30 Best Travel Gift > Updated: September 29, 2019 by Matthew Karsten

Travel Gift >Looking for the perfect present for that traveler in your life? It’s not always easy! These are best travel gift ideas for wanderlust lovers, 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 9 years, I’ve become especially careful about what I pack on my trips around the world.

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!

My Travel Gifts Review Gu >

Why Listen To Me?

Experience! I’ve been traveling around the world almost non-stop for the past 9 years working as a professional travel blogger, visiting over 50 countries so far. This guide is also completely independent.

Best Travel Gifts Under $100

1: 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 and chlorine aftertastes too. I also use mine for day-hiking trips. They have a minimalist straw version, for people who prefer their own container. Long-lasting filter – handles 1000 liters.

2: 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.

3: 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.

4: 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!

5: 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!

6: Eagle Creek Packing Cubes

Packing cubes! The best way to keep your luggage organized. My personal favorites are these from Eagle Creek. They weigh almost nothing and can hold a lot of clothing.

The garment folder, in particular, is a wonderful way to keep your shirts and/or pants wrinkle-free. I use the medium sized cube for my collection of t-shirts and sweatshirts, and the smaller cube for underwear & socks.

Gifts For Travelers Under $25

7: 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.

8: SimpacX Fabric Passport Holder

If you travel internationally quite a bit, your passport is going to get pretty beat-up. That’s why I love my simple, lightweight passport wallet from SimpacX. It gives just enough protection, without being bulky.

You can also use it to hold credit cards, airline boarding passes, and extra cash. Keep your passport looking like new, so you don’t have any trouble at customs & immigration due to worn-out travel documents!

9: International Travel Plug Adapter

In order to use your electronics in foreign countries, you’re going to need a great international travel adapter plug for different sockets. I’ve tried them all, and this one from BONAZZA is hands-down the best!

Not only does it accept 2 or 3 pronged plugs for use in over 150 different countries, but it also includes 4 (!) USB inputs for charging your mobile devices. Plus the design is super slick, one of the smallest adapters on the market.

10: Portable Luggage Scale

Airline baggage fees are starting to get out of control. They want to charge you for EVERYTHING these days! To ensure you don’t get hit with paying extra, I always weigh my luggage with a portable luggage scale before checking in.

This way, you can pack your bags to the maximum weight limit every time without going over. This backlit scale from Tarriss is lightweight and portable, with the ability to weigh luggage in both kilos or pounds.

Unique Luxury Travel Gift Ideas

11: 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.

12: 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. Like most of this list, I personally own all these items because they rock!

13: Bluffworks Gramercy Travel Blazer

While I started traveling as a budget backpacker 8 years ago, these days I’m older and a bit more fashion conscious. Especially in major international cities, or Europe. Packing a suit when you travel light is difficult, but not with the Bluffworks Gramercy Blazer.

This fashionable jacket is wrinkle-free and can be rolled up and packed away easily. But it also looks and fits great, featuring a bunch of hidden pockets that help with traveling! It’s perfect for flying, or when you need to dress-up on the road.

14: 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.

15: 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.

16: 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.

17: TUO Origami Unicorn Organizer

TUO stands for Travel Undergarment Organizer. Its purpose is to store anything travel-related, like socks, underwear, electronics, jewelry, or other loose items that some women tend to pack 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 it for full access to your stuff in hotels or bathrooms.

18: BaByliss Pro Nano Hairdryer

The BabylissPro Travel Dryer is the perfect hair dryer to pack in your bags for a vacation. It’s both powerful and small, a rare combination.

If you aren’t staying in fancy hotels all the time, you may not have easy access to a good hairdryer. This one folds up nice and small, so it won’t take up too much room in your bag.

19: 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

20: 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.

21: Leatherman Wave Multitool

A good set of tools is always useful when you travel, but it’s not realistic to pack a whole toolbox. 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.

22: Black Diamond Headlamp

In my opinion, a headlamp is an absolutely essential piece of travel gear for adventure travelers. My favorite is the water-resistant Black Diamond Storm.

Headlamps give you hands-free access for reading a book in the dark, exploring a cave, returning from a hike after dark, or searching through your luggage in the middle of the night. It always comes in handy when I travel!

