All I Want For Christmas Is You.... And To Travel the World

Here is my second installment of the traveler's Christmas list. These are less of an investment for you college students/young professionals out there. All of these are around $20 and would make a perfect Secret Santa gift or a "just became you're my best friend" gift. These all also make great stocking stuffers.

1. Cute travel tags

These differentiate your luggage from everyone else's luggage when you are looking for it on the conveyor belt. When your palms start to sweat when your luggage isn't showing up on the conveyor belt and you see your beloved personal luggage tags from your sister and you are HAPPIER THAN EVER. Vanessa gave me hot pink luggage tags with green polka dots and they make me so happy. They make me think of home and are much better than the usual paper ones that are issued to everyone. Plus if your luggage is lost it is even more foolproof. And it looks cuter and more unique than just the usual black Samsonite luggage. Also it doesn't hurt to add some colorful and obnoxious ribbon to make it even more visible.

For the fashionista!

For those going on an anniversary, family, or couples trip! These would be great for a wedding gift for the honeymoon!

2. Coin purse/wallet

Pounds, Euros, and any other European currency is coins for any majority small bill. There are coins for 2 pounds, 1 pound, and so on. Currency is more coins than paper, and the coins seem to be heavier/thicker at times. A coin purse is a must if you want to keep all of your cents/sense together (sorry for the dad joke). I use my Vera Bradley coin purse for many things, I even keep my keys on the key ring so that I don't lose them. The ID slot on the front is perfect for swiping over doors when needed and for other school purposes.

3. Passport holder

Having a specified place for your passport is always a good idea. And might as well house it in an Instagram-worthy passport holder!!!! The perfect place for your passport, debit/credit card/ money, and tickets so you don't have to dig through your whole purse every time.

4. Travel size items

Travel size items are usually a frantic last minute run to Walmart kind of errand the night before leaving. They are essential on arriving to your destination, and weekend trips because airports don't allow standard sized toiletries in your carry ons. But always remember, all liquids need to fit in a standard quart size baggy and be 100ml or less. If your special someone has a very specific taste in shampoo or conditioner, body wash, etc, get them refillable bottles that they can bring their favorites from home in.

5. Luggage scale

This could honestly save you a lot of money. If your luggage is overweight it can cost you a lot of money and hassle. The $8 investment is worth knowing and being confident when you show up to the check in scale that your luggage will pass inspection. It is also necessary when returning home and your luggage weighs more on the way back so that you know how to distribute your purchases.

6. Neck pillow

No matter how dorky you think these look (and to be honest they do look) every seasoned traveler won't be found without their favorite neck pillow. No matter how long the flight, bus ride, etc. To catch some zzz's it is way too optimistic to think you will get ANY sleep without your trusty neck pillow. In fact, it feels like someone is hugging your neck and sometimes I just wear it when I'm doing homework and hanging out because it's nice. I highly recommend the memory foam neck pillows with secure snaps and the ones that can be compressed into a little baggy for easy packing.

7. Eye blinds

While we're on the topic of getting sleep during all types of transportation, or anywhere disruptive (whether it's a hostel or dorm type living) eye blinds are a must. They are perfect for sleeping when the daylight is in the way, your roommate has their light on, or you're just too lazy to get up and turn the light off. Bonus points if they come with ear plugs to drown out the world.

8. Packing cubes

These honestly look like lunch boxes but proved very helpful when packing. I put all shirts in one box, all dresses/tunics in another, pants in a third, and used the smaller bags for underwear/socks/toiletries. It really compacts all of your stuff and organizes your luggage so that you don't have to rummage through all of your neatly folded luggage.

These are all great secret santa gifts and are easier to pick out than a jacket or a camera for someone. They are also all relevant for studying abroad, and for future trips once the travel bug comes back in full swing after studying abroad. These are all also great for anyone who loves to travel, anyone going on their honeymoon, and anyone who goes on business trips.

xoxo,

Leah Joy