The best travel gifts for city explorers in 2019

Bound for the bright lights of the big city? From upgraded basics and wardrobe staples to trendy concoctions and high-end accoutrements, here are 9 items for the urban adventurer on your list, all priced at $300 or less.

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Jabra Elite 85h Gold Beige hanging from a piece of wood in front of a blue-gray background with flowers to the right — The Elite 85h headphones offer 36 hours of play time on a single charge. © Image courtesy of Jabra

1. Jabra Elite 85h headphones

Headphones are a non-negotiable if you’re traveling solo in an urban environment, great for blocking out annoyances on public transit and for making you feel like you’re starring in your own private movie, soundtrack and all. You don’t want to be completely unaware, though, and Jabra’s wireless Elite 85h provides noise cancellation that switches on and off as the situation dictates. Plus, the battery life is stellar – up to 36 hours of play time on a single charge – so they’ll keep you moving from sunup to sundown.

Jabra Elite 85h, $300; .

WP Standard pouches in tan, on a table - one open with charging cable and notebook showing — Pouches are key, and these luxe-looking numbers should go the distance. © Image courtesy of WP Standard

2. WP Standard leather utility pouches

The key to staying organized while you’re exploring the city? Pouches, pouches, and more pouches. Made from sturdy vegetable-tanned leather, in sizes that can accommodate everything from small change to an e-reader, these luxe-looking numbers from WP Standard are a step up from nylon – and they were built to last, too, so they should really go the distance.

The Utility Pouches, $98; .

Black Fold-Up backpack from Paravel, expanded and in its pouch — A fold-up backpack is a classic solution to an age-old packing conundrum. © Image courtesy of Paravel

3. Paravel Fold-Up backpack

When you’re traveling light you don’t want to cede precious suitcase space to multiple bags, and often the tote that serves as your personal item at the airport is too bulky for everyday use. Enter: the fold-up backpack. Paravel’s version is big enough to hold a water bottle, an extra layer of clothing and a pouch or two, and boasts two pockets – one inside and one out – that allow for easy access to the essentials. Despite that holding power, it folds up to the size of a wallet, making it easy to include in even the most minimal packing systems. It looks sleek too, so you won’t stick out like a sore thumb despite the utility.

Fold-Up backpack, $65; .

Closeup of a lower leg in khaki pants, foot wearing Everlane's Tread trainer in white — A comfortable pair of shoes is a necessity for those mean city streets. © Image courtesy of Everlane

4. Everlane Trainer

It’s been said that life is chaos without comfortable footwear, and while we wouldn’t necessarily go that far, a good pair of shoes is an imperative if you’re going to be running around all day. Everlane’s Tread trainers offer solid support, and they can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. They’re also designed with sustainability in mind, using leather from a Gold Certified tannery and minimal virgin plastic – the laces and linings are made from recycled bottles, and the soles are recycled and natural rubber. Just be sure to allow time to break them in before you hit the road.

The Trainer, $98; .

Hydro Flask's Limited Edition Wonder Collection 32 oz Wide Mouth Bottle in Snowcap (white and grey) — A reusable bottle keeps your water colder than a plastic one will, and it's better for the environment too. © Image courtesy of Hydro Flask

5. Hydro Flask Wonder Collection water bottle

If you’ve sworn off single-use plastics, you’ll need to carry something to keep you hydrated, and the insulated bottles from Hydro Flask will keep your drinks cold for 24 hours at a stretch. And with the new Wonder collection’s seasonal, landscape-inspired designs (think: autumnal sunsets and clear wintery skies), you can add a flip lid or a straw and you’ll be sippin’ pretty.

Limited Edition Wonder Collection 32-ounce wide mouth bottle, $45; .

Aesop's Departure set on a window sill with rooftops in the background — Your average city sojourn is a germ-riddled affair, so don't leave home without the hand sanitizer. Image courtesy of Aesop

6. Aesop Departure kit

From subway handrails to taxi doors to touchscreen keypads to credit-card terminals, your average city sojourn is a germ-riddled affair, so don't forget the hand sanitizer. Laced with mandarin, rosemary, and cedar, Aesop’s elegant rinse-free hand wash is a classy upgrade on a drugstore standard, and if you opt for the brand’s Departure kit, you’ll also get lotion, lip balm, a face mask, and more – basically everything you need to refresh on the fly.

Departure kit, $53; .

Closeup on person wearing a white sweater and a circular black crossbody bag, holding the strap with Fitbit's Inspire HR on their wrist — The Inspire HR's slim profile won't look out of place in urban environs. © Image courtesy of Fitbit

7. Fitbit Inspire HR

Sure, seeing the sights is rewarding in and of itself, but if you cover a lot of ground and don’t get credit for it, does it really count? Fitbit’s Inspire HR provides the thrill of validation that comes with a high step count, and it’ll keep an eye on your jet lag too. Its battery can go five days without needing a boost, and its slim profile won’t look out of place in urban environs either.

Fitbit Inspire HR, $99; .

Lord Jones + Tamara Mellon High CBD Formula Stiletto Cream tube and box — Ease those aches and pains with the CBD-rich Stiletto Cream from Lord Jones and Tamara Mellon. © Image courtesy of Lord Jones

8. Lord Jones + Tamara Mellon High CBD Formula Stiletto Cream

So you couldn’t resist wearing those brand-new, sky-high shoes for a night on the town, and now you’re paying for it with aching arches and shooting pains in the balls of your feet? A vegan and cruelty-free blend of cocoa and shea butters, olive oil, fruit acids, and broad-spectrum hemp extract, this collaboration between CBD pioneer Lord Jones and luxury shoe designer Tamara Mellon will have you ready for more action before you know it.

Lord Jones + Tamara Mellon High CBD Formula Stiletto Cream, $70; .

Genius Pack's micro travel umbrella next to a New York metrocard for scale — At just six inches long and weighing only half a pound, this tiny umbrella won't be a pain to lug around. Image courtesy of Genius Pack

9. Genius Pack Micro travel umbrella

Unless you’re hitting the streets in permanently sunny climes, there’s a chance of rain, and with a 39-inch canopy, Genius Pack’s tiny-but-mighty umbrella will keep you covered no matter the forecast. The best part? It folds up to just six inches long and weighs only half a pound, so it won’t be a pain to lug around. Now all you have to do is brush up on your sidewalk etiquette (hint: be mindful of your fellow pedestrians and tip the edges away from oncoming traffic), and you’re good to go.

Micro travel umbrella, $28; .