Constantly darting across the world, hours spent in the sky being waited on, travel stories so captivating you’re always wanted at dinner parties – the life of a frequent flyer sounds covetable, but those who live it themself know the challenges it poses.
So, what do you buy for someone always in the sky? What little luxuries can you offer someone who has been on safaris in Tanzania, black runs in the Alps and seen Shanghai’s the Bund’s lights illuminate the sky? Surprisingly, and in some ways not so, it’s the simple travel essentials that are your best bet.
Elite Traveler has found some of the most important travel companions for this holiday season, from nifty gadgets to beauty must-haves. Maybe it’ll inspire you to book your next getaway, too.
See all of our gift guides here.
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The extreme 3.0 passport holder, Montblanc
Those who prefer the pen to paper approach to correspondence will be aware of Montblanc’s craftsmanship, and may even be writing their postcards with the brand’s famed Meisterstück. Gift them this passport holder as an addition to their collection. The grained leather will protect their passport, while its cayenne colourway makes it easy to spot at the bottom of capacious bags. There’s the option of having it personalized, too.
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Lip balm, Dr Barbara Sturm
Any regular long-haul flyer will know that the longer you spend in the air, the more dehydrated you become. To prevent on-arrival chapped lips, gift the traveler in your life a luxurious solution. Dr Barbara Sturm’s lip balm is packed with Vitamin E and plant-based oils that instantly hydrate without leaving your lips feeling tacky. It’s potent ingredients mean that little pot goes a long way.
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Leather luggage tag, Bottega Veneta
Luggage tags, for obvious reasons, should be distinguishable, and this one from Bottega Veneta achieves that without being garish. The Italian house has covered this maroon leather tag with its signature intrecciato weave. Subtle but effective, the tag will be instantly recognizable amid the masses.
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Large key pouch, Louis Vuitton
Whether your recipient is traveling for business or jetting away on leisure, a pouch big enough to fit all the essentials – from tablet to travel documents – will always be a useful accompaniment. This timeless Louis Vuitton pouch (the brand started as a luggage company, FYI) will keep everything organised while looking stylish, too. Phone, keys, wallet passport: all covered.
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Camel cashmere eye mask, Johnstons of Elgin
What’s the first thing you should do to avoid jet lag? Imagine you’re already in the arrival time zone as you get onto the plane. If it’s 9pm at your final destination when you take off, you better be winding down to snooze no matter the actual time. Gifts like this Johnstons of Elgin eye mask will help: It’s made in Scotland with plush cashmere and is lined with silk so that it comfortably rests on top of the eyelids.
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Le Lift La Crème Main hand cream, Chanel
Chanel’s luxurious take on hand cream combines botanical alfalfa concentrate – a naturally derived ingredient that resembles retinol – with licorice extract to hydrate and smooth the appearance of fine lines. See it as an answer for ageing mitts in travel-friendly packaging. Handy (no pun intended) when the effects of a plane’s aircon can add years to the look of your skin.
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Calza Noel jacquard-knit cashmere socks, Loro Piana
Gifting socks may be a bit of a cliché during the holiday season, but it’s unlikely that they’ll be met with disappointment – especially when they’re 100 percent cashmere and made by Loro Piana. They’re primed for ski holidays and chillier climes, and will make flights more comfortable if you can’t wait to put them on. The variation of a classic Fair Isle print on this Calza Noel pair feels particularly festive, too.
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Face masking journal set, 111Skin
No one wants to come off the plane with a complexion looking more tired than how they’re feeling. This set of 111Skin face masks cater to several dermatological needs, whether your skin needs to be brightened (Rose Gold Brightening Facial Mask), soothed (Y Theorem Bio Cellulose Mask), refreshed (Cryo De-Puffing) or sculpted (Black Diamond Lifting and Firming). There’s even a neck mask, because it’s not just your visage that’ll give hours spent on a plane away.
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Amazon Kindle Colorsoft
Gone are the days where you could excuse being offline due to being in flight, but that shouldn’t stop you from logging off every once in a while. Cue: The Amazon Kindle Colorsoft. The color display allows for book covers to shine through and for text to be highlighted in a neon shade of your choosing. And with an eight-week battery life, you needn’t worry about lugging an extra charger. All the pros of an analogue pastime without the hardback weighing you down.
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Bedford calfskin duffel, Ralph Lauren
For short trips, a reliable weekender is a traveler’s best friend. Ralph Lauren’s Bedford duffel is capacious enough to fit the essentials without being cumbersome, removable inner pouch keeps things organized, and a top handle and adjustable shoulder strap allows versatility. The supple calfskin leather will gradually develop into a lovely patina. You could even say this piece gets better with time.
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Original check-in, Rimowa
And finally, for longer journeys: the check-in bag. A go-to for the fashion set, Rimowa has ascended to become the must-have luggage for the world’s chicest people – which is hardly surprising when you glance at the sharp lines and signature grooves of the aluminium case. And if your giftee doesn’t care for how they dress, they’ll at least appreciate its sturdy exterior and lifetime guarantee.