23: Microfiber Backpacking Towel

Every adventure traveler needs a packable microfiber towel because it has a million different uses. It folds up super small and dries very quickly. Perfect for camping, or even staying in hostels.

The Sea to Summit DryLite Towel comes in a few different colors and sizes. I’ve used it swimming in natural hot springs, to wipe down camera gear after a storm, and even as sun & dust protection in the desert.

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.

24: 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 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.

25: 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, or on your backpack straps, keeping your hands free for other tasks. The camera adapter fits into most tripod heads too!

Clipping in and out of the device is very 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 go hiking with their camera.

26: 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

27: Vagabonding

The book Vagabonding is an excellent read about how to travel more, no matter what your budget or background. This book inspired me to take my first international trip!

Learn how to take a break from your normal life and travel for a few weeks, or even a few years, while experiencing the world on your own terms. Get ideas for how to make traveling long-term possible, from others who’ve done the same.

28: 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.

29: The Best American Travel Writing

Ready to be inspired by other people’s travel stories? You can’t go wrong with a collection of The Best American Travel Writing Of 2018. Each year, the best of those stories are collected in this great series.

You’ll find stories about what it’s like to be an American on vacation in France, being black on the Appalachian trail, modern technology in Korea, and the food scene in Moscow. Stories were curated by Cheryl Strayed, author of “Wild”.

Happy Holidays This Season!

Well, that’s it for the best travel gifts for 2019. 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 during my travels.

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 to yourself.

Because we all know that travel is the gift that keeps on giving! ★

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Great Gift > November 20, 2017 by Janice Waugh

We asked you. what are the best travel-related gifts you have given or received? What's on your wish list?

And you let us know.

So this year's Travel Gift Guide not only includes the products that Tracey and I love and some great trip ideas from our sponsors but also the travel gifts that you've enjoyed giving, loved receiving or have on your wishlist.

I don't believe in being weighed down by a lot of stuff. But we all travel differently. What's a "must-have" for a backpacker is different from that of an urban traveler which is different again from a. well, you get the idea. What I do believe in is investing in travel experiences and the things that make travel more enjoyable.

It's the holiday season. December is a month of gift giving. This is the time that we update our Travel Gift Guide to inspire you with new gift ideas for the travelers in your life and help you create a list and ask for what you really want. And, it may be time to give a gift to yourself as well. Let's get on with the gift ideas.

30 Best Travel Gifts for Men (That He’ll Actually Want!)

Looking for the best travel gifts for men? The traveling man in your life will love (and actually use!) these 30 unique gift ideas.

Mercilessly shopping for travel gifts for men? It’s no easy feat—I know because I am the ultimate nightmare when it comes to gift-giving. Nobody ever knows what to get me for the holidays, or even my birthday which *cough, cough* is right around the corner.

But despite never telling my friends and family exactly what it is that I want, I have a knack for ending up with all the best gear and gadgets.

So, to help you, here’s a list of my favorite gifted travel accessories (including a few on my wishlist). So if you’re looking for The best gifts for men who travel, or even just the best gifts for men in general, these are sure to please.

1. Tortuga Outbreaker Carry-On Travel Backpack

The Tortuga Outbreaker is one of the best carry-on backpacks on the market! Perfect for city dwellers and urban travelers, the Tortuga Outbreaker is durable, sturdy, and completely waterproof. Not to mention it keeps all your gadgets and clothes neat and organized with its built-in packing cubes and clamshell compartments.

Most importantly, it’s really, really comfortable to wear. With an adjustable harness system and ventilated back padding, the Tortuga Outbreaker is one of the most comfortable backpacks out there. For more info, check out our full Tortuga Outbreaker review.

2. ESPRO Travel Coffee Press

What to do when you need good coffee on the go? Instant coffee just won’t cut it. The ESPRO Travel Press is a bonafide French press coffee maker crossed with a standard thermos. Not only do you get real coffee on the go, but it’ll keep your caffeine hot for the entire day!

