As a frequent traveler I’ve invested in some travel gadgets that have made life on the go more manageable and enjoyable, whether I was traveling for business or pleasure. If you’re shopping for the travel lover in your life this holiday season, I’ve put together a guide of the best gifts for travelers.
This holiday guide is packed with items I’ve bought or received as gifts, which have all become essentials in my travels. Each one has proven to be super helpful and versatile for any trip!
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Essential Travel Gifts
1. JBL Portable Bluetooth Speakers
My sister gifted me the JBL Flip waterproof portable bluetooth speakers for my birthday, and since then, I have never traveled without my trusty JBL speakers!
The speakers are compact enough to fit into any bag and has an impressive battery life that lasts all day. It’s perfect for the beach, a day at the park, or setting the vibe in your Airbnb or hotel. This is one of those gifts that any traveler will appreciate!
2. AKASO EK7000 Action Camera
For anyone who loves adventure travel, a GoPro is a must for capturing high-quality footage. Before my recent trip to Grenada, I was set on visiting the underwater sculpture park, so I picked up the AKASO EK7000.
This was my first waterproof action camera, and I was nervous about learning to use it, but the instructions were refreshingly simple. I was blown away by the video and photo quality of my snorkeling adventure.
The 4K resolution was crystal clear, and the built-in electronic image stabilization kept the footage steady and smooth. This was definitely a worthwhile treat to myself, and I’d recommend it to any traveler!
Pro Tip: I also purchased a hand grip waterproof monopod which made swimming with my GoPro much easier to capture videos and photos.
3. KYY Portable Monitor
Before investing in a portable screen, working away from home was frustrating because I’d become dependent on an additional monitor. That all changed when I finally bought the KYY Portable Monitor—it was a total game-changer for my productivity.
What I love most about my portable screen is its versatility; it’s perfect for laptops and phones and comes with USB and HDMI ports, making it compatible with most electronics.
If you’re shopping for a business professional who’s always on the go or a gamer in your life, this is hands down one of the best gifts for travelers you can give them this holiday season!
4. Portable Travel Router
When my cousin gifted me the pocket-sized portable travel router last Christmas, my remote work experience while traveling leveled up. The Wi-Fi speed is impressive, and the built-in VPN encryption kept my devices secure. Beyond its power, it’s compact enough to slip right into a pocket, making it ideal for travel.
I used it to safely connect to public Wi-Fi in airports, hotels, and cafés across Türkiye without any connectivity issues. Even with up to four devices connected, I never missed a beat in meetings or while working. The Slate AX is fast, reliable, secure, and a breeze to set up—everything I needed for seamless productivity on the go!
Pro Tip: The GL.iNet GL-AX1800 (Flint) WiFi 6 Router is an ideal gadget for changing your IP address when traveling to different locations.
5. Portable Mobile Hotspot
While I’m a huge fan of my Slate VPN router, it needs to stay plugged in to maintain connectivity. Enter the SIMO Solis Lite 4G Wi-Fi mobile hotspot! This powerhouse provides secure, reliable internet access no matter where you are—even in remote spots.
On a recent workcation in Malta, I’d sip my espresso at a coffee shop while joining meetings, thanks to Solis’ fast and steady mobile data.
With coverage in over 130 countries, no SIM card required, and flexible data plans you can purchase by day or month. The Solis is truly the perfect gift for people who love to travel, especially those who need to stay connected on the go!
6. Anker Nano Power Bank Portable Charger
Not having a portable charger is like forgetting the bread for your PB&J! In all seriousness, the Anker Nano portable charger is hands down one of the best travel accessories any traveler could ask for. The compact design, reliable power, and ability to keep my iPhone fully charged all day were lifesavers during my summer trip through Europe.
The foldable USB-C connector is convenient too—no more tangled cords! And since it’s compatible with my iPhone 15 Pro Max (and other models, too), it’s the perfect gift for travelers who want to stay connected and powered up on the go.
7. Compression Socks
On my recent trips, I noticed my ankles were swelling like crazy, which was definitely concerning. Before heading back to NYC, I decided to grab a pair of compression socks—and what a game-changer they turned out to be! The swelling went down, and they kept my circulation and oxygen flowing smoothly the whole time.
Plus, they’re lightweight and super easy to pack. Compression socks aren’t just a lifesaver for long flights; they also make a fantastic stocking stuffer!
Comfortable Travel Essentials
8. Travel Neck Pillow
Unless you’re flying first class every time (and if you are—love that for you!), chances are you’ll be in economy, which makes a comfortable neck pillow a must-have. The Trtl airplane pillow is perfect for this, designed to support your head and neck so you can actually get some quality rest on flights or even long road trips. It’s one of those little essentials that can make a huge difference in how you feel when you arrive!
9. Airplane Phone Holder
This hands-free airplane phone holder is a game changer for any traveler! It’s lightweight, sleek, and works with all phone models, making it perfect for watching movies on the plane or getting some work done. It’s one of those thoughtful gifts that travelers might not think to buy for themselves, but they’ll definitely appreciate having it on their journeys!
10. Noise Canceling Headphones
Bose wireless noise-canceling headphones are truly one of the best inventions out there! They’re a lifesaver on flights, especially if you find yourself surrounded by screaming children.
Not only do they block out unwanted noise, but they also create the perfect environment for focusing on work or simply enjoying some peace and quiet during your travels. Whether you’re working or relaxing, these headphones are a must-have for any traveler!
11. Plane Adapter
The Twelve South AirFly is the best way for enjoying in-flight entertainment! With its Bluetooth feature, you can easily connect your AirPods or wireless headphones, making it super convenient for a more enjoyable experience.
