Not entirely sure what to do with all the gift cards you’ll inevitably receive this year? Instead of squirreling them away at the bottom of your junk drawer, how about using them to give your travel gear a much-needed update for the new year?
What to Buy with Your Gift Card This Holiday
See below for our top travel gear picks for the year. Don’t see your favorite on our list? Tell us what you can’t travel without in the comments below.
![](https://blog.airfarewatchdog.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2018/12/shawl-550x275.png)
Winter Extra Large Cashmere Scarf
This scarf from RanRui is 100% cashmere and transforms from a nice winter scarf to a large shawl. Great for keeping you warm on a chilly flight or doubles as a cozy blanket at home.
Amazon User Review: “The scarf/shawl was beautiful! It is beyond what I expected. Very good quality & soft; what you want in a good cashmere accessory. I recommend this scarf to everyone as it's so versatile.”
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Pack efficiently with this expandable backpack from Hanke. The PVC treated exterior makes this bag both water-resistant and durable. If by some chance you do manage to damage it, know that it includes a three-year warranty.
Amazon User Review: “Nice protection, lots of little compartments.”
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If you want to spend your gift card on a new travel pillow, I recommend going for the TRTL pillow. It’s easy to pack and scientifically proven to keep your head in an ergonomic position when sleeping upright.
Amazon User Review: “This is the best option I've found to provide a comfortable nap on an airplane - definitely better than the puffy horseshoe pillows which don't support my neck at all.”
![](https://blog.airfarewatchdog.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2018/12/leggings20-550x275.png)
CompressionZ High Waisted Women's Leggings
Stay comfortable while flying (or on the couch) with these special compression leggings. And when you're not traveling, these are great to wear for working out, running, and yoga. Available in up to 9 different colors, all with a 100% money-back guarantee.
Amazon User Review: “Great for a run and a night out in the town.”
![](https://blog.airfarewatchdog.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2018/12/bagroller20-550x275.png)
Samsonite Invoke 2 Piece Nested Hardside Set
Start your year off right with a fresh new luggage set. This set from Samsonite comes with two hard-side spinners. Both are expandable and come with TSA approved locks. They are also scratch-resistant so they’ll keep their appearance for years to come.
Amazon User Review: “I was looking for a four wheeled hard-shell set and this one is great! Very easy to push. The interior is well designed and very spacious.”
![](https://blog.airfarewatchdog.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2018/12/rfdwalletxmas-550x275.png)
Zero Grid Passport Wallet - Travel Document Holder w/RFID Blocking
Protect your passport with this Zero Grid Passport Wallet. The wallet is made of durable nylon and even has RFID-blocking technology so you don’t have to worry about your information getting stolen.
Amazon User Review: “I was looking for something like this for quite a while. I wanted a passport holder that zipped closed and I can carry in my front pocket to protect my passport, hold misc. cards, cash, and documents that I’d want with me while traveling; this does this beautifully!”
![](https://blog.airfarewatchdog.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2018/12/humidifiertravel-550x275.png)
Oulin's Mini Portable Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier
The air on planes is known to be terribly dry, and it’s not always better once you reach your hotel. You can’t really pack a large humidifier in your bag, but this mini one from Oulin will do the trick. All you do is add water and plug in the device via USB and you’re all set. It’s also pretty quiet, so you don’t have to worry about the sound keeping you awake at night.
Amazon User Review: “Love this item! Helps immensely with dryness, nighttime congestion and allergy symptoms."
Intro image by Es75 via Shutterstock