17 Present Ideas for Travel Lovers

Need a great gift for someone who loves to travel?

There are countless gift guides out there with all the travel gift ideas you could ever want. However, you came to us, a budget travel blog, because you trust that we’ll suggest the most practical and helpful items that we know will help your loved ones while they travel.

So, here are our picks for the best present ideas for travel lovers.

This post contains affiliate links.

17 Gifts For Travelers

This image features a comparison between two Kindle models: the Kindle Paperwhite and the Previous Generation Kindle. The Kindle Paperwhite is shown with a clearer and brighter display, highlighting text from a prologue, while the older model appears slightly dimmer. The design differences emphasize the improved screen clarity and modernized look of the newer device.

1. A Kindle

Or any other type of e-reader. Get rid of the paper books; they only weigh a traveler down!

I own a Kindle, and I LOVE it for travel. Instead of lugging around at least one book (and then worrying about trading it or stashing it when finished), I can carry around hundreds of books in my little, compact Kindle device. Keep the Kindle clean and protected with a case.

In regards to which Kindle to get, I am not convinced the Kindle Fire is better. I have a Touch, and the new versions of the Touch are the Paperwhite (pictured here). They connect to WiFi, but these days we all have phones that do that, too. Just stick with the simple reading functions, and you should be fine.

Related: The Best Travel Books For Adventures Near and Far

This image displays a scratch-off world map, designed to allow travelers to mark countries they have visited by scratching off the surface layer to reveal vibrant colors underneath. The map is accompanied by a rolled tube for storage and a monochrome version featuring travel routes for additional customization. It serves as a functional and decorative tool for travel enthusiasts.

2. Scratch-Off World Map

I don’t know any travelers who don’t LOVE to ogle over maps. Add a bit of interaction to that, and you have a winning gift right here: the scratch-off map.

I received this as a birthday present once, and now it sits in an un-glassed frame on my wall, where we enthusiastically take it down to scratch off more countries after each trip. You can use it to track one trip or a lifetime of trips like we do, and it will surely get your travel bug itching because all of those countries are just waiting to be scratched off.

This image showcases the Elago Tripshell World Travel Adapter, a compact and versatile device for international travel. The adapter features multiple socket configurations to support various plug types and comes packaged in a sleek box with clear branding. Its ergonomic design ensures convenience and functionality for travelers navigating different power outlet standards worldwide.

3. Universal Travel Adapter

Don’t leave the country without first purchasing a universal adapter.

Why? Because they are cheaper here (in the US) than anywhere else (most electronics are), and you know your devices will plug into them without problems. Universal adapters like this one cover plug options for over 150 countries.

This specific model pictured above can handle both 110 and 220 voltage. However, it does NOT convert voltage. You can use it for cameras, phones, laptops, etc., but don’t use it alone if you plan to use a razor or hair dryer.

In my experience, I have purchased travel hair dryers while living in Europe (where they use 220v) because it’s easiest. You could try a voltage converter, but I’ve heard too many bad electronic-appliance-frying stories to trust them completely.

A universal adapter is a great gift because even if you already have one, it can’t hurt to have two and be able to plug in more than one device at a time.

Related: Travel Adapter and Voltage Converter Basics

This image features an Amazon Basics digital luggage scale, a compact and lightweight device designed for travelers to accurately measure luggage weight. The scale includes a digital display, a unit button for toggling between measurement systems, and a durable strap with a metal hook for secure attachment to luggage. Its portable design makes it ideal for avoiding excess baggage fees while traveling.

4. Portable Luggage Scale

Almost nothing dampens a budget traveler’s soul – and puts a dent in their travel budget – as much as surprise fees. A portable luggage scale is their unsung hero, ensuring they never face unexpected fees at the airport by keeping their bags within weight limits.

Compact and reliable, this Amazon Basics digital luggage scale is a savvy solution for avoiding costly surprises and maximizing their travel budget for more adventures.

