18 Great Gifts for the Traveler

Dagne Dover’s weekender bag was a favorite in a recent evaluation of the best weekender bags. It features six large mesh pockets, a smaller zippered pocket, and two removable sleeves. Made from neoprene (a material commonly used to manufacture wetsuits), this water-resistant bag is a choice option for travel during rain or shine.

For more options: Best Weekender Bags

Lightweight, relatively affordable, and available in an array of bold colorways, the Herschel Novel duffle is a great option for older kids and teens alike. It features faux-leather handles as well as a padded crossbody strap, and it’s made of a thin polyester fabric that’s water-resistant.

For more options: Best Weekender Bags

With a built-in anti-theft security system, this compact sling bag can be a saving grace for those traveling with valuables. "This bag has a slash-resistant mesh barrier in front, sides, and bottom body panels plus a slash-resistant strap and the RFID-blocking organizer on the front locking zippered pocket is perfectly sized for a phone," says Anne McAlpin, author of “Pack It Up: The Essential Guide to Smart Travel." RFID, or radio frequency identification, prevents skimming theft, which occurs when illegally installed devices capture personal data like ATM pins.

For the one who’s always on the go, a great bag is a must. With excellent organizational guts, the eBags Pro Slim Laptop Backpack is the best comfort/value combo in a CR evaluation. It even has an external water bottle holder that zips away, which can be helpful when you need to squeeze it into a small space, like under a plane seat. Our evaluators also found it very comfortable to wear while e-biking and carrying it around on walks.

For more options: Best Travel Backpacks

Catching shut-eye on a flight can be a whole lot easier with a sleep mask, and this budget-friendly version is one to consider. In a recent evaluation of the best sleep masks, CR editors voted this Mzoo mask as the best option for most people. It’s affordable, well-designed, and effective at blocking light for most face shapes and head sizes.

For more options: Best Sleep Masks

Going barefoot on a plane is well, frowned upon—cue these travel-friendly sock-style slippers from Bombas. The warm knitted pair comes in four bold and patterned colorways, as well as a soft rayon lining. In a recent evaluation of the best slippers, CR editors noted that they’re great for travel, in part because they’re so packable but also because they come with a soft fabric bag for storage. The best part? They’re washable and come in a handful of adaptable sizes.

For more options: Best Slippers

Phil Dengler, co-owner of the travel site The Vacationer, recommends this packing cube set for both long- and short-haul trips. It features six variously sized soft containers that can be used for organizing clothing, storing footwear, and stashing laundry. Dengler, who uses these cubes for every trip, says that "In addition to fitting in most carry-on suitcases, it allows the traveler in your life to pack wrinkle-free clothing quicker and more efficiently."

These Baggallini compression cubes are essential for McAlpin. The travel pro considers the long cube option a favorite due to its clever design, which fits comfortably on the floor of a piece of luggage, in that awkward space between the handles. "Simply pack items, close the main zipper and ‘compress’ down with the second zipper along the outside edge. Voila: extra space!"

Clear panels on top make it a cinch to see what’s packed inside while the ventilated mesh helps air circulate throughout the pack. The best part? These cubes can serve a purpose when not in use during travel. "They are the solution to my sock drawer chaos," adds McAlpin.

Impressive performance coupled with an enamel splatterware-inspired design makes for an insulated mug that’s functional, and good-looking to boot. In our labs, the Ello Campy mug kept water hot for 5 hours in a temperature-retention test, earning a very good rating. It also has a top that’s exceptionally easy to clean, with few crevices. The mug has two gaskets, both of which are easy to remove and replace. The spring-loaded sipping mechanism is easy to slide open with a single hand.

For more options: Best Insulated Mugs

A travel wallet that has plenty of room for cash and cards, is another staple for McAlpin, who recommends this version from Pacsafe. Made from tech material that blocks RFID, this wallet is curved so it’s more comfortable to wear in your front pocket and it even has a small zip pocket for coins, says McAlpin. (If you’re looking for a slim wallet instead, we have you covered here.)

And when it comes to traveling with a wallet, McAlpin recommends keeping it in your front pocket—the back pocket is more easily accessible to pickpocketers.

Traveling with a fully loaded wallet is hardly a good look. The Ekster Senate Cardholder is CR’s Editor’s Choice for slim wallets. Its overall design and exquisite packaging make it a great gift. It includes a very elegant-looking cash strap and single cardholder to hold bills on the outside with the company’s logo emblazoned on the front and a slot on the outside for things like a MetroCard. The company includes an extra strap without the cardholder, to slim things down even further, inside a very beautiful box.

For more options: Best Slim Wallets

Whether it’s a session at the gym or an at-home class, a great yoga mat is essential to any routine and always appreciated. This versatile version is prime for travel and can easily be toted from work to workout. Featuring a fair amount of cushioning, this mat dries quickly and has an excellent grip on the floor. 

For more options: Best Yoga Mats

Ironing out the kinks in your body while traveling suddenly got a whole lot easier. The ultraportable Theragun Mini was one of the quietest massage devices we tested. It has a wedge-shaped handle and is one of the best devices for reducing problematic wrist postures. “I like the fact that it is small to hold, and I love how easy it is to use and charge. It’s compact and easily transportable,” said one user in a study conducted by CR. For overall portability and quietness, this could be a top choice.

For more options: 7 Massage Guns Evaluated

Staying hydrated is always a good look, especially when traveling. In lieu of a plastic bottle, go for a reusable one that can be toted around from the gym to the plane and beyond. This version by Hydro Flask is made from pro-grade stainless steel, is BPA-free, and has double-wall vacuum insulation—which means you can count on your drink to remain ice-cold, even under a hot, baking sun.

For more options: Best Water Bottles