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85 Best Gifts for Travelers: Unique Travel Gift Ideas for 2024

Looking for the best gifts for travelers? Look no further! This curated list of unique travel gift ideas is all you’re going to need. Holiday shopping: complete.

85 Best Gifts for Travelers: Unique Travel Gift Ideas for 2024

As a gift-giver, shopping for gifts for travelers can feel like fun. But those of us on the receiving end of these traveling gifts know that some travel gift ideas are better than others.

Of course, that’s true of all gifts, but we travelers, in particular, need functionality and convenience above all else.

A lot of gift guides for travelers out there include some questionable items, but I’ve spent the past few years compiling and updating this guide to make it the most comprehensive list of travel gear and present ideas that people would actually want under their Christmas tree.

Every item in this guide is useful, practical, long-lasting and many even eco-friendly. If you’re out of travel gift ideas, you should be able to find exactly what you’re looking for here.

Here are the best travel gifts, suitable for anyone who loves to travel in your life.

Unique Travel Gifts

How do you shop for the traveler who has it all? These unique travel gifts really stand out; there’s something here for even the most high maintenance jet-setter.

  • Vessi Travel Shoes

    First up: travel shoes! When I shop for travel shoes, I look for something that is weatherproof and supportive without compromising on style. Normally these categories are mutually exclusive, but fortunately, Vessi has come in with these amazing kicks that are vegan, waterproof and super comfortable.

    These light, sporty shoes come with different designs for city life, everyday and active wear, and they’re suitable for “peak to street” wear. Unlike other waterproof shoes, the Vessi travel shoes have a patented fabric weave that keeps them waterproof for life, which is perfect for impromptu storms or adventures.

    Not convinced? Read my full Vessi Shoes review. I’m a long time fan.

  • Grayl Geopress Purifier

    One of my favorite places in the world to hike is the mountains of southern New Zealand. I also love being able to drink from the ice-cold streams that snake through the valleys and forests thanks to the GRAYL GEOPRESS filtered water bottle.

    Forget the iodine tablets and the extra water bottles, this filtered bottle gives you access to clean, natural water with every sip. It removes pathogens like viruses and bacteria, and it filters out everything from heavy metals to pesticides. This is a great gift for the traveler in your life who’s eco-conscious and don’t like getting sick on the trail. I think it’s safe to say: That is most of us. Packing a Grayl Geopress is one of my favorite travel tips.

  • Peak Design Travel Backpack

    Every backpacker knows the airline luggage struggle. You need a carry-on backpack with the storage capacity of a suitcase, but a comfortable go-anywhere backpack carry design.

    The only item you see everywhere, however, is the clickety-clack wheelie bags that would be hopeless on a hiking trail. Fear not, the 45L Peak Design Travel Bag is my favorite carry-on backpack to date.

    Designed to be taken from the airplane cabin to the trail, this weatherproof wünderbag is the perfect present for anyone who needs to carry a new backpack.

    It’s definitely not the cheapest option on this list—this is a nice gift—but I personally love it and I’m sure they will, too!

    For more info on this travel bag, check out my full Peak Design review.

  • Kindle Paperwhite

    Alright, I know what you’re thinking. You can’t possibly read from a screen because nothing will ever beat paper (except scissors).

    Folks, I’ve been there. I am a voracious reader, but on my first trip, I realized that I had to do something about all the travel books I had accumulated because my back was killing me from lugging them around.

    After moaning to a family member about this, they gifted me a Kindle Paperwhite…and I haven’t looked back. With its natural paper interface, it re nothing like a smartphone screen. If you love to read, a whole library of travel books can be made available in a device that weighs less than most paperbacks, plus it comes with a ton of accessories. This is one of my favorite gifts for the person who loves their literature.

  • a hand holding a Tile Bluetooth Tracker next to a set of keys

    Hands up if you’ve lost your keys, wallet or phone on holiday. We all know that sinking feeling of your things not being there when you need them, and not remembering where you left them. But thanks to Tile, you can find your accessories quickly and easily via Bluetooth.

    You simply attach a receiver to your valuables, then if you misplace it, you can make them ring via Bluetooth. These are also trackable online if you lose them out of Bluetooth range or if they are stolen. Keep track of those elusive keys and walkabout wallets, and thwart petty thievery. Pretty neat, huh?

  • REI Gift Card

    Are you looking for gifts for travel friends but have no idea what they like? Give them a choice with a REI Gift Card. Their online store stocks an amazing range of gifts for travelers from high-quality tents to yoga mats to wool accessories, so they are sure to find something they will like.

    Take the guesswork out of shopping and let your friends pick out the products they want the most! You can’t go wrong with a gift card, and it’s easy enough to add to your shopping list.

  • JBL Flip 4 Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers

    In my opinion, one of the all-time best gifts for travel is a Bluetooth speaker—or as I refer to them, Instant Party Machines. If you’re out on the beach and need some fun beats to get the mood going, you can connect your phone and get a soundtrack going. The sound quality is surprisingly good!

    If your playlist runs out of steam, there’s no AUX cord to worry about, just connect someone else’s phone and you’re back on. Plus, this particular speaker from JBL comes in a bunch of colors and is sturdy and water-resistant so it can handle a drink being spilled on it.

    I’ve traveled with the JBL Flip in nearly every country I’ve visited from Colombia to Laos, so join the party.

  • Rosetta Stone

    Just to be clear, I’m not telling you to buy the Egyptian artifact held at the British Museum (though if you get the chance, you should definitely see it).

    Rather, Rosetta Stone is a language learning tool that is easy for everyone to use.

    No, it’s not a piece of tangible travel gear, but it will be something that your loved one will appreciate on his/her next adventure.

    This is a perfect travel product idea because it teaches everyday foreign language skills that you can use quickly and easily, instead of getting bogged down in excessive vocabulary and grammar.

    With a wide range of language options, Rosetta Stone is a great way to prepare yourself for a new country and make yourself some new friends. That’s why it’s one of the coolest gifts—it’s the kind that keeps on giving.

