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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.

awesome travel gifts

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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The 36 Best Gifts for Frequent Travelers

Samantha Schoech

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

The best portable Bluetooth transmitter, the 1Mii ML300, shown on a purple background.

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.

Buying Options

With clipped on-page coupon

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

Our pick the Epicka sitting on a table by itself.

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 on bed with sunglasses resting against the bag.

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

awesome travel gifts

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.

awesome travel gifts

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.

awesome travel gifts

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

A blue towel drying on a tree branch next to a camp site.

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

Three different books from Herb Lester's guide book collection.

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

A person pulling a suitcase on wheels that has the Cincha Travel Belt bag attached to the handle.

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.

The Penkou Portable Neck Fan in front of a blue background.

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

A person's hands refilling a bottle of Noshinku Hand Sanitizer with a Noshinku refill pouch.

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

Our pick for best reading light overall, the Glocusent Bookmark Style Reading Light, shown clipped onto a book that is open to a page in the middle.

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.

(deal on blue)

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

A spread of two pages about Alta Badia in Italy, taken from Lonely Planet’s Where to Go When travel book.

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 AirTags next to each other.

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.

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

The Peace Out Puffy Eyes box next to the patches.

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

A person refilling a lifestraw water bottle with water from an outdoor faucet.

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

awesome travel gifts

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

The TravelCard Plus portable power bank.

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

An Ovener Silicone 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

A State Bags Bensen Dopp Kit in blue, green, and yellow color block.

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

A multicolor stack of the Cadence Capsules; three are filled with skincare.

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

The Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set.

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

Two pairs of Sockwell's Lifestyle Firm Compression 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.

awesome travel gifts

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

A person is standing outside, wearing the Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack in sage green.

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.

Price includes shipping (deal on orange)

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

A person wears the White + Warren Essential Cashmere Trapeze Cardigan in a blush color.

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

The Pantone 10 Notebooks set, which is a box with 10 brightly colored notebooks in it.

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

A family gathered around a table, playing Tokaido, the board game.

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).

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

A view into a window with flowers and a house. Words in the middle read: Open a new window somewhere in 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

A Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow.

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.

awesome travel gifts

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

A person's hand holding the Yogasleep Travel Mini Sound 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

awesome travel gifts

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

awesome travel gifts

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

The Hydro Flask Flatware Set, displayed next to a plat on a dinner table setting.

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

Two hands hold a bright green Tusk Siam 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

awesome travel gifts

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  
  • The Waterfield Air Porter Carry-On Bag is a great bag for tech-carrying travelers to slide under an airplane seat. We also have options for other travelers. 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

awesome travel gifts

The Gadgets We Bring on Every Trip

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.

A pair of briefs and a pair of underwear, both blue, hang on an outside clothing line.

The Best Underwear for Travel

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 two travel strollers we recommend, the Uppababy Minu V2 and the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Stroller, standing next to each other.

The Best Travel Strollers

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

Four different travel mugs next to each other.

The Best Travel Mug

After testing travel mugs for more than 10 years, we’re still confident that the Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug is the best mug to keep drinks hot for hours.

The Atlas Heart

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.

gifts for travelers

Table of Contents

Best Stocking Stuffer Travel Gifts

Wild socks by crazy dog t-shirts.

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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 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 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 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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

Mini Razor

This mini razor and leather pouch is a classy gift for family members who love to travel.

Hanging Toiletry Bag

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

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.

Headlamp

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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 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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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).

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

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 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

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

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 with short, dark brown hair, smiling at the camera, and wearing a black shirt.

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!

Best Road Trip Gifts

Best Gifts for RV Owners

Best Van Life Gifts

Best National Park Gifts

Best California Gift Ideas

Best Christmas Gifts for Parents

Best White Elephant Gifts Under $20

Best Travel Shoes for Women

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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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The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog

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

best travel gift ideas

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.

best gifts for travelers 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

best travel gift for your favorite traveler

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

best travel gift ideas 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

best travel gift ideas for your loved one - 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

Belkin Mini Surge Protector perfect gift for Traveling

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

Anker Portable charger PowerCore Lite best travel gift ideas

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

sleep phones make best travel gift ideas

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

best travel gifts bio tech light

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.

best gifts for traveling under 25 dollars

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

Plug Adapter best travel gifts

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

Plug Adapter best travel gifts

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

gifts for your favorite traveler

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

Foldable Carry on travel gifts

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

travel gifts 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

Travel Gifts Phone 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

Moisturizing Travel Kit gifts for travel under 25 dollars

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

best gifts for traveling 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

World Scratch Map best travel gift ideas

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

Travel cork globe with pegs best travel gift ideas

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

Wall art World Map best Travel Gift ideas

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

candles travel gift

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

gifts for travelers make up

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

Gifts for Travel lovers - 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

best travel gift ideas for your loved one - Silk Scarf

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

Women's Travel Gift ideas - Bra and Underwear 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 travel gifts for frequent travelers

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

best travel gift ideas hand held 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

travel essential for frequent flier 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

travel essential for women frequent fliers

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

best travel gift ideas Dopp Travel Toiletry Bag for Men

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

Travel Gifts for Men Exofficio Briefs

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

Fleece Jacket for Traveling best travel gifts

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

travel gifts passport Wallet for Men who travel

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

best Travel Gifts - Tilley 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

best travel gifts 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

Hiking Headlamp gifts for adventure travelers

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

best travel gift ideas portable cup

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

Dry Bags for Kayaking best travel gifts

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

Gifts for people that travel: Leatherman Wave

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

best travel gifts Portable Travel Hammok

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

Water Filter best travel gifts

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

Travel Photography travel gifts Lenspen

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

Travel Tripod by Joby best travel gifts

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

best travel gifts Camera strap for traveling

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

best gifts for travel are cameras

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

best gifts for travel Level 8 Luggage

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

best travel gifts AirPods Pro Noise Cancelling 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

best travel gifts Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Reader

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

travel gifts Portable Bluetooth Speaker for travel

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.

travel essential for the frequent flier getyourguide gift cards

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

best travel gifts 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 

best travel gifts passport holder RFID

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

best gifts for travel passport cover RFID

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

travel essential for the frequent flier 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

best gifts for travel 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

gifts for travel

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.

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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 =))

20 Best Travel Gifts for Your Favorite Jetsetter

Any of these fun, unique and useful picks would be perfect for their next adventure.

travel gifts

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Chances are you have one family member or person in your circle who is constantly traveling, whether it's for business or pleasure. If you happen to be searching for the perfect gift for this jet-setter in your life, you might not even know where to begin. That's why we've combed the internet to bring you the best travel gifts we could find, no matter the destination.

When browsing our list, think about how frequently they travel and what kind of gift would be the most meaningful to them . If they spend countless hours on planes, something to help them sleep comfortably might just be the ticket. A list of exactly what to pack would be helpful for those absent-minded types and you can't go wrong with a cuddly shrug that can be worn on and off the plane.

The best part is that most of these gifts have been vetted and tested by experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute as well as one of our senior editors. What's more, some picks have also won GH Family Travel Awards , so you can rest assured that what you're buying is top-notch. With any of these no-fail picks, they'll be tempted to book a stay at a top-rated resort or a unique Airbnb .

Pack This! Pad Packing List

Pack This! Pad Packing List

Remembering to pack everything you need can be so hard. Make it easier with these fun packing pads that'll let them cross everything off their list, one by one.

Bluetooth Sleep Headphones

Bluetooth Sleep Headphones

Over 17,000 Amazon reviewers love these wireless sleep headphones, which are perfect for long plane rides. They have bluetooth technology and they're even washable.

Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter

Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter

Measuring one inch by four inches, this bluetooth wireless audio transmitter is too good to pass up. It boasts a battery life of 25-plus hours and it can even power up your phone mid-flight if airplane mode isn't cutting it.

Spanx AirEssentials Cocoon

Spanx AirEssentials Cocoon

Thanks to this lightweight shrug, she can travel in style. Along with its forgiving length, it features four-way stretch fabric and pockets for maximum comfort. One of our senior editors tried it and loves it. Consider the matching wide leg pants , too!

Travel Cable Organizer

Travel Cable Organizer

Traveling can require, well, a lot of cords to keep your devices powered up. Keep them organized with this canvas and mesh carrying case, which features five pockets to hold all of their essentials.

Fold-Up Backpack

Fold-Up Backpack

There's nothing more convenient than a backpack that will fold up when you travel, right? This water-resistant nylon style is perfect for day trips or as a carry-on. It has enough room to hold clothing, their essentials and a 15-inch laptop.

Expanded Adventure First Aid Kit

Expanded Adventure First Aid Kit

While it might seem like a boring gift, this first aid kit will be really helpful during their trips. It comes with all the basics, band-aids, tape, ibuprofen, ointments and more to fix any boo-boos they might encounter while they're on the move.

Packing Cubes

Packing Cubes

If they tend to overpack, this is the gift for them. These handy, water-resistant cubes come in a set of five, and have small and large compartments for easy packing and storage.

RELATED: The Best Packing Cubes for Travel

Airplane Phone Holder Mount

Airplane Phone Holder Mount

They can watch all their favorite streaming services in-flight with this phone holder mount. It's compatible with the latest iPhones and most Samsung devices, and rotates a full 360-degrees to help them watch from any angle.

Women's Everyday Compression Socks

Women's Everyday Compression Socks

While these Bombas might seem a little pricey for compression socks, hear us out. They have excellent arch support and a medium level of pressure to soothe their sore legs and feet during long days of exploring.

RELATED: 8 Best Compression Socks for Women

Carry On Suitcase

Carry On Suitcase

This hard-shell carry on suitcase is perfect for short business trips. It comes in the 20-inch carry on size, complete with a TSA double lock to keep their belongings safe during travel.

Plush Velvet Travel Jewelry Box

Plush Velvet Travel Jewelry Box

She'll keep her jewelry safe wherever she goes with this plush velvet box, available in nine colors. It can hold rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces and more!

"Adventure Awaits" Cosmetics Bag

"Adventure Awaits" Cosmetics Bag

Perfect for all her travels, this cosmetics bag is too good to pass up. Made of cotton burlap, it'll even fit liquids that'll make it past TSA lines.

Travel Size Scratchable World Map

Travel Size Scratchable World Map

They can keep track of all their adventures with this world eye-catching map. They'll get a kick out of scratching off every place they've visited. The best part? It's even travel-sized so they can take it everywhere.

Baggu Packable Sun Hat

Baggu Packable Sun Hat

Her head will be protected wherever she goes with this packable sun hat. Made of cotton, the machine-washable design will fit heads up to 23 1/2 inches around.

Portable Neck Fan

Portable Neck Fan

Plane air can get, well, stuffy, and this portable silicone neck fan is sure to keep the air flowing. While it looks like headphones, it actually has 78 air holes and will run a full four to 16 hours, depending on which speed is used.

Travel Baby Bottle Warmer

Travel Baby Bottle Warmer

A Good Housekeeping Family Travel Awards winner, this bottle warmer is perfect for parents traveling with young children. It'll store hot water when they travel and the removable lid is also a container — it just has to be warmed up.

Travel Blanket

Travel Blanket

Keep her cozy during all of her travels with this snuggly blanket. Made of soft microplush, the included carrying case can even be used as a pillow. There's also a clip in case they'd like to carry it on their backpack.

Allbirds Women's Tree Runners

Allbirds Women's Tree Runners

These super lightweight sneakers were a GH Family Travel Awards winner for good reason. Our testers noted that they're basic enough to match most outfits and can be washed multiple times without any damage.

Under Seat Carry On Bag

Under Seat Carry On Bag

A great carry-on bag is important, but one that'll fit right under their seat is even better. This polyester number rolls, has a side USB port, an open side pocket and will accommodate laptop sizes up to 12 1/2 inches.

Headshot of Cailey Lindberg

Cailey Lindberg (she/her) is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience covering products, lifestyle, entertainment and food. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, she was a staff writer at USA Today's shopping network, Reviewed.com.  

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Finding the perfect present for the women in your life is by no means an easy feat. There are plenty of routes to take—sentimental, funny, over-the-top—but the best gifts for women are those that combine their individual interests with functionality, ensuring your recipient will not only enjoy the gift, but also get great use out of it. To make the hunt a little less stressful, we compiled 50-plus of the best gifts for women who love to travel and sorted them by category. Whether your recipient is most interested in food , tech gadgets, beauty products, or the latest fashion trends, we’ve scoured the internet to find something special they’ll appreciate—and no, we wouldn’t blame you if you ended up snapping one or more of these gift ideas for yourself.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Our top picks:

  • For the frequent flier: Ralph Lauren Cable Cashmere travel set
  • For the chic traveler: Cuyana Easy tote
  • For the homebody: Four Seasons Slumber set
  • For the new parent: Hatch Rest Go portable sound machine
  • For anyone on your list: Diptyque Paris roses candle

Find the best gifts for her by category:

  • Luggage & travel accessories
  • Beauty & skincare
  • Clothing & shoes

Tech essentials

  • Home & kitchen

Luggage, bags, & travel accessories

Any traveler—frequent flier or not—can benefit from one (or more!) of the below pieces of luggage , bags, and accessories. Founded and designed by Traveler contributor and mom Jordi Lippe-McGraw , PAK Rêve’s Wilder Bundle is especially ideal for families looking to stay organized during their travels. Your giftee can also keep their suitcase clutter-free by utilizing handy travel accessories like timeless leather travel pouches, a space-saving hanging toiletry bag, or even a set of leakproof magnetic capsules.

Additionally, to make the in-flight experience all the more enjoyable and relaxing, splurge on a sumptuous cashmere travel set complete with a blanket, eye mask, and zippered storage pouch for convenient carrying. Alternatively, treat your giftee to a weighted sleep mask or memory foam pillow so they can catch some zzz’s ( even in a dreaded middle seat! ).

Need even more inspiration? Consider snagging a chic passport holder , a Traveler -favorite belt bag , a customizable piece of luggage that’ll last for years, or an uber-versatile weekender bag that’s perfect for shorter sojourns.

awesome travel gifts

Shown in beige

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Beauty & skincare products

Surprise and delight your lucky gift recipient with something they’ll truly love and use—both at home, on the go, and away on vacation. You can’t go wrong gifting timeless skincare staples like good ol’ SPF (especially one from beloved brand Supergoop ) or a soothing, sensitive-skin-approved, redness-banishing facial spray they can spritz on mid-flight.

Hydration is the name of the travel game, especially on airplanes where cabin air is dry and humidity levels are low. That’s where nourishing lip balms and skin salves come into play, both of which make excellent gifts. Meanwhile, beauty enthusiasts of all ages will appreciate tried-and-true essentials like a botanical-infused hair care set that’s TSA-approved, or a restorative hair mask to combat dry and dehydrated strands, which can happen all too often when globetrotting.

awesome travel gifts

Travel-friendly clothing & shoes

When it comes to fashion, comfort is key—and some things just never go out of style. It’s always a good idea to stock up on travel-friendly wardrobe staples , including cute joggers , everyday leggings , and blanket scarves to keep you warm and toasty in flight. Alternatively, present your giftee with a full loungewear set , our uniform for long-haul flights. Last but not least, don’t forget about footwear. When it comes to gifting, options abound, from supportive walking shoes to versatile ballet flats , which, yes, are officially back in style.

Image may contain: Clothing, Knitwear, Sweater, Sweatshirt, Long Sleeve, and Sleeve

Tech-savvy travelers are sure to love the following gifts: A portable sound machine , which easily clips onto backpacks, diaper bags, and totes, makes it easy for kids and adults alike to snooze (almost) anywhere. Wearable tech, including Oura Rings and Apple Watches, is functional and, frankly, pretty neat, tracking biometrics like heart rate, step count, sleep, and more. Meanwhile, a quality pair of noise-canceling headphones can come in especially handy on plane, train, and car rides filled with screaming children, chatty seatmates, and, well, you get the gist.

Allow your giftee to enhance their in-flight entertainment set-up with a Bluetooth wireless transmitter, which lets them pair their wireless headphones to the seatback entertainment system without purchasing a pair of wired headphones while in the air. Finally, a tech accessory travel storage case will help keep wires and cables organized and tangle-free throughout the duration of their trip.

Image may contain: Accessories, Earring, Jewelry, Art, Porcelain, and Pottery

Home & kitchen items

These home and kitchen accessories will inspire wanderlust all year long. Highlights include scented candles and a fragrance diffuser set from one of our favorite hotel brands. In the kitchen, your giftee can enjoy at-home sushi nights, home-cooked Italian pasta courtesy of an incredible pasta maker that rolls and cuts the dough into traditional shapes like lasagna and taglioni, and authentic French press coffee reminiscent of the cups you’d find in a Parisian cafe. Other honorable mentions include a glossy travel-themed coffee-table book that’s chic enough to double as decor and a splurge-worthy sheet set from none other than the Four Seasons, transforming any ol’ bedroom into a luxury suite.

