2019 Holiday Gift Guide for the Traveler in Your Life

Tis the Season for Giving

1/25
It's that time of year again where you begin to scramble, hunting down the perfect gift for every member of your family. If you have an avid traveler in your family, we got you covered. From the minimalist traveler to the new parents - these gifts are sure to wow.

Rolling Luggage

2/25
A quality piece of rolling luggage is necessary for any traveler's arsenal. No, it doesn't have to be a complete set, but at least one, nice rolling carry-on is always going to be appreciated.

Away just released a brand new line called The Expandables, and they're already living up to Away's outstanding reputation. Well-known for their stylish hard-sided luggage, this new line allows travelers a bit more space with the option to expand and more organization with a front pocket - perfect for keeping a laptop or necessary documents close at hand. The interior is thoughtfully designed and resembles that of their hard-sided luggage. And all of it is guaranteed with a lifetime warranty and a 100-day trial.

Hard-Sided, Personalized Luggage

3/25
Trying to find your bag among all the other black, similarly looking suitcases, can sometimes prove annoying. But getting to customize your luggage to your own style - without sacrificing on quality - is something every traveler is game for. ROAM luggage is ultra-lightweight with TSA approved locks built-in, designed with four wheels for easy mobility, water-resistant zipper and telescoping handle. But most important - the colors can be tailored to fit your loved one's style.

Day Bag

4/25
A day bag is great for any type of trip - it allows you to keep essentials with you all day without having to bring a large bag. And they're great for helping you carry around any souvenirs you find. The Osprey Daylite Sling is a great one shoulder bag that keeps all your items secure and handy. Just don't be surprised if this turns into your loved one's bag for everyday use - even when they're not traveling.

Carry-On Sized Backpack

5/25
I'm in love with the Tom Binh Aeronaut bag - still. It's durable, can classify as a personal item on budget airlines and can easily fit all of my clothes for a week.

But a new bag that has arrived on the scene from Kickstarter is the DUO Daypack. If you're the type that needs extra help organizing what you're bringing on a trip - this is definitely the bag for you. The bag incorporates a stylish design - great for business travel - with cushioned interior pockets perfect for camera equipment. Plus the shoulder straps are comfortable enough to wear this bag for long periods of time, even when it is packed full. It's no wonder this bag was able to raise over $650,000 on Kickstarter, easily meeting the $25,000 initial goal.

Outlet Converter or Power Strip

6/25
These are an absolute must for those traveling outside the country - and the more, the better. Nowadays travelers have so many gadgets to plug in, and being limited to only one outlet converter can really slow them down when they need to charge their laptop, camera and phone. Another option is to give the gift of a travel-sized outlet strip. The one I use - and love - is ideal because it has two USB ports and two US outlets. This allows me to use one converter for charging four separate items.

Battery Backup

7/25
It seems like at least one electronic is always running out of battery while traveling, and outlets are not always readily available. I like to have at least one battery backup with me at all times. My personal favorite - the LifeProof Power Pack - can even power your laptop! And they have a version where you don't have to go looking for a cable every time you want to power your Qi-equipped device.

Depending on what type of traveler your loved one is, you may want to look into getting a solar-powered battery backup - perfect for the devoted camper and hiker who doesn't have the option to recharge their battery backup for days at a time.

Travel Clothing - Females

8/25
Personally I don't like to look grungy when I travel, but many moisture-wicking or targeted travel clothes just aren't that cute. Thankfully prAna has stepped onto the scene with some truly cute options that will keep you warm and comfortable. The Milani Crew sweater is a perfect layer to throw on while on an airplane, sitting around a campfire or walking through the streets of Venice. And the Halle pant can be dressed up or down depending on where your travels take you. They're a relaxed fit that is perfect for outdoorsy activities, water repellent and comes in a trouser style that doesn't scream you've been roughing it for the past three days.

Travel Clothing - Males

9/25
Guys have it so easy with Bluffworks. My husband loves every item of clothing they make, and it's ideal for the business traveler. He's taken their Chino pants on every vacation and worn them golfing, hiking, bicycle riding, to business meetings and just walking around cities. Their dress shirts really don't wrinkle - still trying to find out the magic behind that - and their Gramercy suit is machine washable. Luckily they also just announced a women's line as well.

Multi-Purpose Jacket

10/25
You never know when you're going to need a rain jacket, but you may not always have room to pack one. There are plenty of foldable jackets out there, but Coalatree's Whistler Windbreaker stands up to the wear and tear of everyday travel. It folds small, is lightweight and will also keep you dry. Plus when it's folded up into its pouch, you can use this as an extra travel pillow.

Water Bottle

11/25
Have you seen the cost of water bottles at the airport lately? It's outrageous. Frequent travelers have learned to bring their own - and just make sure it's empty while going through security. Staying hydrated is the number one thing you must do while flying, so you want to make sure to a have water bottle that won't leak or puncture easily. My favorite is the canteens from Corkcicle. They have vibrant colors and designs, are metal and will keep your drink cold for hours. Their Sport Canteen has a straw for those who may not be coordinated enough with a wide mouth opening.

Comfortable Walking Shoes

12/25
Having the wrong pair of shoes to walk in can be a total deal-breaker. Whether you're traveling for business or just gallivanting around a new city, comfortable shoes are a must. If you want fashionable shoes that will save your feet from any aches and pains, Rothy's flats & sneakers are a complete game-changer. Their Sneaker doesn't rub the back of your heel and The Point flat can be confused with any business shoe. Plus all of their shoes are machine washable, made with eco-friendly materials and take up next to no room in your luggage.

