The 25 best gifts for travelers who are always on the move

We’ve pulled together a robust collection of items that can make spending hours on the road or in the air more enjoyable.

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257851_2025_TRAVEL_Holiday_Gift_Guide_AKrales_5999
Brandon Russell

is a commerce writer covering deals and buying guides. Previously, he was a freelance writer for Popular Mechanics, Men’s Health, and Esquire.

I’m convinced that whoever said it’s about the journey, not the destination, has never traveled. Try sitting on a plane for 16 hours — plus delays, airport security, and a snoring seat neighbor — and then get back to me. While getting from point A to point B can feel like a test of endurance, a few smart upgrades can make all the difference when you’re on the move.

If you or someone you know is heading across the continent or overseas, a travel adapter ensures you can plug in and charge your devices in over 200 countries, while noise-canceling earbuds provide peace in a noisy terminal. Meanwhile, a dedicated camera is a major step up in quality over a smartphone for snapping vacation photos. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or gearing up for your first big trip, these travel-friendly gifts will make the journey a little less miserable.

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The Anker Laptop Power Bank in a silver color on a light gray background.The Anker Laptop Power Bank in a silver color on a light gray background.

Anker’s Laptop Power Bank is a lifesaver for anyone on the go. It boasts a beefy 25,000mAh capacity and a total output of up to 165W, allowing you to charge a MacBook Pro to 50 percent in less than 30 minutes. The portable battery also features two built-in USB-C cables, one of which is retractable, so you needn’t worry about tossing yet another cable in your bag.

The AirFly Pro 2 can amp up the sound quality of in-flight entertainment, making it a handy tool for frequent travelers. The long-lasting Bluetooth adapter can sync with two pairs of wireless earbuds or headphones at once, allowing you and a partner to share a movie, a podcast, or music without relying on the subpar earbuds most airlines provide.

Bellroy’s Venture Sling is a stylish pack that provides ample storage for your everyday carry. It features a front pocket with a key clip, an internal soft-lined pouch, and several nooks for stowing larger items. The adjustable shoulder strap can also be detached from either end, making it easy to remove regardless of how you wear it.

Anker’s Nano Travel Adapter is a versatile charger for globe-trotters. It features four plug types, providing compatibility in over 200 countries. Along with an AC connector, it has two USB-A ports and two USB-C ports, one of which can deliver up to 20W. The adapter is tiny, too — each plug type either extends and retracts or folds up, allowing it to fit into pockets or small bags.

The 30-ounce version of the Owala FreeSip Sway in a eucalyptus color on a light gray background.The 30-ounce version of the Owala FreeSip Sway in a eucalyptus color on a light gray background.

The FreeSip Sway features an attractive, contoured design that’s comfortable to hold with one hand; however, unlike previous Owala bottles, it tapers at the bottom, allowing you to stash it in your car’s cupholder. The reusable bottle also features a bucket handle, a push-button lid, and a dual-function spout with a straw for sipping and a wider opening for big gulps.

An Apple AirTag on a light gray background.An Apple AirTag on a light gray background.

One of the most stressful parts of traveling is the lingering worry that your bag might not make it to your destination. With an AirTag tucked inside your luggage, iPhone owners can see exactly where it is at any given moment — even if it’s halfway across the world. Apple’s tracker can play a sound through the built-in speaker, making it easier to pinpoint its location when it’s nearby.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (second-gen) floating on a light gray background.The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (second-gen) floating on a light gray background.

The latest Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds feature improved active noise cancellation that reacts more smoothly to sudden noise, plus call-quality tech borrowed from hearing aids to cut out background noise. You still get 24 hours of battery life with the charging case, and now there’s an option to disable touch controls via the Bose app.

Quince’s Small Carry-On Suitcase is made of a tough polycarbonate shell and features a TSA-approved lock, so you can keep would-be thieves at bay. It also has 40L of internal storage — enough to house five to seven outfits — plus 360-degree wheels, allowing you to skip baggage claim and effortlessly roll it through the terminal.

Tom Bihn Deluxe Spiff Kit on a light gray background.Tom Bihn Deluxe Spiff Kit on a light gray background.

Tom Bihn’s Deluxe Spiff Kit is a handy bag for holding essential toiletries like face wash, shampoo, and deodorant. Its divided mesh pouch can fit most travel-size shampoos and soaps, while a large undivided mesh pouch is great for larger items. A hanging hook allows you to hang the kit on towel bars or fixtures, and a removable acrylic mirror is convenient for grooming on the go.

The Fujifilm X-E5 is a tiny powerhouse that features a beautiful vintage-inspired design. It boasts multiple dials for quickly changing the shutter speed and exposure compensation, plus a dedicated dial for switching between film simulations. It’s also about the same size as Fujifilm’s famous X100 line, with the added benefit of interchangeable lenses.

The Amazon Kindle (2024) in black on a light gray background.The Amazon Kindle (2024) in black on a light gray background.

There are few better ways to pass the time than getting lost in a good book (I’m reading Thomas Pynchon’s new Shadow Ticket). The base Kindle is our best budget e-reader, with a sharp 6-inch display, an adjustable frontlight, and a battery that can last for up to six weeks. And at just 158 grams, its lightweight design makes it easy to carry and hold for extended reading sessions.

Sleep can be hard to come by when traveling, throwing your whole routine out of whack. This travel pillow from Travelrest can make it easier to doze off thanks to its comfortable memory foam. It wraps around your neck like a cozy necklace, with an angled back and shoulder cutout for a more ergonomic design. It can also squish down to fit in a small travel pouch, so it won’t take up much room in your carry-on.

First Ascent Instant Coffee hero day blend on a light gray background.First Ascent Instant Coffee hero day blend on a light gray background.

