The 112 Best Gifts for Your Next Trip, According to T+L Editors’ Actual Travel Plans

We always have vacation on the brain here at Travel + Leisure. Not only do we enjoy sharing our upcoming plans and destination expertise, we love finding the best travel-related gifts and bragging about the absolutely essential items we now won’t leave home without. 

This year, we’re taking the conversation about the best places to go and things to pack beyond our team and curating gift guides for our dream trips in the coming year. Whether you or a loved one will be taking an epic wildlife-watching journey to Botswana or are aiming for some backcountry skiing in Chile, we’ve got a holiday wish list for that next vacation — or new inspiration to plan it instead. 

The Best Gifts for City Trips

My friends and I are going to Japan next September, and I’m beyond excited for this trip. We’re planning to split our time between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. I’ve dreamed of going there for years, and “the algorithm” has caught on because my Instagram Explore page is full of Japan content. I’ve been bookmarking all of the landmarks, restaurants, and sights I want to visit, and I know it will be such a culturally immersive experience. 

Japan is one of the world’s most fashionable cities, so I’m taking my wardrobe for this trip very seriously. But, as for the essentials, here’s what I need to pack: a reliable digital translator that can interpret speech and signage, my favorite pair of New Balance sneakers for the thousands of steps I’ll be taking each day, Anker’s 20,000 mAh portable charger (aka, that’s LOTS of juice), and the Béis Large Check-in Roller suitcase which has an expandable feature so that I can fit everything from my (many) shopping hauls.

— Jasmine Grant, Senior Editor

I scored tickets to see Oasis in London this summer, so it’s time to get my concert essentials in order. All of my everyday purses and backpacks are pretty large, so I would love to get a clear, compact bag that won’t be too big to take into a stadium — bonus points for a fanny pack that I can keep right up against my body. It’s always important to protect your ears, and these stylish earplugs come with a small keychain carrying case.

Since I’ll be there rain or shine, I can’t forget a rain poncho; this one is an upgrade from the thin, disposable ponchos I often see (it also has a zipper, a hood, and even pockets to stash whatever I can’t fit in my fanny pack). A comfy pair of sneakers can do double duty for walking around the city and standing in one place for hours on end. I always try to sneak in a little platform for some extra inches to see over people’s heads.

— Jackie Cucco, Testing Editor

Ever since I learned about hygge and ate my first kanelbullar, I’ve been lowkey obsessed with Scandinavia. As if it were fate, after I settled on Norway, I learned this language is one of the easiest for native English speakers to learn and I could not have downloaded Babbel any faster.

Now I can picture myself roaming the streets of Oslo speaking, of course, perfect Norwegian… or at least enough to say hi, can I see that bag? when I head to my first stop – the showroom for the local brand Serena that recently popped up in my Instagram feed. I currently adore my Reiss Cleo bomber but I’m hoping to see a warmer shearling coat from the same brand under the tree this year. And, because spring weather is iffy, I’m eyeing the Norwegian brand Kari Traa which happens to make the best thermals we ever tested so my legs won’t get too cold with a shorter leather coat. Of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to the region without something from Stockholm-based Acne Studios, and a mohair scarf is an absolute must-have that I’ll wear back in NYC, too. I’ll layer that with a cozy, Samsøe Samsøe 100-percent merino wool sweater as I grabbed a jacket from the Danish brand on a trip to Sweden nearly 10 years ago and it’s still going strong. I’ll finish my look with some white sneakers or waterproof boots, neither of which my closet will allow me to wish for this year.

— Morgan Ashley Parker, Associate Editorial Director

New Orleans has been a bucket list trip for my boyfriend and I since we started dating, and this winter, we’re finally going. He’s a major foodie and history buff, so we’ll definitely be taking our time walking down the French Quarter and through the city’s many museums. Such activities call for comfortable walking shoes and lightweight outerwear for NOLA’s relatively warm winters. I’ll also need a new crossbody purse to hold all my essentials, which includes a portable charger to keep my phone battery at 100 percent for snapping photos and using GPS. 

— Emily Belfiore, Senior Editor

I spent a long weekend in Montreal last October and I’m already planning my next trip. We quickly fell in love with the cobblestone streets, easy-to-access hiking trails, and, of course, the amazing food. Since it was early fall, my favorite comfortable, stylish boots — the Naturalizer Brent Knee High Shaft Boots — were a must-have. 

