41 Best Gifts for Travelers, from Day Trips to Vacations

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Whether someone’s a frequent flyer, digital nomad, or simply adventuring elsewhere every so often, gifting an item that improves their travel experience can go a long way (often literally). Small, helpful travel gadgets can reduce airport headaches and increase your giftee's odds of staying sane on long flights, handy organizers like travel makeup bags can optimize all that never-enough suitcase space, and splurges — well, they’ll traverse thousands of miles and passport stamps.

As a travel writer and professional shopper, I’ll be the first to admit that the best present for a loved one who loves to explore the globe might just be a plane ticket. But we didn’t just give you the second-best gift idea for a traveler. After researching, testing, and consulting on gift ideas with an expert flight attendant and travel author, Best Products gave you 42 more too.

There are two main types of travel gifts: the practical and the aspirational, explains Nikki Vargas, Senior Editor of Fodor’s Travel and author of the memoir Call Me When You Land. For Vargas, a practical gift would be an item to “make a traveler’s journey easier and safer.” She suggests picks like a carry-on suitcase, toiletries holder, or even a personal safety alarm. “An aspirational gift might inspire wanderlust, like an armchair traveler book that sweeps you across the globe or map to start tracking your trips.”

I tend to opt for practical items that can reduce the friction of being away, but others may prefer gifts to inspire wanderlust or sweet sentimental commemorations of a beloved venture. My own recommendations as a hotel reviewer and digital nomad range from a blackout sleep mask that salvaged my sleep in a boisterous hostel to the portable TV stick that made a cold resort room feel homey when I needed it most.

Check out our list of best travel gifts starting at just $6 — before your giftee checks in to their next flight.

Harper Crossbody Bag

This adorable (and affordable!) small purse, named one of Oprah's Favorite Things, is perfect for traveling. Made of synthetic leather, it holds all the essentials, such as your phone, credit cards, and cash. Plus, it comes in a ton of colors and patterns and can be worn across the body or on your belt.

More: Great Gifts for Here She Won't See Coming

Everywhere Belt Bag

Look, you certainly don't need us to explain why a lululemon bag is a notable gift to give. But in this case, it's more than just attractive. This Everywhere Belt Bag is designed for those who embrace their wanderlust or their daily routine, with a comfortable fit that can be worn crossbody or around the waist. Its water-repellent fabric is a fit for any adventure, whether a hike or a night out.

Universal Travel Adapter

It may not be the most romantic travel gift, but frequent travelers definitely are always in need of this travel essential.

This all-in-one adapter works in almost every country (you can easily change prongs with a flip of a switch), charges up to five devices at once, has a built-in safety fuse, and comes in shades like grey, rose gold, or white.

Pack This! Pad

Eliminate the stress of packing for your giftee with a thorough list that will help every traveler keep track of everything in their suitcase (or everything they always forget). The list is quite extensive, so they can get as thorough as humanly possible as they plan for practically any trip and leave fully prepared.

Magnetic Wireless Charger for Apple Devices

Carrying a tangled mess of charging cords while traveling is a bigger pain than it should be, as is carrying multiple plug adapters if you’re traveling internationally. So if you’re buying for someone loyal to Apple products, this foldable charger is an incredibly useful gift. Its strong magnetic pull ensures a stable connection to your device, and it takes up very little room in a backpack or handbag.

More: The 12 Best Viral TikTok Travel Essentials on Amazon—Under $60

Packing Cubes

For the traveler in your life who just can't seem to keep their suitcase in order, gift them a set of these discounted, durable, and lightweight polyester packing cubes available in 14 stylish colorways.

Packing cubes will compress their luggage so they can fill any suitcase to the brim while keeping their newly organized contents safe. Plus, the visible mesh fronts mean they can easily keep track of what’s stuffed where.

Mother Lode Travel Backpack

Of the thousands on the market, the Mother Lode is the best travel backpack around the $200 price point considering it's packed with useful features. It has everything a traveler needs for maximizing carry-on space, like internal compression straps for clothing, external side straps for larger items like a tripod or rolled jacket, a laptop sleeve, lie-flat pockets for travel docs, and tuck-away backpack straps so you can use it like a duffel bag.

The clamshell-style, suitcase-like zipper is also helpful if you need to unpack your bag during a surprise TSA security search.

