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Looking for some fun, useful gifts for travelers in your life (or even for yourself 😉 )? Well, I’ve curated the following list just for you!
Finding the perfect gift for a traveler can be tough. You may not know what they want, what they do not want, what they already have, etc. Just remember that someone who travels a lot:
- Does it because he/she probably values the experience of traveling (different culture, food, etc)
- Needs to because of work, and/or
- Probably has all the gear that he/she needs already
The key to getting a great gift for a traveler is to listen to what they complain about the most. Do they complain about neck problems after a plane ride? Or, do they wish they can take better pictures when they travel?
And that’s why I created the following list – to help you out and give you some ideas. If you know someone who travels a lot – whether its for business, pleasure, or school – I’m sure they’ll find any of the items below very useful.
Gift Ideas For Travelers
1. Travel Pillow
A travel pillow is a perfect gift for any traveler. And most travelers would even say its a necessity when travelling. I even made a blog post about how much I love my current travel pillow, and I travel everywhere with it.
Suggestions:
ComfoArray Travel Pillow, Neck Pillow for Airplane and Car
2. Tile Mate – Bluetooth Tracker
Tile Mate is a small portable Bluetooth tracker that will help you track down your belongings. You can put it in your luggage, wallet, bag, etc. and the Tile app will show you the last location it found it in. This is great for travelers who worry about their checked baggage getting lost, or fear they might lose their wallet or something more valuable.
Suggestions:
3. Passport Cover
A passport cover is great for those who would like to “jazz up” the look of their passport, or simply keep your passport safe from scratches or RFID identity theft. Some passport covers even come with pockets where you can store boarding passes, custom forms, or money just in case.
Suggestions:
Time to Travel Passport Holder
4. Packing Cubes
Also called “luggage organizers”, packing cubes are great for organizing your stuff, protecting your clothing from accidental spills, and preventing the bottom of your shoes from dirtying your stuff.
Suggestions:
Packing Cubes – 4 Set With Laundry Bag
Compression Packing Cubes – Save Space!
5. Shoe Insoles
Insoles are a great gift for travelers who love to explore from sun-up ‘til sundown. Last year, I went to a convention and due to having uncomfortable shoes, I came home with a sore, discolored toe. Now, almost every single pair of shoes I own have insoles in them, and trust me they make a huge difference.
Suggestion:
6. Eye Mask
Eye masks are great to have on very long flights. Usually the flight attendants dim the lights on the plane, but you might want to filter out some more light in order to sleep better. They’re multiple eye masks to choose from, but my favorite is definitely the “please wake me for meals” one – nothing sucks more than missing out on a meal during a 13 hour flight!
Suggestions:
Please Wake Me For Meals Eye Mask
7. Travel-Size Toiletries Kit
When you travel a lot, your toiletries (lotion, toothpaste, etc) tend to run out fast! That’s why I believe a travel-size toiletries kit would make a great gift for any frequent traveler. This would save them from having to run out to the store all the time.
Suggestions:
8. Insulated Bottle
What’s the difference between an insulated bottle and a regular one? An insulated bottle keeps your liquids cold/warm for a longer period of time. For example, you can fill one up with hot chocolate and your beverage will stay warm for up to 20 hours. This is a great gift for those who are always on the road.
Suggestion:
Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug, Matte Gold
Kleen Kanteen Insulated Stainless Steel Bottle
9. Portable Blender
Portable blenders are great for travelers who are always on the road. You can make a quick smoothie from anywhere – just add in some fruits and water, mix it all up, and you’re good to go! The main advantage of this blender is mobility – it’s battery operated and cordless, so you can use it anywhere and everywhere.
Suggestion:
Portable USB Blender On Amazon
10. Self Watering Flower Pot
I know what you’re thinking. “What, a flower vase? Why is a flower vase in a list about gifts for travelers??”
Hear me out – this can be a GREAT gift for those who have plenty of flowers, but are not always home to water them.
Self watering flower pots automatically keep your plants refreshed for a couple of days. In addition, these pots allow the plants themselves to regulate how much water they intake. As a result, this would take a lot of stress away from those who own many plants but are always travelling.
