Gift Ideas For Someone Who Loves Traveling [updated December 2018]
The Best Gifts for Travelers? It is difficult to find a perfect gift for that special jet-setter in your life. I’m here to provide some excellent gift ideas you can give to someone who’s got a severe case of wanderlust.
Having been to over 53 countries, I know what items work and what doesn’t. I pack things that I use and can withstand the rigors of adventure travel. Packing light and using items with multiple purposes is my motto and I’m sure that bold adventurer in your life would also agree.
This compilation of gift ideas is sure to make any journey comfortable and fun at the same time. Best of all, it won’t break the bank, so there’s more left money for that airline ticket!
Travel Gift Guide:
- Awesome Gifts Under $50
- Amazing Gifts Under $100
- The Frequent Traveler
- Travel Gifts For Men
- Travel Gifts For Her
- Best Gifts For Adventurers
- Best Gifts For The Geeky Traveler
- Gifts For Travel Photographers
Gifts Under $50
Here are some gifts that definitely won’t break the bank! Gift ideas that are sure to be used by any traveler.
International Power Adapter Kit
Your jet-setter will be very happy with this item. No matter where he or she is in the world, you can be sure they are plugged in and recharged. The Ceptics 12 pack has all the sizes and adapters for practically all the known civilized world.
If your traveler is an Apple user, the Apple World Travel Adapter Kit fits the bill.
Carry On Cocktail Kit
Your favorite traveler complaining about underpowered in-flight drinks? Have them bring their bar to the flight! These practical kit will have them making their Bloody Marys in no time.
Pro Packing Cubes
Packing cubes help you organize and compress items in your luggage. This set will help you compress clothes, toiletries and everything in between.
Scratch the World Travel Map
A perfect gift for the humblebragger traveler. Now they can show off where they’ve been around the world or perhaps they can plan their next trip on this world map poster. It’s also a perfect gift to educate soon would be young explorers!
Espro Travel Coffee Press
This coffee press is design for people on the go who wants excellent tasting coffee. You can take it with you on extended backpacking or camping trips with a bag of coffee and brew your tasty coffee every day. It sure beats the nasty instant coffee you get at some hotels.
GOOLOO Quick Charge
This item is one of the most practical things I have during long road-trips. It saved my neck several times over when I forgot to turn off the car lights and drained my battery. I can charge your camera, smartphone, and even your laptop on top to being able to jump start your car. This is a must-have item for the traveler always on the road.
Matador Packable Adventure Travel Gear
Matador gear offers the perfect under $50 gift for the adventurer. The brand boasts some of the most practical products from a packable tote bag to a packable lens base layer. Check it out!
Gifts Under $100
For a little bit more and still under a hundred bucks, these gifts will keep on giving.
Packsafe Travel Backpack
The Pacsafe Metrosafe is an anti-theft travel backpack that a traveler can take as a piece of extra luggage. It’s made of cut-proof lightweight steel mesh meant to prevent pickpocketing and slashing. It also comes equipped with RFID blocking pocket that keeps credit cards and IDs safe.
LuminAID PackLite Hero
The LuminAID is an awesome device, for around $70 you get a solar phone charger, camping lantern, and battery backup. It weighs less than 10 ounces and packs down to 1 inch thick so it can easily be packed and stored. It can be charged using solar power or USB.
JBL Waterproof Speakers
This portable speaker can connect up to three smartphones or tablets. What’s more, it has a speakerphone function that allows you to take calls and speak on the speaker. Its rugged design means it can take some abuse and you can easily clean it with running tap water.
Holy Stone HS160 RC Drone
Drones are definitely the thing nowadays. It seems everybody needs to have one or be left in the dust. The HS160 drone can take your selfies with a push of a button. It’s also under $90 and with Amazon’s coupon promo, it’s currently under $80. What a steal!
Moment Lenses
The biggest drawback to smartphone photography is the static focal lens. You can’t have a super-wide angle or long telephoto. That’s where Moment Lenses come in. They allow you to have interchangeable lenses on your phone just as you would with professional DSLRs.
Gifts For The Geeky Traveler
Do you have a geeky traveler in your life? These gadgets will surely impress even the pickiest geek.
Noise Cancelling Headphones
Cabin noise, city traffic, or office noise can be annoying. These headphones can help you filter out the noise so you can focus on what you want to hear. Enjoy your music, video, movies without the stuff you don’t want to hear. These items can be as low as $70 like the COWIN E7 Pro or a little bit more like the $300 Bose QuiteComfort Series.
