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The best travel gifts for the jet-setters in your life, according to frequent fliers
Routine jet-setters will get plenty of use out of these top-rated gadgets, airport timesavers and other on-the-go essentials.
The final destination is always worth the journey — even if it involves connecting flights, long layovers or even lost luggage. And while the jet-setter in your life may have accumulated all the best luggage, gadgets and other travel essentials over the years, everyone loves an upgrade. So, if you want to earn first-class praise this holiday season, then surprise your frequent flier with something on this list of the best travel gifts, all recommended by people who travel like it's their job (and in some cases it actually is).
Comfort and functionality are top priorities for any traveler, whether they're on the go for work or play (or a bit of both). The best travel gift ideas are sure to make any and all travel pains more bearable. We're talking about an eye mask with built-in speakers, a teeny-tiny white noise machine and a memory foam neck pillow that makes sleeping on planes actually possible. A few picks will even help them pack like a pro — from space-saving compression cubes to a two-in-one garment duffel.
Grouped by price for easier shopping, these expert-approved travel gifts are something your jet-setter will reach for every time they hit the skies (or the road, for that matter). Looking to round out their Christmas gift? Find even more ideas in our Christmas gift guides for him and her.
Shop the best travel gifts by category:
Best travel gifts under $25
Small but mighty, this pocket-sized doodad drowns out unwanted noises with soothing sounds of white noise, rain, waves and more. "The little player takes no space on my side table and goes three full nights before recharging. It weighs almost nothing and will easily pack into even the smallest bag," one happy Amazon shopper wrote about this "dynamo."
"I traveled a lot before having kids, though it wasn't until I had kids that I realized how amazing it is to travel with a wet bag," Lanie van der Horst of Make More Adventures tells Yahoo. Sure, these lightweight, waterproof pouches are great for storing wet bathing suits and clothes, but van der Horst often uses them to "keep dirty items away from the rest of your belongings." The best part? "They can easily be put in the wash after use."
Ear pain is inevitable during takeoff or landing ... or is it? Travel blogger Michelle Atenberg says these silicone earplugs have convinced her otherwise. "They have a ball inside that very slowly and carefully adjusts to pressure changes. Trust me, your eardrums will thank you," she tells Yahoo. Use a single pair for a round trip (or two flights) before disposing.
Flying takes a toll on your skin — and the delicate skin around your eyes is often the first to show it. Fake a great night's sleep with these under-eye patches, which are said to target all the culprits like puffiness, dark circles and dryness. "These have been great to throw in my suitcase and use when I’m on the road. I feel like after flying and constantly changing climates, they help add moisture back into my skin," one five-star flier wrote. (And psst, these gold beauties earned a coveted spot on our list of the best eye masks!)
Getting quality sleep on a plane is a paradox of sorts — that is, unless you have the right gear. Unzip this plush pouch to warm up with a fleece blanket or use the pouch itself as a pillow when you want to catch a few zzz's. One five-star flier raved that it was "perfect for our 15-hour flight," plus it was "easy to put back in the pouch" and "easy to fasten to my carry-on."
Clean drinking water isn't always a guarantee. No matter where their travels take them, your jet-setter can rest easy knowing that this personal water filter is getting rid of all the bad stuff — including 99.9% of all waterborne bacteria and parasites. "I've used my straw to drink from the sink everywhere in the world and I have never once gotten sick," one hydrated reviewer wrote, adding that they've used it in India, China, Thailand, Brazil, Colombia and in parts of the United States.
AirTags give peace of mind in the everyday moments — even when you're far from home. "Pop one of these puppies into your checked bag and you'll never worry where your luggage is again," Atenberg tells Yahoo. She speaks from experience: "Twice these trackers have allowed me to locate my bag the airline said was lost."
Best travel gifts under $50
The right travel bag makes all the difference. Michelle of Travel HerStory swears by this Travelon bestseller because of its anti-theft features, which include lock-down straps, locking zippers, RFID blocking, an interior key clip and slash-resistant material. As a result, she tells Yahoo that travelers "no longer need to worry about cut-and-run or identity theft."
Sometimes, you have to get some sleep wherever you can — on a plane, at the gate, in the car on the way to the airport and so forth. A quality eye mask makes it possible to do so. "This mask with built-in wireless speakers has been a game-changer," Lindsay Myers, Access Hollywood host and the blogger behind Get Lost With Lindsay tells Yahoo. "It is really comfortable, the battery lasts 15 hours and it reduces all noise around you."
Our Senior Deals Writer Britt Ross traveled for a year straight and used this portable charger more times than she can count. "In addition to its small profile that barely takes up room in my bag, I appreciate how quickly it juices up my phone. Plus, I only need to charge the power bank once and it'll last a whole day," she raved. Just keep in mind that this exact model is only compatible with the latest Apple releases and devices with a USB-C port.
We all know that sitting for long periods of time is bad for our health, but what can you really do when you're stuck in an airplane seat for hours on end? While you can (and should) take frequent walks down the aisle, wearing high-quality compression socks also helps increase circulation and lower blood clot risks. "I've tried a few budget brands as well as some high-end ones and found that these mid-priced ones from Bombas were the most comfortable," travel writer Moriba Cummings wrote, adding that he doesn't "feel like my calves are being strangled when I'm wearing them."
Now here's something I carry daily, whether I'm mere minutes from home or halfway across the world. Luckily, I've never had to use it, but it gives me and my loved one peace of mind knowing that I have some kind of defense if I'm ever in an uncomfortable situation. Attach this personal safety alarm to a key chain, then pull out the top pin to activate a loud siren and flashing strobe light — both of which draw attention and hopefully ward off any threats.
Struggling to secure a bag without a trolley sleeve to your luggage? This adjustable luggage belt (which fits bags up to 45 inches) is a cinch to use. "When traveling, my backpack frequently fell off the roller bag. This keeps my bag from falling even when rushing to catch a connecting flight," one reviewer wrote about this Shark Tank favorite.
Best travel gifts under $100
"If you're like me and dread using the complimentary in-flight headphones, which do little to block out noise, this compact device will save the day," Kathy McCabe, host and executive producer of Dream of Italy and Dream of Europe on PBS tells Yahoo. Just plug this Bluetooth transmitter into the headphone jack and seamlessly connect your AirPods (or the wireless headphones of your choice), so you can enjoy music, TV shows and movies while up in the air. (Want to learn more? Check out Senior Tech Writer Rick Broida's in-depth review of this "genius gadget.")