Versatility is key if you don’t want to waste time heading back to your hotel to change for dinner, so I wore a lot of dresses like the Chico’s Travelers Classic Short Sleeve Maxi Dress, which works when walking around during the morning and at a nice restaurant at night. I also opted for the Melie Bianco Johanna Large Recycled Vegan Leather Shoulder Bag as it’s large enough to fit everything I need, but light enough that I didn’t mind carrying it around all day. It was also helpful to have a light jacket like the L’agence Mack Oversized Denim Jacket as I could stick it in my shoulder bag and wear it as an elevated, yet casual layering piece as the temperatures dropped near the water and in the evenings.

— Taylor Fox, Editor

I’ve traveled extensively along the Mediterranean coastline of Europe, but haven’t yet touched some of the inland countries of the continent like Austria and Czech Republic. As a Floridian, I like to travel to find colder weather in the winter months (like a reverse snowbird of sorts), and I’m hoping this is my year to see historic cities like Vienna, Prague, and Bled. 

I love Europe’s cozy cafe culture, and staying warm wandering in an art museum all day. I’ll still need a serious winter coat so I’m looking at Canada Goose’s Elie Blanket Coat, which feels chic yet really warm and functional, too. These winter boots are similarly simple and classic, but lined with shearling and easy to zip on and off. As the weather warms, you can find me in a pair of comfy loafers. I’m wish-listing these from Séezane, or velvet flats by Loeffler Randall. 

I also travel with a lot of cameras, but hate walking around wearing a backpack and feeling like a turtle, so I’ve been eyeing this chic camera bag from Lo & Sons. I travel solo mostly, so my phone is my lifeline, my guidebook, and how I find the location of my Apple AirTags. It’s important I have it at hand all the time or else I panic that I’ve lost it, so I think I’ll invest in this Bandolier crossbody case so I can have it on me without worrying it’s fallen out of my pocket.

— Kelsey Glennon, Writer

The Best Gifts for Exploring Nature

I’m finally heading on a bucket list trip I’ve thought about forever — trekking for gorillas in Uganda. This one-day adventure will be immediately followed by a safari in Kenya, so I’m packing things that can perform double duty. During the trek through the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, I’ll be wearing the top-rated Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots for good traction and ankle support as I scramble across wet forest floors. I’m also going to need a small daypack to carry essentials while I’m out — and the 14-liter Patagonia Terravia Pack should be great. 

To keep my legs protected from leaves, branches, and (eek) bugs, I’ll be wearing the Fjallraven Keb Curved Trousers, which will keep me safe and comfortable during the intense hiking session. I also love that I can get them in green and brown shades — apparently black attracts flies and isn’t recommended in eastern African countries. Finally, to help me document my once-in-a-lifetime view of a gorilla family in the wild, I’d like to bring the Nikon Coolpix P950, which has an excellent zoom range without needing to mess with multiple lenses, so I can be fully present in the moment

— Anne Taylor, Updates Writer

Two of my closest friends are getting married in Colombia next summer, and I’m so excited to celebrate their love and finally get my passport stamped in South America! They’ve chosen the dreamy destination of Pereira, a city in the coffee region located in the foothills of the Andes mountains, with scenic, breathtaking views. For the wedding, I’m taking a colorful, airy dress that will really pop against the lush, green backdrop of the wedding venue, a finca on a picturesque hilltop.

During my trip, I plan to immerse myself in nature with waterfall hikes and coffee farm tours, for which I’ll need my supportive Altra trail shoes (you can also snag them in a waterproof construction) and a pair of lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking leggings that I can comfortably move in (given it’ll be about 80 degrees Fahrenheit). I also can’t wait to sample traditional Colombian dishes like arepas and practice my Spanish, and I’ll bring a trusty LifeStraw water filter bottle (which filters 99.99 percent of bacteria, parasites, microplastics, sand, and dirt), so that I can stay hydrated throughout my trip, by easily drinking from any tap — from the airport to my Airbnb.

