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20 Gift Ideas for the Traveler in Your Life | C’est Le Brie 2025 Holiday Gift Guide for Jetsetters

Published on July 9, 2025July 9, 2025 by C'est le BrieLeave a comment

We love a good gift guide, especially when it’s all about traveling! We’ve definitely done our fair share of globetrotting over the years and we wanted to share our absolute favorite necessities that we never leave home without.

But before we get into our personal recommendations, we have to mention Try the World. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s a subscription gift box that’s perfect for travelers and foodies alike! In every box, you’ll get snacks and gourmet treats from around the world. It’s a great way to get excited for new travels and to expand your palette. We’ve been obsessed with Try the World since they first started and it’s such a nice treat whenever we get a new box in the mail.

Without further ado, here are a few gift ideas for the traveler in your life!

(This post contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links.)

Myles Katherine’s Recommendations

1. Canon Powershot G7x Mark II Powershot

As a photographer, I have to start off by sharing one of my favorite digital cameras for travel. I have a full review of the Canon Powershot G7X Mark II on my photography blog here if you want to read about it in more detail. It’s a small point-and-shoot camera but takes beautiful photos, and is perfect for beginner and professional photographers alike. You can shoot in a full automatic mode, or you can get creative with full manual mode. It has an f/1.8 lens, so it’s great in low-light settings and for taking beautiful portraits and food photographs. It’s a little difficult to get your hands on these days because they are so popular, but you can usually find them on Amazon or eBay!

2. Noise-cancelling Airpods Pro 2

Apple Airpods now have full noise-cancelling with the Airpods Pro 2. My husband bought them before I did and I kept stealing his whenever we were traveling on a plane. They seriously block out all sound and are a game-changer when it comes to sleeping on the plane. I also use mine as earplugs when I’m staying in a hotel that might be a little too noisy. Not to mention, music sounds incredible with these!

3. GoPro Hero 13

I’ve had at least 4 different versions of the GoPro over the years, because I usually upgrade once they come out with a newer version! It’s always on my packing list. There are so many reasons why I love the GoPro. It’s super teeny tiny and is so easy to travel with. It has a wide view option that is great for capturing cityscapes and tall buildings. It can capture both photo and video and it has a waterproof case. The GoPro Hero 13 is the latest version and is capable of capturing 5.3K video at 60 fps and 27 MP photos. It’s perfect for swimming, snowboarding, hiking and so many other activities. I usually have a GorillaPod with me at all times too so that it’s easy to set up in any location and take photos or video. Honestly, the GoPro is great for anyone at any age. My husband loves to steal mine from me when we’re traveling. 🙂

4. Allbirds Tree Pipers

Allbirds Tree Pipers have become my go-to sneaker for my travels. They are incredibly lightweight and easy to pack and they are crazy comfortable! I usually bring two pairs with me for color variation, typically a black pair and a white pair. They match everything and they look cute in photos! I just finished up a 103-mile hike in the Cotswolds and whenever my hiking boots started hurting my feet, I’d switch to the Allbirds because they are so light and comfy!

5. Universal Travel Adapter

Photo by Evan Mahmud Shuvo on Pexels.com

You can’t leave home without one of these! I usually bring a few of these with me on every trip to plug in my cameras, computers, phone, etc. My husband and I always have a million things to charge every night. Just make sure you’re getting the right one for the country you’re visiting. They might be considered “universal” but each country is different. So just check the description before officially ordering it, just to make 100% sure you’re covered! It’s much cheaper to buy these in advance on Amazon than to pick one up at the airport or a gift shop when you’re already at your destination.

6. Heatless Curl Set

You’ve probably seen the Kitsch Heatless Hair Curler Set on Tiktok, but it’s a great way to get cute, stylized curls while you’re sleeping. It helps save time in the mornings when you’re rushing out of your hotel room to get to a tour bus or an early entrance to a museum. It takes a few times to get it right, so I’d recommend practicing at home before you go. But it weighs nothing and saves so much time! Plus, they are way cheaper than a fancy curling iron!

