The 25 best gifts for travelers who are always on the move
Recorded: Dec. 4, 2025, 4:06 p.m.
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The 25 best gifts for travelers in 2025 | The VergeSkip to main contentThe homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.The VergeThe Verge logo.TechReviewsScienceEntertainmentAIHamburger Navigation ButtonThe homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.Hamburger Navigation ButtonNavigation DrawerThe VergeThe Verge logo.Login / Sign UpcloseCloseSearchTechExpandAmazonAppleFacebookGoogleMicrosoftSamsungBusinessCreatorsMobilePolicySecurityTransportationReviewsExpandLaptopsPhonesHeadphonesTabletsSmart HomeSmartwatchesSpeakersDronesScienceExpandSpaceEnergyEnvironmentHealthEntertainmentExpandGamesTV ShowsMoviesAudioAIVerge ShoppingExpandBuying GuidesDealsGift GuidesSee All ShoppingCarsExpandElectric CarsAutonomous CarsRide-sharingScootersOther TransportationFeaturesVideosExpandYouTubeTikTokInstagramPodcastsExpandDecoderThe VergecastVersion HistoryNewslettersExpandThe Verge DailyInstallerVerge DealsNotepadOptimizerRegulatorThe StepbackArchivesStoreSubscribeFacebookThreadsInstagramYoutubeRSSThe VergeThe Verge logo.The 25 best gifts for travelers who are always on the moveComments DrawerCommentsLoading commentsGetting the conversation ready...GadgetsCloseGadgetsPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All GadgetsTechCloseTechPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All TechVerge ShoppingCloseVerge ShoppingPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All Verge ShoppingThe 25 best gifts for travelers who are always on the moveWe’ve pulled together a robust collection of items that can make spending hours on the road or in the air more enjoyable.If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.by Brandon RussellCloseBrandon RussellCommerce WriterPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Brandon RussellDec 4, 2025, 3:00 PM UTCLinkShareIf you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement. Image: The VergeBrandon RussellCloseBrandon RussellPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Brandon Russell is a commerce writer covering deals and buying guides. Previously, he was a freelance writer for Popular Mechanics, Men’s Health, and Esquire.I’m convinced that whoever said it’s about the journey, not the destination, has never traveled. Try sitting on a plane for 16 hours — plus delays, airport security, and a snoring seat neighbor — and then get back to me. While getting from point A to point B can feel like a test of endurance, a few smart upgrades can make all the difference when you’re on the move.RelatedThe Verge’s 2025 holiday gift guideThe Verge’s favorite holiday gifts under $100The best Christmas gifts under $50Some of our favorite gifts will cost you less than $25The Verge’s 2025 holiday gift guide for tinkerersThe Verge’s 2025 holiday gift guide for teensThe best gift ideas for mom this holiday seasonThe best gifts for dads that have everything (but deserve more)The best Christmas gifts for gamers and movie loversIf you or someone you know is heading across the continent or overseas, a travel adapter ensures you can plug in and charge your devices in over 200 countries, while noise-canceling earbuds provide peace in a noisy terminal. Meanwhile, a dedicated camera is a major step up in quality over a smartphone for snapping vacation photos. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or gearing up for your first big trip, these travel-friendly gifts will make the journey a little less miserable.How much do you want to spend?Under $20$21 to $50$51 to $150$151 to $400$401+Anker Laptop Power Bank$120$120Anker’s Laptop Power Bank is a lifesaver for anyone on the go. It boasts a beefy 25,000mAh capacity and a total output of up to 165W, allowing you to charge a MacBook Pro to 50 percent in less than 30 minutes. The portable battery also features two built-in USB-C cables, one of which is retractable, so you needn’t worry about tossing yet another cable in your bag.Read More$120 at Amazon$120 at Best Buy$120 at AnkerTwelve South AirFly Pro 2$55$608% off$55The AirFly Pro 2 can amp up the sound quality of in-flight entertainment, making it a handy tool for frequent travelers. The long-lasting Bluetooth adapter can sync with two pairs of wireless earbuds or headphones at once, allowing you and a partner to share a movie, a podcast, or music