Image may contain: Home Decor, Cup, and Art

Gourmands will especially love one of these food-centric gifts , which lets them savor the flavors of the world from the comfort of home. For breakfast and brunch, they can feast on bagels and lox from NYC staple Russ & Daughters, while Lauduree’s French macaroons make the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. Similarly, sweet tooths can indulge in Belgian chocolate courtesy of Neuhaus; the 24-piece Collection Box is filled with a combination of pralinés, ganaches, and caramels that are (essentially) edible works of art. Meanwhile, those craving a sweet taste of Italy will especially enjoy the Pastificio G. Di Martino x Dolce & Gabbana Picnic Tin, which is filled with five one-pound pasta bags plus two picnic print placemats. If your giftee likes to try a bit of everything, snag them a snack box filled with Turkish delights, or, for something savory, a gourmet assortment of French cheeses coupled with smoked salmon, pork paté, trout roe, and French-made blinis.

awesome travel gifts

Need some more inspo? Check out Traveler's  Amazon Storefront  for even more of our favorite travel gifts.

awesome travel gifts

Protect Your Trip »

33 practical travel gifts anyone can use.

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

awesome travel gifts

Practical Travel Gifts

Close-up LCD monitor screen rear seat on the plane technology for entertainment. Airplane seats with screen monitor service for passenger entertainment on board.

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

Halfday The Garment Duffel in blue against white background.

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

STATE Bags Logan Suitcase in blue and green

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

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L in black and sage against white background.

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

Cotopaxi Allpa Roller Bag in blue against white background.

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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Unique Travel Gifts For The Globetrotter In Your Life

Presents that improve the trip, make memories that last a lifetime, and simplify life on the road are the best kinds of travel gifts.

Faith Katunga • Sep 16, 2024

traveler with backpack on phone at airport

Whatever kind of traveler you’re shopping for—the tech-savvy, the adventure seekers , or the more traditional types—you will find something special among the many available travel gifts. This list has a selection of must-have travel accessories, including practical organizers and high-tech pieces. Presents that improve the trip, make memories that last a lifetime, and simplify life on the road are the best kinds of travel gifts. So, choose the right present, and the joy on the face of your favorite traveler as they plan their next vacation will be palpable.

Our Top 5 Picks

Cincha travel belt, twelve south airfly pro, trtl pillow, browint silk sleep sack, bagsmart compression packing cubes.

The Original Cincha Travel Belt for Luggage

For the organized traveler, the Cincha Travel Belt is a game-changer. Get easily around the airport by attaching a carry-on bag to rolling luggage with this clever accessory. These carry-on bag straps are available in a rainbow of hues and have trendy vegan leather accents and nylon with a herringbone pattern, making them perfect present ideas. A bonus is the long-lasting metal buckle, which you can quickly release with a single hand. Thanks to the elastic fitter and nylon baggage strap, the belt will hold your bags in place (without being overly tight).

Twelve South AirFly SE Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter

Enhance your traveler’s in-flight entertainment experience with the Twelve South AirFly Pro. This nifty device connects Bluetooth headphones to wired audio systems, perfect for enjoying movies on planes or at the gym. Compared to other adaptors, AirFly’s 20+ hour battery life is more than enough to power through even the longest flight. Use the provided cable to charge AirFly even if you forgot to charge it before the flight. AirFly enters pairing mode immediately when powered on. If you ever need to pair it with different devices or just want to save battery life, there’s an on/off switch and a reset button.

trtl Travel and Airplane Pillow

Say goodbye to stiff necks with the Trtl Pillow. This innovative travel pillow uses a unique wrap design to provide superior support, especially for side sleepers. With its ultra-plush fleece, supportive shoulders, and fluffy padding, this airplane accessory will surely put anyone to sleep for many hours. Due to its lightweight design and small weight of about 4.5 ounces, you can easily attach the Trtl Travel Pillow to the outside of your backpack or luggage.

Browint Silk Sleep Sack

For the hygiene-conscious traveler, the Browint Silk Sleep Sack is a must-have. It is made from luxurious mulberry silk and provides a clean and comfortable sleeping surface in hotels or while camping. Choose between two sizes. An extra wide dimension, measuring 87″ x 43″, is approximately 9″ wider than a standard single liner. There’s plenty of room for those who are tall to move around. At just 6.3 oz., it’s the perfect size for one person, and the 87″x34″ lining adds another 5 oz. A small stuff bag made of ripstop nylon contains the liner.

BAGSMART Compression Packing Cubes

Those who plan on packing various outfits for their trip will find these cubes an ideal companion. With the BAGSMART packing cubes, they can finally pack stylishly without sacrificing space. Use the large size for outerwear, sweaters, and pants; the medium for dress shirts and blouses; and the small for undergarments; the drawstring bag can also be used as a wash bag to keep wet or dirty items separate from clean ones or even shoes. To some extent, these compression travel cubes resemble the operation of a vacuum sealer. One way to achieve this is by including an additional zipper around the outside. This allows you to compress your clothes and reduce room size easily.

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43 of the Best Gifts for Travelers (Updated for 2024)

Written by Dan

Updated on August 23rd, 2024

awesome travel gifts

Our 2024 unique travel gift ideas for the holidays are all useful travel gifts that are lightweight for taking abroad on trips! Some even double as gifts for people who travel for work.

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Best Gifts for Travelers

  • lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 2L

Apple AirTags

Airfly Headphone Jack Wireless Adapter

Harber London Passport Wallet

Cabeau travel neck pillow

Peak Design Packing Cubes

JBL Flip Bluetooth Portable Travel Speaker

Sandmarc Leather AirPod Case

Nathan Terra Fire 400 RX Hand Torch

Jogo Travel Coffee Filter Brew Straw

Universal travel adapter

Powered USB hub

  • Travel backup battery pack

NOCS Standard Issue Waterproof Binoculars

  • Massage Gun

Quince Carry-On suitcase

Deuter Aircontact Core 60 + 10 SL Pack

Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel

Aviator First Class Merino Wool Zip-Up Hoodie

Bluffworks Gramercy Suit

DUER Fireside Jeans

Compression Socks

WAMA hemp underwear

Merino Central II Long Sleeve Sweatshirt

Toad & Co Sespe Sherpa Vest

Public Rec Joggers

  • Mott & Bow Cashmere Sweater

Swiftwick Vision Winter Collection

Arcade belts

Public Rec Brave The Elements Shell

Allbirds Pipers

Birkenstock Sandals

Teva Sandals

Peak Design Tech Pouch

Photography courses from Moment

Insta360 X3

Fujifilm X-T30 II

  • Camera cleaning kit

Promptly Journals Travel Journal

  • Ultimate Bucket List for Married Couples: A Couples Journal for Planning Your Best Experiences Together
  • Lonely Planet Guides

Travel North America (And Avoid Being a Tourist)

Looking for the perfect gift for a traveler on your gift list? Here are our top recommended travel products of the year that are going to make great gifts for someone you love, or maybe for yourself.

This list is organized by a few categories: Accessories, Backpacks and Luggage, Clothes for Travel, Outerwear for Travel, Travel Shoes, Travel Photography Gifts and Travel Books.

Let’s get started with the best gifts for travel this year!

Browse our 6 favorite picks

  • Quince Carry-On Suitcase Check Availability
  • AirFly Wireless Headphone Adapter Check Availability
  • Apple AirTags Check Availability
  • Cabeau Travel Neck Pillow Check Availability
  • Peak Design Tech Pouch Check Availability
  • lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 2L Check Availability

Accessories for Travel

Travel accessories often get overlooked, but for us, they really make or break the trip! Check out the list of travel accessory gift ideas below, and you’ll see exactly what we mean.

lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 2L

If you’ve seen our list of the best fanny packs for travel , you know that Becca is a huge fan of the convenience of a belt bag! This best-selling “everywhere” belt bag from lululemon is highly popular, and every time we leave the house, we see someone with it.

It can be worn as a crossbody bag or as a waist pack. Becca likes both styles. Any time we take some form of public transit, whether it’s a flight or just a trip around NYC , a zippered belt bag helps keep valuables close, within reach and close by your side.

See more at my lululemon belt bag review .

awesome travel gifts

lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L

Give the gift of the season's most popular belt bag for travel.

Apple AirTags

One of the best gifts this season (that we gifted ourselves early) is AirTags from Apple . AirTags let travelers track their valuable belongings from an app and see their live location. We put AirTags on our suitcases when we flew to Canada!

If you’d like to surprise a traveler on your gift list this year, AirTags are the way to go, and they’re an affordable tech-savvy gift that help prevent theft and give peace of mind to anyone who has them.

awesome travel gifts

Give the gift of Apple AirTags, for tracking valuable possessions during travel.

Airfly Headphone Jack Wireless Adapter

For frequent fliers, this is going to be the gift of the year: the Airfly by Twelve South is a little gadget that you plug into the headphone jack on a flight and it lets you pair your wireless bluetooth headphones.

You can even connect two pairs of bluetooth headphones on the Airfly Duo and Airly Pro models , so a travel buddy can enjoy the connection! It also works on TVs at hotel gyms, as well as connecting a Bluetooth speaker in an old rental car on vacation.

It’s become one of the best must-have items for road trips in that regard!

Pair wireless bluetooth headphones to any airplane headphone jack and travel in style with this cool travel gift.

Harber London Passport Wallet

This gorgeous premium leather passport case is exactly what I’d want as a gift. In fact, I’ve given passport cases as gifts (even wedding gifts!). Harber London’s passport wallet has a nice magnetic closure, which adds a nice touch. It holds bills, your passport and some cards.

awesome travel gifts

In addition to being crafted from full-grain leather and made in Spain, the passport wallet has RFID Blocking Material, which is a smart touch for the modern traveler. A gift like this lets its recipient travel in style, while keeping bulk to a minimum.

awesome travel gifts

Give the gift of a premium leather passport wallet from upscale travel brand Harber London.

Cabeau travel neck pillow

While I’m the one who can’t sleep on flights, Becca certainly gives it a shot. We were recommended the Cabeau neck pillow by Becca’s cousin, years ago, and since then it has been Becca’s favorite “firm” travel pillow. By that, I mean that this travel pillow doesn’t break your neck when you doze off during a flight, like those other blow-up travel neck pillows or the ones filled with beads.

awesome travel gifts

This one’s a great gift for a frequent flyer on your list! It also comes with a neat carrying sack that can attach to luggage. It’s absolutely a necessary accessory for long flights .

Travel comfortably with the Cabeau travel neck pillow, designed to provide optimal neck support and rest during long journeys.

Peak Design Packing Cubes

Every traveler should have packing cubes , and if you’re going to buy some, why not get the best ones around? I’ve been using Peak Design’s packing cubes for quite a few years now, and I like a few things about them: the zippers that don’t snag, the washability and the smooth and lightweight material.

If you know that a loved one on your list could be more organized when they travel, consider packing cubes as a gift this year.

A small peak design packing cube

We wrote an extensive Peak Design brand revew , as well as a Peak Design packing cubes review for you to check out.

Maximize packing efficiency and organization with the Peak Design Packing Cubes, crafted for wrinkle-free travel.

JBL Flip Bluetooth Portable Travel Speaker

The JBL Flip Bluetooth Speaker is something we use at home, and it also converts into a handy wireless travel accessory we take on the road if we want to be able to play our tunes and podcasts on something other than an iPhone. This speaker packs quite a punch, and we’re using it right now, as we are writing this list for you.

We’d recommend a bluetooth speaker for travel, like this one, if you know someone who could have their travel experience elevated by some good audio, whether in a hotel or camping out in the wild.

Enjoy impressive audio on the go with the JBL Flip Bluetooth Portable Travel Speaker, designed for high-quality sound in a compact form.

Sandmarc Leather AirPod Case

Becca recommends this AirPods “leather edition” case with a strap for anyone who’s always dropping their AirPods case.

awesome travel gifts

A case like this one is also great for travel, like when you’re fumbling for your AirPods on a flight. She really likes the tiny strap handle, and the perfect fit of this leather case. Know a techie traveler? This might be the best gift for them.

Protect your AirPods with the Sandmarc Leather AirPod Case, designed for style and durability.

Nathan Terra Fire 400 RX Hand Torch

I’m a fan of this handheld flashlight that’s great for quite a few things, from night running to camping to just having a backup light source if you experience a blackout (these can sometimes be common in developing nations).

awesome travel gifts

If you know a traveler who’s into hight hiking, night safaris or climbing/caving, this is also a thoughtful gift because of the hands-free grip design.

Enhance your night runs with the Nathan Terra Fire 400 RX Hand Torch, a powerful, portable lighting solution.

Jogo Travel Coffee Filter Brew Straw

New to the world of coffee products for travel is the Jogo, based on the idea of the Argentine “bombilla,” which filters tea through a straw.

awesome travel gifts

The Jogo coffee filter straw serves as a way to make your favorite coffee on the go when you’re at an Airbnb, camping or even staying at a friend’s house and they don’t have a coffee maker. We think this product is a super cool gift for the person in your life who’s into coffee gadgets and new ways to brew their caffeine.

Experience the joy of a perfectly brewed cup anywhere with the Jogo Travel Coffee Filter Brew Straw, designed for the mobile caffeine enthusiast.

Universal travel adapter

For people who travel internationally where the wall plugs are different, a universal travel adapter is key. We’ve traveled to so many countries and have always had this adapter with us.

They are usually affordable and the one we’ve had has lasted well over five years. One of these makes a great gift because it’s one of those things that people didn’t think they needed until they have it. If you know a newer traveler who’s setting off on an adventure this season, a universal travel adapter is great for this trip and all the ones in the future.

Never worry about compatibility issues again with this universal travel adapter, a must-have for the global traveler.

Powered USB hub

We’ve recommended a power USB hub probably 1,000 times on this website. The reason is because it’s so practical and also makes a great gift for someone who travels a lot.

The purpose of this product is to be able to charge everything at once. You only need one outlet, and then you can charge your phone, tablet, kindle, battery backup, watch or whatever else needs charging.

This is perfect to stack with an international universal travel adapter because you don’t need to cycle through charging something one at a time.

Power your devices efficiently on the go with the Powered USB hub, an essential tool for tech-savvy travelers.

Travel backup battery pack

A battery pack has gotten me out of more jams than I can count. Long flight and nowhere to charge your phone? Battery backup. No outlet close by? Battery backup. Don’t trust some weird plug in a restaurant or Airbnb? Battery backup.

awesome travel gifts

Even now, we use the battery backup to charge our iPad on the coffee table because there isn’t a plug close by while we’re using it.

Battery pack

Stay charged and connected with this battery pack, ensuring your devices never run out of juice while you're on the go.

Do you know someone who wants to feel like a true hiker, or go on a safari at the nature reserve right near home? We tried out the NOCS Waterproof Binoculars and they are the real deal!

We took these cool and handy binoculars on a hike and got to zoom in on a turtle hanging out on a log. What’s also cool is that the boxing material that the NOCS come in gives you tips on how to line up your smartphone with the binocular lens, to get an instantly-shareable binocular photo!

awesome travel gifts

Check out why these binoculars make a hike more fun.

Massage Gun

For accessories for long flights , I choose my massage gun, which can really help get knots out of tight muscles. When I travel, I usually run in new destinations. Having a massage gun can be really useful in quickly warming up before and after my runs.

I enjoy my mini massage gun because it’s really small, fits in my luggage and is actually useful! It’s one of the best gadgets for working out during a trip and makes a good gift.

TheraGun Mini Massage Gun

Relieve muscle tension wherever you go with the compact muscle recovery massage gun.

Backpacks and Luggage

A backpack or good luggage can be everything, and we’ve learned this by having good luggage, and bad luggage. Below, find some of the awesome bags that make great gifts. These bags are all something special, whether for business travel or travel for fun.

Quince Carry-On suitcase

If you’re looking for a genuinely affordable rolling suitcase, the luggage from Quince is an amazing option. All the suitcases have TSA approved combination locks, 360 degree wheels, compression panels inside and are ultra lightweight.

Becca has been using this suitcase as her default carry-on and it’s been a great flexible option for all types of trips. Read our Quince Carry-On suitcase review here!

Get free shipping, plus 365-day returns now!

Shop the deal

The Quince Carry-On will make a great gift for anyone looking for a lightweight and durable rolling suitcase.

awesome travel gifts

Check out the new Quince Carry-On suitcase, offering practicality and style in one.

Deuter Aircontact Core 60 + 10 SL Pack

Do you have a loved one taking a big trip this year? Check with them first to see if they’ve been looking at backpacks and have an idea of what they want, and then tell them to hold off: you’ve got this gift in the works.

The Deuter Aircontact Core 60 + 10 SL Pack is an excellent expandable backpacker’s backpack, great for a romp around Southeast Asia, South America or Europe, whether for two weeks or 10. It’s got a sturdy frame, loads of pockets, superb-quality zippers and compression straps for every backpacking scenario on the road. I name it as one of the best products for backpackers .

You can see more about this backpack in our list of the best backpacks for women .

awesome travel gifts

Carry your gear in comfort with the Deuter Aircontact Core 60 + 10 SL Pack, designed for extended trips.

Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus

This backpack has become our go-to “weekend away bag,” and we’ve used it for overnight trips. It has a pleasing and elevated style for a travel bag of this size, and a laptop compartment that really keeps your computer safe.

