Pricey and budget versions of five popular travel-related gifts: mini crossbody bag, travel robe, laptop backpack, travel scarf, and black leggings.
The holidays are coming! Many of you have asked for more Steal vs. Splurge posts; here are the latest five popular travel-related gifts: mini crossbody bag, travel robe, laptop backpack, travel scarf, and black leggings.
1. Mini Crossbody Bag
Steal ($31): I have two favorites here, both for the same price.
First, the small but mighty Travelon Anti-Theft Metro convertible small crossbody bag protects your valuables safe so you can focus on exploring a new city. The bag features a main locking zippered compartment with a zippered wall pocket, four RFID-protected card slots, RFID passport pocket, a rear pocket for your phone, and a tethered key clip with LED light. Slash-resistant body panels and strap enhance its security and its shoulder strap can be attached to your chair or other stationary object to thwart a grab-and-go thief. Navy, gray, or black.
Second, the MALI+LILI Josie triple-compartment crossbody bag. It’s my go-to bag when I’m traveling and just want to carry the essentials. (It’s smaller than the Travelon, but has the convenience of three zippered pockets, which means I don’t worry about my wallet falling out when I retrieve my phone or sunnies, and vice versa.) It comes in eight good neutrals:
It also just made the list of Oprah’s Favorite Things. OPRAH, I FOUND IT FIRST.
Splurge ($135): This lightweight and compact leather Metro Crossbody by MZ Wallace has beautiful quilting, an adjustable strap, external pocket, and holds everything you need for a day walking tour. Black, navy, and a very cool metallic.
2. Travel Robe
Steal ($11): I hate no having a robe at a hotel or Airbnb; unless you are staying at someplace swank, it is definitely BYOR. This short satin tie-front bathrobe takes up zero space in your carry-on or suitcase and can double as a cover-up when you are heading to the hotel pool for a quick dip. At home, it’s perfect for lounging or throwing on when getting ready for a night on the town (background jazz optional). Eleven colors (Burgundy! Royal blue! Purple! Mint!) are a plus.
Splurge ($179): The LilySilk short robe is made of real silk, with three-quarter sleeves, banded cuffs, and matching belt. Nine colors. The ultimate when you want to travel in style.
3. Laptop Backpack
Steal ($38): Matein’s laptop backpack is a sturdy multi-functional backpack that’s great for travel, school, or work. It comes with lots of compartments, padded carry handle and straps, an external USB port, and pass-through luggage strap, and is available in seven colors (including a cool blue camo). There’s an expandable version in black for the same price, plus a larger model that can carry 17” laptops.
Splurge ($174) The Incase ICON laptop backpack is an organized traveler’s dream. Made out of 840D ballistic nylon, the backpack has three large dedicated compartments for your laptop, tablet, and phone, plus plenty of pockets for organizing extra accessories, plus easy-to-access side pockets. The laptop compartment is fully padded and faux-fur lined for optimal protection and the tablet pocket has side access.
4. Travel Scarf
Steal ($38): If you get chilly on flights or road trips (or curled up in your fave reading chair), consider the HappyLuxe Travel Wrap. Made from sustainable beechwood, this scarf is machine-washable; the “Eco-Cashmere” feels like the real thing: fuzzy and soft.
Splurge ($268): For ultimate luxury, consider White + Warren’s cashmere travel wrap. Made from real 2-ply cashmere, this large scarf is ultra-soft and holds up well. Note: you made need to break out the link roller the first few times you wear it!
4. Black Leggings
Steal ($10-$14): These SATINA high-waisted leggings are made of super-stretchy, soft peachskin fabric, and are moisture-wicking and machine-washable. They can do double duty as a pair of tights or worn on their own and come in 25(!) colors.
Splurge ($118): Tried-and-true Lululemon Wunder Lounge high-rise tights are many travelers’ go-to travel uniform. The leggings feature a looser fit and are made of four-way soft, stretchy velvet. Available in neutral, garnet, and black.
Twist’s Take: Choose to steal or splurge on these five popular travel-related gifts.
