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I love journals and notebooks to keep all my thoughts, ideas, and lists together. I have one notebook just for my work with SATW, and another for home projects. I have another for all my business brainstorming idea, sort of a catch all for items that may eventually make to my official to-do calendar. When I fill one up, I start another. I also like having a journal for my big trips - something I can write notes and thoughts in, paste or tape tickets or other ephemera, etc. I may not completely fill these, but each represent a bucket list trip and are shelved in my book case (they're part journal, part scrapbook, I guess). I couldn't find anything that I really liked at a price point that worked (when I go through five or six in a year). So I created my own. This cruise journal is the one I used for the several cruises we took this year; I also have a couple of others (here and here). I've got a couple of ideas for new themes, so may be adding some next year. If you're traveling with friends, buy one for everyone (or every couple) on the trip.

I’ve been a Kindle user since the original version. Yes, I still love the feel of a book in my hands – I wrote one, I have bookshelves of reference books, and I love getting autographed books. But I read a lot, and I found myself packing too many books when I traveled. They're heavy, bulky to pack around, and too expensive to leave behind. My Kindle helps me lose that excess weight and consume books more economically. I sync my Kindle with my library (where I get most of my books) and the Libby app, allowing me to read more and spend less. I recently upgraded to the Oasis version, but think the Paperwhite version is the best starter. Add a pretty cover – I suggest something bright and colorful so you can spot it easily. I need to replace mine (I read daily so it gets a lot of wear and tear), and am looking at this one.

It was time for me to update my TSA-approved liquid and gel bag, and I found these on a great sale. I purchased a few sets to keep them handy for gifts, and as replacements. I like a heavy duty bag, rather than the flilmsy quart bags I'd been using. These sit upright on a hotel or cruise bathroom counter as well.

Air Tags have become a lifesaver for me. I keep one in my luggage (whether checked or carry-on) and am reassured knowing that I can track my bag if I need to, I use these keychain holders so they are easy to attach to my luggage, carryon, purses, or pretty much anything at all. . We've discovered lots of additional uses for these (so many items that we seem to misplace), and have recently started tucking them into our passport holders using this air tag card. It doesn't solve the problem of misplacing our passports, but we can find them much more quickly.

If anyone on your gift list needs (wants?) to upgrade their earbuds, these 3rd generation AirPod Pros are terrific. The sound quality is terrific, noise cancellation is a lifesaver on planes, and several of the features help those of us who are hearing impaired (voice isolation on phone calls, intelligent noise control, personalized spatial audio, and active hearing protection). While I often using my prescription hearing aids for audiobooks and podcasts when I'm at home, nothing beats the noise cancellation in more noisy environments. This is a recommended upgrade. I also picked up this leather case for the air pods, and attach it to my purse, so they're always handy.

Traveling in Europe this year, we constantly bemoaned the lack of washcloths. Traveling with my friend, Michelle, this year, she told me about these loofah-like cloths. They're not as hard and bristly and a loofah, but I don't think they're gentle enough for the face, but they pack easily and take up no room at all. Best of all, they dry in a flash. We've tested them out at home and it will be a new addition to our travel kit.

This has been my go-to power bank for several years now. I own several, so I can keep them in various locations - my purse, the car, my carry on bag, and on my desk (for when I can't find the others). I use these all the time and can usually get two or three full recharges of my phone out of a fully charged power bank. These work with both USB-A and USB-C.

I got my first pair of Kytins as a speaker gift, but have since ordered another pair for myself, as well as for gifts. I love them, and wear them around the house instead of slippers or going barefoot. They provide a little extra support that give feet a little bit of pampring, and the grippy sole makes sure I'm not sliding the stairs. All of ours are merino wool - they're washable and temperature regulating. Easy to pack to wear on the plane (but please put your shoes back on if you're going to walk around), in your hotel room, of around a cruise ship.

If you travel for wine, you've probably faced the decision of how to get those precious bottles home with you. You can avoid expensive shipping fees with the wine suitcase. Protect that nectar of the gods in style, without worrying about breakage. They come in numerous sizes, from three to twelve bottles.

I love a good spa treatment. From the relaxation room to ease into the treatment, to the various showers, lotions, and potions, there's nothing that relaxes me like a visit to the spa. It's not an inexpensive propostion, though. I discovered these shower steamers that help me recreate a spa Zen-like experience at home. I use the eucalyptus scent, and it helps a lot with allergy stuffiness as well. The fizz lasts about five minutes.

This portable, USB-C rechargable blender goes everywhere. Perfect for smoothies or margaritas on a road trip, camping, or at the beach. I use it at home making smoothies, salad dressing, or whipping up batter for pancakes. The unit is self-contained and locks tightly so you can just take the whole thing with you. Add in the drinking lid and you're all set. Easy to pack, clean, and take with you. I use it far more than I thought I would - cordless makes it so easy to use.

