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• Gifts for grown-ups

The 36 Best Gifts for Frequent Travelers

By Samantha Schoech

Samantha Schoech is a writer focusing on gifts. She spends her time finding things that combine quality, beauty, usefulness, and delight.

Give the globe-trotter in your life a gift that will appeal to their sense of worldly wonder. These items will make flights, long lines at customs, and hotel stays feel less arduous and more comfortable. You could also give your favorite traveler special mementos and experiences to celebrate past trips and anticipate future expeditions. Whatever type of traveler you’re shopping for, we have something here to suit their wanderlust.

Bluetooth connection

This small, portable transmitter sounds as good as more expensive options, and it actually works as advertised, which isn’t a given in this category.

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Watching an in-flight movie with freebie airline earbuds is an exercise in missed dialogue and muffled music. The 1Mii ML300 allows travelers to connect their own Bluetooth headphones or earbuds to the plane’s audio system with a standard jack. This little gadget has a solid, 10-hour battery life, support for the aptX Low Latency Bluetooth codec (to improve the sync between audio and video), and the ability to pair to two sets of headphones at once. Like all the Bluetooth transmitters our audio team tested, it can produce some audio lag. Although it isn’t a flashy gift, it can make your giftee’s travel more pleasant.

Anywhere outlet

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

With four plugs that will work in 150 countries, plus four USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and an AC socket, this adapter is the best all-around choice for anyone traveling out of the country.

If your sojourning friend is about to travel internationally, they’ll need a reliable plug adapter. The Epicka Universal Travel Adapter contains the three most common international plugs and a US-style plug, which together cover the majority of countries around the world. It has the most USB ports—four USB-A and one USB-C—of any universal adapter our travel team tested, and it charges more devices faster. A replaceable fuse and an included spare should take care of any shockingly bad connections. Still, it doesn't cover every possible plug around the globe. For someone who is truly bopping from country to country, a multi-plug set like the Ceptics International Worldwide Travel Plug Adapter 5 Piece Set contains five different plugs, and it offers sold-separately add-ons for countries such as Brazil , India , Israel , and South Africa , which aren’t covered by “universal” adapters.

Personal-item perfection

Away The Everywhere Bag

This bag slides over the handles of your carry-on for easy transport. It’s made of durable nylon and has plenty of space for in-flight essentials.

Ah, the ideal “personal item”—the bag that’s small enough to stow under the seat in front but large enough to hold headphones, hydration, extra layers, reading material, a laptop, lunch, and whatever other items one might deem essential. It seems nearly impossible, but it can be done. Away’s The Everywhere Bag , made of water- and abrasion-resistant nylon, is our personal-item pick . It has a removable shoulder strap and a sleeve for slipping over the handles of a carry-on suitcase . Inside, your gift recipient will find a roomy interior pocket for clothes and toiletries, plus six smaller pockets and a 15-inch laptop sleeve. Outside is a single slim pocket for tickets and travel documents, and at the bag’s base is a waterproof umbrella pocket. Truly savvy packers could easily get a weekend’s worth of stuff in this bag.

Artful journaling

Hand Book Paper Co. Travelogue Watercolor Journal

This 5.25-by-8.25-inch landscape-oriented journal has 30 sheets of 90-pound watercolor paper.

Caran d'Ache Gouache Studio Set

With 14 shades and a tube of white in a reusable metal case, this gouache paint set allows for intuitive blending and layering, ideal for inspired amateur artists.

Kuretake Gansai Portable Watercolor Set

The travel version of our favorite watercolor paint set also comes with a self-cleaning water brush and a fine-tip black pen for outlines and definition.

One needn’t be a painter to enjoy the craft while traveling. Set a burgeoning artist up right with a few excellent tools of the trade. The compact Hand Book Paper Co. Travelogue Watercolor Journal is designed to absorb watercolors but lends itself just as well to pencil, ink, or gouache. Covered in natural linen, it has pouch-ready rounded corners and an elastic strap to keep it closed. Pair it with a set of gouache paints such as those in the Caran D’Ache Gouache Studio Set , which have a satisfying opacity and don’t require the patience, foresight, or skill of watercolors. Of course, some people prefer the abstract flow of watercolors, in which case the Kuretake Gansai Portable Watercolor Set is a better bet. Both palettes come with serviceable brushes; a more experienced painter might add a few extras as their skills progress.

Dry hair anywhere

PackTowl Personal

Whether used for camping, hiking, traveling, or general outdoor adventuring, this towel is durable enough to handle extended abuse while remaining soft and comfortable.

For adventurers who camp, stay in hostels, or otherwise travel rough, a personal towel is essential. Our pick is the PackTowl Personal , primarily for its odor-preventing antibacterial treatment, ideal for when laundry opportunities are few and far between. At 25 by 54 inches, it’s large enough to wrap around most folks, and it feels soft and substantial against the skin. It dries quickly, shakes free of sand readily, and weighs only 6.4 ounces—a primary concern for anyone carrying it in a backpack.

Noteworthy guidebooks

Herb Lester Guides

These magnificently designed fold-out maps provide unique and whimsical ways to explore dozens of locations around the world.

Gone are the days of carrying around dog-eared guidebooks to find hotels and museum hours. But there are still some things you can’t find online. The beautifully designed and lovingly written Herb Lester Guides provide travelers and armchair travelers alike with utterly unique ways to explore a new place. Serge Gainsbourg’s Paris doesn’t provide the entrance fee to the Louvre, but the gorgeous, 16-by-27-inch fold-out map, packaged in a printed cardstock case with a Gainsbourg cocktail napkin, does lead you to Studio Ferber, where the multitalented musician, actor, and director recorded the soundtrack to the hit movie Tenue de Soirée in 1986, or to L’Hôtel Meurice, where Gainsbourg often visited Salvador Dali. The series also includes John le Carre’s London ; The World of Patricia Highsmith , which touches on locations in the US, Mexico, and Europe; Andy Warhol’s New York , and dozens more.

Luggage helper

Cincha Travel Belt

This wide nylon strap has a sturdy buckle to keep your shoulder bag, backpack, or carry-on firmly attached to your roller bag, for smoother trips through the airport.

Anyone who travels has surely precariously perched their carry-on atop their rolling suitcase, only to have it topple, swivel, or lurch. Solve that annoyance with the Cincha Travel Belt , a useful offering that comes in some snazzy colors and patterns. The concept is simple: This adjustable nylon strap cinches a smaller bag to the telescopic handles of a suitcase, thereby freeing up a hand, shoulder, or back. Yes, your traveling friend could use a bungee or even a rope for that purpose, but this item has a few touches that make it worth the upgrade: The sturdy metal buckle releases like butter, and a hidden elastic loop keeps the belt attached to the suitcase, even when it’s unclasped. Yes, this is a practical gift, but for the right traveler, it will be a real gem.

Penkou Portable Neck Fan

This fan’s battery lasts all day, and several accidental drops haven’t killed it. Also, it fits comfortably around the neck without being heavy, loud, or excessively gusty.

This past summer, heat records broke across the globe, and many travelers reported that they found it difficult to stay cool and comfortable on the go. New York City’s heat wave prompted staff writer Thom Dunn to explore the world of wearable neck fans , including the Penkou Portable Neck Fan . And the Penkou model, with a ring of 72 air slots that softly blow air up toward the head (but not directly into the face), was his pick. It weighs only about half a pound, and because of its smooth plastic design, it’s barely noticeable against the neck and shoulders. One large button on the front right makes it easy to cycle through the fan speeds. The rechargeable battery lasts up to 16 hours, and the fan is compact enough to slip into a carry-on.

Handy sanitizer

Noshinku Hand Sanitizer

This flat, pocket-friendly hand sanitizer comes in sophisticated scents like vetiver, eucalyptus, and bergamot. And it’s refillable.

Traveling requires a lot of surface touching: airplanes, subways, taxis. If the pandemic taught us anything, it was that we should clean our hands as often as possible. The lovely-smelling Noshinku Hand Sanitizer is an FDA-compliant germ-killer that also contains stuff like jojoba, rosehip, argan oil, and aloe, to keep skin from drying out. Each canister is about the size of a credit card, though not quite as slim. So it can be slipped into a back pocket or a purse pocket. The best part is the canister is refillable , so your recipient can continue to use it for a long time.

Reading light

Glocusent Bookmark Style Reading Light

This chic, compact device offers five light settings, and the power indicator makes it easy to tell when to charge it.

Whether your favorite traveler is reading on a plane, train, or bed, or they’re just rifling through their suitcase, they will surely appreciate some extra light. The tiny Glocusent Bookmark Style Reading Light is our pick because it’s so lightweight and easy to carry. It twists and adjusts, so the light covers a full page, and it has simple buttons, for changing the brightness and temperature of the lighting. This lamp is so small it can clip to a paperback without weighing it down, and it fits in a pocket.

Trip planner

Lonely Planet’s Where to Go When

This visual travel guide suggests events and destinations for every month of the year. It’s as much an inspiration as it is a planner.

Graphically exuberant and endlessly inspiring, Lonely Planet’s Where to Go When is arranged by month, so travelers can figure out where to head on any given day. Miami’s Art Deco Weekend is in January. Consider Botswana’s Okavango floods (the best time for dugout canoe safaris) in June. This book further categorizes potential trips by budget, family-friendliness, and “expensive but worth it” (a July road trip along the Westfjords of Iceland, for example). Even if the recipient is more of an armchair traveler than a frequent globe-trotter, this book is sure to kick their wanderlust into full gear.

Luggage tracker

Apple AirTag

AirTags leverage Apple’s huge network of devices to track down a lost suitcase, and they’re impressively accurate at pinpointing an item’s precise location.

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Whether it was misrouted by the airline or left behind in a station waiting room, a lost suitcase can really dampen a trip. The Apple AirTag —our favorite Bluetooth tracker —does not work with non-Apple products. But if your beloved traveler owns an iPhone, AirTags are better than their competitors in just about every way—from ease of setup to location accuracy. They track belongings almost in real time. And if an airline does lose your favorite traveler’s suitcase, they will have an accurate map to point to when trying to locate it. Wirecutter staffers have also had success with slipping AirTags into the pockets of their restless kids.

Arrive refreshed

Peace Out Puffy Eyes

Each box contains six pairs of under-eye patches, which are infused with caffeine and hyaluronic acid to depuff tired, travel-weary eyes.

Nobody looks—or feels—as fresh as a daisy after a flight. But the Peace Out Puffy Eyes cooling under-eye patches—a longtime favorite of supervising editor Hannah Morrill—can help with both. Each box contains six pairs of crescent-shaped patches, made of a gelatinous (but not icky) biocellulose gel. The cooling effect is certainly pleasant enough. But the ingredients (caffeine, for a temporary tightening effect, and hydrators glycerin, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid) are what really do the trick for travel-worn eyes.

Safe drinking water

LifeStraw Go Series

This water bottle’s microfilter straw protects against all sorts of contaminants—from microplastics to E. coli. And it makes everyday tap water taste better.

To turn non-potable water into fresh, clean drinking water, staff writer Samantha Schoech swears by the LifeStraw Go Series water bottle (she recently sent her son off to Central America with one). Its replaceable filter removes 99.9% of contaminants and protects against common waterborne pathogens. This bottle is a little pricey, but it eliminates the need for single-use plastic bottles. And each filter cleans 1,000 gallons, which translates to roughly five years of daily use. LifeStraw also makes a 1-liter collapsible bottle for when space is tight. (To learn a little more, see our article on the LifeStraw Max Water Filter .)

Plane entertainment

Nanoblock Birds Rosella Collection Series Building Kit

Flat bags packed with tiny building blocks keep bored hands and minds occupied on long treks. The resulting builds are about the size of a fist.

A person can only watch so many in-flight movies. On long hauls, we find these Nanoblock mini building sets to be just the ticket for restless hands and minds. They’re engaging but not mentally taxing, and the sets (ranging from about 100 to 200 pieces) are small enough to lay out on a tray table and later carry home in luggage. Finished pieces—from musical instruments to cats to pizzas—are only about 3 inches tall.

Power on the go

TravelCard Plus

This power bank is one of the smallest and lightest we’ve tested. It has a powerful USB-C PD port, built-in USB-C and Lightning cables, and a rated capacity of 3,000 mAh. But it recharges slower than our other picks.

At some point, your constantly on-the-go pal will require some extra juice, and a portable charger will ensure they have it when they need it most. We like the slim and petite TravelCard Plus , which also happens to be the smallest, lightest USB portable charger we tested. But there’s more to love than just its pocketable size. The TravelCard Plus’s USB-C PD port, built-in USB-C cable, and built-in Lightning cable can fast-charge most smartphones or other handheld devices (though it recharges more slowly than our other picks ).

An unmissable luggage tag

Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag

This brightly colored silicone tag displays the owner’s name but keeps other personal information out of sight.

There are a few features that make the Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag superior to pricier models in our testing . For starters, due to its sturdy, silicone-and-metal cable construction, it can withstand crowded overhead bins and rough tarmac treatment. Then there’s the issue of privacy: Although the owner’s name is always fully visible, address details are revealed only after you unscrew and remove the metal cable. Also an upside: This tag comes in a range of eye-catching colors. So it can help someone spot an otherwise-nondescript suitcase on a fast-moving carousel.

Premier toiletry transport

State Bags Bensen Toiletry Kit

This bag includes a detachable pouch and other organizational options, so packing is easier for both long and short trips.

For all manner of travelers, the State Bags Bensen Toiletry Kit is the most versatile one we tested . If your traveling pal takes longer trips and often checks their luggage, this bag folds up to stash larger items, like full shampoo bottles or contact solution; the hook hangs smoothly from a towel bar, for easy access. Our favorite feature for light packers: a removable translucent plastic pouch that holds up to four 2.7-ounce travel bottles (ideal for carry-on security checks). Available in a dozen prints and patterns, the bag also looks great and feels like a fancy, will-last-a-lifetime gift at a relatively modest price.

Small servings

Cadence Capsules

These leakproof plastic travel containers hold half an ounce of solids, liquids, or creams; magnetized sides keep them compact and easy to locate.

If your favorite excursionist wouldn’t dream of using hotel shampoo or missing a day of their skin-care regimen, a set of Cadence Capsules will serve as an anxiety-abating treat. (Less-particular travelers will appreciate our favorite simple toiletry bottles .) All six hexagonal cases are leakproof and magnetic on every side, and they can be filled with about a half-ounce of whatever the traveler’s heart desires—from serum and dry shampoo to omega-3 capsules and CBD gummies. The well inside each capsule has rounded corners, so the recipient can scrape out every last daub of their precious potions. Each vessel can be customized with a “tile” or label. But unless you know your recipient very well, we suggest giving a gift card , which will allow them to choose their own colors and tiles.

Organized packing

Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set

Simple and solidly constructed, these packing cubes maximize luggage space and keep everything organized.

Even for the most enthusiastic traveler, packing remains an uphill battle. The Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set (one of our favorites ) can make the task infinitely less arduous, and some of our testers found that this set made packing borderline pleasant. The three cubes are made of sturdy polyester, so they stay upright when empty, and the mesh windows let travelers easily scope the contents. With a clamshell design, these cubes fully open on three sides, so deeply stashed items are easily accessible. Another welcome note in the age of lost luggage: Pouches can help your favorite traveler compress stuff into a single carry-on.

Safety socks

SockWell Men’s Lifestyle Firm Compression Socks

These compression socks offer the perfect combination of function and price. They are made of a merino wool blend, which is typical of more-expensive options.

SockWell Women’s Lifestyle Firm Compression Socks

For a true frequent flier, wearing a great pair of compression socks is both a safety and a comfort measure. Long flights can cause deep vein thrombosis and gravitational oedema (the technical term for swelling caused by sitting around too long); compression socks facilitate circulation and reduce the instances of both. SockWell Lifestyle Firm Compression Socks (available in both men’s and women’s sizes) are comfortably snug, and they’re made of a luxe, merino wool blend that hugs without constricting. The socks are cozy on a nippy flight, and they come in a handful of prints and colors that aren’t as institutional-looking as those of other compression socks we tried.

A hands-free journey

Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack

This neoprene pack blends style and function, fitting everything from a large wallet to a makeup kit—with room to spare.

For those who like to explore new places but don’t want to carry a purse, a modern, cool fanny pack is just the right accessory. Of the 22 we tested, the Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack offers the best marriage of handsome looks (eight suave colors!) and plenty of storage space—it can readily hold a smartphone, a passport, a wallet, and hand sanitizer, and there are extra pockets for a transit card and some change. Wide straps make this bag comfortable to carry, and the neoprene material (think wetsuit) will keep gear dry if the weather shifts unexpectedly.

A cozy cardigan

White+Warren Essential Cashmere Trapeze Cardigan

This simple, luxurious, and flattering open-front cardigan will add a layer of warmth and elegance to a trip abroad.

There is nothing worse than boarding a flight and realizing you miscalculated just how chilly airplane AC can be. One of our favorite cashmere sweaters , the White+Warren Essential Cashmere Trapeze Cardigan is a simple and luxurious piece that will keep a traveler cozy both in transit and once they’ve reached their destination. This sweater is lightweight and soft enough to nap in (it can double as a blanket, thanks to its drapey shape), and it looks polished when layered over a tee or under a jacket. Available in six muted tones, the cardigan has an airy construction, so it can fold down smaller than expected for easy packing.

Colorful little notebooks

Pantone 10 Notebooks

Each brightly colored, pocket-size notebook has 48 grid-dot pages.

Not all travel journals need to be works of art, layered with watercolor and ink. The Pantone 10 Notebooks set includes 10 brightly colored, 4-by-5.5-inch softcover notebooks that are perfect for jotting down ideas, an itinerary, or travel memories. Each notebook slips nicely into a tote or a pocket and has 48 grid-dot pages of decent-quality paper. Send your traveler out into the world with a couple of these and a good pen , and see what they return with.

Armchair travel to Japan

Set in Edo-era Japan, this game revels in the simple pleasures of traveling—in this case, from the city of Kyoto to Edo (what is now Tokyo).

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Players journey along the Tokaido road with other travelers, stopping at hot springs, stores, temples, and inns (and collecting souvenirs and eating delicious meals as they go). The ultimate goal is to be the “best traveler,” or to have the richest experience by seeing, eating, or doing the most during your trip. The game itself is beautifully designed and simple to play; it’s not deeply competitive, though there is some strategy involved in attempting to win. The pleasure of playing Tokaido comes from relaxing and accepting the pace of the board, and letting the game reveal surprising discoveries—much like travel itself.

A window out into the world

With each click in this free app, a view opens from a real window somewhere in the world, complete with sounds of birds, traffic, or blessed silence.

Sometimes the best gift is to remind someone that the world is both larger and more accessible than they realize. The strangely addictive WindowSwap allows viewers to take a break to stare out a window in cities such as Copenhagen, Manila, and Prague. Some of the window scenes are tranquil, others are not, but all suggest that there’s an infinite number of new things to see, wherever you are. The app is free, but for $5 a month, your armchair traveler will be able to look out all the windows ever uploaded, create unlimited bookmarks and playlists, and even access a back button so they can spend a little more time gazing out a favorite window.

An eye mask and a travel pillow for catching z’s

Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask

This lightweight, contoured mask comfortably fits a wide variety of face shapes and blocks light well. It’s best when you’re sitting upright or sleeping on your back.

Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow

This compressible pillow has tall, memory-foam walls, and it offers more support than any other pillow we tested.

It’s perhaps an indictment of air travel in general that many travel items are designed to mitigate the environment, whether it’s the noise, the light, or the cramped seats of an airplane. The Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask , a Wirecutter favorite , features contoured eyecups that rest around the eye sockets, instead of directly on the eyelids. By combining this mask with noise-cancelling headphones and a pillow, a traveler will be about as close to a sense of privacy as one can find on an airliner. For a headrest, we like the Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow . It’s simple to wear, doesn’t interfere too much with headphones, and provides support even when the wearer is sitting upright.

Tiny white noise machine

Yogasleep Travel Mini Sound Machine

This sound machine is about as small as the palm of a hand and weighs less than 5 ounces. And it features a USB-rechargeable battery.

There’s no guarantee that your beloved traveler’s hotel or Airbnb will be as quiet as it promises to be. A small, portable sound machine may create enough white noise to drown out sleep-disturbing intrusions. The Yogasleep Travel Mini Sound Machine is from the same company that makes the classic Yogasleep Dohm Nova , which we recommend . The Travel Mini has six sound options, including white noise, brown noise, and three nature-inspired sounds. It also acts as a gentle night-light, with three dimmable options. What’s better than the gift of a good night’s sleep?

A game about the birth (and death) of words

Those who enjoy language immersion (and disorientation) will appreciate this card game, which has players generate a unique dialect.

Part of the experience of traveling to another country is feeling lost in its language, and Dialect can help fill the gap. This game involves the birth (and eventual death) of a language and the culture that created it. At its heart, Dialect—which requires almost no setup but plenty of imagination—is as much a discussion of what language is and why it exists as it is a game. It’s also good for last-minute shoppers: Order the standard physical edition, and you’ll get a digital copy, too (online access is emailed immediately, so your loved one can start figuring out how the game is played).

Travel posters with classic appeal

Anderson Design Group World Travel Posters

These archive-quality, vintage-inspired prints depict destinations worldwide, and they come in a variety of sizes.

Years ago, senior staff writer Kit Dillon’s father went to Cuba and saw a clay statuette of Fidel Castro for sale. Kit said that when the vendor told his father the price, he said, “Castro no vale tanto” (translation: Castro isn’t worth that much). That may seem risky for an American to say while traveling alone in Cuba, but the statuette is here now looking at Kit, so somebody appreciated the joke. Ever since, Kit said when he finds a small token of Cuba—like this art print —he sends it to his father to remind him to take the trip again one day, only this time with Kit. For its World Travel Poster series , the Anderson Design Group created nostalgic images that harken back to another era of travel—and they make an excellent promissory note for a trip to come. The collection currently encompasses every country in Asia, Europe, Africa, and Central, South, and North America, and it will eventually include every country in the world. The prints come in six sizes, and the images are available on canvas or metal.

Cutlery to go

Hydro Flask Flatware Set

This three-piece stainless flatware set helps climate-conscious travelers avoid single-use plastics, and it comes with a Velcro carrying case.

Airport food has come a long way. What hasn’t progressed: the flimsy and environmentally deplorable single-use plastic utensils you have to eat it with. Portable cutlery will give your recipient a dignified way to dine on the go. Wirecutter editor Ria Misra recommends the sturdy stainless Hydro Flask Flatware Set , which comes with a full-size fork, a knife that’s strong enough to butter a muffin (but that won’t alarm the TSA), and a spoon that’s perfect for slurping soup. This set also comes with its own carrying case, so it won’t get lost (or separated) in the dark recesses of your carry-on.

A pretty passport cover

Tusk Siam Passport Cover

This elegant goatskin passport cover comes in 11 zippy color combos, and it won’t fade or scuff, even after years of traveling.

A bright passport cover will make it easy for your traveling pal to quickly locate their passport in a bag at the airport (or at home, when it’s shoved in the back of a drawer). Supervising editor Hannah Morrill loves the Tusk Siam Passport Cover , which is made from supple goatskin leather and comes in nine cheery color combinations. (Some other versions we’ve tried have a translucent pouch; in theory, this sounds ideal for flashing the relevant page at customs, but in practice, the cover ends up smudgy and embedded with crumbs.) Hannah reports that even after years of use, the slim folio looks clean and crisp. Plus, there are two inner card slots, which are excellent for stashing any stray forms you’re asked to hang onto at the airport or on the plane.

We love finding gifts that are unusual, thoughtful, and well vetted. See even more gift ideas we recommend .

Dorie Chevlen contributed reporting. This article was edited by Hannah Morrill and Jennifer Hunter.

Meet your guide

Samantha Schoech

Except for the time she gave a boyfriend her mother’s old toaster for Christmas, staff writer Samantha Schoech has a reputation as an excellent gift giver. She lives in San Francisco with two teens, two cats, a geriatric betta fish, and a bookseller husband. Her first book of short stories, My Mother’s Boyfriends, is coming out in 2024.

Mentioned above

• Looking for a way to connect your wireless headphones to a source that lacks Bluetooth? Use a Bluetooth transmitter like 1Mii’s ML300 or B03. The Best Bluetooth Transmitters for Home and Portable Use  
• We tested over a dozen travel plug adapters to find the best to bring on a trip overseas. Nothing can cover you everywhere, but check out these four good options. The Best Travel Plug Adapter  
• There’s more to a great in-flight personal item than being small enough to stuff under a plane seat. Here’s how to choose the right one for your travel needs. The Best Underseat Luggage and Personal-Item Bags  
• After 10 years of airport dashes and overhead-compartment stashes, the Travelpro Platinum Elite is still the suitcase we want to carry. The Best Carry-On Luggage  
• We spent 60 hours testing travel packable towels and we are convinced these are the best options for drying off. The Best Packable Travel Towels  
• These reading lights are bright and adjustable, so you can keep reading even if you share a bed with a light sleeper. The Best Reading Light  

Further reading

How to Sleep Well (or at Least Better) While Traveling

by Christine Ryan

Our sleep and travel editors recommend gear for coping with travel-induced insomnia, vetted through hours of testing and years of personal experience.

The Gadgets We Bring on Every Trip

by Ivy Liscomb

You don't have to be a digital nomad to travel like one. Here are a few gadgets and accessories to make travel as painless as possible.

The Best Underwear for Travel

by Liz Thomas

We tested 37 pairs of travel underwear and found that ExOfficio’s Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief and Patagonia Women’s Active Hipster panties are the best around.

The Best Travel Strollers

by Elise Czajkowski

After testing seven travel strollers on various trips and excursions, we’re confident that the Uppababy Minu V2 is the one to get.

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The 55 Best Gifts for Travel Lovers in 2024

Peruse these practical and thoughtful gift ideas for every traveler on your list.

Travel + Leisure / Kristin Kempa

Shopping for your travel-loving friends and family can be tricky — after all, you’ll want to ensure you’re picking up something practical, but you also don’t want to gift them something they already have. It’s also worth considering that frequent travelers, especially digital nomads, tend to live a more minimalist life. This means practical gear will reign supreme over more frivolous items.

You’ll also want to take into account the kind of travel your favorite globetrotters or influencers are into. City explorers or luxury-leaning travelers, for example, probably won’t want the same gear as someone who spends their PTO hiking and trekking through the wilderness.

The following options were hand-picked by our team to suit every type of traveler and vacationer on your list. We’ve extensively researched (or personally tested) all of the following gifts to ensure your purchase will make a thoughtful and genuinely practical addition to your loved one’s travels. Here are the best gifts travelers will love — for all budgets and needs.

Paravel Passport Case

If your favorite travelers don’t already have a high-quality passport cover, you might want to consider the Paravel Cabana Passport Case. The elegant leather case can even be personalized with a hand-painted monogram or custom graphic to add another layer of elegance. We also like that this option has an abundance of pockets and card slots to make organization easier.

Boka Fresh on the Go

The Boka Fresh on the Go set was made for travelers who avoid checking a bag at all costs. It includes everything they’ll need to maintain good oral hygiene while on the go. The toothpaste is TSA-approved and the mouthwash — this is the best part — comes in the form of chewable tablets, so it won’t even count toward their liquid quota.

Jamaica Vibes

Jamaica Vibes is one of the latest in the Assouline coffee table book family — and possibly one of the most fun options to date. The stunning visual-first book will allow travelers to reminisce about any time spent in Jamaica (or dream about future trips) while the cover and spine of the book will add a dose of elegant and trendy style to coffee tables and bookshelves.

Contiki Tour

You can’t go wrong with the gift of travel itself. If you’re looking for a big-ticket experience gift for a younger traveler in your life, look no further than a Contiki tour. The pre-packaged trips will take them all over the world with like-minded young people and range from exploring the Garden Route in South Africa to road-tripping through the Balkans.

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

Sure, a travel adapter might not immediately come off as the most exciting gift. But any traveler will tell you just how valuable a reliable one really is. The Epicka Universal Travel Adapter is the best travel adapter in our book; it works in more than 150 countries and it’s super compact and easy to pack thanks to the modular design. Plus, you can always pair it with a flashier item like a travel-themed phone case.

SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

The SereneLife Stand-up Paddle Board is an excellent option for anyone who wants to bring the spirit of resort life home. We tested out a variety of inflatable paddle boards and our team agrees that this is the best board on the market thanks to the lightweight, portable design and impressive stability in the water.

LARQ Bottle PureVis

The Larq Self-cleaning Water Bottle is a true game changer for all kinds of travelers. The smart bottle uses UV technology to not just disinfect itself but also to purify the water you’re drinking. This means the jetsetter you’re shopping for will be able to comfortably drink from most water sources without worrying about getting sick.

Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair

The Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair is simply the best beach chair around — and it makes a great gift for road-trippers and camping enthusiasts alike. It’s super easy to transport thanks to the folding backpack design, and is surprisingly comfortable due to the adjustable head pillow and elongated seat. We also like that the frame is rust-proof, meaning it’s perfect for using at the beach or in the rain.

Intelligent Change Inc. The Five Minute Journal

Sometimes, it can be hard to live in the moment and absorb all the magic that is travel — but a gratitude journal can help ensure your globetrotter stays centered on the go. The Five Minute Journal takes, as advertised, takes just five minutes of a traveler’s time; but jotting down their thoughts for those few minutes will help them remember and appreciate the most exciting parts of their day while traveling or at home.

Andobil Car Phone Holder Mount

The best car phone holder mount in our book is the Andobil Car Phone Holder Mount, and it’ll make a great gift for road trippers and car commuters. It’s super easy to install and, once set up, is incredibly stable and easy to use while on the go. There’s also space to plug in a charger so drivers won’t have to mess around with their phone just to get some juice.

Puffer Hug 418 Scarf

Think of the Puffer Hug 418 Scarf as a stylish and equally practical alternative to the fishing vest. Hear us out: this cozy accessory serves as a regular scarf but also has tons of pockets for things like a smartphone or passport. It’s great for wearing to the airport when you need to have documents at the ready but is equally sensible for wearing to explore a new city.

Slip Silk Skinny Scrunchies

The Slip Pure Silk 4-pack Skinny Scrunchies is a fail-safe gift for travelers who want to care for their hair while they're away. The silk design is gentle on the hair and is designed to not pull or cause breakage, even with regular use. We also really like the elegant patterns and colors of the scrunchies, which can easily double as cute arm candy among a stack of bracelets.

Vinarmour Travel Wine Carrier

Wine-loving travelers will flip for the Vinarmour Travel Wine Carrier. This stunning carrier is designed to transport a bottle of wine without any risk of breakage. It features sufficient padding to keep the bottle safe while in transit, but it’s also made from leak-proof material — so even if the bottle was already damaged and cracks while in cargo, it won’t spill on the rest of your luggage.

The Harmonist Travel Coffret

The Harmonist Travel Coffret is a game-changer when it comes to feeling fresh and relaxed in transit. The set of three heavily-concentrated perfumes were designed to foster a sense of calmness and relaxation thanks to the various notes, including patchouli, pomelo, Bulgarian rose, and vanilla. It also comes with a striking travel case to keep the vials safe in transit.

Twelve South AirFly Pro

The Twelve South AirFly Pro is a T+L editor favorite and such an easy way to upgrade the economy experience. This handy little device allows travelers to use their own Bluetooth headphones or earbuds with the inflight entertainment system rather than having to use the sub-par freebies provided by the airline. The AirFly is super easy to use as well — all you have to do is plug it into the headphone jack on the plane and pair it with your headphones.

Four Seasons Velvet Slippers

There’s something inherently luxurious about slipping into a pair of hotel slippers upon check in — and the Four Seasons Velvet Slippers amplify that feeling and bring it home. These stunning slippers are made in Italy from sleek velvet and cotton with the Four Seasons logo embroidered on the top. The elastic back and rubber sole make them appropriate for both indoor and outdoor use.

Birdie Personal Safety Alarm

Here’s one for the solo women travelers on your list. The She's Birdie Personal Safety Alarm is designed to fit incognito in her handbag or pocket — but if she finds herself in any kind of trouble, it’s easy to grab and sound the alarm to draw attention and deter an attack. All she has to do is pull off the top tab to activate the 130-decibel siren and flashing strobe light.

Dagne Dover Tech Organizer

Nobody thinks they need a tech organizer while traveling, but when you take into account all the cables and adapters required to make international travel smooth, having a specific spot to keep everything untangled is major. The Dagne Dover Arlo Tech Organizer is small enough to pop into a carry-on but has plenty of interior space to store everything a traveler needs.

Lindsay Albanese Toptote Leather Hat Holder

Traveling with a cute hat seems like a great idea, but in practice it can be a bit of a pain. The Lindsay Albanese Toptote Leather Hat Holder allows travelers to bring along a wide-brim hat without having to wear it the entire commute or risking it getting crushed in a suitcase. The clip attaches to the brim of a hat and the built-in carabiner lets you pop it onto a handbag or carry-on for a hands-free solution.

Diptyque Travel Cleansing & Moisturizing Set

This cleansing and moisturizing set will be a welcome addition to any routine whether at home or on the go. The decadent set includes both rinse-free and regular hand wash as well as a moisturizing hand lotion — all of which smell just like your favorite luxury hotel bath products. We also like that this option comes with a cute carrying case that makes it easy to store the items in a handbag or carry-on.

Vasco V4 Language Translator Device

World travelers always have a few favorite travel products they swear by. For traveling abroad, the Vasco V4 Language Translator Device makes the experience so much easier — not just on the traveler but on the locals as well. This genius device provides instant voice translation in 108 languages and comes with free lifetime internet to ensure it’ll always be functional anywhere in the world. The instant translations mean your traveling pal can have real-time conversations with people across the globe, even if there’s no common spoken language.

Pokoloko Harem Towel

The Pokoloko Harem Towel is handcrafted using 100 percent Turkish cotton by artisans in Turkey — and it’s the perfect beach bag essential. It’s very lightweight and rolls down much smaller than the average towel. However, it’s also incredibly absorbent and quick-drying, so travelers can pop it back into their beach bag at the end of the day without worrying about lugging home a soggy towel.

lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L

It’s called the Everywhere Belt Bag for a reason! This Lululemon staple has quickly become a cult classic for travelers (it has quite literally been everywhere this year). The adjustable belt bag is super convenient for everything from hiking to exploring cities hands-free, and the durable nylon material means you won’t have to worry about potential spillage or getting stuck in the rain (it’ll wipe clean with a bit of water).

Longchamp Le Pliage Filet Mesh Bag

Regular travelers know the importance of throwing a decent-sized tote into their luggage. After all, you never know when you’ll need the extra bit of space while on the road. The Longchamp Le Pliage Filet L Mesh Bag offers a sophisticated take on the humble mesh tote complete with a snap closure and both a top handle and shoulder strap for added versatility.

Conair Travel Garment Dual Voltage Steamer

The Conair Power Steam Handheld Travel Garment Steamer makes looking and feeling put together on the road a snap. The compact steamer is small enough to slip into a carry-on bag and pull out as needed while traveling. It boasts a 35-second heat-up time so the traveler in your life can power away wrinkles and creases in no time at all.

YETI Roadie 24 Cooler

The Yeti Roadie 24 Hard Cooler will be well received by the road trip warriors and beach bums on your list. Not only is it super aesthetically pleasing, but it can also actually fit an incredible amount in such a compact space — we’re talking up to 33 cans, 26 pounds of ice, and even full-sized bottles of wine.

Loop Quiet Ear Plugs

You don’t quite realize how high-quality the Loop Quiet earplugs are until you really need them. The surprisingly stylish earplugs were designed to be comfortable while sleeping and will serve as a major blessing the next time your gift recipient has been put in a hotel room next to a crying baby or bachelorette party.

Paravel Mini Fold-up Backpack

The Paravel Mini Fold-Up Backpack earned the top spot in our books as the best mini backpack of 2024 , and it’s easy to see why. It’s easy to fit all the essentials — think a tablet, a wallet, sunscreen, and shoes — but it also folds down into the size of a wallet when not in use, which makes it great for tucking into a carry-on bag in case of emergencies. We also love that this bag has the option to be monogrammed, making your gift all the more thoughtful.

Béis The Cosmetic Case

We love Béis for its cheeky and innovative take on travel accessories — and the Cosmetic Case in particular is one of our top picks of the year for best makeup cases . We love that this option is highly durable but still elegant in design and also has a generous-sized built-in mirror that makes it easy to do makeup or skincare while on the go. It’s also worth noting that this case is available in eight different colorways, so you can choose one that’ll best suit their specific style.

Paravel Aviator Carry-on Plus

If the traveler on your list is in need of a new carry-on, you’ll want to consider the Paravel Aviator Carry-on Plus. This innovative carry-on bag earned top marks in our books as the best piece of luxury luggage thanks to its super sturdy build and variety of organization options within the luggage. It’s also worth noting that all carriers are ethically produced — which makes this a great gift for conscious travelers as well.

Baggu Nylon Crescent Bag

We love a crossbody bag for travel — and the Baggu Nylon Crest Bag is definitely the top crossbody bag of the year in our books. We love just how versatile this bag is and how easily it can be packed into a suitcase without adding any bulk or weight. The crossbody bag is also highly durable and even machine washable, which is a huge perk for travelers who don’t want to have to baby their accessories while on the go.

Awake Caffeinated Chocolate Energy Bar

Frequent flyers know the perils of trying to get a good cup of coffee on an airplane or in an airport — which is why the Awake Caffeinated Chocolate Energy Bites are such a game changer for caffeine-loving travelers. The tasty chocolate bites have the caffeine equivalent of half a cup of coffee, and also offer a sweet sugar kick that’ll help them get through everything from red-eye flights to long layovers.

Nitecore MT21C Flashlight

You might not immediately think of a flashlight as a standout gift for a traveler — but a rechargeable flashlight is a packing essential for travelers who do any kind of adventure or outdoor traveling. The Nitecore MT21C Flashlight is one T+L editors swear by thanks to its compact size, impressive brightness, and longevity (it has a maximum output of 1000 lumens and a peak beam distance of 201 yards). It’s also adjustable by 90 degrees which can be highly practical for getting into tight spaces.

Moon Dissolving Whitening Strips

There’s something about indulging in a self-care routine while flying that can make an economy seat feel like you’re sitting in first class — and what could be more luxurious than whitening your teeth while on the go? The MOON Teeth Whitening Strips were designed to be used while traveling, the strips work the same as your classic Crest variety, but all you have to do is stick them on and wait for them to dissolve — no sink or rinsing required.

Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet

Sure — most airplanes have built-in in-flight entertainment, but boy does it suck when you board a flight only to realize there’s no screen on the seat back. The Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet will let them download all their favorite shows and movies to watch on the flight. It’s also great for reading e-books or checking into social media while in transit.

Aer Travel Weekender

The Aer Travel Weekender is our favorite carry-on duffel bag right now thanks to its versatility and durable design. We like that this bag can easily be used as a top-handle tote, but that it also has a built-in strap that makes it easy to use as a duffel bag while on the go. It’s worth noting that the bag also has a 16-inch padded laptop sleeve, which means they’ll be able to keep their laptop or tablet safe and secure while traveling.

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3

A portable speaker makes a great addition to any traveler’s packing list. Not only does it ensure the vibes will be good no matter where they find themselves, it’s also a great tool for playing white noise and making it easier to fall asleep in unfamiliar places. We highly recommend the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3; this one is super easy to connect to any phone and is both waterproof and dustproof — so they won’t have to be precious with it while traveling.

nCamp Café Portable Coffee Maker

If you’ve got a coffee lover on your list, the nCamp Café Portable Coffee Maker is going to be a game changer in terms of the quality of their morning joe. This compact coffee maker is especially great to bring on camping trips because it crafts espresso-style coffee without any power source. The only thing they’ll need is a hot water source and they’ll have cafe-quality brew wherever they go (which, let’s be honest, will also save them a ton of money on morning coffee).

Nintendo Switch

Travel can be endlessly thrilling and entertaining — but there’s a lot of downtime that comes with it as well. A Nintendo Switch is going to make a great gift for the gamers on your list (or those traveling with little ones). The beauty of the Switch is that they’ll be able to use it as a handheld to pass the time at airports or train stations, but it can also be set up television-style to play party games at the hotel room or Airbnb.

Infinity Pillow Travel Pillow

Unless you’re lucky enough to get a miraculous upgrade to business class, sleeping on a plane can be a struggle. That’s where the Infinity Pillow Travel Pillow comes in. This innovative pillow was designed with neck support and can be adapted to work whether they’re in the window, aisle, or even the middle seat.  It’s also temperature regulating, so it won’t make them sweaty mid-flight, and doubles as an eye mask.