The Collapsible Bottle

Staying hydrated during travel is pretty darn important, you guys. This water bottle is the absolute best for traveling because it collapses small to fit easily into your carry-on.

Head to the water fountain after you're through security, expand it out to full size, and make sure to drink up!

USA Photo Map

Our 50 states encompass a rich array of ecological, sociological, and cultural diversity. Here's a way for those travelers working their way through the USA to display their favorite photos from every state, highlighting what landmarks and hidden gems made each location stand out.

100 Places That Will Change Your Life

For over a century, the pages of National Geographic have provided stories and images about the far reaches of the globe, allowing readers to visit new regions, if just in their minds.

Now, your intrepid traveler friend can use those same pages to inspire their next real-life trip, in this sprawling collection of life-changing destinations, from the iconic to the hidden gems.

Jet Lag Remedy Pills

Pills might not seem like the most appropriate gift for someone, but anyone who has experienced jet lag knows it's no joke.

This convenient little package can even be wrapped up with tickets to a faraway destination where the time-zone change can really get to a person.

“Everywhere You Go:” A Guided Travel Journal

This thought-provoking travel journal is a great travel gift for recent grads taking their first big trips abroad or anything who appreciates the life-changing moments that can happen on the road. They don’t have to be a writer or journalist to appreciate the book’s thoughtful prompts on everything from their favorite views on vacation to lessons they’ve learned while traveling.

The book is slim and small, and can be used while traveling or after they get home.

Tree Runners

AllBirds is the brand most associated with the idea of “one-shoe-to-do-it-all” while traveling, and no single shoe shows that off better than the Tree Runner. The packable shoes won’t take up much space in the recipient's bag, and the cushioning and grip make them well-suited to light hikes and treks.

And if that hike happens to be muddy, no problem: they can throw them in the washing machine when they get home. Bonus: they don’t scream “athletic shoe,” so wearers won’t get laughed out of that Parisian cafe like they may if they showed up in traditional sneakers.

Book Reading Light

As convenient as e-readers like Kindles are, some people just like the feel of paper pages. And for those people, reading using an airplane’s overhead light can feel like someone is shining a flashlight in your eyes.

If you’re buying for someone who reads actual books, magazines, or newspapers, an ultra-light clip-on book light is a great budget travel gift. It’s useful on planes and trains, but also if they want to stay up late reading in bed while their travel buddy gets some shut-eye.

eAlarm Plus 130db Emergency Alarm

If you or a friend happen to be traveling somewhere that could be unsafe for any reason (be it because of people or wild animals), this little personal alarm is a smart thing to have with you.

When activated, it makes an insanely loud noise, scaring off potential danger, and is much more effective — and easier to travel with — than pepper spray. It's TSA-approved as well, so don't worry about bringing it through security.

'An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders’

There are a million and one travel blogs out there trying to tell you where to go and what to do there. It's hard to sift through it all. The first edition of Atlas Obscura was a best-seller, and it's only gotten better. The book includes 12 city guides, including a map and info on everything you should be doing when you get to your destination.

Passport & Vaccination Card Holder

Travel in the modern world, particularly international travel, requires its fair share of crucial documentation. Yet, for some reason, the most crucial of those documents, passports and vaccine cards, are prone to damage and displacement.

Help ensure your giftee isn't stranded without the paperwork they need with this simple, colorful passport and vaccine card holder, which helps keep their documents safe, secure, and easily accessible.

More: 15 Passport Holders That’ll Have You Planning Your Next Getaway

Explorer Map

Calling all nature lovers! This awesome map allows you to chart every national park you've visited using the included tree sticker kit and a corresponding list of parks at the bottom. Place a tree on the map after you visit for a creative way of charting and tracking all your adventures.

The Carry On Cocktail Kit

Go ahead, take the edge off! For a boozy boost, this carry-on cocktail kit is the perfect gift for travelers. It comes in a variety of classic cocktail flavors and can be used to really kick the mini bottles of alcohol you can purchase on the plane up a notch.

Travel Jewelry Case

Which jewelry-loving travel-mad gal wouldn't appreciate this portable jewelry box from Kelofon? She can keep all her favorite rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings organized and in one handy place. Plus, there's a small mirror, so she can check out her look.

