Holiday Gift Guide for Travelers - My Family Travels

Looking for a holiday gift guide for travelers? We know that people who love to travel want to encourage wanderlust in loved ones. There’s no better way than presenting them with holiday gifts designed to make travel easier. Here are our picks, starting at just $8, to exchange this festive season or put on your wish list for Santa.

Holiday Gift Guide for Travelers of All Ages

Man charges cellphone with Niteize portable lantern.
Stay on the Light Side and charge your gear with a Niteize lantern from our holiday gift guide for travelers.

Light Up the Night with Niteize

Illuminate spooky spaces or read all night. This very lightweight, bright lantern from Niteize is perfect for the outdoors too. Recharge it via USB and then have extra power to charge your cellphone on the go. Comes with while silk tote pouch that makes the bright glow softer and more romantic. Very durable. From $36.

Light Up the Night With Niteize

Enjoy the Sun Safely

Page from Goodr sunglasses website shows different models.
The Goodr OC Line is one of the most popular, with dozens of styles, lens and frame colors plus lots of patterns to choose from.

A company with a sense of humor produces great looking Goodr performance sunglasses that stick to sweaty or wet faces. Choose cool reflective lenses in all colors or quieter lenses from orange to brown. Frame patterns cover the rainbow. Order the wide/larger head size with bigger lenses for more sun coverage. Smaller size frames fit bigger kids. So far, they are indestructible. Well priced from $25.

Go Goodr to Protect Your Eyes from the Sun

Teach All of You Table Manners

Bamboo eating utensils ensure everyone in the family has their own sanitary diningware when eating out anywhere in the world.
Bamboo eating utensils ensure everyone in the family has their own sanitary diningware when eating out anywhere in the world.

Light and reusable, Patagonia bamboo utensils allow travelers of all ages to safely eat anything, anywhere. Train your toddler how to use a knife and fork around the campfire or on picnic tables. Particularly useful when enjoying street food while traveling, since utensils may not have been cleaned to your standards. From $8.

Travel Tableware Teaches Table Manners

Hands Free Travel Shoes for All Ages

A person with legs crossed on top of luggage watches TV screen.
Kizik shoes (this is the Prague model) are so comfortable that you won’t want to slip them off once you get to your hotel. Photo c. Ron Bozman / RKR Media.

The Kizik line of shoes slip on and off hands-free, a blessing for anyone forced to go through TSA without Pre-Check. How does handsfree work when each model has laces and a full profile? “Kizik shoes feature a patented heel design,” explains their PR firm. Slip your toes in and the heel compresses so you can slide your foot under the laces. Press down and the heel springs back into its supportive place. It works! These casual shoes look pretty great, too. Different uppers range from leather (more of a business look) to elasticized fabric (sneaker time.) Other pluses: Enough innersole support to be museum-worthy, very comfy for wider feet, lightweight for travel. Kiziks come in several colors, have EE widths for men and women, and come in children’s models too. From $99; kids sizes from $69.

Hands Free Feet With Kizik Shoes

Holiday Gift Guide for Traveler Toddlers

Blow Up, Strap In, Sit Comfortably

An inflatable AirTushi seat serves as a highchair when you're dining out or enjoying room service, and a booster when you're flying with baby.
An inflatable AirTushi seat serves as a highchair when you’re dining out or enjoying room service, and a booster when you’re flying with baby. Photo c. RoamWild

Inflate this little fortress from Roam Wild around your loved one’s butt. The easy-to-carry AirTushi keeps children strapped in, stable and snug on an adult chair on in an airplane seat. Makes dining out while traveling a breeze. Deflates and packs easily. From $19.99

Sit Tight with AirTushi Inflatable Booster

Teach Geography from the Comfort of Home

A wall mounted world map made of wooden puzzle pieces hangs in a living room over the couch.
Assemble your world map made of wooden puzzle pieces and hang it over the couch to make future trip planning easier to visualize. Photo c. Enjoythewood.com

Work on a huge global puzzle together. You may not solve the world’s problems but it’s a fun pastime. This wall-size 3D map of the world from Enjoy the Wood is made from several types of natural wood carved as if puzzle pieces. Assemble them and then stick everything to a backing for travel-inspiring wall art when you’re done. From $180.

Enjoy A Wooden View of the World

Holiday Gift Guide for Travelers On the Move

Carry A Beverage All the Time

Three Tiger brand thermos water bottles hold hot and cold liquids at temperature for hours on end.
Pick from several sizes and colors as all the Tiger brand thermoses work perfectly as water bottles or for hot and cold liquids.

Invest in a rugged, Tiger mini-thermos that keeps hot or cold temperatures for up to 24 hours. Pick up a small size, add hot cocoa, and slip it into a pocket — perfect for skiing. Drop them while hiking and nothing breaks. Anti-bacterial technology and wide mouths makes them easy to clean. From $32.

