Useful travel gifts might not sound terribly exciting. But if you’ve got a traveler on your holiday shopping list, you can bet they’ll put these gifts to good use no matter where they’re traveling.
I’ve personally tested these travel gifts, as have many frequent travelers and readers of this blog. Whether you’re buying for him or for her, young, old, solo, or families, useful gifts for travelers are always en vogue.
12 Useful Travel Gifts Every Traveler Needs
There’s just no denying when another holiday season has arrived.
Here in the United States, it happens 2 minutes after the last Halloween trick-or-treater has knocked on the door.
You’ll hear the distinct shake of sleigh bells on a TV commercial or you’ll walk past your favorite coffee shop and spy a poster announcing the return of a holiday-flavored latte.
And whether you love or hate the shopping that comes with the season, the fresh chill in the air, the bright lights, and the decorations bring about a contagious holiday cheer.
If you’re like me, not wanting to just give “stuff” or always looking for unique travel gifts that’ll capture something special about the person, shopping can feel impossible!
So, I’ve put together this list of useful travel items in the spirit of knowing all travel-lovers will not only love these gifts but also use them all the time!
1. LiquiSnugs Premium Leak Proof Toiletry Bottles
- 100% LEAKPROOF GUARANTEED: We have worked hard to modify these refillable travel containers for toiletries and tested the heck out of them to ensure…
- DIFFERENT SIZES: We think a set of 2x 3oz toiletry bottles and 2x 2oz travel toiletry bottles gives you the perfect combination to maximise use of…
- ADJUSTABLE LABELS & SUCTION PADS: Is your shampoo, conditioner and body wash the same color? No problem – our adjustable labels will stop any…
You know those small refillable plastic bottles you use when you travel to pack small amounts of shampoo and face soap?
Have you ever been able to get that last bit at the bottom of the bottle out? Don’t worry. Neither has anyone else!
But, LiquiSnugs lets you squeeze out every last drop with ease and they come in the perfect TSA-approved sizes for your carry-on. Better yet, the locking cap means never having to worry about finding shampoo all over the inside of your suitcase! I use these and have never had one leak.
2. Waterproof Phone Pouch
- ✅ Fits all phone sizes with case on: iPhone 14 Pro Max/13/12/11/SE/8/7, Galaxy S23 Ultra/S22/S21. etc. Also can be protection for your watch, airpods, ID, cash, credit cards, passport, key, or other small items.
- ✅ IP68 Certified offers waterproof / dustproof / snowproof protection – After around 1000 tests, no leakage or water damage during 100 Ft/30 M deep underwater. Perfect for pools, beach, fishing, swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, sailing, skiing, boating, tubing, rafting, showering, sauna, and other water park activities.
- ✅ The air padding design on the pouch makes your cell phone float easily, no more worries about dropping your precious belongings in the water
Nowadays, who doesn’t store everything on their phones?!? From contacts to photos to travel confirmation emails and documents, it would be a real nightmare to damage your phone while traveling.
This useful travel item fits a wide array of cell phone sizes. It has a clear front and back and touchscreen capabilities so you can take photos and videos while keeping your phone safe and dry.
This is something every traveler needs for trips to the beach, adventurous activities like kayaking and snorkeling, and even winter trips to the mountains to ski, snowboard, and snowshoe.
3. Ceptics Travel Power Strip & Plug Adapter Set
- 1 USB inputs + 2 USA grounded inputs + 1 Type C input is more than you need for your travel purposes.
- Advanced Smart technology: grounded connection + surge protection 3 pin grounded connection in most countries allows you to plug in your device safely. And built-in surge protection – protects your high end electronics from harmful voltage surges and spikes.
- Super Ultra compact Size: measuring 1.9″ X 5.5″ X 1″ & weighs less than 5 oz, travel pouch included – Patented Design: Utility US 10,797,425B1 and design US D939,447 S
Never worry about having the right plug adapter again! I haven’t been to a country from Italy to Botswana where one of these adapters doesn’t work.
The set is compact enough to take the whole set with you or simply choose which adapter(s) you need for a particular trip. Plus, having a travel power strip is invaluable! You can charge more than 1 device at a time which is a real timesaver.
4. TSA Luggage Locks
- TSA Approved Locks allows TSA screeners to inspect your luggage without damaging the locks
- Numbers are easy to maneuver, reset and set to your own preferred passcode
- Versatile Use – Our TSA approved locks are perfect as lock for lockers, backpack lock, gym locker lock or any school locker lock; The product can also be used on everything from gym bags to storage boxes, tool boxes and as a combination lock outdoor
These tiny locks are durable and secure. They loop through backpack zippers and keep all of your belongings safe inside your bag.
You can lock your bags even if they’re checked because these locks are TSA-approved. And, they’re perfect to keep a bag locked and safe from pickpockets while out exploring.
5. Delsey Paris Chatelet Air Hardside Luggage
- Lightweight and durable 100% polycarbonate shell that is extremely resilient to cracking or breaking; designed with stylish faux leather accents
- Four spinner wheels assuring a stable base with multi-directional rolling with zero weight on your hand for easy travel; 20% lighter than Chatelet with Brake
- Recessed 3-dial TSA approved combination lock for security; features patented zip SECURITECH 2, a closing system that is 3 times more resistant to intrusion than a conventional zipper
One of the most durable pieces of luggage I’ve ever owned has been the Delsey Paris Chatelet Air Hardside luggage. I use the checked 24″ medium-sized suitcase, as well as the 21″ carry on size. The lined sides include straps to keep everything secure. I can easily fit 3-4 compression packing cubes, depending on their size, to fit more than 2-weeks worth of clothes.