  • navy kachula

    From camping trips to music festivals, the Coalatree Kachula Blanket is a must-have for the holiday season. But, this multi-functional product is more than just a water-resistant blanket for picnics. Not only can it be used as a light sleeping bag, but it can also transform into a hooded poncho or travel pillow.

    And if you want to share with others, the module system can snap together with another blanket set to make one giant, super-blanket! It’s one of the coolest accessories you can have for traveling.

    Considered the swiss-army knife of blankets, I absolutely love the Kachula Blanket for its versatility.

  • Peak Design Tech Pouch

    This is a personal favorite. As a person who hoards charging cables, stationery, SD Cards and other tech bits because “you never know…” It’s amazing to have somewhere organized to carry them all.

    This handy little pouch is basically a toiletry bag for electronics. It holds all your electronics in a maximum-storage/minimum-space design that will fit perfectly in your luggage.

    This easily makes it ideal for travelers trying to save space. Plus, if you go to the Peak Design store and order this Tech Pouch with the backpack from earlier, you save 10 percent.

  • Jaybird X3 Bluetooth Headphones

    Meet the next generation of headphones designed for active listeners. The Jaybird X4‘s are custom designed to stay on while you exercise so you never again have to scrabble in the bush on a trail trying to find your other earpiece.

    Matched with a high-quality sound production system for a flawless listening experience and an eight-hour battery life, this tops our list of best gifts for travelers who like to stay active on the road—or just listen to tunes while hustling through the airport. Wireless headphones might be all the rage, but these are just as comfortable.

  • Anker PowerCore Portable Battery Bank

    Finding outlets in an airport can be notoriously difficult. Sometimes looking for a place to plug in my phone can feel like going for a treasure hunt. And then when I find one it’s either broken, or there are seven people waiting in line to get a charge.

    Give the gift of convenience with this Anker PowerCore battery bank. If you’re getting a gift for a frequent traveler, they’ll love the ability to top off their phone battery without hunting around the airport. It’s compact, lightweight, and actually offers pretty impressive charging capacity for its size.

    It will also give them some great peace of mind knowing that they will never get stranded with a dead phone when they need it.

  • Deckers X Lab X-Scape Shoes

    Deckers Lab X-Scape Shoes are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. They’ve been dubbed the home workout sneaker of the year, with excellent midsole cushioning for extra support. They also regulate foot temperature.

    Whether you’re doing sumo squats or shuffling around the apartment making coffee, these shoes just work. There’s lots of styles and colors to choose from as well, including for both men and women.

  • Stigma Hemp

    Travel is exciting, but it can also be nerve-wracking. If you know a traveler who gets extremely anxious before boarding a flight, or even embarking on a solo trip, CBD oil (like the organic offerings from Stigma Hemp) can be a huge help. Its calming properties help reduce anxiety and fear, and it’s one of the things I most recommend for dealing with travel anxiety in particular.

    It also comes in a number of forms, from organic oil to gel capsules to chewable gummies.

    Just a note: Do your research before traveling with CBD oil. Although it’s legal in the United States, that doesn’t mean it’s legal everywhere.

Small Travel Gifts Under $50

Want to spoil your loved one, but don’t have a lot of cash to spare? These small travel gifts under $50 are a big hit.

  • Magnet earphone

    It’s a fact of life that it’s impossible to keep wired earphones from tangling into a giant mass that takes forever to untangle. That’s why the Magnet Earphone Winder from Mochi Things is an absolutely brilliant piece of technology.

    The ends of the earphone winder are made up of magnetic pieces, so all you have to do is wrap your earphones around the winder and put the ends together. It keeps your wires nice and tidy, and the inside of the winder is made with suede for cleaning your screen.

    The Magnet Earphone Winder is super affordable, and it’s small enough to make a fantastic stocking stuffer.

  • The Cabeau Evolution S3 Neck Pillow
    The Cabeau Evolution S3 Neck Pillow

    Bring business class comfort on any long haul flights with this deluxe travel neck pillow. Forget the limp U-pillows in the airport shops or curling up in the window seat. This is the Ferrari of head support and easily the best travel pillow on the market.

    Guaranteed to avoid the dreaded post-flight crick in the neck. It has supports for your neck, chin and head using a memory foam core, and it can even strap to your headrest to keep you extra stable mid-flight. Designed to give you the ultimate in-flight comfort, the only thing this neck pillow doesn’t have is a built-in masseuse. Those long flights don’t stand a chance!

  • Midori Traveler's Notebook

    I am a sucker for a nice travel journal. They are like memory vaults, full of anything from journal entries to the bizarre directions a stranger gave you that you had to quickly scribble down. What better way to hold onto these precious moments and fun photos than with this quality, Japanese design from Midori?

    It pulls your travel photos together with a stylish, classic look. Its high-quality craftsmanship will furthermore hold your treasured memories safely without falling apart. For frequent travelers, it’s a must. Sometimes the best gifts for travelers are the ones that make memorable keepsakes.

  • Keep Calm and Travel On T-Shirt

    We’ve all been there: Plans have gone out the window, it’s pouring with rain, you can’t find where you’re supposed to be going and you’re starting to panic. In times like these, it’s always good to have a reminder that it’s all going to be OK.

    That’s just where this perfect shirt comes in: Look in the mirror, look at the shirt and remember to keep your chin up. After all, what could be better than traveling?

  • Anker PowerCore Slim High Capacity Power Bank

    Picture this: Walking the streets of a far-off city while you head towards a beautiful art gallery, your phone suddenly dies and you lose your directions. You could run all the way back to the hotel and use the wall socket, or you could save yourself a whole lot of hassle with this power bank from Anker.

    This portable power bank with USB ports is an amazing piece of technology. It’s so small, you can carry it in your pocket next to your phone. It’s a godsend for frequent travelers. Yet, it can hold enough charge for at least three full recharges.

  • ESPRO Travel Press

    There is nothing like a quality cup of joe on a trip. The ESPRO travel press means that you never have to settle for instant coffee. You can bring your favorite roasts and beans with you wherever your traveling.

