As the Christmas holiday season approaches and Black Friday sales are within sight, people ask the important question: what do I get John Doe this year? Buying gifts for someone can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. All you need is a great resource with the best travel gear – and that’s what you’ve found.
Each year, I publish a holiday gift guide for travelers with the ten best gifts for various types of travelers. I’ve used everything on this list, whether it’s something I bought or gear I received to test. But nobody has editorial control over this content, so I list what I love.
Browse below to find the best gifts for travelers, road trippers, coffee lovers, stocking stuffers, and many travel gear lists to inspire your shopping spree.
10 Best Gifts for Travelers in 2023
There are a lot of great gifts for travelers that will be used and unique travel gifts for every occasion. But what are the best gifts for Christmas or the holidays?
Here are the 10 best gifts for travelers in 2023 that are useful and fun.
No. 1
TerraFlame S’Mores Tabletop Fire Bowl
Pack this concrete fire bowl on your next vacation and make s’mores indoors with the smokefree and odorless gel fuel.
Making s’mores is a wonderful pastime, but it’s a tedious task. Build a fire. Gather supplies. Sit outside in the cold. Fortunately, Solo Stove – the company with the awesome stainless steel firepits – now offers an indoor solution.
The TerraFlame S’Mores Tabletop Fire Bowl uses a smoke-free, clean-burning gel fuel that makes it safe to use indoors. The kit includes a bamboo s’mores tray for laying out the ingredients and skewers for roasting marshmallows. Light the fuel and roast marshmallows with friends and family gathered around the dining room table or coffee table for hours of delightful s’mores in the comfort of your vacation rental.
What’s your favorite s’mores recipe?
The hefty concrete bowl weighs almost 15 pounds. It’s challenging to travel with and does not include a carrying case. Pack the fire bowl, accessories, and ingredients in a Front Runner Wolf Pack tote for easy transport.
No. 2
Anker Prime Power Bank
With a 20,000 mAh capacity and 200W max output, this is the smallest and most powerful power bank on the market, perfect for charging smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
Anker Prime is a new ecosystem of portable chargers and power banks perfect for remote working and travel. The powerful devices work wonderfully individually but create an unparalleled charging experience when combined.
The Anker Prime 20K Power Bank is their most powerful, with a 20,000 mAh capacity capable of charging an iPhone 15 Pro Max four times, a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra five times, an iPad Pro 12.9” twice, and a MacBook Pro once.
REAd MORE: The Best Power Banks for Travel
The power bank has two USB-C ports and a single USB-A port. It features a powerful 200W maximum output using both USB-C ports simultaneously, allowing you to charge two laptops. The USB-A port has a 40W to 65W max output.
The Anker Prime Power Bank has a tremendous capacity in a small package. The power bank is 5” tall, 1.96” wide, and 2.15” deep and weighs 1.19 pounds. It’s not a power bank you can stuff into your pocket, but it easily packs in a tech or laptop bag.
The integrated Smart Display is unique among power banks. The full-color digital display provides information about the remaining battery percentage, the time until the power bank is recharged, and the power output of all the ports.
When paired with the Anker Prime 67W Charger, you can charge the Prime Power Bank in a few hours. You can charge three devices simultaneously with two USB-C ports and a single USB-A.
No. 3
Wanderings Travelers Notebook
Introduce someone to the traveler’s notebook system with this leather cover, paper inserts, and accessories. The system is great for journaling or taking notes while traveling.
The Travel Company Travelers Notebooks, originally sold under Midori, popularized the traveler notebook system. Many brands sell “travelers notebooks,” but all include a few common components.
The traveler notebook system is a simple leather cover with elastic bands for holding inserts. Paper inserts – blank, lined, or dotted – are slid into the elastic bands. Additional inserts like calendars, pockets, and zippered pouches can be added to the system.
When I first discovered the system, the easiest components I could find were sold by The Wanderings Company. Here are the pieces to buy to begin this system.
READ MORE: Best Gifts for Travelers That Will Actually Be Used
The leather cover is oddly sized at 8.5 inches tall and 4.5 inches wide – but it works wonderfully for travel. You can buy the hand-crafted genuine leather cover or get a starter kit that includes the leather cover, blank paper insert, replacement band, paper clip, pocket insert, and a zippered pouch for just a few dollars more.
The paper inserts are slightly smaller than the cover at 8.25 inches tall and 4.25 inches wide. This allows you to put about four inserts into the cover. The blank, lined, and dotted inserts come in packs of three 60-page inserts. The zipper case and card sleeve are helpful additional inserts.
Visit the Wanderings Store on Amazon to browse their entire collection of traveler’s notebooks, inserts, and accessories.
No. 4
Epicka Universal Travel Adapter
Easily find the correct adapter for outlets in 200+ countries around the world, including the U.S., U.K., and Australia, with this packable universal adapter.
One of the most frustrating aspects of most universal travel adapters is keeping up with many adapters in a separate bag. But the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter ditches the bag of adapters by putting everything into a single unit.
