stress of baggage-claim chaos with a simple yet clever solution:
- Visitag Snap Bag Tag
• A colorful polypropylene strap that easily snaps around a bag handle.
• Customizable embroidery (up to 12 characters) to add initials, a nickname, or a fun phrase.
• No more rummaging through identical bags to check luggage tags-this one stands out at first glance.
Stay Fresh on the Road
Long travel days can leave even the most seasoned explorer feeling a bit grimy. Give the gift of a quick refresh:
- I Dew Care Tap Secret Mattifying Dry Shampoo Powder
- Small enough to slip into a carry-on.
- Soaks up oil without leaving white streaks, thanks to a cushion applicator.
- Perfect for those in-between-shower travel moments.
- Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Cloths
- Fragrance-free wipes feature glycerin, aloe, niacinamide, and panthenol.
- Effectively remove dirt, oil, and makeup without irritating the skin.
- Easy to tuck into a purse or daypack.
Traveler’s Tales
For the adventurer who’s always searching for new perspectives:
- Anthony Bourdain’s World Travel: An Irreverent Guide
• Explores the globe through the late chef’s distinctive lens.
• Filled with colorful anecdotes, travel hacks, and authentic food favorites.
• From Borneo’s tribal longhouses to Buenos Aires’s bustling streets, it’s part travel guide, part Bourdain memoir.
Light and Airy Sleep Sack
Whether your globetrotter is braving a tropical night or seeking an extra layer of cleanliness:
- BROWINT Silk Sleeping Bag Liner
• 100% silk, lightweight, packable, and perfect for hot climates.
• Washable, quick to dry, and comes with a built-in stuff sack.
• Adds a clean, comfy barrier in questionable hostel or train-berth situations.
Beyond Selfies: Handy Tripods
Upgrade their travel photos from (slightly awkward) selfies to pro-looking shots:
- Joby GorillaPod 1K Kit
• Wraps around rails or branches for stable group shots or scenic selfies.
• Ball-head mount moves smoothly for easy repositioning.
• Lightweight but sturdy enough for most cameras and smartphones. - Ulanzi ST-27 Metal Phone Tripod Mount Clip
• Fits phones of all sizes and secures them firmly.
• Rotates for the best angle and folds flat for minimal bulk.
Music On the Go
Bring the vibe anywhere, whether at a beach party or a mountain retreat:
- JBL Go 4 Portable Speaker
• Pocket-size powerhouse, waterproof and dustproof.
• Offers decent sound for its size, though the bass is limited.
• Perfect for a quick jam session when you’re far from home.
Better Bluetooth Connections
For travelers who love to watch in-flight movies with their own headphones:
- 1Mii ML300 Bluetooth Transmitter
• Solid 10-hour battery life.
• aptX Low Latency codec for improved audio/video sync.
• Pair two sets of headphones simultaneously for shared entertainment.
Universal Travel Adapter
One of the hardest parts of international travel is juggling different plug types:
- Epicka Universal Travel Adapter
• Equipped with four plugs that cover about 150 countries.
• Features four USB-A ports plus one USB-C for multicategory charging.
• Built-in fuse (with a spare) for an added layer of protection.
For those truly hopping around every corner of the globe, the Ceptics International Worldwide Travel Plug Adapter 5 Piece Set offers even more coverage with its regional add-ons.
The Perfect Personal Item
Finding a small bag that holds everything you need on a flight, yet still slides under the seat, is no easy task:
- Away The Everywhere Bag
- Water- and abrasion-resistant nylon.
- A trolley sleeve slides easily over a suitcase handle.
- Includes multiple interior pockets, plus a 15-inch laptop sleeve.
- Baggu Small Cloud Carry-On
- Lightweight, machine-washable nylon.
- Exterior laptop sleeve, water-bottle pockets, and a band to attach to roller luggage.
- Enough room for a weekend of clothes or a well-planned carry-on kit.
Portable Watercolors
Spark creativity on the move:
- Viviva Colors Travel Watercolor Set
• Comes in a flat booklet of 16 richly pigmented color squares.
• Rehydrates easily with just a little water.
• Ideal for quick sketches or painting postcards on the go. - Strathmore Watercolor Postcards
• A pad of 15 acid-free 4×6 cards with address fields on the back.
• Let them capture travel scenes and mail home something truly personal.
A Quick-Dry Towel
Campers, hostel hoppers, and beachgoers alike can benefit from:
- PackTowl Personal
• Treated with a special antibacterial finish to keep odors at bay.
• Dries quickly, weighs just a few ounces, and folds neatly into a small pouch.
• Big enough to wrap around most people comfortably.
Noteworthy Guidebooks
Help a friend discover offbeat local hangouts:
- Herb Lester Guides
• Beautifully illustrated fold-out maps that spotlight unique city gems.
• Include themes like “Serge Gainsbourg’s Paris” or “The World of Patricia Highsmith.”
• Perfect for those who prefer curated whimsy over standard tourist checklists.
Luggage Helper Strap
Avoid the frustration of juggling multiple bags:
- Cincha Travel Belt
• A sturdy nylon strap that secures a backpack or handbag to your rolling suitcase.
• Adjustable and easy to snap on/off with a strong metal buckle.
• Hides a small elastic loop so you never lose the belt when detached.
Neck Fan for Hot Climates
Staying cool is essential in scorching destinations:
- Gulaki Neck Fan
• Lightweight design rests around the neck like a pair of headphones.
• Three fan speeds and color-changing LED lights (optional).
• Recharges via USB, with up to 17 hours of battery life on a single charge.
Pocket-Friendly Sanitizer
Keep germs at bay with a stylish twist:
- Noshinku Hand Sanitizer
• Comes in slim, credit-card-like canisters with sophisticated scents (eucalyptus, vetiver, bergamot).
• Contains moisturizing ingredients, so no dry, cracked hands.
• Refillable, making it kinder to the planet.
Compact Reading Light
Whether on a red-eye flight or in a dim hostel bunk:
- Glocusent Bookmark Style Reading Light
• Featherlight and flexible enough to illuminate an entire page.
• Offers multiple brightness and color-temperature settings.
• Clips securely to paperbacks without weighing them down.
Where to Go When
Get their wanderlust flowing with a month-by-month guide to the best events and spots:
- Lonely Planet’s Where to Go When
• Identifies where to travel in each month, from festivals to seasonal highlights.
• Categorizes options by budget and family-friendliness.
• An inspirational coffee-table-worthy read that’s also practical planning info.
Luggage Trackers
Peace of mind for those times when suitcases take their own detours:
- Apple AirTag
• Relies on Apple’s enormous Find My network for near-real-time tracking.
• Pinpoints precise locations, making lost luggage easier to recover.
• If they own an iPhone, Apple AirTag is the top choice in overall speed and accuracy.
Jet Lag Eye Patches
For quick rejuvenation without the fuss:
- Summer Fridays Jet Lag Eye Patches
• Infused with caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and other soothing ingredients.
• Depuffs tired under-eyes during or after flights.
• Comes in a slim, tidy pack of six pairs, easy to slip into a carry-on.
Final Thoughts
From essentials like universal adapters and quick-dry towels to luxuries like watery postcards and curated city guides, the travel gifts of 2025 are all about comfort, convenience, and a touch of fun. Whether you’re surprising a backpacking student, a cross-continental business traveler, or anyone in between, these sleek and practical items will brighten their journey-no matter how rough the turbulence.