Overall, it handles weight very well and will satisfy the minimalist traveler who’s picky about travel bags. One point to hammer home is that it comes in several different sizes, from 20 to 38 liters. We also recommend it in our list of the best travel backpacks , and there’s tons more detail at my Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus review .

awesome travel gifts

Travel in comfort and style with the spacious Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus, designed to keep your essentials neatly organized.

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

I’ve had my Peak Design Travel Backpack since the beginning of the product line (it was originally a Kickstarter). It’s done exceptionally well as a travel bag and photography bag. The quality is unlike most other bags that I’ve tried: it’s excellent.

Get free shipping on US orders $99+, with 30-day returns!

You can fit a surprising amount of stuff inside and there are plenty of compartments for everything! For these reasons, the PD travel backpack is a stellar travel gift this year. I have a review of the Peak Design Travel Backpack if you want to learn more about its features!

Unleash your wanderlust with the Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack, designed for maximum packing flexibility and uncompromised comfort.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel

The Black Hole Duffel is one of the best duffel bags for travel that money can buy. It’s great because it folds into itself. This is practical for times when you want to bring home more than you came with. The folding capabilities are also useful for storage.

If you know someone who tends to go shopping on trips, this is an ideal foldable duffel to have within luggage. It can be carried-on, or checked, for a flight.

There aren’t too many pockets in this duffel bag, but there are compression straps that help keep everything nice and tight. The material is durable and even with many year of wear and tear, my Patagonia duffel bag still looks brand new! I go more in detail with a ton of new photos at my Black Hole Duffel review .

awesome travel gifts

Get a versatile duffel-backpack: the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel, a durable and high-quality travel bag.

Clothes for Travel

Travel clothes is a category of apparel that has always stumped us. We look for features in travel clothes like versatility, breathability, ability to pair with other clothes we’ve brought along and ease of washing. Get ready and get set to see the travel clothes we recommend this year for gifts.

Aviator First Class Merino Wool Zip-Up Hoodie

This merino wool hooded sweatshirt from Aviator caught us by surprise, and now we consider it one of the best travel gifts for frequent jet-setters in our lives.

Get an immediate 20% off your purchase, using code HALFHALF20 at checkout.

Shop the site

What’s nifty about it is its thoughtful travel-specific features, like the fold-down mitten cuffs for cold flights, an oversized hood that turns into an eye mask, zippered pockets to keep anything from falling out mid-flight and soft odor-wicking merino wool material. See all the photos we took of this product in our detailed review .

Women wearing a aviator first class hoodie

The Aviator First Class Hoodie is available in Men’s and Women’s styles.

Check out this winning merino zip-up for all your upcoming trips.

Bluffworks Gramercy Suit

I don’t get the opportunity to dress up a lot. When I do, I’m glad I have my Bluffworks Gramercy Suit . It fits pretty much right off the shelf. Suits are a personal thing, so you might want to get it tailored.

The jackets do fit true to size. I wore the 38 regular for a year, and then switched to a 38 short and I am much happier with this size. I talk more about that in my Gramercy travel suit review .

awesome travel gifts

The Gramercy travel suit has all of the characteristics of Bluffworks products, which are durable, practical and well thought-out. I haven’t run a marathon in my suit (maybe I should?), but I have noticed it is more forgiving than some of the other suits that I own. I think this would make an awesome gift for someone who’s not expecting it; just keep in mind that suits usually require tailoring (but not always!).

Get an immediate 15% off, with our exclusive Bluffworks discount code (one-time use per customer)! Use code HALFHALFTRAVEL15 at checkout.

Get the deal

There are also tons of hidden pockets everywhere. The hidden pockets are super helpful on suits, because you can carry a small amount of cards and zip safely through different parts of the suit. You can see just how well it packs up into a backpack or suitcase in our guide to how to pack a suit for travel.

See why travelers swear by this wrinkle-free travel suit.

DUER Fireside Jeans

When it starts getting cold out, I usually put on my DUER Fireside jeans, reviewed here . They have a thin layer of fleecey insulation that makes them nice and cozy for the colder days and nights in winter.

From the outside, no one would ever know that your jeans are far more superior than the rest. Jeans do have a tendency to get cold because denim isn’t known for its ability to hold in heat. And that’s why these Fireside Jeans from DUER are the best, especially for cold trips where you may be out sightseeing for hours, or standing in outdoor lines to get into attractions.

Get free shipping when you spend $99+; no code needed.

Know someone heading to an ice festival this season? Gift them the Fireside jeans, available for both men and women!

awesome travel gifts

The Fireside jeans are available in Men’s and Women’s styles.

Stay warm with these cozy fleecey jeans for travel.

Compression Socks

Is someone on your gift list pregnant and planning a babymoon , or looking for pregnancy plane travel essentials ? Compression socks make a great gift for plane rides and road trips.

They’re not just for pregnant women and athletes, though. Compression socks are comfy , and they’re nice for any traveler to have during a long travel day, as they help with circulation of the blood while sitting for long periods of time.

awesome travel gifts

They’re also a very easy gift to give, coming in only two sizes (M and L), and simple colors that match all your travel clothes. We have more ideas at our list of the best travel socks .

Take a step towards travel comfort with Compression Socks, designed to minimize swelling and fatigue.

WAMA hemp underwear

Becca is always at a loss of what kind of underwear to get, especially for travel, when you might be sleeping on a plane, or a train or a bus, and you want to stay fresh. She recently learned about WAMA Underwear , which makes undergarments for both men and women, and all the products are made out of sustainably-made organic hemp.

awesome travel gifts

WAMA products are breathable and lightweight, and the company hopes to bring awareness to everyone, especially travelers, about the benefits of hemp as a new natural fabric.

Becca tried the bikini and hipster undies and looks forward to bringing them on a trip soon. For men, WAMA makes boxer briefs , boxers and briefs .

Experience unrivaled comfort and sustainability with the WAMA hemp underwear, a natural choice for everyday wear.

Merino Central II Long Sleeve Sweatshirt

This sweatshirt quickly became a favorite of mine, for having a perfect fit and a perfect feel. Between the cotton and merino wool blend, this sweatshirt is both lightweight and warm, making it versatile and kind of like a “goes-with-anything” piece to have in my bag on a trip.

awesome travel gifts

Merino wool is one of the most popular materials for travel clothes these days, and this sweatshirt is the type of staple I’d have on a trip to somewhere with cool weather, or simply for wearing while in transit.

Stay warm and stylish with the Merino Central II Long Sleeve Sweatshirt, made with luxurious merino wool.

Toad & Co Sespe Sherpa Vest

This women’s vest from Toad & Co. is a no-brainer gift for winter! Becca likes the timeless colors and the teddy-bear-like texture that’s both fuzzy and warm, but not bulky. A vest is a great item to have on a travel day, as it keeps your core warm, while keeping your arms free of, well, the bulk you’d have from a jacket. Just make sure to layer properly underneath!

awesome travel gifts

Add a cozy layer with the Toad & Co Sespe Sherpa Vest, designed for cool-weather adventures.

Public Rec Joggers

I’ve had my Public Rec Joggers for a few cold seasons now. They were my first pair of joggers, and they’ve been given some quality time throughout the short winter days.

They fit me really nicely and are a little bit thicker than some of the other travel joggers on the market .

I like the Public Rec joggers because of the amount of space that the pockets have and the quality of the material. They feel nice, and they haven’t shown too many signs of wear after extended use. For these reasons, they’re a cool athleisure gift for someone you’re close to.

awesome travel gifts

Becca has them in the Women’s All Day Jogger and gave them a test run on her flights to Guatemala this year. If it hadn’t turned out well, we wouldn’t be recommending these for both women and men as great gifts this season.

Stay comfortable and chic with the Public Rec Joggers, designed for both active and relaxed days.

Mott & Bow Cashmere Sweater

A cashmere sweater feels like an elevated gift to receive and it’s true. From Mott & Bow, cashmere is both attainable and easy to shop for. In this review of Mott & Bow products , Becca reviewed the Women’s 100% Cashmere Turtleneck sweater. Note that it’s an oversized fit, so it makes a good gift because it doesn’t have to fit the gift receiver perfectly. It’s like a relaxed cashmere sweater that won’t go out of style.

Get an immediate 10% off with our exclusive Mott & Bow discount code (first-time customers only)! Use code HALFHALF10 at checkout.

We’ve also both tried the Mott & Bow crew neck cashmere sweaters: the Cashmere Raglan Crew Cambridge Sweater for women and the Classic Cashmere Crew Bergen Sweater for men. Both have more of a fitted style and are gifts for someone who likes to show off their physique during winter rather than hang out in a looser sweater.

awesome travel gifts

Shop the Turtleneck

Swiftwick Vision Winter Collection

Swiftwick is somewhat of a new discovery for me this year. I first heard about the brand when I was doing research for bright socks to wear when I run at night . I was quickly impressed with the quality and wanted to try something new going into winter.

The Vision Winter Collection seems like a perfect fit to have some nice socks to wear when hiking during the colder days while keeping my feet warm. Socks tend to be an easy and quick gift, but if you’re giving them for a reason like for all the features of these socks, then they’re well appreciated!

awesome travel gifts

The Swiftwick Vision Winter Collection offers a range of performance socks designed for warmth, comfort, and style during the colder months.

Arcade belts

With so many great travel pants options for men , it can be easy to overlook a belt that can be flexible and comfortable. This is where Arcade belts excel as gifts.

My trusty belt (that I think I must have gotten seven years ago) has been good, but it can start to get uncomfortable on some of the longer flights that I’ve taken. Arcade belts are designed to move with you and stretch, and one of these would be awesome for the traveler in your life who always forgets to pack a belt (that person might be me).

It’s really comfortable, where you don’t feel that you have a belt on. It’s low-profile enough that it never gets in the way. I think it’ll be a great gift for guys on the go.

See why this minimalist no-show belt is a great choice for having in your bag.

Outerwear for Travel

For fall, winter and early spring months, outerwear for travel is essential! When it comes to gifting, who wouldn’t want a trendy or stylish new type of outerwear for holiday trips?

Public Rec Brave The Elements Shell

I wear my Public Rec Brave The Elements Shell when the weather falls below 60 degrees. This windbreaker runs a little “warmer” than other similarly styled jackets.

It has become one of my favorite lightweight jackets that I own. I like it because it packs really well (it folds up super tiny in luggage), keeps you very warm, fits well and looks great.

It’s a nice gift idea for someone always on the go who would appreciate having a foldable and packable windbreaker to fit in a small backpack. Do you have that person on your gift list? I think we do.

Stay protected from the elements with the Public Rec Brave the Elements Shell, your essential outerwear.

Travel Shoes

Having shoes for travel is one thing, and gifting travel shoes is another! Luckily, we’re recommending these travel shoes as gifts because the return policies are super easy.

Allbirds Pipers

Becca and I both have the Allbirds Pipers, for men and women, and what we like about them is that they are machine-washable cozy walking shoes that are great for travel days. Gift these to someone who’s had their eye on owning Allbirds , as these are some of the coziest shoes for colder months.

awesome travel gifts

See our full review of the Allbirds Pipers sneakers for men and women to see if this is the right gift to give this year!

Step into sustainable comfort with Allbirds Pipers, the perfect blend of style and eco-friendliness.

Birkenstock Sandals

For taking trips to escape the winter cold , your favorite traveler needs some brand new Birkenstocks. We like this brand of sandals because they’re durable (I’ve had mine since fall 2017!), have good arch support and also good ankle support, in so many different styles.

awesome travel gifts

  • Shop Women’s

Step into comfort with Birkenstock sandals, a timeless blend of timelessness and comfort.

Teva Sandals

Teva sandals are a winner for travelers who are cool with sandals, and who like having their feet in the type of shoe that you can walk in for hours, but also get caught in the rain in, and not care! We recommend the unisex universal sandal from Teva for a gift.

Travel in comfort and style with Teva Sandals, designed to provide support and traction on any adventure.

Travel Photography Gifts

As two people who really love documenting their trips through photography, take it from us: photography gifts for travelers are huge this year. See what our top picks are, below!

Peak Design Tech Pouch

For photographers, the amount of little items you accumulate seems to grow, day by day. The Peak Design Tech Pouch helps wrangle all of your items together into a neat little package.

awesome travel gifts

When I travel with mine, I always have my memory cards, charging cables, battery charger, adapters, dongles and more.

It’s been a lifesaver to have and in which to keep everything I bring with me. Any traveling photography enthusiast will appreciate this accessory as a gift. To see more photos and details, head to my Peak Design Tech Pouch review .

The Peak Design Tech Pouch is a highly-organized, efficient, and compact storage pouch designed for carrying your tech accessories. It's an excellent accessory for travelers, photographers, or anyone who carries a lot of small tech gear and wants to keep everything organized.

Photography courses from Moment

How exciting would it be to receive the gift of photography classes online? Moment is offering topics in photography from documentary photography to filmmaking to photo storytelling.

Warehouse returns are now on sale at 15% off (never used, just open box!); plus, get free shipping on US orders over $98.

Shop the sale

We like the idea of giving the gift of learning!

Enhance your skills and creativity with photography courses from Moment, a platform for aspiring and seasoned photographers alike.

Insta360 X3

This waterproof 360-degree action camera is a thrilling gift for travelers who’ve been wanting to document their trips in a unique way. It’s the perfect excuse to give someone the gift of unleashing their creativity through photo and video.

Capture stunning, immersive content with the Insta360 X3, a game-changer in portable 360-degree video technology.

Fujifilm X-T30 II

The Fujifilm X-T30 II is a really good small camera. It’s good for any purpose and really shines during occasions when you don’t want to lug around a heavy camera and too many lenses.

Fujifilm cameras are known for their ability to emulate various film stocks. You can get a picture out of these cameras print ready with low to minimal editing. There’s something really special about that!

If you have the budget for a gift, or know someone who loves photography and you can chip in with others, the Fujifilm X-T30 II will be an outstanding gift this holiday season.

Looking for a lens to pair with the camera? I recommend the 35mm f/1.2. It’s one of those lenses that you can keep on the camera and never take it off. It’s really nice!

One last thing, with any digital camera, you’ll need a memory card. This 128GB memory card will work well for any photography camera.

Don’t forget a lens and a memory card !

Capture moments in stunning detail with the Fujifilm X-T30 II, a compact powerhouse that brings your vision to life.

Camera cleaning kit

Camera cleaning kits make great gifts for people who are into photography and have DSLR or mirrorless cameras. Or, really any camera with a sensor. Cleaning your sensor is scary, but without doing so, you may have dust spots on your camera sensor that can get in the way of your photos.

I have a guide and video talking all about how to clean your camera sensor. I recommend these products as a way to effectively clean your sensor the right way.

Here’s everything you might want to complete the set

  • Rocket blower
  • Sensor swabs
  • Sensor cleaning solution

Travel Books

Oftentimes, we groan about books, but now that we have a proper coffee table (finally) at home, we can appreciate books that we really want to look at. And, we love to look at travel books, both to leaf through for fun, and to prep before a trip!

Promptly Journals Travel Journal

These beautiful and packable travel journals help to uniquely document your adventures. Slide one into the laptop compartment of a backpack, or the side pocket of a suitcase, and voila: you can wind down with journaling during a trip.

awesome travel gifts

There are even some prompted entries to help you jot down trip highlights to look back on, so that you don’t get that overwhelm of staring at a blank page.

Record your trip in your own way, in these sleek and timeless travel journals.

You can also check out the 4 pack directly on their website.

Ultimate Bucket List for Married Couples: A Couples Journal for Planning Your Best Experiences Together

Our friends Alex and Ryan of Alex & Ryan Duo Life wrote this book for adventurous couples who want to hit their goals and create memories! It’s for travel, and also milestones in your adventure together through marriage. What a fun way to grow together! Makes a great gift for newlywed travelers.

Ultimate Bucket List for Married Couples

Embark on unforgettable experiences together with the Ultimate Bucket List for Married Couples, a guide to shared adventure and romance.

Lonely Planet Guides

A series of books we swear by are the Lonely Planet guidebooks. You will see the mentioned all over this website, from our travels on our Portugal Road Trip to Chichen Itza in Mexico . We think that an LP guide for a traveler you know is a good gift, especially if they haven’t had time to properly plan an upcoming vacation.

awesome travel gifts

Lonely Planet Guides on Amazon

Unleash your inner adventurer with Lonely Planet guidebooks, your gateway to the most unforgettable travel experiences.

Travel North America (And Avoid Being a Tourist)

This beautiful and down-to-earth coffee table book about traveling in North America is an inspiring gift for a loved one who either wants to get to know the US, Canada and Central America better, or doesn’t have the desire to head too far away for adventuring. This book is one we really enjoy leafing through, because there are so many places in North America we have yet to visit.

Travel North America (And Avoid Being a Tourist) is a unique guide offering a fresh perspective on exploring the continent.

Pin Your Favorites on Pinterest!

Pinterest image from the '43 of the Best Gifts for Travelers (Updated for 2024)' article on Half Half Travel

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DUER Performance Denim Jeans Review: My #1 Essential

Are the DUER Performance Denim slim jeans worth it? We’re reviewing the men’s and women’s DUER pants as the best lightweight stretchy travel jeans with a flattering fit.

