• Search Please fill out this field.
  • Manage Your Subscription
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Newsletters
  • Sweepstakes

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

  • Travel Products
  • Gift Guides

The 55 Best Gifts for Travel Lovers in 2024

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

gift ideas travel bug

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.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. 

gift ideas travel bug

Related Articles

Advertisement

  • Gifts for grown-ups

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

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

gift ideas travel bug

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.

May be out of stock

gift ideas travel bug

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.

gift ideas travel bug

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.

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

gift ideas travel bug

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.

gift ideas travel bug

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.

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.

gift ideas travel bug

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

gift ideas travel bug

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

gift ideas travel bug

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

gift ideas travel bug

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

gift ideas travel bug

The Gadgets We Bring on Every Trip

by Ivy Liscomb

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

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

The Best Underwear for Travel

by Liz Thomas

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

The 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

by Elise Czajkowski

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

Various travel gear items laid out on a yellow background.

The Best Gear for Travel

by Wirecutter Staff

We put in another year and tens of thousands more miles of travel to test the best travel gear—and we stand by last year’s choices alongside a few new picks.

AFAR Logo - Main

The 50 Best Gifts for Travelers, According to Travel Experts

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

  • Copy Link copied

People wearing woolen Glerups slippers sitting on staircase

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

Courtesy of Glerups

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

Travel tech and accessories

Purist Maker Coffee Mug

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

Courtesy of Purist

1. Purist 10-Oz. Maker Mug

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

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

hand held travel iron for clothes

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

Courtesy of Nori

2. The Nori Press Steam Iron

Buy now: $120, nori.com

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

Small white Bluetooth gadget that plugs into headphone jack

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

Courtesy of Twelve South

3. Twelve South AirFly Pro

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

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

Trtl Travel Pillow in gray

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

Courtesy of Trtl

4. Trtl Travel Pillow

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

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

Black Yeti mug with handle and straw lid

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

Courtesy of Yeti

5. Yeti Rambler Straw Mug

Buy now: from $38, yeti.com

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

Red and purple belt securing a white tote bag to a suitcase handle

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

Courtesy of Cincha

6. Cincha Travel Belt Bag

Buy now: $60, cinchatravel.com

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

Black fleece headband with headphones built into it

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

Courtesy of SleepPhones

7. SleepPhones Bluetooth Sleep Headphones

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

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

Woman using a massage gun on her shoulder

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

Courtesy of Therabody

8. Therabody Theragun Mini

Buy now: $199, therabody.com

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

Packing essentials

Two Thule compression packing cubes

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

Courtesy of Thule

9. Thule Compression Packing Cubes

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

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

Three Baggu pouches with a smiley face pattern on them.

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

Courtesy of Baggu

10. Baggu Go Pouch Set

Buy now: $40, baggu.com

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

Ries travel toiletry bottles being refilled

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

Photo by Bailey Rebecca Roberts

11. Ries Essential Travel Bottles

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

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

Two black and white vanity cases

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

Courtesy of Paravel

12. Paravel Cabana See-All Vanity Case

Buy now: $95, tourparavel.com

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

Olive green travel jewelry case holding rings, necklaces, and bracelets.

Tangled necklaces are now a thing of the past.

Courtesy of Dagne Dover

13. Dagne Dover Frankie Jewelry Case

Buy now: from $55, dagnedover.com

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

Green nylon packing cube for shoes

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

Courtesy of Eagle Creek

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

Buy now: $25, eaglecreek.com

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

>> Find more clever travel gift ideas under $100

Travel bags and luggage

brown leather belt bag

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

Courtesy of Lo & Sons

15. Lo & Sons Waverley 2 Convertible Bag

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

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

Wax canvas tote bag

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

Courtesy of North End Bags

16. North End Bag Company Virginia Beach Tote

Buy now: $185, northendbagcompany.com

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

Paravel fold up duffle bag in olive green

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

17. Paravel Fold-Up Bag

Buy now: $75, tourparavel.com

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

Ivory backpack with brown leather details

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

Courtesy of Peak Design

18. Peak Design Everyday Totepack

Buy now: $180, peakdesign.com

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

Matador Freefly16 packable backpack shown unfolded and folded

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

Courtesy of Matador

19. Matador Freefly16 Packable Backpack

Buy now: $80, matadorup.com

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

Man holding brown leather weekend bag

A leather weekender that will last for years to come.

Courtesy of Leatherology

20. Leatherology Harwood Weekender

Buy now: $375, leatherology.com

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

Longchamp x Robert Indiana Travel Tote

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

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

21. Longchamp x Robert Indiana Travel Bag

Buy now: $430, longchamp.com

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

Wine colored Cotopaxi Allpa roller bag suitcase

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

Courtesy of Cotopaxi

22. Cotopaxi Allpa 38L Roller Bag

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

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

Yellow suitcase

July’s suitcase colors are anything but basic.

Courtesy of July

23. July Personalized Luggage

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

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

Pet carrier in green camo print with hot pink straps

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

Courtesy of Roverlund

24. Roverlund Out-of-Office Pet Carrier

Buy now: from $159, roverlund.com

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

black and white duffel bag with hidden garment bag hidden inside

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

Courtesy of Brouk & Co

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

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

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

Travel toiletries and skincare

Small black jar of eye cream with blue type

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

Courtesy of Blue Lagoon Iceland

26. BL+ Eye Cream

Buy now: $165, skincare.bluelagoon.com

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

Bottle of Kinfield bug spray

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

Courtesy of Kinfield

27. Kinfield Golden Hour Bug Repellent

Buy now: $22, kinfield.com

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

Four travel size bottles of skincare items

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

Courtesy of Standard Dose

28. Wonder Valley Little Wonders Kit

Buy now: $72, saksfifthavenue.com

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

Travel clothes and shoes

Wool plaid women's coat

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

Courtesy of Filson

29. Filson Women’s Wool Trapper Coat

On sale December 1: $995, filson.com

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

30. Gobi Oversized Cashmere Scarf

Buy now: $229, gobicashmere.com

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

Man wearing camo print puffy poncho

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

Courtesy of Mountain Hardwear

31. Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Poncho

Buy now: $300, mountainhardwear.com

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

Silk bathrobe with marbled pattern

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

Photo by Cristina Fisher

32. Hotel Saint Vincent Marbled Silk Robe

Buy now: $395, farwestcollective.com

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

Blue rubber clog

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

Courtesy of Amazon

33. Calzuro Classic Clog with Holes

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

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

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

Puffy clog slippers in brown

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

Courtesy of Chaco

34. Chaco Ramble Puff Clogs

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

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

Forest green handknit beanie with pom pom

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

Courtesy of Sh*t That I Knit

35. Sh*t That I Knit Rutherford Beanie

Buy now: $135, shitthatiknit.com

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

Oversized sunhat in geometric pattern

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

36. Baggu Packable Sun Hat

Buy now: $36, baggu.com

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

Pink Turkish travel shoes

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

Courtesy of Sabah

37. Sabah Shoes

Buy now: from $210, sabah.am

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

gray wool bootie

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

38. Glerups Slipper Boots

Buy now: $155, glerups.com

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

Bombas compression socks in navy blue and red

Compression socks are a travel essential.

Courtesy of Bombas

39. Bombas Compression Socks

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

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

Outdoor adventure gear

Red travel blanket and its carrying case

This blanket is campfire safe.

Courtesy of Rumpl

40. Rumpl NanoLoft Flame Blanket

Buy now: $130, rumpl.com

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

black and bronze mini coffee grinder

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

Courtesy of VSSL

41. VSSL Java Coffee Grinder

Buy now: $160, vsslgear.com

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

AeroPress coffee maker

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

Courtesy of AeroPress

42. AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press

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

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

Person snowshoeing with poles in snow

This snowshoe kit is great for beginners.

Courtesy of Cascade Mountain Tech

43. Cascade Mountain Tech Expedition Trail Series kit

Buy now: $120, cascademountaintech.com

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

maven binoculars

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

Courtesy of Maven

44. Maven B.3 Binoculars

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

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

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

Travel gifts for kids (and their parents)

Pink wireless headphones for kids

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

Courtesy of Puro Sound Labs

45. Puro Sound Labs PuroQuiets Active Noise Canceling Headphones

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

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

Mini kids backpack with a dinosaur print on it

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

Courtesy of State Bags

46. State Bags Kane Kids Mini Travel Backpack

Buy now: $78, statebags.com

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

Solar lamp in the shape of a flower

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

Courtesy of Studio Olafur Eliasson

47. Little Sun Original Solar Lamp

Buy now : $30, goodeeworld.com

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

Ride-on suitcase for kids

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

Courtesy of Stokke

48. JetKids by Stokke

Buy now: $229, stokke.com

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

2-gifts for travelers-wayb-pico portable car seat.png

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

Courtesy of WAYB

49. WAYB Pico Portable Car Seat

Buy now: $380, wayb.com

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

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

Fanny pack diaper bag

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

Courtesy of No Reception Club

50. No Reception Club “The Sidekick” Fanny Pack

Buy now: $85, noreceptionclub.com

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

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

Geiranger

Amazon products to make life easier, starting under $10

  • Share this —

Health & Wellness

  • Watch Full Episodes
  • Read With Jenna
  • Inspirational
  • Relationships
  • TODAY Table
  • Newsletters
  • Start TODAY
  • Shop TODAY Awards
  • Citi Concert Series
  • Listen All Day

Follow today

More Brands

  • On The Show
  • TODAY Plaza

27 gifts for the mom who’s always traveling — gadgets, gear and more

gift ideas travel bug

If you’ve got a mom who loves to travel , she's probably itching to go on some well-deserved vacations this spring and summer. With all that our moms do for us, they deserve some thoughtful gifts that will make those trips smoother, easier and, in some cases, more fashionable.

To help your traveling mom have her best Mother’s Day yet, we've rounded up the 27 best gifts whether she's planning on hitting the road, sea or air.

Mother's Day gifts for moms who love to travel

Makeup eraser limoncello 7-day set.

Limoncello 7-Day Set

Limoncello 7-Day Set

If walking the trails in between the small villages along Cinque Terre is high up on her bucket list, she'll appreciate this Amalfi-inspired 7-Day Limencello set, which includes reusable pads that remove makeup with just water.

Riemot Luggage Caddy

riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder Free Hand Drink Caddy - Hold Two Coffee Mugs - Fits Roll on Suitcase Handles - Gifts for Flight Attendants Travelers Accessories Grey

Luggage Travel Cup Holder

If you've ever been at the airport and found yourself with no hands to grab your phone/kid/wallet, you're not alone. This clever product is perfect for a traveling mom: it slides over the handle of her suitcase and has compartments that act as a phone/drink/passport/whatever-she-wants-quick-access-to holder so she can get on or off the plane with ease.

Longjet Travel Sunglass Organizer

Longjet Sunglasses Organizer 5 Slots Travel Glasses Case Multiple Pairs Eyeglasses Storage Box Hanging Eyewear Holder (Peach Pink)

Sunglasses Organizer

One thing is true for any trip she's going to take: she's definitely going to be bringing one (or more!) pair of sunglasses with her. If she's someone who loves having options, get her this organizer that holds up to five pairs of sunglasses and rolls up into a neat and tidy polygon. It will make it so much easier to pack multiple pairs of sunnies without scratching or breaking any in transit.

Beachcomber Straw Hat

The Monogram Corner Beachcomber Straw Hat

The Monogram Corner Beachcomber Straw Hat

If she's set to head off on a warm-weather vacation, she'll love this Beachcomber Straw Hat, which you can monogram with her initials. Use code TODAY at checkout for 25% off.

Kinfield Dew + Glow SPF Bundle

Dew + Glow SPF Bundle

Dew + Glow SPF Bundle

This fan favorite duo ensures that the mom in your life can keep up her skin care routine even when she's traveling . The sunscreen protects her skin while the tinted option offers a dewy finish.

Apple AirTag

Apple AirTag

If she doesn't already have one (or more) of this techy travel accessory , it's time you gift her one! AirTags connect to your iPhone or iPad and can be popped in her luggage so she can track where it is. Plus, it has a built-in speaker so you can prompt it to make a specific sound if you're trying to locate something.

Twelve South AirFly Wireless Audio Transmitter

Twelve South AirFly Pro Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter/ Receiver for up to 2 AirPods /Wireless Headphones; Use with any 3.5 mm Audio Jack on Airplanes, Gym Equipment, TVs, iPad/Tablets and Auto

Twelve South AirFly Pro

There's very little that's as annoying as forgetting headphones that are compatible with the plane's TV, especially on a long flight. Luckily, this handy gadget connects your AirPods to the plane's TVs so you don't have to worry about any more annoying cords. Shop TODAY deputy editorial director Ali Deabler even said that the AirFly Pro is so good, it "completely transformed her flying experience."

Touchland Hand Sanitizer

Touchland Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer BLOSSOM 3-PACK | Lavender, Vanilla, Rainwater | 500-Sprays each, 1 FL OZ (Set of 3)

Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer (Set of 3)

If you've ever tried Touchland's hand sanitizer , you know how amazing it is. These smell delish and moisturizer — plus, the packaging is slim and oddly satisfying to spray. Trust us, your mom will love this.

Mark & Graham Poolside Clear Pouch

Poolside Clear Pouch

Poolside Clear Pouch

Gone are the days of using a plastic sandwich bag to hold your phone, wallet and keys when you're at the beach or pool — this is the grown-up, reusable version. We love all the bright and cheerful colors these pouches come in, and you can even get your mom's monogram on it.

Vahdam Chai Tea Private Reserve

Chai Gift Set

Chai Gift Set

Does your mom love tea ? These three specialty blends are just the right size for her to tuck into her carry-on so she can get her chai fix on the go. We suggest pairing it with one of Vahdam's insulated mugs or tumblers . Bonus: this was previously one of Oprah's Favorite Things.

Everlasting Comfort Airplane Footrest

Everlasting Comfort Airplane Footrest - Ergonomic Adjustable Foot and Heel Hammock - Memory Foam Portable Air Plane Flying Travel Foot Rest - Long Airplane Flight Accessories for Feet (Black)

Airplane Footrest

If the mom in your life loves taking long plane trips overseas , get her this footrest sling so she can stretch her legs out and give her feet a rest! It takes up very little space in a bag and is lightweight — she'll want to take it with her on every trip.

