15 of the *best* travel gifts, according to a travel writer
Items they'll actually use (and won't already own)
Welcome to the first installment of my holiday gift guide series!
Now through Black Friday, I’ll be sharing a gift guide every other week focused on the key niches that Carry On caters to (e.g. travelers, AuDHDers, expats, queer folks, and writers).
Up first: gifts for travelers.
As a travel writer, I’ve spent more than my fair share of time navigating airports, packing (and repacking) bags, and living out of suitcases. Along the way, I've discovered which travel gadgets are actually useful and which ones tend to gather dust after the first trip.
Whether you're shopping for a globe-trotting friend or gearing up for your own adventures, this guide is packed with thoughtful, practical, and fun gift ideas that travelers will genuinely appreciate… and won’t already own three of.
Heads up: Some of the links in this guide are affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). Rest assured, I only recommend items I truly love and think you or the traveler in your life will, too!
Stocking stuffers for travelers
Tiny enough to fit in their stocking—ergo, tiny enough to squeeze into their carry-on.
Touchland Hydrating Hand Sanitizer
This is one of those gifts that travelers will truly appreciate but might not think to buy for themselves. Unlike the basic sanitizers they’re likely already stocked up on, Touchland offers a formula that keeps hands soft and moisturized, ideal for long travel days and dry airplane cabins. With a variety of scents to choose from—personally, I’m obsessed with the Vanilla Blossom—it’s a stylish upgrade to an everyday essential. ($10)
Aquaphor Skin Protectant Healing Balm Stick
We love a solid toiletry that doesn’t take up space in our liquids bag! Ideal for combatting dry air on flights, preventing chafing, or dealing with unexpected skin irritations when traveling, this multi-use balm stick is like magic. Whether it’s used on lips, hands, or rough patches, it’s a little powerhouse of relief that travelers will be glad to have on hand when they’re on the go. ($10)
Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray
Just the kind of quirky, practical gift travelers didn’t know they needed. Whether navigating shared bathrooms in hostels or small hotel rooms with little privacy, this handy spray keeps awkward situations at bay while they’re away, and its tiny size makes it easy to slip into a travel bag. This is one of those thoughtful essentials that’s often overlooked but truly appreciated when the, uh, moment arises. ($5)
Travel gifts for every budget
Practical packables at every price point.
Gifts for travelers under $25
The unsung hero of any experienced traveler’s packing list! Sleek and comfy for extended wear, my Loops are the only earplugs I trust to drown out airport announcements, crying kiddos, noisy neighbors, and any other unwanted auditory assaults during my travels. They’re small enough to pop into any pocket or purse, but powerful enough to bring a sense of calm to even the most chaotic environments. Use code ALICIAV-AF05 at checkout for a discount! ($24)
riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder Free Hand Drink Carrier
I’ll be honest, I got one of these from somebody once and kinda brushed it off as a gag gift at first—but it has turned out to be surprisingly useful! The first thing I do after I’m past security at the airport is fill my water bottle, then find coffee… then struggle to juggle my water bottle, coffee, and luggage as I make my way toward my gate. But this clever fella slips over the handles of my suitcase and securely holds on to my drinks so I can navigate busy airports and train stations without spills. A simple, yet genius gift that most travelers wouldn’t think to buy for themselves, but will quickly wonder how they ever traveled without! ($16)
Gorilla Grip Windproof Compact Stick Umbrella
I don’t care what that stupid piña colada song says, I don’t know anybody who actually likes getting caught in the rain. Living in Amsterdam, I unfortunately get caught in the rain all the time—and I see unprepared tourists huddling for shelter under cafe awnings and wonder why they didn’t pack a windproof umbrella for their travels. I like that this one has the one-click easy open and close button so I don’t have to wrestle with it when drops start falling. ($19)
[Speaking of being a prepared traveler, here’s the checklist I use for every trip I take—free printable packing list included]
Gifts for travelers under $50
A must-have for travelers who value peace of mind. Compact and easy to use, this personal safety alarm is designed to be carried anywhere, whether you're exploring a new city, hiking solo, or just going for a walk at night. With a loud siren and flashing lights, it’s the kind of gift that empowers travelers to feel safe and confident no matter where their adventures take them. ($29)
EverSnug Travel Blanket and Pillow