Waterproof Boots

13/25
Shoes are a constant pain when trying to pack light - they're bulky and can often add a good amount of weight to your luggage. That's why I've opted for shoes that will pull double duty. The Forsake Boots are perfect for hiking - super comfortable when walking long distances and will keep my feet dry from the elements - plus they're stylish enough that I can wear them when just traveling through cities.

A Traveler Stroller

14/25
Traveling with a small child is cumbersome. How can one little person require so many big and bulky items? But what if two of the largest items could be combined into one? The Doona Stroller is a stroller and car seat all in one - and it transforms with a few easy clicks. Perfect for breezing through the airport and into your rideshare without having to carry or check extra luggage. Plus parents will feel safe as the stroller meets strict US and EU certifications as well as being approved by the FAA.

Travel Baby Bouncer Seat

15/25
Parents who travel are going to love you for this one. Somehow all the items necessary to travel with a little one start to add up to even more than what you might be bringing for yourself. So you start to really question what is necessary and what is not. A bounce seat might not always be the number one priority and with its bulky design, it's almost impossible to pack one of these in a carry-on. Until now. The KidCoBouncePod Travel Bouncer holds your little one securely while still folding down to a manageable size. It's lightweight, machine washable and comes with its own little carry bag.

Travel-Sized Bottles of Their Favorite Toiletries

16/25
Travel-sized toiletries can add up quick! And if you wait until the last minute to do your packing, then you may be stuck with whatever Walmart has on their shelves. But if you know your loved one's favorite shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, face wash or lotion - you can go ahead stock them up for their next trip. Not only will it save them a last-minute grocery run, but they'll appreciate that they can use their favorite items while on the go.

Noise-Cancelling Headphones

17/25
Long flights and train rides demand noise-canceling headphones. They just help to take away some of the stress of being in tight quarters with hundreds of other people. Be wrapped up in your own little bubble away from screaming children and the dull, drumming of an engine. It's important to pick a pair comfortable enough to fall asleep in, and my personal preference is for a wireless pair where you don't have to worry about the wire getting tangled in your stuff.

Tablet or E-Reader

18/25
There's normally a lot of downtime while traveling, so having some form of entertainment is a must. The Kindle is the perfect option for those that love reading. It can fit all your books in a slim design, has a battery life that lasts for weeks, is easy on the eyes and the new version is even waterproof! The iPad is a favorite for movies and games.

Experiences

19/25
Does the person you love already have everything they need for traveling? Or are they so particular that there's no way you could choose the exact right gift for them? The best thing to get them then is experiences for their next trip. Look at shore excursions if they'll be taking a cruise or check out Groupon for discounted one-of-a-kind things to do. Or you can help build their travel fund for their next bucket list travel destination.

Streaming Service

20/25
The minimalist traveler in your life will definitely appreciate the gift of a streaming service - whether it's music, books or television. Nowadays almost everyone has their favorite, and a few months of prepaid membership goes a long way.

Luggage Locks

21/25
Like the outlet converters, travelers can never have enough luggage locks. These small little necessities have a way of disappearing, so it's nice to always have a couple on hand. Just make sure that you're choosing TSA-approved locks that have a skinny enough strap to fit through the small openings of luggage zippers.

Travel-Sized Cocktail Kit

22/25
The new parents - along with many other travelers - will also greatly appreciate the travel-sized cocktail kit, which makes a great stocking stuffer. These cute little kits come with all the necessities to make your favorite drink except the alcohol - which you will need to purchase on your flight as FAA does not allow you to open your own while in the air; if you do it cost you up to an $11,000 fine.

Scarf

23/25
I carry a scarf with me on every trip. In cold weather climates, it helps to keep me warm, and it's nice to have in warmer areas if I walk into a restaurant that has their air conditioning at full blast or while on a plane and I didn't want to lug around a jacket. They take up hardly any space and can help dress up an outfit.

Compression Socks

24/25
I never knew the benefits of compression socks until I became pregnant. Helping to keep the blood circulating in your legs, especially while you're in the air, is something many travelers don't even think about. Trust me, these, plus walking around while in the air - while the fasten seat belt sign is off of course - and staying hydrated will make you feel so much better on long flights.

Gift Cards

25/25
If you're still unsure what your traveler needs or want, a gift card might be the best option. Some people might think of these as impersonal, but honestly, they are one of my favorite things. They're small, so if you're traveling to see someone for the holidays, they don't take up a lot of room in your own luggage. And they allow the receiver to get exactly what they want - helping them when purchasing what they need for their next trip. Whether it be a new piece of luggage, toiletries, excursions or even a plane ticket, a gift can go a long way for the avid traveler in your life.

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Lauren Bowman

Lauren Bowman

Lauren Bowman is a travel enthusiast. She loves experiencing new cultures, trying new foods, learning about the world around her, and believe it or not, she loves hanging out in airports. Follow her on Instagram/Twitter @lbowmantravels or contact her at [email protected]

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Laurence Pinckney

Laurence Pinckney

CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC

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Agent At Home

Helping leisure selling travel agents successfully manage their at-home business.

Subscribe For Free

Agent Specialization: Group Travel

Laurence Pinckney

Laurence Pinckney

CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC

About Me