For the hard-to-shop-for people on your list, I’ve pulled together over 60 holiday gift guides, curated by bloggers all over the country. Be sure to scroll through to the bottom of this post to enjoy the convenience of early, online holiday shopping…and discover new items that you might not have otherwise found.
My particular gift guide focuses on the well-traveled family members. Now that I’ve done a little more global travel of my own, I’ve learned to appreciate the tiniest modern conveniences, mostly through trial and error, so I’ll share a few travel “hacks” I’ve discovered along the way.
For your shopping convenience, affiliate links are included throughout this post.
Scarf $16 | Purse Hook $8 | Bluetooth Headset $25 | Universal Adapter $16 Map Pillow Cover $6 | Logitech Keyboard $55 | Kate Spade Canvas Bags | Hardsided Carry On
Hack #1: COLOR! Buy colorful accessories so that they are easy to spot in the depths of your travel bags. For men, plaids and camel colors also work well.
Logitech Keys To Go ($69.99)
The ingenious FabricSkin covering protects the keys from spills, dirt, and crumbs. Now there ya go. ($69.99). Having my iPad was a lifesaver (and, I flew coach no less). This portable Bluetooth keyboard makes traveling with iPads and other tablets a breeze, and is much easier to lug around than a laptop. I personally rent WiFi on the plane so I can do some work, and I even Facetime’d my husband as I was flying over the Atlantic (he mapped my plane and could tell me that I was hovering right over where the Titanic sunk). So comforting! 
Logitech Keys-To-Go
Universal International Plug Adapter ($11.99)
Be prepared! A universal adapter is not optional, it’s mandatory! Nothing can be scarier than not having the ability to communicate in a foreign country. I learned this quickly during my trip to Tel Aviv but luckily I realized this at the airport. Never unpack it…keep on in your luggage at all times. It’s universal, and convenient for domestic travel, too.
20″ Expandable, Hard-Sided Luggage ($109.00)
For my carry on, I choose one bag versus two. And, if I had to choose between a hobo bag vs. a spinner carry on (pictured)….this hard sided expandable luggage would win hands down. My ‘personal item’ always goes inside a carry-on, and this little number would do just the trick. It could house my toiletries, jewelry, electronics, and anything valuable. Luggage made of cloth or canvas always seems to get destroyed, so I’m favoring this type of luggage from now on. 
Hack #2: Before you pack too many carry ons, imagine yourself in a full sprint to your next flight. Be practical. Use a single carry on if possible.
~ Personal Comfort ~
White Noise
I rarely sleep on a plane. So I’m recommending this app, which is my secret weapon against insomnia, noisy planes, hotel rooms (or a snoring significant other). You can download a variety of sounds to suit your tastes. I personally have some sounds from our cruise a few years ago that I downloaded (you can search them on the app itself 🙂 This app + noise canceling earphones = you, sleeping like a baby. 
Ambiance – on the iTunes Store …but don’t forget… 
Noise canceling earphones
Sleep Mask
Before traveling, I really didn’t understand the need for these funny looking things. But now, I’m craving this set. I have another trip coming in January, and I love the fact that it won’t smush my eyes during sleep. Great idea! A bonus that it comes with earplugs too, in case the noise canceling ones above aren’t comfortable. 
Hack #3: Dry shampoo, especially this brand is amazing. Believe me, I’m a bit obsessed with washing my hair daily…and I never thought I would try dry shampoo. But I LOVE this stuff.
For your Odds & Ends
Upgrade your plastic baggie method for storing your odds and ends with these cute, Kate Spade canvas bags.
Kate Spade “Bits & Baubles” Canvas Bags
Hack #4: Secure your jewelry in separate bags by set (necklace, earrings, bracelet). Necklaces all bunched together are the worst pairing, they become entangled and break. Plastic baggies definitely help keep your jewelry from breaking — and, I always pack my jewelry in my carry on.
“Blanket” Scarf ($15.99)
Dressing in layers has always served me well during travel. An outfit like the one pictured is more “me”. These scarves come in a variety of patterns, and I love that they call it a “blanket scarf”. Imagine, sleeping on the plane and having this cozy scarf at your disposal. Super cute and practical. And, if I have to carry an extra purse, I’d certainly make sure it looked something like this, and I love the longer cross-body strap. You can purchase one similar to the one pictured below. If I can find the exact purse, I will certainly post it! 
A Purse Hook
I don’t even want to think of how many times I had to put my purse or bag on the floor of a restaurant, or a bathroom in the airport. This portable hook is adorable, and will come in handy in a pinch. Just hook it on a table nearby, and it’s within sight, and within reach. 
Portable Purse Hook
~ Decorate + Take Care of Your Home ~
I absolutely love using vintage maps as art around my home. I even love to frame old postcards of places that I’ve visited. So if someone in your life is well-traveled, why not honor their travels IN their home, too? (You knew I’d throw in a map or two in this round up, didn’t you?) 
Mediterranean Map Pillow Cover
Pin it! 
While it is quite exciting to be in an exotic place now and again, I always miss my family terribly when I travel. What tips can you offer that makes travel easier? Please share your travel tips! Next…visit the other bloggers who are also featuring beautiful gift guides on their blogs, enjoy your shopping experience!
Cat @ Pocketful of Posies says
I love your world traveler gift guide! There are so many cool products in there! Thank you!
Jeanette says
thank you Cat! I just checked out your blog, how beautiful! There are so many more things I could add, but after my next trip, I’ll do a new post with some ideas.
jo says
neat blog
Jeanette says
thanks Jo, I’m glad you’re here!
[email protected] says
great collection Jeanette! I love that scarf blanket. That could be my whole coat most of the time!
