We tapped nine travel experts for the best gift ideas for travelers in 2019.
The travel experience is something that can always be improved upon, and this holiday season is a great excuse to enhance the lives of the travelers in your life—or that special someone who hopes to travel more in 2020.
Finding the right gift for anyone is always a challenge, but you can take it from these travel experts—from seasoned travel photographers to fashion gurus who’ve mastered their in-flight beauty and style routine—there’s truly a gift for every kind of traveler in your life. See below for their top picks this year in a range of price points—from free (!) and inexpensive gifts to splurges for the luxury traveler.
From Forrest Smith, travel photographer and creator, @lostintheforrest
Even professional photographers like to capture instantaneous moments on the go—Forrest Smith recommends the Instax Wide Polaroid Camera for such occasions, a camera that prints photos on the spot. Looking for some literary travel inspiration? Smith thinks On the Road by Jack Kerouac is an essential read.
From Sabrina Shorbe, beauty expert and writer, @beautylookbook
This Aesop Resurrection Rinse-Free Hand Wash is Shorbe’s pick for the best travel hand sanitizer, which is easily stowed in her Away Backpack: “Ever since discovering it, I don’t want to be without it. The pockets are cleverly designed to store and organize all your travel essentials. Placement is perfect for easy access when you’re on the go.”
From Salomon DuBois Thiombiano, men’s fashion expert, @ducdubois
Thiombiano knows that any avid traveler will need an immune boost or aid at some point during their adventures: “A customized aid kit includes vitamin C, vitamin B, Excedrin, and Advil.” He also knows the value of skincare, which “shouldn’t come to a halt when traveling.” Thiombiano suggests the American Crew Acumen Energizing Duo “to put your best face forward.”
From Samuel Elkins, photographer and filmmaker, @samuelelkins
Any photographer worth their salt knows their tech accessories need to be charged up at any given moment. That’s why Samuel Elkins love this Anker PowerCore+ charger. And when he’s done with a hard day’s work but still has to get on a long flight home or to the next location, this Trtl Pillow offers the next support he needs to comfortably rest on the plane.
From Alyssa Lau, photographer, @imalyssalau
Alyssa Lau loves the F. Miller travel-friendly set of daily essentials, complete with face, body, and cleansing oils; toning mist; and lip balm. All products have the added bonus of being vegan and organic. Lau continues the eco-friendly trend with a travel shampoo bar from Rocky Mountain Soap in the rosemary scene.
From Gregory Dava, photographer and fashion writer, @gregorydava
“Two things I NEVER travel without are the Sonya Dakar Blue Butterfly Balm because it hydrates and soothes the skin so you hop off the plane looking fresh faced,” says Dava. “Also, my Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 because it's so compact and can be used to watch movies in tablet mode when the airline doesn't have TV. It’s specifically designed to fit on an airplane tray when the seat in front of you is reclined and still leaves room on the tray for a drink!”
From Coco Bassey, writer and founder of Millennielle.com, @cocobassey
Coco Bassey’s favorite noise-canceling headphones come from the ultra-stylish Bang & Olufsen. And for combating dryness? “My favorite in-flight skincare product is the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum.
From Jo Encarnacion, life coach and wellness guru, @gofitjo
“My ultimate travel essentials would be Saje Natural Wellness Pocket Farmacy essential oils,” says Encarnacion. “it's my wellness on the go! The kit has everything you need to help with stomach aches, and other travel woes.” Encarnacion also never leaves home without her Swell Bottle, “so that I'm always hydrated no matter where I go, plus its sustainable.”
From Mattias Geerts, founder of men’s style pub @mattgstyle and @tawo.antwerp
Matthias Geerts never travels without his AirPods. For him, it’s the perfect way to zone out and really enjoy his me-time while traveling. With such a busy travel schedule, it “helps give me a moment to myself.” He also suggests employing one of his favorite travel hacks: Geerts often travels to big European cities like London, Paris, and Milan, and uses Google Maps to create pins whenever he hears or sees a cool spot in those places. The saved pins are instantly shareable—if you plan to surprise the special traveler in your life with a trip, try curating a List to show you really thought the itinerary through and always have some cool spots to fall back on while you’re abroad.