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Travel doesn’t seem like much fun right now.
Or necessary. But we understand that many people (us included) are used to taking time off and hitting other cities or countries at this time of year. Or even visiting family … which, again, is a really bad idea if you’re still considering it.
We can look forward to next year, or (sigh) maybe some normalcy in 2022. But until we can confidently complain about the mundane aspects of travel again (see: shrinking legroom on airlines), we’re stuck at home.
For those itchin’ to see the world again, we hope these 15 books, experiences, gadgets and travel-oriented gifts will help you (or your giftee) remember the good times … when you were stuck in seat 15B in Basic Economy.
Behind the Bar
Subtitled “50 Cocktail Recipes from the World’s Most Iconic Hotels,” Alia Akkam’s cocktail book is the ideal home companion for all of us who miss long flights and the deserved late-night tipple that follows them.
Oculus Quest 2
The latest iteration of this virtual reality headset offers some globetrotting immersive experiences, be it extreme free solo climbing (The Climb) to apps that let you explore iconic monuments and delicate ecosystems.
The Zip Backpack
While your journeys may be short (and solo) this winter, that doesn’t mean you couldn’t use a new bag — and one that can handle a more rugged journey in style. Try this new eye-popping monochrome clamshell release from Away: It’s water-resistant, features a wraparound zip opening that gives you access to a spacious main compartment, plus plenty of front, rear, interior and hidden-access pockets.
Airportag
Throw pillow covers inspired on vintage luggage tags with airport or airline codes — made in the USA, too. The brand has some like-minded toiletry kits and travel pouches.
Local Purse by Intrepid Travel
This one may require a bit of coordination with your giftee, but Intrepid — the world’s largest certified B Corp travel company — is offering a “local” shopping experience from Dec. 8-9 featuring local Moroccan merchants and artisans selling rugs and spices from their hometowns. You can also buy some of the wares in advance and get free worldwide shipping.
Good + Well Supply Co. Zion National Park Candle
Smell is just as important as any of the other senses when it comes to experience. These candles are “inspired by the scentscapes” of America’s national parks — this one features notes of desert lavender, sage, and dried herbs.
GOSS
A worldly 12-piece collection of sportswear and assorted gear, with fabrics sourced from mills in Italy and Japan and then made by hand in New York. It’s chic stuff, and the inspiration is all travel-related: The Lava pieces are a nod to landscapes in Northern Chile, while the knits are inspired by coastal Italy.
Mimeo Photos
Personalized ornaments, cards, photo books, wall decor and, most importantly for these times, puzzles that utilize your travel pics.
Accidentally Wes Anderson
A photo tome on real-life quirky and memorable places that seem plucked straight out of a, well, Wes Anderson film … and based on a real-life Instagram account.
Goldbelly
Babka from Brooklyn. Shrimp and grits from New Orleans. A Momofuku dinner for four. These are classic dishes, ingredients and full meals from your favorite restaurants around the country.
Travel by Design
See the wonders of the world in a different light with this unique photo book, where pics from around the globe are sourced from 150 of America’s top architects and designers — and the destinations within are enhanced by insider picks for hotels, hidden shopping meccas and must-see monuments.
Watch with Whisky
The Scottish travel company Away From the Ordinary pivoted to virtual experiences earlier this year — they’ll now send you either a Scotch and cheese tasting kit or curate whiskies to a specific, Scotland-set film (they also host virtual whisky tastings).
Universal Yums
Sweet and salty snacks from a different country are delivered each month in this subscription service, along with a booklet that “guides your adventure with trivia, recipes and other surprises.”
Get Your Guide
Start planning for your 2021 (uh, maybe 2022) travels with this online booking site, which allows you to reserve tickets in advance for sightseeing tours, activities and attractions around the world … and, most importantly, lets you cancel with a full refund up to 24 hours beforehand.
Angelina Paris
Tea and hot chocolate in Paris? Not anytime soon — although the famed, nearly 120-year old patisserie Angelina Paris did just open an outlet in New York. If you can’t make it to either city, grab these French delicacies via the shop’s online store.
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