Holiday Gift Guide: Travel Edition

It was hard to decide which item from Tom Bihn to add to this travel gift guide as all their products are brilliant. But I have this bag (that's me modeling it last year!) and it's the best luggage I have ever owned. It holds SO MUCH; I've gone on a two-week vacation with 99% of my luggage fitting in it. It has handles and padded backpack straps and you can get the optional shoulder strap that I have here. The side pockets are big enough to hold men's size 14 shoes, it can hold more than other bags I own the same size yet it can fit in an overhead compartment with ease. It's designed so you can work out of the bag on a table or luggage rack and it has held up to baggage carousels beautifully. Tom Bihn is US-located and made and does much for the environment. Learn more in my Tom Bihn Aeronaut review.

Whether it's sharing photos and video from recent trips, or wanting to enjoy a movie on the move, this is the best mini projector out there for a relatively reasonable price that is compatible with iPhones and Androids alike. Enjoy stunning HD video and imaging in the palm of your hand with the Small DLP Pocket Projector from KODAK. Integrating revolutionary innovations in compact digital design, this miniature movie player produces high quality imaging in a truly portable package. Transport to the fantasy world of your choice with a booming 1 W speaker and dazzling 16.7 million color display. Compatible with today’s most popular entertainment devices and phones, the projector includes a 3.5mm input and integrated HDMI, USB and MicroSD hookups.

I first learned about these crossbody phone cases from a travel blogger. I met her at a conference and admired her phone case with a strap. She shared she had worn in in a dozen different countries and loved how it was so secure, kept her hands free, yet was the perfect length to not have to remove it to take a photo or look something up on her phone. I linked here to their leather crossbody with a small pocket that is available in a variety of colors and prints, but Bandolier has an amazing range of phone cases in different styles, with more storage, and different colors and textiles. I have now owned a Bandolier for each phone I have had and can't recommend them enough for durability, style, security, and ease of use.

Spin through memories of past journeys and plot future adventures in three-dimensional style with this detailed cork globe available in two sizes and two colors. Use the red pushpins to mark spots cherished most, you can also attach pictures, tickets, and mementos to relive a trip all over again.

This flask features the standard 8oz carrying capacity of your average flask — but ups the ante with an SOS-capable 4-mode LED flashlight, a highly precise compass topper, and two collapsible shot glasses built right in. Available in two colors.

Every travel story deserves to be preserved in a place as unique as the trip and the traveler. This 100% handmade, custom notebook is thoughtfully created to include space for photos and writing, plus pockets and envelopes to save the special mementos of your amazing journey. It makes a brilliant gift that stands out from the crowd for any lover of travel for any occasion. Choose a map to match your destination. Make it even more personal by adding names, dates or other short text to the front cover.

A cult favorite for years, available in multiple sizes and colors, this toiletry bag from L.L.Bean stands out from the rest. Made travel-tough with water-resistant, abrasion-resistant fabric that keeps water from seeping in and spills from leaking out. Removeable mirror, shower caddy, and side compartments are genius and this is a case that will keep its shape, even if it's half open, half empty, and hanging from a tree branch.

This is an ultra-compact personal alarm, small in size but big in sound. Once you pull the pin, the device emits a 130 decibel (ambulance-level) alarm. The siren will sound continuously for 30 minutes unless the pin is returned to the device. The eAlarm+ allows maximum utility for those intending to use in the outdoors with a rugged rubber water-resistant shield. The extra bottom hook feature allows it to be used as a tripwire or campsite alarm as well as a personal worn device. Available in two colors.

Track travels with a beautiful and eco-friendly scratch-off-where-you've-been map that charts globetrotting in a fun, colorful, and innovative way. Scratch off areas you've visited to reveal adventurous pops of color that turn traveling into a "domestic" treasure hunt of on-the-fly geography lessons.

Whether it's their favorite destination, or a city they hope to visit in the future, this custom phone case from Pangram Pangram x Casetify looks like a plane ticket for the city of their dreams. Two colors and styles to choose from for all the latest Samsung and Apple phones.

