You wouldn’t be reading these words if buying gifts for travelers were easy. Buying gifts for anyone is challenging. But when you narrow the scope of gifts to things people use while traveling, finding something useful becomes an arduous task.
Fortunately, I’ve made a list of great gifts for travelers.
Buying gifts for travelers could be as easy as a gift card or magazine subscription – those are the first two items on the list. But those are easy copouts. Browse the rest of the list to find useful things for all types of travelers, easy to pack, and ultimately satisfying to have when you need it most.
Travel Gift Cards
Gift cards are easy to buy and easy to use. But be sure to get them the best kind of gift card, perfect for travel.
Countless gift card options are useful for the casual traveler. Or the frequent traveler. And especially for the perpetual traveler. Gift cards are easy because they allow the receiver to buy what they want.
The boundless options include airlines, Amtrak, Lyft, and Uber. There are a few lodging gift cards. The most versatile are gift cards from Visa and Mastercard that can be used around the world.
Gift cards to Amazon, Audible, Barnes & Noble, Apple, and Google Play allow someone to buy precisely what they need. And gift cards to DoorDash, UberEats, and Grubhub means they’ll get an easy meal on the road.
Read the full lineup of Best Travel Gift Cards – A Quick and Easy Gift for Travelers.
Travel Magazine Subscription
Find inspiration for your next vacation, get up to date travel news, and read tips on packing and hacking your way around the world.
Travel magazines are wonderful sources for inspiration, travel tips, and compelling first-person stories so you can live vicariously. But you may not know that a library of travel magazines exists beyond the main staples like Afar, Condé Nast Traveler, and Travel + Leisure.
Regional travel magazines cover large areas of the country. Examples include BlueRidge Country, which covers the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia and North Carolina, Cowboys & Indians in the American West, and Yankee, which covers the New England states.
State travel magazines focus on – well, the state. North Carolina’s Our State is one of the best travel magazines anywhere, and Texas Highways is one of the oldest.
Special interest magazines are very niche and cover a particular interest. Outside is great for outdoor adventurers, RV Magazine is perfect for campgrounders, and Blue Ridge Motorcycling is great for motorcyclists.
These are only a few examples. Read 38 Inspiring Travel Magazines Worthy of a Subscription to see a complete list of travel magazines.
Wanderings Travelers Notebook
Introduce someone to the traveler’s notebook system with this leather cover, paper inserts, and accessories. The system is great for journaling or taking notes while traveling.
The Travel Company Travelers Notebooks, originally sold under Midori, popularized the traveler notebook system. Many brands sell “travelers notebooks,” but all include a few common components.
The traveler notebook system is a simple leather cover with elastic bands for holding inserts. Paper inserts – blank, lined, or dotted – are slid into the elastic bands. Additional inserts like calendars, pockets, and zippered pouches can be added to the system.
When I first discovered the system, the easiest components I could find were sold by The Wanderings Company. Here are the pieces to buy to begin this system.
The leather cover is oddly sized at 8.5 inches tall and 4.5 inches wide – but it works wonderfully for travel. You can buy the hand-crafted genuine leather cover or get a starter kit that includes the leather cover, blank paper insert, replacement band, paper clip, pocket insert, and a zippered pouch for just a few dollars more.
The paper inserts are slightly smaller than the cover at 8.25 inches tall and 4.25 inches wide. This allows you to put about four inserts into the cover. The blank, lined, and dotted inserts come in packs of three 60-page inserts. The zipper case and card sleeve are helpful additional inserts.
Visit the Wanderings Store on Amazon to browse their entire collection of traveler’s notebooks, inserts, and accessories.
Nomatic Travel Bag 40L
Easily pack a week’s worth of clothing, a laptop with accessories, and all your travel gear in this carry-on-sized bag that’s also comfortable to wear while exploring a new destination.
The fastest way through an airport – and the safest way to guarantee nothing is lost – is to take everything in a carry-on bag. The Nomatic 40L Travel Bag is a great way to pack clothing, laptop, and travel gear in a single bag.