— Susan Brickell, Director

In the spring, I’ll be going on a nine-day road trip around Ireland’s wild western peninsula, sleeping in castles, visiting the ruins of ancient towns — and doing a lot of sea cliff hiking. I plan to hike the Croaghaun cliffs, Ireland’s tallest sea cliffs and Europe’s third tallest. For that reason, I need a good pair of hiking boots that not only have excellent grip but are also waterproof (because who knows what kind of weather I’ll find at 2,257 feet?). I’m also eyeing a set of retractable trekking poles; a waterproof crossbody sling bag to hold my Fujifilm XT30-II camera and other essentials; and a lightweight packable rain jacket that I can whip on and off when the weather suddenly turns.

— Asia London Palomba, Updates Writer

A safari is my number one dream trip, and with the world’s largest population of elephants, a diverse landscape, and a widespread commitment to conservation, you can’t beat rising-star Botswana. I’ll need comfy shoes for mixed terrain, eco-friendly sunscreen, sleep aids to help with my travel insomnia, and a solid pack for my daily adventures. 

For sun protection, I love this mineral sunscreen that’s actually easy to rub in from Project Reef. Columbia has great footwear options for blending into the terrain, staying dry during watercrossings, and keeping things breathable to beat the heat. I’ll definitely be buzzing with excitement during this dream journey, so I’ll be taking a nightly dose of melatonin gummies to ensure I get enough rest for active days in the bush with my trusty Osprey daypack.

— Lydia Price, Senior Editor

Moab has been at the top of my dream travel destination list for years thanks to its proximity to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. After spending some time in other similar parks this year, I know exactly what I’ll be packing on a (hopefully) upcoming trip to Moab: Under Armour Women’s Fly-by 3″ Shorts, Vitality’s Cloud II Corset Bra, Diff’s Lenox Mirror Sunglasses in Brushed Gold Cherry Blossom, and Kinship’s Self Reflect Probiotic Moisturizing Sunscreen. I brought all of these items on a national park trip in 2024 and felt the shorts and sports bra remained comfortable, unrestrictive, and cooling through a strenuous Badlands hike, while the sunglasses and sunscreen perfectly protected me from intense sun rays. (In fact, I pack the Kinship sunscreen for every trip — it doubles as a moisturizer and doesn’t irritate my acne-prone skin.)

— Hillary Maglin, Updates Editor

High on my list is going to the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador — I think I would enjoy the biodiversity there. I’m usually an efficient shoe packer but I think for this trip, I’d need to pack a few pairs from comfortable walking ones to water shoes. I’d likely need binoculars, some great camera gear, and lightweight clothing that can be layered from sun-protective shirts to a waterproof rain jacket. 

— Susmita Baral, Editor

I’m heading to Cambodia over the new year (my first time in the country!) where I’ll be spending time in its countryside exploring the ruins of the former Khmer empire. It’s going to be hot and sticky, so I’ll definitely need breathable linen clothes that I can layer to stay cool and dry while also covering myself if entering religious sites. I’ll want to take lots of photos of my time there so I’ll also be packing the Ray-ban Meta Skyler glasses, which can take hands-free photos and videos (useful for when climbing over roots in the forest to access ruins) while having the added benefit of literally being sunglasses. I’ll also need SunBum SPF 30 lip balm to protect my lips against sun blisters and a pair of lightweight, slip-on sneakers for walking around.

— Asia London Palomba, Updates Writer

This summer I will be (fingers crossed) spending a week in Switzerland hiking through the Alps. I love to hike but I’m not as excited about roughing it in the wild (a girl needs running water), so I was thrilled to learn that the Swiss Alps are filled with huts along the trails. Since I can shower, sleep in a real bed, and get a hot meal, I won’t need to pack a lot of traditional backpacking gear. Instead, I’ll be sticking to the Cotopaxi Lagos 25L Hiking Hydration Pack to hold all my possessions during the day. It has just enough room for my essentials plus a focus on hydration, which will be a priority. 

I’m also going to need a good pair of hiking shoes (I prefer them over boots), so I plan on wearing the Merrell Moab Speed 2 Hiking Shoes, along with some breathable merino wool socks. And to keep me dry, my trusty REI rain jacket.

