Gift Ideas for Easier Travel in 2023
I've been scrambling to pickup gifts and order things online before the holidays. If you are also seeking out some last minute gift ideas, hopefully you'll be inspired today with some travel goodies that are sure to make things feel a little less stressful!
Brilliantly Planned Travel
If you know someone who is stressed when planning travel or desperately needs a vacation (but doesn't have time to plan it), choose a Brilliant Escapes Travel gift card! The gift card will cover planning fees for the client’s trip so they can sit back and relax while we take care of everything else!
TSA Precheck or Global Entry
If you don’t have either of these services, consider putting it on your wish list. And if there’s a special someone you know who would benefit from having a less stressful time at the airport, give the gift of expedited security!
I’ve not once regretted purchasing TSA Precheck or Global Entry. Not having to take my shoes off, remove everything from my bag, and being able to skip the customs lines - these are all well worth the cost and process of obtaining either program. If you travel internationally at least a few times a year, it’s well worth getting Global Entry since this will also include TSA Precheck. You cannot buy a gift card for the programs, so you can gift the recipient with the amount to cover the cost of applying.
For the person who already has Global Entry? Consider CLEAR
I actually did somewhat regret my CLEAR purchase - and that’s because I signed up mid-February 2020 which means I got to use it for just three flights before COVID halted everything. Thus, I never renewed it because I never really got to enjoy the perks of being a CLEAR member.
CLEAR is another way to cut the long lines at the airport and uses biometric technology to identify passengers and get through security. I was incentivized to buy CLEAR after waiting in VERY long Precheck lines at JFK and seeing how quickly people were moving through the CLEAR lines. It’s not available at every airport, though it is available at most of the larger airports (40 total) - so check that it is available at your loved one’s frequented airport(s) before gifting.
Airport Massages
One of the best ways to treat yourself while killing time at the airport - a massage! If you have a long layover or unexpected delay, it can be quite a relief to get a quick foot or back massage rather than waiting in an overcrowded food court or gate area. If you’ve got some frequent fliers in your life, consider purchasing a gift card for the XpressSpas that can be found at airports across the country (and around the world).
Hotel Vibes at Home
There’s just something about staying at a hotel that is just better than being at home - hotels have special scents, luxurious linens and robes to relax in, and the best bath products (also, room service). If you’d like to treat someone to enjoy the best of a relaxing hotel stay without leaving their house:
Shop the best of the Ritz Carlton’s products - Linens, robes or slippers can be a great gift for those who love feeling a little luxury at home. They also sell bath products, candles, and scents for that added special touch of relaxation when you're not able to get away.
Speaking of scents, I love walking into a hotel lobby that smells AMAZING. And I always wonder how I can recreate this feeling at home. It’s such a pleasure walking into a hotel (or someone’s home), that smells fantastic - so if you’re thinking about gifting someone a candle, maybe check out the Hotel Collection’s variety of home scents. It’s definitely a step up from picking up any old scented candle!
Little items that go a long way
AirTag - If you know someone who is not Team Carry-on, this is THE GIFT. Stories of lost baggage have been all over the news this past year. Save your friends and family from worrying about where their bags are with an AirTag. Although using the AirTag won’t guarantee that bags won’t be lost, it WILL let you keep track of your belongings if they do go missing (and might be easier than getting a status update from the airline).
Passport holder - A perfect gift for your favorite international traveler! Rather than just shoving their passport somewhere in their carryon, pocket, or purse, they can keep it stashed in a leather passport holder that not only looks chic, but will keep them organized as well.
Extra earpods/headphones and chargers - Admittedly, this is a great gift for everyone, but if you know someone who travels often (and maybe loses things often), consider giving them some backup gear. Airpods for their phone, headphones for the in-flight entertainment, and chargers for everywhere! It’s great to stash these with your travel gear (or a charger organizer) so that you’ll always have a set of headphones and chargers whenever you need them.
If you’re traveling this holiday season, I hope you have a relatively stress-free experience. And remember that Brilliant Escapes Travel is here to take care of the details if you’re looking for something more stress-free in 2023!