2021 has been a very challenging year for travelers and the travel industry. But I’m feeling hopeful with the news of pending vaccines that our travel future is looking up. I can’t wait to hit the road again internationally when it’s safe, and I’m sure I’m not alone. That’s why I updated this list of gifts for friends going traveling (or travel gifts for yourself!). Why not be ready to get back on the road in 2022 with these travel gift ideas!
I really hate excess and stuff…unless of course said stuff helps me travel in some way! I know that you are bombarded by Holiday shopping lists already – Black Friday, Cyber Monday…blah. But I understand that unlike me, most of you do actually shop for the holidays – so I’ve put together a list of my favorite travel products and gear that are great gifts for someone going traveling.
These are all products that I’ve personally used during the last 14 years of traveling. When you live out of a suitcase, you don’t have room for stuff in your life that isn’t great!
Table of Contents
How This Travel Gift List Works
I have split this list into categories of the types of gear you need for travel. Within each category, I have tried to include a variety of price points.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Travel Experiences
Suitcases and Packing Essentials
Toiletry Travel Gear
Gear for the Plane
Technology Travel Gifts
Clothing Travel Gear
Travel Gifts that Inspire
Please note, I take travel gear really seriously. I believe that reviewing a piece of gear implies actually using that piece of gear for an extended amount of time. I use the gear I’m writing about, not just once, but many times.
The list is to give you travel gift ideas for someone with an upcoming trip or for people who are constantly on the road. These are some of my favorite most important things for travel.
However, I didn’t include EVERYTHING in this guide. If you are looking for specialty travel gear for a specific trip, then check out my other gear guides. Or feel free to leave me a comment below and ask me any travel gear questions!
Travel During Rainy Season Travel Gear List
Winter Travel Gear List
Antarctica Travel Gear List
India Monsoon Season Travel Gear List
Essential Hiking Gear List
And I’ll tell you upfront – This list contains some affiliate links. If you choose to purchase items through these links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help reduce the costs of running this site – that’s it…full disclosure.
The Best Gift for a Traveler – Give an Experience
Before I get into physical products, I want to give a shout out to less stuff, more experiences!
1. Tinggly Experience Gift Box
Tinggly is an experience based gift that allows you to gift a cool travel experience. There are thousands of experiences the recipient can choose from and it all comes in a great ‘giftbox’ if you are one of those people who like to wrap a physical gift! I love this gift idea for travelers, honeymooners, staycations, and career breakers – it’s a truly unique gift. And the best part…this gift doesn’t require any space in anyone’s home!
Tinggly is a global gift collection of experiences people can redeem around the world. I love this gift idea for travelers, honeymooners, staycations, and career breakers – it’s a truly unique gift, that takes up no space!
2. Get Your Guide Tours Around the World
Another fun experience based gift any travel lover would enjoy is tours from Get Your Guide. This is a super way to supplement a trip with a city tour, cooking class, museum visit, etc. This is less adventure activity focused than Tinggly and more city focused. Just put in your destination and see what they offer!
Wherever your travels take you, Get Your Guide experiences show you the unique and unmissable things to do in your destination. This is perfect for adding experiences to your trip!
Suitcases, Backpacks, and Packing Essentials for Travel Gift Ideas
Lets start at the beginning, how are you going to carry things! For me, it’s really important that a suitcase is durable, yet light. I’ve been testing a few out this year – some made the cut and some didn’t – but here are my favorites.
3. Eagle Creek Warrior Suitcase
If you’ve followed me at all, then you know I love my Eagle Creek gear – I’ve been carrying Eagle Creek suitcases for all of my 14 years of traveling. The Gear Warrior is the latest one I’m using. And I have it in both a carry-on size and a checked size!
Why I like it: There are no bells and whistles or special compartments – it’s just basic – and that’s what keeps it light and versatile. You can fit a TON into it when you have to. The material is durable, water repellent, and lightweight. I use Eagle Creek packing cubes and organizers to keep everything organized in the bag and it works perfectly. The Gear Warrior comes in carry-on and checked size and 2 or 4 wheels depending on your preference!
4. Peak Design Sling Bag
A camera bag that looks and acts like a purse…yes there is such a thing! I’ve been using the Peak Design Sling bag as my ‘personal carryon’ item. It’s a great day-to-day bag for my photo and laptop gear. It looks and acts like a purse honestly – so this is a great dual purpose bag for the ladies!
I can fit in my small mirrorless camera plus an extra lens and filters. Plus I bring my wallet and other essential purse items. It also has room for an ipad or other small notebook. So it’s perfect to take out exploring a town and have everything with you. It might not work for a fancy night on the town, but it’s a great all purpose travel bag for the photo enthusiast!
