🎁 Best Gifts for a TravelLer/Nomad: Minimal, Useful, Packable

Living between Los Angeles, Vancouver, London, and Sydney means my life is constantly in motion. I’ve learned to value pieces that make travel smoother, lighter, and a little more enjoyable — the kind of things you only appreciate after years of packing, unpacking, and repacking again.

This isn’t a list of “must-buy” products — it’s a reflection of the pieces that have quietly earned their place in my kit. The small details that make the difference between a chaotic trip and an effortless one. Whether you’re gifting a frequent flyer, a digital nomad, or someone who simply loves the idea of living light, these are the items that genuinely make life on the move easier.

🧳 Smart Packing Essentials

Stuff Pack, Tote, or Foldable Day Bag
I never travel without a foldable day bag — it disappears into my luggage until I need it, whether that’s for a grocery run, a hike, or carrying overflow when my suitcase mysteriously gains weight mid-trip. I use the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack, but I’ve included a few others that perform just as well, from sleek foldable totes to structured waterproof versions. It’s one of those pieces that quietly makes every trip easier.

Packing Cubes & Dry Sacks
Over time, I’ve built a small system of cubes and dry sacks that keeps everything organised and compact. You don’t need to colour-code — but as a visual designer, I can’t help myself. It makes life easier (and faster) when you’re unpacking at midnight or repacking before checkout. If you spend time on the water — or anywhere things might get wet — they double up as a safe place to store gear inside your sling or backpack. It’s taken me years to refine what actually works.

Toiletry Bag
I’ve been through quite a few over the years, and what you need really depends on your travel style — the destination, trip length, and even how active you’ll be. I’ve included the designs I’ve tried and loved across different trips, so you can find the one that fits your rhythm — whether that’s a hanging style for long stays, a compact waterproof one for minimalist packing, or a clear case for quick airport security.

Laundry Bag
My suitcase has one built in, and I’d be lost without it. It’s the simplest detail that most people overlook, but it makes unpacking so much smoother — keeping clean and worn clothes separate without thought. You can find versions that fold flat or even include built-in drawstring seals for compact packing.

Suitcase
Of course, everything starts with the right suitcase. I’ve used the same hard-shell for years — lightweight, minimal, and durable enough to survive airport after airport. The Away Carry-On has become part of my signature travel uniform, and it’s now available in my Amazon Edit → alongside a few other trusted options that balance design and durability.

Sling Bags & Tech Organisers
For everyday use, a compact sling is my go-to — hands-free, secure, and just big enough for the essentials. It bridges that space between a travel bag and a daily one. Inside, I keep a small tech organiser so cables, SD cards, and adapters don’t end up tangled at the bottom. I’ve included a few versions of each — minimalist, weather-resistant slings and structured tech pouches that hold everything in place.

Explore the full setup in Smart Packing Essentials →

🔌 Tech & Power on the Go

Cable Organizer or Tech Pouch
After losing one too many chargers mid-trip, I started using a small tech pouch. It’s now one of my most-used pieces — everything from adapters to SD cards has a home. I’ve tried both minimalist zip styles and structured versions with internal panels; the key is that everything’s visible and stays untangled when you need to set up quickly.

Universal Adapter & Powerbank
Travel essentials that rarely get appreciated until you need them. A good adapter and powerbank mean you’re never hunting for sockets mid-transit. I carry a slim high-capacity one that charges my phone, camera, and iPad on shoot days — something that quietly keeps the entire setup running.

Compact Power Strip or Travel Dock
When you’re running laptops, cameras, and phones at once, a compact power strip becomes a lifesaver. It’s the unsung hero of remote work and content creation on the road — I use one with multiple USB-C ports and a travel-friendly plug layout so it stays neat even in small hotel rooms. It also means you only need one power adapter in each country — everything else plugs straight in.

Luggage Tracker
An Apple AirTag or Tile — tiny, simple, and honestly one of the most practical gifts you can give any traveller. I keep one in each suitcase and camera bag. The peace of mind when your luggage goes missing for a day is worth every penny.

