Holiday Gifts for Travelers

The holidays are here! As we all begin our traditional celebrations, we shop for gifts for our family and friends. Picking the right gift can be quite a challenge for many of us. If you have a travel-loving person in your life, we have some great suggestions for you. We are confident you will be rewarded with huge smiles when your gift is opened. Prices can range under $10 with a max of $200 for larger luggage, so there is something for everyone!

Over many years of travel, we have tried and tested tons of travel gear and accessories; clothing, shoes, luggage, backpacks, travel guides, packing gear, and gadgets. Some appeared to be excellent, only to turn out to be duds. Others became everyday items even when not traveling. All these items we have purchased ourselves and used during our travels.

Price points are provided for each item, but they can change. During Black Friday or Cyber Monday, there could be deep discounts. Also, look for any coupons you can click when on the item itself.

All reviews are honest and come from our own experience with these items. Nonetheless, we encourage you to read the recent reviews, as the quality of a product can change over time. Please let us know if your experience differs from ours or if a product is no longer available. Click HERE or leave a comment at the bottom of the page. If you have a product you swear by, let us know, we would love to try it out!

Disclosure

This page contains some Amazon affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. For all items outside of Amazon, we receive no commission. Thank you!

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Leather Bound Travel Journal

A favorite purchase among our readers

Price point under $9.89

This journal is an elegant way to keep notes during your travels for those of us who still use pen and paper. How often have you wished you wrote down that great restaurant, that wine or beer you loved, or the off-the-beaten-path town you discovered? Or wish you had a place to write your thoughts during your trip? This cute travel journal is the perfect solution to record your cherished memories.

The journal is 5″ x 7″ and has 176 quality paper pages. It will easily fit into a purse or backpack. It is light, durable, well detailed, has an elastic band closure, and even has a ribbon to keep your place. Add a handy pocket to save those tickets you will later use in a scrapbook or business cards from your favorite eateries. Each page provides a place for a date, location, and weather details.

This artisan travel journal will hold those special memories long after your trip is over. Excellent travel gear and highly rated on Amazon too!

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Landmass – Scratch Off World Map Print – Wall Art – Deluxe Travel Tracker Map – 17 x 24 inches

Price Point @ $18.99

Landmass World Map is not a travel accessory but a fun gift for travelers who like to document their journeys.

Scratch Off Map Of The World – Get the original Travel Tracker scratch-off world map. Scratch off the places you’ve been and reveal your path in beautiful, bold colors that pop against a classic matte black background. This black and gold scratch-off world map poster is perfectly sized at 17( h) x 24 (w) inches and will inspire you to plan your next trip.

Clean, Accurate, And Detailed – Precise design, detailed cartography, clean typography, and high-quality craftsmanship. The exquisite design satisfies the deepest wanderlust. This scratchable world map features 210 flags of the world; state outlines for Australia, Canada, and the USA, and island outlines.

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Travel Gift Cards

Price Point Whatever you want it to be, from $25 up

Unsure what to get your traveler that is travel-related? If they are regular travelers, you can never go wrong with gift cards to use during travel. We have received these at times, and they are a welcomed gift when on a budget.

Amazon has many travel gift cards, such as Southwest Airlines, Hotels.com, Amtrak, Airbnb, Carnival Cruise lines, Lyft, and Uber. Of course, a general Visa gift card works as well.

Give the gift of travel.

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Travelon Set of 4 Mesh pouches, Gray

Price point @ $13.00

This set of Mesh pouches is fantastic. Joelle bought a pack a week before leaving for Croatia. They were such a hit another set was ordered and arrived the day before the trip. They are so versatile and have many uses. We used them for prescription bottles, over-the-counter meds, electronic cords, foreign adapters, our masks, documents, undergarments, socks, etc. These pouches well deserve to be on our best travel gear and accessories list.

• MULTIFUNCTIONAL ORGANIZER Use pouches as cosmetic bags, tech accessory organizers, currency pouches, travel document organizer bags, etc.
• BREATHABLE MESH KEEPS CONTENTS VISIBLE, easy to find, and saves time
• CONVENIENT ZIPPER POUCHES Zippered closures keep contents secure.
• MULTIPLE SIZES FOR SIZE APPROPRIATE ITEMS X-Small: 6″ x 5.75″ Small: 7.75″ x 6.55″  Medium: 10″ x 8.5″ Large: 12″ x 8.75″  

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Travelon Folding Packable Tote

Price point @ $24.00

This is an excellent alternative to Rick Steve’s bag for those who want to use Amazon for shopping. Travelon makes terrific products, and this one is no exception. It is lightweight and folds into a compact pouch. Zipper closure. Water-resistant. The ideal solution for daily shopping, excursions, beach trips, and car supplies.

