19 Gifts for Travelers Who Are Always One Flight Ahead (2024)

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  Photograph: Away

  To Keep Essentials Close at Hand

  Away Carry-On

  The Away Carry-On (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is a fan favorite at WIRED. This glossy, hard-shell suitcase is built to last, with a TSA-approved lock, a nylon laundry bag, and a built-in charging block for when you might need it the most. It comes with a lifetime guarantee, which is why it’s the best carry-on for most people. That said, if you’re side-eyeing Away’s history and would prefer to shop elsewhere, editor Adrienne So recommends Monos ($255) and July ($295) as solid alternatives.

• Photograph: Paravel

  To Pack Baggage Like a Pro

  Paravel Packing Cube Quad

  Give the gift of order to the chronically disorganized traveler with Paravel’s Packing Cube Quad set. These water-resistant nylon cubes (one large, one medium, and two small) come in vibrant colors like Scuba Navy and Safari—sadly, Bebop Red is sold out. They make it easy to compartmentalize clothes, so they’ll never have to dig through their luggage again. You can even have it embroidered with their initials for an additional $25.

• Photograph: Ries

  To Keep Toiletries TSA-Approved

  Ries Limited Edition Gift Set

  If you’re shopping for a toiletry bag, these Reis reusable bottles are a chic upgrade to put in it. This limited edition set includes five airless pump bottles—three for your essentials (shampoo, conditioner, body wash) and two for skincare (face wash and a blank bottle to go rogue). Each bottle is 3.4 oz, except the face wash bottle, which is 1.7 oz—all TSA-approved. I also love the rich pine green, which is festive for the holidays but still timeless enough for year-round use.

• Photograph: Simon Hill

  To Always Stay Plugged In

  Ceptics World International Travel Plug Adapter

  No one wants to be scrambling for an adapter during a layover or post-flight. When it comes to travel adapters, the Ceptics World model covers most regions—EU, UK, US, Australia, and China—so you’re always covered no matter where you land. It also has three USB-A ports and two USB-C ports, so you can charge multiple gadgets at once. Your phone, laptop, tablet, and so forth will thank you.

• Photograph: Amazon

  To Never Lose Their Bags (or Sanity) Again

  Apple AirTags (4-pack)

  Airports are chaotic enough without worrying about losing your luggage. I know AirTags can be a bit divisive, but they’re the best way to keep tabs on your valuables if you have an iPhone. Set up with the Find My app, and you'll always know where your travel bags are—even when the airline doesn't. Plus, with busy flights often leading to last-minute gate checks and delays, AirTags are well worth the extra security.

  If your loved one is an Android user, we recommend the Chipolo One for $25. Our Best Trackers guide also has more options.

• Photograph: Outerknown

  To Have Hands-Free Access to the Essentials

  Outerknown & GOT BAG Moonbag Small

  Every tourist needs a sidekick, and this Outerknown & GOT fanny pack fits the bill. Wear it over the shoulder, as a crossbody bag or around the waist. It’s roomy enough for a phone, wallet, a compact point-and-shoot camera, and a few more small essentials. I also love that it’s mainly made from recycled Ocean Impact Plastic.

• Photograph: Joseph Shin

  To Tune Out the World

  Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

  Long flights can be a brutal test of endurance, but with Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, they don’t have to be. Bose remains our top choice for high-quality noise cancellation (9/10, WIRED Recommends), cutting through the chaos, including that crying baby in 22B. With up to 18 hours of battery in Immersive Audio mode (or 24 without), they’ll last through the long hauls.

  If you’re after something more budget-friendly, check out our Best Noise-Canceling Headphones guide, Best Wireless Headphones guide, or consider the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds for Bose’s noise-canceling magic at almost half the price.

• Photograph: Simon Hill

  To Never Run Out of Juice

  Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Charging Station (Qi2)

  This portable 3-in-1 charger is a great gift for Apple lovers on the go. It delivers up to 15 watts to an iPhone or Qi2-certified device via an adjustable magnetic pad, so you can doomscroll while you charge. There's a second pad tucked behind for Airpods (or other wireless earbuds), and a fold-out Apple Watch charger. Anker even includes a five-foot USB-C cable and a wall adapter, all backed by a two-year warranty. Read our Best Apple 3-in-1 Wireless Chargers and Best Portable Chargers guides for other recommendations.

• Photograph: Lo & Sons

  To Be Ready for Any Last-Minute Getaway

  Lo & Sons The O.G. 2

  For the perpetual explorer, the Lo & Sons O.G. 2 is a Swiss Army knife in bag form. A larger version of the brand's Nouvelle purse (8/10, WIRED Recommends), this bag is ready for anything—work commutes, overnights, full-day excursions—with a place for just about every essential. It has an exterior laptop sleeve for quick access at TSA (bless), a side compartment for shoes, and interior pockets for the rest of your travel accessories (including a slot for your emotional support water bottle). This is reviews editor Adrienne So’s go-to for weekend trips; it fits under a flight seat as a personal item and is designed with a trolley sleeve to secure to a suitcase. For more options, read our Best Tote Bags guide.

• Photograph: Amazon

  To Ditch the Cords

  Twelve South AirFly SE

  Airplanes are still living in the wired age, but thanks to AirFly, I can watch all the Big Bang Theory reruns I want in cordless bliss. Just plug it into the seat-back jack, pair it with your wireless headphones (or earphones) via Bluetooth, et voilà!—you’re set for in-flight entertainment sans the questionable airline earbuds. The AirFly connects to most 3.5-mm audio jacks, from treadmills to gaming devices, so it’s a thoughtful gift idea for anyone who wants to stay connected on the go.

