Travel gifts: 37 of our UK editors' favourite gift ideas for globetrotters | CN Traveller

Nov 05, 2024

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If you're set to give a gift to someone who loves travel or is planning a big trip, then consider this your cue to forgo a generic voucher gift and give something with a practical or travel-inspired twist. From must-haves for plane travel to inspiring books and time-saving gadgets, the following are our top picks of the best travel gifts to give for Christmas 2024.

At a glance:

For all the joy a holiday can bring, the actual travel element can be rife with stress, from lost luggage to misplaced passports and navigating busy airports. As frequent flyers ourselves, our editors have navigated a multitude of bumps on our travels, and found that the below buys are great for making the journey a lot smoother.

A lot of suitcases come across our desk at Condé Nast Traveller, but few have such a presence – for those seeking a suitcase with some real allure, this one is hard to beat. Leather trims, a streamlined body and ribbed finish create something really lovely. All the Carl Friedrik hallmarks are in situ – a quality build, brushed interior lining and polycarbonate shell – but the brand's original carry-on design has been given a couple of tweaks that some travellers may find useful. The clasp design has been switched for a more classic zippered finish, which overpackers may find easier to close. It’s also the lightest carry-on in the range yet.

For the loved one who’s a frequent flyer, Antler’s zippy hard shell Clifton cabin bag is a winner. The durable yet lightweight polycarbonate case features a twist-grip handle, making it very easy to wheel it around the airport at speed. A favourite of our editors, this case is both a great size and quality, and also looks smart, with seven subdued shades to choose from.

Aspinal of London’s travel collection makes for a classic gift to give any travel lover. Including a passport holder, luggage tags and travel wallet, the collection is made from full-grain leather and comes in six elegant shades and finishes. The brand also offers a personalisation option, so you can add the recipient's initials for a special personalised touch.

Anya Hindmarch’s in-flight travel bag is a game changer when it comes to staying organised on the go. Designed with air travel in mind, the carry-on bag has an array of clever features including a sleeve designed to sit over the bag of a luggage trolley and a clear removable pouch to store liquids. We also love the numerous internal and external organisational pockets, each with its own embossed label covering all of the travel essentials like ‘passport’ ‘keys’ ‘glasses,’ ‘headphones’ and ‘water.’

Since its release in 2021, Apple’s Bluetooth AirTag has become a must-have for frequent travellers or anyone prone to misplacing their keys. Simply attach the small button-shaped AirTag to your suitcase and connect to your iPad or iPhone via Bluetooth. Once connected you can find your item via the built-in speaker when it’s nearby or via the Precision Finding function on the app when it’s further away.

Finished, naturally, in beautifully soft Nappa leather, Mulberry’s passport cover has a soft grain effect and comes in a selection of chic colours to match your handbag. There are three slip pockets inside for all your docs along with four card slots. A must-have companion for keeping all your important travel documents together safely.

There's nothing like a dead battery to slow down a trip. Keep all your accessories charged up with a power bank. Anker is our favourite – it weighs just over 300 grams (or as little as a can as soup) but can charge an iPhone 8 almost seven times, the Galaxy S8 five times, or the iPad Mini 4 twice.

A travel wash bag is key to staying organised — and avoiding spills in your luggage. We like this option from Away for its water-resistant materials and ample space for your toothbrush and toothpaste, razor, soaps, and more. A hanging bag also allows you to keep items tidy and off the bathroom counter.

For international travel, a power adapter is a must to make sure you can get devices charged up in the airport and your hotel room. Apple's World Travel Adapter Kit comes with seven AC plugs with prongs that fit into different electrical outlets around the world, and each one is labelled with the regions they are compatible with.

This is a fun idea for the friend who likes to be organised. Papier’s travel journals have pages for planning and memorialising six special trips, with space for noting down budgets, itineraries, packing lists and other important details. Long flight? There are travel games at the back, along with pages for journalling and scrapbooking.

If you know someone who likes to print out documents instead of just relying on the digital versions, Smythson’s perfectly sized, clearly labelled leather travel wallet is sure to appeal. The sleek design will slot into any handbag or carry-on with ease, and there’s enough space for additional passengers to add their boarding passes, tickets and currency too. Add a personal touch and order early to make the most of the embossing service.

While holidays can require forgoing home comforts, they can equally be a time for indulgence. Whether your loved ones are committed staycationers or long-haul pros, buying them something they can use time and time again to make those memories extra special can go a long way. These gifts could just as easily come in handy closer to home.

