If you’re shopping for travelers this holiday season, you know the best gifts are the ones that they will actually use.
Most of us have a closet full of gear that never makes the cut for real trips. I’ve learned to skip the gadgets that sound clever but end up gathering dust.
So when I’m purchasing something for a fellow frequent flier, I instead look for gifts that solve the little problems that pop up on every journey, like a stiff neck at cruising altitude, a passport that always seems to hide, or a suitcase that just won’t roll smoothly down a hotel hallway.
These five picks are the gifts I’d give to anyone, whether they fly every month or just once a year. And there’s something here for every budget, from practical finds to a true splurge.
In this article
Roam Carry-on Expandable ($650)
The Roam Carry-On Expandable in Newport is my go-to splurge for frequent travelers. The expansion zipper gives you 30% more space, which means you can pack those 'just in case' extras or bring home souvenirs without needing a second bag.
What sets it apart for me, though, are the ultra-smooth, Japanese-engineered 360° spinner wheels that glide like a dream. I can roll it with one finger, even over carpet in airports and hotels. I like mine so much that my husband is getting one under the tree this year.
If you’re gifting this, consider adding compression packing cubes to make packing even easier.
Quince Bella Stretch Palazzo Jeans ($60)
I skip loungewear when I travel, especially if I’m heading straight from the plane to a meeting or heading right to exploring a new city. Comfort still matters, though, which is why I love the Quince Bella Stretch Palazzo Jeans. They are great for the traveler on your list who wants to look put together while staying cozy.
I have the Midnight Blue pair, which always feels a bit more dressed up, and I usually pair them with a cozy cashmere sweater. The high-rise, wide-leg cut feels as relaxed as sweats but looks polished enough for dinner.
The Winglet by Unrattled ($99)
I wish I’d had The Winglet by Unrattled when I started flying with my kids. It would have saved me on our first long-haul flight to Hawaii, when my daughter was three months old and holding her on my lap for the entire trip felt endless.
This compact lap infant pillow gives babies and toddlers their own spot to feed, play, or just relax. Every parent could use an extra set of hands, and this buys you a few precious moments.
The included bag doubles as a personal item for boarding and then becomes a diaper bag once you arrive. It’s a thoughtful gift for parents traveling with babies or toddlers, especially if they’re flying with a lap infant.
Adventurist Backpacks Sidekick Crossbody ($39)
The Sidekick Crossbody from Adventurist Backpacks is my answer to the classic travel dilemma: how to keep your passport and phone handy without digging through a big tote. I have the Amber color, which adds a little brightness to any outfit.
The vertical design fits my passport, phone, and all the daily essentials, and somehow always has room for more. There’s a secure inner pocket for a passport, and the water-resistant fabric withstands spills and damp weather.
It’s a great pick for both frequent fliers and first-time international travelers. Plus, every bag sold provides 25 meals through Feeding America, so it’s a gift that gives back.
The Original Worm ($27 to $37)
Few things ruin a trip faster than waking up from a plane nap with a stiff neck. The Original Worm is a portable massage roller that combines the best of therapy balls and foam rollers and comes in two travel-friendly sizes.
On the plane, I use mine to roll out my feet and calves right in my seat to ease the tightness from hours of sitting. Once I get to the hotel, I use it to work out the neck kinks. It tucks easily into a backpack or carry-on, so it’s perfect for road trips, too.
Unlike many travel gadgets that don't live up to the hype, this one will earn its spot in your favorite travel bag.
The Shortcut
The Roam Carry-On Expandable costs $650, but its ability to glide over airport carpet is what makes it worth the splurge.
The Sidekick Crossbody is a great gift under $40 for anyone headed abroad, whether you’re a pro traveler or a novice, with an inner passport pocket that keeps travel documents secure and easy to find.
Need a gift under $30? The small Original Worm is $27 and works out neck and foot kinks whether you’re mid-flight or on a long drive.
