2025 Travel Gift Guide: 36 Seriously Good Gifts for Travelers

Publish Date: November 18, 2024
Last Updated: September 16, 2025

If you’ve got a traveler on your list, you know the best gifts are the ones that actually get used, the gifts that makes packing easier, road trips smoother, or long flights more comfortable. This list is full of tried-and-true favorites and a few fun surprises! Whether your person is always hopping on planes, road-tripping every chance they get, or planning their next bucket-list adventure, these are the gifts that’ll make them think of you every time they travel.

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1. Travel Backpack (for everyday use, too)

Think of this as a traveler’s best buddy. It keeps your stuff safe, holds everything you need, and doesn’t scream “tourist.” Anti-theft backpacks, in particular, come with hidden zippers and locking compartments, so your passport and snacks stay exactly where you left them. Plus, most are designed with on-the-go travel in mind, so you can actually find your stuff when you need it.

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Bonus: Travel Diaper Bag (for the parent who’s always on the go)

The Huhu Everyday Diaper Backpack is a rare unicorn: sleek enough to pass for an everyday backpack, smartly organized for parenting life, and comfortable enough to carry from playground to airport. With 10 pockets (including a genius one-handed wipes compartment), double water bottle holders, and clear-front pouches to see what’s where, this travel diaper bag is built for adventures… and it doesn’t scream “diaper bag.”

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2. Pinch Provisions Travel Kits (for digital nomads, red-eye flights, & everything in between)

Travel is full of “oops” moments… a coffee spill right before a meeting, a blister forming halfway through a walking tour, or realizing you need earplugs now. That’s where Pinch Provisions kits come in. They’re like a tiny Mary Poppins bag of solutions: wrinkle remover, bandages, earbuds, stain wipes, you name it. Slip one into a carry-on or glove box and your traveler is suddenly the most prepared person in the room (or plane).

DIY option: You can also home-make a travel kit! Grab a small zip pouch and add: mini stain remover pen, bandages + blister patches, pain reliever, earplugs, lip balm, hand lotion, nail clippers, floss picks, sanitizing wipes, hair ties, and a foldable comb. Customize it for who you’re gifting: Add lens wipes for laptop warriors, electrolyte packets for hikers, or a few tea bags for red-eye flyers.

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  • Unisex Travel Kit: This vegan leather pouch contains 18 travel essentials, from earplugs and hand lotion to wrinkle remover and foldable combs.

  • Work From Anywhere Travel Kit: Find a little office, a little personal care, and a lot of convenience in this work-from-anywhere kit.

 

3. Travel Journal or Scrapbook (for documenting on the go)

Every traveler has stories worth remembering! A travel journal gives them a place to jot notes, sketch, paste ticket stubs, or map out where they’ve been. Bonus: it becomes a keepsake they’ll treasure long after the trip is over. Pair it with a Polaroid camera for instant scrapbook magic, and pick one that’s sturdy enough to survive backpacks, plane trays, and campground picnic tables.

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4. Packing Cubes (for a game-changing, useful travel gift)

Packing cubes don’t sound exciting. I know. But if your traveler doesn’t have them yet, this is your chance to be the hero of their next trip. These little zip-up lifesavers keep everything organized, let you squeeze more into a bag, and basically make unpacking painless.

And here’s the thing: there’s a cube for everything.

Clothing cubes, shoe cubes, even tech organizers and travel jewelry boxes are incredibly practical gifts for journeys of all sizes. I wasn’t sold on them at first either… until we packed for three weeks in Alaska using just one backpack each. Now they’re a non-negotiable and the first thing I grab when packing for an upcoming trip.

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  • Away Travel Shoe Cubes: These are my all-time favorite shoe cubes, but if you’re buying multiple, these cubes on Amazon are good, too, and more economical. We travel with both of these, and both work great. (If they’re not in stock, try these!)

  • Packing Cubes: Packing cubes are travel magic. Most compress your clothes so you can fit more in less space, but the real win is organization. Use one for hiking gear, another for nicer outfits, and suddenly your bag isn’t a black hole. It’s a portable closet you can actually keep neat on the go. The only thing these cubes are missing is handles, but they’re so sturdy that the trade-off is worth it.

 

5. Portable Coffee Maker (for a cup of joe no matter where you go)

Coffee lovers know: a morning without coffee can ruin a morning. 🙃 Enter a portable coffee maker! It’s small, packable, and ready to brew a decent cup whether you’re in a hotel room, a rest stop, or a tent. Some run on batteries, some are hand-powered, but all are designed to give you that much-needed caffeine hit without hunting down the nearest café.

We’ve been traveling with one for years, and it’s saved us me countless cranky mornings on the road.

Real-life note: I’ve been using the Mounchain Portable Coffee Maker for years because it slides into a water-bottle pocket, works with grounds or K-cups, and runs on batteries. It’s discontinued now, but the options below are similar.