Suggestions:
- Qualy Carepot – Self Watering Plant Pot
- MoMa Self-Watering Pot
- Blazin’ Bison Indoor Plant Watering Globes
11. Digital Camera
A digital camera is a great gift for travelers who would like to take better pictures. Or if they are into vintage stuff, they can take Polaroid-style photos with the Fujifilm Mini Camera. A camera can even make a great gift for someone who is thinking about starting a travel vlog/blog.
Suggestions:
Canon Powershot G9 X Mark II Compact Digital Camera
12. Portable Battery Charger
Oh man. A portable battery charger can be so useful while traveling. It’s one of my must-have items I carry with me while traveling abroad. They’re many portable battery chargers to choose from, but the bigger the battery power, the better.
Suggestion:
TG90 Power Bank Portable Charger 10,000mAh
13. Portable Luggage Scale
A portable luggage scale can be a time-saver – and perhaps a trip-saver – for those who pack a LOT of stuff when traveling. Because nothing sucks more than heading to the airport, checking in your bag, and finding out your bag is 10 Lbs over the limit. Instead, you can weigh your bag at home by using this portable luggage scale from the comfort of your room.
Suggestion:
14. Portable Toothbrush With Toothpaste
Does the traveler in your life like to hike or camp out a lot? Or do they take a lot of long flights? Well, these mini disposable toothbrushes can be very convenient for them since you do not need water to use them. They are also tiny enough to stuff in your bag.
Suggestions:
Crest Scope | Mini Brushes-Disposable Toothbrushes
Colgate 24 Count Disposable Mini Toothbrushes
15. Jewelry Case/Organizer
A jewelry case is great gift for travelers who always carry loads of jewelry with them. When I first started traveling, I used to just throw my jewelry in my suitcase. However, my jewelry would end of ruining my suitcase – either my earrings would pierce a hole through the material or my necklaces would get tangled with my clothes. Life has changed since I started using a jewelry case.
So all-in-all, a jewelry case would help keep your jewelry organized and secure. It will also stop your jewelry from ruining your bag by piercing a hole through it.
Suggestions:
Vlando Viaggo Small Jewelry Case
Vlando Small Faux Leather Travel Jewelry Case
16. Necktie Travel Roll
These neckties would make a great gift for male travelers. The case keeps all of their neckties in one place, and keeps them wrinkle-free.
Suggestion:
17. Waterproof Phone Case
My iPhone’s waterproof phone case has saved me multiple times when traveling. These cases are great because they’ll protect your phone just in case there’s a random rain storm or if it ends up in a pool. Or, you can take pictures in wet environments without ruining your phone.
Suggestion:
iPhone XR Waterproof Phone Case, Underwater Cover
JOTO Universal Waterproof Pouch Phone Dry Bag
18. Travel Makeup Bag
Makeup bags are definitely a necessity, whether you’re traveling or just trying to organize your vanity. The bag helps to keep your makeup all in one place, and can prevent accidental spillages or breaks. They can also be useful for storing your travel-sized items for TSA inspection.
Suggestions:
Premium Hanging Toiletry Bag for Men and Women
19. iPhone/Android Camera Lens
Take your photography skills up a notch and attach a lens to your phone’s camera. These lens would not only widen the lens, but they will also make your pictures look more high definition. This would be a great gift for those who love to take lots of pictures while traveling, but want to improve their pictures’ quality.
Suggestion:
Phone Camera Lens – For iPhones and Androids
Moment iPhone X Photo Case
20. Scratch-off Travel Map
I’m sure any travel lover would find this fun! A scratch-off travel map is basically a cool way to show the places one has traveled to – and places one hasn’t traveled to yet. Hang it up in your home and it can be a way to start a conversation when guests come over.
Suggestions:
Maps International Scratch The World Travel Map
21. Color Map Mug
A travel mug is another interesting way to show off where you’ve traveled to. You take a marker, color in the country you’ve been to, and place it in the oven so that the color would stay on the mug.
Suggestion:
22. Cork Globe
A cork globe can be used to show where you’ve been, map out where you want to go next, or have guests pin where they’re from (especially if you own a shop or host your own tours). For example, when I went to Japan I signed up to join a cooking class. Towards the end of the class, the host asked me to pin where I’m from on her Cork Globe – she asks all of her visitors to do so. The globe already had 100 pins on it, and it was cool to see where a majority of her visitors were from. It also sparked a conversation about the different quirks and cultural traits each visitor had.