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Going Awesome Places

Detailed itineraries + travel guides

53 Gifts For Travel Lovers That They’ll Actually Want In 2024

Last Updated September 13, 2024 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Tips » 53 Gifts For Travel Lovers That They’ll Actually Want In 2024

Whether it’s for the holiday season or for a special occasion such as a birthday, these are simply awesome gifts for travel lovers in your life that suit all budgets.

A lot has changed in the travel space this past year but that doesn’t mean the wanderlust has fizzled away for the intrepid globetrotter (which could be you who’s reading this).

Read more about my favourite gear

  • Camping gift ideas for outdoor lovers
  • Kammok Arctos Review – Is this ultralight quilt worth it?
  • Why the Keen Newport H2’s are the best travel sandals
  • Review of Rainbow flip flops
  • Our best packing lists
  • Best travel hacking credit cards for Canadians

How to get the best deals in travel

  • Hottest deals  – Bookmark the  travel deals page .
  • Car rentals  – stop getting ripped off and  learn about car rental coupon codes .
  • Hotels  – Use  corporate codes  or get  Genius 2 tier  with Booking.
  • Flights  – Have you ever heard of the  “Everywhere” feature ?
  • Insurance  – Make sure you’re covered and learn more about  where to buy the best travel insurance .

In This Article

Travel Gifts That Will Impress

Essential travel gifts under $100, gift ideas for travellers under $25, cheap gifts for travel lovers under $15, unique travel gifts for men, travel gifts women will love, luxury travel gifts for travelers, gifts for travellers that can’t travel right now, best gifts for the travel photographer, useful gifts for those that love outdoor adventure, frequently asked questions, travel resources for your next trip, gifts for travel lovers buying guide in 2023.

the wander club is one of the products featured in this gifts for travel lovers guide

I’ve been blogging for almost 9 years now and what goes in mine and my wife’s backpack has changed in some ways but has also stayed the same.

As a serial traveller, I’m always carefully analyzing what makes the cut for trips whether it’s travel gadgets, clothing, backpacks, and comfort items.

This is not going to be your generic “holiday gift guide” list but things that are legit useful and gifts I would actually want.

We’ve shared my travel toolbox in the past and also created a guide on camping gift ideas but here is my list of the best gift ideas for all types of travellers that’ll surely impress. They’re practical, useful, and thoughtful.

What we’ve done is categorize this list into different categories and budgets to help you navigate. Enjoy!

1: Db Ramverk Luggage

db ramverk luggage medium check-in size in parhelion orange

If you’re looking for a gift that’ll really have them go “WOW” when you give it to them, there’s nothing more useful than a quality piece of luggage.

Db is a company founded by Norway and I’ve fallen in love with their gear ever since their the Db Strøm (later renamed to the Hugger Rollerbag) and Ramverk Backpack Pro that I featured in our practical camping gift ideas list .

When they came out with their new line of hard-shell suitcases, I knew I had to give it a try and honestly it’s been life-changing. The one featured above is the Db Ramverk Check-in Luggage Medium in Parhelion Orange . The color is stunning, it’s rugged as heck, the inner organization is so clutch, and it handles like a dream.

If you think someone is in the market to finally get rid of their old luggage and do a proper upgrade, look no further!

The entire Ramverk Luggage line consists of a front-access carry-on ($499 USD), the carry-on ($399 USD), check-in medium ($599 USD), and check-in large ($699 USD). They also ship to Canada with duties and shipping included!

CHECK PRICES

2: The Wander Club

the wander club token and holder keychain as an amazing gift for travelers

Are you or know someone that’s obsessed about travel? This is an ingenious idea to be able to display, keep track, and remember your adventures. A rugged leather keychain holds a ring of stainless-steel tokens that can have anything from countries, cities, states, landmarks, oceans, seas, national parks, or something custom (think special events and dates).

It’s like your world map with pins but in your pocket. You can proudly display it at home or have it hanging on your backpack.

We got one recently and wanted to show you a few more detailed photos of the token holder in Forest green and also the Country Tokens and Gold Custom Tokens . To start things off, I’ve ordered all the countries I’ve visited in the past 3 years and bookmarked by “Going” and “Places” gold tokens – see what I did there?

awesome travel gifts

What I love about this is that there’s an endless number of ways to keep your memories together in a compact form-factor. The holder displays a high level of craftsmanship with the hand stitching and painted sides. The leather engraving with silver foil is really sweet and its imprinted with my initials as a monogram as well!.

As a bonus, every order also provides a meal to a child in need as part of the Rice Bowls non-profit .

the wander club coupon code and promo code

I’ve been able to secure a 20% discount for my readers by using code GAPWANDERCLUB . This is a larger discount than what they offer as a e-mail sign up offer so make sure you take advantage! Get your collection started today!

3: Inspirational Travel Books

inspiration travel books by mike and anne howard ultimate journeys for two and comfortably wild

If you’re looking for a great gift idea for that traveler in your life, don’t sleep on a great book that can uplift, inspire, and most importantly, get up and just go !

Fellow travel bloggers and perpetual honeymooners, Mike and Anne Howard from HoneyTrek have two incredible books:

  • Ultimate Journeys for Two
  • Comfortably Wild

These two books are great for newlyweds, couples, and any outdoor/adventure enthusiast!

4: Eagle Creek Packing Cubes

eagle creek pack-it specter cube set best travel gifts for under 0

I’ve owned these pretty much since day 1 of Going Awesome Places and a must-have for all travellers.

As a travel minimalist or OCD about staying organized, this is an amazing way to get into the habit of rolling your clothes and keep them nice and compact. The bags themselves are super durable and weight next to nothing.

You can see that I include this in almost all of my packing lists including my recent one to French Polynesia or even for something local like this cottage packing list .

5: Anker PowerCore Power Bank

anker powercore power bank 10000 mah

This is the Anker Powercore II 10000 mAh that has fast charge. You already know how useful these things can be whether you’re travelling or not.

For me, this has been my go-to power bank because of a couple of things. First, the footprint of this is very small is one few that perfectly fits the Peak Design Tech Pouch. Secondly, 10,000 mAh is an important specification because some airports have started limiting the maximum amount to 10,000 mAh (e.g. China).

There’s currently an updated version of this that provides Power Delivery (PD) and is actually smaller! It’s called the Anker PowerCore 10000 PD Redux .

6: Victorinox Travel Organizer

victorinox travel organizer for passport boarding pass and has rfid protection in black

This is a super handy organizer that I use to hold all of my travel-specific cards, passport, boarding pass, cash, booking confirmation printouts, coins, and a pen. Another added benefit you get from this is that it provides RFID protection.

Victorinox has made a rugged case that belongs in any backpack as part of your carry-on kit. This is especially helpful at the airport or checking into hotels so you don’t need to rummage through your bag to find things. Pull this out and be confident that you’ll have everything you need inside.

7: Peak Design Tech Pouch

peak design tech pouch opened up with gear inside

This is perhaps one of my favourite things in my travel backpack. We all have to bring more and more technology do-hickeys, widgets, and cables. The Tech Pouch keeps it all together.

I have a YouTube review of the Tech Pouch but what you need to know is that it’s the perfect place for your power blocks (laptop and phone), power bank, cables, earbuds, memory cards, business cards, pens, SIM cards, and dongles.

8: Eagle Creek Sac Set

eagle creek sac set gear organizer travel gift

These will look familiar as they’re by Eagle Creek but beyond matching, they’re an incredibly useful way to just organize different gear together.

Using this either in your backpack or suitcase, this allows you to know instantly what’s inside when you pull it out. I personally use this to put all my charging electronics together. I use another to throw in all my socks.

There are a ton of ways to use this and any travel lover would find a place for this in their kit.

9: Fjallraven Hip Pack

fjallraven hip pack large size gift for travellers

Fanny packs are back in style and there’s no slicker one than this one by Fjallraven. This hip pack comes in 3 sizes but the best for use as a companion to a backpack or as a day pack is the Large size.

Not only is this a fashion statement but a waterproof, versatile, and spacious 4 liters of space to stash your things while on the go exploring the city or on hiking trails.

10: Outdoor Research Radar Pocket Cap

outdoor research radar pocket cap

This was a bit of an accidental discovery for me but pretty game changing because hats are by design, unbendable so you have to find space to cram it into your backpack or loop it off of something. With this, I can literally fold it and stash it in my pocket if I need to.

This Outdoor Research cap is unisex, provides 50+ UPF sun protection, is water resistant, and quick-drying, making this the ultimate travel hat.

11: Samsonite Tru-Frame Carry-On Luggage

samsonite tru frame carry on spinner suitcase in navy

I couldn’t go through this whole list and not throw in one piece of carry-on luggage. Samsonite makes some of the best suitcases on the market and one of their latest iterations is a winner.

Built to last, functional, and backed by a 10 year warranty, you can’t go wrong with this as a gift for any traveller. I love that this has two built in TSA-compatible locks, has 4 multi-directional spinner wheels, and comes in a variety of colors including navy which I’m a huge fan of.

12: Original Buff Headwear

awesome travel gifts

If you follow our Instagram account or see any of my photos when I travel, you’ll see that I usually have this thing around my wrist, neck, or head. It’s one of my must-have travel items that I pack for every trip.

I have a full review of Buff Headwear but the skinny on this is that it’s a thoughtfully versatile piece of clothing that I use to keep my neck warm or protected from the sun, as a head covering to double as a hat, or to wipe sweat off.

13: Smartwool Hiking Crew Socks

smartwool hiking socks for men as a travel gift

I’ve always found socks to be a really thoughtful kind of gift whether it’s for a traveller or not because of just how useful and impactful it is on daily life.

These hiking socks by Smartwool are the crew style that are made out of 66% merino wool which makes it warm, cushioned, breathable, and built for performance whether you’re going hardcore trekking or need a warm pair for home.

CHECK PRICES FOR MEN

CHECK PRICES FOR WOMEN

14: Victorinox Swiss Army with Nail Clippers

victorinox swiss army knife with nail clippers for travelers

Gifting nail clippers is a bit weird but in a Swiss Army knife, now that’s not weird at all!

This is a useful multitasking survival tool to have and much smaller than its bigger brothers. For flying, you’ll just need to remember to put this in the check-in luggage.

15: Croakies Arc Sunglasses Strap

awesome travel gifts

Not quite the fashion statement but I’ve sworn by Croakies for a long time.

Hear me out. When you’re travelling with quality sunglasses like Maui Jims, the worst is when you have it hanging off your shirt or on your head and you forget and they accidentally fall out.

This completely eliminates that problem and is especially important for photographers because you just can’t shoot with sunglasses on and this allows me to pop my sunglasses on fast.

16: Travel Adapter Power Strip

travel adapter power strip

Normally, I’d recommend the Belkin 3-outlet surge protector but this is a sweet universal power strip that’ll make sure you can charge all the things when you’re travelling.

Any seasoned traveller will tell you that the worst thing about any hotel, hostel or Airbnb is the lack of plugs. One of the first things I do when I unpack is hunt for all of the outlets and start unplugging all the things I won’t use like the kettle and maybe even the TV. With this, you just need one and you’re good to go.

17: Personalized Travel Notebook

awesome travel gifts

I simply adore the simple aesthetic of these notebooks that are fully personalized. Drop in your family or friend’s favourite quote, add their initials, and get them started on their journaling adventure.

One thing to note is that this ships from the UK and is in the A5 size which is slightly narrower and taller.

18: Custom Engraved Acrylic Luggage Tags

custom engraved luggage tag gifts

For a unique gift for travel lovers, consider these engraved luggage tags on acrylic plexiglass with a 3mm genuine leather cord.

The design is minimal and discrete and you’re able to work with them to have something custom engraved. You also have the choice of 5 different materials.

19: Customized leather passport cover

awesome travel gifts

Etsy is the best place to find custom leather passport covers like this one. The workmanship is superb and the service you get is some of the best I’ve ever experienced.

With 14 different colors of leather and various embossing styles, this will no doubt evoke wanderlust vibes to anyone you gift this to.

20: trtl Pillow

trtl pillow for travel

Everyone has their preferences for neck pillows for when they travel but for something radically different, you should definitely check out trtl Pillow.

The design includes a super soft fleece that wraps around a shoulder-supported frame that is ergonomically correct for the plane or bus.

21: Super International Power Adapter

sublimeware international power adapter and usb hub for travel

I know this thing looks like is overkill but there’s a lot to like about this power adapter. Not only does it work around the world but it does so both ways on the male and female side of things. In addition, what I love the most is that it gives you 4 USB outlets.

This is that all-inclusive power adapter that also acts as a multi USB port hub.

22: Microfibre Travel Towel

microfiber travel towel

Every traveller needs one of these lightweight, portable, and compact towels. From hostels to hotels or the gym, this is another one of those super useful gifts for travellers if they don’t own one already.

This one comes in a number of colors and sizes. I recommend that you go with a small or medium size because any larger means added bulk and weight when you’re on-to-go.

23: Portable Luggage Scale

portable digital luggage scale

Useful tool to have at home or even when travelling when you need to know the weight of your carry-on and check-in suitcase before you head to the airport.

The worst is when you arrive at the airport and realize you’re over the weight limit and embarrassingly need to open everything up to shift things around. Don’t allow your friend to be that guy or gal!

24: Travel Money Belt

awesome travel gifts

Love them or hate them, money belts are essential when travelling in certain parts of the world where you need to make sure you keep your essential documents like the passport safe.

Personally, my money belt saved me in one occasion in France when I had my backpack stolen in Paris. Thankfully, I had my money belt on with my passport inside so the blow of the loss wasn’t as bad as it could’ve been.

25: Emergen-C

emergen-c immune support makes a great gift for travel lovers

This isn’t a gift you often think about giving but for travellers, this is one of those things that you always want to have a few of to make sure the immune system is bolstered or if you’re feeling the onset of a sore throat.

Emergen-C comes in small dry packets and can be mixed with hot or cold water.

26: Sea to Summit Travelling Light Hanging Toiletry Bag

awesome travel gifts

Toiletry bags or dopp kits are a personal thing as you can imagine but as someone that has tested many over the years , I know a thing or two about them.

If you’re looking to pick up a gift for a traveller that likes to keep things light and minimal, the Sea-to-Summit version is the best I’ve used for how low profile it is, adequate compartments, useful hook, durable Cordura fabric, and is ultra-light.

27: ExOfficio Give-N-Go Boxer Briefs

exofficio give-n-go boxer briefs underwear gift

How close are you with your travel lover? This’ll certainly get you a few chuckles but once they start using it, they’ll realize how amazing of a gift this is.

I swear by these ExOfficio boxer briefs and it’s the only ones I travel with because of how easy they are to wash, how quick they are to dry, and how comfortable they are.

28: Actual money belt

travel security money belt

Instead of the traditional money belt, this is an actual belt with a hidden money pocket. It’s perfect for emergency cash.

This won’t hold your passport but will fit plenty of bills. You will need to tri-fold cash vertically. You can also fit keys, USB keys, and photocopies of important documents such as your passport.

29: Travel pins

going awesome places store shop featured

If you know someone that’s a fan of travel pins, there are so many different unique ones out there, especially on Etsy.

Search through Etsy to find a collection of travel-inspired pins that’s perfect for any travel lover.

30: Peak Design Everyday Totepack

awesome travel gifts

This is one of the newer additions to Peak Design’s Everyday line of backpacks. This is a clean look bag that also serves as a tote bag.

Coming in black or bone color, this is the perfect on-the-go everyday and photo carry with side access, plenty of padding, and integrated straps.

31: Infinity Scarf with Hidden Pockets

infininty scarf for women with hidden pockets make a great gift for travel lovers

This is a trendy scarf that comes in 16 different colours and at a reasonable price. What makes this great for women and also men is that there are 2 zippered pockets built in to stow things like smartphones, passport, cards, and keys.

The fabric is eco-friendly, strong, durable, and comfortable with its blend of bamboo, acrylic, and polyester.

32: Drop Dead Gorgeous Dry Shampoo

drop dead gorgeous dry shampoo by handmade heroes

This is an all natural and vegan dry shampoo powder by Handmade Heroes. Dry shampoo is a fantastic addition to any toiletry set because it’s one less liquid you need to pass through security with.

To use dry shampoo, all you have to do is blend it in by massaging the powder into the scalp. On top of being a quick liquid-free shampoo, it also adds volume. Note that there is one for medium to dark hair and another for light to medium hair.

33: Travel Jewelry Foldable Case

travel jewelry foldable case

This a much better way to organize jewelry when travelling than a box because this folds flat and takes up less space.

The mini size in black or soft pink make excellent gifts with its numerous zippered pockets, straps, and earrings panel. Beyond travel, this is a great add-on for business trips and night outs.

34: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

peak design travel backpack on tongariro crossing

This is currently my primary backpack for travel and while it doesn’t come cheap especially when you factor in the camera cube you’d need, it does a brilliant job at carrying a ton of camera gear, laptop and everything else you need on the road.

A full review of the Travel Backpack and my field test shows how it can be used.

35: Travelzoo Travel Vouchers

awesome travel gifts

While travel has come to a screeching halt, the flip side has been that hotels, resorts, and tour companies have been offering deep discounts. The best place this has been consolidated has been on Travelzoo .

