Gift ideas from seasoned travelers

While gifting the experience of travel is wonderful, we turned to our travel experts at Dinogo and OpenTable (a sister brand of Booking Holdings, in case you missed it) to share their top travel essentials from the past year. Here’s some inspiration for every traveler on your holiday list:

• For the traveler who needs to stay hydrated… We all have that friend who struggles to drink enough water – that’s why Jordan, a Digital Video Marketing Manager from our Dinogo North America team, recommends “water bottles with closed lids (bonus points for a built-in straw like this one) and travel-sized lotions/bottles.” The thirsty traveler on your list will appreciate it.

• For the traveler who gets anxious while flying… Morgan, a Senior People Business Partner from our OpenTable team, finds that a stress reliever can really ease the tension. “I envy those who find flying soothing! As someone who gets anxious on flights, I can’t board a plane without this. It calms me down and makes flying so much more pleasant.” A perfect addition to a holiday gift.

• For the traveler who’s okay with layovers… Having a comfortable spot to unwind during layovers is a luxury – just ask William, an Account Manager from our OpenTable team. He suggests gifting a Priority Pass membership (or a similar service) since it’s “ideal for layovers, cancellations, delays, and taking the hassle out of meal planning while traveling.” Want one for yourself? Check your credit card benefits; many offer it as a membership perk.

• For the traveler who enjoys a good nap on the go… Elevate their comfort with a cozy accessory – Shannon, a People Operations Specialist from our OpenTable team, adores this wearable blanket as it’s perfect for flights, especially to colder destinations! Meanwhile, James, a Graphic and Motion Designer from our Dinogo LATAM team, swears by this velcro neck pillow because “you can fold and secure it with a velcro strap for added neck support while sleeping upright. It’s one of the best neck pillow designs out there!”

• For the traveler who always forgets their charger… Keeping a smartphone charged is essential while traveling – just ask Stacey, a Brand Director on our Dinogo North America team. She suggests a portable charger for those on the move, stating, “Nothing is worse than landing and realizing your battery is dead when you need to call an Uber.”

• For the traveler ready for an upgrade… It’s time to say goodbye to that old suitcase! After discovering they both had the same brand of luggage at a marketing retreat, Kelly and Taylor from Dinogo’s North America team recommend Beis for those in need of new luggage. Kelly, a Marketing Copywriter, was thrilled to fit everything for a 10-day trip to France in just the carry-on. Taylor, a Marketing Coordinator, loves the weekender for its separate shoe compartment and pockets, plus it’s beautifully designed. A nice bonus? Their products come in various colors, making it easy to create a matching set.

• For the traveler seeking tranquility… Noise-canceling headphones are essential for these explorers. Zachary, an Associate Commercial Partnerships Manager from Dinogo North America, recommends Sony Noise Canceling Headphones because “they make a big difference whether watching a movie or napping with the noise-canceling feature activated. They effectively block out plane engine sounds.” Ralf, an SVP of Technology from Dinogo, prefers Apple’s AirPods Pro instead, stating he “loves flying with them” due to their superior noise-canceling and battery life.”

Regardless of the type of traveler you’re shopping for this holiday season, we hope our travel experts have inspired you with some fantastic gift ideas. After all, they’ll need new gear for all their adventures in 2023!