If you’re reading this, chances are high that someone in your life loves to travel as much as you do. So why not surprise your favorite globetrotter with a gift that will make their travels smoother and more enjoyable? From handy gadgets to keep tabs on their luggage to items that promise to make any long flight more comfortable, these are 20 of the best travel gifts to give this year.

Note: All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. Daily Passport may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content. Prices accurate at time of publish; subject to change.

Apple AirTags

If your recipient is checking luggage on an upcoming trip, there’s one item they should always pack: an Apple AirTag. These quarter-sized devices use ultra-wideband technology so your loved ones can always know the location of their luggage in case the airline loses it. 

Buy a 4-pack at Amazon for $73

AirFly Bluetooth Adapter

Staying entertained on a long flight is the easiest way to pass the time, but not with cheap airline earbuds. With the AirFly Bluetooth Adapter, travelers can seamlessly pair their Apple AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones with the in-flight entertainment screen.

Buy at Amazon for $55

Travel Water Bottle

Drinking plenty of water during a flight is essential to combating jet lag. Pack a portable water bottle, fill it up for free in the terminal, and you’re on your way to hydration. For a stocking stuffer, we recommend the ONTA Collapsible Water Bottle, which is lightweight and leakproof. For an upgraded pick, the LifeStraw Go Series is designed to filter out contaminants (particularly useful for camping trips) and improve the taste of tap water.

Buy the ONTA bottle at Walmart for $11
Buy the LifeStraw at Amazon for $42

Travel Skin Care Essentials

Keeping skin hydrated while traveling is equally important. The facial Rose Spray from Grace & Stella promises to refresh and cool skin, reduce puffiness, and give your traveler a much-needed boost of hydration after they land. When they get to the hotel, they can pop on this Marine Collagen Facial Mask from Marée, which moisturizes and soothes skin with hyaluronic acid.

Buy the Rose Spray at Amazon for $17
Buy a 6-pack of the Facial Mask at Amazon for $20

Packing Cubes

Checking a bag can be a hassle. If they’re looking for ways to maximize packing space, packing cubes are a game changer. Featuring a durable and versatile design in multiple sizes, these Compression Packing Cubes from Well Traveled will help them fit everything they need in their carry-on.

Buy at Amazon for $40

RFID-Blocking Wallet

Using an electromagnetic shield, an RFID-blocking wallet keeps credit cards and other valuables safe from pickpockets while your recipient is exploring a new city. The Buffway Men’s Slim Wallet is compact and lightweight, perfect for those who prefer a minimalist style.

Buy at Amazon for $10

Anti-Wrinkle Travel Outfit

The best travel outfits combine style with practicality, and are made with materials that help prevent wrinkles. Merino wool is a comfortable option, which is why we love this Women’s Merino Travel Dress from Unbound. Meanwhile, Athleta’s Endless High-Rise Pants are made of a polyester and spandex blend that wicks away moisture and stays wrinkle-free. And the Cropped Wide-Leg Pants from Quince are supersoft, stretchy, and made with sustainable materials. Any of these outfits will have them ready to go as soon as they arrive — not reaching for the nearest ironing board.

Buy the Merino Travel Dress at Unbound for $139
Buy the High-Rise Pants at Athleta for $109
Buy the Wide-Leg Pants at Quince for $40

Travel Sleep Mask

A sleep mask will block out unwanted airplane cabin light, helping the traveler in your life fall asleep easier. The 3D Sleeping Mask from MZOO is made from comfortable memory foam and has a patented design that reduces pressure on the eyes with a wider eye space.

Buy at Amazon for $23

Airplane Footrest 

It’s no secret that airplane cabins are getting tighter. To ease the pain that often comes with cramped seating, give them a foot hammock to elevate their feet and legs and reduce swelling. The memory foam hammock from Delfori is compact, sturdy, and easily adjustable.

Buy at Amazon for $17

Compression Socks

Another handy item for reducing swelling and improving blood flow on long flights, compression socks are made from flexible fabric that forms a tight seal around the leg without being too restrictive. Sockwell’s compression socks use a mix of fine merino wool and rayon, and come in an array of fun colors and patterns. 