READ MORE: Best Gifts for Travelers That Will Actually Be Used
This worldwide adapter works in 200+ countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Charge up to six devices simultaneously with an AC outlet, 3 USB-C ports, and 2 USB-A ports. The adapters are built into the unit – use slider levers to reveal a particular plug. You’ll never lose an adapter again.
No. 5
AllTrails Hiking App Subscription
With over 400,000 curated trails and 55 million active users, this app for Android and iOS is the best for discovering new trails, recording your hiking activity, and staying up-to-date with current trail conditions.
AllTrails is a search engine, navigation tool, tracking tool, and social network available online at alltrails.com, an app for iOS devices, and an app for Android devices. It’s the best hiking app for casual walkers or dedicated peak baggers.
And you can buy a gift subscription to AllTrails+ for someone.
READ MORE: AllTrails App Review – Why AllTrails is the Best Hiking App
AllTrails is a community of hiking enthusiasts who use the app to record their hikes and then share the data. A dedicated team then curates the trails, checking for accuracy and verifying the information. The database has over 400,000 curated trails around the world.
It’s easy to search for trails with over a dozen filters. Once you find a great trail, you can save it to a custom list. With AllTrails+, you can get driving navigation to the trailhead. With a free AllTrails account, you can get navigation from the trailhead. Over a dozen more features make the app a powerful tool that’s fun to use.
No. 6
Samsonite Luggage Cart
With this compact, foldable cart with a 70-pound capacity for hauling your bags, you’ll never have to hunt for a luggage cart again.
How often have you checked into a hotel and found all the luggage carts missing? It’s frustrating, especially if you’re a single traveler who packs as much as I do.
READ MORE: Best Gifts for Travelers That Will Actually Be Used
The Samsonite Luggage Cart comes to the rescue. The compact cart folds flat to 11” wide, 19” long, and just 3” tall for easy packing in the car. When needed, the cart unfolds with an extendable handle, an 11”x8.5” platform, and a 70-pound capacity. As you roll your luggage into the hotel, the bungee straps keep the bags secured to the cart.
No. 7
ShiftCam ProGrip
Easily capture photos and videos on a smartphone with this DSLR-style grip with a remote shutter button and a built-in Qi charger.
ShiftCam SnapGrip
Easily capture photos and videos on a smartphone with this DSLR-style grip with a remote shutter button and a built-in Qi charger.
Holding a smartphone and pressing the small circular button in the camera app is sometimes difficult. It also becomes tedious after long days of traveling and capturing hundreds of photos. The ShiftCam Smartphone Grip is a comfortable way to hold your phone all day.
The ShiftCam ProGrip uses spring-loaded clamps to grip smartphones between 2.3 and 3.5 inches wide. This includes most smartphones, including the iPhone 15 Pro Max with an Otterbox case.
The ShiftCam SnapGrip is MagSafe compatible with iPhone 12 and newer models. The included magnetic sticker allows other smartphone users to adapt to the magnetic connection, but it’s not as secure as an iPhone’s MagSafe.
All the other features are identical after securing the ShiftCam to a smartphone. The contoured grip is comfortable to hold for long periods. The Bluetooth remote shutter button is perfectly placed near the top and pressed by the index finger.
The built-in 15W Qi charger provides a steady charge to compatible smartphones, acting like a power bank and extending the phone’s battery. Remove the hand strap from the ProGrip, and both grips turn into a phone stand. Easily rotate from landscape mode to portrait mode.
No. 8
Nomatic Travel Bag 40L
Easily pack a week’s worth of clothing, a laptop with accessories, and all your travel gear in this carry-on-sized bag that’s also comfortable to wear while exploring a new destination.
The fastest way through an airport – and the safest way to guarantee nothing is lost – is to take everything in a carry-on bag. The Nomatic 40L Travel Bag is a great way to pack clothing, laptop, and travel gear in a single bag.
The water-resistant exterior has zippers to keep your stuff dry during light rain showers. The comfortable shoulder straps tuck inside a compartment when not needed. Exterior pockets give you quick access to your water bottle, notebook, shoes, accessories, and passport.
READ MORE: Best Gifts for Travelers That Will Actually Be Used
The 12”x19” main compartment opens with a full-body lid for easy access. The TSA-friendly laptop sleeve is built into the lid for quick access while traveling through the airport. The main compartment is spacious enough for clothing and toiletries, with enough room for a souvenir.
The additional Nomatic Compression Packing Cubes and Nomatic Toiletry Bag perfectly fit inside the main compartment with little wasted space.
Thule is better known for its roof rack systems and bicycle racks. The Thule Subterra PowerShuttle Cases are something else and some of my favorite travel accessories.
The Thule Subterra PowerShuttle Mini is 2” deep, 3” wide, and 7.9” tall. Two slide-in mesh pockets, one zippered mesh pocket, and six elastic straps can hold power cables and small power blocks like the Anker 511 Charger.
