The Carry-On of Your Dreams Is Here

Shopping for the father who's been around the world can be tough, but whether they're clinging to a beat-up gym bag or rocking the latest titanium luggage, we've got the gear to take their travel game to the next level—no terrible ties or World's Greatest Dad mugs involved. These are our favorite Father's Day gifts for dads who love to travel. 1. For the Fashion Phobe (Courtesy Unbound Merino) Wool may seem like a strange choice going into summer, but hear us out: As a moisture-wicking, quick-drying, breathable fabric that doesn't wrinkle or retain odors, it fits the bill any time of year. A basic black tee is a building block of any wardrobe, and Unbound Merino's version can go days without needing to be washed, even when hitting the trails and working up a sweat. Between the flattering fit and the classic style, it's a great option for travel – especially if he subscribes to the 'pack one outfit and re-wear ad infinitum' school of thought. Merino wool crewneck t-shirt, $65; unboundmerino.com. 2. For the Fire Starter (Courtesy BioLite) If your dad struggles lighting the grill but refuses to let anyone else handle the matches, BioLite's FirePit could be the answer. With 51 air jets providing the oxygen needed to get things going, he can adjust the size of the flames either manually or via Bluetooth, thanks to a USB-powered fan that's good for 24 hours after a single charge. The portable pit's mesh body allows for maximum airflow, and it comes with a grill grate, so you can cook hibachi-style on a whim. Best of all, the fan system eliminates the smoke from the equation, so he'll get all of the heat with none of the eye-stinging, clothes-infusing effects of a traditional fire. FirePit, $200; biolite.com. 3. For the Music Snob (Courtesy Marshall Headphones) For the audiophile who won't leave home without his tunes, Marshall's new Stockwell II speaker takes the show on the road – and it doesn't compromise on quality. The brand known for its rockstar-approved amps brings the same attention to detail to the smallest member of its on-the-go line, from the easy-pairing Bluetooth to the adjustable knobs for treble and bass to the guitar strap-inspired handle. At a hefty three pounds, it's not necessarily the thing to throw in your carry-on, but with more than 20 hours of play time at a range of 30 feet, plus a water-resistant exterior, a built-in power bank, and a quick-charge feature that buys you an extra six hours of entertainment, it's great for road trips, pool parties, picnics and more. Marshall Stockwell II speaker, $250; marshallheadphones.com. 4. For the Swim Fan (Courtesy Rheos Gear) What dad wants to waste a day on the water combing its depths for missing eyewear? With styles for adults, kids, and babies too, the floating sunglasses from Rheos Gear eliminate the issue for the whole family. Boasting lightweight frames and polarized, UV-protected lenses – not to mention a lifetime warranty – these shades pop back up to the surface as soon as they're submerged, and they come in a variety of styles and colors, one of which is bound to suit his taste. Floating sunglasses, $50; rheosgear.com. 5. For the Overpacker (Courtesy Topo Designs) We’ve professed our love for the Dopp kit from Topo Designs before, but its unique triangular shape really does make a difference. It’ll do the trick whether you’re shopping for the dad who likes to Jenga his pack or the one who stuffs his suitcase and forgets to leave room for a bulky toiletries case: He can flip it over and wedge it between two rows of clothes, and when he gets to the hotel, it’s narrow enough that it’ll sit upright on skinny bathroom sinks or shelves. Even with a small footprint, though, its interior is deceptively spacious, so the bright lining means nothing gets lost in the depths. Dopp kit, $34; topodesigns.com. 6. For the Caffeine Addict (Courtesy Soma) Anyone who takes their coffee setup seriously won't want to compromise when they're out of town, and Soma's brew bottle lets them make a single-serving pour-over in the same vessel used to drink it. It works equally well for hot and cold brews; for hot, dad'll just need to run a few cups of water through the hotel coffeemaker, pour it over the grinds, and go, while the cold method is a good option for camping or other low-power situations. All he has to do is set it up