Still looking for that perfect Christmas gift? Here are my 10 favourite gadgets and accessories for those who love to travel. All items on this list can be purchased on amazon.com and include free delivery.
Are you in the UK? Click here for our Top 10 travel gifts in the UK.
Bluetooth speaker with touch sensor lamp and alarm clock
I always like to bring a portable speaker with me when I travel, and this clever wireless version weighs just 2lbs, is 4.3in high and 4in wide, so easy to pack in most sizes of luggage. The sound quality is quite impressive for the price, and ideal if you’re travelling as part of a group or hostel hopping.
What’s more, this speaker has a funky color changing nightlight and touch sensor alarm clock: useful for those of us who struggle to get up in the morning (or regularly forget to charge our phones). It may not be smallest Bluetooth speaker, but it’s one of the smartest and most multi-functional I’ve seen.
Current price: $39.99
SLR/DSLR camera backpack
One frustration of travelling with a SLR or DSLR camera is that you have to transport it in a separate camera bag to your backpack to avoid damaging the equipment – it’s something my boyfriend complains about on a regular basis. The GOgroove Backpack solves this problem as it is designed to carry camera equipment and features several padded compartments to store lenses and accessories. The backpack itself is very durable and also (importantly) includes a rain cover. There are plenty of pockets and even space for a tripod.
Current price: $69.99
Solar charger
This mobile solar charger allows you to charge three devices at once including your smartphone or tablet. It is so powerful it can fully charge an iPhone 10 times before it needs to be recharged. It can be charged through solar power (this would take a long time to fully charge) or via a charging cable. This solid and sturdy power bank weighs 1.1lbs and is ideal for travel abroad and for music festivals. I would thoroughly recommend this for something like Coachella.
Current price: $39.99
Gadget organizer case
Many of us travel with multiple electronic devices, and have to deal with the irritation of finding and detangling the various charging cables. This handsome gadget organizer by BUBM is made of heavy duty, waterproof material and has space to hold all of your cables as well as memory cards, dongles and smartphone. There’s even space for an iPad Mini. The first layer has 12 elastic loops to store cables and six mesh pockets. The second layer has one large zipper pocket and three adjustable padded dividers. The case comes in a range of different colors.
Current price: $14.59
Extra large travel towel
Travel towels are a fantastic invention and essential for travelers with limited luggage space. However one of the main issues is they tend to be on the smaller side and barely fit round the user’s waist. I am almost 6ft tall and can confirm a “large” travel towel is not large enough. This microfiber travel towel is an impressive 78x35in. A travel pouch is included and the towel packs down to 10x6in. The Dock & Bay travel towels come in a great range of bright colors.
Current price: $24.99
AMIR clip on camera lenses
These clever clip-on lenses for smartphones are an ideal stocking filler. For less than $12 you get three lenses: a 180° fisheye lens, a 0.4X wide-angle lens and a 10X macro lens. Simply screw the lens on the clip and attach it to your smartphone and start snapping. The quality is impressive and great for selfie addicts and those who love to use Instagram when they travel.
Current price: $11.99
Travel Journal
A travel journal is a thoughtful gift for aspiring writers and those, like me, who still like to record their journeys on paper. This faux leather embossed travel journal by MaleDen is both lovely to look at and practical. It has a metal binder so you can add or remove pages, and you can open the book fully (on your lap for example if you’re short of space). The book is 7.2 x 5 x 1.2in with A3 sheet sizes.
Current price: $8.99
Spot It game
Forget playing cards. This silly and highly amusing game is an ideal travel companion and is based on matching pictures so it doesn’t matter if there is a language barrier. It is a slightly more advanced version of snap and personal experience has taught me it can get very competitive, especially if alcohol is involved. It’s easy to pick up and equally great for adults and kids. The cards come in in a compact tin so it doesn’t matter if it gets squished in your luggage.
Current price: $16.12
Avon Skin So Soft bug guard
Avon Skin So Soft has been lauded by doctors (including my own) as a very effective insect repellent. It is hypoallergenic, dermatologically tested and SPF 30. The formula is non-greasy and smells quite pleasant. I have used this on my travels to South Korea, China and Europe and it always seems to do the trick – just bare in mind any areas you forget to cover are still fair game for pesky biting insects.
Current price: $14.96 for two bottles
Wax ear plugs
Another stocking filler and one you’re traveling loved one will thank you for. These single use earplugs come packs of 12 pairs and are made of soft wax. They gently mold to your ears and are effective at blocking out unwanted noise. I was very grateful to have these when I was on a sleeper train in China sharing a cabin with a small baby! They come in a useful carry case and are ideal for flights, travels and festivals.
Current price: $10.95 for two packs (24 pairs)