Can someone explain how November is almost over? Time to pull out the Christmas decorations and think about stocking stuffers. I’ve heard from a few folks that they’re concerned about supply chain-related delays for holiday orders. If you’re wanting something to arrive before the 25th, earlier is definitely better this year. We’re not doing a lot of gifts this year, just splurging on an espresso machine for the house. If you’re looking for the perfect gift (or something to put on your own list), these are the items I recommend for every type of traveler in your life.

Check out my 2019 Gift Guide for Frequent Flyers for even more suggestions for your favorite traveler.

For the Sustainable sojourner

Paravel luggage

For the person who hasn’t jumped on the hardback luggage train yet but is looking to make the transition, Paravel is my recommendation. Selected as the #1 overall best luggage by AFAR magazine, this brand has a couple advantages over my previous recommendation of Away. The main differences:

• Paravel’s Aviator suitcases – the outer shell, interior lining, aluminum handles, even the zippers – are made from recycled materials
• Paravel includes carbon offsets with your purchase to offset emissions from sourcing, assembly, shipping, and final delivery. The price even includes offset for one average flight, so your first trip is carbon neutral. They also plant a tree for every purchase.
• I also think their solid interior feels a little more luxe than Away’s mesh interior, but that’s a matter of preference.

Luggage bundles are 20% off for Cyber Monday or use code PVLGIFT50 for $50 off your purchase.

Gift Cards

I know the gripe with gift cards is that they can feel impersonal. But they can easily be mailed or fit in a stocking, don’t create waste, and offer the recipient flexibility to use as they’d like. I would personally avoid gift cards/vouchers for specific airlines or hotel chains, as that can limit the recipient’s flexibility. My gift card recommendations for your loved one who loves travel are:

• Airbnb gift card
• Travel photo shoot gift card

Carbon Offsets

Another zero-waste option is to gift someone carbon offsets. Be sure to use a site that funds projects that have been independently verified. CarbonFund.Org and TerraPass are two such sites that also offer personalized certificates for gifting and a variety of projects and packages to choose from.

For the Techy Traveler

Apple Air Tag

Once on an early morning flight from New York, overhead space was limited and I had to stow my black rolling carry-on a few rows ahead of my seat. Fast-forward to deplaning, and a man in a big rush grabbed my bag by mistake and was long gone by the time the flight crew and I realized what had happened. If this has ever happened to you, or your bag was misplaced by an airline, you can appreciate the value of Apple Air Tags. Buy individually or in a four-pack. You can purchase a keychain accessory to attach to your luggage, or just slip it in a pocket. Tile offers similar functionality but as an iPhone user I like Apple’s integration with the Find My network.

Portable Power Bank

Having the ability to charge your devices without hunting down or hovering next to a charging station at the airport can be a real quality of life booster. The minimalist in your life might appreciate this mini power bank. I’m personally excited for a power bank that recharges through solar power.

Aux to Bluetooth Adaptor

You know life isn’t so bad if one of your biggest frustrations is that your Bluetooth headphones can’t connect to the in-flight entertainment options. I was gifted Air Pods last year, which are great but I ended up traveling with my wired headphones as well to be compatible with aux ports. Turns out the technology I use to play music from my phone over my car speakers can be used in planes. This adapter is super small and under $20.

For the Bookworm

36 hours New York Times Series

These may be the most beautifully bound travel books; the 36 Hours Series are designed with weekend trips in mind. The perfect addition to any shelf. Buy from your favorite local shop or from bookshop.org to support indie booksellers.

World Travel by Anthony Bourdain and Laurie Woolever

I bought this book earlier this year and recommend for any fan of Bourdain. The travel guide features the famous chef’s tips on more than 80 destinations and at least as many charming illustrations.

Winter in Sokcho by Elisa Shua Dusapin

A 2021 National Book Award winner, Winter in Sokcho is the debut novel from French Korean author Elisa Shua Dusapin, translated from the original French by Aneesa Abbas Higgins. The narrator works in a guesthouse in the eponymous Korean tourist town and forms a tenuous connection with a French traveler seeking the “authentic” Sokcho. Here’s what the National Book Award judges had to say: “This spare and visceral novel evokes the atmosphere of abandonment and isolation as well as the stark beauty of winter in a provincial South Korean seaside resort town near the North Korean border. Narrated by a sharply observant young French Korean resident, the story explores rifts of identity—personal, cultural, and national—and the fleeting kinship that is possible between solitary strangers.”

For the COVID-Conscious

Passport case with vaccine card sleeve

Vaccine cards are part of the way we travel now and for reasons I don’t understand, the size of that card is not wallet-friendly. Keeping your vaccine card visible and stored safely with your passport will make traveling that much smoother. Etsy has a ton of great options to choose from and you can support a small business!

KN95 Masks

Infection control but make it fashion. With the Omicron variant spreading and Delta still very much around, cloth masks aren’t going to cut it for those who want to be as safe as possible when traveling. KN95 masks filter 95% of particulates in the air and purchasing them doesn’t impact the supply of N95 masks used by healthcare workers. These options from MASKC are a favorite of celebrities and have rave reviews from the rest of us 🙂