READ MORE: Best Gifts for Travelers That Will Actually Be Used
The Thule Subterra PowerShuttle Medium is 3” deep, 7.2” wide, and 11.8” tall. This bag has a zippered compartment, 4 large elastic straps, one elastic pen strap, a slide-in pocket, a zippered mesh pocket, and a large compartment. This bag is great for larger power blocks, long cables, and stationary accessories like note cards, pens, and highlighters.
Finally, the Thule Subterra PowerShuttle Plus is 3.4” deep, 8.5” wide, and 12.7” tall. This large bag has a slide-in pocket, a zippered mesh pocket, four large elastic straps, and a large mesh pocket. The bag’s main compartment is large enough to hold the Anker Soundcore Q35 headphones, Logitech MX Mouse, Anker 100W Charger, and half a dozen Amazon Basics USB-C cables.
No. 10
Anker 727 Charging Station
Charge multiple devices simultaneously with this 100W extension cord power strip that effortlessly packs into a small space in your bag.
In a world of an increasing number of devices to keep charged, Anker answered with the best extension cord power strip for travelers. The Anker 727 Charging Station looks impossible. The power strip is 6.4” long, 3.1” wide, and 0.7” thick. How can anything plug into something so thin?
The secret with the two AC outlets is that they extend when pressed, allowing you to plug in standard cords. In addition to the AC outlets, the charging station has 2 USB-C and 2 USB-A ports. Altogether, the six outlets provide a maximum of 100W of power.
READ MORE: Best Gifts for Travelers That Will Actually Be Used
The best feature of the charging station – other than the slim profile – is the detachable 5’ cord. Instead of awkwardly wrapping the cord around the power strip, it simply detaches to be easily stored.
10 Best Gifts for Road Trippers in 2023
Road tripping is very different from flying. Ironically, when road tripping, the sky is the limit on what you can pack. But what are the best things to pack in your car for a road trip? And what are the best things to add to your car for safety and convenience?
These are the 10 best gifts for road trippers that will add comfort and joy to long trips on the highway.
No. 1
Rexing V1P 4K
This is the best dash cam that is also affordable, giving drivers a double win. With dual-channel 2160p front-facing and 1080p rear-facing cameras, a distraction-free flush mount, collision detection that auto-saves video clips, and a smartphone app, you’ll be protected during your travels.
Rexing offers an extensive lineup of dashcams, but their best is the Rexing V1P 4K. With a 2160p front-facing camera and 1080p rear-facing, you’ll have crisp videos in case of collision. The 170-degree field of view is better than most dash cams. This provides great video coverage from a foot in front of the windshield and forward.
A G-sensor detects collisions and automatically saves the previous and current video clips. With a smartphone app connected via Wi-Fi, you can change the settings on the dash cam, view any clips saved on the memory card, and download clips for immediate viewing. The settings can also be changed on the device with integrated buttons, but the 3″ LCD screen does not support touch.
The Rexing V1P 4K does not feature GPS tracking, but you can get the additional GPS Logger. The module connects to a port on the side of the front-facing camera, requiring the pocket-sized module to be stored somewhere else in the car.
READ MORE: The 9 Best Dash Cams for Eyewitness Protection
Additional features include a parking mode that records video while your vehicle is parked. But this feature requires the Rexing Hardwire Kit for power and can shorten the lifespan of your car’s battery. In some cases, parking modes can drain batteries entirely. Adding the Gooloo GP4000S to your car’s roadside emergency kit might be a great idea.
Unlike any other dash cams on this list, the Rexing dash cam mounts flush to the windshield, taking up less real estate with a low profile and providing a better distraction-free experience. The front-facing camera is adjustable with a knob on the side of the device to achieve the best viewing angle. The dash cam uses an adhesive mount, and the device securely slides onto the mount.
The Rexing V1P 4K requires a MicroSD card, which is not included. Rexing strongly advises users to format the memory card after inserting it into the dash cam. The format option is available in the camera’s menu. Skipping this step often leads to corrupted video clips.
No. 2
Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler
Stay hydrated on the road with this leakproof tumbler with a three-position lid for use with the included straw, gulping the contents, or sealing it tight.
The Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler might be the best road trip bottle you could buy. The stainless steel, vacuum-sealed bottle keeps contents chilled or hot for hours. Sizes range from 14 ounces to 64 ounces. And it’s available in lots of colors.
But the best part of this tumbler is the lid. Twisting the lid allows different uses. First, use the included straw through a rubber gasket hole that limits spillage. Second, you can gulp the contents from a large opening. Finally, you can seal the lid for a leakproof experience.
No. 3
SPOT Gen 4 Satellite GPS Messenger
Take a lifeline with you on outdoor adventures or road trips with this satellite GPS messenger that gives your location to a dispatcher during emergencies.
Cellular networks do not blanket the globe. However, SPOT coverage does – except for the polar regions. The SPOT Gen 4 Satellite GPS Messenger is like having a lifeline in your pocket or glove box as you head out on the next adventure.
