What do you get someone who values experiences and travel over things? While I’m sure they’d love a plane ticket, there are some more reasonably priced things that can make travel easier for them. Here are some of my favourites items. Please note as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
1. Expandable Tote Bag
No matter how hard I try, I seem to end up with more things on the way home from a trip that don’t quite fit in my camera bag and purse so an expandable tote bag becomes my personal item and lets me comfortably put my purse inside plus all those extras. It fits nicely under the seat in front of me and has a trolley sleeve making it even easier to carry if you have a wheeled carry-on bag. It’s packs up small so I bring it in my checked bag and inevitably end up using it to come home.
2. Compression Packing Cubes
Compression packing cubes make packing and repacking while travelling so much easier! I used to have regular packing cubes but the ones that compress give you extra space so you bring home more souvenirs!
3. Compression Socks
After a friend, who at 39 years old, had a blood clot almost kill her after a flight, I have worn compression socks on every long-haul flight. If you aren’t lucky enough to get a lay-flay seat in business or first class, this will help prevent swelling and pain in your legs from sitting for long periods and can potentially be life saving!
4. trtl Neck Pillow
I’ve tried several types but I love how compact the trtl Neck Pillow is, making it easy to simply pack away in my checked bag while travelling after landing.
5. Portable Charger/Battery Pack
Our phones have become such important tools that the last thing you want is to have the battery drain before you have a chance to plug it in so I always travel with a portable charger/battery pack. I particularly like this one that will start charging as soon as the magnet locks onto my iPhone but it also has cable to help charge other devices – including non-Magsafe compatible phones.
6. Merino Clothing
Merino wool is soft, odor resistant, wicks away moisture and is easy to hand wash while also drying quickly. Perfect for someone who wants to travel light. Icebreaker and Unbound Merino are two trusted brands but most outdoor and sporting goods stores may have other options as well.
7. Travel Purse or Belt Bag
I love Travelon bags that have RFID pockets for you passport, are slash and water resistant and have clips to lock your zippers. A belt bag is also nice since you can carry it close to your chest and worry less about being pickpocketed. I like the one by Vessi because it’s also waterproof (I’m also a HUGE fan of their shoes for travel). Wear the strap under a jacket for extra protection.
8. Tile or Air Tags
Loosing your luggage is always a concern so having a tracking device can give you peace of mind when you check your bag. I’ve been using Tile tracker tags for years – before Apple Air Tags came out. I have the slim version that’s about the size of a credit card and fits in my wallet. I like to put one in my camera bag as well. At home, we even have some on our car keys in case we misplace them.
9. Camera Rain Cover
A rain cover isn’t just for rain, it’s great for sandy deserts, ocean spray and dusty areas too. You can get simple clear ones that pack up small or something more heavy duty if they are planning a trip to somewhere very wet.
10. Travel Tripod
Feeling a little more generous? A carbon fibre travel tripod is compact and light but still solid enough when you want to stabilize a camera in low light for night photography or doing a timelapse or video. If carbon fibre is a bit too pricey, aluminum tripods are also lightweight just not quite as sturdy. Top brands include Peak Design, Manfrotto, Gitzo and Benro. If you can, pop into a good camera store like Vistek or Henry’s in Canada to have a look and feel as well as get some advice from the expert sales team. In the US, my go-to is B&H Photo where I ordered an Oben travel tripod many years ago that is still working well for me.
Do you have any items you don’t leave home without? Let us know in the comments below!