Every year, I curate a list of must-have travel essentials that simplify my journeys and add a touch of style. Many items are recommendations from fellow travelers that have made their way into my suitcase.
This year, my travels focused on Africa—I've just completed a two-month adventure, combining work and exploration across Southern Africa. This trip required meticulous planning and extensive packing.
Here's a selection of 12 fantastic travel gifts—from practical to playful—to help you choose the ideal presents for your loved ones. Consider adding these to your own holiday wish list!
Ozlo Sleepbuds
These noise-canceling earbuds are top-notch, offering exceptional sound isolation and a low-profile design for side sleepers. It's no surprise Ozlo Sleepbuds were recognized as one of Time Magazine's best inventions of 2025. A trio of former Boise employees revived Boise's discontinued sleep buds, which my travel companions have relied on for years.
As a side sleeper, I often find regular earbuds uncomfortable—my AirPod Pros tend to fall out. I previously tried a budget option, but they lacked noise cancellation and were soon sold on eBay. The Ozlo earbuds fit perfectly and allow me to sleep comfortably on flights without the worry of them slipping out. Their noise-canceling performance rivals my AirPods.
While I usually prefer sleeping without earbuds, these soft silicone options have proven invaluable during my travels. Although they retail at $299, they're worth every penny.
Peak Design Minimalist Straps & Roller Carry-Ons
Minimalist straps come in both rope and leather styles. Photo credits to Peak Design.
Peak Design consistently tops my list for travel and photography gear. As I journey through Africa for two months, I rely on their slide camera straps, lightweight tripod, iPhone case, car mount, and travel backpack.
A standout accessory for this trip is the magnetic mobile wallet that attaches to my phone's back. For safety reasons, I needed a compact wallet that I could easily stash or keep attached. I've utilized it daily this past month, as it holds two cards and a few folded bills while keeping the rest of my cards secure.
Check out their latest offerings, including the Roller Pro Carry-ons and new minimalist straps in both leather and rope. Peak Design holds one annual sale on Black Friday, so don't miss out—everything is up to 30% off!
HOTO Portable Air Compressor
Hoto's portable air compressors are ideal for both local and international travel.
During a recent road trip through Namibia's rugged terrain, this handy air compressor proved invaluable when our tire pressure dropped. Plus, its
auto-stop feature makes it user-friendly. Filling the tire took mere moments, allowing us to quickly continue our journey. It's suitable for cars, motorcycles, bikes, and balls. Our rental car company provided a cumbersome compressor, but this portable version was far more convenient—no need to unpack the entire vehicle!
It includes three inflation settings: kPa, psi, and bar, which is great for international travel since the U.S. uses psi while Namibia uses bar. You can grab this model for just $69 on Amazon during the Black Friday deals!
The Foldie® Travel Bag
The Foldie Travel Bag conveniently zips into a compact pouch!
My sister gifted me one of The Foldie® Travel Bags, and I adore it. This 40-liter zippered, water-resistant travel bag folds flat into a small pouch, making it perfect for my rolling carry-on suitcase. If I need to check my roller bag, I can use this as a backup for my electronics.
I've also used it as a weekend bag and for bus trips during my recent Africa travels. It features an internal zippered pocket for wet items like swimsuits and a bottom expansion zip. Keep an eye out for their BOGO Black Friday sale!
Patagonia Terrebonne Joggers
Patagonia Terrebonne Joggers come in four colors for both men and women.
I finally found lightweight travel pants suitable for hot and humid conditions with the Patagonia Terrebonne Joggers. These breathable, quick-drying, and stretchy joggers are perfect for flights and exploring new cities. They're available in four colors, and I'm particularly fond of the black. You can purchase them from Patagonia.com or REI.
Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent
While it may not be the most exciting gift, it's incredibly practical. I've avoided DEET for years due to its unpleasant odor and damaging effects on clothing. I now prefer Sawyer's picaridin, which is EPA approved and safe for fabrics. It has a milder scent than DEET and has proven more effective against ticks. It worked wonders during my recent safaris in Kruger National Park and Botswana.
The Sawyer brand is available at REI and Amazon in both spray and lotion forms. I also utilized the Sawyer MINI water filter on this trip for added safety when filtering water.
Chipolo Bluetooth Trackers
Chipolo Bluetooth trackers include a
credit-card-sized tracker and colorful round trackers for luggage and keychains.
My travel companion Rolando introduced me to Chipolo Bluetooth trackers, a vibrant alternative to AirTags that attach easily to belongings. I particularly love the Chipolo POP and LOOP designs. These are compatible with Apple's Find My and Android's Find Hub. Plus, I appreciate that these are made in Europe, not China.
Incense Matches
Incense matches come in various scents to keep your travels fresh.
If you need a quirky stocking stuffer, consider Incense Matches for
masking bathroom odors while traveling. These incense-infused matches burn for two to four minutes while leaving a lingering scent. They're crafted by a family-run business in the U.S.—a delightful find from Rolando.
Ridge Magnetic Power Banks
Ridge power banks feature a built-in kickstand, perfect for entertainment during flights.
The sleek Ridge power bank is a versatile charging solution with a 5-in-1 design. With a capacity of 10 MAH, it provides three smartphone recharges and a fast 20W charge for USB-C. It's also compatible with MagSafe® accessories, including Apple Watch. The built-in kickstand is ideal for watching movies on long journeys.
Uniqlo AIRism
I'm a huge fan of Uniqlo, the Japanese clothing brand with stores in major cities worldwide. I recently purchased this AIRism tank ($15)—it's incredibly breathable and moisture-wicking, making it a great underlayer in warm weather. Uniqlo offers AIRism options from tanks to jackets in both men's and women's styles, all at very reasonable prices.
Gymshark Athletic Wear
GymShark's cotton razorback sports bras are my top pick for travel.
At my Muay Thai gym in Chiang Mai, everyone seems to wear GymShark, a British athletic brand offering both men's and women's apparel. I'm obsessed with their cotton razorback sports bras and tights. Just a heads up—the bras run small, so I've had to size up to small or even medium in some styles despite usually wearing an XS.
Sony 100-400 mm Lens
I'm currently using a Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS lens along with two Sony ar7v camera bodies.
I switched to Sony from Nikon just over a year ago, and it's been a game-changer—Sony's equipment is lighter, making a huge difference for my back! For wildlife photography on this trip, I picked up a used Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS, which has quickly become my favorite lens. While I still adore my 70-200 f/2.8, the extra range of the 100-400 is a fantastic addition.
I've found that heavier lenses make it hard to achieve sharp images, so this lens strikes a perfect balance. I'll share some of my favorite safari shots next month in my annual roundup of best images!
