Sometimes the best gifts for travelers are not about what they need, but what they want to help enhance their trips and experiences. One of the best ways to do that for the tech-savvy globetrotter is to get them the latest gadgets. Because while we may have purchased a great pair of headphones or a solid camera a year or two ago, an update is always much appreciated. And this year there have been some phenomenal enhancements to many beloved travel accessories. From compact power banks to the newest drone, here are 12 gadgets travelers won’t want to leave home without.
Bose has revamped its flagship headphones and they are worth every penny. In addition to a completely new look that includes better foldability (which also means a more compact case), the company has also redesigned the controls. Gone are the finicky tap functions—in their place you now have a multifunction button, a power and Bluetooth button, and a capacitive volume strip that can also be customized with a touch-and-hold shortcut. And while the active noise cancellation has gotten even better, the real selling point is the improved sound quality and Bose’s new Immersive Audio, the company’s version of spatial audio for a better listening experience.
Leading drone company DJI has done it again. At 249 grams, the new Mini 4 Pro is just light enough that the drone bypasses FAA registration while still delivering high-quality footage. Like its predecessor, the latest model can shoot in either horizontal or vertical formats, has easy-to-use FocusTrack modes, and can fly for up to 34 minutes on a single charge. But the Mini 4 Pro also now has full 360-degree obstacle avoidance, a significant improvement compared to the Mini 3 Pro’s three-way system that is particularly useful for ActiveTrack; can shoot HDR video up to 4k/60fps; and boasts a greater ISO range suitable for low-light and night captures. For professional videographers, D-Log M and HLG color profiles have also been added so that you have more control during the editing process.
Afraid of airlines losing luggage? Want to make sure the bellhop doesn’t hand off your bag to someone else? Your loved ones probably have the same concerns when traveling. Thankfully, for Apple users, AirTags are here to help save the day. These half dollar–size buttons send out a signal to devices on the company’s Find My network so that you can easily locate your items. Once you’re near there’s the option to ping it from the Find My app or, for those with the new iPhone 15, the Precision Finding feature will pinpoint exactly where your AirTag is located.
For those looking for a fitness and health watch without too many distracting bells and whistles, Fitbit is the way to go. You’ll still get all of your
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Skipping the buzz—and the calories – has gotten much more enjoyable. Even in the past six months, the non-alcoholic wine space has improved dramatically, with new offerings showing surprising complexity. My list this year includes a couple of debuts and some old favorites. I’ve noted how these beverages were made – some start with fermented grapes – actual wine—then use complex chemistry to remove the alcohol. These might hew closer to a traditional wine to many palates. Then there are beverages that use a mixture of teas, juices, spices or other elements to give the experience of wine – mouthfeel, complex nose and palate. These alternatives are generally not meant to emulate a particular varietal, but rather give the drinker a pleasing adult beverage to enjoy in situations where you’d normally drink wine. Here are this year’s top picks.
Either you love pasta or you love pasta. And pasta lovers are dedicated to their starchy passion. Whether it’s edible, wearable or decorative, if it’s pasta, it’s on brand. For the giftee whose entire identity is pasta, here’s what to give a gluten glutton this season:
Compelling books on travel inspire readers to not only learn about destinations and cultures across the globe, but also, lock in that bucket list trip they’ve been dreaming about. As most travelers can attest, exploring a new locale keeps the brain sharp, curiosities peaked, and humanity intact. Much may be gleaned through reading the memoirs, poems, and true tales of adventurers; seeing beautiful photography; and following writers down the rabbit hole, through verdant valleys, and up and over mountain peaks.
Know someone who feels perpetually drawn to America’s most beautiful spaces? Treat them to a National Park-themed gift for the holidays. From hand-drawn maps to outdoor apparel, these gifts will keep National Park enthusiasts connected to the most cherished landscapes in the country. Some of these treasures might even put new parks on their radar, inspiring their next adventure in the great outdoors.
Disney and travel just go together! Whether travelers love visiting the Disney theme parks, enjoy having an adventure on a private island during a trip with Disney Cruise Line, or long for a European river cruise from Adventures By Disney, they can experience the magic of Disney all over the world. While the Disney enthusiast in your life satiates their wanderlust, help them enjoy their journeys in style with these fun gifts. There’s something that’s sure to inspire joy for every kind of Disney traveler on your list.
For the boldest explorers, notable achievements in exploration include firsts in reaching the highest, deepest and furthest points on Earth. Locations such as the North Pole, South Pole, Mount Everest, the deepest point on earth, the Mariana trench and the surface of the moon. For those defined by their legacy of polar exploration, these are the best luxury gifts for polar explorers.
Taking a much-needed vacation shouldn’t come with hassle, but let’s face it—every traveler faces a little bit of stress at some point during the journey. That’s where a stress-relieving travel gift can help this holiday season. From innovative suitcases and smart luggage tags to on-the-go styling tools and self-care products, these travel gift ideas can help globetrotters navigate the challenges of exploring the world and look and feel their very best, no matter what a trip throws their way.
Pushing the limits of wilderness exploration can mean extreme weather conditions, hours or days spent outdoors, and lots of pulling and hauling, all to achieve an extraordinary experience. The products you wear, use and carry can be like superpowers that put impossible journeys within reach. Here are the best luxury gifts for exploring the great outdoors:
Taylor Swift has set pretty much every record in the book this year, thanks to her unprecedented Eras Tour. The three and a half hour extravaganza covers 17 years of her music and fans are traveling around the world to experience it in person.
Whether the person you’re shopping for this holiday season has been a longtime devotee or is a new fan of hallyu—which translates to “Korean wave”—the global obsession with South Korea and its creative industries, from film to skincare, is undeniable. Because there are so many options out there, refer to this handy and well-curated gift guide of Korean experiences and items.
Crafters know that time flies while they’re working on their creations. So what could be a better – or more productive – way to pass the time on a long road trip or flight than with a DIY project?