Searching for the best travel gifts? Ones that are both practical and loved by the recipient? A present that a traveler will truly appreciate? Our Travel Gift Guide can help!
As full-time travelers since 2014, we are tuned into what travelers need and want. On our list of the absolute Best Useful Travel Gifts, you will surely find that perfect present!
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Best Useful Travel Gifts
There are some items that every traveler needs. Then there are some things that travelers want, which make the experience so much better.
To help you find the ideal gift for your traveler, we have included both in our Useful Travel Gifts Guide.
Also check out our massive list of 100+Unique Travel Gifts!
Useful Travel Gifts Every Traveler Will Love
To help you find exactly what you are looking for, we sorted our list of Useful Gifts for Travelers into categories: Packing, Tech, Clothing, Toiletries and Items for an Upcoming Trip.
We offer multiple practical travel gifts for each category. Additionally, our list of travel necessities gifts range in price. So whether you’re looking for a stocking stuffer or luxury travel gifts, you’ll likely find it here!
Most Useful Gifts for Packing
It may be a daunting task, but packing is a necessary part of travel! Make the process a little bit easier with these functional and useful travel gifts.
#1 Luggage
We are kicking off our Travel Necessities Gifts list with a travel requirement: Luggage. Having something to pack in is essential and there are ample choices.
First, you need to determine if the recipient would like a backpack or suitcase. Both are fantastic traveler gift ideas, but most people have a preference.
Travel Backpacks
Personally, we like backpacks because it keeps our hands free when we are (inevitably) rushing through an airport or train station.
Backpacks also make great gifts for European travelers because rolling a suitcase over uneven cobblestone lanes is simply annoying and a hassle. Osprey and Cotopaxi are our top choices.
Suitcase for Travel
I have to admit that I occasionally envy those moving effortlessly with sleek, hard-side spinner suitcases.
Travelpro makes top-quality suitcases with incredible features, like USB power ports and RFID-blocking pockets.
#2 Passport Holder
While not 100% necessary, having a passport holder helps protect a traveler’s most precious document. It’s actually one of the best presents for those traveling overseas.
The simple and classy leather passport covers are good gifts for travelers, but you can add a special touch by creating a personalized passport holder.
Another popular passport cover is one that doubles as a wallet. We think this is a good gift for people traveling abroad because it keeps all of your most important things in one safe place.
#3 Travel Wallet Document Organizer
I don’t know what I would do without my document organizer! It keeps everything nice and tidy…and zipped up so that I’m less likely to lose items along the way.
This RFID Blocking Travel Wallet is the perfect gift for a practical traveler because it is zippered and has numerous slots for a passport, currency and credit cards.
Another feature that makes it a handy item for travel is a durable strap, so it easy to hold on to and it can even be clipped inside a larger bag.
#4 Anti-Theft Day Pack
Pickpockets and thieves prey on travelers. What better time to snatch a wallet than while the person is awing over sights or trying to figure out transport in a crowded city?
But an anti-theft travel bag stops sticky fingers from grabbing what doesn’t belong to them, which is why they make perfect gifts for someone traveling abroad.
My Timbuk2 Messenger Bag has anti-theft measures (like multiple inside zippered pockets) and Kris’ small backpack is fantastic for keeping his valuables safe.
That said, Travelon is a brand that makes a full line of anti-theft purses and bags. They get rave reviews – and are great gifts for first-time travelers and seasoned adventurers.
Other anti-theft travel items gifts are a money belt, a bra stash and boxers with a zipper pocket. All of these help to keep valuables out of the reach of thieves!
#5 Packing Cubes
When we purchased our Eagle Creek Packing Cubes, we thought they were an unnecessary splurge…now we cannot imagine traveling without them.
Not only do they help to organize, but they also compress – meaning we can pack more clothes without taking up more space!
We own many products from the line – and highly recommend buying them as gifts for frequent travelers.
These packing superstars are lightweight space-savers that every traveler must have. Mix and match the different styles to create the ultimate useful travel gift set!
Read more about How Packing Cubes Make Travel Easier.
#6 Luggage Tag and AirTags
One of the most necessary and useful travel items, a luggage tag helps to identify your suitcase when luggage gets misplaced by an airline or hotel staff.
That is why TUFFTAAG metal luggage tags are an ideal gift for someone traveling. They are secured with stainless-steel cables and come in a variety of colors.
Additionally, securing AirTags inside your bag helps to easily track down its exact location!
#7 Luggage Scale
Having to pony up extra cash at the airport for overweight bags is a terrible way to start vacation! A digital luggage weight scale from Etekcity is an affordable and fantastic travel gift!
The scale can easily weigh luggage (up to 110 pounds) or individual items as they are packed. This ensures travelers stay within allowable weight limits before they head for the airport!
Tech Gifts for Travelers
In the modern era of traveling, there are numerous technical travel gifts that can help enhance any trip! We love gadgets, but we are only highlighting the most useful travel tech gifts in this list.
