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So They Never Lose Their Bags (or Sanity)
Apple AirTags (4-pack)
So They Can Pack Smart
Away Carry-On
So They Never Run Out of Juice
Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Charging Station (Qi2)
So They Can Tune Out the World
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Let’s be real: even the most seasoned globe-trotter can find traveling to be stressful. Gifts for travelers should be all about ease. Between the packing, weaving through overcrowded terminals, and living out of a suitcase, it’s a lot. Most jet-setters have their travel routine down to a science, but the perfect gift can upgrade any journey, whether it’s a three-day business retreat or a two-week adventure across Europe. Here’s a list of essentials and luxurious gifts for the frequent travelers in your life.
Be sure to check out our other gift guides, like Gifts for Teens, 14 Fun Subscription Boxes for Kids of All Ages, and Gifts for People Who Work From Home.
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Photograph: Amazon
So They Never Lose Their Bags (or Sanity)
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.
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Photograph: Away
So They Can Pack Smart
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.
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Photograph: Simon Hill
So They 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.
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Photograph: Joseph Shin
So They Can 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.
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Photograph: Amazon
So They Can 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.
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Photograph: Nena Farrell
So They Can 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.
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Photograph: Simon Hill
So They’re Always 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.
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Photograph: Lo & Sons
So They’re Ready for Any Adventure
Lo & Sons The O.G. 2
For the world traveler, 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.
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Photograph: Trtl
So They Can 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.
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Photograph: EvolveTogether
So They Can 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.