— Anne Taylor, Updates Writer

The Best Gifts for Cold-weather Adventures

What wouldn’t I give to see penguins waddling in Antarctica? When this trip happens for me, I’d invest in a thick puffer coat, beanies and gloves, and some solid, water-resistant snow boots. The Drake Passage is notorious, so I’d probably load up on some precautionary meds, too! I know myself well enough to also buy a backup hard drive for all the photos I’d take. 

— Susmita Baral, Editor

As a lifelong skier (okay, there were a couple years in there before I buckled up my boots), a trip to the Swiss Alps has long been one of my number one travel goals. Destinations like Verbier and St. Moritz have active après scenes in addition to world-class skiing, so I’ll need stylish winterwear like a versatile pair of leather pants and a cozy trail-to-town faux shearling or fleece jacket. 

Of course, my on-mountain essentials will also be coming along so I can shred with confidence. My wider feet stay comfy for hours on end in these supportive Atomic Hawx Prime Boots, and when it comes to keeping my toes toasty, nothing beats my Darn Tough midweight ski socks.

— Lydia Price, Senior Editor

Even though cold weather trips and the coziness that comes with those picturesque winter destinations is where I thrive, I have yet to visit any Nordic countries. This makes venturing into the Arctic Circle such a destination goal. 

While the scenery may be breathtaking, even for someone who enjoys the chilly weather as much as I do, I need quality winterwear to keep me warm and dry, and to let me soak up all the enjoyment possible out of my first visit. Snow boots and a thick insulated parka that can withstand temperatures down to negative 30 degrees Fahrenheit are necessary for days (and nights) spent dog sledding or taking in the magic of the Northern Lights. Thanks to companies like Uniqlo’s Heattech line and Halfdays’ range of midlayer tops and thermal bottoms, being warm doesn’t mean having to sacrifice looking cute though. I can top off the look with a sherpa cross body and I’m now not only handsfree for all the snowmobiling I’ll be doing but looking chic while doing it.

— Alessandra Amodio, Associate Photo Editor

In February, I’m sailing on an icebreaker through the St. Lawrence aboard Le Commandant Charcot. In addition to warm base layers and wool socks, I’ll need several specific pieces of gear, including waterproof overalls, a high-quality hat, some tech-friendly gloves, and a cell phone holder with a strap — so I don’t lose my device overboard while filming our ship smashing through the ice! 

— Paul Brady, News Director

A lot of people don’t know that South America has some of the best skiing in the world, which is why it’s the perfect place to visit for your next alpine holiday. Chile has top-tier powder and weather conditions (some say better than Japan), so I’d bring a lot of layers which fit under this Montec shell, depending on the temperatures. Other must-pack cold-weather staples include stylish Sorel snow boots and this chic Aupen faux-shearling handbag that can both be worn to after-ski shenanigans like wine tasting and munching on Chilean barbecue. Since getting to the best ski resorts in Chile will require multiple flights, buses, and cars, I wouldn’t skip a durable ski bag like this one from Evo.

— Anna Popp, Associate Editor

Unlike my athletic colleagues, I’m not a seasoned skier — I’m new to the sport! That said, I plan on packing beginner-level gear for my upcoming Colorado trip. I’ll be bringing this GS Snowing ski suit since it’s both affordable and stylish, as well as a versatile Smartwool thermal top and bottom set. And, because it’s a glamorous destination, I’ll also be taking MIA’s Holiday Faux Shearling Bootie and Adrienne Landau’s The Leather Faux Fur Glove for nights spent shopping and dining in Vail Village.

— Hillary Maglin, Updates Editor

This winter my family is taking a trip to Zion National Park where we’ll be doing some cold-weather hiking and exploring. I’ve heard amazing things about Zion and am extremely excited to finally get to experience Utah myself! Winter hiking certainly poses its challenges though; namely, what to wear. The last time I went winter trekking, I was happy to have a good pair of Timberland hiking boots, my Canada Goose parka, and a couple of warm, sweat-wicking base layers to keep me comfortable during long days spent outside. It’s also important to remember to stay hydrated, even if you don’t realize you’re thirsty in the colder weather, and a Camelbak Hydration Backpack lets me hike and sip hands-free while comfortably and effectively toting my belongings since it doubles as a daypack. 

