The Traveler’s Christmas Wish List

‘Tis the season to give the gift of a better travel experience.  Lists of “Ultimate Travel Essentials” or “15 Best Travel Gifts” abound. While they are interesting to read, you won’t find many of those products in my suitcase.

As a constant traveler, the products that I list are products that I currently use or want to purchase because I know they will enhance and simplify my travel.

First comes the suitcase. With weight restrictions for carry-on luggage ranging from as low as 11 pounds to a maximum of 26 pounds, having a super light carry-on can make the difference whether you can carry it on or have to check it.  My constant quest is for a piece of carry-on luggage that weighs less than 5 pounds.   At 4.9 pounds, the Samsonite Neopulse 20” Spinner is a good option.

For security purposes, I now use an RFID sleeve for my passport and an RFID wallet for credit cards, both of which I purchased at CAA.  But there are many all-in-one products, for both passport and credit cards.  CAA and AAA have a selection of both, and they are also available on Amazon and widely available at stores such as the Container Store and any place that sells travel accessories. This great is great not just for a traveler, but for everyone for everyday use.

Keeping toiletry items to a minimum, and organized to consume less space requires the right products and the right container. While plain old ziplock bags are the lightest and cheapest option, I have come to really like the hanging, foldable toiletry bad.  By keeping everything in one place, this is actually a time saver, too.  No more looking around for things when re-packing, no more running back and forth between the bathroom and your suitcase because of something was forgotten. It’s all conveniently together.  The Reisenthel Travel Kit is my current favorite, available in plain colors, fun polka dots or this one for the cat lover on your list.

For the liquid portion of the toiletries, Public Goods travel collection (https://www.publicgoods.com/collections/travel) – all together in one plastic pouch that conforms to airport security requirements. I also try to reduce the liquids that I have to carry and have started to use Lush Shampoo Bar (lush.com). Both of these products would be great gifts for someone who is environmentally conscious, vegan, or uses natural, non-chemical products.

Another handy item to have is this wet pouch by Flight 01.  This is particularly useful for beach vacations, but also for packing clothing that has been laundered by perhaps hasn’t dried in time to leave.  Ziplock bags work well, but this is sturdier and picking a bright color means its less likely to be accidentally left behind.

My swim shoes, bathing suit, and very-light weight wrap/beach blanket/towel will all fit into here, making that last-minute swim easy!