Looking for something special for the traveler in your life? Below, I recommend products that have been particularly useful for me, and a couple that are still on my wish-list. Whether they're a weekend-warrior or an experienced digital nomad, there's something here for every traveler and every budget. Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I don't recommend anything I don't believe in.
1. SteriPen
I always say that my SteriPen is the best gift I've ever received, because I hate being thirsty but I tend to frequent places without safe drinking water. The SteriPen uses UV light to purify up to a liter of water at a time. Get the water bottle that filters sediment, and you can drink right out of a river.
2. Travel Towel
Travel towels are incredibly useful and versatile. The microfiber material is soft enough to use as a blanket, they dry super fast, and take up hardly any space. It's one of my favorite travel items.
I always thought passport covers were overrated, until I raised some suspicion at the Shanghai airport because of how beat up my passport is. I've traveled so much without a cover for it that it looks like it's been through the wash. Your passport is the most important possession when traveling – it's worth taking care of.
I bought this recently and it's been a game-changer. This camera has had more photos published in National Geographic than any other because many professional photographers use it as a backup. Its convenient size and incredibly high quality makes it a perfect travel camera. In other words, you can take professional-level photos for an amateur price.
Photos I took while learning to use the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II at the lantern festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
One thing people miss when traveling is making a cup of coffee in the morning. It's fun to try new cafes, but sometimes you need coffee before facing the world (and not that water-soluble instant crap). Enter the AeroPress, a lightweight and compact brewing system that makes a damn fine cup of joe.
Never underestimate the power of a good sleep, especially when you're on the road, and a good pillow can make all the difference. Whether you're napping on an airport floor during a layover, or your hotel pillow leaves something to be desired, having an extra pillow is never a bad thing.
Whoever brings the speaker is the hero of any beach party/campfire/impromptu hostel dance party. The quality of sound you can get from a small speaker is amazing, and this one is even waterproof.
Another win for products that keep you hydrated. Perfect for a day of hiking or exploring a city, this backpack has an 85-ounce hydration pack and a seperate main pocket for your essentials.
As most travelers know, it can be difficult to stay in shape when you're on the road. I like resistance bands because you can use them to get a full-body workout regardless of your fitness level, and they're super lightweight and compact.
For anyone who wants to bring their love of travel into their interior design, this is the perfect gift. You scratch off the gold foil over the countries you've been to, and update it as you travel to new places.
Give the gift of better travel with a one-on-one session to discuss their travel goals and creative ways to achieve them. They can ask questions, get personalized recommendations, make bookings, and whatever else will help them have a safe and meaningful trip. Click here to read about the options, or email me at cassie@travelgarden.org for a custom printable certificate to give the recipient.
A good notebook is an often overlooked travel essential. When almost every aspect of our lives involve electronics, it's nice to have a pen and paper to record thoughts, make lists, write down phrases in the local language, collect recommendations, track your spending, and keep a journal.
Bluetooth Keyboards are a great option for typing comfortably without hauling around your laptop. I've used mine with an iPad and an iPhone, and it's been great. It's lightweight, easy to use, and affordable. The keyboard also works as a stand for your device.
14. External Charger
There's nothing worse than your phone dying while you're trying to take the perfect sunset photo, meet up with a Couchsurfing host, or follow Maps through winding cobblestone streets. Having an external charger with me has saved the day countless times.
One of the biggest problems travelers face is falling asleep on long flights, trains, or anywhere else there might be noise. Literally everyone I know who has these headphones raves about them. They block out noise so you can meditate, focus on your work, or listen to music with incredible audio.
I never walk more than when I'm traveling. Running through airports, strolling through museums, and city walking tours all take their toll. Travelers can roll out their weary muscles with this tiny yet mighty massage ball.
17. Kindle
Reading is one of the best ways to spend downtime while traveling, but carrying books can be inconvenient. The Kindle allows you to take a whole library with you in one device, and the screen reads like real paper. This one is waterproof so you can use it at the beach or next to the pool without any stress.
18. Power Strip
Sometimes it feels like the wild west when you need an outlet in an airport or hostel dorm. This power strip allows you to charge up to five things at once (three outlets and two USB plug-ins), making you instantly popular when outlets are scarce. It also acts as a shelf for your device as it charges.
19. Packing Cubes
It's pretty hard to stay organized when you're living out of a suitcase, but packing cubes make it a little bit easier. They allow you to keep your clothes organized, compact, and wrinkle-free without adding weight to your luggage.
20. GoPro
GoPro is the ultimate adventure camera because you can strap them to yourself or your equipment to capture hands-free first-person footage. They're also waterproof and durable enough to record everything from snowboarding to mountain biking. What would you add to the list? Let me know in the comments!
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