Faux Leather Luggage Tag

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a traveler in possession of a standard black check-in suitcase must be in want of a luggage tag. Seriously, they blur together on the carousel. Luckily, these luggage tags under $10 come in 27 colors to customize their set.

Metro Weekender

With a capacity similar to a carry-on, this highly organized weekender features a pass-through trolley sleeve and multiple interior pockets, including an additional tech slot for a 16-inch laptop. Its faux leather feels high quality, and its zippered lower storage area is ideal for wet items, dirty laundry, or pairs of shoes.

As a travel writer, this sleek bag keeps me feeling “together” in every airport situation — and provides easy access to my passport, essentials, and more; your giftee could use it as a work bag, too.

SRS-XE300 Wireless Bluetooth Portable Speaker

It's always nice to be able to listen to your top tunes during your travels, making a portable speaker the perfect gift for music-loving travelers.

We spent weeks testing the best waterproof bluetooth speakers on the market, and our Best Overall is the Sony SRS-XE300. With a robust, 24-hour battery life and a durable, waterproof build, this will keep your recipient rocking, wherever their travels take them.

"Packing a duo of full-range audio drivers and two passive radiators, the SRS-XE300 produces a powerful, distortion-free stereo sound that’s customizable via an app," wrote our testers. "Unlike other top-rated waterproof Bluetooth speakers that aren't stereo-capable, the XE300 excelled in both indoor and outdoor testing. It’s a reliable speakerphone, too."

Travel Toiletries Set

If decanting is part of their love language or they spend 20-plus minutes in front of the mirror for their skincare, this gift is for them. This elegant 16-pack of travel toiletry bottles is TSA-friendly, leak-proof, and easy to fill.

Waterproof Binoculars

Whether the person you know who’s always on the go is a national parks fan, headed out on safari, or planning a whale-watching trip on a coastal vacation, a pair of high-quality — and lightweight — binoculars are bound to come in handy.

The standard issue binoculars from Nocs hit the sweet spot between high quality and high cost and come with a storage bag and neck strap. They’re also designed to be used with phones to take photos of what you’re seeing from afar. In fact, Nocs sells a binocular camera kit (including binoculars) for about $25 more.

Grotto Sling Cooler

Shopping for someone who never lets a summer go by without making at least one trip to the lake or beach? Gift them with the convenience of a cold drink even when it’s 95 degrees outside. The Grotto Sling Cooler is a hands-free (and waterproof) way to carry up to 20 cans, keeping drinks cold for hours.

While there are plenty of trendy cooler brands in the outdoor world, the Sling Cooler is best for travel since it packs flat, making it easy to fit in even the most overpacked of family minivans.

Mosquito Repellent Rechargeable Adventure EX-Series EX90

A travel mosquito repelling device may not be the sexiest travel gift on this list, but the gift of not having bit-up, itchy legs will be. This particular device is small and easy to pack. It’s also TSA-approved for carry-on bags, unlike mosquito sprays and aerosols.

And thanks to a 9-hour battery life, it’ll last well into the evening, whether your giftee is camping near a buggy lake or sitting on their veranda at a 5-star jungle retreat.

His Staple Shorts for Every Trip

Packing can be difficult whether you’re a seasoned traveler or rarely leave the home. Your giftee will reach for this comfortable, stretchy pair of shorts time and time again. A comfort-stretch waistband and hidden phone pocket ensure these shorts hold up to any outing, but they’re equally cozy at home on the couch, too.

Best of all, this short is available in seven neutral colorways ranging from a deep olive green to a versatile light gray.

Portable White Noise Machine

Hotel sleepers tend to fall into two camps, claiming the best shut-eye of their lives or the most miserable overnight purgatory they could imagine. For those in the latter camp, consider gifting a handy, portable white noise machine to cover up those 3 A.M. ice machine treks or drunken elevator conversationalists.

Its impressive battery life, 21 soothing soundscapes, and cordless design make it a favorite amongst both family and solo travelers.

The Carry-On X Luggage 43L

The right suitcase can last years, a loyal companion throughout a lifetime of red-eyes and train connections, making it an excellent selection for a loved one deserving of a major upgrade. I can vouch: as someone who’s nearly always at the airport, this German-engineered beauty has seen more of me than my roommates.

