Looking for the perfect gift for the traveler in your life? Look no further! I have compiled this list of 25 useful travel gifts that will fit every budget, and occasion. This list has functional travel gift ideas that your recipient will use year after year – without fail!
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25 Useful Travel Gifts For Everyone
Travel Wallet
An RFID travel wallet is a perfect travel gift for Christmas, birthday, or any occasion. Check out this passport wallet that holds important documents, credit cards, and cash – and everything is neatly organized inside.
Zoppen Multi-purpose cover is equipped with advanced RFID blocking technology, and it keeps thieves away from you and protects your personal information to safeguard your privacy.
The best part is that it comes in a stylish design with many colors, and is super roomy. You can store your passport, boarding pass, credit cards, money, coins, keys, and a pen. If you have a slim phone you can store that as well (max 5.8 inches).
Check out the colors, and shipping options here.
Luggage Locator
This is a great gift for the traveler who’s always on the go. The Tile Mate Bluetooth Tracking Sticker is a small but powerful gadget that can be attached to virtually anything. It helps track your belongings easily and quickly with a loud ring if you’re close enough.
It also works to track missing phones!
Check out buying options here.
e-Reader
For the reader in your life, an e-reader is a handy gift, especially if they are always on the go. Kindle Paperwhite is waterproof and can store up to 8 GB worth of ebooks, and PDF files.
It is slim, and super lightweight, and can be used outdoors, at home, or when commuting. There is also an in-built light that lets you read anywhere. And the best part is a single battery charge can last weeks, not hours.
Water Bottle
A reusable water bottle is a must for every travel lover, and it is very functional – anywhere they go. Save money, and stay hydrated with this Hydro Flask Water Bottle. I love that it has a wide mouth, and keeps drinks hot and cold for hours.
It is handy on sightseeing trips, hikes, or picnics nearby.
Portable Charger
A portable charger is a must-have for every traveler. It doesn’t only recharge smartphones, but it can be used for cameras, tablets, and anything that has USB power capabilities. Larger models are also equipped with solar panels which are very useful in emergency situations when there’s no electricity.
Solar Powered Charger
Or you can get a solar-powered charger instead. This is another useful gadget, perfect for travelers who are always on the go! It can be used to recharge a smartphone, tablet, digital camera, and other electronic devices.
The best part about this is that it’s really compact and lightweight. It can be easily changed during the day by exposing it to sunlight, so no need to carry extra battery packs any longer. For those who love the outdoors, this is a great gift!
Check out more solar-powered chargers here.
Travel Journal or Personalized Travel Book
A travel journal is a must-have for any traveler. It helps to remember details and gives a chance to relive the experience of traveling again later.
Your recipient can use it as a diary or even a photography book where they can paste their favorite photos from the trip!
I like a plain notebook with a travel theme cover like this one.
Packing cubes
Another useful travel gift is a set of packing cubes. This helps to pack and organize stuff (clothes, shoes, etc) neatly and compactly so they can fit more in the suitcase or a carry-on. No need to deal with unorganized luggage anymore!
Universal Travel Adapter
This is a must-have gadget for any international traveler. I like this one because of its superior build quality and compact size, but there are many other options available of course.
Portable Speakers
Portable speakers will be useful for the traveler who loves music or podcasts. A portable speaker can be used during outdoor activities, for picnics, camping, hiking, and more!
I like this JBL FLIP 5 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker, and this makes for a great gift. It comes in a hardshell case, and you can pick the speakers in a variety of colors.
Plus they are waterproof, and work via Bluetooth, and last up to 12 hours.
Electronic Organizer Bag
This is an organizer bag for electronic essentials. It has multiple compartments, and it comes with a wristlet to hold, with a quick-release strap. It is made of reliable fabric and has storage options for chargers, Bluetooth headphones, a cord, and hard drives or USB sticks.
Mini First Aid Kit
Surviving a minor injury is not too difficult with a mini first aid kit. I picked this Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight and Watertight because it’s lightweight, compact, and has all the essentials you need for road trips or campouts. This is a perfect travel gift for the explorer in your life!
Carry on approved backpack
A high-quality backpack will be helpful on all trips – hiking, camping, or just for everyday use. I like the Hynes Eagle Travel Backpack with 40L capacity, as this is made of good quality material, and is a carry-on approved backpack.
In terms of organization, it has one front zipper pocket with interior slip compartments. You can also store a large (up to 15.6 inches) laptop. The straps are wide and comfortable to carry.
As a useful gift item, this is perfect as it also comes with a set of packing cubes to organize clothes inside the backpack.
Daypack
A daypack is a small but very useful travel gift. It is functional, and it can be used for daily necessities while exploring the city or hiking, or even for an extra change of clothes for quick layovers.
This daypack by North Face is lightweight, durable, and is made of waterproof material. Plus it comes in a variety of colors!