    With the french press and pour-over capabilities, as well as a tea brewing capability, this travel press means anyone can have a cuppa their way, no matter where you are. It is also nice and compact to slide smoothly into your gear without taking up too much space.

  • Patagonia Capilene® Cool Trail Shirt

    Just like onions and ogres, travelers have layers. What better layer to get for your nomadic loved one than a comfy, wear-anywhere t-shirt that will take them from the hiking trail to the city with ease?

    With its lightweight fabric and assortment of colors, this is one of the best travel gifts for anyone who needs a little extra in their wardrobe (or luggage). It’s especially great for your environmentally-conscious BFF—it’s entirely made from recycled materials.

  • kaju pourover coffee

    Here’s something for the coffee snobs in our life: the Kuju Pour Over Coffee. Single-serving and portable, these little pockets anchor to any size mug so you can brew delicious coffee without any additional equipment.

    Kuju Pour Over Coffee is an excellent gift for any outdoorsy type. All the coffee is specialty-grade and ethically sourced, and the packaging is ultra-lightweight for carrying. Just pour hot water over the coffee, and the brew is ready in two minutes! No more carrying around that yucky instant mix.

    You can also purchase bundles with different flavors, as well as camp mugs, insulated flasks, and other accessories.

Useful Travel Gifts

If you’re trying to shop for your most practical friend or family member, you can’t go wrong with these useful travel gifts.

  • Hydro Flask adventure bundle

    Who knew thermoses could be so cool this holiday season? These stylish insulated bottles are great gifts keep your cold stuff cold and your hot stuff hot while also being slim, chic and environmentally friendly.

    HydroFlask has a number of designs made for travelers to take water, booze, coffee, tea, soup or any other liquid you’d rather not have lukewarm. Absolutely one of our best gifts for travelers who like to stay on the move with refreshment always on hand.

  • Quip Toothbrush

    While we’re talking about deliveries, let’s talk about Quip. This is a revolutionary electric toothbrush, designed for travelers who want to keep their teeth extra healthy.

    The sleek metal design is compact enough to slip into your luggage, and fresh brush heads are delivered to your door every three months so you always have maximum brushing power. The vibrating technology gives your teeth a bit of extra polish to keep all those late-night travel beers and morning coffees from doing too much damage.

  • nomad phone case

    The best travel gifts are the ones that keep your important stuff safe as well as stylish, and that’s exactly what NOMAD does with its range of smartphone cases. Beautiful, American-made leather cases that not only look amazing but that also protect your electronic baby from the hard bumps and knocks on the road.

    They even have cases that will fit a Moment smartphone lens for those who like to take smartphone photography to the next level. You can still take a great photo while also protecting your smartphone from scratches and dirt.

  • Swiftwick Pursuit Hiking Socks

    Socks are literally THE gift for the person who has everything, but that doesn’t mean socks aren’t thoughtful and luxurious! Every traveler needs a quality pair of socks with a great fit, and Swiftwick does the job.

    My favorite socks are from the Pursuit line. They’re made of merino wool, they’re cushioned to support muscles, and they’re designed to absorb impact. Perfect for long travel days and walking for hours on end!

  • Eagle Creek Compression Packing Cubes

    You will never believe how useful packing cubes are until you try them. These handy little packing cubes do two things: they keep all your clothes separated for easy access, and they save you space by compressing them all so you can pack light.

    When you travel with packing cubes, you’re staying exceptionally organized and saving yourself a ton of packing space in your luggage! Say goodbye to dirty old shopping bags full of clothes, these packing cubes make great gift ideas for travelers who want to pack light and stay organized.

  • Scrubba Wash Bag is a must have item for both male and female travelers!

    love this washbag set from Scrubba. It’s basically a portable washing machine for your trail gear. Dirty, stinky trail gear that’s being worn multiple days is a hygiene risk (not to mention gross). But a Scrubba will have it fresh and clean with just a touch of detergent and some water.

    These make perfect gifts for travelers who are looking for a space saver—washing your clothes mid-hike means you don’t have to pack as much clothing, plus the set can be used as a laundry bag once dry. What’s more, you’ll save money while traveling by not having to pay for washing services or a laundromat, which makes it an incredible travel product.

  • Hero Universal Power Adapter

    One of the most irritating parts of traveling to new countries is power sockets. Why can’t they be standardized like charging cables? It would make things so much easier.

    Thankfully, there is a magic solution. This universal travel adapter adjusts to fit any socket anywhere around the world and fits plugs from just as many places. It even comes with two USB ports so charging your phone and mobile devices is easier than ever. Compact, sleek and ruggedly designed, we chose this as one of our best gifts for travelers who are looking to cut down on unnecessary purchases during their trip.

  • LARQ Bottle

    Say hello to the world’s first self-cleaning water bottle! As one of the most technologically advanced products on this list, the LARQ Bottle will easily become the coolest accessory in your bag. In fact, it made our list of best travel water bottles.

    The built-in UV-C light neutralizes 99.9999% of viruses and bacteria, like E. coli and Salmonella. On top of that, it cleans the inside of the bottle, which means you’ll never have to wash it, ever!

    Best of all, you’re cutting down on the usage of single-use plastic bottles. Save the environment and enjoy fresh-tasting water anywhere around the world! Check out my full LARQ review here.

  • BenjiLock Fingerprint Padlock

    The BenjiLock Fingerprint Padlock is one of the coolest new pieces of technology we’ve come across in a while. This padlock is a must for anyone who travels with a lot of expensive gear or valuables, as it’s equipped with advanced fingerprint technology to ensure fingerprint accuracy and security. No more fumbling with numbers or keys!

    The padlock comes with a 43mm lock body, a chrome-plated steel shackle, a built-in rechargeable battery, and a fingerprint touch screen. A fully charged battery lasts for up to six months, and there’s also a set of spare keys to go with it (just in case). It also stores up to 10 fingerprints, so anyone traveling with friends or family can spread the love.

Adventure Travel Gifts

Finding the best adventure travel gifts for your person can be tricky if you’re not familiar with all the gear. These items will get you started, but be sure to look at our favorite gifts for hikers for more ideas.