Birdie Personal Safety Alarm

Birdie

If she's traveling alone it can be scary, especially if you're walking around alone at night. This small but mighty device combines a powerful, ultra-loud alarm with a strobe light that she can use if she feels like someone may be following her or about to attack.

Calpak Portable Charger

CALPAK Luggage Tag/ Portable Charger Black

CALPAK Luggage Tag/ Portable Charger Black

Let's face it: everyone could use a portable charger, but especially when you're traveling. This one is slim, compact and fits perfectly into the included luggage tag. Choose from seven colors and she'll be ready to travel fully charged.

Dagne Dover Mila Toiletries Organi z er

Toiletry Bag

Toiletry Bag

This chic, compact organizer stores away all of her go-to toiletries in a snap. It not only has a mesh pocket, it also has four loops for slimmer products, and six adjustable compartments.

Cometeer Mixed Roast Box

Curated Coffee Capsule Box

Curated Coffee Capsule Box

If your mom is pretty particular about her coffee , she'll love Cometeer's curated boxes of capsules that come with 32 servings. They're meant to be frozen, but if she wants to take them with her on a trip, they'll be good for 24 hours. "They make a most excellent iced latte," adds Shop TODAY senior SEO editor Jess Bender.

K9 Sports Sack Urban 3 Backpack

Urban 3

Urban 3 Backpack

Shopping for a dog mom on the go? This clever backpack holds everything she wants to carry — including her pup! The main compartment folds over and holds all her essentials when she's on a hike or traversing the city, and also has a place for your pup to ride along when they get tired.

Minnow Charleston Green Cabana Stripe Weekender

Charleston Green Cabana Stripe Weekender Bag

Charleston Green Cabana Stripe Weekender Bag

Not all travel bags are created equal, and this one stands out as being just as chic as it is functional. It's extra roomy for all her beach, pool or lake day essentials, and it's lightweight and easy to pack so she can easily use it as a carry-on .

Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Pack

Allpa 35L Travel Pack

Allpa 35L Travel Pack

This super lightweight travel pack is just the right size for her weekend trips, whether she's hopping a flight or driving somewhere nearby. This also can be worn as a backpack (which has a handy waist strap for added comfort on long walks or hikes) or carried by the top handle.

Port and Polish Pill Box

Port and Polish Pill Box

Time to throw away the Ziploc bags! Help Mom keep her vitamins, supplements and medicines organized with this chic pill box. The compact box comes in four colors and can fit an assortment of pills in each day’s compartment.

Sephora Collection Essential Mini Brush Set

Sephora Collection Essential Mini Brush Set

This four-piece makeup brush set from Sephora Collection is truly all your traveling mom needs when packing up her cosmetic bag and hitting the road. The set includes a foundation brush, a concealer brush, a shadow brush and a crease brush and are made with synthetic, vegan bristles.

Ostrich Pillow Light Travel Pillow for Airplane Neck Support

OSTRICH PILLOW LIGHT Travel Pillow for Airplane Neck Support - Travel Accessories for Head Rest, Power Nap on Flight - Sleepy Blue

The multifunctional Ostrich Pillow Light Travel Pillow is ideal for use on trains, planes and automobiles (if you’re not the one driving, that is). You can slip it over your eyes and rest your head with ease, or you can wear it around your neck to catch a quick nap.

Simple Retro Silk Twill Square Scarf

Simple Retro Silk Twill Square Scarf

A versatile scarf makes for a great accessory for any traveler. It's an easy way to jazz up a look, whether it's worn around the neck, as a belt or stylishly tied onto a bag. This pick from Simply Retro features beautiful, bright colors and will make any outfit pop.

Cadence Weekender Bundle

Cadence Weekender Bundle

Featuring the chicest refillable containers that we’ve ever seen, these capsules can be filled with anything you want to bring along for your trip — whether that be cleansers or moisturizers, pills or even jewelry — and are magnetized so they stick together in your bag.

Royce Leather Airline Ticket & Passport Holder

Royce Leather Airline Ticket & Passport Holder

Royce Leather Airline Ticket & Passport Holder

This sleek leather passport and airline ticket holder comes in eight colors and can hold everything your mom needs while jet-setting around the world.

Kindle Paperwhite

Kindle Paperwhite - Now Waterproof with 2x the Storage - Ad-Supported

Any traveling mom will love Amazon’s latest Kindle Paperwhite, which allows for easy reading while on the move. It comes in three colors, has a ton of storage space and is even waterproof — perfect for a beach day or poolside.

Beast Blender

Crate & Barrel Beast Blender in Cloud White

Crate & Barrel Beast Blender in Cloud White

For the mom who's always lugging around her smoothies wherever she goes, this set from Beast is a great gift to add to her blender arsenal.

Parker Clay Miramar Leather Backpack

Miramar Leather Backpack

A low-profile, versatile backpack is perfect for your adventurous mom. This bag from Parker Clay has a small front pocket for a cell phone or other small items, as well as a bigger pocket that can fit a laptop. It’s made with premium Ethiopian full-grain leather and is super soft, too.

gift ideas travel bug

Daley is a freelance journalist and editor who covers beauty, wellness, lifestyle and more.

gift ideas travel bug

Hannah is a lifestyle and home writer, with over 10 years of editorial experience in both print and digital. Her bylines include Real Simple, Apartment Therapy, Brides, Martha Stewart Living, Rachael Ray in Season and more. She lives in Brooklyn, is gift guide-obsessed and equally obsessed with her dog, Pidgin. Find her at  @hannahbaker86  on Instagram.

35 Best Travel Gifts For the Globetrotter In Your Life

Ahead, find the perfect something to match their spirit of adventure.

best travel gifts

Every item on this page was chosen by a Woman's Day editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

At long last, travel is back on and there’s huge pent-up demand for hitting the road after so much time cooped up in the pandemic. For some travelers in your life, that means packing bags for a long-delayed, far-flung, bucket-list vacation. For others, it means getting back to business with frequent regional work trips (with a little leisure tucked into the agenda too, of course). However — and whyever — your jet-setting loved one travels, we’ve got the perfect travel gifts you can score to help them get where they’re going in comfort, convenience, and style… and have more fun while they’re at it.

Whether the travelers on your list get around by plane, car, or train, these travel gift ideas are sure to complement their experience — and make them think of you fondly when they’re away from home. Think luggage accessories, wardrobe staples, beauty essentials, tech gadgets, organizational aids, entertainment options, and more solutions that all sorts of adventurers will cherish. A

Cocoon GRID-IT! Accessory Organizer

GRID-IT! Accessory Organizer

Tech-savvy travelers will appreciate a near-endless array of options for how to store the overwhelming number of accessories used daily. Secured in the grid of straps, no batteries, cables, plugs, or headphones will fall out of reach in the bottom of the bag when they’re most needed.

HYDAWAY Collapsible Water Bottle

Collapsible Water Bottle

Water bottles in airports (not to mention out and about in new cities) add up — and not just in cost. There’s plastic waste to think about, too! When giving a reusable one to a frequent traveler, prioritize portability and pick a lightweight or collapsible option, like a HYDAWAY model that folds into a pocket-sized 1½-inch profile when empty.

UncommonGoods Travel Stub Diary

This easy-to-complete scrapbook has sleeves and scribble space for every priceless piece of paper that one could possibly save on a trip, from postcards to patisserie receipts and museum entrance tickets to city maps. Once in place, the acid-free packaging will preserve the memories for years to come.

UNIVERSE 'The Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big & Small'

This coffee table book will certainly feed the travel bug. Its pages hold uniquely local excursion suggestions for anywhere in the world, from glassblowing in the Czech Republic to swimming with dolphins in New Zealand. (No judgments if you browse for your own to-do list before gifting!)

Playing Cards

Help a friend pick up — or brush up — on their foreign language skills during the downtime a layover offers. Each deck of playing cards (there are eight total) doubles as flashcards for 54 handy translations that will help players immerse themselves in the culture as soon as they land.

Sockwell Graduated Compression Socks

Who doesn’t love to receive socks as gifts? Practical and stylish, these cute compression socks belong in every personal item to board a plane. Slipped on before takeoff, the calf-high footwear help limit swelling and energize legs and feet despite the prolonged sitting.

Eagle Creek Specter Packing Organizer Starter Set

Type-A travelers will love how organized their travels can be with two sizes of lightweight packing cubes and a medium garment folder designed to keep eight to 12 shirts and/or pants wrinkle-free. Plus, the efficient compression design may free up enough space to squeeze in an extra souvenir!

Portable Campfire

Here’s a hot gift for the person who is always picking outdoor excursions: a portable (and disposable ) campfire. When lit with a match or lighter, this paper and soy wax kit will provide mess-free flames for three to five hours of fire pit fun.

YOGA DESIGN LAB Travel Yoga Mat

A 70-inch-long anti-slip mat with a towel-like texture, this yoga accessory rolls or folds smaller than most toiletry kits so that anyone can find zen on the go.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

The thinnest design yet, today’s Paperwhite boasts quite the storage of older models — meaning there’s never a shortage of beach reads. In addition to the trademark 300 ppi, glare-free display, travelers may also appreciate the new model’s waterproofing protection. No more mishaps at the pool or beach! It’ll still hold up after submerged in two meters of fresh water for up to 60 minutes.

GoPro HERO8

If you’re looking to splurge on a gift for the traveler, try the impressively durable camera of adventurists. GoPro’s latest iteration improves upon its HyperSmooth video stabilization, captures the exact right moment every time in a three-second LiveBurst clip, and even enables hands-free voice control for the best possible documentation of the trip.

Leatherology Passport Cover

There's nothing better than holding your passport in a nice leather case to make you feel like you're the ultimate jetsetter. This can be monogrammed as well for a real personal feel. 

Airbnb Boat Gift Cards

Even the person who already has every travel essential can appreciate an Airbnb gift card. Load this with anywhere from $25 to $200 so that they can book the home away from home of their dreams or one of the site’s curated experiences, whether that’s learning to cook regional cuisine or meeting the four-legged locals . 

Silk Eyemask

Sleeping on planes can be tough, but a silky sleep mask will make the receiver feel like they're at a resort instead of inside a 747.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

This travel-sized moisturizer reinvigorates skin after hours on a dry plane.

dusty rose VelvetNotebook

This journal is the perfect place to jot down all the funny stories and best moments from their travels.

Zoppen Travel Passport Wallet

Keep all important documents together while en route inside this faux leather wallet. At a roomy 7.5 inches long, it fits airline tickets, passports, drivers’ licenses, credit cards, and cash — plus, its RFID-blocking walls will protect personal information from a digital pickpocket.

Lano The Original 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm

It’s a lip balm! It soothes cracked heels! It tackles insect bites! This cult-favorite ointment in a teeny, travel-friendly package does it all.

Wknd Nation Track Set

Yes, it’s a tracksuit at its core, and every bit as comfy. But the dressed-up look of this set takes it seamlessly from an overnight flight to a sightseeing stroll around the city center.

This chic backpack packs a major punch for both form and function. It has 27 different features, including a padded laptop pocket, luggage trolley backstrap, water bottle holder — even an underside yoga mat-holding umbrella strap. 

Headshot of Kelsey Hurwitz

Alesandra is a digital travel and lifestyle journalist based in Los Angeles whose work has appeared in Good Housekeeping , Woman’s Day , Prevention , Insider, Glamour , Shondaland, AFAR, Parents , TODAY and countless other online and print outlets. Alesandra has a masters degree in journalism with an emphasis on cultural reporting and criticism from NYU, and a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley. An avid traveler, she trots the globe with her husband and their twins.

.css-a5v893:before{top:1.4rem;left:calc(-50vw + 50%);width:100vw;height:0.0625rem;z-index:-1;content:'';position:absolute;border-top:0.0625rem solid #D4D4D4;} Lifestyle

senior woman with grandson holding birthday cake at home

15 Powerful Prayers to Protect You and Your Family

jeopardy streaming 2024 news reddit theory

'Jeopardy!' Reddit Has Streaming Questions

28th annual webby awards

You Can Snag Ina Garten's Paris Clogs For $50

hallmark channel news hallmark plus streaming service

Hallmark Is Launching a New Streaming Service

today show hoda kotb split joel schiffman 2024 comment

Hoda Kotb Opens Up About Her Breakup

kaley cuoco tom pelphrey engaged instagram

Kaley Cuoco and Tom Pelphrey Are Engaged!

volunteers planting a tree

30 Inspiring World Humanitarian Day Quotes

september holidays  kid holding a maple leaf up to their face

September 2024 National Holidays and Observances

kelly ripa and mark consuelos

Kelly and Mark Make Rare Appearance With Daughter

trooping the colour 2024

Palace Source Says King Charles Is “Still Unwell”

school supplies

Genius Back-to-School Money Saving Hacks

Cache Boutique

No products

Prices are tax included

Product successfully added to your shopping cart

There are 0 items in your cart. there is 1 item in your cart..

  • Regular Geocoins
  • Large Geocoins
  • Limited Editions
  • Micro Geocoins
  • Travel bugs & Travelers
  • Trackable Patches
  • Trackable Stickers
  • Trackable apparel
  • Time / Challenge
  • Tricky caches
  • Ready to hide & Packs
  • Magnetic caches
  • Nano caches
  • Micro caches
  • Regular caches
  • Animal caches
  • Stickers for caches
  • Pens / Pencils / Stamps
  • Night caches
  • Geocaching pattern T-shirts
  • Trackable T-shirts
  • Customizable T-shirts
  • Hats & Caps
  • Hiking Geocaching GPS
  • GPS accessories
  • Flashlights
  • Geocaching Stamps
  • Geocoin Accessories
  • T equipment
  • Goodies & Swag
  • 005.GeoPin's & Buttons
  • Wood Geocoins - Woodies
  • Géocacheurs de Provence
  • Gift coupons
  • Custom items
  • New products
  • ★ Private sale ★
  • 005.GeoPin's & Buttons
  • Stickers for car
  • Géocacheurs de Provence
  • ★ Private sale ★

Travel bugs & Travelers  There are 216 products.

Copy Tag - Geocoin/Double tag - Red

Copy Tag - Geocoin/Double tag - Red

Use it as a copy tag for a lost TB or geocoin, or to keep the original in your collection!

