The Best Travel Gifts for Anyone With Wanderlust (2024)

Send them off in style with these thoughtful—and practical—picks.

By Rachel Klein
The Best Travel Gifts for Anyone With Wanderlust (1)

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

Any self-proclaimed travel junkie will probably tell you that joy comes from more than the journey alone. I happen to be one of those people, plus I spent more than a decade geeking out over all things travel for work as a travel editor. I get excited about dopp kits and passport cases and testing new noise-canceling headphones on a 12-hour flight. Most travelers shudder at the thought of packing 10 days of stuff in a carry-on; I see it as a fun challenge. I also know firsthand that the right travel gear and accessories can make or break a trip.

And: there's even more on the line when you're buying a travel gift. Giving someone a rolling duffle in a color they hate may bum them out. Giving someone a rolling duffle with wheels that break en route may put a serious damper on their vacation. Rather than wing it, read on for a lineup of travel editor-approved travel gifts for all the globetrotters on your list.

Looking for more great holiday gifts? Check out our picks for the best gifts for gamers, the best tech gifts and the best last-minute gifts.

1

For Tiny Hotel Bathrooms

Tripped Travel Gear Toiletry Bag Set

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1

For Tiny Hotel Bathrooms

Tripped Travel Gear Toiletry Bag Set

Now 13% Off

You can’t count on ample counter space in every hotel room, which is why buying a hanging toiletry bag is such a smart move.

This three-piece set features a detachable 3-1-1 TSA-compliant liquid bag, along with a zippered pouch that’s large enough to hold a pair of men’s flip-flops. There are multiple mesh pockets inside and an outer pocket for quick-grab items.

2

For Keeping It Together

Mark & Graham Essential Tech Folio

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2

For Keeping It Together

Mark & Graham Essential Tech Folio

Keep devices, chargers, and wires neatly stowed and organized inside this leather zip-around tech folio. It’s available in two sizes and four colors (both with enough space for a tablet and a smartphone) and plenty of pockets and slipcases on both sides. Plus, shadow-print monogramming costs an extra $12.50.

3

For Charging Almost Anywhere

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

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3

For Charging Almost Anywhere

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

This compact universal travel adapter will charge up to six high-powered devices in more than 150 countries and weighs only 5 ounces. It features four USB ports and a 15-watt USB-C port, plus it offers overload protection.

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4

For the Coffee Lover

Espro Ultralight French Press

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4

For the Coffee Lover

Espro Ultralight French Press

Now 20% Off

This portable 16-ounce coffee press weighs only 7.4 ounces and features a microfilter to ensure no grit or sludge ends up in a cup of joe. It’s made of stainless steel and BPA-free plastic, and its double-wall vacuum insulation keeps contents piping hot. There are six colors to choose from, including this eye-catching green.

Unless they’re a business-class traveler, scoring a blanket isn’t always a given. So give them this cozy gift, which has a pass-through sleeve to attach it to a carry-on’s handle.

The plush polyester blanket tucks inside the zippered case for storage (which can double as a pillow), and there’s also a carabiner to keep it handy in flight. The two-piece set comes in five colors, all with the cute airplane and suitcase stitched on front.

6

For Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping

Paravel Fold-Up Bag

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6

For Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping

Paravel Fold-Up Bag

It’s always a good idea to throw a fold-up bag into your carry-on for unplanned purchases. This one from Paravel is ultra-lightweight and zips into an integrated pouch that packs flat. It’s made of 22 upcycled plastic water bottles and is available in six colors, with monogram options ranging from $15 to $35.

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7

For silence en route

Apple Beats Fit Pro With Noise Cancelling

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7

For silence en route

Apple Beats Fit Pro With Noise Cancelling

Noise cancellation is a must while traveling, and these cute earbuds will do just that. They also deliver excellent sound and their flexible wingtip design makes the comfortable to wear for a long flight. They come with two years of AppleCare+ to boot.

8

For Happy Packing

Paravel Packing Cube Quads

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8

For Happy Packing

Paravel Packing Cube Quads

This attractive set of four packing cubes from Paravel will keep toiletries, gear, and clothing organized. They’re lightweight nylon, made of repurposed plastic bottled and feature contrast piping, vegan leather zipper pulls, and a clear panel on top to see what's inside.

9

For Working Out Wherever

TRX All-in-One Suspension Trainer Bundle

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9

For Working Out Wherever

TRX All-in-One Suspension Trainer Bundle

This all-in-one suspension system equipment set lends itself to getting in a full-body resistance-training workout anywhere. It includes a main suspension strap with handles and two anchor straps, plus there are locking loops and hand and foot cradles for standing- and floor-based exercise.

The set comes with a 35-page workout guide and includes access to live virtual studio classes thought the app. All the components pack into a small drawstring pouch.

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10

For Skipping the Hotel Toiletries

Malin + Goetz Travel Kit

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10

For Skipping the Hotel Toiletries

Malin + Goetz Travel Kit

Tuck this colorful collection of travel-sized products in a carry-on to pass on whatever random-brand products are in the hotel bathroom. The set includes five 1-fluid-ounce tubes of Malin + Goetz’s hair, body, and face products and comes in a clear slide-lock pouch.

