30 Practical Gifts for Travellers They Would Actually Want and Use

When it comes to gifts for travellers, the best ones are those that are not only thoughtful but also practical—things travelers like myself will actually use on the road. However, finding the perfect travel gift can be challenging, especially if you don’t travel often.

To make gift shopping easy, here are 30 cool travel gifts that any traveler would love and, more importantly, will actually use. From smart tech to handy essentials, these gifts will make their journeys smoother, more enjoyable, and a little more fun. Plus, it will always remind them of you and how you got them the best travel gift ever!

1. Portable Power Bank

A dead phone or camera is every traveler’s nightmare, especially when you need it most. (There have been many travel moments of me racing to my destination or accommodation on 1% battery).

A portable power bank would have been a lifesaver and a great gift! Look for one that is small enough to fit in your day bag but powerful enough to charge your phone, camera, or tablet. Bonus points if you can find one with multiple ports—perfect for charging more than one device at a time!

I have a power bank from Xiaomi from my study abroad in Taiwan 5 years ago, but there are so many great options. You can get them a MagSafe power bank if they have an iPhone or a good-quality one from Amazon.

2. Travel Journal

There’s something special about reflecting about your travel experiences and having journal entries to read later. While some may have preferences about their journals, a travel journal is still a great gift for nostalgic travelers who love documenting their experiences.

Plus, a well-made journal is a companion that’ll hold memories for years to come. And any journaler appreciates having extra journals on hand when they finish all the pages in their current one.

I love my Moleskine journal because it’s multi-use, but you can look into a curated travel journal or a good quality journal your traveler can convert into a travel journal.

Tip: Look for a journal that has good quality paper. Extra points if you know what your traveller likes to do in their journal so you can curate the paper to their art or writing style.

3. Packing Cubes

Ever tried to shove everything into your suitcase at the last minute and wondered how it all fit? Packing cubes is your solution to this madness.

These little lifesavers keep everything organized and compressed; no more digging around for that one missing sock while searching through your bag. Perfect for over-packers who need to squeeze in just one more outfit!

Daiso, MUJI, and other retailers carry inexpensive ones that do the job. You can also find them in luggage and commercial retailers like Target. You want to get one that is high-quality, though, so you don’t have to repurchase again and again.

4. Compact Travel Pillow

Everyone knows that long-haul flights or bus rides are uncomfortable (unless you’re in first or business class). I’m sure you’ve tried making your seat as comfy as possible as well, with rolled up jackets, pillows, etc.

A compact travel pillow can make the difference between arriving refreshed or with a stiff neck, and can also help with falling asleep on the airplane. It’s a great gift for the traveller in your life. There are plenty of options, from luxurious memory foam ones to basic inflatable ones perfect for carry ons.

5. Universal Travel Adapter

Every traveler needs one of these! A universal adapter keeps your devices powered up no matter where you are in the world. It’s one of those practical gifts that seems boring—until you really need it.

Make sure to purchase an adapter that covers multiple countries and USB ports to charge all your devices without needing a million different converters.

6. Reusable Water Bottle

Hydration is an often last thought when travelling, especially when most airports don’t allow you to take liquids past security. So, gifting a reusable water bottle is perfect for all travellers. There are so many reusable water bottles on the market, from the cult-favorite Stanleys to the new and trendy Owala bottles.

You can even buy ones with a built-in filter for local tap water in countries with unsafe tap water. Gifting a water bottle is a great way that keeps travelers from buying single-use plastic bottles (which add up fast).

7. Noise-Canceling Headphones

Noise-canceling headphones are the best travel gift, hands down. They help block out the world when you need some peace and quiet, and travel can get hectic. Plus, they make long international flights more bearable: no crying babies, airplane noise, random chitter chatter, and maybe good sleep.

These are my number one travel essentials I take with me on any trip, no matter how far the destination. I use a really cheap pair from Amazon, which I got for $50, but if you want to splurge, check out Sony or Bose for top-tier headphones.

8. Portable Luggage Scale

I recently got a portable luggage scale last Christmas and it’s such an underrated travel gift. It’s small, lightweight, and can save you from hefty baggage fees. You can also take it on the go, especially when you know you will fly a budget airline.

My portable luggage scale is probably the most used travel gift I’ve got and one of the best travel gifts.

9. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

Have you ever had to pack a damp towel after swimming or a hostel shower? The worst part is that it soaks into your clean, dry clothes and can even smell in your bag. If you want to solve this travel problem, gift a quick-dry towel!

They are lightweight, compact, and, as the name suggests, dry fast—making them perfect for the beach, hikes, or just those moments when you need to pack up and go quickly.

Honestly, a towel is also increidbly versatile and perfect for a picnic blanket, emergency blanket, or even a makeshift bag, haha.

10. Scratch-Off Map

If your traveler friend is a geography geek like me or simply wants a cool way to document their travels, they’ll love a scratch-off map to track all their adventures.

It’s a fun way to mark off countries as they explore, and it doubles as unique wall art. Each scratch is a little reminder of places conquered and those yet to be explored.

11. E-Reader (Kindle or similar)

If your traveler loves to read but hates lugging around heavy books, an e-reader is the best gift. They can pack an entire library without sacrificing luggage space. Perfect for long flights, beach days, or quiet nights after a day of sightseeing.

12. Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot

We all want to stay connected when traveling, and a portable Wi-Fi hotspot makes that a breeze. It’s perfect for digital nomads or anyone who doesn’t want to rely on sketchy public Wi-Fi. Look for one that works internationally so they can get online no matter where they are.

Alternatively, get your traveler an upgraded international data pass with their phone plan. That way, they don’t want to walk around carrying something extra.

