Top 35 Practical Travel Gift Ideas For Every Budget in 2024

Looking for practical travel gift ideas for the world traveler in your life?

Fret not, I have you covered.

As a professional traveler who has traversed all seven continents over the last ten years, I’ve put together a list of my favorite travel items I never leave home without and the various accessories that I’ve found to be super useful while on the road.

I’ve broken down this 2024 travel gift guide for globetrotters into different price points, so you’ll be sure to find something within your budget.

Short on time? Here are my top picks for the best travel gifts by budget:

$: Microfiber Travel Towels
$$: Compression Packing Cubes
$$$: Scrubba Portable Wash Bag

Stocking Stuffers For Travelers Under $10

In my ten years of travels, I’ve found these next few stocking stuffer items to be lifesavers.

And the best part? They’re all under $10!

Grab a few of these for the avid travelers in your life, or even for yourself in preparation for your next adventure.

1. S Hooks

Storage is always an issue for travelers, but S hooks never fail to make my life easier. 

Ways in which I’ve used S hooks on the road, at sea, and even in Antarctica:

• In closets when I didn’t have enough hangers
• Over wardrobe doors to hold small bags and even loose jewelry
• Over bathroom doors for drying towels and hand-washed undies

I started bringing these with me when I began working on cruise ships and now I can’t imagine my life without them.

Get it here: Stainless Steel S Hooks

2. Tide Travel Sink Packets

I brought two of these little detergent packets with me for a week-long backpacking trip to Cuba and it was one of the best decisions I made. 

I severely underestimated how sweaty I would get, and ended up handwashing clothes like my tops and very few undies every day in my room’s sink with the help of these Tide travel packets.

Without them, I’m pretty sure my bag and clothes would’ve ended up smelling pretty awful by the end.

Alternatively, you could also get dissolvable laundry detergent sheets if you want to bring fewer liquid products.

💡 TIP: Don’t forget to also purchase a portable wash bag. These are a lifesaver!

Get it here: 3-Count Tide Travel Sink Packets

3. Facial Sheet Masks

Especially for long-term travelers, constantly being away from home can be stressful on both the mind and skin. 

I’ve found that for me, a hydrating face mask at the end of a tiring week serves as the regular-life equivalent of a nice bath or spa day. 

It’s not a lot of me-time, but it is enough, and they’re easy to pack.

Get it here: Tony Moly Lavender Mask Sheet

4. Travel-Sized Aquaphor Lip Ointment

From being one of the top aftercare products for a spontaneous travel tattoo to its everyday utility for chapped lips and dry skin, a little Aquaphor goes a long way for wandering souls.

Not only is it cheap, but it’s multipurpose— one of the top commandments when it comes to what is allowed in my travel gear.

Get it here: 2-Pack Aquaphor Healing Ointment To Go

5. Dry Shampoo

Travelers take all kinds of forms, and not all of us have the luxury of rocking the “hippie backpacker” vibe.

Sometimes you need a shortcut for looking a little pulled together because you work on a cruise ship and you spent all night at the crew party and decided to sleep the two hours left before your next shift instead of showering.

Dry shampoos are great for adventurers who want or need to look a little more put together, especially for those with professional jobs, even if it’s all a guise.

Get it here: IGK FIRST CLASS Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo

6. Luggage Tags

No prepared traveler goes anywhere without these, and there are so many options to choose from: cute, blinged-out, or classic.

Even if your giftee isn’t going anywhere soon, these will always be a practical present that will undoubtedly be used in the future.

Get it here: 2-Piece Casmonal Luggage Tags

7. Luggage Lock

I’ve used luggage locks more for securing hostel lock boxes and storage lockers than for actual luggage, but they serve the same purpose.

While TSA-ready locks are often recommended, I personally find that they are too easy to jab open.

And since I don’t bother putting any valuables in anything other than my personal item which is always with me, I prefer a sturdier lock like this.

Get it here: 2-Pack Master Lock Combination Luggage Lock

8. Portable Luggage Scale

No globetrotter ever wants to be hit with excessive weight baggage fees.

A portable luggage scale helps to guarantee that there are no last-minute surprises before a flight.

Get it here: Digital Luggage Scale

9. Travel Hand Soap Sheets

Whenever possible, I always try to keep my liquids to a minimum since I tend to travel a lot with just carry-on luggage.