Travelzoo is essentially selling vouchers to places like the Maldives for really cheap and the best part about it is that they’re fully refundable. Make sure you read our latest piece on how Travelzoo works.

36: Victorinox VX Touring 2-in-1

victorinox vx touring 2 in 1 backpack and suitcase

This is another travel bag that I’ve fallen in love with but is a pretty incognito piece of luggage that was released by Victorinox not too long ago.

The VX Touring is a 2-in-1 where you it has backpack straps so you can carry it on your back but it can also act as a carry-on suitcase.

37: Dr. Bronner’s Organic Hand Sanitizer

dr bronners organic hand sanitizer in lavender makes a great travel gift

This usually makes a great hand sanitizer for when you’re travelling but with the current state of travel, this becomes even more important to carry around with you, in the car, and at home.

For those that aren’t familiar with Dr. Bronner’s, they make some amazing organic and vegan products. The lavender scent is also quite gentle and pleasant.

38: World Maps with Pins

best world map with pins gift for travellers

Speaking from experience, travel enthusiasts like to keep track of everywhere they’ve been or at least want to be able to see the world to be able to figure out where to go next.

In our article on the best world map with pins , you’ll find 7 different varieties in different styles that would make epic gifts.

MAP FANS GO HERE

39: Kammok Swiftlet

kammok swiftlet portable hammock stand

With so much time spent at home now, the key is to find new ways to relax and leverage things that you might already have. Kammok’s Swiftlet helps you do exactly that.

Swiftlet is a portable hammock stand that is currently the lightest in the market. You can set it up outdoors but you can also put it on our deck, balcony, or even inside the house.

A hammock stand isn’t complete with a hammock itself so while you’re at it, add a Kammok Roo Single . If you’re looking for to snuggle, I also recommend looking into trail quilts. We’ve reviewed extensively the Firebelly and Arctos .

40: Custom City Map Print

awesome travel gifts

Continuing the “at home” theme, these beautiful prints of any city in the world are perfect pieces of art.

NordicCollection is an Etsy store that allows you to customize the size, location, and printed on fine art paper. All maps are made to order. Pair this print with a black frame and hang it in any part of the house.

41: Travel Airport Stickers

airport tag sticker pack

Stickers are a great way of reminiscing old travels and wanderlusting future trips. You can stick these vintage airport code luggage tags on the fridge, journal, laptop, scrapbook, photo albums, real luggage, and decorative ones.

This is a pack of 46 stickers with 23 unique airport codes that are approximately 3.5cm x 3 cm. They’re made in Canada and amazing quality.

42: Rosetta Stone

rosetta stone mandarin with hand holding app

The gift of language may be the best of all. For those that can’t travel, learning a new language is one of the best ways to prepare for a future trip.

Through Rosetta Stone’s system of learning a new language from the ground up by focusing on practical uses, pick up the basics in no time. The best package to purchase as a gift is a 1 year membership .

If you’re curious about my own experiences with Rosetta Stone, see my review of Mandarin and Japanese .

43: Peak Design Capture

awesome travel gifts

I always get comments and stares when I travel with my camera clinging to my backpack strap. Peak Design’s Capture clip is an indispensable tool for all photographers because it allows you to quickly mount the camera on your body securely without having to stuff it back into your backpack.

Capture is what allows you to have your camera as accessible as possible so you never miss a moment when you’re travelling.

44: Fujifilm Instax Mini 90

fujifilm instax mini 90 camera for travellers

When it comes to gifts for travel lovers, retro is in and the Fujifilm Instax 90 is a fun little camera for any photographer. It’s great for when you travel but it’s also great for when you’re at home as well.

Over the years, I’ve made it a habit to bring this along with me as an alternative way to create collectable memories.

45: Peak Design Everyday Sling

awesome travel gifts

For day trips, road trips whether local or internationally, having a good day bag is important but the question always is how do you balance the day bag with your larger backpack. Instead of having two backpacks, I’ve learned that travelling with a smaller sling that can be packed inside a larger backpack is the key. That’s where the Everyday Sling comes in.

This is Peak Design’s newest 6L sling bag that can carry an impressive amount of camera gear, iPad, documents, and water bottle. Whether you’re using this for big trips or small, this is the perfect photographer’s sling.

46: LensPen

lenspen dslr pro kit

If you’re thinking about finding a gift for a photographer that’s just starting off, they may not have this handy accessory that everyone needs – a Lenspen!

This 3 Lenspen set is what you need to clean your lens, viewfinder and filters from dust and dirt.

47: Backblaze

backblaze cloud backup membership

This may seem like a bit of an unusual gift but to a traveller and photographer, this is extremely useful. In digital, photos take up more and more hard drive space and thought of losing these files in a hard drive failure becomes more frightening.

Backblaze is an off-site backup strategy which uploads your most important files in case something ever did go wrong. Think iCloud but for unlimited storage of data. A one-year membership is an awesome gift.

48: BioLite HeadLamp 330 Lumen

biolite headlamp 330 lumen

There are a ton of things to like about this BioLite headlamp. It’s designed for comfort which is important, has multiple lighting modes, and can be recharged via micro USB instead of batteries.

The comfort part of this headlamp is due to the fact that it uses a 3D molded housing that sits as flat to your head as possible so it doesn’t bounce and slip like others do. The 330 lumen model also provides more light than the smaller 200.

49: Kammok Roo Single

awesome travel gifts

For those in the market for a high quality hammock, Kammok is highly recommended. The Roo Single is for one person, is silky soft which we love, and is really easy to set up.

If you need more space, Kammok also has the Roo Double which fits – you guessed it – two people!

50: Kammok Firebelly Trail Quilt

kammok firebelly trail quilt

Trail quilts are becoming a must-have piece of gear for outdoor enthusiasts because of how lightweight they are and how versatile they can be when in combination with a hammock, as a sleeping bag, or just as a quilt to keep you warm.

I have a full article showing why quilts will soon replace sleeping bags and Kammok Firebelly 30 review so make sure you take a look!

51: Stuff Sack Set

5 pack stuff sack set

Also called ditty bags, this set of 5 is a useful set for any outdoor and travel enthusiast. Stuff sacks are a great way to stay organized and throw in anything from clean clothes, dirty clothes, food, and camping gear.

With a set like this, you also get ones that are all different colours so this makes it easy to identify what’s what when you pull it ouf your backpack or suitcase.

52: Osprey UltraLight Dry Sack

osprey ultralight dry sack gift for travel lovers

A traveller’s worth nightmare is getting things wet and so dry sacks like this one are helpful to have and they also double as a standard stuff sack.

This is made of 40D rip stop nylon and comes in 5 different colors. 6L is a good size to have but they also come in 1.5L, 3L, 12L, 20L, and 30L.

53: SteriPen UV Water Purifier

steripen adventurer opti gift

This is a nifty gadget to have especially if you’re going to a destination where clean water is a challenge. The way it works is that it uses UV light to destroy over 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. It is battery powered and is good for 50 treatments per charge.

Many people that use that have used it for trips to Africa with success and definitely makes a thoughtful gift. If you read the reviews, batteries seem to be a problem so it may be worth it to include a few CR123 batteries .

All e-commerce platforms including Amazon will allow you to send to a separate address from your billing address. Some will allow you to send it as a gift as well to make sure the invoice isn’t packaged with it.

It is always recommended to buy gifts early. My recommendation is to start looking before Black Friday comes around which gives you ample time to put your order in and receive the gift well before Christmas.

Create an Amazon wishlist right away and watch the prices as they constantly make micro adjustments to prices. Sometimes they’ll drop significantly and that is when you should jump on buying it. Also, look out for Amazon Warehouse items as they come at a significant discount for boxes being simply open but not used.

Another great idea is to gift travel experiences through something called Tinggly .

If you’re not a fan of Amazon, I recommend that you look up the brand’s website and purchase directly from them.

What you should read next

  • 33 Practical Camping Gift Ideas For Outdoor Lovers
  • 10 Awesome Travel Gifts on Etsy For Travel Friends
  • Top National Rental Car Discount Codes
  • When Is The Best Time To Visit Santorini?

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100% .

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card . Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature . Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

park sleep fly airport parking discount code

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

Wifi Hotspot: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300 ) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.

eSIM: Lately, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. We’ve tested several over the years and we have access to a few special promotions.

  • AloSIM – Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 15%
  • KnowRoaming – Use code GAP10 to save 10%.
  • Airalo – Use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase.
  • Ubigi – AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts . Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental (now eligible for One Key ).

Tours: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

  • HeyMondo – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks.
  • RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
  • SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
  • Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
  • InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

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About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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Travel Fashion Girl

29 Unique Gifts for Travelers for Every Budget

FASHION , Gift Guides

unique-gifts-for-travelers

Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!

Tired of boring travel gift ideas? Here’s an awesome list of unique gifts for travelers they’ll actually use. Warning: you may end up shopping for yourself!

Unique Gifts for Travelers 

Table of contents.

Finding a unique travel gift can prove to be a challenge, especially when it seems that your frequent flyer has all the essentials they need. Whether you’re looking to save or splurge, you’re sure to find the perfect item for every jet setter on your holiday gift list!

Tip: If you need a gift quickly, email or print an Amazon or Nordstrom Gift Card !

Please note: the prices listed below are based on the retail price when this article was published. Retailers may change the price at their discretion. Also, you may have heard that retailers are possibly facing supply chain challenges; so be aware of this and try to grab your item(s) now.

Most Unique Travel Gifts According to Our Readers

unique-gifts-for-travelers

Apple Airtag 4-Pack , $99.99

Apple AirTag

The TFG community has been abuzz about the Apple AirTag and it was the #1 selling item in the last Prime Sales Event. What is it exactly? It’s a mini-tracker for all your items and works with the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad. Readers say it’s an amazing way to keep track of or locate lost luggage in an airport! There is even a popular AirTag keychain available that is also on sale now and fits perfectly so you don’t lose it!

Just place the AirtTag in your suitcase and set it up on your Find My app, and search for your things via Siri, or a sound will play from your speaker. In fact, this little device works for anything you want to track, be it your car in a parkade or your gym bag! You can choose the 4-pack, which is the most popular, or just buy one a piece . Buy it here!

Besides the Apple Air Tags, these non-iPhone luggage trackers are also reader recommended!

  • Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2 Pack
  • eufy Security by Anker SmartTrack Link

unique-gifts-for-travelers

BAGSMART Electronic Organizer , $21.99

Compact Electronic Cord Cable Organizer

Keep messy cables at bay with this compact cable organizer bag . This holds your gear so that everything, including electronics and cords, is accessible in one location, but all totally organized so you can find anything you need at a glance! 

The Bagsmart electronic cable organizer is noted for its “perfectly slim size for a backpack or bag” and is the #1 most popular travel gift. Many agree that this makes packing so much easier. Buy it here!

unique-gifts-for-travelers

FERYES Travel Makeup Brush Holder , $13.99

Portable Silicone Holder

This cool silicone organizer is sleek and compact, made with silicone that’s flexible yet strong and cleans up really easily. While marketed for makeup tools, this holder can be used for all kinds of travel essentials, even for things like reusable utensils. It won’t take up much space in your bag, and you can toss it in knowing your things will be safe inside! Buy it here!

unique-gifts-for-travelers

Face Shadow Double Eyeglasses Pouch , $13.99

Versatile Double Eyeglass Pouch

Travelers will adore this little eyeglass pouch ! It’s not only compact and efficient but super cute, with plenty of colors and patterns to pick from. 

The soft, microfiber material has sponge padding to prevent any scratching or crushing, and there’s space for two pairs of glasses! Readers have been seriously loving this handy pouch. Buy it here!

unique-gifts-for-travelers

Anker Portable Charger , $25.99

Portable Charger for Devices

Both practical and fun, this Anker Portable Battery Charger is the perfect gift for avid travelers! It’ll keep everything charged while on-the-go, and it’s especially useful in situations where a changing station isn’t readily available. 

It’s slim, lightweight, and works with all kinds of phones. Not to mention it’s SUPER popular with readers! Buy it here!

unique-gifts-for-travelers

Sony Wireless Portable Compact Speaker , $49.97

Waterproof Mini Travel Speaker 

Carting around audio accessories is now a way of life, and the Sony mini bluetooth speaker is terrific to bring on overseas travel, local road trips, or to use outdoors since it’s waterproof and dustproof. 

At a 1.8” size, it’s compact and has up to 16 hours of battery life, and can be used to take calls as well. Fully USB supported, too, so a breeze to recharge. Buy it here!

unique-gifts-for-travelers

Bombas Travel Compression Sock and Gripper Slipper , $78.00

Travel Compression Sock and Gripper Slipper

Readers raved about Bombas socks forever, they are generally great for travelers because they’re durable and don’t slip down (and feel good in walking shoes). Not only are they soft and comfortable, but they also actively protect feet as you’re walking, by preventing slips, blisters, and rubbing. While their socks are awesome for travel, they are perfect travel gift, too!

Reviews say over and over again that these are “very comfortable,” and one reader, in particular, had this cute thing to say, “I love Bombas, they are like a little hug for my feet.” Get 20% Off your first order with code TRAVEL20 ( valid for new customers only ) and for every item purchase, one is donated to someone experiencing homelessness. Buy it here !

unique-gifts-for-travelers

Matein Travel Laptop Backpack , $39.96

Lightweight Travel Backpack With Trolley Sleeve 

This Matein backpack is a reader favorite for travel. It couldn’t be more functional, offering a 15.6” laptop sleeve, plenty of pockets, and even a USB charging port! This awesome backpack will make for smooth and organized travels, plus it’s durable, water-resistant, simple in style, and comfortable on your shoulders! Buy it here!  

unique-gifts-for-travelers

Carry Case for LifeStraw , $8.95 |   LifeStraw Personal Water Filter , $19.81

LifeStraw Water Filter + Carrying Case

If you’re choosing to forgo gifting the LifeStraw filtered water bottle , you can consider the LifeStraw water filter instead and use whatever container you wish. 

If you aren’t aware of the LifeStraw and what it does to purify water. It blocks 99.9% of bacteria and contaminants. Fill your water bottle or glass with water and use the straw to drink.

And you can create a doubly amazing gift by buying one of these LifeStaw carrying cases and presenting both together! The case is sturdy with a hand strap and carabiner, it’s made from scratch-resistant and shock proof materials. It comes in several other colors too. 

Buy the carrying case here , and the LifeStraw filter here!  

unique-gifts-for-travelers

Bandolier Hailey Crossbody Phone Case and Wallet , $108.00

Crossbody Phone Case and Wallet in One

Not only sleek and pretty but mega useful, this Bandolier crossbody phone case and wallet make such a lovely gift! Travelers adore this phone case, which allows them to keep their phone, ID, and other cards safe and on-hand at all times. Another bonus is the easy accessibility to your phone’s camera, so you’ll never miss a shot! 

Both the case and strap are made of pretty pebble leather, and the strap is adjustable. Buy it here!  

unique-gifts-for-travelers

Geniani Mini Humidifier , $21.97

Mini Humidifier to Sleep Better In Hotels

Humidifiers are a topic that TFG readers have been asking about lately, as dealing with air-conditioned air or dry air when traveling is a real concern. Perhaps gift the Genianin humidifier . It’s compact at 3.43″ x 6″ x 3.43″, so can fit into carry-on luggage, and it’s not noisy when operated. 

It has two modes of mist, an auto shut-off, and while you are sound asleep, the humidifiers for bedrooms moisturize the room at the 38dB noise level. Buy it here!

unique-gifts-for-travelers

iWALK Travel Mobile Power , $39.99

Small Portable Charger for iPhones

If you’re shopping for an iPhone user, they’ll love this iWalk portable charger . This reader fave is super convenient, as it plugs straight into an iPhone, no extra cords needed!  

It’s small and lightweight yet holds 1-1.5 full charges, and has a sleek design that comes in a variety of cute colors. Buy it here!

unique-gifts-for-travelers

Feeke Solar-Charger-Power-Bank , $29.99

Solar Portable Charger for the Adventure Traveler

If you’ll even be somewhere more remote and need to charge anything, this Solar Charger Power Bank is an excellent self-gift or for the adventure traveler in your life. It even has a built-in flashlight if a power outage should occur.

While it’s mainly charged via USB, the solar panels can do the trick, albeit a little slower which makes this perfect for hiking or short camping trips. This was a popular buy during Prime Day and readers love it! Buy it here! 

unique-gifts-for-travelers

Kitsch 11pc Ultimate Travel Containers , $11.99

Refillable Travel Size Toiletry Containers

An easy, yet useful gift is a set of refillable travel bottles . Compact and lightweight to pack in a purse, suitcase or overnight bag, the Kitsch travel bottles for toiletries comes in a reusable travel pouch for easy storage to keep your beauty products located in an easily accessible and convenient place. These are also TSA approved and we love that these are made in the USA. Also available in 3pcs flat containers only. Buy it here!

unique-gifts-for-travelers

Destinations of a Lifetime: 225 of the World’s Most Amazing Places , $23.25

National Geographic Destinations of a Lifetime: Coffee Table Book

Known for documenting adventures far and wide, travelers always get excited over a National Geographic book , and this one takes you on a photographic tour of the world’s most spectacular destinations, inspiring tangible ideas for your next trip. Travel to hundreds of the most breathtaking locales—both natural and man-made—illustrated with vivid images taken by the organization’s world-class photographers. From city to exotic, you’ll surely be inspired to plan your own trip! Buy it here!

unique-gifts-for-travelers

ACdream Passport and Vaccine Card Holder Combo , $11.99

Passport Card Holder With RFID Protection

If you’re shopping for a traveler who loves to stay super organized, this handy passport holder is a great option! In addition to being able to show an immunization card, it also has slots for ID and credit cards, keeping everything in one place. As a bonus, it has RFID-blocking technology and is made of scratch-resistant, waterproof faux leather.