#8 Travel Camera
For many, capturing the sights and precious moments of a vacation in photographs is as important as the trip itself. This is why a proper camera make a perfect present for people who travel!
For budding photographers, the Canon Rebel Kit is one of the best travel presents, as it comes with heaps of accessories.
The Rebel DSLR comes with multiple lenses (but we recommend purchasing an 18-135mm separately) and is packed with features to create amazing photos.
Pro Tip: If you are looking for a great budget camera to give as a gift, consider buying a Canon Powershot. It’s slim enough to fit into a pocket and still takes fantastic pics!
#9 Kindle Paperwhite
The Kindle Paperweight is one of the best gifts for people who travel a lot, because it is packed with top features!
A best-seller of e-readers, it features a glare-free screen, 8-32GB of storage space. Plus, it pairs with Bluetooth headphones, has a battery that lasts for weeks and is waterproof.
Bundle your present and give the gift of an Unlimited Kindle Membership that allows access to more than 1 million books!
#10 Garmin Watch
If you are searching for a gift for an outdoorsy traveler, a Garmin Fenix GPS watch might be what you are looking for!
The high-tech, durable wrist watch is made for the adventurer and includes features like navigation tools, connectivity and a long-lasting battery.
#11 Portable Charger
With full days of sightseeing, picture-taking, social-media-sharing and map-checking, mobile devices will surely need a boost. That’s why a portable charger is one of the most useful things for traveling!
There are numerous choices for portable power banks, but the Anker PowerCore 10000 is what we use.
#12 Waterproof Phone Case
Some of the best vacation moments are spent in the water. Like splashing in a pool, going head-first down a water slide, boating on a lake or snorkeling in the sea.
Still, water is the worst place for most electronic devices. Therefore, a waterproof phone case is one of the best gifts for those who travel!
The waterproof JOTO Cellphone Dry Bag is not only ideal for stowing handheld devices (plus money and credit cards), but it’s clear, making it possible to take photos while in the water.
Budget Gift Tip: This is a great small travel gift, as it costs less than $10!
#13 Travel Adapter
Looking for gifts for someone traveling abroad? A universal travel adapter is a necessity for international travelers!
When buying adapters as gifts for overseas travelers, make sure it comes with multiple USB ports to charge several devices at one time. It’s one of the useful travel gifts for family trips, too!
Clothing Gifts for People Who Travel
Clothes that are designed with the traveler in mind make fantastic travel gifts! Our clothing gift suggestions for travelers include outdoor apparel, multi-functional scarves and accessories.
#14 Technical Travel Apparel
When you think of travel items gifts, you may not think of clothes. However, technically designed apparel is one of the things travelers may need.
Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing items make some of the best travel related gifts. There are two companies that come to mind when we think of travel wear.
We have long been fans of Columbia apparel. They have a range of tough-tested gear that is both stylish and functional – as well as comfortable.
Kris owns a pair of Mountain Hardware pants that have seen some miles, yet hardly show any wear at all. Their gear is top-quality, made for the outdoors and they have clothing for women, too!
#15 Buff Multi-Purpose Band
This multi-purpose headband is incredibly versatile – which is what makes it one of the perfect presents for people traveling!
It can be situated on the head numerous ways – as a scarf, hat, headband, hair cover, mouth-ear-and-nose cover and hood – to name a few.
Buff bands are also quick-drying and moisture-wicking. Plus, the fabric is treated to help control odors, which is another reason they make a great travel present.
#16 Lightweight Raincoat
A rain jacket is useful to have on any trip! Traditional rain coats can be heavy and bulky – and while plastic rain covers work in a pinch, they are not ideal.
That’s why a travel raincoat is one of the best gifts for someone traveling. The jacket is not only waterproof and breathable, but it only weighs 6.4 ounces and folds into it’s own carrying pouch.
Top Tip: While the raincoat by itself should keep you dry, pair it with a lightweight and compact travel umbrella to make it a perfect travel gift pack!
#17 Compression Socks
Airplane travel – especially long-haul flights – can take a toll on your body, most notably on blood circulation.
Passengers often notice their feet and legs are swollen and some travelers have developed blood clots after being in the air.
Compression socks (as unattractive as they may be) aid in keeping blood circulating properly to reduce the risk of swelling and clotting.
This is why we feel they’re one of the most practical gifts for traveling. Looking for a product with a little pizzazz? Try these colorful ones!
#18 Versatile Wrap
The wrap I carry with me is the most versatile item in my backpack and one of my most useful travel items.
I have used it as intended, a scarf, a picnic blanket, a beach towel, a shower towel, a bus seat cover and rolled up as a plane pillow. To wrap it up (pun intended), it makes a fantastic travel gift!
#19 Travel Scarf with Hidden Pocket
This Travel Scarf is an ingenious invention: it’s an infinity scarf with a hidden zippered pocket!
So, while it is fashionable to wear and can provide a bit of warmth, it also has a secure spot for a passport, wallet and phone.
