As a family of road warriors, we have earned a lot of miles and points from both personal and business travel. With all this experience, we have become travel pros that have our packing, airport, and hotel game down. We understand the needs of a business traveler and how what you need can vary when you travel solo versus when you travel as a family. And, with all our combined experience, we have road-tested many products to find the most useful gifts for business travelers.
As the holiday season kicks into high gear, now is the time to find the perfect business travel gifts. Here is our list of gift ideas for business travel essentials — for both men and women! Know frequent road trippers? Try these road trip gifts too and suggestions on what to pack for a long flight.
Gifts for Business Travelers
This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Noise Canceling Headphones
Anyone that spends a lot of time on planes knows that a pair of noise-canceling headphones can make it easier to block out the noise around you and might just help you forget that you are jammed into a metal tube with a bunch of strangers.
There is always a great debate between over-the-ear headphones versus in-ear earbuds or headphones. This is a personal preference but here are our picks for each.
Glenn prefers over-the-ear headphones because they do a better job of noise canceling. I prefer in-ear headphones because they take up less room in my bag and space is precious!
Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
Apple AirPods Max are some of the best on the market right now. They offer active noise canceling, Transparency Mode, spatial audio, and Digital Crown for volume control.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Bose is always a leader in audio and noise-canceling headphones, with this latest version raising the bar. These Bluetooth over-the-eat wireless headphones offer spatial audio, crystal clear audio with a built-in microphone, and 24-hour battery life.
Apple AirPods Pro
If you prefer in-ear options, the Apple AirPods Pro offer good noise-canceling, with an option for transparency mode. These include a MagSafe charging case, personalized spatial audio, customizable in-ear fit, and Bluetooth connection to your iPhone. The only drawback is the battery life.
Beats Fit Pro
For those that work out while traveling, the Beats Fit Pro are great wireless earbuds for exercising with a better fit. The Beats Fit Pro feature true wireless noise cancellation, an Apple H1 headphone chip, compatible with Apple & Android, Class 1 Bluetooth®, a built-in Microphone, and six hours of listening time.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
I still love my original wired Bose QuietComfort noise-canceling in-ear headphones because of the long battery life and the wire plugs into plane entertainment systems. However, if you want to lose the wire, the new wireless, Bluetooth earbuds also have a six-hour battery life with personalized noise cancelation and sound.
Travel Tech Products
Beyond headphones and earbuds, there are other travel gadgets and devices that make travel easier or more comfortable. Here are our must-have picks.
EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter
There are so many travel adapters on the market but EPICKA has been recognized as one of the best because of its four USB Type C slots for fast charging and support for most countries including the EU, UK, and Australia.
Anker USB C Charger, 735 Charger
If you travel with multiple devices that need charging (and who doesn't?), save space with this compact, foldable wall charger. Instead of carrying multiple chargers, this wall charger can quickly charge three devices at once with both USB-C and USB-A ports.
Accell Power Travel Surge Protector
If you need to charge a laptop, plus other devices, and want to protect against power surges, the Accell Power Travel Surge Protector is the solution.
Apple MagSafe Duo
If you have an iPhone and an Apple Watch, the MagSafe Duo is a great combo charger that is slim and perfect for travel. This one recently saved me when my phone wasn't charging due to water in my lightning port after using my phone in the rain, but I was still able to charge up using the MagSafe Duo.
Anker Portable Charger, 737 Power Bank (PowerCore III Elite 26K)
Long travel days need lots of power, many times more than our phones provide. I always travel with a backup Power Bank. Anker is one of the best in business and this charger and power bank combo gives you everything you need to charge your laptop, iPad, and phones with USB Type A and USB Type C ports.
Anker iPhone 11 Charger, USB C to Lightning Cable
If you purchase a power strip with USB-C outlets and have an iPhone that still uses a Lightning port, make sure you have USB-C to Lightning cables to charge your iPhone!
SMART&COOL Reusable Silicone Magnetic Cable Ties
While this item isn't a tech gadget, it is an important tech accessory. I love using these to keep my cords organized.
Kindle
I try to minimize the number of devices that I travel with to reduce the weight of my travel bag. However, I also love to read every night before going to sleep. I've been very happy with my new Kindle. It is so small and light, but easier to read than on my phone. Plus, it is also great for beach vacations when I can finally read outside again without lugging my library books with me.
Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote
There isn't always time to relax and watch TV when traveling, but when there is and all the hotel television offers are a handful of channels, it is so nice to plug in a Fire Stick and get access to your favorite streaming services. I also like that this one has an Alexa Voice Remote.
PortaPow USB Data Blocker (Black) - Protect Against Juice Jacking
We have all heard the warnings not to use public USB charging ports because of viruses but sometimes that is the easiest and only way to charge. This tiny device can protect you from someone accessing your phone's data or infecting it with malware.
Twelve South AirFly Pro
Picture this. You are flying with Bluetooth headphones but you want to watch the movie on the plane through the seatback entertainment system. This device will connect two wireless devices to any audio jack.
Peak Design Tech Pouch Sage
Peak Design makes excellent camera bags and accessories and it has extended its smart design principles to other packing products. The Tech Pouch helps keep all the tech accessories, like cords and plugs, organized and easy-to-find.
Travel Comfort
These products help make travel and being on the road more comfortable.
Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
I've always traveled with my own pillowcase because I have sensitive skin and commercial detergents irritate my skin. I am now a convert to silk pillowcases and the benefits for my skin and hair. I recommend getting various colors instead of white so that you remember to take it with you and housekeeping doesn't accidentally take your pillowcase.
Cabeau Evolution Cool Neck Support Pillow
I've tried many travel pillows and the one that works the best for me is the Cabeau Evolution neck pillow. I like the cooling fabric, the comfort, the fit, and especially the fact that I can roll it up and put it in a case to keep it clean and easily hook it to my travel bag.
Comrad Compression Socks Bundle - Solid Black & Solid Navy
I don't take any long flights without wearing compression socks to avoid blood clots and swelling. I like Comrad socks because they come in good patterns and colors and pull on easily without the need to roll them up my legs.
Silk Sleep Mask by Yanser Luxury
Whether you need to block out the light on an airplane or the glow of a hotel room, these comfortable silk sleepmasks are kind to your skin and hair while blocking light. Here is another tip for light that creeps in between curtains in a hotel room: bring alligator clips to hold the curtains closed.
WoolX Base Layers
WoolX Merino wool base layers are comfortable, breathable, moisture wicking, quick drying, and odor destroying. Lighten your packing load by using WoolX tshirts or long sleeve base layers on travel or casual days.
Pure Enrichment MistAire Travel - Ultrasonic Cool Mist Water Bottle Humidifier
Hotel rooms can be so dry and it can do a doozy on your nose, sinuses, and hydration. Last year I invested in this small travel humidifier to help, especially with winter travel. I love that it is small and works with a basic water bottle. The only downside is that it can be a bit bright (hence the sleep mask!)
Dermalogica Antioxidant Hydramist Toner
Dermalogica Antioxidant Hydramist Toner helps refresh skin that is dehydrated from travel. This travel size can stay in your bag and be used on the airplay or after washing your face.
Packing Products
These are our favorite suitcases, travel backpacks, toiletry kits, packing cubes, and more.
Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L
I've tried so many different travel backpacks and the Tortuga is one of my favorites. The clamshell design gives a large, open section for packing clothing but I often fill it with a camera bag, tech pouch, tripod, and small purse. The backpack also has a laptop sleeve that fits my MacBook Pro, my Kindle, and whatever papers I'm bringing with me. The front pockets keep the rest of what I need easily accessible and the exterior water bottle keeps my hydration at hand. It also fits under the airplane seats to be used as a personal item.
Peak Design Everyday Backpack
In case you haven't noticed, I'm a fan of Peak Design and the company's Everyday Backpack is another great travel backpack option.
Travelpro Maxlite Air Hardside Expandable Luggage
I love my TravelPro hardshell carry-on suitcase. I have an older version but I have a closet full of TravelPro and they never disappoint me. Personally, I prefer the hardshell for packing for carry-on only trips.
Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage
For longer trips, I prefer a soft-sided suitcase with four-wheels for easy transit through the airport and hotel hallways. I find the 25" size ideal for staying within the 50 lb. weight limit for most checked luggage.
DELSEY Paris Women's Chatelet 2.0 Shoulder Bag
For trips when I don't need to bring a camera or as much gear, I use my DELSEY Paris Chatelet shoulder bag as a personal item along with a carry-on roller bag. It easily fits my computer, tech pouch, and small purse and has a slip-on strap to easily attach it to my carry-on bag for easy transport through the airport.
