Holiday Gift Guide for Travelers

Do you have someone on your shopping list who loves to travel or is always on the go? Or maybe you're just at a loss of what to buy that person who seems to have everything. Over the years I've acquired a list of go-to items which make traveling SO much easier and I'm excited to share them with you. Many of the items on this list I personally own and have used on my own trips - except for a few that ended up on my wish list this year!

From travel gear, to accessories, and even some go to travel OOTD I hope you find something on this list that will make the adventurer in your life very happy this holiday season. I'd also love to hear your suggestions for travel items you can't live without in the comments below.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

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Bathroom Bag

This bag has four different zippered pockets and holds so much. It has straps on the inside of the two larger pockets to keep items in place and also has a hook for hanging on the bathroom door. 

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Travel Jewelry Case 

This is from the same brand as the bathroom bag so I knew it would be great quality! Comes in a small and medium size (I got medium) and has designated spots for necklaces, earrings, and other loose pieces to keep it all organized and from becoming a tangled mess. 

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Beach Cooler Bag

The top half of the bag is mesh which makes it perfect for the sandy beach and the bottom half unzips to a cooler for packing snacks and drinks. It's collapses well which makes it great for packing in a suitcase if you're flying. 

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Mapiful Poster

Cherish your favorite travel memories with the help of Mapiful. Design a personalized map featuring a street view of any location on earth or choose a star Mapiful to recreate the night sky on a particular date in time. I love the sentiment behind my star map from our wedding night and it also serves as a stylish decor piece in our bedroom.

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Sleeper Scarf 

Say goodbye to your bulky neck pillow and hello to your new travel bff! If there's one product that has completely changed the way I travel it's the sleeper scarf. The infinity scarf is designed to discreetly and stylishly transport your inflatable neck pillow while traveling (so it's not dragging all over the dirty airport). When you're not on the plane, deflate the pillow and wear the scarf as part of your travel OOTD. When you board simply inflate to the correct capacity for your neck and catch some Zzz's. I also love using the scarf as a blanket because I'm always cold on planes.

Photo courtesy of Sleeper Scarf

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Suavs Shoes

These are my #1 pick for travel shoes that are made for going anywhere and doing anything and are great for every day wear. I love wearing these shoes while flying as they are super breathable but still provide some warmth even without any socks on. The digital knit technology also makes them very flexible and easy to pack. 

Travel Compression Packing Cubes

Pack smarter with the help of Tripped Travel Gear compression packing cubes. Not only do packing cubes help you organize your suitcase by day or clothing type, they also allow you to make the most of the space you have. Tripped Travel cubes are unique and feature a two zipper compression system which helps eliminate the extra bulk when packing your luggage. The zippers literally compress your clothes together and eliminate wasted space. 
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Photo courtesy of Tripped Travel Gear

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Waterproof Cell Phone Pouch

Don't let the low price scare you away - this cell phone pouch gets the job done! It locks shut to seal the water out and can be completely submerged under water. I was able to fit my iPhone inside without even having to take my case off and it allows you to take photos directly through the clear plastic. I also love the strap which can easily be wrapped around your wrist or put over your neck so you don't drop your phone. I originally bought this for snorkeling in Hawaii and my only complaint is that when it was submerged deeper underwater the touch pad didn't work to take photos. If you're looking for high quality underwater shots I would recommend a GoPro or other underwater camera. ​

Camera

This is the camera I use to take all my photos for my blog and it is a great choice for beginner photographers who still want high quality images. It's super lightweight and compact which makes it easy for traveling and taking along on all your adventures.

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Instax Camera

Another fun way to capture travel memories is with this mini Instax camera which comes in 9 different colors. Shoot and obtain pictures instantly and use the polaroids to create unique photo boards or maps. 

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Foot Hammock 

This is one item that was on my own Christmas list this year. We are preparing for a nine hour flight to Hawaii at the end of December and I'm excited to try this out. It easily hooks over your tray table and allows you to elevate your feet for a more comfortable flight experience and also helps increase blood flow and circulation. 

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Reusable Straws

Not only are these reusable straws good for the environment, they are also super helpful in the age of COVID-19 when you want to drink on a plane or crowded space without having to remove your mask. I also love that this one collapses down so you can easily store it in a bag or purse and also comes with it's own cleaning wand.

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Compression Socks

Speaking of circulation, are designed to promote blood circulation and oxygen flow when seated for long periods of time on a flight. They are made from a lightweight and breathable material to keep your legs at an optimal temperature. 