Call You When I Land: A Memoir

Travel writer and author Nikki Vargas spares no detail in her evocative memoir Call You When I Land , which follows Vargas as she relentlessly pursues her dream career, and in turn, dream lifestyle. The juicy travelogue is ideal for fans of Eat Pray Love or What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding . Oh — and there’s a love story and murder mystery baked into it as well. Can you say beach read?

Nimble Champ Portable Charger

It doesn’t matter how streamlined their travel is — every traveler struggles with having juice for all their devices while on the go. Sometimes it’s a lack of adequate adapters, and sometimes it’s long excursions with no charging outlet in sight. Either way, a decent portable charger just makes things easier. We love the Nimble Champ Portable Charger in particular. It’s compact and durable, but it’s also eco-friendly having been crafted in part from recycled water bottles.

Slip Lovely Lashes Contour Sleep Mask

Traveling without a sleep mask sucks — especially if you’re sensitive to light or plan to sleep on the plane. The Slip Lovely Lashes Contour Sleep Mask in particular is an awesome gift and great alternative to the classic eye mask model. It’s crafted from real silk, so it won’t pull or mess up their hair. It also has a contoured eye area so it won’t squish their eyes or lashes, even if they use it all night long.

Away The Insider Packing Cubes

Away The Insider Packing Cubes are a game changer for travelers who want to pack light and travelers who like to pack more than they might need. For starers, these packing cubes allow them to organize their clothing by categories, which allows them to have a better grasp on exactly what they have. The cubes also gently compress clothing which makes it easy to fit everything into a carry-on or smaller-sized suitcase as needed.

Skyborne iTravel Folio 4.0

Staying organized and on the ball on travel days makes the whole experience go much smoother — and that’s why we love the Skyborne iTravel Folio 4.0. This sleek travel wallet is designed to fit all their travel documents (including passport, smartphone, AirPods, and more) in one stylish zippered wallet. It also has built-in charging capabilities to keep their electronics juiced up, no matter where they are.

Rewined Bordeaux Candle

If they’re always waxing poetic about their trip to wine country, why not gift them an olfactory memory of their time? The Bordeaux Candle by Rewined comes as an homage to the French countryside with notes of Maritime Pine, Crushed Herbs, and Cypress that are designed to transport them right back to the vineyards of Bordeaux. Rewined’s candles are also beautifully made and will look just as good as they smell on a coffee table or kitchen counter.

Pocket Tripod Universal Kit

Let’s be honest: no matter how cool we think we are, everyone wants to get some good photos to share on social media (or to look back on) while traveling. The Pocket Tripod Universal Kit is a super compact and discreet alternative to the larger tripods on the market. It’s about the size of a credit card and is easy to pop onto a smartphone for an instant tripod, wherever they find themselves.

Foreo Luna Mini 2 Facial Cleansing Brush

Traveling can wreak some serious havoc on the skin — which is why skincare-loving travelers (and really anyone who likes a clean face!) will flip for the FOREO LUNA Mini. This innovative skincare tool uses T-sonic pulsations to clean the skin, brushing away any traces of makeup, dirt, or acne-causing bacteria that might be lurking on their face after a long flight or day of exploration.

Audible Membership

If you’re shopping for a traveler who is big on podcasts or listening to audio books while on the go, a subscription to Audible is pretty much a no-brainer. This subscription will get them one free audiobook per month and allow them to listen to all kinds of different books at their own pace while traveling. It’s also a great alternative to packing various books or having to remember an e-reader; all their audiobooks will be accessible right on their smartphone or tablet!

The Essential Guide to Turkish Wine

The Essential Guide to Turkish Wine by wine writer and author Andrea Lemieux is the only English-language anthology you’ll find sharing the ins and outs of Turkish wine. Turkey is one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world, and Lemieux’s comprehensive guide will inspire them to book a trip to the wine trail of Turkey thanks to her captivating (and comprehensive) descriptions and gorgeous illustrations and visuals to match.

Riemot Luggage Cup Holder

It would be nice to have another set of hands when rolling through the airport, wouldn’t it? Well, that’s where the Riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder comes in. This handy attachment can fit onto any rolling suitcase or carry-on. It not only accommodates a beverage, but also easily fits a wallet or passport and most smartphones. There’s nothing better than being hands-free without having to dig through a handbag or backpack to get out the essentials.

BasicConcepts Airplane Foot Hammock

Sure — it might look a little cheesy at first glance… but they will be incredibly grateful for this whimsical gift when they’re on hour five of their next red-eye flight. The Basic Concepts Airplane Foot Hammock attaches underneath the tray table, providing them with instant relief of aches and pains that might crop up after sitting upright for hours on end. It can adjust to three different positions as well, so they’ll be able to continue to change their position throughout the flight for added comfort.

Steamline Luggage The Palm Cosmetics Set

Frequent flyers are always on the hunt for streamlined packing accessories — and this cosmetics set from Steamline Luggage is a standout option. It ranks number one in our best travel pouch of 2024 thanks to its charming tropical-inspired prints and the fact that the pouches are crafted from recycled water bottles. The pouches can easily fit inside of one another when not in use and lay flat, which makes them easy to pack and store.

1,000 Places to See Before You Die

1,000 Places to See Before You Die is one of our favorite travel-focused reference books. The anthology is a veritable bucket list that is just as good for armchair travel as it is for reference when planning a trip. We also love flipping through this book to reflect on all the places we’ve been — the intriguing descriptions and photography evoke memories while also seeing even the most popular tourist destinations and monuments in a refreshing new light.

Native Union Universal Sling

The Native Union Universal Sling is designed to pop onto smartphones like a phone case — but it comes with a built-in strap that allows travelers to wear their phone like a crossbody bag or around their neck like a lanyard. It’s available in a variety of colorways and is made from recycled material for a more sustainable approach. It’s perfect for travel as it’s more secure than throwing a phone in a pocket or bag as well.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Kaitlyn McInnis is a lifestyle editor-turned-freelance travel writer for T+L. She started her career as a gift guide editor and has a long-standing passion for helping others find the absolute best gifts (at great prices) for everyone in their life.

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Related Articles

55 Best Gifts for Travelers in 2024 – By Travel Experts

Written By: The Planet D

Inspiration

Updated On: February 28, 2024

We know that finding the perfect gift for travelers can be a difficult task but we’ve done the hard work for you. Dave and I have been  professional travel bloggers  since 2009 and have tried and tested nearly every  gadget  out there. This comprehensive list gives you ideas to choose the best travel gifts that your loved one will actually use while traveling or at home.

Here are our best travel-themed gifts that will get you the thumbs up when opened this holiday season.

Table of Contents

Best Gifts for Travelers

After trying countless products over 20 years of travel we’ve narrowed down the best gifts for travelers that have personally tested.   No matter what your budget is these travel gifts are great ideas for the travel enthusiast in your life. Looking for more travel gifts for frequent travelers? Check out these 32 Best Gifts for Outdoor Lovers and Adventurers

Best Gifts for Travelers under $100

1. apple air tags.

Lost luggage has become common and Apple Air Tags have been a huge help for finding our bags. We lost our luggage en route to an Alaskan cruise and actually sent the airline a screenshot of where our bag was in the airport. When looking for a travel gift, this is the most practical gift you can give. When you can’t travel carry on only, Apple Air Tags are a must-have travel gear item that helps give your loved one peace of mind.

2. Travel Packing Cubes

There is a reason that packing cubes are always popular. Packing cubes make great stocking stuffers and are an affordable option for organizing your travel bag. I stuff clothes, and electronics, and even use as a laundry bag to keep my back from from smelling. Everything is neatly packed away in color-coded cubes making my travels more organized and less cluttered. These compression packing cubes always make one of the best travel gifts every year.

3. White Noise Machine

Dave and I cannot sleep without white noise. This white noise machine will drown out loud neighbors, thumping music, and snoring loved one. We were recently in Chile and music was playing all night long. Others in our group didn’t sleep a wink, but we had our white noise matching going and didn’t wake up once. For frequent travelers or first-time travelers, this is the perfect piece of travel gear to add to their travel bag.

4. The Trtl Travel Neck Pillow

Sleeping on planes can be a pain in the neck (See what I did there?), but with the Trtl Neck travel pillow , those days of needing to blow up a neck pillow are long gone. This is the Cadillac of all-neck pillows and one of the best gifts for frequent world travelers who are on planes a lot. It is scientifically proven to support your neck and aid sleep during long flights. And let me tell you this works. If you want to be comfortable on your next plane ride then get one of these.

5. Belkin Mini Surge Protector

If you read our blog often, you’ll know that I recommend the Belkin as one of the top pieces of travel equipment out there and one we recommend every year. The Belkin Mini Surge Protector is probably one of the most useful pieces of travel ger you can get someone. It not only protects your electronics from power surges, but it also charges several things at once with 3 outlets and 2 USB ports.

6. Portable Charger and Power Bank

Everybody needs a portable charger when they are traveling. Nothing is more frustrating than having your phone or iPad die at the wrong moment. That is why we use the PowerCore Lite 20000 . It has 2 outputs and saves us from carrying 2 separate power banks. This portable charger is lightweight and it carries enough charge to recharge your phone up to 3 times! For those who want just one outlet for their portable charger, make sure to check out the PowerCore Lite 10000.

7. SleepPhones

When it comes to travel accessories, comfort is key! I always suggest having noise-canceling headphones on an airplane, but when you go to sleep on long haul flights, it can be difficult to keep them on your head. And they get in the way. Plus, I never sleep in my Apple Air Pods for fear of having them fall on the floor and they’ll be gone for good.

These SleepPhones have Bluetooth technology and are wireless. They are great to use to fall asleep while listening to soothing music or audiobooks and they take up no space in your carry on. There’s an easy sizing guide that worked great. I ordered a medium and it fits perfectly. Check them out and see what you think

8. BioLite AlpenGlo 250

The BioLite AlpenGlo 250 great gift for travelers who love to get outdoors, go on camping trips and get off the beaten path. This lantern gives off ambient light with several different settings depending on your mood. Change the colours and even put it in a party mode where the colors change and flicker. It’s great for adding ambient light to the campsite, hotel room or to a cramped van when taking a road trip cross country. Plus a great additional feature is that the lantern is rechargeable and doubles a powerbank to charge your cell phone .

Best Travel Gifts Under $25

9. clickr phone grip and expandable stand.

CLCKR  is a perfect phone case for frequent travelers as it makes it easy to watch videos and online content while on a plane. This unique piece of travel gear has a built-in stand or universal grip that you can rest on your tray table and use as an airplane phone holder. It’s handy for watching or creating video content on the go as the case stands for your device in landscape or portrait mode. Its streamlined design also is very fashionable.

10. World Travel Adapter

Finding the right travel adapter over the years has been a challenge but after getting this OREI M8 All-In-One International Worldwide Travel Plug Adapter we love it. This is a piece of travel gear we can’t go without as it converts plugs for any country in the world at the slide of a switch, which makes for great travel gifts for people who travel for work or leisure. Most importantly it is light and durable so you won’t have to replace it after a few uses like other models we have tried. If you are looking for a practical gift for frequent travelers, your friend will love it.

11. Portable Luggage Scale

There is nothing worse than getting to the airport check-in counter and finding out you have to pay a fee for overweight luggage. A portable scale has become an invaluable piece for frequent travelers. With a portable luggage scale, you can weigh it at home before you start your travels. We have even had our carry-on weighed recently while traveling, so it’s good to know before you go. This will definitely help frequent travelers save time, money, and hassle every time they leave home.

12. Travel Laundry Bag

We also use a dedicated laundry bag for clothing when traveling as well. Some people may want to save their cubes for packing, so get them a laundry bag to go with their set of packing cubes. They’ll be organized and all set for their next vacation.

13. Portable Carry-on Luggage bag

We have started carrying a portable carry-on travel bag on all of our trips because it has so many uses. It is big enough to fit extra souvenirs, to take clothes and towels to the beach, and a laundry bag when we are hiking. The Arxus Foldable Tote folds up really small, is lightweight and durable, and slides right onto the back of your suitcase for easy carry on. Read more: 22 Best Luggage Brands For Every Budget .

14. UV Toothbrush Sanitizer

If you are traveling in the backcountry, sharing hostels, or going anywhere with a shared bathroom this Pursonic S1 Portable UV Toothbrush Sanitizer will give you some peace of mind. This toothbrush sanitizer kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses. We started using this last year and fell in love with it. It is packed on every trip we take now.

15. Airplane Phone Holder and Tablet Holder

With more and more airlines making you watch their in-flight entertainment on your own device we were looking for something that we could use to hold our devices so our necks don’t cramp. After a lot of searching, we found the perfect solution for frequent travelers and casual travelers in the Flight Flap Phone & Tablet Holder that is specifically designed for air travel. Your loved one will thank you for this handy piece of travel gear when watching movies on the plane, just sling it over the tray table and preso, your mini movie theater. Trust me, you will never have a cramped neck again!

16. Airplane Moisturizing Kit

Everyone knows how dry it can get on the airplane, especially on those long-haul flights. That is why we always bring a Burt’s Bees Moisturizing Kit with us on our travels. This is a great kit that has all the essentials to help us to stay moisturized throughout the flight and our travels. My lips especially get dry on a plane and this kit comes complete with lip balm, hand salve, body location, and foot cream. With just a little care on the flight, you can arrive a little more refreshed.

17. No Ordinary Eye Mask

One of the things I love about this Pretty Care Travel Eye Mask is that it doesn’t rest on your eyes. It is raised so there is no pressure on them like traditional eye masks. It’s padded it really blocks out the light making them the perfect mask for long-haul flights. It is always in my travel kit to bring on an airplane. I sleep like a baby on long-haul flights with this.

Best Travel Gift Ideas for at-Home

These gifts for travel lovers are great for those who are stuck at home but still dream of hitting the road. Or reminder them of their favorite travels around the world. If you want more travel gift ideas you may also like these 30 Work From Home Gifts – Great Ideas for Remote Working

18. Travel Scratch Map Deluxe

Remember the days when you put a pin on a world map to mark where you’ve been? Now there’s something better. The Luckies of London Scratch Map Deluxe has a gold foil layer that you can scratch off as you go and keep track of where you have been. Create your own wall art by showing off your travels and don’t worry about buying those pins to go with it. This is perfect for the person who is dreaming of traveling around the world.

19. Travel Cork Globe

This Cork Globe is the coolest gift idea for the travel lover to appreciate when at home. Your travel friends can pin all the places they’ve been onto this handy globe. The globe comes with 30 magnetic pins, but you can buy more from MapMagnet on Amazon.

20. Wall Art World Map

If a Scratch Map isn’t what you are looking for then you may like this Vintage Canvas World Map . At 20X40 it is perfect to hang in your home office or living room. Use it to plan future travels or as a conversation starter with friends about places you have already been.

21. Hotel Lobby Candles

Hotel lobby candle brand candles make an excellent gift for travelers due to their ability to trigger memories and emotions through scent, helping to bring back happy travel memories. These candles are conveniently portable and easy to pack in your carry-on, adding an element of comfort and hominess to any hotel room by creating a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. Hotel lobby candles are known for their high quality, featuring long burn times and strong, pleasant scents that make them a luxurious and thoughtful gift.

Fun Travel Gifts for Women

I love all of these items even when I’m not traveling. But the items below are specially made to be lightweight, small, and easy to organize making them the perfect travel gear for women no matter what her taste is.

22. Seint Beauty Makeup

As my travels have changed from hard-core adventures to more urban and luxury as I age, I am now taking much better care of my skin. Luckily for me, my neighbor Uyen introduced me to the Seint Beauty system. Connect with Uyen on her Facebook Page for a colour match. This makeup was made for everyone’s skin at an affordable price. What I love about this is how it is all organized in one palette. I now have all my foundation, eye shadow, blush, contour, and concealer in one place. Add in a couple of brushes plus mascara, and now my travel makeup bag is small and manageable. Plus, I have never looked or felt better!

23. The Tangle Teezer

If you have long hair then I know you can relate to this one. Whether we are traveling to a tropical destination or trekking in the Himalayas my hair gets tangled. But, when I found the Tangle Teezer all that changed. This is the perfect stocking stuffer for a reasonable price. It is light, and compact and it works!

24. Silk Wrap

I can’t travel without a silk scarf. It keeps me warm on the plane when the air conditioning is cranked too high, it dresses up my evening outfit, and it keeps me modest when walking into a temple overseas. I have found that this particular Silk Scarf by Dana XU is the perfect combination of lightweight and soft. Your loved one will adore this unique idea.

25. Underwear Travel Organizer

Staying organized is a key factor in packing light. So having all my undergarments in one place is a must. I have ruined many a lovely bra during my travels by squishing them into my suitcase. Your loved one will appreciate this Fashion Portable Travel Organizer, I can organize all my undergarments and keep them neat and tidy in one place. This is one of the best gift ideas for travelers who want to stay organized.

26. Compression Socks

Compression socks help with circulation and leg exhaustion when traveling on long flights. If you have frequent travelers on your list these make perfect gifts. This Multi-Pack from CHARMKING will give you enough to last for several trips. Compression socks really help if your legs and feet are constantly tired from all that traveling. Compression socks are also recommended to help frequent travelers from developing DVT (Deep vein thrombosis) which is a blood clot in the leg. I know many a traveler that has developed this and it can be very dangerous. Compression socks help minimize the risk.

27. Hand-Held Portable Travel Fan

As a maturing woman, my hormones are all over the place and when traveling in hot countries or even feeling the heat on a plane or a train, I seek comfort with my handheld fan. The lady in your life will love this travel fan that is rechargeable for longer battery life via USB, has 5 speeds, and is portable. For long flights, I’ve noticed that the temperature changes often. I love having a fan nearby to help me when a hot flash comes on.

28. Neck Fan

I have also been wearing this neck fan to keep cool. It is less intrusive as most people think I am just wearing headphones. This has been a lifesaver for hot flashes while traveling on airplanes, buses, and trains.

29. Travel Jewelry Box

I love wearing necklaces and bracelets from my travels and while traveling. It’s my main travel souvenir. But I must admit, I lose them and get them tangled constantly. A travel jewelry roll bag is perfect for women who want to organize their rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. I don’t wear a lot of rings or earrings, so I prefer this rolling velvet clutch, but you can check them both out to see what is the best fit.

Cool Travel Gifts for Him

I had to consult Dave for this one. He owns every one of the items listed below. When I asked him what were some of his favorite travel gear for men, these were his choices.

30. Leather Toiletry Bag

A man needs to be organized and this Elviros Travel Toiletry Kit is a classy way to store all his toiletries in one place. It has two main compartments and 5 mesh pockets to keep everything in place. It comes with a handy strap so you can hang it anywhere and the zippers are heavy duty so this will last for a long time.

31. ExOfficio Men’s Give-n-go Boxer Brief

Underwear is always a personal choice, but once you try ExOfficio’s Men’s Give-n-go Boxer Brief these you won’t wear any other pair. Now, I know at first, underwear is not something you might think of giving, but if your husband or significant other is looking for comfort down there (I guarantee he is) then these make a great stocking stuffer.

I have used these for years and don’t travel with any other brand. They are comfortable, easy to wash, and dry quickly. Perfect for the male traveler in your life.

32. Arcteryx Delta LT Fleece

After 10 years of traveling full-time Dave has tried many fleece jackets and this one from Arcteryx comes out on top. It’s good for layering, comes in a few different colors and it is stylish enough that he can wear it out at night. Note: These usually fit a little small so you might want to order a size up as I did.

33. Nomad Passport Leather Travel Wallet

When we first started traveling, fashion was not really a priority for Dave. But as we have gotten older he is looking into things that not only have great functionality but also look good. A Passport Wallet fits the bill. It is top grain leather, comes with Tile Tracking, and fits up to 10 cards plus your passport and boarding passes. If you are looking for fashion and function this is one of the best travel gifts for your man.

34. Tilly Hat

The Tilly Hat is the best travel hat and we both own one. The wide brim protects your neck and face, and there’s plenty of ventilation to keep your head cool. It’s easy to clean too. If you know someone who does a lot of kayaking, hiking or spends a lot of time outdoors as we do then they will really appreciate this.

35. Travel Backpack

We love Peak Design and for a universal travel backpack, this unisex backpack makes for a great travel gift that can be used for day-tripping and sightseeing. A backpack is a travel essential whether you are using it for your luggage or for sightseeing. This travel backpack holds your camera gear and anything you need for a day out as a tourist. The stretchy external pockets can even be used as a water bottle pocket. You can open the bag from either side and it is safe and durable for travel.

Travel gear Ideas for Outdoor Adventurers

Travelers are very giving people. If you are looking for something unique to give during the holiday season, check out these Travel Charities – Gift Giving Ideas for the Holidays

36. USB Re-Chargeable Travel Headlamp

Having tried out many different headlamps over the years we have found Black Diamond to be the most reliable and the best value for your money. The Re-Volt from Black Diamond headlamp is rechargeable, durable, and water-resistant. It is the headlamp we use and recommend. This is the perfect gift for travelers and backpackers alike. It has so many uses and once you own one you will wonder how you traveled without it.

37. X-Brew Coffee Dripper

For Backcountry Campers or anyone who likes to go on camping trips, this X-Brew Coffee Dripper is a better option than the French Press. This lightweight collapsible coffee dripper comes with a collapsible mug and reusable filter. It all collapses down to smaller than a beverage coaster! When looking for gifts for that caffeine fanatic, backpacker or camper this is a superb choice.

38. Sea to Summit Dry Bag Set

You never know when you might need a dry bag in your travels. You may find you’re going on a water adventure or you might end up in a water festival in Thailand or Holi in India . The Sea to Summit dry bags are some of the most lightweight and durable ones around, and we have found they are the most reliable as well.

39. Leatherman Wave Multi-Tool

This is one of those adventure travel essentials that we don’t leave home without. It has come in handy on so many occasions. When you need a bottle opener, a screwdriver, a nail file, or a quick fix to the camera or travel gear this is our go-to tool. We use the Leatherman Wave but there is also a smaller version called the Leatherman Squirt . Any frequent traveler who takes on different adventures should have this in their backpack.

40. Wiseowl Portable Hammock

I was never really a “Hammock” kind of guy but when someone gave me one of these that all changed. This Wiseowl Portable Travel Hammock is lightweight and can be set up almost anywhere and man is it comfortable. Make sure to throw this in your backpack or suitcase for your next trip to the islands!

41. Steripen Water Purifier

We have used the Steripen in backcountry adventures all around the world. It is easy to use and helps us reduce the use of plastic water bottles. Fill your water bottle with lake water, tap water in a developing country or even a pond and you’ll have clean water in seconds! The Steripen purifies water in 90 seconds for a 1-litre bottle using UV light.

Best Gift Ideas for Travel Photographers

Do you have a budding travel photographer on your list? If so, then check out these best gifts for the traveler who loves photography. They are guaranteed to help them capture the best image possible on their next trip.

42. Lenspen Cleaning Pens

As a professional photographer, I know that keeping your lenses clean is a top priority. The last thing you want to see on your holiday photos is dust specks. I have been using the LensPen for years now and it has never let me down. This Pro Pack comes with 3 Lenspens that are safe, fast, and easy to use on any lens, filter, eyepiece, or LCD screen. It is everything you need to bring back sharp and clean images.

43. Travel Tripod

Versatility is something we look for in every piece of gear that we own and a tripod is no exception. Whether you want to capture beautiful shots of the Milky Way or just snap some great selfies while traveling solo every photographer should carry a tripod. The beauty of the Joby Gorillapod 3K is you can practically mount it anywhere. It is lightweight, has a ball head and it will support cameras up to 2.2 pounds. We use this on every trip and it has become a valuable addition to our camera kit.

44. Black Rapid Camera Strap

When it comes to camera accessories Black Rapid Sport Breathe Camera Strap is definitely my favorite piece of gear. This is the best-designed camera strap on the market. With a padded shoulder, an underarm strap for more comfort and stability, and a locking carabiner quick-release it covers all the bases. No more missing shots because your camera was in your bag. Be ready to capture any moment just by adding this to your camera gear.

45. Sony RX100 VII

Dave loves the Sony RX100 VII as a final addition to his two   DSLR Sony bodies. I use it for video and vlogging all the time! It fits great on my gimbal too keeping things lightweight but looking like a million bucks. With a Carl Zeiss lens and 20.1 megapixels, you’ll have professional-quality photos for a fraction of the price of other professional cameras. We love it. It’s small, lightweight, and easy to use and we often leave the bulky DSLRs behind for the day and use this as our camera to capture amazing travel photos.

Luxury Travel Gifts

No holiday travel gift list would be complete without including some ideas for the person who loves the finer things in life. These luxury travel gifts will help you choose the right present for the discerning traveler on your list this year.

46. Level8 Luggage for Traveling

I think we have tried every type of carry-on luggage out there over the years and we love this Pro Carry-on with Laptop Pocket   by Level8. We felt so chic going through the airport with these hard cases and modern design and it was easy t o pop out my laptop and documents right from the front of my carry-on when going through security.

For our checked bags, our yellow Voyageur Check-In 28′ turned heads. We didn’t worry about anyone mixing up our bags on the conveyor belt with our unique color and design. We found the 28-inch a bit too large, but you can order 24′ or 26′. But with the large handle and ultra-quite 360° spinner wheels it was super easy to navigate through the airport.

• On a personal note, my hard case carry on fell from the top of a van on my trip and because my laptop was secure in the front hard case pocket, it wasn’t damaged. That was a huge relief. Save 10% off all products with the code ThePlanetD10

47. Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones

I have used the Beats Studio 3 Wireless Headphones for years but recently bought myself a pair of AirPods Pro and have really fallen in love with them. They are much smaller and more lightweight than my previous noise cancellation headphones and with the advanced noise-canceling technology, the comfortable ear pads, and great quality sound out there these make long-haul plane flights bearable.

You can control the volume and skip songs at the touch of a finger and they don’t cover your ears so they are easy to sleep with. One other thing I found cool is that you can use the charging container as a phone holder to watch movies as well.

48. Kindle Paperwhite

With a glare-free display, the Kindle Paperwhite is like reading on paper. Even in the sunlight. It is much easier than carrying around heavy books. Plus it is waterproof, and the battery lasts for hours. Load it with some of your favorite travel books and give this bestseller to the travel lover in your life. Get this gift so the traveler in your life can pack light, but still read lots of books. You can just pop it into your carry-on and it takes up no space!

49. Sony Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker

If you are someone who watches a lot of movies on their laptop or just likes to turn up the audio, the Sony Waterproof Portable Speaker is a luxury you will want to take with you. It is small enough that is doesn’t take up a lot of room it is waterproof and dustproof so it is durable and it has great sound quality. Many of the other speakers out there may claim to have crisp sound but this speaker actually lives up to the hype.

Best Travel Gifts – Fast and Easy

50. get your guide gift card.

We just gave my nephew some GetYourGuide experiences for his honeymoon and it went over swimmingly. By giving a GetYourGuide gift card, you provide the recipient with the flexibility to choose their preferred tour based on their travel plans and personal preferences. They can browse through different options, read reviews, and select activities that align with their specific needs

51. Luggage Tags

People love it when their luggage looks good when traveling. Luggage tags are a necessity to help you identify your bags and these Smart ID DynoTag Web Enabled Luggage Tags take things up a notch and are a great addition to traditional luggage tags. The tag shows the contact and other information you set up so that viewers contact you to arrange pick up.

52. Passport Holder 

I love my PACSafe RFID passport holder. I tend to like having everything at my fingertips and this passport holder not only holds my travel documents, it holds all my credit cards, travel cards, money, and change. The RFID protection keeps my valuables safe and with plenty of compartments and zippers, I have everything I need for travel at my fingertips. 

53. Passport Cover

If you want to give a stocking stuffer or something in a gift bag, this leather passport cover is a practical gift for family and friends. It is less bulky than the passport holder, specifically designed to hold travel documents plus compartments for ticket slot, 2 SIM Card Slots, 3 card slots, and a 4X3 inches clear card slot.

54. GoToobs

We love using our GoToobs when traveling. These refillable tubes are perfect to put in your carry-on and fill with liquids from body wash to shampoo and any other small-size liquid you will want to have on you for international travel.

55. Laptop Sleeve

We are all traveling with more electronics these days and they can take a beating on planes or trains. A Laptop Sleeve protector is one of the best travel gift ideas for business travelers or digital nomads. I have had carryons fall from the top of busses onto cement and fall off transportation, if my laptop wasn’t in a padded laptop sleeve, I can guarantee it would have been ruin

And those are the best travel gifts for 2024. I hope you enjoyed all of our travel gifts and found something for the traveler or loved one in your life. Whether you are budget-conscious or a luxury traveler or you are just looking for a fun travel gift for a special occasion we can recommend all of the items above because we actually own them.

Looking for more great travel tips and content?

If you liked our round-up of the best gifts for travelers for this holiday season then why not check out some other great travel posts that will be sure to help you out on your next trip?

• Travel Charities – Gift-Giving Ideas for the Holidays
• 32 of the Best Gifts for Outdoor Lovers and Adventurers
• 30 Best Work-From-Home Gifts – Great Ideas for Remote Working
• Christmas in New York – What to do in NYC for the Holidays
• Best Travel Organizers for Smarter Packing
• The Ultimate Travel Packing List (By Professional Travellers)
• Packing for Travel – 6 Tips to Make Your Trip a Breeze
• Travel Photography Gear Guide: What’s In My Camera Bag?
• The Best Travel Gear – Unique Ideas for Smart Packing
• 24 Best Travel Books to Inspire the Wanderer in You

Disclosure: The links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. We receive affiliate commissions, but it’s no extra cost to you!

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

36 Awesome Gifts for People who Work From Home

13 Best Adventure Travel Books to Inspire Wanderlust

33 of the Best Gifts for Outdoor Lovers and Adventurers

About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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139 thoughts on “55 Best Gifts for Travelers in 2024 – By Travel Experts”

I appreciate the positive and inclusive community you have built around your blog.

Very informative gifts list for 2023

Your travel gifts are very interesting and different I like it so much…Keep Sharing!

The Collapsible Water Bottle would be the most helpful travel tool for me. Need a gift for a friend too, thx a lot for the list. Nice selection of gifts.

The list was very helpful. you listed everything!!! , I love traveling with my speakers as well. I have seen the passport book holder as well.

Thank you so much for sharing amazing travel themed gifts.

Thank you so much for sharing amazing travel gifts, its really help me a lot in selecting a gift for my husband

The list was very helpful. you listed everything!!! Lol, I love traveling with my speakers as well. I have seen the passport book holder as well.

Amazing list. You have just made this list wonderful from the start. Thanks for sharing it that’s truly valuable knowledge about a similar topic. Amazing. Have a more successful day. Amazing write-up always finds something interesting.

I love the world map pendant. its a unique item to have. Even though you cannot travel around the world still having a pendant is good to have.

What a great reading for choosing the best gift for travel lovers. I really enjoy this amazing article. I was looking for the best gift for my friend and this article helps me a lot for choosing the best one. Thank you for sharing this wonderful article.

Thank you for sharing this wonderful post …I enjoyed reading this thoroughly about Travel gifts …keep sharing such informative article

Thanks For Sharing It’s Really an Amazing Article I enjoyed to read. this is Best Gifts For All Travelers.

Thanks For Sharing Awesome Article For Gifts Of Travelers i am Hardly finding this on internet

A really nice article for travel crazy people. Now they know what they can carry with them while travelling. Awesome informative.

I find some of your gift ideas are quite useful for travelers. In this pandemic time, a face mask is certainly one of them. Another extremely useful item is a portable power bank. This emergency charge supplier is extremely useful for any globe trotter.

Really nice article i am happy to read this and thanks for sharing.

Good list. I like everything on the list. I like reading your posts. Keep up the good work! You realize, many persons are searching round for this information, you can help them greatly. Thank, Dave and Deb.

Love this amazing reading of gift ideas for traveler. This is best guide for me as I want to give a gift to my friend who are a traveler. Thank you for sharing it.

Is this time mask is the best gift I think. BTY nice blog post.

Thanks. We thought it is was one of the best travel gifts for this year that is fo sure.

A really nice gifting list you got there. Was looking for a gift idea for my friend’s birthday and landed right here and must say i am not disappointed. Thanks for sharing the list with us. Keep up the good work.

We tried to put together a really comprehensive list that includes al the best gifts for travelers. Glad you liked it!

Honestly, a lot of those travel gifts for women are great. Yes, they are archetypically female, but it sounds like he based the list on women he polled. I think what some of the female readers were hoping to point out was that most of the items mentioned in the female section were pointedly appealing and useful to women alone, and none necessarily engaged the mind or body. While the male section, barring a few items , women would genuinely find equal interest in, so could have easily gone into the “everyone” section. This list is helpful and is meant with only good intentions. Looks like most are taking it as such.

Very true. We tried to break things up a bit to give people some organization, but I agree, I would use all of them as well!

Great list, a lot of cool ideas there! How about adding a translator like Travis or Pocketalk? I’m thinking to get one for my dad but I’m waiting for Black Friday offers. Keep up the good work Matt 🙂

Translators are a good idea. We prefer Google Translate ourselves, I haven’t tried the ones you suggest.But thanks for sharing!

Best Collection, Awesome Blog.

Excellent content and unique information to know about the 50 useful travel gifts for 2020 .Keep it up! Great post!thanks for share it

This is a really great list and I love the look of the hammock 🙂

Cheers again

Wow, this is such a great list. Thank you for sharing it in such an organized way. Loved the detailed list.

Wonderful. I am get some of these gifts for myself. I just love this list. Thank you so much for sharing.

Thank you for sharing such a unique list. You always impress us. The one thing that stands apart from the list and my personal favorite would be the GOPRO HERO 8 BLACK. This is the best partner you could take along while traveling or while gifting something to a traveler this is the best choice one could get, as it helps in catching all the memories that would remain with you forever. The one and the only thing i would like to add to this list is the City Map Glass. If your dad’s a whiskey drinker who likes to travel, this custom city map glass is about as thoughtful a gift as it gets. The best part is it’s personalized (which will make it even more special). Yo get to choose his favorite city to get etched into the glass, so every time he has a drink, he’ll reminisce on his best memories.

I got the same world map pillow! Its a shame that it looks better than feels=) However they were made for visual pleasure and they do their job

Pop Fashion Hidden Pocket Scarves also look better than feels, but does its job=) Pretty nice thing, especially when you and on tours and trips

Very nice information, your blog is awesome thanks for sharing such a nice information .

These are very nice gift ides love them and especially the last idea. keep it up

Your travel gifts are very interesting and different I like it so much…Keep Sharing!

I would like to give my friend some amazing collection of flowers. And unbreakable cup. Thanks for you ideas for travel gifts.

Great ideas! Really it’s a tough job when it’s come to gifts. this makes me feel so happy and i really like the travel journal idea.

Hey Dave & Deb!

Love this list of gifts for travelers. As a website that’s dedicated exclusively to finding awesome gifts, we enjoyed going through your finds! We actually also have a travel gift guide as well and have also included popular travel-related items like a travel scratch map and the Kindle. Other cool items we’ve discovered include a filtered water bottle and a collapsible electric kettle!

Looking forward to more awesome posts!

Wow, great gift ideas. It’s a meaningful guide for me to choose a gift.

This is a great list of gifts. I have already selected few and they are going to be with me on my next backpacking trip. Thank you for this article!

I love your travel gifts, This list is great & amazing. very helpful. Thanks

My favorite gadget that was bought for me was a foldable solar panel the you can clip to the back of your pack to charge stuff while on the move. The solar panel charged an integrated battery which in turn charged things like my phone and tablet. I take that thing everywhere.

Great Post. Thanks for Sharing such best ideas for gifts

Great gift!

Interesting and brilliant post…I think GPS trackers also a good gift for travelers ..What you think?

love all of them, thank you so much for sharing.

What a great list with lots of variety! Thank you for such brilliant ideas!Awesome Pictures! Keep it up! Great post! I’m definitely going to bookmark this.

Really loved the way you explained everything.Thank you So Much for the Article and for sharing such beautiful pictures. Keep Blogging!!

Hi, thanks for sharing ideas and an awesome great list for a gift.

Wow, great ideas for travel gifts. It’s a meaningful guide for me to choose a gift.

Awesome gift guide, as always! Loved that piggy bank so much we included it in our own gift guide and gave you a shout-out for your good taste and travel savvy : ) Also congrats on your gorgeous new photography prints and thank you so much for including our books, Ultimate Journeys for Two and Comfortably Wild!

The most I loved was the go pro.. Great list…

Brilliant list of travel gifts, with plenty to consider. Thanks for sharing.

Awesome! Thanks for sharing..

Being a travel geek myself I would love to have these gifts. These are absolutely great. Thanks for sharing these wonderful gift ideas. There are many things in the list which are pretty useful while traveling.

You pretty much covered everything on my Christmas list haha. Some cheap gift ideas could be some compression socks or eye mask with ear plugs. Thanks

But I want so many of these things for myself. What then?!?

This list is great. I love your gift ideas. Thanks

Thank you guys SOOOOO much for featuring our new book “Comfortably Wild”. You are the best! Now, let’s find a place to go glamping together!!!!

Informative best gifts list. I am very grateful to you for sharing a very important list.

The hammock looks great! How about a travel translator like Travis or Pocketalk? I’ve been meaning to buy one for my sister who loves to go on weekend trips around Europe.

Amazing list! I especially like the map and globe design – I had to go ahead and order one for myself. Keep up the great work!

If someone handover to me to select the best gift for a traveller, I would select Go Pro Hero 7. And I’m damn sure s/he will be happy after getting this kind of gift. Because an action camera is mandatory for a traveller nowadays. Travellers move from here to there and captured their memory, scenery and other things by a camera. In this way, Go Pro 7 is the best option. The quality of this camera is outstanding.

This is a great ideas, Thanks for sharing such an useful Information 🙂

The world map pendant looks interesting. Also, the collapsible water bottle is neat.

Hey guys, Amazing post! I liked that you have mentioned the gifts of all budget type. I really like that map pillow and glasses ideas.

Great list, I have the Power Bank and its saved me so many times!

The travel journal is a cool idea! Might get one.

One question when I am going to get a gift then ?:p

A waterproof iPhone case is a must. Nice list!

great blog. this may be the best gift for sharing this gift ideas

Very wonderful gifts and I like you rated I was very impressed by the gifts and special gifts that contained the maps it also fit geography lovers like me 🙂 Thank you very much for these tips that are of interest to any tourist in this world

Now this is what I call a great extensive guide for travel shoping. Usually these lists consist of 5-10 items, but you went the whole way and prepared 50. Thank you so much, I’m sure I’ll be returning to this list a few times in the future, ha-ha 🙂

very good and authentic things are describe in this blog it is very useful idea for me thanks for sharing.

I Love This Blog. Thanks for Sharing Amazing List

Thanks For Sharing Its is Awesome Gift List

Great list… With one exception (assuming gift recipient is traveling by air)…

I can name 3 different airports where that “Leatherman Multi-Tool” would get snatched by airport security (TSA in the U.S.A. and/or airport security worldwide) if carried in one’s pocket or in a carry-on…

The list is good, everyone will find the appropriate gift for an outdoorlover. The handspresso is a nice gift idea, thank you for sharing.

Great ideas thank you so much for sharing with us.

I wait for go pro hero 7 for my epic asian 2019 adventure, thank for share information

How about an Exway Electric Skateboard to cruise around on when you get to where you are going

Travel map is so underrated…always so cool to see everywhere you have been out on a map!

Wow and double wow. Spent a while perusing the list. Ended up ordering the World Map coasters. Thanks for sharing.

Just added a gimbal to my wishlist! Thanks for the specific recommendation (I hate sorting through reviews!)

Astounding Post! Every gifts are fascinating. Your endeavors are truly calculable. A debt of gratitude is in order for sharing this post. Incredible blessing guide for all sort of explorers. Particularly for him and her.

Amazing Post….!!! Each and Every gift is interesting. Your efforts are seriously appreciable. Thanks for sharing this post.

Excellent article just in time for Christmas shopping!

Great list, You mentioned all the things that a traveler need. I have a 30,000 mAh power bank which helps me lot to be in the cellular network.

Great gift guide for all type of travelers. Especially the Go Pro Hero 6

I must admit you have some excellent gift ideas here. I have long been searching gift ideas and I finally found all the information i needed. Thanks for sharing.