No matter well prepared we are, there's always that moment when we both need to charge devices. A power strip can solve the problem for you and your traveling companions. If you're at a meeting or conference, plugging in and letting others have space to charge is sure to make you the event VIP. There are lots of options on size, style, and number/type of plugs-ins. This is the one I have. Note: surge protectors and power strips are usually not allowed on cruise ships; we use this for land-based travel.

I've been a Pokemon Go player for a number of years (trainer ID 822496148810, if you want to add me as a friend). While I play around home, the real fun for me has been playing while traveling. This past year, I've collected gifts (if you're a player, you'll know what I mean) in France, Switzerland, Germany, England, Morocco, and Canada, along with all the states I've visited. If you have friends and family members who are players, this is a great gift. I have a very old catcher that is no longer sold and this is on my gift list.

We received this all-in-one travel adapter in a gift bag at a travel show, and we've used it in Europe, Asia, and on a couple cruises. The adapter is equipped with four different plug types, and has three USB-C ports, and two USB-A ports. It's had us covered for all our international travels. This may well be the best adapter we've ever had! Pick up a couple, just in cases you leave one behind (not that we've everydone that).

I am still on the hunt for a stylish, durable, and functional carry-on bag. I currently have my eye on this one, as I like the bult in front compartment for my laptop. Sized for domestic and international travel, it looks roomy enough to hold what I need. I still worry about the weight, though, (7.8 lbs), so haven't completely made up my mind. Also comes in a larger checked bag size. This has been on my wish list for awhile; maybe this year.

We travel in Europe several times a year and have become spoiled by the quality coffee we drink there. We've experimented with different types of coffee makers and diffrent coffees, but hadn't found anything that recreated the experience we wanted. I wanted one really good cup of coffee in the morning, not a mediocre pot to sip on all morning. Last year we upgraded to this machine (on a Black Friday sale), and we've never looked back. We've experimented with a variety of options and quickly determined our favorites. While it makes a great regular cup of cofffee, our go-to on most every mornning that we're home is the Double Espresso Chiaro (a medium roast) used to make a latte. We often add syrup; Tony likes Chocolate Macadamia Nut and I prefer French Vanilla or Vanilla Bean. There's some up front costs, but we found it worth it.

Travel in Style. Most first aid kits look so clinical, so this is and upgrade for a small first aid kit. Fits into a suitcase, diaper bag, purse, or backpack. Handy for roadtrips, flights, or to keep in the car. You never know when a minor emergency will arise, and this first aid kid is both practical and fun. Great for kids and adults.

Perfect for a road trip, or even a trip to the grocery store for that matter, when you need to remove fog and condensation from your windows or mirror.

This little gem has been a lifesaver during all night and early morning flight when - ahem, passenges digestive systems are still sorting themselves out. The simple ring is barely discernible when worn, provides a pleasant aromatherapy scent (I like grapefruit; Tony likes lemon-lime) that helps disguise those nasty odors, and is conveniently stored and refreshed in a small carrying case than can be easilly. I keep mine in my purse all the time, and it's come in handy on a number of occasions other than the plane.

These come in a six-pack and fold up small enough to tuck into a purse, carry-on, or toss in a glove box or trunk. Perfect for travel when shopping at a local market. I use these all the time, and pack extras to share with your fellow travelers. It's time for me to order some more.

I was in France a couple of times this year, for extended period of time on both occasions, and I couldn't help but notice how well put together French women are. Regardless of age, there a certaIn “je ne sais quoi” that they carry with them. One of the components to their look is a simple, effective skin care and make up routine. I'd heard a lot about the 100% French brand, Typology, but I had not made it to their sole brick and mortar location at Printemps Haussmann in Paris. It is sold solely via a direct-to-consumer business plan, via their website, which help keep prices reasonable for a high quality brand. Shipping and delivery is quick.

I took the plunge and filled out their diagnostic form and it a few minutes it returned a list of recommended products. I have slowly been replacing and integrating my skin care and a few make up items with Typology products. I should be completely converted to their products within the next few months. A few of my favorites so far: exfoliating face gel cleanser,tinted serum (which I use in lieu of foundation when I want a casual, sheer look); and I absolutely love their tinted lip oil (I use Black Cherry - it's not as dark as it looks).

If you're gifting for yourself, take the diagnostic test and go all in. If you're buying for someone else, consider a gfit set or gift card.

I don't travel with a lot of jewelry (pretty much none at all), but saw a friend using this and thought it was perfect for those who do. Would also work well to hold various other small items.