3. NOMAD Goods Slim Leather Wallet

It’s hard to find a durable wallet that holds everything without being too bulky. However, the minimalist NOMAD Goods Slim Leather Wallet does just that. It manages to stay slim while comfortably holding up to 12 cards. There are even two side pockets to hold all your cash. And, it’s made with American Horween leather, so you know it will last for a lifetime.

4. REI Gift Card

Can’t make up your mind on what the best gift for the traveler in your life might be? Let him decide by giving him an REI Gift Card! From sporting gear and equipment to outdoor clothing and footwear, REI has everything an adventure seeker could possibly want. And I mean, literally everything. Car racks, paddle boards, and ski poles? REI has it covered. Sunglasses, swimwear, and doggy travel accessories? Yep, they’ve got that too.

5. Moment Smartphone Lenses

If you depend on your smartphone as your primary camera then Moment Lenses should interest you. These smartphone lenses attach to your phone using a thin metal mounting plate, and once it’s in place, you’re ready to get snapping. With wide angle, telephoto, and fisheye lenses, the results are seriously impressive, making this a perfect travel gift for men who are avid photographers.

6. Cord Tacos

Cord Tacos are simple in concept, but they’re one of my favorite travel accessories of all. They’re taco-shaped pieces of leather with a button snap to keep your headphones and other cords from getting tangled into knots. Sweet!

7. “Keep Calm and Travel On” T-Shirt

We all need a reminder to stay calm once in a while…and travel solves everything, right? This t-shirt is a classic take on the one popularized by The Chive, except this one suits anybody who loves to travel. It’s perfect for that tailored look under a sweater or sweatshirt, or to wear by itself with a pair of jeans.

8. LifeStraw Go Filtered Water Bottle

Buying bottled water is costly and bad for the environment. Especially in developing countries where the tap water isn’t safe to drink, there needs to be a better solution. The LifeStraw Go Filtered Water Bottle is one of the best gifts for men who travel—it turns undrinkable tap and river water into drinkable water.

9. JBL Flip 4 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

The JBL Flip 4 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker is waterproof, so you can feel safe bringing it outdoors and in the water with you. You don’t have to worry about plugging it anywhere, as it lasts up to twelve hours. Bring it next time you’re out at the beach for a full day of your favorite music, or strap it to the outside of your backpack for some tunes while you’re hiking—it fits perfectly into your water bottle holder!

10. Midori Traveler’s Notebook

The Midori Traveler’s Notebook is so beautifully crafted you’ll want to write in it every day. Its interchangeable leather-bound cover gives it that vintage feel, and for every trip, just insert a new booklet to keep your notes in. It’s perfect for storing all your important documents, plus keeping track of train tickets, museum tickets, and more. You’ll create lasting memories of your travels and keep them here.

11. Cotopaxi Sueño Sleeping Bag

With an integrated pillow pocket and spacious foot box, the Cotopaxi Sueño Sleeping Bag is the best sleeping bag for any type of adventure. Made with 800-fill duck down, you’ll feel as if you’re sleeping on a cloud. Techies will love the built-in media pocket, which keeps all types of gadgets and accessories securely in place. On warm nights, the sleeping bag can fully unzip to become a lay-flat blanket. And at just under 3lbs, you can easily bring it on your backpacking or hiking trip!

12. Peak Design Tech Pouch

The Peak Design Tech Pouch is a game-changer when it comes to staying organized on the road. Made from 200D recycled nylon canvas, this tech dopp kit is ultra-organized and weatherproof, to boot. The oragami-style pockets have plenty of space, zipper compartments, and storage slips for every type of accessory. Although it’s small and compact, the organizer manages to fit a ton of items with a lot of room to spare. For traveling men who like their gadgets, this one’s a no-brainer.

13. Vessi Travel Shoes

These might be the only pair of shoes you’ll ever need—literally. Unlike most sneakers, Vessi travel shoes are completely waterproof, which means water and dirt rolls right off, keeping your socks happy and dry. With three different models and multiple colors, you can pick the style that’s right for you. And don’t even get me started on comfort! Vessi shoes are breathable, flexible, and super lightweight. With stretchy vegan fabric, maximum support, and soft-gel heels, you can goodbye to sore feet forever.