The water-resistant exterior has zippers to keep your stuff dry during light rain showers. The comfortable shoulder straps tuck inside a compartment when not needed. Exterior pockets give you quick access to your water bottle, notebook, shoes, accessories, and passport.
The 12”x19” main compartment opens with a full-body lid for easy access. The TSA-friendly laptop sleeve is built into the lid for quick access while traveling through the airport. The main compartment is spacious enough for clothing and toiletries, with enough room for a souvenir.
The additional Nomatic Compression Packing Cubes and Nomatic Toiletry Bag perfectly fit inside the main compartment with little wasted space.
BioLite AlpenGlow Mini
This miniature rechargeable lantern is the perfect nightlight for the bathroom in hotels or B&Bs. A simple tap turns on the 150-lumen light that runs for 40 hours on low and 5 hours on high.
BioLite hit the market with the innovative CampStove that converted heat into juice for a smartphone. It was marketed as the backpacker’s perfect tool for cooking a meal while also charging devices on the trail. Then BioLite expanded its lineup with the incredible FirePit+, a portable fire pit that can use charcoal or wood to cook meals or just to admire.
Read More: BioLite FirePit+ Review – The Perfect Road Trip Fire Pit
The most recent addition to the expanding lineup is the AlpenGlow lantern. These AlpenGlow 500 and AlpenGlow 250 are powerful lanterns perfect for campground use.
But the AlpenGlow 150 has a better use – a nightlight in your hotel bathroom. Think about how often you get up in the middle of the night. The only option in most hotels and B&Bs is to flick the switch to the blinding overhead light. With the AlpenGlow 150, you tap a single button to turn on a low-power 150-lumen light – perfect for the middle of the night.
The AlpenGlow 150 has a 1,000 mAh rechargeable battery. The lantern lasts about 40 hours on the low power setting and 5 hours on high. The light also features four modes: warm white, single-color, one-color cycling, and multicolor cycling – just in case you’re interested in creating a party mood. And it’s packable – the circular light is 3” wide, 2” tall, and weighs only 3.5 ounces.
Nidra Sleep Mask
Get some shut-eye on a long flight or anywhere you lay down with this contoured, 100% light-blocking sleep mask.
If you find sleeping around bright lights on an airplane or street lights shining through a hotel’s curtains challenging, you might want to get a Nidra Sleep Mask. The mask is contoured to fit snugly around your eyes and across your nose. The most interesting feature is the molded eye cups that don’t press against your eyelids.
The Nidra Sleep Mask is available in 4 colors and 2 sizes. The adjustable elastic band allows it to fit snugly for most people.
LCR Dice Game
Left-Center-Right is an entertaining dice game that fits into your pocket – all you need is a stack of dollar bills to play.
All you need for a game of Left-Center-Right is a group of people, a stack of dollar bills, and these dice that fit into your pocket. The rules are simple. Roll the three dice. For every L, give a dollar to the person on your left. For every C, a dollar goes to the middle of the table. For every R, a dollar to the person on your right. For every black dot, you get to keep a dollar.
The last person to have any dollar bills wins the game – and the loot stacked in the middle of the table.
Thule Subterra PowerShuttle Plus
Organize your charging blocks, cables, and accessories with this set of durable, zippered gear bags with lots of pockets and elastic straps.
Thule Subterra PowerShuttle Medium
Organize your charging blocks, cables, and accessories with this set of durable, zippered gear bags with lots of pockets and elastic straps.
Thule Subterra PowerShuttle Mini
Organize your charging blocks, cables, and accessories with this set of durable, zippered gear bags with lots of pockets and elastic straps.
Thule is better known for its roof rack systems and bicycle racks. The Thule Subterra PowerShuttle Cases are something else and some of my favorite travel accessories.
The Thule Subterra PowerShuttle Mini is 2” deep, 3” wide, and 7.9” tall. Two slide-in mesh pockets, one zippered mesh pocket, and six elastic straps can hold power cables and small power blocks like the Anker 511 Charger.