Copy Tag - Geocoin/Double tag - Blue

Copy Tag - Geocoin/Double tag - Blue

Copy Tag - Geocoin/Double tag - Orange

Copy Tag - Geocoin/Double tag - Orange

Copy Tag - Geocoin/Double tag - Purple

Copy Tag - Geocoin/Double tag - Purple

Copy Tag - Geocoin/Double tag x4

Copy Tag - Geocoin/Double tag x4

Use it as a copy tag for a lost TB or geocoin, or to keep the original in your collection! Pack of 4

Copy Tag - Double tag - Blue

Copy Tag - Double tag - Blue

Copy Tag - Double tag - Red

Copy Tag - Double tag - Red

Copy Tag - Double tag - Green

Copy Tag - Double tag - Green

Copy Tag - Double tag - Purple

Copy Tag - Double tag - Purple

Copy Tag - Double tag - Fuchsia

Copy Tag - Double tag - Fuchsia

Copy Tag - Double tag x 4

Copy Tag - Double tag x 4

Use it as a copy tag for a lost TB or geocoin, or to keep the original in your collection! Pack of 4NON trackable

Traveler "Geo-Shoe" - Black

Traveler "Geo-Shoe" - Black

Small travel tag that can travel in a maximum of geocaches.

Traveler "Geo-Shoe" - Green

Traveler "Geo-Shoe" - Green

Traveler "Geo-Shoe" - Purple

Traveler "Geo-Shoe" - Purple

Traveler "Geo-Shoe" - Orange

Traveler "Geo-Shoe" - Orange

Traveler "Geo-Shoe" - Pack of 5

Traveler "Geo-Shoe" - Pack of 5

Small travel tag that can travel in a maximum of geocaches. X5.

Custom Printed Travel tag - TB shape

Custom Printed Travel tag - TB shape

Custom your travel tag, available for only 1 piece! Put your design on the front face, and Geocaching logo with tracking code on the back.

Custom Travel tag - TB shape with your tracking code

Custom Travel tag - TB shape with your tracking code

Custom your travel tag, available for only 1 piece! Put your design on the front face, and Geocaching logo with tracking code on the back. With your existing tracking code.

Custom Travel tag - TB shape

Custom Travel tag - TB shape

 Official Groundspeak Travel Bug.

Official Groundspeak Travel Bug.

 Official Groundspeak Travel Bug.

Travel bug X 10

 Official Groundspeak Travel Bug with a QR code on the back.

QR Travel bug - Red

Official Groundspeak Travel Bug with a QR code on the back.

 Official Groundspeak Travel Bug with a QR code on the back.

QR Travel bug - Green

 Official Groundspeak Travel Bug with a QR code on the back.

QR Travel bug - Black

Facebook Cache-Boutique

73 Best Travel Gifts for Book Lovers, Beauty Gurus, & Everyone Else on Your List

Image may contain Human Person Cushion and Pillow

When it comes to choosing the best travel gifts, there are many routes to take: You can get your go-to vacation companion something practical that they'll reach for every time they take out their carry-on. Or, you can gift something to encourage them to start planning their next trip (and hopefully invite you along). There are also gifts that bring travel to them, making the space between adventures feel a bit more like a vacation, and experience gifts to make their next trip even more exciting. No matter the occasion, or the traveler, we've rounded up nearly 60 travel gifts from brands we love, so you can find something for each person on your list.

For even more specific gift guides, be sure to check out all our recommended gifts for travelers, which we've gathered for you here . And keep an eye on the calendar—the sooner the better if you're shipping presents straight to a giftee, or mailing to yourself to wrap. Standard free shipping deadlines end as early as December 13 for delivery by Christmas, so aim to order by that date if you're hoping to avoid shipping costs.

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

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

gift ideas travel bug

Lunya washable silk pajama set

Washable silk pajamas? Say no more. For the traveler who could use a little luxury in their life, Lunya's matching set—which we've raved about time and time again—will get plenty of use at home and on vacation.

gift ideas travel bug

Dreamegg White Noise Machine

This sound machine fits into the palm of a hand and weighs less than five ounces. It's perfect for travelers with small children or who find it hard to fall sleep in new environments. It has a rechargeable USB battery, features 21 different sounds, and has an easy-to-use timer setting.

gift ideas travel bug

Ashya Passport Bolo

For those who like to travel light, the Passport Bolo from Ashya is an adjustable, hand stitched leather passport necklace made with 14K gold-plated hardware. It can be worn as across the chest like a slingbag or around the neck like a lanyard. Use it to hold important cards while traveling or as an everyday wallet .

gift ideas travel bug

Ember Travel Mug 2

The charge on this mug can last up to three hours, but lasts all day when combined with the charging coaster. When left unattended, it automatically goes into sleep mode, but can keep the cup warm for up to two hours with the help of its thermal hardware.

Sleepy Ride Airplane Footrest

Sleepy Ride Airplane Footrest

We could wax poetic about what our office has dubbed “the foot hammock,” but it all comes down to this : for those roughly 5'7" and under, it'll transform your in-flight economy experience. Sling it around your tray table and enjoy stretching out your legs (or curling up to sleep) throughout your next flight.

gift ideas travel bug

Ralph Lauren Cable Cashmere travel set

This Ralph Lauren travel set is a travel accessory you'll use again and again. It comes with a large shawl that can be used as a blanket, a small pillow, and a soft eye mask—all made from cashmere.

gift ideas travel bug

Zendure mini portable charger

For frequent travelers, a small, lightweight portable charger is truly a must-have. The Supermini portable power bank is extremely slim, durable, and is compatible with USB-A, USB, and USB-C ports.

gift ideas travel bug

Rifle Paper Co. AirTag luggage tag

If your giftee has gotten on the AirTag train this year, they’ll appreciate this handy luggage tag, designed to hold said tag and look aesthetically pleasing while doing so. The garden party print will add a Bridgerton-meets-cottagecore vibe to their suitcase, and the AirTag compartment is detachable, making it even more versatile.

Bellroy Tech Kit

Bellroy Tech Kit

Every organized traveler needs a good tech kit. We like Bellroy's for its many pockets and loops that will fit any size cord and offer a safe place to stash AirPods, portable chargers, and work-from-anywhere accessories like a mouse or Wi-Fi extender.

gift ideas travel bug

Dagne Dover Seoul Dopp kit

Ahead of the holidays, Dagne Dover released a new slate of items in its eco-friendlier collection. The Seoul Dopp kit, much like the rest of the collection, is made from 100 percent recycled polyester while the interior is made from a spill-proof recycled poly lining.

gift ideas travel bug

Canada Goose Trillium Parka Heritage

For winter travel, a thick, packable coat is a necessity. The Canada Goose Trillium parka is built for extreme cold but is by no means bulky, and actually has a slimming effect. It has a chin guard to protect the neck from cold air, interior pockets, and a hoodie with removable trims, giving your giftee some style options.

gift ideas travel bug

Comrad Knee High Ombre compression socks

Socks have a reputation as a boring gift option, but for travelers, these ones are an actually thoughtful pick. Comrad is known for bringing comfort and style to the world of compression socks, which are designed to help regulate swelling and keep the blood pumping through the legs. They're perfect for long flights, road trips, or just walking around sightseeing.

Image may contain Cylinder Cup and Coffee Cup

AeroPress coffee maker

The AeroPress coffee and espresso maker is perfect for coffee lovers who can't go without their morning cup. It's durable, shatter-proof, and fits compactly into a backpack . It's easy to use and easier to clean, making it a must-have for travelers.

gift ideas travel bug

Pak Réve The Wilder Bundle

Trying to make it out of the house as a new parent can be stressful to stay the least. The Wilder Bundle, designed by Traveler contributor Jordi Lippe-McGraw , can fit everything you need and more. On the exterior, we see a full-size backpack, but its included attachments—a mini backpack, wristlet, and insulated lunchbox—easily snap off to lighten your load when you don't need them, or to be used separately.

gift ideas travel bug

Parks by Brian Kelley

From intricately drawn brochures and eye-catching advertisements emerges a collection of over 400 designs produced by the United States National Park Service over the last century, compiled into a giftable portfolio by photographer Brian Kelley.

gift ideas travel bug

Shinola The Canfield Sport

The Shinola Canfield Sport watch is a timeless piece of jewelry that can withstand whatever life throws at it. It features a stainless steel outer case and bracelet with a gunmetal finish making it extremely durable. Its sportier look is perfect for casual wear but the black finishing makes it easy to dress up.

gift ideas travel bug

Filson x Chris Stapleton Traveller Bag

Country music star Chris Stapleton recently collaborated with Filson on the Traveller collection that features both clothing and travel gear. One of the standout pieces is the rereleased archived duffel. The Traveller Outfitter Bag is one of Stapleton’s favorites and we understand why: It has an adjustable shoulder strap, a large main compartment for a few days' worth of clothing, and a comfortable leather grip handle. The leather on the handle won’t transfer any color and with each wear, the leather gets softer.

gift ideas travel bug

Browit silk sleeping bag

This silk sleeping bag sack gives a subtle glamping touch to any camping trip. The sleeping bag liner can be put into a sleeping bag for added comfort, or placed on top of a blow-up mattress or even a hotel bed. It comes with a drawstring bag that makes it easy to store and pack.

gift ideas travel bug

Simo Solis Portable Hotspot

When it comes to working outside of your home, we all know how unstable Wi-Fi can be. Instead of struggling through Zoom meetings on an Airbnb’s outdated router or a hotel on a crowded line, invest in your own hotspot. This one has a better bandwidth than the one you find on your phone, lasts longer, and won't run down your phone battery.

gift ideas travel bug

Collapsible Food Tent

This is an ideal gift for those who love to host outdoor get-togethers. Each tent is handwoven with long-lasting sinamay abaca fiber. It can easily be placed over trays, bowls, plates, and cups to keep bugs out of the food.

Béis The Expandable Pouch

Versatile is the best way to describe The Expandable Pouch from Béis. It transforms from a fanny pack into a sleek, lightweight backpack, with plenty of space to fit must-haves for a whole day. It's great for trips with packed itineraries, and when you find yourself picking up items throughout the day.

gift ideas travel bug

Aman x 111Skin nourishing gold algae eye mask

Perfect for the skincare routine queens on your list, these eye masks blend the expertise of Aman and 111Skin. A set comes with eight Nourishing Gold Algae Eye Masks to hydrate and brighten the under-eye area. They’ll come in handy after long-haul flights, or just the post-holiday drive home.

gift ideas travel bug

Té Company Tea set

The Formosa tea set is a perfect starter bundle for those looking to expand their tea palate. It has seven different blends and includes detailed instructions on the tea-making process to guide your giftee toward the perfect cup.

gift ideas travel bug

Four Seasons velvet slippers

Slippers are a no-fail gift option for pretty much anyone on your list, and this velvet style from Four Seasons will bring a touch of luxury to their day. The elastic back makes them easy to slip on and off, and the recycled rubber sole adds some durability to them.

gift ideas travel bug

Oui The People Body Renewal set

Oui The People has been bringing some heat to the skincare world, with formulas that produce an unmatched glow. The brand's holy trinity includes the new Clean Slate body wash, Cheat Sheet body exfoliant, and Featherweight body oil. The trio work together to achieve visibly smoother, brighter, and more hydrated skin.

Image may contain Electronics Headphones Headset and Sink Faucet

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Headphones

Noise-canceling headphones can improve any journey, whether they're blocking out a snoring plane neighbor or immersing you in movie after movie on a long car ride. This popular option from Sony offers multi-device Bluetooth pairing, so you can connect to two devices at once and switch between them seamlessly.

gift ideas travel bug

Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition

Amazon’s best-selling, waterproof Kindle Paperwhite is perfect for bookworm travelers—its battery lasts for weeks, it can hold more than 2,000 e-books, and the adjustable warm lighting emulates actual book pages.

gift ideas travel bug

Verloop trio colorblock knit touchscreen gloves

Add some fun to a practical gift with these colorblock touchscreen gloves from Verloop. The nano-metallic knit fingertips allow you to keep using your phone without sacrificing warmth—ideal for winter travel, especially on days when you’re relying on Google Maps to get around.

gift ideas travel bug

Malin + Goetz Essential Starter Kit

This is the ideal stocking stuffer for the traveler who is always squirreling away shampoo and body wash minis from hotels. They'll be treated to a full swath of toiletries—face cleanser and moisturizer, body wash and lotion, shampoo, and conditioner—all with the delicious scents Malin + Goetz is known for.

gift ideas travel bug

Pi7 S2 Wireless earbuds

Bowers & Wilkins have created an industry first: a wireless audio retransmission case, so you no longer have to worry about swapping out your headphones on the plane to enjoy in-flight entertainment. Simply plug each end of the included audio cable into the case and seatback console for up to five hours of crystal clear audio.

gift ideas travel bug

Shinola denim duffle

The denim duffel is Shinola Detroit's spin on an American classic. It's made from American denim and reimagines the brand's traditional cotton duffel with a more elevated flare. Accompanied by a striped band, you can carry it as a crossbody, over the shoulder, or opt to tuck the strap in and use the elegant arched handles.