Travel Like a Tiger

Stay Lock Step with Baby on Any Road

A Jeep Powerglyde Plus Stroller with twins in it and a mom standing by.
The Jeep Powerglyde Stroller, seen here in a two-seater model, uses new technology to make steering and gliding down urban streets smoother. Photo c. Delta Children

The Jeep PowerGlyde Stroller by Delta Children boasts new front wheel design that makes handling easier. Smoother turns and three reclining seat positions make the ride more comfortable for baby, too. Heavy duty steel frame is sturdy enough for European cobblestones, yet it folds like an umbrella stroller and weighs in under 14 lbs. We like the extendable canopy with UPF 50+ sun visor.  $69.99

Glyde with That Stroller

Micromobility Solution in a Great Package

A skateboarder on a winding road, aerial view.
William Royce takes off on a Bustin Boards hybrid e-board, a great way to tour the countryside. Photo c. Bustin Boards.

Travel around the neighborhood with a flash, lighter than air, on a Bustin Board’s skateboard. The company’s hybird electric skateboards make traversing long distances faster and easier. They’re here to solve that how to get from here to there problem travelers so often confront. In addition, the boards have great designs to please your fashionistas of any age. From $568.

Micromobility Solutions with Style

Carry A Tune Wherever You Go

Roam speaker by Sonos on table next to chair, in front of window.
Relax wherever life takes you with your own music, courtesy of the Sonos Roam travel speaker.

Sonos is known for the amazing sound their speakers deliver. The small Roam model is a lightweight, compact unit that brings that quality on the road. It easily connects via bluetooth to Spotify and other apps for indoor or outdoor amplification. Use it at your compsite or pool because it’s waterproof too. $160.

Music On The Go Anywhere All The Time

Holiday Gift Guide for Media Savvy Travelers

Secure Camera Mounts Easily

Red and white checked chairs at outdoor cafe with sign in front.
The Tenikle tripod in action, seen at a cafe in Manhattan’s Flatiron District where it’s making a “selfie” of 2 tourist in front of Empire State Building. Photo c. Ron Bozman / RKR Media

This handy, lightweight camera/cellphone Tenikle support looks like an octapus. Bend and stick three flexible arms lined with suction mounts to chair backs, handlebars, strollers and dashboards to keep devices secure on many surfaces. From $45.

Take 360 Photos & Videos Securely

Raise the Next Generation of Influencers

Joby Gorillapod Mobile Vlogging Kit has needed equipment for making better videos.
The Joby Gorillapod Mobile Vlogging Kit has a tripod, mics, cables, and lights needed for making better videos on the go.

Joby, a top-of-the-line action tripod company, produced an all-in-one gear kit to support home filmmakers. Gorillapod Mobile Vlogging Kit lets families up the quality of their audio, camera moves and lighting on the go. A perfect present for that outgoing tween or teen, it promotes quality production values to enhance content creation. The kit includes everything you need except a cellphone camera. From $160.

Vlog with the Pros

Record The World and Make It a Better Place

A Sony RX 100 Cyber Shot camera with accessories needed for travel photos.
Choose from any of the Sony RX 100 Cyber Shot cameras whose excellent lenses and accessories will up your travel photos by lightyears.

Ready to move beyond your cellphone camera to record that bucket list trip? Sony, as they often do, created the ideal travel camera. The R100 series of digital cameras are portable and versatile enough for beginners or pro’s. Take advantage of a great Zoom lens that goes from 24mm-200mm so you can capture the breadth of the Grand Canyon or an elephant closeup on safari. It works in low light, is fast and has a much broader range of options than most photographers will ever use. The seventh iteration of Sony’s top-selling Cyber-shot line makes the most of your travel photo ops. From $1,100.

Get Your Cyber Shot Sony Cameras

Holiday Gift Guide for Traveling Men

Happy Feet Make Happy Travelers

colorful and wildly patterned mens socks.
Society Socks keep your favorite men on their toes and send matching socks to the homeless.

Society Socks sells wildly colorful, quality men’s socks by subscription and in gift boxes. And they donate even more pairs to charities around the world. Society Socks are 70% combed cotton and fit men’s shoe sizes 7-13. For women, they bundle up sports socks in basic colors. Gift the men in your life monthly with two new, cozy pairs in their fun patterns. It is a gentle reminder that there are others who need help getting back on their feet. Three-month Subscription, two pairs monthly, $60.

Wear Society Socks and Better the World

Drink and Drive Responsibly With This Mug

A green Carter Move travel mug by Fellows sits on a table at the United Lounge at AUS airport.
Go green with your refillable Carter Move travel mug by Fellows, seen here full of capuccino at the United Lounge, Austin Bergstrom Airport. Photo c. Ron Bozman / RKR Media

Fellow Products has perfected a well-insulated travel mug that you can brew coffee or tea into and take on the go. The best feature is the snap-in splash guard. The removable metal screen insert stops beverages from sloshing out of the wide mouth when you take a swig in the car. Carter Move travel mug comes in 8, 12, 16 oz so kids can carry their own. Cleans easily and works as an insulated water bottle. From $25.

