30 Great Travel Gift Ideas For Frequent Travelers
30 Great Travel Gift Ideas For Frequent Travelers
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Best Travel Gifts for the Holidays in 2018
Travel Gift Ideas [Updated: November 2018]
Looking for the perfect present for that traveler in your life? It’s not always easy! These are best travel gift ideas for anyone with a case of wanderlust, no matter what your budget.
Skip the moneybelt this year, and buy a birthday or holiday travel gift that your favorite intrepid globe-trotter will actually use on their next international vacation.
These popular gifts for travelers can help make any journey more comfortable and convenient.
Working as a professional traveler for the past 8 years, I’ve become especially careful about what I pack on my trips around the world.
After all, there’s only so much room in your bag! Most travelers prefer to pack light.
I’m the same way and choose to pack travel gadgets that have multiple uses, don’t take up to much space, and will improve my travel experience abroad.
So here are some of my best gift ideas for travelers that are guaranteed to put a smile on the recipient’s face!
Best Travel Gifts Under $100
LifeStraw Filtered Water Bottle
A must-have for international travel to keep yourself safe from sickness. The LifeStraw Filtered Water Bottle cleans up 99.9% of waterborne parasites & bacteria from water sources in countries where water quality can be an issue.
The 2nd stage activated carbon filter reduces odor, chlorine and leaves zero aftertastes too. I also use mine for hiking and camping in the wilderness! They have a minimalist version, for people who want to use their own container. Filters 1000 liters of water for a long life.
Anker Powercore Portable Charger
We all use our smartphones, cameras, and other portable gadgets a lot. There’s nothing worse than running low on power when you need it the most. For travelers, this can be an extra headache if your ticket confirmations, directions, or translation app lives on your phone.
The Anker PowerCore 10,000 is about the size of a credit card (just thicker) and can fully charge your smartphone up to 3 times! It has a smart quick-charge technology and is the smallest & most powerful power bank in its class. I also use mine to recharge cameras, my Kindle, and more.
Cabeau Evolution Travel Neck Pillow
Travel neck pillows are one of the most popular items to pack for long-haul flights. But many of them don’t live up to the job of supporting your neck comfortably. The Cabeau Evolution Travel Pillow is crazy comfortable, packs down small, and holds your neck in an ergonomic position for sleeping.
I never fly without mine! I’ve tried every travel pillow there is, and this is the best. However if you’re looking for something that packs down even smaller, the TRTL Travel Pillow is pretty good too. It’s just not quite as comfortable as the Cabeau.
Sony Portable Bluetooth Speaker
I love this thing! The Sony Bluetooth Speaker makes it easy to watch movies with other people on your laptop when traveling, throw an impromptu hostel party, or play your favorite songs on the beach.
There are a lot of Bluetooth speakers on the market, and I’ve tried many of them. The Sony simply has the best sound quality for its size, and the battery lasts up to 12 hours! The only downside is it isn’t waterproof, but I don’t physically sit in the ocean when I’m listening to it either…
Antique Ocean Desk Globe
Maybe not be something you actually bring with you traveling, a fun desk globe is a perfect accessory to show off inside the home of a travel addict. The Antique Ocean Desk Globe is a quirky conversation piece and wanderlust-inspiring planning tool for your next travel adventure.
Your favorite traveler can day-dream about exploring Africa, South America, Central Asia, or any other destination from the comfort of their desk at work or at home. I’m planning new adventures looking at this thing right now!
Gifts For Travelers Under $25
Foldable Duffel Bag For Traveling
Have you ever found yourself in a situation when your suitcase was too heavy to check on a plane? Or you bought too many souvenirs and ran out of space? I have. That’s why these days I carry a packable duffel bag as a backup.
But that’s not its only use! You can use it as a makeshift beach bag, laundry bag, or grocery bag too. I also use it when I’m hiking & camping abroad, to help store extra gear/clothing in a hotel’s storage room, so I don’t have to bring everything into the mountains.