Soap sheets are a great way to not only ensure that your favorite nomad’s hands are clean and their health as safe as possible, but also that they don’t have to worry about packing an extra bottle of soap or a messy bar.

Get it here: 3-Pack (150 Sheets Total) Travel Hand Soap

Practical Gifts For Travelers Under $20

The majority of my most used travel items cost no more than $20.

Organizational items such as packing cubes or toiletry kits may not seem like amazing presents, but trust me, when you’re constantly living out of a suitcase, these items are clutch.

Check out the following practical yet must-have travel gifts every adventurer needs.

10. Quick Dry Microfiber Travel Towel Set

I have this exact set and it goes everywhere with me. 

They’re light, easy to roll up and pack, and they dry so quickly, which is great for both after using as well as after washing.

Get it here: OlimpiaFit Set of 3 Microfiber Travel Towels

11. Passport Wallet

When you’re on the go, the last thing you want is to misplace your important documents.

A passport wallet helps to keep these things together in one place, so you don’t end up digging through your bag for your passport, boarding ticket, or credit cards separately.

I’m a fan of this cute style, but this unisex family-style one is just as good.

Get it here: RFID Passport Holder and Travel Wallet

12. Travel Journal

I started keeping a journal when I began traveling and after seven years, I’m so glad I did.

I have a stack of journals now with a memory from every single day I was on the road (or sea or ice… you know my story).

Trust me, when a traveler is able to look back on these details long after their adventures have finished, they’ll be so happy they took the time to note their memories.

While journal apps are great and save a bit of packing space, of course, there’s just something about having a physical book to write in and the act of handwriting thoughts that (in my opinion) have therapeutic benefits that typing in a phone or tablet don’t provide.

My favorite travel journal was actually the En Route journal, and no notebook has come close since.

I love that it has a subtle reminder for you to take note of the weather or other small things you might forget about along your travels.

There are also a few pages for packing lists and useful references in the back for guides like converting measurements.

Every page is designed differently with beautiful illustrations throughout.

Get my favorite travel journals here: En Route and Find What Brings You Joy

13. Travel Razor

Packing a razor can be so tricky, from the moisturizing pad drying and sticking to other things in my toiletry kit to the razor becoming dull from scratching up things in my bag.

This little travel razor solves all of these issues with the convenient travel case, in addition of course, to being packing-friendly.

Get it here: Gillette Venus Mini Razor, Travel Case, and Refills

14. Scented Deodorizer Sachets

These are great to throw in your luggage or bags to keep them from smelling, especially when you can’t wash your clothes as often as you’d like.

On ships and in Antarctica, I kept one sachet in my closet close to my laundry bag, and one with the majority of my other clothing.

I got a few lavender sachets from a craft fair in Latvia nearly three years ago, and they still smell just as fresh.

I wish I got the contact information from the lady who made mine so I could buy more, but I suppose these will have to do the job.

Get it here: 12 Pack Rose Cottage Lavender Scented Deodorizer Sachets

15. Sriracha Travel Keychain Bottles

Where are my Asians at?

I wish I knew about these sooner.

Oh, how much better my experiences at sea in the crew mess would’ve been.

When I was living in Antarctica, the authentic Sriracha bottles would always disappear from the dining area, and we eventually ran out. 

Then it was replaced by *insert gasp* imitation Sriracha— and it honestly belonged in the trash.

My point is, these TSA-approved travel bottles are necessary for Asian travelers like myself.

Get it here: Sriracha Keychain Gift Pack

16. Color-Changing LED Fairy Lights

Fairy lights (also known as twinkle lights or Christmas lights) will always make any abode instantly homier.

From my time living in Japan to onboard cruise ships to the South Pole in Antarctica, fairy lights were always a priority on my packing list regardless of the season.

What’s better than regular twinkle lights, you ask?

LED fairy lights that CHANGE COLORS, I answer.

Get it here: 33 FT Color Changing LED Fairy Lights

17. Toiletries Travel Set

While fabric toiletry bags that can hang on a bathroom door are great and often cute, I personally find getting through airport security is easier with a simple, transparent bag for liquids.

My go-to toiletry set is one with a variety of TSA-approved travel-sized bottles and containers in a clear, leak-proof bag like this one. 