It is durable and wears easily on your shoulder. It holds a lot of weight, is sturdy as all Travelon products are, and Joelle has used it once for checked baggage. Wipes clean easily and are resistant to stains.

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Rick Steve’s Hide-Away Tote Bag

Price point @ $15.99

The Hide-Away tote bag is by far the best lightweight pack-away tote bag you will ever use. It weighs close to nothing and is very strong. It serves many purposes on trips; laundry bag, beach bag, shopping bag, supply bag for the car, extra carry-on for those post-security duty-free shops, and even check luggage. It can fit into a small bag; we always have one in our day pack if we are at an open-air market and make purchases. It is machine washable.

Joelle has been using the same one for over ten years. It looks as good as the day she bought it. It recently went on sale, and Joelle bought four more as gifts for family traveling overseas. When she initially bought it on Amazon, it was only available through Rick Steve’s store. Comes in two colors. A must-have travel gear!

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Travelon Anti Theft Backpack

Price point @ $56.00

Joelle bought this backpack in 2016 for an overseas trip. She fell so in love with it that she uses it year-round to this day (2021). In 2020 it was beginning to look a little worn though absolutely nothing failed on it. She bought another one. It is durable, reasonable in size, lightweight, and comfortable.

With having had multiple shoulder surgeries, it needs to be! If you look at our photos, Ryan wears it quite often as it is our only daypack. The best feature for traveling overseas is its anti-theft system. (see below)

It holds a lot in what seems like not much space. It is water-resistant, but we don’t suggest standing in the rain with it. Easy to wipe down and keep looking like new.

5-Point Anti-Theft Security System Advantage

Travelon Anti-Theft technology begins with a complex, interlocking mesh barrier engineered right below the surface material to prevent a blade attack aimed at opening up your bag.

The second is a hidden steel cable that runs the strap length to prevent it from being cut, and your bag pulled off your shoulder.

Third, the main compartments of our bags lock to prevent a skilled pickpocket’s hands from accessing them.

RFID blocking card slots and passport pockets protect against hand-held identity scanner theft.

And lock-down hardware allows you to lock your bag to a chair or stationary object when sitting in a public area.

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Travelpro Maxlite 5-Softside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage, Black, Carry-On 22-Inch

Price point @ $149.00 The colors are limited as many colors have sold out due to popularity.

Travelpro is a long-standing line of luggage favored by frequent travelers. This ultra-lightweight, ultra-durable 21 inches expandable Rollaboard suitcase maximizes your packing power and meets carry-on size restrictions for most domestic and international airlines. 4 wheel spinners rotate 360 degrees for a smooth roll. The lightweight, sturdy PowerScope handle stops at 38 inches, and 42.5 inches and features a patented contour grip with rubberized touchpoints for easy maneuvering. A unique bottom tray design increases durability. It expands 2 inches and has a water guard to protect the interior.

Over the years, the one brand that withstands Joelle’s frequent use and overpacking is Travelpro. As some airlines also limit carry-on weight, it must be ultra-lightweight. This little gem is 5.4 pounds. This luggage has been used on many trips, and it lives up to its reputation. Joelle highly recommends this suitcase.

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Travelpro Bold-Softside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Grey/Black, Checked-Medium 26-Inch

Price point @ $196.00 but can vary with color.

Joelle strayed away from Travelpro luggage for a few years but never found any other reasonably priced brand that came close. With a long history of overpacking, she needed a sturdy lightweight piece of luggage. Twenty-five inches is too small, and twenty-seven inches is too large. Twenty-six inches was hard to find until she discovered this gem. It is her favorite ever!! Durable, reinforced straps, lightweight, and wheels glide effortlessly on any surface.

The high-quality eight-wheel spinners rotate 360 degrees for superior maneuverability. Strong, telescoping Aircraft-grade aluminum handle stops at 38 inches and 42 inches for users of different heights.

Tough-built, lightweight, 26 inches spinner is made of rugged, high-density polyester fabric with water repellent coating for greater stain resistance.

Backed by Travelpro and comes with a lifetime limited warranty. Dimensions: case 26x18x11.5 inches overall 29×18. 5×12.5 inches weight: 8.9 pounds

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Compression Packing Cubes for Travel, Set of 6, Color Black, Double Zipper, LeanTravel

Price point @ $45.00

We have two packing cube sets here on this list because we like both of these, and they have different features that may be more valuable to some. These we began recently using, and they are the preferred brand now. They aren’t as lightweight, but they are very sturdy. What we like most is they compress very well; they offer multiple sizes in this set.