SoundMagic E10 Headphones
I listen to a lot of music and recently discovered incredible headphones that sound like they should cost 3x more. Whether you’re watching movies on flights, listing to podcasts, or relaxing with tropical tunes at the beach, SoundMagic’s E10 Headphones are truly “magic”.
The bass is excellent but not over-the-top, while the mids and highs make it feel like you’re listening to a live show! Plus the cord isn’t too long (I hate long cords) and it comes with a great little carrying case.
Unique Luxury Travel Gift Ideas
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
The Amazon Kindle probably doesn’t need an introduction. It’s the ideal gift for a bookworm or even those who like to read occasionally. Travelers like me love it due to its small size and long battery life.
The “Paperwhite” version allows you to easily read in the dark, plus there’s no glare from the sun when reading on a beach (unlike trying to read on your phone). You can fit thousands of books on it — a library in your hands. Excellent for flights and long bus rides.
Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
The Sony WH1000XM3 Headphones are a frequent traveler’s best friend. Their advanced noise-canceling technology makes it feel like you’re all alone, even if you’re stuck on a packed airplane with crying babies!
Listen to your favorite music or podcasts wirelessly via Bluetooth, with deep bass and crystal clear highs. Control volume, ask Siri questions or take phone calls with the touch of a finger. Now that I own these, I’m not sure how I traveled previously without them!
Fun Travel Gifts For Men
Some of my favorite travel gifts for men, based on my own personal experience as a traveling man. But please don’t assume that these gifts are ONLY for men… I’m sure women would love some of them too!
O’Douds Solid Travel-Friendly Cologne
O’Douds Solid Cologne is an excellent product for men who want to smell nice while they’re traveling. Because it’s not a liquid, you can easily pack it carry-on too. Liquid cologne is packaged in large glass bottles, not exactly travel-friendly. Not this one!
The scent is crisp, musky, and masculine. Very strong stuff, a little dab will go a long way. Easily lasts all day. Smells better on you than in the tin — you need to give it a try.
Leather Toiletry Kit For Traveling
Every man needs a good toiletry bag for their adventures around the world. This Veneto Leather Toiletry Kit is made with rich antique bridle leather. It’s durable and waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about wet surfaces in hostel/hotel bathrooms.
The leather bag gives you plenty of room to pack everything the traveling man would need, plus gives you a little style bonus over a cheaper plastic toiletry kit. This is how I pack enough shaving cream to keep my head so shiny and clean!
Fun Travel Gifts For Women
Ok, I admit I’m not a woman. However, after consulting my professional traveler wife Anna Everywhere, she has recommended the following travel gifts for women — based on her own expertise and advice from her traveling friends.
Portable Travel Jewelry Box
Storing a few jewelry items when you travel can be a pain. Especially when it comes to earrings, many women complain about them breaking in their luggage. This pretty little Travel Jewelry Box from Vlando is perfect for your next journey.
Keep delicate and expensive jewelry items safe and secure in one place. It has room for earrings, rings, necklaces, and even bracelets. A super simple and compact design.
The Diva Cup
The Diva Cup is a reusable, bell-shaped menstrual cup that is worn internally to collect menstrual flow, rather than absorb it. Apparently, women love this thing for travel.
It’s leak-free, comfortable, and convenient for travelers on their periods. Women don’t have to worry about running out of pads or tampons, or remembering to pack enough on vacation.
TUO Origami Unicorn Organizer
TUO stands for Travel Undergarment Organizer. Its purpose is to store anything travel-related, like socks and panties, electronics and jewelry, or other loose items that women find necessary when they travel.
Staying organized when you’re off galavanting around the world is so much easier using this fun little bag. You can hang it from towel racks or doors and unfold for full access to your stuff in hotels or bathrooms.
Security Door Stop Alarm
If you travel alone and worry about safety, check out this travel-friendly security door stop. The GE Security Door Stop Alarm requires no wires or complicated installation, powered by a single nine-volt battery.
Place the door-stop under your door before going to bed, and if someone tries to enter your hotel room during the night, this device blocks the door from opening. Plus its powerful 120db alarm wakes you up (along with everyone else nearby), scaring off any intruders!