A bonus of this set is that it includes little scoopers and a funnel for easy transferring of creams and liquids.

Get it here: 16-Piece Toiletry Set With TSA-Approved Bottles and Containers

18. Travel Adapter & Power Strip

Whether you’re in an airport, in a cruise ship, or in a hotel, it always seems like there either aren’t enough outlets, or outlets not close enough to where you need them the most.

With a travel power strip, you never have to worry about this again. 

Even better, this handy little device has both regular plugs as well as USB charging ports AND it comes with adapters for the most visited countries.

What’s not to love?

Get it here: Travel Adapter Power Strip

19. Reusable Silicone Storage Bags

These are great of course for storing food during trips, but they can also be used for a number of travel-related situations, such as:

• Organizing loose items
• Holding jewelry
• Containing leaky bottles
• Sealing any previously opened packets of liquid such as Tide Travel Sink Packets

Good for the environment and good for everything in your bags.

Get it here: Stasher Reusable Silicone Storage Bag

20. Electronics Organizer Bag

In case you haven’t noticed, I’m big on staying organized while traveling, simply because not doing so makes life so much more difficult when you’re living out of a few bags for years.

A good electronics organizer helps nomads keep all their cables and chargers tidy and in one place.

Get it here: Electronics Organizer Bag

21. Collapsable Water Bottle

Everyone needs to stay hydrated on the go, and what better way to do so than with a collapsable water bottle you can use over and over again?

These take up little to no space, and you’ll be able to bring it everywhere.

It’s the perfect gift for the hikers, campers, or minimalist packers in your life.

Get it here: Collapsable Water Bottle

Useful Gifts For Travelers Under $30

Most useful travel gadgets clock in around $30 and they are definitely worth every penny.

From making life without regular amenities so much more bearable to making life on the road or in the sky a little cozier, these small travel gifts pack a punch.

22. Single-Serve Coffee Bags

Coffee, but in a tea bag.

I found this to be the perfect gift for my coffee-loving travelers who are constantly in hotels or accommodations with subpar coffee.

All you need is hot water and this assortment of single-serve coffee bags.

Get it here: Mondo Single-Serve Coffee Bags

23. Spotify Premium 3-Month Subscription eGift Card

For those who live and/or travel to remote places like Antarctica or the wilderness, Spotify Premium is a game changer as it allows users to download their content for offline use later.

This means when we’re without internet, we still have access to all the best podcasts and music.

Super helpful for keeping us sane!

Get it here: Spotify Premium 3-Month Subscription

24. Portable Charger

Every traveler needs a good power bank that not only charges fast but is compatible with multiple devices.

My favorites are chargers that show how much power is left in the bank, like this one that tells you the percentage left, or this super cute one with a paw print that decreases lights in each paw as the battery is used up.

If you’re buying a gift for a backpacker, hiker, or vagabond who may have limited access to electricity, a solar power bank is perfect for them.

Get it here: INIU Portable Charger with Paw Indicator

25. USB 3.0 Mobile Flash Drive & External Expandable Storage

Not only does this little flash drive have a 256 GB storage capacity, but it can be plugged directly into your mobile device for photo and video backup and easy data transfer to your desktop or laptop.

This is so important when you’re traveling, especially when you don’t want to or can’t bring a laptop with you.

I brought one of these along to my backpacking trip to Cuba as:

1. I wasn’t going to bother lugging around a laptop for practical and safety reasons.
2. It took up hardly any space in my small bag.
3. My phone at the time had very little storage capacity and this was an easy way to ensure that I could take as many pictures and videos as I wanted.
4. I was able to keep a backup copy of all my important documents and passport without having to rely on the internet (which is very hard to come by in Cuba).

Get it here: 256 GB USB 3.0 Mobile Flash Drive & External Expandable Storage

26. Memory Foam Travel Pillow

If you have a frequent flyer in your life, they can always use a memory foam travel pillow.

They squish down into a small packable ball which makes traveling so much easier.

I’ve also actually used my memory foam travel pillow more for my back than for my neck, placing it between my lower back and airplane seat for optimal relief from the terrible back pain and bloating I often get from sitting in a stiff upright position on long-haul flights.