The Thule Subterra PowerShuttle Medium is 3” deep, 7.2” wide, and 11.8” tall. This bag has a zippered compartment, 4 large elastic straps, one elastic pen strap, a slide-in pocket, a zippered mesh pocket, and a large compartment. This bag is great for larger power blocks, long cables, and stationary accessories like note cards, pens, and highlighters.
Finally, the Thule Subterra PowerShuttle Plus is 3.4” deep, 8.5” wide, and 12.7” tall. This large bag has a slide-in pocket, a zippered mesh pocket, four large elastic straps, and a large mesh pocket. The bag’s main compartment is large enough to hold the Anker Soundcore Q35 headphones, Logitech MX Mouse, Anker 100W Charger, and half a dozen Amazon Basics USB-C cables.
JBL Clip 4 Eco Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Play music anywhere with this IPX67 waterproof and dustproof Bluetooth speaker with an integrated carabiner.
A great alternative to singing in the shower is listening to music instead. The JBL Clip 4 Eco Portable Bluetooth Speaker is perfect for travelers who want some tunes in the shower, music by the pool, or soothing sounds wherever you go.
The 5.3” tall, 3.4” wide, and 1.8” deep speaker is easy to pack and the Hermitshell Travel Case adds an extra layer of protection. An integrated carabiner makes it easy to hang on the shower head, towel bar, or loop on a bag. The IPX67 rating means it’s waterproof and dustproof, so you’re safe to hang it the shower or use at the beach.
It’s easy to set up the Bluetooth connection on smartphones. Enjoy rich audio with up to 10 hours of playtime on the rechargeable lithium-ion battery. A single charge may be enough depending on the length of your trip.
Anker Soundcore Boost Bluetooth Speaker
Enjoy music and movies on the go with this powerful 20W Bluetooth speaker – and if you buy two, you can pair them to the same device to create surround sound.
You need a great portable speaker if you enjoy listening to music or watching movies in your hotel room or vacation rental. The Anker Soundcore Boost Bluetooth Speaker is powerful enough to fill a room with well-balanced sound.
The 20W portable speaker features a bass boost for deep sounds. Enjoy 12 hours of playtime on the rechargeable lithium-ion battery. With an IPX7 waterproof rating, the speaker is protected against accidental spills.
Buy two speakers and pair them to the same device to create a portable surround sound system. Or you can play music in multiple rooms with a 60’ Bluetooth connection range.
With the additional hard shell carrying case, you’ll keep the speaker protected during travel. The case has a mesh sleeve for storing the USB-C charging cable.
Epicka Universal Travel Adapter
Easily find the correct adapter for outlets in 200+ countries around the world, including the U.S., U.K., and Australia, with this packable universal adapter.
One of the most frustrating aspects of most universal travel adapters is keeping up with many adapters in a separate bag. But the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter ditches the bag of adapters by putting everything into a single unit.
This worldwide adapter works in 200+ countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Charge up to six devices simultaneously with an AC outlet, 3 USB-C ports, and 2 USB-A ports. The adapters are built into the unit – use slider levers to reveal a particular plug. You’ll never lose an adapter again.
OutIn Nano
With a built-in water heater and rechargeable battery, you can brew a single shot of espresso with only this unit. The all-in-one design makes it easy to pack for travel.
The OutIn Nano Portable Espresso Machine is a quantum leap beyond the competition with a built-in water heater. At 9″ tall and 3″ in diameter, it’s the same size and weight as the competition and a perfectly portable espresso maker.
Read More: The 16 Best Portable Coffee Makers for Travel
The OutIn Nano uses a 7500mAh rechargeable battery for the effortless brewing of espresso shots. On a single charge, the machine can produce five shots of espresso. Each brew takes about 5 minutes to heat the water from room temperature and 3 minutes to extract the shot. Recharging is simple, though, with the standard USB-C cable and power block – not included.
The OuttIn Nano is an all-in-one design that makes it easy to pack for travel. An advantage of the OutIn espresso machine is the option to use capsules from popular brands like Nespresso. However, you can still grind coffee beans for a shot.
