What’s the one thing every traveler secretly wants? A gift that’s not just practical, but also enhances their adventures.
If you have been looking for the perfect gift for the travel lover in your life – or even for yourself – then you’re in the right place! I’ve travelled to over 40 countries, most of them solo, and have refined my packing list so that I’m able to travel light but also with everything I need.
Forget clichéd travel notebooks and pin boards – the best gifts for people going travelling are those which are practical, and will elevate their travel experience.
Here are 20 of the travel items I couldn’t live without and would be DELIGHTED if someone had gifted them to me:
Practical Gifts for People Going Travelling
1. Apple AirTags
These are the real MVPs of any travel experience. I actually received my AirTags as a Christmas gift and right after flew to Zanzibar for New Year. I arrived in Zanzibar, but Kenya Airways put my rucksack on a flight to Kilimanjaro and the only reason I knew that was because I could see exactly where my bag was thanks to the AirTag inside it. Because I knew exactly where it was, I was able to inform the airport staff of its location, and therefore speed up the process. I was reunited with my bag within 24 hours.
I’d genuinely never travel without them now. I also have an AirTag on my keyring and my passport.
You can get AirTags in packs of 1, 2, 3 or 4 here (and don’t forget to also buy a holder. These are the ones I use).
2. AirTag Passport Holder
Some countries will deny you entry if your passport is damaged, so a holder to keep your passport pristine is essential. But a holder that also stores vaccination cards, travel documents and cards, SIM cards AND is RIFD protected is elite. Plus, with its inbuilt AirTag holder, it’s trackable too.
The Walnew AirTag passport holder cover is lightweight, comes in a range of colours in faux leather, has RIFD blocking protection and is super practical, with 1 transparent card holder slot, 3 card slots, 1 passport slot, 2 SIM card slots, a pen slot and a zipper pocket.
The AirTag holder is detachable, so that you can transfer it to your wallet or keychain when not in use.
3. Portable Power Bank
When travelling, your mobile phone becomes your most important asset – and the last thing any traveller wants is to be stranded with a dead battery. For that reason, I always carry at least one portable power bank with me everywhere.
A lightweight, high-capacity power bank is a practical gift for people going travelling. I use a combination of this one and this one. For anyone travelling to more remote areas then a solar-powered power bank would be particularly useful.
4. Universal Plug Adaptor
A universal adapter is a must-have for anyone traveling internationally. Choose one with USB ports to charge multiple devices at once.
This adaptor would make a great gift for travel, because it can be used in over 150 countries , has both USB and USB C ports and yet fits in the palm of your hand.
5. Travel Extension Lead
A legitimate travel hack is packing a multi plug extension lead. With one of these bad boys, you only need to pack ONE travel adaptor to be able to charge multiple devices at once. I use this cube plug extension with a 1.5 metre cable, as it’s the right balance of compact and functional.
This is also a particularly good gift for digital nomad types, or anyone who may need to work from a cafe or co-working space with limited access to plug sockets.
6. Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Ideal for long flights, noisy hostels, or crowded trains, noise-canceling headphones offer the gift of peace wherever they go.
My preference is for AirPods, as opposed to over-ear headphones, as they’re super light and portable – they take up almost no space. They’re also particularly useful for navigating unfamiliar streets discreetly. I pop one AirPod in one ear only, connect it to GoogleMaps and put my phone in my pocket. That way, I can still hear what’s around me but I’m being guided to my destination safely.
7. Packing Cubes
These organisational lifesavers make packing more efficient and help keep luggage neat and tidy – perfect for both seasoned travellers and first-timers. I use the ones with compression for extra storage.
They come in a pack of different sizes but I’ve popped enough clothes for a weekend in just one and used it to fly to Barcelona on RyanAir using just my under-seat baggage allowance.
8. Dry Bag
This is perhaps the most unusual gift for people going travelling on this list, but it’s an underrated item for any packing list. This is especially true of anyone who will be taking any form of boat trip on their travels, but it also works for extreme weather situations. You can pop your most important belongings in this bad boy and literally swim in the sea with them without them getting wet. They come in a range of colours and sizes and can be packed in your normal luggage.
