Even though Halloween isn't even here yet, people are already gearing up for the holiday travel season. Between coordinating with family and friends across the country and making deals with travel agents, it's obvious that this year, people will once again be traveling to celebrate the holidays. While most employers spend the fall and early winter months trying to decide on holiday gifts for employees and customers, keep in mind that the holidays are a time for gifts, not branding. Knowing this common fact, why not use it to your advantage and provide travelers with useful items (branded with your logo) before the holiday season. Not only will they appreciate these handy travel accessories, but it’s an opportunity to get your branding noticed!

Traveling By Air

With security measures stricter on airplanes, delays at airports are sure to occur. Make it easier for your employees and customers to get through security without hassles. The Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) rulings regarding liquids allowed on planes is one obstacle they may have to overcome, so help them do it! Leeds has created an Air Safe Toiletry Kit that meets all the standards of TSA. It includes five clear containers—two 2-oz. bottles, one 2-oz. spray bottle, and one 3-oz. bottle, all in a zip-top clear plastic bag. It will be a much appreciated item on the day of the flight. Another great item is a brightly colored luggage tag. As much as people may think their luggage is distinctive, it's usually not. Giving them a neon colored luggage tag with your company's logo can avoid that claustrophobic feeling around the baggage carousel.

Traveling By Car

Thanksgiving is typically the busiest road travel day of the year. This means one thing: traffic. It’s never pleasant, but if you happen to be in a car filled with little ones who aren't yet sleepy from turkey, it can be a true test of character. Giving a little game, like a rubic's cube or a small toy will be seen as a thoughtful gesture before the holidays and parents traveling with children will appreciate it. You could also give out the ever popular Sudoku game, which works great for parents and teens. In addition to these choices, an auto emergency kit is a great item to have on hand and will be appreciated by recipients.

Last year, AAA estimated that 38.3 million Americans would travel 50 miles or more from their homes during the Thanksgiving holiday. This year the number could be even higher. Take this opportunity to brand your logo and give travelers useful items that they’ll truly be thankful for.

Sarah Shepherd is a e-marketing specialist for Motivators, Inc., a Long Island based promotional products distributor. The company's website, Motivators.com boasts over 30,000 e-commerce enabled promotional products.