14. Bluffworks Travel Chino Pant

Everybody needs a pair of comfortable travel pants. Enter Bluffworks. They make functional clothing for travel and their simple and still timelessly stylish Bluffworks Chino Travel Pants are the perfect fit (pun intended). This travel gift is adventure-friendly, made of a technical and breathable polyester that dries quickly and doesn’t wrinkle. Plus they have zippered pockets and a security loop to keep your valuables safe. Wear them at the office, on the airplane or on a hike—the choice is yours!

15. GoPro Hero 7 Black

The GoPro Hero 7 Black is the ultimate traveler’s camera. It’s wearable, waterproof, shock-proof, voice-activated, and all around durable enough to handle even the most rugged of adventures. The 7 is GoPro’s newest version, complete with insanely smooth video stabilization, a touchscreen and 4K video at 60fps! No trip is complete without a GoPro in tow, and no list of gifts for travelers is complete without a GoPro.

16. Anker PowerCore Portable Battery Pack

We’ve all suffered the pain of a draining phone battery. In times of need, you’ll wish you had the Anker PowerCore by your side to give your phone a little extra juice. Despite its small size, this portable charging device packs a huge punch and is by far the best we’ve tried. It can charge your phone up to three times, as well as other electronic devices like cameras and iPads. No traveler should ever go on a trip without a portable battery pack like this one. This is one of the best gifts for travelers, hands down!

17. Cabeau Evolution S3 Neck Pillow

This is the best travel pillow I’ve ever used in my life—no word of a lie. With the Evolution S3 , Cabeau has worked hard to create a next-evolution pillow with both front-chin support and side support. It’s incredibly soft and comfortable and, best of all, it straps securely to your seat, which means it holds your head firmly in place. No more neck pains or head bobbing with this pillow! Its cover is washable, and it reduces to a small travel size and includes an attachable bag, to boot. This belongs in every traveler’s arsenal.

18. Arc’teryx LT Atom Hoody

Any outdoor enthusiast knows that the Arc’teryx LT Atom Hoody is a must-have wardrobe staple. Constructed from synthetic insulating materials, the Atom Hoody is breathable, lightweight, but most importantly, water and wind resistance. It can be worn on its own or layered with other shells or insulated jackets. Made for the active guy who’s always on an adventure, the Atom LT can be worn skiing, hiking, and even ice climbing!

19. Tile Pro Bluetooth Tracking Device

The Tile Pro attaches to pretty much any item (keys…even a dog’s collar!) or the slim version slides into a wallet, passport, or a pocket in your backpack. Integrated Bluetooth allows you to ring your Tile, locate the last place you had it, or god-forbid, track it down (completely anonymously!) when it passes within range of anyone else in the Tile community (which is huge, by the way). It’s incredibly handy both on the road and at home.

20. Monogrammed Flask

I never travel without my flask. It’s one of those things that pretty much every guy needs, but almost no-one has, and personalizing one really makes it a special gift.

21. BauBax Travel Jacket

The BauBax travel jacket is the Swiss army knife of jackets. It comes in four different styles: vest, bomber, sweatshirt and windbreaker, all of which have the same awesome 25 features: built-in neck pillows, gloves, eye masks, blankets, bottles, a footrest (yes, really) and 12 more utility pockets. Is that the best-sounding jacket ever or what? Any guy who travels won’t just want one of these—he’ll need it!

22. Stitch Fix Gift Card

I like to look good when I travel. Stitch Fix takes the fuss out of shopping—just enter your size and style preference, and you’ll get pre-styled outfits, put together by a personal stylist, right at your doorstep a few days later. You only pay for the items you like and send back the ones you don’t, free of charge. Just give a gift card and let him take care of the rest—it’s the perfect gift for travelers who like to look stylish on the road, but don’t want to go shopping themselves. Read my full Stitch Fix review here.

23. BioLite CampStove 2 Bundle

If you’re looking for a self-sustainable gift that just keeps on giving, this is it. For anyone who loves camping, The BioLite CampStove 2 Bundle is one of the best travel gift ideas. It’s a stove that you can carry around without the hassle of having to carry gas or fuel. It grills, cooks, boils and even has USB ports to charge your devices! It also weighs under five pounds, so it won’t drag you down too much.