— Sophie Mendel, Editor

The Best Gifts for Beach Escapes

I moved from Texas to New York last year, and while I love getting to experience all four seasons now, I’m having a hard time adjusting to the harsh, cold Northeast winters. In order to give myself a break from the freezing temperatures, I’m planning to venture out of the city and head for warmer waters; specifically, the glittering turquoise beaches of Punta Cana. I plan to spend most of my time soaking up the sun and sand, so I’ll be bringing along a sand-repelling beach blanket that rolls up into itself for easy carrying inside a spacious, waterproof tote. To shield my eyes from the sun, I’ll also be packing a pair of high-quality polarized sunglasses. And instead of bringing along a pair of beach slides, I’ll be opting for a pair of secure velcro-strap sandals that can double as protective water shoes.

— Amelia McBride, Associate Editor

Not only do I go to Rio every year, I always travel with a near-empty suitcase so I can pick up pieces from beloved Brazilian brands like Osklen, Adriana Degreas, Haight, Lenny Niemeyer, and Farm Rio. (Pro tip: While you’ll see Havaianas all over, you’re better off waiting until you land as you’ll find different styles and better prices.)

When it comes to the things I do pack, I’m never without a travel-sized Supergoop! sunscreen spray and a canga, a wrap that can be used for everything from an impromptu beach blanket or chair cover, a towel, a swim cover up, or even a lightweight blanket for a chilly plane cabin. Another non-negotiable is to stay hydrated and I’m eyeing the 25-ounce self-purifying, self-cleaning Larq bottle to upgrade the small one I currently own and love (and that I can easily slip that in a Keote, a chic upgrade to a standard foldable tote). Lastly, phone theft is one of the most commonly warned-against crimes, and I wouldn’t personally pull out my phone, an eReader, or expensive headphones at the beach. However, I don’t leave the room without my polarized Ray-ban Meta smart sunglasses. I can use these to play music and audiobooks from the sand, snap photos, and even have walking directions spoken into my ear so I’m not fumbling with a phone on the street corner. 

— Morgan Ashley Parker, Associate Editorial Director

This winter, I’ll be heading to Aruba with my mom for a much-needed warm-weather getaway. Because it’s been quite a while since I took a beach vacation, I have my eye on The Marina color block bikini top and The Diagonal bottom from Summersalt, which have features I look for in a swimsuit, such as a high-rise style, adjustable straps, and a non-halter design. I’m also in need of comfortable sandals that can go from the beach to dinner, which is exactly what these Reef platform shoes deliver. They have a durable, water-friendly EVA sole that’ll stand up to sand but a stylish platform that’ll elevate any outfit for a night out. 

And speaking of versatile picks, I’m also eyeing this flowy Free People Extratropical Maxi Dress with a low back, smocked bodice, and raw hem that elevate the look whether it’s used as a beach coverup or an outfit for a day of sightseeing. Finally, I’d love a more travel-friendly stainless steel water bottle to take on the plane and bring to the beach, and the Owala Kids FreeSip is perfect — it’s 16-ounce size is small enough to fit in my bag but big enough to hydrate me for a couple of hours. And, it features all the stunning color combinations that make the brand so popular.

— Erin Cavoto, Editor

The Philippines has been on my bucket list for some time now, and I’m hoping that 2025 will turn that dream into a reality! I’d love to get over to El Nido, Palawan, which is said to be brimming with secluded beaches and rich local culture. When it comes to what to pack, one thing’s for sure: it’s going to be HOT. And, as I’ve discovered on trips to other countries in the region, that heat is unimaginably intense. I’ll definitely be packing my handy portable fan (which will likely never move from its perch around my neck), as well as electrolyte packets for extra hydration, and of course, plenty of reef-safe sunscreen. I also love to bring this waterproof fanny pack with me on tropical vacations, which keeps my valuables dry and safe, in or out of the water. Finally, you can never go wrong with a quality quick-dry towel on trips like these, since you never know when you might end up taking a spontaneous dip.

