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Writer's pictureMackenzie

Gift Guide for your Travelin' Friends

Updated: Dec 4, 2022

Since the holiday season is right around the corner, it is time to start buying your gifts! If you are looking for gifts for a traveler, look no further because I have gathered some of the best items that I have been given, have been recommended, or purchased myself for my travels.


A heavy-duty roller suitcase or carry-on. Not all suitcases are made the same and if you have ever traveled, you know this is true. Suitcases get beat up while they are being thrown under the plane, so a heavy-duty suitcase is a must for avid travelers.

The first suitcase that I will mention is the Pelican Air 1615 Case. This suitcase is pretty spendy, but last for a long time compared to its competitors. The case itself is not only durable, but also waterproof, dust resistant, and crush proof. The Pelican Air 1615 Case is also great for any friends that travel with expensive equipment (ie. cameras, camcorders, etc.) because it comes with foam that you are able to cut out to hold your items perfectly. The only downside? It only has 2 wheels instead of 4. You can get it from Amazon for $338.95.

Credit: Away Travel

The second suitcase I will mention, that I haven't had the pleasure of owning myself, but hope to someday, is the Away Suitcase. These suitcases also come with a heftier pricetag, but from the multiple 5-star reviews, it's not hard to see why. These suitcases come with 4 wheels, a TSA approved lock, a 100-day trial period, and a lifetime warranty to back up their product. These downside of these suitcases is that they do not have a clasp closure, just a zipper, so in the off-chance that the zipper does break, there is no back-up to close your suitcase, so I would pair with some suitcase straps just to be safe!


Luggage straps. Speaking of luggage straps, that is the next on my list! These inexpensive items are great for the traveler in your life and is something that anyone with a zipper suitcase should have in their arsenal!

Credit: Amazon

There are so many options available for luggage straps, but I will highlight two! The first is the ones in the picture made by Gutsdoor. These are some of the most visible ones I can find, which makes finding your luggage on the belt WAY easier than attempting to identify which black hard case suitcase is yours. These fun options come in at $24 for four straps!


The other option that comes with extra security for your things are made by Samsonite and are accompanied by a 4-digit code that is required to open the luggage straps. These straps come in at $9.00 for one strap on Amazon.


An electronic luggage scale. Nothing is more anxiety inducing than getting to the airport, checking your bag, and then finding out that your suitcase is too heavy and you have to move some of your items to your already overflowing carry on.

Credit: Amazon

Amazon has a ton of options for this item, but this one from Etekcity has the most 5-star reviews of them all. It can measure bags up to 110 pounds (hopefully you don't ever need to weigh a bag that heavy) and is small enough that you can throw it into your bag when you are done with it without having to worry about the extra weight. When I travel, I have a non-electric version of this, but it doesn't seem to be correct most of the time and the metal bar that holds the luggage handle tends to fly off occasionally, leaving me with sore toes and angry downstairs neighbors. Not to mention, this scale is only $11!


Hidden compartment scrunchies. Yep, you read that right. Scrunchies with a hidden compartment for extra cash, keys, or anything else that is small and valuable.

Credit: Amazon

I do love a good scrunchie moment, especially when they have dual purpose! I originally saw these Loki Stashed scrunchies on TikTok and knew I needed to buy them. Not only are these great for traveling, especially when you are trying to travel light, but also for going on runs, running a quick errand where you don't want to bring your whole bag and wallet, or if you simply need a cute scrunchie to pull your hair back. Not to mention, they are so affordable, coming in at $12 for a pack of three scrunchies! What more could you ask for?!



Cotopaxi Hip Pack. Fanny packs are coming back in style and they are fantastic when you are on the go and don't want to carry around your entire traveling backpack or suitcase with you while exploring.

Credit: Amazon

Each Cotopaxi Hip Pack is unique and made by hand by a worker in the Phillipines. Each worker gets complete artistic control over the colorway of the packs they make, which means you will get a one-of-a-kind item! How much fun is that! I love being able to throw some cash, my phone, a credit card, keys, and my ID into my fanny pack and run out the door. Not having a huge, heavy backpack

is so nice when I am leaving the hostel for

the day and can leave the rest of my stuff

in a locker back where I am staying.



Hydroflask Water Bottle. Last, but not least is the Hydroflask water bottle. Keep the traveler in your life hydrated while they are on the go with cold water all day.

Credit: Amazon

While they are a bit on the pricey side for a water bottle, I never use anything else because it keeps my water so cold and, let's be real, they're aesthetically pleasing. One of the best parts about Hydroflasks, aside from what I have already said, is that they come in a so many sizes and colors. You can also choose different lid types depending on if you want a straw, an athletic lid, or a simple screw-on like the one in the picture here.


Another great thing about Hydroflasks is that they are easy to find in most sporting goods stores, so they make great last-minute gifts for that one family member that never tells you they are coming to the holiday festivities until the last minute, white elephant gift exchanges, or Holiday Harry. 10/10 would recommend.




For more gift ideas for the travelers in your life, check out my blog post about products to stay safe while traveling solo!


Happy Holidays and safe travels!!


*please note that this post contains affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on my site at no additional cost to you.

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