Amazon Fire HD Tablet
The Amazon Fire lets your geeky traveler enjoy his or her favorite movies, kindle books, TV shows, music, and favorite apps all in a sleek little package. Prime members also get unlimited access to over a thousand books and magazines at no additional cost. Your geek explorer will love this item as I do!
ANBERNIC Handheld Game Console
Geeky travelers will love this item! It can connect to any TV and has over 3,000 playable games from NEOGEO to Sega Genesis. Only a geek would know what I’m talking about. Now the geek can play their favorite classics anywhere in the world.
GlocalMe G3 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot
This item is perfect for digital nomads. It allows you to be connected when WiFi isn’t available. Reasonable rates for global data without roaming charges. Connect multiple devices at the same time and take the internet with you everywhere.
Gifts For The Frequent Traveler
Do you know a jet-setter who always on the road at any time of the year? Here are a few gift ideas to make their travels more comfortable.
Heated Travel Blanket
Do you have a frequent road-tripper in your life? How about a 12 volt heated blanket like the Car Cozy two person blanket? It’s great for long distance travel in cold climates. Don’t let your traveler be cold and frozen.
Memory Foam Neck Pillow
Make those long-distance flights more comfortable for your jet-setter. A memory foam neck pillow will allow any traveler to sleep and rest comfortably on any flights, especially in economy class.
Handheld Garment Steamer for Travel
Your frequent travel would appreciate this item. They can always look their best on the road no matter the occasion. This steamer eliminates germs, odors, and straightens wrinkles on their packed clothes. It’s incredibly portable and heats up in just 25 seconds.
Travel Gifts For Men
Here are fantastic gifts for the traveling man in your life.
Men’s Premium 20-Piece Necessities Travel Kit
Do you know a man who’s about to travel? This TSA compliant toiletries kit is ready to go. It comes complete with all the grooming and oral care essentials your man needs to stay on top of his adventures.
RFID Blocking Slim Bifold Wallet
This wallet will protect information stored in RFID chips from unauthorized scans. It’s a perfect gift for any man who travels in third world countries.
GoPro Hero5
GoPro Hero5 is the best video camera for the traveler and adventurer. 4k Videos and 12 MP stills, over land or underwater, this item won’t disappoint. Any recipient receiving this gift will be jumping in joy.
Snow Boots Waterproof Outdoor Hiking
I love these boots so much, I bought two pairs. They’re great for cold weather hikes and walking all around in the snow. It’s remarkably cheap but the quality isn’t lacking. Any man receiving this as a gift will surely love it.
Travel Gifts For Her
Useful and practical gifts for her.
Infinity Scarf With Zip Pocket
It’s chick, stylish, soft and has a nifty pocket to hide her passport and valuables. It doesn’t sacrifice style over function and comfort. The scarf folds small and doesn’t take up much space on your luggage. It is great for keeping her warm and chic at the same time.
S-ZONE Women’s Travel Purse/Backpack
Made with high-grade genuine leather, this shoulder bag/purse can convert into a backpack for travel. She can easily carry her notebooks, phone, iPad, and it even has side pockets for water bottles. Stylish and practical at the same time.
Travel Electronic Toothbrush
Now, this is a gift that will put a smile on her face and make that smile extra bright. This portable toothbrush delivers 22,000 strokes a minute for that sparkling white smile. Stylish options to fit any personality and style.
Foldable Travel Hair Dryer
If your special traveler can’t live without her hair tools, this portable hair dryer is perfect. Advanced ceramic technology that delivers negative ions makes for the healthiest dry hair around.
Gifts For The Adventure Traveler
Know any intrepid adventurer in your flock? Here are some amazing gift ideas for the mountain man or gal.
Ultralight Hammock
Camping, backpacking, hiking, or just hanging out at the beach, hammocks are an essential part of adventure comforts. The Youphoria Portable Hammock comes with tree straps and weighs only 12 ounces.
You can even go for a 2-person type like the Lisuu Camping Hammock with an integrated mosquito net. Your adventurer will put these items to good use for a long time.
