A Gift Guide for the Traveler

Can you believe that Christmas is right around the corner? As we all know, it has been a crazy year and if you or those you are buying gifts for are anything like us, you are itching to take your next vacation. Whether you are ready to book an adventure and travel right away, or you are not quite ready to pack your bags, the gift of travel (and travel essentials) is always a hit, after all, who doesn’t like dreaming of and planning to create life long memories?

Our CTC advisors have worked together to curate a really fabulous gift guide, complete from big ticket items like suitcases and earbuds, to great stocking stuffers like coloring books and playing cards. Keep reading, you are going to love these items that they have put together to help you mark off the remainder of you Christmas list.

Crossbody/Clutch Purse/Kavu Backpack: While traveling, you will have a variety of events that you have to prepare for. Our advisors highly recommend carrying a purse/bag with you that you can transition from tours to dinner. You will want something smaller than your travel backpack or laptop bag. Numerous advisors love their Kavu backpack. (1)

“I always travel with multiple purses. If we are touring during the day, I’ll use a sling bag or backpack. For dinners or more formal events, I like to use a cute crossbody bag or clutch”

- Heidi

Bose Noise Cancelling Earbuds/Airpods: Airports and flights can be noisy, but a really great pair of headphones will help keep your sanity, providing your own travel soundtrack. Pro tip: carry your Bluetooth/wireless headphones for your personal music/movies/podcasts, but make sure you also carry a pair of wired headphones to listen to the provided movies on the plane. (2)

Mobile Friendly Gloves: Headed on a winter adventure, do not forget to grab your mobile friendly gloves - these will help keep you connected, posting the best Instagram worthy pictures! (3)

Travel Backpack or Laptop Bag: A comfortable, yet roomy backpack is very important when traveling. We highly recommend purchasing a pack that comfortably fits your body as well as has ample storage space for all of your essentials. (4)

Reusable Straws: Are you one who always needs a straw? Or do you complain when handed a paper straw? Problem solved when you have your own personal straw in a travel case. (5)

Away Suitcase: It is no secret around here that the CTC fam are HUGE Away suitcase fans. We love their suitcases, weekend bags, and backpacks. They are the best of the best, and a gift that you or your recipient will love forever! By purchasing through this link, you will receive $20 off your first Away bag purchase! (6)

Skyborne Travel Wallet: This is the best way to keep everything in one place. A travel wallet will keep your money, card, passport, and more at your fingertips, which is always a huge advantage while traveling. No need to rummage through your backpack to find what you need. (7)

“They have many to choose from, but mine has a portable charger built in that is literally the best I’ve ever owned, and lasts forever. It has a place for a passport, money, credit cards, travel documentation, pen holder, AirPods/headphones, camera SD card pocket and is even big enough for my cell phone. I zip it up and carry it like a wristlet purse”

- Melissa

Packing Cubes: Do you like organization? Then packing cubes are a must-have for your next adventure. Sort all of your essentials into their own cube and you will know exactly where to find everything upon arrival to your destination. (8)

Portable Charger: It’s inevitable, you are going to be somewhere and your phone is going to lose all charge. But, if you have packed your portal battery charger, you will be good to go. Plug your phone in, and off you go to the next adventure, complete with a charged phone! (9)

Jewelry and Cable Organizers: It’s 2020, we have a charging cord for absolutely everything. Your phone, headphones, portal battery charger, camera. Everything needs charging. So, with this cord case, you can keep everything nice and organized. And your jewelry, you will want that to stay untangled too. (10)

Slippers: The flights are chilly, and so are the hotel floors. With this pair of travel slippers you will never worry about having cold feet. They are compact for easy packing, always at the ready. (11)

Lucy’s Inspired Mask Necklace: If wearing a mask is required, you might as well look cute and have it at the ready. With this incredibly cute mask necklace you can do just that. Keep you mask handy, and have a cute necklace (or discrete cord) at the same time. And the best part, with every purchase, Lucy will donate a mask necklace to a front line worker or teacher. Talk about win-win!! (12)

Travel Curling Iron/Straightener: When traveling, having appliances that are dual voltage makes it easier for you. No need for a converter if traveling to destinations with different power outlets. Make getting ready a breeze with this hair tool made for travel! (13)

“I bought a curling iron with 220-240V. My US curling iron kept blowing out the breaker in the room while I was traveling in Rome while using my adapter. I have since used that iron on 3 additional vacations and I love it!”

- Pam

Travel Neck Pillow: Nothing is better than having a nice neck pillow to enjoy a nice nap for those long flights or car rides. Make sure you are comfy while traveling, taking advantage of zzzz’s anytime you can get them! (14)

Sleep Mask: Sometimes the time change can really be a struggle, causing you to lose sleep. But, with this sleep mask, it will help you sleep more soundly, blocking out all light. (15)

Card Games: Layovers. Downtime at the hotel. Waiting on a shuttle or transfer. These are just a few examples of times that are lacking with activity which can be hard, especially on the kiddos. So, with card games at the ready, you can fill that time with an activity instead of the constant “how much longer” question. They are light weight and easy to pack, so why not! (16)

Travel Scale: Have you ever shown up to the airport, only to learn that you suitcase was over weight, and there you are having to open it up and try to lighten the load? Yeah, us too. But, if you have this handy little scale, it will help you avoid that stressful situation. And, don’t leave it at home, make sure to tuck it away in your suitcase to make sure those souvenirs don’t send you into a frenzy during your return. (17)

Water Bottle: After you clear TSA, you can fill your bottle and reuse it over and over again. With this bottle, it has a straw and a pour spout, so you can drink however you prefer at the moment. (18)

Honorable Mention Items: coloring books, iPad/Kindle for reading, a wrap or jacket for chilly flights, collapsible bag that could be used for an extra carry-on if needed, small handheld fan, towel clips for your beach chair, and a cup holder that hooks onto your suitcase.

And there you have it, a complete guide to travel necessities from your Classic Travel Connection family. We hope that you have been inspired to give the gift of travel this holiday season.

And, as always, remember that even though 2020 has brought about so much change, the excitement and joy of anticipating travel continues to remain steadfast. We are here and ready to assist you with a tailored adventure for you and your family whenever you are ready to begin traveling again!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, CTC Fam, we are so thankful for you!

Full disclosure - the Amazon links above are all affiliate links for Classic Travel Connection