The suitcase is lightweight with spinner wheels making it extremely easy to manage. It also comes with a 3-dial TSA-Approved lock and a lock on the handle to stop it from moving if you’re on a train or bus.
It also fits in the overhead bin on an airplane, so you don’t have to risk losing your bag by checking it or pay hefty checked bag fees.
6. Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
If the traveler on your list is like most travelers, they probably take 100s, if not 1000s, of photos. Whether in Barcelona or Iceland, this handy external hard drive has a ton of space to free up space on your camera’s memory cards. There’s another model with 4TB if you need even more storage.
Travelers can also use this hard drive to store a copy of their photos. If something should happen to their camera or memory card, the external hard drive safely stores all precious memories. It’s absolutely one of the most useful gifts for travelers and their photos.
7. Gonex Compression Packing Cubes
- Set Includes: 1x XL: 44x33x9 cm/17.3x13x3.54 inches, 1x L: 37x27x9 cm/14.5×10.6×3.54 inches, 1x M: 30×22.5×9 cm/11.8×8.9×3.54 inches, 1x S: 25x19x8 cm/9.8×7.5×3.54 inches.
- Soft Material: The ultra-soft lightweight rip-stop nylon with high density and extensibility, along with the smooth zipper, makes this compression packing cube set extremely durable when filled with essentials.
- Revolutionize Your Packing: Our packing cubes make packing a breeze and dramatically reduce the space needed for trips. No more overpacking!
I’m a total packing cube convert! Packing cubes keep everything in your bag organized.
I’ve moved on from regular packing cubes and now use compression packing cubes. You simply roll your clothes and compress the packing cubes to allow for even more space in your bag. I couldn’t pack my bag without them.
It’s easy to quickly find what you’re looking for by only taking the cube you need out of your bag while keeping everything else neatly stored.
Even when packing for a road trip, these compression cubes are great when you only need a few things for an overnight hotel stop and don’t want to bring in your entire bag.
Of all the useful travel gifts on this list, these are in my top 3 necessities for every trip!
8. Osprey Daylite Backpack
- Large panel loading main compartment provides accessibility to inside contents
- Dual stretch mesh side pockets provide additional storage options
- The multi-function interior sleeve can be used for either a hydration reservoir or tablet
Osprey’s Daylite backpack is sleek and compact, with compartments and pockets to organize and keep all of your belongings secure.
I’ve dragged this bag across 5 continents, in all kinds of weather and I’m consistently wowed by its functionality and durability while being incredibly compact!
9. Sony A6400 Mirrorless Camera
- 20.1MP stacked back illuminated 1″ Exmor RS CMOS sensor w/ DRAM, large aperture 24-70mm1 F1.8-2.8 ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T lens
- Enhanced subject capture: wide 425 Phase/ 425 contrast detection points over 84 percent of the sensor
- Fast and accurate: Up to 11Fps continuous shooting at 24.2 MP raw with crisp, clear natural colors
There are many recommended cameras for travelers. I loved and used the Sony A6400 Mirrorless Camera as my go-to travel camera for many years before upgrading to the Sony a7 iii.
This compact camera takes incredible photos and was so much easier for travel compared to carrying a big DSLR camera.
If you want to give a fantastic, lightweight travel camera, the Sony A6400 deserves your attention. It’s sold on its own or as a bundle with several handy accessories.
10. Waterproof Kindle Paperwhite
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The traveler in your life will thank you many times over for giving them access to thousands of e-books on a device that weighs less than a single paperback and lasts for weeks on a single battery charge!
The built-in light feature is perfect for reading day or night whether from a tent, the road, or an airplane cabin.
11. Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask
- 💤 No pressure or tightness across eyeballs
- 💤 Stuffed with a lighweight layer of foam padding for eye recesses, offers comfortable cushion around eye sockets
- 💤 100% Blackout — Higher nose curve conforms to most face contour and blocks light underneath w/o pull against nose bridge
Block out light so you can sleep no matter where you are. Whether you’re on a long-haul flight or a family road trip, you’ll fall asleep easier and feel refreshed when you arrive at your destination.
It’s compact and lightweight and something I always have in an easy-to-reach spot in my bag no matter where I’m heading.
12. Anker Portable Charger
- Ultra-High Cell Capacity: The massive 20,000mAh cell capacity provides more than 5 charges for iPhone XS, almost 5 full charges for Samsung Galaxy S10, more than 4 charges for iPhone 11, and over 2 and a half charges for iPad mini 5.
- Advanced Charging Technology: Anker’s exclusive PowerIQ and VoltageBoost technology combine to deliver an optimized charge to your devices, while the trickle-charging mode is the best way to charge low-power accessories.
- Simultaneous Charging: Twin USB ports allow you to charge two devices at the same time. The USB-C port cannot charge other devices.
This handy device can recharge devices for days without needing to be recharged. Whether the traveler on your list needs to charge a phone, camera, laptop, or e-reader, this powerhouse can handle it.
I’ve used this to charge my devices on everything from European trips to wilderness camping in the Okavango Delta with no electricity for a few days.
Useful gifts for travelers go a long way! They’re guaranteed to get used again and again no matter the destination!
Looking for more travel gift ideas? Check out these travel gift guides.
- Road Trip Gifts
- Budget-Friendly Etsy Travel Gifts
- Home Decor Travel Gifts
- Travel Gifts for Hikers
- Genealogy Gifts for Travel-Lovers
So, which of these useful travel gifts will you give the traveler in your life?
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