The hardest people to buy gifts for are those who don’t have any strong passion or hobby. That’s why people who love to travel are easier to check off of your list.

I’ve found from meeting so many of you–on our trips from Paris to Portugal, from Marrakesh to Medellin–that avid travelers are curious explorers eager to embrace the world. That means you can get them gifts that make travel easier or that feed their inquisitive minds. Or both!

NextTribe takes small groups of women ages 45+ on fun, immersive trips across the country and around the world. Learn more here.

This also means, dear reader/traveler, that most anything we’re offering here could go directly on your wish list to help your loved ones understand just what to put under the tree for you. (And if any of my family is reading this, I hope they’ll take the hints!) Happy Holidays!

See the entire Holiday Collection here.

Things That Hold Things

When you travel, you must bring along accoutrements for the journey of course. And those items need a place to hang out during transit. I’ve picked out what I think are the best and most innovative.

Anti-Theft Rachel Bloom Purse

Any of us who travels always worries about her purse–whether strolling through a boulevard in Lisbon or the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. This ingenious crossbody bag from Rachel Bloom is the James Bond of purses. First, you must use your fingerprint to unlock and open, just like a phone. And you can set a distance alarm to ring out if the bag strays too far from you without you realizing. You can also activate a GPS tracker, so that you can easily find your purse if it’s taken. $295

Dagne Dover Frankie Jewelry Case

This happens to me a lot. I am hurrying to dress for dinner at some hotel or another and I reach into my obviously ill-suited carrier for a necklace and find it tangled in a wad with other chains and earrings too. You’d think I would have solved this long ago. But I guess I’ve been waiting for this Dagne Dover’s Frankie Jewelry Case, which comes in two sizes and three colors, with room to organize multiple necklaces, rings, earrings, watches, and more. $55

JetKids by Stokke

As much as I like the idea of riding a suitcase on rollers through the airport, this gift is for those of you with grandchildren. What a perfect way to start them off on a love affair with airplanes and adventure. $249

Packing Cubes

I personally don’t use packing cubes, but many NextTribe travelers swear by them. My thought is if you’re going to use them–and especially if you’re going to give them–make sure they’re bright and fun like these packing cubes. $60

Bandolier SmartPhone Holder

On every trip I’m on, at least one traveler has a Bandolier and everyone else goes nuts over it. And Bandolier keeps making them better and better. The Remi model from Bandolier is touted as “the most advanced crossbody phone case yet.” Designed with feedback from users, it includes a detachable wallet, Magsafe charging, rings on the strap for attaching accessories like AirPods or keys, Plus it’s made from good leather–even crocodile hide. $151

Away Carry On Flex

I’ve raved about this Away bag many times before. I did a whole story and video about how I decided this was the best bag for me. I have eaten crow, after saying I’d never use a hard-sided bag. I love it because I can fit sooo much inside and still carry on. Then I can fit more–when I’ve overshopped, which tends to happen, especially in Italy–by expanding it and checking on the way home. Simply fabulous. $243

Osprey Expandable Travel Pack

I chose this Osprey backpack to carry on as my personal bag (meaning it can fit under the seat) because–like the Away bag–it seems almost Mary-Poppins-ish with the amount of stuff I can get inside. Also, the design is intuitive–not a slew of wonky pockets–and it slides over the handle of my Away back for easy rolling to my gate. See how I reached this decision here. $74.95

Clothes That Go

Each woman has her own personal style so I can’t get too specific in this category. But I can pass on ideas for great pieces that I think most travelers would appreciate. They combine good looks with practicality. Something I’m always after in my traveling duds.

Helly Hansen Vika Tur Pant

On almost every packing list I create for a trip–except for maybe the one to Paris–I add some version of hiking pants. Even if there’s no hiking on the trip. So-called hiking pants are comfortable and useful for just about any destination, and these from the well-known maker of adventure clothing, Helly Hansen, are the most durable and practical of the lot. I love the large, zippered thigh pockets and Velcro adjustments. Plus, the two-toned coloring raises them above your normal dull hiking pants. A bit of rakishness that goes a long way. $105

Bombas Compression Socks

Arrrgh. We’re at that age when compression socks are really smart to wear on flights–particularly loooong flights like the one I’ll take to India soon. If you have to wear them, you might as well make sure they don’t look like your grandmother’s compression socks. These from Vim & Vigr are cheery and winsome. Why wouldn’t you wear a pair decorated with donuts over austere black? From $26

