12 Amazon Gifts One Travel Writer Loves

As a travel writer, frequent flier, and general wanderluster, I’m on the road for most of the year. That means that I have a pretty clear sense of what my pain points are, and the products that solve these problems perfectly — whether they’re things that I’ve already thoroughly road-tested, or things that I’m itching to try. 

To inspire your own holiday shopping (for anyone on your list — or for yourself!), I’ve rounded up what’s on my wish list this season, from wardrobe staples to invaluable travel accessories. With picks starting at just $7, some of these make great stocking stuffers — or impulse buys ahead of your own winter travels. And, you’ll be delighted to learn that they can all be found at Amazon, and most of them can still make it to your doorstep for the holidays. 

Tanming Lounge Set

If you follow my coverage, you already know that I love a two-piece lounge set for travel. It helps me feel comfortable and look put-together for long flights, and provides me tons of options for layering as well as mixing and matching at my destination. I’ve had this pretty knit set on my personal wish list for a while. It has an easy-to-wear pullover top and high-waisted, wide-leg pants, plus contrast piping for a more sophisticated look that may even score you an airplane upgrade? It’s worth a shot!

Libosa Phone Ring Set

I can’t tell you how much I rely on these phone rings when I travel (and every day). This set comes with five rings on adhesive backing, so you can stick them to any type of phone or case. I’ve used them to set my phone up on a plane tray table to watch movies, for steadying my hand while taking photos and videos, and most of all, for keeping my device securely attached to my hand when I’m using it — rather than snatched by a pickpocketer or accidentally dropped into the sea. Fun fact: I’ve even used this ring to take a video with my phone while high-speed jet skiing in Tahiti. I can’t officially recommend that, but it worked for me. 

Apple AirTag 4-Pack

I have these tiny GPS trackers on just about everything — from my luggage and my kids’ backpacks to my remote controls and my cat’s collar — and I’m always down to stock up on more. That’s especially true when they’re on sale, which hardly ever happens. Right now, this four-pack is almost 20 percent off, and I always tell my fellow frequent fliers to get them before they fly. If an AirTag saves you some grief and effort even once — as it did for me when an airline left my luggage in Miami — then, trust me, you’ll never travel without one again.

Cadence Capsules Set

These magnetic containers make traveling so streamlined, forming a little honeycomb pattern when securely nested next to each other. They are entirely leakproof and seal ultra-tight, so I trust them with my medication, cosmetics, and even jewelry when I’m flying. You can even customize them with labels so you know exactly what’s inside at a glance, making them great for anyone that’s racing to their gate, crammed in a middle seat, or headed to their hotel in a cab. 

Riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder

This travel cup holder that slides over luggage handles has thousands of five-star reviews, and it’s been on my wish list for months. I always travel with an emotional-support coffee, and I love that this frees up a hand while I’m dashing through the airport. What’s more, it has extra pockets for things like your phone, wallet, and other essentials that you’ll need to grab fast. And, it’s so budget friendly, making it the perfect stocking stuffer for any avid traveler. 

Bagsmart Toiletry Bag

I always keep a bag of pre-packed (and carefully curated) toiletries on-hand. Not only does this hack speed up the packing process, but it also makes me less likely to forget anything important. As for that ready-to-go bag, I’m eyeing this thoughtfully designed case from Bagsmart, which has a zipper that opens up all the way so you can easily see and access everything, whether you’re in-flight or at your hotel. It’s also compact enough to fit nicely inside your personal bag or carry-on. 

Basic Concepts Airplane Foot Hammock

I spent most of my life without ever getting to see much of the front of the plane. But this year, I’ve been spoiled by several long-haul work trips in impressive lie-flat business-class cabins. Now it will be very hard to go back to the main cabin, so I’m looking for ways to take the sting out, and I think this little hack can help: It’s a hanging footrest that attaches to the tray table for a bit more comfort on long flights in cramped coach.

Kindle Paperwhite 

Ever since I broke my last e-reader when I dropped it into a tropical island lagoon years ago (oops), I have tried reading books on my iPhone when I travel. But it’s so distracting; I end up getting sidetracked with texts, photos, or web browsing when I really would rather be getting lost in a book — but not so much that I’m willing to travel with an actual paper book, obviously. So I have a new-generation Kindle on my wish list. Its upgraded design is built to stand up to accidental immersion in water, so I’d be safe taking mine to the pool or seaside this time.

Caoodkdk Cable Organizer 

I travel with a lot of tech essentials (who doesn’t?), and this used to result in a tangle of cables in my bag. But I’m trying to be better about staying organized these days, so I have this thoughtful zippered pouch on my wish list. It’s well-padded and made of waterproof material, plus, it’s 50 percent off right now — and a perfect stocking stuffer for every and any traveler on your list for about the same price as a pack of gum at the airport.

MZoo Contoured Eye Mask

As a chronically sleep-challenged person, I know my way around an eye mask. I have lots of fancy, high-tech, and even Bluetooth-enabled ones, but this analog style is still one of my favorites — so I want to stock up for upcoming travels. It’s got a silky finish and molded, contoured cups to prevent pressure on the eyes. And, let me tell you, the blackout effect is superb.

LiquiSnugs Refillable Travel Container Set

Listen, don’t judge: I travel with a lot of products — especially for my high-maintenance curly hair. And I love a refillable bottle set that really does the job by being easy to fill and dispensing product efficiently without leaks. I’m coveting this set, which comes with two TSA-approved-sized travel bottles as well as some really thoughtful features like built-in suction cups; they can go right on the bathroom or shower wall in small spaces. Plus, they have adjustable labels so you can always keep tabs on what’s inside. 

Catalonia Oversized Blanket Hoodie

You had me at “wearable hooded blanket.” This supremely cozy-looking accessory is definitely on my wish list. Unisex, one size fits all, and available in 14 colors and prints, it even folds into its own attached carry bag with a handle, so it’s ideal for travelers. You can even use the hoodie in its bag as a pillow or extra lumbar support on a flight. The blanket is also great to have handy if you’re always cold on airplanes; those puny airline-provided blankets have nothing on its plush fleece lining. 

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