39 Cool Gift Ideas for Travelers (That They Actually Want!)

I am sure that most travelers would agree that a plane ticket is the perfect idea for a gift (I’m a window seat kind of gal *hint hint*). Many travel buffs try to pack for travel with gear that is streamlined, efficient, and often multi-purpose.

Check out this curated list of the ultimate “best” cool gift ideas for travelers (that they actually want!) to help you, me, family, and friends travel cheaper and better.

And if you or your favorite traveler seem to have everything, you will both love these no-nonsense, no fluff, cool gift ideas for travelers.

41 Unique Gift Ideas for Travelers

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Looking for the perfect holiday, birthday or special occasion gift ideas for travelers in your life? Let’s face it, if they are serious about traveling, they probably already have a lot of the gear and gadgets that they already need.

SHOPPING FOR THEM IS NOT ALWAYS EASY!!

Check out these unique travel gift ideas for the travelers, adventure seekers, and wanderlust lovers in your life:

1. SATIN PILLOWCASE SLIP

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Bring the comfort of home along on your next trip. If you have curly hair as I do, then you know that a satin pillowcase is a must-have to prevent hair from becoming knotted and matted. It is one of my women travel essentials. You should look just as stunning as you travel as you do at home. As an added benefit, it might even help minimize wrinkles!

Even Cosmopolitan recommends a satin pillowcase to minimize bedhead in the morning.

2. BOMBAS SOCKS

Bombas ankle socks for both men and women are designed with super soft, itch-free Merino Wool that contain natural moisture-wicking properties with a touch of polyester and spandex to keep your feet comfortable, cool and dry as you sightsee all day long.

As a bonus, Bombas donates one pair of socks for every pair purchased to homeless shelters. It is one of those awesomely cool gift ideas for travelers that keeps on giving.

3. COMPRESSION STOCKINGS

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Compression stockings are typically knee-high socks specially designed to maintain blood flow, reduce discomfort, and minimize swelling as you fly by applying pressure to your lower legs. Compression stockings are typically safe to wear, but you may wish to consult your doctor and follow their guidance as well as the manufacturer’s instructions.

The Mayo Clinic recommends compression stockings as they “steadily squeeze your legs, helping your veins and leg muscles move blood more efficiently. They offer a safe, simple and inexpensive way to keep blood from stagnating during and after general surgery.”

These would make great gifts for someone traveling abroad.

4. BUILT PROTEIN BARS

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Need a healthy protein-rich snack as you travel or as unique gift ideas for travelers? BUILT bar protein bars are made with high-quality ingredients and are our family’s new go-to travel snack.

The bars are individually packaged and make cool gift ideas for travelers; plus they are easy to add to your carry-on or luggage. Tuck a few into stockings at Christmas for fun. They can be added to your Europe travel essentials packing list.

5. TIDE TRAVEL SINK PACKETS

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I have traveled with laundry pods before, but these sink packets are new to me. These packets are the perfect size to do a quick round of laundry in the hotel sink. Minimize your packing and plan to do a little bit of laundry during your travels.

The packets are perfect to freshen up under things and socks or to keep your favorite travel shirt (and you!) smelling great. And they would make a great stocking stuffer or add-on when you are looking for gifts for someone traveling abroad.

6. NO TOUCH DOOR KEY

The No Touch door key travel accessory for minimizing contact with surfaces allows you to open doors and drawers, press buttons, flush toilets, and access handles without having to touch surfaces in public places. As an extra bonus, use the tip for added functionality on phone and tablet screen surfaces.

These make great gifts for travel couples.

7. FUGETEK SELFIE STICK AND TRIPOD

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There are tripods that are small and flexible for travel, but if you are traveling solo (or even with a group), you may wish to have the added benefit of the Fugetek selfie stick in your travel gear. It is a handy gadget complete with an iPhone and Android compatible camera stand.

The stick can extend in height with an easy click-in lock and comes with a removable remote for easy one-step operation. The tripod features non-skid feet for your selfie stick to become a stand alone device. Perfect as gift ideas for travelers in your life.

8. WATER BOTTLE WITH HIDDEN STORAGE

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Do you ever worry about leaving your valuables lying around while playing at the beach? Not only does this water bottle work to keep your drinks hot or cold for hours, it is also designed with a hidden bottom compartment where you can stash your cards, keys, cash, and other valuables at home, school, or when traveling. It is another one of the great gifts for couples, especially when they plan to spend a few days relaxing at the beach.