The palm-sized device is a one-way messenger with SOV and SOS functions. The SOV, or Save Our Vehicle, is handy when you have car trouble in cellular dead zones. The SOS, the global signal for a person in distress, alerts the dispatcher that your life is in jeopardy.
Whenever the SOV or SOS button is pressed, the one-way messenger transmits your GPS location to a series of satellites. The message is routed to a dispatch center, which determines the type of emergency assistance you might need. Roadside assistance is sent to SOV signals, and emergency responders to SOS signals.
With worldwide coverage, the SPOT is one device every traveler should carry. A subscription is required to use the device. With the flexible monthly plan, you can cancel at any time and only pay for the months when you’re traveling.
No. 4
Surviveware Large First Aid Kit
Pack this 200-piece first aid kit in the car with a 600D polyester bag and high-quality tools.
With 200 pieces in a water-resistant, durable soft-sided bag, this is the best overall first aid kit to always keep in your car. Plus, the 50-piece mini kit is perfect for stuffing into your day pack.
When it comes to first aid kits for the car, nobody designs one better than the Surviveware Comprehensive Large First Aid Kit. The bag is constructed of water-resistant 600D polyester, which makes it as durable as a soft-sided bag can be. Adjustable buckle straps allow you to secure the bag anywhere inside your car – glove box, headrest, support bar, or just toss it into the trunk.
READ MORE: The 10 Best First Aid Kits for the Car
Inside, the 200 pieces are separated into several labeled compartments that make it easy to find precisely what you need in a hurry. The kit includes all the essential items and high-quality tools. And the large kit includes a 50-piece mini kit in a similar durable bag, perfect for packing into a day bag.
The only downsides are the price and space inside the bag. Unless you remove the mini kit and store it elsewhere, there is no room for additional items you may want to pack. It’s one of the most expensive first aid kits on the market, but considering what you get, it is worth the investment if you frequently travel in your car.
No. 5
YETI Roadie 24 Cooler
The Roadie 24 is the perfect road trip cooler that can fit in the backseat’s floor, hold enough food and drinks for up to four people for two days, and keeps ice frozen for 3-5 days.
Founded in 2006, YETI is a Texas-based company known for making coolers that keep ice frozen with thick insulation and a hefty price. Their lineup includes dozens of coolers ranging from small soft sided lunch boxes to enormous deck boxes for boats. Their Roadie lineup includes the Roadie 48 and Roadie 60, both wheeled coolers, but the best cooler for road trips is the Roadie 24.
The Roadie 24 is 17-inches wide and 14-inches deep which means it can fit in the floor of the backseat in most cars. The lid features a gasket for an airtight, leak-proof seal and quick-release latches. The integrated strap also makes it easy to carry the cooler between the car and hotel on lengthy road trips.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Coolers for Road Trips
YETI’s legendary pressure-injected polyurethane insulation keeps ice frozen in the Roadie 24 for about 3-5 days. It has a 24-liter capacity that holds 18 cans with a 2:1 ratio of ice to cans. Ideally, you could do a 1:1 ratio with 24 cans. Interestingly, the Roadie 24 can hold most wine bottles with an interior height of 13.3 inches.
Pick up a few add-ons to make the most of the Roadie 24. The YETI Basket Accessory is a clear plastic tray 4-inches deep and half the width of the cooler, allowing you to keep food out of the melted ice. The YETI Thin ICE is a reusable freezer block that replaces the need for ice and can be frozen overnight in hotel mini fridges.
No. 6
AstroAI Cordless Tire Inflator
Maintain properly inflated tires with this cordless inflator with built-in tire pressure gauge, a digital display, and automatic start and stop.
According to AAA, low tire pressure increases braking distance, excessively wears out the sidewalls, and reduces fuel efficiency. Most newer cars have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, and it’s easy enough to manually check with a good tire pressure gauge.
The hard part is finding a gas station with a working air station.
You won’t have to search for one with the AstroAI Cordless Tire Inflator. The portable inflator comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery so you can use it without cords. But, just in case, a 6’ 12V cord and 6’ household cord are stuffed inside.
The built-in tire pressure gauge quickly gives an accurate reading on the bright digital display. Set the desired tire pressure and press the start button to begin automatically inflating. The inflator works at about 1 PSI per minute and stops when it reaches the desired pressure.
No. 7
Dometic 45-Liter Portable Refrigerator
Never worry about bags of ice, slushy water, and wet bottle labels again with this 45-liter 12V refrigerator and freezer.
There are a lot of great coolers for road trips. But coolers require almost daily bags of ice, pouring out the slushy water later, and inevitably seeps into food containers and ruins the contents.
With a Dometic 45-liter Portable Refrigerator, you’ll never have to worry about ice again.
The hefty investment comes with several perks that make it worth it for long road trips or multiple annual vacations. The refrigerator plugs into a standard 12V plug or an outlet using the DC adapter. When powered, the unit chills as low as -7˚F to freeze food. Temperature is easily controlled with a digital LED display and buttons on the front or a smartphone app.
