By Jessica Russo
Whether you're shopping for an experienced world traveler or your niece who's studying abroad for the first time, look no further! We've compiled a list of our favorite accessories, gizmos, and gadgets that we simply cannot travel without. These trendy, unique, and downright practical gifts are the best things we never knew we needed.
Speakeasy Scarf
Why we love it:
Okay, so not only is this scarf super cozy and trendy, it also doubles as a purse or wallet! Maybe you'll be walking through a city that's notorious for pickpocketing, or maybe you'll be hiking up a mountain - in either case, who wants to carry a bag!? The zipper in this scarf is sturdy and trustworthy, and the compartment is big enough to hold your passport and more. Go hands-free and pop all your stuff in your scarf!
Scratch the World® Map
Why we love it:
Everytime you look at this map, you'll think, where to next? A visual bucket-list, if you will! This beautiful, sentimental piece of wall art makes for the perfect conversation starter. During your next cocktail party, someone will 110% ask you about it. When did you go to Thailand? Go ahead, take the moment to brag; you deserve it.
olloclip Active Lens Set for iPhone
Why we love it:
Sure, iPhone photos are pretty good, but there's no comparison to those taken with a professional camera. Well, with this lens kit, you'll be as close as it gets! You'll be shocked when you see the photos you can take. You might even say, wait, I took that? It looks like a postcard! Not only are the photos crisp and clear, the ultra-wide lens allows you to capture that entire lakeside landscape or the full grandeur of the mountain range you're in front of. You're paying a good chunk of change to go on vacation; you owe it to yourself to take awesome photos.
Trtl Pillow
Why we love it:
Believe us, you'll never want to travel with another pillow after you use the Trtl. Ya' know when you just can't get comfortable on a plane? When you twist and turn in that tight little space? You try to get comfy with your neck pillow, but it just winds up making you feel like a stiff bobblehead doll. Just the thought can send a shiver down your spine. Now, imagine a pillow so dreamy, it's scientifically proven. The Trtl is cushy soft and supports your neck in the perfect way for a good flight's sleep. It's also half the size, which is a plus.
Anker PowerCore 10000 Portable Charger
Why we love it:
We've all been there: that dreaded moment when your phone screen suddenly turns black. You try to squeeze out that 3% battery for as long as you can, but you know that all good things must come to an end. Now, to make it worse, imagine your phone dying while you're abroad, when you're relying on map apps for directions and your phone's camera for much-needed photos. With this magical lil' gadget, you'll never have to worry about any of this. As soon as you run a bit low, plug in from anywhere. On a gondola in Venice? No prob! On a safari truck in South Africa? Plugg'er in! Oh, and you won't believe how tiny it is. Keep your worries low and your battery level high!
FLIGHT 001 5-In-1 Adapter
Why we love it:
Knowing which adapter you need is always a headache. Is it two-prong? Two-prong round? Two-prong flat? Three-prong? Relaaax. With this 5-in-1 adapter, you never have to worry about having the right one. This nifty stack of adapters is color-coded by country, breaks apart into 4 pieces, has USB ports, and fits into outlets in over 150 countries!
The Carry On Cocktail Kit
Why we love it:
Who says you need to sit first-class to sip fancy-shmancy cocktails? With this cute little carry-on cocktail kit, you can play bartender right from your seat! Order any spirit on the rocks, then dress it up and enjoy. Sit back, relax, and turn your plane seat into a cocktail party. (And yes, it's TSA-approved)
Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic Instant Film Camera
and here's the film to go with it!
Why we love it:
Shake it like a Polaroid picture! We are absolutely addicted to taking pictures with this tiny camera. Snap old-school photos in an instant and make memories of a lifetime. These printed photos are the perfect for scrapbooking, desk-decorating, and refrigerator-hanging!
Cambiami Leather Sandals - Includes Three Interchangeable Strap Sets
Why we love it:
If you're like us, you always overpack. Everybody runs into the shoe issue - one pair doesn't match all, you need that "nice" pair for dinner, you need that comfy pair for walking - we get it. But, we've also found the solution! These interchangeable sandals will make life so easy. Instead of lugging multiple pairs of shoes, just bring along a few different-colored straps and switch them in and out as you go! Wearing black one night? Strap on the black ones. A navy dress? Don't worry, there's a strap for that.
Nomad Bi-Fold Horween Leather Charging Wallet
Why we love it:
Everybody needs a wallet and everybody needs a charger; why not go for the two-in-one?! Chargers can be bulky, and tangled wires can make even the calmest of people furious. Fear no more, this wallet is perfect to use as an on-the-go, portable charger. And hey, it's almost guaranteed that you'll receive compliments on the look of the wallet, too. Cute and useful? I'll take two, please.
Lifepack Solar Powered and Anti-Theft Backpack
Why we love it:
Literally, all you need on your vacation is this backpack. Chargers? Check. Speakers? Check. Storage? Check. But wait, how do they all stay charged? Oh, ya' know, this little thing called the sun! Wear this backpack hiking, trekking, or just walking around a busy city and let the sun's rays work their magic. You might hear your mom's voice say "watch out for pickpocketers!" but with this nifty pack, you'll never have to worry; no thief is getting in there.
I Was Here: A Travel Journal for the Curious Minded
Why we love it:
There's a plain travel journal, and then there's this travel journal. Ya' know those things you wish you wrote down? The ones you wish you could remember? You know, the little things you never thought to record? Well, this genius journal has thought of all of them for you. Follow its creative, quirky prompts to remember every wee bit of your unforgettable vacation.