Cafflano Klassic
This all-in-one pour-over coffee maker features a kettle, burr grinder, pour-over filter, and coffee mug – everything you need to brew pour-over coffee while traveling.
The Cafflano Klassic All-in-One Pour Over Coffee Maker is one of the most innovative coffee machines ever produced. The nifty device features a kettle, conical burr grinder, pour-over filter, and a coffee mug that assembles into a 7.6″x3.5″ travel container. And weighing just one pound, it’s easy to pack for travel.
Read More: The 16 Best Portable Coffee Makers for Travel
The adjustable conical burr grinder uses human power to produce fresh ground coffee directly into the pour-over filter. The pre-measured kettle features a pour spout for fine control of the pour-over. The pour-over filter fits snugly onto the insulated tumbler. Pour water through the filter, remove the filter, and you’ll have coffee in less than a minute.
The only thing missing from the otherwise flawless portable coffee maker is a means to produce hot water. The Jettle Electric Kettle can make hot water in about five minutes, and the pre-measured Cafflano Klassic kettle will ensure you get the correct amount of water each time.
BruTrek OVRLNDR
Enjoy savory French press coffee with this innovative all-in-one stainless steel coffee maker. It’s easy to pack, clean, and brew coffee in minutes.
Although BruTrek’s budget was too small to buy vowels, the BruTrek OVRLNDR is one of the best portable coffee makers for travel. The all-in-one design keeps everything together for easy packing and prevents lost parts. The stainless steel components are durable and will survive the rigors of travel. At 9.5″ tall, it will take some room in your luggage, and at 1.5 pounds, it’s still lightweight but heavier than the competition.
Read More: The 16 Best Portable Coffee Makers for Travel
The innovative removable bottom is the coolest – or hottest, depending on how you like your coffee – the part about the BruTrek OVRLNDR. The bottom of the insulated travel mug detaches to make cleaning the soggy coffee grounds effortless.
You’ll need something like the Jettle Electric Kettle to make hot water. Once ready, pour the water into the travel mug, add your ground coffee, and screw on the leakproof lid with a built-in plunger. A single plunge and you’re drinking a delicious coffee.
Keurig K-Mini Plus
With the optional travel bag, the Keurig K-Mini Plus is an easy single-serve coffee machine to pack. The removable water reservoir makes it easy to brew up to 12 ounces into a travel mug or coffee mug.
Keurig popularized coffee pods – small plastic cups filled with a single scoop of ground coffee for brewing one at a time. Single-use coffee machines are common in kitchens across the country today.
And the Keurig K-Mini Plus is the perfect portable coffee machine.
Read More: The 16 Best Portable Coffee Makers for Travel
The single-serve coffee maker uses any brand’s pods to brew up to 12 ounces. The removable water reservoir is easily filled with pre-measured amounts etched into the clear plastic sides. The Keurig K-Mini Plus heats water on demand for each single-serve coffee. Brewing a coffee takes about five minutes from start to finish.
The removable tray allows for up to a 16.8″ travel mug. The 26″ power cord stores in a compartment in the back of the coffee maker. And a removable compartment holds 9 pods. With the additional travel bag, it’s easy to pack the Keurig K-Mini Plus in your car.
Twelve South AirFly Pro
Turn any device with a headphone jack into a Bluetooth wireless transmitter or receiver, allowing you to listen to movies on an airplane and play music in any rental car.
Do you have a great pair of noise-canceling headphones like the Anker Soundcore Q35 or Sony WH-1000XM4? With the Twelve South AirFly Pro, you can turn any device with a 3.5mm jack into a Bluetooth, wireless transmitter that pairs with your headphones.
The AirFly Pro works in both directions, though. Plug the palm-sized device into the audio jack in a rental car, pair it with your smartphone, and you can listen to your music tracks while cruising down the road.
You can pair two devices at once with the AirFly Pro. The pairing button makes pairing with headphones, smartphones, or other devices easy. A slide button allows you to select between transmit or receive.