Some seasoned travelers swear by packing cubes. We have a mixed reaction after many years of using them. We use them for smaller items such as undergarments, socks, nightwear, accessories, and swimwear. In our experience, they are too bulky for more oversized items like pants, shirts, sweaters, skirts, and boots. Rolling clothing items to go in the cubes helps but still makes the cube bulky if using more oversized clothes. These larger items are easily visible and can be laid flat to fit easier. We used them for prescription or over-the-counter meds in the past, but we prefer the mess zipper pouches better.

• STYLISH, WRINKLE-FREE PACKING thanks to our premium quality polyester fabric and sturdy construction with durable mesh; Clothes can be seen through an inspection, and odors are minimized thanks to increased breathability
• PACK MORE CLOTHING INTO LESS SPACE with the extra zipper feature for added compression; Reduce the packing bag’s thickness from 4 inches to 1 inch. Best quality rated SBS brand zippers with anti-catch technology.
• DIMENSIONS – 15.5 x 11.5 x 4 inches (2 large cubes) 11 x 11 x 4 inches (2 medium cubes) 11 x 7.5 x 4 inches (2 small cubes)
  
  

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OOFOS Unisex OOCLOOG CLOG

Price point @ $63.00 

THESE WORKHORSES ARE THE BEST!! If you have bad feet, you will understand. This versatile clog brings unmatched
comfort into your everyday work or
leisure routine. OOfoam Recovery Technology absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear foam, giving your feet the break they need. The patented footbed will cradle your arches to reduce stress on sore feet, ankles, knees, and lower back. They are designed to allow natural motion and relief. They are very lightweight and durable. Easily wiped down and is even machine washable. They are not slippery on wet floors, per Joelle’s experience, and her feet stay cool. Unisex sizing. They are true to size.

If Joelle could give this ten stars, she would. These shoes have been lifesavers with a history of significant foot issues, surgeries on both feet, serious injuries, and active Achilles tendonitis. Her physical therapist recommended them, and she would never travel without them. They have been on every trip in 4 years, and the first pair lasted the first three years. They are also her daily shoes. These have walked up to 17 miles in one day on cobblestone streets. They have are requested Christmas gifts from her kids. Problem feet or not, these will be your favorite travel shoes!

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Teva Men’s Mush II Flip-Flop

Price point @ $25.00

These versatile all-day wear flip-flops are rugged and sturdy. Quick-dry webbing made from recycled plastic using traceable, verifiable REPREVE® polyester yarn by Unifi® supports your foot and stands up to abuse. A Mush® top sole cushions and forms to your foot for exceptional comfort. A lightweight EVA-foam outsole keeps you light on your feet. Grip traction outside.

These are our favorite flip-flops for travel. Joelle has been using them for over ten years, and Ryan now swears by them too. They have stood the test of long walking days in hot weather, even on cobblestone streets. They are even suitable for trail hiking which has been tested often in Hawaii. Lightweight and true to size. These go in our carry-on luggage as an easy change of footwear during the flight. You know, when your footsies start swelling on a long flight. We can’t recommend these enough, and they will always be at the top of our best travel gear and accessories list.

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Rick Steve’s Travel Guides

The price point varies between $15-25

If you are looking for a gift for a person who has a trip to Europe coming up, this may be the best gift you can get them!

We are huge Rick Steves fans; it will be rare to recommend one of his wonderful guides. His guidance and insight are spot-on. We love his travel style and perspective. His off-the-beaten-path approach and his independent travel philosophy match well with how we travel. The guides never disappoint. His books make for a fantastic resource in planning and on the trip itself. The books tend to be lightweight. He suggests you tear out only the sections you need from his books to take with you. As we approach a destination, we read aloud the synopsis of the history and details of what we are about to see. His dining and hotel selections are usually excellent. We are most drawn to how he brings the culture of what we are about to experience.

His guides are updated regularly. We always found between his books and videos; he builds excitement as no one else does.

We have developed travel guides for most of the countries we have visited. Each guide has a resource section in which we provide links to our favorite Travel Books and Maps. Click here to view a list of our country travel guides.

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Burt’s Bees Gift Set, 6 Products – 2 Hand Creams, Foot Cream, Cuticle Cream, Hand Salve & Lip Balm, Tips & Toes Kit in Giftable Tin, Travel Size

Price point @ $10.78

Burt’s Bee products are one of our favorite products. Travel-size gift set makes make the perfect stocking stuffer. Pamper from head to toe with our giftable set, including six travel-size Burt’s Bees favorites: Honey & Grapeseed Oil Hand Cream, Coconut Foot Cream, Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream, Almond & Milk Hand Cream, Hand Salve & Pomegranate Lip Balm.

