Best Gift for Someone Traveling Abroad or Nationally- Traveler Gift Guide

Whether you need the perfect gift for someone traveling abroad or nationally, we have you covered.

This is the best traveler gift guide you will need. We have our own gift ideas and expert recommendations on the best items to give travelers, whether for someone traveling abroad or a travel lover.

Included are gift ideas for practical gear, luxurious essentials, unique items that enhance the travel experience, and even travel or hotel gift certificates. Let’s explore the best travel gifts for the wanderlust(er) in your life!

Best Gift For Someone Traveling Abroad

Traveling abroad has unique circumstances and needs. Even the perfect traveler can take steps to improve the experience.

These gift ideas are sure to be a hit when looking for the best gift for someone traveling abroad.

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter: According to Saugat Adhikari, Co-founder of Magical Nepal, this travel gadget is lightweight and compact. It is incredibly useful for backpackers and trekkers. It allows one to drink water safely from various sources during their journey.

Anker Portable Power Bank: Arsen Misakyan, the co-founder of LAXcar, recommends Anker as a reliable brand that keeps travelers connected in numerous ways: phone, laptop, lighting, and more!

Universal Power Adapter: Unfortunately, not all accommodations have international outlets or adaptors in the room. Help your traveler stay connected with an adapter that keeps them plugged in wherever they are.

Skyroam Solis: Travel blogger Yulia Saf suggests this is “a perfect gift item that provides unlimited WiFi in over 130 countries. It’s compact, lightweight, and offers power on the go, making it very practical.”

Kahtoola Footwear Traction: Do you have an adventurer in your life? These microspikes are perfect for changing most footwear into hiking boots. This is much easier than packing hiking boots alongside general footwear.

Gift Ideas for the Sustainably Minded Traveler

While we like to recommend sustainable travel, these items are perfect for the sustainably minded traveler who will appreciate the extra effort you took to be eco-friendly.

Reusable Silicone Straw in a Keychain: This is right up our alley. Providing easy access to eco-friendly straws makes it easier for travelers to be sustainable.

Stacey Feeley, co-founder of GoSili, says their products “are not only practical and durable but also contribute to reducing single-use plastics while on the go. They offer a unique perspective on choosing travel products that promote a cleaner, healthier planet and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.”

Cadence Capsules: These magnetized containers are leakproof, sustainable, TSA-approved, and great for maximizing the space in your travel bag. You can use them to carry medications, skincare products, hair care products, and more.

Compact, Eco-Friendly Travel Sanitizing Kit: This makes every frequent traveler feel more at ease. You don’t even want to know about the germs on the seat tray table on a plane. This cruelty-free sanitizing kit is ideal for keeping in the carry-on bag.

Bamboo Utensil Set: For the backpacker, or anyone who loves to keep it sustainable, this set is perfect! We have this one and keep one in our car, our carry-on bag, and often in our daily travel bag. We love that this set also includes two bamboo toothbrushes.

If you are looking for standard eco-friendly travel options, like a reusable water bottle, you may visit How to Be an Eco-friendly Traveler for those ideas.

Frequent Traveler Gift Necessities

Whether you are looking for the perfect gift for someone traveling abroad or stateside, these gifts are perfect for the frequent traveler.

Artisan Explorer Luggage Tag: Every traveler needs a luggage tag, even for a carry-on bag. An expert traveler plans for the unexpected, and this artisan-made Lazarus luggage tag is one of the best ways to do that.

We adore the style, but Lazarus is also an eco-responsible company that supports the planet and the people who create their products. In fact, when you receive your luggage tag, you also receive the handwritten name of the artisan who created it.

Personalized Passport Holder: Travelers covet their passports. It is often the most important and valuable item for international travelers. A great way to keep it safe and make it fun is with a passport holder that is tailored for him/her.

BEIS Packing Cubes: It’s no surprise. We love all of the BEIS luggage products. However, like all luggage, packing cubes are not made the same. Not only are these sturdy, but they help keep travelers organized while on the go. 

Maxell Soft Shell Electronics Storage Bag: Speaking of organization, any traveler knows that digging through a bag for the correct charger is a pain. This electronics storage organizing bag is perfect for any traveler who wants their connectivity to be easily accessible. 

Toiletry Makeup Bags Set of 3: These are perfect for travelers who want to store their travel toiletries with class and style! Saffron Marigold offers a variety of quilted, hand-sewn designs with adorable tassels on the zipper. These are even perfect for home cosmetic and skincare storage.

Portable Espresso Maker: For the traveler who cannot go without their preferred espresso, like Kevin Mercier of Kecmrc, “This little gadget is a lifesaver as it’s compact, lightweight, and doesn’t need batteries or electricity, so I can brew a perfect shot of espresso whether I’m camping, in the office, or exploring a new destination.