It’s offered in a range of colors and patterns, and it comes with a handy little pen, too! Overall, it’s a cute, simple gift that’ll get tons of use! Buy it here!

unique-gifts-for-travelers

ARVOK Laptop Sleeves , $13.99

Water-Resistant Laptop Sleeve for Business Travel

Nowadays, working remotely is becoming more of the norm, so this cute laptop sleeve will make any digital worker or business traveler happy. Even if you want to bring a device to stay connected or the kids entertained, it’s a good idea to keep your laptop protected. 

This puppy is made of durable neoprene and is water-resistant, and is a simple design that’s lightweight to slide into any laptop bag compartment. It also has sizes for different laptops, from 11”-17”. Buy it here!

unique-gifts-for-travelers

Wandf Foldable Duffle Bag , $13.99

Lightweight, Foldable Duffle Bag

Here’s a versatile gift! The Wandf is a popular lightweight duffle bag packable in your carry-on that many readers and travelers love. It weighs just over 1 lb and is wearproof, waterproof, tear-resistant, and it comes in various sizes (20L, 30L, 40L, 50L)  which is handy if you need a smaller or larger bag. 

And not just for overseas travel, it can be used for weekender trips, camping, or overnights—even for storage use at home. Buy it here!

Duffle bags are so popular that TFG readers shared their favorites for best duffle bag !

unique-gifts-for-travelers

SAUNORCH Universal Travel Adapter , $26.99

Universal Adapter for International Travel

This universal travel adapter will definitely come in handy for the globetrotter in your life, no matter where they’re headed. Tiny yet mighty, this adapter covers 150 countries and can simultaneously charge up to five devices! It’s easy to use, takes up little space, and is overall a must-have that any traveler will love! Buy it here!

unique-gifts-for-travelers

Pop Sonic Travel Toothbrush , $16.99

Mini Electric Travel Toothbrush

Perfect for any traveler, the Pop Sonic slim toothbrush is sonic-powered, portable, and delivers a sparkling smile with 15,000 to 30,000 brush strokes per minute. The slim, mascara-style, vented cap design is ideal for your handbag or suitcase. 

As a plus, it has 2 speed level and is available in a wide variety of colors just for fun! Buy it here!

unique-gifts-for-travelers

Scrubba Wash Bag , $55.00

Portable Travel Wash Bag

Backpackers, budget travelers, and long term wanderers love the Scrubba Wash Bag . It saves you money by allowing you to efficiently and effectively wash your clothes anytime, anywhere. This works especially well for adventurers getting off the beaten path with limited access to laundry facilities or those that would prefer the convenience of doing it themselves. Buy it here!

unique-gifts-for-travelers

JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan , $24.99

Handheld Mini Fan

Little gadgets are stellar gifts and this portable hand fan is SO useful in a number of scenarios. Whether you want a bit more air on a flight, need some relief while visiting a humid destination, or looking to cut through stifling heat at an event, this is a perfect way to get cool instantly!

The fan also has a flashlight featured on the end, so it’s quite useful if you come across a dark area, just grab it from your bag. Totally USB supported and guess what? You can use the 5V/1A USB port as a mini power bank, and recharge your phone in an emergency! Comes in some fun shades. Buy it here!

unique-gifts-for-travelers

Body Restore Shower Steamers , $29.97

Relaxing Shower Steamer Bombs

This shower bombs from Body Restore makes such a unique and definitely handy little stocking stuffer gift! Wash away all day’s stress and fatigue with this aromatherapy shower steamers.  Infused with natural essential oils, their heavenly Eucalyptus scent will give you a great relaxing night of well rest after a tiring day. D issolve it in your bathtub and release potent aromatherapy essential oils that will help you immerse in deep relaxation. As a plus, they are individually packed making it perfect for traveling. Buy it here!

unique-gifts-for-travelers

Stojo Collapsible Coffee Cup 16 oz , $19.57

Collapsible Drinking Cup 

A handy thing to own, either for international travel, camping, or road tripping, the Stojo collapsible cup with a straw can accommodate hot or cold liquids, and yet folds down small, and can be stored in your day bag or suitcase. 

Reviews say this doesn’t leak, can hold hot liquids and the exterior feels cool, and breaks down easily for washing. Perfect for coffee, tea, or other types of drinks. Available in a bunch of colors. Buy it here!

unique-gifts-for-travelers

Smyrna Original Turkish Beach Towel , $21.99

Lightweight Turkish Towel for Travel, Outdoor Use, or the Spa

Travel towels make excellent gifts, and a unique choice that mixes in a little luxury is a plush Turkish cotton towel . They’re incredibly light, soft, and dry a lot faster than typical cotton towels. 

These towels have become very popular, as they’re SO versatile. They can be used for travel, the beach/pool, hitting the spa, showering at the gym, a picnic towel, or even as a cover when it’s cold. Choose from a range of pretty colors. Buy it here!

To find more of these, check out our roundup of the best Turkish towels for travel !

unique-gifts-for-travelers

LifeStraw Go Water Bottle 2-Stage Integrated Filter , $39.67

LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle

Using filtered water bottles is all the rage now; the LifeStraw Go Filter Bottle is highly popular with travelers and for good reason! It’s BPA free, super durable, and more importantly, filters out 99.99% of microbes, parasites, and even micro plastics. 

It holds 650 ml of water; simply fill up, wait for a few minutes, and then drink away! One traveler says they “travel a lot and never go anywhere without it,” but warns it helps to “bring an extra filter along in case the one you’re using wears out.” However, LifeStraw says their filter is good at 1,000 gallons. Check out their newest water bottle LifeStraw Go Series which is available up to 1L.  Buy it here!

unique-gifts-for-travelers

JOTO Universal Waterproof Phone Pouch , $8.99

Universal Waterproof Phone Case

Wonderful for water lovers or anyone traveling to wet destinations, this universal waterproof case for protecting phones is an awesome stocking stuffer. The durable vinyl material is also snowproof and dirtproof, and the clear view allows one to take pics, see emails, or record vids. 

Easy to lock and with it being able to hold a variety of smartphones, it’s a no-brainer due to the budget price. Buy it here!

unique-gifts-for-travelers

Trtl Neck Support Travel Pillow ,  $59.99

Foldable Neck Pillow for Planes, Buses, or Trains

For travelers that prefer to travel lighter, the Trtl Travel Neck Pillow offers head support without the bulk. It has been strategically designed to prevent a stiff neck while trying to sleep when traveling and stops the need for you to lean against the airplane for head support. To learn more, read our full review , which includes feedback from our readers. Buy it here!

unique-gifts-for-travelers

RENPHO Eye Massager with Heat, Bluetooth Music Heated Massager , $129.99

Heated Travel Eye Massager With Bluetooth 

Frequent flyers will be SO excited to receive this fun gift! This eye massager has gentle oscillating pressure, built-in heating pads, and Bluetooth to play relaxing music, offering the most tranquil experience! It’s perfect for eye strain from working or looking at screens, freshening your eyes on a long flight, or simply kicking back and relaxing after a long day of sightseeing. 

This gift will no doubt be a big hit. Buy it here!

Unique Gift Ideas for Travelers Product Chart

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What do you think are the most unique gifts for travelers? Comment below!

View all of our holiday gift guides  here . These are a few of our faves:

  • The Ultimate Guide to Cheap Travel Gifts: 30 Top Picks!
  • 19 Awesome Travel Gift Ideas for Women
  • Best Travel Gifts for Men (He’ll Actually Like!)
  • Editor’s Wishlist: 13 Things I’m Lusting for This Season

I hope you liked these unique gifts for travelers! Please share this post with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

17 comments.

Amy

Can’t wait to gift a few of these items to my traveling son. Great ideas!

Alex

So glad you found this helpful Amy!

Debbie Reynolds

Love these ideas. Just revisited this list again and realized I am now using several of these items already due to them being shared over and over in both the blogs and on the FB group. Still live my compass rose bags! ❤️

Donna R.

Every single one of these items are enormously helpful! The JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan is perfect and would fit great in the Nomad Lane Bento Bag! Thank you so much for all the suggestions!!

Paola Jesse

Great ideas! Love them all. I’ll definitely use this list. It has a bit of everything.

Stacy Dietzler

Great list! Love the Compass Rose Travel Cubes. Dissolvable laundry sheets were our best travel item! A foldable cosmetic hanging bag would be another great addition to the list.

Hi Stacy, thank you for your feedback, so pleased you love your CR packing cubes. Thank you so much for all your support we really appreciate it!!! ? Happy travels! ❤️

Patricia

Nice list you made there! It might be missing a portable translator like Travis or Pocketalk for people that want to understand the languages in the country they’re going to 🙂

Hi Patricia, so glad you liked the post! Thank you for taking the time to share your great idea for a travel gift with us! Happy travels! ?

Kaylie P.

The radius travel toothbrush is also available on Amazon for the US readers!

Hi Kaylie, thank you for sharing your suggestion for a travel toothbrush with us!! 🙂

Jessica Lippe

The Scrubba, packing cubes, and massager all sound great to me! But my favorite gift is experience. I started giving these a few years ago and have come up with creative ways to still have a package under the tree for the recipient. It started when I put admission tickets in a box, put that box in a box, and put that box in a box for my sister to unwrap. Last year I gave a “family trip in a box”, which had a Groupon for family admission and a gift card for gas and snacks for the way there. This year, I shouldn’t share all my gift-giving yet, but a pilot I babysit for is giving me standby tickets to Maui! I am passing one of those tickets on to my sister, and I’ve come up with a great idea for how she can unwrap it on Christmas morning!

alex

That sounds like the perfect gift!

Sherry Adams

Some nifty items on this list! Would LOVE to have YOUR packing cubes.

Thanks Sherry ?

Alice Teacake

Great list here! I’ve got quite a few of the items you mention packed in my backpack. The Scrubba is great, I always carry a neck warmer (the thin variety too to use as a bandana) and scarf bags are a great thing for solo female travellers like me to stash their stuff!

alex

Oh that’s a great idea with the neck warmer! Thanks for sharing Alice!

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Arzopa

Travel Gifts That Will Change Their Life: Top Recommendations for Unforgettable Experiences

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Table of Contents

Are you looking for the perfect gift for the travel enthusiast in your life? Look no further! We've compiled a list of the most unique, practical, and life-changing travel gifts that are sure to inspire wanderlust and create lasting memories.

Unique Travel Experiences

Gifting an unforgettable travel experience is a surefire way to create lasting memories. Here are some exciting options:

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Soaring above stunning landscapes in a hot air balloon is a breathtaking and romantic experience. Prices range from $200 to $500 per person, depending on the location and duration of the ride.

hot-air-balloon-ride

Image Credit: Hot air fun official website

Private Cooking Class

Learning to cook authentic local cuisine is a delicious way to immerse oneself in a new culture. Private cooking classes range from $50 to $200 per person, depending on the destination and length of the class.

private-cooking-class

Image Credit: At the Italian Table official website

Guided Hike

Exploring nature with a knowledgeable local guide is a fantastic way to discover hidden gems and learn about the environment. Guided hikes can cost anywhere from $50 to $200 per person, depending on the location and duration.

guide-hike-in-travel

Image Credit:  Outside online  official website

Wine Tasting Tour

For the wine enthusiast, a guided tour of a renowned wine region is a dream come true. Prices range from $100 to $500 per person, depending on the destination and exclusivity of the wineries visited.

wine-tasting-tour

Image Credit: Tasting tours official website

Must-Have Travel Gadgets

Technology can make travel more convenient, enjoyable, and safe. Consider these cutting-edge gadgets: Portable monitor :  Portable travel monitors allow you to have a better entertainment experience such as watching movies and playing games when traveling. Arzopa Z1FC portable gaming monitor with its large 16.1-inch display supports PS5, Xbox, Switch, Steam Deck, PCs, phone and more. Let you play games with friends anytime and anywhere in travel.

Arzopa Z1FC 144Hz Portable Gaming Monitor 16.1" Screen

Arzopa Z1FC 144Hz Portable Gaming Monitor 16.1 Inch Screen

  • 16.1 Inch Full HD (1920x1080p) IPS with a premium aluminum design.
  • 1.7 lb weight and 0.3-inch thickness make it ideal for on-the-go use.
  • Supports PS5, Xbox, Switch, Steam Deck, PCs, phone, and more.
  • Includes a built-in stand for both portrait and landscape viewing.

  Also see: Compare portable monitors

Smartwatch : A versatile smartwatch like the Apple Watch Series 8 ($399 - $499) or the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 ($279 - $309) allows travelers to stay connected, track fitness, and navigate unfamiliar places with ease.

smart-watch

Action Camera : Rugged and waterproof action cameras like the GoPro HERO10 Black ($399) or the DJI Osmo Action 3 ($329) are perfect for capturing thrilling adventures and stunning landscapes.

action-camera

Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot : Stay connected anywhere in the world with a reliable portable Wi-Fi hotspot like the Skyroam Solis X ($149 - $199) or the GlocalMe G3 ($139 - $179).

portable-wifi-hotspot

Power Bank : Keep devices charged on the go with a high-capacity power bank like the Anker PowerCore 20000 ($49) or the Mophie Powerstation XXL ($99).

power-bank

Practical Travel Accessories

Sometimes, the most appreciated gifts are the ones that make travel more comfortable and convenient. Consider these practical options:

  • Packing Cubes : Organize luggage efficiently with a set of packing cubes like the Eagle Creek Pack-It Cube Set ($27.95) or the Shacke Pak Travel Organizers ($21.99).
  • Travel Adapter : Ensure devices stay charged abroad with a universal travel adapter like the Ceptics World Travel Adapter Kit ($24.99) or the Askali All-in-One International Travel Adapter ($19.99).
  • Noise-Cancelling Headphones : Make long flights more enjoyable with high-quality noise-cancelling headphones like the Bose QuietComfort 35 II ($299) or the Sony WH-1000XM4 ($348).
  • Travel Pillow : Upgrade their in-flight comfort with a supportive travel pillow like the Trtl Pillow Plus ($59.99) or the Cabeau Evolution S3 ($39.99).

Personalized Travel Essentials

Personalized travel items add a special touch to any journey, making the recipient feel valued and appreciated. Consider these thoughtful options:

Customized Luggage Tag :

A leather luggage tag embossed with the traveler's initials or name is a practical and stylish choice. Prices range from $10 to $50, depending on the material and design.

customizied-luggage-tug

Image Credit: Travelandleisure official website

Monogrammed Tote Bag :

A spacious and durable tote bag with the traveler's monogram is perfect for carrying essentials on the go. Prices start at around $30 for a high-quality, canvas tote.

traveler-monogram

Image Credit: Born to be sassy official website

Personalized Travel Wallet :

A leather travel wallet with the recipient's name or initials is a sophisticated way to keep documents and currency organized. Prices range from $50 to $150 for a well-crafted, personalized wallet.

travel-wallet

Image Credit: Etsy official website

Eco-Friendly Travel Gifts

For the environmentally conscious traveler, sustainable gifts are a thoughtful choice. Consider these eco-friendly options:

Reusable Water Bottle : A durable, insulated water bottle like the Hydro Flask Standard Mouth ($29.95 - $37.95) or the S'well Stainless Steel Bottle ($25 - $45) reduces plastic waste and keeps drinks at the perfect temperature.

Bamboo Utensil Set : A compact set of reusable bamboo utensils, like the ToGo Ware Bamboo Utensil Set ($12.95), is perfect for eco-friendly dining on the go.

In conclusion, the perfect travel gift is one that combines thoughtfulness, practicality and a touch of adventure. Whether you opt for a personalized accessory, an unforgettable experience or a cutting-edge gadget, your gift is sure to inspire wanderlust and create lasting memories for the lucky recipient. If you find this article about travel gifts helpful or have any good suggestions, please leave a message. And you also can share this article to your friends or on social media, they may also be interested in selecting travel gifts.

FAQs About Travel Gifts

1. what are some affordable travel gift options.

A scratch-off world map (around $20) is a fun and affordable way for travelers to track their adventures. A travel journal (around $15) provides a thoughtful place for travelers to document their experiences and memories. A portable luggage scale (around $10) is a practical and inexpensive gift that helps avoid overweight baggage fees.

2. What are the best travel gifts for frequent flyers?

3. what are some unique travel gift ideas.