Makeup Eraser

​This is a series game changer when it comes to traveling with toiletries. The makeup eraser is a microfiber cloth that removes all makeup, including waterproof, with just warm water. The towel is antibacterial, reusable, and machine washable (lasts 3-5 years/up to 1,000 washes) so once you've used it all up just pop it in the washer and it comes out looking brand new. Not only does this product eliminate the hassle of traveling with liquid makeup removers, it's also good for the environment.

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Wine Diaper

I know what you're thinking..a diaper for wine?! We originally bought these when we went on our first cruise **travel hack: most cruise lines let you bring one bottle of wine per person on board with you** If the bottle were to break while in your checked luggage, the wine diaper keeps everything contained and soaks up the liquid. Thankfully I've never had to test their absorbency but I feel confident having them if something were to happen. We also love using these for traveling with other liquid souvenirs (salsa, soap, etc.)

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Venture Pal Lightweight Backpack

I can't say enough about this backpack. It is SO lightweight and folds up into a small pouch within itself which makes it easy to pack in other luggage. I use this as my carry on/personal item almost every time I travel. It holds quite a bit and in addition to the padded straps it buckles in the front of your chest to make carrying a heavier load easier. This is a great hiking backpack and I loved having it while traveling the Road to Hana in Maui. 

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Women's Mesh Slip On Water Shoes

These have come in handy so many times while traveling. They're great to use while snorkeling or on rocky beaches. I've also used mine at home while jet skiing or boating. They are super lightweight and easy to slip on. Just make sure you let them dry out properly or they can get a bit on the smelly side. 

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Passport Wallet

Keep all your important travel documents together in one place including your passport, boarding pass, ID and credit cards. Avoid theft with RFID blocking material. Choose from 36 different colors!

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Toiletry Bucket Bag

If you're anything like me you're always throwing your toiletries and hair care products into a jumbled mess in the bottom of a bag. Keep everything organized and standing up straight with this bucket bag with individual elastic holders. This may not be the best option for checked luggage if you're not bringing full size items, but is great for weekend trips when you can stand it up straight in an overnight bag.

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Eco-friendly Water Bottle

I never fly without bringing an empty water bottle to fill once I'm through security. We also like to hike and stay active on our trips so I love having something I can refill and use over and over. This is hands down the best water bottle I've ever owned and keeps water cold for hours. The custom stay wild pattern is perfect for the wanderlust in all of us. 

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Running Belt

This running belt is a hikers dream! I use it to hold all the essentials (phone, keys, money/ID, etc.) while still remaining hands free and not having to worry about lugging a big bag around. You hardly know you're wearing it when it's on. This isn't the exact version I have as I got mine years ago from a local gift shop. But trust me - one of the best purchased I've made!

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Beach Blanket

I take this blanket to so much more than just the beach while I'm traveling (parks, concerts, pool, etc.) The microfiber material makes it super fast drying. It also has corner pockets which can be filled with sand to weigh it down and keep it from blowing all over the place - can I get an amen?!

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Hiking Boots

I finally upgraded my hiking boot game this year and these Adrika hiking boots from Danner are a game changer. They have great traction and the 100% waterproof barrier allows moisture to escape without letting water in so your feet stay dry and comfortable all day long. I also love that they are lightweight and can be worn for every day wear as well. 

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Silicone Wedding Bands

These are a must for an active lifestyle. When I'm traveling I always get worried about losing my wedding rings. These are the perfect substitution for water sports, snorkeling, swimming, hiking, etc. Don't worry - this variety pack comes in a number of different colors to match every outfit. 

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Collapsible Cooler

When we're on a road trip, or just out exploring for the day, it's nice to be able to pack a few drinks or a picnic lunch and keep it cold in the car. This can also save time and money as opposed to stopping multiple times along the way. This cooler is the perfect size for traveling and also collapses for easy storage. 

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Hiking Sandals

If you haven't guessed by now we love to hike when we're on vacation but I don't always like wearing running shoes with socks as there is often water involved and let's be real..wet socks are the worst. I've been in search of an affordable and comfortable pair of hiking sandals and I'm excited to try these out. 

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Scratch Map

A scratch off map is such a fun and creative way to document all your adventures. I have this map from Travelization and love that in addition to the states, it also includes all of the National Parks and state flags. What better way to motivate yourself to book those plane tickets and scratch off all 50 states!