24. Jaybird X4 Bluetooth Headphones

Wireless headphones are taking over, and the Jaybird X4 ‘s are top of the line. They’re the perfect travel gift for men with an active lifestyle, and since the sound quality is impeccable, even audiophiles will be pleased! With eight hours of battery life, these will last him the full length of an overnight bus ride!

25. O’Douds All Natural Solid Travel-Friendly Cologne

Large bottles of liquid cologne just aren’t practical to travel with, so get him a bar of O’Douds All Natural Solid Cologne. O’Douds carries scents like Cedar & Citrus, Bay Rum, Orchard and Forest —a scent for every guy who travels. Even better, it’s a small (.3 oz) and easy-to-carry version of cologne that he can stash in his carry-on luggage!

26. Kindle Paperwhite

If he reads books an e-reader is essential, and the Kindle Paperwhite is, without question, the best one on the market. It’s touchscreen and has a 6″ 300ppi screen with a built-in light and WiFi. He’ll never get stuck without a book again!

27. Tinggly Travel Gift Cards

A travel gift card from Tinggly makes the perfect gift for travelers or anyone who prefers experiences over things (which arguably includes most travelers!). The lucky gift recipient will get to choose from more than 500 of options in over 100 countries. And they have up to five years to actually use the gift card. They’re so easy, and gift cards can be delivered instantly via email—an unforgettable experience is guaranteed. Read my full review of Tinggly travel gift cards here.

28. Roo Hammock by Kammok

Who doesn’t love a good hammock!? The Roo Hammock by Kammok is the ultimate gift for anyone who loves to backpack. The hammock fits two people and is extremely lightweight and easy to pack up in a hurry, so you can sleep anywhere.

29. Travel Dominoes by Walnut

All those hours spent on trains, in airports, bus stations, or even just hanging out in a park. This set of dominoes by Walnut is the perfect stocking stuffer for anyone who travels. They’re not the cheapest gift, but they are, indeed, bespoke. They also make a travel cribbage board and a very special edition cribbage set!

30. The Ultimate Man’s Survival Guide

The Ultimate Man’s Survival Guide is the go-to resource for men to handle any situation out in the wild, from escaping alligators to mixing the perfect martini. More than just how to do manly things, this book also discusses the definition of manliness and the true essence of being a man in today’s world.

10 Gift > Posted by Ali on Oct 15 2015

*This post contains affiliate links, denoted by asterisks. See our disclosure here.

The holidays are creeping up on us, and we’ll be sipping eggnog before we know it!

Traveling friends can sometimes be hard to shop for since they spend most of their money on experiences rather than things. But a few thoughtful items can go a long way in helping that friend travel carry-on only.

If you’re a carry-on traveler, add some of these gift ideas to your wish list!

1. Cute Compression Socks

Long flights can lead to swelling of the feet and legs, and in the worst scenarios, life-threatening blood clots. Compression socks combat these issues, but they aren’t always the cutest… until we found these.

2. TSA-Friendly Toiletry Bag Filled with Goodies

For carry-on only travelers, one of the biggest issues is toiletries. Liquid toiletries in particular need to be placed in a quart-sized clear plastic bag in bottles or containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100ml). Help a friend out by upgrading their disposable ziploc bags with a nicer, TSA-friendly pouch (like this one from Nalgene*)- filled with new travel toiletry bottles and even some solid toiletry alternatives.

3. Stuffable bags

Stuffable bags can be used as a day pack, beach bag, grocery bag, laundry bag, and so much more. Since they fold up inside themselves, a stuffable bag takes up almost no space and can be stored in your main backpack or suitcase, which means it won’t put you over the carry-on limit.

4. Carry-on sized backpack or suitcase

At Her Packing List, we think 40 liters is the perfect sized backpack for someone who doesn’t want to check luggage. It’s just big enough to hold what you really need but still small enough to meet most airline carry-on regulations.

Not a backpack person? There are tons of great carry-on sized Suitcases, too, like Caroline’s Hartmann Lineaire, Jenny’s Briggs & Riley, or Kate’s Dakine Carry On Valise.