The 45-liter capacity holds 67 cans, six two-liter bottles, or enough food to last four people for about four days. Carry handles make it easy to move between the car and hotel room to take the food with you at night.
Buying drinks and food at grocery stores, skipping the gas station gourmet, and packing a few meals can quickly see a return on the investment into a Dometic. But more than anything, it’s knowing that there’s always a cold drink when you need it.
No. 8
Garmin DriveSmart 86
Always have turn-by-turn navigation with this feature-rick automotive GPS device and stay up-to-date with live traffic, weather, and smart notifications.
Smartphones are not the best navigation tools. Apps require cellular connection for data service. And continuously running a navigation app drains the battery, requiring constant charging.
You don’t have to worry about any of that with the Garmin DriveSmart 86.
READ MORE: Choosing the Best Garmin Automotive GPS for Your Next Road Trip
The Garmin automotive GPS comes with North America maps preinstalled. The devices don’t need cellular signal, although you have additional features with a Bluetooth connected smartphone. Live traffic, the current weather, and smart notifications from your phone display on the Garmin device.
It’s easy to use the touchscreen device, but even easier to use voice commands. Find a gas station, get directions to a specific address, or change your route with voice commands without taking your eyes off the road. Turn-by-turn directions are spoken aloud, and the 8” screen puts a large map front and center.
No. 9
Front Runner Wolf Pack Pro
Keep your travel gear, food, and almost any accessories neatly organized in this stackable, crush-proof storage box.
When planning an epic road trip or lengthy drive on vacation, little attention is given to packing everything that doesn’t go in a suitcase. The Front Runner Wolf Pack Pro is the suitcase for everything else you need to pack.
The storage box is made of impact-resistance polypropylene plastic and can take a beating. Their durable enough to function as additional seating or a step stool. A rubber gasket seals the contents against water and dust. Store food, clothing, or travel gear inside and they’ll always be clean and fresh.
The lid is secured with two wide latches that are easy to flip open. The removable lid swings aside, allowing quick access to all the contents. The boxes are stackable with the bottom settlings into the lid of the box below, locking them together.
No. 10
HitchSafe
Store a credit card and spare key to the car in a solid steel safe hidden in the trailer hitch.
One of the most important tips for traveling by car – whether it’s yours or a rental – is to stow a spare key somewhere easily accessible. The last thing you want is to lose the only key to the car a thousand miles from home.
HitchSafe offers a fantastic place to stash a spare key, credit card, and cash for such an emergency.
The safe features two components: a receiver that mounts inside the hitch with security bolts and a safe that locks into place. A 4-digit code unlocks the safe and allows access to the solid steel lockbox. A rubber dust cover keeps the combination numbers clean and out of sight.
10 Best Gifts for Traveling Coffee Lovers in 2023
Coffee lovers know that it’s tricky making great coffee while traveling. But it’s possible with these tools, accessories, and coffee makers.
Here are the 10 best gifts for traveling coffee lovers so everyone can enjoy that morning brew.
No. 1
THERMOS King Insulated Travel Mug
Keep your coffee hot for hours with this 16-ounce stainless steel insulated travel mug.
The surest way to ruin a morning coffee on the road is to take a sip and find it bitterly cold. But you won’t have that problem for hours with the THERMOS King Insulated Travel Mug.
The 16 ounce stainless steel mug is vacuum insulated, keeping contents hot for up to 7 hours. The leak-proof lid keeps the contents from accidentally spilling while driving down the road. The large handle is easy to grasp and the tapered bottom of the mug fits into most cup holders.
No. 2
Ember Travel Mug 2
This rechargeable stainless steel travel mug perfectly heats your coffee between 120 and 145 degrees.
The first Ember Mug hit shelves in 2010 and changed the coffee and tea industry. The innovative design puts a rechargeable lithium-ion battery inside a mug, keeping the contents at your preferred temperature.
The Ember Travel Mug 2 applies that same technology to a 12-ounce travel mug perfect for road trips.
Use a smartphone app to set the temperature anywhere from 120 to 145 degrees. And just because Ember is showing off now, users can tap their logo on the travel mug to reveal a hidden digital display with temperature controls and the current temperature. The leak-proof, stainless steel mug keeps contents warm for about 3 hours on a single charge.
The Ember Travel Mug 2 includes a charging coaster and power cord. Charge it overnight in your hotel room, and you’ll be ready for the morning. And now users can find their mugs with the “Apple Find My” network, so you’ll never lose it!
No. 3
MiiR Airtight Coffee Canister
Preserve freshly ground coffee with this 11.5-ounce stainless steel canister.
The best coffee is made with freshly ground coffee. But how can you keep the coffee grounds fresh while traveling? With the MiiR Airtight Coffee Canister.
The stainless steel canister is durable for travel, and the powder-coated exterior gives it a sleek appearance. The canister has an 11.5-ounce capacity. It’s sealed using an interesting rubber accordion seal – push the plunger into the top of the canister and lower the lever to create an airtight seal. Screw on the cap and your freshly ground coffee is preserved.