Buy at Amazon from $21

Noise-Canceling Headphones 

Sadly, not everyone follows the rules of airplane etiquette. To drown out distractions on their next flight, consider giving them the Bose QuietComfort headphones, which offer excellent audio quality and some of the best noise-cancellation capabilities on the market.

Buy at Bose for $199

Away Carry-On Suitcase

Upgrade their carry-on game with the eye-catching aluminum edition of the popular Away Carry-On. Designed to fit into most overhead bins, it features a durable aluminum hard shell, spinner wheels, and a handy compression packing system.

Buy at Away for $625

Portable Charger 

Whether they’re scanning their boarding pass or looking up directions, staying connected on the go is essential. Don’t let them run out of juice — gift them this slim-design Anker Portable Charger, which can even charge two devices at once. 

Buy at Amazon for $40

Travel Adapter

If they frequently travel internationally, an all-in-one travel adapter lets them plug in wherever they are. The lightweight Newvanga adapter has both USB-A and USB-C capabilities and works in 150 countries.

Buy at Amazon for $17

2-in-1 Travel Pillow and Blanket

Bringing both a pillow and blanket onboard can take up valuable space in your carry-on. Enter this 2-in-1 travel pillow and blanket. It easily tucks into any carry-on, but it also has a built-in sleeve that you can strap around a suitcase handle while navigating through the airport. 

Buy at Amazon for $30

Silk Travel Pillowcase

Hotels typically use harsh detergents to clean sheets, which may cause irritation for people with sensitive skin. Your loved ones can swap out the bedding in their next hotel room with the Blissy Silk Travel Pillowcase, which has built-in antiviral and antimicrobial properties — plus, it’s made with natural materials that promote hair and skin health.

Buy at Blissy for $108

Waterproof Travel Sneakers 

Have them leave the bulky boots at home in favor of these lightweight and waterproof travel sneakers. The Wool Runner Mizzles from Allbirds machine washable and feature merino wool uppers for added warmth and comfort.

Buy at Allbirds for $125

Weekend Bag

Ideal for short getaways, the Béis Convertible Mini Weekender is stylish and packed with useful features, like a padded laptop packet, key leash, removable bottom compartment, and trolley pass-through that lets them secure it to a larger roller bag. 

Buy at Béis for $108

Travel Coffee Press

There’s one thing you or your loved one should probably never use in the hotel room — the coffee maker. They’re never quite as clean as they should be. This portable coffee maker from AeroPress features a unique brewing method that combines French press, pourover, and espresso. Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to pack, ensuring they never have to settle for mediocre hotel room coffee ever again. 

Buy at Amazon for $64

Tech Organizer

We all travel with a lot of tech these days, and it’s easy to lose track of it. This handy Calpak Tech Organizer promises to keep their gear sorted, with padded pockets to protect electronics and handy mesh panels to keep cords and chargers within easy reach.

Buy at Calpak for $42

Featured image credit: LightFieldStudios/ iStock via Getty Images Plus

More than 60 destinations around the world have implemented some form of a tourist tax, and that number is only expected to increase. These fees are used to boost revenue for tourism promotion efforts, fund infrastructure improvements, and in a growing number of cases, combat the effects of overtourism by discouraging casual visitors to destinations experiencing a surge in demand, like Amsterdam or Venice. In 2024, one country announced that it would be nearly tripling its tourist tax — find out why and discover all the details below.

Why It Will Soon Cost More To Visit New Zealand

In 2023, more than 300,000 American travelers visited the South Pacific island nation of New Zealand. They went to considerable lengths to get there, as flight times from Los Angeles or San Francisco to Auckland are around 13 hours. But it’s easy to see why it’s so popular: With a landscape that contains volcanoes, fjords, and lush rainforests, visitors have ample opportunities to embark on nature adventures throughout the country. From cosmopolitan cities such as Auckland to adventure sports in Queenstown to Marlborough wine country, the real-life Hobbiton, and the otherworldly Waitomo glowworm caves, there’s plenty to do and see once there. 

On October 1, New Zealand increased its tourist tax — called the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) — from $35 (about $21 USD at time of publication) to $100 (about $60 USD). International visitors will pay this flat rate when they apply for a tourist visa or a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority, which is required for citizens of visa-waiver countries such as the United States. 

