I feel like I’ve been a bit overloaded with long, meandering gift guides being sent my way this year, so I will make this short and sweet and just give you the top 10 items that I love the most for travel (including one I bought for myself for the holidays and can’t wait to use). Some are repeats from last year, but that only shows me they stand the test of time and need to be on the list more than ever! Here you go:
I have taken a crazy number of flights this year, and this is my constant travel companion on every flight. This plane organizer slips on the tray table in front of me and before I’m even buckled in I have my laptop, Kindle, water bottle, headphones, and snack all neatly stored away in it and ready for easy access. (Note: You can’t use it in business class seats or if your economy seat doesn’t have a tray table in front of you. In that case, consider their seat cover which has pockets for easy storage/access and can be used on any seat).
AirFly Pro Wireless Transmitter/Receiver:
I was recently on a super long flight back from Africa and was frustrated that I couldn’t get my wireless headphones connected to the airplane entertainment system. I just ordered this product and can’t wait to open it (surprise!) on Christmas and use it on my next flight. It wirelessly transmits audio from in-flight entertainment (or your gym equipment or gaming devices etc) so you can easily use your AirPods, earbuds, or wireless headphones.
On a recent trip, I put an AirTag in my checked bag and one in my carry-on. That way if a bag is lost or misplaced (by the airlines or myself) they are easy to track and find. When at home I have one on my keychain and in my purse (and then just move them to my luggage when I travel).
I always have this on my list it seems…but it’s because I don’t go on a long flight without my Turtl neck pillow. It supports my head so comfortably that I can sleep in any airplane seat. Really!
I take these on every trip – the noise canceling is great for in-flight use, whether I’m listening to a book or watching a show, as well as after you land. I can’t wait to pair mine with the AirFly Pro!
Need a good stocking stuffer or a smaller gift? These great-looking long, soft tags can be personalized on one or both sides and then popped onto a suitcase so that they are clearly visible and you can tell your black roller bag from the sea of other black roller bags. Much better than tying a ribbon around your bag handle! I just ordered for my whole family.
2 Great Memberships:
As they don’t have gift cards for Clear I think you’d have to gift it and then sign up/pay for it with them…but the Clear kiosks are often faster than the TSA lines it seems these days. They are in 42 US cities currently, so if Clear is at a friend or family member’s most visited airport, consider gifting a membership.
An annual membership at Priority Pass is a great idea for a frequent traveler with long layovers or someone who likes to arrive early for flights. Their lounges are international and can be a calm oasis within busy airports.
I always tout this bag, because it never lets me down! They have changed the model slightly since I bought mine, but this is basically the same one as it packs a ton, fits into most overhead compartments (except for teeny tiny planes), and is expandable if needed (to check on the way home if you’ve bought things while away). Love it.
Lightweight Cross-Body/Waist Bag
I like traveling with a small cross-body/waist bag so that I can keep my passport/money etc hands-free and close at hand and not in a bag that I would ever set down anywhere. I often just leave it on the entire flight out of ease/convenience. And then I can also use it as my purse when I land. There are lots available on the market. The one from Uniqlo looks like a good unisex option, Away makes a super nice looking one, Cotopaxi has fun colorful options that are great for any age, and I personally use one from Athleta that’s no longer available, but their current option looks similar if a bit larger/busier than mine. And of course tons of choices on Amazon.
Happy Holidays!