Beis Weekender Bag
The Beis weekender bag is my new favorite for short trips. This spacious bag has a protective laptop sleeve, large storage compartment, zipper pocket, and a zip-off section that is perfect for packing shoes. It even has a sleeve to fit over the handle of a roll-on bag.
Eagle Creek Pack-it Specter Compression Cube Set, White/Strobe, One Size
I enjoy using packing to keep things organized, especially on long trips when I'm moving around a lot and packing and unpacking frequently. However, I also appreciate the compression abilities to help me fit more into my suitcase. Eagle Creek is always my go-to for packing cubes.
ebags Classic Pack-it-Flat Toiletry Kit (Denim)
I have been using my eBags Pack-it-Flat toiletry kit for years now. The flat design fits into my suitcase easier than other kits and the hanging hook helps it fit even in tiny bathrooms. I also like the leak-proof compartment for my liquids.
Clear TSA Approved 3-1-1 Travel Toiletry Bag
Even though I have pre-check I still pack my liquids in a clear bag in case I need to go through the regular TSA security line. It can be hard to fit everything into one quart-size Ziploc so I find these clear bags with more structure can fit a bit more.
City Map Canvas Tote Bags
Sometimes even business travelers need a spare tote or shopping bag that they can bring along in case they need some extra space on the trip home for those meeting materials or conference handouts (or impulse purchases!) I love these canvas tote bags that come printed with maps of states, cities, and even national parks -- pick your favorite!
mumi Travel Laundry Bag
I prefer a hard shell carry-on suitcase because it is easy to keep my dirty laundry on one side and clean on the other. However, I find the plastic laundry bags provided by hotels aren't usually big enough. These moisture and smell-proof travel laundry bags will keep your clean clothes fresh.
Retractable Portable Clothesline for Travel
Sometimes you need to do some sink laundry while on the road but there is never a good spot to hang it to dry quickly. I mean, so many hotel rooms don't even have enough space to hang a towel! This Kiva travel clothesline is easy to affix to the bathroom door or fixture and you can easily hang clothing from the hooks.
Travel Containers, Silicone Cream Jars
I use these small silicone pots to easily refill with my moisturizer and other small creams I need while traveling.
Hydro Flask 24 oz Standard Mouth Water Bottle with Flex Cap, Pineapple
I never leave the house without a refillable water bottle, especially when I travel. The Hydroflask slim design fits in the water bottle pocket of my travel bags but holds more than other water bottles. Plus it keeps my water nice and cold.
Subscriptions and Memberships
These are some subscriptions and memberships that every frequent business traveler shouldn't leave home without.
Textr eSIM: Mobile Data Plans for Travel
When traveling internationally, you can save a lot of money on your data plan by purchasing an eSIM. Textr's plans are very affordable, but you do need an unlocked phone and to purchase a plan for the country you are visiting.
Get $3 off for your Textr eSIM data plan by clicking the link below. Or, use my code 1LCKF3 at your first checkout.
Going Flight Deal Subscription Service
Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights) offers customizable flight sale alerts based on your preferred airport. Business travelers may not mind flying on the company dime, but everyone wants to save some money occasionally.
Mullvad VPN
Keep your information safe while on the road and using public WiFi.
Priority Pass
Priority Pass provides access to over 1,300 airport lounges. Membership is included in some premium travel credit cards, like the American Express Platinum, but a membership can also be purchased individually. Once you get used to lounge access, it is hard to go back! It makes travel much more comfortable and less stressful.
TSA Precheck
TSA Precheck is a must for all frequent travelers. Many travel credit cards, such as the Capital One Venture card, will reimburse the application fee for TSA Precheck so there is no reason not to apply!
Clear
Clear is a fast and easy way to get through airport security, especially in airports where TSA Precheck lines rival standard security. Clear or Clear with Precheck are almost always shorter. And, once again, some premium credit cards will provide a credit towards the annual fee (such as the American Express Platinum.)
Looking for more gift ideas?
- 35 Wicked awesome New England gifts
- 25 Icelandic gifts and local souvenirs
- The ultimate gift guide for teen book lovers
PIN THIS FOR LATER
Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.