Got a travel enthusiast in your life? Or maybe you’re the one that’s always on the go with a passport in hand? As the holiday season sneaks up, it’s the perfect time to bring a little magic to those upcoming journeys with gifts that add comfort, ease, and a dash of style to travel plans. And let’s be real – we all know someone who’s constantly jetting off (or daydreaming about it!). Whether it’s a quick staycation, an off-the-grid adventure, or the ultimate trip of a lifetime, giving the traveler in your life something to elevate their journey might just earn your present the award of Best Gift of the Year. Dive into our curated picks for the most chic and functional travel gifts of 2024.
I’ve been a fan of Away for years and it never fails to impress me in terms of quality, service, and collaborations. The luggage brand’s latest innovation is The Train Case, made from the same durable material as their larger counterparts. Not only does it look chic, I love that it can be used in so many different ways by different people. Photographers can use it to stash lenses, while parents can fill it with toys and activities for long flights with kids. The various compartments allow you to organize cables, skincare, travel gear, and more. This train case is one of those travel essentials that will adapt to everyone’s unique journey.
Ever tried balancing your personal item on top of your suitcase, only to have it slip and slide as you dash through the airport? Enter the Cincha Travel Belt – a total game-changer for the traveler with multiple items. This handy strap secures your bag to your luggage handle, making airport strolls infinitely easier. With vibrant patterns and colors, Cincha transforms a simple travel hack into a stylish accessory.
For long flights, compression socks are a must to keep the blood flowing and prevent that post-flight puffiness. But why settle for plain, no-frills black socks when you could go for something a little more fun? Stylish compression socks are an easy way to add a touch of flair to your travel outfit while keeping things comfortable.
Tote bags are a traveler’s best friend – just toss everything in and go! This tote brings a peace of mind knowing you have room to add in that neck pillow, a yummy lunch alternative to the airplane food, or those “had to have it” souvenirs. The striped colorway makes it extra special.
Packing chargers and cables can feel like wrestling with a tangled mess of spaghetti. The Counterpart Charger makes life so much easier. With a 4-foot retractable USB-C cord, you can avoid cable chaos entirely – just pull it out when you need it and push the front-facing button to snap it back when you don’t. Whether you’re facing a flight delay or need a quick recharge at a cafe, this little gadget has you covered.
Need to refresh your travel gear? The Dusen Dusen collection of travel accessories has all the essentials – luggage tags, cardholders, passport cases, and weekend bags. Each piece brings Dusen Dusen’s playful patterns into the travel space, proving that organization doesn’t have to be boring.
On our last family trip, this suitcase was a game changer – so much so that a passerby watched as we strolled along and said “I like that. Now that’s smart.” It’s a suitcase that turns into a seat for your kids (or yourself!) with a quick flip. A notch in the backrest acts as a hook so that you can hang your toddler’s backpack and an included seat belt easily attaches to safely secure your little one. Imagine strolling through the airport without the “I’m tired” chorus – this case is worth every penny!
For skincare lovers who can’t bear to leave behind a single serum or cream, Parallelle’s travel bag is a total game-changer. Gone are the days of bottles rolling around in a cluttered makeup bag (cue the spills and endless digging). With a flat bottom and foldable sides, this bag keeps everything neatly organized and standing upright, so you can see exactly what you need. It opens up fully to reveal an impressive layout of 20 pockets, six mesh pockets, and three adjustable main compartments, making it easy to keep your skincare essentials within reach and perfectly in place.
Speaking of skincare, I’ll admit it – I’ve bought my fair share of refillable bottles from big-box stores, the kind made from flimsy plastic that always seem to leak by trip number two. Let’s just say, they’ve never exactly enhanced my travel experience. So, for my next adventure, I’m upgrading to Ries, the refillable bottles that are built to last. With an airless, non-pressurized pump, these beauties let you easily dispense your products without that desperate bottle-banging. And the best part? This system means I can skip the single-use travel minis, keeping my skincare routine eco-friendly and luggage leak-free!
Lastly, a cozy lounge set is always a must-pack for me when I travel – there’s nothing like sinking into a hotel bed in pure comfort after a long day. Especially on work trips, that moment when I can clock out, slip into my pajamas, and finally unwind is everything. I’m completely obsessed with Comme Si’s loungewear; it’s simple yet luxurious, and after their collab with USM Modular (recently exhibited at the Neutra VDL House in Los Angeles!), I’m even more in love. These pieces are perfect for lounging but stylish enough to step out in, making them my go-to travel essentials!
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