And the best part? Nearly every gift costs $100 or less, except one (sorry, we couldn’t resist, but it’s worth it). Even if you miss the holiday deadline, these gift ideas are also perfect for birthdays or any special occasion where the recipient is a frequent flyer. Presenting our 22 best gifts for travelers in 2017.
Roku Streaming Stick
Today, we expect our entertainment to be on-demand, which is why the in-room TVs in hotels just don’t cut it. Nobody wants to sift through channels of infomercials and awful old movies. But don’t let the big screen go to waste. Plug a Roku Streaming Stick ($40) into the TV’s HDMI port (shown in the photo) and binge on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO, YouTube, and more. The Roku Streaming Stick is small and easy to pack, and setup is simple (you will need internet access, however). You can bring along the included remote, or use the Roku app on your iOS or Android device. Compared with other streaming devices, we found the Roku Streaming Stick’s interface to be awesome, and it ticks off all the boxes. For enhanced wireless performance and support for 4K and HDR TVs, you can opt for the Roku Streaming Stick+ ($70).
LoungeBuddy Gift Card
It doesn’t matter what time of the year it is, airports aren’t exactly fun places to hang out. For some travel respite, check into an airport lounge. Many lounges offer day passes, and some have entrance fees for as little as $20, so you can grab coffee, snacks, and Wi-Fi. LoungeBuddy continues to be one of our favorite apps for locating accessible lounges (not all are open to the general public), and you can purchase access through the app. Give a LoungeBuddy gift card (starting at $25) for the traveler in your life who could benefit from some semi-private space.
Zolo Liberty Wireless Earphones
We’ve been floored by the Liberty Wireless Earphones ($100) from Zolo (part of the Anker family) because of their comfort, sound quality, and ease of use. They are less than Apple’s AirPod and Google’s Pixel Buds, yet we are still impressed with the graphene drivers that deliver great audio quality. They’re also easy to pair, and a sweatproof construction allows for long-duration usage. They aren’t officially noise-canceling, but we found the Zolo Liberty Wireless Earphones to quiet even the noisiest New York City subway commutes. Push a button, and you’re connected with Siri or Google Assistant. The included case, when fully charged, provides the buds with up to 24 hours of power. Note: Zolo is introducing the Liberty+ model ($150) in 2018, which offers sound isolation, acompanion app, Bluetooth 5.0, and a charging case with longer battery life. If your gift recipient will appreciate these extras, give them a raincheck.
Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Tech Compression Cube Set
Admittedly, we aren’t great at packing (FYI, our brother site, The Manual, has a proper guide on how to pack), which is why we rely on packing cubes to keep organized (or to create the semblance of organization). Eagle Creek has many to choose from, but we like these new compression cubes ($40) that push extra air out, allowing you to make a bit more room in your suitcase or duffel bag. The Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube has strong zippers and is water-repellent.
Anker PowerCore 26800
If you have to carry one external battery, make it the PowerCore 26800 ($62). Yes, it’s big and it’s heavy, but once fully juiced up, this 26,800mAh battery can recharge six phones, or a combination of phone, tablet, GoPro, or whatever USB-powered device you travel with. The Anker PowerCore 26800 has two Micro USB and three USB ports that let you charge three devices simultaneously. Just remember: External batteries aren’t allowed in checked-in luggage, so make sure it’s in your carry-on.
Samsonite Spinner Underseater
Traveling light? The highly rated Samsonite Spinner Underseater ($100) is ideal for weekend jaunts or anyone looking to avoid baggage fees, and it fits underneath an airplane seat. A telescopic handle and spinning wheels make it easy to haul, and strong materials give it a durable construction. The Underseater is also great as a tech bag for travel. It has a sleeve for a laptop, and exterior USB ports you can connect to your power bank (like the Anker PowerCore 26800 mentioned above) for accessible charging.
Amazon Fire HD 8
A tablet is a handy companion for in-flight entertainment or as a temporary distraction for the kids. But since it’s easy to lose things when traveling, we recommend leaving the pricey iPad at home and bringing an affordable and useful Fire HD 8 (2017) from Amazon instead. The ($95, or $80 if you don’t mind sponsored ads popping up on screen) is a decent performer and has good battery life. While the Amazon Appstore isn’t as abundant as its iOS and Android counterparts, you’ll find popular apps like Hulu, HBO, Netflix, Facebook, and Spotify, as well as Amazon’s Kindle, Prime Video, and Prime Music apps. And with a sub-$100 price, you won’t shed any tears if the Amazon Fire HD 8 gets lost.
Osprey Trillium 65
For most of our trips, we prefer a duffel bag over cumbersome luggage. The wide mouth of Osprey’s new Trillium 65 makes it easy to pack, and there’s plenty of room for clothes and an extra pair of shoes. We like the versatile padded strap that lets you swing the bag over your shoulder, or wear it on your back. If you’re checking the bag, you can lock the zippers. When you’re not traveling, the Osprey Trillium 65 is great as a sports or gym bag. Besides the 65-liter version ($80), the Trillium comes in 45-liter ($70) and 30-liter ($60) versions.
Otterbox Universe Case
Our phones play a central role in our travels these days. It’s our camera, map, wallet, boarding pass, and translator. Otterbox Universe drop-proof cases (around $50) keep phones protected, but their modular system also make them flexible, allowing you to attach optional accessories like an external battery, credit card wallet, tripod, and external storage — all without needing to remove your phone from the case.