  • Jetboil Flash

    Even though you’re in the wilderness, you can still wake up with a cup of hot tea or coffee. The Jetboil Flash is your portable cooking companion that can boil water in just 100 seconds! It’s perfect for hot drinks, oatmeal, pasta, and anything else on the menu that needs boiling water.

    This is a must-have gift for friends who want to up their cooking skills while camping or backpacking.

  • BioLite 330 Headlamp

    When you’re doing adventurous things in dark places, you need to be able to see what you’re doing. Try lighting up your surroundings that with this BioLite HeadLamp 330. A good headlamp is easily one of the most useful things to take with you on your adventures (or, let’s be real, even for just rooting around in your backpack in a dark hostel dorm).

    It weighs only 69 grams and its moisture-wicking fabric keeps you nice and dry. There’s a rechargeable battery, and red night vision is included. Plus it comes in four colors to match anyone’s style!

  • Kammock Roo Hammock

    If you’ve ever wanted a hammock that works hard and plays hard, this is your stop. The Kammok Roo works hard by being made of tough, tear-resistant material and stronger-than-steel cords. It plays, not exactly hard, but incredibly comfortable and provides the perfect resting perch between your hard travel adventures.

    Use it in the backyard on a summer evening or as a camping hammock in the bush. Big enough for one or two, this is among the best gifts for travelers who are creatures of comfort.

  • Kammok Pongo Pad

    On a camping trip, there’s always that one person who complains about never getting enough sleep. To save them (and yourself) from hours of whining and complaining, consider buying them a Kammok Pongo Pad.

    This inflatable sleeping pad has an egg-crate design that’s guaranteed to keep them comfortably snoozing through the night. And they won’t have to worry about hauling around a bulky mattress topper. That’s because the Pongo Pad deflates to a compact 4 in x 8 in, and can easily fit in most backpacks.

  • 57Hours Tour

    Know someone that’s addicted to travel plans and travel experiences? With 57Hours, you can give friends and family the gift of adventure travel!

    Since the mission of 57Hours is encouraging people to adventure outside and making it easier for them to do so, this company aims to do just that.

    Whether it’s rock climbing in Red Rock Canyon or hiking in Svalbard, 57Hours has an adventure travel option to suit everybody. You can’t put a bow on top of it (or maybe you can?), but the gift of travel is pretty hard to top.

  • Arkadia Sea to Sky Pack

    If you’re looking for a travel daypack that’s a cut above the rest, look no further than this Arkadia backpack. It’s lightweight, durable and, best of all, the main compartment is fully waterproof. It’s basically a packable, dry bag daypack! And the adjustable side straps and padded shoulders mean you can carry your stuff around all day and explore the world with minimal discomfort.

    The Sea to Sky pack can be used for hiking in a rainy season. Or it can be used for bicycle commuting at home if the weather isn’t holding up.

  • BioLite Camping Stove Bundle

    After a day on the trail, there is nothing I hate more than fiddling with matches or gas cookers to get dinner started. Thankfully, the BioLite CampStove 2 is here to help.

    This amazing little stove burns biomass wood, pinecones or pellet fuel and has adjustable heat settings. All this energy funnels to a grill top and even a phone charger.

    Best of all, the fire is smokeless, so you don’t need to get up and move every time the wind changes. At five pounds, you might not want to take it backcountry hiking, but it’s a brilliant and lightweight assist for camping trips. It’s the perfect travel gift idea for anyone who wants to bring a bit of glamping to their camping.

  • Sea to Summit Ascent Sleeping Bag

    The Sea to Summit Ascent Sleeping Bag is my sleeping bag of choice for camping and backpacking—I take it everywhere, even if I’m car camping. Not only is it super warm and lightweight, but it’s also made with responsibly sourced 750-fill-power duck down.

    This sleeping bag comes in regular and tall sizes, and three different temperature ratings: 2.5 seasons (25 degrees Fahrenheit), 3 seasons (15 degrees Fahrenheit), and winter (0 degrees Fahrenheit). It takes up just 5-10 liters of space when compressed, and has an ultra cozy hood for when things get a little chilly.

  • ATOM LT HOODY

    When I travel anywhere, I like to save luggage space by taking clothes that are versatile without compromising on quality. That means usually taking a jacket that is durable and weatherproof for hiking but can also be worn for sightseeing in the city. It’s extremely versatile, serving as either a midlayer or an outer shell.

    That’s why I absolutely love this hoody from Arc’teryx. Lightweight, insulated and quick-drying with a bit of subtle style, it’s an amazing product for someone looking for a versatile layer.

  • Big aGnes copper spur tent

    If your camping set is needing an upgrade, look no further than the Big Agnes Copper Spur. This is on my list of the best backpacking tents for backcountry hikers who likes a bit of headroom, as this tent is designed for maximum internal space (HV = High Volume).

    As well as being very lightweight (UL = Ultralight), it is adaptable for hot summer nights with the ability to turn it from a tent into a ventilated shelter. Three-season, two-person, one award-winning tent. It’s easily one of the best gifts for travelers and campers who pack light!

  • Garmin eTrex

    If you’re hiking in the bush and Google Maps just isn’t going to cut it, the Garmin eTrex 30x is what you’ve been looking for. These are designed to get you geolocated no matter the weather conditions or the forest cover.

    Durable, boasting a long-lasting battery and coming with a handlebar mount for wheeled adventures, this is certainly a key piece of safety gear for anyone venturing off the beaten path. They’ll never have to worry about getting lost in the wilderness again.

Travel Gift Ideas for Her

If you feel like spoiling the lady in your life, these travel gift ideas for her will do the trick. And, if you’re still stuck, check out our full list of travel gifts for her.

  • Kiehl's Skincare Bundle

    Women who love to travel should be acquainted with the annoyance that is liquids. It can be a hassle because you need them on the plane, but you can’t take them in your carry-on. This means pouring a splash of everything you need into tiny little containers just for the journey.

    The Kiehl’s Travel Size Skincare Value Bundle has travel-sized bottles and one of the few travel gifts for her that’ll make things a lot easier. All of the toiletries are already packaged in 100ml containers.