• Photograph: Trtl

  To Actually Sleep (Even in Coach)

  Trtl Neck Pillow

  The Trtl Neck Pillow is the ideal red-eye or road trip companion. Instead of constricting your neck in a doughnut, these scarf-style travel pillows have an internal frame that cradles your head without physical strain. It's lightweight—just half a pound—and packable; you can stuff it into its accompanying storage bag and clip it onto your travel bag when not in use.

• Photograph: Nena Farrell

  To Freshen Up Anywhere, Anytime

  Moon Oral Beauty The Electric Toothbrush

  Reviewer Nena Farrell loves this electric toothbrush for travel. It comes with a carrying case and extra brush heads for when you’re scrambling for spares mid-trip. Equipped with five cleaning modes, it's versatile enough for any giftee, and its slim charger fits easily into most toiletry bags. You can't go wrong with black, but the toothbrush is also available in gold, a Hello Kitty theme, and a Barbie edition.

• Photograph: Bombas

  To Stay Comfortable During Long Hauls

  Bombas Men's Everyday Compression Sock 3-Pack (15-20mmHg)

  When you’re travelling, your legs deserve a little TLC, and Bombas is just that. Available in men’s and women’s, these medium compression socks (15-20mmHg) boost circulation, reduce swelling, and help speed recovery after long days of travel and sightseeing. Bombas also gives back with every purchase, donating a pair of socks to someone in need.

• Photograph: EvolveTogether

  To Mask in Style

  evolvetogether 5 black KN95 masks (Rio de Janeiro)

  In our post-pandemic world, I can't imagine stepping foot into an airport without a face mask. KN95s may not be the most thrilling gift, but this five-pack from Evolvetogether has a luxe factor that most would appreciate. They’re six-ply (with a water-resistant exterior), made with activated charcoal to reduce odors, and they’re hypoallergenic—so your giftee won’t have to worry about skin care when nerves are already at their peak.

• Photograph: Therabody

  To Massage Away Middle-Seat Misery

  Therabody Theragun Mini

  The Theragun Mini 2 is a dream for active sightseers (or anyone who has spent hours wedged in a middle seat). It's 20 percent smaller and 30 percent lighter than the original, and it fits easily into a carry-on or tote bag. Compatible with the Therabody app, it’s ideal for a quick recovery in between flights or after a long day of exploring. The limited Getaway Collection colors—polar blue, alpine green, and twilight pink—are just a fun bonus. The Mini also includes three attachments and a soft case, though note all attachments don’t fit inside at once. Check out our Best Theraguns guide for more.

• Photograph: Amazon

  To Capture Every Moment

  Traveller's Journal

  The Moleskine Traveller’s Journal is for the friend who loves to document their adventures. It’s packed with pre- and post-trip prompts and features sections for both short and long journeys. Think pages for planned itineraries, sections for budgeting, checklists, as well as blank pages for keepsakes, sketches, and photographs. The only downside is that the included 8-year calendar only goes through 2025, but the rest is undated and perfect for recording memories.

  ★ Alternative: For wanderlust inspiration, there’s the limited edition City Notebooks set, with travel guides for London, Paris, New York, and Rome. I’ve personally already been to three of these four cities, but flipping through these made me want to rediscover them all over again.

• Photograph: Amazon

  To Brew the Perfect Cup of Coffee Anywhere

  AeroPress Clear

  For the camper or caffeinated wanderer in your life, the AeroPress Clear guarantees a robust cup of coffee in the morning, an afternoon pick-me-up, or an evening espresso (no judgement here). Contributor Joe Ray swears that it brews coffee just as well as the Original AeroPress or the Go model. It’s also just as easy to clean, and with six additional colors, it adds a splash of personality to a somewhat mundane aesthetic.

• Photograph: Boutayna Chokrane

  To Add a Personal Touch

  Rifle Paper Co. Passport Holder & Luggage Tag Set

  Travel has gone personal in 2024, with hyper-customization hitting a high, adding accessories to everything from Stanley tumblers to purses. Whether you’re purchasing it for yourself or gifting it to a frequent flyer, Rifle Paper Co.’s luggage tag and passport holder feels like a little treat. The English Rose pattern is designed by co-founder Anna Bond, who uses gouache to craft her signature floral illustrations. Plus, it’s pre-packaged in a gift box, minimizing the hassle of holiday wrapping.

• Photograph: Moment

  To Keep Cables and Gadgets in Check

  Moment Tech Organizer

  For the individual who’s always losing chargers (guilty), the Moment Tech Organizer is everything. This is the best gift for the digital nomad or a creative wanderer. With six elastic cable holders and multiple compartments, this waterproof, padded case almost makes it impossible to be disorganized. It even has a “junk drawer” for power banks, and other miscellaneous items. Moment also offers a mini version that I carry in my everyday tote bag.

Boutayna Chokrane is a product writer and reviewer at WIRED. Before joining the Gear team, she was a music editorial fellow at Pitchfork. She also worked as a freelance journalist, covering fashion, art, and culture for Vogue, Rolling Stone, the Cut, and others. She graduated from Northwestern University with a... Read more