The perfect companion for minimalist, on-the-go carry of everyday or photo gear. The Sling’s padded cross-body strap features a quick-adjuster that you can loosen when accessing gear and tighten when actively hiking, biking, or walking.
5. Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are the key to packing happiness – they turn your bag into a piece of furniture. I use mine to organize my different types of clothes, just like I would a dresser; this packing cube has t-shirts, this on has pants, this one has socks. You get the idea – it’s packing bliss. I use and love Eagle Creek Packing solutions. Not only do they keep me organized, but you can’t even imagine how much more I can fit into a suitcase or bag thanks to these babies!
6. Stasher Bags
I was introduced to Stasher bags this year. They are marketed for food storage, but I use them for travel! If you’re an organized packer or an aspiring zero-waste traveler, you’re going to want to travel with several empty stasher bags in your luggage… stasher bags can do it all! I use a big one in my toiletry bag to put my liquids in just in case they explode. I used to always use a plastic bag, but I love the Stasher bag as a multiple use solution!
7. Sherpani Fashion Tote
This is a new addition to my travel gear arsenal and I love it! I just started using the Sherpani Tempest Tote/Backpack for trips that are less active and more business oriented.
Why I Like It: Sometimes you just need to have something versatile and nice and the Tempest is just that. It looks like a business tote, is fashionable, and holds my camera and my laptop. However it also can easily switch into a backpack and leave your hands free which is great when moving through airports or on buses/trains. You don’t even have to unhook anything for it to switch from tote to backpack! In addition the tote is ethically sourced, it is hand painted, and uses vegan leathers.
Toiletry Gear Travel Gift Ideas
Toiletry items is a large part of packing so make sure that you have the most efficient and earth friendly ones! Here’s the gear I use in my toiletry case…including the case!
8. Victorinox Toiletry Bag
I’ve been using this hanging toiletry bag since the day I left in 2006. I like the different compartments and the fact that you can stand the bottles upright. You can fit more than you think in this beauty!
9. Silicone Travel Bottles
I started using these reusable bottles for my shampoos and conditioners and I’m loving them! They have big openings to make it easy to fill, and they have a locking mechanism so there will be no surprise spills!
10. Travel Washcloth
Looking for a stocking stuffer travel gift idea? Here’s the perfect thing. I’ve been using this washcloth for travel for probably 7 years now – I love it! It’s odor free and super fast drying and has the texture of a loofah sponge. A little gentle exfoliation never hurt anyone on the road!
Gifts That Make Flying Easier
I spend a lot of time on planes, so comfort is my priority. Even though I sit back in economy the majority of the time, I have found some ways to be comfortable. Here are my best travel gift ideas for those people back in the cheap seats like me!
Tip – note down below I’ve included my favorite travel pants and
11. Stop the Waste and Bring a Water Bottle
Have you ever thought about how much plastic is used on a plane? Every passenger gets multiple drinks in plastic cups. Say no to this airplane waste and take your own bottle when you travel. I always bring my Contigo water bottle on planes and simply ask them to fill it up or fill it up in the airport before I get on. Hydration is important…and so are single use bottles! Here are a couple that I use that I love!
I love that you can lock it so I can put it in my bag without fear of it leaking!
One of the things I like about Klean Kanteen is that they have a system where you really just need to purchase one insulated bottle and then use their interchangeable caps for your different needs; caps for sipping drinks, straws lids for cold drinks, or chug caps. One bottle is really all you need! In addition, they continue to innovate making their latest containers with certified 90% post-consumer recycled steel. By using recycled instead of virgin steel, Klean Kanteen will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions from steel by 40%, achieve a 30% reduction in energy demand, and a 60-80% reduction in ecosystem impacts.
One of the things I like about Klean Kanteen is that they have a system where you really just need to purchase one insulated bottle and then use their interchangeable caps for your different needs; caps for sipping drinks, straws lids for cold drinks, or chug caps. One bottle is really all you need!
12. Neck Pillow
I’ve tried many different neck pillows, but I keep coming back to this one! This memory foam Neck Pillow provides enough support AND it folds up pretty small – the best of both worlds!
13. Best Travel Earplugs
Planes can be really noisy, so be prepared with ear plugs. However don’t bother with those soft squishy ones, use silicon earplugs. I was actually introduced to these when I hiked the Camino de Santiago trail. The silicon earplugs block so much more noise, I didn’t even hear people getting up and packing around me in the morning! You can use them for a few days and then replace with another pair.