Cotopaxi Repleto Jacket and Neck Pillow

I’m all about double duty when it comes to travel. Usually this takes the form of a reversible jacket or bathing suit. I’ve never come across something that can perform two such disparate functions–keep you warm and keep your head from lolling into your lap on a flight. This goodie from Cotapaxi is a puffer jacket and neck pillow, meaning one converts into the other. You roll the jacket into an attached cylindrical pouch, which then clips around your neck. Brilliant. $200

Women’s 15-Pocket Traveler’s Vest

Another thing I’m passionate about is pockets and keeping hands free. After I wrote a piece about Packing Hacks in which I suggested wearing a jacket with HUGE pockets on the plane, NextTribe COO Jeannie Edmunds told me she wears a photographer’s vest on the plan because it has so many pockets. I couldn’t find her beloved vest, but this one from Magellen is chock full of hidey-holes. Seriously, 15 of them. Plus, it offers RFID-blocking and UPF 40 sun blocking. Pro tip: Fill pockets and send the vest through X-ray screening for easier airport security checks

Get In Gear!

Better traveling through science. Make your days on the go easier and/or more fun with some of these gadgets.

Wireless Headphones/Sleep Mask

I received this brilliant piece of engineering for Christmas two years ago, and it has sorta changed my life. At least my sleep habits. I wear it every night, listening to either an audiobook or a Calm sleep story. Not only does it keep out the light (I wear it over my eyes), it keeps out sounds when traveling. A snoring roommate. Sirens and other street noise. Lusty couples next door in thinly walled hotel rooms. I include it on every packing list on make for every trip. People will love you for this gift. $16

Solis Portable WiFi Device

When I’m on the road, I can often be found in a cafe or on a bus cursing the lack of an internet network. So the slogan for the Solis Portable Hot Spot device resonated with me: Stop searching for a reliable Wi-FI network and be your own. Self-sufficiency in the digital age is very refreshing. Particularly when it comes in a hockey-puck sized instrument that delivers fast, secure 5G and 4G capacity and holds a charge for at least eight hours. It works anywhere there’s any kind of Wi-Fi signal. So, boom! You’re in business. $399

Nocs Travel Binoculars

I’ve noticed more travelers carrying binoculars these days. Maybe because our eyesight is getting worse? Or because we don’t want to miss a bird, a plane or that guy walking down the Champs Elysee who may or may not be Jeremy Renner? Either way, these high quality lenses are smartly designed and jaunty accessories on any excursion.

AirFly Bluetooth Transmitter

So you have some really nice wireless headphones. You get on the plane and settle in, hoping to veg out on some episodes of Severance while flying over state lines or the big pond. But you have to use the airline’s tinny little disposable earpieces for your audio. What a waste. But no worries–this little apparatus plugs into the audio jack and sends signals to your beautiful headphones. Bonus: You can listen with your seat mate. $54.99

Accessories Are Us

I like to think that somewhere in some lab, people are busy anticipating all our needs and foibles as travelers and creating little doodads to help us to move faster, smarter.

Travel Sunglasses Holder

This little gem was invented by a woman after her husband lost an expensive pair of sung glasses that were hanging on his shirt when he leaned over a boat. I either put my unused glasses on my head or, like unlucky hubbie, on the neck of my top. And I can’t tell you how many times they’ve tumbled to the pavement. The clippable magnet design lets you attach the holder to your shirt, belt, pocket, backpack, and prevents glasses from getting stuck in your hair or scratched at the bottom of a purse. Also works with readers, which I’m always taking on and off and losing. So thank you, smart and considerate wife. (I also use a hat clip on the outside of my carry on bag. Together they make a great package, don’t you think?) $25

Monogrammable Crossbody Water Bottle Bag

Your water bottle doesn’t fit in your purse and falls out of your backpack side pockets. (I know it’s not just me.) This stylish, hands-free bag offers a practical solution with extra space for daily essentials. The carrier fits up to a 32-oz. water bottle, travel coffee cup, flask, or a wine bottle (!!), and it’s waterproof in case you get sloppy from the wine, say. Get it monogrammed so no one can steal this little wonder, which people will want to do.