Perilogics Universal Airplane Phone Holder
Taking off on a long flight? Clamp your smartphone into a comfortable viewing position to watch a movie or the latest episode of your favorite show.
The Perilogics Universal Airplane Phone Holder is a nifty device that fits in your pocket. But when you take off, the device unfolds, clamps to the tray in the upright position, and holds your smartphone at the perfect viewing angle. The 1.5-inch clamp can be used on an airplane, luggage handle, or tabletop.
The phone holder pivots and swivels in any direction you need. The main clamp ranges from 2.16 inches to 3.77 inches, large enough for most smartphones in protective cases. Silicon pads prevent the clamp from slipping, providing you with comfortable viewing for hours.
Kindle Paperwhite
Travel with hundreds of books with the Kindle Paperwhite, a 6.8” eBook reader that’s waterproof, bright in daylight, and easily packable for travel.
If you’re like me, you still need to feel paper books in your hands while reading. But if you enjoy eBooks, then you need the Kindle Paperwhite. The book reader from Amazon connects to the Kindle Unlimited subscription-based library for access to thousands of titles. And with 8GB or 16GB of storage, the device can hold thousands of books.
The Kindle Paperwhite features a 6.8” flush-mounted display. The IPX8 rating makes it waterproof against rain, accidental spills, and splashes from the pool or ocean. The brighter screen with an antiglare coating makes it easier to read in full sunlight than previous models.
Because it’s an Amazon product, the lowest price comes with lockscreen ads. They’re minor and silent but annoying. Consider paying the extra $30 for the model without lockscreen ads – especially if this is a gift for someone else.
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
These pricey headphones are perfect for travel – the active noise canceling provides better quality, and the 10,000 mAh power bank gives you hours of use between charging.
There are lots of noise-canceling headphones on the market. But when it comes to features best for travel, nothing compares to the Sony WH-1000XM4 Noise Cancelling Headphones. These expensive headphones include features that make them worth the hefty investment.
Active noise canceling with built-in sensors provides better quality wherever you use them. Touch controls allow you to control the volume and playback without pulling your smartphone out of your pocket. You can make hands-free phone calls.
But the most interesting feature is the additional power bank. With 10,000 mAh, the power bank will keep the headphones going for hours between charging. The LED display lets you know how long until a charge is needed.
The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds use the same noise cancelling technology and fits comfortably for long use. Enjoy 8 hours of use on a single charge and an additional 24 hours with the case.
Jabra Elite 8 Active Earbuds
These wireless earbuds can play for 8 hours on a single charge and an additional 32 hours with the wireless charging case, making them easy to charge on the go.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active Earbuds are the best wireless earbuds for travel. The earbuds play for up to 8 hours, and then you get an additional 32 hours with the charging case. Unlike many competitors, the Elite 8 case can be charged wirelessly.
The durable earbuds are resistant to sweat and rain. Different-sized silicon inserts allow you to find the perfect fit for your years. Stuff them into your pocket for hours of music on the go.
Darn Tough Socks
With a lifetime guarantee against holes or torn seams, a pair of Darn Tough Socks will last a long, long, long time while traveling around the world.
Darn Tough Socks are appropriately named. Knitted in Vermont, the socks are darn tough to rip or fray. But just in case you do, a lifetime guarantee against holes and torn seams means you’ll receive a replacement pair within two weeks.
The socks are made from Merino wool, an ultra-lightweight, moisture-wicking material. The breathable and quick-drying material keeps your feet dry during long days of exploring. And the cushioned bottom provides an extra layer of comfort for those long hikes.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Stay dry during inclement weather with this lightweight, breathable rain jacket that packs into its own pocket, perfect for travel.
Columbia Switchback III Rain Jacket
Stay dry during inclement weather with this lightweight, breathable rain jacket that packs into its own pocket, perfect for travel.
The only thing that worsens a rainy day is when you’re caught without a good rain jacket. The Columbia Watertight II for men and Columbia Switchback III for women will ensure you never again deal with that horrid situation.
