Brian Kelly has built a career out of flying smarter, packing lighter, and maximizing every travel perk under the sun. But as a dad of two boys under three—who've already collected more passport stamps than most adults—his priorities have shifted toward family-friendly practicality. "I make decisions now not just based on me and what I want,” he says, "but the long-term good of my kids."
That hasn’t slowed him down. Quite the opposite: Brian's pace is as relentless as ever, but these days he's mastered the delicate balance of navigating airports with toddlers and squeezing in a little self-care when he can. “Preparation is key,” he explains. “When parents feel prepared with the right gear, that’s when they’re set up for success.”
Ahead of Father's Day, we tapped The Points Guy himself for his favorite gift recommendations—smart travel essentials to keep family trips running smoothly and thoughtful upgrades for those fleeting moments of downtime. Whether you're shopping for a seasoned frequent flyer or a newly minted dad, these picks are Brian-tested and dad-approved.
Normatec Compression Boots
Between red-eyes and wrangling kids, recovery matters. “I have Normatec compression boots at home and I watch TV, kick my legs up... they help circulation, help recovery from the gym, from travel,” Brian says. He even uses them while feeding his four-month-old. It’s the kind of multitasking-friendly self-care you can actually make time for.
Compression Socks
Not as flashy, but just as important. “Young, healthy people can get pulmonary embolisms,” Brian warns. Compression socks help reduce the risk and make a great under-$20 gift dads may not buy for themselves.
Apple AirTags
“Attach them to their phone, name each AirTag after the core pieces of luggage… so they’re ready to go for all trips,” Brian says. He recommends pre-labeling and setting up each tag ahead of time so the gift is instantly useful, not another tech project left for later.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
“My Bose QuietComfort noise-canceling headphones—cannot recommend enough,” Brian says. He prefers them over Apple’s for blocking out cabin noise and uses them even without music just to create quiet. For dads constantly on planes or surrounded by chaos, they offer a moment of peace.
How to Win at Travel by Brian Kelly
Brian’s book is part memoir, part manual, with an entire chapter on family travel. “It will teach you how to use your frequent flyer miles, how to get through the airport, travel better,” he says. It’s a useful read for anyone who wants to maximize points—or avoid common travel mistakes.
Rimowa Polycarbonate Zip Luggage
“Cheap is expensive,” Brian says, who recommends investing in quality luggage, like Rimowa. He avoids aluminum cases and prefers polycarbonate zip models: they’re lighter, easier to close, and don’t eat into your weight allowance. For checked bags, he recommends choosing a fun color—like his salmon or cobalt blue—so you can spot it instantly.
A Well-Organized Backpack
Brian just invested in a Prada backpack, but he says any large, well-designed version will do. “I’ve got my personal items, I’ve got kids things in certain pockets,” he explains. Look for one with side pockets for bottles and snacks, and plenty of compartments to keep chaos in check, like this favorite from Away.
Supergoop SPF Stick
One item Brian never leaves home without? “SPF, especially when traveling on planes,” he says. “People forget how much UV exposure you get.” He likes Supergoop’s clear, non-greasy SPF stick because “you don’t have to touch your face—and then it’s not liquid either,” making it TSA-friendly and mess-free.
Global Entry
Global Entry is Brian’s most practical recommendation. “It’s five years, $120, and it gets you TSA PreCheck as well,” he says. He suggests helping with the application as part of the gift. To speed things up, pair it with Appointment Scanner, which sends real-time alerts when rare interview slots open.
Stretch*d or Professional Stretching
“I actually got taller,” Brian says of his regular stretch sessions at Stretch*d in New York. He prefers them over massages for long-term benefits like better posture and back relief. Stretching helps him stay mobile while managing travel, workouts and constant toddler-carrying—especially useful for dads with active routines.
Heyday Facial Membership
“My skin gets constantly dehydrated,” Brian says—an inevitable side effect of flying often. He gets monthly facials at Heyday, an affordable chain with memberships in several cities. It’s a simple way to support recovery and wellness, especially for dads who wouldn’t schedule one for themselves. For a cheaper alternative, get Dad some hydrating face masks—and then make sure he actually uses them.