Get it here: Memory Foam Travel Pillow

27. Travel Diffuser

I have a full-sized essential oil diffuser that I make room for in my luggage for long travel contracts, but a portable travel size is all the better.

Make a stinky hostel room smell better? Check.

Help destress on the road? Check.

Add some moisture to dry air? Check.

Make whatever room or Airbnb feel a little more like home? Check.

Bonus: the diffuser can also serve as a night light (and you can choose the color), which is always helpful when staying in a room you’re unfamiliar with (namely for finding the bathroom in the middle of the night).

Get it here: 100 ml Travel Diffuser

28. Travel Phone and Camera Tripod

Can you say you’ve been somewhere if you don’t have a selfie to prove it?

This tiny but mighty tripod works with smartphones, cameras, and even GoPros.

Weighing under a pound and compacting to just under 9 inches, this is the perfect portable tripod for any traveler.

Get it here: Travel Tripod

29. No Waste Shampoo & Conditioner Bars

As you probably have figured out by now, I’m a fan of things that cut down on the amount of liquids I need to stuff into my TSA-approved toiletries bag, are environmentally friendly, and just plain convenient for life on the road.

Enter shampoo and conditioning bars.

These cut down on plastic bottles, are great for traveling, and last much longer than the average shampoo or conditioner.

Bonus: it comes with a travel container for mess-free packing!

Get it here: /liv/ Nature Shampoo Bar and Conditioner Set with Travel Case

Popular Gifts For Travelers Under $50

This section offers a couple of options for popular gifts under $50 that are sure to be a hit with the travelers in your life.

30. Compression Packing Cubes

These are a game changer.

They make packing and organizing so easy and honestly less stressful.

I use these to categorize my clothing (bottoms, tops, undies, etc.) and they even come with labels for easy identification when packing and unpacking.

This packing cube set is great if you’re also looking for one that includes a variety of sizes as well as a laundry or shoe bag.

And the best part: they have a compression feature that squishes everything down to fit better or more into your luggage.

Get it here: Set of 8 Packing Cubes and Organizers

31. World + USA Scratch Off Map

My scratch-off map is one of my most treasured possessions, and chances are if the nomad in your life doesn’t have one of these yet, it will also be an instant favorite.

Not only does this map come with scratch-off country flags, but it also includes a separate map just for the US for domestic travelers to scratch off individual states as well.

Get it here: World + USA Scratch-Off Map

32. Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Having a travel-sized speaker is great for hikes, beach days, barbecues, and more.

I have very fond memories every time I see a little speaker attached to someone’s backpack as I’m reminded of all the impromptu parties and get-togethers I’ve experienced with friends throughout my travels.

Get it here: JBL Clip 3 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Essential Gifts for Travelers Under $100

If you’re looking to spoil your favorite wanderer, you can’t go wrong with any of the following gifts.

33. Scrubba Travel Wash Bag

If you only buy one thing from this list, this is it.

Based on personal experience, I can tell you that doing laundry while traveling for weeks or months at a time is kind of the worst.

That’s why every traveler should have the Scrubba wash bag.

It allows you do to laundry from anywhere without making a mess in the bathroom.

The built-in washboard makes sure that clothes get 100% clean– something that handwashing laundry in a hotel sink doesn’t always guarantee.

Get it here: Scrubba Portable Wash Bag

34. Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones

Perfect for long flights, road trips, hikes, or shutting out the world around you for a few hours without having to worry about getting tangled in headphone cords.

When you travel for a living, sometimes you don’t get any privacy or space of your own. 

Noise-canceling headphones provide much-needed relief and alone time, or as much as possible at least.

Get it here: JBL Bluetooth Noise Canceling Headphones

35. SSD External Hard Drive

An external hard drive is absolutely crucial for backing up all your important files and memories.

I’ve had my trusty 1 TB hard drive for nearly five years now and it has yet to fail me (knock on wood).

These are especially useful for bringing tons of music, movies, and tv shows when working or traveling to places without regular internet access.

When I worked on board cruise ships and in Antarctica, hard drives were regularly passed around for sharing various entertainment media as we didn’t have access to streaming services like Netflix or Spotify. 

Get it here: SanDisk 500GB Extreme Portable SSD

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I hope this travel gift guide makes your holiday shopping much easier.

May the explorers in your life be gifted with many more efficient and convenient adventures in 2024 because of you!

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