The 24 Best Gifts for Travelers 2013

gifts for travelers

UPDATE:  If you want to see even more gift ideas, check out our brand new list for 2014.  Of course, all the ones on this 2013 list are still highly recommended as well!

We’re only a couple weeks away from Christmas and you’re still clueless about what to get your favorite traveler.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

From close to $400 to less than $1, we’ve picked out travel gifts that fit in any budget.

And with gifts ranging from backpacks to fuzzy socks, from noise canceling headphones to scratch maps, there’s something here for everyone.

We even brought in a fashion expert for a section solely devoted to women travelers!

So start shopping, and happy holidays!

A Travel Backpack

This is the most important piece of travel gear you’ll own, and so it pays to spend some money and find yourself a good one.

Personally, I always recommend traveling with just carry-on for a few reasons.

  • With almost every airline charging for checked bags, it saves you money.
  • It saves you a ton of time.  Once the plane lands, you walk off and you’re done.  No waiting in line.
  • It saves you a lot of hassle while you’re actually traveling.  Simply throw your pack on your back and go.

I’ve got two recommendations, depending on what you want.

1.  Osprey Farpoint 70L Travel Pack

Osprey-Farpoint-70-with-daypack

This is the pack I’ve been traveling with for the last 2 years.

It’s lightweight, roomy, durable and comes with an super handy 15 liter day pack (that can zip on to the main pack).

Also, the backpack straps can be stowed away and hidden so they don’t get caught.

While it’s “technically” too tall for carry-on dimensions, I’ve had it on over 30 flights (including with strict airlines like Air Asia and RyanAir) and never once had a problem.

On Amazon for as low as $159

2. Tortuga Backpack

 Tortuga-Backpacks

If you want a great, durable pack that you don’t have to sneak by the gate agents, the Tortuga is the pack for you.

I recently got my first Tortuga, which is produced by EPoP’er Fred Perrotta, and can attest to it’s roominess.

In fact, the Tortuga is the largest legal carry-on pack you can buy.

It’s unique design allows you to maximize the space available while still being carry-on dimensions, and it comes with tons of different pockets and compartments, perfect for keeping your stuff organized while on the road.

It’s also got a heavily padded shoulder straps and hip belt, which makes it more comfortable than most other backpacks on the market.

Bonus: EPoP readers get a special $20 off.  Just listen to my podcast with Tortuga founder Fred Perotta for the discount code!

Buy at Tortuga Backpacks for $179 (if you use the discount code in the podcast)

Noise Canceling Headphones

For anyone who flies frequently, this is a must.

Drown out the crying baby or snoring passenger next to you and fly in peace.

3.  Parrot Zik Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones

Parrot Zik, the gold standard of noise canceling headphones.

Parrot Zik, the gold standard of noise canceling headphones.

The gold standard, both in price and quality.

Not only are they amazing at noise canceling, but they are also wireless and you can sync them up to your music player through bluetooth.

Want to change the settings on your music?  Simply touch the headphones.

And if the battery does die, you can plug them in with a standard headphone cord.

If you want the best, grab a pair of these bad boys.

On Amazon for $384.

4.  Monoprice Noise Canceling Headphones

Monoprice-noise-canceling-headphones

If you want a cheaper pair that doesn’t have all the bells and whistles but are still noise-canceling, I’ve heard good things about Monoprice’s headphones.

On Monoprice’s website for $113.

Gadgets

Every traveler worth their salt knows that certain gadgets can make their life much easier on the road.

Grab these gadgets and know that you’re prepared no matter where you’re headed.

5.  Macbook Air 13 inch

Work from anywhere with you Macbook Air, the world's best travel laptop.

Work from anywhere with you Macbook Air, the world’s best travel laptop.

Really want to spoil your favorite traveler?  Get him the best travel laptop available.

Does everyone NEED a computer for traveling? Probably not, but if you do, there is nothing that comes close to the slim, light, and yet powerful Macbook Air.

As someone who used to carry around a 15″ Macbook Pro, my back thanks me now!

On Amazon for $1,049

6.  Tripshell World Travel Adapter

tripshell-travel-adapter

Don’t show up in a country unable to charge your electronics.  Grab this baby and be safe in over 150 countries.

Bonus: It’s got two USB ports to charge phones.

On Amazon for $24.99

7.  Monster Outlets to Go Power Strip

Monster-outlets-to-go

Provides four outlets and also folds up flat, which minimizes the space it takes up.

Combine this with the Tripshell World Adapter and you’ll always have 4 plugs available!

On Amazon for $9.49

8.  EatSmart Digital Luggage Scale

Eat-Smart-Digital-Luggage-Scale

Find out exactly how heavy your luggage is BEFORE getting to the airport.

No nasty surprises, no insane baggage fees.

I got this last year for Christmas, and it’s been a live saver on multiple trips since.

On Amazon for $19.95

9.  XtraFlex2 LED Book Light

Xtraflex-2-book-light

Perfect for when you can’t sleep and want to stay up all night reading your guidebook, planning your next day’s excursion (and those around you aren’t quite as excited)!

On Amazon for $13.78

Sleep/Health

No one wants to be sick or overly tired when traveling.

Make sure you’re always in tip top shape with some of these gifts.

10.  SleepMaster Eye Mask

sleepmaster-eye-mask

Blinds not cutting out the early morning sun? Don these puppies and sleep for days!

On Amazon for $23.95

11.  PackTowl UltraLite quick drying towel

The Packtowl Ultralite dries quickly and takes up almost no space.