Plus, it features an extended battery life, so you won’t have to worry about running out of juice mid-flight. This versatile travel accessory is perfect for anyone, whether you’re watching movies on a plane or working out at the gym!
Practical Packing Gear
12. Portable Clothesline and Clips
If you know a traveler who loves to pack light, a portable clothesline is a thoughtful gift they’ll appreciate AND use time and again. These handy clotheslines come with 12 durable clothespins and can be hung just about anywhere!
They’re convenient for drying clothes while on the go, making them an ideal choice for any adventure. This practical gift will surely be a staple for many trips to come!
13. Tide Travel Sink Packets
The secret to packing light is being able to wash your clothes on the go, and Tide travel sink packets are a game changer for your toiletry bag!
This convenient liquid detergent is perfect for cleaning a few items in your hotel sink or while you’re on the move—no washing machine required. Plus, they make a fantastic stocking stuffer and pair perfectly with a portable clothesline!
14. Leakproof Travel Containers
Few things are as frustrating as finding that your toiletries have spilled inside your luggage! Enter Cadence Travel Containers—magnetic, TSA-approved, and 100% leakproof, making them a must-have for any travel setup.
These sleek practical travel capsules are perfect for keeping your products secure and organized. This holiday season, I’m definitely investing in a set for myself!
15. Compression Packing Cubes
I used to wonder what all the fuss was about with packing cubes—until I was bought these. Packing cubes are already a travel essential, but BAGSMART compression packing cubes take it to the next level!
I invested in these for my Europe trip, and they completely transformed my packing game, helping me maximize space in my carry on ar that, while keeping everything organized. Now, I can’t imagine traveling without them!
16. Travel Lock
As someone who’s team carry-on all the way, I totally get the need to keep things light and secure. But for those times I’m forced to check my luggage at the gate, having a travel lock gives me peace of mind that my belongings are protected.
Travel locks especially come in handy when you need store your things in a locker, leave your luggage in a hotel or hostel. They give you an extra layer of security on the go.
17. Apple Air Tag
Oh man, where would I be without my beloved Air Tags?! In the past few years, I’ve gone full team carry-on, but last summer, I went to Europe and overpacked, needing a bigger suitcase.
Nervous about my luggage going missing with so many stops, I got myself a pair of Air Tags—one for my checked bag and another for my backpack.
My bags never went missing, and being able to track my suitcase using the find my phone app in my phone at any time was priceless. Air Tags truly make an excellent gift for people who love to travel.
18. Carry-On Suitcase
This summer, I spent three weeks in Europe and was determined to pack everything in a carry-on ONLY (lesson learned from last year’s trip!). After some research, I landed on the American Tourister Stratum Carry-on with wheels, and wow—I had no idea what I was missing!
I managed to fit three weeks’ worth of clothes, thanks to its expandable feature, and the durability was incredible. It held up so well, even with all those European subway stairs! It’s since become my go-to for frequent weekend getaways too.
19. BAGSMART Foldable Travel Duffle Bag
Being team carry-on means packing strategically—and while I usually manage fine on the way to my destination, coming back is often another story! That all changed when I was gifted a BAGSMART foldable travel duffle bag.
This bag is lightweight, versatile, and folds up to fit right into the mesh section of my suitcase, making it perfect for gym trips, quick getaways, or just extra storage.
It really came to the rescue on my return trip from Türkiye when I had all those extra souvenirs and gifts.
Sustainable & Tech Accessories
20. Lifestraw Water Bottle
The overuse of plastic bottles is seriously harming our planet. I’ve made a commitment to reduce my plastic usage, especially while traveling, and found the perfect solution with the Lifestraw water bottle.
This insulated bottle comes equipped with a carbon filter that removes contaminants, chlorine, and odors, so I can refill it anywhere—whether at the airport, a bathroom, or on the go. Say goodbye to single-use plastic and hello to becoming a sustainable travel!
21. Kindle
A Kindle is a fantastic gift for people who love to travel. Lightweight and compact, it hardly takes up any space in your bag but holds thousands of books—perfect for long flights or layovers. It’s the ultimate travel companion for anyone who loves to read on the go.
22. Kidde Portable Carbon Monoxide Detector
The Kidde portable carbon monoxide detector is a must-have for safety-conscious travelers staying in unfamiliar accommodations.
Easy to set up with no wiring required, it comes with AA batteries and even works during power outages. Compact and travel-friendly, it provides peace of mind wherever you go.
23. Toothbrush Head Cover
I take my dental hygiene pretty seriously and noticed during my last trip that my toothbrush holder wasn’t all that great. So, I invested in Haven toothbrush covers.
The headcover was compatible with my Colgate toothbrush and kept it clean without taking up a lot of space in my toiletry bag.
A toothbrush protector is a good gift for people who like to travel but may not consider getting one for themselves.
24. Quick Dry Towel
Rainleaf microfiber towel is a must for beach days, camping, or any on-the-go adventures.
Unlike regular towels, they’re compact and won’t take up precious space in your bag. If you’re somewhere without easy access to towels—like a campground or remote beach—having one is essential.
Plus, these towels dry quickly, so they won’t weigh you down, and they’re machine washable!
25. Scratch-Off World Map
A scratch-off world map is a perfect gift for people who love to travel! It’s a fun, interactive way to track their journeys and visualize adventures while adding a touch of décor.
With each destination, they can scratch off the gold foil to reveal stunning watercolor designs inspired by the beauty of the universe. Plus, it’s a great way to inspire future travel plans!
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