The rain jackets feature a nylon outer shell that’s 100% rainproof. However, it’s also breathable to keep the inside of the jacket dry from sweat. The cuffs and waist are fully adjustable to create the perfect fit. When not needed, the rain jacket packs into its own pocket about the size of your hand.
Osprey Farpoint Backpack
Carry clothing, laptop, and travel gear in this carry-on backpack. With a breathable back panel, adjustable torso fit, and compression straps, the bag is comfortable for hours of exploration.
Osprey Fairview Backpack
Carry clothing, laptop, and travel gear in this carry-on backpack. With a breathable back panel, adjustable torso fit, and compression straps, the bag is comfortable for hours of exploration.
The best way to travel abroad is with a single bag. Finding a bag that is comfortable, versatile, and carry-on is difficult. Meet the Osprey Farpoint for men and Osprey Fairview for women.
The 40L bags are small enough to carry on most flights. The hip belt and shoulder straps tuck inside a zippered compartment, making it easy to stow overhead. After arriving, the adjustable torso fit, padded hip belt, and breathable back panel will make the bag comfortable to carry all day.
The bags open fully to reveal the main compartment, making it easy to get what you need. Compression straps keep everything secured, especially if you use packing cubes. The laptop compartment fits most large computers. The toiletry compartment is accessed from the outside, making it easy to pass through customs with small bottles.
Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler
Stay hydrated on the road with this leakproof tumbler with a three-position lid for use with the included straw, gulping the contents, or sealing it tight.
The Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler might be the best road trip bottle you could buy. The stainless steel, vacuum-sealed bottle keeps contents chilled or hot for hours. Sizes range from 14 ounces to 64 ounces. And it’s available in lots of colors.
But the best part of this tumbler is the lid. Twisting the lid allows different uses. First, use the included straw through a rubber gasket hole that limits spillage. Second, you can gulp the contents from a large opening. Finally, you can seal the lid for a leakproof experience.
Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle
Stay hydrated wherever outdoor adventures take you with this stainless steel, leakproof bottle with a wide mouth for gulping the contents.
The Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle is perfect for taking on the hiking trail, in the kayak, or wherever outdoor adventures take you. The durable stainless steel design stands up against harsh treatment. The proprietary TempShield Insulation keeps the contents cold or hot for hours.
The wide-mouth top quickly opens, allowing you to gulp the contents when thirsty. The lid closes for a leak proof experience. And it’s easy to carry with the integrated handle that swings out of the way when ready to drink.
Addalock
Enjoy added security in your room at the hotel, B&B, or lodge. This security device works on most doors and provides an additional lock to secure the door against intruders.
Sometimes, the second lock on a hotel room door is broken. Or the sliding chain lock is missing. Some B&Bs only have a single door lock. So, what can you do for added security and peaceful sleep?
The Addalock is a quick and easy way to add an additional lock to almost any door. The first piece of the two-part assembly slips into the door’s strike plate. Once the door is closed, the second piece slides into a notch on the first. The all-steel design keeps the door securely closed against intruders.
Anker 727 Charging Station
Charge multiple devices simultaneously with this 100W extension cord power strip that effortlessly packs into a small space in your bag.
In a world of an increasing number of devices to keep charged, Anker answered with the best extension cord power strip for travelers. The Anker 727 Charging Station looks impossible. The power strip is 6.4” long, 3.1” wide, and 0.7” thick. How can anything plug into something so thin?
The secret with the two AC outlets is that they extend when pressed, allowing you to plug in standard cords. In addition to the AC outlets, the charging station has 2 USB-C and 2 USB-A ports. Altogether, the six outlets provide a maximum of 100W of power.
The best feature of the charging station – other than the slim profile – is the detachable 5’ cord. Instead of awkwardly wrapping the cord around the power strip, it simply detaches to be easily stored.
Anker Prime Power Bank
With a 20,000 mAh capacity and 200W max output, this is the smallest and most powerful power bank on the market, perfect for charging smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
Anker Prime is a new ecosystem of portable chargers and power banks perfect for remote working and travel. The powerful devices work wonderfully individually but create an unparalleled charging experience when combined.