Take This Fellow Mug and Hit the Road Safely

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0 Replies to “Holiday Gift Guide for Travelers”

  • carinatenaglia

    hope you all like it!

  • jkwangler

    The Paramount Hotel- http://www.nycparamount.com

    BDC- Broadway Dance Center- http://www.broadwaydancecenter.com

    Ellen's Stardust Diner- http://www.ellensstardustdiner.com

    Capezio store- http://www.capeziodance.com

    Amy's Bakery- http://www.amysbread.com

    Junior's in Times Square- http://www.juniorscheesecake.com

    The Ambassador Theater (Chicago)- http://www.ambassadortheater.com

    Al Hirschfeld Theater- http://www.hirschfeldtheater.org

     

     

  • HaSieler

    I was the same way. I had my Bat Mitzvah on top of Masadah and was complaining of the heat. I didn't truly recognize what an amazing place I was in. I was fortunate enough to return last summer and had the time of my life. I look forward to seeing your post for when you get to return. I wish you all the best!

  • darling.kristina

    one of my all time favorite vacations.

  • kkkaties

    This was one of the best trips I have ever been on.

  • KayLoveGod

    I am ecstatic that I was able to participate in learning my heritage, history, and my parents past.

  • KayLoveGod

    My trip to Africa was really an extraordinary experience, and I fell in love with the country Nigeria. I am so happy that my father allowed me to see my heritage and my family.

  • tamara0110

    Truly humbling

  • carlivogl

    I hope you enjoy learning about my experiences in Paris, France!

  • alli65

    Thank you so much for this information.  Multi-generational travel is an area that I am interested in, but it is not easy to navigate various ages, levels of mobility and interests.  These tips are super useful!

  • kwn236

    This was seriously such a life-changing trip for me. I got to see a whole other way that people live life. It really opened my eyes and made me EVEN MORE eager to learn German and to adopt a more frugal lifestyle. 

  • bettygheb

    My experience with traveling to a foreign nation, in the form of a blog.

  • rmaddison

    Going on that trip was the best thing I have done in my life. I learned so much, and experienced many different things, such as food, culture, and people. It was a great opportunity for me, and I highly advise others to travel as well. You will not be disappointed.

  • emilyredmanhall

    I recommend this or a similar trip for any future paleontologists.  I have since been to the Field Museum in Chicago and the American Museum of Natural History in New York, and am pleased to have visited all the major paleontological museums in North America. 

    I hope you have fun on your trips, too!

  • zentnere14

    This is my submission to the young travel writer scholarship

  • CassieV13

    My trip to South Africa transformed my life. I grew closer to my best friend, as well as experience a culture very different from my own. As a result, my knowledge of the world has grown.

  • sqwertyuiop

    I quite enjoy I can feel the passion.

  • Rebeccakrivitsky

    I hope you enjoy the lessons i learned over seas in Spain! I know I will take them with me as I move forward in life. Thank you for reading!

    -Rebecca Krivitsky

  • chrislolz4

    enjoy my story, i pray it will reveal a new cultural avenue while still providing a humorous tale

  • dusty_soccerking

    This trip was truly life changing. It was the first time I realized that there is a whole other world outside the United States!

  • David Ng

    Thank you very much for your post! I love it very much! I will bring my family to Florida soon!

  • chris_moreno

    Thanks and support

  • MIszler1

    Here is the website documenting my trip: http://madisongoestonewyork.blog.com/

  • brittany.osmers

    My time in El Salvador changed my life. It is my dream that one day I will be able to return there. I can honestly tell you that my love for the people in El Salvador has remained with me. And I hope the best for that nation.

  • brittany.osmers

    The summer of my sophmore year in high school I spent a week in El Salvador. This one week changed my life. As I volunteered in El Salvador I gained an amazing view of different cultures and life styles. I developed a love for El Salvador and its people. And my memories there will remain with me through out my life. It is my dream that one day I will be able to return their and give more of my time to those amazing people.

  • brittany.osmers

    My freshman year of high school I spent a week of my summer in El Salvador. It was a remarkable week that literally changed my outlook on life. I have a huge heart for the people of El Salvador and the country itself. It is my dream that one day I will be able to go back.

  • veoma94

    My amazing trip

  • nicolelyn

    It was definitely a trip to remember that I'd do any day! 🙂

  • nicolelyn

    A trip to remember that I'd do again any day

  • nicolelyn

    It was a trip to remember. Every spect of it was interesting and something I would do again!