Turn heads at picnics, festivals, and dinner parties with The Clicquot Cooler. With its rotative chromed handle, it's the best way to elevate any social gathering on arrival. Simply pop your favourite bottle of Champagne in the 100 per cent recyclable, eco-designed yellow or pink receptacle and be on your way. The fizz remains chilled for up to two hours out of the fridge – just enough time to find a spot for some toes-in-the-sand bubbles.

Forget forward planning, escape to Miami by way of Royal Salute and its newest whisky, all from the comfort of home. Encased in a flamingo-pink embossed bottle and an artfully decorated presentation box that’s inspired by the destination’s Art Deco sensibility and worthy of display, it takes beverage-related gifting to the next level. It’s appropriately named The Miami Polo Edition and it’s the label’s first whisky to be fully finished in first-fill rye and first-fill bourbon casks.

Standing down the hours of a long-haul flight is made all the easier with a gift that doubles as a travel hack. When it comes to feeling comfortable and getting some shut-eye, the littlest luxuries can make a huge difference.

Elizabeth Scarlett’s signature delicate embroidered designs features here on a 100 per cent cotton eye mask, helping travellers claw back a few precious hours’ shuteye while en route. Cleverly, the mask is filled with a sweet lavender blend to maximise the relaxation in use – a real treat.

Trtl has revamped its clever wrap-style neck pillow to accommodate people of all heights more comfortably. The latest iteration is adjustable, to better suit your particular requirements, and the pillow section itself has been given a high-density foam makeover. Trtl’s offering is a lot smaller than standard U-shaped pillows, and weighs a petite 225 grams, so it won’t take up precious space in your hand luggage – or you could use the included clip to attach it to your rucksack.

Neal's Yard products make a lovely treat, whether you're travelling or not. This mini travel kit comprises all the skincare routine you'll need – bar SPF – for a 10 to 14 day trip, in a hand luggage-friendly size. This particular set is from the brand's Rose range, which uses highly fragrant roses grown and distilled in Bulgaria, farming co-operatives in Turkey and at high altitude on Mount Lebanon. Something globetrotters will surely appreciate.

When it comes to what to wear on a long flight, an oversized hoodie is hard to beat. Team it with a pair of comfortable leggings or a matching jogger, add a cashmere blanket and get ready to drift off. For a hoodie that makes a great gift, we love this elevated organic cotton style, embroidered with the Vogue logo for the ultimate fashion stamp of approval.

Skip the in-flight blankets provided by airlines – not only are they wasteful but also made from scratchy polyester. A much more luxurious alternative is a cashmere blanket, which not only feels softer but has an insulation capacity that's three times higher than wool, ideal for maintaining body temperature during a long flight.

Airport style had a big moment in 2024, with travellers walking the line between classic style and total comfort, and a subtle nod to celebrity paparazzi photos. The outfit formula is all about a designer loungewear set in a muted shade, teamed with comfortable trainers, a cap, sunglasses and a hardshell suitcase in a classic neutral shade.

Pangaia is the uber-cool clothing brand taking a science-oriented approach towards creating quality, versatile pieces that are stylish, environmentally-friendly and made to last. Last year, its flower-filled down jacket was one of our winter staples, and its tracksuit is now on perma-rotation in ours wardrobe. Plus it's soft enough to keep you comfortable on even the most arduous long haul flights.

The best kind of leggings to wear on a plane are the ones you don’t even notice, and I can confirm that Lululemon’s Align™ high-rise leggings do just that. Designed for yoga, the leggings have a high waist and a length that’s intended to sit just above the ankle. But it’s the fabric – a breathable combination of nylon and elastane that Lululemon refers to as Nulu™ fabric – that makes them a buttery soft winner. For my last 24-hour journey, my lower half sat cocooned in comfort, never having to adjust a seam or pull at the waistband once.

If one accessory defined our travel wardrobes in 2024, it was the baseball cap. Call it the Succession effect, call it Athleisure, but country-club-core is in. Guess makes the best, in chic colourways than lean into old money aesthetic, but with hints of sporty touches and retro logos for a nod to preppy. Wear at the airport with sweatshirts to give off-duty Princess Diana, or with kicky tennis skirts a la Miu Miu. Our top styling tip is to wrap a scarf over the hat and tie under the chin for a Northern Soul look that works for the beach. This is a one hard working accessory for any holiday look.