Image may contain Plant and Food

Patagonia Provisions roasted garlic mackerel

Upgrade your outdoorsy traveler's camping meals with anything from Patagonia Provisions. We're fans of the brand's tinned fish , and especially this tender, garlicky mackerel. A single can makes a great stocking stuffer, but if you're shopping for a full-on seafood lover, splurge on the Tinned Seafood Sampler Box .

gift ideas travel bug

Lyft Gift Card

Calling Lyfts while traveling can quickly add up; a gift card helps take the pressure off any back and forth over whether a car is worth it or not, making it a great gift for younger travelers heading out on group trips or gap years. Another perk: Lyft's partnership with Delta means SkyMiles members can earn miles with each ride.

gift ideas travel bug

Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole mini hip pack

We love a good fanny pack here at Traveler , and Patagonia's is ideal for any frequent hikers (or bikers) on your gift list. Given its size—it stuffs into its own small pocket when not in use—and light weight (3.5 ounces), it's great to throw into your suitcase to use on city trips, too.

gift ideas travel bug

Apollo Walker picnic backpack bag

This all-in-one picnic fits comfortably inside a backpack and includes everything one could imagine: a set of stainless steel knives, forks, spoons, dinner plates, napkins, and wine glasses, just to name a few. As the cherry on top, it comes with a waterproof blanket.

gift ideas travel bug

Oak Essentials Mini Routine

Fancy skincare products are always welcome, especially when they come in a travel-size set that means you don’t have to rely on whatever’s in the hotel or Airbnb. This set, which comes with complimentary gift-wrapping, comes with the five products that make up Oak Essentials’ routine: a cleansing balm, balancing mist, ritual oil, moisture rich balm, and restorative mask.

gift ideas travel bug

Yellowstone National Park magnet

Like Parks Project , another  Traveler -favorite company for gifts for outdoorsy pals, The Landmark Project creates national park-themed gear that raises money to preserve outdoor spaces. These national park magnets make great stocking stuffers, and if you purchase something from the  Smokey Bear collection , 10 percent will go to the US Forest Service. 

gift ideas travel bug

Away The Bigger Carry-On

When it comes to luggage, Away is a solid choice—you can find this bag and many other Away styles in the closets of many a Traveler editor. Treat the graduate, new traveler, or family member in need of a suitcase upgrade to this larger-than-average carry-on.

gift ideas travel bug

Amalfi Coast coffee table book

Perfect for the traveler who just moved, or is in the middle of redecorating, this Assouline coffee table book will add a splash of color to any living room. Inside, there is plenty of eye candy and details on the 13 towns that comprise the Amalfi Coast.

Image may contain Nature

Cadence The Bestsellers

These toiletry travel bottles have changed the game when it comes to bringing your own products with you—they are entirely leak-proof, and are magnetized, making them snap together to minimize they space they take up in your Dopp kit and the hotel shower.

gift ideas travel bug

Carbone print

Created by a former New Yorker editor, All the Restaurants offers limited-edition, hand-drawn sketches of iconic restaurants in New York, London, Paris, and Napa Valley. Order one to commemorate a special meal with a loved one, or one you’re still dreaming of visiting together.

1000 Perfect Weekends Great Getaways Around the Globe

1,000 Perfect Weekends: Great Getaways Around the Globe

For the traveler who doesn't know where to go next, this National Geographic book will give them plenty of inspiration. It is filled with 36- to 72-hour weekend guides to places around the world, with itineraries meant to tack onto existing trips or use as a weekend getaway from home (tags let readers know what hub the destination is within six hours of). Inside, you'll find ideas for beachy escapes, nature parks, food and wine-focused trips, even pet-friendly vacations. Also mixed in: helpful insights like wheelchair-friendly beaches to visit in the U.S.

Allbirds Tree Dashers

Allbirds Tree Dasher

Traveler readers went wild for Allbirds' first running shoe when it debuted in 2020 , and again when a higher-ankle version was released last year. Share the wealth of comfortable kicks this holiday season—they come in nearly a dozen colors, are lightweight and pack down well, and look sufficiently non-sporty enough to wear throughout a trip, not just while exercising. (For those who live in cold-weather climates, the newer Wool Dasher Mizzles are a good option, too.)

gift ideas travel bug

Noshinku refillable pocket hand sanitizer (three-pack)

A practical, but extremely useful travel accessory: hand sanitizer. Noshinku gets bonus points for its slim profile, aesthetically pleasing colors, and refillable design. File this under gifts that will most definitely be used.

gift ideas travel bug

1Mii Bluetooth 5.0 adapter

Sometimes, the best gifts are the most practical. This pocket-size Bluetooth transmitter lets you watch in-flight entertainment with your AirPods, or any other cordless headphone you may use. Never stress about forgetting that second pair of earbuds again.

Image may contain Cosmetics and Deodorant

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

A favorite of Traveler editor Meaghan Kenny, this popular lip balm makes for another great stocking stuffer or gift set inclusion. Use it at bedtime, in the morning, or mid-flight to hydrate dry, flaky lips.

Nodpod eye mask

Nodpod eye mask

An eye mask is a light sleeper's travel essential, and Nodpod took things up a notch by creating a weighted version. Best for long-haul flights where you'll be in a lay-flat seat, or to use in bed—the mask can be secured with its pull-through slit, but is best used simply draped over your eyes—it adds a bit of weight to your eyes, promoting a deeper, more restful sleep.

gift ideas travel bug

Alex Mill The Perfect Weekday Tote

Every traveler needs a solid tote to bring on road trips and use as a personal item. This Alex Mill bag gets the job done and has a classic look they won't tire of. It fits up to a 13” laptop, plus all the other essentials: phone, keys, wallet, water bottle, snacks, the works.

Image may contain First Aid

Lay-n-Go drawstring toiletry bag

Travelers who are also regulars at Sephora or Ulta will appreciate this cool makeup bag : Instead of having to dump out all your products to find what you're looking for, the bag opens up by way of drawstrings, and can be laid out as a circle on any surface, allowing every product to be on display.

gift ideas travel bug

Mountain Valley Train Puzzle

The 1,000-piece puzzle, made out of other recycled puzzle boards, is based on the artwork of Lars Stewart. This super-detailed piece captures a scenic ride through the Arizona desert with illustrations of wildlife, maps, recognizable travel gear, and more.

gift ideas travel bug

Ceremonia The Scalp Power-Duo

Ceremonia is a favorite of many Traveler editors, and this haircare set will turn any giftee into a fan. It comes with a scalp massager and scalp remedy oil—use the former to distribute the latter evenly and gently exfoliate the scalp.

Behind the Bar Book

Behind the Bar: 50 Cocktail Recipes from the World's Most Iconic Hotels by Alia Akkam

Written by Traveler contributor Alia Akkam , Behind the Bar takes readers to 50 iconic hotel bars around the world, offering recipes and historical tidbits from each. Perfect for the consummate host in your friend group, they'll have a good time recreating classics and discovering new cocktails from home.

Image may contain Clothing Apparel Robe and Fashion

Parachute Waffle Robe

A cozy robe is always a winner in our book, and Parachute makes some of the best. This classic waffle robe will remind them of days spend luxuriating at the hotel spa.

gift ideas travel bug

Papier travel notebook

You're either a journal person or you're not, but if you are, you know you can never have too many notebooks on hand. This pretty Papier pad will be a welcome addition to the stack, and is customizable: choose lined, plain, or dotted sheets, and either a hard or soft cover.

Go Neck Pillow

Go Neck Pillow

Ostrichpillow makes a whole bunch of nap-friendly designs , but we're partial to the classic Go Neck pillow for long-haul flights or lengthy road trips. It is made with a supportive (and compressive) memory foam, and has a Velcro close for an easily adjustable fit. Plus, it comes with a carrying case.

A bag.

Béis The Weekender Bag

A real text I got from a friend after writing about this Béis weekender : “BÉIS CONVERT FOREVER. You did not oversell this. Truly a miracle.” It has plenty of room inside for clothes, accessories, and toiletries, and a bottom compartment for shoes, dirty clothes, or anything else you want to keep separate.

Welly Adventure Kit

Welly Adventure Kit

Slip this into the stocking of any thrill-seeking , accident-prone traveler. It comes with all the essentials—more than 50 bandages, tape, butterfly strips, antibiotic packets, hydrocortisone packets, Ibuprofen—in a compact, easy-to-stash kit.

Image may contain Accessories and Smoke Pipe

Mzoo contoured sleep mask

A good sleep mask is a travel essential for overnight flights. This one is made of memory foam and has raised sections over your eyeballs for added comfort, but lies flat around the nose and eyebrows to thoroughly block out light.

gift ideas travel bug

Ugg Scuffita slide slipper

Shopping for a homebody? Consider these shearling-lined Ugg slippers, made for lounging around the house (or hotel, or Airbnb) in peak comfort and style.

gift ideas travel bug

Upoy charging station

This multi-port charging station is a gift for the whole family—or for one very tech-obsessed traveler who need to juice up a phone, AirPods, smart watch, and Kindle all at once.

gift ideas travel bug

Mansur Gavriel Soft Lady Bag

A re-imagination of Mansur Gavriel's popular Lady Bag, the Soft Lady Bag was released to celebrate the original's five-year anniversary. It's softer and slouchier than its predecessor, meaning it'll pack down better in your suitcase. With room for daily essentials (a phone, wallet, keys, earphones, and even an iPad) and interior compartments to keep you organized, it's a polished crossbody you'll use for years to come.

gift ideas travel bug

Paravel Packing Cube Quad (set of four)

Paravel's packing cubes—which helped turn Traveler editor Lale Arikoglu into a more organized packer —are a practical gift any traveler will appreciate. They now come in a set of four, with two small cubes, a medium, and a large; for an extra touch, have them personalized with your giftee's initials.

Diptyque Orphon Eau de Parfum

Diptyque Orphéon Eau de Parfum

Diptyque candles are always a welcome gift, but for something a little more unique, go for one of the brand's eau de parfums. This one was formulated to recreate the scent of a ’60s Parisian bar—the woody scent smells great spritzed around the home.

Airbnb gift card

Airbnb gift card

Here at Traveler, we're always on the hunt for the coolest, coziest Airbnbs, whether we're looking for a romantic cabin getaway , a house with a pool , or one that can brighten up our mood with the sheer amount of color found within its four walls. For the travelers in your life who are also keen on staying in a rental, Airbnb gift cards can be purchased in amounts from $25 up to $500, so you can chip in (or cover) their next stay.

Image may contain Bottle Cosmetics Sunscreen Lotion and Shaker

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen

Arguably the most popular sunscreen amongst Traveler editors, this gel-like face SPF blends in easily, leaves no white cast, and feels great on your skin. It'll be a welcome addition to any stocking stuffer or gift set.

Polaroid Hi·Print 2x3 Pocket Photo Printer

Polaroid Hi·Print 2x3 Pocket Photo Printer

Now that we all walk around with high-quality cameras in our pocket, fewer of our photos actually make it to print. This pocket-size printer from Polaroid spits out vibrant 2"x3" photos, so you can instantly hand over that new family portrait to grandma or share physical photos with a travel companion. 

gift ideas travel bug

Sabah slip-ons

Comfortable shoes are a hot topic among travelers and these Sabah slip-ons have articles director Lale Arikoglu's stamp of approval . Handmade in Turkey, they come in a range of colors and are long-lasting: “After six years of ownership, my pair is completely intact with the exception of the color, which is slightly fading in a way that, if anything, has only made them look better,” Arikoglu says.

Nixon Wizard Stick Beverage Sling

Nixon Wizard Stick Beverage Sling

This is a niche gift, but there's someone on your list who will absolutely love it. Nixon's insulated beverage sling fits six cans at once; they can bring it along to picnics, camping trips, tailgates, or hikes to keep drinks cold and avoid the clunkiness of a tote bag or backpack.

Hinoki Wood Rice Ball Mold

Hinoki Wood Rice Ball Mold

There are food gifts for friends who want a meal or snack that's nearly ready to go right out of the box. Then, there are gifts that require some effort. For the home chef who's looking to expand their cooking skills, gift a new kitchen tool like this rice ball mold, which they can use to shape homemade onigiri.

Gastro Obscura A Food Adventurer's Guide

Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer's Guide

Another great coffee table book, Atlas Obscura's new tome is made for travelers who plan their trips around food. Inside, readers will find a  guide to food experiences around the world, with chapters on every continent (including Antarctica!), as well as features on foodies like Tom Carvel, events like the Chicago World Fair,  and “how to try it” tips. Just a few noteworthy inclusions: Jeju Island's free-diving sea women in South Korea, the world's largest edible mushroom in Zambia, and the great fruitcake toss in Colorado.

The Carried Away Convertible Backpack

The Carried Away Convertible Backpack

Sarah Jessica Parker collaborated with Samsonite on this versatile bag, which has since sold out multiple times. It's a jack-of-all-trades—wear it as a backpack, carry it as a tote, or sling it over your shoulder. It comes with a removable clutch and an extra strap to turn the smaller bag into a cross-body. Otherwise, it has all the bells and whistles you'd expect in a travel backpack : luggage sleeve, water bottle pocket, laptop slot, etc.

Bokksu snack box subscription

Bokksu snack box subscription

There is no shortage of subscription boxes out there, but we're particularly fond of the edible ones. Bokksu, a Japanese snack service that recently launched an online Asian grocery store , sends recipients an assortment of sweet and savory snacks, candies, and teas on a monthly basis, sourced from small, family-run businesses in Japan.

Artifact Uprising Color Series Photo Book

Artifact Uprising Color Series Photo Book

Commemorate a special trip with a photo book from Artifact Uprising. Whether it's your first big trip this year or one taken decades ago, your loved ones will appreciate the thought that goes into picking out your favorite memories together.

gift ideas travel bug

23 wanderlust-y gifts for travelers, used by expert travelers

Zach Griff

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

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

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

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

Apple AirTags

gift ideas travel bug

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

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

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

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

Zero Eight Left art

gift ideas travel bug

Buy: Zero Eight Left art for $48

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

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

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

Apple AirPods Pro

Apple Airpods pro

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

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

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

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

MZ Wallace Metro Tote

gift ideas travel bug

Buy: MZ Wallace Metro Tote for $295

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

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

Le Labo from Shop Edition

gift ideas travel bug

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

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

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

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

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

Loop Engage Earplugs

gift ideas travel bug

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

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

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

HoomBand Ultimate Eye Mask

gift ideas travel bug

Buy: HoomBand Ultimate Eye Mask on Amazon for $117

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

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

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

5 Stripe Hoodie, Aviator Nation

gift ideas travel bug

Buy: 5 Stripe Hoodie, Aviator Nation for $189

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

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

iPhone 15 family

gift ideas travel bug

Buy: iPhone 15 from Apple starting at $799

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

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

TUMI - Alpha Continental Dual Access Carry-On Luggage

gift ideas travel bug

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

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

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

Anker Prime 67W USB-C Charger

gift ideas travel bug

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

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

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

No wonder the TPG team swears by it.

Riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder

gift ideas travel bug

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

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

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

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

Wanderlust Passport — A Travel Journal

gift ideas travel bug

Buy: Wanderlust Passport — A Travel Journal for $36

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

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

Q Slim Portable Charger

gift ideas travel bug

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

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

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

Aluan Handheld Mini Fan

gift ideas travel bug

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

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

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

SABRE Door Stop Security Alarm

gift ideas travel bug

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

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

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

Belkin BoostCharge Pro

gift ideas travel bug

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

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

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

JetKids by Stokke BedBox Ride-on Suitcase

gift ideas travel bug

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

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

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

DJI Mini 4 Pro

gift ideas travel bug

Buy: DJI Mini 4 Pro on Amazon for $759

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

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

It's a small but mighty drone.