Suggestions:
Bullseye Office Magnetic World Globe
Globe Trekkers – Mini Cork Globe
23. Cordless Hair Straightener/Blow Dryer
One of the worst things about traveling is plugging your expensive appliances into an outlet and blowing the fuse. It sucks more when the hotel’s blow dryer stops working but you still have many hair sections to go through (been there, done that). That’s why a cordless hair straightener/blow dryer would make the perfect gift – especially for travelers that like to swim. However I definitely would not suggest substituting your regular appliances for a small travel one, since the travel-sized versions produce less heat.
Suggestions:
24. Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Ever been on a plane in the seat next to a cry baby? Or in an AirBnb with very thin walls? Or in a crowded and noisy hostel? I have, and it’s not fun. That’s why I decided to invest in noise-cancelling headphones. They’re great for tuning the world out so that I can get a restful sleep or read a book in peace.
Suggestions:
Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Headphones
Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones
25. Universal Travel Adapter
Personally, the greatest gift I’ve ever received was a universal adapter. With a Universal travel adapter, you can use any plug from any country, and the adapter would protect your appliances from blowing out the fuse.
Suggestion:
Travel Adapter, Worldwide All In One Universal Travel Adapter
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26. Kindle
Kindles are great for travelers who love to read books. After all, traveling is a great time to catch up on your readings. Instead of carrying a bunch of books in your bag, you can carry this little device that can store multiple books in one. You can try traveling to a new country and downloading a book to read from an author from the country. The newest Kindles are also waterproof, so you’re able to relax and read next to a pool, the beach, or in a Jacuzzi.
Suggestion:
27. Steamer
Steamers are great for removing wrinkles from most clothes, curtains, bedding, etc. They can be a huge time saver since they get rid of wrinkles fast. A travel-size version is also easier to pack than an iron.
Suggestions:
JSD Steamer for Clothes, 7 in 1 Travel Garment Steamers
28. Sheet Masks
Traveling can really dry out your skin, or make you breakout. That’s why sheet masks are really handy – they’re a quick solution to restore the moisture and elasticity in your face.
Suggestions:
Midnight Blue Calming Sheet Mask
29. GoPRO
If you would like to take your videos up a notch, then getting a GoPRO is the way to go. GoPROs are great for taking first person action videos, and the most recent ones have better image stabilizer and wider shots than an iPhone. This means your videos will be less shaky than the videos you take on your iPhone. Also, GoPROs are waterproof so you can take videos in extreme weather conditions.
Suggestion:
GoPro Hero7 Waterproof Action Camera
30. Camera Battery Charging Case
This is a great gift for travelers who take a ton of pictures, and needs a second alternative to their camera’s wired charger. Make sure you get a charger that’s compatible with their camera though – they’re not all size fit one.
31. Pocket Language Translator Device
Okay so I never knew how convenient it is to have a translator on you until I visited Japan. I only know about 10 Japanese phrases off the top of my head. Most of the locals spoke English, but communication became more difficult once I left a big city area. I wish I had a pocket translator, and didn’t even know these existed until I came back to the United States.
You speak into them, and the device translates what you’ve said in a language of your choice. I’ve read stories where people had a whole conversation with a stranger they’ve met who didn’t speak English by using a pocket translator. Technology, ladies and gentlemen.
Suggestions:
Birgus Language Translator Device Two Way Instant Voice Translator
32. Humidifier
A portable humidifier can help out any traveler, especially since you’re most likely breathing in dry air while sleeping in a hotel or AirBnB. For example, my friend finds that he must bring a humidifier with him when he travels because his nose tends to get dry. I have also considered investing in one because my skin gets EXTREMELY dry when away. I borrowed my friend’s humidifier when I went to Puerto Vallarta and I immediately realized the difference.
Suggestion:
URPOWER Essential Oil Diffuser and Humidifier
33. Travel Journal
A travel journal is something that I wished I had when I first started travelling around the world. It’s a great place to store pictures, memories, money, phone numbers of people you’ve met abroad, and more. And it’s a cool way to show friends what you were up to or to reminisce on a great trip.