Whether you’re travelling in winter, heading for somewhere cold or simply feel the chill of the in-flight aircon, layers are key. This Free People fleece won’t just make your journey a little cosier but a lot more stylish, too. Layer it over comfortable, neutral basics to add a bit of colour in flight, team it with salopettes apres ski or wear it with wide-leg jeans and a good pair of boots on your next UK staycation.

German designer luggage brand Rimowa has some of the slickest suitcases on the market, with their classic aluminium cases proving the envy of all frequent flyers.

Give a friend the gift of avoiding tedious housework tasks on holiday. Steamery's sleek design looks good and works effectively, dropping creases from your linen dresses and refreshing shirts that have endured long spells in a suitcase, all at a fraction of the time it would take to iron them.

A secret beauty weapon for well-heeled travellers, this thick, creamy and super-hydrating mask is the key to caring for skin while in-transit. The mask features chestnut extract exfoliates to take away dullness, allowing for deeper penetration of Vitamin C to brighten. Green tea soothes and calms redness, and niacinamide reduces pores and fine lines. You can wear it throughout a flight, overnight or as a 10-minute mask.

This portable all-in-one dressing table by Beautifect is a game changer for regular travellers – it might even replace your makeup bag at home. The easy-to-carry box features a table, adjustable mirror, and storage, as well as an impressive lighting system that offers five different environments including true daylight. We also love that the box is powered by a standard USB-C and can last up to a month on just one single charge.

For a designer luggage tag that doesn't take itself too seriously, this cheerful lobster tag is part of a collaboration between cult cool-brand Loewe and the irreverent Paula's Ibiza. It's made in Italy from 100 per cent leather and embossed with the brand's signature Anagram logo. It also comes with a dustbag, to keep him safe when not on his travels

Packing hacks were a big talking point this year, with the below buys ranking top of our list when it came to travelling carry on luggage only.

Paravel is easily one of the most stylish luggage brands around, so it comes as no surprise that their packing cubes are equally chic. Doing away with the usual mesh top, these cubes feature a sheer strip on the lid, so you can still see what's inside. The pack of four are available in six smart colour options, and can be personalised with your initials in a contrasting colour.

I’ve used my BÉIS weekender bag on multiple trips away and I’m continually surprised by just how much I can squeeze in every time. The zipped compartment at the bottom is a gamechanger for storing shoes or makeup bags away from your clothes, to prevent any mishaps in transit. I took three pairs of shoes, plus three outfits and a spare handbag, along with all other bits and pieces on a recent trip to Paris all inside this one bag. I love how chic it is too, and appreciate that there are plenty of matching items in the range.

It might be called an overnight bag, but if you pack strategically Antler's Chelsea bag can easily work as a weekender bag. This is a worthy investment for frequent flyers – in addition to numerous internal and external pockets and compartments, including a laptop sleeve and a water bottle pouch, it also has an over-handle sleeve, making it an ideal option to take on a long-haul flight. The bag is made in a durable water-resistant nylon and comes in nine different colour options, which of course match their Chelsea suitcase range.

For a do-it-all tote bag, it’s easy to see why this style from July is a best seller. Firstly the size – the large tote has room for 22 litres, plenty of space for packing a whole weekend’s worth of items. Then there are the organisation options – a dedicated laptop sleeve, a drink bottle holder, a pocket for a phone and wallet, as well as a zip-up pocket ideal for storing a passport. There are two external pockets, one that’s hidden and secured with a magnet, as well as a sleeve to slip over a luggage handle, so it can easily sit safely on top of a suitcase.

Australian luggage brand July has developed the world’s lightest carry-on suitcase. Weighing in at a dainty 1.8kg, the July Carry On Light, £195, offers a 32L capacity, aerospace-grade polycarbonate shell, specially-designed noise-reducing wheels, and a lifetime guarantee. The case is available in nine colours and also offers a personalisation service as well.

Packing cubes are a game-changer for hand luggage aficionados, helping you squeeze more into your case in a way that’s pleasingly effective. This set of four gives you space to separate your clothes, underwear, electronics and toiletries, while the mesh windows ensure you can see what you need to grab at-a-glance.

Our pick of the best transportive gifts that bring the essence of travel to your home.