No. 4
Mr. Coffee Simple Grinder
Make fresh coffee grounds while traveling with this 14-cup grinder featuring convenient cord storage.
There are lots of great manual grinders for making fresh ground coffee while traveling, but few electric grinders that work well for travel. The Mr. Coffee Simple Grinder has one feature that makes it easy to pack – the retractable power cord.
The grinder has a 14-cup capacity for grinding lots of beans at once. A safety feature prevents the grinder from turning on unless the plastic cup sits on top. It’s a one-touch operation and takes about a minute to grind thoroughly.
The one drawback of this grinder is a complete lack of ground size. It’s a one-size-fits-all approach that makes great ground coffee for single-brew coffee makers but maybe not the best for espresso or pour-over.
The one convenient thing about this grinder is the power cord storage. The cord manually retracts into the base, leaving only the plug on the outside of the grinder.
No. 5
Keurig K-Mini Plus
With the optional travel bag, the Keurig K-Mini Plus is an easy single-serve coffee machine to pack. The removable water reservoir makes it easy to brew up to 12 ounces into a travel mug or coffee mug.
Keurig popularized coffee pods – small plastic cups filled with a single scoop of ground coffee for brewing one at a time. Single-use coffee machines are common in kitchens across the country today.
And the Keurig K-Mini Plus is the perfect portable coffee machine.
Read More: The 16 Best Portable Coffee Makers for Travel
The single-serve coffee maker uses any brand’s pods to brew up to 12 ounces. The removable water reservoir is easily filled with pre-measured amounts etched into the clear plastic sides. The Keurig K-Mini Plus heats water on demand for each single-serve coffee. Brewing a coffee takes about five minutes from start to finish.
The removable tray allows for up to a 16.8″ travel mug. The 26″ power cord stores in a compartment in the back of the coffee maker. And a removable compartment holds 9 pods. With the additional travel bag, it’s easy to pack the Keurig K-Mini Plus in your car.
No. 6
Jettle Electric Kettle
Quickly create 15 ounces of hot water for espresso, pour-over, and French press coffee with this portable heater.
The most difficult part of making espresso, pour-over, or French press coffee while traveling is making hot water. But the Jettle Electric Kettle makes that task effortless with a fantastic travel-friendly kettle.
The 15-ounce capacity is more than enough for making coffee. The digital display shows the current temperature setting that’s adjustable from 110˚F to 212˚F. The sleek device is 9.8” tall and 3.3” wide. With the removable power cord that is stored inside, it’s easy to pack this kettle.
No. 7
OutIn Nano
With a built-in water heater and rechargeable battery, you can brew a single shot of espresso with only this unit. The all-in-one design makes it easy to pack for travel.
The OutIn Nano Portable Espresso Machine is a quantum leap beyond the competition with a built-in water heater. At 9″ tall and 3″ in diameter, it’s the same size and weight as the competition and a perfectly portable espresso maker.
Read More: The 16 Best Portable Coffee Makers for Travel
The OutIn Nano uses a 7500mAh rechargeable battery for the effortless brewing of espresso shots. On a single charge, the machine can produce five shots of espresso. Each brew takes about 5 minutes to heat the water from room temperature and 3 minutes to extract the shot. Recharging is simple, though, with the standard USB-C cable and power block – not included.
The OuttIn Nano is an all-in-one design that makes it easy to pack for travel. An advantage of the OutIn espresso machine is the option to use capsules from popular brands like Nespresso. However, you can still grind coffee beans for a shot.
No. 8
BruTrek OVRLNDR
Enjoy savory French press coffee with this innovative all-in-one stainless steel coffee maker. It’s easy to pack, clean, and brew coffee in minutes.
Although BruTrek’s budget was too small to buy vowels, the BruTrek OVRLNDR is one of the best portable coffee makers for travel. The all-in-one design keeps everything together for easy packing and prevents lost parts. The stainless steel components are durable and will survive the rigors of travel. At 9.5″ tall, it will take some room in your luggage, and at 1.5 pounds, it’s still lightweight but heavier than the competition.
Read More: The 16 Best Portable Coffee Makers for Travel
The innovative removable bottom is the coolest – or hottest, depending on how you like your coffee – the part about the BruTrek OVRLNDR. The bottom of the insulated travel mug detaches to make cleaning the soggy coffee grounds effortless.
You’ll need something like the Jettle Electric Kettle to make hot water. Once ready, pour the water into the travel mug, add your ground coffee, and screw on the leakproof lid with a built-in plunger. A single plunge and you’re drinking a delicious coffee.
No. 9
Cafflano Klassic
This all-in-one pour-over coffee maker features a kettle, burr grinder, pour-over filter, and coffee mug – everything you need to brew pour-over coffee while traveling.