ALL NATURAL: Made with natural ingredients, these Burt’s Bees skin care trial products are formulated to condition and hydrate skin all day.

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PURELL Advanced Hand Sanitizer Variety Pack, Naturals and Refreshing Gel, 1 fl oz travel-size flip-cap bottle with JELLY WRAP Carrier (Pack of 8)

Price point @ $14.99

Traveling during Covid can bring some interesting challenges. These mini hand sanitizers have been one of our best purchases.

Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer kills 99.99 percent of the most common germs that may cause illness without damaging the skin. Perfect for frequent use. They are refillable. I hang one off my backpack so for quick access.

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Cabeau Evolutions S3 Travel Pillow

Price point @ $40

The award-winning neck pillow is the best of the bunch. The pressure-relieving memory foam conforms to your unique contour and evenly distributes weight to provide hours-long comfort. The best part of this neck pillow is how it keeps you from doing that awful head falling forward that wakes you up when flying. It keeps the neck and spine in alignment and pain-free after hours of sleep. It can be used in hotels if your pillow is not ideal. The compact travels make it easy to clip it to your roller board. It attaches to your seat with velcro straps. The cover is removable and moisture-wicking, so your neck stays dry and machine washable.

It has become Joelle’s favorite as she needs a neck pillow. Though this is in the higher price range, it is well made and high-quality.

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Compression Socks for Men and Women 3 Pairs

Price point @ $12.99

Medical compression socks for men and women with 20-30 mmHg. They are knee-high, and made with breathable, high-performance fabric, which keeps an optimal temperature and stays odor-free. Copper-infused material claims to rejuvenate blood circulation. Wicks moisture away from your skin to ensure you feel fresh and comfortable. These are high quality and hold up to prolonged use. They are easier than most pressure stockings to put on. They come in many colors, and the bright ones make them stand out in your sock drawer.

It is always good to discuss using this product with your doctor if you have any contraindications. Joelle uses these as lower leg swelling is a persistent problem for her on long flights. It stops it in its tracks. After a long day of walking and standing, she uses them at night to decrease swelling and reduce leg cramps.

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Small Travel First Aid Kit

Price point @ $6.99

This first aid kit is the perfect lightweight complete kit you will ever find. We take two with us, one in our daypack and one in our carry-on. Ryan is known to take hikes up to steep castles; this way, we can each have one with us at all times. The bonus is Joelle always wants to add more gloves, Neosporin, a mini hand sanitizer, a few extra gauze pads, and extra bandaids. This can be easily done with this pack. Absolutely a must-have!

Joelle keeps one in her carry-on in her purse and her car as well. It is always about being prepared.

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X-Edition Wall Charger, 4 pack 2.1A Dual Port USB Wall Charger

Price point @ $13

Solid PC shell with reliable performance and durability. Compact, lightweight, and easy to carry. Comfortable grip. Suitable use for home and travel. Smart dual port IC automatically recognizes and assigns the most effective current to your cell phone and tablets, and the USB Plug interface adopts an integrated injection molding technology.

These are the perfect fit for a purse and an electronics pouch. We chose the colors as they are easier to notice when packing to leave the hotel. Cost is low, so it isn’t a big deal when you lose, which we all inevitably do.

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Europe Travel Adapter

Price point @ $11.97

This adapter is perfect as it is lightweight and offers two USB ports. It is a little bulky, so not something to carry in a purse as easily, but great in your roller boards. The adapter is bulky enough; you aren’t likely to miss it when checking out of the room.

We always carry two with us.

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Unidapt European Plug Adapter Power Converter, Travel from USA Us to EU Europe Italy Plug Adapters, European Travel Plug Adapters from America to Europe Outlet Adaptor (4 Piece)

Price point @ $9.00

These electric adapter plugs can charge smartphones, Bluetooth speakers, shavers, power banks, laptops, tablets, and so on. They are good quality but inexpensive as well.

They are perfect for purses and pockets. We often leave them on the device, such as the camera battery chargers. They are small, so they disappear into the European outlets and get left behind quite often—no issue, though, at this price point.

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Universal Waterproof Case, Waterproof Phone Pouch Compatible with iPhone 12 Pro 11 Pro Max XS Max XR X 8 7 Samsung Galaxy s10/s9 Google Pixel 2 HTC Up to 7.0″, IPX8 Cellphone Dry Bag -2 Pack

Price point @ $10.00

This extra-large size universal waterproof phone case dry bag fits all smartphones up to 7 inches tall and 4 inches wide, including iPhone, Samsung, Google pixel, etc. It can also be a waterproof dry bag for beach, fishing, swimming, boating, kayaking, snorkeling, and water park activities. The cover will not block the camera. It is lightweight and takes up no room.