Finally a blog that has so many wonderful and out of the box ideas for gifts for travellers. One of my best buddies is always on the move and I have been wondering what to give him for his birthday. I guess my search ends here! The global SIM card is indeed a very useful gift that I am going to go for.

Great gift guide for travelers all kinds.

Global sim card should be 1, 2, 3 in terms of importance for me 🙂 Def a must have. The solar power bank is also crucial. Great curated holiday gift list for the traveler.

Hey, great article! Found it very useful. I just want to add Rowkin earbuds to this list. Got one from my brother a few months ago and just loving it. Will look forward for next articles. Thanks.

These are fun travel gifts indeed, I absolutely love this list! My favorite one is probably the handspresso x)

Awesome list for travelers. Thank you so much for sharing it.

Great post and list of best gifts. Thanks for sharing such a good information

This list of accessories is very awesome and great for a traveler who has a true travel passion, thanks for sharing this detailed post.

Thanks for sharing a great list and ideas for best gifts for travelers. Happy holidays!

Awesome list of gifts for travelers! This is really amazing idea and inspiration. Thanks for sharing it.

Great gift list! I love seeing everyone’s recommendations each year for gifts for travelers! I just posted my “top 5” on my website too 🙂

Scratch Map Deluxe and Collapsable Water Bottle are fun gifts for travellers.

Awesome list! Thanks.

I joined Gaia Yoga as soon as I saw it on your list. I have a few of their DVD’s and now can have it with me anywhere.

Wicked. Glad we could give you the idea to join!

Great list! This is very useful for us. Thank you for sharing these great ideas. Great job.

Awesome list of gifts for travelers and very good idea to share this list with your readers.

The most I loved was the drone, hopefully this year ganhr a srsrsr gift!

Awesome list guys! Might actually pick up a couple of these things for myself 🙂

Great list, I have the Portable Power Bank and its saved me many times!

It’s the best isn’t it?

Amazing Post! thanks for sharing.

Thank you for sharing . Wishing you Merry Christmas and Happy holidays!!

love this post. Thank you for this inspiration. 🙂 I hope I get one of those gifts. 🙂

Thanks! Have a happy holidays!

Decent list of goodies! Hard to choose unless you drive a campervan so you can take em all… Still waiting for my Mavic Pro to take on travels numbero one on the list!

Thanks for sharing such a good information. It is very much helpful for all travelers.

Truly great list! I loved magnetic globe & memory card holder. Thanks for sharing. It would be useful to gift travelers for this Christmas. Thanks again 🙂

All the gift idea for travellers are really good and all are very very useful for them.

I had gifted that DJI Mavic Pro to one of my friend long back. He really liked it too much and after 2 years also if we meet then again and again he says thanks for that amazing moving camera. It was costly for me (at $1250 i got that time) but i am very happy that my best friend is happy to use it.

Great posts! How do you always come up with such unique ideas?

hank you for sharing your blog

I love giving the Karmin T70 hair clippers as a gift 😉

Great post! I’ll be forward this to my family for some holiday shopping ideas. 🙂 I’m also really looking forward to the Pilot from Waverly Labs, which is an earpiece that translates foreign languages in real time. It sounds too-good-to-be-true, but the tech seems legit. While it might take away a bit of the fun from learning new languages, can you imagine the kind of interactions you’d be able to have with non-English speaking locals? What time to be alive!

I would love about…oh, 90% of the stuff on this list, even though in a few cases I already have something very similar to it already. Some would actually be great for the occasional travelers on this list or the many campers we have in my husband’s family. Thanks for providing some inspiration for my upcoming Christmas shopping!

Good list. I like everything on the list. Thank you for sharing these great ideas 😀

your post always different,i like it so much,all gadgets in your collection are good,thank you for sharing your blog………

Thank you for a long thoughtful list of gifts!

These gadgets are useless, though. Fun to own but no real value. Dumb.

If you want to read some practical travel gear, we have many posts on that. This is a post about Gifts for Travelers. I always think of gifts as being something you would love to have but not necessarily need. Nobody needs a magnetic globe, but they are sure fun to have. You can find more gear we love in our packing tips section. https://theplanetd.com/category/travel-tips/packing-tips/

Awesome list guys. We would love a lot of them in our stocking. We are massive fans of the Sony RX100 series. We had the mark 2 and that was amazing, I can’t imagine what the mark 5 is like. Definitely would love the Mavic. Cheers for the great post.

Great resource, i will use this list for birthday present 🙂

Great idea this list ) Have to say we either have most of these articles or were planning to buy them. Btw love the world map pendant =))

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Our editors' favourite travel gift ideas

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

If you're set to give a gift to someone who loves travel or is planning a big trip, then consider this your cue to forgo a generic voucher gift and give something with a practical or travel-inspired twist. From must-haves for plane travel to inspiring books and time-saving gadgets, the following are our top picks of the best travel gifts to give in 2024.

The gift of stress-free travel

For all the joy a holiday can bring, the actual travel element can be rife with stress, from lost luggage to misplaced passports and navigating busy airports. As frequent flyers ourselves, our editors have navigated a multitude of bumps on our travels, and found that the below buys are great for making the journey a lot smoother.

For the loved one who’s a frequent flyer, Antler’s zippy hard shell Clifton cabin bag is a winner. The durable yet lightweight polycarbonate case features a twist-grip handle, making it very easy to wheel it around the airport at speed. A favourite of our editors, this case is both a great size and quality, and also looks smart, with seven subdued shades to choose from.

Aspinal of London’s travel collection makes for a classic gift to give any travel lover. Including a passport holder, luggage tags and travel wallet, the collection is made from full-grain leather and comes in six elegant shades and finishes. The brand also offers a personalisation option, so you can add the recipient's initials for a special personalised touch.

Anya Hindmarch’s in-flight travel bag is a game changer when it comes to staying organised on the go. Designed with air travel in mind, the carry-on bag has an array of clever features including a sleeve designed to sit over the bag of a luggage trolley and a clear removable pouch to store liquids. We also love the numerous internal and external organisational pockets, each with its own embossed label covering all of the travel essentials like ‘passport’ ‘keys’ ‘glasses,’ ‘headphones’ and ‘water.’

Since its release in 2021, Apple’s Bluetooth AirTag has become a must-have for frequent travellers or anyone prone to misplacing their keys. Simply attach the small button-shaped AirTag to your suitcase and connect to your iPad or iPhone via Bluetooth. Once connected you can find your item via the built-in speaker when it’s nearby or via the Precision Finding function on the app when it’s further away.

Finished, naturally, in beautifully soft Nappa leather, Mulberry’s passport cover has a soft grain effect and comes in a selection of chic colours to match your handbag. There are three slip pockets inside for all your docs along with four card slots. A must-have companion for keeping all your important travel documents together safely.

There's nothing like a dead battery to slow down a trip. Keep all your accessories charged up with a power bank. Anker is our favourite – it weighs just over 300 grams (or as little as a can as soup) but can charge an iPhone 8 almost seven times, the Galaxy S8 five times, or the iPad mini 4 twice.

A travel wash bag is key to staying organised — and avoiding spills in your luggage. We like this option from Away for its water-resistant materials and ample space for your toothbrush and toothpaste, razor, soaps, and more. A hanging bag also allows you to keep items tidy and off the bathroom counter.

For international travel, a power adapter is a must to make sure you can get devices charged up in the airport and your hotel room. Apple's World Travel Adapter Kit comes with seven AC plugs with prongs that fit into different electrical outlets around the world, and each one is labelled with the regions they are compatible with.

This is a fun idea for the friend who likes to be organised. Papier’s travel journals have pages for planning and memorialising six special trips, with space for noting down budgets, itineraries, packing lists and other important details. Long flight? There are travel games at the back, along with pages for journalling and scrapbooking.

The gift of sleeping on a plane

Standing down the hours of a long haul flight is made all the more easier with a gift that doubles as a travel hack. When it comes to feeling comfortable and getting some shut eye, the littlest luxuries can make a huge difference.

Trtl has revamped its clever wrap-style neck pillow to accommodate people of all heights more comfortably. The latest iteration is adjustable, to better suit your particular requirements, and the pillow section itself has been given a high-density foam makeover. Trtl’s offering is a lot smaller than standard U-shaped pillows, and weighs a petite 225 grams, so it won’t take up precious space in your hand luggage – or you could use the included clip to attach it to your rucksack .

Neal's Yard products make a lovely treat, whether you're travelling or not. This mini travel kit comprises all the skincare routine you'll need – bar SPF – for a 10 to 14 day trip, in a hand luggage-friendly size. This particular set is from the brand's Rose range, which uses highly fragrant roses grown and distilled in Bulgaria, farming co-operatives in Turkey and at high altitude on Mount Lebanon. Something globetrotters will surely appreciate.

When it comes to what to wear on a long flight , an oversized hoodie is hard to beat. Team it with a pair of comfortable leggings or a matching jogger, add a cashmere blanket and get ready to drift off. For a hoodie that makes a great gift, we love this elevated organic cotton style, embroidered with the Vogue logo for the ultimate fashion stamp of approval.

Skip the in-flight blankets provided by airlines – not only are they wasteful but also made from scratchy polyester. A much more luxurious alternative is a cashmere blanket, which not only feels softer but has an insulation capacity that's three times higher than wool, ideal for maintaining body temperature during a long flight.

Elizabeth Scarlett’s signature delicate embroidered designs features here on a 100 per cent cotton eye mask, helping travellers claw back a few precious hours’ shuteye while en route. Cleverly, the mask is filled with a sweet lavender blend to maximise the relaxation in use – a real treat.

The gift of jet-set style

Airport style had a big moment in 2023, with travellers walking the line between classic style and total comfort, and a subtle nod to celebrity paparazzi photos. The outfit formula is all about a designer loungewear set in a muted shade, teamed with comfortable trainers, a cap, sunglasses and a hardshell suitcase in a classic neutral shade .

German designer luggage brand Rimowa has some of the slickest suitcases on the market, with their classic aluminium cases proving the envy of all frequent flyers.

Merch fans will love the latest collaboration between designer denim brand Frame and legendary hotel the Ritz Paris. This Cashmere knit, embroidered with the hotelier's iconic logo, is the epitome of jet-set chic.

For a designer luggage tag that doesn't take itself too seriously, this cheerful lobster tag is part of a collaboration between cult cool-brand Loewe and the irreverent Paula's Ibiza. It's made in Italy from 100% leather and embossed with the brand's signature Anagram logo. It also comes with a dustbag, to keep him safe when not on his travels

Gucci has elevated the humble souvenir sticker with their ultra-stylish set of retro-logo luggage stickers. Perfect for personalising a suitcase, or adding to any travel accessory – travel wallet or luggage tag – these stickers are a playful way to add personality to any journey.

A secret beauty weapon for well-heeled travellers, this thick, creamy and super-hydrating mask is the key to caring for skin while in-transit. The mask features chestnut extract exfoliates to take away dullness, allowing for deeper penetration of Vitamin C to brighten. Green tea soothes and calms redness, and niacinamide reduces pores and fine lines. You can wear it throughout a flight, overnight or as a 10-minute mask.

This portable all-in-one dressing table by Beautifect is a game changer for regular travellers – it might even replace your makeup bag at home. The easy-to-carry box features a table, adjustable mirror, and storage, as well as an impressive lighting system that offers five different environments including true daylight. We also love that the box is powered by a standard USB-C and can last up to a month on just one single charge.

The gift of avoiding baggage fees

Packing hacks were a big talking point this year, with the below buys ranking top of our list when it came to travelling carry on luggage only.

It might be called an overnight bag, but if you pack strategically Antler's Chelsea bag can easily work as a weekender bag. This is a worthy investment for frequent flyers – in addition to numerous internal and external pockets and compartments, including a laptop sleeve and a water bottle pouch, it also has an over-handle sleeve, making it an ideal option to take on a long-haul flight . The bag is made in a durable water-resistant nylon and comes in nine different colour options, which of course match their Chelsea suitcase range .

For a do-it-all tote bag, it’s easy to see why this style from July is a best seller. Firstly the size – the large tote has room for 22 litres, plenty of space for packing a whole weekend’s worth of items. Then there are the organisation options – a dedicated laptop sleeve, a drink bottle holder, a pocket for a phone and wallet, as well as a zip-up pocket ideal for storing a passport. There are two external pockets, one that’s hidden and secured with a magnet, as well as a sleeve to slip over a luggage handle, so it can easily sit safely on top of a suitcase.

Australian luggage brand July has developed the world’s lightest carry-on suitcase. Weighing in at a dainty 1.8kg, the July Carry On Light, £195, offers a 32L capacity, aerospace-grade polycarbonate shell, specially-designed noise-reducing wheels, and a lifetime guarantee. The case is available in nine colours and also offers a personalisation service as well.

Packing cubes are a game-changer for hand luggage aficionados, helping you squeeze more into your case in a way that’s pleasingly effective. This set of four gives you space to separate your clothes, underwear, electronics and toiletries, while the mesh windows ensure you can see what you need to grab at-a-glance.

Even travellers with a library full of books at home have to admit it: E-readers are an essential travel accessory for bookworms . They are so much lighter than even one paperback book, and let you bring as many options as you want along for the ride.

The gift of armchair travel

Our pick of the best transportive gifts that bring the essence of travel to your home.

Loewe's collaboration with Paula's Ibiza perfectly captures summer in Ibiza in a rainbow ombre bottle. The woody-meets-floral fragrance combines notes of citrusy orange flower, jasmine sambac, incense essential oil and frankincense, creating an evocative bohemian scent that any sun-worshipper will love.

Transport your gift recipient to the fragrant fields of Southern India via Diptyque's delicately scented tuberose candle. Inspired by visits to Indochina in the 1930s, the heady yet fresh and green scent is available in a dreamy oceanic blue jar as part of the limited edition Don Son collection , which draws upon the childhood memories of Yves Coueslant, one of the Maison's founders.

Cult favourite London restaurant BAO released its first recipe book earlier this year, offering up the secrets to 100 of its most beloved Taiwanese-inspired dishes. Keen cooks can now recreate their famous steamed buns at home, as well as Taiwanese fried chicken, beef noodles, snack-size xiao chi, and more.

Assouline’s much sought-after coffee table books make for the ultimate wanderlust-meets-decor gift. On the outside these beautiful hardcover travel books add a fun splash of colour to any room, while inside they feature dreamy imagery and inspiring stories from some of the world’s most beloved destinations.

The gift of adventure

Practical gift ideas for those who prefer a hike over a sun lounger.

With an impressive 42L capacity, this Stubble & Co carry-on travel backpack is ideal for hands-free travel on trips that last three-to-five days. It's packed with clever features, including a 16" laptop sleeve, a clamshell opening for easy packing, a hidden valuables compartment, and a reflective rain cover to ensure you stay visible and your gear stays dry in wet weather. Compression straps keep everything as compact as possible, and there's a passthrough band to attach it to your case as well.

When we asked Victoria Beckham , earlier this year, about her most beloved travel item, she name dropped Yeti. The popular American drinkwear brand is the ultimate go-to for any adventure traveller, especially for camping or hiking trips. Their classic Rambler bottle is a winner when it comes to travel; made from stainless steel and vacuum insulated, so your water will stay cold for hours.

Okay, yes – it’s a gift card. But no gift guide is complete without one option and, as far as stereotypical vouchers-as-presents go, this is a pretty good one to receive. With a feast of stunning properties available to book across the globe, from London to New York and beyond, the keys to a new Airbnb makes an ideal gift for a globetrotting loved one ready to tick off the next trip on their list.

The gift of distraction

For the little travellers in your life, these clever buys will help to ensure an easier journey. For more ideas, see our pick of the best travel toys .

It’s rare to take a trip to the airport without spotting at least one of Trunki’s cheery suitcases in the waiting room. The designs are practical and fun, with a roomy 18 litre storage capacity for toys, clothes and games. As a bonus, the cases have a saddle seat and tow strap, allowing for easy tot transportation from check-in desk to gate.

This made-for-kids tablet could be the key to a peaceful flight, car journey, ferry ride and more. It comes with 1 year of Amazon Kids+ content so your little one can watch all the Peppa Pig they want, and has a sturdy kid-proof case (available in three different coloured) to protect it against the inevitable drops and bumps.

The mini size of the popular Yoto audio player is perfect for travelling. Compact and easy-to-use for kids aged 3+, the collectable cards which play stories and interactive games are also easy to pack.  It also doubles as a speaker and alarm clock and the extended battery life means it's a great companion for long journeys.

If the goal is to get maximum entertainment from just one toy, then busy boards are a miraculous invention for children from a few months to a few years old. The ARVRI Sensory Busy Board offers 15 different activities in a book-style carrying case that’s just a tiny bit larger than an A4 sheet of paper.

The 50 Best Gifts for Travelers, According to Travel Experts

Afar editors and contributors weigh in on the best travel gifts to give this holiday season, including noise-canceling headphones for kids, our go-to travel shoes, and the cozy coat we’re tempted to splurge on..

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Gifts like these Danish Glerups slippers will take travel lovers from home to hotel and back again.

Courtesy of Glerups

The gift all travelers want is a first-class airplane ticket somewhere fabulous. But if that isn’t in your budget, the next best thing is to give them something that makes their voyages easier or a little more luxurious—especially if they’re flying in economy. We’ve compiled this list of 50 gifts for travelers recommended by our own editors and contributors. In it, you’ll find some of the best travel products we’ve tried and tested over the years, plus a few new items we’re excited to share from our favorite brands.

Travel tech and accessories

The Purist Maker Mug comes in a variety of colors, including the dark blue “Drift” seen here.

Courtesy of Purist

1. Purist 10-Oz. Maker Mug

Buy now: $38, puristcollective.com ; rei.com

Pairing a reusable coffee mug with a bag of beans from a local coffee shop is the best way to encourage travelers to go eco-friendly on the road. Though this looks like a stainless steel bottle, the Purist Maker Mug is actually lined with an ultra-thin layer of nonporous glass so you can switch between coffee and water—heck, even wine—without the lingering scent of the previous beverage. This 10-ounce model comes with a leakproof scope top designed for hot coffee; it allows for sipping from any side. Purist also sells basic screw-top caps with carrying loops as well as flip-tops , for those who will also use this bottle for cold drinks.

The Nori Press is dual voltage, so you can use it in the United States and abroad without packing an extra voltage converter.

Courtesy of Nori

2. The Nori Press Steam Iron

Buy now: $120, nori.com

Hotel irons aren’t that reliable and nobody likes struggling with an ironing board anyways. This travel press, which was one of Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2022, weighs just 1.4 pounds and is only 14 inches long, so you won’t mind packing it. Did we mention it steams, too?

No need to pack an extra pair of corded headphones just for your flight.

Courtesy of Twelve South

3. Twelve South AirFly Pro

Buy now: $55, twelvesouth.com ; amazon.com

It’s possible to use wireless headphones to watch movies on in-seat screens on airplanes with the Twelve South AirFly Pro wireless transmitter. It plugs into the headphone jack in airplane seats and sends audio signals via Bluetooth to up to two pairs of headphones. (It also works as an AUX IN adapter in a rental car.) It has a 25-hour battery life and is roughly the size of a matchbox.

The Trtl Travel Pillow folds up neatly and weighs only half a pound.

Courtesy of Trtl

4. Trtl Travel Pillow

Buy now: $50, trtltravel.com ; $60, amazon.com

Any qualms about looking silly instantly disappear as soon as you use this ergonomically designed travel pillow (which keeps your head from bobbing around). “It feels a little strange putting it on the first time and sort of looks like a neck brace,” said Rosalie Tinelli, AFAR’s former senior audience development manager , in her review of the Trtl . “But who cares how it looks when you’re getting peaceful sleep on an airplane and waking up with zero neck stiffness?”

It’s time to ditch that plastic iced coffee cup.

Courtesy of Yeti

5. Yeti Rambler Straw Mug

Buy now: from $38, yeti.com

Drinking water out of a regular screw cap bottle while driving is not only frustrating—it’s dangerous. Yeti’s Rambler Straw Mug is designed to fit into all cup holders and comes with a reusable straw lid so you can easily take a swig without taking both hands off the wheel. Available in a 25-ounce or extra-large 35-ounce style, this travel mug is also great for iced coffee runs.

Secure any type of tote, backpack, or handbag to your suitcase handle with this travel belt that doubles as a sling bag.

Courtesy of Cincha

6. Cincha Travel Belt Bag

Buy now: $60, cinchatravel.com

These dual-purpose belt bags can be worn as a sling to carry small essentials like passports and keys, or can be used to secure personal items to a suitcase handle so they don’t slide off while maneuvering through the airport. Simply slip the elastic loop of the belt bag over the handle of your carry-on and snap its buckle around the front of your personal item. The strap is adjustable to 49 inches. For every belt sold, Cincha donates 100 airline miles to Miles4Migrants to help reconnect migrant families.

These are also great for blocking out noise at loud hotels.

Courtesy of SleepPhones

7. SleepPhones Bluetooth Sleep Headphones

Buy now: $100, sleepphones.com ; amazon.com

Sleeping on an airplane is tough—and virtually impossible when wearing a neck pillow and larger over-the-ear headphones at the same time. That’s why every traveler needs a pair of sleep headphones. Essentially a soft fleece headband with ultra-slim headphones inserted inside, this travel accessory allows you to sleep with your head flat against a pillow. While there are several brands that make a similar cord-free design, SleepPhones makes the most comfortable and highest-quality pair—but for a price. Meanwhile, this $20 pair on Amazon is budget-friendly but don’t expect too much from its sound quality.

Therabody just released a new version of its Theragun Mini that’s lighter and smaller.

Courtesy of Therabody

8. Therabody Theragun Mini

Buy now: $199, therabody.com

After a red-eye flight, it wouldn’t be surprising if your neck and shoulders were knotted and sore. This portable massage gun is small—it weighs one pound and can fit easily into a purse or backpack. But it packs a punch, powerfully helping loosen tight muscles.

Packing essentials

These packing cubes are sold in sets of two, including one medium and one small.

Courtesy of Thule

9. Thule Compression Packing Cubes

Buy now: $45 for two, thule.com ; rei.com

Once you try packing cubes , you’ll be hard-pressed to go back. Some of our favorites are Thule’s Compression Packing Cubes, which are made with Bluesign-approved ripstop nylon that is water-repellent, ultra-durable, and manufactured with minimal impact on the environment. A set of double YKK zippers allows you to close the cube and then zip it even tighter to eliminate extra air and reduce bulk.

This pouch set comes in all sorts of fun and colorful patterns.

Courtesy of Baggu

10. Baggu Go Pouch Set

Buy now: $40, baggu.com

Baggu’s Go Pouch Set includes three all-purpose pouches that are essential for keeping your bags organized. The small one is perfect for stashing your keys, Airpods, and lip balm, while the medium doubles as a toiletry bag. The large is big enough to use as a packing cube for clothes. New patterns are released frequently—the set with clouds on it is particularly fun for frequent fliers.

These TSA-approved reusable toiletry bottles come with built-in labels so you never confuse body lotion for conditioner.

Photo by Bailey Rebecca Roberts

11. Ries Essential Travel Bottles

Buy now: from $15, ries-ries.com

Cut back on plastic waste and start decanting liquid toiletries into reusable travel-size containers like the 1.7-ounce or 3.4-ounce bottles from Ries, a Black woman-owned brand. AFAR’s newsletter editor Maliah West recommends the brand’s Mini Duo Starter Set , which comes with a pair of 1.7-ounce bottles that are equipped with a locking system to ensure a spill-free experience.

A mini version of this vanity case is also available for $75.

Courtesy of Paravel

12. Paravel Cabana See-All Vanity Case

Buy now: $95, tourparavel.com

Crafted from two recycled water bottles per bag, with leather details ecocertified by the Leather Working Group, Paravel’s vanity case is spacious enough to hold all of your travel toiletries and has see-through side panels for keeping its contents easily visible.

Tangled necklaces are now a thing of the past.

Courtesy of Dagne Dover

13. Dagne Dover Frankie Jewelry Case

Buy now: from $55, dagnedover.com

Know someone who travels with a tangled wad of necklaces? Dagne Dover’s Frankie Jewelry Case makes a smart gift (and subtle hint) to solve this particular packing problem. It comes in two sizes and three colors, with room for up to three necklaces, eight rings, four pairs of earrings, and more.

Keep your shoes separate from your clothes inside your suitcase with a special packing cube.

Courtesy of Eagle Creek

14. Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Multi-Shoe Cube

Buy now: $25, eaglecreek.com

The easiest way to get your loved ones to stop packing dirty shoes in the same bag as their clean clothes is to give them packing cubes designed specifically for footwear. This shoe bag from Eagle Creek is made with a durable material made from recycled polyester. It’s designed to fit multiple pairs of sandals, sneakers, and even boots up to men’s size 13.

>> Find more clever travel gift ideas under $100

Travel bags and luggage

The Waverley 2 hip belt, seen here in cognac-colored cactus leather.

Courtesy of Lo & Sons

15. Lo & Sons Waverley 2 Convertible Bag

Buy now: from $126 (was $210), loandsons.com

The fanny pack —updated with sleeker style and even some high-tech materials—is back, according to AFAR contributor Courtney Holden . Thanks in part to its two-part adjustable strap, the Waverley 2 can be worn not only as a casual belt bag, but also as a cross-body bag, gala-ready wristlet, and shoulder bag. Available in two sizes—8 inches x 5.6 inches and 8.3 inches x 5.9 inches—the bag features an interior zip pocket for can’t-lose items, a handy slip pocket for little must-haves, and an exterior card slot perfect for stashing a hotel key. It comes in textured Saffiano leather, buttery smooth Napa leather, and a durable, scratch-resistant vegan leather made from nopal cactus.

The Virginia Beach Tote by North End Bag Company is made in a beach town, but would look good on the streets of New York, too.

Courtesy of North End Bags

16. North End Bag Company Virginia Beach Tote

Buy now: $185, northendbagcompany.com

The most versatile beach bags serve double-duty as both seaside companions and trusty personal items during flights to warm-weather destinations. Lovingly hand-crafted in a shop just four blocks from the Virginia Beach oceanfront, North End Bag Company’s signature Virginia Beach Tote is one great option, reports Holden. It pairs a handsome, water-resistant, waxed canvas exterior with leather straps to create an aesthetic that’s rugged enough for everyday use but also refined and ready for first class. The sleek slip pockets ringing the exterior could house flip flops or plane snacks, while additional internal compartments offer storage for goggles or electronics.

This packable bag folds down to the size of a book.

17. Paravel Fold-Up Bag

Buy now: $75, tourparavel.com

Paravel’s ultra-light duffel bag zips down into a small pouch and packs into big luggage for any space-challenged traveler’s gotta-have-it souvenir emergencies. It’s also AFAR editor at large Laura Dannen Redman ’s go-to weekend bag. She calls it the “ Trojan horse of weekend bags ” since it holds so much more inside than you’d expect. She can easily fit two pairs of shoes, two toiletry bags, and three days of winter clothing in it. An added bonus: The sustainable nylon material is made from 22 recycled plastic water bottles.

This totepack can be worn as a backpack or a tote bag.

Courtesy of Peak Design

18. Peak Design Everyday Totepack

Buy now: $180, peakdesign.com

The name says it all: This 20-liter pack is designed for everyday use whether you’re carrying it like a tote on your daily commute or pulling out its backpack straps during your next hike. The outside is made with a recycled nylon canvas shell that can withstand rainstorms, so you can pack your laptop, tablet, and cameras in here with peace of mind. Available in all-black and ivory with brown leather details, it’s much more chic than other laptop backpacks out there.

The Freefly16 packable backpack stuffs into a tiny carry sack, shown here.

Courtesy of Matador

19. Matador Freefly16 Packable Backpack

Buy now: $80, matadorup.com

Matador’s Freefly16 Packable Backpack is designed to perform in wet conditions (it’s water-resistant, not waterproof) and weighs less than half a pound. A rarity for backpacks of this size and weight, it comes with a thin hip strap for better distributing weight, two water bottle cages (one on each side), and a spacious external pocket for stashing anything you need to reach quickly. It packs down into its own dedicated stuff sack, so you can easily toss it into your luggage and have a quality hiking or walking-about-town daypack on hand when you arrive at your destination. “Overall, I love this bag’s packability, weight, and additional features like the hip strap,” says Jessie Beck, AFAR’s associate director of SEO & Video. “I’ve used it on at least a dozen trips since getting it, and it’s proven to be durable and sturdy.”

A leather weekender that will last for years to come.

Courtesy of Leatherology

20. Leatherology Harwood Weekender

Buy now: $375, leatherology.com

Anyone in the market for a new overnight bag or personal item will love the Harwood Weekender by AAPI-owned Leatherology. This small leather duffel features pockets galore, smart magnetic clasps, and three different styles of monogramming. It also has a trolley sleeve to slide over your carry-on handle so it doesn’t fall off your luggage.

The Longchamp x Robert Indiana collection features the artist’s iconic Love image.

Courtesy of Morgan Art Foundation. Licensed by Artestar, New York

21. Longchamp x Robert Indiana Travel Bag

Buy now: $430, longchamp.com

Wear your heart on your, er, weekend bag. French leather goods company Longchamp just released a tribute to pop artist Robert Indiana with a limited edition collection of canvas totes and handbags featuring his iconic “LOVE” typography. (Modern art lovers may recognize his large-scale public sculptures from places like Midtown Manhattan, Philadelphia, and Indianapolis.) This oversized tote is made from recycled polyester canvas; it has a leather trim, a zip closure to keep everything inside, and a detachable shoulder strap to make carrying it easier.

Merrily roll along with Cotopaxi’s latest addition to its Allpa line of luggage.

Courtesy of Cotopaxi

22. Cotopaxi Allpa 38L Roller Bag

Buy now: $350, cotopaxi.com ; rei.com

The AFAR-Approved Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack now comes with wheels. Just like the original Allpa, this carry-on sized bag can easily fit in the overhead bin of an airplane and has plenty of zippered compartments for small accessories, clothes, and shoes. It comes with two rugged wheels that can take on cobblestone streets and dirt roads with ease.

July’s suitcase colors are anything but basic.

Courtesy of July

23. July Personalized Luggage

Buy now: from $245 for luggage, $50 for personalization, july.com

Australia’s July luggage is known for offering personalization on its hard-shell suitcases with a variety of fonts, colors, and even emojis to customize to your heart’s content. July also sells gift cards so you don’t have to worry about picking out the right color or customization for your giftee.

The Out of Office Pet Carrier comes in fun colors and patterns, like this magenta and camouflage combo.

Courtesy of Roverlund

24. Roverlund Out-of-Office Pet Carrier

Buy now: from $159, roverlund.com

This durable yet stylish soft-sided pet carrier can function as a car seat during road trips and is also airline compliant. Once you arrive at your destination, the shoulder strap converts to a leash and the bag can be used as a mobile pet bed. Suitable for both dogs and cats, the small version fits animals up to 15 pounds, while the large is best for animals up to 25 pounds.

This two-in-one weekend bag is great for weddings, business trips, or anything that requires formal wear.

Courtesy of Brouk & Co

25. Brouk and Co. Capri 2-in-1 Garment Bag

Buy now: $120, broukandco.com ; $140, amazon.com

This clever duffel bag has a hidden garment bag inside. To pack it, put suits or long dresses in the garment bag section first, then add shoes to the side pockets, zip it up, and then add everything else to the main section.

Travel toiletries and skincare

Dab this rich cream around your eyes before take-off to arrive looking refreshed.

Courtesy of Blue Lagoon Iceland

26. BL+ Eye Cream

Buy now: $165, skincare.bluelagoon.com

This nourishing eye cream is the latest from Blue Lagoon’s proprietary skincare line, which is made with microalgae and silica sourced from the same geothermal source as those famous Icelandic blue pools. The travel-friendly 15 ml pot may be pricey—but a little goes a long way and makes for a luxurious gift. Pair it with the BL+ face cream to create your own gift set.

This buy spray smells amazing, but more importantly—it works.

Courtesy of Kinfield

27. Kinfield Golden Hour Bug Repellent

Buy now: $22, kinfield.com

Yes, it is possible to find a DEET-free bug repellent that works. Kinfield Golden Hour uses a mix of citronella, lemongrass, and cloves to keep you bite-free (and smelling amazing). Plus, the three-ounce spray bottle is TSA-friendly.

Purchasing travel-size items is a great way to test products before committing to the full-size ones.

Courtesy of Standard Dose

28. Wonder Valley Little Wonders Kit

Buy now: $72, saksfifthavenue.com

California-based Wonder Valley uses its own olive oils to make clean skincare products like its oil cleanser, face oil, Wonder serum, and Hinoki body oil, which are bundled in TSA-approved travel sizes in this four-piece kit.

Travel clothes and shoes

This women’s coat by Filson pulls design inspiration from the brand’s archival Wool Packer Coat.

Courtesy of Filson

29. Filson Women’s Wool Trapper Coat

On sale December 1: $995, filson.com

Filson started off in 1897 to outfit pioneers of the Yukon Gold Rush with rugged outdoor apparel. More than 100 years later, the Seattle-based brand is expanding its womenswear line with chic coats inspired by archival items like this one that will be available online on December 1, 2023. Made with plaid wool, this investment piece runs long to provide more coverage, its sheepskin-shearling collar can be worn down or flipped up for extra warmth.

30. Gobi Oversized Cashmere Scarf

Buy now: $229, gobicashmere.com

Cashmere is always a welcome gift, and Gobi crafts its clothing and accessories entirely in Mongolia from 100 percent Mongolian cashmere. Its unisex oversized scarf can be used as a travel blanket on the plane and a scarf or wrap once you arrive. It’s available in six colors, including multiple shades of gray as well as lavender and coral pink.

This puffer poncho is made with elastane to provide just the right amount of stretch.

Courtesy of Mountain Hardwear

31. Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Poncho

Buy now: $300, mountainhardwear.com

This insulated poncho doubles as a cover-up for quick changes on chilly beach days and as a wearable blanket at campsites. It’s made with a stretchy material filled with Responsible Down Standard–certified down. It’s available in two unisex sizes—S/M and L/XL—and three colors: black, sandstorm, and “blurple.” The kangaroo-style front pocket has a zippered pocket inside to keep items like keys and phones secure.

The bathrobes from Hotel Saint Vincent in New Orleans are some of the most beautiful we’ve ever seen.

Photo by Cristina Fisher

32. Hotel Saint Vincent Marbled Silk Robe

Buy now: $395, farwestcollective.com

It’s tempting to steal hotel bathrobes, especially when they’re as beautiful as the marbled silk robes at Hotel Saint Vincent in New Orleans. Now you can buy these unisex designs online through hotelier Liz Lambert’s Far West Collective retail shop. They are machine washable and sized to fit most people.

More than a dozen colors of Calzuro clogs are available on Amazon.

Courtesy of Amazon

33. Calzuro Classic Clog with Holes

Buy now: $107, calzuro.com ; amazon.com

In addition to being a deputy editor at AFAR, Katherine LaGrave is also our team’s resident clog aficionado. “I have ‘nice’ clogs, clogs for gardening, and clogs for indoors. But until recently, my clog wearing was limited to three seasons; I couldn’t find a pair that was a fit for summer and all its activities,” she says.

“Enter the Calzuro classic, which I discovered after a woman at my local dog park arrived sporting a pair in black. With a 1.5-inch heel, the slim plastic clogs are lightweight and durable, and you can purchase them with or without ventilation holes. Designed in Italy for medical professionals, the clogs can be bleached or washed in a dishwasher or washing machine, and getting rid of sand and dirt is as simple as putting them under a hose. Thrillingly, the clogs also come in a number of colors: hot pink, sunshine yellow, orange. I opted for a sky-blue pair and have already put miles on them out to lunch, at the beach, and at the dog park.”

Each slipper has a loop on it so you can clip it to your backpack while you hike.

Courtesy of Chaco

34. Chaco Ramble Puff Clogs

Buy now: $75, women’s, chacos.com ; men’s, chacos.com

For those heading to the mountains instead of the beach this winter, we’ve also found clogs for you. Chaco’s cozy fleece-lined clogs look like tiny sleeping bags for your feet and will keep them warm and dry. They’re perfect for early-morning walks, late-night campfire chats, and stress-free airport experiences.

This beanie is available in 10 colors, including the forest green seen here.

Courtesy of Sh*t That I Knit

35. Sh*t That I Knit Rutherford Beanie

Buy now: $135, shitthatiknit.com

Sh*t That I Knit is a woman-owned company that employs more than 400 artisans in Lima, Peru, who earn a fair wage for hand-knitting these sporty winter beanies. Made with 100 percent Peruvian merino wool, the hats are available in 10 different colors and come with a detachable faux-fur pom-pom.

This sun hat folds up into a small circular pouch for easy packing.

36. Baggu Packable Sun Hat

Buy now: $36, baggu.com

With a brim diameter nearly two feet wide, these sun hats from Baggu are so large it’s hard not to make a statement wearing one at the pool. Thankfully, they fold down neatly into an included circular pouch for easy packing. Go ahead and purchase one for your friend who hides from the sun but basks in the glow of a little poolside attention.

Sabah’s Condesa Pink shoe is inspired by the vibrant Mexico City neighborhood.

Courtesy of Sabah

37. Sabah Shoes

Buy now: from $210, sabah.am

These lace-free unisex travel shoes—handmade in Gaziantep, Turkey—look as good poolside as they do at happy hour. Crafted out of leather and available in a rainbow of colors, the slip-on shoe is also perfect for seamlessly moving through airport security lines. The sole is rubber for traction and durability, and the fit is roomy yet chic. (The only difference in the men’s and women’s sizing is the men’s are better suited for wider feet. They also come in children’s sizes !) The brand’s earthy tones go with everything, while the trendy patterns and bold colors photograph well.

Woolen slippers from Danish brand Glerups are the key to staying cozy off the slopes.

38. Glerups Slipper Boots

Buy now: $155, glerups.com

These unisex slipper boots from Denmark are made with grippy rubber bottoms and 100 percent natural wool felt. Glerups are the ultimate travel footwear for moments when coziness is key, whether it’s a red-eye flight or gathering around a fireplace for après-ski.

Compression socks are a travel essential.

Courtesy of Bombas

39. Bombas Compression Socks

Buy now: $28, women’s, bombas.com ; men’s, bombas.com

Compression socks aren’t a sexy gift, but they’re a must for any traveler to keep blood flowing and sore muscles at bay during long flights. The most comfortable compression socks on the market are Bombas, which are made with mild 15–20 mmHg compression levels, a seamless toe, and above-the-heel cushioning that extends to the toe. As with all other Bombas sock purchases, for every pair of socks purchased the company will donate another pair to a homeless shelter or other community organization.

Outdoor adventure gear

This blanket is campfire safe.

Courtesy of Rumpl

40. Rumpl NanoLoft Flame Blanket

Buy now: $130, rumpl.com

AFAR’s favorite packable blanket now comes in a fire-resistant version so you don’t have to worry about stray sparks at your next campfire. Rumpl’s NanoLoft Flame Blanket is also made with 100 percent post-consumer recycled insulation that mimics down for coziness and is machine washable for easy maintenance.

This portable coffee grinder grinds enough beans for one cup at a time.

Courtesy of VSSL

41. VSSL Java Coffee Grinder

Buy now: $160, vsslgear.com

“The VSSL Java coffee grinder is durable and well worth the space it will take up among your camping gear—at six inches tall and weighing just 14 ounces, it’s not much,” says Svati Kirsten Narula , an AFAR contributor. “With stainless steel burrs and 50 unique grind settings, it allows you to create the perfect-sized grounds for your preferred brewing method. It’s made out of aircraft-grade aluminum to stand up to abuse and grinds 20 grams of beans at a time, enough for one strong cup of coffee.”

Making quality joe on the go is easy with this portable coffee maker.

Courtesy of AeroPress

42. AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press

Buy now: $40, rei.com ; amazon.com

All you need to make quality espresso while camping is an AeroPress Go, finely ground coffee, and hot water. You can also make a quick cold brew coffee with the AeroPress, although you need to remember to stir the grounds and cold water together for a full minute before pressing.

This snowshoe kit is great for beginners.

Courtesy of Cascade Mountain Tech

43. Cascade Mountain Tech Expedition Trail Series kit

Buy now: $120, cascademountaintech.com

Lightweight and easy to use, these snowshoes are a solid choice for those looking to become a four-season outdoor adventurer. “They’re in the Goldilocks zone of being both flexible (good for responsiveness), durable (so they’ll last years to come), and lightweight (important to preventing early fatigue),” AFAR contributor Bailey Berg says. “The kit also comes with twist-lock poles and a vented carry bag (handy because if you store your snowshoes wet, it won’t get funky).”