A personalized travel itinerary book (around $50) helps travelers plan and document their adventures in a beautiful, customized format. A subscription to a travel-themed monthly box, like The Wordy Traveler (starting at $49.99 per month), delivers curated books, ethically-sourced tea, and other goodies to inspire wanderlust. A custom-made map (prices vary) featuring the traveler's favorite destinations or dream trips makes for a meaningful and decorative gift.

4. What are the best travel gifts for photographers?

A high-quality action camera, like the GoPro HERO10 Black ($399), captures stunning photos and videos of their adventures. A portable tripod, like the JOBY GorillaPod 3K Kit ($69.95), provides stability and versatility for travel photography. A spacious and durable camera backpack, like the Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II ($249.95), protects their gear on the go.

5. What are some eco-friendly travel gift ideas?

A set of reusable silicone toiletry bottles, like the Humangear GoToob+ (starting at $24.99 for a 3-pack), reduces single-use plastic waste. A solar-powered phone charger, like the BigBlue 28W Solar Charger ($69.99), allows travelers to charge their devices using renewable energy. A reusable utensil set, like the Bambu Travel Utensil Set ($15.00), encourages sustainable dining practices on the go.

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Ruqin China Travel

《儒琴中国行》 Ruqin China Travel

Xi'an Terracotta Warriors Replicas

What to Buy in Xi’an – Best Gifts from Xi’an

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Plan your Xi’an Tour ? If you’re wondering what to buy in Xi’an , you’ll find many unique and meaningful items to take home for yourself or to share with friends and family. This guide will help you discover the best gifts from Xi’an, ranging from traditional crafts to delicious local specialties.

Xi’an is a city rich in history, culture, and craftsmanship. As the starting point of the Silk Road and home to the famous Terracotta Warriors , it offers a wide array of souvenirs and gifts that reflect its ancient heritage and vibrant culture.

1. Terracotta Warrior Replicas – Iconic Souvenirs from Xi’an

One of the most famous and instantly recognizable symbols of Xi’an is the Terracotta Warriors . These life-sized statues, created over 2,000 years ago to protect China’s first emperor in the afterlife, are one of the city’s top attractions. While you can’t take home the real thing, you can certainly bring back Terracotta Warrior replicas as a memorable keepsake.

Terracotta Warrior Replicas Best gift in Xi'an

These replicas come in various sizes, from small figurines that fit in your hand to larger versions that stand over a foot tall. They are often handcrafted from clay or resin, making them not only unique but also affordable. You can find these replicas in many tourist shops, particularly near the Terracotta Warriors Museum, as well as in souvenir markets across Xi’an . If you’re looking for traditional Xi’an gifts , a replica of the Terracotta Warriors is the perfect way to remember your visit.

2. Xi’an Silk – Luxurious and Traditional Gifts

Xi’an has long been associated with the Silk Road , and as such, silk products remain a popular and culturally significant gift to bring back. Xi’an’s silk products, including scarves, ties, and tapestries, are known for their quality and beautiful designs. If you’re wondering what to buy in Xi’an that reflects its historical connection to trade and luxury, silk is an excellent choice.

Xi'an silk products top gift from Xi'an

In particular, silk scarves make lovely gifts. They are lightweight, easy to pack, and come in various patterns inspired by Chinese art and nature. You can also find exquisite silk embroidery that showcases detailed craftsmanship, which makes for a more elaborate gift. Head to the Xi’an Muslim Quarter or specialty silk shops for the best selection.

3. Paper-Cut Art – Handmade Gifts from Xi’an

If you’re searching for handmade gifts from Xi’an , Chinese paper-cut art is a beautiful and intricate option. Paper cutting is a traditional folk art in China, and Xi’an is known for producing some of the most detailed and skillfully made pieces. These delicate artworks depict a variety of designs, from animals and flowers to cultural symbols and mythological creatures.

Chinese paper-cut art in Xi'an

Each piece of paper-cut art is created by hand, using scissors or knives to carefully carve out the design from a single piece of paper. Some larger pieces are framed, making them easy to display as art in your home. You can find these in local markets or at specialty gift shops throughout Xi’an. Not only do they make stunning souvenirs, but they also carry a deep cultural significance, representing longevity, good fortune, and happiness.

4. Xi’an Shadow Puppets – Unique Cultural Souvenirs

Another traditional craft you’ll find in Xi’an is the art of shadow puppetry . Shadow puppets are an integral part of Chinese performing arts, and in Xi’an, you can purchase beautifully crafted shadow puppet figures as souvenirs. These figures are typically made from leather, with intricate details painted onto the surface, allowing them to cast distinct shadows when used in performances.

the art of shadow puppetry in Xi'an

Shadow puppets make for unique gifts from Xi’an as they showcase the city’s rich cultural history and artistic heritage. You can find them in specialty shops or cultural markets, where they are often sold alongside other traditional arts and crafts. Additionally, these puppets are available in a range of sizes, from smaller figures ideal for gifts to larger, more intricate versions that serve as standout pieces of art.

5. Xi’an Food Souvenirs – Delicious Treats to Take Home

No trip to Xi’an would be complete without sampling its famous cuisine, and luckily, many of these delicious flavors can be taken home in the form of food souvenirs . If you’re still wondering what to buy in Xi’an for food lovers, here are some must-try local specialties:

  • Roujiamo Spice Packs : Roujiamo, often called the “Chinese hamburger,” is a popular street food in Xi’an. While you can’t pack the actual sandwich, you can buy spice packs that allow you to recreate the flavors at home.
  • Dried Persimmons : A traditional snack in Xi’an, dried persimmons are both sweet and chewy. They make for a tasty and healthy gift.

Dried Persimmons in Xi'an

  • Black Rice Vinegar : This dark, rich vinegar is used in many local dishes and makes a great cooking gift for those who enjoy experimenting in the kitchen.

For the best selection of Xi’an food souvenirs , visit the bustling Muslim Quarter or local specialty shops near major tourist areas.

6. Qin Opera Masks – Vibrant and Decorative Gifts

Qin Opera is a traditional form of Chinese opera that originated in Shaanxi Province, where Xi’an is located. One of the most distinctive aspects of Qin Opera is the vibrant and colorful masks worn by performers. These masks are often used to depict characters in the opera and are hand-painted with bold designs.

Qin Opera Masks in Xi'an

If you’re interested in unique gifts from Xi’an , a Qin Opera mask is a wonderful choice. These masks make for striking decorations and are steeped in cultural significance. They come in a variety of sizes, so you can easily find one that suits your needs. For the best selection, visit local markets or shops that specialize in Chinese art and theater memorabilia.

7. Calligraphy Rubbings

Calligraphy rubbings are a unique and traditional gift that offers a piece of China’s artistic heritage. Xi’an is famous for its Forest of Stone Steles Museum , where ancient calligraphy carved on stone slabs is preserved.

Calligraphy rubbings at Forest of Stone Steles Museum

Visitors can buy calligraphy rubbings , which are created by applying ink to paper pressed over these stone carvings. These rubbings beautifully capture the artistry of ancient Chinese calligraphy and make for a sophisticated and meaningful gift. They are often framed or rolled, making them easy to pack and perfect for anyone interested in Chinese history, language, or art.

8. Tang Tri-Color Porcelain Replicas

The Tang Tri-color Porcelain (Sancai) is a well-known art form from the Tang Dynasty, characterized by vibrant yellow, green, and brown glazes. These porcelain replicas, often depicting horses, camels, or figurines, are famous for their craftsmanship and historical significance.

Tang Tri-Color Porcelain Horse

Tang Tri-color Porcelain replicas from Xi’an offer a connection to this ancient dynasty, making them a special and culturally rich gift. You can find them in various sizes, from small, elegant statues to larger decorative pieces. These replicas are available in markets and art shops throughout Xi’an and make stunning souvenirs for collectors.

9. Peasant Painting

Peasant painting is a colorful and lively form of folk art that originated in the rural areas around Xi’an. These paintings, created by local farmers, depict scenes of everyday life, festivals, and folk tales in bold, vibrant colors. The artwork often features exaggerated perspectives and joyful themes, making it both visually striking and culturally significant.

Peasant Painting in Xi'an

Peasant paintings are typically available in galleries and souvenir markets, and they come in various sizes, making them easy to carry home. They are perfect gifts for art lovers who want to bring home a piece of Xi’an’s local culture and creativity.

10. Xi’an Lacquer Ware

Xi’an lacquer ware is known for its elegant craftsmanship and glossy, durable finish. This traditional Chinese craft involves layering lacquer onto wooden or metal objects, which are then decorated with intricate designs.

 Lacquer Ware

Xi’an’s lacquer ware products include jewelry boxes, trays, vases, and furniture, making them perfect gifts for anyone who appreciates fine craftsmanship. The lacquered pieces are often embellished with gold, silver, or mother-of-pearl inlays, reflecting the beauty of Chinese decorative arts. You can find Xi’an lacquer ware in specialty shops and markets, offering a sophisticated and lasting memento of your trip to the city.

11. Where to Buy Gifts in Xi’an

Now that you have an idea of what to buy in Xi’an , let’s look at the best places to find these gifts. Xi’an is full of markets, shopping streets, and specialty stores that offer a wide range of traditional products. Here are some of the top places to shop:

1) Muslim Quarter 西安回民小吃街

The Muslim Quarter is not only famous for its food but also for its vibrant markets, where you can find a variety of souvenirs. From Terracotta Warrior replicas to handmade crafts and local food products, this bustling area offers plenty of choices.

To reach the Muslim Quarter in Xi’an by subway, take Line 2 and get off at Zhonglou Station (Bell Tower Station). Once you exit the station, it’s just a short walk to the Muslim Quarter , located northwest of the Bell Tower. Follow the signs or ask locals for directions to the bustling market area. The Muslim Quarter is known for its vibrant street food and cultural atmosphere, making it one of the must-visit spots in Xi’an.

2) Shuyuanmen Cultural Street 书院门步行街

This street is the perfect place to shop for traditional Chinese gifts from Xi’an , including paper-cut art, calligraphy tools, and shadow puppets. The shops here are known for their focus on local craftsmanship.

To get to Shuyuanmen Cultural Street in Xi’an by subway, take Line 2 and get off at Yongningmen Station (South Gate Station). After exiting the station, walk north for about 10 minutes toward the South Gate of Xi’an’s City Wall . Shuyuanmen Cultural Street is located nearby and is famous for its traditional Chinese arts, calligraphy shops, and cultural atmosphere, making it a great spot for exploring local crafts and history.

3) Tang West Market 大唐西市

For those looking for higher-end gifts like silk products or antiques, the Tang West Market is a good option. This market specializes in items that reflect the history of the Silk Road.

To get to Tang West Market , located in the southwest of the Tang Dynasty’s Chang’an Imperial City (between Laodong South Road and Dongtaoyuan Village), you can take Subway Line 6 . Get off at 大唐西市站(DATANGXISHI Station ). Once you exit the station, the Tang West Market is a short walk away. The market is well-known for its blend of modern shopping and historical significance, reflecting the ancient Silk Road’s legacy.

4) Xi’an Antique City 西安古玩城

Xi’an Antique City is the longest-running and most well-known antique market in Xi’an, specializing in cultural and artistic items such as curios, antiques, porcelain, jade, bronzeware, calligraphy, paintings, badges, books, and ancient coins.

Every Saturday, a bustling antique fair spontaneously gathers at Jinshang Cultural Square and Xi’an Antique City , attracting merchants from all over the country. This lively scene has become a staple of the Xiaozhai commercial area. Over the years, Xi’an Antique City has become a symbol of the local antique and art market’s evolution, reflecting the highs and lows experienced since China’s reform and opening up.

Nearby, Daxingshan Temple , located on Xingxian Temple West Street in Xiaozhai, is one of the oldest surviving Buddhist temples in Xi’an. It was one of the three major translation sites for Buddhist scriptures during the flourishing Tang Dynasty and is considered the birthplace of the esoteric school of Chinese Buddhism. In May 2015, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the temple, making it famous overnight.

Address : West Street, Xingshansi,Yanta District, Xi’an.

To get to Xi’an Antique City (located on Xingshansi West Street, Yanta District), take Subway Line 3 and get off at Xiaozhai Station . After exiting the station, it’s a short walk to Xingshansi West Street, where the Antique City is located.

Final Tips on Buying Souvenirs from Xi’an

When shopping for souvenirs from Xi’an , keep these tips in mind to enhance your experience on what to buy in Xi’an :

  • Bargain where appropriate : In markets and street stalls, haggling is often expected, so don’t hesitate to negotiate for a better price.
  • Check for authenticity : Be cautious when buying items like silk or antiques, as imitations are common. Look for reputable shops or get advice from locals.
  • Pack smartly : Some items, like tea sets and larger Terracotta Warrior replicas, can be fragile. Make sure you pack them carefully for the journey home.

Shopping in Xi’an is a delightful experience that allows you to take home a piece of this ancient city’s rich culture. Whether you’re interested in handcrafted art, traditional Chinese gifts, or delicious local food, there are endless options to choose from. Now that you know what to buy in Xi’an , you can find the perfect gifts for friends, family, or yourself. With a mix of traditional crafts, cultural souvenirs, and unique specialties, you’re sure to find something memorable that captures the spirit of Xi’an.

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awesome travel gifts

36 Best Gifts From Russia | Traditional Russian Gifts And Souvenirs

  • Read time : 8 min
  • Publication date : 24.01.2019

Your budget?

Russian gifts and souvenirs to bring home.

Russia has always been famous for its folk craftsmen and their wonderful works of art which can make a nice gift. Valenki, matryoshka, balalaika, samovar, Pavlovo Posad shawls, Vologda lace, Khokhloma and Gzhel ceramics – choose any Russian souvenir you like from any part of this vast country. Every region has its own distinctive features and unique crafts. Here is a selection of the most interesting gifts to bring back from Russia.

awesome travel gifts

Choose the gift type

awesome travel gifts

Souvenirs from St. Petersburg

awesome travel gifts

Traditional Russian gifts

awesome travel gifts

Gifts from Kazan

awesome travel gifts

Moscow Souvenirs

awesome travel gifts

Gifts to bring from Sochi

The North Capital, the Second Capital, the City on the Neva and the main cultural capital of Russia – this is all about Saint Petersburg. You can easily bump into people reading Pushkin in the streets, and the city itself seems to be infused with melancholy. Here is a list of things to buy in Saint Petersburg.

awesome travel gifts

“Raketa” and “Pobeda” watch

Petrodvorets Watch Factory «Raketa» releases a limited collection of watches, dedicated to the 70th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Back in the old days only military officers, politicians, artists, shock workers, and veterans of labor owned these watches.

awesome travel gifts

Emperor’s Porcelain

The legendary “Cobalt Net” style white-blue tea set is a signature product of Emperor’s Porcelain Factory. The pattern was designed by artist Anna Yatskevich and it turned into a symbol of blockaded Leningrad.

awesome travel gifts

Candies from St. Petersburg Chocolate Factory

“Leningradskiye” candies will remind you of the city’s recent past. This candy brand was started in the 20th century and has a lot of admirers, which keep buying their favorite sweets year after year. “The candies that taste like St. Petersburg” could be an advertising slogan for this souvenir.

awesome travel gifts

Podstakannik (tea glass holder)

If you want to surprise your family or friends, buy them a podstakannik. This unusual souvenir is commonly used in Russian trains. Tea glasses in trains are always served with the help of podstakannik, to prevent the tea from spilling around. The history of this item goes back more than 200 years.

awesome travel gifts

Osetra caviar is a traditional Russian delicacy with exquisite taste and a bunch of minerals, which are very good for health.

awesome travel gifts

Opera Glasses

Going to St. Petersburg and missing its theatres is the same as going to Italy and missing Venice. You will surely need opera glasses while visiting this city. This is a cool souvenir for an ardent theatergoer, and it may come in handy for simple everyday tasks (watching your neighbors or whatever).

Russia’s wonders are not limited to the major cities we listed. There are much more places you can visit and bring souvenirs from.

awesome travel gifts

Bashkir honey

Bashkir honey is highly valued in Russia and in Europe. The reason is its benefits for health and excellent taste. Diastatic power is the means of measuring the quality of honey: the higher, the better. Diastatic power of South Russia honey is 5-8, Altaic one is up to 18 and Bashkir honey is 22-50.

awesome travel gifts

Zlatoust steel engraving

If your gift is intended for a businessman, consider these collectible weapons created by craftsmen of Zlatoust city. Their unique style is renowned throughout the world. Cossack saber, Old Russian sword, hussar saber is a worthy gift if you are sure that it will match the interior of the house.

awesome travel gifts

Palekh Miniature

Since the earlier days Palekh village has been renowned for its artists and a peculiar painting style. Their ingeniously created miniature lacquer painting became one of the main symbols of Russia. Palekh jewelry boxes are very popular among tourists.

awesome travel gifts

Kazakovo filigree

Kazakovo village in Nizhniy Novgorod region is famous for its ancient jewelry technique called filigree. The finest wire of precious metals is twisted into exquisitely crafted open-work items. The most popular ones are made of silver.

awesome travel gifts

Pavlovo Posad Shawls

Pavlovo Posad town is famous for its gorgeous shawls with vibrant flower patterns. First Pavlovo Posad shawls were produced in the middle of the XIX century. These shawls are signature craft and a national pride of Russia, so it will make one of the best products to bring home from Russia.

awesome travel gifts

Zhostovo Metal Trays

Traditional Zhostovo painting depicts large and vibrant flowers on the dark saturated background. This handicraft emerged when tea spread all over Russia. Before that people drank herbal teas, sbiten and mead. The tea ceremony called for new accessories, that is why the Zhostovo trays were invented.

awesome travel gifts

Yelets Handmade Lace

Historically Vologda town is considered the origin of lace making in Russia. However, Yelets town is quite a match for Vologda, as the pieces made by local craftswomen are thinner, lighter and more delicate. Lace making has arrived to Russia at the end of the XVIII century.