“International tourism also comes with costs to local communities, including additional pressure on regional infrastructure and higher upkeep and maintenance costs across our conservation estate,” explained Matt Doocey, New Zealand’s minister for hospitality and tourism, in a statement. “Increasing the IVL means we can continue to grow international tourism to support economic growth while ensuring international visitors contribute to high-value conservation areas and projects, such as supporting biodiversity in national parks and other highly visited areas and improving visitor experiences on public conservation land.”

While no one likes to pay more in taxes, it certainly helps that this one will go to conservation efforts in one of the world’s greenest countries. With a nationwide initiative to reach net zero in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, New Zealand maintains a steady commitment to sustainability.

Other Destinations With Tourist Taxes

New Zealand is far from the only destination charging a tourist tax these days. Many charge a flat rate with a visa application like New Zealand, while others — including Iceland and Greece — impose a per-night charge added to your hotel bill. Meanwhile, tourists arriving by air in Thailand will find a 300 baht (about $8.50 USD) fee built into their ticket as of 2024, while those in Japan are required to pay a departure tax of 1,000 yen (about $7 USD). 

Other cities impose so-called “day tripper” tariffs to boost revenue and buffer the effects of mass tourism. Few places have suffered as much from overtourism as Venice, the famed Italian city of canals. Since 2011, Venice has charged overnight visitors tax on the first five nights of their stay (between 1 and 5 euros per person a night). But starting in spring 2024, day visitors also pay a 5 euro access fee to enter the city. 

Amsterdam, another tourism hot spot, now has the highest tourist tax in Europe. Taxes on room rates have increased from 7% to 12%, and in 2024, the fee for “day trippers” for sea and river cruise passengers who disembark in Amsterdam increased from 8 euros to 14 euros per person.

Featured image credit: Martin Vlnas/ iStock via Getty Images Plus

Stretching 5,525 miles long, the border between the United States and Canada is the longest land border of any two nations in the world. Along that vast stretch, there are more than 100 locations where you can legally drive across the boundary. Crossing the border by car is simple, as long as you come prepared with the necessary documentation and an awareness of all the rules and regulations. Here’s what you need to know before driving over the U.S.-Canada border.

Prepare Your Travel Documents

Having the proper travel documents on hand is essential no matter which direction you’re going. A passport is generally considered to be the gold standard for crossing the border, whether by car or otherwise. But when crossing into Canada, there are some differences depending on if you’re a resident of the United States or elsewhere. 

U.S. citizens can use a passport card or enhanced driver’s license to enter Canada, so you can leave your bulky passport at home in favor of these wallet-sized IDs. Children under 16 require only proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate, and there are other considerations for minors traveling without both parents or legal guardians, which you can review here.

If you’re not a U.S. citizen, you may need to acquire a visa before coming in — check here to determine your personal visa requirements and eligibility. There’s also an exception for Indigenous peoples entering Canada. The Indian Act allows entry for those who show a status card  or other documents proving membership in a federally recognized tribe. If you’re a Canadian citizen returning to the country, you will need to show your Canadian passport upon reentry.

When heading the other direction, into the U.S., the process is largely similar. Passport or passport cards are the quickest way to prove your identity to the border agent. Canadian citizens under the age of 15 who don’t yet possess a passport should come prepared with a birth certificate or Canadian citizenship card, but anyone 16 years or older must travel with a valid passport.

Provide Accurate Info and Declare Goods

When crossing the border, expect to be asked several questions about your citizenship status, where you’ll be visiting, how long you plan to spend there, and who you’ll be meeting. As long as you respond truthfully and accurately, your answers should be enough to satisfy the border guard. 

One question that often throws people off is declaring goods. U.S. citizens must declare all goods they bring with them. When returning to the United States, purchases made in Canada up to $800 USD remain duty-free, while any goods with a value between $800 and $1,800 USD are subject to a 4% duty rate. For those returning to Canada, you can claim goods valued up to $200 CAD without having to pay duties or taxes for visits of at least 24 hours, and up to $800 CAD for visits longer than 48 hours. However, there are additional rules to be aware of regarding items such as alcohol and tobacco. 