"Villeggiatura: Italian Summer Vacation" Assouline Coffee Table Book

gift ideas travel bug

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

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

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

Apple MacBook Air (2023 model)

gift ideas travel bug

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

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

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

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

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

Vuori joggers

gift ideas travel bug

Buy: Vuori performance joggers for $94

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

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

Lonely Planet's "Best in Travel 2024"

gift ideas travel bug

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

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

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

cache-advance

  • Geocaching Kits
  • All Geocaching Supplies
  • Books & Games
  • Cache Advance Made
  • 2 for Twosday Geocoin
  • Travel Bugs
  • Cache Crate
  • Geocaching Tees
  • Cachekinz Club
  • Puzzle League
  • Geocoin Creation
  • Facebook Community
  • Facebook Page
  • Spocache Geocoin Challenge
  • Help & Support
  • Your Cart is Empty

cache-advance

  • Geocaching Supplies

Vehicle Travel Bug Decal - Reflective

Vehicle Travel Bug Decal - Reflective

$7.95 – Sold Out

These are the official, fully licensed Travel Bugs -for your vehicle! Our Vinyl Travel Bugs look great, and are easy to use. They are made...

gift ideas travel bug

Travel Bug 6-Pack

$27.95 $29.94

A Geocaching Travel Bug® is a unique tracking tag that you can attach to items and give them goals for others to try and complete!Each...

Travel Bug

Vehicle Travel Bug Decal - White

Vehicle Travel Bug Decal - Static Cling

Vehicle Travel Bug Decal - Static Cling

These are the official, fully licensed Travel Bugs -for your vehicle! Our Static Cling Travel Bugs look great, and are the one and only Geocaching.com...

Vehicle Travel Bug Decal - Magnetic

Vehicle Travel Bug Decal - Magnetic

$10.95 – Sold Out

These are official, fully licensed Travel Bugs -for your vehicle -or wherever you put it!! This Magnetic Vehicle Travel Bug will turn your vehicle into...

  • Custom Geocoin Creation
  • Shipping Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more…

© 2024 cache-advance .

  • Meet the Team
  • Our Manifesto
  • Work with Us
  • Budget Travel
  • Personal Development
  • Work & Travel
  • United Kingdom
  • More of Europe
  • Philippines
  • More of Southeast Asia
  • More of South America
  • More of Central America
  • South Korea
  • More of Asia
  • More of North America
  • New Zealand
  • Pacific Islands
  • More of Oceania
  • South Africa
  • More of Africa
  • More of the Middle East
  • Travel Essentials
  • Travel Gear

Home » Gear » best travel gifts

101 BRILLIANT Gifts for Travelers • Bargain Guide for 2024!

Finding gifts for someone can be hard. You have to take into consideration so many things and let’s be honest, us travelers can be hard to buy for at times. We all know that most of us put experiences over material items BUT crucially, we need gear to get those things done!

That’s where you’re in luck, because actually there are heaps of different bits of gear that can really make the difference on our trip. Whether they be large, small, expensive or cheap, there are plenty of awesome options when it comes to gifts for travelers!

In fact, often times a gift ends up being something that I never knew I needed until I realise that infact, I can’t travel with out it! Seriously, a well thought out gift could be life changing or even life saving!

This epic list of the 101 best gifts for travelers in 2024 makes it quick and easy for you to find a present for the traveler in your life, for any age, budget or type of trip.

With the help of this bargain guide, you’ll quickly find a gift idea that they’ll actually like (and that they will actually use!)

backpacker holding a backpack waits on the side of the road for his next hitchhiking ride

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

Here Are 101 Great Gifts For Travelers….!

Whether you need to get a gift for Thanksgiving, Christmas, a birthday a bar-mitzvah or simply for the sake of it cus you’re an absolute legend, if the recipient is into travel then we guarantee that we have listed something for the occasion. Let’s get started…

gift ideas travel bug

#1 Nomatic Travel Bag

(the hottest travel backpack.).

Over the past few years, Nomatic has taken the travel world by storm by producing some of the highest-quality travel gear on the market. They just do it better than everyone else.

This is why the top backpack on this list of travel gifts is the Nomatic Travel Bag. With an innovative design that doesn’t sacrifice any utility, the Nomatic is a great gift for any traveler, whether they’re going across the globe or down the street.

Worried there aren’t enough travel gifts for men out there? The sleek, neutral black is guaranteed to go with his style.

The Nomatic Travel Bag is the best travel gift for him, her, and everyone with shoulders! Which is why it’s number one on our best gifts for travelers 2024 list.

Full Review –  Pros and cons of the Nomatic Travel Bag

Nomatic Travel Pack

#2 Nomatic Toiletry Bag 2.0

(a great gift for all travelers.).

You’d be surprised by two things…

  • How convenient these things are: They help keep all your bathroom stuff neatly organized and compact and then, once you arrive at your destination, you unzip and hang it up wherever you need… 10/10!
  • How few travelers actually have one of these! For such an essential piece of gear, it’s shocking how many travelers aren’t aware how awesome a proper toiletry bag is.

There are dozens of hanging toiletry bags on the market – some for men, some for women, and some unisex. The Nomatic Toiletry Bag is a great, affordable gift for travel lovers. With its reasonable price given how useful it is, it makes for a perfect Christmas gift for travelers .

Grayls Geopress Water Bottle

#3 Grayl Geopress

(all-in-one filter water bottle).

Want to save the world and stay hydrated? Single-use plastic bottles are a huge threat to the oceans and planet – Be a part of the solution and invest in a filter water bottle .

The Grayl Geopress water bottle is the ONLY all-in-one filter water bottle setup you’ll need. We use it on our own adventures to purify nasty looking water and it does a beautiful job – we have yet to get sick! This is what the whole team uses- in mountains, cities, and jungles – we love it – it’s a total game changer and one of the best gifts for travelers in 2024 who care about the environment.

Grayl Geopress chroma collection

#4 Black Diamond Astro 300 Head Torch

gift ideas travel bug

Of all of the headlamps on this exclusive list, the Black Diamond is probably the best we have tested for the cost.

With 300 powerful lumens of light and a beam distance of 55 meters, the Black Diamond Astro 300 headlamp is an excellent addition to your long-term travel kit. Plus, you can use rechargeable BD 1500 lithium-ion batteries with it too.

The Astro also has 3 light modes (high, low, and strobe), so you can choose the level of brightness you desire. For some reason, many headlamps on the market are not the most attractive things. Black Diamond combines beautiful aesthetics with quality build design, which has resulted in a badass overall product that is the ideal gift for travelers.

Check out our full review of the best headlamps for traveling!

northface jester backpack travel gift

#5 Northface Jester

(a great gift for a traveler who travels with their laptop.).

The Northface Jester is an awesome travel gift because it combines the best of both worlds – a durable bag that’s super affordable!

Travelers are always in need of backpacks, especially quality daypacks. The Northface Jester will allow them to keep their belongings (like their laptop!) safe while they travel the world! They’ll appreciate this bag for sure, which is why it’s made our list of best gifts for travelers in 2024.

Full review –   Best daypacks for travelers

gift ideas travel bug

REI is one of America’s biggest and most-loved outdoor gear retailers.

Now, for just $30, get a lifetime membership that entitles you to 10% OFF on most items, access to their trade-in scheme and discount rentals .

#6 Klymit Mattress

(a great gifts for hikers and campers.).

I love Klymit Mats; they’re like the Ferrari of air mattresses!  If you are looking for a gift for a traveler that

klymit insulated sleeping pad - a gift for backpackers, hikers, and campers

also hikes or camps, then this is a phenomenal idea.

Made with some pretty impressive body mapping technology, sleeping on the Klymit Mat is like sleeping on a cloud. Or marshmallows. Or a cloud made of marshmallows!

Brb. Gonna go take a nap.

Full review –   Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads

#7 A eSim Voucher

(a great gift for phone addicts).

A person putting a sim card into a phone next to a laptop with a pile of plastic sim cards next to them and a phone case.

Let’s be honest we all need our phones these days more than ever, especially when we’re travelling. What’s more, I want to keep in touch with my mates, family and most importantly my dog when I am on the road!

The problem is that Wi-Fi can be spotty, local SIM cards can be sometimes hard to get or confusing to understand and no one wants to be responsible for contributing to the world’s plastic epidemic just to browse Tinder!

The solution is the eSim! It’s pretty much what it says on the tin! It’s an app-based SIM card that can be set up for different countries or regions with a few clicks! Pretty awesome!

Full review – Guide to buying An eSim

#8 Sea to Summit Pro Camping Hammock

Sea to Summit Pro Hammock Set

(A cool gift for a true broke traveler.)

Looking for a gift for a traveler who likes to kick their feet up and relax every now and then? Better yet, looking for a gift for a traveler who’d take a night in the park under the stars over a hotel bed any day? Meet the Sea to Summit Camping Hammock.

This hammock is designed with travelers in mind. It can handle two people and up to 400 lbs and is super durable. Most importantly, the hammock only weighs in at less than a lb, so it won’t weigh a traveler down. They also make perfect gifts for backpackers as they allow you to sleep basically anywhere!

A person chilling out on a hammock at a hostel

#9 MSR WindBurner Personal Stove System, 1.0-Liter

(the perfect gift for campers and hikers).

While not for the business or casual traveler – the MSR Windburner is a gem of a gift for anyone who loves the great outdoors.

Durable and lightweight, the MSR Windburner has been one of our favorite backpacking stoves for years. Gifting someone one of the best stoves money can buy is a great thing to do for your mate to make sure they’re always fed and caffeinated!

Check out  all of the top travel camping stoves.

The best travel gift for a wandering musician - Martins travel guitar

#10 Martin Steel String Travel Guitar

(the greatest gift you can get a traveling musician.).

If you’re looking for a unique gift for travelers, this is one that your favorite busker-vagrant will know comes with love! A warm and bright sound, beautiful design, and compact design makes this travel-guitar something special. All things considered (price, size, quality of play) this is easily the best travel guitar on the market.

Whether for a newbie or a professional, the Martin Travel Guitar is a great gift for any traveling musician! I mean, if your pals love annoying their bunk mates in hostels then this has got to be one of the best gifts for travelers in 2024!

Full review – Best traveling guitars mega-roundup

gift ideas travel bug

Do You Want to Travel FOREVER??

Pop your email in below to get a FREE copy of ‘How to Travel the World on $10 a Day!’.

Tunods Yoga Mat

PLYOPIC 3-in-1 Travel Yoga Mat

(an awesome travel gift for the asana enthusiasts).

Traveling yogis can have it hard. Yoga mats are heavy and bulky – but they need a mat to be able to do their yoga!

Enter the PLYOPIC Yoga Mat! This cool yoga mat is incredibly lightweight and was designed with travelers in mind. The mat folds neatly, is easily packed away, and is made of durable materials so it will last years.

If you are shopping for a traveling enthusiast of the Asana arts, this is as good as it gets! Well, this and the next gift…

YogaPaws - a unique gift for travelers who enjoy yoga

(Another great traveler gift for the stretching aficionados!)

The other traveler gift for the wannabe yogis- YogaPaws!

Trademarked and a one-of-a-kind product, this is easily one of the coolest gift ideas for travelers we have ever seen. It’s got it all!

The paws are lightweight, easily packed, and just overall pretty cool! This is a gift that will definitely resonate and last for years and means your stretchy pal can do yoga literally anywhere!

4 Day Yoga and Detox Retreat

JBL Clip 2 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

(perfect for music/travel lovers).

As someone who personally owns this speaker, I can tell you that it absolutely rocks! It’s small, compact, loud, and with a great battery. Whether being used at the beach (it’s waterproof) or the hostel, this is an awesome travel gift for travelers or any music lover.

MoKo Waterproof Case - perfect gift for travelers that go snorkeling

MoKo Floating Waterproof Case

(perfect travel gift for anyone going snorkeling.).

No one wants their snorkeling or scuba adventure ruined by the sight of their smartphone slowly descending into the darkness of the ocean.

So to help – a great travel gift is the MoKo Floating Waterproof case. It’s a cool travel gift because not only does it protect the phone AND floats – the screen touch sensibility also lets the user take photos and videos… I’m sure you can’t wait to check out their beach selfie when you’re stuck at home!

WildHorns Snorel Mask another unique travel gift

Seaview Snorkel Mask

(an awesome present for travel and ocean lovers.).

This thing is seriously cool. The WildHorn Snorkel Mask takes snorkeling to the next level (and all at a fair price!) by giving a 180-degree view.

This is a must-have gift for travelers who love the ocean – whether they like to boat, snorkel, or piss about in the hostel pool! Anyone who has a special connection with the ocean will love this gift and get a ton of use out of it spying on all the colorful fishes!

Definitely a present for all travelers - carabiners

Ultra Strength Locking Carabiners

(a functional and lightweight travel gift.).

Carabiners are one of those things for everyone. You’d think they’d just be for rock climbers and how wrong you’d be. These things are actually very practical gift ideas for travelers. They are very versatile and serve many functions like keeping bags secure or hanging shoes off your backpack for example.

Due to their lightweight design, functionality and durability, this is a great gift a traveler will use for years on end. Carabiners are my happy place and there’s no way I was completing a list of best gifts for travelers in 2024 without including them!

gift ideas travel bug

Sea To Summit Quick Dry Towel

(another functional and lightweight travel gift.).

Microfibre towels are one of the coolest travel gift ideas. No questions asked.

Why? Because these towels are ultralight, durable, and designed for quick drying – all of which are a travelers dream! Microfibre towels are one of those things that all pro-travelers need, and yet one of the most overlooked and forgotten items too! Forget old-fashioned heavy and hard-to-dry towels, this is where it’s at!

They are, without a doubt, a must-have gift for travelers.

MSR Hubba Hubba tent - the best backpacking tent

MSR Hubba Hubba 2-Person

(an amazing lightweight backpacking tent).

If someone loves to hike, camp AND travel, then there is no better present for them than a tent.

The Hubba Hubba is one of the best! Ultra lightweight (only 3.8 lbs), durable, 3-season, 2-person – this tent has it all!