    She’ll never have to rummage through her luggage for her liquids, making airport security a breeze from here on out. These travel accessories are a win win!

  • Peak Design tote

    The Peak Design Everyday Tote is built for the traveling photographer and will keep her camera, lenses, and other photography equipment well organized wherever she goes. The best part about this bag is that it’s incredibly versatile, so she’s able to wear it slung like a cross-body messenger bag, a normal handbag, or a full tote.

    There’s nothing flashy about it, either. This camera bag is low-profile, meaning she can bring it just about anywhere. It’s even suitable for business trips.

  • Bluffworks Trevi Dress

    The Bluffworks Trevi Dress is a lightweight and breezy travel dress that makes the ultimate travel gift for your most fashionable friend. Thanks to its wrinkle-resistant and odor-wicking fabric, it’s easy to toss into your luggage and is perfect for both long-term and short-term trips.

    But the best part? The Trevi Dress has six built-in pockets designed to hold her valuables, like her passport, phone, or wallet! It’s a must-have for any closet, but especially for anyone who likes to look sharp while on the road, whether it’s for business travel or a fun night out.

  • BaByliss Pro Travel Dryer

    Those old hairdryers in hotel rooms are rarely worth using, and often they’ll leave your hair feeling dry and brittle. But the new BaBylissPro Travel Dryer packs up perfectly into most purses and all suitcases thanks to its compact design and ability to fold up. No more frizzy, dried out hair when she’s on the road!

    It’s also super high tech. Unlike most travel hairdryers, the BaBylissPro Travel Dryer has special tourmaline titanium technology to keep hair sleek, shiny and frizz-free. Plus it blow dries hair much, much faster. This is the ideal gift for anyone who values great hair while on the road!

  • Aria Travel Kit

    The Aria Travel Kit is an essential kit for travelers, with hand-picked, quality items also inside a vegan leather pouch. Everything is in a compact form so that it fits in all carry-ons or bags.

    Every Aria Travel Kit is a first-class experience that comes with an all-natural face and body moisturizer, lip balm, deodorant, solid perfume, a lined notebook, a silk sleeping eye mask, hair ties, Emergen-Cs, earplugs, q-tips, disposable face masks, a pen, and a bamboo toothbrush. That’s a lot in one kit!

    Most of the items are citrus or grapefruit-scented, but the perfume is portland rose. Even so, the scents aren’t overpowering, and your gift recipient will feel refreshed after a long flight thanks to all these goodies.

  • Silken Pure Sleep Mask

    The Silken Pure sleep mask is the Cadillac of sleep masks. It’s made of 100% pure organic silk from the outer shell to the filler lining. These masks are incredibly soft and comfortable, and the silk is actually proven to improve natural skin hydration.

    The Silken Pure sleep mask also promotes healthy, wrinkle-free skin thanks to the material’s anti-aging and anti-sleep wrinkle properties. The masks are designed to help you fall asleep and stay asleep, and you’ll wake up looking as good as you feel. If you know someone that has trouble sleeping on flights, this gift is a godsend.

    The masks also come in a variety of colors, including blue, pink, gold, and black.

  • Nabee Compression Socks

    Compression socks are specially designed to apply pressure to your lower legs, thus improving blood flow and reducing swelling. For some people, this is vital for air travel, where the risk of blood clotting is higher.

    Nabee’s compression socks are considered the world’s best, and they’re made to last for years. Their non-binding, non-slip design keeps the sock firmly in place, and the extra Achilles heel padding prevents Achilles heel irritation. There’s also extra arch support, and the fabric is super breathable.

    Nabee’s compression socks also come in tons of different funky patterns and colors to keep things interesting. Stripes, polka dots, hearts, and bright colors are just some of the options!

  • Speakeasy Hidden Pocket Travel Scarf

    Here’s a gift for frequent travelers: a stylish scarf with a secret, hidden pocket to store any valuables, such as passports, money, or credit cards. All the scarves are handmade in the United States, and they come with self-locking zippers to keep belongings tightly sealed inside.

    The Speakeasy Hidden Pocket Travel Scarf is ideal for anyone who loves to travel hands-free, especially to festivals and sporting events. Certain designs are limited and sell out quickly, but there are lots of patterns and colors to choose from (including lighter scarves for warm temperatures).

    Pro tip: the pockets are big enough to conceal an entire flask. Just sayin’.

  • OUAI Anti-Frizz Hair Sheets

    These handy little Ouai Anti Frizz Hair Sheets are easy to use: all you have to do is swipe the sheet from root to ends to tame static and wild frizz. It’s good for most hair types, including straight, wavy, curly, and coiled.

    The sheets are small enough to stick in a purse or small bag, making them the ultimate travel hack for freshening up while on the road. They leave hair shiny and smooth, making for a quick fix after a long flight or a busy day of travel. They also come with a slight fragrance of Rue St. Honoré—a French-inspired scent with violet and gardenia.

  • Serene House

    The Serene House Travel Size Essential Oil Diffuser is aromatherapy that your loved one can take with them while at their travel home away from home! Whether it’s travel for business or pleasure, having this diffuser promotes peace and relaxation, making any apartment or hotel room feel much comfier. And it’s tiny enough to fit in a small bag.

    Imagine sinking into the soft scent of lavender after a long day exploring a new city or networking at a conference. You can also make a purchase with some SERENE HOUSE 100% Natural Essential Oil—just a few drops help promote well-being and self-care. They come in a number of scents, including eucalyptus and lemongrass.

  • steamery-cirrus-2

    For the business traveler (or appearance-conscientious traveler), the Cirrus No. 2 Travel Steamer is a must. This lightweight steamer is a gentle and effective way to keep clothes wrinkle-free and fresh in between washes. It’s incredibly easy to use, and it’s incredibly compact. It fits in any luggage and doesn’t take up much space.

    This steamer also works on most fabrics, including delicate cashmere garments and silk. The steam is a lot gentler on clothes than a typical iron, and it won’t burn or crush delicate fabrics. It also has a minimalistic style and comes in three different colors.