— Sophie Mendel, Editor

I’ll be ringing in the New Year in Maui, Hawaii — definitely a world away from the hustle and bustle of New York City. I’ll be there for 10 days, so I need to pack smart with versatile, lightweight pieces, especially since the weather will be warm and sunny. A pair of white linen pants is high on my list for this trip. They’re perfect for throwing over a swimsuit at the beach or dressing up with a chic white top and heels for dinner. I’m also on the lookout for a pair of neutral sandals that are both summery and comfortable for evening wear, and the Beach by Matisse Del Mar Platform Sandal caught my eye as the ideal choice to pair with all my outfits. Since we’ll be doing a few hikes while we’re there, I also need some solid, comfy sneakers, and I’ve been eager to try the Cloud Nova 2 On Cloud Sneakers. Last but not least, with such a long flight ahead of me, a high-quality neck pillow is essential for staying comfortable and well-rested.

— Rosie Marder, Writer

The Best Gifts for the Journey Itself

Next year, my family is going on an Alaska cruise. The week-long journey will take us through ports where we’ll be able to go hiking and wildlife viewing, and we’ll also have several days to relax onboard and take in the views from the sea. That ship time is what I need to gear up for. I’m looking forward to plenty of downtime to read by the pool or on my stateroom balcony, and the Kindle Paperwhite will allow me to bring as many books as I want without any bulk.

For getting around the ship to go from my room to dinner to a show and more, I’ll want to only carry my essentials (a waterbottle, room key, phone, and wallet), so this Dagne Dover water bottle sling will let me traverse the ship with everything I need, hands-free. From previous cruises I’ve been on (including an Alaskan one!), I remember how tiny the bathrooms can be, so this Bagsmart hanging organizer is the perfect solution to fill with everything I need and hang on the stateroom door, letting me stay organized in minimal space. And for sightseeing both from the ship and on land, I’ll need a new pair of binoculars to spot bears, eagles, and whales, as well as glaciers and peaks in the distance. 

— Jamie Hergenrader, Director

From riding from West to East Java in Indonesia to taking overnight trains from Cairo to Luxor in Egypt, I’ve spent a lot of time on trains. While these journeys are romantic for about the first hour, there are essential items to make the entire trip more enjoyable. I read an entire book on an 11-hour train ride from New York to Montreal with time to spare, so I highly recommend traveling with some type of eReader, so you have plenty of entertainment. Personally, I use the Kindle App on my Apple iPad Air, so I can also watch movies and play games on the same device. Also essential are my Apple AirPods Pro 2 headphones for much-needed quiet. These came in handy when we were once not-so-pleasantly seated behind a bachelor party; at one point, I was nice enough to lend them to my husband, but I’m gifting him his own pair before we head to India next summer and hop on even more trains. 

While you have all your bags and items with you during the journey, it’s good to have quick access to necessities, so you don’t have to open up large luggage pieces in small spaces. I’m a fairly big germaphobe, so I highly recommend packing your own pillow and blanket like the Marlow The Travel Bundle no matter what type of sleeper train you’re on. And while I’ve been on trains that provide individual sinks in cars, you can never be certain of the bathroom conditions. If you want to clean off before turning out the lights, I love face wash like the Seadrop Hydrating Seafoam Cleanser. You don’t run the risk of liquid spilling and you don’t have to worry about throwing away any single-use wipes. Pair these tablets with a compact travel towel, and you can almost pretend you’re at home with your daily skincare routine.

— Taylor Fox, Editor

After much deliberation, my fiancé and I landed on New Zealand for our honeymoon since there’s so much to do there. We’re planning a two-week road trip to sightsee, hike, vineyard hop, and relax at resorts. This spacious sling bag from Free People is the perfect hands-free bag to grab while hopping in and out of the car during the journey, and it will hold the bottle of wine I will definitely buy after wine tasting in Marlborough. Cotopaxi’s Hauler Tote 60L will hold all of my snacks, jackets, and miscellaneous items that I’ll toss into the backseat. My other road trip essentials include this wireless vent charger from Otterbox to keep our batteries charged and an Owala water bottle for staying hydrated.

— Anna Popp, Associate Editor

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Thousands of miles are flown, cruised, and driven each year by the Travel + Leisure team yet we’re always thinking of our next trip. For this story, we collaborated to share our already planned — and still-in-the-dream-stage — journeys around the globe in 2025. Since we’re also savvy shoppers and packing strategists, we narrowed down our most desired items for each destination to create custom wish lists for anyone planning a similar vacation in the future.

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