Packing Gifts for Those on the Go

on Dec 14, 2024

By Nicola Bridges

If the travelers in your life are anything like me, they'll love getting the luxury of a new bag of any kind under the tree: a suitcase, a hip sack and perhaps a stocking-stuffer luggage tag. From sturdy suitcase sets to trendy totes and essential packing accessories, too, here are some current road-tested favorite finds.

Voyageur 2-Piece Luggage set, Level8: Level8's light yet durable German-made Makrolon polycarbonate cases come in different combo sets, including checked-bag big ones to carry-ons, and they truly stand the test of time. They're crafted for adventure with a micro-diamond resilient-yet-refined exterior and have 360-degree, super-silent spinner wheels for smooth sailing around airports. They come in stylish and cool colors, including olive, celadon and yellow, making them easy to eyeball, grab and go at baggage claim.

Allpa 35L Travel Pack, Cotopaxi: Colorful Cotopaxi pack-perfection backpacks are both environmentally and socially conscious. They're sturdy but light and sustainable, made from long-lasting 100% recycled fabric with air-mesh shoulder straps for ultra-comfortable carrying. Add an Allpa X 3L Hip Pack that tucks into the travel pack's top pocket and your traveling gift-getter will be good to go.

Vista Waterproof Backpack, Maverick & Co.: This modern, sleekly stylish, vegan leather back bag exudes a city slicker-style smooth silhouette and makes light work of lugging a laptop on short jaunts while day-tripping or business trips when there's work to be done from the road.

Trekkage LT Adventure 40L Carry-On Roller Bag, Orvis: Designed by experienced adventure travelers, this water-repellent, carry-on roller bag is tops for when you need to travel tough to an outdoor destination -- camping, fly-fishing or on a river-rafting trip, perhaps. It's also all-purpose and overhead-ready for any kind of travel, and it comes in black, dark khaki green or tan- and orange-accented camo.

Recycled Nautilus Crossbody Bags, Finisterre: Environmentally conscious travelers will dig the eco-friendly credentials of this functional and durable crossbody bag made from 100% recycled materials. If they're checking luggage and can carry on light, it's all they need, and it's great for day-tripping at any destination.

Ulvo Hip Pack Medium, Fjallraven: When there's a need to take along as little as possible -- keys, phone, wallet, tissues and just essentials for walkabouts -- this Swedish hip pack is perfect and packs flat in a carry-on, a bigger bag or suitcase. Beyond just cute, its logo of a fatigued little fjallraven -- Swedish for Arctic fox -- is also reflective to help keep your gift recipient safe on after-dark excursions.

Maxell Soft Shell Electronics Storage Bag, Maxell: Fancy bags to protect electronics abound. Keep it simple and practical with this soft but durable storage bag with elastic bands to keep chords and cables tidy and tangle-free. It has customizable dividers to size compartments to keep everything organized, snug and safe from damage.

Luxury Linen Tote, Saffron Marigold: A light tote is a handy must-take for bagging a phone, some sunscreen and a book for the beach or poolside or carrying on-the-go essentials for a day's sightseeing. These eye-catchingly colorful Indian block-print linen totes from Saffron Gold are both beautiful and perfect for packing light, laid flat in a suitcase, and are sure to unwrap a smile.

English Rose Passport Cover & Luggage Tag: Passports need protecting and luggage needs tagging, so why not allow your loved one to look chic and put together with an eye-popping and elegant pairing portraying a fancy but understated floral design. Not a trip will go by without your recipient standing in line at passport control and having someone ask them: "Where did you buy those beauties?"

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WHEN YOU GO

Voyageur 2-Piece Luggage set, $549.99: level8cases.com

Allpa 35L Travel Pack, $225: Allpa X 3L Hip Pack, $75: cotopaxi.com

Vista Waterproof Backpack, $227: maverickandco.com

Trekkage LT Adventure 40L Carry-On Roller Bag, $329: orvis.com

Recycled Nautilus Crossbody Bag, $105: finisterre.com

Ulvo Hip Pack Medium, $55: fjallraven.com

Maxell Soft Shell Electronics Storage Bag, $19.88: walmart.com

Luxury Linen Tote, $28: saffronmarigold.com

English Rose Passport Holder & Luggage Tag, $58: riflepaperco.com

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Nicola Bridges is a freelance writer. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.