  • Mejuri Travel Case

    The Mejuri Travel Case is small but mighty; you’ll be amazed by how much this jewelry case can carry! It’s ideal for carry-on travel, and is about the size of a wallet, but it has a section to hold rings and earrings (with six earring holes) as well as hooks for hanging necklaces. This keeps all valuables separate without worrying about things getting tangled.

    This is a popular item and it sells out a LOT. Its exterior is made up of handcrafted leather, and its lining is made of suede. The design is sleek and stylish, and since it’s portable, your loved one can keep their valuable jewelry close to them at all times.

Travel Gift Ideas for Him

Have you run out of travel gift ideas for him? It happens to the best of us. Check out these options or read up on our other favorite travel gifts for men.

  • travel-necessities

    The Leatherology Travel Necessities Gift Set is built for travelers who like to take off on spontaneous adventures: there’s a Standard Passport Cover for a passport and tickets, a Small Accessories Pouch to store cosmetics or tech accessories (or any other small items), and a Standard Rectangular Luggage Tag to help quickly identify luggage.

    All of Leatherology’s products are made with their signature timeless leather, with a fine grain texture that’s ultra soft. This is definitely a gift for the luxury-loving traveler, and it comes in a gorgeous gift box to boot. You can also add personalization to make it extra special.

  • Ridge

    The Ridge Wallet is an ultra-slim, streamlined wallet that holds 1-12 cards and is made with RFID-blocking materials, keeping credit cards and debit cards safe and secure. Wallets are made of aluminum, titanium, or carbon fiber, which gives the wallet a durable and lightweight feel. It’s even backed by a lifetime warranty.

    Although it’s very thin, you can add a Cash Strap or a Money Clip for a more traditional feel. There’s also plenty of designs and colors to choose from. This wallet is an excellent gift for any minimalist!

  • Manscaped Perfect Package

    Yup, this gift is designed specifically for refining a man’s, er, most sensitive areas. The Manscaped Perfect Package kit comes with specially designed products for “below-the-waist male grooming,” including an electric trimmer, deodorant, spritz, body wash, a 4-piece nail kit, shaving mats, and a sleek travel bag.

    The Lawn Mower is a high-powered and compact electric trimmer with an adjustable shave guard, and advanced technology to reduce the chance of nicks and cuts. The Crop Cleanser is an all-in-one body wash, conditioner, and moisturizer, while the Crop Preserver is a ball deodorant and moisturizer with anti-chafe lotion.

    If your special someone likes to keep it fresh on the road, this is the perfect present.

  • SAXX Sleepwalker

    Who doesn’t love a sexy set of SAXX Sleepwalkers? Your guy friends will love a comfortable set of these. The super-soft shirts and pants are made with a special moisture-wicking fabric, so he’ll stay sweat-free and dry for the whole night.

    The most notable feature on this pajama set, however, is the Ballpark Pouch. This is a special 3D hammock-like pouch in the pants that protects his most sensitive body parts throughout the night. He’ll definitely be grateful that you’re looking out for his family jewels, although he might not admit it!

  • Bluffworks Field Jacket

    The Bluffworks Field Jacket is one of the most comfortable pieces of clothing for traveling, and makes an excellent addition to any guy’s wardrobe. It comes with 10 different compartments and pockets, so he’ll be able to carry just about anything he needs wherever he goes.

    The Field Jacket is also just a really, really stylish jacket. It comes in both olive green and jet black, and unlike other utility jackets, it’s ideal for exploring the outdoors or hitting the pavement in a new city.

  • Monogrammed Flask

    I love traveling with a flask. It’s such a handy thing to keep with you, and it tends to get well used. That’s why it’s a great gift for any man.

    But don’t spring for any ol’ vessel; why not go for a monogrammed flask? This one comes in both stainless steel and vegan fake leather, so it’s super stylish to boot. (My favorite is stainless steel.) You can personalize the flask with his initials for an extra special touch.

  • The Ultimate Man’s Survival Guide

    Here’s the best resource for any man who wants to learn how to handle himself out there in the wild: The Ultimate Man’s Survival Guide. It’ll teach him everything, from escaping alligators to lighting a fire. And since it’s 2020, this book also talks about the definition of manliness and what the essence of the modern man is.

    It’s an overall really intriguing read with tons of awesome nuggets of wisdom and knowledge for impressing all his friends (and the ladies too!).

Personalized Travel Gifts

Go the extra mile and put a personal spin on your purchase. Check out these personalized travel gifts!

  • Mark & Graham Leather Tech Folio

    For the tech-minded friend or loved one, Mark & Graham’s best-selling Leather Tech Folio comes with several pockets, card slots, and lots of pouches for cords, cables, tablets, phones, and more. It folds and zips easily into a sleek, compact carry-all.

    The folio is the right size to fit a regular iPad or iPad Mini. It is made of unlined, smooth leather that just becomes softer over time. It also comes in several different colors and classy patterns. This upscale gift is a timeless, classic piece and sure to please the dapper techie.

  • Well Told Drinkware

    Well Told Map Drinkware makes thoughtfully personalized gifts, with beautiful maps imposed on classic drinkware like wineglasses (including stemless wine glasses), pint glasses, rock glasses, and clear coffee mugs. There are even insulated water bottles and tumblers to take on the road.

    There are lots of map options and destinations to choose from as well, including hometown maps, college town maps, and topographic maps. For aviation geeks, you can get glassware with custom airport codes from around the world. Well Told Map Drinkware is an excellent option for that person who’s incredibly had to shop for—just pick their favorite destination or hometown! Plus they make a great conversation piece.

  • Travel Gift Cards from Tinggly

    These days, not everyone is looking for more things in their life. For someone who already has all the things they need, try buying them an experience—quite literally the gift of travel—with a Tinggly gift pack. Simply choose your category, send it to your friend and they have a choice of fun experiences that make perfect gifts for travelers.

    Think: Kayak trips, bungee jumps, off-road driving, and culinary tours are all on the menu. So your friend is sure to find something they like with this, one of the most comprehensive travel gift ideas.

