Are you looking for the best gift for the travel lover in your life—or maybe for yourself (because, hey, you deserve it too)?
Top Picks from a Travel Professional!
Well, you’re in the right place!
I’ve rounded up my absolute favorite travel gadgets and must-haves that make travel smoother, safer, and a whole lot more fun.
From practical picks that keep me safe on the road to clever little luxuries that make traveling easier, this list is packed with ideas.
Plus, I’m throwing in a few goodies from my own wish list—because even though I don’t have it yet, I know I want it!
Let’s dive into the ultimage guide for the best gifts for travel lovers!
Packing:
1. Travel Bag Back Pack with Rollers:
I’ve had my trusty backpack with wheels for over a year now, and let me tell you—it’s been a total game-changer!
This beauty came with packing cubes (yes, please!), loads of pockets, and even a dedicated spot for my laptop and gadgets.
It’s the ultimate companion for short trips or a great addition for longer vacations, letting me effortlessly switch between wearing it as a backpack or pulling out the extendable handle to roll it like traditional luggage.
Oh, and did I mention it’s water-resistant? Because it totally is.
With multiple sizes to choose from, it’s the perfect mix of style, function, and travel-savvy genius!
As some one that takes frequent, smaller trips, It’s high on my list of MUST-HAVE travel gear.
Travel Safety
2. Keep your valuables and money close to you: The Bandi
I’ve been a loyal fan of my Bandi for years, and it’s one of those travel staples I can’t live without!
It’s perfect for keeping essentials like money, credit cards, keys, or my phone safe and close, whether I’m jet-setting around the world or just running errands at home.
I also use it for walks, gym sessions, or even as part of my everyday outfit—it’s that versatile.
The slim design lets it double as a belt or sash, blending seamlessly into your look.
With two secure pockets, I’ve never had to worry about anything falling out and I feel much safer against pick-pockets.
It’s adjustable, comes in a variety of colors and styles, and even offers options with RFID protection for your credit cards.
Personally, I go for the classic black—because, let’s face it, black goes with everything! It’s functional, stylish, and just plain brilliant!
3. Hide Your Valuables in Plain Sight
If you’re anything like me, keeping your valuables safe while traveling is always top of mind.
Where do you stash your passport, cash, credit cards, jewelry, medications, or other important items without feeling like a walking security risk?
Sure, hotel safes are an option—but let’s be real, they’re not exactly foolproof (yes, even the staff can access them).
That’s why I’m a big fan of creative hiding spots that blend right into everyday life.
Some of my go-to travel hacks?
- a suntan lotion bottle with a secret compartment for those beach days
- a brush with a secret compartment in the handle
- hair scrunchies with hidden pockets
- and my personal favorite—a water bottle with a built-in storage compartment. That water bottle isn’t just for trips; I use it at home for hikes or gym sessions too. It’s perfect for hiding keys and my air pod case while staying hydrated at the same time—practical and sneaky all at once!
- a charger cube that’s really a place to hide cash or small valuables
- a lint roller (that really works) with a secret compartment
- A hollowed-out book safe that looks like it belongs on a library shelf
There’s so many creative options to hide your valuables in plain sight when you travel!
4. CO2 Detector
A CO2 detector is one of those must-have travel items that I haven’t snagged yet but is at the top of my wish list!
I have a trip to Mexico coming up soon and I’ve heard one too many horror stories about travelers falling seriously ill—or worse—due to CO2 poisoning in hotel rooms abroad.
These little gadgets are inexpensive, compact, and super easy to pack.
Best of all, they offer priceless peace of mind. Sure, I hope it’s a precaution I’ll never need, but knowing it’s there just in case?
Totally worth it. Safety first, always!
5. Hotel Room Safety
When it comes to feeling safe in my hotel room, I never leave home without a portable door lock, door jam, or alarm—or sometimes all three!
While most hotels have deadbolts and other safety measures in place, I’m surprised that some don’t. If I’m staying in a new place, I never can truly know until I get there, so I like to be prepared.
I often travel solo, and having that extra layer of security gives me peace of mind.
These gadgets are small, lightweight, and budget-friendly, making them the perfect travel companions.
Whether it’s an extra lock or a quick-to-deploy door jam, they’re my go-to for adding an extra level of protection and ensuring I can truly relax. Safety doesn’t have to take up much space in your suitcase!