Always be ready for those trips to the beach or snorkeling. It can also protect phones and other contents on a rainy day.

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Sink Suds Laundry detergent liquid soap + odor eliminator for all fabrics and delicates TSA compliant

Price point @ $0.00

This one is pretty self-explanatory. It is for handwashing your clothes in the sink while traveling. It is rare to find a washing machine while traveling in Europe unless we have a machine at our Airbnb. The detergent is not too sudsy, easy to rinse, and definitely leaves clothes fresh smelling,

If we are ever in a hotel for more than two days in a row, we wash clothes we wish to re-wear the first night, so they have two days to dry. This is the perfect amount of soap to do quite a few clothes. We brought one box for a two-week trip and did some laundry every three days. So much better than using the small soap they give you in most hotels.

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Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Large Backpack

Price point @ $95.00

This backpack is the full-size version of the back we have up top on the page. It easily holds a full-size laptop, camera, change of clothes, and lots more. On one, we brought this one versus the smaller one up top. However, it was durable, protective of its contents, anti-theft, and had tons of space. It was much too big for our purposes. It would serve well as a carry-on but not a day pack. This one is the exception if you are looking for a strong backpack as your only carry-on. It has lots of features, as listed below.

Anti-Theft Security System Advantage

Full Anti-Theft features include locking compartments, slash-resistant construction, slash-resistant, and adjustable straps.

The main compartment has a wall pocket to hold large items; the rear compartment is fleece lined to keep a laptop up to 15.6 inches and has an iPad or tablet pocket.

The front compartment has an organizer with an RFID blocking card and passport slots, an open and a zip-top pocket, two pen loops, and a tethered key clip with LED light.

Air mesh back panel and backpack straps for comfort, mesh expansion pocket holds a water bottle, top grab handle, and add-a-bag

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Homedics White Noise Machine Portable Sleep Therapy

Price point @ $21.00

To our surprise, this has been one of the most purchased items. Sleep is essential during travel!

If you also live in the country and city noises will keep you up, this will help. We have a lot of experience with them. They are reliable, offer a variety of sounds, and has a high volume range. They work.

It is lightweight, sturdy, and can work with a battery or plug. It is a little bulky if your space is tight. Batteries last a long time. They work great when visiting a home with lots of activity, and you may have different bedtimes.

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Bagsmart Electronic Organizer Travel Universal Cable Organizer Electronic Cases for Cable

Price point @ $14.99

This 6.3 x 9.5 case packs a lot in! It has six elastic loops for cords and earbuds to prevent entanglement. The organizer has slots for 3 SD and SIM cards, two zippered mesh pockets, and six open mesh pockets for various chargers and cables. It is durable, well-padded, and water repellent. It easily fits into your backpack or carry-on.

We used it on a few trips now and enjoyed it. We can’t imagine a trip without it moving forward.

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Tarriss Jetsetter Digital Scale with 110 lb capacity

Price point @ $15.97

There are those items we will never travel without! Maybe it is because of the wine we bring back from our trips. Have you ever stood in the airport check-in line and seen people trying to figure out how to reduce the weight of their suitcases? There is not much more stressful than that when traveling. With the exorbitant fees and excess weight cost, it could be a significant hit on your wallet. Many airlines now also weigh carry-on. Be prepared. This digital scale has never failed us, and it is spot on with the airport scale.

Very inexpensive, durable stainless steel, lightweight, and versatile. It is in both kilos and pounds. Easy to read LCD, auto shutoff, and long battery life. Fits in your carry-on easily. This is an absolute must-have!!!

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LAPCOS Rejuvenating Variety Pack Face Mask Set, Korean Sheet Masks to Moisturize and Restore Skin, Skin Care for Women, Men, and Teens, 5-Pack

Price point @ $17.00

The essential skin reboot kit. An assortment of treatments that provide an answer to everyday skincare and feel pretty luxurious. This pack includes a Cleansing & Exfoliating Pad to eliminate dead, dry skin and best absorb nutrients. Includes our Charcoal, Aloe, Aqua, and Collagen Masks & Milk Feel Cleansing & Exfoliating Pad.

Let’s be honest here; traveling is hard on the skin, especially long flights. With the humidity on the plane comparable to the Sahara desert and the likely prestress of getting ready for the trip, our skin needs some TLC from day one. Joelle’s routine is on the first day of travel and once a week during the journey. It is 20 minutes of your time in the evening while catching up on email in your room. This is good for men, too, especially if prone to dry skin. If your skin looks good, you will feel better.