Adventurer 8-in-1 Multi Tool Necklace

On one of our NextTribe hikes on the Inca Trail, a traveler came so prepared–from Swiss Army Knife to duck tape–we called her McGyver. We would have been even more impressed if she’d been wearing this laser etched pendant that contains two sets of stainless steel tools. It’s like something Diana Rigg might have worn in the Avengers. Included: Allan keys in five different sizes, a screwdriver, pry bar and 1/4″ hex bit. Alas, no wine opener. $38

Fruit Charm Air Tag Holder

Almost all of us use airtags to keep track of our stuff on the road. But how about going next level and putting your little airtag in something adorable. Crafted using upcycled offcuts from full-grain leather, the Fruit Charm securely attaches to an infinity of accessories including handbags, garment tags and keys. Designed in five limited edition seasonal fruits, it safeguards the Apple AirTag most deliciously. $79

Looking Good…Feeling Good

Looking good and staying healthy are two central concerns when you travel. We’re here to help with that.

Cooling Therapy Wrist Pod

This sleek little gadget seems to have been made with NextTribers in mind. I’ll raise my hand as someone who has been overcome by a hotflash on a fairly regular basis. Those pesky heat eruptions are particularly annoying when you’re away from the comforts of home. This wrist pod contains 3 tablespoons of water and I like the idea of keeping it in the mini-freezer in your hotel, ready to offer relief when the internal thermometer starts to peak. Designed to rest comfortably against your wrist—one of the body’s natural cooling points—it’s a game-changer for heat waves (remember–many hotels in Europe aren’t air conditioned), hot flashes, and high-intensity everything. $48

BL+ Eye Cream

I don’t usually recommend specific beauty ointments, just because everyone’s skin is so different. But when NextTribe went to Iceland’s Blue Lagoon Spa this past August, each person in the group was gifted with an assortment of Blue Lagoon products and we’re all raving about them. Plus, our two guides in Iceland–both our age–are nuts for the product line, which says a lot. They’re not just branded swag, they’re really effective and luxurious. My favorite is the travel size of this nourishing eye cream , made with microalgae and silica sourced from the same geothermal source as those famous Icelandic blue pools. Pair it with the BL+ Face Cream to create your own gift set. $165

Mini Blowout Brush

For years, I’ve used a large blowout brush–at home and on my travels. It works really well, but it’s so damn BIG. I kept dreaming that someone would come up with a small version, and–voilà–my wish came true. At nine inches, this tiny but mighty styler is five inches smaller than my regular blowout brush. I’ll take that extra room in my bag, for sure! $59

Mini Portable Air Purifier

How many times have you walked into a hotel room and either coughed at the musty smell or the odor of the cleaner they’ve used to cover up the musty smell? This portable air purifier has an activated carbon pre-filter that traps odors and harmful gasses and a HEPA Filter to eliminate dust, dander, pet hair, pollen, mold spores, and smoke in the air. You can expect 99.7 percent of germs to be zapped. Talk about sleeping easier. $44.99

Don’t Forget the Taste Buds

Remember Proust and his madelines. One thing that can bring travelers right back to the places and times they’ve loved a are their tastebuds. Lean into that at the holidays.

The World Snack Sampler

I still remember the Mcvities Chocolate Digestives I binged on when living in London in my early 20s. Sometimes, I still have pangs of desire for that chocolate crunchiness. You surely have people in your life who feel the same way about a certain food and a certain location. Indulge them with a Try the World gift box that features a mix of delicious sweet and savory flavors from countries like Italy, Japan, Cuba, India, and many more. You can get a mix of goodies or you can choose the country boxes you’d like to send. What country would you like to taste? Starting at $35 a box.

AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press

Lots of countries have great coffee–I’m thinking of France and Italy for starters. But others are severely lacking in the caffeine delivery options. For those places, the AeroPress Go comes in mighty handy. Make quality espresso on the move with this slim device, finely ground coffee, and hot water. At only 11.5 ounces, it’s perfectly packable and comes with a travel filter holder that fits 25 paper micro-filters. $29

Gento Single Serve Specialty Coffee

For coffee snobs who want to travel even lighter, these single-serve, pour-over filters are the ticket my friend. They pack flat, take seconds to set up, and all your globetrotter needs is hot water. What’s more, the beans stay fresh, they’re roasted in Guatemala (so more revenue stays with local farmers), and the founder is a third-generation coffee grower who actually knows what makes a perfect cup. $59

