Christmas Gift Guide: Travel Edition

Whether you're shopping for one of those people who always seems to be in Europe or a reluctant business traveler who grinds their teeth at the mere mention of booking another flight — or you're looking for something to slip into your own stocking — the list below is your one-stop shop for all things travel.

Travel Essentials

• Passport holder - For anyone fighting the urge to bedazzle their passport, a passport holder can be the next best thing. Coming in all shapes, sizes, and designs — from purely utilitarian holder/wallet combos to, well, bedazzled ones — there's a passport holder for every frequent flier on your list.

• Lay-n-Go cosmetic bag - As one of those people who travels with their entire makeup collection, this cosmetic bag quickly became one of the items I couldn't live without. Not only does it collapse into a bundle small enough for a suitcase corner, but it also opens back up to reveal all the makeup exactly how it was placed — no more rummaging through compartments or packing and unpacking on hotel sinks!

• Luggage tags - Back when I was flying dozens of times a year, it was rare for my luggage tags to survive more than a few months, so I was always on the lookout for the next one. Like passport holders, they're easy to match to your giftee's personality and can help them quickly identify their luggage at baggage claim.

• Suitcase set - One of my biggest travel irritations was when my suitcase arrived on the baggage carousel with one less wheel or zipper than it had left with. It happens, I get it, but that still didn't mean I looked forward to shelling out another $100+ on a replacement. Even if your giftee hasn't suffered a similar fate (yet), it's always good to have an extra suitcase on hand, especially if it's part of a slick, matching set.

Travel Books

• The Lost Continent - Inspired by his childhood vacations, Bill Bryson embarks on a nearly-14,000-mile road trip across and around "small-town America," blending memoir and travelogue with his characteristic dry and self-deprecating humor. Ideal for fans of road tripping, Americana, 20th-century nostalgia, or comedy.

• Come Fly the World - Behind the glitz and glamour of Jet Age travel was a rigorous system that both liberated and restricted female flight attendants. Come Fly the World explores the social and political experiences of Pan Am stewardesses, from pre-flight weigh-ins to the battlefields of Vietnam. Ideal for frequent fliers and students of midcentury or women's history.

• Where To Go When - This gorgeous coffee table book by DK (of Eyewitness Books fame) breaks down the best places to go by month, with maps, photography, and tips for trip planning. Whether the person on your list is actively looking for their next destination or just likes to daydream, this book is ideal for any traveler.

Travel Accessories and Jewelry

• KJP - From sailor knot bracelets to signal flag monograms, this Rhode Island-based brand creates clothes, accessories, and jewelry inspired by New England's nautical heritage. The theme even extends to packaging, making their products instantly giftable!

• Jet Set Candy - Hearkening back to the days of charm bracelets, Jet Set Candy offers hundreds of customizable bracelets and necklaces, with charm options ranging from ultra-personalized boarding passes to cheeky basics like Italian scooters and MetroCards.

• Vagabond Life - A more minimalistic take on the charm bracelet, Vagabond Life creates stackable engraved rings to commemorate travel milestones, from countries and cities to national parks and landmarks. If you're looking to start a gifting tradition, you could give new rings based on your giftee's travels for each year.

• Rebel Nell - Based in Detroit, Rebel Nell collaborates with local tourist sites to repurpose discarded materials into unique jewelry and accessories. Think rings made from the Grand Hotel's wallpaper and tie clips made from the Fox Theatre's seats.

• AGA Correa & Son - If you're in the market for a big ticket item, consider something from this family-owned shop specializing in nautical-inspired jewelry. The only time I regretted not having pierced ears was when I saw their port and starboard earrings.

• PlaneTags - Whether you're shopping for a pilot or a passenger, an airline loyalist or an aviation historian, PlaneTags will bring a piece of their favorite plane into their home. Think coasters made from the Gimli Glider or keyrings made from a Delta 767.

Travel Experiences

• The Adventure Challenge - For the person who wants to add a little more spontaneity to their life, Adventure Challenge books offer pages of adventures that remain secret until you scratch them off. With books for individuals and families, there's an Adventure Challenge for every giftee — even a dedicated Travel Edition for couples!

• National parks entrance pass - Whether the person on your list has a favorite national park or aspires to visit them all, the National Park Service has an entrance pass for them. The Annual Pass will cover their entrance to a park or park group, while the America The Beautiful pass covers entrance to thousands of federal recreation areas.

• TSA PreCheck payment - While you can't submit someone's PreCheck application for them, you can give them the cash to apply or renew. Especially if you know someone will be flying for the first time, PreCheck's expedited airport security process makes a potentially stressful situation a lot more palatable.

• Reach International Outfitters adventure cards - Help your giftee rediscover their city or state with these scratch-off adventure cards. Each deck comes with 50 cards suggesting staycation ideas — some outdoorsy, some nighttime, some just an hour, all a surprise until they're scratched off!

  
  

Travel Subscriptions

• National Maritime Historical Society - Sailing and history, art and literature meet in the pages of Sea History. With a gift membership, your giftee will receive a subscription to Sea History, access to newsletters, and (at some levels) free entry to almost 100 maritime museums; plus, a donation will be made in their name to the National Maritime Historical Society.

• National Air and Space Museum - With membership levels that are extravagant while still being affordable, this is a must for any plane spotter on your list. At its most basic level, they'll receive a subscription to Air & Space Quarterly, members-only benefits, a calendar, and museum store discounts, all while supporting the Smithsonian.

• Universal Yums - Whether your giftee has been dreaming about that tiramisu they had in Italy or want to visit an English pub from the comfort of their couch, Universal Yums will scratch their snacking itch. Each box is themed around a specific country, with snacks, candy, drinks, and activity books.

Travel Reminders

• Travel Map - I know I say this a lot, but there really is a decorative map for everyone to remember their travels by — whether it's a pushpin map of the world or a scratch-off map of their country, a watercolor map of national parks or a 3D map of baseball stadiums. As the proud owner of one, I can also guarantee they make great conversation starters!

• Homesick Candles - Whether these candles actually smell like the places they're named after is debatable (personally, I think the Tuscaloosa candle should smell like the bread factory on 15th Street). But sometimes, just seeing the name is all it takes to transport you back to a favorite destination. And, again, it's a great conversation piece.

• Q&A a Day for Travelers - This miniature three-year journal asks 365 travel-related questions, giving your giftee a place to reflect on past trips and see how their answers change over the years. (Note: Given the nature of the questions, this journal is best for those who have done some international travel.)