5. The Amazing Travel Jacket

You know - THE jacket. It’s been passed around the Internet with global popularity, and for good reason. This jacket has 15 features in ONE! And if you’re going carry-on only, then conserving space inside your luggage is pretty important. With this jacket, you have a neck pillow, eye mask, zipper pen, gloves, and special pockets galore. It does, however, come with a price.

6. Luggage scale

Help your Carry-on traveler friend stay under the weight limit with a simple luggage scale. Carry-on restrictions often include a weight limit, and no one wants to be forced to check a bag for being a pound or two too heavy. Plus luggage scales are small, so you can pack it with you to check the weight at the end of the trip after you’ve bought some souvenirs.

Books are heavy to lug around, and they take up a lot of precious space in a girl’s Carry-on bag. A Kindle is lightweight and let’s you carry virtually as many books as you want. If your friend already has one, get her a Kindle gift card*.

8. Turkish travel towel

Regular towels are too bulky to travel with. Turkish travel towels solve this problem by being thin, packing up small, and serving multiple purposes. You can use them as a Shower towel, beach towel, cover-up, blanket, and so much more.

9. Collapsible Water Bottle

Help a friend save money on airport beverages, and stay hydrated while on the plane, with a collapsible water bottle. When not in use, it packs ultralight and small.

This is a great item for Carry-on travelers who have a lot of cords and other smaller things that can easily get lost in a backpack. The Grid-It helps you keep your cords separate all in one place without getting tangled up. Just a few of the many other things you can keep organized with the Grid-It include your iPod, batteries, phone, and memory cards.

More Travel Gift Ideas:

Written by Ali

Ali Garland is a freelance writer, blogger, and travel addict who made it to all 7 continents before her 30th birthday. She enjoys travel planning, encouraging others to see the world, and packing carry-on only. She and her husband are expats living in Berlin. You can find Ali at Ali's Adventures and Travel Made Simple.

Gear We Use

Organization

Packing Cubes – Organize your luggage with the lightweight, durable and compressible Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Compression Cubes.

Backpacks + Daypacks

Pacsafe – Since they come with extra theft-resisting features, Pacsafe bags make you a more confident traveler. We especially love this bag.

Sea to Summit – Of all the Sea to Summit products, our most recommended is the fits-in-your-palm, super packable Ultra-Sil Daypack.

Personal Care

Nalgene Toiletry Bottles – These leak-free toiletry bottles and tubs come in all sizes – even super tiny, helping minimalists pack it all without bulk.

Turkish Towels – They’re thinner than most travel towels, and they actually cover your body! We can’t get enough of Turkish towels for travel.

Speakeasy Supply Co. – They make the awesome hidden pocket infinity scarves that are perfect for stashing secret cash, lip balms, and passports.

Anatomie – Anatomie travel pants come with luxury prices, but they offer many benefits for travelers. See our review of the famous Skyler pants.

Travel Resources

Booking Airfare

Dollar Flight Club – Get flight deal alerts for your preferred departure airport. There is both a free and premium version (recommended for more sweet deals). Members save on average $500 USD per flight!

Skyscanner – Skyscanner is our preferred site for searching flights. They offer unbiased search results and are free from hidden fees. You can also book your hotels and rental cars.

Accommodation

Airbnb – Airbnb is the best place to book out apartments around the world. Sign up using this link to get $37 USD off your first stay booking + $14 USD towards an experience booking!

Booking. com – Search for hotels, hostels, and apartments using this one resource. Use it for flights, car rentals, and airport taxis as well.

Hostelworld – For hostels, Hostelworld remains our number one source for booking stays. Choose from straight up hostels, budget hotels and bed and breakfasts.

Trusted Housesitters – Save money on travel accommodation by becoming a housesitter. Housesitters often have extra duties, like caring for pets and gardens.

Reader Interactions

Make sure that your stuff sack’s color doesn’t run. Non-colorfast in the rain can stain some of the few clothes that you have with you.

Online Shopping

Breaking News

Amazon. com Gift Ideas The most popular items ordered as gifts in Luggage & Travel Gear