9. SUN BUM SUNSCREEN

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This Sun Bum sunscreen is safe to use everyday as you enjoy the beach, hiking, and many outdoor activities. Trust the UVA/UVB protection of this oil-free, water-resistant and reef friendly SPF 30 Lotion that is packed with Vitamin E and is recommended for all skin types.

10. RAY BAN SUNGLASSES

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Won’t the adventurers in your life look stylin’ in a beautiful pair of Ray Ban sunglasses? Wearing sunglasses that have UV protection is essential and can help keep your eyes healthier, longer. With the added benefit of eye protection, they offer fashion and function all in one!

Gift Ideas for Travelers Who are “Travel Newbies”

Let’s just start out simple here and suggest that if you are NEW to travel (or if you are looking for gifts for someone who is)—especially international travel—there are some skills and planning techniques you need to learn to be travel savvy.

Through my travel experiences over the years—along with my husband’s “mad skillz” as a frequent business traveler—I have written an eBook and published an Online Course that teach tips and tricks to become a confident traveler.

11. TRAVEL EBOOK

Both the book and the course discuss booking your air travel, lodging, and train reservations and making sure that you have all of the necessary documents. You should consider whether you be traveling solo, with kids, or as a couple? As well, learn how to plan for day trips, fine tune your packing, and how to get your laundry done! And more.

Plan a trip to Europe eBook graphic for resources page
Plan a Trip to Europe
eBook – Click the Pic!

Start with either the EBOOK or the ONLINE COURSE if you are new to travel, or if you are thinking of gift ideas for travelers—family, friends, or co-workers—who are new to traveling (there is similar information in each so you don’t need both).

Super easy travel planning course
SUPER EASY Travel Planning
Online Course – Click the Pic!

Cool Gift Ideas for Travelers to Keep Travel Memories Alive

I am an avid note keeper and writer, and it is no different when I travel. I usually take notes along the way (especially if there is something humorous or significant that I want to remember).

If I forget to write something down, it just seems to flit from memory.

Not only do I take notes each day, I also try to take pictures of the restaurants, museums, city names, etc. that we visit to spur my memory for when I journal our experience.

Taking pictures is also a great way to remember spellings and dates. These particular pictures aren’t usually my best effort—just a quick photo for later.

12. TRAVEL JOURNAL

Fill this Travel Journal with your travel memories, favorite adventures, crazy mishaps, and day-to-day highlights as you explore the world. There’s plenty of room to document your travel, including the date, location, weather, and favorite moments. The journal features:

  • Durable, soft-cover with a beautiful design
  • Compact 6″ x 9″ size easy to tote and go
  • 195 lined pages to record your travel highlights

conveniently sized journal, perfect as a traveler’s notebook, that makes a great gift for adventure seekers! At only $6.99, it makes an ideal gift for birthdays, engagement parties, anniversaries, bridal thank you gifts, Valentine’s Day, holidays, or a “just because” gift for your friends and family.

13. “AND SO THE ADVENTURE BEGINS” TRAVEL-THEMED MUG

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A travel-themed mug is perfect for inspiring you to take that next adventure as well as to give you all the nostalgic “feels” when you arrive back home. This mug is built to last with a double wall stainless steel construction. You will appreciate the push on lid that swivels closed to prevent spills and splashes. Depending on your favorite drink, it maintains your beverage’s hot or cold temperature for hours. Add this to your list of gift ideas for travelers that not only makes a statement but also inspires reminiscing.

14. LIFE IS GOOD® T-SHIRT

Life is Good is one of the lessons learned from travel

Life is Good® is a theme that embodies your love for travel as well as your willingness to embrace positivity. Embrace it on your t-shirt, hat, blankets, and a variety of other accessories.

15. LUGGAGE ORNAMENT

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Ornaments are great gift ideas for travelers. As Christmas lights twinkle on the Christmas tree, this beautiful globe or the clever suitcase ornament can remind your favorite nomad of travels of the past, future travel aspirations, adventure seeking dreams, or give inspiration that it is time to plan the next trip somewhere in the world.

16. GLOBE ORNAMENT

17. TRAVEL NECKLACE

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Travel Necklace anyone? So many places…So many possibilities…Who doesn’t love a little bling to remind you of your love for travel and photography?