Anyone heading to a national park needs a good pair of binoculars.

Courtesy of Maven

44. Maven B.3 Binoculars

Buy now: $525, mavenbuilt.com ; amazon.com

A good pair of binoculars helps bring wildlife—be that a bird on a hike or lions at a safari—into crisp high definition. The B.3 Binoculars make for a good starter set because they pair incredible clarity with a reasonable price point. (Maven’s designs can go up to $1,600.) “They’re also compact, lightweight, and durable enough to withstand bouncing around in a backpack or being dropped in water, so they’re built to travel,” Berg says. “Though if they do get damaged, Maven has an unconditional lifetime warranty.”

>> Find more gift ideas for campers that they’ll actually use

Travel gifts for kids (and their parents)

The PuroQuiets Active Noise Cancelling Headphones come in four colors, including the light pink seen here.

Courtesy of Puro Sound Labs

45. Puro Sound Labs PuroQuiets Active Noise Canceling Headphones

Buy now: $139, purosound.com ; amazon.com

It might be tempting to buy cheap headphones for your kids to use on airplanes or in the car. But unlike other headphones, these volume-limiting headphones max out at 85 decibels, which the World Health Organization and other experts consider to be the upper limit for ear safety . They’re designed for ages 2 to 12 and are made with buttery-soft leather, so they should last for years.

This backpack also has a matching suitcase that goes with it.

Courtesy of State Bags

46. State Bags Kane Kids Mini Travel Backpack

Buy now: $78, statebags.com

Like an adult pack, this small backpack from State Bags comes with padded straps for comfort and a sleeve in the back for slipping it over the top of carry-on suitcases. Unlike larger models, this tiny pack is designed with a neon dinosaur pattern to delight the littlest travelers. The Mini Backpack is recommended for children ages 2 to 4, while the larger Kane Kids Backpack is designed for those ages 4 to 8.

Use this solar-powered lamp as a travel nightlight or a flashlight for camping.

Courtesy of Studio Olafur Eliasson

47. Little Sun Original Solar Lamp

Buy now : $30, goodeeworld.com

Designed by Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson, this portable, flower-shaped solar lamp can be used as a nightlight or worn around the neck as a flashlight. For each lamp sold, one is donated to Little Sun ’s partners in rural Africa, who are working to bring solar energy to those living without electricity. One of hundreds of environmentally minded products sold on Goodee, a socially conscious online marketplace, this solar lamp comes with a personal stamp of approval from co-founder Byron Peart’s niece, who says she loves using it to read in bed at night.

Get kids excited for the airport with this ride-on suitcase.

Courtesy of Stokke

48. JetKids by Stokke

Buy now: $229, stokke.com

The JetKids by Stokke ride-on suitcase allows children to move faster through the airport. Both of AFAR senior news editor Michelle Baran’s kids loved riding these so much on a recent trip to Europe that she ended up checking her stroller to her final destination. Once aboard the plane, the top props up to convert an economy airplane seat into a lie-flat bed with an included mat. The interior space has enough room for an iPad and headphones, some paper, coloring books, pens, a small stuffie, and a blanket. You can opt for the additional attachable backpack for some added room, which Baran’s kids used for sweatshirts and small toys.

This portable car seat is worth the splurge, according to the parents among AFAR staff.

Courtesy of WAYB

49. WAYB Pico Portable Car Seat

Buy now: $380, wayb.com

OK, this one is more of a gift for parents who are done schlepping heavy car seats through airports. The eight-pound WAYB Pico Portable Car Seat folds into a compact 11.6 x 14.5 x 18.9-inch unit—basically the size of a medium camping backpack—that’s easy enough to lift on its own, and better still when stowed in a backpack carrier you can buy for an additional $95.

“As someone who has traveled alone with the kids and had to mount a full-sized car seat on my back, this is life-altering,” says Baran.

Make traveling with kids easier with the gift of a streamlined diaper bag.

Courtesy of No Reception Club

50. No Reception Club “The Sidekick” Fanny Pack

Buy now: $85, noreceptionclub.com

For times when parents don’t need the whole diaper bag, No Reception Club’s three-liter Sidekick fanny pack is thoughtfully designed to hold up to a half-dozen diapers, along with some ointment and hand sanitizer. (It also comes with its own changing pad.) The back exterior pocket is designed specifically to hold baby wipes. “I love its magnetic flap closure,” says AFAR contributor Courtney Holden . “It’s a breeze to swipe and wipe.”

This article was originally published in 2022; it was updated on November 1, 2023, with new items.

The 31 Best Travel Gifts for Anyone With Wanderlust

Send them off in style with these thoughtful—and practical—picks.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

And: there's even more on the line when you're buying a travel gift. Giving someone a rolling duffle in a color they hate may bum them out. Giving someone a rolling duffle with wheels that break en route may put a serious damper on their vacation. Rather than wing it, read on for a lineup of travel editor-approved travel gifts for all the globetrotters on your list.

Looking for more great holiday gifts? Check out our picks for the best gifts for gamers , the best tech gifts and the best last-minute gifts .

Tripped Travel Gear Toiletry Bag Set

You can’t count on ample counter space in every hotel room, which is why buying a hanging toiletry bag is such a smart move.

This three-piece set features a detachable 3-1-1 TSA-compliant liquid bag, along with a zippered pouch that’s large enough to hold a pair of men’s flip-flops. There are multiple mesh pockets inside and an outer pocket for quick-grab items.

Mark & Graham Essential Tech Folio

Keep devices, chargers, and wires neatly stowed and organized inside this leather zip-around tech folio. It’s available in two sizes and four colors (both with enough space for a tablet and a smartphone) and plenty of pockets and slipcases on both sides. Plus, shadow-print monogramming costs an extra $12.50.

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

This compact universal travel adapter will charge up to six high-powered devices in more than 150 countries and weighs only 5 ounces. It features four USB ports and a 15-watt USB-C port, plus it offers overload protection.

Espro Ultralight French Press

This portable 16-ounce coffee press weighs only 7.4 ounces and features a microfilter to ensure no grit or sludge ends up in a cup of joe. It’s made of stainless steel and BPA-free plastic, and its double-wall vacuum insulation keeps contents piping hot. There are six colors to choose from, including this eye-catching green.

EverSnug Travel Blanket

Unless they’re a business-class traveler, scoring a blanket isn’t always a given. So give them this cozy gift, which has a pass-through sleeve to attach it to a carry-on’s handle.

The plush polyester blanket tucks inside the zippered case for storage (which can double as a pillow), and there’s also a carabiner to keep it handy in flight. The two-piece set comes in five colors, all with the cute airplane and suitcase stitched on front.

Paravel Fold-Up Bag

It’s always a good idea to throw a fold-up bag into your carry-on for unplanned purchases. This one from Paravel is ultra-lightweight and zips into an integrated pouch that packs flat. It’s made of 22 upcycled plastic water bottles and is available in six colors, with monogram options ranging from $15 to $35.

Apple Beats Fit Pro With Noise Cancelling

Noise cancellation is a must while traveling, and these cute earbuds will do just that. They also deliver excellent sound and their flexible wingtip design makes the comfortable to wear for a long flight. They come with two years of AppleCare+ to boot.

Paravel Packing Cube Quads

This attractive set of four packing cubes from Paravel will keep toiletries, gear, and clothing organized. They’re lightweight nylon, made of repurposed plastic bottled and feature contrast piping, vegan leather zipper pulls, and a clear panel on top to see what's inside.

TRX All-in-One Suspension Trainer Bundle

This all-in-one suspension system equipment set lends itself to getting in a full-body resistance-training workout anywhere. It includes a main suspension strap with handles and two anchor straps, plus there are locking loops and hand and foot cradles for standing- and floor-based exercise.

The set comes with a 35-page workout guide and includes access to live virtual studio classes thought the app. All the components pack into a small drawstring pouch.

Malin + Goetz Travel Kit

Tuck this colorful collection of travel-sized products in a carry-on to pass on whatever random-brand products are in the hotel bathroom. The set includes five 1-fluid-ounce tubes of Malin + Goetz’s hair, body, and face products and comes in a clear slide-lock pouch.

Welly First Aid Kit

Everything from adhesive strips in fun patterns to ibuprofen is packed inside this bright, appealing first aid tin, with a snap closure to ensure contents stay secure. All the components are individually wrapped and neatly organized in sections, and the kit is available in several sizes and styles, depending on what your giftee has in store for their trip.

Garmin Instinct Outdoor Watch

Garmin’s ultra-popular entry-level Instinct GPS watch comes in a range of styles and colors and boasts a three-axis compass and barometric altimeter. There’s also a trackback feature to help with navigation and preloaded training activity profiles.

Mark & Graham Passport Case and Luggage Tag Set

This vegan leather passport case and luggage tag set comes in five colors, with tons of shadow-printed monogram options. So even if the days of dressing up to travel may be long gone, your luggage will look good and you’ll always know where your important documents are.

Pinch Provisions Hemergency Kit for Men

There are 30 must-have travel essentials tucked inside this mini dopp kit. You’ll find bandages, pain reliever, and other first-aid gear, grooming tools, and all those small items to save you in a pinch, like extra cufflinks and shoe shine towelettes. There’s also a Minimergency Kit for Her .

Joby GorillaPod Tripod and Phone Mount

Forget the selfie stick and opt for this versatile gadget to get the best vacation shots. The flexible tripod and phone mount are compact and support devices up to 2.2 pounds, and the locking phone clamp mount rotates to portrait and landscape positions. The removable ball head can also fit on standard-size tripods.

Etekcity Luggage Scale

This may be more of a stocking stuffer than a gift to put under the tree, but it’s an important one. Prevent your travel-loving friend from getting slapped with extra fees for overweight baggage with this pocket-size luggage scale. It has a 110-pound weight capacity and a highly accurate digital sensor, plus it comes in a bunch of fun colors.

JETech Laptop Case with Small Bag

This well-designed laptop sleeve features a tuck-away top-handle and zippered outer pocket, plus it’s paired with a small wrist strap bag to stash a smartphone, a charger, and other accessories. There’s a top-loading zipper to accommodate laptops up to 14 inches, while the inside is lined with protective foam and soft flannel.

Anker PowerCore Slim Portable Charger

It’s a rookie move to travel without a power bank. Anker’s 10,000-mAh portable PowerCore Slim combines a 65-watt wall charger and a 10,000-mAh portable charger in one compact package. It features two USB-C and one USB-A port, and it weighs less than a pound.

Comrad Compression Socks

Compression socks are essential for preventing swollen lower legs and feet during and after a long flight. Comrad’s stylish options for men and women include this classic striped pair, along with more than a dozen other options if your giftee prefers something more muted.

Herschel Charlie RFID Card Case Wallet

An RFID-blocking wallet is another essential to protect sensitive credit card information while traveling. Herschel’s Charlie card case is a popular pick for its slim design and style, featuring multiple slots and a top sleeve, plus the brand’s signature striped liner.

Rachel Klein is a Senior Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics , where she writes about everything from garden hose reels and patio furniture to mesh wifi systems and robot vacuums. She started her career as a daily newspaper reporter and was a travel editor for more than a decade before she started testing and reviewing luggage, noise-cancelling headphones, and other travel-related products. Fast-forward another five years and her area of expertise includes home decor, appliances, tech, and outdoor adventure gear. In her spare time, you'll find her planning her next trip, reading historical fiction, and seeing as much art as she can squeeze into a weekend. 

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The holiday season is officially upon us, and that means it's time to start thinking about gifts for the loved ones in your life.

Each year, we curate some of our top gift picks, giving you the perfect guide for the jet setters and road warriors on your list.

This year's guide includes 23 of our top picks for travel tech, luggage, gear and much more — all of which have been tested and approved by the TPG team.

Without further ado, here are TPG's 2023 holiday gift picks.

Apple AirTags

Buy Apple AirTags on Amazon for $79.99 (normally $99) Buy Apple AirTag (Individual) on Amazon for $23.99 (normally $29)

If there's one must-have travel item this holiday season, it's an Apple AirTag .

These coin-size item trackers are a lifesaver for those who travel with checked luggage, especially as delayed and misplaced baggage continues to be a global travel issue.

Just pop one into each of your bags — I'd recommend adding one to your keychain and backpack , too — and you'll be able to track your bags directly on your iOS device. The next time an airline tells you that your bag is "lost," you'll hopefully have a much clearer picture of where it is.

Zero Eight Left art

Buy: Zero Eight Left art for $48

What do you get the traveler who loves the journey even more than the destination? Look no further than 08L (Zero Eight Left).

This aviation enthusiast-approved shop specializes in art and lifestyle gear for those who love planes and airports. Pick from airport diagrams, runway maps and aircraft metal art.

My current favorite pick is 08L's coasters — the Airbus and Boeing six-packs make a great gift for any AvGeek.

Apple AirPods Pro

Buy: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) on Amazon for $189.99 (normally $249)

A plethora of top-notch noise-canceling headphones are on the market — trust me, I recently reviewed six of them — but none are as easy-to-use as Apple's AirPods Pro.

The second-generation Pros bring major improvements to the noise cancellation experience, and the fact that the entire package can easily fit in my pocket makes them a game changer for travel. I used to lug around bulky over-ear headphones, but why bother when you can get great sound quality in a pair of earbuds that fit in the palm of your hand?

Also, the latest generation Pros offer a USB-C charging case, which pairs perfectly with the new iPhone and the latest tech standards.

MZ Wallace Metro Tote

Buy: MZ Wallace Metro Tote for $295

Sometimes your travels call for a bag that's sized in between a backpack and a rollaboard. Perhaps you have a loved one who treks around the city or bounces between work, home and the gym.

MZ Wallace offers a lineup of bags that are sure to fit that always-on-the-go lifestyle. Their bags come in a variety of colors and styles. My favorite is the Large Metro Tote, which is perfect for bopping around New York City.

Le Labo from Shop Edition

Buy: Le Labo from Shop Edition for $184.80 (normally $231) or 63,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

One of my favorite parts about staying in luxury hotels is trying out all of the fancy scents and bath amenities that I wouldn't necessarily purchase at home.

While some people like to fill up doggy bags with their favorite scents, this year, I'm going to ask my wife for some of Le Labo's creations, specifically the formulation designed for Edition Hotels.

This is perhaps my favorite hotel fragrance, so what better way to dream of the shores of Bodrum than by pumping my apartment with this scent?

Plus, Shop Edition lets you redeem Marriott Bonvoy points to cover the cost of your gifts. It might not be the world's best points redemption, but it's at least worth noting the option.

Loop Engage Earplugs

Buy: Loop Engage Earplugs on Amazon for $27.96 (normally $34.95)

If your family or friends are sensitive to noise when traveling, you might want to pick up a pair of Loop Engage Earplugs for them this holiday season.

With more than 4,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, including some glowing recommendations from TPG staffers, these are among the best earplugs out there. Also, the loop system should help them stay in your ears when dozing off.

HoomBand Ultimate Eye Mask

Buy: HoomBand Ultimate Eye Mask on Amazon for $117

Eye masks are another sleep essential, especially when crisscrossing time zones on long-haul flights.

Finding the perfect eye mask is no easy task, but HoomBand's version continues to receive rave reviews from travelers, myself included. It even has Bluetooth connectivity to play relaxing meditations.

With this gift, you'll help your friends and family doze off during their next flight — and they might not even ask you again for extra miles for a business-class upgrade.

5 Stripe Hoodie, Aviator Nation

Buy: 5 Stripe Hoodie, Aviator Nation for $189

Everyone has their travel uniform, and these days, I'm seeing more and more people walking around the airport in Aviator Nation sweatshirts.

I didn't originally know why, but after my wife bought me one earlier this year, I've been hooked. If you're looking for a gift that'll make travel more comfortable, an Aviator Nation sweatshirt is it.

iPhone 15 family

Buy: iPhone 15 from Apple starting at $799

For as long as TPG has published an annual holiday gift guide , the latest iPhone models have made the cut. This year is no exception, especially with the abundance of travel-focused improvements Apple brought to the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro lineup this year.

Upgrades include USB-C charging ports (that can even power other devices), an Action Button on the Pro models for easier access to your favorite apps and the introduction of the Dynamic Island on the entry-level iPhone 15.

TUMI - Alpha Continental Dual Access Carry-On Luggage

Buy: TUMI - Alpha Continental Dual Access Carry-On Luggage on Amazon for $1,050

No holiday gift guide is complete without a suitcase, so why not set your sights high with one of the very best? Tumi's Alpha 2 Continental four-wheeled carry-on is a popular sight at airports worldwide, and for good reason.

The bag is incredibly durable — my current Tumi carry-on has lasted nearly a decade — and its multiple pockets make for easy access while on the road. Additionally, it's stylish and comes in four different color options, making it the perfect choice for any road warrior in your life.

Anker Prime 67W USB-C Charger

Buy: Anker Prime 67W USB-C Charger on Amazon for $37.99 (normally $59.99)

Cable clutter can be frustrating, so I do whatever I can to minimize the number of power bricks and cables I carry in my travel backpack.

With Anker's 67-watt USB-C charger, you can leave all your big and bulky power bricks at home. This small cube easily fits into your backpack, and it boasts two USB-C ports and one USB-A port for easy charging of up to three devices.

No wonder the TPG team swears by it.

Riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder

Buy: Riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder on Amazon for $9.99 (normally $13.99)

We've all been there. You just picked up a coffee at the airport, and now you need to figure out how you'll hold the cup, wheel your bag and carry your purse or briefcase without spilling the drink.

Enter this Luggage Travel Cup Holder. It fits perfectly on the handle of your rollaboard, and it's the perfect place to put your coffee when you're hustling to the gate.

It's already saved some TPG travelers from multiple spills, and it's the gift that certainly pays dividends.

Wanderlust Passport — A Travel Journal

Buy: Wanderlust Passport — A Travel Journal for $36

There are many digital tools available to track your travels. However, sometimes a pen and paper will be your best bet. Also, if you want to help a loved one get started on journaling their travels, consider the Wanderlust Passport.

This notebook features maps and open-ended prompts to help jog their memories, and it includes pockets to store ticket stubs and receipts. This would make a great gift for adventurous kids and teens.

Q Slim Portable Charger

Buy: Q Slim Portable Charger on Amazon, $28.79 (normally $39.99)

If your friends and family members aren't yet traveling with a portable power bank, it's time to change that. On a recent long-haul flight, the power outlet was broken, forcing me to either drain my battery or resort to using a power bank.

When gifting a power bank, Q Ultra's 10,000mAh model is a good bet. Not only does this power bank have enough juice for all your devices, but it also has built-in charging cables for added convenience.

Aluan Handheld Mini Fan

Buy: Aluan Handheld Mini Fan on Amazon for $9.99 (normally $11.99)

Whether it's a long-haul flight that doesn't feature personal air nozzles or an Uber ride with broken air conditioning, don't leave your loved ones' thermal comfort in the hands of someone else.

Several TPG members swear by the Aluan Handheld Mini Fan, and I'm definitely going to pick one up this holiday season, too.

SABRE Door Stop Security Alarm

Buy: SABRE Door Stop Security Alarm on Amazon for $13.25 (normally $14.99)

Danger can strike at any time, so show your family and friends that you're looking out for them with the Sabre 120 dB Wedge Door Stop Security Alarm.

This door alarm is small and lightweight — making it great for travelers — and it'll provide extra piece of mind in hotels and Airbnbs.

Belkin BoostCharge Pro

Buy: Belkin BoostCharge Pro on Amazon for $125.26 (normally $131.76)

While I enjoy using multiple tech devices , cable clutter is a big pet peeve of mine. That's why Belkin's BoostCharge Pro has become a fixture on my nightstand.

This all-in-one dock can wirelessly charge up to three devices with just a single power cable. Additionally, with the introduction of Standby Mode with iOS 17 , iPhone users can dock their phones and peek at all their important widgets even without touching the device — a game changer when I first wake up in the morning.

JetKids by Stokke BedBox Ride-on Suitcase

Buy: JetKids by Stokke BedBox Ride-on Suitcase on Amazon for $183.20 (normally $229)

Kids also need carry-on bags, so why not get one they'll be excited to use?

If you're shopping for a future world explorer, the Stokke JetKids Ride-On Suitcase should fit the bill. Not only does it come in six colors, but kids can also ride on top of it when they get tired — a win-win gift.

DJI Mini 4 Pro

Buy: DJI Mini 4 Pro on Amazon for $759

I've long been a fan of DJI's drones, and the Mini 4 Pro has the broadest appeal, both for travelers and recreational users. Weighing less than 249 grams (or less than 8.8 ounces), it's pretty portable. Since the device is just shy of the Federal Aviation Administration's 250-gram limit, you can fly it without prior registration.

This drone packs some serious pro-level chops into its small package: a 48 MP photo capability, 4K video and 34 minutes of flight time. Better yet, this is one of DJI's first drones to support vertical content capture for Instagram and TikTok.

It's a small but mighty drone.

"Villeggiatura: Italian Summer Vacation" Assouline Coffee Table Book

Buy: Villeggiatura: Italian Summer Vacation - Assouline Coffee Table Book on Amazon for $105

Even if they're staying at home this holiday season, you can quickly transport your friends and family members to paradise with an Assouline coffee table book, such as the "Villeggiatura: Italian Summer Vacation" edition.

With stunning photos, interesting stories and eye-catching colors, an Assouline book is a great way to explore a favorite destination without getting up from the fireplace.

Apple MacBook Air (2023 model)

Buy: Apple Macbook Air (2023 model) on Amazon for $1,049 (normally $1,299)

Even though it's been more than three years since the pandemic started, "work from anywhere" is very much still the norm with many employers. As such, choosing the right travel laptop is more important than ever.

Loved ones will want the best mix of performance, portability and battery life.

Apple recently debuted a slew of new MacBook Pros that excel at all three metrics — including battery life that can top 22 hours — and the company's MacBook Air continues to impress more casual users.

Microsoft also recently improved its portable laptop game, with the $799 Surface Laptop Go 3 being a great introductory option for those looking for a more budget-friendly choice.

Vuori joggers

Buy: Vuori performance joggers for $94

I asked my wife for her top travel-themed holiday gift recommendation, and Vuori's Performance Jogger was at the top of her list. I then asked the TPG team the same question, and a handful of staffers had the exact same response.

The joggers are available for both men and women and come in various colors. If there's a frequent flyer in your life, here's an easy way to make them more comfortable on their next journey.

Lonely Planet's "Best in Travel 2024"

Buy: Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2024 on Amazon for $16.19 (normally $17.99)

Know someone who is seeking some inspiration on where to travel in the new year? Consider gifting them with the 2024 edition of Lonely Planet's best-selling "Best in Travel" guidebook.

This title will provide the ultimate trip inspiration, and it packs some great recommendations that are sure to impress even the most discerning travelers. Note: Lonely Planet is owned by TPG's parent company, Red Ventures.

Protect Your Trip »

33 practical travel gifts anyone can use.

Shop the best travel gifts for every budget and style this holiday season.

Practical Travel Gifts

Courtesy of Twelve South

The Twelve South Airfly Pro Bluetooth Transmitter is one of the year's best travel gifts.

Travel gifts don't have to be reserved for frequent jet-setters and aspiring globe-trotters. Luggage and travel accessories can also be a good option in those scenarios where you just don't know what to buy, but still want to give something meaningful and useful. Read on to find the best travel gifts – including new products and trendy favorites – at a variety of price points.

• Gifts under $25
• Gifts under $50
• Gifts under $100
• Gifts under $150
• Gifts under $200
• Gifts under $300
• Gifts under $400

Mediheal Sheet Masks

Air travel can be especially drying for the skin, making these restorative sheet masks a favorite among jet-setters. The Mediheal Sheet Masks come in a pack of 10 and a variety of options to suit different skin care needs.

Price: $19.90 or less

TIGARI Passport Holder

Due to unusually long processing times, passport applications and renewals have been a nightmare for many travelers over the past year (plus). Help your gift recipient protect their precious new (or newly updated) travel document with a stylish wallet like the TIGARI Passport Holder, our top passport wallet pick . Travelers appreciate that this wallet comes in bright colors, allowing them to easily locate their passport.

Price: $9.99 or less

Etekcity Luggage Scale

For the chronic overpacker and/or souvenir shopper, the Etekcity Luggage Scale can determine whether or not their luggage weight will meet airline restrictions – and save them the hassle of paying excess baggage fees.

Price: $12.62 or less

Riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder

It's nearly impossible not to spill coffee when you're trying to maneuver carry-on luggage , locate your gate and keep your travel companions together. This nifty gadget features two pockets for drinks (or other essentials), and recent reviewers confirm it really helps them multitask at the airport.

Price: $16.99 or less

Steeped Coffee

While the AeroPress is a timeless travel gift for adventure travelers, steeped coffee – which is basically a tea bag, but with ground coffee – is a newer option that can be just as good as a freshly brewed cup of Joe. If you can't find it at a local coffee shop, try the brand of the same name: Steeped Coffee. Based in Santa Cruz, California, the company sells a variety of roast profiles.

Price: From $14.95

Conair Handheld Travel Garment Steamer

While garment steamers are prohibited on cruise ships, they're useful to have just about anywhere else you go (think business trips and destination weddings ). Not only is this top-rated option by Conair good for travel, but it's also handy at home.

Price: $24.99 or less

Read: Cruise Packing List Essentials

Veken Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are a foolproof travel gift; there's no one who can't benefit from them, even if they already own a set or two. Available on Amazon, the Veken Packing Cubes include eight compartments in a variety of sizes, including one that's designed for toiletries and another that can hold a pair of shoes.

Price: $29.99 or less

Read: The Best Packing Cubes for Travel

Magicteam Sound Machine

You can't go wrong with the gift of sleep, and this portable sound machine is just one way to encourage a good night's rest (which can be difficult to achieve when you're in an unfamiliar place). The Magicteam Sound Machine offers 20 non-looping sounds and 32 volume levels to ensure your gift recipient will find the perfect setting for soothing. Recent reviewers agree this sound machine is small but powerful.

Stasher Bags

Not only are these reusable bags convenient for everyday use, but they're also useful at the airport – your gift recipient can put their medications and other essentials in the clear bags for easy identification and access. While they're a bit pricey, buyers appreciate that they're sustainable .

Price: $44.99 or less

CALPAK Tech Organizer

Phone chargers, travel adapters, laptop cords – they all need to come with you, but they can be awkward to pack. Enter the tech organizer, a trendy travel gadget that's actually useful. This one by CALPAK offers multiple compartments for storing a variety of cords, and its mesh paneling helps you see where everything is located.

Price: $38 or less

Apple AirTag

The luggage tracking device has become less of an accessory and more of an essential over the past year. Out of all the luggage trackers on the market, frequent travelers agree the Apple AirTag is best at keeping tabs on their belongings.

Price: $28.99 or less

Belkin Apple AirTag Holder

An AirTag holder is necessary for anyone using the popular luggage tracker, and this option by Belkin has great reviews on Amazon. Plus, at less than $15, it won't set you back much if you decide to gift it along with the AirTag itself.

Price: $12.99 or less

Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Neck Pillow

Not all travel pillows are created equal. For a quality option that will fully support the neck and prevent aches and pains, choose the Cabeau Evolution S3, our top pick for the best neck pillows for travel . Your gift recipient will be thanking you for years to come.

Price: $49.99 or less

Brita Insulated Filtered Water Bottle

This stainless steel bottle not only keeps drinks cold but also filters out contaminants – especially useful when filling it with water in unfamiliar destinations. Because of the filter, reviewers note the bottle can be a tad awkward to drink from, but they ultimately recommend this product.

Price: $31.49 or less for 20-ounce bottle

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Happyluxe Wayfarer Travel Scarf Wrap

As perhaps the most versatile travel accessory, a wrap is useful on cold planes and cool evenings, as a swimsuit cover-up, or when you just want to dress up an outfit. Recent buyers say the Happyluxe Wayfarer Travel Scarf Wrap is a wardrobe staple, noting how soft it is.

Price: $48 or less

Travelon Anti-Theft Waist Pack

A modern take on the fanny pack , belt bags are one of the year's top fashion trends; better yet, they're especially useful for vacationing, allowing travelers to both safeguard and easily access their phone, credit cards and other essentials. The highly rated Travelon Anti-Theft Waist Pack takes it up a notch, with locking compartments, a slash-resistant build and an RFID blocking compartment. It can be worn around the waist or across the chest.

Price: $60.60 or less

Read: The Best Travel Insurance Companies

Twelve South Airfly Pro Bluetooth Transmitter

If your gift recipient uses wireless earbuds, they'll appreciate this tiny device that allows them to wirelessly transmit audio from in-flight entertainment (which is otherwise limited to those with wired headphones). It also has 25 hours of battery life so it'll last a long-haul flight. Recent buyers say this is a must for air travel.

Price: $54.99 or less

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12

Instant photos are a great way to commemorate any trip, and they're just plain fun for both kids and adults. The compact design of these cameras – particularly the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 – makes them ideal for travel, too. Just note that the film is sold separately unless you purchase a package that includes accessories.

Price: $77.35 or less

Tommy Bahama Beach Chairs 

Quality beach chairs can be an investment – but a worthy one for anyone who frequents the sand and surf. The Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair remains the tried and true choice for many beachgoers, who appreciate its portability and comfort.

Price: $89.50 or less

Halfday The Garment Duffel

Courtesy of Halfday

One of the best garment bags for travel , this duffel style makes it easy to travel with suits, dresses and other formalwear. Available in several different colors, The Garment Duffel by Halfday gets rave reviews for its durable, spacious design and ability to keep clothing wrinkle-free.

Price: $98 or less

CALPAK Car Organizer

It's easy to clutter a car – even more so when you have kids – which is why just about anyone who drives will find the CALPAK Car Organizer useful for road trips and everyday errands. The water-resistant bag features three compartments and a carrying handle. It also folds down via snap buttons to be used as a makeshift tote bag, a feature recent reviewers love.

Read: Road Trip Packing List Essentials

Allbirds Tree Runner

The Allbirds Tree Runner remains a top-rated choice for those in search of comfortable walking shoes for travel . Available in a variety of colors for men, women and kids, these sustainable shoes are lightweight and breathable; they're also machine-washable. Allbirds wearers appreciate that these sneakers look good and feel good on their feet.

GetYourGuide Gift Card

Regardless of where they plan to travel next, your gift recipient will appreciate a GetYourGuide gift card. Available for any amount, this gift card grants access to a variety of guided tours around the world, from expert-led tours of the Vatican to airboat rides in the Everglades .

Price: Varies

BÉIS The Weekender

One of the year's trendiest bags, The Weekender by BÉIS makes a great gift for any traveler, from college students visiting home to your friend who likes to escape the city on weekends. Owners of this bag especially appreciate the shoe compartment, as well as its variety of color options.

Price: $108 or less

Read: The Best Weekender Bags for Women

RTIC Outdoors Soft Pack Cooler

A cooler bag can go a long way, from tailgate parties to camping trips to beach vacations and beyond. Our top pick for the best cooler bag on the market, the RTIC Outdoors Soft Cooler receives rave reviews for its durability and capacity (up to 40 cans for the largest size). Be on the lookout for sales – these coolers are regularly discounted on Amazon and elsewhere.

Price: $159.99 or less

Delsey Paris Helium Aero 19-Inch Carry-On

This chic bag meets most carry-on luggage size requirements for international airlines, making it an ideal choice for frequent globe-trotters. Recent buyers especially appreciate how lightweight it is.

Price: $179.99 or less

Airbnb Gift Card

From treehouses and houseboats to windmills and lighthouses, Airbnb offers unique accommodations across the globe. Treat your loved one to a memorable overnight experience with an Airbnb gift card, available in any amount. Gifts cards purchased online are digitally delivered, while physical gift cards are available at stores like Target and Walmart .

State Bags Logan Suitcase

Courtesy of STATE Bags

With ride-on and even sleep-on options, today's best kiddie luggage makes us want to be young again. But if you're looking for a timeless piece of luggage that's both fun and built to last, the Logan Suitcase by State Bags is highly recommended by parents. It's available in two sizes and a variety of colors and patterns.

Price: $225 or less

Peak Design Travel Backpack

Courtesy of Peak Design

Travelers rave about the versatility of this heavy-duty backpack, which can be used as a camera bag, a daypack, or as luggage for weekend and weeklong trips. Earlier this year we chose it as one of the best travel backpacks for men – but the truth is, it's perfect for any adult and any trip.

Price: $299.95 or less

Monos Carry-On Plus

The Monos Carry-On Plus has been getting a lot of attention, and here's why: It's perfect for frequent jet-setters who want to travel with a carry-on bag only, offering just a bit more space than your average carry-on suitcase. Travelers agree they're also drawn to this bag for its sleek design and color options.

Price: $275 or less

Travelpro Expandable 21-Inch Carry-On Spinner

Whether you choose the hard-sided version or the soft-sided spinner , you can't go wrong with any of the carry-on (or checked) luggage by Travelpro. One of the best luggage brands on the market, Travelpro is known for its quality luggage that is built to stand the test of time (and airport luggage handlers). Look out for luggage sales , as Travelpro regularly offers discounts.

Price: $369.99 or less

Read: Hard vs. Soft Luggage: Which Type Is Right for You?

Solgaard Carry-on Closet

The Solgaard Carry-on Closet is one of the ultimate travel gifts to give right now. Thanks to the patented shelving system that gives the bag its name, travelers say this suitcase lives up to all the hype you've seen on social media and TV. They also note that they've been able to use this as their only luggage for longer trips.

Price: $345 or less

Cotopaxi Allpa Roller Bag

Courtesy of Cotopaxi

The popular Cotopaxi Allpa travel pack now comes with wheels. Launched in late 2023, this roller bag is slightly bigger than its predecessor but can still be used as a carry-on bag. Larger sizes are also available.

Price: $350 or less

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Cheap Luggage
• What Is Allowed in a Carry-on Bag?
• The Top Toiletry Bags for Travel

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

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Savvy Travel Advice

Ultimate Travel Gift Guide 2024: 75+ Gifts for Travelers

Last updated: July 1, 2024 - Written by Jessica Norah 29 Comments

Buying gifts can be difficult, so we’ve put together a travel gift guide with over 75 different gifts for travelers. We have gift ideas suitable for all budgets, travel styles, and occasions.

Laurence and I travel for a living and know a thing or two about what makes a good travel gift. We’ve also tried and tested so many travel products and services over the years that we wanted to share a list of what we think would make a good gift for a traveler.

First, we’ll go over some tips for choosing the perfect gift for the traveler on your shopping list. Remember that thoughtfulness is key!

Next we’ll share over 75 travel-related gift ideas that include everything from the typical travel pillows, luggage, and tents to things like automatic pet feeders, cocktail travel kits, and carbon offset gift cards. We have gift ideas that will suit just about any type of traveler from backpackers to campers to cruisers to luxury travelers. We also have plenty of ideas for the armchair traveler.

Our gift ideas are suitable for any budget, whether your budget is $0 or $10,000, we have you covered. The first gift idea on our list is free and the majority of the travel gifts on our list are under $50, so there are loads of ideas for those who don’t have a huge budget. But we also have plenty of ideas if you have a big budget as well!

So let’s dive in with our ultimate travel gift guide!

Table of Contents:

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Travel Gift

Before we delve into travel gift ideas, we wanted to get you thinking about what would make the perfect travel gift for your friend or loved one.

Gift giving by humans likely dates back to prehistoric times although today we have a lot more gift options than the Neanderthals. In fact, with huge shopping malls and online shopping, we are perhaps too overwhelmed with choices! If only the decision was as easy as choosing between the shiny purple rock and the tiger tooth.

We’ll go over some tips and advice to help guide you into choosing the perfect gift for the traveler in your life.

Decide on the Type of Travel Gift

It can be helpful to know what kind of gift you want to give the friend or loved one on your shopping list. Do you want it to be something practical and functional, or do you want it to be something funny that will make them laugh?

Do you want something that will inspire them to travel or something that will make their next trip more comfortable? Or do you want it to be an experience they can do on their next vacation? Or maybe a gift that will remind them of a special trip they have already taken?

Do you want it to be something that multiple people can enjoy, such as pinning locations on a map pin board, a family cooking class, or a travel-inspired film pack?

How personal do you want the gift to be? Obviously a gift given to a colleague at a work party is not likely to be as personal as the one you give your spouse on Valentine’s Day.

Do you want the gift to take them by surprise? Or do you want to give them something you know they already need or want?

Has the person already told you or hinted to what they want? If so, we’d recommend getting them something from their wish list as this research study  found that people who provide gift suggestions are happiest when they receive gifts they want.

Answering these questions can help you narrow down what kinds of things to consider.

If you really have no idea what they might want or what to get, go for something practical. Research, like this study , shows that people generally prefer gifts that are feasible and practical versus those that are fun but unpractical.

Consider the Tastes of the Traveler

What kind of person is the traveler you are buying a gift for? What kinds of things do they enjoy doing? What kind of clothes do they wear? What kind of trips do they take? Are they travel newbies or have they been traveling the world for decades?

Are they a dreamy backpacker type, a practical person who plans every minute of their itinerary, an outdoors loving camper, an environmentally conscious volunteer worker, an adventure-junky risk taker, a 5-star luxury lover? A good practical gift for an RVer would likely be very different from a good practical gift for a luxury traveler who vacations at exclusive beach resorts.

What do they do on their travels? How do they get around (bus, car, RV, plane, train, boat)? What do they enjoy doing most? Would you be more likely to see them in a museum, bungee jumping, going on a food walk, or lying on the beach?

Think about anything that is unique about them and the way they travel. Do they worry about getting robbed when they travel? Are they obsessed with coffee? Are they worried about their carbon footprint? Do they go to classical music concerts in every city they visit? Do they use guidebooks? Do they pack too much? Do they love taking photos? Do they love trying out new-fangled tech gadgets?

If you want to give someone something practical for the trip, consider how they travel and how much space they have. A family embarking on a National Parks road trip in a van may appreciate a nice cooler to keep their drinks cold, but that same gift doesn’t work for someone who normally travels by plane.

Use these things to help guide you to the right gift for the travelers on your list. Remember, the gift should be something that they’ll love, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be something you personally love.

Take Into Account the Occasion

The type of occasion may influence the type of gift you buy as most gifts are purchased to celebrate holidays, events, and rites of passage. Are you buying it for a birthday, Christmas, Mother’s Day, graduation, honeymoon, retirement party, a gap year send-off, or some other occasion?

Why are you giving the gift? It may be to show others that we are thinking of them, to show we value our relationship with them, and/or to celebrate a special moment. And sometimes we feel obligated to give gifts during a special holiday or because someone gave us one and now we are in a never-ending gift-giving cycle!

Does the size of the gift matter? Are you getting them something that will fit in a card, a stocking, or a gift box under the tree?

Will the gift be opened in public or in private? Some gifts may be more suitable for being opened in an intimate setting versus a workplace party.

Have you been given any strict budget or rules around the gift? Perhaps the gift has to be under $20 for an office party, or it has to be something vintage, handmade, or recycled for an environmentally friendly gift exchange?

If it’s a college graduation or gap year send off, consider what a young and inexperienced traveler might be needing. If it’s a retirement, consider what might be a meaningful gift for the way that person plans to travel after they retire. A honeymoon couple might appreciate a romantic or experiential gift they can do together like a cooking class, spa day, or boat trip.

Perhaps you are gifting to someone you don’t know very well like a work colleague, a church or club member, or a friend’s daughter. In such cases, if you don’t know much about someone, you might go for a less personal gift like a gift card, a popular travel book, or something universally useful.

Maximize Quality Within Your Budget

Obviously you need to take your budget into consideration when shopping for a gift. We provide price ranges for each of the suggested gift items on our list to help. I’d try to get a gift that maximizes quality within your budget.

Although it may seem better to buy a number of cheap things rather than one more expensive item, you want to make sure what you are giving is a quality item that the person is likely going to want and is going to use.

For example, a person has a gift budget of $25, wants to get something practical, and knows the person wants a new water bottle for their upcoming hiking trip. You check options and find that you can buy two inexpensive plastic water bottles for $10 each, or spend $20 for a much nicer and more stylish stainless steel bottle.

I’d recommend going with the latter. Although two gift items might sound better than one, the person is likely to appreciate the nicer bottle and it will likely be more durable and last longer.

You don’t have to have a huge budget to get a quality item, it is about choosing the right type of item. If your friend really wants a mirrorless camera, a $70 budget is not going to buy you a camera, but it will buy you a high quality camera case, strap, or bag.