This image features a stylish maroon shoulder bag with a sleek design and subtle floral embroidery on the front. The bag includes multiple zippered compartments for secure storage and features adjustable straps with sturdy metal clasps for versatile carrying options. Its elegant yet functional design makes it suitable for both casual outings and travel.
Zipper purse example.

5. Zipper Purse

Ladies, I have talked highly about this one before. It is essential to have a purse that zips closed and is comfortable.

A zipper is a must! It adds an aspect of safety and protection of your valuables that cannot be overlooked. Do not use clip or button purses or especially open purses, and make sure you have one that zips! Also, look for one with a wide strap to provide comfort despite the weight you may carry.

This zipper purse is one of many on our huge list of crossbody bag suggestions that ALL have zippers!

This image shows a durable olive green messenger bag with a practical, minimalist design. The bag features a large flap closure, an adjustable shoulder strap, and side pockets ideal for holding water bottles or other small items. Its functional style makes it suitable for daily use, work, or casual outings.

6. Messenger Bag

Gents, embrace the man bag. It is so convenient when you are spending your days roaming around cities or even in transit. It can be uncomfortable to have two backpacks (one small one for day trips) because they can be tricky to carry together. A backpack and a messenger bag usually fit well together for comfort, convenience, and style, of course!

My brother owns one from Europe, but it is similar to the one pictured here. A space for a drink, a zipper and extra velcro or clips, a wide strap, and some inside zip pockets are some things you should look for in these bags.

The list of crossbody bags we mentioned above includes many styles for men, too!

Related: 5 Gift Ideas for Men Who Travel

This image shows the cover of a Lonely Planet travel guide for Europe. The cover features a vibrant photograph of a colorful, intricately patterned roof, likely St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, Austria, set against a backdrop of a stunning sunset. The text highlights features like "Local secrets," "Best planning advice," and "100% researched & updated."

7. Guidebook

Guidebooks are a great place to start planning an upcoming trip. The Lonely Planet brand is my favorite, and if you don’t know where to start, I recommend checking out the “on a shoestring” editions. These are guidebooks dedicated to certain regions of the world that explain how one could travel “on a shoestring” budget, or on the extreme cheap.

While the shoestring editions might be a little out of date, you don’t need the newest version to learn about most places’ history, activities, and general information.

Just remember: do not rely solely on guidebooks to plan your trip, and always check updated websites for the most current information.

There are also country and region specific guidebooks, like the Europe guidebook pictured above, and they are always a good bet to get a traveler excited about a trip.

This image shows the cover of a Lonely Planet "Italian Phrasebook & Dictionary." The cover features a scenic countryside path lined with green grass and tall cypress trees, with a woman walking toward a rustic villa in the background. The design conveys a sense of travel and exploration, emphasizing its utility for navigating Italian language and culture.

8. Pocket Phrasebook

While you’re shopping for guidebooks, pick up a phrasebook too! If you (or your gift recipient) are heading somewhere that speaks a foreign language, this could provide great entertainment for a long plane ride, and of course, it is a handy reference when needed.

I recommend sticking to western languages for phrasebooks because if you pick up a Mandarin (Chinese) phrasebook, for example, it might just make your head hurt, and you’ll never want to look at it again. Some languages aren’t meant to be learned through a phrasebook.

However, if you stick to western languages (those easier for English speakers to pronounce), you should have a good shot at learning some things that will help you on your way.

Related: Holiday Gift Ideas: What to Give Travelers To Italy

This image shows the cover of a book titled "Let's Get Lost," curated by Finn Beales. The cover features a serene, misty landscape of forested hills partially obscured by clouds, evoking a sense of tranquility and exploration. The subtitle reads "the world's most stunning remote locations," emphasizing the book's focus on discovering beautiful and secluded places.
This image shows the cover of "The Rainbow Atlas" by Taylor Fuller. The design features a collage of vibrant, colorful locations, including a lush green tunnel, brightly painted buildings, a multicolored pathway, and a retro van. The subtitle reads "A Guide to the World's 500 Most Colorful Places," highlighting the book's focus on visually striking destinations around the globe.