You’ll probably need a good pick-me-up while traveling, but you don’t have to settle for bad gas station coffee. First Ascent’s Instant Coffee gives you a solid caffeine boost and a flavor that holds up well, with light, medium, and dark roasts. You just pour it in hot water, stir, and it’s done. Don’t you just love the smell of fresh coffee?

The Anbernic RG 34XXSP in yellow on a light gray background.The Anbernic RG 34XXSP in yellow on a light gray background.

If your giftee ever had a soft spot for Nintendo’s Game Boy Advance SP, the RG 34XXSP won’t disappoint. Anbernic’s newer handheld emulator sports a classic clamshell design with a 3.4-inch 720p IPS display, as well as dual joysticks, four shoulder buttons, and a 3:2 aspect ratio that’s ideal for retro titles like Golden Sun and The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap.

The Matador Ultralight Travel Towel on a light gray background.The Matador Ultralight Travel Towel on a light gray background.

If you don’t like the idea of using a hotel towel, then Matador’s Ultralight Travel Towel deserves a spot in your bag. The large version is roughly the size of a standard towel, yet it can pack down into a small mesh bag. It’s made from a soft nanofiber material that can absorb double its weight, and it wrings out easily, so it dries fast. The towel is also machine washable, so you can easily get it ready for your next journey.

The TP-Link Wi-Fi 7 BE3600 Travel Router on a light gray background.The TP-Link Wi-Fi 7 BE3600 Travel Router on a light gray background.

Traveling with a dedicated router can make connecting all your devices to public Wi-Fi that much easier, regardless of your location. TP-Link’s latest model offers Wi-Fi 7 speeds and allows you to connect up to 90 devices at once, which should be more than enough to accommodate the entire family. Its ability to connect to over 35 different VPN providers is just a plus.

The Apple Watch Series 11 in silver with a purple band.The Apple Watch Series 11 in silver with a purple band.

The Apple Watch Series 11 adds new features like a bigger battery, 5G connectivity, and a more scratch-resistant display. Having longer battery life makes a huge difference while traveling, ensuring the watch doesn’t run out of a charge at an inopportune time. Plus, the update to watchOS 26 means you get FDA-cleared hypertension notifications and a feature that will help you better understand the quality of your sleep.

The Mumi Laundry Bag on a light gray background.The Mumi Laundry Bag on a light gray background.

Mumi’s laundry bag provides a place to store your dirty clothes so they don’t stink up your suitcase. I used this bag during a 10-day trip over the summer, and it was enough to hold clothes for a family of three. It’s made of an odor-resistant fabric and a durable zipper, keeping the smell of your dirty socks inside. It also features a portable hanger, so you can keep it off the floor and out of the way.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 in blue on a light gray background.The Sony WH-1000XM6 in blue on a light gray background.

The WH-1000XM6 are Sony’s most-advanced wireless headphones, delivering better active noise cancellation, a comfortable band, and the ability to charge during use. They offer dynamic, lively sound, and they don’t shy away from bass. They can also fold down for easy storage, unlike their predecessor, which could only lie flat.

The Ray Ban Meta Gen 2 on a light gray background.The Ray Ban Meta Gen 2 on a light gray background.

The Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 offer twice the battery life of their predecessor in the same Wayfarer, Skyler, and Headliner styles. As for the camera, they can record 3K at 30fps, 1440p at 30fps, and 1200p at 60fps, all for up to three minutes. The glasses also offer the ability to capture hyperlapse and slow-motion videos, along with an audio-focused feature called “conversation focus.”

Between the noise of airport terminals and snoring seat companions, traveling can be loud. Loop’s reusable Quiet 2 deliver 24 decibels of noise reduction, so you can snooze even when the person next to you is watching a movie at full volume. They’re made from a light, flexible silicone and come with four ear tip sizes, including an extra-small option.

The TheraGun Mini Third-Gen on a light gray background.The TheraGun Mini Third-Gen on a light gray background.

Whether you’re traveling by car, bus, train, or plane, all that sitting can take a toll on your body. The TheraGun Mini massage gun can help relieve tension and aching muscles. It features an ergonomic grip and offers three adjustable speeds, plus three different attachments that target specific aches and pains. TheraGun says the Mini is TSA compliant and can go for up to three hours before it needs to be recharged.

The Garmin Venu 4 45mm on a light gray background.The Garmin Venu 4 45mm on a light gray background.

The Garmin Venu 4 is a polished everyday smartwatch with a bright OLED display and up to 12 days of battery. It has built-in GPS, smart sleep insights that flag stress or illness, and a surprisingly handy LED flashlight. A fitness coach can tailor workouts across 25 activities, while expanded accessibility makes it friendlier for more people.

Tne Anker 140W 2-in-1 USB-C to USB-C cable on a light gray background.Tne Anker 140W 2-in-1 USB-C to USB-C cable on a light gray background.

Instead of sifting through a rat’s nest of cables, Anker’s dual-headed USB-C cable makes it easier to travel light. Thanks to its 2-in-1 design, you can charge two devices simultaneously — like a laptop and smartphone — with a peak power output of 140W. You don’t have to worry about the cable fraying, either, as it’s made from a durable braided nylon and has been tested to survive more than 10,000 bends.

The iPad Mini (2024) in purple on a light gray background.The iPad Mini (2024) in purple on a light gray background.

The iPad Mini’s smaller size is tailor-made for travel, with a light, sturdy design that’s easy to slip into a carry-on. Its compact 8.3-inch display is great for reading, watching movies, and playing games, and it even supports the Apple Pencil Pro, making it an excellent tool for doodling. The battery holds up well, too, and you can easily pair it with a Bluetooth keyboard to tackle some light work.

Photographer, photo editor: Amelia Holowaty Krales

Art director and designer: Cath Virginia

Creative director: Kristen Radtke

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