Jeanette says
Thanks Karen, I think I’ll have to buy that…it looks so comfortable.
Samantha says
I’ve traveled many times, great tips. Anything that either makes the time go a little faster or makes you more comfortable is a plus. I always pack an extra pair of socks and toss them when i arrive, along with lip balm, face wipes and face cream. My number one thing I will not travel without are those little earplane earplugs…if I don’t wear those at take off and landing then I can’t hear a thing for 2 days.
carol clark says
have plenty of nuts or snacks and lots of wipes be best to keep a small towel and a bottle of water sometimes you never know what might happen
Jeanette says
True! I forgot to talk about how hungry I get when I travel because they really don’t feed you anything on domestic flights. Great tip!
Raina DelRio says
I always arrive earlier than my flight just to be sure. I also pack a small snack, water bottle, chapstick, eye mask (to dark out all those lights), lotion, gum and a large scarf (doubles as a blanket). Always were comfy shoes and if needed change into shoes that “match your outfit” when you arrive at your destination (nothing like standing in a layover line or trying to get comfy wearing stillettos!)
Jeanette says
Raina, great tips! I agree on the shoes – totally! I might add my shoe tip here – I pack 2. Shoes take up a LOT of space!
Meg K says
My tip: pick an essential oil that works for you & that’s not over powering to help ease your mind through your trip! Thanks for this giveaway!
Jeanette says
I haven’t tried essential oils yet, but I hear great things. Good idea!
September Whisenant says
I recently bought a blanket scarf very similar to the one shown and can verify that it is very versatile and handy to have, especially while traveling. Thanks for the other recommendations.
Jeanette says
Thanks for this…I’m picking up a new one for my January trip to Tel Aviv. Their weather is similar to ours that time of year. thanks for your comment!
Laura says
Choose your luggage (easy handle and wheels if possible) and how heavy you want it to be before you decide what to take. Always plan for there to be stairs, even if you’ve been assured there are not.
Packing water is never a bad option. At least you will have something you know is safe to drink.
The bits and baubles would be for me!
Marie says
Always bring an outfit that’s versatile! Something that could be good for cold and warm weathers! Love the blog!
Krista M says
My travel tip is please remember to take a deep breath, look around, and ENJOY! Sometimes we try so hard to plan every detail and document through pictures etc every single moment and we get so caught up in it that we don’t just… breathe it in.
Thanks for the chance!
Alina says
Love that you love to travel. A tip I’d recommend would be to rest as much as you can on the plane.
Cheryl says
i love the travel collection of clothing at Chico’s. … they do not wrinkle and they are so versatile too
kathy eyre says
Remember The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy… never forget a towel
Jeanette says
“42” 🙂 great comment! lol!
Amy C. says
I would recommend that you definitely plan ahead with your packing and itinerary. It will take a lot of the stress away.
DeDe @ Designed Decor says
I am needing the self watering planter. Mine always die when I go on vacation! I also need to get those noise cancelling head phones!
Kathy Davis says
I’m not a good traveler, sorry. I’ve had my bag bust open at claim check. Which was horribly embarrassing! I take mass amounts of motion sickness meds before I board, then I sleep in the rental car for hours. I did hear that there is a new device that lets you locate your luggage with your i-phone.
Jeanette says
Oh no that would be awful. I, too, get motion sickness. It actually happened in Tel Aviv (that’s an entirely different story) thanks to a cab ride that was really winding…then had to fly 13 hours home after that. I’ve had that issue since I was a little girl! The luggage tracker is a GREAT idea.
Leigh Anne Borders says
I have only traveled close to where I live (Georgia) so I do not have many tips. Te one that I do have is clean up everything prior to leaving so when you come home, it will not be overwhelming!
Jeanette says
I try SO hard to do that, but can’t always pull it off. Great tip!
Sean says
Always have a good book and great music on hand.
Jeanette says
Yes! I download many songs and books before I hop on the plane. Good tip!
patty soriano says
I don’t travel much, but we did take an involved plane trip five years ago for a cruise. I got lots of great hints by looking at what other cruisers recommended. The only thing I can think of right now is to take clothes pins to keep curtains together in places where they will let in too much light, or compromise your privacy. A great giveaway, thank you ! I’m trying to win the map for my niece who LOVES them !!
Jeanette says
Thank you for commenting! Good luck on the giveaway! 🙂
Rebecca B says
Wet wipes, hand sanitizer and water.
Jeanette says
Good one! Yes, definitely the hand sanitizer.
DJ says
I just always try to stay hydrated when flying. Air plane air is so drying.
Jeanette says
You’re so right…I usually come home and can’t get enough water for days on end. Good tip!
Raine says
All of your tips are so helpful, I really wish I had something to add. I’m terrible when I travel, I over pack, forget things and so much more. I guess my best tip is ‘see above ‘ lol. P S., thank you for the great help and gift inspiration.
Jeanette says
I have trips where I overpack too and I ALWAYS regret it! 🙂 thanks for commenting!
ERIN says
Stay hydrated, eat well, and plenty of sleep or rest….don’t cram so much into one day or a few days…where you miss the enjoyment of all…who are w/ you…stop—and enjoy Gods creations.
ERIN says
Take time for yourself…rest, eat well, stay hydrated….and enjoy the ones your with…don’t cram so much into one day or afew days, that you miss what really is important…life————-live it!
Rachel says
My tip for traveling would be to bring Imodium because you never know how your body will react to the local cuisine.
Jeanette says
Totally agree!!! 🙂
Mary Gardner says
My best tips are lots of hand sanitizer and pepto bismol for the trip!
Audrey says
Great list and a great round up idea. I will have to check out some of the others. Thanks for sharing on the #HomeMattersParty . I hope you will join us again after the break.