Inflight comfort kit
An airplane comfort kit is a functional gift idea. This set includes a memory foam neck pillow, earplugs, and an eye mask. It also comes inside of a packable cover – ready to go – perfect for the frequent flyer, and travel lover.
Mini Power Strip
This travel power strip is capable of charging up to 3 devices at once – very useful when you are sharing a room with other people and you all want to charge your electronics at the same time.
I like to charge multiple devices when I am on the go!
Luggage scale
A luggage scale is a must-have for any traveler – it’s very helpful to avoid paying extra fees for overweight baggage, and can be used daily to weigh grocery bags and other items.
This item has a long battery life and is easy to use. Remember that it is made for travel, and so it is portable. You can fit the scale inside the pockets without the weight. There is a thermometer temperature sensor in both F° and C° available in this scale, so it showcases delicate luggage in an ideal climate.
Travel Umbrella
When traveling in Europe, or places where rains are frequent, consider adding an umbrella to the gift list.
This Weather-Resistant Travel Umbrella comes in high quality and is perfect to keep you or your loved one dry. And the best part is that it is compact, so you can easily fit it inside of your daypack or tote.
Luggage Travel Cup Holder
This is a useful travel gift and something that is also very clever!
A luggage travel cup holder allows one to go hands-free (especially if traveling with kids or have a lot of bags). Travel cup holder can hold two drinks, and it also allows you to keep your cellphone or any small items inside of the (three) available pockets.
It is super easy to snap onto the luggage via magic tape, and it won’t cause any damage. A luggage cup holder makes for a perfect creative gift for him/her who travels a lot.
Travel Cosmetics Organizer or Toiletry Bag
A toiletry bag is a compact and lightweight travel cosmetics organizer which you can use for shampoo, conditioners, sunscreen, lotions, or anything with large volume.
BAGSMART Toiletry Bag is a large capacity (12.6 x 9.1 x 4.3 inches when rolled), and it also has zippers to neatly separate cosmetics for each traveler in the group. This is a perfect gift for travel families, or for extended trips!
This bag has 4 compartments with smaller pockets in different sizes to keep the liquids from spilling when on the go. Plus it has a stow-away 360-degree swivel non-slip metal hook for hanging and comes in a waterproof material (which is wipeable).
Travel Blanket
For the frequent flyer in your life, a travel blanket is a thoughtful gift. This is something they can use on each trip, and it will remind them of your loving gesture.
Travel blankets can be used inflight while traveling in buses/trains or on road trips. They are very functional.
I like the BlueHills Premium Soft Travel Blanket which is made of soft and plush material. It comes in a matching carrying case (which can be used as a pillow as well). Its size is compact and lightweight for travel.
Infinity Scarf with Hidden Pockets
An infinity scarf with hidden pockets is a nifty gift idea. This one is made up of super soft material and comes with a hidden pocket and zipper. One can store passports, credit cards, or any jewelry inside of it.
Other than serving the purpose of a ‘bag’, this cozy infinity scarf provides warmth, and there are multiple ways to wear it – like a traditional scarf, wrap, shawl, hoodie, travel blanket, you name it!
Your loved one will love this gift idea, and it will keep their valuables safe in any environment.
Portable Jewelry Travel Box
Another handy travel gift is a portable jewelry box. This one is in a square shape, and it can store necklaces, rings, earrings, and more. It comes with two removable dividers, six ring rolls, three necklace hooks, and an elastic wall pocket.
Don’t go by its size as it can fit a decent amount for travel, and is very lightweight and compact. Perfect gift for birthdays, stocking stuffers, or anniversaries!
Travel books
Travel books are great gifts for the wanderlust in your life! These coffee table books ooze amazing travel inspiration through captivating photos, and tips to help inspire your loved one to venture more!
Here are some of my top picks for travel books
- Wanderlust: A Traveler’s Guide to the Globe
- Destinations of a Lifetime: 225 of the World’s Most Amazing Places
- Unforgettable Journeys: Slow Down and See the World
- The Travel Book: A Journey Through Every Country in the World (Lonely Planet)
- The Art of the National Parks (Fifty-Nine Parks): (National Parks Art Books, Books For Nature Lovers, National Parks Posters, The Art of the National Parks)
- The Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big & Small
Gift cards
Still unsure what to give? Choose a gift card from Amazon or any other retailer that sells travel products. I like Amazon because you can choose from a wide variety of items from clothing, shoes, backpacks, gift cards, books, and more.
Amazon cards can be sent via email, so you have to wait for them to be delivered by snail mail. This is perfect for last-minute Christmas gift ideas too! Don’t wait!
We hope you enjoyed this list of useful travel gifts for those on the go. Remember, these are just a few ideas to get you started and we encourage you to share your own tips with us in the comments below!
Or if you have a favorite from this list, let us know too.
For more travel tips and travel gear inspiration for hikers check out this gift guide