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Orenburg Downy Shawl

A shawl from Orenburg is a practical gift that will warm you during long and cold winter. Its delicately knitted threads look like elaborate frost patterns on the window. Long ago a shawl knitted of goat down, brought by a fiancée or a husband, was the most desirable gift for a girl in Russia.

Kazan is considered to be the third capital of Russia and perfectly balances Tatar and Russian culture. This city is also a sports capital, because the number of sports stadiums and sporting events is just going up through the roof! Here are some things to bring home from the capital of Tatarstan:

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Tatar filigree

Every woman will be overjoyed to get this intricately designed filigree jewelry! Tatar knobby filigree is the ancient technique that has been used solely by Kazan jewelers since the earliest times. If you can’t find authentic filigree, you can choose any Tatar-style jewelry, which is exciting.

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“Ichigi” leather boots

In the old days everything was made by hand, and authentic ichigi are crafted exactly the same way nowadays. This traditional footwear is light, with hard heels counters and soft toes. Well crafted soft leather is decorated with traditional ornaments and sewn with special decorative Tatar stitches.

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Tughra or Shamail

Shamail is a surah of Quran embroidered with gold threads on velvet base. Another local souvenir based upon Arabic calligraphy is Tughra. Back in earlier days it was used as a personal stamp and signature of the rulers. You can choose among ready-made tughras with Arabic or Russian inscriptions.

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Tatar National Sweets

Chak-chak, talkysh kaleve, baursak… Sounds good and tastes awesome! The king of the local pastry is honey-dripping chak-chak. Usually it is sold packed in cardboard or plastic boxes or sold loose. These are small balls of fried dough, soaked in hot honey syrup and formed into pyramids.

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Classical tubeteika hat

One does not simply visit Kazan and leave without a tubeteika hat. This ancient male hat is called “tubetei” here, and it protects you from sun/wind/bad thoughts (just kidding!) You can find tons of them throughout Kazan, and you can choose any style, size, material and decorations you like.

Moscow is the first and the main destination point of every first-time tourist. This city is flooded with people and filled with authentic Russian souvenirs – you can buy any gift ever produced in any part of the country here.

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Cheburashka

This stuffed toy with big round ears is a famous cartoon hero, loved by everyone in Russia.You can find variants of this souvenir, but take a closer look at this particular one. This Cheburashka can move his hands with tiny fingers and turn his head as if listening attentively to the speaker.

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Souvenir Moscow Subway Post Cards

The Moscow Subway is one of the most beautiful in the world. You can share your impressions with your friends at home and send them a post card with the photos of subway stations. There are 22 cards of new and old stations showing all the beauty of the sculptures and the internals of the subway.

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The collection of old Soviet movies, gift edition

This is the classics of Soviet and Russian cinema and iconic movies for every Russian. It doesn’t matter that the movies are in Russian, you can buy this set as a perfect gift for your language-learning friend or start studying Russian language and culture yourself!

awesome travel gifts

These warm felt boots made of sheep wool have earned love and respect of all Russian people. Valenki is the perfect footwear to protect your feet from bitter Russian cold. These boots came to Russia during the Golden Horde period through Turkic and Mongol people.

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Kokoshnik a la Russe

Kokoshnik, which is a symbol of traditional Russian women’s costume, has charmed all the major couturiers and has been turned into a trendy and stylish accessory. This elegant headwear will make a splendid gift to bring back from Russia, especially if it is intended for an avid fashionista.

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Customized Matryoshka doll

Russian nesting doll first was made in Sergiyev Posad as a toy for children. Its name originates from Matryona, which was a common female Russian name at that time. Today you can order a customized Matryoshka dolls made from the photo of your family

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You can bring a snow globe almost from every country you visit as a tourist, but anyway, a tiny St. Basil’s Cathedral from Moscow is a must have! The central cathedral ensemble in Kremlin is so nice to have on your mantelpiece along with other souvenirs from different countries.

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Ivan-Chai (Rosebay) Tea

Ivan-chai, made from bay rose leaves has always been one of the most popular ones. It was supplied for the Emperor’s table and exported abroad. Bay rose is considered very good for health. It boosts your immune system and cleanses the organism, and contains a lot of vitamin C and important minerals.

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Balalaika is the most famous traditional Russian musical instrument. Nobody knows its exact origin and the time it came to Russia. They say that its name came from Tatar language. In Tatar “balalar” means “children”, and Russian word “balakat’” (to speak, babble like children do) derives from it.

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Knitted Mittens

Everyone knows that it is freezing cold in Russia. You may want to feel it for a moment (just to have a glipmse of the Russian winter), but then put on warm wool mittens and feel the warm Russian soul. Try them on and feel like a real Russian!

awesome travel gifts

An electric samovar in traditional Gzhel style is a cool Russian souvenir for anyone. A bit bulky to bring back from your trip, but you will appreciate it as soon as you see it in your kitchen. Turn it on and suddenly you will feel generous and broad Russian soul in every corner of your house.

Recently Sochi has turned into Russia’s favorite place to go on a vacation. If you are fed up with corny seashell souvenirs, Olympic bear mascots, cutting boards from Khosta and fake Bosco T-shirts, here is something interesting:

awesome travel gifts

Krasnodar tea

This resort city hosts six major tea companies which pick no less than 300 tons of tea leaves a year. This is mostly whole leaf pekoe tea, selected tippy and broken leaf tea. And all these sorts are excellent! By the way, “Matsesta tea” brand won “Product of the year” prize a few years ago.

awesome travel gifts

“Gifts from Krasnaya Polyana”

This gift is for foodies. This winery produces liqueurs, wines, aperitifs, nastoikas and bitters. You can find quite unusual sorts of alcohol here. For example, “Krasnaya Polyana” herbal liqueur is made from 24 different herbs and 8 fruits, and bottled into a beautiful gift ceramic container.

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“Sochi” Sweatshirt

The taste of churchkhela and the sound of the sea inside of a seashell interpreted by industrial mentality, this is what “Fabrika” creative lab is all about. “Fabrika” dared to take a new look at commonplace souvenirs from Sochi and conveys it through sweatshirts, T-shirts, metal mugs and magnets.

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Atauchi Jewelry

Recently handmade craft has been developing by leaps and bounds in Sochi. Take a look at Atauchi Jewelry filled with love for mountains and Quechua people’s culture. One of the collections is called Rasu (“snow-capped peaks”) and every element of it will remind you of Krasnaya Polyana’s mountains.

awesome travel gifts

Dried Persimmon

Persimmon is one of main symbols of Sochi. Dried persimmon is good for your health, it is delicious and it lasts a long time. Besides, you will have the sheer fun of presenting this bunch of some grey-brownish stuff to your friend with the words “this is for you”. Enjoy the reaction!

Every gift you bring home from your trip to Russia will represent some part of its rich culture and multiple handicrafts. But what is more important, every souvenir you take with you will bring a piece of Russian hospitality and big heart to your home.

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Best Souvenirs to Buy in Russia

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You will undoubtedly want to bring back some souvenirs for your friends and family from Russia (and probably for yourself as well), but you don’t want to end up with cheap, low-quality stuff that you’ll regret buying. If you’re looking for nice, unique, and authentic gifts from Russia, there are lots of quality products that you can find quite easily.

You’ll recognize these beautifully decorated wooden articles, usually kitchenware, by the red and gold floral patterns painted on them over a black background. This craft dates back to the 17 th century; it was originally produced in what is now the Nizhny Novgorod area. The craftsmen there invented the technique of painting in a golden color without using real gold, making the articles affordable to buy and produce.

Decorated Birch Bark

Birches are a typical Russian tree, and birch bark has been used since the 18 th century to make containers that are stamped with intricate designs. These make a beautiful gift for anyone’s kitchen; they’re great to use for storing rice, pasta, or just about anything that goes in a jar. You can find these at souvenir markets and some specialty stores throughout Russia.

Lacquer Boxes

These papier-mâché boxes decorated with scenes from Russian folktales originated after the fall of Imperial Russia. Icon painting was no longer profitable, so craftsmen took up making these decorative boxes instead. You can also find this technique used to make brooches. From the 17 th to the 19 th century especially, the boxes were widely produced in several villages in the Ivanovo region. The lacquer used tends to be either oil paint or egg tempera. The boxes are great for storing jewelry and other small items.

Gzhel Porcelain

Although it may be difficult to transport, Russian porcelain makes a beautiful gift. The art of making this intricate blue and white porcelain originated in the village of Gzhel nearby Moscow in 1802. All the genuine porcelain you will find in Russia is still produced in several villages in the same area.

Amber (Jewelry)

Amber is fossilized tree resin and makes beautiful jewelry. Originally it came from Prussia, currently known as the Kaliningrad Oblast, and 90% of the world’s amber is still extracted there today. Amber is hugely popular in Russia; there is even an “Amber room” in the Catherine Palace in Pushkin village in St. Petersburg . Amber jewelry makes an incredible gift, but make sure that you’re buying it from a reputable vendor (for example, the Faberge House in St. Petersburg) – plastic knockoffs are common.

If you don’t mind buying fur, Russian fur products are some of the highest quality around. Fur coats are of course the most traditional item, but for something smaller you can try a fur stole or a fur hat. Fur stores are abundant in Russia but do double-check that it’s real fur.

Russian Malachite is a beautiful rock that is mined in the Ural region in Russia, among other places. You can find it in the form of brooches and other jewelry in many jewelry retailers in Russia.

Matryoshka Dolls

Yes, it’s cliché and stereotypical, but if you don’t buy the low-quality Chinese-produced nesting dolls for sale at most souvenir markets, a nice set of Matryoshka dolls can be a great gift to bring back from Russia. Look for ones that are (obviously) produced in Russia. The best places to find these are at bookstores and specialty stores; avoid the stands at the souvenir markets entirely.

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The Best Souvenirs from Russia

Russian Souvenirs samovar

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What are the best gifts to bring back from Russia?

  • Zhostovo painting: Handcrafted metal trays with vibrant flowers, animals and fruits depicted in rich layers of oil paint. These beautiful decorative trays can be purchased from the original factory in Zhostovo or in Moscow.
  • Vologda lace: Vologda is one of Russia’s most famous regions for its folk art, and the region’s intricate lace is prized throughout the world. All sorts of pieces can be purchased, from clothing to ornaments.
  • Khokhloma: This painting style is one of Russia’s most recognisable, inspired by the rural landscapes of Nizhny Novgorod. Striking red and yellow nature motifs are painted onto wooden utensils and sculptures, and can be found in Nizhny Novgorod, Moscow and St. Petersburg.
  • Gzhel ceramics: Another of Russia’s most famous handicrafts are these beautifully sculpted and painted ceramics depicting scenes from rural and village life. Purchase original Gzhel pieces in the factory in Turygino or in Moscow.
  • Baltic amber: 90% of the world’s amber comes from Russia, and Kaliningrad is home to the world’s largest amber deposit. Have your pick of different colours and unique styles and find an incredible piece to take home
  • Samovar: The centrepiece of Russian tea culture, the samovar symbolises warmth and comfort in Russian homes. Find yourself a modern or antique samovar in a shop or market, and bring this cosy atmosphere back with you.

Russia has a very rich tradition of folk arts and crafts from all corners of the land. If you’ve enjoyed the folk and arts sections of the Russian and Ethnographic Museums in St Petersburg, Decorative & Folk Art Museum in Moscow, or Russia’s other national museums, then you’ll be pleased to know that you can bring a little of this great tradition back from your Russian vacation ! These handicraft souvenirs give you a peek into the artistic and folk traditions of Russia which have persevered throughout the centuries despite all the odds.

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Shopping Time: Best Russian Souvenirs

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One of the most treasured parts of any journey is the memories we create while discovering new places, degusting outlandish delights, and delving deeply into new cultures. And of course, souvenirs are among the most popular options to save the happiest moments not only in our hearts but in the form of something more material.

Apart from classic T-shirts and fridge magnets with local attractions, many other wonderful things can perfectly grace your home and always bring to mind the most exciting moments of your travel. To get an idea of what to look for during your unforgettable Russia tour , on this page, you have a great chance to learn more about the untypical Russian souvenirs and create your shopping list in advance!

Best Gifts From Russia: More Than Just Dolls

Matryoshkas & dymkhovo toys.

Most likely, you've heard about the traditional Russian nesting doll, Matryoshka , which one of the most recognized symbols of the country and a popular Russian souvenir.

Generally, Matryoshka is not just one doll, but a whole set of beautifully painted toys of decreasing sizes one stacked inside another. Surprisingly, the number of hidden figurines can reach even more than 50 toys in a single batch?

What is more, apart from traditional Matryoshkas, in the Russian souvenir shops, you can also buy "modernized" versions of these dolls portraying famous popstars, celebrities, and politicians.

However, in addition to cool nesting dolls, there are other types of Russian dolls that definitely deserve your attention.

Russian Matryoshka

If you're looking for something authentic, you should definitely check out the marvelous clay toys from Dymkhovo. Shockingly, the talented potters of Dymkhovo (now the territory of modern Kirov) have been making these charming toys for 300 years! Did you know that it's impossible to find two absolutely same figurines? The most recognizable feature of the Dymkhovo toys is the unique ornament on each statuette's surface that represents a riot of colors looking especially vivid on a white base. What is more, before final firing and painting, each toy is made individually by hand by molding from clay, explaining a wide diversity of shapes and designs. Often united in various compositions, these lovely toys capture numerous everyday life stories, traditional celebrations, or even depict scenes from Russian fairy tales.

The best Russian souvenirs:

  • Matryoshka (Nesting doll)
  • Khokhloma-decorated household items
  • Gzhel ceramics & Palekh Miniature
  • Saturated Russian Shawl

Gzhel Ceramics & Palekh Miniature

If you want something more elegant, there is nothing better than the world-famous Gzhel ceramics. This gorgeous style got its name after the village of Gzhel, where these ornate items have been produced since the beginning of the 19th century.

The Gzhel pieces are created from soft white porcelain, each carefully decorated by hand with a bright blue ornament or flowery pattern. Interestingly, the distinctive azure color of the embellishment appears thanks to adding cobalt to the porcelain.

Since Gzhel ceramics come in various shapes from simple teacups and bowls to fancy clocks and earrings, you can easily choose the perfect present.

Gzhel ceramics

When speaking of the coolest painted souvenirs, it’s impossible not to mention the subtle art of the Palekh lacquer miniature. Based on the principles of old Russian folk art, these seemingly glowing illustrations of the poetic world are inspired by Russian historical events, legends, and songs. At first, only icons were created in the Palekh style, but later Palekh miniatures became popular for decorating wooden caskets, boxes, Easter eggs, and tableware. What makes these eye-catching miniatures even more outstanding is the mind-blowing level of detail: one tiny painting usually takes hours to complete!

Unique Details to Brush Up Your Outfit

Pavloposadskie scarves.

All fashion enthusiasts will appreciate one of the richly embellished traditional shawls as a gift from Russia. The unique technique of creating such remarkable patterns in clothing originated in the lovely town of Pavlovsky Posad which is set approximately 68 kilometers (42 miles) from Moscow.

Russian girl in Pavloposadskie Scarves

Paying tribute to authentic customs, today, local manufacturers continue scarves production and surprise every guest with an extensive selection of goods with all imaginable color combinations to meet any taste. This exclusive accessory will not only keep you all comfy and cozy during wintertime but will also warm your heart, reminding you of your saturated Russian adventures.

Famous for its magical healing properties, Russian amber is one more unique thing to add to your jewels collection. Being a fossilized tree resing, these "honey" stones come in multiple tints, gradually ranging from deep brown to lemon yellow.

Amber Jewelry

Often prized higher than gemstones in ancient times, amber was commonly used as an adornment for clocks, ashtrays, chess sets, and decorative pictures. If you decide to purchase one of the amber items in Russia, we recommend buying it at legitimate stores to avoid fake copies.

Another proof of Russian's love for amber is the existence of the entire Amber Room. Situated in the Catherine Palace, this hall is covered in amber panels from top to bottom as well as enriched with mirrors and gold leaf highlighting the beauty of this mineral jewel.

Even though our saturated list of the best souvenirs from Russia is coming to an end, shockingly, it embraces only a small part of Russian symbols that can be found throughout this vast country! Eager to learn more about the hidden treasures of the region? Then, don't hesitate to contact our travel specialist who will gladly assist you by planning the itinerary that will show you Russia's impressive diversity at it's best.

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