Travel Comfort
6. Bluetooth Sleep Headband
My sleep headband is one of those game-changing gadgets I’ve been using for so long, I’ve lost track of how many years it’s been a part of my life.
It’s not just a travel essential—it’s become a daily staple for me at home, too.
Whether I’m battling hotel room noise or pesky light while trying to sleep, this little marvel has my back.
A good sleep headband pairs with your phone to play white noise or soothing sounds, drowning out distractions and helping you drift off peacefully.
Plus, it doubles as an eye mask, blocking out light for total darkness.
But it doesn’t stop there—I use mine at the gym, on hikes, and even during meditation sessions. It’s the ultimate multitasker, and I can’t imagine life without it!
7. Travel Shoes (comfortable and water resistant)
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my travels and 52 years on this earth, it’s that good shoes can be the difference between a dream trip and a total disaster.
Whether I’m strolling through city streets or tackling a hiking trail, I always end up walking more than expected.
And let me tell you, nothing ruins the adventure faster than blisters, soggy socks, or aching arches and ankles.
That’s why I’ve made peace with investing in a quality pair of water-resistant shoes—it’s worth every penny.
My latest find?
Orthofeet water-resistant hiking shoes.
They’re not exactly budget-bin cheap, but for how well they’re made, I’d say they’re pretty reasonably priced. Trust me, happy feet make for happy travels!
They also have casual shoes and sandals as well as hiking boots and sneakers!
8. Puffer Jacket that Turns into a Travel Pillow
One of the trickiest parts of traveling to a cold climate?
Figuring out how to pack those bulky jackets! They hog all the space in your suitcase, but wearing them through the airport is a one-way ticket to overheating.
That’s why this puffer jacket that transforms into a travel pillow has skyrocketed to the top of my wish list this year!
I’m all about items that pull double duty, and this one nails it—saving suitcase space while adding a touch of comfort to your flight.
Practical, cozy, and a total packing game-changer?
Yes, please!
Photo’s & Videos
9. Turn Your Phone into a Point and Shoot Camera with a Charger!
My ShiftCam Pro Grip is hands-down my favorite phone accessory—it’s like giving my phone a superpower!
This little gadget transforms my phone into a point-and-shoot camera, makes it easier to hold and doubles as a charger, which makes it an absolute travel must-have.
Plus, you can add on cool accessories like lights, lenses, stands, and selfie sticks, to take your photography (or content creation) to the next level.
I use mine constantly, whether I’m on the go or at home. Sure, I wish the charger lasted a bit longer, but the boost it provides is still a lifesaver when I need it most.
Functional, versatile, and downright fun—it’s a winner in my book!
10. Zoom Lens for your Phone Camera
I have to admit—iPhones have gotten so good that I rarely bother with a big, bulky camera anymore.
For most shots, I’m thrilled with what my iPhone can do.
But if there’s one area where it falls short.
It’s the zoom.
While it handles most shots like a champ, it just doesn’t cut it for those far-off nature shots or distant scenery.
That’s why a solid zoom attachment or a pair of binoculars that pair with my phone is high on my wish list this year. Because let’s face it, capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments deserves a little extra clarity!
11. Portable Chargers
In my opinion, you can never have too many phone chargers—especially if, like me, you’re all about using your phone for photos and video.
Capturing all that footage drains your battery fast, so I’ve learned to keep a variety of chargers on hand, each serving a different purpose.
Take the ShiftCam ProGrip I mentioned earlier—it’s perfect for preserving battery life while I’m shooting.
My DJI Mobile gimbal has a similar feature, which is a total lifesaver on busy filming days.
Then there are the trusty back-up chargers for when I’m on trips where I’m literally shooting and filming all day with no time to find an outlet.
Multi-device chargers are a favorite since they can power up my phone, watch, and other gadgets all at once.
And for hikes?
A charger that doubles as a flashlight is my go-to—because who doesn’t love a gadget that pulls double duty?
These chargers aren’t just handy—they’re essential for keeping up with my on-the-go lifestyle.
Related Video
Check out this video I made a few years ago about my favorite travel gadgets that I can’t live without. Many of them stood the test of time and are on this list!