You’ll also need to declare any items that could be prohibited by the country you’re entering; if you don’t, you may be subject to significant fines or jail time. Plants, animals, food, and drinks must be declared, as there are concerns over the potential for bringing in parasites and disease. You also must announce any firearms or explosives; if you don’t, these items can be seized and you may be denied entry. Lastly, be sure to declare any currency in excess of $10,000 CAD or USD. A list of further restrictions for traveling into Canada can be found here, while a list of prohibited items in the United States can be found here.

Check Wait Times and Hours

During peak hours or on busy days of the year, border crossings may become clogged with traffic. That’s why you should check wait times at the border before hitting the road, so you can switch up your route and choose a less congested option if need be. 

It’s also important to be aware that some crossings, especially those in less trafficked areas, are not open 24 hours a day or seven days a week. Check this map to learn more about the border crossings that are closest to you and when they’re expected to be open. Additionally, travelers can enroll in the NEXUS program, which is designed to reduce wait times at land border crossings for prescreened travelers.

Traveling With a Pet?

Both the U.S. and Canada have strict guidelines for bringing pets into the country. Rules depend on the type of animal, the purpose it’s being transported for, and other factors such as age and vaccination status. The Canadian government provides a helpful online tool where you can input information about the specific animal you’re traveling with. Depending on the information you provide, you may be told to bring certain veterinary records. 

The United States Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service provides a similar set of guidelines with information regarding each specific animal that you may be hoping to bring over the border. Be truthful when filling out the forms, as there will be no leniency at the border if you fail to follow the required guidelines.

Inadmissibility Into Canada

Like in other countries, Canadian border agents may deny anyone entry for security reasons or if they pose a threat to others. However, Canada is especially strict for certain past offenses. For instance, border agents may deem you inadmissible if you’ve ever been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Even if the offense occurred decades ago, you may still be denied entry into Canada for a past DUI or DWI conviction. That said, there are several courses of action you can take to possibly gain entry, including applying for a temporary resident permit or criminal rehabilitation. Be aware that both of those applications come at a financial cost and neither is guaranteed to be successful. 

During your next vacation, you might book a “codeshare” or “open jaw” flight through a “co-terminal” airport before arriving at your “half board” accommodations, where, hopefully, you won’t be “walked” upon arrival. If this sounded like travel gibberish, you’ve come to the right place. For the uninitiated, these are standard travel industry terms, and learning them will help your future trips go smoothly. Here are 13 terms only travel insiders know.

Codeshare

“Codesharing” permits airlines to sell seats on flights operated by their partner airlines. In turn, travelers can seamlessly create an itinerary using one purchase point rather than purchasing through multiple airlines. Suppose you book an itinerary from Pittsburgh to New York City to London through American Airlines. Your first flight could be operated by American Airlines, but the second leg, from New York to London, might be operated by British Airways, a partner of American Airlines. Thanks to codesharing, you can book both flights together (and earn one set of frequent flyer miles for the entire journey).

Folio

If you overhear hotel staff mention a “folio,” they’re referring to your bill. This includes items such as the nightly rate, food and beverage charges, upgrades, and services like spa treatments. This itemized list of charges makes things easier for everyone, allowing for faster checkout and payment. Seasoned travelers always ask to see a copy of their folio at checkout to ensure they were billed accurately.

Bed Tax

Have you ever been surprised with extra fees upon receipt of your folio after a hotel stay? Unless you raided the mini bar, that price increase is likely due to a “bed tax” or state lodging tax. This varies by location, causing some travelers to be unaware of tax hikes in certain states or counties. Connecticut, for example, adds 15% to the final bill, which is the most expensive state lodging tax in the U.S. Other states, such as Oregon, don’t impose state lodging taxes, but local authorities can impose lodging taxes in individual counties.

Full Board and Half Board

When booking an overnight stay, some hotels offer a “full board” (FB) or “half board” (HB) option. This denotes how many meals you’d like included with your nightly rate. Half board consists of two meals, usually breakfast and dinner. Full board consists of three meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, snacks, hotel amenities, and drinks (especially alcoholic beverages) are typically not included in full board pricing. For this, you’ll want to look for “all-inclusive” plans. Accommodations that provide breakfast only are aptly called bed-and-breakfasts or B&Bs. 

