These gifts will enhance the travelling experience

Gadgets, comfort items wise choices

What’s in your bag when NEW YO R K you take a trip? What gadgets, tools and comfort items are essential?

The Associated Press crowdsourced that question on a Facebook thread as fodder for a holiday gift guide for travellers.

We heard from folks around the world, from millennials to retirees, from frequent-flying business travellers to once-in-a-while vacationers.

Here are some of their recommendations, plus a few of our favourites:

GADGETS

A universal travel adapter that converts electric current around the world. The travel store Flight 001 has a “5-in-1” colour-coded adapter ($46.73, Nordstrom; or US$35, flight001.com).

Portable chargers to keep devices running on the road. Anker’s PowerCore 26800 ($69.99, amazon.ca) can charge an iPhone more than six times. For hikers and beach bums, Anker’s PowerPort Solar Lite, ($114.55, amazon.ca), was deemed the best solar charger by The New York Times’ Wirecutter product-testing company.

The Tile ($ 44.99, Best Buy Canada) can keep track of belongings. Attach the Tile to an object like keys or bags, or tuck it inside a passport case or wallet, and you can locate the item with Bluetooth technology. For outdoor gear, try Tile Sport.

Tiny Bluetooth speakers, like the Oontz ($28, amazon.ca), can fill a hotel room or vacation rental with music.

PACKING AND LUGGAGE

Packing cubes and ultralight nylon packing bags for organizing. Flight 001’s Spacepak bags ($46 and up, amazon.ca) have dual compartments to separate dirty and clean clothes, and also have air vents for compression.

Hand-held scale for weighing bags.

Colourful luggage tags.

SLEEP

Travel pillow. The new trtl travel pillow looks like a neck wrap rather than the traditional U-shape. It supports the head and neck with a system of ribs inside a soft fleece. ($47.95, trtltravel.com; or $43.59, amazon.ca)

Ear plugs and contoured sleep masks that don’t crush eyelids and lashes.

Bose noise- cancelling headphones: expensive at around (from $329.99, bose.ca), but the brand of choice for frequent flyers.

COMFORT, HYGIENE, BEAUTY AND FITNESS

Travel- size toiletries: toothpaste, sunscreen, deodorant, mouthwash, lotion, antibacterial wipes, hand sanitizer, lip balm, perfume, tissues.

Toiletry bag that can be hung up upon arrival.

Tennis ball-size T Spheres, aromatherapy-massage balls, can be heated or frozen (US$35, tspheres.com) Travel yoga mats.

PRACTICAL AND FUN

Rain ponchos that fold into tiny flat squares. Disposable underwear. Pashmina or cotton print scarf, for warmth, modesty or even as a picnic or beach blanket.

GIFT CARD, ETC.

Surprise someone in a destination with a bottle of Champagne or flowers in their room, helicopter tour, dinner cruise, show tickets or attractions pass. Priority Pass membership for airport lounges.