  • Deep down, many of us are yearning to return to our roots and see the land that we came from, but it’s not always an easy task finding out where that is. Thanks to 23andMe, you can find out and read exactly where your ancestry lies using an easy process.

    Just a quick cheek swab and you can find out where your great great great great grandparents were from. Your results are sent straight to your email address and smartphone. Who knows, you might even get to meet a distant relative you never knew you had.

  • 08left Airport Prints and Posters - Custom Wall Art

    Express your wanderlust with these fun prints from 08left. Whether it is a favorite destination you’ve been to, a place you’re aching to explore, or the scene of a romantic reunion.

    Each poster and photo will look right at home in a modern home or workspace. These are great photo gifts for travelers who want something a bit unique to remember their story.

  • Nomadik Adventure Subscription Box

    Give your outdoor-loving friends a gift that keeps on giving. The Nomadik Adventure Subscription Box sends a variety of camping, hiking, and travel-related products straight to their door every month. Best of all, each item they receive is handpicked and specifically curated to their tastes.

    Past boxes have included compression socks, wool hats, multi-tool accessories, and even snacks. This holiday season, shower your friends with tons of accessories they’ll love for their next adventure.

  • Atlas Coffee Club

    Between trips, every traveler craves a taste of the world to keep the wanderlust at bay. With Atlas Coffee Club, you can travel around the world with the tip of your tongue.

    This Atlas Coffee Club subscription delivers a new single-origin coffee to your travel companion every month. The menu is complete with tasting notes, brewing tips and a postcard from the country of origin. In other words, it’s a fun idea that supports local coffee farmers and is, therefore, a perfect gift for people who travel with a mug in their hands.

Best Luxury Travel Gifts

Some people just prefer the finer things in life. These are the best luxury travel gifts for high-end travelers.

  • Aesop Departure Kit

    The Aesop Departure Kit is the ultimate skincare routine for adventurers on the go, with seven travel-sized products to help clean and moisturize the hands, keep skin and lips hydrated, and promote oral hygiene.

    Small but practical, Aesop’s carry-on kit comes with rinse-free hand wash, hand balm, a hydrating face mask, facial hydrosol, lip balm, mouthwash, and toothpaste. In other words, everything needed for a few days of travel. The ingredients are also all-natural, with the likes of chamomile, rose petal, Vitamin E, and spearmint.

    The design of these products is sleek and chic—it’s like having a spa in your bag with you wherever you go.

  • Man holding a Waterfield Air Duffel

    As a frequent traveler, you know that packing light is the key to a stress-free vacation. Although you’ll need to carry on luggage for overhead storage, you should also make sure you’re utilizing your personal item allowance.

    And we have the perfect piece of luggage to maximize your space. The Waterfield Air Duffel is small enough to fit under your seat but spacious enough to fit everything you need for a weekend away. And don’t worry, you’ll still have enough legroom to stretch out during your flight.

  • Harber London Travel Wallet

    The best gifts for travelers these days are the things that will keep their most important belongings safe: passports, tickets and money. With this passport wallet from Harber London, it’s all together in one discreet package. Plus, it has enough space for multiple passports and credit cards.

    This passport wallet also includes a hidden pocket for your cash stash or tickets. Plus, has built-in RFID protection so thieves can’t get data from your important documents and cards.

    It also just looks and feels really good. Harber London makes some of the best quality leather goods out there, and this travel wallet is no exception. This is a great gift for a traveler with an eye for style and quality.

  • Bose NC 700 Headphones

    Goodbye screaming baby on the plane, goodbye roaring bus engine, goodbye snoring roommate. Surroundings instantly become a relaxing and pleasant melody with these premium noise-canceling headphones, which are particularly useful on long haul flights.

    Featuring the latest sound-wave negating technology for perfect noise isolation and crystal clear sound quality, these wireless noise canceling headphones from Bose are a must for any traveler. Tune out the loud and chaotic noises of travel and simply relax with your music, movies or podcasts. It’s a perfect travel gift idea for all the audiophiles out there.

    If you’re deciding between these or the QC35’s, check out my Bose NC 700 vs QC35 II comparison.

  • Baubax 2.0 Travel Jacket

    If the Swiss army started making clothes instead of knives, they’d look like Baubax’s travel jackets. Jackets come with different features designed for travelers: an eye mask for sleeping on the plane, pockets on the inside for your iPad, phone, passport and sunglasses, AirPods straps, a blanket, collapsible water bottle, inflatable footrest, and (I’m not kidding) an inflatable neck pillow in the collar.

    As far as best gifts for travelers go, this piece of fun travel gear is top-notch—you might not even need a backpack!

Gifts for Travel Photography

It’s true that photographers can never have too much gear. These gifts for travel photography will make your loved one very, very happy! For more ideas, check out The Best Travel Photography Equipment.

  • GoPro Hero 9

    Everyone needs a way to show the world the crazy stuff they’ve been up to. With the GoPro HERO 9, you can capture it all with a high-resolution, waterproof camera that will survive the toughest adventures. Also, the photo and video quality is fantastic for the GoPro 9’s compact size.

    Plus, with the new Shorty accessory set, you can add a handy handle that can turn into a mini tripod for that perfect photo. The best gifts for travelers are the kinds that capture every moment.

  • WANDRD Duo Daypack

    Made specifically for photographers on the go, the sleek WANDRD Duo Daypack is an innovative bag to hold all your photography gear and equipment. It’s one of my favorite gifts for travelers who love taking photos on their trips.

    Fishing for small items floating around your bag is not just a hassle – it’s annoying. But this module backpack unfolds so you can have full access to whatever you’re looking for, whenever you need it.

    In fact, every item has its own pouch, compartment, and organizer. The pop-up camera cube protects your camera body while the padded expansion pockets can easily fit up to four lenses. There’s also a padded laptop sleeve, tripod compartment, and hidden passport and cash zippers.

    If you’re looking for something a little larger, the WANDRD PRVKE is a great choice, too.

