Editors' Picks: See What's on Our Holiday Wish Lists
As travel junkies, it's no surprise that travel-related items are on our holiday gift wish list this year. See what our editors want under the tree in 2019.
USB Car Humidifier
"As soon as the heat gets cranked on during fall and winter car trips, I find myself already drying up like a fall leaf by the time I get to where I’m going; which is why my wish list this year includes a mini car humidifier." — Missy Woodward, Digital Content Coordinator
Buy It: Amazon, $15.88
Hanging Portable Makeup Bag
"A new toiletry bag! The one I have now is bulky and grungy. I'd love a new one in a fun print with lots of pockets that can be hung. This one looks compact enough to fit into an overnight bag but large enough that it’ll hold all of the essentials." — Molly Miller, Assistant Editor
Buy It: Etsy, $11.15
The Mini
"Away just launched a new travel bag that’s the tiny version of their classic carry-on, and I’m convinced everything is just cuter in miniature form. The Mini bag is made from the same durable polycarbonate shell as their full-size suitcases and can hold toiletries, tech or any other travel essentials. To match my Away carry-on, I’m adding The Mini in navy to my holiday wish list this year." — Laura James, Editor
Buy It: Away, $45
64-Ounce Water Bottle
"I love exploring new hiking trails, but I hate lugging around a water bottle. This one has an easy-to-carry handle, is portable and, surprisingly, carries a whopping 64 ounces, which helps me drink eight glasses of water a day." — Farima Alavi, Editor
Buy It: Under Armour®, $24.99
Apple AirPods
"Podcasts are my constant companion while driving, gardening, cleaning — you name it — and I get so tired of untangling my headphones every time I go to plug in. Apple AirPods are definitely a splurge, but I’ve been hinting heavily that they are THE gift I want this year, especially for my upcoming trip to Vegas." — Chelsea Faulkner, Assistant Editor
Buy It: Best Buy, $139.99 (Originally $159.99)
Nintendo Switch Carrying Case
"There’s nothing better to break up a long flight than a little game of Mario Kart. And with this handy case for the Nintendo Switch, it's super easy to bring along your favorite games and accessories. Plus, TSA now requires certain electronic devices to be placed outside of your bags, including the Switch, so it's much easier when it's all in one place." — Jordan Lawson, Online Editor
Buy It: Amazon, $13.37
NEMO Sleeping Bag
"I went ahead and bought myself an early present: a new sleeping bag. When trying out options, I was intrigued by the new-to-me brand NEMO and their women-specific designs. Their 'spoon-shaped' bags have room for toss-and-turn sleepers like me to move around and not wake up twisted. I also love the zipper vents and the sleeve for holding a pillow in place, but the most unexpected plus is the blanket-like collar that covers your neck and (is it just me?) can be cuddled like the top of a blanket. NEMO women’s sleeping bags are available in both down and synthetic in a variety of prices and weights depending on whether you’re backpacking or car camping. I opted for down, and so far, I’m in love." — Kelly Smith Trimble, Senior Editorial Director
Buy It: Moosejaw, Starting at $120
Osprey Wheeled Pack
"We’re planning a family trip to Europe this summer, and I’d like to take this wheeled backpack with me. Our family would rather travel light and stop to do laundry than lug around two weeks’ worth of clothes. Plus, we like to cram as many cities as possible, so the versatility of a wheeled backpack is great. You can throw it on your back when you’re running up and downstairs through London’s Underground, or glide it along with you while maneuvering around Heathrow Airport. It’s hard to find a quality wheeled backpack. This one looks perfect and plenty sturdy for traversing European cities." — Jackie McGilvray, Editor
Buy It: Moosejaw, $300
Jabra Wireless Earphones
"Topping my holiday wishlist is a nice pair of wireless earbuds. I hate getting tangled in my headphone cord when I'm traveling! I have an iPhone, but AirPods don’t properly fit my ears, so I need to look at another brand." — Laura Susong, Social Media Editor
Buy It: Best Buy, $189.99
Topo Designs 30L Bag
"I'm taking a big West Coast trip over the holidays. We're doing everything from staying a night in the Ace Hotel in downtown Los Angeles to camping in Big Sur to bouldering in Joshua Tree, so at the top of my list is an attractive and mobile carry-on bag. I'm a big fan of pretty much everything Topo makes, and this 30L bag is no exception. It's the perfect size to fit my camera cube as well as my other essentials. It's a modular system that you can build out, too, so I have a feeling this bag won't be the only thing on my wish list from Topo." — Ashlyn Kittrell, Social Media Assistant Editor
Buy It: Backcountry, $151.20 (Originally $199)
Emma Belt Bag
"I am a big advocate of hands-free and no-fuss travel, so when I prepare for a trip, the purse goes back in the closet, and the backpack or the crossbody bag come out. But, the crossbody fanny pack is a new sensation for me after a lifetime of associating them with fashion victims rather than trendsetters. I am loving the fanny pack renaissance and its combination of purpose-built design and cool-factor. Who, after all, doesn't like to pull out some hyper-functional or multi-purpose new tool or fashion accessory when they embark on a trip? It's part of the fun. Made in Italy, this sexy little Emma Belt Bag from Georgia-based Cobblestone Living marries style and functionality and also allows me to pack lighter for a day of shopping or sightseeing — essential when you will also be carrying multiple shopping bags. I also like how it keeps your valuables close to your body to deter thieves (because every time I wear my travel backpack inevitably some helpful shopkeeper tells me its pull-tie opening is a pickpocket's dream). On a purely practical level, the under-the-chest zippered pouch means you aren't having to flip a backpack around to dig through it or look down to rifle through a crossbody. And the Emma is the ideal size too: Not too big, not too small so it can hold glasses, a cellphone, a small wallet and other bits and pieces. I think it's an all-around great gift for the stylish traveler in your life." — Felicia Feaster, Managing Editor
Buy It: Cobblestone Living, $82
Oversized Tiki Straw Hat
"I’m spending New Year’s Eve in Maui, and honestly, all I want is a comically large straw hat. I want to be one of those people." — Jessica Yonker, Online Editor
Buy It: Etsy, $48