the night before and keep it chilled until it's ready, then empty out the grinds and hit the road. (And if he prefers to get his fix from a more mild source, the bottle works with tea as well.) Brew Bottle, $40; drinksoma.com. 7. For the Outdoorsman (David Scrifes) For the dad who's stuck in the office but dreaming of outdoor excursions, these National Parks–themed antiqued-brass lapel pins say it all. They come courtesy of National Dry Goods, a company co-founded by a Lonely Planet alum, with designs running the gamut from Teddy Roosevelt and John Muir to Yellowstone and the Rockies. We like four-piece set, which includes the Grand Canyon, the Great Smoky Mountains, Yosemite, and Yellowstone, but in case the dad in your life prefers, say, Acadia over the Grand Canyon, the pins are sold individually as well. 4-Piece Parks Series gift set, $40; natdrygoods.com. 8. For the Gadget Guru (Courtesy Jackery) The odds of his phone making it through a full day of sightseeing without a boost are slim to none, so a portable charger is a must. With plugs for iPhones and micro USB-powered toys like Bluetooth headphones and speakers, Jackery's Bolt 6000 has enough juice to top him up multiple times throughout the day, and it charges devices quickly, so he won't be plugged in for long. Even better? The whole thing is self-contained, which means no extra cords to get in the way. It's one of the few accessories we take with us everywhere we go. Jackery Bolt 6000 portable charger, $30; amazon.com. 9. For the Impromptu Adventurer (Courtesy L.L. Bean) Everyone needs a bag they can pack in a hurry when a cheap last-minute deal beckons, and L.L. Bean’s signature duffle helps answer the call. Made from the same tough cotton canvas as the company’s near-indestructible beach totes, this no-frills weekender has an understated nautical feel that never goes out of fashion. A roomy compartment holds the essentials for a few days away, with two pockets, one inside and one out, to corral the important stuff; add sturdy, rolled handles and a removable shoulder strap for ease of carry, and he’ll be airport-bound in no time. Signature Made in Maine duffle, $149; llbean.com.

More than 14,000 tons of sunscreens wash off swimmers, paddlers, snorkelers, surfers and other watermen and waterwomen into the oceans each year. If you care about coral reefs, read your sunscreen’s ingredients label to ensure you’re not poisoning yourself and the environment in the quest to avoid sunburn. Does Your Sunscreen Kill Coral? Most of us have been educated from an early age on the dangers of sun exposure, and we cover any exposed skin with a thick layer of sunscreen before we venture out. What most of us don’t know is that when we dive in the water, the chemicals found in most sunscreens kill coral, cause deformities in fish and bioaccumulate in the environment, eventually ending up in the human food chain. Choose Reef-Friendly Sunscreen Ingredients Fortunately, you don’t have to choose between sunburn and healthy coral reefs. There are alternatives to coral-killing sun block if you’re willing to read a label or two. Avoid Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, PABA, Parabens, Triclosan, and any nanoparticles or 'nano-sized' zinc or titanium. The only truly reef-friendly active ingredients are non-nano zinc oxide and non-nano titanium dioxide. Read the Label, Not the Hype Sadly, you can't rely exclusively on manufacturer claims. Picking a sunscreen that says 'reef-safe' or 'reef-friendly' on the package isn’t good enough, as those terms aren’t regulated, according to the Surfrider Foundation. Only reading the label closely will point you in the right direction. Reef-Safe Sunscreen Is Also Good for Your Health Picking a reef safe sunscreen is not just good for reefs – and in some cases required by law – but it’s better for your health too. Caroline Duell, Founder and CEO of sunscreen manufacturer All Good, says, 'All chemical UV absorbers are damaging to the DNA and endocrine systems of coral. Coral are animals. Humans are animals, and studies are now linking damage seen in coral to human systems as well. Even if you’re worried about your kids’ health more than the environment, reef safe sunscreen is a must.' Learn more about sunscreen, take the River to Reef Friendly SunScreen Pledge and then try these top-rated, reef-friendly sun protectants.