  • neddyfranquez

    I enjoy traviling with my family and creating new memories.

  • neddyfranquez

    I enjoy traviling and spending time with my family.

  • ciarafrisbie

    – By Ciara Bri'd Frisbie

  • nathanshaw33

    Thank you for reading my essay.

    -Nathan Shaw

  • nathanshaw33

    Thank you for taking the time to read my essay I really appreciate it.

    -Nathan Shaw.

  • treneau

    This trip was one of the most incredible experiences of my life.  From the Great Wall to the hospitals of Beijing, I learned so much about myself and other cultures.

  • mariajones

    I just love traveling. Disney World is my favourite destination. Above all 10 sposts are my favourite. I would love to visit all that destination.

  • alli65

    Reading this story has been a stroll down memory lane.  I stayed at the Diplomat as a little girl in the 1970's, and still remember how impressed I was with it.  So glad to hear that the resort has bounced back to its original glory.  

  • alli65

    I am very glad to know that Disney Cruise Line is taking health so seriously, yet making  cleanliness palatable for kids.  These suggestions are also great for air travel, another germy breeding ground.  Thanks for the info!

  • Ron

    My family loves Cancun, and we have had good stays at the Oasis and the Sol Melia and the Sheraton too.  Nice to see a new list of recommendations from you. Thanks

  • admin

    This is a really fun outing, but if you can't get out to the countryside, just visit one of those urban tree sellers.  A lot of them in the northeast are staffed by college kids from Canada, who take a break, get into a rental trailer and drive it south, then re-sell trees they have bought on consignment to pay for the next semester.

    I always ask (nicely) and I always get (with a smile), the extra boughs that they take off to make the trees look even all around. With some ribbon, maybe the wire from a coat hanger and lots of creativity, it's easy to get the kids helping you turn old boughts into beautiful wreaths for around the house.

  • hopeworks

    Love the photos in this article!

  • Ron

    Thanks for having this contest; my family loves Snowmass and it would be great to go back there.  We took our son when he was about 7 and it was a great learning adventure for all of us.  The instructors are terrific and we had fun, but it's not something we could afford to do right now.

    Thanks for giving us another chance to go back!

  • admin

    When  Jean Carlisle of Menomonie,  Wisconsin heard she won a family of four Galapagos Adventure Cruise, she wrote us:

    "YES YES YES!!!!!!!!     THIS IS MY DREAM DREAM DREAM VACATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CAN you tell I’m excited??!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    "A Galapagos vacation has always been on my DREAM list!!…add it to a cruise vacation makes it even more special.   I accept!!!"

    Jean explained that she'd enjoyed playing along the scavenger hunt but was anxious about the random drawing for a winner.

    "I didn’t sleep well last night because I was so excited!!  LOL  I entered the contest because I had seen many publications and shows on national geographic on the Galapagos Islands and always thought that would be a place I’d like to visit. I was first drawn to the beautiful pictures on the website and when I saw the contest, I knew that I just had to enter and would love to win!

    "I’d like to thank TakingtheKids.com, TravelingMom.com and Family Travel Forum for this once in a life opportunity!!  We are excited to make arrangements and show off photos when we return!"

  • todobigo

    So glad it's helpful to you with your teens, I've already given the Primland brochure to my own mom and her girlfriend who want to tour the Blue Ridge Parkway and look at the Appalachian handcrafts. This is a great base for lots of exploration.  If you go, I know you'll enjoy it!

  • alli65

    This sounds like a real find and perfect for my own family.  I ma always looking for resorts that will work as destinations with lots to do for my two teens, and Primland sounds excellent.  Thanks for spreading the word!

  • FTFstaff

    Thanks so much for sharing your dreams about the Galapagos; that's the way we all felt when we learned that the terrific Lindblad team wanted to work on this project.  so excited to know that someone's dream will reallyl come true!  And a 6th grader is the perfect travel companion.

    Don't forget to post your a link to your comment here :

    http://www.travelingmom.com/freebies/contests/3917-galapagos-giveaway-contest-entries.html

    so you're sure to be recorded as an entry into the grand prize drawing. Hope to see you on Twitter too @familytravel4um  @travelingmoms @takingthekids @LindbladEXP

  • bethanyh944

    If there are no comments on our blog, does this mean that our blog has been rejected, or that it has not been reviewed yet? thanks!

    • admin

      As noted, thanks to your enthusiasm, there are several thousand posts to read, so the judges will be done by mid October.  Check back after that to see your status!

  • ramccallister

    I tried following the steps above for finding out about the scholarship judging, but I'm still lost. Does it show up at the bottom of your blog? Or is it just off to the side when you have the option of clicking on your blog? Like, is it next to the name of your blog, the date it was published and then the word scholarship with either a yes or no? Thanks!

  • lsct2010

     Crystal – you get an email