The Anker Prime 20K Power Bank is their most powerful, with a 20,000 mAh capacity capable of charging an iPhone 15 Pro Max four times, a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra five times, an iPad Pro 12.9” twice, and a MacBook Pro once.
The power bank has two USB-C ports and a single USB-A port. It features a powerful 200W maximum output using both USB-C ports simultaneously, allowing you to charge two laptops. The USB-A port has a 40W to 65W max output.
The Anker Prime Power Bank has a tremendous capacity in a small package. The power bank is 5” tall, 1.96” wide, and 2.15” deep and weighs 1.19 pounds. It’s not a power bank you can stuff into your pocket, but it easily packs in a tech or laptop bag.
The integrated Smart Display is unique among power banks. The full-color digital display provides information about the remaining battery percentage, the time until the power bank is recharged, and the power output of all the ports.
When paired with the Anker Prime 67W Charger, you can charge the Prime Power Bank in a few hours. You can charge three devices simultaneously with two USB-C ports and a single USB-A.
Amazon Basics USB-C Cables
Why travel with a one-foot cable when you could have a 10’? These durable braided USB cables will keep your devices charged and data flowing for a comfortable price.
A traveler can never have enough power cables – or long enough cables. It never fails while sitting in an airport or a hotel room where the only accessible outlet is too far away to comfortably plug into while holding the device. That’s why you need a ten-foot cord.
Amazon Basics USB-C cables are surprisingly resilient. The braided outer layer is durable and doesn’t break over time. The cable’s ends are large enough to grasp and easily plug into ports with your fingers. The cables are available in a few colors and lengths from 1 foot to 10 feet.
Apple AirTags
Keep track of your luggage, wallet, or even your car with a set of Apple AirTags on the ever-growing Find My Network.
Apple’s Find My Network relies on all the individual iPhones and iPads with Bluetooth enabled and connected to the internet. Every time a device picks up the signal from an AirTag, it relays the information to the network. And that is how you’ll know your luggage didn’t make it onto the flight shortly after takeoff.
Apple AirTags are small Bluetooth trackers about the size of four stacked quarters. The batteries last over a year, providing long-lasting tracking of your items.
The sky is the limit on what you can track. With the AirTag Card Holder, you can place an AirTag in your wallet or purse, taking up about as much room as three credit cards. With the Case-Mate Protector, you can use the self-adhesive back to stick an AirTag onto a mountain bike.
Or you can drop an AirTag into the bottom of your luggage, inside the pocket of your camera bag, or even the glove box of your car. You can track it on the Find My Network the moment anything disappears.
SPOT Gen 4 Satellite GPS Messenger
Take a lifeline with you on outdoor adventures or road trips with this satellite GPS messenger that gives your location to a dispatcher during emergencies.
Cellular networks do not blanket the globe. However, SPOT coverage does – except for the polar regions. The SPOT Gen 4 Satellite GPS Messenger is like having a lifeline in your pocket or glove box as you head out on the next adventure.
The palm-sized device is a one-way messenger with SOV and SOS functions. The SOV, or Save Our Vehicle, is handy when you have car trouble in cellular dead zones. The SOS, the global signal for a person in distress, alerts the dispatcher that your life is in jeopardy.
Whenever the SOV or SOS button is pressed, the one-way messenger transmits your GPS location to a series of satellites. The message is routed to a dispatch center, which determines the type of emergency assistance you might need. Roadside assistance is sent to SOV signals, and emergency responders to SOS signals.
With worldwide coverage, the SPOT is one device every traveler should carry. A subscription is required to use the device. With the flexible monthly plan, you can cancel at any time and only pay for the months when you’re traveling.
Devico Travel Utensils
These travel utensils are perfect when you need a fork or spoon in a convenient carrying case.
It never fails that you order an ice cream sundae or chicken salad, and someone forgets the utensils. But if you have a set of Devico Travel Utensils, you’re ready to enjoy your meal.