As a chronic allergy sufferer, these throat lozenges come in handy on a plane, or anywhere in public. In the post-Covid era, any coughing or clearing of a throat is guaranteed to generate side-eyes, When I'm taking decongestants, nasal spray, and combatting post-nasal drip, coughing is inevitable. Add in dry airplane air and it can be miserable. Honees helps me out big time. I've always got some in my purse and a larger bag stays packed in my carryon. I like this original flavor, but there is also a honey lemon. These make a good stocking stuffer.

Occasionally, I wind up with more stuff coming home than when I set out. I picked up this small folding travel bag as an extra – a bag that I could slip into my luggage and have if I needed it on the return trip. I pack soft stuff in this bag, so it's light to carry. The bag is waterproof, so it works well for damp items by the pool as well. Keep one in the car, it's great for road trips, and surprisingly durable (I've had this fuschia one for over three years and it still looks great).

I love my toothbrush at home, so got this one just to keep for travel. Handy carrying case provides protection. I leave the charger at home (I've had the charger hold for three weeks, but am not sure how long it actually lasts) and tuck the case into my toiletry bag. I re-charge at home between trips. It's so handy to have a second one so that it can always stay packed.

These are great for traveling, especially when you need to keep you phone handy and your hand(s) free. Juggling a DSLR and phone camera? You can easily swap back and forth instead of digging into a pocket. I love it for spots where I worry about dropping my phone, yet know I will be taking lots of photos. Convenient, adjustable crossbody length, anti-theft design, and will work in any full-coverage phone case. I've started to use it most of the time (even when I'm not traveling) as it's so convenient.

We each have one of the mini backpacks, and have purchased them as gifts for friends as well. Exterior compartment locks closed, and has RFID block features, so it's perfect for keeping a wallet or money handy. Roomy interior, with side pocket, makes it a perfect choice for day tripping around home or while traveling, when you want convenience, but don't need a full-sized backpack.

I've picked up a few of these dresses for warm weather travel. Perfect on a cruise, throw on a jacket if you need a quasi-business look, use as a beach cover up, and keep a sweater handy for cooler evenings. Packs with no wrinkles, launders easily, kits of patterns and solid colors, and I love the pockets. Although these are inexpensive, they've held up for a couple of years and still look great.

If you have wine lovers on your holiday gift list, consider a wine club membership at their favorite winery (or your favorite that you hope they'll love as much as you do). We always consider this option when we're traveling and find a winery that we love. It's a gift that will keep you remembered on year long.

Our current favorite is Dossier Wine Collection, with tasting rooms in Walla Walla and Woodinville. We've enjoyed their wines for a couple of years, and signed up as Portfolio members earlier this year. In addition to first access to wine releases (spring and fall), membershp gives us complimentary tastings, discounts on purchases, and exclusive invitations.

This is the wine tasting journal that I'm currently using. It's book bound, has a strap to keep it secure, and a ribbon to serve as a bookmark. It's small enough to keep in my purse and has prompts for basic details. It's a great gift for friends who enjoy wine tasting when they travel. Or for yourself.

These have become my go-to for warm weather packing as they are lightweight and comfy. And they have pockets. Paired with a tshirt or crop top, they're perfect for a cruise, and can be dresssed up or down with accessories. I have these in numerous colors.

We often enjoy attending a sporting event while traveling, and Tony has been known to select a destination based on attending a baseball game. These zippered bags are approved to be used where regulations require clear bags such as sporting events, concerts, college stadiums, etc. If friends travel to attend events, this is an easy gift (and fill it with some memorabilia if you'd like, this book about baseball stadiums is a good start).

If you don't need heavy duty winter wear, but do need something that will keep you warm in chilly weather AND is easy to pack, this puffer jackert is perfect. I use it all the time in Seattle weather (I have it in maroon). It is fully lined, quilted, water resistant, and insulated, Rolls up easy for packing. It's warm enough for Pacific Northwest fall, but not for a brutal icy winter day, but those heavier jackets don't have this packability. Very reasonably priced, so buy as gifts for the whole family for you fall/winter vacation.

We bought these for our trip to Quebec City for the Winter Carnival. We knew it would be cold, and we had arranged for heavy outdoor clothes and gear, but we knew there would be nothing worse than cold hands that we couldn't warm up. We each got a pair of these hand warmers and were glad to have them. They heat up fast, are warm enough to penetrate gloves, and last for a full day outside. They're also handy for football games and other outdoor events.

This is always in my carryon and I slather it on anytime I'm on a plane. Dry airplane air means my skin needs all the help it can get, and this mask helps me out. It's not really a mask, more of a moisturizing treatment, I've tried it in three flavors - berry, mango, and vanilla. One stays in my carry on until it's ready to be replaced, and the other is in my desk drawer. I keep their companion product, Glowy Lip Balm in my purse (I'm currently using berry).