13. Stylish Travel Wallet

A sleek travel wallet with compartments for a passport, cards, and cash is both stylish and practical. It helps keep everything organized and easily accessible during those hectic airport moments. Stylish and practical, this is the perfect gift for a stylish traveller while keeping everything secure and within reach.

14. Travel-Friendly Toiletry Kit

TSA-approved toiletry kits are a lifesaver for anyone who travels carry-on only. A good kit has leak-proof bottles, enough space for all the essentials, and maybe even a cute travel case to boot. It’s small but mighty, making packing stress-free.

15. Lightweight Daypack

A foldable daypack is perfect when a bulky backpack just won’t cut it. It’s small enough to toss into a suitcase but big enough to carry all your essentials for a day of exploring. Ideal for day trips, hikes, or just strolling through new cities.

Alternatively, you can gift a unique or high-quality fabric tote bag that is, by default, transportable.

16. Portable Coffee Maker

For coffee lovers who just can’t deal with instant coffee, a portable coffee maker like Aeropress is the way to go. It’s lightweight and easy to use, so they can enjoy their favorite brew no matter where they wake up. Perfect for those early-morning adventurers who need their caffeine fix before taking on the day.

17. Travel-Sized Skincare Set

Just because you’re on the road doesn’t mean your skincare routine has to suffer. A travel-sized skincare set is the perfect gift for travelers who want to keep their skin glowing and hydrated, especially after long flights or in changing climates.

18. Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Nothing sets the mood better than a good playlist, and a portable Bluetooth speaker is perfect for everything from beach days to hostel hangouts. Look for one that’s water-resistant and packs a punch despite its size. Trust me, it’ll be a hit.

19. Travel Hammock

For the outdoor enthusiast, a travel hammock is an awesome gift. It’s lightweight, easy to set up, and perfect for those times when they want to kick back and relax in nature. Whether it’s between two palm trees on a beach or in the forest, this hammock will get plenty of use.

20. Compression Socks

Long flights can wreak havoc on your legs, but compression socks help with circulation and reduce swelling. They may not be the sexiest gift, but trust me, seasoned travelers will be thanking you after their next 12-hour flight.

21. Mini First-Aid Kit

A mini first-aid kit is one of those things you don’t realize you need until you really need it. Compact and packed with essentials, it’s perfect for hikers, campers, or anyone who tends to have little mishaps on their travels.

Bonus: Try to find one with stomach medicine, or add it yourself! Every traveler experiences stomach problems at least once on their travels, and it’s lifesaving to have an anti-viral or diarrhea medicine in your bag.

22. Travel-Sized Laundry Detergent Sheets

Washing clothes while traveling isn’t always easy, but detergent sheets make it possible wherever you are. They’re lightweight and don’t take up liquid space, making them carry-on-friendly. It’s perfect for when laundromats are hard to find.

23. Foldable Travel Hanger Set

Don’t underestimate the power of a good hanger set! Sometimes accommodatoins don’t have enough hangers or hanging space, and hangers come in clutch.

For example: Drying swimsuits, towels, washed clothes, nice outfits, steaming clothes, etc.

Foldable hangers are great for air-drying clothes in places where hangers are scarce and compact enough to fit in any bag.

24. RFID Blocking Passport Holder

With all the digital theft happening these days, an RFID-blocking passport holder is a must-have. It protects your traveler from unwanted data scans while organizing their passport and cards. Stylish and secure—a perfect combo.

25. Travel-Sized Stain Remover

Spills happen, especially when you’re traveling. A travel-sized stain remover pen is a handy tool for anyone who wants to keep their clothes looking fresh, even after a messy street food mishap.

I’ve used the Tide To-Go Stain Remover Pens in the past, and they’re a great item to have in your bag.

26. Eco-Friendly Travel Utensil Set

For the eco-conscious traveler, a reusable utensil set is a great gift. They can use it for road trips, camping, or even avoiding plastic cutlery while grabbing a bite at a street market. Plus, they’re light and easy to toss in any bag.

27. Handheld Garment Steamer

Let’s face it: no one wants to iron while on vacation, but wrinkled clothes are inevitable. A handheld garment steamer is a quick fix for freshening up clothes on the go, perfect for both business and leisure travelers.

Alternatively, you can buy a travel-sized fabric wrinkle-release spray that’s easier to travel with.

28. Travel-Sized Puzzle or Card Games

When there’s downtime—waiting for a flight or chilling at the hostel—having a compact puzzle or card game can make the time fly.

It’s a great gift for solo travelers or groups who want to unwind after a day of exploring or kill some downtime between flights or rainy afternoons.

My personal favorites include Exploding Kittens and We Aren’t Really Strangers!

29. Portable Door Lock

Safety first! Having a portable door lock makes travelers feel safer, especially when staying in unfamiliar accommodations, giving peace of mind to solo or safety-conscious travelers. It’s easy to use, fits in a pocket, and provides peace of mind, especially in hostels or budget accommodations.

30. Foldable Yoga Mat

Staying active while traveling can be tough, especially when staying somewhere without gym facilities. So make it easier by gifting a foldable yoga mat!

It’s perfect for yoga lovers or anyone who wants to squeeze in a quick workout, no matter where they are. Plus, it’s light and easy to pack so it’s great for a carry on and doesn’t take up as much space.

Get the Best Gifts for Travellers!

At the end of the day, the best travel gifts are thoughtful travel gifts. The friend who loves reading will love an e-reader, and the cousin who loves coffee will always use the portable coffee set you got for Christmas. So, set yourself up for successful gift shopping with these 30 cool gifts for travellers! But remember, the extra thought makes a gift truly unforgettable. Happy travels!