Best Gifts For Outdoor Adventurers
ENO Adventure Travel Hammock
A hammock is a great gift for travelers and backpackers. String it up in the woods or on the beach to relax and enjoy the view. I’ve even used my hammock on boats, between palm trees for beach naps, or as a comfortable swinging seat after a long hike.
The ENO DoubleNest Hammock is extremely strong, lightweight, and easy to pack, perfect for people who don’t want to waste space in their travel bag. Designed to hold up to 400 lbs, you’ll always have a place to sleep.
Leatherman Wave Multitool
A good set of tools is always useful when you travel, but it’s not realistic to pack a whole tool box. The Leatherman Wave is the next best thing. Perfect for any job, adventure, or everyday task.
It includes 17 common tools, crammed into a simple compact package that can be opened and operated easily. Never be without a sharp knife, pliers, bottle opener, screwdriver, or scissors again! There’s also a smaller version called the Leatherman Squirt.
Gifts For Travel Photographers
Do you know a traveling photographer? Check out some of these great travel photography gifts that will help them craft the perfect postcard photo during their next trip.
Portable Travel Camera Tripod
Whether you want to take photos of yourself when traveling solo or capture the magic of the northern lights, a tripod is a necessary tool. The Joby GorillaPod Focus is small enough to take anywhere and strong enough to hold larger cameras too.
It’s easily attached to different objects, so you can shoot photos from the side of a balcony or hanging off a tree. I’ll sometimes sneak it into “tripod restricted” areas like some cathedrals, monuments, or other attractions. It fits into a day pack easily.
Domke Camera Bag
What I love most about Domke Camera Bags is the minimal padding they have. Most companies go overboard with heavy padding, but not Domke. The tough waxed canvas is super durable, protects against light rain, and still has a classic “travel reporter” look.
It’s the perfect size for holding a mirrorless camera, 2nd lens, and a few accessories. There’s a thick belt-loop too, for carrying it fanny-pack style, or even attaching it to a larger backpack’s waist belt when hiking outdoors.
Peak Design Camera Clip
One of my favorite pieces of camera gear, the Peak Design Camera Clip allows you to wear your camera on your belt, keeping your hands free for other tasks when not shooting photos. Fits into most tripod heads too! No need to remove it.
Clipping in and out of the device is incredibly quick and easy. You can even run with your camera strapped to your belt wearing this thing. Never miss another shot due to messing around with a camera bag. It’s a fantastic accessory for those who often go hiking with their camera.
Camera Lens Pen
Nothing is more annoying than a dirty lens when you’re trying to capture beautiful photos. A Camera Lens Pen is a dedicated cleaning solution for your camera lens, keeping travel shots crisp and in focus.
Smudges on a lens can distort light sources, create glare, and ruin shots. This is one of those products you can never have enough of. Small and easy to carry, it’s always good to have a few lying around.
Essential Books About Travel
Vagabonding
The Vagabonding is an excellent read about how to travel more, no matter what your budget or background.
Learn how to take a break from your normal life and travel for a few weeks to a few years while experiencing the world on your own terms, and do it while you’re young.
Ultimate Journeys For Two
National Geographic’s Ultimate Journeys For Two by Mike & Anne of HoneyTrek.com is an excellent book about couples adventure travel from their six-year journey across all seven continents.
They’ve picked out their top 75 favorite destinations, travel tips, and inspirational stories shared in a coffee-table style book full of incredible photography.
Happy Holidays This Season!
Well, that’s it for the best travel gifts for 2018. I hope you found some unique gift ideas for the traveler in your life who likes to pack light.
Whether you’re travel shopping for a birthday, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwansa, or even Festivus — you can’t go wrong with these fun gifts for travelers!
I actually own and use most of these products regularly on my travels around the world. Well, maybe not the Diva Cup… haha!
Happy shopping this holiday season, and remember to get out there and explore the world yourself a bit too! Think of it as a little present for yourself.
Because we all know that travel is the gift that keeps on giving! ★
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Have any questions about these travel gifts? What about other suggestions for travelers? Drop me a message in the comments below!
