The Best Gifts for Travelers, According to WIRED’s Frequent Fliers

Even the mostseasoned globe-trotter likely finds traveling stressful. Between panic-packing, navigating cramped terminals, and living out of a suitcase, each phase of being away from home can be overstimulating. That’s why the best gifts for travelers are ones that focus on ease and peace of mind.

Jet-setters may think they have their travel routine down to a science, but the perfect gift can enhance any experience, whether it's a three-day business retreat or a two-week adventure across Europe. Below, find my favorite gifts for frequent travelers, from an essential suitcase set and a portable e-reader to comfortable compression socks and the perfect neck pillow.

For more travel gifts, check out our guides to theBest Travel Tote Bags,Gifts for Women, and theBest Stocking Stuffers.

Featured in This Gift Guide

A Matching Luggage Set

• Courtesy of Quince
• Courtesy of Quince
• Courtesy of Quince

Quince

Expandable Small Carry-On & Large Check-In Suitcase Set

Every traveler needs a luggage set that includes a checked case and a carry-on. Chances are, the jet-setter in your life already has one they love. But if they’re due for a refresh, this set from Quince is an excellent (and expandable) gift. The brand makes some of my favorite travel gear, with pieces that look remarkably similar to designs from premium brands—but at a fraction of the price. This set comes in a range of minimalist colors and has all the features you could want in luggage, including 360-degree spinner wheels, a TSA-approved lock, and high-quality zippers.

Vacation Reading

• Photograph: Nena Farrell
• Photograph: Nena Farrell

Amazon

Kindle Paperwhite and Paperwhite Signature Edition (2024, 12th Generation)

For the bookworm who’s always traveling, theKindle Paperwhiteis the obvious gift. ReviewerNena Farrellsaysthe 12th-generation model has the highest contrast ratio of any Kindle and lasts up to three months on a single charge. Whether you're reading in direct sun or a dim plane cabin, its 7-inch display is crisp and easy on the eyes thanks to its warm backlighting. Plus, its IPX8 waterproofing rating means you can confidently read poolside without worrying about water damage. The Signature Edition adds wireless charging, auto-brightness, and double the storage at 32 GB.

Check out our guides to theBest Kindlesand theBest E-Readersfor more recommendations.

Passport Control

• Photograph: Kat Merck
• Photograph: Kat Merck

Calpak

Luka Zip Passport Wallet

If you’re traveling abroad—or just don’t yet have yourReal ID—a travel wallet is a must. The puffy Luka from Calpak comes in 23 colors, so you’re sure to find an option that fits your giftee’s vibe. It’s got plenty of room for cash, cards, your passport, and other documents, and it zips securely for peace of mind. Just note that it is quite large—about the size of a mass-market paperback. On the plus side, this makes it easy to find at a glance in a big bag or backpack. On the minus, a flight attendant once asked me to put it in the overhead compartment when she saw it on my lap.—Kat Merck

Travel Organizer

• Photograph: Kat Merck
• Photograph: Kat Merck
• Courtesy of Eagle Creek

Eagle Creek

Pack-It Reveal Carry-On Set

Frequent travelers who don't use collapsible cubes when packing arestruggling, and they don't even know it. Give them this travel tip: Eagle Creek's set isthe best, made of durable fabric with compression and high-quality zipper pulls. EditorKat Mercksays there's just enough mesh for air circulation to prevent odor buildup or fabric degradation, and the bottom and back of the cubes are opaque for privacy. They're water-resistant and designed with a top handle. The largest cube in this set is also split into two sections for clean clothes and dirty laundry. Eagle Creek also sells larger setsfor extended staysandslim cubesto help you maximize narrow spaces in your luggage.

Check out our guide to theBest Packing Cubesfor more recommendations.

Sun Block

• Photograph: Nena Farrell
• Photograph: Nena Farrell

Solbari

Resort Wide Brim Sun Hat

Do you know a frequent traveler who’s always headed somewhere sunny and always comes back with a sunburn as a souvenir? Solbari’s hats make the perfect gift, as they're all designed for sun protection with built-in Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). As a resident of sunny San Diego, I wear this UPF 50+ hat often to protect my face and scalp, but it would work well anywhere. It travels well, too, since it’s soft, flexible, and doesn't take up much space. I regularly stow it in the bottom of my beach bag or stroller, and it would also be easy to pack in acarry-on.—Nena Farrell

Glam to Go

• Photograph: Kat Merck
• Photograph: Kat Merck

Afform

Traveller

This is my all-time favorite travel makeup bag. It comes in eight colors and three sizes (small, medium, and large). The medium has enough room for all the makeup I need for a two-week trip, and I'm an overpacker. It has 15 small pockets in addition to four larger mesh pockets, three flexible compartments, and two adjustable dividers, meaning you'll have a designated spot for nearly every product you own, including your makeup brushes. The customizable layout lets you configure it around what you actually pack. And it also feels and looks luxe. For everyday needs, get the small. The medium is my pick for short trips, and the large has enough space to double as a toiletry bag for longer trips.