While this might not be for everyone, the Hubba Hubba is a serious tent for someone who loves to camp making it the best gift for a travelers who also love the great outdoors.

Full review –   The MSR Hubba Hubba NX review

tbbteam-gear-MSR-Hubba-tent

Lawson Hammock Blue Ridge Camping Hammock and Tent

(easily the coolest tent ever made).

Easily the coolest tent ever made. Why? Because it’s a hammock as well!

This cool gift is for someone who loves the outdoors, loves camping and hammock-ing (and wants the best of both worlds).

The Lawson Hammock Blue Ridge is a 2 personal tent that is suspended, so you can sleep on a flat comfortable surface. It also comes with a rain fly and mosquito net – keeping you rain-free and bug-free!

If it’s in your budget – this is seriously one of the coolest travel gifts on the market.

Read our  full Lawson Hammock review here.

Pacsafe belt

Travel Money Belt

(for peace of mind and organization).

Security belts serve two important functions.

1) If a traveler is robbed, they can have a secret stash of cash to rely on.

2) But getting robbed is extremely unlikely, so more likely is that security belts give travelers a super-efficient means of organization. It means that no matter what, they can have backup cash in a safe area they will never forget.

While theft does happen, when travelers lose money – it’s typically because of themselves let’s be honest!

Having a security belt is hands down the BEST way to avoid losing money, making this easily one of the best travel gifts one can buy, especially if you’re pals are a bit chaotic!

A Tinggly Experience

(experience the world).

gift ideas travel bug

A Tinggly experience is an awesome travel gift.

It basically allows the traveller in your life to choose their own adventure from over 250 options in over 100 countries!

It’s super easy to use, you order the set for the lucky traveller in your life and the beautiful box set is delivered to them within 2 -5 days. They can then pursue the brochure and choose whichever experience they fancy.

a girl smiling with an iced green tea in her hand, looking at the sunset

Ready America Survival Kit

(great for campers and hikers).

survival kit

This isn’t an ideal gift for an ultra-light world traveler. But a survival kit is GREAT for anyone who loves to hike and camp or travel in a car or camper.

The Ready America survival kit comes with enough food and water to help 2 people survive for 3 days, and is also equipped with additional survival gear.

The bag is neatly packed and is small enough to be kept at home or even in the car. Safety is important! And in the case of an emergency, the Ready America Survival kit makes sure that safety is never too far away.

Scrubba Wash Bag Mini

(awesome for people camping on their trip).

gift ideas travel bug

Whilst out on the road we all want to keep our clothes clean and fresh as much as possible, however sometimes that can be a challenge! If you’re out camping in the wilds or just in an area without any reliable laundry options available, then the Scrubba Wash Bag is the perfect solution

This teeny tiny waterproof bag has a built-in scrub board so you can wash your gear on the road without taking up a ton of space or weight in your bag. It also means you can pack fewer clothes in the first place making it mega easy to keep your packing super light.

GoPro Hero 10

(the most efficient travel camera).

GoPro gifts for travelers

The GoPro is arguably the best-appreciated gift for travelers.

It’s incredibly durable, and compact and it works underwater. Best of all – it takes great photos and videos with several different settings and modes.

This camera is literally built with travelers and adventurers in mind and is one of the best travel gifts out there. It means your mates can capture their entire journey without worrying about ruining their cameras or phones!

If you’re not a GoPro fan, then check out some of these other action cameras.

Goal Zero Flip 36 Power Bank

(easy gift choice for all types of travelers).

gift ideas travel bug

This is literally the PERFECT gift for travelers. While no one wants to be stuck to their phone while traveling, having the option to charge it wherever you are is utterly invaluable.

Goal Zero is one of the best brands available as this charger can charge a typical smartphone SIX TIMES on one battery. Plus, its not just phones you can use it on either, anything you can charge with a USB, like cameras, are fair game too.

This is an easy pick for one of the most useful and coolest travel gifts.

Sungod gifts for travelers

Abaco Sunglasses

(style and durability in one pair of shades).

There are many things to love about Abaco sunglasses.

First – they are stylish. Lots of traveler sunglasses feel good, but don’t look good! Abaco glasses have clearly invested a lot of time into the design and aesthetics of the glasses – and they look great!

Second – they are durable. I’ve had my pair for almost a year and I swear they could survive the apocalypse.

Third – the 4Q quality optic lenses make you feel like you have super-human vision.

gift ideas travel bug

Leatherman Skeletool CX Multi-Tool

(great for travelers that are also handy).

The Skeletool is like taking the Swiss Army Knife – and making it more badass. This tool is an amazing piece of gear, as it is actually seven distinct tools within one!

While the Leatherman Skeletool is a safe, practical piece of gear that any travel enthusiast could appreciate – I recommend getting it for someone who enjoys working with their hands and fixing their gear as they go.

Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack

(great for people who need extra storage).

gift ideas travel bug

Here’s the deal.

Sometimes you’re out and about and you need some extra storage space, say you’re hiking with a down jacket, waterproof pants and jackets. You’ve gone full Scout leader and been fully prepared, but it’s a blazing hot day and you’re stripping off faster than a Rugby team after the final whistle… where do you put all that extra gear?!

Well, no problem because you can just pull out your handy collapsible backpack and you’re good to go! We pretty much never travel without one these days, they’re so handy and mean you can pack an extra backpack without taking up a ton of room!

Trtl Pillow Plus

TRTL Sleep Bundle

(help a traveler catch some serious zzz’s).

Looking to take the travel-sleep game to the next level? Look no further than the TRTL Travel Bundle.

Forget everything you know about travel pillows. The TRTL Pillow, with its scientifically proven ergonomic design, offers unparalleled neck support, allowing you to rest comfortably in a seated position. Lightweight and easy to pack, it’s a traveler’s dream for long-haul flights, bus rides, and impromptu airport naps.

And when you buy the TRTL Snooze Bundle, it comes with a thick, soft eye mask to ensure you get the best possible rest during your transiting.

FitBit Charge 2 gifts for travelers

FitBit Charge 2

(great for any traveler – period).

FitBits are obviously incredibly useful for anyone looking to get or stay in shape. The gadget functions as a personal data tracker and also has a bunch of cool additions like phone synchronization, hourly reminders, and calendar notifications.

I love this gift for travelers for one big reason – counting your steps!

Travel and walking go hand in hand, and knowing how many steps you walk is very cool and encourages you to walk more – therefore staying in better shape! This is a very cool and thoughtful travel gift.

A person walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, NYC

Nomatic Wallet

(perfect travel gift for anyone).

Most men aren’t even aware of the new slim travel wallets – and Nomatic makes one of the best.

The wallet is designed to be super thin, but is designed to fit a ton of cards, cash, and even a single key. The wallet also features a cool ‘pull’ chord that allows you to access any card in your wallet and quickly.

Slim, stylish, well designed, and super affordable, the Nomatic wallet is a great travel gift that any traveler will use from the first day their journey starts.

Kodiak Leather Women’s Pouch

(the perfect travel gift for her).

gift ideas travel bug

Yes, it’s a bit of a trad cliche to point this out, but many Women do wear make-up (and so do many men, which is a-ok) and that make-up needs a bag.

This beautiful bag by Kodiak, the Leather Makeup Pouch, is the classy and rugged pouch you’ve been looking for. Easy to throw in your duffel or travel bag, it’s perfect for the essentials.

Stylish, minimal, but yet efficiently designed and able to fit a ton of stuff. This wallet is the best of all worlds. It’s made from Top Grain Leather with a Heavy Duty Liner and Zippered Closure.

Bluetooth Headphones gifts for travelers

Bluetooth Headphones

(affordable and practical).

Bluetooth headphones are all the rage right now, and with a surplus of products on the market, prices have dropped significantly meaning you can get a truly great gift for travel lovers super cheap!

Nothing is more annoying than wires getting caught and ripping earbuds from your head – especially in airports!

These headphones are well-designed, have a decent battery life, and are super compact – a travelers dream.

Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II gifts for travelers

Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II

(premium bluetooth headphones for a premium traveler).

Traveler gifts don’t have to be from obscure never-heard-of-it-before brands.

These Bose Soundlink bluetooth headphones are some of the best money can buy and are an incredible piece of gear for any and every traveler. Noisy buses, crowded airplanes, loud streets – all of this melts away once music is being listened to on the Bose headphones.

Loaded with great battery life, deep immersive sound, and the latest Bluetooth technology – you can’t beat Bose. These headphones are as good as it gets. Believe me, the traveler in your life will thank you for years on end.

Moleskin Classic gifts for travelers

Moleskin Classic

(the greatest notebook ever made).

I’ve been traveling with a moleskin for so long that it’s probably the top 5 most important things I carry. Whether for journaling, sketching, doodling or writing down an important address, a moleskin is a traveler’s best friend.

These iconic notebooks are built for durability with their tough exterior but have an inexplicable tenderness to them once you open them up.

Pro tip – there are three different kinds of moleskin. Get the lined moleskin (pictured above) if the person is the writer type. If they are the drawing type, look for the dotted grid page or the bank.

Travel Passion Journal by Moleskine

Travel Passion Planner

(a great gift for an organized traveler).

Think of moleskin meets a calendar – the Travel Passion Planner helps travelers stay organized in ways that normal planners and notebooks wouldn’t allow them to.

This is a seriously awesome piece of gear as it is loaded with cool features such as a timeline, lists for top destinations, weekly and monthly planners, and much much more. It’s the perfect tool to plan your next trip.

gift ideas travel bug

Osprey Ozone Carry-On Boarding Bag

(perfect for travelers who don’t use backpacks).

gift ideas travel bug

Not all travelers actually like to use a backpack! Some travellers prefer something a little more sophisticated and adaptable, like this boarding bag from Osprey.

This neat bag can be used as a sling and works well for business trips as well as commuting. It even has a luggage pass-through so it will easily fit on top of your suitcase without falling.

Featuring a 16-inch laptop sleeve, hidden valuables pockets, super rugged construction as well as being carry-on compatible, this shoulder bag is the perfect gift for the style-conscious traveller.

North Face Men’s Hedgehog 3

(travel gift for him if he also loves to hike).

gift ideas travel bug

Hiking shoes aren’t the cheapest investment, but if you get the right pair they can last 10+ years.

North Face Hedgehog is one of those pairs.

Handmade, sewn from leather, these are some of the most comfortable hiking shoes you can get a traveler. Your bargain traveler will especially appreciate not having to buy this necessity.

Full Review –  The best hiking shoes money can buy

North Face Women’s Hedgehog 3

(travel gift for her – great for travel and hiking).

gift ideas travel bug

Whether she is looking for travel shoes or hiking shoes – Salomon can do both!

One of the highest-rated boots on the market, North Face have been making quality shoes for years.

The shoes are leather with rubber soles and have a nice sleek design. If she enjoys seeing the world AND hiking the great outdoors, you aren’t going to be able to find a better travel gift for her than this.

Patagonia Mens Nano Puff Hoody gifts for travelers

Patagonia Mens Nano Puff Hoody

(awesome gift for male travelers heading to cold weather).

If you know a traveler heading to a cold weather destination for the first time and have a bit of a budget, then the Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody could be perfect!

It’s no secret that Patagonia makes some of the best hiking/travel jackets, and this is one of their marquee products.

If you want the traveler in your life to stay warm on their travels – this will keep them plenty toasty! If you want something similar but a bit more unique, check out the Thermarest Honcho Poncho .

Patagonia Women’s Nano Puff Jacket

Super cool gift for female travelers needing to stay warm).

This jacket is NOT cheap, but it’s a safe present to buy if you’re looking for a top tier traveler gift.

best travel jackets

Because even if she has a jacket, there’s very little chance it’ll be anywhere near the quality of the Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody. This jacket is simply as good as it gets.

Waterproof and made from high-quality nylon, the exterior is stretchy ensuring the lucky lady is comfortable and with a full range of motion. The jacket is designed with plenty of ventilation and breathability, without sacrificing a smidgen of warmth. For someone who feels the cold, this has to be up there when it comes to the best gifts for travelers in 2024.

best down jackets

Map Whiskey Glasses

(fun gift for travel lovers with a home).

Map Whiskey Glasses gifts for travelers

Great gifts for travelers don’t have to be for  traveling .

Assuming the traveler in your life has a) a home and b) a love for drinking out of glasses – this is a cool present!

A very unique travel gift, these whiskey glasses have maps of different US cities. Chicago, Denver, Philadelphia, New York and dozens more are available.

Even if they don’t like whiskey, these glasses are so cool they’ll be drinking water or wine out of them in no time.

Bullfrogs Mosquito Repellent/Sun Screen

(very practical – a gift they will actually use).

gift ideas travel bug

Does the idea of giving your loved one a bottle of mosquito repellent/sunscreen sound like the coolest gift idea? Maybe not.

Great travel gifts aren’t necessarily expensive bits of kit, especially if your traveler doesn’t want to be weighed down while traveling with big, meaningful gifts. What this gift idea for travelers lacks in sexiness, it makes up for in practicality.

This product is a game changer for anyone heading to tropical beach areas. Whether they are headed to The Philippines or Costa Rica, this will help keep their skin protected from the sun and the mosquitoes.

Anti-Mosquito Repellent Bracelets

(great for a traveler who is going somewhere tropical).

Anti Mosquito Repellent Bracelets

Travelers are typically health-conscious – so this mosquito-repellent bracelet is the best of both worlds!

Natural and safe for the whole family, these bad boys help keep your traveling loved one safe from any mosquito-related diseases.

This is a great gift for world travelers. They are light and effective, so whenever they head to a climate with too few many bugs – they just slip their bracelet on!

WD 4TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive

(important bit of gear for every traveler).

WD 4TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive

While this might not be the most exciting travel gift idea – it’s so important! Think of an external hard drive like insurance. You don’t need it until you need it.

And like insurance, if you aren’t prepared beforehand, the results are not going to be pretty.

Enter one of the best external hard drives available. The WD 4TB has plenty of space for travel photos and videos, and its sleek and compact design make it perfect for all types of travelers.

You can also use this as a bargaining chip to finally get all those travel pictures you’ve been asking for!

G4Free Packing Cubes

(awesome gift for all types of travelers).

G4Free Packing Cubes

It doesn’t matter if they are a casual traveler or anything in between – they will all love and need some packing cubes in their life.