If you are shopping for Useful Travel Gifts for Him, consider this Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Hidden Compartment!
#20 Travel Accessory Gifts for Clothes
Minimalist packers and travelers on long trips will undoubtedly need to wash a few clothing items at some point on their journey. Fortunately, there are numerous apparel accessories that you can buy as presents for travelers!
A Travel Clothesline is key for those who need to ‘sink wash’ items like socks and undies – and they will need travel detergent packets, too.
Business travelers might like these folding hangers and a mini-iron to keep clothes looking fresh for meetings abroad.
While we wouldn’t categorize these items as fun travel gifts, they’re great for someone who travels for work.
Toiletry Travel Gifts
Travelers need quality products to ensure liquids won’t spill and that what they carry through security meets TSA guidelines. That said, there are a ton of helpful travel size gifts that are useful!
#21 GoToob
People have been raving about GoToob products for years. The refillable, no-drip, silicon bottles are great for frequent travelers who want to carry their own shampoo, conditioner and body wash.
The best reason these are good plane travel gifts: the bottles meet the regulations for TSA and the latest-edition are clearly marked as being 3.4 oz and 100 ml.
#22 Toiletry Travel Kit
If you are looking for a gift for a novice traveler, a Toiletry Travel Kit fits the bill! It includes numerous grooming necessities packaged in TSA-approved bottles.
It’s like giving 19 small travel gifts in one package! On the other hand, a luxury leather toiletry bag is fantastic for frequent travelers.
#23 L’Occitane
Spoil your traveler a little with something luxurious from the L’Occitane Travel Collection. Their travel-size essentials, like shampoo, conditioner, lotion and creams are great gifts for travelers.
And, during the holidays, they offer fun gift sets – like their 24-item Advent Calendar and travel-size lotion box sets!
#24 Travel Essentials
There are a few essential toiletry items we would never travel without – and they just so happen to be really good gifts for travelers!
Some of ours are hand sanitizer, tissue packets, Band-aids and a travel roll of toilet paper…just in case!
Read more about the Everyday Items for Travel that we always pack!
Useful Travel Gifts for an Upcoming Trip
If the traveler you are buying a present for has a trip planned, our destination-specific travel gift ideas might be exactly what you are looking for!
#25 Guidebooks
Guidebooks are outstanding gifts for people who love to travel. Lonely Planet provides information and advice for destinations on every continent.
Their collection of travel books range from multi-country to city-specific. They also have eBooks, language books and books for kids – as well as an entire series of gifts to inspire travel.
Looking for something different? We also suggest Rick Steves’ Guidebooks as gifts for European travel.
#26 Must-Have In-Flight Travel Gear
Plane travel is not as glamorous as it once was, but with the right in-flight gear, it can still be an enjoyable ride.
Some of the best plane travel gifts are a contoured eye mask and a revolutionary neck-support TRTL travel pillow.
A good pair of noise-canceling headphones is a must. If the loved one you are buying a gift for uses wireless headphones, then a Twelve South Airfly Bluetooth Adapter might be useful, too.
Travelers who suffer from extreme ear pressure may benefit from using EarPlanes that help reduce air pressure discomfort.
Additionally, a Travel Clean Kit – which includes hand wipes, face wipes, a face mask and a headrest cover – is a great gift for people who travel by plane.
Pro Tip: These air travel gifts all make great stocking stuffers, too!
#27 Safety Gadgets
It’s always a good idea for travelers practice safety precautions – and there are several ways to stay safe when away from home.
A personal safety alarm is one of the ‘keep safe’ travel gifts for people who love to venture on their own. It is activated by a push of a button and there’s even a back up whistle.
A Door Stopper Alarm is another great gift that is useful for travelers. It can provide an extra level of security for staying in hotel rooms or vacation rentals.
Another safety travel gift is a Portable Carbon Monoxide Detector. The small gadget can detect harmful CO gas in hotel rooms, Airbnb apartments, VanLife cars and tents.
#28 Travel Experience Gifts
Experiences are one of the best gifts for travel junkies! Whether looking for gifts for traveling abroad or destinations in your own country, gifting someone a travel experience is a fantastic idea.
Viator is a one-stop-shop for booking activities worldwide. You can book these experiences in advance, which makes them fabulous travel gifts.
From watching a Moulin Rouge Show in Paris to joining a guide for a Food Tour in Amsterdam, Viator has a range of activities that any traveler would love!
#29 Rosetta Stone
Before traveling to a new country, we like to learn the some of the key phrases in the local language.
Rosetta Stone offers interactive software in 25 languages to help explorers learn more than just a few words and phrases, which is why it is one of the best gifts for someone traveling abroad!
For those who want a continued online education of a specific language, Rosetta Stone offers year-long memberships.
#30 Airport Lounge Access as a Travel Gift
We believe the Priority Pass is one of the best gifts for frequent travelers. Membership means VIP access to more than 1,000 airport lounges in cities around the world!
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