Baggage Tracker

• Photograph: Alamy
• Photograph: James D. Morgan/Getty Images

Apple

AirTag (2nd Generation)

Airports are chaotic enough without needing to worry about losing your luggage.AirTags can be a bit divisive, but they’re the best way to keep tabs on your valuables if you have an iPhone. Plus, with busy flights often leading to last-minute gate checks and delays, AirTags are well worth the extra security. If your friend or loved one is anAndroiduser, I recommend theChipolo Popinstead.

Check out our guide to theBest Bluetooth Trackersfor more recommendations.

Lights Out

Courtesy of Bearaby

Bearaby

Tencel Sleep Mask

Traveling means sacrificing the comfort of your bed and sometimes facing unpredictable sleeping conditions. An eye mask for sleep is a small luxury that can make even the least ideal sleep arrangements more tolerable. I love Bearaby's full temple-to-temple coverage and gentle fit that doesn't squeeze your head. Made from natural eucalyptus fibers, it's breathable and anti-frizz, which is perfect for anyone who styles their hair before flights.

Check out our guide to theBest Sleep Masksfor more recommendations.

Stay Cozy

• Photograph: Kat Merck
• Photograph: Kat Merck
• Photograph: Kat Merck

Rumpl

Travel Puffy Blanket

If I’m traveling away from home, whether for a day or a week, it’s a sure bet that I have Rumpl’s machine-washable Travel Puffy with me. I’ve had to use it for countless unexpected situations—sitting on something cold or wet, napping or relaxing at the airport or on a cold airplane, using it as a beach or picnic blanket, or just wearing it as a poncho because I forgot a jacket. (It has a little clip in the front for this purpose.) It’s also super easy to return it to its 4-by-10-inch dry-bag-style stuff sack, which can slip into a travel backpack’s water bottle slot or clip onto a loop or MOLLE webbing.—Kat Merck

A Portable Charging Station

Photograph: Simon Hill

Anker

MagGo 3-in-1 Charging Station (Qi2)

This portable 3-in-1 charger is a great gift for on-the-go Apple lovers. It delivers up to 15 watts to an iPhone or anyQi2-certifieddevice via an adjustable magnetic pad, so you can doomscrollwhileyou 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 5-foot USB-C cable and a wall adapter, all backed by a two-year warranty.

Check out our guides to theBest Apple 3-in-1 Wireless Chargers,Best Power Banks, andBest Portable Chargersfor more recommendations.

Comfort in Coach

Courtesy of Trtl

Trtl

Neck Pillow

You don’t normally realize you need a travel pillow until 45 minutes before an international flight, when you’re standing in the Hudson News debating whether the overpriced U-shaped bolster is worth it. (It isn’t.) Save your friend the agony and get them the Trtl Neck Pillow. It may look corny, but it’s my favorite travel pillow. 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.

Check out our guide to theBest Travel Pillowsfor more recommendations.

Stay Charged Abroad

• Photograph: Simon Hill
• Photograph: Simon Hill

Ceptics

GAN 100W Universal Travel Adapter

This 100-watt universal travel adapter covers more than 200 countries and can charge multiple devices at once. The classic slider design pushes out EU, UK, and US plugs, and you can rotate the pins for sockets in Australia and China. There’s a universal input socket, an additional side socket for US or Japanese plugs, and two USB-C ports and two USB-A ports on the bottom. ReviewerSimon Hillespecially loves the retractable USB-C cable, which is around 25 inches long, delivers up to 100 watts in total, and saves you from having to pack an extra cable.

Check out our guide to theBest Travel Adaptersfor more recommendations.

Happy Feet

Courtesy of Bombas

Bombas

Men's Everyday Compression Sock 3-Pack (15-20mmHg)

No matter how short or long the flight, I don’t fly without the Bombas compression socks. Available in men’s and women’s styles, these medium-compression socks (15 to 20 mmHg) support healthy circulation, reduce and relieve swelling, and help speed up recovery after long days of travel and sightseeing. Bombas also gives back with every purchase, donating a pair of socks to someone in need.

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is a product writer and reviewer at WIRED, covering consumer wearables, wellness tech, and

. She specializes in

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, and more. Before joining the Gear team, she was a music editorial fellow at Pitchfork. She also worked as a freelance journalist, covering fashion, ...

Product Writer & Reviewer

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