14. Comfortable Face Mask
This is a new addition for 2020, we all must have multiple face masks if we travel anywhere! I’ve tried a number of different kinds of masks from cheap paper ones to more expensive ones. But my favorite masks that I wear every day are from Turtle Fur. They have the softest fabric I’ve used. And if you have to have something covering your face for hours, it better be soft! Plus – it comes in a number of fun designs.
The perfect mask for everyday. Wear it-wash it, repeat. It provides you with soft, comfortable, and adjustable coverage for everyday life.
Technology Travel Gifts
Technology is a part of our life and it is certainly a part of our travels. I know depend on my phone when I travel – it is my guide, my map, my safety. Here are a few of my travel gift ideas around keeping that technology up and running and keeping your sanity!
15. Universal Plug Adapter
If you are traveling internationally, you’ll need one of these Universal Plug Adapters. However the good news is that you’ll only need one, no matter where you go!
16. Battery Charger
With the number of electronics we now depend on while we are traveling you must have a backup for your essential items when they are low on battery. I decided to invest in a good portable battery charger – one that might be a bit bigger – but charges more.
17. Bose Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
If I could marry these headphones and have it’s babies I would. I love, love, love them. I actually just started using noise canceling headphones this year and my first reaction was “Oh Baby…where have you been my whole traveling life?” I don’t know about you but I adore shutting everyone out and just being in my own world for a bit and that’s exactly what these do – better than any other on the market. They remove all of the low level hums and buzzing from our completely plugged-in world, making you realize just how loud the world is.
18. Small Power Strip for Travel
More electronics means more needs for plugs in your room. Even nice hotels are sometimes deficient on plugs or on easy to reach plugs. Bring this Travel Power Strip with you and the problem is solved!
This power strip is ultra minisized and light. I love the 5 foot cord since you can never predict where wall outlets will be in a hotel! The chord wraps around the power strip itself when you’re not using it.
Travel Clothing
There are a number of brands I love for travel clothes. I’ve tested out many, but the ones I always love are Title Nine, Kuhl, Prana, and Exofficio are at the top of my list. They are a companies that focus on comfortable clothes that are often quick drying and sustainable fabrics. However I also have a few new items I’ve been trying out this year that have won me over!
19. Anatomie Lightweight Travel Coat
I am in love with this Anatomie coat. It’s lightweight, totally fashionable, and really comfortable. It’s a mix of stretchy soft fleece fabric and a slick waterproof paneling. Anatomie is a high end travel clothing line that I was just introduced to. Light weight and wrinkle free, I love all of their styles. However I find that I”m not the right shape to fit into their many cute pairs of pants sadly. Check out their entire travel clothing line!
20. Compression Socks for Travel
This is a travel gift idea that can save someone’s life. As you are probably aware, I had a very big scare recently with blood blots that formed during a long haul flight. I could have easily died; and many people do. Ever since I made it through that experience, I have been a huge advocate of wearing
Plus – use Discount code is OTT15 – good for 15% off your order.
Compression socks are great for faster muscle recovery and to fight blood clots on long flights or long road trips.
PLUS - use discount code OTT15 for 15% off orders!
21. The Perfect Travel Pants
I fly a lot. And when you fly as much as I do you want to be comfortable. I’ve been testing out various pairs of ‘flying pants’ this year and have come up with my favorite. Try out the comfortable and super soft Vuori Peformance Joggers. They are like butter!
22. LuluLemon Vinyasa Scarf
I had my eye on this scarf for over a year before I finally purchased it. First – I love anything reversible – just about as much as I love products that have dual uses – and this awesome scarf is both. It’s not just a scarf – it’s a little shrug, a blanket, a poncho – there are multiple ways to wear it. The fabric is super soft and I always carry it onto the plane for when I inevitably get cold.
23. Point6 Socks
My feet sweat a lot – but I’ve found a solution! Point6 wool socks are GREAT for travel. They dry really fast, don’t hold odor, and they stay warm in the cold and are cooling in the heat. Because they don’t get smelly, I only have to take a couple of pair in my suitcase. I run in them, hike in them, and wear them to bed when my feet are cold and have no one to snuggle with. They are the only socks I travel with!
The cozy merino wool cushioning next to the skin insulates the foot from hot spots. Now featuring 37.5 Technology to keep you dry in the office or on the mountain.
