If you've got a jet-setting BFF (ugh, jealous of 'em) or a loved one who's rarely ever in the same area code for long, then welcome to this ultimate gift guide for travelers. I know gift-giving can be a hard feat, especially if you're trying to strike the perfect balance between thoughtful and practical. But that's why I'm here with 70 of the best travel gift ideas to royally spoil the frequent flyer in your life, while also making their whole travel experience easy-peasy. Holiday shopping just got sooo much easier.
Could they use a new carry-on? Or maybe some life-changing travel accessories and ways to level up their airport 'fits? Maybe a cool coffee table book of their fave vacay spot, or, heck, a book on how to properly pack a suitcase (I know you have someone in mind for this one). Whatever their needs are, I'm sure you'll find the perfect gift for 'em, below! Scroll on through, and maybe even pick up a lil somethin’ for yourself, too.
For the most part, travel days are not good hair days...because who has the time? Having a neutral hat that they can go throw on and not think twice about is a must.
You know packing up their entire makeup brush collection when they travel must be a pain. Thankfully small, compact brush sets exist so that they can still have their go-to tools without worrying about them taking up too much space in their bag. This one is less than $10 RN!
There's nothing more frustrating than not being able to watch anything on the airplane TV because your Bluetooth audio device isn't compatible with it. Enter: this transmitter that can connect Bluetooth headphones or earbuds to the screen.
This will come in clutch for the times when want they to spice up their meal but there's no hot sauce in sight (a sin!). They can pull out this itty bitty, pocket-size Tabasco bottle and go to town. (Plus it comes with a lil case and carabiner to make it even more travel-friendly.)
Filled with 17 lifesavers for those beauty and/or fashion emergencies—a tampon, deodorant, clear nail polish, a safety pin, and more—this kit has all the essentials they definitely didn't think to pack.
When I tell you this eyeshadow palette comes e-v-er-y-w-h-e-r-e with me... Not only does it have a mix of six gorgeous shimmery and matte pigments that'll go with any look, but it's also small enough to fit in a handbag or makeup pouch.
A pack of essential oil roll-ons will be so helpful whenever they're ever feeling stressed, upset, or overwhelmed on a trip. This one comes with five blends—Confidence, Reflection, Connection, Unwind, and Energy.
If they're ever at home reminiscing about a past vacay, they can light up a candle that legit smells like their fave destination to bring back the ~feels~. Brooklyn Candle Studio has tons of destination-inspired scents like Santorini, Sevilla, Kyoto, Italy, and Maui.
An iPad can pretty much do all the things a laptop can do, but it's so much more portable and lightweight. It's perfect for the person who travels a lot for work (or who absolutely needs a distraction while on planes).
For all those long plane or car rides where they want to get comfortable and kick off their shoes, these comfy sock slippers will come in clutch. No bare feet here!
There's no robe like a hotel robe! And what if I told you that you could get your giftee one that feels exactly like one? Peep this plush dream that'll transport them back to that luxe lifestyle.
Packing cubes can be seriously helpful with staying organized, especially if they're headed on a long journey with a ton of stuff to take with them. This set features three clothing bags in different sizes, two cosmetic pouches, a shoe bag, an underwear bag, and a drawstring laundry bag for any dirty clothes.
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a film camera
Polaroid Originals Now I-Type Instant Camera and Film Bundle
16
a film camera
Polaroid Originals Now I-Type Instant Camera and Film Bundle
Sure, they can take all the pics on their phones, but over time pics get lost or even erased. Instead, with this polaroid, they'll be able to capture those special moments on film.
Considering how pricey these suitcases can be, they probs won’t flat out ask you for one directly. But I guarantee a smart carry-on with a battery pack is definitely on their list. They'll never have to worry about a dying cellphone while traveling again.
Maybe they love traveling but just haven't been able to take a trip yet, because, ya know, ~life~. Surprise them with a cozy three-night stay that they can book for whenever they’d like at any of Getaway's outpost locations. They have different sites all over the US and even offer luxe camp-grounds if they're into that too.
This marble luggage tag can still do the trick if a battery-pack suitcase is out of your budget. It has a hidden rechargeable battery pack with a USB outlet, so their phone can still charge up while sitting pretty on their carry-on—but at a fraction of the price.
Jacquelyn Greenfield is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers the best gift ideas, sales, and more across all things beauty, fashion, lifestyle, and sex. She has a serious obsession with sneakers and lives for a great clear lip gloss. She previously worked at Nylon and has had bylines in The Zoe Report, Coveteur, and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
Maggie Griswold (she/her) is a contributing fashion editor for Cosmopolitan and freelance writer and editor based in Los Angeles, covering everything from the latest wardrobe must-haves to interior design trends. Along with Cosmopolitan, you can find her work on Oprah Daily, StyleCaster, Women's Health, and House Digest, among others. She's a big (read: ridiculously huge) fan of the '90s sitcom Frasier, all things Shakespeare, and a good romance-filled YA novel. Follow her on Instagram.