FOR THE TRAVELER EAGER FOR AN ADVENTURE
Maybe they finally (finally!) booked that trip they’ve been putting off…are driving to a cute inn for a change of scenery…or are bookmarking sites they’re definitely going to check out (and into) once all this madness is behind us. The long-awaited escape is unquestionably the top gift on everyone’s wish list. So help pack any ecstatic traveler’s carry-on or suitcase with innovative gear that takes the turbulence out of upcoming getaways. From international explorers to domestic jet-setters, these unique travel-themed gifts instantly upgrade any ticket to first-class status with useful ideas, unexpected hacks, and luxury finds as good as any seat in a fancy airline lounge.
RAINS WASH BAG
There’s no worse way to start off a vacay than opening a suitcase, only to discover all the mini shampoos, cleansers, serums, and soaps have ickily leaked all over your carefully packed vacation wardrobe. Enter the Rains wash bag. Made by the Scandi-cool label known for modern raincoats, this sleek travel kit uses the same waterproof fabric and liquid-repellent zipper as its slickers to contain would-be spills. The boxy interior compartment holds up to 3 liters—with sleeve pockets to organize toiletries—so no matter how many bougie soaps or lotions they raid from the housekeeping cart, there’s always room for more.
SAINT LAURENT RIVE GAUCHE BAG
A reliable carry-on is an essential for any packing list, and while this gets extra style points for its chic graphic look, what they’ll really love about this luxe designer tote is how practical it actually is. Top snaps hold things in place when tucked in the overhead or under the seat during the flight—then help keep pickpockets at bay once they’ve hit the village market for souvenirs. With sturdy leather straps, the lightweight cotton canvas body is as durable as it is—drumroll, please—spot cleanable, while the inner zippered pocket adds an extra dose of security for a wallet, key card, and phone. C’est magnifique!
CANON IVY CLIQ+ INSTANT PHOTO
Give them a trip down memory lane. Sure, a phone is convenient for snapping selfies on the fly, but help them remember the thrill of a physical photo with this nostalgic cutie. Perfect for budding shutterbugs, this slim camera captures the amazing scenery with a click, then shoots out a two-inch adhesive print that can be shared in the moment. They can collect multiple sticker-prints for their next travelogue or hand them out to every muse they snap as a keepsake.
MARSHALL MONITOR II HEADPHONES
There are a lot of things that need to be drowned out on a long-haul flight: talkative seatmates, snoring in the row behind you, and, yes, crying babies. Help them turn outside volume down with these noise-canceling headphones. Fashioned in a fun retro design that pays homage to Marshall’s rock ’n’ roll legacy, the superior sound uses custom-tuned drivers with up to 30 hours of wireless play time, ideal for those international flights. Once the plane’s in descent, the collapsible pair folds up to stow as easily as the tray table.
AVIATOR NATION BOLT SWEATSHIRT & SWEATPANTS
Whether their next trip is by plane, train, or automobile, a cozy matching set will help them look more put-together than they actually feel, no matter what leg of the trip they’re on. Our vote is for this coordinated women’s and men’s outfit from Aviator Nation, the best-selling lounge label with a vintage vibe. Each piece is pretreated to feel superbly soft and broken-in from the very first wear. The striped joggers boast an elasticized waist and inner drawstring that can tighten or loosen for added comfort along the journey, while the ombré graphic sweatshirt adds a jolt of joy to even the longest layover.
JENNY PATINKIN CARRY-ON CUTIES 4-PIECE SET
If anything, they’ll actually have more time for a full beauty routine on vacation, so gift any skincare obsessive carry-on-friendly minis of top multitasking tools. Curated by the namesake makeup artist revered for her line of eco-luxe beauty accessories, this limited-edition travel set cleanses, de-puffs, and more. Strokes of the rose quartz gua sha heart helps firm and uplift, buffing bamboo reusable rounds are both hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, and the itty-bitty rose gold eye roller has serious anti-inflammatory powers, so each morning they can achieve the ultimate moment of contouring Zen.
KIEHL’S SINCE 1851 KISS ME WITH KIEHL’S LIP BALM
Dry throat, itchy eyes, and yes, those chapped lips. Dehydration when traveling isn’t just too many drinks from the bar cart—an aircraft’s filtration system actually causes a drop in humidity, thereby parching skin and puckers. Plump those dry pouts back up with this triple-threat set of balms from the storied NYC pharmacy, with bounce-boosting ingredients like squalane that strengthens and restores the moisture barrier, soothing aloe vera, and free-radical-fighting vitamin E in original, mint, and cranberry-flavored tubes.
LARQ SELF-CLEANING WATER BOTTLE
Speaking of hydration, if they’re traveling, accessibility to water is always a top concern. And whether their final destination is the slopes or the sand, this revolutionary bottle goes everywhere they do, keeping beverages cool for up to 24 hours, or hot for 12, in a double-insulation core. But this first-of-its-kind vessel doesn’t stop there—its unique purification process uses a UVC LED light to neutralize germs and bacteria in the water you’re drinking—great for destinations with a questionable source. What’s more, a touch of a button self-cleans the container itself, an immeasurably useful feature considering it may be a few weeks before they have access to a dishwasher or liquid dish soap again.
TUMI X MISSONI EXPANDABLE SPINNER
Now *this* is jet-set style: Introducing a limited-edition collab between the Italian fashion house and the premium luggage maker. An archival zigzag print elevates the durable hard-shell case, while protective bumpers, telescoping handle, and spinner wheels offer a smooth drive from curbside to gate. Inside is just as eye-catching, with a stylish red lining, hanger brackets, compression belt, and five zip pockets that make packing all those designer duds a breeze. With an added two inches of expansion to help cart all their exotic finds home, this easy-to-spot suitcase will be the envy of the baggage carousel.
111SKIN MASTER MASKING SET
These days, stressed skin needs even more TLC, particularly after wearing a KN95 from door to door. So before that big trip, treat potentially weary complexions to this travel wallet that unzips to reveal a pampering multi-pack of sheet masks from the celebrity-fave skincare brand. Pop on one of the three included eye masks in-flight to arrive at any destination bright-eyed and prepped for photos. Then soothe bigger skin concerns like puffiness, dullness, or aging with one of the MD-founded label’s quartet of full-face sheet masks that feel like a mini in-room spa treatment thanks to their clinically tested formulas.