Tonight we’ve got the best gifts for saying “bon voyage.” Plus:
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| Bandolier, Wendy Gold, State Bags; illustrations by Con McHugh for NYT Wirecutter |
I’ve been to over 26 countries. Here’s what I gift the travelers in my life. |
Every year, I keep a list of all the places I’ve slept. It includes single overnights, international journeys, work trips — basically any bed that isn’t in my bedroom. In 2024, I spent 102 nights away; so far, in 2026, it’s 36.
In my lifetime, I’ve traveled to more than 26 countries and stayed in everything from gross truck-stop motels in Mexico in my 20s to bougie resorts for the rich and famous in Los Angeles. This is a big reason my editors have given me our guide to the best gifts for frequent travelers: I was born with a bad case of wanderlust, and I have a hard time staying put.
I’ve passed that wanderlust along to my husband and twins. After nearly 20 years of traveling as a family of four, we’ve developed some rules, including always use a clean bathroom when it’s available (even if you don’t think you have to), and always pack a bathing suit. And I’ve become something of an expert on must-haves, nice-to-haves, and definitely-don’t-needs when it comes to packing.
I bring that same rigor when I think about the best gifts for travelers: No jetsetter wants finnicky clothing, unnecessary extras, or cute-but-useless trinkets to weigh them down. But the right tool or treasure can be an unexpected boon to make even the most well-traveled globetrotter’s trip smoother.
Below are a few of my all-time favorite gifts — whether you’re shopping for someone about to embark on their first big trip (a new grad, perhaps?) or someone with a passport full of stamps.
- Ever since I discovered this carry-on bag, I’ve never looked back. It hits a quadfecta of travel necessities: It’s roomy enough for a weekend’s worth of clothes, yet small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. It’s made of lightweight, durable nylon. It has an easy, minimalist style. And a thick luggage strap connects it securely to a roller bag. I take my tomato red version everywhere and roll through airports like a boss.
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- On the subject of bags: This set of colorful zippered pouches is a perfect travel companion to any tote — but especially ones without many pockets. They easily organize chargers, cosmetics, and other doodads in bright, easy-to-find colors.
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- Not to brag, but I was an early adopter of the crossbody phone strap. It’s especially great for traveling, because it simplifies things like paying, ticket scanning, and picture taking. I love how this one is durable, adjustable, and stylish enough to wear hiking in the wilderness or walking the streets of Milan. I take it a step further and carry the handsome leather one, which has a small wallet for cards and cash.
- And while you can buy an attachable earbud case or a strap with a glasses case separately, at that point, your traveling friend may just prefer a crossbody bag. This roomy but understated fanny pack with two zippered compartments has gone everywhere I’ve gone for the past four years. Opt for the long strap option to ensure it fits over bulky coats.
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- I did a lot of roughing it on the road in my younger years, and recently my son has followed suit. A few years ago, he spent a summer in rural Panama (without a phone!). He stayed hydrated as he helped build a footbridge in the heat with this water bottle. Its built-in filter lets adventurers drink from any tap or waterway without worrying about contaminants. This thin silk sleep sack was clutch in the tropics, where it’s too hot for blankets or a sleeping bag, but some sort of cover is still desired. It’s washable and folds up into almost nothing. Lastly — and this is a gift for only your nearest and dearest — these unscented wipes come in handy where showers are scarce and bathrooms are less-than-reliable.
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- On the other end of the spectrum, a few splurges for the fancier traveler in your life: This luxe toiletry bag keeps products upright, visible, and easy to grab. A pair of these cashmere loungers with a matching crewneck would be such a comfy luxury on an overnight flight. I am a loyal paperback reader, but even I love to travel with my waterproof e-reader, which allows me to stock up on books for every mood, plus guidebooks, while adding just 6 ounces to my carry-on.
- And finally, for the traveler who likes to keep track of their voyages: These handmade, geographically accurate pushpin globes turn on hardwood bases and come with pins, labels, and string to mark each destination or journey. They also make personalized versions, and, my favorite: gorgeous, one-of-a-kind decoupaged globes. Any of them would make a lovely wedding or graduation gift to encourage a lifetime of adventuring, which I believe is the best present out there. Just ask my husband, who didn’t even have a passport when I met him 27 years ago, and now has more than a dozen countries under his belt.
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Our ultimate guide to gifts for travelers→
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More (on-sale!) things we love for travel |
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What to give: A coffee enthusiast? |  |
I need help shopping for my girlfriend who’s a huge coffee enthusiast. She’s also a Q Grader, similar to a wine sommelier. I’d love some ideas of a few things I can gift her throughout the year. — A.J.
From gifting expert Hannah Morrill:
I have it on good authority that this encyclopedic tome by World Barista Champion James Hoffmann is an informative delight for caffeine-philes of all expertise levels. In that same vein, this Beautiful Mind-style coffee chart, which meticulously diagrams the dozens of ways coffee is prepared worldwide, could be great in a home office. I’m also wild about these teeny, tiny New York City to-go coffee cup charms (in silver or sold-out-for-now gold) — I love how the lid actually comes off. And if she doesn’t already have a ceramic version of the diner kitsch classic, now is the time.
Lastly, I know it’s a tall order to buy actual beans for someone of her expertise, but I have a hunch she’d love the Roaster’s Choice Subscription, a favorite of our kitchen team for adventurous coffee connoisseurs. (Recent selections include the Sebastian Ramirez roast, with beans co-fermented alongside watermelons.)
Have someone who’s impossible to shop for? Submit your question here.
One last gift (for you): This solid moisturizer bar makes skin feel super soft and comes in a beautiful, glide-top bamboo canister. It’s on sale today.
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