18. CAMERA NECKLACE

Wear this camera necklace as a reminder that adventure can be just a click away. Perfect gift ideas for women travel essentials.

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If your guy is the kind of guy who like a little bling in his life, how about a pair of Airplane cufflinks as gift ideas for travelers? These cufflinks are stylish, trendy, and always act as great conversation starters for my husband.

20. CAMERA

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I wouldn’t travel anywhere without my camera. Europe is my happy place and a photographer’s dream destination. Whatever your camera skill, find the camera that suits your travel needs. As a photographer, I find picturesque moments around every corner on amazing day trips. I snap pictures here and there, sometimes waiting patiently for the perfect shot.

21. iPHONE

Beyond the “phone” capabilities, the travel apps, and having the ability to search for anything under the sun, I mostly love my phone when I travel for the photography moments when I need to snap something quick, when the lighting is low, or I just want a back up to my camera shots.

If the adventurer in your life needs an update, a cell phone may need to be on your gift ideas for travelers list.

If you love keeping your social media followers aware of your travel milestones, these 90 Travel Instagram Highlight Covers by our friend Digital Creator Domz are ideal. Visit her website today to learn more about this must-have digital product.

>> Related: Tips to Take Better Travel Photos (and Look Good in Them Too!)

Cool Gift Ideas for Travelers and Adventure Seekers

For the ADVENTURE SEEKERS in your life, how about giving “experiences”. Perfect gift ideas for travelers who seek out the extra-ordinary in their travel. Create a travel wish list of the coolest adventure gift ideas for travelers.

22. GUIDEALONG GIFT CARD

My husband, Chris, happened onto GuideAlong (formerly known as GyPSy Guide) when planning a trip to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in North Carolina. The guides are narrated drives that include information on the history, culture, hikes, and even the wildlife of the area you are visiting.

These guides are awesome and play automatically with the magic of GPS (get it, GyPSy) as you drive by locations along your route. Give as a gift and your recipient will think this is one of the best gift ideas for travelers ever!

>> Related: Using the GuideAlong App for the Best Driving Tours in 2024

23. WISE OWL HAMMOCK

Hey, you adventure seekers! Wouldn’t you love an easy-to-carry hammock for your nomadic travels? These hammocks are comfortable, compact, easy to set up, durable and perfect for you and your adventurous pals.

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While not essential for all of your travels, consider this hammock as you think of cool gift ideas for travelers in your life who enjoy travel and relaxing off the beaten path.

24. 23andME

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Wouldn’t it be awesome to explore the world and get to know your personal story in a whole new way? Discover where in the world your DNA is from as well as your ancestry composition.

Not only does 23andMe help you to understand your own health and the health of your family, it also relates to how you fit in with people and ethnicities around the world.

25. SILICONE RINGS FOR MEN AND WOMEN

If you are traveling solo or simply do not wish to wear your wedding ring as you travel—whether as a precautionary measure to prevent stealing, losing it, damaging it in your adventurous activities, or to simply not be flashy—consider a silicone ring. One or two or three rings make perfect gifts for someone traveling abroad.

As a solo traveler, it can also quickly give the message of “I’m taken” for men AND women to discourage unwanted attention.

Gift Ideas for My Wishlist

While I have tried to streamline my travel gear and gadgets over the years, there are still new and clever products that I want to try.

For those of us that are minimalists when it comes to packing, a lot of the gadgets and travel gear are super useful and make the best gift ideas for travelers. Really, these are the best gifts for adventure seekers and travel nomads alike.

26. HANGING FOOTREST For YOUR EUROPE TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

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Who hasn’t struggled to sleep as you fly across the ocean to your next adventure? You may have limited arm and leg space, but this hanging footrest gives you a place to stretch out comfortably. These lightweight and portable footrests are ideal for travel as they also elevate your legs to relieve stiffness and swelling and to improve circulation.

27. INFINITY SCARF WITH POCKET

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These scarves are unique gift ideas for travelers that combine form, fashion, and function all in one. Try out an infinity scarf with a secret pocket to easily store your passport, hotel room key card, money and credit cards, or your cell phone.

Keep your hands free and hide your valuables from would-be thieves! Choose an infinity scarf in the color and design that best suits your style. The scarves are made of soft fabric with a hidden zippered pocket.

28. PEAK DESIGN CAPTURE CLIP

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I can’t tell you how often I sightsee or hike and find myself holding my camera in one hand to relieve the strain of carrying a heavy camera around my neck. This Peak Design capture clip allows you to securely attach your camera to your backpack shoulder strap to relieve neck strain and allow you hands-free movement.