One of the best ways to take organization to the next level, this cool gift for travel lovers is practical, stylish, and will be used every time they travel.

G4Free’s packing cubes are some of the best. They offer more compression than a standard packing cube due to durable fabric and quality zippers. You’ll be pleasantly surprised just how deep these cubes pack and just how much stuff can be organized.

Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader

(the best gift for a traveler who loves to read).

Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader

Looking for a gift for travelers who also love to read? You’ve hit the jackpot.

As someone who reads a ton of books – a Kindle is a godsend. While the feel of a traditional book will never be matched, the convenience of having an entire library’s worth of books in a 5.7 oz tablet is the best gift you can give.

Available in black or white and with the highest resolution ever on a Kindle, your traveler will use this for years and years to come. If you need a book to put on that Kindle for your adventurer, check out  Around the World in 575 Songs .

gift ideas travel bug

REI Membership

(great travel gift idea for the hard to pick for).

gift ideas travel bug

We’ve all got those mates and family members who are just so hard to shop for! They either seem to have everything or they’re super picky! Well, why not hit them up with an REI membership instead?

This lifetime membership offers some incredible discounts, deals, and exclusive offers as well as perks like gear rental, trade-ins and free US shipping! It’s the gift that keeps on giving!

Surge Protecting Travel Adapter

(great travel gift idea for a newbie traveler).

gift ideas travel bug

If you are shopping for an experienced traveler, you might want to look elsewhere. Veteran travelers know these are essential for international travel and probably have one (or two or three!) already.

That’s why this is a great present idea for a new world traveler – some don’t realize they even need one of these until they are in a new country!

Save them the time, money, and panic by getting them set up with a universal adapter so they can charge their electronics in every country on the planet.

Antique Desktop World Earth Globe

(a classy gift for a classy traveler).

Antique Desktop World Earth Globe

What is one thing all travelers share in common? They all love maps and globes.

This is a great gift for frequent travelers – watch as they stare into the globe, reminiscing over where they have been, and drooling over where they want to next explore.

This particular globe has a timeless antique style and is mounted on a sturdy bronze metal base.

Hydroflask Insulated Water Bottle

(a great gift for all travelers).

Hydroflask 32 oz

The Hydroflask insulated water bottle is one of the best travel water bottles out there and another great gift for travelers.

Super durable and nicely sized, this water bottle can fit all the water (or wine) that you’d need. Also, vacuum-sealed technology ensures that beverages in this bottle stay cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 hours.

Full Review – Best travel water bottles roundup

Harem Pants

(easily one of the coolest travel gifts for travelers).

Womens Harem Pants

Harem pants are the best of both worlds – super comfy and super stylish. It’s easy to see why travelers love them so much!

Especially those who love to travel to places like Thailand or India. These awesome pants are designed for ultimate comfort and maybe even like to unleash their inner yogi… or backpacking wanker!

Either way, you can go backpacking without a pair of elephant pants!

For more harem options, head to our Best Harem Pants guide!

Ultra Light Mesh Stuff Sack

(great for dirty laundry and organization).

Ultra Light Mesh Stuff Sack gift for travelers

Is it the prettiest gift in the world? Definitely not. But will they use it and love it? You bet your ass.

This ultra-light mesh stuff sack is great for organization, security, and most importantly – dirty laundry! Made from multi-filament nylon, this stuff sack is super light and super durable (the two most important things for travelers!).

It’s an inexpensive, but very practical gift idea.

gift ideas travel bug

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

Backpacker walks into a 7/11 in Japan with her backpack on.

Need more awesome travel gift ideas?

50 travel gift ideas weren’t enough? Here are a few more ideas for the best gifts for travelers in 2024.

Don’t worry, we’ve put together an additional few cool ideas below! This is the largest list of travel gift ideas on the web, so we know you’ll be able to find something perfect for the traveler that is in your life.

Tortuga Outbreaker

(another one of the hottest travel back).

Tortuga Outbreaker gifts for travelers

Another one of the hottest backpacks on the market. Great for long term travelers, Digital Nomads, and anyone who wants an amazingly durable bag.

Backpacks are unique travel gifts that are both necessary and Instagrammable. Those are both important features if you want your gift to be used and loved for many trips to come!

Read the full review here.

Osprey Farpoint 40

(the best 40l hiking/travel bag).

Osprey Farpoint 40 gifts for travelers

Osprey is the backpack king, and this pack could be their masterpiece. Great for travelers who also love to hike.

It’s one we’ve sworn by for years on the road and we stick by it. It opens like a suitcase and comes with a detachable day bag, what’s not to love!?

Read the full Osprey Farpoint 40 review .

OXO Campgrounds French Press 2.0

(the only gift for coffee/travel lovers).

gift ideas travel bug

A french-press on the go, this is the perfect gift for travelers who LOVE coffee. No matter if they are casual or professional travelers, this cool travel gift idea is great for anyone who needs a coffee while on the run.

Make sure your pals are sufficiently caffeinated for their next Zoom call with you, they’ve got no excuse now!

Elina drinking coffee in front of cows

Bagsmart Electronic Organizer

(great for travelers who have a ton of electronics).

Bagsmart Electronic Organizer gifts for travelers

Help organize those wires! This gift is perfect for a traveler with a ton of electronic gear… like me! Honestly, this is a super budget but mega useful bit of kit that makes such a massive difference to organising your gear whilst being really compact too.

On the Road

(an absolute must-read travel book).

On the Road travel book gifts for travelers

Jack Kerouac’s classic novel is a must-read for anyone with wanderlust and a desire to see the world. Filled with epic quotes and endless inspiration, this is a gift that will keep on giving.

If you want to give someone the gift of inspiration and really change their lives then this is it. Whether they’re on the road already, planning their trip or you’re trying to convince them to join them, this will give them a fresh look on life!

Keywing iPhone Camera Lens

(great for travelers who love to take awesome photos).

Xenvo iPhone Camera Lens gifts for travelers

This cool accessory allows you to turn your iPhone into a wide-lens camera! Impressively well-reviewed on Amazon, this is perfect for travelers who love photography but aren’t quite willing to invest in an expensive and heavy camera set up.

Goodthreads Men’s Clothes

(awesome clothes for an awesome traveler).

Goodthreads Men's Clothes gifts for travelers

These clothes are great for travelers – durable and stylish they will stand the test of time over a long trip.

Also very light, Goodthreads can be worn all over the world. These are great travel gifts for a guy wanting to look good, be protected and pack light on their trip.

TakeToday Collapsible Water Bottle

(compact and durable – great for all travelers).

taketoday collapsible water bottles

Like the idea of a water bottle but don’t think you like the whole filter idea?

No problem – this water bottle is arguably even more awesome! The TakeToday Collapsible Water Bottle is a totally cool travel gift and will be useful to just about anyone who likes to spend time on the road.

The water bottle is collapsible, carries 22oz, has a leak-free twist cap, and is super affordable. To top it off, it’s made of food-grade materials and free of BPA – can’t beat being healthy!

Tile Anything Finder

(help your traveler keep their keys safe).

Tile Anything Finder gifts for travelers

Whether it’s your phone or keys, the Tile Finder helps you locate lost important goods. This is a great gift for that forgetful traveler in your life 😉

Not only that but they are easy to throw inside a backpack so you can keep track of that lost luggage!

Travel Chess Set

(super cool gift idea for fun on the road).

Travel Chess Set gifts for travelers

Perfect for the traveling chess player, these magnetic pieces stay in place even if you’re on a rocky bus or a bumpy airplane.

Your backpacking pal will end up spending quite a bit of time on transport all over the world and rather than being stuck on their phones, games like this are a great way to interact with someone else along the way.

gift ideas travel bug

Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW II

(solid gift for traveling photographers).

LowePro 450 AW gifts for traveler

The LowePro 450 AW is certainly a bit pricey, but it’s the ultimate backpack for traveling photographers. Period.

Featuring a dedicated laptop sleeve as well as different sections where you can keep your camera gear organised and throw in a jacket or two as well. The side opening also allows quick access to your camera too.

Jinri Travel Hair Dryer

(a really useful travel gift for stylish travellers).

Jinri Travel Hair Dryer gifts for travelers

Give the lady (or stylish dude) in your life the gift of awesome-looking hair wherever they travels! This is a great travel gift idea for her, him or anyone else with flowing locks! The Jinri is very compact and VERY well-reviewed.

Travel Straightening Iron

(always a solid travel gift for her).

Travel Straightening Iron gifts for travelers

One of the best gifts for people with a long barnet, this hair straightener is compact so it’s a perfect travel companion. Combine this gift with the Jinri hair dryer to hit the perfect level of hair travel bliss on the road!

Laura with her hair blown in the wind with Sydney Opera House in the background on a cloudy day

WANDRD PRVKE 31

(a seriously great camera bag).

WANDRD PRVKE 31 gifts for travelers

A camera bag that can handle the outdoors! The WANDRD is a robust bag that is well-designed and very easy on the eyes…

In fact, this has been my chosen camera bag for the last few years and I love the side opening as well as the super durable and weather resistant exterior.

Read the full review.

Travel Folding Toothbrush

(everyone loves to stay fresh).

Travel Folding Toothbrush gifts for travelers

Simple but very effective – travel toothbrushes are great, and even better when they fold (meaning you never have to worry about losing a cap!)

No one wants to find their toothbrush floating around inside their bags, ending up next to a dirty pair of socks or … worse! This simple but effective idea means your brush can be easily just chucked in your bag and off you go!

World Scratch Map

(scratch maps make great travel-decoration).

Active Roots World Scratch Map gifts for travelers

World scratch maps are great travel gifts. As a traveler I can say that nothing is more satisfying than scratching off an area you’ve traveled to… and nothing is more inspiring than seeing more areas to scratch off!

In fact, I am literally sat here writing this with my one on the wall behind me!

Remington Self Haircut Kit

(help him save some money on haircuts).

Remington Self Haircut Kit gifts for travelers

Pretty niche, but this little robot-looking thing is pretty cool for the right person. If you know a traveler who loves to rock short hair, then this gift will save them a TON of time and cash while traveling and it takes up hardly any room too.

Nemo Fillo Pillow

(great pillow for campers).

Nemo Fillo Pillow gifts for travelers

Consistently voted as the best camping pillow in the world, this is a great gift for anyone who needs a small, comfy pillow anywhere in the world.

Whether your mate is camping, flying, hostelling or just going on a trip, this pillow is super useful and improves any night’s sleep!

Foldable Hat

(stylin’).

Foldable Hat

This crush-resistant foldable hat can fit in your back pocket! It’s great for outdoor activities and comes in four colors. It also has quick-dry, ultra-breathable material and tuck-flap brim design.

Caps, thought mega useful, can sometimes be a pain to pack, so this is the perfect solution!

A person looking out over Fes, Morocco.

Arc’teryx Men’s Beta Jacket

(the michael jordan of jackets).

Arc'teryx Men's Beta Ar Jacket gift for travelers

If you’ve got the budget and want to get someone the gift of a lifetime – this is it. If you are looking for a gift for someone who hikes around the world, the Arc’teryx Men’s Beta Jacket is the holy grail.

Not only that but pretty much everyone can make use of a good quality waterproof jacket. Better yet, they roll up pretty small and weigh almost nothing, so it’s easy to bring anywhere they go.

Check out the full review here.

G Shock Watch

(durable and badass travel watch).

G Shock Watch

You could throw this travel watch into a volcano and I’m pretty sure it would survive. Durability is important while traveling, and this watch delivers that plus much, much more.

A watch is also something that we travelers really can make great use of. Just think about all those flights, buses and trains we need to catch and our phones aren’t always fully charged after traveling all day either!

For more awesome watches for just about every activity, check out our epic review of the best outdoor watches .

Colombia Men’s Fleece Jacket

(fleece jackets are a travelers best friend).

Colombia Men's Fleece Jacket

Due to their super light nature, fleece jackets are the absolute best when traveling. Great travel gift for him.

In fact, we never go anywhere without a fleece. They are super light and roll up small enough to fit in even a carry-on bag. For their size, they really pack a punch too when it comes to heat.

Reflex Women’s Fleece Jacket

(women look great in fleece).

Reflex Women's Fleece Jacket gifts for travelers

Seriously. Fleece jackets look great, and they are extremely light. You can’t go wrong – great travel gift for her.

Just like the mens version, they are a great way to add some warmth to your bag without taking up a lot of weight or space. Even when traveling to somewhere you think might be warm like Southeast Asia, a fleece comes in handy for things like hiking or night buses.

Gold Pigeon Women’s Sandal

(comfortable and durable travel gift for women).

Gold Pigeon Women's Sandal gifts for travelers

While not the most stylish sandals, they were made for walking, and the traveling lady in your life will feel like she is walking on clouds with these shoes.

Rather than just wearing flimsy flip flops, these sandals mean you can keep cool and keep your feet protected at the same time.

Men’s Travel Sandals

(travel sandals are never a bad travel gift).

gift ideas travel bug

Built for ultimate comfort, this is a great travel gift for him.

If your mate is someone who likes to go hiking whilst travelling, especially in warm climates, then these are the perfect solution.

GoPro Replacement Batteries

(every gopro needs some backup batteries).

GoPro Replacement Batteries gifts for travelers

Any traveler that has a GoPro will take their GoPro-ness to the next level with these backup batteries and charger

In fact, if there’s one thing to complain about when it comes to a GoPro, it’s their battery life, so this way you can make sure your best bud can capture all their wild and wet adventures!

(Music lovers rejoice!)

iPod Touch 6th Generation gifts for travelers

iPod touches are a great gift because it enables travelers to save their phone juice by listening to music on a different device. This is a super underrated travel gift – so don’t overlook the awesomeness of an iPod!

It might seem kinda old school now but ipods are back in fashion and are also great for those wanting tunes without the distraction of a phone.

Luxury Divas Sarong

(an amazing gift for a man or woman who loves to travel).

gift ideas travel bug

The versatility of a sarong is almost bewildering. It can do everything! If you have a traveling lady or lad in your life, this is an easy win.

If you want to channel your inner David Beckham or you want a versatile bit of gear that can be used for the beach or when visiting religious sites, this is perfect. It’s also super light and easy to just roll up and throw inside a backpack.

Travel Umbrella

(dry traveler = happy traveler).

