A Travel Writer's Gift Guide
26 treats travelers will love, including actually-cool compression socks and Arnica-infused bath salts that can magically counteract the effects of a long-haul flight in coach
Looking for the perfect present for someone who’s happiest exploring a new city or sipping free champagne in an airport lounge? Read on for the best gifts for your favorite jet-setter — or the person who just loves plotting their next great trip.
Quince Merino Wool V-Neck Sweater, $29.90
If you care about packing light even en route to colder climates, the key is merino wool, which will keep you warm but take up little space in your suitcase. My favorite is from Quince. (The quality for the price is mind boggling.) For super chilly locales or a trip with ample outdoor adventures, I wear the merino wool base layer, $45 under the merino wool half zip, $80.
Easier to pack than a sunhat, and a shady necessity for keeping cool(er) on hot days. I also love this Spaghetti hat, $38.
A blood clot after a transatlantic flight prompted a friend to swear by compression socks. They’re part of my usual flight uniform now — I’ve tried a few brands, and Bombas makes the best.
Social Print Studio Hardcover Photo Book, $34
I make a book with all our favorite Instagram photos on Social Print Studio after any big trip. The app is easy to use, the books always look pretty, and I’m happy to know that my favorite photos aren’t just floating around in the cloud. The company also sells wall decor, calendars, buttons, and more fun stuff featuring your adorable family snaps.
Mzoo Sleep Mask, $19
I pack this just in case my hotel room blinds situation isn’t ideal. It crushes the free flight sleep mask due to the indents, which are designed to let your eyes move during REM sleep. It’s also a must-have for visiting Iceland in the summer, when the sun shines for 19+ hours a day.
Eagle Creek Packing Cubes, $41
My packing routine starts with these bags, and they’re also essential whenever I’m packing for my three daughters to help keep their tiny clothes and socks (so many socks) organized. I usually throw one in a carry on with one or two days worth of their clothes, in case luggage gets lost or delayed.
Apple AirTags, $29
What did we do before AirTags? We lost our luggage, or we worried that we would lose our luggage. Not only can these little disks help you track down your lost bags, but they’re also nice for general peace of mind if you’re trying to make a connecting flight, or suffer from general baggage carousel anxiety.
Kneipp Joint & Muscle Arnica Mineral Bath Salt, $22
I’ve used Arnica gel as an anti-inflammatory since a series of ankle sprains playing college lacrosse, and now that I’m … a little older … this bath salt is absolute magic for relieving sore muscles. My post-flight ritual involves dropping my bags and sinking directly into a hot bath sprinkled with a capful of this.
Blue Lagoon Lip Balm, $25
I haven’t met another balm that works better. Made with Blue Lagoon’s antioxidant-dense microalgae, it’s thick, with a tingly peppermint flavor. I use it all through the winter and on flights anytime of year. My other post-flight favorite is the Blue Lagoon Mineral Mask, $45, which you can keep on overnight and leaves skin super hydrated.
Touchland Hand Sanitizer, $30 for three
If you’re thinking ‘why would I spend $10 on hand sanitizer?’ hear me out. Because they smell amazing — Citrus Grove! Rainwater with base notes of cedarwood and musk! — and they last forever.
The GOAT of bags. I still use the one I bought when I was 22 — my monogram isn’t the same, but it’s perfectly worn in and still a workhorse for carting to the beach, the grocery store, or literally anywhere else.
Takeya water bottle, $21
A leak-proof water bottle is an essential these days. (Especially in Rome, where you can fill it up at one of the 2,500+ water fountains, known as nasoni, peppered around the city. ) Just don’t forget to empty it before going through TSA.
Bug Bite Thing, $10
A good little stocking stuffer for your most outdoorsy pal. It works by sucking out the venom or insect saliva (yuck) so it stops irritating skin, and works best if you use it right after the bite. (Side note: I’ve also used Babyganics Bug Wipes, $16 for years — they’re so easy to throw into a backpack.)
Diaspora sells thee best, single origin spices, sourced from farms in India and Sri Lanka (where farmers are paid a fair price.) They just unveiled their hot cocoa, which comes in a pretty tin that’s perfect for gifting and doesn’t require a wrap.
In Italy, panettone dates back to the 1500s and is traditionally made and gifted around the Christmas holidays. This made-in-Italy panettone comes in the classic rendition, as well as in non-traditional flavors like apricot and salted caramel, gianduja, and pistachio.
East Fork Mug in Henri’s Red, $40
I got to visit the East Fork pottery factory last year when I wrote about the company for the Times Style section. The products — which range from dinner plates to popcorn bowls — are sturdy and beautiful. My favorite among them is The Mug, which has a cult following and really is the perfect vessel for coffee. I bought it in black, but the limited edition color Henri’s Red (the name is a nod to founder Alex Matisse’s great-grandfather) is pretty and festive.
Maldon Sea Salt, $12.75 and Saltverk Seaweed Salt, $12
I unabashedly love salt. I put it on almost everything, including ice cream, and think it makes the perfect gift for the person who already has everything. I love giving a big old (new) bucket of Maldon with a bow on top, or anything from Saltverk, which harvests their salt by hand in Iceland’s Westfjords and has flavors like Seaweed, Smoked Birch, and Licorice.
Katie Parla’s Rome, $10; Family Travel in the Catskills, $5; Guide to Lisbon, $19
Visit Rome with all the recommendations from cookbook author and Rome expert Katie Parla in your pocket. Explore the Catskills with kids with tips from novelist Jo Piazza. Or head to Lisbon with advice from stylish local Britt Moore. You can gift a Saltete guide — a digital, interactive guide written by an in-the-know expert — which can accompany plane tickets to said destination or not, totally up to you.