Seems like a win-win to me when it comes to discovering new and unique gift ideas for travelers who like to take pictures along the way.

*By the way, I got this clip last Christmas and LOVE it!

29. UNIVERSAL HAIR DIFFUSER

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This is a new universal diffuser attachment that I received for Christmas. It has been great for traveling overseas. It is one of my women travel essentials. I use it everyday at home as well. It attaches to a variety of hair dryers and works perfectly for my curly hair.

30. TRTL TRAVEL PILLOW

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Most travel pillows are cumbersome to travel with. And once you arrive at your destination, you’ve got to keep track of it so that you don’t misplace it. It is just easier sometimes to leave it home.

The Trtl Pillow is perfect for sleeping on your long flights yet is compact enough to slip into your carry-on when you are using it. This is one of those gift ideas for travelers that I would like to try!

31. MICROFIBER TRAVEL TOWEL

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On a recent hiking trip with my husband to Lake Haiyaha in Rocky Mountain National Park, we watched as two ladies stripped down to their skivvies and dove into the frigid water. One of the ladies was smart enough to bring a microfiber towel with her.

It was lightweight, soft, quick-drying, and super absorbent—perfect for those on-the-go moments when adventure seeking leaves you soaked. And when you need new gift ideas for travelers and adventure seekers alike!

32. SHOE BAG

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Does your adventurer usually travel with a pair of shoes tucked into their luggage? Avoid getting your carefully packed and laundered clothing dirty. Shoe bags are the perfect gifts for travel lovers. And while you’re at, toss in a fabric softener sheet in your favorite scent to keep all of your luggage smelling fresh.

33. SMART PHONE LENS

I totally want to try a lens that attaches to my camera. This is the lens that I am currently considering, but if you have suggestions for something else to try, I am totally open to looking at that one too. Your suggestion may even help others who need travel gifts for friends.

Cool Gifts Ideas for Travelers Who are Photographers at Heart

34. CAMERA

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Invest in a camera that fits you or your adventurer’s needs. I included my Canon 6d Mark II above, but if you are more of an amateur and want a great DSLR for learning about photography, I highly recommend the Canon t8i. It will help you get your feet wet while not breaking the bank.

35. LENSES

Don’t forget about the lens. My all-time favorite lens for the Canon T8i is the Canon EF-S 18-135mm lens with image stabilization. The image stabilization is key.

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For my Canon 6d Mark II, I currently recommend the Canon EF 24-105mm lens with image stabilization. (Don’t tell my husband, but the less expensive EF-S 18-135mm lens is still my favorite. However, EF-S lenses do not work with the Canon 6d Mark II!)

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If photography is your interest, it can be an expensive hobby! Then again, so is travel! But hey, it is FREE to add these gifts for traveler enthusiasts to wish lists.

Best Gift Ideas for Travelers Who Love Electronics

36. iPHONE

Again, I always travel with my phone. In our world today, it is simply essential. When you travel, it is even more necessary as travelers use it for mapping their hikes with apps such as the AllTrails App, booking flights, planning train travel, making safe travel choices, or chatting with friends and family at home.

>> Related: 15 Essential Travel Planning Apps Recommended by Travel Experts

The cameras on cell phones are so amazing nowadays, you can use them for all of your photography needs and be completely happy with the results as well.

37. iPAD

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Chris and I both travel with iPads in our carry-ons and use them for a variety of tasks:

  • Storing all information related to our vacation—dates, locations, activities, booked flights, hotel, and transportation
  • Reviewing in the evening for the next day
  • Unwinding or relaxing while reading an ebook
  • “Facetiming” with family at home
  • Watching a downloaded movie.
  • Journaling throughout our vacation.
  • Blogging on the long flight home

This would require more of an investment when you consider the best gift ideas for travelers, but I’m pretty sure the gift receiver would be thrilled.

38. KINDLE

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If the travel lover in your life loves to read, a Kindle Fire is a great option for eliminating carrying heavy books. My girls have loved loading their Kindle Fire with books that they each love to read. We have had one for a number of years now, and it is a gadget that still finds its way on many trips.

39. LAPTOP

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My husband, Chris, often travels for work and finds that his laptop is essential. For the adventure seekers who do a little work on the side as they travel, consider the new Apple MacBook Pro with its long battery life, the M1 chip, and fast performance.

