Traveling is a lot about getting outside of your comfort zone. At least it is for me. Knowing that my OCD breeds on familiarity, I use travel as a way to fight back. It’s stressful, but I find it to be one of the best forms of therapy (second only to exposure response therapy (ERP)). That said, pushing boundaries can have the opposite effect and put me on edge. So quickly that I find myself reverting back to my old ways; ways that let my OCD win. To counteract that, I’ve found some products that do a good job keeping me in a relaxed state before, during, and after my travels. So, if there’s someone in your life who fits this bill, here are a few relaxing gift ideas—all of which will fit nicely in their suitcase.
Note: These are NOT affiliate links nor was I compensated for including them in this post. I just genuinely love them.
A Wellness Journal
I’ll admit that I haven’t always been the biggest fan of journaling nor have I committed to it for any long period. Nevertheless, I try to bring a wellness journal with me wherever I go. Here’s why: It’s not abnormal for me to get lost in my own head. A wellness journal—like these ones—can be an escape. The journal also serves as a constant reminder of happiness post travels. I think of it as a scrapbook just as much as I do a wellness journal.
Comfy Socks
Long fights, never-ending road trips, long layovers in unfamiliar airports, and unruly walks can all be stressors. So why not give them a pair of comfy socks that’ll keep their feet happy the entire time? I’m a big fan of Bombas as I think they strike a good balance between quality and price. (Surprisingly, socks can get expensive.) If someone you know frequently takes long flights or car rides, consider a pair with compression to keep the blood flowing. Whichever route you choose, look for something with some cushioning. Heck, even slipper socks could come in the clutch.
A Travel Pillow
I’m actually between travel pillows right now; I left mine in an airport in Norway. Such a shame. That said, I’m a big fan of this inflatable travel pillow. Yes, it looks a little wonky, but hear me out. When I’m traveling with other people around (on a plane or on a train), the idea that people could be looking at me while I’m sleeping freaks me out. This hood lets me hide a bit more. Pair it with a facemask and some noise-canceling headphones, and I’m basically invisible.
A Sleep Mask
Talk about a good segue. People who can automatically fall asleep on planes, trains, and in cars are a special breed and I envy them. I can’t do that. I need some help. A sleep mask does that—specifically, this one from MZOO. I’ll admit that it’s taken me some time to get used to opening my eyes and seeing absolutely nothing, but it does help me get some much-needed sleep, which pays dividends down the road. No pun intended.
Noise-canceling Headphones
Back-to-back segues are what my dreams are made of. A pair of good noise-canceling headphones is an absolute must for me. Seriously. I’ll miss my flight if I don’t have them. There are a lot of ways you can go with noise-canceling headphones, but I’d strongly encourage—finances permitting—opting for a higher-end pair. They can be expensive, but they’re totally worth it. I have the Bose – QuietComfort 45 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-the-Ear Headphones. Note the “over-the-ear” part. There are other options, such as Apple Airpods, that offer noise-canceling, but I find completely surrounding my ears really helps.
Pro Tip: Look for the previous model. Companies like Bose are constantly updating their products and releasing more expensive versions. When it does, the previous models almost always go on sale.
A Meditation App Subscription
I’m a fan of Headspace, but there’s a long list of meditation apps available. They all pretty much do the same thing, albeit in different ways. Headspace, for example, is known for its guided meditations, which I find particularly helpful since I’ve struggled sitting through sessions in the past. Calm is another popular option.
A Fidget Toy or Stress Ball
Fidget toys aren’t as popular as they were a few years ago—remember fidget spinners?—but they’re still worth their weight in gold. I have a few. My favorite is this worry stone. I also usually have a stress ball on me, which I find particularly helpful when writing. I find both of these offer a great alternative to anxious habits, like nail biting. And the best part is that they’re almost always affordable. (I said most of the time. This fidget spinner costs roughly $17,000.)
Some Comfy Clothes
For better or worse, I have a travel uniform. It consists of a hoodie, pair of sweatpants, and a pair of shoes that I can slip on and off in a matter of seconds. Not only is this getup comfortable, but it also makes going through airport security a breeze. I love Under Armour’s sweatpants, but you can’t go wrong with anything from Uniqlo. I’d argue it offers the best bang for your buck. That said, if you’re looking to splurge, take a look at Reigning Champ.
A Coloring Book
Who doesn’t like to color? If you Google “coloring books for adults,” you’ll get billions of websites offering thousands upon thousands of options from which to choose. Want to get them a coloring book with a mindfulness twist? Here you go. Want one to remind them of nature? They’re available, too. How about one that’ll make them laugh? You got it (beware, these are definitely for adults). Coloring books are an affordable option that can eat into a lot of time on the road while also providing some much-needed relaxation.
A Good Book
If all else fails, opt for a book. It could be your favorite book, one from an author you know they like, or something about the place they’re going to visit. Here is a list of some of my favorites to inspire your search.
What other relaxing gift ideas can you think of? Leave a comment below.