Skiplagging

“Skiplagging” or “hidden city ticketing” is the practice of booking a flight itinerary with a connection but getting off early in the layover city. The intention is not to reach the final destination but to save money by booking this flight instead of the more expensive direct flight. Suppose a flight from Miami to Philadelphia is twice the price of an itinerary from Miami to Chicago with a layover in Philly. Skiplaggers book the latter itinerary, debarking in Philadelphia and never setting foot in Chicago. Travelers should be aware that while skiplagging is not illegal, many major airlines do not allow it, and you can face penalties if you get caught.

Getting Walked

While rare, hotels sometimes turn guests away at check-in, even if they have a reservation. Hotels occasionally overbook due to administrative errors, group events, or faulty third-party booking systems. When this happens to a customer, it’s called being “walked.” Legally, all a hotel has to do is refund prepaid reservations, but some responsible hotels go above and beyond to correct their mistakes. For example, Hyatt’s policy is to provide a free night at a comparable hotel and even offer transportation to and from the property. You might be familiar with a similar term for being taken off a flight: getting “bumped.”

Fam Tours

If you see someone in the travel industry embarking on a “fam tour,” they aren’t spending quality time with their family — they’re on a familiarization trip. These tours or trips are provided to industry workers, including travel agents and tour operators, to familiarize them with a particular experience, hotel, or destination. This allows them to promote new experiences to travelers.

Rack Rate

“Rack rate” might sound like you scored a discount, but it’s actually the opposite — it’s the default maximum price for that given date. This is the official price of a hotel stay before any discounts or offers are applied. Nowadays, it’s rare to pay the rack rate given the frequency of specials, holiday deals, and member discounts available for hotel patrons. Whether you book online or over the phone, be sure to search or ask for discounts to avoid paying the rack rate.

Open Jaw

An “open jaw” itinerary involves travelers flying or taking a train to one destination and returning from another. For example, you might fly from Boston to Paris, enjoy some sightseeing throughout Western Europe, and return to Boston from Munich. Some travelers take this a step further with an even more complicated itinerary called a double open jaw. Suppose someone flies from their home airport of Los Angeles to Sydney, Australia, for vacation. After sightseeing, they fly from Melbourne, Australia, to Seattle, Washington, for a business trip instead of heading home. This is known as a double open jaw itinerary, and it’s more common than you think.

Co-Terminal Airports

Co-terminal airports have been the downfall of many unknowing travelers, making this an important consideration when booking flights. When a major city is served by more than one major airport, they’re called “co-terminals” — and some are easily confused. For example, Chicago is served by Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). These airports are only 30 miles apart. Similarly, New York City’s John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Airport (EWR) are co-terminals. To avoid showing up at the wrong place, always double-check the airport you’re booking through.

Shoulder Season

Travel insiders prefer to visit trendy or popular destinations during “shoulder season.” Busy season (typically during school summer vacation) is just that: busy. On the other hand, there’s a reason why the slow season is slow, whether because of inclement weather or limited activities. Shoulder season is the travel season that lies between busy and slow seasons. For example, fall and spring are considered the shoulder season in Italy, when streets are less crowded and temperatures are mild.

Hub and Spoke

If you hear that an airport is a “hub,” you can expect two things: It has a fantastic selection of flights, and it is very crowded. Traditional “hub-and-spoke” airlines focus their route networks on a few select airports or “hubs,” which offer flights to “spokes.” This allows the airline to offer a greater selection of itineraries by selling connections through hubs. For example, Delta Air Lines has nine hub airports around the U.S., with Atlanta (ATL) as its primary hub (and the largest hub in the country). 

Single Supplement

For those new to solo travel, a single supplement surcharge might surprise you. This additional fee is added for travelers not sharing a room in a hotel, on a cruise ship, or during a multiday group tour, because most travel packages are based on double occupancy. With a single supplement, a solo traveler will pay as much as 50% to 100% of the nightly cost or daily fare. Sometimes, there is a discount on the single supplement charge, so solo travelers should shop around to see where the best deal is before booking.