without relying on the subpar earbuds most airlines provide.Read More$55 at Amazon$55 at Verizon$60 at Twelve SouthBellroy Venture Sling 6L$139$139Bellroy’s Venture Sling is a stylish pack that provides ample storage for your everyday carry. It features a front pocket with a key clip, an internal soft-lined pouch, and several nooks for stowing larger items. The adjustable shoulder strap can also be detached from either end, making it easy to remove regardless of how you wear it.Read More$139 at Amazon$139 at REI$139 at BellroyAnker Nano Travel Adapter$26$26Anker’s Nano Travel Adapter is a versatile charger for globe-trotters. It features four plug types, providing compatibility in over 200 countries. Along with an AC connector, it has two USB-A ports and two USB-C ports, one of which can deliver up to 20W. The adapter is tiny, too — each plug type either extends and retracts or folds up, allowing it to fit into pockets or small bags.Read More$26 at Amazon$26 at Best Buy$26 at AnkerOwala FreeSip Sway (30-ounce)$35$35The FreeSip Sway features an attractive, contoured design that’s comfortable to hold with one hand; however, unlike previous Owala bottles, it tapers at the bottom, allowing you to stash it in your car’s cupholder. The reusable bottle also features a bucket handle, a push-button lid, and a dual-function spout with a straw for sipping and a wider opening for big gulps.Read More$35 at Amazon$35 at Owala$35 at TargetApple AirTag$24$2917% off$24One of the most stressful parts of traveling is the lingering worry that your bag might not make it to your destination. With an AirTag tucked inside your luggage, iPhone owners can see exactly where it is at any given moment — even if it’s halfway across the world. Apple’s tracker can play a sound through the built-in speaker, making it easier to pinpoint its location when it’s nearby.Read More$24 at Amazon$24 at Walmart$25 at Best BuyBose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (second-Gen)$249$29917% off$249The latest Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds feature improved active noise cancellation that reacts more smoothly to sudden noise, plus call-quality tech borrowed from hearing aids to cut out background noise. You still get 24 hours of battery life with the charging case, and now there’s an option to disable touch controls via the Bose app.Read More$249 at Amazon$249 at Bose$249 at Best BuyQuince Small Carry-On Suitcase$120$120Quince’s Small Carry-On Suitcase is made of a tough polycarbonate shell and features a TSA-approved lock, so you can keep would-be thieves at bay. It also has 40L of internal storage — enough to house five to seven outfits — plus 360-degree wheels, allowing you to skip baggage claim and effortlessly roll it through the terminal.Read More$120 at QuinceTom Bihn Deluxe Spiff Kit$63$63Tom Bihn’s Deluxe Spiff Kit is a handy bag for holding essential toiletries like face wash, shampoo, and deodorant. Its divided mesh pouch can fit most travel-size shampoos and soaps, while a large undivided mesh pouch is great for larger items. A hanging hook allows you to hang the kit on towel bars or fixtures, and a removable acrylic mirror is convenient for grooming on the go.Read More$63 at Tom BihnFujifilm X-E5 mirrorless camera$1699$1699The Fujifilm X-E5 is a tiny powerhouse that features a beautiful vintage-inspired design. It boasts multiple dials for quickly changing the shutter speed and exposure compensation, plus a dedicated dial for switching between film simulations. It’s also about the same size as Fujifilm’s famous X100 line, with the added benefit of interchangeable lenses.Read More$1699 at Amazon$1699 at Best Buy$1699 at B&H PhotoAmazon Kindle (2024)$110$110There are few better ways to pass the time than getting lost in a good book (I’m reading Thomas Pynchon’s new Shadow Ticket). The base Kindle is our best budget e-reader, with a sharp 6-inch display, an adjustable frontlight, and a battery that can last for up to six weeks. And at just 158 grams, its lightweight design makes it easy to carry and hold for extended reading sessions.Read More$110 at Amazon$110 at Best Buy$110 at TargetTravelrest Nest Ultimate Travel Pillow$40$40Sleep can be hard to come by when traveling, throwing your whole routine out of whack. This travel pillow from Travelrest can make it easier to doze off thanks to its comfortable memory foam. It wraps around your neck like a cozy necklace, with