7. SuperGoop Glow Screen Tinted Sunscreen

It took me a while to figure out which tinted sunscreen I like the best, but the SuperGoop Glow Screen has a nice, subtle sheen and a lovely dewy finish. It doesn’t dry my skin out at all, and it’s basically like a light layer of foundation. Except better really, because it’s protecting your skin! I find it to brighten up my face on days when I didn’t get enough sleep too. It’s a little pricey but a little bit goes a long way. My tubes always last me much longer than I think they’re going to!

8. Cute Crossbody Sling Bag

Photo by Richard Cascaes Figueiredo on Pexels.com

I never leave on an international trip without a cute crossbody sling bag. It’s perfect for easy access to your passport, phone, and wallet when you’re at the airport. And also great for avoiding pickpockets because you can wear it on the front of your body. It’s also just less bulky than carrying a purse around and leaves your hands free to carry cameras, shopping bags, etc.

9. All-in-one lip & cheek stain

I never leave home without one. Personally, I don’t wear a lot of makeup, so anything that saves me time and energy is a necessity. I love having different color options on hand to match my outfits too. Having a lip and cheek stain that is all-in-one is also nice because your makeup just automatically matches. No need to dig through your makeup bag to find a lipstick that doesn’t clash with your blush. Milk Makeup has one in tons of different color options, so make sure to pick up a few for your next adventure!

10. Women’s Waterproof Trench Coats

Photo by Mike Gonzu00e1lez on Pexels.com

I’ve spent many many years trying to figure out what the ultimate jacket is to travel with that is stylish, practical, and matches everything. I’m telling you, getting a light brown or tan waterproof trench coat is the answer. It looks cute over dresses and pants, it’s not too bulky to travel with, and it automatically dresses up an outfit. It can go from day to night easily and is full coverage in bad weather. I recommend browsing on Amazon because they have tons of affordable options. I usually order a few to choose from, but that can be a dangerous game. Sometimes I end up keeping all of them!

Natalie Anne’s Recommendations

11. Nintendo Switch

We love our Nintendo Switch and are so excited about the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 and some new games that will be coming out soon! My sister, Millie, has the adorable Animal Crossings version of the Switch and it’s so cute. It’s the perfect distraction to bring along for long trips and get lost in the world of Animal Crossings or Super Mario Bros.!

12. Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera in Lilac Purple OR Fujifilm INSTAX Wide Evo Instant Film Camera

I can’t deny that instant cameras are my very favorite. There is something so exciting about waiting a few minutes to see how a photo magically develops. I take an Instax Mini camera with me everywhere I go! This is perfect for keepsakes, sharing memories, and scrapbooking. Plus, they’re so cute! Don’t forget to pick up some Instax Mini film too!

13. Fujifilm INSTAX Mini Link 3 Smartphone Printer

If you don’t want to bother carrying around another camera, but love having Polaroids, I highly recommend the Instax smartphone printer. This way you can print out any photo you take on your phone and not have to worry about the hassle of any polaroid camera settings or missing our on any moments!

14. UnHide Lil’ Marsh – Faux Fur Blanket

Photo by SlipcoverKAS .COM on Pexels.com

I love to stay cozy in the winter. If you are planning a long road trip or need something snuggly when you travel, the UnHide blankets are my very favorite! They also have small, squishy pillows to match! The color Rosy Baby is my favorite.

15. 10 Set/8 Set Packing Cubes for Travel

Packing cubes have really become a lifesaver for me. I struggle with staying organized, especially when I’m traveling, but packing cubes help me with my outfit planning and giving some order to the chaos. They also help save room in your luggage.

16. Beats by Dre Headphones – Beats Studio Pro

I cannot travel without noise-cancelling headphones. They help me relax on airplanes and other public areas so I can feel like I’m in my own little world. Beats by Dre have never failed me and they’re always comfortable.

17. Laniege Overnight Lip Mask

Traveling, especially in the winter, makes skin super dry. I always opt for a lip mask on long flights and during nighttime to help re-hydrate and keep soft lips. Laneige has been my latest go-to brand!

18. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment Mask

Glow Recipe is one of my favorite skincare brands. Their packaging is chic and fresh plus their products always smell divine. The Overnight Watermelon Mask helps cool and soothe extra dry skin. It has a subtle, fresh scent that I just adore.

19. UGG Women’s Classic Ultra Mini Boot

Winter calls for Uggs, and I just love wearing mine anywhere, any day. The UGG Ultra Mini Boot is my favorite. I prefer the classic camel color for an easy look.

20. Apple Watch Series 10 Smartwatch with Rose Gold Aluminium Case

My Apple Watch has been such a great way to track my steps and exercise, especially when traveling and alll the walking it entails. It provides an accurate measurement of everything you’re doing. I also like the “find my iPhone” feature, which really comes in handy. I got mine last year for Christmas in Rose Gold Aluminum.

We hope this gift guide has given you some ideas for the travel lover in your life!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Happy holidays!

❤ Myles Katherine & Natalie Anne

Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour with Transport from London with Viator Review – Best London, England Tours & Travel Tips

Published on June 1, 2025June 1, 2025 by C'est le Brie1 Comment

Oh my goodness, this tour! I just got home from our trip to England last week and I’ve been itching to write a post about the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour with Transport from London. It was definitely one of the highlights of our trip! We almost didn’t even go on the tour because we’d already spent 10 days hiking through the Cotswolds on the 103-mile Cotswold Way Trail (don’t worry, I’ll be sharing posts about that whole experience soon too). We ended up booking it for our very last day in London and it was 100% worth it.

While my husband and I both enjoy watching the Harry Potter films about once a year in the fall, we’re not super fans by any means. We weren’t sure if it was going to be a fun experience for us or if the whole thing was really meant for true Harry Potter fans only. But it is honestly an experience that anyone of any age could enjoy.

The bus ride from London was about an hour long and then we were given from 9:30am to 2:00pm to enjoy the Harry Potter experience on our own. There is no designated tour guide for the day but you have the option to purchase digital headsets to listen to key facts as you’re moving along. However, we didn’t opt for the headsets and we still thoroughly enjoyed everything and didn’t feel like we missed out on anything. There are plenty of signs, videos, and plaques along the way so you’ll get tons of information from those.

You start off in the Great Hall where you get to see the actual set that they used for the movie, including the magical floating candles and long tables! It was stunning. After the Great Hall, you enter a much larger room filled with props, videos, outfits, entire sets, and so much more. It was insane how much there was to see! We were lucky enough to be there for the “Tri-Wizard Tournament” so there were actors and dancers adding even more magic to the day. I don’t want to spoil too much so I’ll just include a few photos of my favorite moments from throughout the day. I will say that it’s important not to spend too much time on any one thing. There’s so much to see and do and you don’t want to run out of time!

Once you reach the cafeteria, you’re about halfway through the experience. We finally got to try Butterbeer and even got a Butterbeer cupcake and doughnut too! There are burgers, hotdogs, burritos and all sorts of food options for lunch. They have vegan options as well! I tried the vegan burrito and it was pretty good. Not amazing or anything, but decently yummy! The Butterbeer cupcake was delish though. 🙂

Throughout the day you’ll wander through the Forbidden Forest, stroll through Diagon Alley and board the Hogwarts Express. You’ll see thousands of props, hundreds of outfits worn by the cast, and dozens of different activities and interactive experiences. It was truly such a fun day and so incredibly memorable. I’d even go back and do the whole thing again next time I’m in London!

There’s a section of the tour that is outside so just make sure to bring an umbrella if it’s a rainy day! Though you could easily view those sections from inside the cafeteria and some of them are walk-through or have indoor portions, so even if you don’t have an umbrella, you’d be perfectly fine.

We didn’t have much time in the gift shop but we ended up visiting the Harry Potter shop at Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station in London and we were able to buy most of the same products there.