Travel Umbrella

Solid case, lightweight and compact – a travel umbrella is a solid travel gift (especially if they are headed somewhere wet!)

We also love that this one comes with a handy travel case meaning it won’t get ruined when it’s chucked in the bag.

Day Trip Money Belt gifts for travelers

Day Trip Money Belt

(a classic way for travelers to keep their valuables safe).

This old-school style money belt is a good way to protect all belongings while traveling the world!

ORIA Padlock gifts for travelers

(Padlocks are a MUST have for hostel travelers)

Travelers headed to hostels 100% NEED a padlock. This is a great travel gift for anyone, especially if they are backpacking and staying mostly at hostels or countries that are on the dangerous side.

Macbook Air

(the greatest travel laptop ever made).

Macbook Air gifts for travelers

Lightweight and powerful. As long as they are not a Digital Nomad, this is the ultimate traveling laptop. If they are, then maybe go for a MacBook Pro. Read more about the best traveling laptops.

Either way, if you’re feeling super generous, then hooking your pal up with a laptop is a surefire way to become a dead-set legend for life!

gift ideas travel bug

Helly Hansen Thermal Baselayer

(every traveler loves baselayers).

Perfect for someone traveling to a colder climate. Definitely a cool (warm?) gift idea! Infact, I’ve travelled even to places like Southeast Asia with a baselayer as it’s the most compact way to add extra warmth when needed.

EINSKEY Unisex Sun Hat

(great for sun protection and looking awesome).

EINSKEY Unisex Sun Hat gifts for travelers

Great for men or women, this is a great piece of gear for anyone heading to a brutally hot/sunny climate.

These hats fold down pretty small and take up hardly any weight or size in the backpack, yet they provide a great amount of protection that your friends or family will appreciate for sure.

Vanguard Camera Tripod

(great for photography enthusiasts).

Vanguard Camera Tripod gifts for travelers

The best camera tripod on the market. This is an amazing travel gift for a traveling photographer.

Normal tripods can often be a bit bulky and heavy to carry around the world. This one however is light and small enough to attach to a backpack with ease.

Read more about  the top travel tripods here.

Canon EF 24-105mm

(a killer gift for that travel photographer in your life).

Canon EF 24-105mm gifts for travelers

This is the best camera lens for Canon cameras. Another cool travel gift for a traveling photographer.

The focal length of 24-105 makes it the perfect all-rounder that will find itself staying attached to your pals camera for pretty much their whole trip!

Read more about the best Canon travel lenses.

Samsung 128GB Flash Drive

(back those photos up).

Samsung 128GB Flash Drive gifts for travelers

Flash drives are endlessly useful and a good backup idea to an external hard drive. Flash drives are great because they are so small and can carry a ton of cherished photos and videos.

This one has an incredible 128gb of storage for something that is roughly the size of a postage stamp! Pretty neat!

#91 Travel Sewing Kit

(a great diy travel-solution to ripped clothes).

Travel Sewing Kit gifts for travelers

Another super useful gift! Clothes and other fabric items have a tendency to tear while traveling and there’s no better (and cheaper!) way to repair torn clothes than with a sewing kit.

It’s something I always like to have in my bag and it makes for a great budget gift that shows you’re really put some thought in.

Canon Powershot G9x Mark II

(the ultimate starter camera for travel photography).

Canon Powershot G9x Mark II gifts for travelers

The Cannon Powershot G9x II is an incredible quality camera for an affordable price, this is the best travel camera for under $500. This is a phenomenal starter-camera for anyone interested in getting into travel photography and is super compact too.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III

(the ultimate pro camera for travel photography).

Canon EOS 5D Mark III gifts for travelers

This is the best travel camera – period.

This is the perfect gift for anyone who is serious about travel photography. Lenses are not included but it’s a great way to get your friend or family member started on their photography journey or upgrade their current Canon SLR.

PATAGONIA ATOM SLING BAG 8L

Patagonia Atom Sling Pack

(sling packs are so useful).

Sling packs are all the rage right now and deservingly so! These minimalist backpacks are durable, very safe and great for travel.

They make the perfect compact day bag for travelers wanting to keep things light or as a place to store valuables when traveling from place to place.

Ethnic Jewellery By Saajie

(look stunning whilst exploring the world).

Ethnic Jewellery By Saajie

These beautifully designed pieces of Ethnic inspired jewellery are a great gift for the female traveller in your life who likes to look her best. All of the high-quality, ethically made pieces in the Saajie collection are inspired by India and Africa and made for travellers.

Browse them in Saajie’s Bijoux Ethnique Etsy Store

Travel Blanket

(warmth on the go).

Travel Blanket gifts for travelers

Small, lightweight travel blankets are always a solid gift. This is a gift that is perfect for any who spends a ton of time in airplanes or on night buses. They can even come in handy for camping or hostels if the AC is turned up to the max! Or, even at the beach!

Two pairs of legs crossed over relaxing on a blanket watching the sunset at the beach

Osprey Daylite Plus

It’s always worth having a daypack with you whenever you travel but often NOT worth carrying something bulky around. The Osprey Daylite Plus is hands down the best around, it comes with a water bottle holder, it’s small yet provides plenty of space for your day-venture and is tough and sturdy.

FAQ about the Best Travel Gifts

Still have some questions about the best gifts for travelers in 2024? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What is the overall best travel gift?

No travelling can be done without a proper backpack. That’s where the AER Backpacks come out to play. The stylish and spacious backpacks are a great travel gift.

What is the best travel gift for females?

Getting your female backpacker friend a Travel Funnel Urinal is the perfect gift. That way, even the nastiest hostel bathrooms can be used without an issue!

What should you get a traveler?

travelers often struggle with carrying too much heavy gear with them. Gifting a Microfiber Travel Towel is the perfect lightweight gift.

What’s something every traveller needs?

Whether you’re travelling in a remote area or a mega city, having a Grayl Geopress with you won’t just keep you safe and hydrated, it also helps reducing plastic,

gift ideas travel bug

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

Final Thoughts On Our 101 GREAT Gifts For Travellers

There you have it!

The biggest list on the web of gift ideas for people who love to travel! I know that with the help of this article, you’ll easily be able to find awesome gifts for travelers in your life.

Did I miss any of the best travel gifts? Did this list help you find a travel gift? Let me know in the comments below!

Made it this far? You get 15% OFF to book a place to stay ! Offer valid exclusively for Broke Backpackers 😉

gift ideas travel bug

Share or save this post

photo of a person holding a smartphone with Holafly logo

as a traveler, I like to wear SALOMON Women’s X Ultra 2 GTX W Hiking Shoe, it best for hiking and use in rough and tough the condition. travel in a sensible road is easier than climbing the rough and tough surface or hill.

Indeed, SALOMON makes some excellent footwear. Thanks for sharing your experience!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.

Free Shipping on retail orders over $45 (U.S. Only)

  • Create an Account
  • Find us on Facebook

Shop Geocaching

  • Compare Products

gift ideas travel bug

Geocaching Travel Bug®

  • Buy 4 for $4.50 each and save  10 %
  • Buy 8 for $4.25 each and save  15 %
  • Buy 12 for $4.00 each and save  20 %

The original Groundspeak® trackable. A Geocaching Travel Bug® is a unique tracking tag that you can attach to items and give them goals for others to try and complete!

Log My Dog

Join Our Newsletter

gift ideas travel bug

Get updates on Shop Geocaching’s latest news and products.

IMAGES

  1. Travel Bug Gift Guide

    gift ideas travel bug

  2. 25 Best Gifts for Bug Lovers in Your Life

    gift ideas travel bug

  3. The Ultimate Gift Guide for Bug-Loving Kids

    gift ideas travel bug

  4. 25 Unique Travel Gifts for Cool World Travelers

    gift ideas travel bug

  5. Gift Guide for the Travel Bug

    gift ideas travel bug

  6. Gifts for Travelers: 30 Perfect Travel Gift Ideas!

    gift ideas travel bug

COMMENTS

  1. Travel Bug Gift

    Check out our travel bug gift selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our toiletry storage kits & travel cases shops.

  2. Gifts for Travel Bug

    Check out our gifts for travel bug selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our wall hangings shops.

  3. Gift for Travel Bug

    Bugs Sensory Play Kit, Sensory box, gift for boy, boy gift, playdoh kit, play dough kit, kids gift, kids busy box,Travel Sensory Kit (137) Sale Price £30.37 £ 30.37

  4. The 55 Best Gifts for Travel Lovers in 2024

    Paravel Mini Fold-up Backpack. PHOTO: Paravel. $55 at Tourparavel.com $55 at Maisonette.com. The Paravel Mini Fold-Up Backpack earned the top spot in our books as the best mini backpack of 2024 ...

  5. 36 Wearable Travel Gift Ideas for the Wanderluster in Your Life

    2 Hidden Pocket Scarf. 3 "Paris Street Map" Backpack. 4 National Park Sculpture Necklace. 5 Travel Lovers Enamel Pin. 6 Self-Warming Sleep Mask. 7 World Map Ring. 8 Wanderlust Bracelet. 9 Adventure Embroidery Patch. 10 Airplane Mode Sweatshirt.

  6. 36 Best Gifts for Frequent Travelers of 2024

    1Mii ML300. 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. $30 from Amazon. Watching an in ...

  7. The 50 Best Gifts for Travelers 2023

    The Purist Maker Mug comes in a variety of colors, including the dark blue "Drift" seen here. 1. Purist 10-Oz. Maker Mug. Buy now: $38, puristcollective.com; rei.com. Pairing a reusable coffee mug with a bag of beans from a local coffee shop is the best way to encourage travelers to go eco-friendly on the road.

  8. 180 Travel Gift Ideas in 2024

    Apr 4, 2024 - A collection of gift ideas for the travel bug on your list. Complete with items to take make traveling safer, easier and more enjoyable. This board contains honest reviews on the best travel products out there!. See more ideas about travel gifts, travel, travel bugs.

  9. Gift Ideas for Bug Lovers and Invertebrate Admirers

    A Log. We promise this is a real suggestion, albeit unusual. A log's dead woody material provides an abundance of habitat for all sorts of wildlife and it will bring a bug lover joy to observe through the various stages of decay. This is an especially affordable and appropriate gift for beetle and bee enthusiasts.

  10. 50+ Perfect Gifts for Travelers

    Here are more than 50 gift ideas, mostly $50 or less, for every type of traveler and occasion on your list. ... Bug Bite Thing is Amazon's #1 selling product for insect bite relief with over 40,000 reviews. It makes a great stocking stuffer for anyone who loves to travel. ... Travel gifts to help them carry-on or carry it all .

  11. 27 best Mother's Day gifts for moms who love to travel

    The best Mother's Day gift ideas in 2024 for moms with a travel bug include passport holders, carry-on bags, and products from Mark & Graham and Apple. Help her hit the road in style.

  12. 35 Best Travel Gifts For the Globetrotter In Your Life

    Now 39% Off. $21 at Amazon $21 at Walmart $33 at Bookshop. Credit: Amazon. This coffee table book will certainly feed the travel bug. Its pages hold uniquely local excursion suggestions for ...

  13. Travel bugs & Travelers

    Gift ideas Géocacheurs de Provence Gift coupons Christmas Custom items ★ Private sale ★ Presales Travel bugs & Travelers There are 216 products. View: Grid ... Official Groundspeak Travel Bug with a QR code on the back. 6,90 € Add to cart. Show all. Previous; 1; 2; 3... 9; Next; Showing 1 - 24 of 216 items Newsletter. Ok. Information.

  14. 73 Best Travel Gifts for Every Globetrotter on Your List (2023)

    Ember Travel Mug 2. The charge on this mug can last up to three hours, but lasts all day when combined with the charging coaster. When left unattended, it automatically goes into sleep mode, but ...

  15. 35 Best Travel Gifts for Travel-Lovers

    Cadence Refillable Travel Capsules, $70, Keep Your Cadence. 4. Sleep mask. With over 22,000 reviews, this is the ultimate traveler's sleep mask. It's made from 100% silk, has adjustable straps ...

  16. 23 best travel gifts, from luggage and travel pillows to headphones and

    Buy Apple AirTags on Amazon for $79.99 (normally $99)Buy Apple AirTag (Individual) on Amazon for $23.99 (normally $29) If there's one must-have travel item this holiday season, it's an Apple AirTag. These coin-size item trackers are a lifesaver for those who travel with checked luggage, especially as delayed and misplaced baggage continues to ...

  17. 40 Best Travel Gift Ideas For Frequent Travelers

    27: Kammok Adventure Travel Hammock. A hammock is a great gift for travelers and backpackers. String it up in the woods or on the beach to relax and enjoy the view. I've even used my hammock on boats, between palm trees for beach naps, or as a comfortable swinging seat after a long hike.

  18. Travel Bug Gift

    Check out our travel bug gift selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops.

  19. Travel Bug Gifts

    Check out our travel bug gifts selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our water bottles shops.

  20. Travel Bugs

    Sale. Travel Bug 6-Pack. $27.95 $29.94. A Geocaching Travel Bug® is a unique tracking tag that you can attach to items and give them goals for others to try and complete!Each... Travel Bug. $4.95. Vehicle Travel Bug Decal - White. Sold Out. Vehicle Travel Bug Decal - Static Cling.

  21. 101 BEST Gifts for Travelers (2024 MASSIVE Review)

    The Klymit Mattress is a great travel gift for anyone who also hikes and camps. also hikes or camps, then this is a phenomenal idea. Made with some pretty impressive body mapping technology, sleeping on the Klymit Mat is like sleeping on a cloud. Or marshmallows. Or a cloud made of marshmallows! Brb.

  22. Geocaching Travel Bug® Trackable Tag

    A Geocaching Travel Bug® is a unique tracking tag that you can attach to items and give them goals for others to try and complete! Each Geocaching Travel Bug® gets its own page on geocaching.com where you can track its progress as it passes on from person to person or cache to cache. To learn more about the Geocaching Travel Bugs®, visit ...

  23. 25 Best Gifts for Bug Lovers in Your Life

    4. Kiddietotes Ladybug Backpack. CHECK PRICE. Your young bug lover will look super adorable wearing this cute Kiddietotes Ladybug Backpack. Being the perfect gift for bug lovers, especially the young ones, this backpack is ideal for kids and toddlers, both boys and girls.