  • Boundary Supply X-Pac Prima System

    The Boundary Supply X-Pac Prima Backpack is one of the most versatile camera bag sets out there. It comes with the Verge Case and Fieldspace to provide unbeatable organization, and its adaptable modular features provide extra storage.

    You can attach and remove various components for the ultimate organization! This bag is definitely too heavy-duty for photographers just starting out, but if you travel with lots of equipment, this one comes highly recommended. Check out my full Boundary Supply Prima System review.

  • moment lenses for your smartphone

    Take your travel photography to the next level with these mountable lenses from Moment for your smartphone. Compatible with almost any device, you can get a single photo lens for enhanced mobile travel photography, or a whole kit of different sizes if you want to get serious about your travel photos.

    These lenses will enhance the quality of your photo without the expense of purchasing an expensive camera.

    This is the best gift for travelers who want to capture a special memory without having to haul around a chunky DSLR camera.

  • BZE Bluetooth Selfie Stick

    It’s a fact: handheld selfies make your face look weird. Get yourself a better photo with a selfie stick. The distance will put your face in better proportion, plus it gives you more space to get your friends into the shot.

    Our best recommendation is this extendable model that can also be used as a tripod. Take it from me, the one time I wish I had a selfie stick was in Vietnam: wearing a triangular Non La hat makes it very hard to take a photo. The best travel gifts are ones you can share with friends, after all.

  • KUVRD Universal Lens Cap

    Any photographer knows that an expensive camera lens should be protected at all costs. Well, with the KUVRD Universal Lens Cap, you won’t ever have to worry about losing your lens cap again.

    Made from stretchy rubber, it creates an air-tight seal to protect your camera lens from dust, sand, and dirt. That means no more smudges or scratches on each photo! And because it fits most DSLR and camera lenses, it’s the only camera lens cap you’ll ever need.

  • Matador Camera Base Layer

    For the photographer in your life, the Matador Camera Base Layer is a super lightweight solution for protecting mirrorless and DSLR cameras from all the elements, without all the bulk of a standard camera bag.

    This Camera Base Layer comes with a roll-top design so that it’ll fit all camera shapes and sizes. It can also be used with a neck strap, or clipped to a belt or backpack—but it’s easy to detach quickly in case the perfect shot comes up. There’s also a rainfly to keep everything dry, and extra padding to prevent any bumps and bruises.

  • Peak Design Travel Tripod

    Photographers know that dragging around a traditional tripod on their travels is just impractical and a waste of space. That’s why Peak Design spent four years designing the perfect travel tripod for any trip. No more bulk or extra weight!

    Height and stability doesn’t get compromised with this tripod either. The Peak Design Travel Tripod sacrifices nothing and still packs down into the size of a water bottle. It’s easy to set up and pack away, and it’s covered under Peak Design’s incredible lifetime guarantee. This thing can take a real beating, and it’ll still last forever.

  • Moment Fanny Sling

    Who says fanny packs aren’t cool? The Moment Fanny Sling is the most comfortable fanny pack out there, and it’s versatile enough for travelers to take it from the city to the mountain trail. It’s incredibly customizable, with seven different adjustment points to suit anyone’s height and waist size.

    Although the Moment Sling Pack is a pretty standard size for a fanny pack it can also expand up to four inches to fit a 35mm camera. It uses canvas and ripstop to keep everything dry inside, but the material doesn’t get too sweaty either. The icing on the cake: it’s covered under a lifetime warranty.

Give the Gift of Travel Books

Take it from me—literary lovers can never have too much reading material. Give the gift of travel books!

  • 10 Years a Nomad

    10 Years a Nomad is more than your typical travel read. Written by Matt Kepnes (founder of Nomadic Matt), this book dives head-first into what it means to be a world traveler and budget backpacker. From hilarious stories about staying in hostels to life-changing advice on traveling long-term, this is the ultimate travel read for anyone with wanderlust.

  • On the Road

    If you’re looking for a classic read, then I recommend On the Road, by Jack Kerouac. Based on the adventures of Kerouac’s own road trip across the US, this novel is one of those timeless gifts (especially for road trippers). The engaging narrative and stories of personal exploration make it one of the best gifts for travelers who love to read.

  • To Shake the Sleeping Self

    A 2018 New York Times Best Seller, To Shake the Sleeping Selfby Jedadiah Jenkins will easily become your new favorite travel book. After quitting his job, Jenkins documents his journey as he sets out on a sixteen months soul-searching cycling trip from Oregon to Patagonia. This autobiography weaves together issues of travel, self-discovery, and sexuality as Jenkins tries to find himself on this road.

We’ve all got one AWOL friend who’s off gallivanting around the world. And, if you can’t think of that friend, it’s probably because you are that friend. So whether you’re shopping for gifts for others or yourself, rest assured that this list of best gifts for travelers has you covered.


READ MORE:

Travel Gifts FAQs

  • What do you get someone who travels a lot?

    Our list of the best gifts for travelers includes some fantastic ideas, from new travel shoes to a lightweight hammock to a passport wallet.

  • Is luggage a good gift?

    Luggage can be a great gift for a frequent traveler.

  • How do you give a gift of travel?

    Gift cards are the easiest way to give the gift of travel to someone. You could give a gift card for plane tickets, hotel stays, and more.

  • How can I surprise someone with a trip abroad?

    The best way to surprise someone with a trip abroad is to buy a certificate for a trip. Then they can choose the specific dates.

  • Should you surprise someone with a trip?

    Before you surprise someone with a trip, think about whether it’s something they really want or if it would add stress.

About the Author

Jeremy Scott Foster

Jeremy Scott Foster is an adventure-junkie, gear expert and travel photographer based in Southern California. Previously nomadic, he’s been to ~50 countries and loves spending time outdoors. You can usually find him on the trail, on the road, jumping from bridges or hustling on his laptop working to produce the best travel and outdoors content today.
3 comments
  1. Thank you so much for sharing. I especially use the Quip toothbrush when traveling and it’s indeed awesome.

  2. Good to get some inspiration from this list. Time’s running out but internet shopping and next day delivery have made Christmas shopping a little easier. Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful post. Keep it up.

    David Jackson

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