Christmas Gifts for Travelers: Essential Gear for Every Adventure

On planes and trains, AirPods Pro's excellent active noise cancellation makes a real difference; in our testing, cabin drone and chatter faded so music and podcasts stayed clear. Sound quality is much improved, and spatial audio adds immersion for movies, especially within Apple's ecosystem where features and pairing are seamless. They're pricey compared with many earbuds and offer limited benefits on Android. Also note the non-repairable design and serviceability over time, so treat them carefully if you travel hard and often.

If you rely on hotel or Airbnb Wi-Fi, the GL.iNet GL-MT3000 is a travel router that upgrades coverage and privacy, with Wi-Fi 6 speed and built-in OpenVPN and WireGuard to protect all your devices. We like its pocket size, USB-C power, and USB 3.0 port for tethering and storage on the road. Our experience shows repeater mode can be unstable on some firmware, and the 2.5G WAN port is picky. It also runs hot under load, so avoid cramming it into tight pouches.

In our testing, the Anker 737 Power Bank delivered true high-wattage charging, pushing up to 140W to keep power-hungry USB-C laptops and phones topped up fast. The built-in color display is surprisingly handy on the go, showing real-time output, remaining capacity, and charge status so you can plan airport or train stop refuels. Its 24,000 mAh (86.4 Wh) capacity stays airline-friendly, though the chassis is heavier and chunkier than pocket banks. There's no full pass-through or UPS mode and the price is higher, but frequent travelers will value the speed.

We like the Epicka TA-105 as a one-brick solution for multi-device travelers; in our testing, it charged up to six gadgets at once via its mix of USB-A, USB-C, and an AC outlet. The plug-lock system feels secure in unfamiliar sockets across 200+ countries, and built-in fuses and safety shutters add peace of mind. Be aware it doesn't convert voltage—ensure your devices support 100-240V—and the USB-C port isn't PD, so it won't fast-charge many modern laptops. After heavy, frequent use, some durability wear can appear.

The Anker Prime Charger is the travel power brick we'd trust to cover a laptop and phone at the same time. During our review, its compact body and three ports (two USB-C and one USB-A) delivered up to 100W total output, cutting charge times noticeably. It can run very warm under sustained fast charging and feels a bit heavy for its size, though. A few devices took a second try to recognize, but re-plugging resolved it quickly.

Few travel headphones hush the world like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra; during our review, cabin roar and office clatter nearly vanished, letting music and podcasts shine. The plush fit and upscale materials stayed comfortable through long layovers, and USB-C lossless audio was a nice perk for laptop sessions. Battery life is only middling for the class, especially with spatial or immersive modes on, and multiple users report occasional software glitches. Some also note thumps or creaks when walking, so they're best for seated listening.

For travelers who like plush support, the Free People Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow wraps the neck with a memory-foam core that contours and stays supportive. We found the removable, machine-washable cover handy after long hauls, and it compresses to about 60% with a travel pouch that makes packing straightforward. It does run warmer than some inflatable options and costs more than basic airport pillows. A few reviews note issues with clasps or zippers, so buying from a retailer with easy returns helps.

For red-eyes and bright hotel rooms, the Manta Sleep Mask Pro delivers near-complete blackout, and in our testing its C-shaped eye cups kept pressure off eyelids for deeper rest. The breathable, cooling materials and ventilated strap help regulate temperature, so you don't wake up sweaty mid-flight. Some users report the strap or Velcro can slip, and side sleepers may notice pressure marks from the cups. It's pricier than basic masks, but better blackout and comfort make it a worthy gift for sensitive sleepers.

Give their red-eye routine a serious upgrade with the Trtl Travel Pillow Plus. During our review, the internal plastic support system kept our head from bobbing, and the height-adjustable design made it easy to dial in a fit for different neck sizes. The machine-washable fleece cover is convenient after long trips, though it can feel warm, and the support can dig in if it's not positioned correctly. It's less packable than flatter or inflatable pillows, but the stability in transit is hard to beat.

We found the Bellroy Tech Kit to be a tidy way to corral chargers, cables, dongles, and small adapters, thanks to a clamshell design that opens flat for easy visibility. The structured soft-shell offers protection yet still squeezes into tight spaces, making it great for backpacks and carry-ons. Just know the internal pockets lack zippers, so very small items can slide out, and its boxy shape can feel bulky in a stuffed bag. During our review, some elastic loops loosened and light stitching wear appeared.