Check out this post on 14 Genius Gadgets for Travel for more gift ideas for travelers if you or the adventure seekers in your life need recommendations on:

  • Water-resistant travel bags
  • Headphones and earbuds
  • Portable chargers
  • Travel adapters, chargers and cables
  • Smart watch
  • Air vent magnetic phone car mounts and more.
Button for linking to my Amazon favorites

Frequently Asked Questions

What should you never forget when traveling?

A lot of the basics. Your glasses, prescription sunglasses, toothpaste and brush, medicines, charges and cables, and your favorite crossbody bag for travel.

What is not allowed in a carry on?

Prohibited items include fireworks, firearms, ammunition, knives, razors, pocket knives, and most tools.

Does toothpaste count as a liquid?

Technically, yes, TSA does consider toothpaste a liquid.

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Final Thoughts on 39 Cool Gift Ideas for Travelers

Hopefully this list gives you some great ideas for your gift giving. Are looking for:

  • gift ideas for travelers in your life
  • unique travel gifts
  • travel gifts ideas for him
  • travel gift ideas for her
  • unusual gifts for travellers

You might even find yourself adding to YOUR wishlist for the holidays, for a significant birthday, or for a special occasion. These cool gift ideas for travelers should spur your thoughts and will definitely elevate your gift giving.

You Might Also Enjoy…

If you need ideas for what to pack, how to save money, or more timely travel tips, here are some wanderlust-inducing posts that I recommend you read next:

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65 Comments

  1. These are all great ideas, but I am especially interested in that travel pillow! My current pillow is so big I rarely bring it anywhere with me, even when I have a long flight. XD

  2. i love the inclusion of the 23 & Me DNA test on this list! what an amazing idea for travelers, i’m sure anyone would love getting that… also i 100% stand by compression socks, they saved me on a 12 hours trans-pacific flight.

  3. I will guiltily admit that I read this post looking for things to put on my own wish list. I have been thinking about a satin pillowcase for awhile. And I am in the market for a new selfie stick after my last one broker. An infinity scarf looks like something that might come in handy too. Hubby will be happy with some new gift ideas for me!

  4. I’m so curious about the hanging footrest for long flights! I may have to get one and test it out on my next adventure. A peak camera clip is also high on my list. Great ideas!

  5. These gifts are perfect for travel lovers! I’ve never seen the no touch door key before but that is so cool! What a great way to minimize germ spread! The Christmas ornaments are adorable too, I’d love those on my tree! Thanks for the great guide!

  6. These are some great ideas! Some of the things I might even buy for myself now haha. Thank you so much for sharing 🙂

  7. Great recommendations! These are all such. wonderful gifts for travelers. I think a camera is such a thoughtful present, even just a fun inexpensive film one or a polaroid!

  8. Such a fantastic list of gifts for travelers– I see quite a few I’d like too! The capture clip is so clever, I like to keep my big camera handy, but it get heavy on a long day of adventures. I’m a big fan of heritage travel too and like you addition of 23&Me.

  9. Some cool gift ideas. I personally use a microfiber travel towel, e reader, phones, tablets, camera and compression socks when flying. Love the Christmas ornaments on this list. We always buy Christmas ornaments on our travels.

  10. Wow, so many awesome gifts! This list has definitely given me some gift ideas for my traveller friends. Thanks for sharing!

  11. Oh, I totally agree that cameras and lenses make the perfect gifts for travelers. Hehe 🙂 I’d love to have a tree stocking full of camera gear!

  12. I absolutely love the Sun Bum Suncream! And I love that you’ve mentioned that it’s reef friendly! This is so important for our seas and oceans! A super gift list, I’m interested in the hanging foot rest? I wonder how if its as good as it appears because that would be a game changer!

  13. Great list! I love the water bottle with the hidden compartment idea. We never travel without a travel scale. We always weigh our luggage both ways to prevent overweight fees.

  14. I swear by the tide pods! They have saved me so much money! Thank you for putting this list together, super helpful!

  15. This is a great list of useful travel gifts! I especially LOVE the water bottle. This would come in so handy when travelling and especially when I go hiking!

  16. As a travel enthusiast (and passionate hiker) I agree: Socks are the best present (considering that hiking socks can be very pricy): Thank you for the tips, I can use them now as inspiration as I never know what gifts I want or need 🙂

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