9. A Beautiful Coffee Table Book

While we’re on the subject of books, consider gifting your loved one a coffee table book. It can be full of images of their favorite destination or images by their favorite travel photographer.

Another option is one of a destination at the top of their bucket list – to give them a little motivation!

Here are some good ones:

This image shows three types of bags placed on a couch: a large teal hiking backpack, a medium-sized blue daypack, and a brown leather handbag. The assortment suggests preparation for travel or outdoor activities, with a mix of practical and stylish options for carrying belongings.

10. Backpack

A good backpack is a necessity for any traveler.

Pictured above are two of my backpacks, both from REI. I have a 30L REI Traverse (blue) and a 50L Gregory Jade (red). I am in love with both and highly recommend both. Of course, the smaller blue one is for shorter trips. I have taken my blue backpack abroad for up to 17 days, whereas I take my red one for longer trips.

Some other backpacks to consider are the Osprey Farpoint 55 and the Osprey Meridian 60. I’ve personally tested each one and recommend both! Other than Osprey backpacks, we recommend the Patagonia MLC 45L, as well.

The key to finding the right backpack: don’t let anyone else tell you what size to get. You let your body size and strength determine how much you can handle. More about that here and in the video below.

If you want to get a backpack for someone, offer to take them to an outdoor retailer or get them an REI gift card.

This image features a compact and lightweight sleeping bag liner from Vumos. The liner is unfolded to display its full size, made of soft gray fabric, and comes with a small black storage pouch for portability. It’s designed for added comfort and hygiene during camping or travel.

11. Sleep Sheet

Sleep sheets are the perfect gift for someone who plans to be staying in hostels. A sleep sheet is a light sleeping bag you can put over a bed or within its covers, yet you only touch the sleep sheet instead of the hostel or hotel sheets.

I have a cotton one which is why I recommend this kind. It is compact, light, and feels wonderful, not to mention the peace of mind you get from sleeping in it. You can also get silk versions that are even more compact, but I’ve never used one, so I can’t personally recommend them. For anyone nervous about bed bugs or germs in general, a sleep sheet is essential for a good night’s sleep.

Related: 3 Things to Help You Sleep on the Road

This image showcases a vibrant sarong or beach wrap featuring bold red hibiscus flower patterns against a black background. The design is accented with a border of smaller hibiscus flowers and finished with red fringes along the edges, making it both stylish and functional for beachwear or casual summer use.

12. Sarong

Anyone (yes, including guys) heading to the beach needs a sarong. The days of the beach towel are long gone for travelers.

Don’t be that traveler who brings a beach towel abroad. Sarongs are incredibly light and compact, dry relatively quickly, and are useful in many ways. Yes, you can wear them as clothing as long as you figure out those knots (you don’t want it to fall off mid-salsa dance), you can drape them over your pillow to keep your face from collecting germs off hotel/hostel pillows (yes, I do this), and of course you can use them as beach towels to lay on or dry off with at the beach.

I can almost guarantee that any beach destination will have these available for purchase, but you can never have too many (and they pack small), so it wouldn’t hurt to get one ahead of time to bring along as well.

Related: Ninja Packing Tips: Packing list for Europe with just a 30L backpack

This image features a set of Apple gift cards in a blue design with wavy line patterns. Each card prominently displays the iconic white Apple logo in the center, symbolizing their use for Apple products, services, or digital purchases on platforms like the App Store or iTunes.

13. iTunes Gift Card

Give the gift of music. It’s more personal than you might think.

As a traveler, I have come across so many new songs and bands as I’ve traveled abroad that I know this makes a great gift. If I have an account balance on iTunes, I will purchase new music as I travel, which helps create memories on the road.

Do you know when you hear a song that takes you back somewhere? When I listen to new albums on the road, it always takes me back to that trip when I listen to them again in the future.

Besides memories, new music is great to add to your music library when you are away from home for awhile and crave something new to listen to.