Although people giving gifts worry about the cost and value of a gift, research shows that generally the receive feels no less appreciative of a $15 gift versus a $150 present if they believed the gift was thoughtful. Instead of worrying about cost, pick something you think they will want and is good value for your money.

If you have only a small budget, don’t despair. Thoughtful gifts don’t have to cost you anything but time. We provide gift ideas on what you can for free or what you can buy for very little money. This might include offering to watch your loved one’s pets, picking them up at the airport, or cooking them dinner when they return. Or maybe it’s a DIY gift like handmade luggage tags.

Consider Personalized & Custom Items

A customized or personalized gift shows obvious thoughtfulness and makes the item special and unique. You can create a completely custom item or just personalize an item with the person’s initials, a quote, or a special image.

There are an almost endless amount of items you can have personalized or customized, from luggage tags to toiletry bag to jewelry to clothing to luggage. I love buying handmade gifts on Etsy , and many of the artists can personalize items for you. For example, I have gifted three personalized toiletry bags in the past couple of years.

Just note that handmade and personalized items are going to take longer to receive than an off-the-shelf one. So not a great idea if you need the gift as soon as possible.

Be sure to order handmade and personalized items well in advance of when you need them as in our experience, they often take longer than anticipated. We’d also recommend factoring in return time just in case something needs to be fixed.

Remember that the Thought Really Does Count

You have likely heard the popular American idiom: “It is not the gift, but the thought that counts.” This is what your mother told you when your aunt gave you those ugly socks for Christmas.

But is it really true? Yes, actually, gift giving is a very symbolic thing. Giving someone a gift shows your appreciation, love, and/or respect for that person. It also conveys that you think about them and that they are included within your personal circle.

However, this does not mean just marking a date on your calendar for someone’s birthday and then shipping them the first thing you find online as their birthday present. The gift is not likely going to be perceived as being very thoughtful and it may convey a lack of care and respect for the receiver. Bad gifts can damage a relationship.

Research studies show that the most treasured and memorable gifts are those that the receiver knows that the person put some thought and effort into getting or making. People like things that show the giver’s knowledge of them. So, for instance, giving a leather purse to a vegan or earrings to someone without ear piercings shows low knowledge of that person. But giving someone tickets to their favorite rock band or buying them a much-needed new backpack shows knowledge and thoughtfulness.

People also like gifts that they know a person put effort into choosing, obtaining, saving for, and/or making. People also like things that are unique such as a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry or handmade scarf.

This research study also found that women are often better at choosing gifts than men. However, the relationship again seems to be driven by the fact that women, on average, put more thought into the gifts and perhaps had more personal knowledge of the receiver.

If you did put a lot of thought into a gift but are not sure if the giftee is going to love it or not, consider adding notes or a card saying why you chose the gift items. Tell her that the lavender candle is to remind them of the trip you took together to Provence, the camera strap is because he complained of neck pain from his camera, or that you think the scarf color will go well with her favorite travel dress.

So even if you don’t choose the perfect gift, it is the thought and effort behind it that does count the most to people. Something to keep in mind if you can’t figure out the perfect gift. Just give them something that shows how much you appreciate and know them.

The fact that you know they love travel and are looking for travel-related gifts is already a good start!

75+ Great Gifts for Travelers in 2024

We’ve put together a giant list of gift ideas for travelers that should fit any budget, travel style, and gift occasion. The cost of the suggested travel gifts range from free to $1,000+, with the majority costing less than $100 so that you can find the perfect present no matter what your budget.

We feel a gift should be special and specific to the traveler. For some of the travel gift ideas we do suggest a specific product, but for most we suggest different options. For example, there is no one-size-fits-all luggage set but we do give you recommendations and suggestions on types and specific sets and brand that might be a good fit.

We’ve listed the gift ideas in approximate order of budget, starting with items that can be purchased for under $10. However, keep in mind that you can purchase a $30 tent or a $500 tent so the order is somewhat relative, and we recommend skimming through the full list.

If you like to shop on Amazon, you can check out our curated gift list here that includes many of the items in our list that are available online via Amazon.

We’ve used many of the suggested products and services in this list, so please feel free to ask us any questions in the Comments section at the end of the post if you have any questions or want an opinion about a gift option.

Without further ado, here is our ultimate travel gift guide with over 75 gifts for travelers:

Offer to Watch House, Pets, or Children

Not all gifts cost money. Sometimes the most thoughtful thing you can do for a traveler is to offer to help them out with something while they are away. There are always plenty of things that most people worry about when they go away, and you can help offer to take care of one or more of these things while they are away.

This might be offering to water the plants, collect their mail, run an errand, check the house, watch pets, babysit children, or mow the lawn. Or maybe its a ride to and/or from the airport.

If you want to make it more gift-like, consider creating a nice voucher (you can do it for free using Adobe Spark, Canva, Microsoft Word, etc.) and getting them a card.

Price: FREE

Word Puzzle Books

Buying for a traveler who likes word puzzles and games? Consider getting them a book with crossword puzzles, word searches, and/or sudoku.

Word puzzles are great for airports, planes, trains, and so many other situations where you are sitting and waiting while traveling. Save your favorite traveler from boredom on their next trip, and give their brain a workout!

There are lots of word game puzzle books out there, including large-print versions and ones designed for kids and families.

Another option is coloring books, for adults or kids, but this means they’ll also need to pack crayons, colored pencils, or markers. You can see some travel themed coloring books here .

Price : ~ USD $6 to $15 per book

Face masks have become a daily way of life in much of the world. For travel, whilst as of 2024 most countries no longer require them, you might still want to wear one for peace of mind and to avoid getting sick.

Etsy has become one of the most popular places for buying reusable face masks, and this is where we have purchased all of our own masks. There are hundreds of sellers making masks, some of which can be personalized. You can see a very wide selection here on Etsy and even more options on Amazon .

The CDC has a great guide to choosing, wearing, and washing face masks and coverings you can read here. We personally buy handmade reusable cotton masks from Etsy that are made from double layers of cotton fabric with an extra filter pocket (we’ve been using the Filti material since April 2020 to make mask filter inserts). We’d also recommend masks with adjustable nose wires to achieve a snugger fit around the nose.

One of the issues we have with face masks when traveling is that it can be difficult to wash them every day. So traveling with a number of masks is important and also having a travel-sized bottle of detergent so I can hand wash them as we go has been important. We keep a sealable bag for dirty masks and hand wash them at every stop where they have enough time to dry.

Other great gifts you might want to put together with some face masks are filters for the masks, travel sized laundry detergent (if person is going to have to hand wash masks on trips), travel sized alcohol-based hand sanitizers (CDC recommends at least 60% alcohol), moisturizing lip balm (masks can cause dry lips), and sanitizing wipes.

Price : $3 to $10 per mask

Children’s Travel Games

Do you know someone heading off on a long road trip or a set of international flight with children? Make their lives a little easier by gifting them a game or activity the kids can play in the car or plane.

Most kids spend too much time in front of screens, so consider a game that is low-tech and interactive like the Take N Play games and this washable marker drawing set . For road trips, we really like games such as this USA license plate game , the Rubbernecker game , Mad Libs for the road, and this travel scavenger hunt game .

Just be sure to check the suggested age range for any game you buy to make sure it is suitable as some games may contain choking hazards for small children or may be too simplistic for older ones.

Price : ~ USD $5 to $22

Travel Inspired Scented Candles, Perfumes, and Soaps

Smell is one of the most powerful human senses and it is the sense most closely associated with memory. The scent of something has the ability to transport us back in time to past experiences and places, and this includes to places we’ve traveled.

If you are looking for a gift for a traveler, consider getting them something scented that will evoke past travel memories to places they enjoyed. Or take them on a sensory journey around the world to exotic places that they have yet to explore. This can be in the form of a candle, soap, perfume, body spray, beard oil, incense, etc.

Often we have specific smells associated with different locations and experiences. Lots of different scents may evoke a travel destination for someone. For example: pineapple (Hawaii), lavender (Provence), roses (Bulgaria), oranges (Seville), coconut (Caribbean), pine (Finland) frangipani (Seychelles), rosemary (Tuscany), lemongrass (Thailand), cardamom (India), tobacco (Havana), burning wood (camping), or whisky (Scotland).

A small company called Homesick makes soy candles which are supposed to smell like specific U.S. states, cities, and countries to remind people of their hometowns or places they love. For example Pennsylvania apparently smells like “ caramel, maple, buttery rum, and malty molasses balanced with dark cocoa and dry tonka bean” and India smells like “a simmering pot of curry with the ever-present scent of cardamom”.

Many of the Mer & Sea candles and other fragrance products are inspired by travel and locations, especially the seaside. They also come in really pretty jars and packaging for gift giving.

We also love these two small artisanal shops which have created handmade travel-inspired candles, perfumes, wax melts, soaps, perfume oils, and more: Wanderlust Scents  and Adventuress Soap Co . We regularly use the soy wax melts from Wanderlust Scents and the perfume oils and lip balms from Adventuress Soap Co.

These kinds of items can also make perfect inexpensive stocking stuffers or additions to a larger gift basket.

Or if you have a bigger budget, consider taking a look at the latest from the fragrance companies which usually have a travel inspired scent or two. For instance, Penhaligon’s currently has a line of 19th century Trade Route destination inspired fragrances.

Price: ~ USD $7 and up

Travel Perfume Atomizer

A travel perfume atomizer is perfect for taking your favorite fragrance on the go. A full-sized glass perfume bottle is not ideally suited for life on the road, so a travel atomizer allows you to take a smaller bottle, protect the bottle from getting broken, and are ideally leak-proof.

So perfume atomizers generally can be filled in one of two ways. The most common type, like this one , is that you attach the atomizer directly to the tube of the perfume bottle and pump it directly into the atomizer. The second type, like this one , can be filled directly by pouring, spraying, or pipetting the perfume into the atomizer, and normally come with a mini funnel and/or pipette.

I personally avoid the first type as they can waste perfume if the seal isn’t perfect and they don’t work with all perfume bottles. The second type will generally work with any type of perfume or cologne and won’t waste perfume if you do it carefully.

Be sure to check the sizes as some are very small (e.g. 3 ML) and won’t hold much perfume if someone is taking a longer trip or travels a lot.

I love my little Fragonard perfume atomizer and so far it hasn’t leaked, but I could not find it available for sale online. These make for a great inexpensive gift or stocking stuffer.

If you budget is a little higher, this more pricey set of 4 atomizers is very well reviewed. If you are in the UK or Ireland, we recommend taking a look at these well-reviewed atomizers .

Price: ~ USD $8 to $20

Luggage Scale

Know someone who tends to overpack and is always having trouble keeping their suitcases under the weight maximum for airports? They may benefit from a digital luggage scale which will allow them to easily tell how much their suitcases weigh before getting to the airport.

The great thing about a luggage scale is it keeps you from needed to unpack and repack your luggage once you are at the airport which is often stressful and a bit embarrassing, not to mention time consuming. Know what it weighs before you leave so you can ensure it fits airline guidelines before you leave home.

With many airlines imposing stricter weight requirements on luggage, a luggage scale is a handy item for frequent fliers who have to pack a lot or have to carry very heavy gear (e.g., video or photography gear).

There are a lot of digital luggage scales out there and you can find a good one for an inexpensive price, like this one , so they make a good budget-friendly travel gift.

Travel Related Coffee Mug

A coffee mug can be a great inexpensive but thoughtful gift to remind someone of their love of traveling and your love for them every morning when they drink their coffee or tea.

If you don’t see what you want you can also make your own custom mug if you prefer to add your own words and images. So the possibilities are endless.

Price : ~ USD $8 to $20

Eye Mask and Sleep Aids

For frequent fliers (and light sleepers like Jess), there are a range of products that can make for a more comfortable experience. Most important of these in our mind is a good eye mask to block out the light. This is helpful on both flights and at hotels, as well as on overnight bus or train rides.

There are a lot of eye masks out there and often it takes a few tries to find one that is best for one’s face and sleeping style. You can see reviews for lots of popular eye masks here .

One of our favorites so far are the eye masks from Manta Sleep , which Laurence loves. They are a bit pricey but they are comfortable to wear and offer complete blackout of the light without exerting any pressure on the eyes. The eye cups actually adjust so you can achieve a much better fit.

Of course, an eye mask is not the only useful sleep aid and you might consider putting together a travel sleep kit as a gift for a traveler. Another useful sleep aids is ear plugs to block out sound and I personally use these Mack’s ear plugs . Other items might include a travel pillow, a drape clip, pillow mist, and/or silk travel sleep sack.

Price: ~ USD $8 to $30

Travel Journal

If you are looking for a gift for a traveler who enjoys writing, doodling, or sketching, a travel journal would likely make a thoughtful gift. A travel journal allows them to document their travels and be able to go back and read about them years from now.

There are lots of options out there for travel journals , such as this very popular and budget-friendly Maleden refillable travel journal with a synthetic leather cover and compass design. Or consider a personalized design to make it personal with these handmade travel journals .

Lifetime Leather and Leather and Earth Co . both make some beautiful handmade leather journals that can be personalized. Bound by Hand does a lot of vegan-friendly journals.

Personally, I like a really slim book and have filled up a few of these Paperblanks journals which reproduces a 1688 binding protecting L’Office de la Semaine Sainte. These are really slim so they are not for everyone, but larger sizes are available by Paperblanks .

Things to think about are the dimensions of the journal, whether you want the pages lined or not, do you want a journal with planning or checklist pages, and how many pages it has. Will it be used for journaling only or will the recipient also likely be using it for planning, making lists, sketching, scrapbooking, etc.

If you are looking for a quality classic style writing journal there is of course the well-known Moleskine journals , but you’ll likely find better paper quality from journals such as Rhodia Webnotebooks or this one by Lemome .

If you are looking for a travel journal for a child, this notebook is one to consider.

For more tips on choosing a travel journal, you can check out our travel journal review article.

Price: ~ USD $8 to $25

Reusable Water Bottles

We think every traveler should have a high quality reusable water bottle to take with them on their travels. Having a water bottle handy keeps you hydrated, saves money on buying bottled water, and helps reduce single-use plastic waste which is bad for the environment.

There are tons of types of travel water bottles out there, from collapsible bottles for minimalist packers and campers to streamlined double-walled ones to fit into car cupholders to gallon-sized ones for those who need to carry a lot of water. There are also these popular wide-mouthed ones for those who like to add ice cubes or powder mixes.

If you are not sure what brand and are looking for a good but not too expensive reusable water bottle, then I’d suggest checking out the bottles by Nalgene . They are one of the most popular brands and have a wide range of options.

For those trying to avoid reusable plastics, we recommend getting an insulated stainless steel bottle or one of the glass water bottles with protective silicone skins.

Although tap water is safe to drink in many parts of North America and Europe, it is not safe to do so in many countries or areas of the world. So travelers and hikers may need to take a portable water filter system or purification tablets to make local water safe to drink.

Travel Wall Decals

Wall decals are great for decorating a wall and adding some personal taste to a space. Most are made of vinyl, and they are designed to affix and peel off a wall without damaging paint or a wall’s surface.

There are a lot of travel wall decals to choose from on Etsy, from world maps to travel quotes, and you can see a list here . One great thing is that you can customize wall decals so you can get a decal of your favorite travel quote, word, or destination.

We personally own a set of travel decals from Blue Design Co . Conquest Maps also makes a range of wall decals , including some that you can peel off the places you visit.

Price : ~ USD $8 to $50 per decal design

Films to Inspire Travelers

Most people enjoy watching movies, and there are many films that have inspired us to travel. Consider putting together a film pack as a gift for a travel-loving friend. These could be general travel related films or ones related to an upcoming or dream destination.

Films can be purchased in so many formats these days (e.g., DVD, Blue-Ray, digital, online rental), that they can suit almost any device.

Just a few films to give you some ideas are Midnight in Paris (Paris), Eat, Pray, Love (Italy / India / Bali), Roman Holiday (Rome), Under the Tuscan Sun (Tuscany, Italy), Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (India), Out of Africa (Kenya), The Way (Camino de Santiago), and Breakfast at Tiffany’s (New York City). Of course there are also lots of travel-related documentaries out there as well.

There are also lots of children’s films with exotic destinations such as Madagascar , Ratatouille (Paris), Lion King (Africa), Mulan (China), The Princess and the Frog (New Orleans), and Rescuers Down Under (Australia)

Of course, if the person is more into TV than films, consider getting them a collection of episodes of a travel-related show. Some ideas include Rick Steves Europe , Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown , and BBC’s Planet Earth / The Blue Planet .

Price: ~ USD $10 to $20 per film

Travel Adapter

One of the more frustrating aspects of traveling with electronic items is the wide variety of power sockets around the world. Travel adapters are a necessity for international travelers.

If your travels are mainly taking you to one country, you can get fairly inexpensive travel adapters that you put on the ends of your plugs to make them fit into the electrical outlets in that country. For instance, an American traveler to France may want to get a set of these plugs . We’d recommend packing a few for a trip.

However, if the person regularly travels to a number of different countries, then you might get them a couple of universal travel adapters like this that will work in just about any country. This is a cost-effective yet highly practical gift and is needed by all international travelers. The one we recommend includes surge protection as well as USB charging ports.

Note that a travel adapter is not the same thing as a travel voltage converter which has to do with the voltage. So for example if the person is traveling from the US, which uses a 110v power system, to Europe, where it’s 220v, they’ll have to check to make sure any electronic equipment they want to bring is compatible.

If you are not sure what kind of travel adapter you (or the gift recipient) will need, check out our guide to travel adapters . It also explains the differences between plug types and the differences between travel adapters and converters.

Price: ~ USD $10 to $20

Books to Inspire Travelers

If you are shopping for someone who loves traveling and reading, consider getting them a travel-related book. It can be a book to inspire them to travel, to learn about an upcoming destination, or a book to read during their trip. Put together a collection of books to turn it into a larger gift.

There are a lot of general travel books out there. There are books that give information about iconic destinations like National Geographic’s Destinations of a Lifetime and Patricia’s Schultz’s popular 1,000 Places to See Before you Die , inspiring and funny travelogues such as those by Bill Bryson , or books that provide tips on how to travel in a certain way such as on a budget .

If the traveler in your life has an upcoming trip planned or a dream destination, consider putting together a thoughtful book pack that includes several books that each have something to do with that destination. I love to read books about a destination before and while traveling there.

So if you know someone heading to California, perhaps buy them a collection of fiction novels set in California and a useful California guidebook.

If you are looking for travel books for children, there are also lots of kid-friendly books out there for kids of all ages.

Price: ~ USD $10 to $20 per book

Selfie Stick

To be honest, we are not big fans of the selfie stick but millions of travelers use them and they can be invaluable to a solo traveler who wants to get some photos of themselves while traveling. Also great for getting couple photos.

They are also small, cheap, and fairly easy to travel with and most can sync to your phone using Bluetooth so you don’t need to fiddle with wires.

Selfie sticks come with a number of different features these days. Before choosing a model, make sure it is compatible with the traveler’s phone’s model, operating system, and size.

Price: ~ USD $10 to $25

Luggage Tags

Luggage tags are used to include identifying information in case your luggage is lost and are much more durable and nicer looking than the paper tags provided by airlines. They are also perfect for making it easier to spot your suitcase as it comes around the luggage carousel at airports.

If you are getting someone a luggage tag as a gift, we recommend you get them a unique tag. It is easy to get a personalized or custom luggage tag made. There are tons of handmade options on Etsy that you can see here .

For privacy reasons, we recommend getting a design where the traveler’s full name and contact information is hidden inside the tag rather than displayed on the outside.

We received custom leather luggage tags as a wedding gift from a friend that includes our first names and date of our wedding. A thoughtful gift for frequent travelers.

Passport Wallet

It can be a hassle to dig in and out of your purse or suitcase for your passport, travel documents, and boarding tickets while at the airport or while traveling by train. A passport wallet can make this a lot easier by keeping all your documents together in one convenient place.

Some features to look for include a pocket big enough for a passport, ID and credit card slots, a place for boarding tickets, a place for cash, and a zipper pouch where you can store coins. Most also have RFID blocking. We recommend taking a look at this well-rated wallet .

If you are traveling as a family and want to be able to store multiple passports and identity cards together we recommend this family travel wallet which can hold several passports plus other travel documents.

If you are looking for a passport holder that can be personalized with initials, names, or quotes, there are a number of handmade and customizable ones available as well.

Microfiber Beach Towel

Traditional beach towels are often too heavy, take up too much space, and dry too slowly for traveling. If you know someone who loves to go to the beach or lay by the pool on vacation, consider getting them a microfiber beach towel.

Microfiber beach towels are thinner, more lightweight, and dry faster. They are great for people on the go. Also great for camping, hostels, and other places you may need a towel when traveling.

A couple of microfiber towels to consider are these colorful ones by Dock & Bay and these ones . These towels are not going to be as soft or thick as regular towels, but they are perfect for travel.

Travel Pillow

For travelers who have difficulty sleeping on planes, a travel pillow can be a lifesaver for long-haul flights. These can help you get to sleep, get better quality sleep, and wake up with fewer aches and pains.

There are so many travel pillows out there! There are the typical U-shapes ones, ones that allow you to lean forward and rest using the airplane tray tables, ones that go across your chest like a seatbelt, memory foam mini traditional pillows, and ones that fit like a neck brace. These all have fans and devotees and it really depends on how a person likes to sleep.

You can see a list of some of the most popular models here . It can be tricky choosing a travel pillow because often people need to try a couple of different types to find the one that works best for them. If you are not sure what kind they might like best, I’d just go with one that sounds good and is well-reviewed.

If space is a concern, as it is with many people, we recommend looking at those that inflate rather than those that are filled. This way they will take up only a small amount of additional room. Of course, the filled ones often provide more support and will be longer lasting than the inflatable ones.

Price: ~ USD $10 to $30

There are a lot of variations on the money belt out there. We can personally recommend the money belt products by Eagle Creek , which makes several money belts and other types of travel security products.

In addition to money belts, there are many other ways to keep money safe if a money belt isn’t a good fit. These include hidden pockets which fit onto belts, bra stashes , neck wallets , and this pocket and strap system that can be worn in multiple places.

Price: ~ USD $10 to $35

Travel Coffee Mug

Know a traveler who loves to take along their morning coffee? Consider getting them a quality travel coffee mug or thermos.

These spill-proof coffee thermoses are designed to be carried with one hand and to fit well in car cup holders. They keep your coffee hot longer and their reusability allows you to avoid using single-use paper and styrofoam cups.

A travel coffee mug is perfect for travelers and workers on the go, and can help save travelers money by being able to brew their own coffee in their hotel room or take along coffee from the morning hotel breakfast. No need to buy that second cup of coffee later. Perfect for road trips.

A couple of popular brands we have used are Contigo and Stanley .

Price: ~ USD $12 to $30

Travel Themed Holiday Decorations and Tree Ornaments

If it’s Christmas and the person you are shopping for likes to decorate for the holidays, then you might consider getting things like travel-themed holiday decorations, Christmas tree ornaments, stockings, candles, and other types of decor. You can see a number of ideas here on Etsy .

Christmas tree ornaments are a popular gift and some examples include these globe ornaments , these personalized suitcase ornaments , and these custom floating photo ornaments (great for displaying a special travel photo). There are also things like globe tree toppers , travel themed Christmas stockings , and map luminaries .

The great thing about the majority of the travel-themed Christmas decorations on Etsy is that they can be personalized by adding text, monogramming, adding photos, choosing colors, etc. So that you know the gift will be unique and memorable.

Price : $15 and up

Travel Guidebook

Even as travel bloggers, we still love to read a good travel guidebook as they have all the information you need in one place, are organized, and easy to take along on your travels. Many travel guidebooks these days are available in both printed from as well as in digital form, and some purchases come with both a physical and a digital versions.

A travel guidebook is a great gift for a traveler planning their next big trip, or for the armchair traveler who wants to some day travel to their dream destination. Get them one step closer with a travel guidebook.

There are lots of travel guidebook brands out there. Your choices will be narrowed down by destination and language. Each brand is a bit different, for instance some are better known for budget focus (Rough Guides and Lonely Planet) or their photography (DK Eyewitness Guides).

Lonely Planet and Fodor’s are two brands we recommend taking a look at that have English-language guides to destinations around the world. Rick Steves’ guidebooks are designed for North American travelers going to Europe. We have guidebooks from all three of these brands, and each brand has its strengths and weaknesses.

In the United States, we like to find state-specific guides written by local writers as these tend to be the best and often include smaller places and better advice than guides written by the big travel brands.

We recommend looking for a guidebook specifically focused on where you are traveling (e.g., if traveling only to Paris, buy a Paris guidebook instead of a France one) and be sure to buy the most updated version. Most guidebooks are updated every year or two.

Price: ~ USD $15 to $20

Packing Cubes

We’re not sure that anyone loves packing, but as it’s a necessity when you travel, you might as well do it right.

We find that the whole process of packing and unpacking is greatly simplified when we use packing cubes. They let us easily sort all our different items into different sections in our bags, making it easier to find things and repack.

With packing cubes, you no longer have to go hunting through your whole bag to find that one thing you suddenly need. You can just locate the correct packing cube, and know that it’s going to be in there!

Packing cubes come in a variety of sizes, making them handy for different items and different sizes of luggage. We recommend this set which have mesh windows that allow you to see what’s inside and they also come with a laundry bag. We also really like Eagle Creek brand items and they make this cube set which we can also recommend.

Jess uses a couple of smaller packing cubes plus an Eagle Creek packing folder for her main clothing items (shirts, pants, jackets).

Price: ~ USD $15 to $35 per set

Travel Sized Beauty Items

If you are buying for someone who is into skincare or cosmetics, then you might consider putting together some travel-sized items for them to pack on their next trip. Depending on their preferences and lifestyle, these could be eyeshadow, lip balm, lotion, beard oil, sheet masks, sunscreen, hairspray, lipstick, etc.

If you are not sure exactly what they might like, consider the brand Wander Beauty for a great travel-themed gift. The brand has a on-the-go travel-themed branding and packaging and most of their products are the perfect size for travel.

Wander Beauty offers both skincare items and make-up items; two of the brand’s most popular items are their Baggage Claim eye patches and their Mile High mascara . The eye patches are something that just about anyone can use regardless of their makeup or skincare preferences.

If you are looking for more sustainable beauty products for someone who wants a more minimalist routine and likes to travel light, consider the plastic-free sustainable beauty brand Axiology. You can see all their multi-use and plastic free products here .

They offer multi-sticks and balmies, all of which can be worn on the lips, cheeks, and lips. So even if you don’t know the perfect color to get, these are pretty versatile and most can be used by pretty much anyone with any skin tone. They also come in multi-pack sets which can make a nice gift.

If you are putting together a larger gift, an idea might be to get a makeup bag or toiletry bag and then fill it with a few skincare, hair, and makeup items that you think they’d love.

Price: ~ USD $10 to $50 per item

Camping Cookware

If you are buying a gift for someone who loves camping and exploring the great outdoors, then we would suggest that some camping equipment might be just the thing for them. One thing that any outdoors person needs is a good camping cookware kit or camping mess kit, which is a set of versatile cooking equipment and utensils designed for cooking outside.

This allows them to cook in almost any situation and the kits should include a number of versatile pieces, and be easy to clean and pack up. Ideally, they should take up a minimal amount of space when packed.

One good option is this very well-reviewed and budget-friendly camping cookware kit , which is a set of cooking equipment and utensils that will fill a variety of roles and includes a small stove. Or perhaps this more elaborate 4-person mess kit is well suited for families.

Price : ~ USD $15+

Travel Jewelry Organizer Bag

If you know a traveler who likes to travel with several pieces of jewelry, consider getting them a travel jewelry bag. These bags provide a cushioning to help better protect jewelry and keep it organized. They come in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes.

Two of the most annoying things about traveling with jewelry is being able to find it quickly and keeping it from getting tangled up, but an organizer bag can help prevent these issues. Those traveling with more expensive pieces can also easily place the whole case in hotel safes to keep it safer while traveling.

I have had a silk brocade jewelry roll like this one for about 10 years which has several zippered compartments, a snap roll for rings, and folds flat. The problem is that necklaces and earrings can get tangled if not kept in the separate pockets.

If I was buying a new one I’d probably get a bag like this or like this which has special earring boards and places to hang necklaces to prevent them from getting tangled in the bag.

For those who are wanting little pockets for individual pieces to put into a larger travel or toiletry bag rather than a full-sized jewelry roll, consider these little jewelry pocket packs . These can help keep your jewelry more protected and separated when placed in another bag.

Price: ~ USD $15 to $35

Travel Scarfs with Hidden Pockets

Travel scarfs combine fashion and functionality and have hidden zippered compartments where you can store valuables, including cash, credit cards, passports, locker keys, and IDs.

These are a great security solution for those who enjoy wearing scarfs and like to travel.

Almost all these sort of scarfs are infinity scarfs because the design is best suited for the hidden pockets and to allow for the extra weight of the items being stored. There are lot of different designs and brands making these scarfs so there are a lot of choose from, and you can see a selection of them here .

For a wider list of all kinds of travel scarves, with and without hidden pockets, see our travel scarf guide .

Toiletry Bag

Almost all travelers have a toiletry bag (sometimes called a dopp kit for men) where they store all their toiletry and shaving items. Much better than throwing your toiletries in a plastic bag.

We recommend looking for a toiletry bag that has a water resistant or waterproof interior so that it can be wiped clean easily if anything spills. Some toiletry bags have hooks so they can be hung in a bathroom or shower if that is a feature you want.

A couple different bags under $20 to consider are this hanging bag and this more traditional looking toiletry bag . You can check out some of the most popular toiletry bags online here .

Recently, I bought two of these handmade leather toiletry bags on Etsy as gifts. It is a bit more expensive than many of the toiletry bags out there, but I liked that it was handmade, made in the USA, personalized with embroidered initials, and had an inner nylon liner. Laurene also has one of these leather toiletry bags and it has held up to travel very well.

If you are buying someone a toiletry bag, you may also want to fill it up with a set of travel-sized toiletry bottles (so they can fill with their own products) or with travel-sized toiletry items from brands they love.

Price: ~ USD $15 to $50

A globe is a perfect travel gift for someone who loves to travel. They are both decorative and functional, and can fit perfectly into someone’s living room or office. They are also great for kids as they are educational and inspire a bit of wanderlust and interest in geography.

There are a lot of globes out there and some are designed more for decorative purposes and some are designed more for educational purposes. They range in size from the tiny hand-sized ones to the giant floor sized models. Many have special features such as this one , which has lights which show the constellations in the evening.

Personally, I like the Replogle brand globes as they tend to be good quality for the price and most of them are made in the USA. These are a bit more expensive but tend to be of much better quality than some of the cheaper globes.

I had a globe as a child and remember spending a lot of time looking at it and spinning it to play the “where will I travel” game. Today, I still have a bit of an obsession with globes and made sure to visit the Globe Museum on our trip to Vienna .

If you have a very large budget (or just want to look at awesome globes) we recommend taking a look at Bellerby & Co Globemakers’ website . The London-based company creates custom handmade and handpainted globes, from tiny desktop globes to giant Churchill globes (50 inches in diameter). Feel free to buy one for me!

Price: ~ USD $15 and up.

Travel Jewelry

A piece of travel related jewelry is a great gift for a traveler who loves to wear jewelry. It can show off a passion for travel, remind them of a special trip, and inspire them to plan their next adventure.

There are lots of options out there for travel jewelry such as rings, necklaces, bracelets, brooches, and earrings. Remind someone of travel or a special destination. Such as this dainty airplane necklace , Pura Vida bracelet style packs , the travel-inspired fine jewelry by Cristina Ramella , or Pandora Disney charms for Disney park lovers.

Consider a personalized or custom piece which are easy to find and create on Etsy . Make your jewelry piece unique with special coordinates, initials, quotes, photos, or messages.

Travel jewelry is also not just for women, as there are plenty of rings, necklaces, arm cuffs, cuff links, and watches out there for men as well.

See our travel jewelry guide for lots of ideas on choosing the perfect piece of travel jewelry for you. We own a number of pieces and are also happy to give recommendations.

If you are buying jewelry for a frequent traveler, consider whether the item is going to be travel-friendly or not. Chunky pieces can be difficult to travel with, delicate items can break, and flashy expensive pieces can draw unwanted attention.

Price: ~ USD $15 and up

Lifestraw Water Filter

A LifeStraw personal water filter makes contaminated water drinkable by filtering out both waterborne bacteria and waterborne parasites. This allows a person to be able to safely drink from most streams, wells, ponds, etc. Each straw will filter up to 1,000 gallons (4,000 liters) of water.

Some LifeStraw filters and purification systems can also filter out chemicals, viruses, and lead.

These are perfect for anyone who likes to camp, hike, fish, boat, or do other outdoor activities where they may run out of water or need to filter available water. They are also perfect for international travelers visiting countries with questionable public water supplies and for emergency situations. They are regularly used by international aid workers and military personnel.

You can purchase the straws individually , in packs, or you can purchase a LifeStraw that is already fitted into a LifeStraw water bottle . We have a LifeStraw water bottle which has been perfect for hiking trips and are planning to get a second one for a trip to East Africa.

Price : ~ USD $20 – $60

Dual Voltage Hair Appliances

Know someone who is planning to travel internationally and needs to blow out, straighten, or curl their hair every day? You might want to find out if the hair appliances they have are dual voltage or not.

Different countries use different electrical voltages and most hair appliances are not designed to work with other voltages. If used with the wrong voltage the appliance will often stop working, short out, or even catch on fire if used with another voltage. Dual voltage products can work with both voltages.

In the United States and most of North America the standard voltage is 110V or 120V, but in Europe and much of the rest of the world the standard voltage is 220V to 230V. So if you are traveling from the United States to France, you would want a hair dryer that support 220V.

You can purchase dual voltage hair dryers , hair straighteners , and curling irons .

If you are getting someone a dual voltage hair appliance for their trip, I’d recommend first checking out what kind of brands they are currently using. For instance, if they love Conair, Chi, or Babyliss, but the product they own is not dual voltage, you can probably find a similar dual voltage model.

We personally have a Conair dual voltage travel dryer, which is a much older version of this one which must be about 20 years old now! It is small, inexpensive and works well for its size. I also have a dual voltage straightening iron but they don’t seem to make the model anymore.

One thing I like about my dual voltage flat iron is that it came with a heat resistant bag cover that allow me so pack it when it is still warm (although I wouldn’t risk it being too hot). If the hair straighter and/or curling iron you purchase does not come with one, I’d recommend getting one. It also doubles as a resting mat for the hair tool when it is hot to prevent burning surfaces when in use.

Price: ~ USD $15 to $60

Canvas Print of Travel Photos

A great gift for travel lovers is a way to help them remember some of their most memorable trips and experiences. A good way to do that is with a high quality canvas print of one or more of their favorite photos.

We take so many photos on our trips, but the reality is that we rarely see them. By giving someone a canvas print that they can hang on their wall, they’ll have a regular reminder of a trip they loved!

Canvas prints come in a wide variety of sizes, from small 8″ x 10″ all the way up to much larger prints. A lot of photography shops, drug stores, and department stores offer the option to make photo canvases. You can also see online size and price options for canvas prints here .

When choosing photos, be sure to upload the most high-resolution images you have for the best results.

Price: ~ USD $15 to $80

Travel Cord & Electronics Organizer

If you are buying a gift for someone who has a lot of devices and cords, they may appreciate an electronics organizer to keep their gear together.

Electronics organizers generally have pockets and straps to keep cords and electronics in place, and then they fold or roll and then slip into a carry-on or suitcase. They often have different pockets and compartments that hold cords, cables, chargers, batteries, dongles, adapters, stylus pens, ear buds, SD cards, hard drives, travel adapters, and other tech accessories.

For example, this well-priced electronics organizer has room for several cords, chargers, batteries, a smartphone or hard drive, and other accessories. If you are bringing along a tablet, multiple hard drives, mice, keyboard, and/or laptop you’ll likely need a larger electronics organizer. You can see a lot more options here .

If you are looking for something handcrafted and unique, then I’d check out some of the handmade electronics organizers that you can customize and personalize. These make for great gifts for tech-loving travelers.

Price: ~ USD $15 to $150

Travel Home Decor

Consider giving them something that will inspire them to travel but also something that is decorative and/or functional for their home. For instance, If they need a new shower curtain or throw pillow, consider getting them ones with a travel-related design.

The options are almost endless and could work with just about any budget. Some ideas are travel-themed artwork , shower curtains , throw pillows , duvet covers , fridge magnets , nursery decorations , jewelry dishes , or really anything else they might want or need. Most of these items can also be personalized to make them unique gifts.

See our article on travel themed home decor for a lot more gift ideas for the home.

Travel Scratch Map

A travel scratch map can be a fun way to keep track of the countries you have visited on your travels. You simply scratch off the countries you have visited and it is a fun activity for couples and families.

There are a lot of world maps, like this one , available but you can also find more detailed regional or country maps, such as large maps of just the United States and Europe .

In addition to just regular maps, there are also scratch maps focused on specific types of locations and hobbies like keeping track of U.S. National parks visited , golf courses played , and origins of craft beers .

We own both a world scratch map and have gifted a beer related map. They have been well-received. If you are giving a scratch map to someone who is likely going to want to hang it on the wall, you might also to also get them a frame as part of the gift.

Price: ~ USD $20 to $30

Carry-On Cocktail Kit

If you are searching for a gift for a person who loves a well-made classic cocktail, consider giving them a carry-on cocktail kit. These pocket-sized kits include all the ingredients (other than the alcohol) needed to create a nice handcrafted cocktail.

The best known ones are made by The Cocktail Box Co who currently creates different classic cocktail kits that you can take on the go so you can have a cocktail on an airplane, train, party, or at your hotel. So far they have released several kits, including an Old Fashioned kit and a Champagne Cocktail kit . You can also get a combo kit to try 4 or 6 different kits at once.

The travel cocktail kits come with all you need to make your drink, you just need a glass and the alcohol. Each kit makes 6 drinks. For instance, the Old Fashioned comes with bottles of aromatic, grapefruit, and orange bitters, raw cane sugar cubes, steel cocktail pics, 1 muddler spoon, and a linen cocktail napkin. Just add bourbon!

Making a few drinks for other passengers is a great way for a solo traveler to make friends during a long plane ride or train journey!

For a traveler who really loves their drinks, you might consider getting them a travel bartender kit so they have the tools need to make their favorite drinks wherever they go!

Price: ~ USD $22 and up

Eco Friendly No Waste Travel Kits

If you are buying for a gift for a traveler who wants to be more eco-conscious, you may think about getting them an eco-friendly travel kit. You can purchase an assembled kit of items, or build your own kit.

These kits usually contain several items that are eco-friendly and made of natural renewable resources. Generally, items are also vegan, plastic-free, reusable, cruelty-free (not tested on animals), and recyclable.

You can put together your own eco-friendly travel kits with some of your favorite products such as soaps, hair care items, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, reusable make up pad remover pads, cosmetics, cutlery, razors, period products, laundry soap, reusable straws, reusable face masks, reusable water bottle, etc. An eco-friendly toiletry bag or tote bag could make for a great gift bag.

Or if you don’t want to buy a bunch of individual items, you can purchase a pre-assembled travel kit. For instance, we like this popular eco-friendly kit by Battle Green which contains eco-friendly shampoo, soap, travel tins, cutlery set, wooden comb, toothbrush, and toothbrush holder.

The shop also sells a number of other eco-friendly products such as natural deodorant, cutlery, reusuable makeup remover pads, feminine hygiene products, kitchen items, and travel soaps. You can search their full product line here .

Price: ~ USD $20 to $40

Car Power Inverter

If you know someone who is going on a road trip, and who also likes to pack along electronics, they may enjoy receiving a car power inverter.

These plug into the car’s cigarette lighter and transform the electrical currents from DC to AC while the car is running. This allows you to charge devices such as laptops, e-readers, tablets, TVs, breast pump machines, DVD players, and game consoles. However, most of these are NOT designed for use with high wattage devices like hair dryers or flat irons.

We bought this model in the U.S. before our Pacific Coast Highway and Route 66 road trip , and found ourselves using it almost every day. It is one of those things we never knew we needed until we had one!

Be sure to check to make sure your purchase works for the make and model of the car being driven and converts into the correct voltage for your appliances.

Carbon Emission Offset Gifts

Know a traveler who is concerned about the environmental impact of travel and would appreciate a gift that gives back rather than a cool travel gadget? Consider donating to a worthy cause such as a carbon offset project in their name.