Moment Wide-Angle Lens
If photography is an important part of your travels, but you don’t want to always carry a camera with you, then a Moment lens for iPhones should be in your pocket. We’re partial to the wide-angle ($100) model made from quality glass optics that provide high-quality images with little distortion — better than what your camera’s lens can do on its own. You can also get a telephoto lens, macro lens, or fisheye lens, and they are all interchangeable (Moment phone case required, $24-$30). For other great iPhone lens options, check out our list.
Bose QuietComfort 35 II
There’s a reason why you see many people wearing Bose headphones when flying. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II is the best active noise-canceling set of headphones you can buy, and it not only does a great job in blocking out engine noise and crying kids, it is very comfortable and can be worn for hours. Bose has been making noise-canceling headphones for a long time, for both consumers and pilots, so it knows a thing or two about making a pair of cans. Yes, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II is priciest item on this list, so consider this for the special traveler in your life. For other great noise-canceling headphone options, check out our list.
Joby GorillaPod 1K
Whatever you use to capture photos and videos while on vacation, Joby has a GorillaPod for it, such as the 1K for mirrorless cameras ($50). Besides functioning as s tabletop tripod, you can bend the legs to grip around poles and branches. The Joby GorillaPod 1K also makes a solid hand-grip for keeping the camera steady when you walk-and-shoot. For more tripod options, check out our list.
Saxx Quest 2.0
It may look like typical underwear, but Saxx makes the best travel undergarment you can wear on a long flight, particularly the Saxx Quest 2.0 (around $30). That’s because it’s made from a high-tech blend of synthetic and natural materials that make it lightweight and breathable, wicking away moisture, which makes it dry quickly (not to get gross, but it also helps block out the funk). It’s also comfortable to wear — we know since Saxx underwear is our go-to when we travel. (For women, we recommend ExOfficio products.)
Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2018
Want to gift your recipient some travel inspiration? Look to the experts at Lonely Planet and download the eBook version ($13) of its annual Best in Travel guide (you can get it in , too). Find out which destinations LP’s experts consider to be the best. Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2018 also recommends places to stay and eat, events to take part in, and even aprivate island to get lost on. And be sure to download Lonely Planet’s free Trips app to document the journey. Lonely Planet also offers its city guidebooks as eBook and Kindle downloads.
Ventev Wallport R430 Wall Charger
It’s amazing that whether it’s a budget inn or the most upscale hotel, we’ve encountered issues with power outlets — namely, the lack of them. Short of packing a power strip (which we know many people do), the Wallport R430 ($35) is a helpful solution for recharging your USB devices. The Ventev Wallport R430 has three USB ports and one USB Type-C port, and it takes up little room in your bag.
Mark & Graham Leather Charger Roll Up
For the sophisticated traveler who carries a jumble of wires, this leather organizer ($49) from Williams-Sonoma’s Mark & Graham division helps keep headphones and charging cables neat and tidy. The Mark & Graham Leather Charger Roll Up is available in various colors, but the leather makes it seem more luxurious than its price alone would suggest.
Kenu Airframe Pro
We’ve been in love with Kenu’s products since it won us over with its Stance tripod (which also makes a great travel gift). Its products are well-designed and well-made, like the new Airframe Pro Premium Car Vent Mount ($30). We always carry an Airframe mount when we drive a rental car, but this redesigned version is even easier to attach and use. For those who rely on their phones for navigation, the Kenu Airframe Pro is simply one of the best you can buy.
AmazonBasics Adjustable Tablet Stand
Holding a tablet in your hands during a flight is tedious. Free them with this ($9) that you can prop on a tray table. When not in use, the AmazonBasics Adjustable Tablet Stand folds up neatly for easy storage. It may be utilitarian, but it’s an affordable must-have.
Platypus Platy Bottle
Staying hydrated is important when you travel, which is why you’ll find a Platypus Platy Bottle ($13) in our carry-on. It has a collapsible structure so it takes up virtually no room. Once we’re past security, we fill up all two liters of its capacity with water from a drinking fountain, which saves us from having to purchase a bottle from expensive airport stores. When it’s full, the Platypus Platy Bottle can stand on its own. If you prefer a metal bottle, we like this 21-ounce Hydro Flask ($36).
Tech Armor 3-in-1 USB Charging Cable
We like to keep one charging cable that’s always accessible, and we have been using this one from Tech Armor ($15) that supports Apple Lightning, Micro USB, and USB Type-C. So, regardless of the gear you’re traveling with, this cable will be there for you (sorry 30-pin iPod, but sadly it’s time for you to retire). You’ll find plenty of similar cables to the Tech Armor 3-in-1 USB Charging Cable on the market, but Tech Armor backs this one with a lifetime warranty.
Manduka Equa Yoga Towel
When traveling, versatility is key, and the Equa Yoga Towel ($38) does triple-duty in our eyes. First, as its name suggests, you can lay it down on your hotel room floor and do your stretches. Second, it makes a nice blanket for those red-eye flights. And third, the Manduka Equa Yoga Towel is a quick-drying microfiber towel you can use at a gym or to clean up any spilled drinks.
SanDisk iXpand Mini Flash Drive for iPhone
Traveling is when memories are made, and if you use an iPhone to capture those moments, make sure you’re backing it up during your trip. An easy way to do so is with SanDisk’s 64GB iXpand Mini flash drive ($45), which plugs into an iPhone’s Lightning port. The SanDisk iXpand Mini Flash Drive automatically backs up photos from your camera, which you can then transfer to a computer (via USB 3.0) when you get home. For non-iPhone users, SanDisk makes flash drives with USB Type-C and Micro USB connectors.