Inside the durable zippered case, you’ll find a set of stainless steel utensils, including a fork, spoon, knife, straight straw, bent straw, straw cleaning brush, and chopsticks. It’s everything you need for any meal in a convenient carry case.
Black Diamond Astro 300-R Headlamp
Always see where you’re going with this powerful 300 lumen, rechargeable headlamp with an IPX4 rating that lasts 4 hours on the highest setting and 200 hours on the lowest.
The Black Diamond Astro 300-R Headlamp is a rechargeable version of the popular headlamp that’s lit the way for backpackers and night owls for years. The headlamp features a powerful 300-lumen light with adjustable power settings. The 1,500 mAh battery lasts 4 hours on the highest setting and up to 200 hours on the lowest.
Field Notes Memo Book
Keep track of notes and jot down thoughts with this pocket-sized memo book.
Fields Notes co-founder Aaron Draplin collects vintage memo books. When he started the Chicago-based Field Notes, he wanted to create a memo book that would be great for people taking notes or logging information while traveling. The 3.5”x5.5” memo books were a hit.
Field Notes are available in several colors, styles, and types. The most common are the plain, graph, and ruled memo books with a kraft paper cover. The durable cover protects against wear and tear while stuffed inside a pocket or bag.
Leatherman Surge Multitool
Be prepared for any event with scissors, a bottle opener, a knife, and a dozen more tools in this pocket-sized device.
Leatherman knows a thing or two about pocket-sized multitools. Its lineup includes dozens of multitools for craftsmen and travelers. It’s a great tool to keep in your bag that can handle any situation while traveling.
The Leatherman Surge Multitool features 21 tools in one compact body. The tools include pliers, wire cutters, a knife, a saw blade, spring-action scissors, a can and bottle opener, and a bit driver. The multitool comes with a convenient carry case with a belt loop.
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I am planning my trip in the final week of April. it will be a total f 7 days. The first day I will be flying in and getting situated. Liely flying into GSP or AVL. On the 7th day this will be reserved to travel back home. with that I will have a total of 5 days solid.. I was hoping to hike the Alum Cave trail, visit the Biltmore, then travel he blue ridge parkway through North Carolina. I don’t know if three days are enough since I do want to hike along the way (but like to start my day early and be out most of the day). I am having a hard time figuring out if I can base myself in Asheville the entire time recognizing that I may have a 2 hour drive to the Alum cave trail ( this is where I may spend one night closer to this area and then the rest of the time will be in Asheville). Given this do you think that on average i shouldn’t be driving more than one hour or so to get to my daily destinations along the parkway and again back to my hotel? I heard Brevard is not a safe destination for solo travelers – do you have any thoughts? Finally, will I be able to see flowers and lots of green foilage during this time of year?
Susie,
First, I have no idea where you heard that Brevard wasn’t safe for solo travelers. It’s one of the safest and friendliest cities in North Carolina. I’ve spent close to 100 days visiting the town as a solo traveler and never had a problem.
Second, it’s not possible to drive from Asheville to the Alum Cave Trail. That’s the most popular trail in the park. Parking is typically gone for the day shortly after sunrise. So, I absolutely recommend spending a night in Gatlinburg. I recommend driving the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville to Cherokee. That’s a 2.5-hour drive straight through. Give yourself 6 hours for scenic overlooks and hiking trails. Then, it’s about an hour from Cherokee to Gatlinburg. Spend the night. Then, hit the Alum Cave Trail early the next morning. After the hike, return to Gatlingburg for breakfast at The Pancake Pantry, the first pancake house in Tennessee.
Third, you can drive about 1.5 hours north on the Blue Ridge Parkway to Craggy Gardens. Excellent trails there.
Finally, you will likely see spring flowers in the lower elevations around Asheville, Brevard, and Cherokee. But the higher elevations, like Craggy Garden and Mount Pisgah, won’t see spring flowers until mid-May.
If you have any others questions, please feel free to send me an email!