The Ultimate Gift Guide For Every Type of Traveler in Your Life

The Ultimate Gift Guide For Every Type of Traveler in Your LifePhoto: AYA images/Shutterstock

The practice of waking up at 4 AM and rushing to be the first in line outside a big-box store on big holiday shopping days is as dated as The Real World. Everything you need for holiday shopping can be found online, at small local retailers, or often both. This one-stop holiday shopping guide rounds up the top gifts for travelers, from the cousin who spends her summers trekking through national parks to the coworker who never remembers to wear compression socks when they fly. (There’s something in here to gift yourself, too, as a tribute to your good taste in gift-giving.)

 

The Only Summer Backpacking Gear Guide You’ll Need This Holiday Season

It’s a special feeling when you get a new piece of backpacking gear. This year, gift an outdoor enthusiast something they’ll be excited to break out when warmer weather comes back around.

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No More Jet Lag: 10 Top-Rated Gifts To Help You Sleep on Planes

Make sure your loved ones are cozy and content on their next flight.

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  Gifts for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Photo: Ersler Dmitry/Shutterstock

Few thrills compare with the rush of an epic outdoor adventure. But venturing into the great outdoors without the proper gear is a surefire way to ruin — or at least hamper — the experience. These trail-tested suggestions are the latest gear that Matador editors are into right now.

The 6 Best Outdoor Sunglasses of 2023

A proper pair of shades is a brilliant gift for someone who spends time outdoors. Here are the top unisex sunglasses from eco-friendly or carbon-neutral brands.

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Essential Gear for Tropical Scuba Diving

Exploring the world’s warm waters is a fulfilling hobby for any outdoor lover — if the the right gear is involved.

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Essential Gear for a Splitboarding Trip

It takes more than a standard packing list to journey safely into the backcountry and have a good time in the winter.

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The Essential Guide to Off-Mountain Gear for Winter Ski Adventure

More than just equipment for skiing, these essentials take après-ski and lodge relaxation to the next level.

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Keep Your Loved Ones Toasty With the Best Down Jacket to Gift This Holiday Season

The key to the perfect everyday puffer is finding a balance between comfort, style, and functionality. That balance lies in the Cotopaxi Fuego down jacket.

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Desert Essentials for National Park Lovers

Many of America’s most beautiful natural parks occupy desert landscapes. That requires preparation and a handful of key items to make the most of a visit.

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Easily Packable Gear for the 50+ Traveler

For older and wiser travelers, having easily packable gear can make new (or familiar) destinations even more enjoyable. These gifts are not only practical, but they also offer convenience and a touch of luxury that seasoned travelers will appreciate.

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Essential Gear for Traveling With Kids

Traveling with children is an exciting, rewarding experience that provides lasting memories for the whole family. It also comes with challenges that require careful planning and preparation. From keeping your little ones entertained during long flights and car rides to ensuring they’re comfortable and safe in unfamiliar surroundings, every parent knows that the key to smooth sailing on family trips is packing the right things.

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Perfect Gifts for Girlfriends Who Love to Travel

We can all do better than gifting a neck pillow. From haircare travel kits to stylish t-shirts, these thoughtful presents have been selected from companies that are women owned and operated.

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Gifts That Make Travel Easier

Photo: Anton Mukhin/Shutterstock

One of the biggest misconceptions about travel is that it’s always expensive and stressful. The perpetrators of this myth have likely simply failed to properly prepare. Save your travel companions (and yourself) the hassle by stocking up now on things that make travel easier and more enjoyable, such as cheap lounge access and good coffee.

How to Give the Gift of Airport Lounge Access With Priority Pass

This holiday season, rather than stuffing stockings with gadgets and candy, why not give a frequent flyer something they can actually use?

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Brew Your Favorite Cup With These Travel Coffee Makers

These products were designed with travelers in mind, offering an easy way to make your favorite coffee away from home without compromise.

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The Number One Under-$20 Hack for Making Every Flight More Comfortable

It might seem dorky, but this product will completely change your experience flying economy for the better.

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Keep Your Gadgets Charged for Days With These Power Banks

This portable battery bank has enough power storage to keep devices charged for multiple days, so there’s no need to stress about remaining in contact with family and friends.

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AirFly Pro Is the Best $50 You’ll Ever Spend on a Travel Accessory

The perfect gift for someone who has everything, this nifty device allows travelers to watch airplane TV screens with Bluetooth headphones.

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TSA-Approved Facial Products for a Relaxing Long-Haul Flight

Luxurious in-flight facial, anyone?

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 Gifts for the Traveler Heading to Southeast Asia

Whether exploring Cambodia’s ancient temples, lounging on Thailand’s beautiful beaches, or navigating Vietnam’s bustling streets, having the right gear can significantly enhance the experience. Every country in Southeast Asia has its own cultural norms, weather patterns, and tourist attractions, so packing appropriately and lightly requires careful consideration.

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Gifts for the Traveler Heading on a Trekking Adventure in Latin America

With landscapes ranging from glaciers to deserts, it’s no surprise that Latin America is a prime destination for trekkers.

