With the holidays fast approaching, it's time to start planning for a few festive events for the whole family to enjoy. One of the coolest ways to spend Christmas in Florida takes place on one of racing's biggest stages — Daytona International Speedway. Gather your friends and family and pile into your car to experience the unforgettable Daytona International Speedway lights.
Back for another festive year, Daytona International Speedway will transform into a magical holiday wonderland for the Magic of Lights display. Beginning November 22nd and running until January 4th, 2025, guests will be able to drive through the acclaimed track and enjoy millions of holiday decorations, lights, and magic.
Daytona International Speedway is home to some of the biggest sporting events in the world and this is a last hurrah to these seats. These seats have witnessed history, and will be removed this year to give way to the Daytona “Rising Project”.
Open every day from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., with the exception of holiday hours, visitors can use their own vehicle to drive through the display slowly, enjoying all the beauty of the holidays. Even if you’ve participated in this event years prior, there are always new things to see and experience that will make the adventure worthwhile. This may be one of our favorite ways to spend Christmas in Florida.
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Take selfies in the holiday tunnel, plus indulge in some refreshments and snacks along the route. With a long list of displays featured, plus millions of lights, you’ll enjoy quite the holiday route. Magic of Lights Daytona Speedway is sure to leave you impressed. Ticket prices range per vehicle, but they are in the ballpark of $30-$35 for a standard vehicle, or $50-$55 for a limo/bus. Prices will vary depending on the day you visit.
This is a photo of the Panepistimiou avenue in the center of Athens, during Christmas when it is decorated with loads of Christmas lights.
Enjoy the beauty of millions of lights as they dance and dazzle along Daytona International Speedway. Is there any better way to spend Christmas in Florida?
For more information about Christmas at Daytona Speedway, visit the Magic of Lights Daytona Speedway website or the Magic of Lights Facebook page. You can purchase tickets directly through the website. We recommend you take a look at all ticket options as some may be better suited for your party.
Have you been to Magic of Lights in Florida before? What do you think are the best Christmas lights in Florida? Let us know in the comments. For even more holiday magic, tackle this Christmas light road trip in Florida. Just don't forget the best road trip snacks!
Christmas tree decorates North Straub Park in downtown Saint Petersburg, Florida, a city located on Tampa Bay on the west coast of Florida.
Florida is one of those unique states with experiences unlike anywhere else in our country. From pristine beaches to one-of-a-kind attractions, we all know just how special this state really is. When it comes to winter in Florida, though, it never got on board with the cold weather so to experience your typical seasonal activities it’s bound to look a lot different than the rest of the country. That’s okay because while everyone else freezes we get to enjoy our paradise with some amazing events, activities, and places to stay. So here is your guide to some of the best things to do in winter in Florida.
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Holiday Events In Florida
Although you won't find much snow in the forecast Floridians have long ditched the idea of a white Christmas and instead made up for it in spirit. The Christmas time events are second to none up and down our lovely state. You won’t miss the cold when you dive into these phenomenal and fun things to do in winter Florida.
1. Ice!, Kissimmee
Location: Gaylord Palms, Kissimmee
Popularity: Popular
Price: Prices differ per day. Check the website for details.
Ice! is an incredible event in which massive and interactive ice sculptures can be seen. at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center. Fully immerse yourself into the impressive design throughout the building, set to a fridged 9 degrees. Grab a complimentary blue parka to stay warm and witness the annual event known as Ice! Each year is themed after a popular Christmas classic and each new scene will depict big moments throughout the movie. Children and adults alike will be astounded by this impressive art display and it is a great option when looking for fun family-friendly winter attractions in Florida. You may even want to take a Florida winter vacation by booking a stay at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center.
2. Holiday Lighted Boat Parade, Tampa
Location: Tampa
Popularity: Popular
Price: Free
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Christmas time in Florida is already very different from the rest of the country so why not embrace the holiday season in the most “Florida” way yet? That’s right — every year in Tampa you can see a boat parade with vessels decked out for the occasion. Not only is the event fun and family-friendly for all to see it is also a competition so you should expect to see big and amazing displays. The Holiday Lighted Boat Parade is a great way to gather and celebrate the holiday season all while holding true to what makes us truly Floridians.
3. Enchant, St. Petersburg
Location: Tropicana Field, St.Petersburg
Popularity: Popular
Editor's Note: Enchant is not scheduled for St. Petersburg for the 2024 season. Check the Enchant website to see this year's locations.
When it comes to Christmas events this might be the best one ever. Baseball season is over and Tropicana Field gets taken over by all things sparkly. This place is decorated Throughout the holiday season in the most elaborate and magical display of Christmas Spirit. Every inch is shimmering with glittering lights to immerse guests in a truly enchanting and magical atmosphere. Glide across the skate trail, work your way around the light maze, hang out in the village, visit with Santa, and so much more. Make some family memories this year and spend Christmas at this absolutely mind-blowing event called Enchant.
4. Magic of Lights, Daytona
Location: Daytona Speedway, Daytona
Popularity: Popular
Price: $18.50 Santa Saver Discount purchased online in advance. $40 Standard Vehicle Dash Pass which allows you to skip the entry line.
The Daytona Speedway is synonymous with the most epic races in the entire world. For this Christmas event however, you won’t feel the rumble of cars and the roar of the crowd, no things take a much slower pace around the holidays. Magic Lights is a marvelous event that has guests driving through lit-up tunnels and witnessing millions of lights. Drive the 1.5-mile-long course and see some of the most interesting and elaborate light displays around. This is one of the most festive and exciting Florida winter activities that the entire family can enjoy.
5. Winterfest, Pensacola
Location: Downtown Pensacola
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Popularity: Popular
Price: Various tours are available ranging from $10-$50.
You might not experience real snow in Florida so we have to just make it ourselves when we want to experience a winter wonderland. That is what you will find downtown Pensacola for Winterfest. The whole holiday season is full of fun events ranging from theatrical performances to magical train rides. The downtown area is transformed to look like something plucked right from the North Pole. While the snow is flying, and you sip hot chocolate, you might forget altogether that you are even still in Florida. Better yet, a new attraction has been added in 2024 — The Chase the Grinch on His Christmas Tree Heist. Question is, will you be able to catch him? Get your tickets and find out!
Christmas Towns In Florida
Christmas decorations are a big deal in Florida. One of my favorite things to do around the holidays is to take a road trip to these little magical towns to walk around and see all of the sparkling lights. 3 towns, in particular, shine brighter during the holiday season so when you are looking for cheap things to do in Florida in winter, check out these Christmas towns and you’ll fall in love due to their undeniable charm.
6. St. Augustine
City Hall and The Lightner Museum illuminated for the annual Nights Of Lights , St. Augustine, Florida, USA.
Location: St.Augustine
Popularity: Popular
Price: Free
St. Augustine is known as the oldest city in America and that historical charm is found everywhere within the city limits. All year long the astonishing architecture, unique shops, and fascinating history make this a wonderful place to visit. Now take all of that charm and blanket it with millions of twinkling lights. The whole place is transformed into an enchanted Christmas wonderland. They call the event Nights of Lights and throughout the entirety of the holiday season, there are fun events to join in on or just simply walk around looking at the lights which is always a fantastic time.
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7. New Smyrna Beach
Location: New Smyrna Beach
Popularity: Popular
Price: Free
To have a great Christmas town you need to deck out the whole place in beautiful holiday lights and embrace the season fully with fun events. That is what you will find in New Smyrna Beach. This place is decorated and fills November and December with holiday shopping, special markets, a parade, a boat parade, and more! When you are looking for fun things to do in Florida in winter head on over to Canal Street for a plethora of holiday joy.
8. Captiva Island
sanibel island florida santa hat pelican
Location: Captiva Island
Popularity: Popular
Price: Free
What better way to experience the holidays than on an island? It is Florida after all, so this is the perfect place to find holiday cheer. Captiva Island is guaranteed to make you feel warm inside, and not just because of the warm Florida sun. With holiday decor displayed in storefront windows, lit-up palm trees, and Christmas trees set the atmosphere. Fill your holiday calendar with several Christmas events throughout the season and be immersed in this small town and charming island. And perhaps a Florida winter beach vacation will be necessary here, especially after the holidays.
Outdoor Activities
Although it might seem like an oxymoron to have Florida winter activities there are actually plenty of them throughout the state. Surviving winter in Florida isn’t hard but certain activities can only take place in the colder months. You might have to deal with a couple more snowbirds and normal outdoor activities you would typically find in the north have to be indoors, but there are amazing things to do in the state nonetheless.
Location: All up and down the coast, seriously there are over 900 miles of beaches.
Popularity: Not busy to very popular
Price: The price for parking will vary some beaches are free while others have a fee.
The summer in Florida just gets way too hot to visit the beach, so the winter is the perfect time for a little fun in the sun. There are tons of beaches all up and down the state's coast with lots of great spots. Play in the pristine white sand, splash in the waves, or just work on your tan, no matter how you like to stay beaches in Florida in the winter are the best. I’m a big fan of the Gulf Coast so my personal favorites are Fort Desoto, Pass-A-Grille, and Clearwater Beach, and I would highly recommend them all. Find your favorite spot and enjoy the warmth even if the calendar says it's supposed to be cold. Isn’t Florida the greatest?
10. See Christmas Lights
This is a horizontal, color photograph at night of a palm tree decorated Christmas lights in Surfside, a Miami town during the Florida winter and holiday season. Photographed with a Nikon D800 DSLR camera.
Location: Various neighborhoods, state parks, and gardens.
Popularity: Not busy to very popular
Price: Most of these can be done for free.
