It feels like the holiday season suck up on me this year, and with 2025 coming to a close it’s the perfect time to reflect on this year’s travels and the gear that I took along the way.  Just when I think I’ve covered all that there is to cover in past travel-themed gift guides (there are now 12 and counting!), I continue to discover new functional items that make travel a little easier, plus a few fun ideas to add to my packing list or keep busy with in between trips.  Hopefully you’ll find some inspiration too for the travel lover on your shopping list, or perhaps some items for yourself as you look forward to future travels.

Happy holidays and happy travels!

1. Dual Voltage Hair Dryer and Bag
I’ve traveled with a less than great dual voltage hair dryer for years and finally found a product I love.  The Conair Worldwide Travel Hair Dryer is only slightly larger than standard travel hair dryers, and at 1875 watts doesn’t sacrifice on power.  It has multiple heat and speed settings, and is super lightweight and compact, folding in half at the handle.  It also comes with a concentrator attachment, and what I particularly like is that it automatically switches between 125 and 240 volts so there’s no need to adjust manually like other hair dryers.  I also recommend this handy drawstring bag, which is reminiscent of what you’ll often find in hotels and is great for keeping your hair dryer tidy in your suitcase.  amazon.com

2. Phone Strap 
I used to invest in a separate waterproof phone case with the ability to add a wrist strap for big trips, which became costly every time I’d upgrade to a new phone.  Now that most phones are pretty durable and water resistant, I recently discovered this small but mighty solution that gives me the same peace of mind when traveling.  This slim, t-shaped tether fits snugly into most standard phone cases with a loop that comes out the charging slot.  From here you can attach any wrist strap or lanyard and know that your phone is secure for moments that you need your hands free or are trying to capture the perfect photo without fear of dropping your phone.  amazon.com

3. Shoe Bags
I’ve been a packing cube advocate for more than 10 years, and this year I decided to try shoe bags.  Rather than using plastic grocery bags to keep my shoes contained in my suitcase, I found these zipper bags to be a better alternative that not only looks nicer but also helps keep things organized.  They are made from durable waterproof nylon and come in two different sizes that can accommodate everything from large men’s shoes, sneakers or hiking boots, to smaller women’s shoes or sandals (sometimes even with two pairs in a bag).  What’s also great about these bags is that they can be used for other items too, like cosmetics, outdoor gear and even to keep damp items like swimming suits separate from the rest of your bag’s contents.  amazon.com

4. Water Shoes
Speaking of shoes, I have an awesome pair of waterproof hiking sandals that I’ve taken with me all over the world that are perfect for all kinds of activities but can be too clunky for others like wading through water.  So before heading to Greece this past summer, I was looking for a low-profile pair of water shoes specifically for the pebbly beaches that are often found in the Mediterranean.  These SEEKWAY Water Shoes fit like a glove with a quick dry, breathable upper and flexible rubber sole that provides both support and protection.  There are drainage holes in the bottom, and the insoles are removable so you can easily rinse them out in between adventures.  Wear them everywhere from rocky beaches and lakes, for kayaking and other water sports, or even short hikes to and from your outdoor destinations.  amazon.com

5. Beach Board Towel
Now for the fun stuff!  For someone who has always wanted to learn a game like backgammon but can’t seem to find the right time (or for the person who has everything), here is a unique gift idea.  With a Beach Board towel, you can take the game with you to play at the beach, on a picnic, in the backyard or even your living room floor.  This thoughtfully designed towel comes with a matching pouch for game pieces, and is portable, functional and beautiful.  If backgammon isn’t your game, there’s also an equally attractive chess and checkers option.  gmcgee.shop

6. UNO Splash
Love taking card games to the beach but don’t love it when your cards get wet?  Now you can play the beloved game of UNO at the beach or pool without worrying about soggy or warped cards.  These clear cards are not only waterproof but also float in water (just in case you drop one!) and come with a handy clip to keep them all together in between games.  So feel free to throw them in your bag and be ready to play wherever and whenever.  amazon.com

7. Diamond Painting
This year I discovered the Zen-like activity that is diamond painting.  While travel-inspired paint-by-number kits are not a new thing, this latest trend in arts and crafts puts a fun twist on the classic activity.  Kits come with everything you need to create your own masterpiece by applying color-coded diamonds to corresponding numbers on a sticky canvas.  I particularly love these prints that resemble vintage travel posters, which come in various sizes (and therefore levels of difficulty) and are a fun activity to fuel your wanderlust in between trips.  figuredart.com

 8. Busy Ideas for Bored Kids
If you have kids, the worst thing you could hear them say is “I’m bored”.  Prevent boredom before it strikes with the travel edition of Busy Ideas for Bored Kids.  This cute tin comes packed with 50 cards with fun activities to keep kids entertained.  Choose from cards with a plane, car or shoe icon depending on the type of trip let imagination, fun and creativity ensue.  So pick a card, any card!  petitcollage.com

Want more ideas?  Check out gift guides from past years here.