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Gifts for the Traveler Backpacking Through Europe

Backpacking through Europe is an adventure that many people dream of. It’s a chance to explore different cultures, see historic landmarks, and meet new people. Packing appropriately makes for a smoother journey.

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Gifts for the Traveler Going an Incredible African Safari

As exciting as planning a safari can be, a first-time safari-goer might find the packing process to be slightly overwhelming. This comprehensive guide has all the essentials for an incredible African safari, from clothing suited for the diverse climate to photography equipment that’ll capture unforgettable moments.

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Gifts That Make Packing Easier and More Efficient

Photo: Daniel Hoz/Shutterstock

Packing is an imperfect science, but it’s a science nonetheless. The more you do it, the better you get — though having a few things to streamline the process always helps. Packing tip from Matador editors: Double up on small items like toiletries and charging cords, and always keep one set packed and ready to go in your bag. That way, nothing small is forgotten.

Travel Smarter, Not Harder: Packing Organizers For Frequent Travelers

Dopp kits, packing cubes, compression sacks, cable organizers, and more: These are the best products for savvy packers.

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The 7 Best Hardshell Luggage Options That Can Keep Up With Frequent Travelers

Picking the right hardshell luggage will lead to less worries on the road. These are the best models for each type of traveler.

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A Pro Skier’s Packing Guide For Ski Trip Essentials

Because stepping into a pair of rental boots is rarely a positive experience.

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How to Keep Your Clothes Wrinkle-Free While Traveling

With some affordable gear and clever tips, it’s easy to have wrinkle-free clothes even while traveling without an iron handy.

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How to Travel With Just a Carry-On, According to a Professional Packer

Packing is an art form that can make or break a trip. It’s also a skill anyone can learn with the right tools and techniques.

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The 11 Best Carry-On Backpacks For Every Type of Traveler

An ideal present for the digital nomad in your life, these are the best work-from-anywhere travel backpacks that are both fashionable and super practical.

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10 Gifts for the Traveling Yogi

Yoga mats, crystals, journals, and other lovely gift ideas for anyone heading on a yoga retreat or who is just looking to practice on the road.

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19 Zero-Waste and Eco-Minded Toiletry Bag Gifts

Help the frequent traveler in your life make the switch to zero-waste and eco-minded products. From bamboo toothbrushes to solid shampoos, these sustainable alternatives are not just better for the planet, they’re also innovative, high-quality, and often come beautifully packaged. Say hello to this year’s stocking stuffers.

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6 Vegan Skincare Beauty Essentials That Make Perfect Stocking Stuffers

If you’d like to treat someone to beauty products this holiday season but have concerns about skin sensitivities, go vegan. These vegan brands have dedicated their entire lines to being cruelty-free.

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All the Best Hair Products, Tools, and Accessories You Need While Traveling

Traveling can wreak havoc on your skin and hair. Different climates, water quality, and the inevitable stress of travel can all take a toll. But with the right travel-szed hair products, tools, and accessories, travelers can ensure that their hair remains healthy, shiny, and stylish.

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Matador Editors’ Favorite Gear of 2023

Photo: Kora

Those who travel for a living tend to be opinionated about everything from the right way to pack to the best seat to book on an airplane. The includes Matador editors. While you can’t control the noisy neighbor in the room next door, you can be prepared to zone them out with noise-canceling headphones. The same is true for nearly every headache that can arise while on the road.

This Brand Leads the ‘Pac’ in Sustainable Travel Clothes

Our editors put the Paka Hoodie and Paka Everyday Base Layer to the test in the outdoors, on the road, and in the cold. What they found was that the brand creates durable, reliable clothing that’s eco-friendly to boot.

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Kora’s Hemp T-Shift Is the Perfect Comfortable and Durable Travel Shirt

Kora’s hemp t-shirt is not only super soft but also breathable, hard-wearing, and stylish.

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This Hardshell Roller Got Me to Switch From My Carry-On Backpack Lifestyle

Starting a family can make even the most die-hard carry-on only travelers look for durable luggage with wheels. This July Checked Plus luggage will help traveling families get around with ease.

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Patagonia’s Smallest Black Hole Duffel Is a Dream Bag For Travelers

The 40-liter Black Hole Duffel is the ideal gift for travelers looking to get away for a couple of weeks while packing light.

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This New Daypack Is the Best Backpack for Remote Workers

The Patagonia Refugito was released for fall 2023 and is the answer to any remote worker looking for an all-in-one option.

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These Two Genius Bags Replaced the Four Camera Bags I Used to Carry

Most travel camera bags are so bulky and heavy that you need multiple packs to get your gear to a destination. The 45-liter Peak Design Travel Backpack solves this problem.

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CREDITSEditorial lead

Katie Scott Aiton, Tim Wenger

Contributors

Alex Bresler, Alyssa Tran, Becca Blond, Chelsey Cooke, Eben Diskin, Katie Scott Aiton, Lora Pope, Maggie Peikon, Maren Engh, Morgane Croissant, Sharael Kolberg, Suzie Dundas, Toby Nisbet, and Tim Wenger

Special Thanks

Alex Bresler
Debbie Gonzalez Canada
Ryan Dury