While undoubtedly pricey, the Carl Friedrick suitcase has an impact-resistant shell, compression sleeve, separate hard-shell front pocket for laptops, and a TSA-approved lock. The 360-degree spinner wheels are butter-smooth, while its cognac and gray colorway channels first-class energy even in economy.

OWS Pro Open Ear Bluetooth Headphones

I’m often walking or running through unfamiliar streets as a frequent traveler, but keep my head on a swivel for safety reasons. Enter these incredible open-ear headphones.

While I appreciate their multipoint connection and smooth, gentle fit, I’m most impressed by these earphones’ 58+ hour run time; I’ve gone almost a month using these daily without charging the included case and still haven’t needed to power it up, making the tech ideal for long flights, meandering days, and other scenarios on the road.

Light Blocking Sleep Mask

I’m not a great napper, but between red eyes and jet lag, the travel disruption on any trip can be positively brutal. This wraparound blackout mask with soft eye cups has been my saving grace while staying in noisy hostels, tucking in for a long-haul flight across the globe, and other situations in which scoring an extra two minutes — or two hours — of rest would be crucial.

Bluetooth connectivity even allows you to queue up soundscapes, an audiobook, or your favorite playlist for the ultimate bedtime lullaby.

Fire Stick 3rd Gen Streaming Remote

At home, I hook up this streaming stick to a compact projector to create my own home theater or tote it across the street every night to a friend’s to watch our favorite show together. It’s easy to transport, fits in the smallest of carry-on pockets, and plugs into any HDMI port without requiring extra streaming service logins, making it my favorite hotel hack.

I’ve taken it on work trips, vacations, and family visits, and it seriously salvaged my trip that time I got a stomach bug at an all-inclusive resort, adding a much-needed comfort of home to a miserable travel experience.

Water Vista Sandals

Building the right packing list is an art. Finding versatile apparel and accessories is necessary to making the ‘fits without worrying about everything fitting. Somehow, whittling down shoes always feels like the worst of it.

So gift them a pair of do-it-all sandals that look just as chic on a boat deck or at a five-star chef’s table experience. Bonus: these ones are even waterproof. I’m Hawai’i-based and practically wear them everywhere.

The Minimalist Complexion Stick

Similarly, all-in-one beauty products can maximize space while minimizing those undereye circles. This foundation and concealer complexion stick scores points for its buildable, natural coverage and moisturizing ingredients ideal for parched skin after a long flight. (Does anyone else get so dry up in that altitude?) It’s practically all they need in their makeup bag.

More: The 9 Best Travel Makeup Bags for Organized Chaos

All Around Travel Tumbler

Getting up in the middle of the night for a 5 A.M. boarding time never fails to feel like an undiscovered circle of Hell (especially without TSA PreCheck.) Your “morning person” friend or loved one is probably chugging a coffee before they go through security, and immediately snagging a refill. While I’ve tried many, my go-to going-somewhere tumbler is sleek, double-wall insulated, and is even dishwasher-safe.

Language Learning Program

Learning a new language is a popular goal, especially for those with a vacation in mind. Instead of having a loved one stumble through a greeting, or accidentally ask for an entrée they’ll be suspiciously eyeing once it arrives at the dinner table, gift them a subscription to the online tutoring service Babbel before their departure.

The Instagram snaps may fade, but the delight of understanding a quick barista conversation will last forever.

Beach Towel

A quick dry towel while traveling is a lifesaver, whether your accommodations have limited amenities (“I told you we should have gone for the nice hotel”) or you’re simply relishing an afternoon hike complete with a frosty lake dip.

Laying out on the beach and not immediately drowning a towel in the sand? A+. This adorable striped towel is giving poolside vibes, and it’s made of 100 percent recycled material to boot.

Montauk Raffia Travel Pouch

Inspired by nautical aesthetics, this soft-sided travel case channels the boxy convenience of vintage travel trunks — at a much smaller size helpful for toiletries, makeup, and more. Eight interior elastic organizers keep everything neat, while polished leather details make the personalizable gift even more elegant.

Small Pouch

The Hanging Toiletry Bag

“I tend to shop at Away [for my travel needs],” said Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant and travel photographer Colton Jones. “Plus, their customer service is top-notch.” This accessory from the brand has water-resistant nylon and convenient mesh pouches that make it a pinch to settle in at a hotel for the night and be out the door to your dinner reservation. Plus, it includes a clear, detachable pocket for smaller items or liquids.