Give the gift of inspiration with this guide to Reims, an idyllic French town in the Champagne region, just 45 minutes from Paris. Small in size but brimming with information on where to go and what to see, this is the kind of stocking filler that will pass the time between Christmas and New Year in a flurry of imagination. It’s part of a wider collection, too, so if this year’s gift is a hit, there’s always the option to choose another version of the same come 2025.

A candle is a perennially wonderful gift, especially at Christmas when soft glow candlelight can lift spirits and make any room a cosy sanctuary. The best one we’ve found comes courtesy of cult-favourite Spanish label Loewe, whose creative director Jonathan Anderson has brought his signature flair for craft-meets-covetable design into beauty and homeware. The line of candles, which come in gloriously chic ceramic pots, are inspired by nature, so expect fragrances from fresh tomato leaves (which instantly transport you to an Italian veranda), to roasted hazelnuts, and even marijuana, for the more adventurous olfactory experience. The latest iteration is Mimosa (the flower, not the cocktail) which comes in an artisanal glaze design.

Loewe's collaboration with Paula's Ibiza perfectly captures summer in Ibiza in a rainbow ombre bottle. The woody-meets-floral fragrance combines notes of citrusy orange flower, jasmine sambac, incense essential oil and frankincense, creating an evocative bohemian scent that any sun-worshipper will love.

Assouline’s much sought-after coffee table books make for the ultimate wanderlust-meets-decor gift. On the outside these beautiful hardcover travel books add a fun splash of colour to any room, while inside they feature dreamy imagery and inspiring stories from some of the world’s most beloved destinations.

Byredo’s Mojave fragrance is inspired by the rolling dunes of its namesake North American desert – an image symbolic of pure, uninterrupted escapism. But it sits in a line-up of countless delicious scents and when it comes to choosing for someone else, you can’t go wrong with this brand. Every one is gender-neutral and comes in size options including one small enough to slot into hand luggage.

Practical gift ideas for those who prefer a hike over a sun lounger.

Klattermusen everyday backpack

Impeccably designed to be lightweight, comfortable to wear and sturdy enough to carry days’ worth of an adventurer’s belongings, sleek activewear brand Klattermusen creates unbeatable backpacks for any hiking or camping enthusiast. Not just for rural terrain, though, this version is also fitted with a 16” laptop sleeve and adapts well to commuter territory. The perfect present for the action adventurer in your life, or just the urban explorer.

The extreme weather parka has become a fashion signature of British men of late. Not just for the alpine explorers, commuter trains are the catwalk of the parka-over-suit style tribe. So invest in a jacket that works for all arenas; activewear label The North Face is the go-to for fashion-conscious action men (particularly after its hit collaboration with Gucci), and the brand has just released the 30th anniversary edition parka, celebrating over 30 years of Everest expeditions. Made with recycled materials and responsibly sourced down, the exterior fabric is also waxed, for a weather-proof outfit come Himalayas or the Central Line.

With an impressive 42L capacity, this Stubble & Co carry-on travel backpack is ideal for hands-free travel on trips that last three-to-five days. It's packed with clever features, including a 16" laptop sleeve, a clamshell opening for easy packing, a hidden valuables compartment, and a reflective rain cover to ensure you stay visible and your gear stays dry in wet weather. Compression straps keep everything as compact as possible, and there's a passthrough band to attach it to your case as well.

When we asked Victoria Beckham, earlier this year, about her most beloved travel item, she name dropped Yeti. The popular American drinkwear brand is the ultimate go-to for any adventure traveller, especially for camping or hiking trips. Their classic Rambler bottle is a winner when it comes to travel; made from stainless steel and vacuum insulated, so your water will stay cold for hours.

Okay, yes – it’s a gift card. But no gift guide is complete without one option and, as far as stereotypical vouchers-as-presents go, this is a pretty good one to receive. With a feast of stunning properties available to book across the globe, from London to New York and beyond, the keys to a new Airbnb makes an ideal gift for a globetrotting loved one ready to tick off the next trip on their list.

For the little travellers in your life, these clever buys will help to ensure an easier journey. For more ideas, see our pick of the best travel toys.

Anyone keen to avoid defaulting to screen time for the duration of a flight will find solace in Yoto’s popular audio player. The Mini Adventurer bundle has everything you need to entertain kids aged 3-11. Collectable story cards and a variety of interactive games can be rotated to keep the content fresh. It encourages children to explore and experiment as if using adult technology, but it’s designed for smaller hands. You can use it as a speaker and alarm clock in the hotel room too.

