A Holiday Gift Guide for the Traveler in Your Life

It’s that time of year again to think about great gifts for the traveler in your life. Whether traveling for work or for play, being gifted thoughtful items that make travel more enjoyable and less stressful are great gifts and are always welcome. This is true for all travelers, even if the traveler happens to be you.

1. TravelPro® 22-inch VersaPack+

The newest member of the TravelPro family and perhaps my favored child is the TravelPro VersaPack+ Carry-On Spinner. Available in five colors, this expandable 360° spinner has a built-in compression packing system and expansion zipper so you can take more along, possesses an internal flap compartment and includes two shoe bags and a laundry bag. Strong and versatile, it will be your new favorite travel companion.

2. TravelPro® Altitude Backpack

TravelPro’s Altitude™ Slim Expandable Laptop Backpack is a true rockstar and is virtually indestructible. With both laptop and tablet sleeves, cell and battery backup pockets, internal zippered compartment, two exterior pockets, additional zippered section, a wide, extremely stable sleeve to place on the telescope handle of your wheelie bag, your office becomes easily portable. Most important, it has the most comfortable rear padding I’ve experienced on a backpack should you use it independently and wear it through the airport or elsewhere.

3. Aviator First Class Merino Hoodie

If a hoodie could be considered a workaholic, it would be the Aviator First Class Merino Hoodie. Soft and comfortable, it’s made from 100-percent Merino wool, is lightweight and wrinkle resistant. The oversized hood doubles as an eye mask and the ingenious three-way cuffs can be used normally, as fingerless gloves, or as mittens, so you’re ready for all kinds of weather. Wash before wearing.

4. FactorFive Biotech Skincare Travel Kit and Growth Factor Face Mask

FactorFive Biotech Skincare Travel Kit containing a serum, face cream, and eye cream leaves your skin positively glowing without any heavy perfumes. It also comes in perhaps the most intelligent travel packaging ever with push button opening and twist closing, so there are no tops to forever lose under a hotel sink or elsewhere, and most importantly, no spills. FactorFive’s Growth Factor Soothing Face Mask with human stem cell factors, peppermint, and hemp seed oil comes in individual, single-use packets is terrific for a quick pick-me-up prior to landing.

5. Briggs-Riley Executive Essentials Kit

This Briggs-Riley Executive Essentials toiletry bag is made from the same virtually indestructible material as their wheelie-bag spinner cousins favored by serious travelers the world over. It can be hung in small spaces – think cruise ship bathrooms – has two external pockets and is lined with PVC for easy cleaning.  

6. Arden Cove Full Crossbody Bag

This Arden Cove full cross body bag may be one of the smartest available. Not just smart because it looks good and has clip zipper tabs, but also because it’s compact yet roomy. Smartest of all, it has two internal cell phone pockets, one of which can accommodate a battery backup, a zippered interior pocket, and additional external zippered section for credit and business cards. It has a removable strap that can be changed to match your wardrobe. Best of all, is has a light-colored interior, making finding your items a snap, even in the dark.

7. EVELYN & KATE Scarf

This EVELYN & KATE scarf is one of those items that you buy for someone else but are simply unable to part with thus requiring the purchase of two. Made by artists who show their original paintings at Amoré Gallery, the vibrant colors of this versatile and gorgeous silk scarf, reminiscent of a fine Provençal Spring afternoon – that can be used also as a sarong – is sure to jazz up any outfit. These talented women artists also make tote bags, household textiles, and other beautiful accessories.

8. Straightaway 12 Nights of Cocktails

Whether you bring this as a gift or take along for your own enjoyment, Straightaway 12 Nights of Cocktails is a certain crowd pleaser. With single serving, delicious, curated libations like Negroni, Espresso Martini, and Maple Old Fashioned, the holidays will be merry indeed. Served chilled and over ice and you are ready to go for a really great time without any fuss.

9. Bonbon Box by Chocolatier Daniel Corpuz

For the chocoholics in your life, even if that is you, the contents of the Holiday Bonbon Box by chocolatier Daniel Corpuz are as beautiful as they are delicious. With gourmand flavors like Hojicha tea, black sesame, and macadamia crunch, there is a flavor to please everyone. These bonbons are nearly too pretty to eat, but delightfully devoured they of course must be. Simply because a life without delicious, quality crafted chocolates is simply not one worth living.

         10. Duracell Tri-Power Rechargeable Lantern

If taking a road trip this holiday season, you’ll want to take this Duracell Tri-Power 2,000 lumen rechargeable lantern along. Lightweight and chargeable by USB-C, solar, or standard batteries, ‘let there be light’ takes on a whole new meaning. It also has a USB-A port for charging devices, so you’ll stay connected wherever your travels take you. There are six lighting modes and even a dimmer switch for a romantic night under the stars.

       11. Canine Fresh Dog Chews

 

If Fluffy or Fido will be a joiner on your holiday travels, these healthy and long-lasting Canine Fresh chews created by holistic veterinarian Gary Richter, DVM, in resealable packaging will keep your furry friend occupied, content, and happy. Rerun the Labrador has enthusiastically approved these healthy canine chews giving them two paws in appreciation. Woof.

Happy Holidays and Happy Travels!

 Julie L. Kessler is a journalist, attorney, and the author of the award-winning memoir: “Fifty-Fifty, The Clarity of Hindsight.” Her work has appeared in several major publications around the world, including The LA Times, The SF Examiner, The Asia Times, The Jerusalem Post, The Vancouver Courier, The Daily Journal and The Honolulu Star-Advertiser, among many others. She can be reached at Julie@VagabondLawyer.com.