Outdoor Water Filtration
Adventurers need to always be hydrated in order to tackle the next challenge. Packing liters of water can be tiring so we rely on solid water filters to do the job of providing clean and drinkable water. The Platypus GraviyWorks can provide 4 liters of potable water in just minutes with no pumping required.
If a more traditional pump action filter is what your adventurer wants, then the Katadyn Hiker Pro delivers just as well in an 11-ounce ultralight package.
Ultralight Mountaineering Tent
Ultralight tents is an adventurer’s staple gear. It means comfort during long hikes or ascents up arduous mountains. Modern ultralight tents are not only lightweight, but they’re also sturdy and can withstand the elements regardless of the season.
Micro Fiber Towels
Every traveler should have one. It folds small and packs small. Dries quick and absorbs more than their cotton counterpart. Microfiber towels can be used for backpacking, outdoor camping, gym, yoga, and just about anything. It’s one of the most practical gifts you can give to your traveler.
Matador Hydrolite Hydration Backpack
Matador has partnered with leaders in hydration and filtration technology to offer you the world’s first packable hydration pack! The pack is designed specifically for travel and adventure with a built-in filtration system that gives you access to clean drinking water anywhere in the world. Go for it – drink straight from rivers, lakes, and even international taps with the in-line assembled Sawyer® MINI water filter.
Gifts For The Travel Photographer
Know an avid travel photographer? Here are some awesome gift ideas for that will help them land the next NatGeo cover spread.
Compact Travel Tripod
Tripods are a necessity when it comes to producing professional quality images. For travelers, having a compact tripod saves on weight and luggage space. Something like the Gorilla Pod can attach to almost anything and can hold some heavy professional cameras.
Perhaps they need something a little for hefty and professional like the Geekoto Carbon Fiber Tripod that can fold inside any carryon luggage? Whatever you choose, I’m sure your travel photographer will love what you pick. For more options on tripods, Check out my guide on the best travel tripods for under $100.
Circular Polarizer
Circular Polarizers are great for making photos more vibrant and any seasoned photographer will appreciate one in their photographic arsenal. Its effects can’t be easily reproduced in Photoshop and it’s an essential tool for Landscape Photographers. They’re small and can be a great Stocking Stuffer.
These items can be cheap like the decent Tiffen Circular Polarizer or expensive like the B+W Kaesemann, whatever you choose, I’m sure it will make him or her very happy. For more information, read my guide on circular polarizers.
Memory Cards
Your favorite photographer probably takes thousands of photos. Having extra memory cards is always welcome. This is one item that can never go wrong unless you pick the wrong type. Make sure it fits the standards of the camera your photographer is using. Most are using the SDXC type nowadays.
Memory Cards are tiny and perfect as Stocking Stuffer. The 128 Gb Sandisk Extreme is just over $40 and the 64 Gb version is under $25. Though cheap, these cards are used by professionals all over the world – I use them too.
So there you go, you’re sure to find your awesome gift for that special someone who travels in your life. I hope I’ve given you some awesome ideas for your traveler’s gift whether it’s for a birthday, wedding, Christmas, or just about any occasion you can think of!
With all that said, you’re probably curious about…
What did I get from my wife this holiday season?
Google Pixel 3 XL 128GB w/ Project Fi
Okay, it’s expensive but I haven’t changed phones in over 3 years. I was long overdue and this phone takes awesome pictures. Good enough to sell in stock photography in fact. It’s also paired with the best phone plan made for travelers, Project Fi – Project Fi works great all around the world. It’s blazing fast in Russia and equally strong in South America – Read about my Project Fi Experience. Get $20 when switching to Project Fi.
What did I get my wife?
Apple iPhone XR 256 Gb
She’s got a little bit more of an eclectic taste than I do and iPhones are her thing so that’s what she got. Toe to toe with the Google Pixel it takes better photos. Heck, all the Apple iPhones I know, produce some of the best photos. I’m just not an Apple fan, but my wife is so that balances it out. Best of all, Project Fi now works on iPhones as well!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND HAPPY TRAILS!
Full Disclosure: I participate in the Amazon affiliate program. I earn a small commision if you use links on this page to purchase a product at no extra cost to you.
Just gifted the Pro packing cubes to a good friend and she was ecstatic about it! She said it was the best gift she got in the last 5 years so thanks a lot for the suggestion! I also got myself a nice little gift, the GOOLOO quick charge; I couldn’t resist it :).
Can’t go wrong with Packing Cubes!