Safe Travel Gift Ideas

Solo travelers or simply cautious travelers have specific needs. These items are perfect for all travelers but lean toward the safe travel side of things.

Travel Nanny Cam/Alarm Clock: This is a fantastic product for travelers who are concerned about their belongings when they travel. ZETRONIX Product Development Manager Mary Jean says, “They are not only practical but also offer a sense of comfort and convenience, knowing you can monitor your environment from anywhere.”

Portable Door Lock: This is perfect for the solo traveler. Globetrotter Mateusz Klus swears by this product: “I always pack a portable door lock when I travel. This nifty little device adds an extra layer of security to your accommodation. I’ve used it in motels and Airbnbs around the world, and it really helps me sleep better in unfamiliar places, especially when I’m alone.”

Plane Travel Gift Ideas

These items make plane trips even more enjoyable!

Noise-Canceling Headphones: There is an array of options here. If you want to go with what we have, try the Samsung Wireless Earbuds, which are also notice-canceling. If you want to uplevel in this arena, go with the Beats Studio Pro x Kim Kardashian – Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones. 

Travel Pillow + Sleep Mask Combo: We first heard of this from Trevor Noah on his podcast episode about Travel + Tourists. We knew we had to have it when he talked about how this gadget allows you to sleep on a seven-hour flight, keeping your head stabilized!

Compression Socks: Ok, we know. Most compression socks are not cute, but these are! Woman-owned Vim & Vigr. Compression socks are an easy wardrobe addition scientifically proven to increase wellness and can be worn daily. They are ideal for travel (in-flight and exploring your new spot) since they require zero effort to feel good.

TSA PreCheck: If the traveler in your life doesn’t have the TSA PreCheck status, they will love you when you give them ease with travel. While TSA does not have a gift card option, you can make your own gift certificate, including the cash to cover the fee.

Wanderlust(er) Gift Ideas

These gift ideas are for those who love to travel and have wanderlust when they are home.

Conquest Maps: Allison Ludwig of Easy to Breezy recommends Conquest Maps, which is “ideal for showcasing travel adventures and sparking wanderlust.

Whether for a seasoned explorer or someone dreaming of future destinations, this full-size map is a must-have for any minimalist traveler. It’s more than just a map—it’s both a vision and memory board for their journeys!”

Universal Yums: For the travel foodie, this subscription box allows the recipient to enjoy snacks and goodies from all over the world all year long!

Artisanal Travel Journal: You can purchase any journal; we do love a journal. However, if you want to really show the traveler you acknowledge their love of travel, do so with this personalized artisan-made travel journal.

Travel Experience and Gift Card Options

Some people think gift cards are impersonal. Hot tip- they are very thoughtful when purchased directly from a travel brand or experience, keeping their love of travel in mind.

Pack up & Go: This is an adventure gift unlike any other! You can purchase a surprise destination for your recipient. Your gift recipient won’t know their destination until they open their envelope. This is super exciting!

Radical Storage: Most travelers have luggage storage issues when awaiting a flight, but want to explore. Pre-purchasing storage for a traveler is a welcome gift!

Gift a City Experience: If you know the traveler’s upcoming plans, gift an experience where they travel. You can choose from many things to do in places all over the world, such as an Amazon Jungle Tour or a Sopranos Location Tour in NY and NJ.

Magical Nepal: An experience-based gift allowing recipients to select a trekking trip tailored to their interests and fitness levels—a truly unique, immersive travel experience.

Hilton Getaway: Gift a Hilton getaway, whether it is a Hilton hotel stay or a Hilton Grand Vacation; a Hilton gift card can be used by any traveler.

Marriot: Endless possibilities away with a Marriot gift card. You can purchase a physical or e-gift card to be delivered on your chosen day.

Airbnb Travel: With accommodations and Airbnb experiences, a traveler would welcome a gift card from Airbnb.

Tinggly Experience: If you have trouble choosing which experience would be best for your recipient, Tinggly offers gift box experiences or even a gift card.

HipCamp: You can gift a camper or adventurer Hipcash that they can use anywhere!

Camping Gifts

If you have a camper on your list, check out our Essential Camping Checklist for great gift ideas!

Recognizing the Traveler in Your Life

We hope this list of unique traveler gift ideas helps you when making the recipient feel special. We know the importance of travel. Travel makes us better humans.

Every traveler loves it when someone recognizes the importance of being prepared and doing it with ease. Whether you are looking for the best gift for someone traveling abroad, nationally, or the wanderlust(er) at heart, this gift guide is a game-changer.

FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions