Take a special camping trip to Anchor Bay Campground. This six-acre campground on the Mendocino coast is privately owned and on a beautiful piece of land. Situated on a narrow gulch surrounded by native redwood trees, ferns, and coastal flora, the campground opens up to a secluded half-mile-long beach known as Anchor Bay Beach. It's a popular destination, especially during weekends, summer, and holidays, attracting visitors seeking a peaceful and family-oriented retreat. Anchor Bay is located on the vast Northern California coast, nestled in between tiny communities. To give you an idea of just how secluded this campground is, Anchor Bay is an hour south of the town of Mendocino and about 10 minutes north of the tranquil Sea Ranch community. We think this just might be one of the best campgrounds in Gualala in Northern California!
The campground is approximately a 3-hour drive from San Francisco. It offers 30 overnight camping sites, with 5 located in the redwoods and 25 in the main campground.
Each site can accommodate tents. Amenities include water hookups, picnic tables, and fire pits. Some sites also have electricity and sewer hookups. The campground also provides restrooms with flush toilets, hot and cold-water sinks, and coin-operated showers.
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Outdoor enthusiasts love this campground! Anchor Bay is a favorite spot for fishermen, beachcombers, divers, and hikers. The area offers opportunities to explore marine life during low tide, making it an ideal destination to go tide-pooling.
It’s also a great place to go crabbing and fishing! After a successful fishing trip, take your catch to the fish house to clean it. Then you can cook your catch over a fire. The campground store sells bait, ice, firewood and more!
Overlooking the campground and beach is Anchor Bay Village, accessible via a short trail. The village features essential amenities for campers, including the Anchor Bay Store (an organic-based grocery store), The White Cap Cafe (a local favorite offering coffee and pastries), and The Thai Kitchen restaurant.
Other services in the village include a coin-operated laundromat, a yoga studio, a hair salon, and a massage therapist.
The history of the area dates back to the turn of the century when Fish Rock Gulch was a hub for shipping and trade. The region's rugged terrain and lack of natural harbors made sea access crucial for the timber industry.
Schooners and small, rural ports played a vital role in transporting lumber and other goods from the coast to growing California cities. Fish Rock was one such town that thrived during this era, with the last ship using the Fish Rock chute in 1914.
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In 1924, Anchor Bay began to take shape as a tourist destination. W. S. Pierce, caretaker of the Anchor Bay Store, moved the store to the south side of Fish Rock Gulch, initiating the development of Anchor Bay as a commercial and camping site.
The completion of the coast road in the late 1920s facilitated tourism to the area, and Anchor Bay gradually expanded to include various facilities such as rental cabins, a restaurant, a gas station, and a dance hall.
Today, Anchor Bay Campground continues to offer a unique coastal experience, blending natural beauty with a rich history.
Visitors can enjoy a peaceful getaway surrounded by redwoods and the soothing sounds of the Pacific Ocean. For those interested in planning a stay, reservations can be made by calling the number on their website. Peak season is March 1 to Oct. 31, and off-peak season is Nov. 1 to Feb. 28.
So plan a trip to Anchor Bay Campground in Gualala, one of the best campgrounds in Northern California. You won't forget this beautiful campground with so many amenities, a private beach, and dark night skies.
There is so much to explore in Northern California. Whether you want to take a day trip, a weekend trip, or an extended vacation, we have some travel inspiration for you. This list includes mostly out-of-the-way places so you can get away from it all. But we know you may not have all the time in the world to drive to out-of-the-way places, so a few places on this list are easy to get to but feel remote. All together, we present to you our amazing bucket list of 12 getaways in Northern California sure to delight and inspire!
Sierraville is often overlooked for one of the other nearby towns of Truckee, Graeagle, or Downieville. There is not much of a downtown, but you will find a gas station, a coffee shop, and hotels. The first thing you might notice about this bucolic area is all the old barns that dot the yellow fields.
The area has many activities for visitors who want to escape the hustle and bustle. One of the big attractions in the area is the Sierra Hot Springs. The hot springs are clothing-optional, but the resort has strict rules regarding conduct to help ensure safety and comfort for all guests. Smartphone use is banned in the pool areas. Imagine soaking in a hot spring that overlooks a vast valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
If you want a quieter stay, check out this quaint one-bedroom apartment located in the downtown area.
The rental sleeps up to four people. It is fully ADA-accessible and makes an excellent home base from which to explore the area. Perhaps this is one of the best places to stay in Northern California!
