The Ultimate Shopping & Gift Guide for Men Who Love to Travel
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This Gift Guide for Men is a compilation of the travel-related accessories the men in my life use most often and the things they don’t know they are wishing for. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, certain creature comforts can make it even more enjoyable or help keep one looking forward to the next adventure.
TravelPro Luggage
For long trips, checked-luggage is a must. Invest in a quality bag that is durable and can hold up to airline luggage handlers and all kinds of other mistreatment. The TravelPro suitcases that my husband and I purchased have had their share of being bounced around and are still beautiful.
Barbour Weatherproof Jacket
A versatile jacket that can go from the city to the mountains, day to night, and fair weather to rain is absolutely essential, not to mention will save valuable packing space since it covers all bases. The Barbour Sapper jacket has great all-season style and has loads of pockets adding to the practical functionality needed while traveling.
Leather Monthly Planner
You’d be surprised how many guys are old-school and prefer to manage their calendar on a printed page. This sleek planner also has plenty of space for notes, lists, and passwords. And really, enough can’t be said about time management and good organization habits.
Destination Candle
Take a mental journey to a place filled with great memories. Destination candles can capture the scents of the environment long after returning from said destination until we can return again. I love the luxe, hand-poured candles by D.S. & Durga. I also equally love the Edition candle that is reminiscent of high-end hotel lobbies and swanky city stays.
Creed Fragrance Discovery Set
Fragrance discovery sets are great for so many reasons such as experimenting with new scents, wearing different scents for different moods or occasions, or for the convenience of traveling with a smaller size. This set by Creed features five iconic scents that are inspired by travel destinations like Green Irish Tweed and Silver Mountain Water, and I must say, they are spot-on.
Handheld Travel Steamer
I have stopped relying on the regular iron provided at hotels. Not only is it time-consuming, but I’ve ruined too many clothes due to incorrect heat settings. My travel steamer is so quick and easy to use. The first time I traveled with it, my husband used it more than I did to de-wrinkle his button-down shirts. Proof that they will make the effort to look good if it’s easy.
Aviator Sunglasses
Everyone needs a stylish pair of sunglasses. My man would never splurge on a pair of designer sunglasses on his own. So, I ended up buying him a pair for an anniversary. And, now he takes them everywhere, especially when we go nice places:). The Samson Aviators by Tom Ford are a classic choice.
Apple AirTags
My favorite new essential is the Apple AirTag. These little buttons slip into your wallet, backpack, luggage, or on a keychain so you never lose track of anything ever again. If you’ve ever lived through a lost baggage nightmare, meet your new best friend. There are all kinds of cute little “holders” for these guys ranging from key rings to carabiners. More options available online from Apple.
Dopp Kit
A dopp kit is a travel essential for keeping all personal toiletries organized and protected. The Baseline Expandable Travel Bag is crafted from durable ballistic nylon and will endure years of wear. Add a few travel size skincare products or cologne inside to make it an even more impressive gift. For a luxe option, I love the Burberry Check bag. It is instantly recognizable and feels so dapper.
Travel Neck Pillow
A supportive travel pillow is another must-have for long haul flights. This newer ergonomically designed pillow from Ostrichpillow features a compressible memory-foam core and a soft, stretchy cover that’s both removable and washable. Better rest on the plane hopefully puts everyone in a good mood and ready to tackle a full itinerary upon landing.
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones
We’ve all been there. A crying baby, a chatty neighbor, or a noisy eater can make any flight the longest flight ever. The latest Bose QuietComfort 45 noise cancelling headphones are the perfect balance of quiet, comfort, and sound. Plus, with 22 hours of battery life they will last for any flight + layover combination.
Driving Loafers
If your man’s predominant mode of travel is behind the wheel of a car, a swanky pair of uber-soft driving loafers can deliver unbeatable comfort. But, of course, they aren’t just for driving. These work-to-weekend shoes by Coach can be worn anywhere for a classic and stylish look. I also love these pesto-colored calfskin loafers from Tod’s for something a little different from basic black.
Reversible Leather Belt
Quite possibly the greatest men’s style accessory invention is the reversible leather belt. Brown khakis during the day + black slacks in the evening + one belt that works for it all. It seems that designer belts are having a moment, but I prefer something a little more subtle and classic like this beautifully crafted Ferragamo calfskin belt. It will literally never go out-of-style.
Sony ZV-1 Camera
For anyone who wants to improve their travel photography beyond a built-in phone camera, the Sony ZV-1 is a point-and-shoot camera for professional quality, high-resolution photos. No complicated settings, changing lenses, or photography classes required. For serious travelers, there is no better investment — or gift — than a great camera to capture all of those bucket-list moments.
Tech Accessory Organizer
I wasn’t a big believer in tech accessory organizers until my sons demonstrated just how effective they can be in locating chargers, ear buds, blocks, and cables without having to rummage through a mountain of suitcase laundry. Accessory cases provide a “home” for every cord and connector, providing some peace-of-mind that each one has been packed and can be found again when needed.
Umbrella
No one will admit it, but an umbrella is one of the most underrated gifts that has a 100% chance of being used. A sturdy windproof umbrella that folds into a packable size is a must-have for anyone who travels or has an on-the-go lifestyle. I’ve bought two of these Amazon-favorite umbrellas now and can vouch for the quality. They also fit nicely into a Christmas stocking:)
Selfie Stick Tripod
A selfie stick that doubles as a small tripod is so great for solo and couple travel. The very best souvenirs of any trip are the photos you can look back on. A tool that helps you capture those priceless moments is essential.
Try the World Monthly Box
Try the World is a subscription box company that will send box chok full of treats from a different region of the world every month (you decide on the number of months). Every time I travel, I always brings back snacks and groceries — and now you can receive a gift box of specialty foods without the plane ticket. What a brilliant idea!
Weekend Bag
The Metro Weekend Bag by Monos is the ideal bag for business days trips or short weekend get-aways. It is little bigger than a briefcase, but not cumbersome to lug around. It has compartments for a laptop, an extra pair of shoes, and loads of other pockets to keep stuff organized. Bonus: the material is water-resistant and easy to wipe clean, which means it will still look great even with every day use.
Hotel Gift Gards
You can never go wrong with a Marriott hotel gift card. I am especially a fan of the Autograph Collection, Design Hotels, and small villas that have so much history and charm. It can also be pretty darn romantic to pop a gift card accompanied by those three magical words, “all expenses paid.”
The gift of travel — and the stuff that makes it easier to do so — is one of the best gifts you can give. Whatever you end up purchasing for the fellow traveler in your life, I hope it leads to great adventures!
Shopping for a woman? Check out my Gift Guide for Women here.
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