Packing feels calmer with the Peak Design Packing Cube keeping everything sorted. We found the durable, weatherproof 70D recycled ripstop fabric shrugs off abuse, and the UltraZip tear-away opening makes fast access a breeze. The internal divider separates clean and dirty clothes, though the compression zipper can snag and the quick-access pull tabs may accidentally open if tugged. Sizes and colors are limited versus some competitors, but for well-thought-out organization, this cube pulls its weight in a carry-on.

If they're ruthless about saving space, the Matador FlatPak Toiletry Bottle 3-Pack earns a spot in the kit. In our testing, each bottle is featherlight and compresses as you use it, and the screw-cap locks down tightly so it's less likely to pop open in transit. That said, some users report seam leaks, and it isn't compatible with alcohol-based liquids like sanitizer or mouthwash. Liquids can also thicken inside, so cleaning takes patience between trips; the 2-year warranty covers repair or replacement if one fails.

For off-grid peace of mind, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 is the tiny safety net we reach for. In our testing, its compact size and long battery life made it an easy addition to any pack, and the Iridium satellite network delivered worldwide messaging and SOS coverage. Composing messages on the device is slow and the compact antenna can struggle in obstructed terrain, so patience helps. Just remember it requires a paid subscription, which adds cost but unlocks the core features.

Peace of mind in a hotel room or rental is priceless, and the Kidde 10-Year Worry-Free CO Detector makes it easy to bring your own safety. During our review, we appreciated the sealed 10-year lithium battery and the clear digital display that shows current CO levels and event history. Because it's battery powered, placement is simple, though it costs more than basic plug-in units and offers no smart-home alerts. Note that some Kidde models have online reports of premature failures or false alarms.

For a simple layer of hotel-room security, this SABRE wedge alarm is an easy win, just slide it under an inward-swinging door and it blares a 120 dB alert. In our testing, the sound is piercing and carries down a hallway, and the compact, lightweight body disappears in a carry-on. It performs best on hard floors with standard door gaps; thick rugs or large gaps may prevent reliable triggering. Remember to pack a 9V battery, since one isn't included out of the box.

During our review, the Pacsafe Travelsafe X15 offered real peace of mind for hotel rooms, hostels, and rental cars, thanks to its 360° eXomesh slash-resistant wire mesh. It fits most 16-inch laptops in a padded, soft-lined sleeve and secures to fixed objects with the included stainless-steel anchor cable and Travel Sentry-approved combination lock. Just remember that lock is travel-grade, not high-security, and won't stop determined attacks. Our experience shows the number dials are low-contrast, so keep a light handy when accessing it in dim rooms.

Trail runners and campers will appreciate the Petzl Actik Core's powerful beam; in our testing it threw plenty of light for night hikes and campsite chores. The hybrid design is travel-friendly, accepting the included rechargeable CORE battery via USB-C or three standard AAA cells as a backup. Battery life in high mode is relatively short compared with competitors, and the battery door and pivot can feel stiff or fiddly. We also saw reports of headband clips detaching, so pack a spare or check the fit regularly.

The Grayl GeoPress is our go-to gift for travelers who want safe water anywhere. During our review, it produced a full 24 ounces in about 8-10 seconds and removed viruses, bacteria, protozoa, chemicals, heavy metals, and microplastics, impressive for a purifier bottle. Pressing requires real force and the bottle is heavier and bulkier than ultralight filters, so it's better for general travel than minimalist thru-hikes. Replacement cartridges are easy to swap and rated for roughly 65 gallons (about 350 presses), but their ongoing cost adds up.

Help them recover on the road with the Theragun Mini, a truly packable massager that fits in a carry-on or day bag. Our experience shows its battery lasts for multiple sessions and the included travel case plus attachment heads make targeted relief simple after long flights. It's not the quietest in practice and the smaller form can be harder to maneuver on the back or shoulders. Given the premium price and limited settings, it's best for travelers prioritizing portability over customization.

Aim for smoother airport sprints with the Away Carry-On, which glides on 360-degree spinner wheels. In our testing, the lightweight polycarbonate shell kept weight down while the interior compression system and pockets made packing simpler and more space-efficient. The glossy finishes can scuff and show wear if you end up checking it, and the telescoping handle doesn't feel as solid as some premium rivals over time. It's pricier than budget options, but the day-to-day usability is excellent.