GoPro & DJI Osmo Mobile 6
For capturing smooth footage on the go, these two have become part of my essentials. The Osmo Mobile 6 folds down small, has built-in tracking, and works beautifully for travel clips or Reels. The GoPro is still unmatched for days on the water, hikes, or anywhere I want to film hands-free. I’ve linked both along with a few lightweight mounts and accessories that fit easily in a carry-on.

6-in-1 USB-C Hub
Between hard drives, SD cards, and charging cables, ports disappear fast. A small hub keeps my workspace minimal and efficient — plug-and-play from hotel desk to airplane tray.

Wireless Mouse & Keyboard (Logitech)
My travel work setup in two words: compact and reliable. I use a slim keyboard and a small Bluetooth mouse that pair instantly and fit neatly into my tech pouch. It’s a small upgrade that makes editing, emailing, and writing on the go feel like home.

See my full Tech & Power on the Go → setup for the tools that keep me connected and creative between cities.

☁️ Comfort & Rest

Merino Basics

The most versatile travel fabric I’ve found. Breathable, wrinkle-resistant, and wearable for days without washing — ideal for light packing and unpredictable climates. I rely on merino pieces as the foundation of my capsule wardrobe. A thin black jumper, for instance, can easily be layered over a merino base to transition from fall to winter without changing your entire outfit. It’s also perfect on a plane — light enough to breathe yet warm enough when the cabin temperature inevitably drops mid-flight. Simple, timeless, and endlessly adaptable.

Noise-Cancelling Headphones
A small slice of calm when you’re surrounded by chaos. They turn airport noise into quiet focus — essential on long hauls. I pair mine with a Bluetooth transmitter so they connect directly to the in-flight entertainment system (because we all know those airline headphones aren’t great). It’s one of those small upgrades that changes how you travel.

Eye Mask
One of those underrated comforts that completely changes how you rest on the go. I alternate between a contoured mask for full blackout flights and a silk one for lighter trips — because pitch-black dark is a thing.

Collapsible Water Bottle or Reusable Cup
Lightweight, sustainable, and something you’ll use every day. Staying hydrated becomes far easier when your bottle actually fits in your bag. I’ve had my Keep Cup for years — eco-friendly, easy to clean, and occasionally doubles as a makeshift wine glass when needed.

Find my go-to comfort gear in Travel Comfort & Rest →

🛡️ Safety & Practicality

Phone Straps & Protective Cases
Unfortunately, it’s become the new normal in most major cities — but it’s also one of the simplest ways to travel more safely and comfortably. Hands-free straps and lanyards keep your phone secure while you’re navigating, taking photos, or just enjoying a view near water or busy streets. They’re subtle, non-adhesive, and make moving through unfamiliar places feel effortless.

Portable Chargers (Anker & Mophie)
Power equals peace of mind — especially when you’re exploring somewhere new or relying on maps for directions. The Anker Nano Portable Charger is my backup for long days out, while the Mophie MagSafe charger stays attached to my phone for quick top-ups when I’m on the move or can’t find a power outlet. Compact, reliable, and essential for anyone constantly in transit.

Luggage Scales
Unromantic, but still one of those unsung essentials. They’ve saved me countless last-minute airport reshuffles, and with each airline’s baggage allowance now varying (and changing more often than you’d think), they’re worth every gram of space. Digital versions are lightweight, accurate, and ideal for staying one step ahead at check-in.

Portable Door Lock
A small piece of hardware that offers big peace of mind when staying somewhere new. Lightweight, quick to attach, and compact enough to carry everywhere — one of those details you’ll never regret packing.

Find the tools that keep travel smooth, safe, and stress-free in Safety & Practicality →

✨ Reflection

The longer I’ve lived this nomadic rhythm, the more I’ve learned that travel becomes easier when the essentials are second nature. Every item in this guide has earned its place because it works hard quietly — the kind of piece you stop noticing until the moment you need it.

Minimal travel isn’t about restriction; it’s about intention. Choosing what supports you, what simplifies the moments in between, and what brings a little calm no matter how far you’ve gone.

If you’re curious about what actually comes on the plane with me — the things I never board without — you can find them here: Carry-On Essentials →