These are sold at Costco at times, so keep an eye out there.

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Travel Containers Sets, AMMAX Silicone Cream Jars for toiletries, TSA Approved Travel Size Containers with Hard Sealed Lids for Face Hand Body Cream 20ml (4 Pieces)

Price point @ $9.00

These travel containers are convenient to store lotions, creams, shampoo, powder, condiments, etc. Multiple uses for these silicone cosmetic containers. These cream jars are designed with an anti-drip flip cap to prevent leaks and spills. The appropriate mini size and lightweight are great for travel, have good seal character without worrying about staining your baggage, leakproof travel jars. You can easily clean these silicone makeup containers with warm soapy water. Five pieces come in different colors; you can quickly identify what each one contains by reading the color.

We have all our various facial care products in big jars or tubes. Joelle has been trying multiple items over the years. These finally cut. They are small, lightweight, and durable. They held plenty, though, for a two-week trip. Highly recommend.

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Lewis and Clark AM/PM Folding Pill Organizer

Price point @ $12.00

This pill organizer is color-coded and numbered to keep track of your pills. Never miss a dose or take too many. This pill organizer includes 16 clear slide-locking pill pockets that can be added and removed as needed. A clear pill pouch makes it easy to see your pills and stay organized. Made with durable polyester, the pill holder folds open and closed to keep your medications secure, while the adjustable velcro fastener keeps pills safe in place. It easily fits in your purse, backpack, luggage, carry-on, laptop bag, or suitcase. Includes a medical reference card to list your essential medical information in case of emergency, with space for your name, emergency contact, physician, medical conditions, allergies, and more.

Joelle used these for vitamins only. Keep in mind with international travel; prescription meds must be kept in prescription bottles with a name on them that matches the travelers’ passport.

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TravelBuddy Trekking Poles 2 Pack

Price point @ $29.00

Adjustable Hiking or Walking Sticks – Strong, Lightweight Aluminum 7075 – Quick Adjust Flip-Lock – Cork Grip, Padded Strap. TrailBuddy Trekking Poles’ rugged aluminum can withstand pressure and impact better than carbon fiber – crucial if hiking on rocky terrain or supporting heavier weight. Aluminum 7075 hiking sticks weigh up to 4 ounces less than the typical 6061 Aluminum standard in hiking sticks – making it the perfect gift for an outdoor enthusiast!

Changing the height of these telescoping poles from 24.5 to 54 inches is a breeze even when you’re wearing gloves or trekking in wet conditions, thanks to its lever locks. Cork handles are comfy to use in both hot and cold temperatures, are moisture-wicking, and mold to the shape of your hand while the strap is padded to avoid chafing.

Joelle took these to Norway during a winter trip to see Northern Lights. These poles are lightweight, sturdy, and easy to pack in checked luggage. Comfortable grips and easy to use.

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RFID Blocking Wallet Women’s Small Compact Bifold Leather Purse Front Pocket Mini Wallet

Price point @ $13.69

Features include a bifold closure. It is made of high-quality PU leather. Equipped with advanced RFID signals and protect the valuable information stored on RFID chips from unauthorized scans. This leather wallet has six card slots, one photo slot, one cash slot, one coin pocket, and one bill section.

When traveling abroad, it is essential to thin your wallet too as little as possible. Joelle finds this wallet the perfect size for what she carries. Along with her Travelon day pack, which has an internal security clip, she can clip this wallet into her backpack, and then outer clips offer even more security. The RFID blocking provides one more level of protection.

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Amazon Basics RFID Travel Passport Wallet Organizer – 10 x 5 Inches, Black

Price point @ $14.00

Travel organizer with internal pockets for storing passports, tickets, money, credit cards, etc., Made of 100% nylon with durable zipper closure; RFID blocking material to protect against unwanted scan. Full-length zippered pocket and large stash pocket; micromesh zippered pocket for coins. Dedicated slots for credit, business, or membership cards; exterior rear stash pocket for quick-access items. Measures 10×5 inches.

Joelle has used one just like this for years, but that one is no longer made. She would never travel internationally without it. This is a suitable replacement and seems durable. We need a bit more time for a 5-star rating but looks very promising.

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EnerPlex 3-ply Reusable Black Face Mask

Price point @ $25.00

This item has been our go-to mask when traveling and for day-to-day use. They are comfortable, do not overheat, or are easy on the skin. We wash them every night, and they are dry by morning.

