Gifts to Keep Travelers Cozy and Comfortable

By Nicola Bridges

Staying cozy and comfy in all kinds of climates can make or break the enjoyment of any trip, both on the journey -- no matter the mode of transportation -- and at your destination. Anyone who travels will love to receive these favorites as go-to travel gifts.

Danner Fleece Collection, Wild Rye: First and foremost for comfortable travels? Fleece. I'm a huge fan. A fleece top is my go-to for comfort on the road, staying warm and cozy in cold climates, or easing the chill of the evening anywhere. I have a closet full, but my current favorites are Wild Rye's Danner Fleece Collection, especially the fun and uniquely patterned blue and white of the Outer Reef design -- cute enough to wear to the bar and cozy enough to sleep in.

Full Zip Fleece Jacket, Levitate: I also love the versatility and functionality of the Full Zip Fleece zip-up jacket from Levitate. With zip-pull kangaroo pockets, it's easy to keep small valuables snug and safe. Its form-fitting design keeps you warm, and without being bulky it's easy to layer over with a vest or winter jacket.

Snowdrift Recycled Fleece Hood, Passenger: When it's so cold you need to double up to keep your noggin warm and layer over a beanie or even an activity helmet on the slopes, trails or travels in between, this fleece hood keeps your head and face extra toasty. It's made of recycled sherpa and polar fleece and features a mouth insert so you're not breathing in freezing cold air.

Polar Beanie Hat & Neck Warmer Bundle, Buff: For the option of keeping your head, neck or both cozy, you can feel good in this sustainable, eco-friendly, super-soft fleece set that provides high thermal insulation and looks cool, too, with unique all-over, stylish print designs.

Sheepskin Bluetooth Earmuffs, UGG: It's hard to think of staying cozy without UGGs coming to mind. Because I'm a fan of earmuffs but love listening to music and being able to talk on the phone hands-free, UGG's combo earmuffs and headphones are ideal for staying connected to your tunes and calls in the cold. Paired with your UGG boots, you'll stay cozy ears to toes.

MIXX StreamQ C4 Noise Cancelling Headphones: I typically work on the road and need to stay focused, and I also love listening to music, audiobooks and podcasts on the go. That makes these wireless, rechargeable, hands-free headphones with soft memory foam ear pads a comfortable powerhouse. Bonus? They feature 40 hours of battery life.

SleepPhones Effortless, SleepPhones: For people who need to lullaby themselves to sleep listening to music or white noise or prefer not wearing headphones or ear buds in the cold, these Bluetooth-enabled headphones in a soft SheepCloud fabric headband are perfect, especially when your sleep partner prefers silence and fellow plane passengers deserve quiet.

Trtl Travel Pillow, Trtl: I've tried many, many travel pillows, and this one genuinely helps me get some meaningful shuteye on red-eyes and relax on road trips. Its scientifically proven internal system supports head and neck alignment, meaning no more bobble-head while you're nodding off. Another plus: While most foamy travel pillows are bulky, the Trtl travels light in a compact bag.

The Judy Pants, Tiger and the Monkey: These stylish, bold, colorful, classy patterned pants have become an all-time favorite. Made of incredibly soft double-cotton gauze from Italy, they're light and comfortable for flying and stunningly eye-catching as resort wear or for evening adventures.

Raleigh Sports Glasses, Glasses Shop: We often forget about our eyes when it comes to comfort -- and protection. I like the versatility of stylish sports glasses, and this brand is my go-to. They have stylish sporty looks that take you from activities to everyday wear and don't break the bank. They're lightweight with a soft temple tip for comfortable wear all day, and the Raleigh style pops color on the arms and comes in several polarized lens colors.

Manta PRO Sleep Mask, Manta Sleep: For tired eyes or whenever you want to nap, I prefer this mask that provides 100% blackout for deeper sleep. It has super comfortable, adjustable, C-shaped eye cups that put zero pressure on your eyelids and lashes. It's also great for side-sleepers. Unlike standard eye masks that slip, these stay put for perfect slumber.

Go-Anywhere High-Back Seat, West Marine: For traveling by car, RV, going camping, boating or just to the beach, this wider and longer plush seat is comfy and durable, offering great seating support. It's portable, easy to store, and perfect for on-the-go back and tush comfort.

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WHEN YOU GO

Danner High-Pile Fleece Pullover, $139: wild-rye.com

Women's Full Zip Fleece, $89: levitatebrand.com

Snowdrift Recycled Fleece Hood, $39.95: passenger-clothing.com

Polar Beanie & Neck Warmer Bundle, $55: buff.com

Sheepskin Bluetooth Earmuffs, $115: ugg.com

MIXX StreamQ C4 Noise Cancelling Headphones, $49.99: amazon.com

SleepPhones Effortless, $179.95: sleepphones.com

Trtl Travel Pillow, $59.99: trtltravel.com

The Judy Pants, $285: tigerandthemonkey.com

Raleigh Sports Glasses, $29.95: glassesshop.com

Manta PRO Sleep Mask, $79: mantasleep.com

Go-Anywhere High-Back Seat, $149.99: westmarine.com

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Nicola Bridges is a freelance writer. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.