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I have always been blown away by how Florida decorates for Christmas. In my travels across the USA, I still have yet to find a place that celebrates quite like the Sunshine State. So when it comes to winter activities search out some Christmas lights. Take a drive down neighborhoods and visit elaborate decor in various gardens and parks across the state. Lots of these places are perfect for parking your car and just strolling through at a slow pace taking in the twinkling lights. One of my favorites growing up was Candy Cane Lane so pick several during the holidays and enjoy synronized lights, flashing displays, and massive opulent designs. Theme parks get in on the fun too, head on over to Orlando and witness a magical display at Walt Disney World.
11. Kendall Ice Arena, Miami
Location: Miami
Popularity: Not very busy
Price: Bring your own skates: $13 Rental plus free skate: $16
Ice Skating is a classic winter activity loved by so many people and in the Sunshine State, you just have to take the fun indoors. Kendall Ice Arena is located in Miami and is the perfect place to get on the ice year-round. There is certainly something special about skating in the winter and at this arena, they offer free skate almost every day. Keep an eye on their calendar because they often have DJ-led skate nights, teen nights, and so much more to fully take advantage of this chilly sport.
12. Blue Spring State Park, Orange City
A baby manatee swims along side of its mother through the clear blue freshwater spring
Location: Orange City
Popularity: Not very busy
Price: $6 per vehicle
This popular hot spring state park is often seen as a reprieve from the hot summer sun in Florida but in the winter something magical happens. Hundreds of manatees seeking consistently warm water find their way from the ocean to this state park. Guests can walk the boardwalk trail and see literally hundreds of these gentle giants floating around. This is certainly a unique experience and one that can really only be experienced like this in Florida. So if you are looking for some fun things to do in the winter this unexpected surprise should be high on your list. As a bonus, the Crystal River is also a great place to see these lovable sea cows.
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13. Snowcat Ridge, Dade City
Location: Dade City
Popularity: Popular
Price: $24.95+. Prices vary depending on which ticket you purchase (Ticket sales are $5 cheaper online).
Forget the sunshine, kayaking, alligators, and beaches Florida is famous for, and fully embrace the winter with the state's only alpine snow park. Snowcat Ridge offers a plethora of activities all revolving around the colder months. Go tubing down the massive 400-foot Snowy Slopes equipped with LEDs for nightly music and dancing lights. Go down single lanes or gather your family for a wild 10-person ride. Snowcat Ridge is your go-to destination for all things winter from the quaint Alpine Village to the private igloo rentals. Spend the day ice skating, playing in the snow, making smores, and so much more at this one-of-a-kind attraction.
Winter Getaways
From beachfront getaways to themed and glorious resorts Florida certainly has alot of unique places to stay. If you come from out of state to visit Florida you may be surprised to know there is more to do than chase down gators in the Everglades National Park in an airboat, although that can be fun too. When it comes to winter getaways there are also lots of varieties so we hand-picked a couple of classic fits for the wintertime. So if you just want to get away from it all for a whole week filled with family fun this is a great place to start.
14. Gaylord Palms, Kissimmee
Location: Kissimmee
Popularity: Very Popular
Price: $273-$469
When it comes to Christmas trips this has to be one of the greatest in central Florida. Gaylord Palms is a massive resort with a paradise awaiting you inside with tons of water activities. During the holidays the whole place is decorated with some of the most amazing Christmas lights and decorations around. This is also the location of the incredible annual Ice! event where you can walk among massive ice sculptures themed on classic Christmas movies. If you want to spend the holidays away then Gaylord Palms is one of the number one places to do it.
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15. The Gasparilla Inn & Club, Boca Grande
Location: Boca Grande
Popularity: Popular
Price: There are many different rooms and accommodations so rates will vary.
I was visiting family one time and we took a trip to Boca Grande; I had never been before but was blown away. If you are dreaming of a pristine paradise with glistening white sands and clear blue water this is the place for you. Up-scale only begins to describe this little island so when you want to experience a fancy winter stay this is your best bet. If you happen to be looking for romantic things to do in Florida in winter a stay at this inn will be perfect. The Gasparilla Inn also features a special event during Christmas time called the 12 Days of Christmas where every day features a new theme filled with fun activities.
16. Garden Key, Dry Tortugas
Seaplane photography in the Dry Tortugas
Location: Dry Tortugas
Popularity: Very Popular
Price: Park entrance and ferry ride: $15, Campsite: $30.
Sometimes when you want to escape the cold winter months going on a tropical island is one of the best things to do. How about an island that is also a national park? Dry Tortugas is one of the most unique ways to spend a weekend getaway and won't break the bank. Take a ferry ride from Key West to a bucket list park for an amazing getaway. Spend the day snorkeling among the coral, exploring the old fort, then at night rest under the most incredible blanket of stars you have ever seen. Tent camping will certainly be primitive but remove all the distractions of modern life and you can really get away from it all here in Florida.
Thank you for joining us as we take you through some of the best things to do in Florida in winter. I hope this list inspires you to look at the Sunshine State just a little bit differently during the colder months. One thing is always true there is not a single state quite like Florida and we are truly blessed to have this tropical paradise all to ourselves.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