The Packtowl Ultralite dries quickly and takes up almost no space.

When I get home, this is the one item that never gets unpacked, and therefore, I never forget it.

It’s soft, takes up almost no space and dries in a flash.  I’d recommend the XL size.  Absolutely essential.

On Amazon for $20 (for XL size)

12.  CamelBak All Clear Purifying Water Bottle

camelbak-all-clear-water-bottle

Always confused by whether the water in another country is safe to drink?

Take the guess work out of it and save yourself some serious stomach issues by grabbing this handy tool.

Fill up from a spigot or stream, it doesn’t matter.  In 60 seconds, you’ll have a water bottle full of purified water.

I’m certainly hoping to find this in my stocking this year!

On Amazon for $77

Books/Movies/Miscellaneous Must Have

What’s the best thing to do when you’re not traveling?

Watching and reading about other people’s experiences!

If you’re stuck without a trip in the near future, get lost in someone else’s adventures with these books and movies.

13. Long Way Round DVD set

long-way-round

The epic story of Ewan McGregor (yes, that Ewan McGregor) and his pal Charley Boorman as they attempt to ride around the world on motorcycles.

I’ve seen each episode at least 3 times, and yet, I still finding myself pining to watch it again.

Be warned:  After watching, you’ll want to undertake your own similarly absurd adventure!

On Amazon for $12

14. Long Way Down DVD Set

long-way-down

If one epic quest isn’t enough for you (and it wasn’t for me), how about a second?

Ewan and Charley are back, this time riding from the very top of Scotland to the very bottom of Africa.

Again, on motorcycles.

And again, with some amazing stories to share while doing it.

On Amazon for $16

15. The Majic Bus

Majic-bus

To this day, my absolute favorite travel book of all time.

What can get better than a professor cramming a group of students in to a sleeper bus for a 6 week traveling summer course, visiting 30 states and 10 national parks, all while reading some of the greatest writers of the modern generation?

Since the course is no longer offered, take the next best thing and read the book!

On Amazon for less than $1

16. Luckies of London Scratch Map

luckies-scratch-mapWhat better way to reminisce about where you’ve been (or show off to others) than a scratch map?

Every time you go somewhere new, come home and scratch off that area, revealing the map behind it.

All the fun of buying lottery tickets, just less expensive and better for travelers!

I’ve got one of these hanging in my office, and it’s one of the coolest gift ideas I’ve ever seen.

And there are multiple types, ranging from the US to country specific maps.

On Amazon for $20

For Men

These two items have made my travel life infinitely better and saved me tons of room in my pack.

17. Merrell Trail Glove Barefoot Running Shoe

Merrell-trail-glove-sneakers

Some sort of sneaker is essential on almost all trips, but they always take up so much room.

That is, until I stumbled upon Merrell Barefoot running shoes.

No, I don’t use them for running at all, but they are perfect travel shoe.

They’re super comfortable, weigh next to nothing, and take up less than 1/3 the space of a regular sneakers.

They’re also semi-waterproof, making them perfect for outdoor activities like kayaking, trekking, or canyoning.

Now, they’re the only sneaker I ever travel with.

On Amazon for as low as $59

18. Adidas Climalite Boxer Briefs

Adidas-Climalite-boxers

Traveling to a hot location? Cotton underwear just isn’t going to cut it!

These will keep you dry all day and can be washed easily in the sink if need be.

On Amazon for $16 (2 pack)

 For Women

For the more discerning gender, personal favorites brought to you by world traveler Heather Sherry, the mastermind behind the popular fashion blog Sartorial Stripes.

19. DKNY Cozy Wrap

DKNY-cozy-wrap

 

This is by far the most versatile sweater out there, and is perfect for travel because it is comfortable, lightweight, and warm.

It can literally be worn twelve different ways, and even comes with a book demonstrating the different looks.

On DKNY.com for $195 or $60 if you can find it at the DKNY outlet

20. J. Crew Pixie Pants

J Crew Pixie Pants

If you want a legging that will be comfortable on the lane but can also be worn out to dinner with boots or heels than these J. Crew pixie pants are the perfect choice.

I can personally attest to the versatility of these pants.

You get the best of both worlds; the feel of a leggings but the look of pants!

At J. Crew for $98

21. Target Cotton Leggings

target cotton leggings

Not ready to splurge on the J. Crew pixie pants?  Then turn to Target for the best traditional cotton leggings.

Nothing beats cheap and comfortable.

At Target for $6

22. Foot Traffic Microfiber Socks

foot-traffic-microfiber-socks

Whether I was traveling in winter or summer, my feet were always cold on the airplane.

I’ve learned my lesson, and now always travel with a pair of extra warm socks in my tote bag.

On Amazon for $7

23. Kate Spade Tote Bag

Kate-Spade-Tote

Having a functional tote bag is integral to packing light.

With my husband’s encouragement, I have become a savvy traveler, which is why a good tote bag is essential.

It is considered my personal item but I always stuff it with extra things I can’t fit in my carry-on.

This Kate Spade tote is on my wishlist because it’s classic and practical.

On Amazon for $215

24. Handbag Republic Tote Bag

Handbag-Republic-tote

If you’re trying to save some pennies or you’ve got a husband who isn’t sold on the need for a Kate Spade tote, check out this faux leather version.

At TJ Maxx for $29

What travel gifts are you giving this Christmas?  And which ones do you want to get?
Tell us your favorites in the comments below!

 

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