This is another one of those things I received as a gift and kind of rolled my eyes about at first—but after tossing it into my bag for a work trip earlier this year, I learned that it’s actually a super cozy companion for long flights, train rides, and road trips. It’s soft, lightweight, and squishes down suuuuuper small, offering warmth and support during your travels without taking up much space in your bag. Highly recommend, especially for overnight flights. ($30)
Portable Charger with Built-In Cables
No more untangling a nest of cords or scrambling to find an outlet in crowded airports—this all-in-one solution keeps all your devices powered up on the go. It’s the kind of gift that’s both practical and thoughtful, ensuring your favorite traveler never has to worry about running out of battery while exploring new places. ($29)
[Oh, and ICYMI: here’s how not to be ‘that person’ when flying… your future travel mates thank you in advance]
Gifts for travelers under $100
Conair Handheld Travel Steamer
When you’re a carry-on-only kinda traveler and a Lizzie McGuire-level outfit repeater, a travel steamer is a game-changer. This portable li’l guy easily fits in my suitcase and quickly refreshes clothes that have gotten crumpled up in transit so I can stay wrinkle-free throughout my entire trip. Plus, packing it means I don’t have to use the rusty old hotel iron and unwieldy ironing board. Win-win. ($55)
This one’s ideal for travelers who like to bring souvenirs back following their adventures! I always toss it into my carry-on when I fly home to the U.S. Since this packable bag can be folded to fit inside its own detachable interior zip pouch, it takes up barely any room in my rolling suitcase on the way to the States—but it can expand to a proper duffel bag at 14”×19”x7” to fit all my souvenirs when I check it on the way back. If you’re shopping for someone who loves to shop when they travel, this might be just the right gift for them. ($78)
Soundcore Space One Noise Cancelling Headphones
These! Headphones! Are! So! Comfortable! And! Effective!!! Honestly, I have no idea how I used to travel without them. Thanks to some truly kickass noise cancellation capabilities, they block out the distractions on loud flights, busy terminals, or bustling streets, creating your own little bubble of peace and quiet. An ideal gift for travelers who want to immerse themselves in music, podcasts, or just a moment of calm while in transit. ($99)
[On which note: here are 20 more sensory-friendly items I pack to make traveling more comfortable, as a neurodivergent travel writer]
Luxury gifts for travelers
As a professional travel writer, let me be clear: This is my tried-and-true, go-to carry-on for every trip I ever take, whether I’m traveling for business or pleasure. Sleek, durable, and designed to fit in overhead bins, this suitcase is packed with thoughtful features like a built-in USB charger and a sturdy interior compression system. It’s lightweight and easy to maneuver, ideal everything from weekend getaways to international adventures. A truly luxurious yet practical gift that travelers will appreciate every time they pack. You can use this link for $40 off your first Away suitcase or bag. ($275)
Same note: This is the only personal item I ever pack when I travel. Designed to fit under airplane seats, this bag has plenty of compartments for organizing all of my in-flight essentials, as well as a trolley sleeve so it fits snugly and securely atop the carry-on mentioned above. I love the thoughtful touches like the separate waterproof umbrella compartment at the bottom, the padded laptop sleeve, the key lanyard, the convenient exterior pocket on the front where I keep my phone, and the secret exterior zipper pocket with card compartments on the back that acts as a travel wallet. This convenient gift will quickly become any traveler’s go-to bag for flights, road trips, and everyday adventures. And again, don’t forget: You can use this link for $40 off your first Away suitcase or bag! ($195)
[Related: here’s everything I bring in my personal item to make flying suck less—printable packing list included]
Priority Pass Airport Lounge Membership
If you really want to go above and beyond, a Priority Pass Airport Lounge Membership is the ultimate luxury gift for travelers who love a little extra comfort. With access to hundreds of airport lounges worldwide, it offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of terminals, complete with complimentary snacks, drinks, and Wi-Fi. Whether they’re frequent flyers or occasional adventurers, this membership adds a touch of indulgence to every trip, making long layovers and flight delays wayyyyy more enjoyable. It’s a gift that turns travel into a first-class experience, no matter where they’re headed. ($329)
Any other travel gifts you’d add to this list?
If you're a frequent traveler yourself and you see something missing from this list, let me know in the comments. To everyone else: happy gifting!