They have a three-Layer Design – Outer layer DWR 100% Polyester, Middle Layer Cotton Blend, and Inner Layer NanoFine Cotton Blend – soft against the skin. They are designed with high-quality lightweight fabric for maximum comfort. Our stretch ear loops allow for a snug and secure fit. Ideal for everyday use – indoor/outdoor.

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Rainleaf Microfiber Towels FAST DRYING – SUPER ABSORBENT

Price point @ $9.00-22.00 based on size

These are awesome! SKIN FRIENDLY – remarkable soft suede-like feel on your skin and face.SUPER ABSORBENT-will absorbs water five times more than its’ weight but dries fast. ULTRA COMPACT & LIGHTWEIGHT – easy to carry and space-saving. HANG SNAP LOOP – practical & easy to hang anywhere and dry. CARRY BAG – reusable.

This towel dries very quickly and can be used many times a day. They are perfect for travel and are lightweight. We have one in each of our carry-on with every trip.

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Natural Silk Pillowcase, with Hidden Zipper, 22 Momme,600 Thread Count 100% Mulberry Silk, Soft Breathable Smooth Both Sided Silk Pillow Cover

Price point @ $24.00

This pillowcase is one of those luxurious items that also serve a good purpose. Hotel pillowcases can be rough on the skin and even hair. Skin wakes up feeling more refreshed and hair shinier. Pick brighter colored ones, so you don’t forget them before leaving, or the staff takes them out to the laundry. Joelle swears it helps her sleep better and is a good temperature regulator. She has started bringing a silk pillowcase on her travels to use in the hotels.

This pillowcase is well made and durable. It is as light as a feather and well-reviewed. Comes in multiple colors. The zipper is essential as it keeps the pillow from slipping out. The price is very reasonable, around $21.00. It is naturally hypoallergenic.

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Portable Door Lock Home Security Door Locker Travel Lockdown Locks for Additional Safety and Privacy Perfect for Traveling Hotel

Price point $13.00 after coupon on Amazon site

Have you ever felt a bit insecure in a hotel or home vacation rental? This portable door lock provides you with extra security and significantly improves your safety. It prevents unauthorized entry, so the door can’t be opened from the outside, not even with a key. This is a great helper for you when you are on business trips or live alone.

Easy to Use – Easy to install or remove, this door lock can be installed in seconds without any tools, even in emergencies and in the dark. Hi-quality and sturdy. Compact Design and Tailored Customer Service – Size 4.3 x 1.26 x 0.4 inches with 0.78inch (2 cm) and 1.2inch (3 cm) holes, lightweight and small, you can put it in a pocket or handbag. 

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Conde Nast Travel Magazine

Price point Annual Subscription $5.00

Conde Nast Traveler requires its writers to travel anonymously and pay their own way. This assures that you get credible, truthful information. With Conde Nast Traveler as your guide, you’ll discover the best islands, cities, spas, castles, and cruises. Your subscription also includes our must-have Gold List, Hot List, and Reader’s Choice issues filled with the world’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stay.

The subscription runs about $5.00 and is a breath of fresh air when it arrives. We both subscribe, and we suggest any travel-hungry person does.

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Spartan Industrial – 3” X 4” (1000 Count) 2 Mil Clear Reclosable Zip Plastic Poly Bags with Resealable Lock Seal

Price point @ $15.90

These great little bags were quite the find and had so many uses. These 2.0 Mil Clear Sealable Zip Bags. 100% airtight and resealable poly bags protect contents from moisture. These 3 X 5 Inch small zip baggies are perfect for packing vitamins, small soaps, safety pins, jewelry, business cards, candy, treats, powered products like collagen, over-the-counter meds, etc., 100% Food Grade Safe – Durable, Odorless & Non-Toxic. The a quite sturdy as well.

Joelle fell in love with these on our Croatia trip. She takes many daily vitamins, and she made one bag for each day. They also were an excellent way to store vitamins such as zinc, Vit C in case we got sick. It was a protective place to hold business cards and some special photos. If you take powdered supplements each day, your daily serving would fit nicely. Has so many uses beyond travel.

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Nikon D7200 DX-format DSLR Body (Black)

Price point @ $598.00

Nikon SLR 24.2 MP DX-format CMOS image sensor. No Optical Low-Pass Filter (OLPF). 51 point autofocus system. 6 frames per second (fps) shooting capacity. EXPEED 4 image-processing; ISO Sensitivity: ISO 100 – 25,600.Lens mount: Nikon F mount (with AF coupling and AF contacts). Built-in Wi-Fi and Near Field Communication (NFC) for instant sharing.

