Christmas Gift Guide: Travel Essentials

Christmas is one of those occasions when a ticket to some sunny destination or romantic week end break is one of the most popular gifts. A friend of mine received from her husband a new trolley for example, and inside there was a flight ticket to London for the New Year, getaway planned with my help. So I have found some gifts that can be attached to a flight ticket.

First thing when planning a trip is a good suitcase. Away Travel has got a great range in sizes and colours  to please anyone, with up to 18 colours for some models and among them few Limited Edition ones. Also you can personalise the suitcase with initials to spot  it straightaway on the concourse. Slip inside a flight ticket and you won't regret your choice and it will be the best gift ever. www.awaytravel.com

A pair of cashmere socks will be perfect for a long haul flight and these Bliss socks from Figleaves are available in grey or pale blue. Wrap them together with the ticket flight or slip it inside one of the socks for more surprise effect. www.figleaves.com

The Amy 3 in 1 bag by Victoria Green is a clever little essential to pack things neatly for a getaway. These bags are detachable  and one is a  TSA compliant clear bag  for the airport security to store your liquids. On the other two anything can be put, from make up, travel documents and small bits and pieces that generally are lost inside bags when travelling. In one of the two patterned bag slip the flight ticket and  enjoy. www.victoriagreen.com

This gorgeous luxury backpack in leather is the Lorenzo by Tumi and it is a gift on itself already. But slip inside a flight ticket or a Eurostar ticket to Paris for an unforgettable Christmas. I like the diagonal zip, it will be perfect for keeping your hands free while checking in at airports and stations. Once back in town the laptop pocket will make it for a perfect commute back pack. www.uk.tumi.com

A pillow neck is essential when travelling, even by car, so if your gift comprises of a nice week end in some countryside resort, as well as an international journey, head to Next where you can find this set by Radley  with the pillow neck and the eye mask in the Vintage Dog Dot print. Both eye mask and pillow are made of 100% cotton. www.next.co.uk

Given that airport security is very thight when liquid are concerned go to Holland & Barrett and look for the Ethique brand specialised in beauty bars. Stock on body, face and hair bars for a sustainable beauty essential pack and add the ticket to some  amazing part of the world. You will be quick to board your flight and also no bottles in your suitcase. www.hollandandbarrett.com

An eye mask is another of those travel essentials that you can't miss. Slip at Anthropologie sells this soft silk eye mask made from mulberry silk it is hypoallergenic and that specific kind of silk protects delicate skin and hair. Available also in plain pink, nude, black or cream. www.anthropologie.com

When travelling we need sturdy cases to protect our belongings but also they have to be easy to manoeuvre and comfortable when holding them. This Thule Revolve Spinner case is available in different sizes from cabin luggage to checked in ones and you can have it in navy, grey or black. It is made of 100% polycarbonate and a rigid frame to protect it. Different from many brands the oversized rear wheels for maximum easiness of gliding through all the pavements. www.thule.com

While flying the air con is always one of those things that annoys me. Also not all the airlines have a decent blanket, let alone the  low cost airlines. So a nice blanket would be the perfect gift  and Hamamingo has got a nice range of 100% cotton blanket in a herringbone pattern. Just hide the ticket in between folds for that magic moment to immortalise on a picture. Once back from your trip, the blanket is always a nice addition on your sofa to feel cosy and relaxed. www.hamamingo.com

If you are planning a trip to some sunny place, doesn't have to be right now, but even thinking of your summer holidays already, hide the ticket  together with a nice piece of swimwear. This Tiki Bar bikini by Freya Swimwear  has got padded cup  that goes from 30C to 38G for the bandeau style. The floral pattern is bright and  with an Hawaiian feel. It is available also in a sweetheart neckline style or bralette style and the briefs also tie side, high waist and fold.With the same pattern
a tankini top is available to match one of the briefs. www.freyalingerie.com

A bumbag is one of those things that comes very handy when travelling because you have all the essentials like documents, money, phone and boarding card at ready without  rummaging in a bag to look for that specific item.  This eco conscious Tetric bumbag by pinqponq has got a main compartment, two front pockets, and it is made of recycled PET bottles with a water based PU coating, and a PFC free water and stain repellent. www.pinqponq.com

*Online Exclusive* With this beautiful Opalyne set by Ted Baker you don't even need to go to the shop and traipse the high street with a bulky parcel, because it is an online exclusive. It is available in three sizes: large, medium and small as well as a vanity case. I love the rose gold details and the fact that it has top and side handles. www.tedbaker.com