How We Chose the Best Travel Gifts

When I was a child, I dreamed of having a house full of artifacts, art, and photos I’d collected from my travels around the world. Now, 20 years later, thanks to the combination of access to a global online marketplace and getting to travel frequently for work, my home decor does indeed have a fairly global theme. I have products that remind me of places I’ve been and items to inspire travel, like planning journals and gorgeous travel books. Add in the fact that I travel at least once a month and have used most of the practical items below myself, and I have a pretty good idea of what gifts different travelers will and won’t like.

I considered factors like gift cost, overall ratings, and size and weight (essentially for carry-on travel items). Truth is I could have put together a list of 50 or 60 great travel gifts, so the ones below are truly the best of the best, whether you’re buying for a luxury traveler in their '70s or someone headed on their first post-college international vacation.

Finally, I relied on some of the previous research done by Michael Natale, Jill Fergus, and Adam Schubak. Read on to get the gifts you need!

The Expert

I’m a full-time travel journalist and editor and have been for many years. While I’m sometimes lucky enough to stay in luxury hotels, I’m usually staying at more budget-friendly accommodations, and almost always flying in basic economy, so I’m all about products that make travel more pleasant. Between the 40 to 50 flight segments I take per year, the amount of time I spend road-tripping to national parks (my favorite), and how much time I spend looking at new products for writing online reviews, I’ve been hands-on with every type of travel product below.

Our Expert Traveler Suzie Dundas Has Even More Gift Guidance

If I want to give a splurge travel gift, what would some options be?
For a splurge travel gift, consider buying someone a nicer version of something you know they’ve been eyeing. Many travelers tend to be frugal in order to save more money for travel — the kind of people who spend money on experiences, not things.

For example, a photography fan may already have a cheap-o camera tripod and your friend going on safari may already have plastic binoculars. So you know they’ll appreciate it when you get them a higher-end version to enhance their travel experience (like the tripod or binoculars listed above).

In general, avoid spending big bucks on anything customizable or personalized, as those items usually can’t be returned if it turns out it isn’t a good fit for the recipient.

When is the best time to shop for travel gifts?
Given the extensive variety of items that could count as “travel gifts,” and how many retailers there are, there’s no best time to buy travel gifts—travel isn’t tied to a certain time of year, so you can’t wait for post-season sales.

That said, depending on what type of products you’re buying, you may find that they go on sale after the season in which they’re most used. For example, beach-related products usually go on sale after Labor Day, and ski-related items may be on sale come April.

However, your best bet is probably to shop for travel gifts during the usual shopping discount seasons: back to school (mid-August), Black Friday/Cyber Monday (late November), and post-Christmas sales.

Are there travel items that are best not given as gifts?
There are definitely some travel items that are better for people to buy for themselves, rather than receive as gifts. Products related to fashion or with very specific sizing can be tricky to give as gifts, both because they may not fit and they may not match the person’s style.

It can certainly be done, but it’s why I recommend items like a packable jacket (where a slightly loose fit is fine), or a pair of unisex sunglasses to use as a secondary pair. If you do buy something that comes in multiple sizes and styles, make sure it’s a brand that offers returns and exchanges, just in case.

If you want to avoid the potential awkwardness of choosing the wrong size or aesthetic, consider a travel gift that reminds the recipient of travel. Gifts like a travel photo album or map to track where they’ve been will make a great gift—and potentially get more use, especially if the person you’re buying for is cutthroat about keeping his or her suitcase as small and light as possible while traveling.

What is the best travel gift you have ever received?
I’m a fairly practical traveler, so the best travel gifts I’ve ever gotten have been those that come in handy while away from home. I was given the universal travel adapter on this list and use it on every trip (including those in the U.S., where I don’t even need a plug adapter), because of how useful it is to be able to charge multiple devices from one plug. I was also gifted a slim, simple passport holder that has kept my passport dry and protected on multiple occasions and have also gotten immense use out of packing cubes.

That said, I’d love to be gifted some of the home items on this list that remind me of my favorite travels, like a photo album gift voucher or a national park botanical kit (hint, hint, Mom).

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