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6. Noise-Canceling Headphones (for peace & quiet, anywhere)

Airplane engines. Chatty neighbors. That one loud espresso machine in the corner of every café. Noise-canceling headphones are a sanity-saver for travelers. They block distractions so you can actually rest, focus, or just enjoy your music. For long-haul flights or remote work sessions, they’re one of those gifts people end up using constantly.

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7. Portable Sound Machine (for light sleepers)

Hotel AC units, hallway noise, campground sounds… sleep can be tough when you’re away from home. A portable sound machine fixes that. Small enough to toss in any bag, it effectively masks background hums with soothing white noise.

Why we love it: I’m a super light sleeper, and this little device changed the game. From clunky motel fridges to highway traffic, it blocks it all. I got mine as a gift a few years ago, and now it comes with me on every trip. (And although I originally wanted it for travel, I use it every night at home now, too!)

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8. Travel Clothing Set (for jet-setters and road trippers alike)

The right outfit makes all the difference when you’re traveling. A matching travel set is cozy, breathable, and still looks put together when you roll off a plane or stop at a road trip diner. Quick-drying fabrics and wrinkle-resistant fits keep things fresh for days. Matching tops and bottoms also takes the stress out of outfit planning, so you can focus on the adventure.

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9. Collapsible Water Bottle (for hikers and backpackers)

Bulky water bottles can be cumbersome to pack. Collapsible bottles solve that by shrinking down when empty so they take up almost no space. They’re light, reusable, and perfect for anyone who hikes, camps, or just hates lugging a big bottle around when it’s not full.

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10. Portable Projector (for campers and movie lovers)

Turn any blank wall into movie night with a portable projector! These little gadgets are compact enough to fit in a backpack and make camping trips, hotel stays, or even backyard hangs instantly more fun. Look for rechargeable options with built-in speakers so you don’t need extra gear.

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11. Travel Wallet (for an option for everyone)

A regular wallet just doesn’t cut it when you’re traveling. A travel wallet keeps passports, tickets, credit cards, and currency all in one place. No more digging through bags at the airport or juggling boarding passes with your phone. Many also come with RFID-blocking tech for extra peace of mind.

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12. Quick-Dry Towel (for beach-goers and lake days)

Regular towels are often heavy and slow to dry. Quick-dry towels solve that problem and are perfect for the beach, camping, or even just road trip pit stops at a lake. They pack small, absorb fast, and are ready to use again in no time.

Why we love it: We love these quick-drying towels for everyday travels as well as for hiking and swimming. (We use a size small as a hand towel and a size large as a bath or swim towel.) This was the towel that sealed the deal for Jonathan to make his “Blue Pool Jump” on an Alaskan glacier, and it was dry by the time we got back to our car!

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13. Compact Tripod (for photographers)

A compact tripod is a must for travelers who love photos. It’s small enough to toss in a backpack but stable enough for long-exposure shots, night photography, or group selfies. Flexible legs are great for uneven terrain, making it easy to set up anywhere.

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14. Lightweight Hiking Backpack (for outdoor adventurers)

The right backpack makes a huge difference on day hikes or longer treks. Lightweight, durable, and comfortable are the three magic words here. Many hiking packs fold up small when not in use, which is perfect for road trips or international travel. Look for padded straps and multiple compartments for comfort and organization.

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15. Portable Humidifier (for frequent flyers and winter getaways)

Hotel rooms, airplanes, and mountain cabins can all be incredibly dry. A portable humidifier is a small but mighty gift that makes a big difference. It helps with dry skin, scratchy throats, and that general “ugh” feeling you get in places with no moisture in the air. Most plug in with USB and run quietly all night, so you actually wake up feeling better rested. This is a great travel gift idea for business travelers, digital nomads, or anyone who spends a lot of time on the road and wants to feel a little more at home wherever they go.

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16. Travel Acupuncture Mat (for R&R on the go)

Long flights, long hikes, long hours in the car… your muscles take a beating when you travel. A portable acupuncture mat is one of those surprising gifts that helps melt away the tension. Covered in tiny pressure points, it increases circulation, releases tightness, and feels like a reset button after a long day. Easy to roll up, it packs right into a suitcase or duffel.

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17. Travel Hammock (for the best camping naps)

Few things feel more relaxing than kicking back in a hammock with a good view. Travel hammocks are light, durable, and pack down small enough to keep in a car or backpack. Set it up between two trees and you’ve got the perfect spot for reading, stargazing, or sneaking in a nap at camp.

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18. Polaroid Camera (for weekend getaways and girls’ trips)

Travel memories hit different when you can hold them in your hand. A Polaroid camera makes those instant souvenirs possible. Perfect for getaways with friends, family trips, or even solo adventures, it adds a nostalgic touch to travel photos. Plus, Polaroid prints are perfect for journaling or scrapbooking on the road.

