I’m a Former Travel Editor and This Budget-Friendly Suitcase Is the Best You Can Buy
With Americans now traveling in record-breaking numbers, chances are good that there’s a frequent flier on your list this year. And while we’re all happy that full-fledged vacations and trips to visit loved ones have bounced back after the pandemic, there’s no denying that being in an airport or on a plane isn’t exactly fun. If you have a harried globetrotter in your life and want to give them a gift that’ll make their experience easier, then you’re in luck.
There are numerous products (including editor-approved picks) that will make the entire travel process smoother and less stressful. From ingenious suitcases and clever bag organizers to tech accessories and airport clothing staples that are the perfect ratio of relaxed to chic, the items on this list are sure to make travel easier, time and time again. Whether it increases their comfort on long flights or helps them breeze through the TSA line, there will be something on this list for everyone. Without further ado, here are the best 25 gifts for the traveler in your life:
AT Travel Gifts September 2023
21-Inch Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase 21-Inch Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase
Quince
$129.90
Apartment Therapy editors swear by this bargain roller bag from Quince that makes for an equally stylish Away dupe. Director of Commerce, Mark, tested it last spring on two trips and found it to be “a sturdy, reliable travel companion that I’d highly recommend to anyone who is looking for a cheap carry-on that looks expensive, holds a lot of items, and packs quite a punch!”
Buy Now
The Large Tech Case The Large Tech Case
Away
$75
Help them streamline that ugly nest of tangled cords at the bottom of their carry-on bag with Away’s Tech Case. It’s stocked with plenty of pockets and elastic loops to keep all of their cords and electronic accessories organized and safe.
Buy Now
Solgaard Carry-On Closet, Medium Solgaard Carry-On Closet, Medium
Solgaard
$325
An overpacker’s salvation, this bag comes with a removable hanging clothes organizer that holds a week’s worth of clothes — while still fitting in the overhead bin. When commerce editor Britt took it for a spin this summer, she found the “seemingly indestructible luggage just might be the equivalent of a suitcase superhero!
Buy Now
Packing Cubes 5-Piece Set Packing Cubes 5-Piece Set
Calpak
$68
This set of organization cubes takes the stress out of packing. The five pieces all come with mesh tops and can fit enough clothing for a lengthy trip. The cubes also come in 16 different colors and funky patterns, so you can match their personal style to a T.
Buy Now
The Shoe Cube The Shoe Cube
Away
$35
If they're still using old shopping bags to store their shoes, upgrade them to this Away Shoe Cube. The nylon cube keeps dirty soles from mucking up other items in their bag, and it’s waterproof and machine-washable for easy cleaning.
Buy Now
Cadence Skincare Pacific Set Of 3 Cadence Skincare Pacific Set Of 3
The Container Store
$42
Look in any savvy jet-setter’s toiletry bag, and you’re bound to see Cadence’s colorful honeycomb-shaped capsules. The small TSA-approved bottles are designed to hold a wide array of personal care products, sealing in any liquid, gel, or cream with a leakproof magnetic lid.
Buy Now
Terra 26L Laptop Backpack Duffel Terra 26L Laptop Backpack Duffel
Calpak
$175
This two-in-one bag is a carry-on traveler’s dream. It can be used as a backpack or a duffel, folds open like a suitcase to hold a few days' worth of clothes, and has plenty of easily accessible pockets for storing boarding passes and passports, plus a separate padded laptop pocket. Even better? Its dimensions are within the standard size for an airline personal item, meaning it’s small enough to stow under a plane seat to eschew the fight for overhead bin space.
Buy Now
Calpak Terra Hanging Toiletry Bag Calpak Terra Hanging Toiletry Bag
Calpak
$56
Water-resistant and hangable, this toiletry kit has plenty of pockets and compartments to keep grooming products organized. It’s also made of recycled polyester and comes in six fun colors.
Buy Now
Satechi Duo Wireless Charger Stand Satechi Duo Wireless Charger Stand
Amazon
$99.99
This little wireless wonder can charge up to three items at once: a smart phone, an earbud case (if compatible with wireless charging), and an additional device such as a tablet. Plus, it doubles as a phone stand, making it a must-have item on flights with no seat-back screens.
UGG Teddy Cozy Crew Socks UGG Teddy Cozy Crew Socks
Nordstrom
$20
Keep them warm and cozy no matter how drafty the plane cabin might be with these ultra-fuzzy socks, which come in three colors: pink, gray, and white. Plush socks are one of the easiest ways to upgrade the comfort quotient while in transit — especially on night flights when they’ll be trying to get some sleep.
Buy Now
Jewelry Case Jewelry Case
Paravel
$135
Jewelry is notoriously one of the trickiest things to pack, but this stylish vegan-leather-trimmed case from Paravel makes it a breeze. The top features earring and ring storage bands that are fastened in place by snaps, while the bottom has six separate compartments for larger pieces like necklaces and bracelets secured by a drawstring bag for worry-free packing.
Buy Now
100% Organic Cotton Fisherman Boxy Cropped Cardigan 100% Organic Cotton Fisherman Boxy Cropped Cardigan
Quince
$49.90
A cardigan is another key to comfort inside airports and on aircraft, where the temperature can shift from freezing cold to stifling in just a few minutes. A colorful sweater that’s easy to slip on and off will help combat those unpredictable fluctuations, while also making their airport outfit feel more put-together.
Buy Now
Catalina Deluxe Tote Catalina Deluxe Tote
Lo & Sons
$133.25 (was $205)
If a tote is more their style, this sleek one from Lo & Sons is a solid option. With plenty of interior and exterior pockets, plus a separate shoe compartment at the bottom, it can easily fit four days' worth of clothes, according to Apartment Therapy Commerce SEO Editor Sarah, who bought the bag over the summer: “By the time I was done packing, I was a bona fide Mary Poppins, ready to hit the road with my magical bottomless bag in tow.”
Buy Now
Yeti Rambler Bottle Yeti Rambler Bottle
Williams Sonoma
$50
A reusable water bottle is a must for any eco-minded traveler. This one from Yeti was designed for the road, with sturdy stainless steel, a durable handle for clipping onto bags, and double-walled vacuum insulation that keeps drinks ice-cold while eliminating sweat on the bottle exterior. It even has a pop-up spout for easy sipping.
Buy Now
Fold-Up Bag Fold-Up Bag
Paravel
$75
If the traveler on your list is an overzealous souvenir shopper, consider gifting them this Paravel duffel, which folds and zips down to the size of an ultra-lightweight pouch. At its smallest, it can be tucked into a corner of a suitcase; at the end of a trip, unfurl it to full size to carry mementos picked up along the way.
Buy Now
Mighty Bright Book Light Mighty Bright Book Light
Amazon
$32.99
This handy little book light will ensure that they can read on-the-go, without bothering their seat-mate on a redeye flight. It’s also rechargeable, has a clip at the base, several brightness levels, an adjustable neck, and up to 60 hours of battery life.
Vuori Boyfriend Joggers Vuori Boyfriend Joggers
Nordstrom
$98
These cloud-soft joggers make for an ideal plane pant: They match with anything, are comfortable and cozy but not too pajama-like. They’re sure to be a staple of any frequent traveler’s wardrobe.
Buy Now
Béis The Pack Nylon Belt Bag Béis The Pack Nylon Belt Bag
Nordstrom
$48
This belt bag will keep them from fumbling for their essentials in the airport and at their destination. It’s made of rugged nylon, can be worn as a crossbody bag or around the waist, and even has a loop to attach a water bottle.
Buy Now
Roam Luggage Gift Card Roam Luggage Gift Card
ROAM
$100
If your loved one wants to travel in style, they’ll love Roam’s customizable suitcase. A gift card will allow them to pick every single feature of their carry-on, down to the zipper color. Commerce assistant editor Morgan swears by hers, praising how smoothly it rolls and how much it fits.
Buy Now
POD Travel Pillow POD Travel Pillow
Pluto
$145
Another gem that’ll help them snooze on the plane? This Best List-winning sleep mask, which also doubles as a pillow. ““The pillow is adjustable for comfort, and I love that it has a hood since I’m often cold while traveling,” Britt wrote. “The eye mask totally blocks out light and makes me feel like I’m in my own little cocoon.”
Buy Now
Bagsmart Travel Jewelry Organizer, Medium Bagsmart Travel Jewelry Organizer, Medium
Amazon
$22.99
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly jewelry organizer, editor-loved brand Bagsmart is the way to go. “I wanted something that I could tuck neatly in my suitcase, whether on top of my clothes or in the zippered section, that wouldn’t add more bulk. This organizer does just that,” Britt said in her review.
Mark & Graham Dual Travel Organizer Mark & Graham Dual Travel Organizer
Mark & Graham
$47.49 (was $79)
A giftee that has an extensive makeup collection will appreciate this stunning toiletry organizer. The option to personalize it with their monogram will make the gift that much more special. It’s also editor-approved!
Buy Now
Women's Tree Loungers Women's Tree Loungers
Allbirds
$100
These slip-ons transition seamlessly from TSA line, to plane seat, and on to sightseeing upon arrival — all without sacrificing style. With a cushioned footbed and thermoregulating body, they’re a comfortable walking shoe for most terrain.
Buy Now
trtl Neck Support Travel Pillow trtl Neck Support Travel Pillow
Amazon
$64.99
Your recipient may travel internationally frequently — then, you’ll want to snag them this cozy travel pillow. It provides a “surprising amount of comfort and support,” according to our review. “And, unlike other pillows trying to reinvent the plane sleeping game, this is pretty unobtrusive, both on and off your neck.”
Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-the-Ear Headphones Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-the-Ear Headphones
Best Buy
$229 (was $349)
A good pair of noise-canceling headphones are a must for any long plane ride. Give them a sense of serenity even in the most crowded coach cabin with this top-of-the-line wireless pair from Bose, which features soft ear cushions, multiple sound settings, and up to 22 hours of battery life.
Buy Now
Further Reading
See How a Stager Used Paint to Transform a 1950s Living Room
We Asked 8 Pro Travelers What They Never Pack in Their Carry-On, and Here’s What They Said