Related: 50 Songs About Travel and Adventure: A BMT Community Playlist

This image captures a scenic view of a coastal landscape from the interior of a tent, with the REI Co-op logo in the top right corner. The foreground shows the tent framing a serene ocean view, complete with rocky outcrops and grassy vegetation, evoking a sense of adventure and outdoor exploration.

14. REI Gift Card

Let them finish off their list themselves. REI has an extensive collection of high-quality travel items to choose from.

Backpacks, travel bags, purses, travel games, protectors for all sorts of devices, water bottles, hats, sunglasses, guidebooks, sleeping bags, pads or sheets, travel pillows. The list goes on and on. 

If you aren’t exactly sure what makes for useful travel gifts, a gift card to somewhere like REI is perfect. Grab an REI gift card here.

This image shows a Canon EOS mirrorless camera featuring a compact design and an EF-M 18-55mm zoom lens. The camera has a sleek black body with a textured grip for stability and is equipped with a versatile lens for capturing a variety of shots, from landscapes to portraits. It represents a lightweight and portable option for photography enthusiasts.

15. Digital Camera/Video Camera/GoPro

Every traveler needs a camera, whether a point-and-shoot, a video camera, or even a GoPro.

I have a Canon EOS M – the perfect solution for a traveler who likes to pack light and take great photos. It is Canon’s compact system camera and fits in the palm of my hand. I have both the 22mm and 18-55mm lenses and would recommend at least the 18-55mm if not both.

I also have a GoPro, and it’s oh so much fun for the adventurous traveler! If this sounds like something your recipient will love, consider getting them a GoPro bundle, which include different accessories depending on the types of activities they like to do.

This image displays a vintage-style suitcase adorned with an old-world map design. The suitcase features leather straps, brass rivet accents, and a wooden frame, giving it a classic and decorative appearance. It's a stylish piece ideal for travel or as a unique storage or decor item.

16. Treasure Chest

Yes, you read right, a treasure chest.

This is one of those unique gifts for travel lovers any recipient would love to add to their collection.

It’s the one thing I own that I would grab out of my house in case of a fire. If you opened up my treasure chest, you would find my passports (both old and new), foreign coins and bills from all over the world, patches from each country I’ve been to, shells I’ve collected at beaches, old ticket stubs from the Olympics or famous museums, postcards, letters, and other small knick-knacks I’ve collected from all over the world.

It truly is my treasure chest, and it would be quite a meaningful gift to someone who treasures their travels as much as I do. Give it to them empty, and let them fill it up. Click here to download an invitation to fill up a treasure chest, and give it along with the gift.

This image shows the cover of the book **"The Aspiring Traveler's Handbook"** by Jackie Nourse Laudatinen. The cover features a collage of travel-themed images, including scenic landscapes, a sailboat at sunset, local cuisine, and iconic destinations. The subtitle reads "A preparation guide to international travel," suggesting the book provides practical advice and insights for aspiring globetrotters.

17. The Aspiring Traveler’s Handbook

Lastly, I couldn’t possibly create a list of great gift ideas for travelers without putting in a plug for my product, my book “The Aspiring Traveler’s Handbook: A preparation guide to international travel.”

This little gem is the compilation of just about all of my travel advice for new or somewhat inexperienced travelers. It contains everything you need to know to plan a trip abroad, from choosing a destination to zipping or clipping up your pack and getting on a plane.

Of course, I will recommend it, but don’t just take my word for it, see what others are saying about it.

Happy shopping!


Just for good measure, a few more great presents for travel lovers include a portable charger for their devices, compression packing cubes to stay organized, and compression socks for long plane rides.

If you can’t physically give your favorite travelers a gift because they are out wandering the world, check out this list of unique gifts for travelers you can deliver online.

And, of course, as budget travelers, we like to keep an eye out for Black Friday and Cyber Monday travel deals to save money on all these great travel gifts.

Even more gift ideas for travel lovers:


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