Travel, especially flights and cruises, has a huge carbon footprint and many travelers are concerned about the huge impact travel can have on the environment. Many travelers seek to offset their carbon footprint by investing money in ways that reduce, avoid, or remove greenhouse gas emissions (of which carbon dioxide is the biggest) from the atmosphere, or otherwise have positive environmental impacts.

There are a number of companies that allow you to purchase gift certificates for contributing to carbon offset projects and other environmentally positive projects. These include terrapass , the United Nations , and Cool Effect .

There are a number of good carbon footprint calculators that can be used to calculate one’s personal carbon footprint such as this one (global) and this one (U.S. focused) so you can be sure to give at least at the level of the carbon footprint estimated for the person’s trip.

If you think carbon offsetting is expensive, it is not. If fact, it costs very little. For example, for a round-trip 8-hour each way flight, there is about 1.32 tonnes of carbon dioxide created per person on the airplane. It costs less than USD $12 to offset this cost.

Of course if you are thinking about a gift that gives back, it doesn’t just have to be strictly related to reducing carbon dioxide emissions. There are lots of other worthy non-profit organizations that help save wildlife and forests, provide disaster relief, and provide medical treatment around the world. Some examples include the World Wildlife Fund , World Land Trust , UNICEF , the American Red Cross , and Doctors without Borders .

Just be sure to do a quick bit of research on any organization you choose to make sure it seems legitimate and that the donation actually goes towards the cause.

Price: ~ USD $20 and up

Travel Scrapbook or Photo Album

If you know a traveler into scrapbooking or who enjoys taking photos, consider getting them a scrapbook or photo album. This will allow the person to create a special book with memories of his or her trip.

Or if you went on a trip with them and have access to photos and items from the trip, you can create a special photo album or scrapbook about the trip to give to them!

A co uple of options are this multifunctional synthetic leather one and this photo album with map cover. But we recommend that you consider personalizing one if are giving it as a gift to make it extra special.

On Etsy, you can find loads of custom travel scrapbook and photo album options so you customize the album with names, initials, locations, and/or trip details. For instance, we really love the ones at The Pink Shop Crafts store , and we also like the look of this wooden scrapbook album and the ones by woodlack .

Price: ~ USD $20 to $50

Travel Router

A travel router is a wireless range extender and access point designed for people who are on the go and need to connect to the internet when they are away from home. They can make a great gift for travelers who need to be able to get online and connect multiple devices securely.

Our current recommended model for most people is the GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 (Mango) as its small, inexpensive, and has all the basic features. But it depends on which features are most important to you. We personally use this bigger and more advanced model by GL.iNet .

You can see our travel router guide to help choose the best model for you.

Price: ~ USD $20 to $70

Portable Aromotherapy Kits & Essential Oil Diffusers

Know someone who loves aromotheraphy and love to travel? Consider getting them an aromotherapy travel kit like this one by Scentered . The kit includes 5 different mini balms in a travel kit; the balms are solid rather than liquid so easier to travel with and use on the go.

Or perhaps consider getting them a travel-sized diffuser or cool mist humidifier. These mini gadgets can diffuse essential oils for aromatherapy, help purify hotel rooms, and put moisture into the air to prevent dry eyes and scratchy throats.

You can’t pack a full size diffuser, but there are mini ones like this one and this one that are portable and can be used for travelers. If you have a bigger budget, you might consider this mobile mini nebulizer that is wireless and requires no heat or water to run!

You might also consider also getting them a set of mini essential oils to pack with them. Just note that many users of essential oils also have strong preferences regarding brands of oils, so if they are already using essential oils, I’d try to find out what brand and scents they use to help guide your purchase.

Price: ~ USD $25+

Travel Coffee Maker

If you have a friend who isn’t functional until they’ve had their morning coffee, you might want to get him or her a travel coffee maker.

A travel coffee maker is great for being able to get a cup of coffee whenever you want it, saves money on purchasing coffee, and allows you to make coffee when camping or outdoors. Also great for those who love coffee but hate instant coffee which is often provided in hotel rooms.

Travel coffee systems vary and include French Press style ones, pour over systems, and others. Some are better for American style coffee and some are better for espresso. But you have several models out there to choose from.

The easiest design to travel with is a French Press style like this one which also doubles as a travel mug! All the users have to do is add ground coffee and hot water, and then it is good to go! This model is leak proof, easy to clean, and designed for travel.

For those who want more control over the coffee making process or who don’t like French Press coffee makers, you might consider the popular Aeropress coffee system . This travel coffee system has more parts and isn’t nearly as convenient, but gives you control over making a perfect espresso style shot or cup of coffee. The Aeropress Go is an even more portable version that comes with a mug and lid.

See our full review of the AeroPress and AeroPress Go to see which might be the best option for your gifting needs.

If you are shopping for someone who likes freshly ground coffee, you might also consider a travel coffee maker that includes a coffee grinder like this one as part of the gift. For more ideas, see our guide to the best travel coffee makers .

Price: ~ USD $25 to $45

Travel Medicine Organizer

Medical issues can be a hurdle to traveling and can be a major source of worry and travel stress . Make it easier for someone by getting them a travel organizer to help safely store their pills and medications, medical information, and medical supplies in one safe place.

We recommend getting a pill organizer like this one or this one that will hold a number of pill bottles and medicines, a pill organizer, medical documentation, and additional medical supplies. If the case doesn’t come with a locking mechanism, you can add a small luggage lock to if you want to be able to lock the case.

We always recommend keeping all important medications and medical documentation in your carry-on bag and to not pack it in checked luggage in case that luggage is delayed or lost.

If you are traveling internationally, some destinations require that pills and medications are accompanied by their prescription. This is also useful if you get stopped and need to prove that something is not illicit. So it is generally best to keep pills in their original prescription container whenever possible.

Price : ~ USD $25 to $45

Camera Strap

A camera strap is a great gift for the traveler who enjoys carrying a camera, but maybe doesn’t have a camera strap or is using one that is uncomfortable. Most cameras in our experience come with manufacturer straps that are neither attractive nor very comfortable.

The type of strap is going to depend on the size and weight of the camera. If are buying a camera strap for a smaller and more lightweight camera, you have more options. For more lightweight cameras, I have used these stylish camera straps which are designed to appeal to women and I like the look and quality of them. They are also really colorful!

However, for our heavier cameras, we use Peak Design straps which are more heavy-duty straps that are designed for heavy and bulky cameras. Laurence has found these to be the most well-designed and comfortable straps out of all the brands he has tried over the years.

The specific straps we use for the DSLRs are the Peak Design Slide straps . This strap allows us to sling our camera across our body, which is a lot more comfortable for prolonged usage, and means the camera isn’t always bumping off our chests!

You can see our full review of the Peak Design strap system here .

Looking for gifts for a photographer? Check out our guide to gifts for photographers for dozens of photography related gifts that will make any shutterbug happy!

Price: ~ USD $25 to $75

Outdoors Bluetooth Speaker

An outdoor Bluetooth speaker is great for listening to music while on the go, whether it is at the beach, car, on a boat, or next to the pool. They sync wirelessly with your phone by Bluetooth to provide louder and clearer sound.

The COMISO Bluetooth speaker is splashproof, rainproof, dustproof, and sandproof. They are lightweight and portable, making them suitable for traveling.

Note that many Bluetooth speaker models, like this one, are oftened marketed as “waterproof” but they are only water-resistant and cannot be partially or fully submerged in water. Most are not waterproof.

However, if you have a bigger budget, you can get a truly waterproof Bluetooth speaker such as the Wonderboom speaker by Ulitmate Ears, which is waterproof, dustproof, and can even float! It runs up to 13 hours on a built-in rechargeable battery.

Price: ~ USD $30 and up

Dog Travel Bag

Looking for a gift for a dog lover? Consider getting a dog travel bag that includes all the space pet owners need to store all their pet’s dog food, toys, and accessories. The bag is perfect for long trips to the park, traveling, and for dropping off the dog at the dog sitter or kennel.

This dog travel bag comes with insulated food cases, collapsible silicone food bowls, water bottle pouch, and storage for toys and leashes. It is also TSA compliant so it can be taken onto a plane. You can see many more pet bags here .

Although most are designed for dogs, these bag can also be used for those traveling with cats, rabbits, or pet pigs.

Price: ~ $30 to $60

Custom Travel Photo Blanket

If you are looking for a unique gift, consider making them a custom travel photo travel blanket that includes photos of some of their favorite travel memories.

There are a number of custom photo blanket options out there that you can customize with your own photos and get in different sizes. A couple of examples are this photo fleece blanket and this custom throw .

Be sure to check the size, and thickness, and fabric details before ordering to make sure you know what you are getting. All designers should also give you a color proof for your approval before printing to make sure the photos are arranged as you wish.

I would look for a machine washable blanket that has been printed (normally via sublimation) so that the images won’t fade, crack, or peel during washing.

Price : ~ USD $30 to $85

Travel Purse

Most women (and some men!) take a purse when they travel to keep their money, valuables, travel guides, and daily essentials handy when exploring. Although any purse can work, many people purchase a purse specifically for traveling.

We recommend a sturdy crossbody purse that is large enough to hold all the essentials but isn’t too big or flashy. We also recommend one with several compartments to keep your items organized and handy. Many travel purses contain anti-theft related features like RFID blocking, slash resistant straps, and locking compartments.

When choosing a purse as a gift, think about what the person is most likely going to put in it (e.g., does it need to fit an iPad, a guidebook, an oversized wallet, or a water bottle?) to determine the best size. The lighter the load the better for traveling.

There are travel purses designed to fit any budget and style. For a general all-round travel purse, I like this one by Peak Gear . But there are several travel brands out there specialize in travel purses or have a travel purse line including Travelon (best selling travel purse brand), Tumi (more upscale brand), and Baggalini (lots of good value options).

Pric e: ~ USD $30 and up

Travel Wrap

A travel wrap is a great versatile travel garment that can work as a shawl, scarf, or travel blanket. A good travel wrap can keep you warm as a blanket on a cold plane, cover your shoulders on a cool evening, and dress up a plain outfit.

There are a lot of different travel wraps out there in a variety of styles and fabrics. A few ones we recommend taking a look at are this USA made HappyLuxe wrap , this wool wrap , or the many travel wraps by Mer & Sea Co .

If you have a larger budget and are looking for something more luxurious, you might consider a cashmere wrap like this Ovcio wrap or this classic cashmere wrap made in Scotland .

For more suggestions, see our travel wrap guide that has tips for selecting a travel wrap that will fit just about any budget.

Travel Tripod

If you are looking for a travel-related gift for a keen photographer, consider a travel tripod. These help keep cameras steady to prevent blurry photos, help photographers take photos in low light conditions, and to do more advanced photography techniques.

Travel tripods are smaller and more lightweight than regular tripods which make them much more suitable for travel. Travel tripods come in all sizes and there are ones designed to work with all types of devices from smartphones to professional DSLR cameras.

We ourselves almost always travel with a tripod and use Vanguard VEO tripods . But there are lots of options out there to fit any budget and you can see our travel tripod guide to help you choose the best model for the person on your gift list.

Price: ~ USD $30 to $200

Knitting Travel Kits

If you know someone who enjoys knitting, consider getting them a travel knitting kit. These little kits include all the knitting essentials in a travel-sized kit.

For example this kit includes a needle gauge, stitch markers, mini scissors, U-shaped cable needle, sewing needles, and more. Another useful item might be this handy wrist bag to hold yarn for knitting on the go.

If the person is planning to fly and knit on the plane, be sure to make sure that the knitting needles and scissors are compliant with the airline’s standards to be taken in carry-on luggage.

Price: ~ USD $32 for full kit

A tent is an essential item for those who plan to camp outdoors, and is a perfect gift for someone who is looking either to start camping for the first time or is in need of a new tent.

Tents range in prices from about $40 to over $1,000 depending on size, brand, and features. But you don’t have to spend a lot to get a decent tent, especially if you just are looking for a small and simple one. This well-reviewed 2-person Coleman tent currently starts at just $50 (although price seems to fluctuate wildly)!

Although tent material is already usually water-resistant, it is recommended for most tents that a waterproof spray be applied before first use to make them more weather-resistant. This is often particularly important for the tent seam area. So you may want to buy a can or two of spray for the new owners as part of your gift.

If someone is new to camping, they probably need a lot of other camping gear as well, so if your budget is larger you might also think about getting them some other camping stuff like a sleeping bag , sleeping mat , and cooking kit .

Price: ~ USD $40 and up.

Picnic Basket

Do any of the people on your gift shopping list love picnics? Considering getting them a picnic basket to help them better transport all their food and goodies to local parks, hiking locations, campsites, or just the neighbor’s backyard.

There are of course, the more traditional basket wicker picnic basket designs like this one . But for those who often hike before a picnic, a picnic basket backpack may be a better fit as these are designed for campers and hikers.

The picnic baskets and picnic basket backpacks come with all the basic plates, silverware, and glassware and a large insulated area to store food. Most also come with extras like wine corkscrews, picnic blankets, cloth napkins, cheese boards, and dirty dish bags.

Price: ~ $40 to $100

When traveling, as well as a main bag, most travelers will also appreciate a good quality day pack. This is where they’ll put all the stuff that they take out during the day, which may include a water bottle, rainjacket, guide books, snacks, and so on. Also great for putting on for a day hike.

A day pack is also useful as a carry-on bag for flights. We like to stash all our valuables and essentials (e.g., important trip documents, medications), main electronics (e.g., laptop), and anything we need for the plane ride (e.g., travel wrap, snacks, headphones) in this bag.

We’d suggest a day pack in the region of 15L to 30L would be ideal for most travelers, depending on how big you need it to be. Just note that backpacks are often not allowed into museums or attractions and will need to be left behind or stored in a locker.

We’ve traveled with and used both Osprey and Eagle Creek daypacks and suitcases for years, and have found both brands to be reliable, quality products. Key features to look for in a daypack in our mind are multiple compartments so gear can be separated, space for a water bottle, room for a tablet or laptop, and a hip belt / sternum belt combination for extra comfort.

We’d recommend checking out the latest Osprey day pack and Eagle Creek packs . That should give you a good start to your day pack search.

Price: ~ USD $40 to $150

Map Pin Board

A map pin board is a great gift to give a traveler who loves to keep track of his or her travels. It hangs on the wall and you use pins to indicate all the places on the map that you have been (or want to visit!).

You can get boards that cover the entire world, a specific country, or a specific state. These boards are nice reminders of all your past travels and also can help you decide where to travel next. A thoughtful gift for any traveler who has some available wall space!

Although there are lots of travel pin boards out there , we can personally recommend pin boards by Conquest Maps which are handmade in the USA and made with digitally printed cotton/poly blend matte canvas stretched around am internal frame created especially for the pin boards. We have this one hanging in our apartment!

Another great option is the  Push Pin Travel Maps products which are also American-made and the framed options come with your choice of a 2-inch wooden frame. A variety of maps are available including world maps, USA maps, continent maps, U.S. state maps, and maps of other individual countries.

Just note that if you want to see finer details on a map (beyond just countries, states, major cities), you’ll want to go for the larger size map boards. Or I’d look for a pin board that just has that particular region, country, or state.

Every traveler needs luggage. If you are giving a gift to a traveler who is new to traveling, they may need a luggage set. Or a more veteran traveler may be in need of a new piece of luggage or an upgrade from a cheap set of luggage.

Luggage comes in a variety of shapes, colors, and prices. It is good to know if the traveler you are buying for is a carry-on only traveler or a person who packs multiple suitcases for a trip. Also they may have a preferences about soft luggage versus hard sided luggage which can help guide your gift selection.

If the person is a light packer or business trip taker, they are probably the carry-on only type, and I’d look for a good quality carry-on suitcase that fits their travel style.

I’d look for a 21 inch suitcase as this should fit any international baggage guidelines for a carry-ons. In the United States the standard carry-on allowance maximum is 22 inches X 14 inches X 9 inches (56 cm X 35 cm X 22 cm). We like the look of these snazzy Steve Madden carry-on bags .

If they are someone who is going to pack multiple bags, consider getting them a 2 or 3 piece matching set, such as this set by Samsonite .

Price: ~ USD $40 and up

Travel Washing Bag

If you are looking for travel gift for a traveler who goes off on extended travel and does laundry while traveling , you might consider a travel washing bag.

The Scrubba is a portable washing bag from Australia helps you get your clothes cleaner than hand washing them in the hotel or campsite sink and is great for campers and travelers.

The Scrubba is best for doing essentials and small loads of clothing and you can wash and rinse a small load in about 3 minutes. There is a flexible internal washboard that helps you get clothes cleaner than in a sink or dry bag alone.

Scrubba is the best known, but there are also a couple of competing bags out there on the market as well. We haven’t tried these but they appear to work in a similar way to the Scrubba.

Other accompanying products that you might want to add to the gift are travel-sized washing liquid , travel laundry line , and a laundry bag for dirty clothes.

Price: ~ USD $30 to $50

Travel Gift Certificate

If you are not really sure what the traveler on your gift list may want, you might consider getting them a travel related gift card or gift voucher. This allows them to spend it on travel related things like tours, activities, concerts, and hotels around the world.

Here are just a few to consider:

One great gift card to consider is a GetYourGuide certificate as they can be redeemed against any of the 30,000+ tours and activities offered on their website. They offer experiences worldwide but have a particularly large number of tours within Europe and major cities worldwide.

Tinggly gift boxes are gift certificates where the recipient can choose from the hundreds of different experiences and activities offered on that card for free. These include things like food tours, spa treatments, hot air balloon rides, and walking tours. There are cards geared to different geographical locations and types of travelers, and range in cost from USD $80 to $350.

Although better known for their wedding and honeymoon gift funds, Honeyfund also has gift cards you can purchase and use towards travel oriented purchases. They can be redeemed with over 20 brands which currently include Amazon, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Hotels.com, and Columbia Sportswear.

Price: ~ USD $50 and up

Automatic Pet Feeders

Know a traveler who is out of the house a lot and worries that their cat or dog is not getting fed on a schedule when they are traveling? Consider an automatic pet feeder. These allow you set a schedule with automatic feeding times and program the amount of food delivered at each meal time.

The two main types of automatic feeders are gravity fed and electronic ones. The gravity-fed ones don’t need a power source, but the electronic ones require an electric or a battery power source.

We recommend checking out the PetSafe automatic feeders like this one as the company has been making electronic pet products for a long time.

While these won’t replace the need to have someone check on the pets when someone is away on vacation, they can certainly make it easier for the carer and allow them to visit less frequently. These also allow you to make sure your pets are being fed the right amount of food at the same time even when you are away.

For cat owners, you might also consider a self-cleaning litter box , which makes litter box cleaning much easier for pet carers when the owners are traveling.

Price: ~ USD $60 to $200

SCOTTeVEST Vests

SCOTTeVEST is a travel clothing company which specializes in clothing that is designed to hold and organize a lot of objects without being too bulky. Their signature item is a vest and they have several designs for both men and women.

The vests are designed to hold all your valuables and handheld electronics including wallet, phone, iPod, keys, change, passport, ID documents, sunglasses, tickets, cosmetics, chargers, etc. They can even hold larger items like tablets and e-readers, travel journals, and paperback books.

In addition to vests, they also make shirts, jackets, pants, dresses, and other items. All items are designed to look nice, be durable and rugged, and have a lot of pockets. You can see more of their clothing here .

Laurence owns two of the vests, a long-sleeved shirt, and a pair of boxers from SCOTTeVEST and finds them to be well-made and lightweight with lots of pockets. Useful for going through airports and also for holding his photography gear when out shooting.

Price: ~ USD $100 to $175

Know someone who is setting off into the wide blue yonder on a classic backpacking adventure? Whether they are gap year newbies or fit silver-haired veterans, their adventure will be greatly enhanced by a nice backpack.

Backpacks allow you to travel with just one piece of luggage and not have to drag along a wheeled bag. They also allow you to easily transition from plane to city to hiking trail to campsite easily.

We’re big fans of Osprey for their backpacks, and we’ve had both backpacks and daypacks from Osprey that have lasted us for years. Osprey have a number of great backpacks, which you can see here . The Osprey Atmos in particular is a quality product that will last for many years of backpacking.

Whilst there are many backpacks available online, we would very much urge you to go shopping in person with the person you are buying the backpack for or just be sure to get one with a good return policy.

Getting the right fit for a backpack is very important, and this can really only be done in person and by testing out the backpack with some weight in it.

Price: ~ USD $70 to $300

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is highly recommended for any international traveler. However, some travelers forego travel insurance to save money or because they don’t think anything bad will happen to them. But you never know when you might get sick, injured, have a tour canceled, miss a flight, or have your luggage lost.

Travel insurance covers things like trip delays and cancellations, lost luggage, and overseas medical care. Some also include things like protection of travel gear, rental car insurance, and medical evacuation to your home country.

Giving the gift of travel insurance is a great way to help protect the health and trip costs of your favorite traveler. While you can’t purchase their policy for them, you can research an appropriate policy and get a quote so you can gift them an appropriate amount.

There is no one-policy-fits-all insurance. Some things that will affect the cost and suitability of a policy is traveler’s country of residency, age, destinations visited, and length of travel. Be sure to check carefully what is covered (and to what extent) and what is not covered.

The COVID-19 pandemic has really made the need for travel insurance clear. But it has also made it clear that a lot of policies have limitations. So do read the fine print and ask questions. The “cancel for any reason” policies tend to offer the most coverage but are also the most expensive.

We’d recommend starting with your current insurance agency and see if they offer travel insurance as you may get a better rate for an additional policy. If you don’t have an insurance company in mind, World Nomads will cover people from just about any country and trips to just about any destination. They are especially recommended for extended and long-term travels.

Price: ~ USD $0.40 to $20 per day of trip. Can vary widely.

If you have a friend who likes to stay connected as they travel, but doesn’t need a full laptop (or even a keyboard), then a tablet would make a great gift.

These devices are good for checking e-mail and keeping up to date on social media, as well as for travel tasks like researching destinations, booking accommodation and restaurants, and looking up directions. It’s also much nicer to read a book or watch a movie on a tablet than on a tiny smartphone screen.

There are a number of tablets on the market. Our advice would be to find out what sort of phone your friend has so you can get them a matching tablet as this will let them use their favorite apps across devices.

If they have an Apple phone, they would like appreciate an Apple iPad like this. If they have an Android phone, it would make more sense to get them an Android tablet like this .

If you looking for something under $100, we’d recommend taking a look at the Amazon Fire tablets .

Price: ~ USD $70 to $400

Wireless Hotspot

You can help your loved one stay in touch while they are traveling by buying or renting them a wireless hotspot. This is great for travelers heading overseas who want to stay in touch, but are worried about high data roaming fees. They allow for multiple devices to connect at once.

These pocket-sized devices can be purchased (and person pays a low data usage amount) or are available to be rented for a fixed daily rate. These devices allow people to access the Internet without having to worry about finding a free WiFi hotspot or paying data roaming fees, and can be an easy way to stay connected when traveling.

If you want to purchase a wireless hotspot device, there are a number of devices out there , and we’ve personally used hotspots from both Netgear and GlocalMe. You can see their latest hotspot models here. You can see our guide to choosing the best mobile hotspot for travel to help find the best model for you. 

Check out our article for more options for getting online when traveling if you are looking for other solutions.

Price: ~ USD $9/day (rental) or USD $75 to $200 (purchase device)

Noise-Canceling Headphones

Noise-canceling headphones are perfect for any traveler who loves listening to music or watching films while traveling, or people who just need peaceful moments in noisy places. Perfect for airplanes, noisy buses, and long commutes.

Active noise-cancelling headphones have a microphone, amplifier, and speaker incorporated to also cancel the lower-frequency portions of ambient noise. Active ones generally are better at reducing noise than passive ones.

The quality and price varies widely for noise-canceling headphones from about $30 to over $500, and for a gift we’d recommend spending at least $75 or more to ensure quality. We recommended looking at options from Bose and Sony which are industry leaders in this category. If you have a larger budget, we recommend taking a look at this highly-rated pair by Bose .

Price : ~ USD $75 and up

Silk Sleep Sack

A silk sleeping bag liner or sack is a travel sheet that can be used when you don’t feel comfortable using hotel or motel sheets or when camping or staying in a hostel. It makes for a perfect camping bag liner.

Often you need to bring your own sheets when hosteling, camping, glamping, or staying in cabins. So this is a perfect fit for that and the fact that it is made of silk which is super soft and hypoallergenic, gives you that added bit of luxury.

There are a lot of sleeping bag liners and sleep sacks out there, made of a variety of fabrics, and you can see several options here which can fit just about any budget. Note that most of the less expensive “silk” options are not real silk. But we recommend this silk sleep bag if your budget is a little larger.

This works for almost any type of traveler as it can be used in any sleeping situation from a campsite to a nice hotel to a sketchy motel to an unexpected snooze in an airport. The recommended silk sleep sheet also has a built in pillowcase pouch where you can place the hotel pillow (or you own pillow).

The recommended silk sheet sack weighs less than 6 ounces and folds up into a 6 inch by 8 inch pouch. Even though it is made of silk, this one is machine washable.

Note that some sleep sacks and sleeping bag liners claim to deter or prevent bed bugs , but we do not know of any research that supports such claims. Bed bugs are highly persistent and the best prevention is to look for signs of bed bugs and not stay in a room where signs of infestation are present.

Price: ~ USD $20 to $50 for non-silk; $90 to $150 for silk

Travel Photography Course

Know a traveler who wants to improve their photography skills? Then an online photography course, local photo workshop, or how-to book would make a perfect gift.

We can specifically recommend an online course such as Laurence’s online travel photography course . It covers all the basics of photography that is perfect for those at any skill level and then goes into more advanced photography concepts and techniques. It also covers photography editing and even tips on how to sell your photos.

With over 60 lessons across 10 weeks, optional homework assignments, lifetime access, interviews with several professional photographers, we think the course is pretty amazing value for money. You can also do it at your own pace as you have lifetime access to the content.

You have direct access to Laurence for help and feedback with the homework and any other questions you have about photography. There is also an exclusive Facebook group where you can post questions and receive feedback from the other members of the course, and take part in regular fun photo challenges.

You can purchase the course for yourself or as a gift to give to someone else. Customizable gift certificates are offered for gift purchases and can be customized for the person and special occasion (e.g., Christmas, birthday, gap year, graduation, etc.).

You can learn more about it here and read testimonials from some of the over 2,000 people who have already joined the course.

Price: USD $129

Ebook E-Readers

If you are looking for something for an avid reader, consider getting them an electronic reader. Packing a large number of books can add a lot of weight to luggage, and an e-reader, a digital table designed for reading books, is a great solution for having access to lots of books and travel guidebooks without the bulk.

Kindle is the best known brand of e-reader, but there are also a variety of other ebook e-readers and tablets out there as well, and you can take a look at this list .

There are a variety of models available which offer many of the same features. The latest Kindle versions are lighter, thinner, and even waterproof (I’d read that as water resistant!)

If you are familiar with ebook readers, consider setting up the e-reader for them and downloading some ebooks you know they’ll love and some guides and helpful books related to their upcoming travels.

Price: ~ USD $90 to $200

Most people’s most treasured souvenirs from a trip are not something they purchased, but the photos they took during the vacation. Smartphone cameras keep improving, but a “real” dedicated camera can take better photos and allow for more advanced photography capabilities.

The best types of cameras for most travelers are either a compact camera, a mirrorless camera, or a sports camera. We’ll go into some thoughts about each of these types of cameras and which might make the best gift for your special traveler.

If a person you are buying for has never really used a camera before, a good-quality compact camera , or point-and-shoot camera, may make a perfect gift. The pros of a compact camera are they are small, lightweight, easy to travel with, and fairly easy to use. The downside is they give you less control and may not perform well in certain situations. Perfect for those who want something that can fit into a pocket or purse.

If you are buying a travel gift for someone who is more keen on photography and does have some photography experience, then you might look at a mirrorless camera. Mirrorless cameras come with interchangeable lenses and offer more features and versatility than compact cameras. Although heavier than compact cameras, they are often smaller and less heavy than DSLR cameras .

If the traveler you are buying for is a bit of a daredevil and adventurer, you might consider an action camera or sports camera instead. These are similar in capabilities to a compact camera, but are designed for sports, action, and are normally water-resistant or waterproof.

Action cameras are small, durable, and built to withstand elements such as dust, water, and some bumps and bruises so are great for the more outdoorsy and adventurous travelers. The best known type of these cameras is the GoPro series .

You can read our travel camera guide for even more options. We also have guides to the best compact cameras for travel , best action cameras , best bridge cameras , best mirrorless cameras , and best DSLR cameras . Have a question about choosing a travel camera or travel camera accessory, feel free to ask us as we have a lot of experience buying and recommending cameras to people of all skill levels.

Price: ~ USD $125 and up.

Give them a Weekend Getaway

Know someone who could use a weekend getaway but maybe can’t afford it or doesn’t have the time to plan because of personal or work related responsibilities? Plan and book a weekend getaway for them, so all they have to do is pack something and go. It’ll be a thoughtful gift and experience they’ll always remember.

This might be a getaway with you, a solo getaway, or one you help organize with their partner or family. It could be a weekend spa getaway, a family beach vacation, an all-inclusive cruise or tour, or a fun city break. Or maybe its just a hotel stay in your own city for needed time away from the house and daily routine.

It helps of course if you are close to the person and know their day-to-day schedule and availability. But if you don’t, perhaps get in touch with someone who would know this such as a spouse, parent, or best friend and enlist their help.

Price: ~ USD $150 and up

Home Security Camera System

If you know someone who travels regularly, one thing that they might love is a networked home security camera system. These devices will let them keep an eye on their home (or their pets!) when they’re away from home, and they can be configured in a variety of ways.

Lots of different systems are available , but we recommend the Netgear Arlo range, which have been around for a while now and we’ve used in the past. Another popular option is the Ring home security system .

Versions are available for indoor and outdoor use, as well as with night vision capabilities and 2-way audio. Most send you an email or text alert when motion is detected. Many are compatible with Amazon Alexa, Echo Show, Fire TV, Google Assistant, etc.

You can see what’s going on and control the cameras with a smartphone app, tablet, or computer, making these cameras an excellent option for peace of mind when you are on the go.

Cruise Tickets

If you know someone who is looking for a fun trip where they’ll be able to experience new destinations without the hassle of having to pack and repack on a regular basis, a cruise might be just the gift for them. Whether it is a weekend party cruise or a 3 week expedition cruise to Antarctica, you’ll likely find something to suit their taste.

Cruises are available at a wide range of price points, and cover a huge variety of destinations and travel styles. There’s everything from luxury river cruises to transatlantic cruises to family-friendly cruises . There are even expedition cruises to some of the more far flung corners of the globe.

There are hundreds of cruise companies out there, and it will depend on what kind of cruise you are after. We have booked most of our cruises from a Carnival weekend cruise to Mexico to our Cunard Queen Mary transatlantic cruise ( where we got married !) via Priceline.com as they often have special deals and offers, and we have found their phone and online customer support to be good.

Price: ~ USD $150 and up.

Round Trip Plane Tickets

Perhaps there is nothing more romantic and exciting than receiving round-trip airline tickets to some exotic destination!

Of course, you may not know the dates, times, and passport details necessary to book tickets for someone else, so you are probably better off giving them a card with the money, check, or gift card they can use towards the purchase of the flights.

If you know which airline they like to fly, some airlines including United Airlines, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines offer gift credit or gift cards that you can purchase.

Also if the traveler on your gift list has an airline miles account, most airline miles programs allow you to gift miles to another account. So that is another option. Just be sure to check any expiration or exclusion details.

Price: ~ USD $200 and up

Flytographer Photographer

Give the gift of lasting memories by hiring a professional local photographer to take photos of your loved one on their next holiday. 

It is difficult to take good photos of yourself if traveling solo, take good couples photos while traveling , or get those perfect family photos on the road, and the best way to get great photos is a professional photographer.

You can, of course, hire a specific local photographer for them, but an easier solution is to give them a gift card for a service, such as Flytographer, that specializes in pairing travelers with photographers in over 200 cities around the world.

You can get a discount on your first Flytographer shoot by signing up here .

Price: ~ USD $250 and up

If you know someone who is into photography or making videos and is maybe looking for a new way to capture images, a drone makes for a fantastic gift.

There are a number of drone options out there. In terms of brands, we can recommend the DJI line of drones which make some of the best drones out there. The DJI Mini  is a great portable starting drone option and is really lightweight. We personally have a DJI Mavic 2 (more recent version is the Mavic 3 ) but it is too bulky for the average traveler.

Or if you know a traveler with a drone, you might consider getting them some cool accessories. You can see our drone accessories guide here.

Just note that there are a lot of restrictions related to drones and travel, and it can be difficult to travel with drones to certain countries. They are also not permitted in places like in U.S. National Parks or near airports. So you’ll want to do your research before packing a drone for a trip.

Price: ~ USD $400 and up

Space Camp is an educational camp which provides a fun interactive learning experience that is based on the training that U.S. astronauts receive when going into Space. It is operated and located at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center . There are also special programs that focus on things like robotics, cyber technologies, and aviation.

The majority of attendees are children who attend as part of a school or club groups, but Space Camp is also open to adults and families. The standard program is 6 days for children or a weekend or 3-day programs for families and the Adults only program.

A trip to Space Camp has been on Laurence’s bucket list ever since he saw the 1980’s Space Camp movie. We were finally able to make that happen on a trip to Huntsville Alabama , and you can read all about our experience visiting Space Camp .

If you want to give Space Camp as a surprise gift but not sure of what dates would work, you can create a registration and instead of picking a date, you will select ‘choose your dates later’.  The person who receives the gift can then call later and schedule the dates they would like to attend.

There are also space-related camp programs that are now offered in other parts of the world as well, including Florida, Norway, and Russia. These are not exactly the same thing, but may be a good alternative for those living closer to these locations.

We think that a trip to Space Camp would be the most amazing gift for anyone interested in space, no matter their age!

Price: USD $499 and up per attendee

Travel Laptop

Travel is often a time we want to get away from everything, but this isn’t always possible. For longer trips, or for folks who just take their jobs on the road (like us!), a travel laptop is a necessity rather than a luxury.

There’s a huge range of travel laptops to choose from. Our suggestion would be to go for something that is very portable and has good battery life, but is still powerful enough to do everything you need to do when traveling.

Some good lightweight traditional laptops are the Dell XPS 13 series for Windows users and the Macbook Air series for Apple users.

If you like the idea of something that can be used as a laptop or a tablet, one of the best options is the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 (try the older Pro 6 or 7 versions if you have a smaller budget), which is a very portable laptop. It has both stylus support and a detachable keyboard (both sold separately ).This makes it great for use as a tablet for watching movies, and the keyboard can be added for writing e-mails or other word-processing tasks.

If you are buying a gift for someone who is likely to do things that requires a more powerful laptop, like photo editing, video editing, or gaming, see our guide to the best laptops for photo editing to get some ideas of what is available.

Price : ~ USD $750 and up.

Travel Related DIY Gift

As noted, a travel gift doesn’t have to cost money. Consider giving them something thoughtful that you made yourself.

Do you knit, do crafting, woodworking, or make candles? Some examples could be a travel themed charm bracelet, a handmade wooden photo frame of one of their vacation photos, a needlepoint of their favorite destination, a leather luggage tag, a handsewn fabric passport cover, a knitted scarf for their next trip, or a scented candle to remind them of favorite travel memory.

Perhaps you are a great home cook. Consider cooking for them or filling their fridge with some meals before they return from a trip to save them from grocery shopping and cooking when they first get back.

Got a gift for choosing great music? Create an amazing playlist for your loved one’s next road trip.

If you are doing a gift with children, perhaps get together to make the person a surprise Welcome Home banner and throw them a little welcome home party.

Price : Priceless

So that is our travel gift guide! Hopefully we’ve given you some great gift ideas for the travelers in your life.

If you want to see the items all in one place (or at least those available online via Amazon) you can check out our gift list here that includes many of the items from our gift guide.

Going to be needing to buy more gifts for travelers in the future? Pin this article on Pinterest to read it again later:

I hope you’ve enjoyed our gift guide for travelers! Which of these products would you want to receive as a gift yourself? Know of a travel-themed gift idea not on our list, feel free to tell us about it.

If you have any questions about any of the gift suggestions, please let me know in the Comments section below!

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Idelle Longman Post author

October 15, 2022 at 9:28 am

Hello Jessica,

This is the most comprehensive and well-thought-out gift list ever written. Thank you for your diligent research. I might have missed it, but did you have anything for a well-made rain jacket? Good to have in your suitcase when mother nature does not want to cooperate.

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

October 17, 2022 at 12:45 pm

Yes, a good rain jacket is a great idea for a traveler gift. We personally own rain jackets from Trespass (UK company) and North Face. I just got a new North Face one (they have several rain jacket options) that is really lightweight and easy to pack and good for warmer climates. I also have a thicker, warmer one I use for colder places from Trespass. You can see some rain jacket options on Amazon here and on REI here (if in the USA). North Face, Outdoor Research, Columbia, REI, Marmot, and Patagonia all have a number of rain jacket, parka, and poncho options but any of the outdoor stores/brands carry some good options.

I would just make sure you get one with a good hood, useful pockets (preferably zippered and sealed), and is the right weight/warmth for where you plan to travel. Reading reviews online can also be helpful. If needing one for a warm/hot place, I would recommend something really thin and packable so it doesn’t take up much space in your suitcase.

Hope that helps!

Best, Jessica

Jan Post author

December 9, 2021 at 10:10 am

Great gift guide here! Wondering if you could help direct me to what kind of camera might be good for a beginner. I have no real knowlege of cameras and my son, age 19, is taking interest in photography and would like to get him a decent camera that he could perhaps upgrade in future. What models might be best. What else would he need, such as basic accessories just to get started. Budget for camera around 500 to 600 euros.

December 9, 2021 at 12:36 pm

What a lovely gift idea.

I’d recommend either a mirrorless camera or DSLR camera . So at that price point we would probably recommend a DSLR camera, because mirrorless cameras tend to be a bit more expensive (although you might also consider a used or refurbished camera as well where you can get more for your money).

For a new DSLR at that price point (for both the camera body and a lens), we’d recommend something like the Canon EOS 250D , which you should be able to get with a lens for around €600. Canon have a huge range of lenses, so he can upgrade further down the road if he wanted to.

In terms of accessories, you’d want to make sure the camera comes with a battery, charger, and camera strap (most cameras come with these included) and you’d also want to probably get him a memory card (16GB or greater). Those are the basic things he would need to use the camera and get started!

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have any other questions!

December 9, 2021 at 6:35 pm

Thanks Jessica! this is super helpful and very kind of you to get back to me so quickly. That recommendation sounds good as I know he had a little Canon camera when he was a kid that he loved. This gives me a good jumping off point to start from and I will also check out the camera articles you link to try to educate myself a little more about the basics.

Much appreciated!!! ~Jan

December 10, 2021 at 5:06 am

You’re very welcome and just let us know if you have any other questions when camera shopping! Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season.

October 17, 2022 at 8:22 pm

Hi Jessica,

Your information is very helpful, especially concerning jackets for colder places.

Erma G. Post author

December 4, 2021 at 8:29 am

Fantastic travel gift guide! Just wanted to say thanks as it gave me lots of ideas as I do my holiday shopping this weekend 😉

December 4, 2021 at 8:35 am

Glad you found our gift guide for travelers useful for your holiday shopping! Thanks for taking the time to comment, we always love hearing that our content has been helpful 😉

Wishing you luck as you shop and a wonderful holiday season!

Connie D. Post author

November 7, 2019 at 2:33 pm

Very detailed list ! How about adding some travel translators like Travis or Pocketalk? They’d fit right well with the theme 🙂

November 8, 2019 at 3:45 am

Hi Connie, Glad you like our gift guide for travelers. Yes, a travel translator could also make a great gift for someone traveling internationally to a country where they don’t speak the language. Thanks for the suggestion!

Suzanne Walsh Post author

October 28, 2019 at 5:13 am

Such a wonderful and thoughtful gift guide for travel lovers! I have a couple of questions if you don’t mind as would like some advice.

1.) What would you think would make a nice travel related stocking stuffers for a family of 4 (parents in late 20’s, girls 5 and 7)? My husband and I are purchasing a trip for our older son and daughter in law and their two kids to go to Costa Rica this year – it will be their first time out of the country. Big gift for them all and then we wanted to just give them some stocking stuffers that would go with it so they have something else to open.