an angled back and shoulder cutout for a more ergonomic design. It can also squish down to fit in a small travel pouch, so it won’t take up much room in your carry-on.Read More$40 at Amazon$40 at Walmart$40 at TravelrestFirst Ascent Instant Coffee$15$15You’ll probably need a good pick-me-up while traveling, but you don’t have to settle for bad gas station coffee. First Ascent’s Instant Coffee gives you a solid caffeine boost and a flavor that holds up well, with light, medium, and dark roasts. You just pour it in hot water, stir, and it’s done. Don’t you just love the smell of fresh coffee?Read More$15 at First AscentAnbernic RG 34XXSP$67$67If your giftee ever had a soft spot for Nintendo’s Game Boy Advance SP, the RG 34XXSP won’t disappoint. Anbernic’s newer handheld emulator sports a classic clamshell design with a 3.4-inch 720p IPS display, as well as dual joysticks, four shoulder buttons, and a 3:2 aspect ratio that’s ideal for retro titles like Golden Sun and The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap.Read More$67 at AnbernicMatador Ultralight Travel Towel$36$36If you don’t like the idea of using a hotel towel, then Matador’s Ultralight Travel Towel deserves a spot in your bag. The large version is roughly the size of a standard towel, yet it can pack down into a small mesh bag. It’s made from a soft nanofiber material that can absorb double its weight, and it wrings out easily, so it dries fast. The towel is also machine washable, so you can easily get it ready for your next journey.Read More$36 at Matador$36 at HuckberryTP-Link BE3600 Travel Router$90$14036% off$90Traveling with a dedicated router can make connecting all your devices to public Wi-Fi that much easier, regardless of your location. TP-Link’s latest model offers Wi-Fi 7 speeds and allows you to connect up to 90 devices at once, which should be more than enough to accommodate the entire family. Its ability to connect to over 35 different VPN providers is just a plus.Read More$90 at Amazon (with code 10WIFI7TPL)$100 at B&H Photo$140 at TP-LinkApple Watch Series 11$329$39918% off$329The Apple Watch Series 11 adds new features like a bigger battery, 5G connectivity, and a more scratch-resistant display. Having longer battery life makes a huge difference while traveling, ensuring the watch doesn’t run out of a charge at an inopportune time. Plus, the update to watchOS 26 means you get FDA-cleared hypertension notifications and a feature that will help you better understand the quality of your sleep.Read More$329 at Amazon$329 at Walmart$399 at Best BuyMumi Laundry Bag$20$2520% off$20Mumi’s laundry bag provides a place to store your dirty clothes so they don’t stink up your suitcase. I used this bag during a 10-day trip over the summer, and it was enough to hold clothes for a family of three. It’s made of an odor-resistant fabric and a durable zipper, keeping the smell of your dirty socks inside. It also features a portable hanger, so you can keep it off the floor and out of the way.Read More$20 at Amazon (With on-page coupon)$24 at Mumi$24 at Irv’s LuggageSony WH-1000XM6 headphones$428$4505% off$428The WH-1000XM6 are Sony’s most-advanced wireless headphones, delivering better active noise cancellation, a comfortable band, and the ability to charge during use. They offer dynamic, lively sound, and they don’t shy away from bass. They can also fold down for easy storage, unlike their predecessor, which could only lie flat.Read More$428 at Amazon$428 at Best Buy$428 at B&H PhotoRay-Ban Meta (Gen 2) smart glasses$379$379The Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 offer twice the battery life of their predecessor in the same Wayfarer, Skyler, and Headliner styles. As for the camera, they can record 3K at 30fps, 1440p at 30fps, and 1200p at 60fps, all for up to three minutes. The glasses also offer the ability to capture hyperlapse and slow-motion videos, along with an audio-focused feature called “conversation focus.”Read More$379 at Amazon$379 at Best Buy$379 at Ray-BanLoop Quiet 2 earplugs$21$2516% off$21Between the noise of airport terminals and snoring seat companions, traveling can be loud. Loop’s reusable Quiet 2 deliver 24 decibels of noise reduction, so you can snooze even when the person next to you is watching a movie at full volume. They’re made from a light, flexible silicone and come with four ear tip sizes, including an extra-small option.Read More$21 at Amazon$25 at