If you’re interested in booking the same tour, you can find it on Viator here! I’d 100,000% recommend this tour, as it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! It’s amazing to see the sets they used to film the movies and we learned so much about how much time, money, energy and work went into their creation. We both came home wanting to watch documentaries about the making of the Harry Potter films because the lengths they went to to make these movies magical is truly epic. I’ve been raving about this tour ever since we got home. The only downside was that I would have liked a little more time to look at everything, but it also left me wanting more which is probably better than being “over it” by the end of the day. I’d gladly go back on this tour again if any of my friends or family members want to go next time we’re in London. We absolutely loved every second of it.

Thanks so much for reading! You can find out more about this tour on my photography blog here. If you’d like to see more of my recommended tours around the world, check out my Viator shop here! Happy travels!

❤ Myles Katherine

(This post contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links.)

Review of the GetYourGuide Istanbul: Bosphorus and Black Sea Cruise with Lunch in Istanbul, Turkiye

Published on April 15, 2025April 16, 2025 by C'est le Brie6 Comments

I had the privilege of traveling to Istanbul for a conference for work. It was my first time visiting this gorgeous city, and I was so lucky that my mom decided to join me for a long weekend exploring together! I had heard marvelous things about the food, culture, and atmosphere and was so excited to experience it. To prep for my trip, I read a non-fiction book about the city called Istanbul: City of Majesty at the Crossroads of the World, to brush up on its history. One undeniable theme in this book, is the significance and glory of the Bosphorus Strait. Its beautiful sparkling turquoise waters carry so much history, and I knew I wanted to spend time on the water for at least one day. Taking a boat tour would also be an opportunity to leave the big city and take in the timeless views from the water.

While I couldn’t find the exact link to our cruise, GetYourGuide offers its Istanbul: Bosphorus and Black Sea Cruise with Lunch. The cruise covers the same area with lunch, a stop in Anadolu Kavagi, and swimming in the Black Sea (a bonus that my tour did not have)! It’s a five-hour leisurely cruise that passes by major Istanbul landmarks, beautiful houses, and bridges along the Bosphorus, plus it offers free time to explore a quaint fishing village, Anadolu Kavagi.

I’m really happy we booked a lunch tour because we were able to breakaway from the city and also have time to explore a small Turkish town on the water. Once we boarded the boat, our first hour was filled with SO many beautiful views and photo opportunities.

Since I was in Istanbul for work, I was staying at the Sheraton Istanbul City Center. It was a great venue for a conference, had comfortable rooms, and a lovely breakfast buffet with so many wonderful Turkish dishes. The hotel offered a free shuttle that took us straight to Taksim Square for sightseeing, people-watching, and plenty of shopping!

My favorite site to see from the water was the Ortaköy Mosque – it’s truly stunning. We had visited this mosque and surrounding neighborhood the night before, and it’s one of my favorite spots in the city.

We enjoyed a relaxing cruise up the Strait and once the major sights were passed, and we were fatigued from snapping photos, lunch was served! We had delicious dips and bread with a choice of type of meat (or vegetarian option) for our main course. After lunch, we went back out to the deck, enjoyed the breeze, and cruised.

Before we knew it, we had arrived at our destination. When we stopped in Anadolu Kavagi, we meandered the winding streets, popping into a few stores, taking photos, and of course grabbing some ice cream! It was a nice opportunity to see a local town outside the bustling Istanbul. We got to see the fishing boats and fishermen prepping their catches of the day. We had about an hour to explore the town, and then it was back on the boat for watermelon and post-lunch relaxing as we glided back to Istanbul.

The Bosphorus lunch cruise was one of my favorite day tours I’ve ever taken. The boat ride was smooth, lunch was great, and I loved that we had free time off the boat to explore an area in Turkiye that I never would have scouted out on my own. If you’re interested in a relaxing afternoon, witnessing views of Istanbul from the water, and enjoying Turkish food, this tour is for you! The link to the tour is here!

❤ Natalie Anne

(This post contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links.)