24. Exofficio Underwear
These are best on the market when it comes to travel underwear – however I honestly have no idea if they have any competition! Who in the world specializes in travel underwear?! Exofficio does. Why are these underwear special? They dry super fast – which means you can only take a couple of pairs and wash them out in a sink at night and they will be dry in a couple of hours. Seriously – I’ve done this many times! Plus – they are comfortable. And if you want to vamp it up – you can forgo the sporty ones I get and get the lacy thongs if you wish!
25. Wallaroo Hats
This was one of my absolute favorite finds this year – Wallaroo hats! If you have followed me on social media then you know that I love hats; I normally pack at least 2 for each trip! They are perfect for sun protection, when I’m too lazy to shower, and bad hair days that happen frequently when I travel! Wallaroo is a Colorado company that specializes in sun protective hats that remain stylish. Each hat has SPF in them to help protect against skin cancer. Check out their many styles!
Plus, use OTTSWORLD20 promo code and get 20% off your Wallaroo purchase!
26. Tubes/Buffs
Buffs/Tubes are great for so many uses – a hat, scarf, eye mask, tube top, wash cloth, helmet liner and even handkerchief. My favorite brand I’ve recently used is Turtle Fur. They have some of the softest fabric around – and you want it to be soft if it’s around your neck or head! I’ve used mine for every single one of those situations… and never leave ‘home’ without it!
Active Performance Neck Gaitor made of Comfort Shell™ Lite Supersoft fabric, built specifically for warmer weather, is a match made in heaven for the versatile performance of our beloved Totally Tubular™. A must have in your backpack for any summer outdoor adventure.
Travel Gifts That Inspire
Looking for some travel inspiration? Need to know where to go, or how to hike the Appalachian Trail, or how to travel on a budget? I’ve had a number of friends finish some books this year that are about travel – here are my favs for travel gift ideas when you are looking for inspiration!
27. For the Person Planning an Upcoming Trip
Ultimate Journeys for Two I know that I really specialize in solo travel, however this year I had a couple of good friends publish this awesome travel idea book for couples. If you are trying to figure out where to go, check out Ultimate Journeys for Two for ideas!
28. For the Person Who Loves to Hike
Make sure you pick up a copy of External Hiking Book from my friend Dustin. He finished the Appalacian Trail…but not without a few bumps along the way!
29. For the Person Who Loves Glamping
My friends Mike and Anne Howard have been glamping all over the US and have put together a book about this new craze sweeping the travel world. Learn about all of the incredible places you can stay in style in Comfortably Wild
30. For the Budget Traveler
Long time friend Matt Kepnes wrote this book about how to travel cheaply, but still have a rich experience all over the world! Read Travel the World on $50 a Day
Shop My Complete Travel Gear Guides on my Amazon Store
This list really is only the new stuff I discovered and used this year in my travels, however, to see a complete list of all of my favorite travel gift ideas go shop at my Ottsworld Amazon store for all of my travel gear must haves!
PIN IT FOR LATER!
Disclosure:
This post contains some affiliate links. If you choose to purchase items through these links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help reduce the costs of running this site
Still don’t know what to get the traveler on your list? Then just leave a comment with your travel gear buying questions below and I’ll be happy to be your personal shopper! I’m much better at spending other people’s money rather than my own!
By Kim December 1, 2015 - 12:30 pm
Wonderful list, thanks! What’s the best (budget) tripod for a traveling fine art photographer?
By Sherry December 1, 2015 - 1:26 pm
There’s a couple I use – however neither are really that budget – it’s hard to find a budget tripod! I have the Gorilla Pod Focus (which is strong enough to hold pro DSLR and zoom lens. And I really love the 3 legged thing Brian tripod too – http://www.3leggedthing.com/evolution-3-brian-carbon-fiber-tripod-kit-airhed-blue.html More spendy though but really heavy duty. But the best budget tripod there is – is simply a great quality low light lens. I use a 15-55mm F 2.8 – and that can handle many low light situations well enough that I don’t need to drag along a tripod. Always start with a great lens!
By Cest La Vibe December 3, 2015 - 2:42 pm
I want the LensCoat Raincoat and Smartwool socks for Christmas!
By Sherry December 3, 2015 - 3:27 pm
I hope you get them! The Raincoat is awesome and comes in different sizes – I adore mine!
By Jared December 10, 2015 - 5:03 pm
Great list! I used to travel with BOSE headphones all the time but had two issues with them: 1) they are big and sometimes too big if I was just carrying a small pack 2) I found them uncomfortable for sleeping (if I fell asleep with them on). So know I just go old school and buy a pack of foam earplugs.
I love buffs! A must have for any outdoor adventure. Still can’t figure out how to tie them in all the different ways!