Target$25 at LoopTheraGun Mini (third-gen)$150$22032% off$150Whether you’re traveling by car, bus, train, or plane, all that sitting can take a toll on your body. The TheraGun Mini massage gun can help relieve tension and aching muscles. It features an ergonomic grip and offers three adjustable speeds, plus three different attachments that target specific aches and pains. TheraGun says the Mini is TSA compliant and can go for up to three hours before it needs to be recharged.Read More$150 at Amazon$170 at Best Buy$170 at TherabodyGarmin Venu 4$500$5509% off$500The Garmin Venu 4 is a polished everyday smartwatch with a bright OLED display and up to 12 days of battery. It has built-in GPS, smart sleep insights that flag stress or illness, and a surprisingly handy LED flashlight. A fitness coach can tailor workouts across 25 activities, while expanded accessibility makes it friendlier for more people.Read More$500 at Amazon (41mm)$500 at Best Buy (41mm)$520 at Amazon (45mm)Anker 140W 2-in-1 USB-C to USB-C Cable$23$23Instead of sifting through a rat’s nest of cables, Anker’s dual-headed USB-C cable makes it easier to travel light. Thanks to its 2-in-1 design, you can charge two devices simultaneously — like a laptop and smartphone — with a peak power output of 140W. You don’t have to worry about the cable fraying, either, as it’s made from a durable braided nylon and has been tested to survive more than 10,000 bends.Read More$23 at Amazon (black)$23 at Amazon (white)$23 at AnkeriPad Mini (2024)$499$499The iPad Mini’s smaller size is tailor-made for travel, with a light, sturdy design that’s easy to slip into a carry-on. Its compact 8.3-inch display is great for reading, watching movies, and playing games, and it even supports the Apple Pencil Pro, making it an excellent tool for doodling. The battery holds up well, too, and you can easily pair it with a Bluetooth keyboard to tackle some light work.Read More$499 at Amazon (128GB, Wi-Fi)$499 at Walmart (128GB, Wi-Fi)$499 at Best Buy (128GB, Wi-Fi) CreditsPhotographer, photo editor: Amelia Holowaty KralesArt director and designer: Cath VirginiaCreative director: Kristen RadtkeFollow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.Brandon RussellCloseBrandon RussellCommerce WriterPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Brandon RussellGadgetsCloseGadgetsPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All GadgetsGift GuidesCloseGift GuidesPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All Gift GuidesTechCloseTechPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All TechVerge ShoppingCloseVerge ShoppingPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All Verge ShoppingMore in Gadgets9Verge ScoreThe best robot vacuumsApple removed a Night mode photo feature from the iPhone 17 ProAntigravity’s 360-degree drone is here to help you forget DJI8Verge ScoreI tested 30 smart locks, and these are the bestHere are my 25 favorite deals from REI’s Cyber Week saleThis haptic mattress topper lets you feel a movie while you fall asleep during itThe best robot vacuumsJennifer Pattison Tuohy42 minutes agoApple removed a Night mode photo feature from the iPhone 17 ProJess Weatherbed11:29 AM UTCAntigravity’s 360-degree drone is here to help you forget DJISean Hollister12:59 AM UTCI tested 30 smart locks, and these are the bestJennifer Pattison TuohyDec 3Here are my 25 favorite deals from REI’s Cyber Week saleBrandon RussellDec 3This haptic mattress topper lets you feel a movie while you fall asleep during itAndrew LiszewskiDec 3Advertiser Content FromThis is the title for the native adTop Stories12:00 PM UTCThe future of country music is here, and it’s AIAn hour agoAnthropic’s quest to study the negative effects of AI is under pressureVideoDec 3One day, AI might be better than you at surfing the web. 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The 25 best gifts for travelers in 2025 If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement. We’ve pulled together a robust collection of items that can make spending hours on the road or in the air more enjoyable. If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement. **Anker Laptop Power Bank** ($120) **Twelve South AirFly Pro 2** ($55 - $60) **Bellroy Venture Sling 6L** ($139) **Anker Nano Travel Adapter** ($26 - $26) **Owala FreeSip Sway (30-ounce)** ($35 - $35) **Matador Laundry Bag** ($20 - $25) **TP-Link BE3600 Travel Router** ($90 - $140) |