Burlap and Barrell Spice Passport

Here’s something fun–a “spice passport” filled with seasoning from around the world–including cobanero chili flakes, smoked pimentón paprika, purple stripe garlic and flowering hyssop thyme. Not only can you zip up your home-cooking, but the tiny portions mean they’re easy to pack and are on hand to save a airplane dinner. $11.99

Goldbelly Delivers

I once sent as a gift a Ruben sandwich making package from Katz’s Deli in NYC. The recipient is still talking about it. If someone on your list has particular food cravings from a certain iconic restaurant she encountered on her travels around the country, the service GoldBelly can help her relive the delectable moments of her previous encounters. Choose from stone crabs from the famous Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami, even Luau dinner fixings straight from Hawaii. And all kinds of great BBQ, burgers, fish dishes, bagels and sweets galore. Various pricing.

Tropical Fruit Box

There are a lot of services that will deliver pears or apples or other such fruits that are easily found in the better supermarkets. Here’s a real treat–a box filled with the most unusual varieties. Red dragon fruit, anyone? Just the thing to remind your loved one of blissful days spent whiling away time on an island in some ocean or another. $119.

Jams and Honey Advent Calendar

I’m a sucker for advent calendars. I remember the anticipation building every December as a kid when I opened each numbered window. Advent calendars have gotten way more sophisticated these days. Last year, I gave my beau a advent calendar that had small bottles of whisky behind each door. But here’s a calendar that a whole family can enjoy–each day offers a different jam or honey from the famous Bonne Maman brand. Better hurry so they can take advantage of the full 24-days of suspense. $49.99

Roasted Chestnuts

These aren’t straight from an open fire. But for anyone who has loved the experience of buying chestnuts from a street vendor in a European city, this jar from France will evoke a whole slew of memories. $14.99

Games People Play and Other Pastimes

Make travel even more fun with these smart gifts.

Global Scratch Map

This fun item is on the list to send to my peripatetic son and daughter-in-law. Shhhhh! You can track your travels with a handsome scratch-off-where-you’ve-been map that charts globetrotting in a colorful and innovative way. Scratch off the areas you’ve visited to reveal adventurous pops of color that turn traveling into a treasure hunt of on-the-fly geography lessons. Starting at $26

Travel Watercolor Paint Kit

NextTribe hosts several art and creativity retreats, and I’ve seen how enthusiastic even those who don’t consider themselves artists have become about capturing visual delights on paper. An amateur painter invented a messless way to paint on the go using hand-mixed, sun-dried watercolor sheets. This born-to-travel art kit includes a palette of 16 vivid colors, a water pen brush that activates the colors with just a few strokes, and a premium sketch pad. (If your friend is not so confident with a brush, how about a National Park paint-by-numbers kit?) $45

Travel-Sized Scrabble

So often with travel, there is downtime that needs filling–and, at the same time, screens that ideally should be avoided. Hook someone on your list up with this travel-sized Scrabble kit. Flight delays and rainy days at the beach just got a lot better. And the Innovative design lets you pack up mid-game without disturbing placed words, so you can resume play later. $43

Book It!

Because of time and budget constraints, the travel itch can’t always be scratched, but your favorite travel fan can still get a thrill vicariously. That’s where good travel books come in. Here are some favorite books I’ve found that offer great stories or new perspectives on faraway places.

Elephants in the Hourglass: A Journey of Reckoning and Hope Along the Himalaya By Kim Frank. A moving and adventure-filled tale of one woman’s quest for the truth about endangered Asian elephants and their evolving relationship with humans.

Written in the Waters: A Memoir of History, Home, and Belonging. By Tara Roberts. One woman’s epic journey to trace the global slave trade across the Atlantic Ocean that takes her from Washington D.C. to Sri Lanka and through Africa.

Adventures in the Louvre: How to Fall in Love with the World’s Greatest Museum By Elaine Sciolino. A former New York Times Paris bureau chief explores the Louvre, offering an intimate journey of discovery and revelation.

Free Ride: Heartbreak, Courage, and the 20,000-Mile Motorcycle Journey That Changed My Life. By Noraly Schoenmaker. By the YouTube sensation with three million followers, the inspiring account of a woman who, following a divorce, embarked on an epic, transcontinental motorcycle ride—and along the way found a new sense of purpose.

Accidentally Wes Anderson. By Wally Koval and Wes Anderson. Stunning photographs of real-life places that seem plucked from the world of Wes Anderson’s films, with the fascinating stories behind each façade.