I’ve Been to Over 50 Countries, and These Are the 11 Travel Gifts I Recommend Every Year — From $15

As a travel writer and former performing artist, I’ve traveled all over the world by train, plane, and ship. My travels have taken me on 16-hour flights to Japan and Australia and multi-layover flights that have me in airports for 48 hours. After a lot of trial and error, I’ve come close to perfecting the perfect carry-on essentials for a comfortable flight. 

But, I continue to seek out products that can optimize my comfort. So I pulled together a list of some travel accessories I already have in my bag, and some that I’m eyeing and would love to see wrapped up in a bow in the coming months (hint hint). 

These in-flight essentials are actually useful and would be a welcome gift for any avid traveler. Best of all, you can have them at your doorstep in as little as two days, straight from Amazon.

Eye Mask

I’m really sensitive to light when it comes to slipping into REM sleep. I need complete darkness, but the provided eye masks on red-eye flights just don’t do the trick. I need a thick, light-blocking mask that has eye pockets so the mask doesn’t press on my eyelids. This one also has a heating element that I think would be relaxing and soothing on a cold transatlantic flight.

Neck Pillow 

For long-haul flights where I know I need to get some sleep, I travel with a neck pillow. The Ostrichpillowfolds up small, so I can put it in my personal item bag instead of walking around the airport with it wrapped around my neck. It also provides extra neck support so I don’t wake up frozen in the dreaded droop position.

Facial Hydrating Mist

Flying is dehydrating for the skin, which is exacerbated if you drink alcohol or coffee on the plane. To combat a tired-looking face, I pack moisturizers, under-eye masks, and facial mists, like this one, in my bag so I arrive at my destination glowy and fresh-faced. It also makes for an indulgent ritual on my flights that feels like a mini spa.

Sanitizing Wipes

Your tray table is one of the dirtiest parts of the plane, according to flight attendants. I’m very careful about germs when I travel because I don’t want my trip derailed by sickness. I always have sanitizing wipes in my bag to wipe down the airplane buckle, armrests, tray table, and seatback screen. These wipes have a nice scent, and I don’t use alcohol, so my skin won’t feel dry and chapped.

Noise-canceling Headphones

Buying high-quality noise-canceling headphones isn’t the time to scrimp, save, or take a chance on a dupe. You’ll want to invest in good technology and comfort because your headphones are one of the most useful items on an airplane. Bose is a brand that knows sound science. These headphones also feature a large ear cave, so you don’t get a headache from pressure on the ear for long periods of time.

Earplugs

When I do take off my headphones on the flight, it’s to give my head a rest and to try and get some shut-eye. But babies have other plans. I keep earplugs in my bag to drone out any cabin noise that might be loud and sporadic. 

Water Bottle

I have a lot of strong takes when it comes to the perfect water bottle. But the most important design feature is for the bottle to have a protected mouthpiece. Just think about it — you’re going in and out of bathrooms at the airport, setting your bag on the floor, etc. If you keep your water bottle in an exterior pocket on a backpack like I do, you don’t want the mouthpiece exposed to all of those germs — ew. This Yeti bottle has a secure twist top that won’t leak and is easy to use. It protects the mouthpiece and can insulate both hot and cold beverages. Plus, it’s not so big (like, ahem, Stanley jugs), that I can’t fit it comfortably in my purse.

Airplane Backseat Organizer

I frequently panic that I’ve left something in the backseat pocket of the airplane. Or, I kick myself when I realize I’ve left my iPad in my overhead bag after I’m snug in my window seat. Both of these scenarios would be solved if I had this seat pocket organizer pre-packed with my in-flight essentials. Reviewers say the slim size of this option fits in a variety of airplane back pockets where competitors can often be too big.

Wireless Charging Bank

Have you ever tried to use the charging plugs in your seat on the airplane? I can never get a charging brick to stay in them. They just fall out onto the floor, and I’m left blindly feeling around my seatmate’s feet. Instead of relying on the airplane’s in-seat charging ports, I bring a portable charging bank. This Satechi 3-in-1 charges three Apple devices in one and allows me to watch saved videos on my phone mid-flight with its iPhone mount. But, you don’t need one this fancy. This simple power bank is a lower-priced alternative and slightly smaller.

Moft Phone Tripod Stand

If you like to watch shows or play games on your phone for entertainment on a flight, the right tripod can really ease your neck and posture. This tripod stand is slim and collapsible and allows you to orient your phone in a number of ways. It’s also handy on your travels as a tripod for self-timer photos or making video calls where you don’t have to hover your phone at arm’s length.

Alpaca Wool Compression Socks

I find alpaca wool to be softer and not as itchy as Merino wool. It’s also an incredibly warm material and perfect for long flights where the cabin temperature can get chilly. I have never tried compression socks myself, but the more long flights I take the more I think these are a good investment in my circulatory health.

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