I’ll never forget the year I bought my daughters their first luggage. It was a milestone (representing independence), and I think they may both still have the pieces I selected: soft-sided bags with wheels. A vibrant shade of blue, the bag could be easily spotted at baggage claim.

With the holidays approaching, think about what you’ll buy for the travelers (and prospective travelers) in your life. The ideal gifts bring joy to both the giver and the recipient! They don’t have to cost a fortune either.

NextTribe takes small groups of women ages 45+ on fun, transformational trips across America and around the globe. Want to join us? Learn more here.

Here are some suggestions for the best gifts for traveling women in your life (or to give yourself) this holiday season.

For the Consummate Packer

Buying bags and luggage can be a bit risky. People tend to have their own tastes in suitcases and handbags. If in doubt, simply give a gift card and suggest that the person receiving it use it to select something they adore. But, if you know the person well, consider:

• A Solgaard suitcase (shown above; $210 and up). These cleverly designed bags contain “shelves” to easily organize and unpack.
• Calpak ($115 and up) has a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors.
• Rareform bags ($45 and up)are made from recycled billboards. They are chic, packable, and sustainable.
• I have an Oliver Thomas bag ($100 and up) bag as my carry-on. It’s lightweight and has a zillion pockets (including some with zippers).
• Hulken bags ($99 and up) are fantastic for those extra items brought home as souvenirs or when we’re not on the road or are carrying “stuff” to and from conferences. 
• And, of course, NextTribe founder Jeannie Ralston loves this Away bag.
• Packing cubes are an ideal gift for those people who value organization. These neon green ones ($39.99 on Amazon) have made my own travel life so much easier! I sometimes just put them in hotel drawers when I arrive, and I don’t have to worry about forgetting them. The color is certainly hard to miss. (I even inserted labels in each of them, so I know what’s inside before I unzip them.)

If you opt to buy someone luggage or a bag, be sure to thoroughly read return/exchange policies. And, if you’re going to splurge on a unique color of suitcases, consider buying the entire set. You don’t want your friend or family member to try to add on in the future, only to find that hot pink or metallic gold is no longer available!

And what can go in those bags? Google “Travel Capsule Wardrobe” and you’ll find a wide range of fashionable and easy-to-care-for items for women.

Read more: Our Founder’s Surprising Best Carry-on Luggage Pick

For the Gadgeteer

Electronics options abound and are among the most popular holiday gifts. Some favorites for that device diva in your life include these ideas:

• Meta Smart Glasses (shown above; $239 and up) enable travelers to capture the moment while leaving their phones in their pockets.
• Noise-cancelling headphones come in handy on flights! Headband-style versions like these from SleepPhones ($39.95 and up) are compact and can be comfortable for catching a snooze.
• An Oura ring ($299 and up) enables road warriors to keep track of sleep quality, exercise, temperature, and even stress levels!
• A subscription to a service like Babbel ($8.95 for a month, based on annual membership) can also be a tech-powered surprise! Here are some other translation apps we like.
• Wall chargers and power banks can make great ($300+) stuffers or simple and useful holiday gifts.

For the Adventurer

“Come away with me!” may be music to the ears of a wanderlusting loved one.  Surprise a friend or family member with a special trip.

Some of your loved ones may actually need a solo escape from their day-to-day responsibilities. We’ll make things simple and hassle-free! A NextTribe Gift Card belongs on every holiday gift list this season. It can get someone started on the adventure(s) of a lifetime.

More Best Gifts for Traveling Women

What are some other best holiday gifts for traveling women in your life?

• Have a health-conscious friend who likes to pack their own food for the road? Stasher Bags (shown above; $9.99 and up) are practical and earth-friendly. And the cleverly named ShakeSphere ($24 and up) is perfect for the make-your-own-protein-shake crowd!
• Travel journals are a safe and affordable standby, but push-pin maps ($149 for a set) serve as both a memory of journeys and unique home decor.
• Help your besties start a travel necklace or charm bracelet. Begin with a starter piece like one of these from Jetset Candy ($38 and up) and then encourage them to add to it or buy a special destination charm every year.

Happy gifting and Happy Holidays!