Christmas is a time to take stock of the good things in life.
Reese Witherspoon
The gift giving season is steadily approaching and procrastination isn’t on anyone’s wish list. It’s time to get organized with this year’s gift guide for the travel enthusiast! Whether you’re shopping around for your fellow adventurers or crafting your own Christmas list, these picks are sure to pack a punch. From pet-friendly travel to the outdoor expert, here are Holiday Essentials for every traveler!
Essentials for the Nostalgic Nomad
Italy is known for many things. Towering works of art, magical scenery and nights at the opera are all classic to-do’s in this world-famous travel destination. Though pictures can capture the sights of all these favorite spots along your journey, there’s one scent that they can’t do justice.
The scent of handmade pasta swimming in a sea of fresh tomato sauce must be smelled to be experienced. And though my family may beg me, I just don’t have the energy (or time!) to recreate the immaculate meals I tasted in my Italian travels every time I want to re-experience those olfactory events!
That’s why I’ll be ordering Heirloom Tomato Candles from Scandles for the whole family. Not only do they look good enough to eat, but the smell of tomato is enough to evoke all the memories of my favorite meals throughout our time in the country.
Price: $85 for 3 candles
Aaaaand speaking of delicious food travels, no journey to Barcelona can be properly commemorated without a nod to the culinary craftsmanship that defines the city. For anyone you know who is dreaming of a Mediterranean trip to this medieval city, make their holiday with a Barrio Box from Culinary Backstreets.
Brimming with all the most iconic Barna bites including olives, saffron and artisan tinned seafood, plus a curated virtual video tour featuring all the vendors whose wares are including within, this is a gift that keeps on giving. Every purchase supports the community of small business that are Barcelona’s backbone. Not only will you be providing a loved one with the perfect present, you will be spreading holiday cheer to the kids of folks that make our favorite destinations what they are!
Price: $95
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but without a frame, all your treasured travel photos will be saying is: “Release me from your camera roll and hang me on the wall where I belong!”
Okay, hopefully your holiday stress hasn’t reached inanimate-objects-are-speaking-to-me levels yet. Buying presents for The Travel Buddy Who Has Everything (we all have one) truly sends me into a tizzy every year. That’s why I’m so excited to have discovered Framebridge! These custom framers will enable you to turn just about anything into a beautiful, one-of-a-kind piece your loved one will be touched to receive. From cherished pictures of your joint adventures to more out-of-the-box memorabilia (think: train tickets, park passes, matchboxes and more), you can create a truly personalized present that celebrates all of your favorite trips with your special person.
Price $65+ (depending on item type + extras)
Essentials for the Animal Adventurer
What’s a road trip without a furry friend playing paw-ssenger princess? From hilltop hikes to city slicking, pets make the best co-pilots. No matter where your journeys take you, make sure your travel-sized buddies don’t get dehydrated with a Travel Water Bottle from Springer.
Lightweight, leakproof, and perfect for all of your on-the-go moments, this bottle is the 2-in-1 travel hack your best friend will thank you for on years of adventures to come! Sized to fit in most cup holders and featuring a carabiner for secure attachment, this is one travel accessory that won’t weigh you down.
Price: $21.99+ (depending upon size)
Every pet owner knows that there’s almost nowhere a dog can’t get dirty. From shedding hair to muddy paws, even the smallest pup is sure to leave their mark. Give the gift of cleanliness with this Portable Bed from Funny Fuzzy. Not only will it keep cars tidy, it also acts as a safety precaution that every road tripper should provide their pals. With adjustable, built-in features such as seat belts and buckles to attach to your dog’s collar, you can rest assured that your fur baby will arrive safely to all your travel destinations.
Best of all, the bed is machine washable and has options for animals and cars of every size. With eight adorable patterns from which to choose, even the pickiest puppy will find peace of mind in their new landing pad!
Paric: $71.74+ (depending upon size)
Pets and their parents aren’t the only ones who enjoy the great outdoors. Unfortunately, we share this beautiful world with some truly pesky pests that can make even the most peaceful trails treacherous. Don’t let your little ones fall prey to all the insects inhabiting your next destination. Get the Peppermint Spray Pack from Wondercide.
Complete with a cute crossbody bag and two plant-powered repellants, this travel kit will ward off any fleas, ticks, and mosquitos that get in your path. Both sprays are safe to use on animals and humans alike because of the natural essential oils that are formulated within. All that it takes is a light misting every two to three days to keep bugs off and the good times rolling!
Price: $24.99
Essentials for Work-From-Wherevers
For the Business-not-Pleasure types, travel requires more than just a detailed itinerary. These days, portability and Bluetooth capability go hand-in-hand. So, many traveling workers opt for wireless headphones. The only problem is, not every device is Bluetooth-enabled. Think airplane TVs, gym machines and even car consoles.
That’s why I’m buying an AirFly from twelvesouth for all of the business-class loved ones on my list! When you plug AirFly into any audio jack, it will seamlessly transmit the Bluetooth you need to connect and get to work. With up to 24 hours of battery life, it can outlast even the most dedicated workaholic! Compatible with all wireless headphones, AirFly is the best accessory for the business travelers in your life.
Price: $39.99+ (depending upon model)
Working on the go often means working from everywhere: trains, planes, coffee shops, park benches . . . you name! The luxury of a desk is not always available to you and often your work surface is less than idea for optimal productivity. The best work gift I’ve ever gotten has to be this Travel Stand by Urmust. Not only is it height adjustable, but its foldability feature means I can pop it in my bag and make an office out of anywhere I find myself. Lightweight, scratch-proof and ergonomic, I recommend getting a portable travel stand for all the movers and shakers in your life.
Price: $27.99
Save the hard work for the office, not the airport. Make a loved one’s life a lot easier by gifting them a Travel Bag Belt by Cincha. With 25 different colors and patterns to choose from, this elastic strap will secure luggage in style. It fits most bags, is personalizable, and most importantly, frees up your hands for more important things . . . . like coffee! Gone are the days of suffering the public humiliation of a bag slip. With the Travel Belt, work-travel just became trouble-free.
Price: $29.99+ (depending on size)
Essentials for the Outdoorsmen (& Women!)
Cooking over an open fire is one of humanity’s oldest traditions, yet it shouldn’t stop us from innovating the process. With the Outpost Grill, all of the nature lovers in your life can savor the benefits of a height-adjustable grill grate that can endure the elements of the great outdoors. No need to break your back to bring the flavor into your campsite. With a self-pounding system and accompanying carry bag, transporting your grill will be easier than the actual cooking! From morning frittatas by the fire to steaks under the stars, all you’ll need is a cast iron skillet and an Outpost Grill to get the party started. Cooking skills not included.
Price: $150
And I guess, if you give a moose a muffin (or, in this case, a camper an open-fire grill), you’re gonna need a recipe book to make more muffins (or, in this case . . . never mind, you get the point).
In The Field Guide’s Eating Outdoors, you will find over 100 meal plans for every activity under the sun — from backyard camping and beyond. In brightly covered layouts, look through the tips and tricks. In no time, you’ll achieve expert-level marshmallow roasting, peruse printable checklists, and learn to prepare utensil-less meals that will leave your travel buddies begging for more.
Price: $12.47