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If your trip includes sun and sand, this Polaroid album is the cutest way to store all those instant beach memories.

 

19. Gorilla Bow Travel (for gym buffs)

Hotel gyms are hit or miss, and if you’re bouncing between Airbnbs, those day passes to local gyms add up fast. This travel-friendly strength-training set makes sure workouts happen anywhere. The Gorilla Bow Travel is easy to pack, offers plenty of resistance, and works in everything from a short-term rental to a campsite.

Why we love it: We live on the road for months at a time during travel seasons and use this alongside trail runs and hikes to stay consistent with workouts. It packs easily and doesn’t require a ton of space to use.

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20. Nook / Kindle (for avid readers)

Carrying a stack of books is not realistic for most travelers. An e-reader solves that problem by holding thousands of titles in one lightweight device. Long battery life and glare-free screens make them perfect for beaches, flights, or coffee shops. A Kindle or Nook basically guarantees your traveler always has something to read.

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21. Foldable Shoes (for rest stops, overnight flights, and water activities)

Road trips are all about comfort, and this might be the ultimate upgrade: shoes just for rest stops. Picture it: you have been driving for hours, you finally pull off at a gas station, and the last thing you want to do is wrestle with laces. Slip-ons solve the problem. Slide them on, stretch your legs, and head inside with zero fuss.

Foldable or slip-on shoes also come in clutch on overnight flights, at campgrounds, or by the lake when you want quick, comfy footwear that still handles the outdoors. This is one of those next-level travel gifts that feels like a luxury but turns into an everyday essential for cross-country drivers and weekend road-trippers alike.

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22. Self-Cleaning Water Bottle (because there’s enough to worry about)

Hydration on the go is important, but no one wants to deal with a bottle that smells funky halfway through a trip. A self-cleaning water bottle solves that problem. Built-in UV technology keeps water fresh and bottles odor-free without constant scrubbing.

These bottles are especially handy on hikes, road trips, or international travel, where clean water might be harder to find. They save time and let your traveler focus on the fun, not the chores.

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23. Gathre Mat (for the beach, park, and everywhere in between)

This is one of those gifts travelers do not realize they need until they use it. Gathre mats fold down small, wipe clean in seconds, and look stylish at the same time. They are perfect for picnics, beach days, concerts, or camping trips.

Why we love it: We bring ours to parks and outdoor events all the time. It is lightweight, easy to pack, and gives you a clean spot to sit no matter where you are.

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24. Car Storage (for trunks, backseats, and rooftops)

When you are road tripping, space disappears quickly. Car storage solutions like trunk organizers, backseat pockets, and rooftop cargo bags create room where there was none. They keep everything from snacks to snowshoes in order so you can actually find what you need.

We use our rooftop cargo bag all the time. It frees up space inside and gives us extra room for car camping. Once you have it, you’ll never want to pack the car without it.

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25. Pillow Carrier (to take your favorite pillow ev-er-y-where)

We do not leave home without our pillows, ha! Travel is tiring enough, so why not sleep as well on the road as you do at home? Pillow carriers keep pillows clean and make them easy to pack in the car. For anyone picky about their pillow, this is a thoughtful and surprisingly fun gift.

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26. Travel Books (for the dreamers and planners)

Some trips start with a single page. Travel books are the spark that turn into bucket lists, dream itineraries, and “someday we’ll go there” conversations. They look beautiful on a coffee table and double as inspiration when your traveler is in between trips. A good one has the power to keep wanderlust alive at home and nudge the next big adventure into motion.

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27. Travel Backpack Cooler (for portable hydration and fuel)

Coolers are nice, but backpack coolers are cool. (Get it? 😁) Hands-free, insulated, and portable, they’re one of the most versatile travel gifts out there. Perfect for a beach day with cold drinks, a hiking trail picnic, or camping when you want a stash of chilled snacks by the fire. They also make road trips more fun, because nothing beats having fresh food and icy drinks on hand without digging through a soggy bag of ice.

Why we love it: A backpack cooler takes the stress out of food planning. Toss in sandwiches, sparkling waters, and a few treats, and you have yourself a beach party, trail lunch, or impromptu tailgate anywhere.

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28. Framed Map of Route (for bucket list trip souvenirs)

This gift turns a trip into wall art. You can order a custom map on Etsy that shows the exact route your traveler took—starting point, destination, and the stops in between. It is a personal keepsake that sparks conversation and reminds them of the adventure every time they see it.

Why we love it: We’ve created maps from every Travel Season and love seeing them hanging on our wall. They are like little trophies from the road.

