Travel is busier than ever, and road warriors are looking for comfy attire, tasty snacks, beauty products that actually work and entertaining flavors to come home and enjoy. These are some of our favorite goodies to buy for yourselves or give as a gift. The holidays are fast-approaching, and it’s never too soon to choose creative gifts for the travelers we love.
TravisMathew Cloud Collection shirts and pullovers
A perennial favorite of travelers is the lightweight, casual clothing line from TravisMathew. Designed for golfers in a bid to bring a more approachable look to the sport (instead of one that is stuffy and formal), the brand keeps hitting holes in one with things that travel well. Its Cloud Collection is a great example with active wear for both men and women.
Some of our favorites are the men’s Cloud Hoodie in plush fleece ($150) that is perfect to wear on the plane, at home or even while strolling along the course. It has a soft hoodie and hidden kangaroo pouch pockets, which comes in a variety of colors and sizes. Women have an equally plush and elegant high-collar half-zip Cloud pullover in plush fleece ($130). It is perfect for travel, at work, at home or on the course. With a rib waistband and cuffed arms, it has an upscale look that comes in several pastel hues. The Cloud Waffle Crew shirt ($130) fits snugly, but not too tight. It’s like hugging a cloud, no pun intended. It looks very casual, but works well for long-haul travel given its cozy feeling.
Heartbeat Hot Rosé
After a long trip away, it’s nice to treat yourself to something special when you return home. But, with fall here and temperatures dropping outside, what about raising the temps indoors. That’s what Heartbeat Hot Rosé can do. If you’ve never heard of a spicy wine before, you’re not alone, but this yummy beverage with a kick is quite tasty and fun. It’s the perfect conversation piece for a party or to enjoy alone, especially if you enjoy spicy flavors. The notes are of watermelon hibiscus, tangy raspberry and citrus with a light spice on the finish.
Far from sweet, this dry wine has that lingering kick since the winemakers treat those peppers they use like grapes to ferment them to perfection. The best part is that this beverage has zero sugar and only about 100 calories per glass. This is an entertaining gift for yourself or others and is quite reasonably priced at $22.
Kosterina Olive Oils and Vinegars
These ultra-premium olive oils and vinegars are excellent accoutrements to come home to after a trip and cook a wholesome meal. Whether you were just in the Mediterranean or want to pretend like you are, these fragrant, buttery olive oils are also perfect for dipping. Using Koroneiki olives from the south of Greece, the olives are harvested and cold-pressed early to maximize antioxidants for a longer shelf life and bold flavor.
They come in various flavors like Greek herb and lemon, garlic and spicy red pepper; the vinegars come in fruity aromas like crushed strawberry or crushed tangerine. Six-bottle gift sets retail for $135, and these could be a great early holiday present for those that like to cook for friends and family get-togethers.
Mychelle Dermaceutical Serums
These travel-sized serums work well for dry and tired skin, especially after a long flight. The 3-in-1 super serum is both moisturizing and protective from the sun with a mineral SPF30. It contains hyaluronic acid, but is also cruelty free and vegan. Missing are carefully crafted without the use of parabens, petroleum, sulfates, and artificial fragrances and colors. The serums come in light/medium and medium/dark color tones for different skin complexions to brighten your face, ideal when traveling. It’s perfect to wear both morning and night thanks to its sun-protecting ingredients and the fresh look it gives you. The TSA-friendly bottles retail for $28.
Regelica Renewal Serum
Another travel-sized bottle of face serum is the product of a Korean woman’s small business named Regelica. Her focus on determining what helps skin be age-resilient, her quest to find beauty products that focus on a variety of skin types, textures, tones and genders led to this Korean-born company. Korea is no stranger to famous skincare products, and her products are made there.
High-quality ingredients in products like its Mandelic + Edelweiss Renewal Serum help to exfoliate and rebalance the skin with natural ingredients and antioxidants. Mandelic acid helps to reduce pigmentation and wrinkles while Vitamin C improves elasticity and brightness. It can be used both morning and night, this $78 bottle has proven results and a thoughtful gift for frequent flyers.
TravisMathew Below Zero Backpack Cooler
The golf apparel company has quickly expanded its line of products to male and female casual wear, branded Tartan attire from its signature store on the 18th hole of The Old Course St Andrews and now a backpack. The interior lining is that of a standard cooler allowing travelers to pack gear, clothes and even refreshments to enjoy on the course, as well as elsewhere like the beach, the road or even to work.
The TravisMathew Below Zero Backpack Cooler has an antimicrobial interior and compression strap to keep the contents in place. It retails for less than $100 and has two padded back straps and exterior pockets making it both efficient and convenient.
Confetti Snacks mushroom and veggie chips
These on-the-road snacks are both unique and nutritious. That takes away any guilt from enjoying them on the plane, in the car or at the office. The female-owned brand, Confetti Snacks, takes “ugly and imperfect vegetables” and turns them into flavorful chips. If you’ve heard of upcycling in design, the concept is the same, but for veggies that might otherwise get thrown out. Since they don’t look as beautiful as their counterparts, they become harder to sell in the market. Even better, a portion of the proceeds goes to charities that help end hunger and malnutrition.
Enter the tasty flavors. Mushroom and veggie chips all come in tasty varieties like teriyaki barbecue and tandoori curry. The mushroom chips have flavors like black truffle and green curry. It’s a fantastic way to get children (and adults) to eat their vegetables. They come in resealable bags (although good look only have just some of the bag). Each one retails for between $4-6. We dare you to not love these yummy, low-calorie snacks packed with nutrients.