The Cafflano Klassic All-in-One Pour Over Coffee Maker is one of the most innovative coffee machines ever produced. The nifty device features a kettle, conical burr grinder, pour-over filter, and a coffee mug that assembles into a 7.6″x3.5″ travel container. And weighing just one pound, it’s easy to pack for travel.
Read More: The 16 Best Portable Coffee Makers for Travel
The adjustable conical burr grinder uses human power to produce fresh ground coffee directly into the pour-over filter. The pre-measured kettle features a pour spout for fine control of the pour-over. The pour-over filter fits snugly onto the insulated tumbler. Pour water through the filter, remove the filter, and you’ll have coffee in less than a minute.
The only thing missing from the otherwise flawless portable coffee maker is a means to produce hot water. The Jettle Electric Kettle can make hot water in about five minutes, and the pre-measured Cafflano Klassic kettle will ensure you get the correct amount of water each time.
No. 10
YETI Rambler 14 oz. Mug
Keep your coffee warm for hours around the hotel room or vacation rental with this 14-ounce stainless steel cup with a leakproof lid.
Traveling with your favorite ceramic mug or electric coffee warmer is not feasible. So, the next best way to keep your morning coffee hot is to pack the YETI Rambler 14 oz. Mug.
The stainless steel, vacuum-insulated coffee mug keeps the contents hot for about an hour. The leakproof lid features YETI’s proprietary MagSlider lid because what we all needed is a magnetic catch on a sliding lid. The mug is lightweight and easy to pack, making it a great coffee mug to take while traveling.
10 Best Stocking Stuffers for Travelers in 2023
Two things make stocking stuffers a stocking stuffer: small enough to fit in a stocking and priced about $50 or less. All of the items on this list fit the requirements, although some may stretch the rules slightly.
Here are the 10 best stocking stuffers for travelers.
No. 1
Victorinox Swisscards
Put all the tools of a Swiss Army Knife into your wallet or purse with this credit card-sized version from the same builder.
You may not have heard of Victorinox, but you are almost certainly familiar with their most popular product: Swiss Army knives. Founded in 1884, the Swiss-based company makes its knives from a proprietary blend of hardened steel, giving it the durability that knives are known for.
But did you know they stuffed the features of a Swiss Army knife into a credit card-sized package?
The Swisscards have 13 functions, like scissors, letter opener, nail fail, toothpick, and tweezer. And just to show off, Victorinox included an LED flashlight. At just 0.35 inches thick, it’ll slide into your wallet or purse, taking up about as much space as three credit cards.
No. 2
ProtoArc Foldable Keyboard
Stay in touch with friends and family on vacation with this full-size foldable Bluetooth keyboard.
Whether we like it or not, the world is a connected place through smartphones. While on vacation, we may have a great story to tell someone or a lengthy email reply to write. Instead of endless pounding with your thumbs, pack the ProtoArc Foldable Keyboard in your luggage.
When folded, the full-size keyboard is only 8.5” long, 4.6” wide, and 0.78” thick. Unfolded, the 105-key layout features a number pad with a top row of function keys. The scissor switches are quiet and comfortable to use.
The non-slip pads keep the keyboard in place while typing on a smooth surface. The keys are labeled for Windows and Mac users, and the keyboard can be paired with up to 3 devices. The battery lasts about 2 hours, and it’s easy to recharge with a USB-C port.
No. 3
BioLite AlpenGlow Mini
This miniature rechargeable lantern is the perfect nightlight for the bathroom in hotels or B&Bs. A simple tap turns on the 150-lumen light that runs for 40 hours on low and 5 hours on high.
BioLite hit the market with the innovative CampStove that converted heat into juice for a smartphone. It was marketed as the backpacker’s perfect tool for cooking a meal while also charging devices on the trail. Then BioLite expanded its lineup with the incredible FirePit+, a portable fire pit that can use charcoal or wood to cook meals or just to admire.
Read More: BioLite FirePit+ Review – The Perfect Road Trip Fire Pit
The most recent addition to the expanding lineup is the AlpenGlow lantern. These AlpenGlow 500 and AlpenGlow 250 are powerful lanterns perfect for campground use.
But the AlpenGlow 150 has a better use – a nightlight in your hotel bathroom. Think about how often you get up in the middle of the night. The only option in most hotels and B&Bs is to flick the switch to the blinding overhead light. With the AlpenGlow 150, you tap a single button to turn on a low-power 150-lumen light – perfect for the middle of the night.
The AlpenGlow 150 has a 1,000 mAh rechargeable battery. The lantern lasts about 40 hours on the low power setting and 5 hours on high. The light also features four modes: warm white, single-color, one-color cycling, and multicolor cycling. And it’s packable – the circular light is 3” wide, 2” tall, and weighs only 3.5 ounces.
No. 4
Addalock
Enjoy added security in your room at the hotel, B&B, or lodge. This security device works on most doors and provides an additional lock to secure the door against intruders.
Sometimes, the second lock on a hotel room door is broken. Or the sliding chain lock is missing. Some B&Bs only have a single door lock. So, what can you do for added security and peaceful sleep?