 

29. Portable Vacuum Cleaner (for roadtrippers)

Road trip cars are snack central. Crumbs, sand, pet hair, receipts… it piles up fast. A portable vacuum is one of those gifts people never think to buy for themselves, but end up raving about once they have it. Compact enough to stash under a seat, it makes it easy to do a quick sweep at gas stations or campground stops so your car feels less like a rolling trash bin and more like a comfortable ride.

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30. Double-Wide Sleeping Bag (for couples and car campers)

Camping just got cozy. A double-wide sleeping bag gives you room to actually spread out, cuddle, or just stay warm without messing with two separate bags. It feels more like real bedding than “roughing it,” and it makes car camping or weekend trips way more fun.

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31. Spotting Scope or Binoculars (for wildlife watchers)

Some of the best travel memories happen when you spot wildlife. But most of the time, animals aren’t exactly standing ten feet from the road waiting for you. A good spotting scope or binoculars makes it possible to see those moments up close while keeping a safe distance.

Why we love it: Wolf-watching in Yellowstone National Park is one of Jonathan’s favorite hobbies. Wolves are especially elusive animals, often staying a quarter mile off the road or more. Binoculars and spotting scopes take wolf-watching to a completely new level, as you can see pups playing and packs hunting from a respectful and safe distance away.

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32. National Park Pass (for new explorers)

This one is a classic for a reason. The America the Beautiful Pass unlocks access to more than 2,000 national parks and federal lands for a full year. It is one of those gifts that pays for itself after just a couple of visits and encourages your traveler to get out and explore more.

Why we love it: It makes spontaneous road trips easier. You can pull up to a park entrance, flash your pass, and head straight in.

You can purchase one as a gift through the U.S. Geological Survey's website or in person at many national park entrances.

 

33. Car Dog Seat Extender with Storage (for pets who travel, too)

Road trips are better with pets, but cars aren’t always set up for comfort. A dog seat extender creates a bigger, safer platform so pups can stretch out and relax. Many come with built-in storage so you can tuck away leashes, bowls, and toys right where you need them.

Our must-haves for pet travel:

  • Dog Car Seat Extender with Storage: Use this in the back seat, front seat, or trunk to give your dog more room to lie down… or use it for storage!

  • Packable Dog Travel Crate: This is our #1 must-have for road-tripping with a dog. I love everything about this travel crate, as it folds down and easily fits vertically between the front and back seats in our Prius. It can also fit horizontally on the back seats when the seats are down.

  • “Do Not Pet” Dog Harness: This is our second travel must-have, particularly for shy or nervous dogs. This has helped Lincoln feel much more comfortable as we travel because it effectively deters people from walking up to her. Lincoln wears a girth size 24-31", and we attach saddlebags to the harness to carry waste bags and other items when hiking.

  • Dog Travel Bag & Travel Bowls: Portable bowls are great, easy-to-pack items for meals on the road. We use Arcadia Trail collapsible bowls, but these are similar. And bonus

  • Pet Backseat Cover for Car: This is a great backseat cover in terms of features, but Lincoln doesn’t get great traction on the recommended “up” side, so we’ll often use it upside down with the rubber grip up to create better traction for her to sit up and look out the window.

  • Car Window Shades: Made of stretchy mesh and an expandable rubber band to fit most small and medium Crossovers, SUVs, Sedans, and Trucks’ side back seat windows.

 

34. Travel Push Pin Wood Map or Push Pin Globe (for globetrotters)

Many travelers love to track their adventures, and a pushpin map or globe makes it fun and interactive. Each pin is a memory, and together they tell the story of where someone has been and where they are headed next. It is a thoughtful way to turn travel into art.

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  • US Push Pin Wood Travel Map: A gorgeous wooden map with 3D effects thanks to multiple layers, plus an option to add USA State Flags to push pins.

  • Push Pin Travel Globe: Track your travels around the world with this push pin globe, including a base that allows the globe to spin fully.

 

35. Car Trash Can (for a useful gift they don’t want to buy themselves)

Okay, hear me out. A car trash can doesn’t sound glamorous, but it’s one of those “they’ll thank you later” gifts. Because road trips = snacks, coffee cups, and random receipts everywhere. Instead of shoving it all on the passenger floor (hi, Jonathan 👋), travelers can toss everything into one tidy spot. It’s practical, a little funny, and honestly? Way more useful than another candle. (Though, we love candles too. Especially from Keap.)

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36. Sleep mask with built-in headphones (for overnight flights)

A sleep mask plus wireless headphones equals one seriously restful travel gift. It blocks light, plays music or white noise, and makes flights or hotel nights much more peaceful. Perfect for long-haul flyers, frequent road trippers, or anyone who needs help falling asleep away from home.

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Happy Gifting!

We hope you enjoy these 36 gift ideas for the travelers in your life! To save this gift guide on Pinterest for later, hover over the image below and click on the red “Save” button that pops up in the upper lefthand corner of the image. (If you’re on mobile, you might have to tap the image first to see the red ‘Save’ button.)

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