What’s the best Father’s Day gift for a dad who loves to travel? Well, my credentials for weighing in on this question are at least baseline: I happen to be a father and a travel editor. First of all, “travel” for Father’s Day doesn’t have to mean covering a great distance. I’m here to tell you from personal experience (which in this case happens to be supported by clinical research) that neither a fancy meal nor carefully (or not) chosen “stuff” can compare to taking an easy day trip or one-tank escape to a place your dad loves—or a place he’s never been before. Experiences Are Better Than Stuff You’ve read the studies (or, at the very least, you’ve read the summaries of studies in listicle form on social media): Meaningful experiences make people happier than obtaining possessions. A major study at Cornell University was even more specific: “Doing makes you happier than owning.” My Most Memorable Father’s Day In support of “doing” rather than “owning,” please take a look at the photo above, which illustrates my most memorable Father’s Day. The picture of a medieval garden might suggest that my family sprung for a flight to Spain. Nope. All we had to do was take the half-hour drive from our home in the Hudson Valley to one of my favorite museums, the Cloisters, in upper Manhattan. Full disclosure: My wife and two daughters don’t exactly love the Cloisters. Medieval art is an acquired taste, and to date only I, among the four of us, has acquired it. But you don’t have to love ogling paintings and sculptures of angels, martyrs, and the Holy Family to enjoy the Cloisters. We had a lovely few hours strolling the gardens in full mid-June bloom, grabbing a bite to eat at the cafe, and taking in the epic views of the Hudson River from the museum's terraces. Talk to Us: What’s Your Dad’s Favorite Day Trip? Have you got a special day trip in mind for your dad this Father’s Day? Post a comment below. If you’ve got a photo, even better: Post is to Instagram and tag it #mybudgettravel.

There’s an art to packing for a short trip—there are the essentials, and then there are the non-essentials that bring an element of comfort and joy to the journey. For those travelers who rarely let a weekend pass without hitting the open road or taking to the skies, we found five things to help make the most of those quick two-day jaunts, from packing to transit to maximizing your time on the ground. The Bag (Courtesy Lo & Sons) First things first: Start with the proper equipment. This classic-looking cotton-canvas weekender is roomy enough to hold the necessities for a short trip and has multiple pockets to keep things organized, but its best features may very well be its modern touches: a sleeve that lets it slip over a suitcase handle for easy transport and a zippered compartment that keeps at least two pairs of shoes separate from the rest of your clothes. And the whole thing weighs less than 2 pounds, so it’s easy to sling it over your shoulder and go—even if it's packed to the brim. Catalina Deluxe Small in Teal Blue, $128, loandsons.com. The Multitasker (Courtesy The Bali Market) With luggage space at a premium, weekend warriors need accessories that do double-, triple-, or even quadruple-duty, and this lightweight, high-absorbency Turkish towel fits the bill. At 40”x70”, it’s large enough to be used as a beach towel (or as a bath towel, for that matter), but it takes up way less room than terry cloth. Woven from quick-drying cotton, this thin textile can also serve as a wrap, a scarf, or a throw for a chilly plane, train, or bus ride, and it rolls up to practically nothing. That's a win-win-win-win. Perfect Classic Turkish Towel in Grey, $36, thebalimarket.us. The Wet One (Amy Lundeen) Wring every last drop out of a warm-weather weekend: Pack a stash bag for a wet bathing suit (and Turkish towel!), and never forgo that final swim again. This one has a beachy, tropical print and a vinyl-coated, waterproof interior, and it’s big enough to hold the sunscreen, too. Tropical Palm Extra Large Cosmetic Bag, $28, needleandoak.com. The Sleep Aid (Courtesy Bucky) If you need pitch-black darkness to get a solid eight hours of Zs, an eye mask is a must-pack accessory. Sure, you could go with that flimsy freebie you've been using since your last long-haul flight, but this silky polka-dot number is a playful alternative. With contoured foam eye cups that let you blink without messing up your makeup or putting undue pressure on your lids, it'll keep you snoozing, even if you're stuck in coach. Bucky 40 Blinks Sleep Mask, $13, amazon.com. The Soundtrack (Courtesy Bose) What’s a vacation without the tunes? This waterproof, drop-proof Bluetooth speaker clocks in at just under 4"x4" and weighs less than a pound, offering huge, bass-heavy sound in a tiny, silicone-rubber-wrapped package. With six hours of battery life, a tear-resistant strap for hands-free portability, and an app that can control the volume, pair another speaker, and switch between music libraries in various devices, it'll help get the party started wherever you are. SoundLink Micro Bluetooth speaker, $100, bose.com.