Amalfi Coast and Pompeii from Rome in a Full Day Tour with TripAdvisor Review | Rome, Italy Travel Tips

Published on April 10, 2025July 7, 2025 by C'est le Brie6 Comments

Over the years, we’ve learned that one of the most complicated parts of traveling is figuring out how to get from Point A to Point B. It can be a lot to try to organize transportation, entry fees, restaurants, and tour guides, let-alone trying to figure out how to put gas in the car and get a license to drive in a foreign country! So instead of stressing ourselves out, we just book day trips from a central location so that we can see everything while staying in one hotel. It makes things so much easier. Not to mention, when we were in Italy, we were traveling with our parents, husbands, and siblings. It was a lot of people to satisfy and a lot of personalities to navigate.

As a photographer, I knew that I had to plan a day trip from Rome to see the Amalfi coast. When I found this tour – The Amalfi Coast and Pompeii from Rome in a Full Day Tour – I knew right away it was the perfect tour for our family. It included a 2 hour visit to the ruins of Pompeii (which I knew would make the history buffs in our group happy) as well as 2 hours in the coastal town of Positano for lunch and a 1 hour visit in the town of Amalfi. My sister and her new husband were actually honey-mooning in Positano at the time too, so it was absolutely perfect! We had all just spent a week in Tuscany for their wedding at the stunning hotel, Borgo Tre Rose, and then parted ways after a group day in Florence. You can actually watch our full wedding week in Tuscany on my YouTube channel here!

Our tour started bright and early at 7:00 am, but this specific tour included hotel pick-ups and drop-offs which makes such a difference that early in the morning. We didn’t have to waste time hunting for the meeting point, like we’ve had to do for some other tours we’ve taken in the past. It was a bit of a drive to Pompeii but we made a pit stop for espresso which broke up the journey a bit. As soon as we got to Pompeii, our tour guide handled the tickets and we were in right away. We were led throughout the ruins by an extremely knowledgeable guide who explained everything in exciting detail. Personally, I’m not a huge history fan, but this tour actually kept my interest, which is saying a lot! Pompeii is truly a fascinating place and the structures are beautiful. It’s incredibly amazing that there is still so much left of the ancient city after being buried under ash for over 1500 years!

After about 2 hours at Pompeii, we hopped back in the van to head to the coast. We stopped for gorgeous views and photo ops along the way, which helped those of us who were a little carsick from the winding roads along the coast. I always make sure to take Bonine, a motion sickness medication, that I prefer over Dramamine. It’s less drowsy and can be found on Amazon here. This tour wasn’t as bad as some of the ones I’ve taken in the past, like the Road to Hana in Hawaii or the winding roads in the highlands of Scotland on the way to Loch Ness!

When we got to Positano, our driver had to park at the top of the hill with the other tour buses, just because the roads are too tiny for cars to go down. The walk down the hill was charming though, with souvenir shops, gelato, clothing stores, and all kinds of things to keep our interest. We met my sister and her now-husband for light lunch at Ristorante La Pergola and then spent the rest of our time taking photos on the beach! Positano was so quaint and charming, we never wanted to leave! I made a promise to myself that if I ever get back to Italy, I’ll definitely spend a few days lying on the beach in Positano.

After stopping for a quick gelato on our way back up to the van, we made our way to the town of Amalfi. The sun was beginning to set and the town was absolutely glowing in the golden lighting. We watched sailboats coming in and strolled along the marina where our driver dropped us off. After taking a million photos, we headed into the town square, the Piazza Duomo, for a round of limoncello shots and a gander at the Cathedral of Sant’Andrea. We only had about an hour and a half in Amalfi, but honestly, it felt like plenty of time because the town is actually quite small. We were even able to pop into a few stores for souvenirs before it was time to jump back in the van.

On the way back to Rome, we stopped for one last view of the coastline and were able to catch gorgeous sunset colors over the coastal towns. The drive back to Rome felt a little long, but almost everyone fell asleep after our long day. We made it back to Rome around 7:00 pm, with just enough time left in the day for wine and pasta. It was a perfectly Italian day and was exactly what I was looking for when we were planning our trip.