11

For Emergencies

Welly First Aid Kit

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11

For Emergencies

Welly First Aid Kit

Everything from adhesive strips in fun patterns to ibuprofen is packed inside this bright, appealing first aid tin, with a snap closure to ensure contents stay secure. All the components are individually wrapped and neatly organized in sections, and the kit is available in several sizes and styles, depending on what your giftee has in store for their trip.

12

For Going Off the Beaten Path

Garmin Instinct Outdoor Watch

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12

For Going Off the Beaten Path

Garmin Instinct Outdoor Watch

Now 30% Off

Garmin’s ultra-popular entry-level Instinct GPS watch comes in a range of styles and colors and boasts a three-axis compass and barometric altimeter. There’s also a trackback feature to help with navigation and preloaded training activity profiles.

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13

For the Jet-Setter

Mark & Graham Passport Case and Luggage Tag Set

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13

For the Jet-Setter

Mark & Graham Passport Case and Luggage Tag Set

This vegan leather passport case and luggage tag set comes in five colors, with tons of shadow-printed monogram options. So even if the days of dressing up to travel may be long gone, your luggage will look good and you’ll always know where your important documents are.

14

For the Traveler Who Needs a Lot of Grooming Supplies

Pinch Provisions Hemergency Kit for Men

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14

For the Traveler Who Needs a Lot of Grooming Supplies

Pinch Provisions Hemergency Kit for Men

There are 30 must-have travel essentials tucked inside this mini dopp kit. You’ll find bandages, pain reliever, and other first-aid gear, grooming tools, and all those small items to save you in a pinch, like extra cufflinks and shoe shine towelettes. There’s also a Minimergency Kit for Her.

15

For the Best Pics and Video

Joby GorillaPod Tripod and Phone Mount

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15

For the Best Pics and Video

Joby GorillaPod Tripod and Phone Mount

Forget the selfie stick and opt for this versatile gadget to get the best vacation shots. The flexible tripod and phone mount are compact and support devices up to 2.2 pounds, and the locking phone clamp mount rotates to portrait and landscape positions. The removable ball head can also fit on standard-size tripods.

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16

For Avoiding Extra Baggage Fees

Etekcity Luggage Scale

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16

For Avoiding Extra Baggage Fees

Etekcity Luggage Scale

This may be more of a stocking stuffer than a gift to put under the tree, but it’s an important one. Prevent your travel-loving friend from getting slapped with extra fees for overweight baggage with this pocket-size luggage scale. It has a 110-pound weight capacity and a highly accurate digital sensor, plus it comes in a bunch of fun colors.

17

For Durable Laptop Protection

JETech Laptop Case with Small Bag

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17

For Durable Laptop Protection

JETech Laptop Case with Small Bag

Now 40% Off

This well-designed laptop sleeve features a tuck-away top-handle and zippered outer pocket, plus it’s paired with a small wrist strap bag to stash a smartphone, a charger, and other accessories. There’s a top-loading zipper to accommodate laptops up to 14 inches, while the inside is lined with protective foam and soft flannel.

18

For Portable Power

Anker PowerCore Slim Portable Charger

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18

For Portable Power

Anker PowerCore Slim Portable Charger

Now 10% Off

It’s a rookie move to travel without a power bank. Anker’s 10,000-mAh portable PowerCore Slim combines a 65-watt wall charger and a 10,000-mAh portable charger in one compact package. It features two USB-C and one USB-A port, and it weighs less than a pound.

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19

For Extra-Long Flights

Comrad Compression Socks

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19

For Extra-Long Flights

Comrad Compression Socks

Compression socks are essential for preventing swollen lower legs and feet during and after a long flight. Comrad’s stylish options for men and women include this classic striped pair, along with more than a dozen other options if your giftee prefers something more muted.

20

For Keeping Funds Safe

Herschel Charlie RFID Card Case Wallet

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20

For Keeping Funds Safe

Herschel Charlie RFID Card Case Wallet

An RFID-blocking wallet is another essential to protect sensitive credit card information while traveling. Herschel’s Charlie card case is a popular pick for its slim design and style, featuring multiple slots and a top sleeve, plus the brand’s signature striped liner.

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Rachel Klein

Senior Commerce Editor

Rachel Klein is a Senior Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics, where she writes about everything from garden hose reels and patio furniture to mesh wifi systems and robot vacuums. She started her career as a daily newspaper reporter and was a travel editor for more than a decade before she started testing and reviewing luggage, noise-cancelling headphones, and other travel-related products. Fast-forward another five years and her area of expertise includes home decor, appliances, tech, and outdoor adventure gear. In her spare time, you'll find her planning her next trip, reading historical fiction, and seeing as much art as she can squeeze into a weekend.

The Best Travel Gifts for Anyone With Wanderlust (2024)
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