Take in nature with a hike on the Cottonwood Creek Trail. This easy two-and-a-half-mile trail starts at the Cottonwood Creek Campground and winds through the Tahoe National Forest. Parts of this trail are uphill but overall it is an easy hike. Dogs are welcome on the trail but must be on a leash. You’ll enjoy the Sierra Valley Barn Quilt Trail if you're a cyclist. This map will guide you all over the Sierra County area to see the old barns decorated with quilts. The barn quilt patterns honor the valley’s Swiss-Italian heritage and also make for some beautiful photographs.
Located about an hour and a half north of San Francisco, Tomales Bay is a great place to enjoy fresh seafood and beautiful scenery. Tomales Bay is known for several things, but mostly it is known for oysters. Arrange an oyster shucking experience with one of the Tomales Bay oyster farms. This is a fun group activity! The bay is about 15 miles long and one mile wide. It’s a great spot to kayak and go Stand-Up Paddleboarding.
Just a 30-minute drive from Tomales Bay is Point Reyes National Seashore, where you can walk through the famous Cypress Tree Tunnel and take in breathtaking views of the ocean. This area has so many different landscapes!
The surrounding hills are home to dairy farms, making the Tomales Bay area a good place to taste local cheeses, too. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or traveling with a group, there are many beautiful VRBO rentals in the area. We love this VRBO home with a view of Tomales Bay and Elephant Mountain. The house sleeps six people and each room has a bay view.
3. Samoa
We bet you haven’t heard of Samoa. Samoa is a small area located on a peninsula in Humboldt Bay. It’s a sleepy area with a lot of history. It is a small area to explore, with a beach, dunes, historic buildings, plus a famous eatery.
And that is the Samoa Cookhouse. Built in 1893, it originally served lumber workers in the area. At the time, all logging communities had a cookhouse; today the Samoa Cookhouse (open seasonally) is the only one remaining.
The restaurant is still open to the public and even has a museum with tools from logging and mill operations. The history of this restaurant is fascinating! This all-you-can-eat restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
There is also a lot of nature to see in Samoa. Walk around the Samoa Dunes and Wetlands, explore the Samoa Dunes Recreation Area, and relax on Samoa Beach.
Another spot to check out is the Timber Heritage Association, a rail museum that tells of timber history in the area and its connection with the Northern California rail system. And don’t forget to check out the North Jetty for some beautiful photo opportunities of waves crashing onto the rocks. Want some action in your day? See if the Samoa Drag Strip has any upcoming races. If you want more than a day in Samoa, check out this beautiful VRBO rental near the Samoa Dunes. It comes with a hot tub, and outdoor shower, and is pet-friendly (for an additional fee).
With more than 16 square miles of towering redwoods and trails, this park is unlike any other in the world and one of the most magical vacation destinations in Northern California. Located next to Crescent City, the northernmost beach town in California, this park is great for hiking, camping, and enjoying all the Smith River has to offer. Fun fact: the Smith River is one of the cleanest rivers in the United States. This incredible park feels prehistoric and is a must-see sight. There are 17 different hiking trails in the park.
...check out this VRBO with views of the Smith River. Located in Hiouchi, just outside the park, this house sleeps 14, so make it a group trip. The hosts live locally and are happy to provide suggestions for things to do.
5. Etna
This tiny town buried in Scott Valley in the northernmost part of California feels far away from it all. For such a small population (around 680), this little town has a lot going on. Check out the Denny Bar Company, a distillery and restaurant that serves homemade spirits and food. The restaurant and distillery are housed in an old brick building constructed in 1880 when it functioned as a general store for local gold miners.
Etna is located at the base of the Marble Mountain Wilderness, where there are tons of trails and even some high-mountain lakes to explore.
This is another great town in which to stay the night!!
You can't go wrong by staying at the Historic Collier Hotel. You can rent out the hotel, which sleeps up to 14 people.
6. Quincy
Quincy was founded during the California Gold Rush but previously was the ancestral land of the Maidu people. The town has a ton of beautiful Victorian architecture. Learn more about the town’s history with this self-guided walking tour map.
Immerse yourself in the area’s Gold Rush and native history at the Plumas County Museum. You’ll find dozens of exhibits, including a restored gold miner’s log cabin, a horse-drawn hearse, native baskets, and much more.
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Go shopping on Main Street, where you’ll find a toy store, several gift shops, and more! End your shopping trip with a brew from Quintopia Brewing Company. You can also enjoy hiking, biking, and snowmobiling in the nearby Plumas National Forest. Quincy experiences all four seasons — in the summer it is warm but usually not too hot; the spring and fall are very colorful; and in the winter, the town is covered in snow.
Surrounded by several small towns, Clear Lake is the perfect day trip for anyone in the Bay Area. This natural freshwater lake is located about two-and-a-half hours from San Francisco. You’ll find tons of outdoor activities in this Lake Country area.
Being just slightly northeast of wine country, you’ll find wine tours on many to-do lists for this area. If you don’t want to venture too far from the lake, there are many wineries in the Kelseyville area, on the west side of the lake.
With numerous communities surrounding the lake, there are also a lot of restaurants, places to shop, hotels, and vacation rentals, like this lakeside getaway complete with a game room, pedal boat, and fire pit.
Isleton is a small town on the Delta that hosts several festivals each year, including the popular Crawdad Festival. This small town is one of the oldest historical towns on the Delta. The area experienced a large influx of Chinese and Japanese immigrants in the 1870s. Isleton has both a historic Chinese District and a historic Japanese District. The architecture is really unlike anywhere else in California.
If you’re coming from the north, you’ll drive over the Isleton Bridge, built in 1923. This historic truss bridge is a great place to get a good view of the Sacramento River. Today, the Delta area is a great place to fish, take boat tours, and enjoy the waterfront towns and restaurants.
As for accommodations, take a look at The River House which sits right on the water!
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9. Twain Harte
This small town attracts visitors year-round. At 4,000 feet, Twain Harte is a great place to enjoy fresh mountain air and outdoor activities. Twain Harte is a census-designated place in Tuolumne County, north of Yosemite National Park. and south of Calaveras County, where the towns of Angels Camp and San Andreas are located.
Take a short hike through the woods right next to town on the Sugar Pine Railroad Grade Trail. In the summertime, enjoy Concerts in the Pine in Eproson Park in the middle of town. Have a drink and some pub food at The Rock of Twain Harte, a rustic bar and restaurant right downtown.
There are a lot of cabins in and around Twain Harte. Check out this VRBO rental on an ⅔-acre lot near downtown Twain Harte.
10. Williams
This quaint town right off Highway 5 is a great place to experience small-town life for a day or weekend. People often drive by Williams, but there is so much to do and see in the small town and surrounding nature areas.
This town is surrounded by farms, so expect to see fresh produce stands while driving around the area. Williams also attracts hunters who want to hunt large and small game in the surrounding nature areas.
Williams is home to the well-loved and highly-rated Granzella’s Restaurant. The Old World Italian restaurant has a gift shop attached to it that sells specialty items and gelato. You'll want to spend the night close to this quaint and charming town, so book a stay at a one-bedroom cottage off the I-5 in nearby Princeton.
11. Ukiah
Ukiah is the largest city in Mendocino County and has a ton to do – from wine tasting to hiking in the Redwoods to visiting a monastery. Located about two miles from Ukiah, the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas monastery is one of the first Chan Buddhist temples in the United States. On-site, you’ll find a bookstore, restaurant, and many beautiful structures.
Many Californians do not typically travel to Ukiah to taste wine – it is more out-of-the-way than the major wine-country towns. While in town, be sure to visit the RIVINO Estate Vineyards & Winery in Ukiah. And be sure to stop by the tasting room!
For a relaxing day, another great stop is the Vichy Springs Resort and Inn to soak in the hot springs. The springs are less than 10 minutes from downtown Ukiah. Inquire about their various day-use passes.
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For an overnight stay, of course, there's Vichy Springs Resort or you can opt for one of the area's vacation rentals like this Wine Country Carriage House Cottage. With its location in Wine Country, you may find it to be one of the best vacation rentals in Northern California.
12. Trinity Lake
Located in the very northern part of California, Trinity Lake is known for its many arms. Locals enjoy water skiing on this glassy lake, as well as fishing. The lake is man-made and actually one of the largest reservoirs in California. There are many beautiful campgrounds around the lake, as well as several boat ramps.
The VRBOs and hotels in this area of the state are very reasonably priced, making this perfect for a big family vacation.
Stay at this cabin in the town of Trinity Center, just one-half mile from the lake.
Don't forget, that of the lodging options shown, these are just a few of the best vacation rentals in California!
What are your favorite vacation destinations in California? Can you suggest some of the best places to stay in California? What are some other getaways in California we should add to this bucket list? Send us your suggestions through our nomination form.
For those who love hiking, you can find some great trails in and around these areas by going to the AllTrails website.
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...