Suggestions:
Pack This Journal – Personalized Travel Journal
Travel Journal: My Travel BucketList
34. Ticket Stub Organizer
A ticket stub organizer is similar to a travel journal, except it’s a book to place all of the tickets, dollar bills, or pictures you’ve acquired while abroad. It’s a great way to reminisce about previous trips and a conversation-starter when guests come over.
Suggestions:
Just the Ticket: Ticket Stub Organizer
35. Personalized Beach Blanket
This is a great idea if you want to make your gift more personable! Instead of giving someone a regular beach blanket, you can give them a blanket with a special message or just their name. This is also great gift for business owners or content creators who would love to spread their brand around.
Suggestion:
36. Portable Speakers
Portable speakers are great for those who love to jam to music in their room, or host a get-together with their new friends they’ve met on their trip. Our phones may be advanced, but the speakers are sometimes not loud enough. I know a couple of people who like to stay at hostels and they’ve told me that at night, they and their hostel-mates like to blast music.
Suggestions:
JBL Clip 3 Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers
37. Comfy Travel Slippers
You know, one thing that I always overlook when traveling is bringing my slippers. Earlier in my traveling days I’ll forget to bring them, and it would suck to walk around on the cold floor of an AirBnB or hotel. A pair of comfy slippers would make a great gift for a traveler who always forgets to bring their slippers as well! They can just store it in their suitcase and leave it in there until their next trip.
Suggestions:
Adidas Slides For Men (Also available for women)
38. Handheld Gaming Device
Any gamer would tell you – time sure passes by when you’re playing video games. A 10 hour long trip can feel like 5 hours or less when you’re distracted. That’s what makes a handheld gaming device so great – it’s portable so you can carry it everywhere, and they can make a long trip much more fun.
Suggestions:
Retro Portable Game Mini Machine
39. Luggage Tag
Nothing is more nerve wracking than someone taking your luggage from the belt thinking its theirs, or losing your luggage and personal belongings before a week long vacation. A luggage tag makes it easier for you to spot your bag in baggage claim. And if you want, you can also put your name and address on the tag just in case the luggage gets lost.
Suggestions:
40. Flight or Event Tickets
Why not just get your travel lover(s) tickets to their dream vacation or a cool event they’ve always wanted to attend? Event can include concerts, sky-diving, a movie, a cruise, etc. Before you buy tickets, I advise that you ask them if they have anything planned for those specific dates or better yet – if they already got tickets for that event.
Sites to check out:
41. Travel Sewing Kit
A sewing kit is great for clothing emergencies that (conveniently -_-) take place while travelling. It’s best to know beforehand if the traveler in your life knows how to sew.
Suggestions:
Embroidex Sewing Kit for Home, Travel, & Emergencies
42. Custom Love Letters
If you would like to be more personable, you can always write a couple of love letters to a significant other whose going on a long trip. You will always be in their mind while you’re both apart, and it’s a cute way to express how much you appreciate them!
Some Tips to Help You Get Started:
Here a couple of Love Phrases for Your Partner Who Is Travelling
And here’s an example of a sweet love letter
(But don’t plagiarize! This should come directly from your heart.)
43. Cash/Gift Cards
And of course – what can go wrong with giving a traveler some money? Traveling isn’t cheap, and cash would be a great gift if you just don’t know what the person wants. Gift Cards are a great gift as well if you know that the person favors a certain brand.
Suggestions:
List of Items I Would Not Recommend You Buy For A Traveler (Unless They Ask)
1. Luggage/Bags
The reason why I don’t suggest getting a luggage/bag for a traveler is because usually people are pretty picky about these things. They might not like the design, the color, the feel, the type, etc. Or, they might already have luggage/bags of their own, especially if they travel a lot.
2. Earplugs
The only reason why I don’t suggest getting ear plugs is because, well, you probably don’t know the correct size of the person’s ear hole. So it’ll be awkward to buy a size that can’t even fit.
3. Drones
Drones used to be cool back in the day. But now, drones are considered illegal in many countries. Or, one may have to follow a bunch of regulations that may be hard to remember (especially in the United States).