This is by far the hardest working luggage I own. This brilliantly designed lightweight backpack has places for all your devices, your laptop, water bottles, small items, large items, you name it. There is a pouch or pocket or bungee to organize it. It fits easily under a plane seat, has a sleeve to slip it over the handles of a suitcase, and looks modern and sophisticated with the tonal zippers. It comes in three sizes; I swear by the Large for travel and as my commuter bag. My kid also has one as her middle school backpack. Several colors to choose from.

I have one of these and LOVE it for travel, whether it's a beach weekend or a flight and I don't know what to do with my hat. I use it all summer so I have somewhere to place my sunhat when I go indoors. This one looks like a luggage tag and can be attached to any tote or suitcase for easy hat travel!

I own this, have gifted it to others, and even bought a backup. This is one of the best tripods on the market because it can also be a selfie stick, you can unscrew the phone holder to put on other attachments (or attach a DSLR camera), and it comes with a great remote so everyone can be in the picture. It's so durable, I have traveled with it in checked and carryon luggage and it folds down to fit into most any tote or small bag. All that for less than $25!

For less than $50, this UVC ultraviolet disinfection stick can kill 99.99% of harmful substances. It can be used on smartphones, laptops, toys, toothbrushes, remote controls, door handles, toilet covers, steering wheels, hotel closets, toilets, and much more.

This may not be the most romantic or cool looking gift, but for seasoned travelers this will be quite appreciated. Shipped as a two-pack, the seat covers have separate elasticized armrest covered for a custom fit.

You can't go wrong with a classic and any travel buff will enjoy a print subscription to National Geographic Magazine. The flagship magazine of the National Geographic Society, National Geographic chronicles exploration and adventure, as well as changes that impact life on Earth. Editorial coverage encompasses people and places of the world, with an emphasis on human involvement in a changing universe. Major topics include culture, nature, geography, ecology, science, and technology.

Cadence makes individual capsules that snap together, creating a buildable system to fit your unique routine. They come with interchangeable magnetic labels for knowing the contents at a glance, each capsule can hold as much as a travel-sized container of product, and they are made from recycled plastic found on beaches. This link is to a six-pack of these travel containers that have been all over social media this year but the site carries other combinations and the capsules come in a range of colors.

Whether it's for the backpacker in your life or just to have on hand yourself for unexpected situations, the LifeStraw is lifechanging for making sketchy water drinkable. The microfiltration membrane removes 99.999999% of waterborne bacteria (including E. coli and salmonella), and 99.999% of waterborne parasites (including giardia and cryptosporidium). It also removes microplastics, and will provide 4,000 liters (1,000 gallons) of clean and safe drinking water with proper use and maintenance. Plus, for every LifeStraw product purchased, a school child in need receives safe drinking water for an entire school year. This is a brilliant stocking stuffer for everyone on your list.

This is a battery pack for an iPhone that uses magnets to secure to the device, making it great for travel. No need for cords to the battery, you can still slip your phone in your pocket or whip it out to capture a moment. The perfectly aligned magnets keep it attached to your iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro — providing safe and reliable wireless charging. And it automatically charges, so there’s no need to turn it on or off. There’s no interference with your credit cards or key fobs either.

There are many neck pillows on the market, but this one is machine washable, packs down easily, is super soft, and is designed to truly support the neck. It only weighs half a pound, can attach to the handle of luggage, and comes in four colors. Highly rated and under $30!

For less than $10 and with a range of colors, protect your phone and take beautiful underwater photos with this smartphone dry bag designed to fit most any phone.

The LARQ Bottle PureVis is the world's first self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system. It uses UV-C LED light to eliminate up to 99.9999% of bio-contaminants from your water and bottle.

This shawl can be your plane blanket, your sun protection during the day, your breeze protection with a dress in the evening, can be your head covering, a scarf, and much more. Machine washable and tumble dry low, UPF 50+ and in a range of colors, this will be a very appreciated gift for the traveler in your life.

Clipped to a backpack, tent, or in the shower, this powerful waterproof Bluetooth speaker packs a punch and will be well appreciated on travel. It can play up to ten hours of playtime on a single charge.

Elevate your travel bag with this genius strap. Replace the current strap on your bag for The Survival Strap, which comes in two colors, or wear it on its own. With a card slot, key leash, and pockets for essentials like your phone, glasses, and hand sanitizer, it is a travel must.