2.) On a sort of related note, I really like your articles about cameras and am thinking about getting a camera for my stepson. He’s 17 and interested in photography. He really likes nature and landscapes as well as taking photos of our dog, family, and documenting our family travels. Currently he has his phone as well as an old point and shoot camera (5+ years old now). Was thinking of maybe a mirrorless camera and budget is around U.S. $500. Any thoughts on a specific model?

Thank you very much indeed!

October 28, 2019 at 6:16 am

Hi Suzanne,

That sounds like some exciting holiday gifts for your family – I am sure they are going to be very excited and thankful for such a big gift! For stocking stuffer travel gifts, I would perhaps consider some things that are related to their upcoming trip. You can get them small things to help them get excited for their trip, things to help plan their time in Costa Rica, and/or things they will need for the trip.

Here are a several ideas:

-Passport holders for their new passports, you can get them personalized with their first names or initials, you can see some options here -Candles or soap that smell like Costa Rica to get them excited, like this soy candle -Guidebook to Costa Rica to help them plan what they want to do, there are a lot of options with most of the major travel guide companies having one on the country -The girls may like coloring books about Costa Rica they can do before the trip and on the flights -Costa Rica themed jewelery, such as a necklace or bracelet, see some options here -Christmas tree ornament related to Costa Rica, such as this one that can be personalized for the family -Toiletery bags, packing cubes, travel sized bottles, etc. are also great things to gift, especially for those new to international travel

In terms of a mirrorless camera for your stepson, I would probably recommend the Canon EOS M200 . This is a great entry level mirrorless camera with all the manual controls that you need to get to grips when learning photography and doing some experimenting, but at a reasonable price point. It is slightly over your budget, so you could get the older model EOS M200, but we think the price difference is worth the upgrade in this case.

Hope that helps and wishing you a happy holiday season!

October 30, 2019 at 3:19 am

Thanks so much Jessica, so many great thoughts. Love the idea of making them about Costa Rica and you’ve saved me from many hours of looking and searching for the perfect gifts!

Aksel Post author

September 3, 2019 at 2:52 pm

This is such a thoughtful and amazing guide, so many great gifts for travellers!

I am wondering if I can get your help as bewildered husband in Copehagen. My wife and I love to travel when we can and I want to get her something she could use on an upcoming trip. We don’t normally do gifting at birthdays but it is going to be her 45th birthday and wanted to get her a little something. Something tasteful and something that would be good for travelling but also would be useful in other situations. I have read your great guide and just can’t make choice, if you have any ideas that would be great. Budget is 150€ to 200€.

September 3, 2019 at 4:43 pm

I am happy to try to provide some suggestions, although it is of course difficult without knowing your wife’s tastes or travel style.

The thing that popped into my mind as I was reading your comment was a cashmere scarf or travel wrap. It is tasteful, useful, and could be used for traveling as well as at home in Denmark. I have a couple from Ovcio that are within your budget that I can highly recommend, you can see those here .

Other birthday gift thoughts:

-A nice piece of luggage, perhaps a carry-on bag that could also be used for other situations? Or a weekender bag? -A nice set of noise-canceling headphones -A monogrammed toiletry bag or travel jewelry case -An e-reader or tablet

Hope that helps you decide, and I am sure your wife will love whatever you get her!

Roslia Santamaria Post author

July 9, 2019 at 4:07 am

wow!! so many great things in this gift guide for travelers and amazing pictures – love it. Thanks for sharing this.

July 11, 2019 at 2:00 pm

Hi Roslia, Glad you are enjoying our travel gift guide – lots of great options for travelers!! Best, Jessica

Scott Post author

May 20, 2019 at 10:29 pm

Wow! Awesome post, really loved reading it. Thank you for sharing all these travel related gift ideas with us.

May 21, 2019 at 5:22 am

Hi Scott, Thanks, glad you enjoyed our post, hope you find the perfect gift for the traveler on your gift list (or for yourself)! Best, Jessica

MF Post author

May 8, 2019 at 5:47 am

Hey, Great content and amazing tips. The list of gifts for travellers contains a list of items that are utmost necessary. Will surely help when next travelling. Thank you for sharing and Keep up the good work.

May 8, 2019 at 8:46 am

Hi MF, Glad you enjoyed it, hoped it helped you choose the perfect gift for the traveler in your life or for yourself 😉 Best, Jessica

Valerie Post author

May 2, 2019 at 5:47 am

Fab travel gifting guide! I am looking for something for my granddaughter, a 17 y.o. (soon to be 18) who is graduating from high school next month and is very interested in traveling the world and joining Peace Corps in future. She is going on a trip with her family to Florida over the summer, but no other travels planned before she starts university. Would like to get her something travel themed but not necessarily something that has to be used for travel since not sure how much traveling she will get to do in near future. Just wanted to see if you had any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

May 2, 2019 at 6:32 am

Hi Valerie!

There are lots of possibilities and it depends on your budget and her taste obviously, but here are a few ideas:

-A piece of jewelry such as this compass necklace which makes a nice graduation gift for a travel lover. But you can see our guide to lots of travel themed jewelry for lots of options. -Something for her university dorm room such as this sheet set . Will need to know the size of her dorm bed. -A nice smartphone phone case with a travel theme such as these ones -A weekend bag she can use for shorter trips, going to the gym, trips home, and nights at friends. You can have it personalized with her initials such as this canvas bag .

Hope that helps! Jessica

May 2, 2019 at 7:02 am

Thanks so much for your thoughtful response, Jessica. These are some great ideas and I think I may go with a necklace and a dorm room sheet/comforter set – just need to check with my daughter about sheet sizes. Thankss so much, Valerie

Ruth Zelger Post author

April 29, 2019 at 8:52 am

This is an amazing list of gift ideas for travelers – the best I’ve ever seen! Very thoughtful list and you can tell you did some research into so many of this products and ideas. I am doing some gift shopping for some college graduation gifts for a few of my nieces/nephews and partners who are headed off on a European backpacking trip and this guide has been incredibly helpful so thank you for that!

One question: You mentioned that some people avoid reusable plastic water bottles – is there anything but BPA that I should be avoiding? Just wondering as planning to buy a few water bottles as part of the gifts.

April 29, 2019 at 9:19 am

So glad you are finding our travel gifts guide helpful! Sounds you have a number of gifts to buy this Spring.

So I am not an expert on the research on reusable plastic bottles, but obviously BPA (bisphenol-A) is one chemical that has been deemed as unsafe by a number of organizations and most plastics bottles are now made without BPA. However, a number of scientists are now concerned about BPA alternatives and similar chemicals used in reusable plastic bottles and containers as they may have the same health effects. The health consequences aren’t from a new bottle, but from a bottle used over time as the chemicals can leech through as the bottle wears and gets older or if it gets scratched etc. You can read more in this article .

How much BPA or other chemicals truly effect an individuals’ health or how often bottles leach into drinks/food is unclear, but if it is a concern, the best recommendations are for uncoated stainless steel bottles (be sure if it is coated, the coating does not contain BPA) or glass bottles.

Seana Turner Post author

April 25, 2019 at 6:24 am

Wow – this is one comprehensive list! I’ve actually given or received a number of these, including the travel adapter, the Bose earphones, the scratch off map, the pin map, the water bottle and the travel vest (which my husband loved when we went to Israel). I love that you started with the idea of watching children.. that is probably the hardest one to get, and is such a sacrificial and loving gift!

April 25, 2019 at 11:23 am

Hi Seana, Glad you like it and wow, sounds like you have already given and received some great gifts for travelers – we have many of those same products 😉 Yes, indeed, sometimes the most thoughtful gift you can give is your time! Best, Jessica

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42 Best Travel Gifts for the Friend Who’s Always Planning Their Next Trip

Hear that? It’s the sound of duffle bags zipping and wheels spinning through airport terminals. The holiday season is busy, but the best travel gifts make taking a trip all the more fun—maybe even a bit less stressful. Gifting the jetsetter things they actually need, or indulgences that’ll make them feel as if they’re flying first class (even if they’re situated next to the bathrooms), can be just as exciting as the prospect of a freshly stamped passport.

Because they’re a mix of practical and thoughtful, travel-centric gifts tend to be some of the best gifts to give all season. Many of our favorite ideas (think personalized luggage tags and leather-bound journals) hold prime spots on our best gifts for women list, while others make for great inspiration if you’re looking for gifts for husbands or gifts for boyfriends . Oh, and don’t forget about the pet parents in the crew. The holidays are the perfect excuse opportunity to spoil your furry best friends with a cute new carrier or custom travel case (more on that later).

From a selfie-taking kit to accessories that’ll make them feel like they’re on vacation before they even board the plane, the best travel gifts will make any globetrotter’s next trip one for the books.

Our top picks:

• Most Unique Travel Gift: Tushy Travel Bidet , $35
• Best Personalized Travel Gift: Mark & Graham Fillmore Passport Cover and Luggage Tag , $79
• Best Travel Gift for Couples: Tinggly Fun Together Experience Gift Card , $129
• Best Travel Gift for Parents: Parachute Classic Turkish Cotton Slippers , $39
• Best Luxury Travel Gift: Samsonite x Jean Michel Basquiat C-Lite Carry-On Spinner , $600

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader

Kindle Paperwhite

Busted headset? Flight delays? Days-long road trip? Make sure they have ample entertainment to stay occupied by surprising them with a Kindle —a foolproof gift for just about anyone who loves books and podcasts.

Rifle Paper Co. Memoir Notebook

Rifle Paper Co

Pictures might say a thousand words, but so can a journal entry. Travelers can soak up all the memories and jot down every detail in this adorable travel journal. Good news: Glamour readers can score 20% off sitewide at riflepaperco.com through December 31, 2022 with code GLAMOUR20.

Cuyana Jewelry Travel Case

Help them avoid tangled necklaces, bent earring posts, and lost baubles with a compact hard-shell jewelry organizer . They’ll never have to worry about digging through their purse for an earring back again, since this zippered case has individual storage pockets. Spend an extra $15 and get it monogrammed.

Hydro Flask Lightweight Wide-Mouth Vacuum Water Bottle (32 Oz.)

Hydro Flask Lightweight Wide-Mouth Vacuum Water Bottle (32 oz.)

Those who appreciate the great outdoors know that cheap, reusable bottles just won’t cut it on a hot day. A quality alternative? This Hydro Flask. It can keep drinks ice cold or piping hot for up to 24 hours, and this new tall design is lighter than older models, so it won’t weigh down their backpack as much.

Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener

Even if they’re not one to bring a ton of tools on a trip, who wouldn’t love to receive the Dyson Corrale ? The flatiron’s flexible plates are designed to move with hair instead of pulling it, reducing heat-induced damage (like flyaways and frizz). The real kicker, though, is that it’s wireless and has universal voltage, so they can pack it for any future international travels.

Twelve South AirFly Bluetooth Transmitter

Twelve South AirFly

Let them say “thanks, but no thanks” to the low-quality earbuds for in-flight entertainment thanks to this handy device. They can plug this adapter into the jack on their seat and transmit the audio to their own AirPods or noise-canceling headphones.

Quince Trouser Socks

The last thing anyone should be worried about while on vacation is cold feet. Treat them to a luxurious pair of cashmere socks that are a supersoft token of appreciation.

Nadaam Cashmere Solid Scarf

What’s better than cashmere socks? A cashmere scarf , natch. No matter the final destination, they can enjoy the trip there by wrapping themselves up in the softest fabric ever.

Mark & Graham Fillmore Luggage Tag and Passport Case

Mark & Graham Fillmore Luggage Tag and Passport Case

Mark & Graham

Kiss the days of wondering “Is that my suitcase?” goodbye thanks to this personalized luggage tag. It also comes with a matching passport holder to keep their documentation and boarding passes safe.

Parachute Classic Turkish Cotton Slippers

Hotel slippers are always a nice touch, but as frequent travelers know, most of them get flat (and pretty useless) fast. Your sojourner can bring these along on their next trip to keep their feet warm wherever they go. These also make a great gift for parents who are always on their feet—even on vacation.

Free People Hailee Sweater Set

Free People

Matching sweatsuits aren’t only for WFH days or running errands. Anyone who’s ever traveled in a coordinating set knows it has limitless outfit potential. The oversized top can be layered over a white tank on a chilly summer night (or airplane), while the bottoms can sub as comfier pants on days when denim feels too restrictive.

Casetify Pangram Custom Phone Case

These luggage-tag-inspired iPhone (and Samsung Galaxy) cases will make them want to book their next trip ASAP. Stuck on which one to get? Opt for the city they live in, their dream destination, or in true Casetify fashion, customize it with their initials so it looks as though they ripped off their luggage tag and stuck it inside a clear phone case.

Paravel Cabana Tote

This personalized tote fits everything they’ll need to get through TSA but also makes for a great day bag once they hit their destination. Plus, you can customize the straps and color palette to fit their style, making it a chic gift idea.

Wild One Commuter Pet Carrier

Furry plus-ones deserve gifts too, and it doesn’t get much chicer than this carrying bag from Wild One.

Dagne Dover Mara Phone Sling

Dagne Dover

Carrying their phone around in their hands or pockets isn’t always the safest bet, especially while traveling. Help them keep their valuables safe in this compact sling that won’t weigh them down after hours of sightseeing.

Diptyque the Art of Hand Care Travel Set

This luxe travel set takes hand care to a new level. Thanks to the gel sanitizer, soap, and hand cream that smell like heaven, their palms will stay fresh and clean wherever they go.

Save when you shop for the best travel gifts with these Nordstrom promo codes .

Mark & Graham Personalized Packing Cubes

Mark & Graham Personalized Packing Cubes

Know a messy packer? This set of packing cubes will keep them organized. There are options for packing smaller items like undies and socks, and larger ones for bulkier items like sweaters and pants. Plus, they can be personalized!

Béis Reversible Cotton Canvas Tote Diaper Bag

Make travel easier for new moms with this diaper bag and clutch set perfect for storing the essentials.

Lack of Color Sunnydip Fray Boater

Lack of Color

A wide-brim straw hat will instantly transport them to turquoise waters and piña coladas.

Yogasleep Travel Mini White Noise Machine

Long-haul flights and time zone changes can mess up sleep. Help them fight jet lag with a packable white noise machine that can be used to relax when they inevitably wake up at 2 p.m. thinking it’s actually still morning.

FugeTek Bluetooth-Enabled Selfie Stick & Tripod

FugeTek Bluetooth-Enabled Selfie Stick & Tripod

For the friend who shamelessly captures all their TikTok content on the street, a tripod with a Bluetooth-enabled remote is probably one of the most thoughtful gadgets you can get. This one extends to four feet, but it weighs barely more than a pound and collapses down nicely so they can toss it into a backpack without compromising on space. And they can sync the remote to their phone to shoot on self-timer—weird looks from strangers be damned.

Richer Poorer Bounce Knit Pullover

Richer Poorer

A relaxed pullover that’s perfect for plane rides, sightseeing, and chilling in bed surrounded by room service.

July Personalized Tech Kit Organizer

Anyone who travels with a lot of tech items knows how annoying wires can be. Travel accessories get tangled, become caught in other things, and create clutter if not stored properly. This water-resistant carrying case makes your portable chargers, power banks, headphones, etc., a lot more a packable—and it can be customized with an adorable little pet portrait.

Away The Cosmetics Bag

This toiletry bag can fit a ton of products, thanks to its depth. They can store and organize their entire travel skin care routine and makeup essentials.

Steamery Cirrus 2 Travel Steamer

It’s not guaranteed that their hotel or place of lodging will have a steamer of its own, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Nobody likes a wrinkly ’fit.

Cadence Capsules

They can store everything from vitamins and medication to shampoo and body wash in Cadence’s magnetic capsules.

Lululemon Carry Onwards Travel Yoga Mat

If their yoga practice never skips a beat, surprise them with this lightweight Lululemon yoga mat that takes up little room in a carry-on or duffle bag.

Patchology On the Fly Multi-Masking Travel Skin Care Kit

Patchology On the Fly Multi-Masking Travel Skincare Kit

We all have that one friend who shamelessly does an entire skin care routine up in the air. Support their mile-high beauty habit with this set of sheet masks, eye masks, and a lip mask.

Save when you shop for the best travel gifts with these Ulta promo codes .

Aesop Departure Travel Essentials Kit

Introducing the chicest hygiene kit you’ve ever seen. Aesop’s Departure set includes rinse-free hand wash, hand lotion, a hydrating face mask, face mist, mouthwash, and toothpaste that are all TSA-approved.

Tushy Travel Bidet

Speaking of hygiene, this teeny bidet is key for staying fresh and clean at all times.

Slip Frequent Flyer Set

A silk neck pillow, sleep mask, and face covering for extra safety. What more can a frequent flyer possibly need on a plane?

Barefoot Dreams Cozychic Lite Travel Wrap

Is it a blanket? Is it a scarf? It’s actually kind of both. They’ll be happy to pull this out (along with a travel pillow) if the plane gets chilly or it’s time to take a nap.

Airbnb Gift Card

Gift them the option to choose a unique stay for the next time they visit their favorite city. Hotels are great, but sometimes an Airbnb is just the vibe they’re looking for.

Jacobsen Salt Striped Slide Tin Multipack

Jacobsen Salt

Because even a restaurant enthusiast can never be too sure that food won’t be bland throughout their travels.

Tinggly Fun Together Experience Gift Card

Struggling to find the perfect gift for couples ? Treat the lovebirds or newlyweds in your circle to a fun activity on their next trip. They can choose from 1,000 experiences available in over 100 countries.

Parks Board Game

This national-park-themed game is a great gift for the adventurous type. They can envision themselves hiking along some of the most historic trails or even get inspired to plan their next outdoorsy excursion.

Samsonite x Jean Michel Basquiat C-Lite Carry-On Spinner

Samsonite x Jean Michel Basquiat C-Lite Carry-on Spinner

This best-selling Samsonite suitcase just got the Basquiat treatment. The globe-trotting friend who spends a chunk of their travels in museums will love pulling up to their designated gate with this lightweight roller.

Coordinates Collection Bracelet

Neiman Marcus

This timeless piece of jewelry will remind them of their favorite place each time they look down at their wrist.

Merit Mini Flush Blush Balm Trio

A little blush can go a long way, especially if there’s already a vacay tan involved. Gift them an instant beauty refresh with this trio that enhances the natural flush in their cheeks. Getting ready has never been easier.

Save when you shop for the best travel gifts with these Sephora promo codes .

Hourglass Vegan Face & Eye Travel Brush Set

Hourglass Vegan Face & Eye Travel Brush Set

If they’re committed to a full glam even when on the road, these mini makeup brushes will do the trick.

Ouai BYOB Travel Hair Care Seet

Ouai BYOB Travel Size and Travel Bag

They’ll be able to keep their hair routine on lock with this custom bundle that includes three travel-friendly staples and comes packed in an adorable, ready-to-gift fuzzy tote.

Evolve Together Mosquito Repellent Patches

Evolvetogether

They’ll happy to ditch their sticky insect repellant for these lightweight, DEET-free essential oil patches.

71 Best Travel Gifts for Every Budget and Type of Traveler

* This article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you.

A comprehensive guide to the best gifts for travelers, written by a world traveler.

Every year, my mom asks me, “what do you want for your birthday?” She asks, knowing that I’m a frequent traveler and live most of my life out of a backpack or suitcase, hopping from plane to train, traveling from country to country.

Travelers tend to value experiences more than material items (e.g. ziplining in Costa Rica or eating gelato in Italy).

However, most of us can’t afford to buy our best friend a full vacation, which is why I put together this list of the best gifts that travelers will actually use. 

Finding the perfect gift for the traveler in your life is about balancing usability with meaning. It’s ideal to give something that won’t weigh a traveler down or be forgotten about in a closet at home. 

Gifts for travelers should be fun and special but also practical for a more nomadic lifestyle. 

My rule of thumb when buying gifts for travelers is to find something that makes them feel free. Encouraging freedom means giving gifts that are lightweight, increase efficiency, or give that little push to help someone live their travel dreams.

Travel gifts also need to be durable, dependable, and make it through airport security.

This gift list will help you find the best travel gifts for friends, family, colleagues, or partners who love traveling.

Table of Contents

Best Stocking Stuffer Travel Gifts

Wild socks by crazy dog t-shirts.

My favorite gift for travelers who have a sense of humor is fun socks. These aren’t your grandma’s socks, though. 

Crazy Dog socks come in vibrant colors and with silly prints ranging from bananas to awesome opossums. 

My adult friends always laugh when they receive socks with funny sayings like “Swearing helps” or “Give no f*cks.”

Travel Cutlery Set

Last year, my best friend got me a backpacking spork, and I have gotten so much use out of this perfect stocking stuffer. 

It’s something that I can appreciate while eating lunch at work or while eating a parfait at the airport.

Carrying a set of reusable cutlery in carry-on bags also helps travelers cut back on single-use plastics.

You can even personalize this Etsy set with your friend’s name.

Self-Care Face Mask

If you’re looking for gifts travelers will love, remember the importance of pampering. 

My favorite thing to do after returning home from a long trip is to relax in an Epsom salt bath with a face mask and candles. 

The benefit of face masks over mud masks is that they hardly add any weight to a bag and can pass through airport security if your traveling loved one wants to relax in a hotel room.

Soap Leaves

More times than not, the restroom at a park or trailhead doesn’t have a handwashing station—or they do, but it’s missing soap. 

Whether your loved one is road tripping across their home state or flying across the world, carrying soap leaves in a travel bag or purse gives them the basic luxury of washing their hands whenever and wherever. 

This is especially relevant for reducing the spread of diseases while traveling. Plus, these make a great stocking stuffer!

CHECK PRICE ON:

Laundry Detergent Leaves

While we’re on the subject of soap, let’s talk about laundry. 

For the love of good-smelling clothes, it doesn’t hurt to get your traveling friend a pack of pocket-sized dry laundry detergent leaves. 

Sea to Summit detergent is biodegradable and phosphate free. They won’t push the weight limit for backpackers, and they’re less messy than traditional detergents.

Massage Ball

Drop one of these golfball-sized fellas into someone’s stocking, and you won’t have to rub their feet after a long day at Disneyland . 

This ball is made of solid rubber. It’s gentle on tender spots and strong enough to work deep knots.

Best Travel Gift Ideas Under $50

Sleep mask & ear plugs.

Sleep is always crucial, no matter if your loved one travels for fun or goes away for business travel.

Give frequent travelers the gift of improved sleep. Over the years, I’ve used complimentary in-flight eye masks, but they lay flat on my eyelashes and often let light in from the corners. 

The Alaska Bear eye mask is soft and contoured for eye comfort without light leaks. It comes with a carrying pouch and earplugs.

Waterproof Phone Pouch

If the traveler in your life is taking off on a beach vacation or plays water sports, give them a waterproof pouch for their phone. 

This pouch not only protects from accidents, but it can take underwater pictures too. The Pelican phone pouch also floats, setting it apart from cheaper comparisons.

Travel Charm Keyring

Personalized keyrings are fun travel gifts, especially if you’re looking to get something inexpensive for a big group of travel friends.

Travel Size Watercolor Palette

The Winsor and Newton Cotman pocket watercolor palette changed the way I paint. 

Usually, I leave my art supplies at home because they’re too bulky, but with this mini palette, I can drop it into my carry-on luggage and paint anywhere.

The palette is about the size of a large cell phone, and the travel paintbrush has an internal water compartment. It all folds down into a convenient carrying case. 

This is the convenience gift of the century for traveling artists.

Microfiber Travel Towel

At first, I was skeptical about trying a microfiber travel towel because I don’t like the clingy feeling of microfiber cleaning cloths. But these travel towels are not clingy! 

I’ve had no issues with sand, dirt, pine needles, and general crud sticking to my towel.

Gift your beach babe, Parisian hostel hopping, or gym rat loved one a lightweight, quick-drying towel.

Bar Shampoo and Conditioner

Alright, it’s time to get down to business: who here has been stopped at TSA for packing too many liquids in your luggage? 

Pouring shampoo and conditioner into tiny travel bottles that always leak is a thing of the past. /liv/ Nature shampoo and conditioner bars actually work and come in TSA-friendly tins. 

Not only does this gift make packing easier, but it’s also more environmentally friendly than those tiny single-use plastic shampoo bottles in hotels.

Travel Journal

Self-discovery and storytelling are quintessential aspects of traveling. The best gifts for travelers keep this in mind.

Every traveler needs a trusted journal where they can jot down thoughts, brainstorm future travels, and vent about the monkey who stole their phone.

I received my first Zequenz Classic 360 notebook as a present, and after it was full, I purchased a new one. 

As a traveling writer and artist, I love this journal because it can be rolled up to fit in a purse or lay open without the pages turning on their own. 

While I prefer blank paper, this journal style also comes with grid paper or ruled paper.

Cell Phone Camera Clip-On Lens

I first learned about lenses for phone cameras from a photography professor whose son switched to phone photography. 

There are three clip-on lenses for 15x macro, 180° fisheye, and 0.6x wide angle. For context, my Google Pixel 6 has a 20x macro and 0.7 wide angle function built into the camera, but it doesn’t have a fisheye setting.

This kit is best suited for someone who wants to upgrade their phone camera without dropping a thousand dollars on the newest phone.

Best Travel Gifts Ideas under $100

Polaroid camera.

Polaroid cameras are no longer a thing of the past! 

Travel lovers of all ages can print pictures on the go with the Fujifilm Instax Mini. I have a friend who documents her travels with one special polaroid picture per day.

Camera Strap

Interested in travel gifts for a photographer? Add a pop of color and personality to a loved one’s camera with a vintage camera strap.

Camera Cleaning Kit

Camera cleaning kits are another piece of camera gear that your photographer friend will use time and time again.

Travel Hotel Sheet or Sleeping Bag Liner

Travel hotel sheets and sleeping bag liners are essentially thin sleeping bags made out of bed sheets.

If you know someone who sleeps in hotels often, a travel sheet offers extra protection from whatever lingering germs in their hotel room would light up under ultraviolet light. Yuck.

For your loved ones who prefer camping, hotel sheets or liners protect the inside of their sleeping bag from dirty feet and stinky armpits after a long day of hiking.

BeFree Water Filter Bottle

BeFree filter bottle carries one liter of water, the same as a trusty old Nalgene water bottle. 

It’s BPA-free, collapsible, easy to pack, and can help your friend avoid water-borne illnesses while traveling.

Exercise Resistance Bands

Resistance bands are a lightweight gym on the go. Most travelers I’ve met have trouble maintaining an exercise regimen while traveling long-term. 

A set of non-slip resistance bands and a foldable yoga mat will keep the traveler in your life fit and toned on their next big trip.

Best Travel Gift Ideas for Her

Hidden pocket infinity scarf.

Seriously, why are scarf pockets not more common? The patterns on these infinity scarves are so much fun, and now I don’t have to hide things in my bra.

Pacsafe RFID Cross Body Bag or Travel Purse

Before learning about PacSafe, I used a system of safety pins to “secure” the zipper on my purse while traveling. This year I learned about the anti-theft security zippers on PacSafe bags, and I’m hooked.

I like this Pacsafe purse in particular because it expands to just the right size for carrying a journal or a book.

Looking for more anti-theft bags? Read our guide to the best travel purses .

Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket

If the outdoorsy traveler in your life is always cold, consider buying her a Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket. 

This puffer has 60g of PrimaLoft recycled insulation and a recycled polyester shell. 

She can cram it into an already bulging backpack, fold it into the compression pouch, and use it as a travel pillow on the plane.

SHOP WOMEN’S:

SHOP MEN’S:

Travel Pants

Whether the traveler in your life is hanging out on the beach or dressing up for a night out, these pants will be at the top of her packing list .

The Brooklyn Ankle cut fit the classic style of many European countries with the comfort of leggings and light material for summer travels.

These are my favorite travel pants because they are easy to pair with any shirt and can be dressed or down. Versatility is key when it comes to travel.

VIVAIA Shoes

VIVAIA shoes are made of recycled plastic water bottles and hold up to daily wear at the beach or walking through cobblestone streets. 

If you know your friend’s shoe size, this can be a great gift for the traveler who still likes to look nice while traveling.

Read our detailed review of VIVAIA shoes and compare them with Tieks , Rothy’s , Birdies , and Allbirds .

Best Travel Gift Ideas for Him

Cocktail mix kit.

Alright, this is one of the best travel gifts for dads, hubbies, and swanky people who like to mix their own drinks. 

Each box contains the dry ingredients and mixing tools for making cocktails, meaning they can pass through airport security. 

Make sure the gift recipient knows that they will have to procure the alcohol and tonic from a flight attendant or bring it to the campsite. 

The Cocktail Box Co has several different recipe boxes, so you can give several to the same person or buy them as individual gifts for different friends.

This mini razor and leather pouch is a classy gift for family members who love to travel.

Hanging Toiletry Bag

If the man in your life doesn’t have a leather toiletry bag, gift him the KomalC hanging travel kit.

This buffalo leather shave kit has a surprising amount of storage space. It can be hung next to the bathroom sink to avoid pooling water and dirty countertops. 

By unfolding it, your giftee can see everything and is less likely to lose small items at the bottom of the bag.

Travel Security Money Belt

Money belts are an excellent alternative to fanny packs and purses. The Jasgood money belt has an anti-theft pocket for hiding cash from pickpockets at densely packed tourist destinations.

Another practical present for the outdoorsy traveler in your life is a waterproof headlamp. 

Hands-free headlamps are more versatile than flashlights and won’t drain phone battery, which is important on long trips. 

While traveling in Costa Rica, I used my headlamp for a nighttime hot springs tour. It was perfect until I dropped it in the water, which is why I now recommend going for the Ghost Bird Seiker waterproof headlamp.

As a bonus, one percent of Ghost Bird profits goes to the World Owl Trust .

Looking for more outdoorsy gifts? Read our guides to the best gifts for outdoorsy women , the best gifts for hikers , and the best gifts for campers .

Best Travel Gift Ideas for Couples

Airbnb gift cards.

Send your favorite couple on vacation by paying for their accommodation away from home. Airbnbs are all over the world and range from luxurious to rustic. 

Maybe the travel duo already has their accommodation covered—no problem! Airbnb users can book experiences like cooking classes and kayaking tours as well.

Travel Challenges Card Game

Are your friends adventure travelers? Pick up a deck of Couples Edition adventure traveler cards. 

Each card has instructions for travel challenges tailored toward meeting locals, exploring the city, and creating unique memories.

Ticket Stub Organizer

I don’t know about your friends, but mine have old concert ticket stubs, movie tickets, and boarding passes coming out of their ears. 

Just the Ticket is like a hybrid scrapbook—trading card organizer. Each ticket has its own slot and a few lines to write memories. 

If you want to make an extra special gift for your partner, surprise them with tickets for an upcoming travel experience or show.

Travel Snacks

One of my favorite gifts from a sorority sister in college was an assortment of dried mandarin and mango slices and an artisan hot chocolate mix. 

The dried fruit went straight into my travel backpack for my next trip through airport security. 

Other easy-to-pack travel treats include nuts and candies. Bonus points if you find your friend a snack with sentimental value.

Best Gifts for Someone Traveling Abroad

Universal outlet adaptor.

When a friend goes abroad for the first time, I casually ask if they have an outlet adaptor. 

This is one of those lightweight gifts to take abroad that won’t add unnecessary clutter to their suitcase. Outlet adaptors are easy to forget about but essential.

Passport Holder

The second question that I ask when a friend travels abroad for the first time is, “do you have a passport holder?”

My sister bought me a passport holder before my first study abroad trip to India. It was a meaningful gift that I still take with me around the world.

Plus, the RFID-safe material blocks potential thieves from scanning the cards inside.

Eurail Global Pass

If you know someone planning a trip to Europe, consider gifting them a Eurail Global Pass. 

Eurail passes are essentially an open-ended train ticket. The pass-holder can hop on and off of trains across Europe over a predetermined period of time. 

Eurail isn’t the cheapest option for booking train tickets, but it’s the easiest.

A traveler with a Eurail pass can book a last-minute seat or miss their train and catch the next one. It’s essentially a priority pass to the European rail system.

This is what I would buy my graduating senior who is backpacking across Europe.

Scratch Off Map

Every traveler needs this scratch-off map to showcase where they’ve been and discover where they’ll go next. 

If you’re looking for slightly less practical travel-themed gifts, maps are easy-to-hang dorm decor and interesting backgrounds for Zoom meetings. 

Also, scratch-off maps don’t require push pins, making them safer for small kids and less destructive to walls if the giftee lives in an apartment.

Read our guide to the best US national park scratch-off maps .

PacSafe Camera Bag: Anti-Theft Daypack

For someone able to fork out the money for high-quality photography travel gear, check out the PacSafe CamSafe X25 pack. This backpack is worth every penny.

My favorite part is the anti-theft zippers that latch together and can be locked for extra security while walking in crowded touristy areas. 

The front of the bag and the straps are constructed with slash-resistant material. Inside is an RFID-safe pocket to protect from unwanted credit card scanning, and the bottom half of the bag opens separately for equipment-only access. 

It also has a water bottle pocket, extra padding, hip and sternum straps, and a rain cover.

For more backpack recommendations, read my article on the best EDC backpacks .

Thin Fanny Pack

Venture’s slim pouch is large enough to carry a phone, money, keys, and passport but thin enough to conceal it under a t-shirt, button-down, or skirt before letting loose at the dance club.

Fashion tip: this year, many of my European friends are wearing their fanny packs as a crossbody bag (from shoulder to hip instead of around their waist) during the day.

Is your friend more outdoorsy? Read our guide to the best hiking fanny packs .

Best Gifts for Someone Who Travels a lot for Work

Packing cubes.

Packing cubes are a hot item among travelers right now because they help keep things organized and reduce wrinkles. 

I use packing cubes to compress my clothes while backpacking and replace the need for a laundry bag.

My friend backpacked in Malaysia last month and got caught in a rainstorm that soaked through her outer bag, which is why I recommend the waterproof Veken set. 

I don’t know why it took so long for packing cubes to become a mainstream item, but your traveling friends and family will thank you for this time-saving gift.

We tested the best packing cubes on the market and assembled a guide to choosing your best fit. Read about our eight favorite packing cube brands .

Laptop Sleeve

A simple leather laptop sleeve makes an elegant graduation gift for your favorite traveler. 

With this Allinside laptop sleeve, you’ll help them feel and look professional at business meetings around the world.

Lumbar Support Cushion

If your parents complain of lower back pain while traveling, save their asses—or rather, their backs—with a lumbar support cushion.

Folding Yoga Mat

One of the trickiest things about frequent travel is maintaining an exercise and mindfulness routine. 

Traditional yoga mats are difficult to travel with, and no one wants to touch hotel floors. 

The Gaiam folding yoga mat doesn’t have much cushion, but it does have the grip necessary for downward dog. Plus, it folds up to the size of a small laptop for frequent travelers.

Mini Travel Steamer

A mini steamer is one of those gifts for travelers who need to pack light but still want to look their best in business meetings. Steamers remove wrinkles and even some stains.

Travel Backpacking Pack

Speak to your budget backpacker friend’s heart with a new backpack.

For a beginner traveler, I recommend the Coofay XL backpack .

The Coofay has all of the essentials, like compression straps, zipper pockets, and even a shoe compartment. It doesn’t have a hip belt, but it does have a sternum strap.

If your loved one is ready for an upgrade, I suggest investing in the Osprey Fairview or Farpoint packs (women’s and men’s versions).

These Osprey backpacks are pricier, but they’ll last for years and years to come.

The 40L versions of the Fairview and Farpoint have external stuff pockets, a 16-inch laptop pocket, and hip belt pockets.

Hip belts are super important once someone’s getting serious about traveling because they take a lot of weight off of the shoulders on longer trips.

These Osprey bags are also water-resistant, and the backpack straps stow away.

Looking for more backpack options for an outdoorsy traveler? Read our guide to the best travel backpacks and hiking backpacks for women .

SHOP FAIRVIEW WOMEN’S:

SHOP FARPOINT MEN’S:

Best Travel Accessory Gifts

Travel blanket.

You know that friend whose couch is hidden under a pile of blankets? 

The Pavilia travel blanket is my favorite travel gift idea. It’s fuzzy like the blankets back home but compresses into a pillow the size of a standard airplane tray table.

Travel Neck Pillow

What I love most about this travel neck pillow is its adjustable shape. 

This is the perfect travel gift for anyone who wants to avoid falling asleep on their seatmate’s shoulder—I am, of course, not speaking from experience *cough, cough*.

Compression Socks

Searching for the best gift ideas for parents and grandparents? Compression socks promote blood flow from the feet upward to reduce swelling after long flights.

Suitcase and Shoe Deodorizers

You know that friend with the stinky feet? Kindly Amazon this gift to their doorstep.

But seriously, Marsheepy deodorizer bags use charcoal and bamboo to absorb and eliminate odors. They work in shoes, backpacks, suitcases, even cars, and around the house. 

Simply recharge the deodorizers in the sun once a month, and they will last for about two years. 

The best part is that once your friend is done with them, the contents are compostable.

First Aid Kit

I am definitely that mom friend who gives first aid kits as holiday gifts. This ultralight medical kit weighs only 0.5 oz, making it an easy safety accessory to toss into any suitcase or backpack. 

If you like going the extra mile, I always add Benadryl and menstruation pads (highly absorbent for serious wounds and surprise periods) before wrapping this gift. 

Best Travel Gadgets & Tech Gifts

Noise canceling headphones.

Using advanced noise canceling technology, Bose makes it possible for your favorite world travelers to sleep on the plane despite crying babies.

Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Good sound quality is worth investing in. The JBL Flip 4 isn’t cheap, but it will survive accidental lake dives—oops—and it has a battery life of 12 hours. 

Tech Accessories Organization Bag

Having a dedicated bag for organizing tech accessories makes all the difference when traveling with videography and photography equipment. 

Portable Charger

Portable chargers are travel essentials. If your favorite traveler doesn’t have a portable charger, give them one this holiday season. 

I like the INIU power bank because it’s small enough to carry in a purse, and it can charge multiple phones before needing to be recharged. 

INIU has two USB ports and one USB C port, compatible with new smartphones. 

Laptop Stand

The MOFT Invisible Laptop stand is a cool travel gift for digital nomads and business travelers. 

Raising the laptop closer to eye level prevents remote workers from staring down all day, thus reducing neck pain. 

Unlike bulky laptop stands that are intended for home offices, MOFT’s invisible stand adheres to the bottom of any size laptop, weighs 3oz, and folds down to 1/9” in width. 

I prefer this laptop stand as a travel gift because it takes up minimal space in a carry-on bag and can be set up on a tray table for watching movies. 

Luggage Scale

Have you ever been charged a hefty fee for an overweight bag? Trust me, it stings. But it’s not like you can stuff a whole bathroom scale in your suitcase when you’re traveling abroad. 

This convenient luggage scale is pocket-sized and super lightweight, so travelers can take it anywhere and always know when their bag is too heavy–before getting gouged at the check-in counter. 

Best Luxury Travel Gifts

Swiss gear carry-on suitcase.

I recommend Swiss Gear for luxury suitcases. My favorite is the soft 21” expandable carry-on roller because it meets the dimension requirements for most major international airlines. 

Looking for more luggage options? Read our guides to the best wheeled backpacks the best hardside luggage sets , Beis Luggage, and Pakt One Luggage .

Airport Lounge Access

Offer to upgrade a loved one’s plane ticket or share your airline points for access to airport lounges. 

I am obsessed with this luxury experience, and it would be the ultimate surprise for a budget backpacker.

To arrange access to airport lounges, you’ll have to know which airlines the giftee plans to fly through. 

Upgrading tickets for lounge access can be expensive, so be prepared to pay big money for this luxury present.

Yeti Travel Mug

Looking for a great gift for traveling coffee addicts? Encourage sustainability and style with a double-wall insulated Yeti travel mug. 

Yeti fits in cupholders, and double wall insulation keeps drinks cold or hot.

Foot Hammock

Another way to boost frequent flyer comfort for your short friends is with a foot hammock that attaches to the seat back. The sleepy ride hammock is 7 oz and buckles to the seatback. 

Best Unique Travel Gifts

Necklace with photo projection.

Custom photo projection necklaces are an excellent gift for moms (including dog moms) who miss their families while racking up frequent flyer points. 

Unlike lockets, these necklaces are discrete, and no one will know that she has a secret picture unless she shows them. 

Monogrammed Duffel Bag

Personalized or monogrammed items are a fun gift to remind travelers that their friends and family back home are thinking of them.

It also helps distinguish their bag on the luggage carousel. 

Looking for more duffel bag options? Read our guide to the best waterproof duffel bags . 