I’d highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to take a day trip to the Amalfi coast from Rome. We saw so much in a single day and made so many memories. It wasn’t necessarily on my list to visit Pompeii, but many of the people in our group found it to be the highlight of their day, learning the history of the ancient, buried city. It was a perfect tour for our large group and was absolutely way easier than trying to figure out a full day like this myself. If you’re interested in taking this same tour, you can find it here! Or you can check out all of the tours I recommend in Italy here!

I hope this post inspires you to take a trip to Italy or plan a day trip to the Amalfi coast if you’re staying in Rome. I promise you, you’ll never regret visiting Italy. It’s truly a magical, delicious, inspiring place! You can see more photos from our trip on my photography blog here!

If you’re still on the hunt for a hotel in Rome, I’d recommend the Hotel Le Clarisse al Pantheon if you’re a budget traveler, or the Pantheon Iconic Hotel if you don’t mind spending a little extra for luxury. If you’d prefer not to waste time planning out all of the details, check out some of the package deals to Rome on Expedia that include airfare & hotels all in one!

Happy travels!

❤ Myles Katherine

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Review of the Hallstatt Day Trip from Vienna | Travel Tips for Austria

Published on April 8, 2025July 7, 2025 by C'est le Brie2 Comments

Hallstatt, Austria has been on my bucket list for quite some time. It was actually the inspiration for Arendelle from Disney’s Frozen, and it is truly a magical place. I was based in Budapest for four months for work and made the most of my weekends booking trips to neighboring countries. I love traveling to Austria, the food is delicious, and the country is stunning. This was my third time there and I knew it was time to finally visit Hallstatt.

I took this Hallstatt Day Tour from Vienna, via Viator, and it was the perfect introduction to this beautiful corner of the world. I couldn’t recommend this tour enough. I met the bus in a central area in Vienna not far from my hotel, the Vienna Marriott Hotel, and the tour took care of the rest.

I took one of my favorite cameras with me, my Canon AE-1 Program, which I’ve shared some of the photos at the bottom of this blog. I reviewed this camera recently on Myles Katherine’s blog – Canon AE-1 Program Sample Photos in Hallstatt, Austria | The Perfect 35 mm Travel Camera if you’re interested in learning more!

I went on this Hallstatt bus tour solo and enjoyed the ease of not having to stress about anything It was a longer bus ride, with beautiful scenery throughout the Salzkammergut region. We had a short break on the way to and from Hallstatt to stretch our legs and grab a snack at a popular Austrian rest stop, Lanzeit .

When we arrived to Hallstatt the the early October air was crisp and the morning fog was lifting up toward the mountains. While we were rolling into town, our guide provided some information on the town and gave us tips on what to see. We offloaded from the bus and had time to explore Hallstatt on our own. I loved this about the tour. I was able to choose what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go. I just had to be back at the bus by a certain time.

I meandered the streets shamelessly gawking at the beautiful houses and views. It was simply stunning everywhere I looked. I explored the cemetery and ossuary (bone house), which was so peaceful and such a beautiful resting place.

Next, I waited in a short line to take the tram to the Hallstatt Viewing Platform. It offered spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and lake, Hallstätter See. Be mindful, if you are weary of heights, it may be slightly scary, but the scenery is incredible.

After coming back down the mountain on the tram, I was so hungry and indulged in a delicious Frankfurter Würstl (hot dog) and fries. I found a bench by the water and took in the peaceful views and ducks swimming around.

After my snack, we headed to a small boat where we drifted across the water, taking in a different perspective of the town from the water. It was smooth moving and lovely to relax and glide along the lake.

Before I knew it, my afternoon spent exploring was coming to an end and we shuffled back onto the bus across the lake. On the way back, I ordered a tasty carrot cake, which was a perfect way to end this October day. All in all, it was one of my favorite travel excursions. It’s impossible not to fall in love with the town and mystical atmosphere.

I absolutely recommend taking this tour if you are in Vienna and looking to see more of Austria!