Travel the world with Passport To Culture®! The World Culture Game is an international education unto itself and a unique gift appealing to adults and children (10+). From Andorra to Zimbabwe, this fun, educational board game tests your knowledge of world cultures with question and answer cards on every country in the world. Not just for world travelers, Passport To Culture® is the board game where players can discover their CQ® (Cultural Intelligence™) with fascinating, fun-filled facts about people and places, food and drink, world treasures, greetings and gestures, or customs and traditions.

For your loved one who spends a lot of their travel in hotels and Airbnbs, a Roku Streaming Stick can turn a TV with basic cable into a full-fledged entertainment experience. Setup is a cinch: Plug it in, connect to the internet, and start streaming—it’s that simple. In fact, this may be a great gift for many different individuals on your holiday gift list and at the time of writing this it's on sale for less than $35!

Not only does this field notes wallet have enough room for all your cards, cash, and receipts, it has a handy journal to help you document things on the go. Keep track of important appointments, phone numbers, and notes (daily goals?). It also has a pen included so you'll never waste time searching for one! Make it even more unique by personalizing it with your initials/name and fire-branded design on the front.

Choose your color, select a FREE branded design, and add your name or initials! The interior features an intuitive pocket to stow cash, (2) extra slots for miscellaneous items, (3) credit card slots (fits up to 4 cards each, 12 total), 1 pen sleeve, and a standard field notes memo book. Comes with an authentic field notes journal and Zebra ballpoint pen.

You don't need to fly first class to have a comfortable, pleasant flight. Instead, save some serious cash and treat yourself with the Herschel Supply Co. Amenity Kit. Complete with ear plugs, an eye mask, slippers, and an inflatable pillow, your flight will fly by in comfortable bliss. And with all that cash you saved skipping first class, you'll have much more to spend on local delicacies and unique experiences when you arrive at your destination.

The ultimate kit for plastic-free alfresco dining for two. Our favorite uses are picnics and road trips, but the options are endless, really. The protective, stain-resistant carrying case contains two stainless steel bowls, two 8 oz stainless steel tumblers, and two stainless steel sporks. Easily slips into - or clips onto - any bag to go anywhere you do.

• 100% recycled polyester carrying case with water-resistant DWR finish and aluminum hardware and available in three different colors/prints. Includes carrying case, two stainless steel bowls, two 8 oz stainless steel tumblers, and two stainless steel sporks. Carrying case contains main zipper pouch, two pocket compartments on top, and slide pocket inside interior lid for spork storage. Comes with aluminum carabiner clip for easy attachment to any bag.

The only thing better than listening to your favorite song or watching your favorite show or movie is sharing the experience with your friends and family. The Belkin RockStar makes it easy. Just plug in any mobile device with music or movies on it -- such as your iPad, phone or tablet -- connect up to five headphones, and start sharing. It works with all devices with an auxiliary port. Even better, the sound and volume maintain the same level of quality, regardless of how many devices are connected.

Park meet-ups and beach picnics are often foiled by one pesky question: Where will we sit? The solution: this water-repellent, puncture-resistant, literally-fits-in-your-pocket blanket. Don't be fooled by its mini proportions. When spread out, the throw is big enough for four people sitting and two people laying down. Stow it discreetly alongside adventure essentials, and gather outside with loved ones without worrying about a bulky blanket or towel. It makes a smart gift for outdoor-loving friends, and prompts a more fun question: Where to next? Includes steel stakes to for securing.

These passport covers have a Radio Frequency Blocking Lining and your personal information can not be stolen using Scanners. Protect your identity. Great for traveling.Every single pocket on every single cover and tags are entirely shielded individually, locking your personal information safely inside. Even when your wallet is wide open, each card remains protected. The lining inside the wallet blocks radio waves and thereby prevent thieves from accessing your private information (including your complete credit and debit account numbers). All this and you can choose your color of genuine leather and get them monogrammed too!

Packing cubes are a gamechanger, and if you're a regular traveler you not only know their awesomeness but you likely wish you had a few more in different sizes. This set of three cubes is durable, comes in a range of colors and prices, and usually is on sale for around $30.