By Sherry December 10, 2015 - 5:52 pm
True – you can’t really sleep with the earphones – however – it’s crazy how much I enjoy shutting off the rest of the noise in the world and love just being in my head – so for that it’s worth it for me. 🙂 Buffs rule!!
By Paul June 18, 2016 - 12:42 pm
nice list.
I will take the advice on the socks ^^
best regards.
By Sherry June 19, 2016 - 9:41 am
Great! I hope you like them…that’s the only socks I carry in my bag…winter or summer!
By Vikki September 7, 2016 - 6:06 pm
You’ve gone so many places. But i never hear of you ever getting sick from the food or water? Nor a close call from any adventures you’ve been on. And nothing on malaria pills, etc. I know a lot of people who travel and certain places require cautions. Are you in a magic bubble or really lucky? My hats off to you either way. I Love reading your blogs and experiences out there! Thank you for sharing your lives adventures and hot tips on gear you prefer!
Safe Travels & Blessings!
By Sherry September 9, 2016 - 1:32 pm
Hi Vikki – thanks for your question. You are right – I haven’t ever been really sick from food or water. I have a pretty tough stomach thankfully as I don’t take any precautions and never travel with purel or anything. I of course have had various unpleasant days from food – but nothing like food poisoning. I don’t use malaria drugs as I really dislike them and the side effects. I just bring really powerful bug spray and try to avoid getting bit. However I’ve been pretty lucky on that count too considering i lived in Vietnam for a year and had a number of friends get sick from mosquitoes. I”m sure my luck will run out some day. But I tend to not worry about it – I’m more worried about getting in a traffic accident or something like that in a foreign country – with some of the buses I’ve ridden that seems more likely!
By Jennifer November 27, 2016 - 3:55 pm
Do you have a travel scale that you can recommend? We’ve tried a couple, but they just haven’t been able to maintain accuracy after a few months.
By Sherry November 28, 2016 - 7:50 pm
I’ve never actually used a travel scale before so I don’t have any good recs! I’m so sorry! I think I”m just so used to knowing what 25 kg is that I guess pretty damn well!
By Jared November 30, 2016 - 9:08 pm
This post is going to make me spend lots of money!
I love the buff – have had one for many years and it comes in handy for me whether I’m climbing a mountain or trying to not choke on car fumes while riding on the back of a motorbike.
Thanks for sharing Sherry!
By Yvonne December 1, 2016 - 8:39 am
Smart wool socks! Yes!
By Ryan December 17, 2016 - 11:43 am
“cube has t-shits” – Thanks for the laugh 🙂
By Tonkin Travel Vietnam December 20, 2016 - 3:28 am
Nice list. vote for buffs. Especially, if you travel to my country (Vietnam) because beach and sun everywhere.
By the travelgears September 15, 2017 - 3:15 am
I do not know how i can praise your article its really really brilliant article with outdoor travel gears which helps to every travel how and what they can buy before going on tour.
By Shang Teo December 2, 2019 - 9:16 am
Hi Sherry,
Your article came in handy. I had a hard time thinking of what Christmas gifts to get for my husband and my best friend who are travel fanatics. I am considering the Anatomie Lightweight Travel Coat, Cabeau neck pillow and the Stasher bags. And the LuluLemon Vinyasa Scarf for myself! (“,)
Have you tried the neck pillow? Is it good? Thanks for sharing!
By Sherry December 31, 2019 - 12:04 pm
Yes – it’s the pillow I have and I love it.
By Flora November 19, 2020 - 8:29 am
Thank you so much for sharing!
I would like to say that this list of gifts is more than enough to get a clear idea of what you should give to your favorite person. little things can make difference, I Recently give my friend who likes travel as I do noise-canceling headphones and he found it a great gift. so I’m sure this list will help most people to select the right gift for their belongings.
Thank you for helping and guiding people to make their travels a success.
By Sherry November 20, 2020 - 11:17 am
Glad you enjoyed it Flora! Happy Holidays!
By Maggie March 24, 2022 - 2:47 pm
Beware of compression socks if you have arthritic hands. It is impossible to get them on.
I pump my feet and stretch and wiggle around instead. My doctor suggested pumping my feet.
By Sherry April 24, 2022 - 12:39 pm
I learned how to put them on here – https://vimvigr.com/blogs/our-blog/how-to-put-on-compression-socks?gclid=Cj0KCQjw6pOTBhCTARIsAHF23fK1oF2X5S1FzNM7DocwTqubiOZuMf-gzD0OZAQHAvB_uyGG0UkKYnoaAti9EALw_wcB
And it works great for me!