The Addalock is a quick and easy way to add an additional lock to almost any door. The first piece of the two-part assembly slips into the door’s strike plate. Once the door is closed, the second piece slides into a notch on the first. The all-steel design keeps the door securely closed against intruders.
No. 5
Black Diamond Astro 300-R Headlamp
Always see where you’re going with this powerful 300 lumen, rechargeable headlamp with an IPX4 rating that lasts 4 hours on the highest setting and 200 hours on the lowest.
The Black Diamond Astro 300-R Headlamp is a rechargeable version of the popular headlamp that’s lit the way for backpackers and night owls for years. The headlamp features a powerful 300-lumen light with adjustable power settings. The 1,500 mAh battery lasts 4 hours on the highest setting and up to 200 hours on the lowest.
No. 6
Keep track of your luggage, wallet, purse, and vehicle with these Bluetooth trackers for Apple users.
Keep track of your luggage, wallet, purse, and vehicle with these Bluetooth trackers for Apple and Android users.
Keep track of your luggage, wallet, purse, and vehicle with these Bluetooth trackers for Apple and Android users.
Keep track of your luggage, wallet, purse, and vehicle with these Bluetooth trackers for Apple and Android users.
One of the worst things that can happen on vacation is losing our luggage, wallet, or purse. Fortunately, with Apple AirTags and Tile trackers, we can keep up with our personal belongings to a certain degree.
Apple AirTags require an iPhone to set up, but the Bluetooth devices can be tracked using the Find My app with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac computer. The AirTags silently report its location to all Apple devices. The information is stored in the Find My Network and can only be accessed by the registered owner.
The most significant difference between Apple AirTags and Tile devices is that Apple’s Find My Network is much larger, making it easier to find lost or stolen belongings. Another difference is that AirTags works exclusively with iOS devices, while Tile works with iOS and Android.
The Tile Mate is an entry-level tracking device. The tracker has a hole to attach to keychains and carabiners easily. The Tile Pro is nearly three times larger but also has a more extended range. The Tile Slim is a credit card-sized tracker that fits perfectly in a wallet or purse. Tile devices are tracked by any smartphone with the Tile app installed and connected to the internet.
No. 7
Ocoopa Hand Warmers
Keep your hands toasty at 145 degrees for 8 hours with the 10,000 mAh hand warmers.
Cold hands are miserable. We fumble text messages, clumsily drop our keys, and let’s not even talk about using the bathroom with cold hands. One way around that is a great pair of gloves.
But the best way is a set of Ocoopa Hand Warmers.
These nifty devices magnetically connect for easy storage but separate when you need one for each hand. Press the power button, and the 10,000 mAh combined battery heats the warmers to a maximum of 145 degrees. The warmers have four temperature settings and provide about 8 hours of warmth.
When the juice runs out, simply plug a USB-C cable into the separate warmers and get a full charge in about 3 hours.
No. 8
Twelve South AirFly Pro
Turn any device with a headphone jack into a Bluetooth wireless transmitter or receiver, allowing you to listen to movies on an airplane and play music in any rental car.
Do you have a great pair of noise-canceling headphones like the Anker Soundcore Q35 or Sony WH-1000XM4? With the Twelve South AirFly Pro, you can turn any device with a 3.5mm jack into a Bluetooth, wireless transmitter that pairs with your headphones.
The AirFly Pro works in both directions, though. Plug the palm-sized device into the audio jack in a rental car, pair it with your smartphone, and you can listen to your music tracks while cruising down the road.
You can pair two devices at once with the AirFly Pro. The pairing button makes pairing with headphones, smartphones, or other devices easy. A slide button allows you to select between transmit or receive.
No. 9
ARTIKA Travel Sewing Kit
Sew torn seams and replace lost buttons with this travel-sized sewing kit that includes all the essentials.
Ripped seams, torn pockets, and popped buttons are some of the perils of travel. But rather than tossing the clothing away or keeping the unusual item stuffed in our bag, we could simply fix it. The ARTIKA Travel Sewing Kit has all the essentials for making minor traveling repairs.
The travel kit is 6”x7”x1.5”, making it easy to pack, and the zipper keeps the contents secured. The kit includes 12 threads – black, white, and a few colors – scissors, tape measure, thimble, needles, threader, seam ripper, and a few accessories. It’s everything you need to repair a seam or replace a button.
No. 10
Darn Tough Socks
With a lifetime guarantee against holes or torn seams, a pair of Darn Tough Socks will last a long, long, long time while traveling around the world.
Darn Tough Socks are appropriately named. Knitted in Vermont, the socks are darn tough to rip or fray. But just in case you do, a lifetime guarantee against holes and torn seams means you’ll receive a replacement pair within two weeks.
The socks are made from Merino wool, an ultra-lightweight, moisture-wicking material. The breathable and quick-drying material keeps your feet dry during long days of exploring. And the cushioned bottom provides an extra layer of comfort for those long hikes.
