The best gifts for travelers
Searching for that perfect gift for your adventure travel buddy or family member? Or maybe you're just going to splurge on yourself. Here's a list of practical travel items every traveler can use, regardless of where they go, separating them into different price ranges to make sure there is something for everyone's budget.
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Table of Contents
Big Ticket Items (over $100)
Travel gifts for all Budgets
Under $10
Emergency Blanket
If your friend likes adventure travel or going to random, remote places, give them this to make sure that wherever they are, they will be warm and safe.
Lip Sunscreen
This is always useful regardless of the conditions outside.
Moisturizing Lip Chap
One thing you realize when traveling is how dry some places can be. This is an item that can always be used.
Under $20
Moleskin
These are made to prevent blisters and to use if you have blisters. These are precut and can easily be used when traveling.
Clif Bars
You might wonder why a traveler would want Clif bars. I always keep a few in my bag as an emergency snack in case I ever get stuck somewhere ((at the airport, on a plane/bus) or thought I would be able to get food in a timely manner (a bus ride that's taken 4 hours longer).
Water Tablets
Buying bottled water adds up, save some costs by using water tablets. I have used these in a lot of countries and never had issues. These are lightweight, come in a water-resistant package, and only take 30 minutes for 1 L of water to be drinkable.
Travel Containers
Get ones that are flexible so that when you squeeze them, they do not break under pressure.
Sleep Masks
These are a requirement when traveling regardless of where you stay. People's ideas of darkness might not be the same as yours.
Tripod
A tripod with flexible legs and a remote will do wonders when you're traveling.
Stasher Bag
I like to carry a few of these when I travel just in case I need to put something in there (i.e. liquids) or if I do adventure travel (hiking), putting my meals/snacks in these works well.
Gore-Tex Patches
These waterproof patches work on most materials if you get a rip in them. Simple peel off the back, place on the fabric, rub and that's all!
Waterproof Bag-Toiletries
Keep liquids in and out with this bag. It works well as a toiletries bag.
TSA Approved Lock
You want TSA-approved locks so that way if authorities at the airport need to get into your bag, they do not need to cut the lock. I like purchasing them in pairs so I can have one on my main bag and then one on my small day pack.
Under $30
First Aid
You should always carry a basic First aid kit when traveling. Get one that comes in a water-resistant bag.
Buff
This works amazing when traveling. It works as a headband, neck gaiter, sleep mask, sweat rag, and so many other functions when traveling.
Wool Socks
These aren't just for hiking but also for traveling.
Under $50
Reusable Water Bottle
This reusable, collapsible water bottle is the perfect gift for any traveler (make sure it is 1L for water tablets to work in). When you're done with it, you simply collapse it down to take up less space. It also weighs a lot less than plastic or metal water bottles.
Headlamp
I like to bring one because I do adventure travel and I sometimes stay in really random and remote places.
Organizer Cube
To keep your sanity when traveling, organizer cubes are a must. They work well to organize all your bathroom items, underwear/socks, or clothing
Rain Cover
If you get a travel backpack with a day bag, the day bag usually will not come with a rain cover. This packs down to a small item that doesn't take up much space.
Battery Charger
Again, another multi-use item that can be used in everyday life. This one can last a few days while charging your phone, has multiple port adaptors and comes with a built-in flashlight.
Waterproof Case
This is great to carry any electronics in it or important items to protect your stuff from getting wet.
Waterproof Compression Bag
These waterproof compression bags work well with bulky items (sleeping bags, extra hiking gear) to prevent them from getting wet and save space.
Adaptor
Get an all-in-one adapter that way you never have to worry about bringing the wrong one.
Clothes Organizer-Large
Depending on your bag size, store all your clothes in this.
Clothes Organizer-Medium
If you have a smaller bag, this also works well for keeping your clothes in it.
Travel Towel
These are light, quick drying, and can be used when showering, water activities, or any other thing you need them for.
Under $100
Rain Jacket
This waterproof fain jacket is light to wear, light to carry, and can pack down quite small and is perfect for traveling.
Airporter Bag
If you're traveling with a backpack, this will help protect it at airports. It also works well to protect it from other weather and factors.
Sandals
Good quality footwear goes a long way when traveling. Get your friend some proper sandals that will last.
Big Ticket Items (over $100)
Tiley Hat
Protect your whole head area with a Tiley Hat in warmer weather.
Backpack
This will be one of the most expensive items for traveling but worth the money. Look for one that has a day bag you can attach and is big enough to fit everything you need in it.
Optional: Down Jacket (weather dependent)
This is one of my favorite items I have purchased. This adds a ton of extra warmth without the bulk! And it is very easy to layer with other layers. This is optional depending on what season and where they are traveling to.
If you are still not sure what to get that traveling friend or family member, gift cards are always a second favorite!
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