Personalized Leather Luggage Tag

Leather luggage tags are an inexpensive but unique gift for frequent travelers. Leather looks better and is more reliable than those pesky paper tags that crinkle, fade, and fall off. 

With this personalized luggage tag, your traveling loved one will be able to spot their stuff at baggage claim instantly. 

International Snack Subscription Box

Universal Yums sends tasty international treats in a monthly subscription box. 

Grandkids can taste snacks from around the world, and college students can have international travel-themed movie nights.

In a pandemic-stricken world, it can be difficult to find gifts for people who like to travel but are still stuck at home. Now they can get their international travel “fix” delivered right to their door. 

ID and Medical Bracelet

On the topic of safety, I wear a medical bracelet while traveling or hiking in the backcountry. ID bracelets are personal items, best for gifting to family members. 

Medical bracelets usually don’t make the “Best Travel Accessories” list. However, they can save lives by providing first responders with the wearer’s name, date of birth, emergency contact information, current medications, and blood type.

For someone traveling outside of their home country, be sure to include the correct international country code in front of their emergency contact’s phone number.

Best Travel Books to Give as Gifts

Kindle (e-reader).

Kindles are one of the best travel gift ideas for saving bookworms from the heartache of choosing which book to pack. With 16GB of storage, they can now pack their whole library.

Make this the absolute best gift by pre-downloading one of the following titles.

The Best American Travel Writing Series

Inspire future trips with an anthology of the best international travel essays by American authors. 

This is the perfect gift for long-haul flights, bedtime dreaming, and displaying as a coffee table book. 

I’m currently learning about Siberian history and culture through an intriguing essay in the 2010 edition. 

The Island of Sea Women: A Novel

The Island of Sea Women is an epic feminine multigenerational tale about two best friends growing up in the 20th century on Jeju. 

Jeju is a Korean island where women traditionally support their families by free diving to unfathomable depths. 

As the girls become women, their friendship is strained by Japanese colonialism, wars, familial disputes, and shifting traditions. 

What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding

Kristin Newman’s travel memoir is the best gift for Eat, Pray, Love groupies. 

Like Gilbert, Newman is a comedic, reflective, kickass solo traveling woman who will make your friend want to board a plane tomorrow.

The Lonely Planet Travel Guides

Lonely Planet travel guides make perfect gifts for someone who likes to study up on travel destinations ahead of time. They make an excellent coffee table book for travelers while they’re (briefly) at home.

You can choose from hundreds of travel guides that provide information on lodging, transportation, culture, and cuisine based on location and type of travel.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jodelle Marx

From homemade to luxury, Jodelle’s always scheming about the next best gifts. She even started printing her own stationery to easily brighten a friend’s day with small doses of art. Jodelle’s a sucker for surprises and loves assembling intricate care packages. She starts planning Christmas gifts months in advance so that when the holidays roll around, she’s an expert at gift-giving.

Looking for more gift ideas for your loved ones? Check out our related articles below!

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Hi, I'm Mimi! I'm an outdoorsy Californian who has spent over 28 years immersed in the incredible natural beauty that California has to offer. My goal is to inspire others to get out and find their next adventure in California. Whether it’s escaping to an alpine lake in the Sierras, finding peace among the giant redwoods, or road tripping down the PCH, there’s always more to explore in this beautiful state.

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20 Best Travel Gift Ideas, According to Flight Attendants

For more of the Cut’s favorite fashion, beauty, and home finds,  sign up for the weekly  Cut Shop Newsletter .

When I was little, my parents would always give my sister and me what I considered the best travel gifts: toys (remember Pixel Chix and Polly Pocket? Exactly — the best ). As I’ve gotten older, though, I appreciate more age-appropriate and practical travel gifts, like new suitcases , hearty hand cream , and bluetooth eye masks. (Yes, that’s a thing. Keep reading.)

If you’re a frequent flyer (or know somebody who never shuts up about their mileage points) who has begun their search for the best holiday gifts , we spoke with flight attendants to put together the 20 best travel accessories that will make traveling (and gifting) easier.

Ahead of peak holiday-shopping season (a.k.a. the weekend of Black Friday and Cyber Monday ), consider giving travel gifts that your friend or family member who’s all about mileage points will love — and put to good use. We spoke to experts like flight attendants and travel executives for the best travel gifts to check out this season.

For an On-the-Go Blowout

When it comes to a hair tool worth bringing along on any trip, the Revlon one-step (which you might have seen on TikTok ) is the perfect option to deliver blowouts in an airport bathroom. With three heat settings and a cool option, NYC-based flight attendant Kat Iwinski says it’s good for any hair type, anywhere in the world.

For the Light Sleeper

While Iwinski wears this eye mask in the crew rest bunks, it can be used nearly anywhere. The mask has built-in headphones that can pair with any phone or tablet and offers a ten-hour play time. And it’s cooling and breathable.

To Keep Everything In One Place

Instead of keeping cards on the outside of your phone (which can lead to some mishap), consider this sleek leather case that allows you to discreetly store three cards and cash. Perfect for those of us who always have our phone in hand.

For the Person Who’s Always on Their Devices

Instead of searching the whole terminal for a free power outlet, carry this power bank that features 2 USB and 2 USB-C charging ports that can provide multiple full charges for a phone and a whole charge for a laptop. Impressive! Johnson also highly approves of this item. “Its slim design allows for easy storage in a tote or handbag and 4-in-1 charging means all of your devices can get ‘juiced up’ simultaneously,” says Johnson, who loves this product.

For the Special Occasion

“I swear by this lipstick,” says Iwinski. “I’ve started masking on planes and in crowded terminals again, but even when I’m wearing a mask this doesn’t budge.”

The Perfect Carry-on

“ Lighter is always better for packing. Having your garments, toiletries, and electronics in one place makes a weekend jaunt or short business trip that much easier,” says Jonathan Johnson, the current director of in-flight experience at  Aero and, previously, a flight attendant for 11 years. Johnson’s favorite weekender bag ? The large Everywhere Bag from Away. “With an interior organization system and water bottle pocket, you’ll be prepared for every part of your journey,” he says.

For Puffy Eyes

Whether you’re ready for a multistep skin-care routine on a plane or just want a little pick-me-up, these eye masks from Loops make a great travel companion. The five-pack tackles under-eye puffiness and imparts brightness, and since you only need to keep them on for ten minutes, they are the easiest way to add a little pampering on the go. Plus, they’re one of Camila Mendes’s favorite products to take with her while traveling.

To Keep You From Losing Your Passport

“Depending on what type of traveler you are, you may find yourself in frenzied panic looking for that passport you strategically placed in the pocket of your briefcase purse or tote. It seems like no matter how many times we check to make sure they’re there, passports, credit cards and driver’s licenses grow legs just before we need them,” says Johnson. “The Normest AirTag Travel wallet not only wraps all of your most important travel documents and bank cards in premium leather, but it protects them with RFID blocking and a nifty storage area to nest an Apple AirTag. The location of your documents are now just a click away on your iOS device.”

For the Person Who Would Rather Read

Nothing says “well-seasoned traveler” like a Kindle. When you’re constantly living out of a carry-on, this Paperwhite Kindle is the best companion. Iwinski loves how easy it is to carry. Plus, with only 8 GB, you can store thousands of titles and don’t have to worry about recharging for weeks.

To Save Your Dry Cuticles

Cuticle care may be the last thing you want to think about when you’re traveling, but you’ll want to use this cuticle serum pen from Olive and June every five seconds. Plus it doubles as a great stocking stuffer !

For the Softest Hands

“I make my own amenity kit, like the kind we pass out in first class, and I use this hand cream every time I travel,” Iwinski shares. It’s rich and moisturizing without ever being greasy, and it smells like honey.

To Keep Your Skin Moisturized

If your skin has been personally victimized by the air conditioning in a flight, Johnson recommends this moisturizer from Dr. Barbara Sturm. “All sizes are TSA compliant so this face cream is a must for carry-on.”

For the New Mom

For a new mom who’s on the go (literally), this breastmilk chiller storage is the way to continue breastfeeding while traveling. Iwinski recently weaned her 18-month-old but said this was her favorite travel accessory while pumping. “I bought two, and they kept my milk ice-cold for about 36 hours without having to lug a separate cooler around the globe,” she says. Plus she still uses it as (and we quote) a “kick-ass water bottle.”

If You Like to Travel in Style

Some travel plans require stepping off the plane and heading right to an event or nice dinner. In that case, make sure to take a cute bag like this one as your personal item.

For the Movie Buff

Barnabas Carrega, founder and CEO of the GR8 Experience , is a master of curating luxe and seamless travel experiences. When it comes to technology, a Bluetooth transmitter is essential. “As more people travel with Bluetooth headphones, we tend to forget that most airplane entertainment systems still require plug-in headphones,” says Carrega. Airfly is the solution to this. It is a portable adapter that plugs into headphone jacks and connects to your wireless headphones. Now you can use your personal earbuds without relying on low-quality airline headphones.

Because Comfort Is Key

For the luxury traveler in your life, look no further than this cashmere set that elevates any airplane experience. “Instead of using the uncomfortable blankets and pillows that airlines give out, I recommend investing in a high-quality cashmere travel set. Ralph Lauren makes a fantastic gift set that includes a 100 percent cashmere pillow, blanket, and eye mask,” says Carrega.

For Your Work-From-Anywhere Friend

Everyone has that friend who’s taken full advantage of the remote-work lifestyle (hi, it’s me!). The only downfall? Guaranteeing that you have solid Wi-Fi anywhere in the world. Gifting a membership to Outsite ensures they’ll actually make that Zoom meeting.

For the Weekend Traveler

Sometimes a smartly designed backpack does the trick for short-term travel. Leave the carry-on at home and gift this option instead for that person in your life who likes to travel lightly.

If You’d Rather Not Use Hotel Hair Products

I’ve recently started bringing my own hair-care set instead of hoping that hotels will have quality products, and I can confirm that it’s been a game changer for my beauty routine.

If Planes Make Your Ears Hurt

These earplugs are reusable and sleek, and they come in different sizes for optimal fit. They’re a must-have travel companion if you’re a light sleeper or sensitive to noise.

More Holiday Gifting

• Mother’s Day Bouquets (That You Can Order Online) for Every Type of Mom
• 44 Valentine’s Day Gifts for Literally Any Man in Your Life
• 15 Gift Cards That Make Great Last-Minute Gifts
• holiday gifts
• gift guides

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Is it safe to travel to the Caribbean right now? Latest advice amid Hurricane Beryl flight cancellations

The category four storm has now swept through Jamaica – here is everything you need to know if you have a trip booked

With its tropical temperatures, palm tree-lined beaches and unbelievably blue waters, the  Caribbean  is a paradise for travellers. However, the region is currently experiencing an extraordinarily intense hurricane season, with conditions made more extreme by the climate emergency.

Hurricane Beryl made landfall on Monday July 1 on Carriacou, an island part of Grenada, and has caused significant destruction and led to the deaths of at least seven people so far. Colin McCarthy, an extreme weather scientist, posted on X (fka Twitter): ‘Hurricane Beryl has just become the first June category four Atlantic hurricane in history. We have never seen such a strong hurricane this early in the season.’

A category four storm means that ‘catastrophic’ levels of damage are predicted, including severe damage to buildings and trees alongside power outages which could last for weeks. 

So, if you have a trip booked to the Caribbean, here is everything you need to know about how the hurricane might affect your trip. 

Where is Hurricane Beryl right now? 

As of 7am on Thursday July 4, the hurricane is moving towards the Cayman Islands after causing significant damage in Jamaica , Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, destroying buildings and cutting off power and water supplies. The death toll of the storm is now at seven people.

Where is Hurricane Beryl’s path heading? 

Hurricane Beryl is hurtling towards the Cayman Islands and should make landfall there this evening. While the storm will weaken to a category three, conditions are expected to be treacherous, with potentially ‘life-threatening’ winds and heavy rainfall and flash flooding predicted by weather experts. 

The storm is expected to swindle to category one by the time it reaches the coast of southeast Mexico by the end of this week.  You can look at a live tracker of the storm on Zoom Earth   here . 

Is it safe to travel to the Caribbean? 

The storm has proved highly destructive so far, with winds of up to 155 mph recorded on Grenada. On Tuesday, Jamaica was declared a ‘disaster zone’ and will remain so for until July 10.

Multiple airports in the region have closed, including all three of Jamaica’s major airports. It’s best to contact your travel provider if you have a trip booked to the Caribbean.

What flights have been cancelled? 

Multiple airlines have been cancelling flights. On Sunday, both the shuttle flight between Barbados and St Vincent and the London Heathrow-Barbados St Vincent round trip were cancelled. A Virgin Atlantic plane departed from Barbados five hours early on Sunday morning to avoid the hurricane. 

British Airways cancelled its flight from Gatwick to St Luca and Georgetown in Guyana on Monday, and says it will continue to monitor the situation. 

Virgin Atlantic has released a statement:

‘As a result of the adverse weather conditions caused by Hurricane Beryl, we’re working closely with our local teams in the Caribbean to understand any impact to local airports infrastructure and minimise disruption to our services.

‘We are contacting affected customers regarding their travel arrangements, including the option to rebook if they no longer wish to travel. We’d like to thank them for their patience and understanding and recommend that all customers due to travel to or from the Caribbean over the next 48 hours check the status of their flight on virginatlantic.com before going to the airport. The safety and comfort of our customers and people is always our top priority.’

Can I get a refund if I choose not to travel? 

It’s best to contact your flight and accommodation providers to see what can be done about cancelling or rescheduling your trip, however the likelihood of getting a refund is unclear as travelling to the region has not explicitly been advised against. However, if your flight is cancelled due to the storm or airport closures, you should be able to get a refund or reschedule your flight.

What’s the latest advice? 

The UK Foreign has updated its advice on travelling to Jamaica. The website reads:

‘A major hurricane is passing Jamaica on 3 July.  Disruption to services is expected island-wide. International and domestic airports are now closed and will only reopen when assessed safe to do so. You should follow and monitor local and international weather updates from the   US National Hurricane Center  and follow the advice of   local authorities   including any evacuation orders. See  Extreme weather and natural disasters .’

When is hurricane season in the Caribbean?

Hurricane season lasts from the beginning of June until the end of November in the Caribbean, though storm activity peaks from August to October. This year’s season has been particularly catastrophic, likely due to climate change.

How to help those affected 

A number of organisations and charities are mobilising to help victims of Hurrican Beryl. Here are three to donate to.

Airlink provides direct support in rebuilding infrastructure, searching for survivors and more. They are taking donations here .

Save the Children  has a Children's Emergency Fund which helps to protect children impacted by natural disasters.

World Central Kitchen  is providing fresh meals to communities impacted by the hurricane – you can donate here .

Extreme weather across the world

Many popular European holiday destinations are suffering the consequences of extreme weather. Wildfires have been reported across Greece over the last couple of weeks, including on the islands of Cyprus , Kos, Chios and Crete , as well as in the cities of Izmir and Balıkesir in Türkiye . 

Storms and torrential rain have also caused damage and killed seven people in northern Italy, northeastern France and southern Switzerland  this week. 

Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news.

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Our expert deal-hunting staff showcases the best price drops and discounts from reputable sellers daily. If you make a purchase using our links, CNET may earn a commission.

Enjoy 76% off a Babbel Lifetime Subscription With This July 4th Deal

Learn up to 14 languages at your own pace for way less with this July 4th sale.

We're past a lot of the  Fourth of July sales  now, but they're not all over. There are still plenty of great savings to be made if you know where to look, and this one not only saves you money, but will help you learn some new languages too. That's because StackSocial currently has a deal on a  Babbel lifetime subscription for just $140 , which means it's 76% off the usual price. 

Babbel is one of our favorite  language-learning apps , offering an online school-type experience. It's easy to use, and its school-like design helps you stick to your learning goals. At $140, this offer even beats the current discount you can get from Babbel by over 50%. This one-time payment gives you permanent access to Babbel's language courses which you can tackle at your own pace without worrying about recurring fees.

Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money .

Babbel's extensive language software includes Spanish, French, Italian, German, Russian, Swedish, Indonesian, Portuguese and more. The lessons are short and to the point, allowing you to practice in 10- to 15-minute intervals that can fit into any schedule. Real-life topics include travel, family, business, food and others. A variety of skill levels are available, ranging from beginner to advanced, so the program can grow with you as you improve.

The speech-recognition technology will give you immediate feedback on pronunciation, so you don't just learn to read and write but how to listen and speak as well. You'll also get personalized review sessions to reinforce what you've learned. The program works across desktop and mobile devices. 

Although the internet is required most of the time, there is also an offline mode available where you can access courses, lessons and reviews without Wi-Fi, so long as you download them beforehand. Babbel also syncs your progress across your devices so that you can jump in from wherever is most convenient. 

Becoming fluent in a new language is a great way to stay engaged in learning , and the transferable skills you gain can open doors for leisure, work and beyond. Note that while you can access this program on as many devices as you want, this subscription offer is available only for new users.

Babbel is great value when compared with other online courses, especially with this current discount. So whether you're a lifelong learner or just want to pick up some basics for your globe-trotting adventures, this is a solid deal.

If you're looking for a new laptop to learn these languages on, check out our roundup of the best Fourth of July laptop deals happening right now. 

Read more: 11 Items to Add to Your Travel Checklist for a Smooth Trip

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Serta Mattress Review: Support and Comfort at an Exceptional Value

We've been testing Serta mattresses for over 10 years — these are our honest thoughts.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Still, mattresses are a big investment and highly personal purchases and there's really no one-size-fits-all option. So to help you determine if this popular pick is a worthy place to rest your head, we've put this top-selling model through years of rigorous testing. Based on our in-depth evaluations in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, here's everything you need to know about the Serta Perfect Sleeper Hybrid Mattress, including sizing, pricing, delivery, material and real user feedback. You can also find more information about Serta's other mattress models to decide which one is right for you.

How we tested the Perfect Sleeper mattress

How it performed in our tests, which serta perfect sleeper is best, who the perfect sleeper hybrid is best for, what it's made from: materials and construction, ordering, delivery and trial period, what firmness level is best, how long do serta mattresses last, how serta compares to other brands, bottom line: is the serta perfect sleeper hybrid mattress worth it, why trust good housekeeping, serta perfect sleeper mattress overview, serta perfect sleeper hybrid mattress.

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we surveyed nearly 800 Serta mattress owners , resulting in more than 10,000 data points of feedback for expert analysis on everything from comfort to support, ease of delivery, longevity and more. We considered firsthand experiences from these consumer panelists, our own sleep testers and the experts in the Lab who have been testing mattresses for decades.

After extensive evaluations, Serta's Perfect Sleeper Mattress has earned a spot as one of our top-rated beds for most sleepers and is one of our best mattress of 2024 and the Hybrid option was a winner in our 2024 Bedding Awards . It is the most popular pick among our consumer panelists and consistently earns high ratings for support, comfort and overall value.

Overall support

Generally, users we surveyed — particularly side and back sleepers — like the overall comfort and support of this mattress. Some compared it to a hotel bed, and others liked it even more than luxury mattresses five times the price. "This mattress has great support and relieves pressure," our tester said, noting it the bed was a significant improvement from a previously-owned traditional inner spring pillow top mattress. "You can feel it conform to your body when you lay down."

Temperature

Some hybrid mattresses have a tendency to trap heat because of the memory foam, so it's not surprising that some owners of this mattress told us they wish it slept cooler. In 2023, Serta addressed this by giving the mattress a refresh, adding gel-infused foams meant to help pull heat away from your body. Even so, our Lab pros find the effect from added gel is typically temporary, and the actual cooling effects are typically not noticed by our consumer testers. This may not be a universal issue, but it's something to keep in mind if you're a hot sleeper.

Motion isolation

With a combination of zoned coils and memory foam, this mattress feels more stable than something like an innerspring bed . "It doesn't have much bounce," our tester said. "Instead, you feel it conform to your body when you lay down." As such, this is a solid option for couples who may be disturbed by their partner's movements at night.

Off-gassing

When opening or unwrapping a new mattress, it's possible you may notice a chemical odor. This is common in compressed bed-in-a-box models because the synthetic foam material may off-gas some volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Fortunately, our testers did not report any off-gassing on this mattress, so you won't have to worry about any initial smells.

Serta's Perfect Sleeper Collection features a range of mattresses that the brand says are all "designed with zoned comfort and supportive, pressure-relieving memory foams for a more restful sleep." Here's a brief overview of the offerings in this category:

• Perfect Sleeper Innerspring Mattress : A classic, quilted-top spring mattress with 825 coils, with prices starting at $899 with a vast range of firmness options (eight!), from plush pillow top to extra-firm. The brand says it's suitable for all sleep positions.
• Perfect Sleeper Hybrid Mattress : A blend of innerspring support (850 coils, which gives even more support than the traditional innerspring offering) and memory foam layers with a smooth top and cooling features. The brand says it's suitable for all sleep positions, and prices start at $899 with three firmness options ranging from plush to firm.
• Perfect Sleeper Mattress-in-a-Box : An all-foam option that arrives on your doorstep, conveniently compressed in a box. The brand says it's suitable for all sleep positions and prices start at $549 with two firmnesses; medium and medium-firm.
• Perfect Sleeper Mattress-in-a-Box Hybrid : A boxed option that combines both foam and coil support, with 825 wrapped coils and gel-infused foam. The brand says it's suitable for all sleep positions, prices start at $699 and the only firmness options available are medium and medium-firm.
• Perfect Sleeper Sleep Excellence : The most luxe offering, made with 825 coils, foam and an optional QuiltLoft Memory Foam topper for an extra cradled feel. The brand recommends it for back and stomach sleepers and prices start at $1,999 with four firmness options from plush to extra firm.

Serta Perfect Sleeper Innerspring Mattress

Serta Perfect Sleeper Mattress-in-a-Box

Serta Perfect Sleeper Mattress-In-A-Box Hybrid

Serta Perfect Sleeper Sleep Excellence

We think the Perfect Sleeper Hybrid Mattress is the best pick for most people because of its reasonable price point for the quality, and the combination of coils and foam will likely suit most sleepers. Testers and Lab pros alike were impressed by (and loved sleeping on) the Hybrid.

Serta's Perfect Sleeper Hybrid Mattress is one of our top mattress picks, because it offers some of the best support and comfort we've seen in a hybrid mattress at a more affordable price point than most of the competition.

The brand is consistently the most popular among our survey panelists, and one consumer tester gave this particular mattress perfect scores across the board. Although we think it's a great pick for most sleepers, here's who we think will like it the most:

✔️ Shoppers who want a luxurious feel at a more affordable price point

One of the things we love most about this hybrid version is that it offers exceptional comfort and support for under $1,000, making it one of the better values out there. Not to mention, it comes with free standard shipping and a 120-day trial. If you opt for in-home delivery and set-up, Serta will also haul your old mattress away — a service that is not typically offered from hybrids manufactured by other online mattress brands.

✔️ Pain sufferers

The Serta Perfect Sleeper is constructed with a combination of zoned coils to provide different levels of pressure relief and support across the body, as well as memory foam for cushioning. Though a mattress can't cure any underlying conditions, one tester with chronic shoulder and back pain highlighted, "this mattress has such great support that I no longer wake up feeling achy."

✔️ Partners who can't agree on what mattress to get

With a mattress so versatile, it's more likely couples will both be satisfied. It's suitable for all sleepers, and users tell us it's not too firm, not too soft. The limited bounce offers excellent motion isolation, too, so you're less likely to notice your partner or pet moving around at night.

The Serta Perfect Sleeper Hybrid Mattress is a hybrid model that's primarily a combination of coils and memory foam. Here's a breakdown of what's inside:

• Balanced support foam: The mattress starts with a base layer of supportive memory foam that's meant to lend both pressure relief and comfort.
• Zoned coils: Coils can add durability to a mattress and help to prevent sagging over years of use. They can also provide breathability, especially compared to all-foam options, which have a tendency to trap heat. Serta claims the 850 coils in this mattress are zoned for targeted pressure relief.
• Gel memory foam: The gel-infused foam, according to the brand, is designed draw heat away from your body. Still, we’ve noticed that the cooling effect tends to be temporary in our tests.
• Cover: The brand claims that the mattress's cover is designed to stay cool to the touch, a bonus for those who run hot at night.

The options are vast when you're considering a Serta mattress. You can buy Serta mattresses via its own website, third-party online retailers like Amazon and Raymour & Flanigan or by visiting one of the brand's brick-and-mortar locations or another department store that carries the brand. We think Serta's online store is a good place to start. It's easy to navigate, and when you buy direct, navigating trials, returns and warranties is always easier. Here's what you need to know about ordering straight from the brand:

Across the board, our surveyed users gave the delivery process a near-perfect score . They said the site is user-friendly and the mattress options are clearly laid out. When browsing each product, there's plenty of information and it's easy to select the size and firmness level you want.

On the downside, the site doesn't have the same easy-to-access live chat as some other retailers. There is one listed on their contact page, but our tester couldn't get it to work properly. We were, however, easily able to access a customer service agent when we used the contact phone number provided. The agent we spoke to was both polite and knowledgable about the products.

When ordering directly from Serta's website, standard doorstep delivery is free, though you can opt to pay $150 for in-home setup, which includes removal of your old mattress as long as it's in sanitary condition. The brand says, no matter which delivery service you opt for, you can expect it to take anywhere between two to four weeks for your mattress to be ready for delivery . This is a bit slower than some other brands, particularly some of the more popular boxed mattresses, but overall, consumers we polled said they found the process easy and convenient.

"After about a week, I received a text message prompting me to select a delivery date. The soonest available date was about a week out, so all together, it took about two weeks for my mattress to arrive," our tester reported. "I appreciated how seamless the process was, though. I was able to do it on my own time, and didn't have to chat with a customer service agent."

Users we surveyed said setup was incredibly easy, whether they opted to go the DIY route or have Serta's delivery team put their mattress in place. "I received a call 15 minutes before their arrival, which was well within my delivery window," said one tester who opted for in-home setup. "The delivery team brought the mattress upstairs, put it into place, removed the packaging and was out the door all within less than five minutes."

Trial period

Like many mattresses these days, you can test the Serta Perfect Sleeper Hybrid Mattress before fully committing — even if you can't make it to a brick-and-mortar location. Serta offers a 120-day trial period, which begins on the day of delivery. If you decide you want to try a different firmness level, a different model or a competing brand, you can contact Serta for a full refund.

The brand also offers a 10-year limited warranty that covers manufacturing defects, including compressions deeper than .75 inches on smooth top mattresses and 1.5 inches on quilted top mattresses, excessive sagging, splits or cracks in the foam and defects like unraveling stitching. Normal wear and tear or damage from misuse do not qualify.

In our surveys, shoppers voice a lot of concern about finding the right firmness level. To help address this concern, Serta's Perfect Sleeper Hybrid Mattress is available in three firmness levels:

A four out of five on the brand's firmness scale, this is one of Serta's most supportive offerings, and the firmest available in this model. It's best suited to stomach and back sleepers and individuals with larger frames. In our evaluations, side sleepers may find this level too firm, as they typically require a greater element of pressure relief.

The "Goldilocks" of Serta's offerings, medium falls squarely in the middle at number three out of five on the brand's firmness scale. It's not too soft, not too firm — ideal for partners with different sleep positions, combination sleepers and back sleepers.

One of Serta's softer, more cushiony options, this option falls at a two of five on the brand's firmness scale. It's ideal for side sleepers and those with smaller frames. Individuals with larger frames may find the support insufficient.

According to the brand, Serta mattresses last anywhere from seven to 10 years. Overall, users we surveyed are divided on longevity; some found the mattress maintained its comfort even after eight years, while others noticed signs of sagging within three years.

If you notice your mattress sagging prematurely, our experts offer the following advice:

• Use a compatible base: Different mattresses may require different bases or foundations. We recommend checking with the brand to determine what kind of base you should use. For its mattresses, Serta says box springs, platform frames and adjustable bases are all suitable. When using a slatted base, ensure the slats are fairly close together. Additional legs in the middle of the bed can offer even more support.
• Rotate your mattress: Sleeping in the same spot over and over again creates pressure in targeted areas, eventually leading to indentations or sagging. Switching the direction of the foot and head of your mattress can help, as can rotating it regularly, since both changes distribute the pressure across different areas. Serta recommends rotating the mattress every six months, at minimum.
• Add a topper: A mattress topper not only provides an extra layer of support for you, but can also serve as an extra layer of protection for your mattress. It's important to note it won't fix existing sagging, but it can help prevent further sagging, plus keep you more comfortable.

There are so many great mattresses out there, all promising support and comfort — our best-of list boasts five different hybrids! So how do you figure out which brand is right for you? Here, we compare the Serta Perfect Sleeper Hybrid to other top-tested hybrid mattresses:

• Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress : Though a boxed mattress, this model is most similar to the Perfect Sleeper Hybrid, as it's constructed with both coils and foam and comes in three firmness levels. Bear does have slightly more height and offers more ergonomic, zoned support than Serta's Perfect Sleeper, however it is significantly more expensive.
• Allswell Luxe Hybrid : We named this hybrid boxed mattress the best value mattress — it's about half the price of Serta's. But it's not as supportive around the edges, so it tends to be preferred by young adults, whereas Serta wins praise across ages.
• Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress : This boxed mattress is one of the more expensive hybrids on our list, but gets high ratings from users who like a more cushiony feel. One user described it as "sleeping on a cloud," but noted they still felt adequately supported.
• Avocado Green Mattress : The main difference between this mattress and Serta's Perfect Sleeper is that this one is a latex hybrid (it combines latex with coils), which lends a floating feel. This mattress is also certified organic, but it doesn't offer as much pressure relief.

We could never recommend a single mattress for everyone, but as evidenced by stellar reviews from hundreds of users we surveyed, the Serta Perfect Sleeper Hybrid is a fantastic option for a wide range of sleepers. It offers support and comfort, particularly for side and back sleepers, at an exceptional value.

Because it does skew on the firmer side and doesn't have much bounce, it may not be the best choice for you if you prefer the soft, conforming cushion of an entirely memory foam mattress. If you can't make up your mind, you can always give the bed a try by taking advantage of the brand's 120-day trial.

Best Online Mattresses | Best Innerspring Mattresses | Best Hybrid Mattresses | Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers | Best Mattresses for Back Pain | Best Cooling Mattresses

Brigitt Earley is a freelance writer with 15 years of experience writing about consumer products, including mattresses and other bedding. She's currently testing the Serta Perfect Sleeper Hybrid Mattress, and wrote this review using her own initial experience plus by digging into years of Lab data from more than 800 consumer panelists. She worked under the supervision of Lexie Sachs , Executive Director of Strategy & Operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute, and Grace Wu , Textile, Paper & Apparel Lab Product Analyst.

As the Executive Director of Strategy & Operations at The Good Housekeeping Institute, Lexie Sachs is a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and holds a degree in fiber science from Cornell University.

In the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles Lab, Grace Wu has overseen recent consumer mattress testing of over 100 models in the past year. She holds a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. She and Sachs reviewed this article for accuracy and content.

Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.

Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.

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30 Best Teacher Retirement Gifts They’ll Truly Cherish for 2024

Commemorate their years of service with something truly special.

Celebrating a long, well-spent teaching career calls for something special. These teacher retirement gifts recognize teachers’ contributions and help them plan for the best years yet to come! There are options here to fit any budget and interest, so you’ll find something for any teacher who’s leaving the classroom behind.

We asked more than 100 real teachers what they’d give (or want to receive) for a teacher retirement gift, and they had plenty of tips to offer:

• “One of the best I’ve seen is a welcome sign signed on the back with all the faculty and their favorite memory listed.” -Tracy B.
• “A plaque with several phrases the teacher was known for along with candid pictures of the teacher from old yearbooks, etc.” -Brande C.
• “A book of advice from students about what to do when retired (I teach elementary so it’s pretty funny) and also their best memories with that teacher.” -Caitlin Veise

See more of their tips and check out all our favorite teacher retirement gift ideas below!

Best Teacher Retirement Gifts To Celebrate Their Career

Preschool teacher Alicia Worthy (along with many other teachers) recommends giving “something that captures their years of service; maybe a video of testimonials from current and former coworkers and students.” Here are personal and thoughtful ways to celebrate their lifetime of achievements.

Teacher Retirement Sign

Want something simple that really sums up their accomplishments? Have this sign personalized for your retiring teacher, then print it and present it in a beautiful frame.

Buy it: Printable Teacher Retirement Sign

Autograph Quilt

Next year when retired teachers are snuggling under their quilt while everyone else is trudging off to school on a cold snowy morning, they can look at all these well-wishes and feel warm inside and out!

Buy it: Autograph Quilt

School Portrait

If your teacher honoree has spent most or all of their career at a single school, consider having a special portrait made of the building. Minted takes a photograph of any building and turns it into something truly unique.

Buy it: Custom House Portrait

Tribute Video Montage

No teacher retirement party would be complete without a video montage of their years of service. You can assemble your own or use a service like Tribute. Their easy-to-use tools allow you to assemble the montage yourself, or you can pay a little more and have a professional put together something spectacular. ( Memento is another great option.)

Buy it: Video Montage

Personalized Photo Book

Photo books are classic teacher retirement gifts. Scour the archives for photos, documents, and more worth preserving. Then assemble them in a high-quality book they can keep forever. We like the guest book option, which leaves room on every page for handwritten messages (just like a school yearbook!).

Buy it: Photo Guest Book

Plant a Tree

If your school grounds have space, consider creating a Retired Teachers Grove, where you plant a tree for each educator whose work is done. No room at school? TreeGivers will plant a tree in their honor on public lands in the state of your choice.

Buy it: Personalize a Memorial Tree

Teacher Retirement Gifts for Travel Lovers

Presley Bryant recommends “a journal and a passport case!” Lots of retirees use their new free time to travel the country—or the world. These gifts can help them on their journeys.

World Globe

For years, they’ve been giving kids the world. Now you can give them their own in return! Have their name and retirement date engraved on the base for a personalized touch.

Buy it: Replogle 12-inch Hastings Globe

Travel Guides

If you already know they plan to hit the road, travel guides make terrific teacher retirement gifts. Here are a few of our favorites at Amazon.

• The Open Road: 50 Best Road Trips in the USA
• 50 States, 5000 Ideas
• Moon USA National Parks

Push Pin Travel Map

A personalized map lets retired teachers track their travels across the globe. These maps are mounted on corkboard and come with pushpins to mark their trips.

Buy it: Push Pin Travel Maps

Carry-On Closet

Now that they’re ready to retire their teacher bag , your retiree deserves a terrific travel bag to take its place. Solgaard’s carry-on is a top-notch choice. It’s small enough to fit in an overhead bin, but roomy and easy to keep organized on the road.

Buy it: Carry-On Closet

National Parks Lifetime Pass

If your retiring teacher is 62 or older, they’re eligible for a National Parks Lifetime Pass. For one up-front cost, they can visit a National Parks site anytime they like for the rest of their lives! (Not 62 yet? Buy a regular annual pass instead.)

Buy it: National Parks Senior Lifetime Pass

Best Teacher Retirement Gifts for Hobbies and Relaxation

“I would give them a themed basket of stuff they love to do so they can use it when they retire,” says one Ohio 4th grade teacher. “For example, one of my retiring colleagues loved to garden so we got her a bunch of gardening stuff.” Here are some more ways to help retired teachers enjoy their hobbies in the years to come.

Celestron Telescope

Retired teachers can finally stay up late enough to do some stargazing! Celestron makes incredible telescopes, and this model is terrific for beginners. Looking to give them a more advanced model? The NexStar 8SE is perfect for advanced home astronomers.

Buy it: Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope

Birding Gear

Retirement is the time to explore new hobbies or spend plenty of time on old ones. Bird-loving teachers will appreciate a field diary and quality set of binoculars to carry on their adventures.

Buy it: The Sibley Birder’s Life List & Field Diary and Celestron Nature DX 8×42 Binoculars

Gardening Supplies

Does your retiring teacher have (or want to have) a green thumb? Give them a set of quality gardening tools and a log book to plan for the future and make notes of their successes and challenges.

Buy it: Gardener’s Log Book and A.M. Leonard 5-Tool Gardening Set

Fishing Tackle

For teachers who spend their classroom days dreaming of being on the water, fishing gifts are the way to go! Get them a rod rack to display and store their gear or a box of hand-tied flies for days on the river.

Buy it: Rush Creek Creations Rod Rack and Ventures Fly Co. Hand-Tied Flies

Foodie Subscription Boxes

Eat to live or live to eat? No need to decide with these subscription boxes, which make awesome teacher retirement gifts. Cratejoy has hundreds of boxes to choose from. These highly rated options are some of our top picks:

• Shaker & Spoon Cocktail Box
• Fresh-Baked Cookie Crate
• Grill Masters Club Box

Bucket List Inspiration

Every retiree looks forward to the days when they can do as much or as little as their heart desires. Help them make some fun plans for the future with these popular books at Amazon, ideal for creating bucket lists.

• 1,000 Places To See Before You Die
• 1,000 Recordings To Hear Before You Die
• 1,000 Foods To Eat Before You Die

Scratch-Off Bucket List Posters

Scratch-off posters are such cool teacher retirement gifts. As they complete each item, they scratch it off, revealing a colorful image beneath. They’re available for lots of bucket list topics. Here are a few cool ones at Amazon that teachers will really appreciate:

• Top 100 Movies Scratch-Off Poster
• Major League Ballparks Scratch-Off Poster
• Top 100 Books Scratch-Off Poster

Audible Membership

Give a lit-loving teacher plenty of audiobooks to enjoy during their much-deserved downtime. Audible gift memberships are available from one month to a year, so there are options in all price ranges.

Buy it: Audible Gift Membership

Kindle Paperwhite or Fire

Amazon’s e-readers and tablets offer great value for the money. If your retiring teacher already has one, consider a Kindle Unlimited membership.

Buy it: Kindle Paperwhite and Fire HD 8 Tablet

Teacher Retirement Cards and Gift Cards

Personalized letters and handmade cards are always appreciated. “We made a really cute card for a retiring teacher with the ABCs of retirement, and we said something they could do for each letter,” shared a 1st grade teacher from Texas. Lots of other teachers recommended giving them gift cards so they can choose their own new adventures.

Retirement Card Keeper

Your retiring teacher is bound to build up a huge collection of cards, handwritten notes, and other keepsakes. Give them a personalized card keeper to store them all for a sweet way to help sum up an amazing career.

Buy it: Personalized Card Keeper

Lovepop Retirement Card

Need a unique card that makes an awesome keepsake? This is it! A pull-out insert provides a place for a longer message or personalized tribute.

Buy it: Goodbye & Good Luck Card

Class Is Dismissed Card

This one’s especially perfect for a retiring teacher who actually remembers the days of blackboards and chalk. Have it personalized to make it truly special.

Buy it: Class Is Dismissed Retirement Card

Next Chapter Retirement Card

English teachers, librarians, and other avid readers will get a kick out of this clever retirement card. Personalize it with important dates on the pull-out card for a bit of extra fun.

Buy it: Next Chapter Retirement Card

Retirement Suggestions Cards

Pass these out at the retirement party for folks to complete, offering ideas for ways for a retired teacher to fill their days. This is even more fun if you let students participate too!

Buy it: Retirement Suggestions Cards

Spa Gift Card

Time to kick up their feet and relax! With this gift card, retired teachers can choose the services they are interested in and can use it at spas found nationally. (Check to make sure you have a location near you that accepts the gift card.)

Buy it: Spafinder Gift Card at Amazon 

Ticketmaster Gift Card

Whether they love concerts, theater performances, or sports, a Ticketmaster gift card lets them choose the best day and time for something they’ll enjoy.

Buy it: Ticketmaster Gift Card

Flightgift Gift Cards

Help out their travel plans with a gift card good toward travel on more than 400 airlines around the world. All they need to do is decide where they want to go!

Buy it: Flightgift Gift Card

Airbnb Gift Cards

Once they get there, they’ll need someplace to stay. An Airbnb gift card lets them put money toward any kind of stay they like, from luxury tree houses to someplace with amazing city views.

Buy it: Airbnb Gift Card

Dinner and a Movie Gift Cards

Treat your teacher to a fun night out with this all-in-one set, which gives them gift cards for movie tickets and a meal at one of several participating restaurants.

Buy it: Dinner and a Movie Gift Cards

Know of other great teacher retirement gifts, or want to see what others have done? Drop by the We Are Teachers Facebook group to exchange ideas and ask for advice.

Plus, check out teacher appreciation week celebration ideas ..

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