Photography is my passion. It has been a little bit of a rough ride to find a camera I have loved. Trying one that doesn’t require a degree to use but still takes fantastic photos. This body is not cheap, but it is less painful on the wallet than what professionals use. It will set you back a bit, but it is a great camera that is very durable and tough.

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Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras

Price point from $435 used.

World’s lightest 5x zoom with an f/2.8-4 maximum aperture. Inspiring image quality; ideal for daily life, travel, blogging, HD video, and more. Versatile zoom range that covers wide-angle to portrait views. Minimum Focus Distance: 1.15 feet (0.35 meter). Four stops of VR image stabilization for hand-held and low-light shooting. Nonstick protective fluorine coatings on the glass resist water, dirt, and smudges.

This is my favorite lens ever. I used to carry several lenses but only use them much. It was bulky, heavy to haul around, and took too much room. This lens meets all my needs, and I have been delighted with the results. No switching out lenses; I have not once regretted not having more lenses with me. I could not be more impressed.

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Our Favorite Online and Brick and Morter Stores for Travel Gear and Accessories

Disclosure: We do NOT have affiliations with any of the stores and companies listed below. We make no commissions if you buy via the link. They are here because we have been purchasing from them for years and trust their products.

Chicos Travel Clothes

This quality women’s clothing line has a dedicated Travelers Collection. This will include pants, capris, tops, sweaters, dresses, and skirts. The collection consists of a Black label, So Slimming, No Iron, and is offered in Petite sizes. They are easy-care, lightweight, and coordinate well. The clothes are comfortable and classy.

Joelle has absolutely fallen in love with many of these items. She has a pair of capris from Chicos she has been wearing for tens of years, and they are as good as news. They have storefronts, and best to see what sizes fit before buying online. Their sizing is unique ranging from 000 to 4.

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ExOfficio

This hi-performance adventure clothing for men and women is all about travel. Whether hiking in the outback, visiting a South American rainforest, or just wandering Paris, this collection has something for everyone. They are known for their underwear as it is breathable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying. Their clothing line is extensive, with tops, bottoms, jackets, sweaters, bathing suits, and many travel accessories such as hats, gaiters, bandanas, and socks. Some items have a built-in Ultraviolet Protection Factor to shield skin from the sun. Many of their clothing items offer protection from bugs with Insect Shield technology. These items are all lightweight, with no iron, and fast-drying.

This is a favorite of Joelle’s over the years. The clothes are sturdy and last for years. It is of high quality. It can be pricey, so watch for their sales!!

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Walking Company

The mission of the company is to help you walk in comfort in all aspects of your life. Whether in dress shoes, sandals, clogs, or sneakers. They carry various brands that are technically advanced and are durable. Some of the well-respected brands they care about are ABEO, Dansko, ECCPO, Taos, Birkenstock, Mephisto, Rockport, Merrell, to name a few. Their collection is extensive.

These are Ryans’ absolute go-to travel shoes. He has been them to travel from day 1. They also stood the test of time, as he wore one pair for four years before they clearly needed to be retired. Considering we are walkers and have done up to 17 miles a day on our feet, these shoes are put through the wringer. Ryan doesn’t tend to wear sneakers traveling; he chooses the casual yet dressy leather slip-on, such as at Rock Port and ECCO.

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Rick Steve’s Travel bags and luggage from Rick Steve’s Travel Store

Rick Steve’s has an impressive line of travel bags and luggage that is both durable and lightweight. His message; pack light, and you have easily mobile luggage. At times you may need to take that roller board several blocks on cobblestone streets to get to your transportation. Though if you have gotten to know us, Joelle is not a light packer, but there are several items she has used from his line. The very lightweight Civita Day Pack, Packable Backpack, Packable Hip Pack, Crossbody Travel Bag, and finally, the packable tote, her favorite. (it is listed above)

These items used to be available on Amazon, but they are now only sold through Rick Steve’s online store or in his storefront ins Washington State near Seattle. You can’t go wrong with any of their products. They are tried and tested.

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Rick Steve’s Travel Accessories from Rick Steve’s Travel Store

Rick Steve’s has a good line of travel gear and accessories that is both durable and lightweight. Some of our favorite items are the Essential Silk Moneybelt, Civita Neck Wallet, Packing Cube Set, Classic Toiletries Kit, Quick Fresh Natural Odor Eliminator, and the Travel Dreams Sleep Mask. He also offers water bottles, binoculars, compass/thermometer, ponchos, umbrellas, a sewing kit, electrical adapters, a security pouch…..you get the drift, lots of stuff. During the holidays often has deep discounts.

Of course, the site also offers all their travel guides, an extensive collection of road maps, and streetwise maps.

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