Holiday Gift Guide: Travel Kit

Our travel gift guide is here! Let Katie Dillon help you pick out the perfect gift for all your travel-thirsty friends, globetrotting cousins, or (best of all) deck yourself out for some winter travel.

This year we reached out to in-the-know locals, who each have expertise in different genres—from fashion and beauty to garden, design, travel and more—and asked them to share what they’re excited to give. Read on for the insiders’ perspectives on what to buy friends, family, co-workers, hostesses, and anyone else on your list, and why! 

Katie Dillon of La Jolla Mom (@lajollamom) (photo: courtesy Katie Dillon)

Katie and her family lived abroad in Shanghai and London for seven years. Now, she writes her travel-and-lifestyle blog, penned Flying with Kids: Safe and Sane Air Travel with Your Baby, Toddler or Young Child, serves as USA Today’s 10Best editor and publishes articles in numerous other travel titles.

Katie’s Travel Gift Guide Picks:

JETSETTER CONVERTIBLE BAG

$198, at Noonday Collection

Katie says: “Those who gift with global citizenship in mind will love the Noonday Collection of accessories made by artisans in the world’s most vulnerable communities.”

And what’s more: “I particularly like the Jetsetter bag, it converts from handbag to crossbody to shoulder bag and is made from sustainably crafted leather in India.”

RIMOWA ORIGINAL TRUNK

(shown here in Titanium)

$1,700, at Rimowa

Katie says: “After years of deliberation and struggles with other popular luggage brands, I broke down and bought the recently-redesigned Rimowa Original line of aluminum suitcases. It’s by far the best luggage I’ve ever owned. Sure, it will scratch and dent, but that’s part of its charm.”

Katie picked the Trunk sized version of the classic.

FLYTOGRAPHER GIFT CARD

price varies, at Flytographer

Katie says: “I’ve personally used Flytographer, and I think it’s a fantastic way to get family, friends and solo travelers into professional—yet unstaged—photos shot against the world’s most incredible landscapes. You’ll be surprised by how many great, downloadable or printable photos you’ll receive from only a 30-minute session. It’s available in over 200 destinations around the world.”

SCRATCH MAP

from $26: UncommonGoods

Katie says: “Scratch-off maps are fun for families with kids and come in a variety of designs and sizes. I like the clean look of the scratch-off maps at UncommonGoods.”

CORK GLOBE

from $48, at UncommonGoods

Katie says: “[UncommonGoods] also has a variety of cork globes you can stick a push pin in to indicate where you’ve been.”

NANOPRESSO

(in Red Patrol) $64.90, at Wacaco

Katie says: “Take your favorite Nespresso capsules on the go with a Nanopresso, a portable espresso machine powered by your hands. You do need hot water, but that’s available on the plane and usually in most hotel rooms via a kettle or coffee maker.”

For more gift guides, pick up our December issue!