Best Gifts for Women Who Travel

No surprise here, I love to travel. I also love to share products that I have used for years. After traveling professionally for 20 years, I had some products that I use trip after trip. From my first days as a crew member for an airline to a busy family traveler, I’ve curated travel products that I love for their style, durability and functions. Here’s my gift guide for women who travel.

Table of Contents

Maria Victoria Bag — Get a cute and artisan-made bag from Maria-Victoria. Credit: Catherine Parker

Artisan Made Beach Bag by Maria Victoria

Made in Mexico by artisans, this deep bag is my go-to bag for a beach day. It holds a book, large waterbottle, a beach towel or two along with bottle of sunscreen along with other necessities. I love the fact it made of PVC so sand can be rinsed off easily and stays dry on damp sand. Find a host of colors and styles.

National park books — Crater Lake Mug by Well Told credit: Catherine Parker

Travel Themed Mug by Well Told

If it’s in-between trips, then see a reminder of a good trip on your desk. Well Told sells drinkware engraved with top desinations. Find city maps, college towns, topo maps and more in lots of different formats, like cerramic mugs, glass carafes, insulatated cups as well.

Packable Rain Jacket

In a rainbow array of colors, this jacket packs into a pocket. Stash it in a tote or backpack for on-the-go ease.

Packable Sun Hat

I’ve owned this hat in a variety of colors for nearly 10 years. In addtion to be foldable for packing, it’s made of cotton and can be washed.

Packable Daypack

Don’t know what I did without a packable day pack. It’s folded up in my luggage and I used it as a travel purse once I get to my destination since my regular backpack it packed with must-haves when I travel along with my laptop.

A Good Book

The iPhone Photography Book by Scott Kelby

Everyone wants to take better photos and an iPhone can take some amazing photos if you know how to use all of its best features. The iPhone Photography Book by Scott Kelby is a photography course packed into a pocket-sized format.

Start with basic photography skills, one concept per page with a photo example. Build on the concepts to learn how to use natural lighting, framing and composition tricks to get professional results with your iPhone, not matter the model.

Larger cameras can be intimidating though your iPhone isn’t. The iPhone Photography Book covers editing with built-in iPhone tools along with other apps. Learn how to organize your photos and accessories you can use with your iPhone. Even multi-generational iPhone users will find this book helpful and take their photos to the next level.

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For Your Flight

Inflatable Foot Rest

According my friend and frequent flyer, Melissa, her hips and lower back hurt when flying for more than three hours. To alleviate the issue, she uses a foot rest. This one is easy to inflate she never feels like she’s going to pass out after blowing it up. As a Mom bonus, it can turn an airplane seat into a baby/toddler sleeping area.

Inflatable Rectangular Pillow

I use these for lower back issues when flying and to put under my elbow on the armrest for long flights. As a bonus they are inexpensive and I can share with the kids who don’t want to pack their own pillow.

Neck Scarf

I use a neck scarf to stay warm and cozy since I always sit in the window seat. As a bonus this one offers a hidden pocket for my phone so I can listen to audio books or music.

Compression Socks

If you are flying more than few hours, compression socks will save your ankles. And don’t think you are too fit or too young, I got crazy swollen ankles for my flight to Paris at 29. Disclaimer, I was pregnant at the time but not showing.

Put on the socks for your first flight of the day. Take a look the Nabee Socks designed by nurses. No one will know they are compression socks.

In My Backpack

I don’t carry a travel purse since it’s a personal item when you fly. I use a backpack and pack it up until it’s hard to zip up. Here’s my must haves for my carryon.

Blue Q Zipper Pouch, People I Want to Meet: Dogs.

I use Blue Q pouches to organize smaller items in my backpack. With sturdy zippers and water-resistant exteriors that are easy to clean and durable and best of all made of 95% recycled material. Blue Q pouches come in several sizes.

Blue Q Zipper Pouch, People I Love: Cats.

For the cat lovers.

Travel Wallet

One of my kids gave this wallet to me, in my favorite color. I love it for its style and functionality. It’s inexpensive and sold in lots of colors.

Extra luggage lock

I use it to lock up my backpack since I carry my laptop, an expensive camera along with my passport. If I have to leave it on a tour bus, I lock it.

Carabiner

I can’t loose my keys on a trip. So I have put carabiner on my keychain and secure my keys to the inside of my backpack. I also put another carabiner to attach things to the backpack.

Power Bank

You can’t count on having power at your airplane seat. And your flight will drain your battery when listening to music or a book. So I carry two power banks fully charged for every trip. Remember this can’t be in your checked luggage. I’ve owned one for years.

In Your Luggage

A Good Piece of Luggage

A good piece of luggage is a must for a travelers. Though I want a balance of good value and function.

As a former flight attendant, I know luggage and I’m not easy to impress. After years of using Ricardo Luggage, I still recommend it to my friends and family. It offers durability, style and functionality for most travelers at an excellent price point. Check out my full review.

Packing Cubes

Another must for every trip, packing cubes keep my luggage tidy. Especially for the smaller items, like socks and underwear. I used these for several years with great results.

Shoe Bags

I hate to put dirty shoes into my luggage. So I use shoe bags. Another must for women who travel.

Toiletry Bag

A nice functional toiletry bag keeps every thing in its place. And keeps the shampoo from leaking on your clothes.

Amenity Kit

As a former flight attendant, I’ve flown first and business class on many occasions. And sure those amenity kits are nice but you can make one for your next flight. Or put one together for your traveling friend. Here’s my must haves to first-class out that economy seat.

Wipes—Facial, Regular and Bleach
Tissues
Refillable water bottle
Hand sanitizer
Hand lotion
Pain Reliever
Sleep Aid
Eye drops
Ear plugs
Eye patch
Tea Bags
Mints
Deodorant
Travel toothbrush and paste
Mouthwash
Hair brush or comb
Hair tie
Lip balm/gloss
Mascara
Concealer
Blush
All over face powder
3 ounce atomizer with water
Dry shampoo

Men

Disposable razor + shaving cream

Contact Lens Wearer

Eye solution + container + Eyeglasses

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Disclosure

Consideration for brands mentioned and this post contains affiliate links.

If you or someone you know travels a lot then here's the list for you. Here's top products for your carry-on luggage, like pillows, luggage, compression socks, wallets and more. Also find the best packable items, like hats, jackets and daypacks. Best Products for Women | Top rated travel items | What to pack onto a carryon bag #PackingLIst #TravelGifts

Best Gifts for Women Who Travel