Packing extra toys can feel like unnecessary weight in your hand luggage, so anything that does more than one job is a winner when it comes to travelling with kids. Busy boards are designed to keep babies and toddlers engaged for longer than four seconds thanks to their range of tangible activities. Anyone with more than one child under the age of four will feel the benefits two-fold, as the activities within its pages are designed to encourage the fine motor skills at various levels of development.

It’s rare to take a trip to the airport without spotting at least one of Trunki’s cheery suitcases in the waiting room. The designs are practical and fun, with a roomy 18 litre storage capacity for toys, clothes and games. As a bonus, the cases have a saddle seat and tow strap, allowing for easy tot transportation from check-in desk to gate.

This made-for-kids tablet could be the key to a peaceful flight, car journey, ferry ride and more. It comes with 1 year of Amazon Kids+ content so your little one can watch all the Peppa Pig they want, and has a sturdy kid-proof case (available in three different coloured) to protect it against the inevitable drops and bumps.

The mini size of the popular Yoto audio player is perfect for travelling. Compact and easy-to-use for kids aged 3+, the collectable cards which play stories and interactive games are also easy to pack. It also doubles as a speaker and alarm clock and the extended battery life means it's a great companion for long journeys.

If the goal is to get maximum entertainment from just one toy, then busy boards are a miraculous invention for children from a few months to a few years old. The ARVRI Sensory Busy Board offers 15 different activities in a book-style carrying case that’s just a tiny bit larger than an A4 sheet of paper.

The tech you bring can make or break a trip – imagine now trying to navigate unfamiliar terrain without your phone's Google Maps app, or tackling a 14-hour flight without your headphones. The buys below will make life easier on even the most arduous journeys.

I’m a semi-recent convert to Google from iPhone so I was heartbroken when my previous Pixel 8 was stolen. But I have begrudgingly enjoyed the necessitated impromptu upgrade to the Pixel 9 Pro, and especially so when travelling. The camera is noticeably better than the former model, so even my terrible photography skills elicit great results. The editing tools are also remarkably effective – you can rub out background noise and passersby just by drawing a ring around them. Gemini AI assistant is built in, so you can do everything from creating packing lists to drawing up itineraries within seconds. An incredibly useful travel companion.

For long flights, you need a decent pair of headphones (and if you invest in one of these, you can use them with the inflight entertainment system too). I’ve recently upgraded my previous earbuds for these Bang & Olufsen EXs. The sound quality is noticeably superior to any others I’ve tried, at a decent price point for a luxury brand. They’re stylish and the shape is less likely to bounce away than bud-shaped earphones, so they’re less likely to roll away if dropped. I previously lost an earbud when it rolled into a drain, so I appreciate that such mishaps are less likely to occur with these.

Even travellers with a library full of books at home have to admit it: E-readers are an essential travel accessory for bookworms. They are so much lighter than even one paperback book, and let you bring as many options as you want along for the ride.

This tiny gadget connects your headphones to the plane's inflight entertainment system via Bluetooth, so you can watch films on the screen with your own – always superior – headphones. A small hack that makes a big difference on long, tedious journeys.

If there’s one thing every group trip needs, it’s a portable speaker, and Fendi’s version is loaded with style credentials as well as Social Sec points. It’s small but powerful, and the 360-degree design adapts to its environment, promising the right balance of trebel and base no matter where it’s positioned. For any group trips or villa rentals, or just for anyone who’s constantly plugged into their headphones, it’s sure to make a great addition to their collection of technical travel accessories.

When Louis Vuitton re-releases an icon, you know it's going to be good. The maison’s signature tote bag, the Neverfull, gets a brand new update in reversible fabric with multiple designs, from its classic monogram, to printed travel stamp motif, to colour-pop stripes. The effortlessly spacious shape is perfect for hand luggage or city hopping, with overpacking capabilities - as its name suggests, and the lightweight fabric with minimal hardware makes it a practical choice to wear for long journeys. Top tip - this sits very nicely on top of a suitcase, and its long-line shoulder strap wraps around the suitcase handlebar. We especially love this extra pouch compartment for easy-to-access essentials.

Sunglasses are always a welcome gift - perfect for the beach, the slopes, or just looking chic at the airport. French hero brand Dior makes the best shapes - that perfectly balance feminine and modernity, such as these R21’s, with a slightly oversized design that flatters any face, and with its signature logo in gold on the arms. The perfect gift for sun seekers.