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

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

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.

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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


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:
- The Travel Book: A Journey Through Every Country in the World
- The Rainbow Atlas: A Guide to the World’s 500 Most Colorful Places
- 1,000 Places to See Before You Die: The World as You’ve Never Seen It Before
- Accidentally Wes Anderson
- Let’s Get Lost: the world’s most stunning remote locations
- Unforgettable Journeys: Slow Down and See the World

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.
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:
- 10 Best Travel Gifts For Her For Any Occasion
- 5 Gift Ideas For Men Who Travel
- 11 Unique Road Trip Gifts All Adventurers Will Love
- Italy Gift Ideas: What to Give Travelers To Italy
Ready to Book Your Trip?
Some of these links are affiliate links.
Use these BMT-approved travel resources to plan your best budget-friendly trip yet!
Flights – Learn our tried and true strategies for finding the cheapest flights.
Accommodations – Using Booking.com to search for hostels and budget hotels has many benefits, including free cancelation and member upgrades.
Travel Insurance – Now more than ever, we encourage the purchase of travel insurance for every trip. Insurance protects you against cancellations, lost luggage, theft, injury, and illness. Compare plans at:
- SafetyWing (this is the one I use most often!)
- InsureMyTrip
- World Nomads
- Allianz Travel Insurance
Activities – Find amazing things to do that won’t break the bank in destinations worldwide on Viator.
Need an international SIM card? We suggest pre-ordering from SimOptions.
2 replies on “17 Present Ideas for Travel Lovers”
[…] Related: 15 Gift Ideas for Travelers […]
I will be sending this out as my Christmas wish list! This is perfect!