I was a late convert to packing cubes, but once I started using them, I became so much more efficient in how I pack for a trip. There are lots of philosophies about how to use them best, and I experimented a bit to come up with what works for me (a combo of roll and fold). Now I can’t imagine packing without them. They keep me organized and help me avoid overpacking. Get a different color for every family member. Great gifts for a girlfriends' getaway, wedding party gfits, etc.

A scarf is one of the unsung heroes in the travel world. Wrap it around your next for a little extra warmth, tie in on the handle of a purse or backpack, cover your head or shoulders in a place of worship, or dress up otherwise casual attire. I have this large scarf in a few colors and it's lightweight enough to take up minimal room in luggage. These are lightweight - if you're looking for something heavier, try this one.

Sometimes practical gifts are what's really needed. We travel extensively, and despite have house/pet sitters and a variety of security arrangements, we realized that we needed a safe where we could keep some critical documents and a a few priceless (to us) items. We didn't need something large, just a practical size that could be easily installed. It's not that we're hoarding gold bars or precious gems, it's more the practical consideration that would allow someone to help manage our affairs should something happen to us.

I bought these small squeeze-top pouches to keep varous currencies separate. They worked great when I was juggling Euros in one, British pounds in another, and US Dollars in another. I've bought extras (they come in a pack of four) to hand out to traveling companions for keeping keycards, receipts, tickets, coins, etc., protected and safe. It's one of those simple things that does double - or triple - duty when traveler.

I can't tell you how many times we've had to turn around from our trip to the airport because we can't remember if we shut the garage door. New construction generally has these installed as part of a smart home kit, however, we built our home long before the smart era, so needed an after market option. This is simple and does the trick. And while we still don't remember if we shut the garage door, now we can look at the app for confirmation.

I backed a Vessi Kickstarter campaign when they first launches, and have purchased a couple of additional pair as they added new styles. These are great for travel because they can span a variety of weather conditions. I've worn the high tops in a blizzard in Quebec City, and the weekenders for zipping around the French countryside. They are lightweight, temperature regulating, and made with 100% waterproof technology. Machine washable, too.

We picked up a couple of these duffels for quick overnight and weekend trips. Perfect for car trips, family visits, or simple overnights. I'm not giving up my roller luggage for longer trips, but these are perfect for short ones. Made of waterproof durable waxed canvas, this has become a staple in our luggage wardrobe.

No more worrying about ridiculously high-priced international phone plans with an e-Sim. We've used these on five continents without problems. They come in country-specific or regional plans. We used a country specific plan for our travels in Morocco, England, and France. We've found this e-Sim option to be substantially cheaper than plans offered by our phone carrier. We use it primarily for data, then use WhatsApp for any calls or texts we need to make. Prices are super cheap - use promo code MARYJO1833 for even more savings (an additional $3.00 off).

I have my favorite water bottles for home use, but they don't fit in the car cup holder. Two big things going for this one - the handle and the straw. I finally broke down and spent the money for this one and am glad I did. I also bought this smaller sized bottle for travel.

If wine lovers are on your gift list, this decorate barrel for saving corks is a perfect gift. We bring home corks from wines we try while traveling, as well as adding them from our sipping at home. It's a nice way to save some memories. This size easily fits on a counter or shelf. We have the large version (here) in our wine cellar as a table.

If it's long past time to replace ratty luggage tags, these are cute and the steel loop feels sturdy. I had one torn off when I checked a bag, but still have found them to be the most secure that I've tried. I'll be ordering more.

Mosquitos look at me as if I were Sunday brunch. Since I'm particularly sensitive to bites, I usually wear long sleeves and pants when I'm in an environment where I'm at risk. I've started packing these simple flex bands as well. I survived Belize, and time in the jungle, without a bite, so they seem to be working.

This has become my new red-eye flight outfit. It's soft and comfy, easy to change into and out of (for the business class flights that offer inflight pajamas), and loose fitting enough for sleeping. I have it in black, since I don't want to worry about spills, but it comes in lots of colors. While I opt for comfort and practicality over fashion, these skate the edge of both at an affordable price so I don't need to worry about travel mishaps.

If you want a lightweight option for warm weather travel, I recommend this set.

Over the years, I've had a few travel souvenirs that I've collected. It used to be coffee mugs, until I accumulated so many that it overtook my cupboard. Then it was art, until I ran out of wall and display space. Now, I've started buying pillow covers, using these stuffer pillows to fill them, and then displaying them around the house (bedrooms, the couch in my office, various other spaces as seem compelling). I've gotten lots of compliments on them, and it hit me that they could make great gifts for family and friends. I'm keeping a 4-pack of these on hand and plan to buy extra pillow covers on my next trip - one for me, one for a gift.