9. Water Bottle
An essential for long travel days, and on hikes, a water bottle should be on every traveller’s packing list. You can get many different types, including foldable ones and ones that filter out nasty things from water.
I personally use a 500ml Chilly’s water bottle. It’s light, fits in the side pocket of my carry-on backpack and will keep drinks either hot or cold for up to 24 hours. The minute I’m through airport security, I fill mine up and I’m never without something to drink no matter what happens. They’re also pretty stylish.
10. Kindle
For travellers who love to read but can’t – or don’t want to – carry a stack of books, an e-reader is the ultimate space-saver.
As someone who absolutely loves to read, I want to take books on my travels but it’s not practical to carry around several books on a trip, as they’re heavy and bulky. I therefore invested in a Kindle.
My choice was the Paperwhite bundle that comes with a stylish case and it’s now one of my favourite travel accessories.
The battery lasts for AGES too!
Travel Gifts for Women
As a solo-female traveller myself, these are the travel gifts specifically for women that I’d recommend:
11. Hanging Wash Bag
A hanging wash bag is the ultimate travel companion for keeping toiletries and skincare organised. Designed with multiple compartments and a convenient hook, it can easily be hung in bathrooms or on closet doors, saving precious counter space. Compact yet roomy, it’s perfect for travellers who value practicality and want to avoid rummaging through their bags for essentials.
12. Mirror Light
Earlier this year, on a trip to Mauritius, I checked into an AirBnB room that was a bargain. It was clean and safe…but there was not a single mirror anywhere and I had to use my phone to do my make-up. After that experience I invested in a mirror specifically for travel.
This one fits into the front pocket of my hanging wash bag, has a range of light settings that can be recharged via a USB and is super light and portable. It also stands up by itself. As a bonus, for any content creators out there it also makes an excellent addition to filming.
13. Theft-Proof Handbag
The viral Uniqlo cross body is overrated – it may be spacious and light but it isn’t going to keep your belongings safe. I’m a big fan of Travelon bags. They have a range of styles, sizes and colours and are both stylish and theft-proof.
I use this small crossbody bag. It’s big enough for my money, keys and essentials but takes up almost no space. The main locking zippered compartment is spacious and has a zippered wall pocket. The front organiser compartment has a drop pocket, 5 RFID protected card slots, a RFID protected passport pocket, and a tethered key clip with LED light. It also has a zipper that locks for added security.
This bag gives the gift of freedom of movement, can be dressed up or down – so works for most situations – and also gives me peace of mind.
14. Packable Rain Jacket
For someone who travels from a cold country, like the UK, to hot countries the eternal dilemma is what to wear to/ from the airport that will keep me warm and dry yet isn’t going to be bulky and heavy to carry around on my travels.
The best solution I’ve found is a packable waterproof puffer jacket with a hood. When not in use, it folds into a super small pouch that can be packed, or clipped onto the outside of a backpack.
15. Waterproof Jeans
I was so excited when I discovered waterproof jeans were a thing – and they’re one of the best investments I’ve made this year. I have a pair of the Skinny Outdoor Jeans from Acai Outdoorwear in grey denim. They look like normal jeans, are super soft and stretchy (so comfortable for travelling in) but they’re also showerproof and breathable. Combined with a packable rain coat, they make you unstoppable on the road!
After all, it’s true what they say: there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.
16. Versatile Shoes
For longer-term, or more adventurous travels, keeping shoes to a minimum is a must. Ideally, around three pairs. I generally take a pair of sneakers/ trainers, flip flops and then a nice pair of sandals. However, in super hot weather flip flops aren’t really practical for walking around all day. This year I swapped them out for a pair of Birkenstock’s Arizona Evas. Made from ultra light and highly flexible EVA, these are waterproof, ultra lightweight and washable – as well as being comfortable and supportive.
They’ll take you everywhere from the shower to the beach – and even on a mini-hike!
17. Silk Pillowcase
Bringing a silk pillowcase can be a game-changer for any travel experience; it packs super small but is a luxury item that helps keep both skin and hair in top condition. It’s especially good for curly hair, but will help all hair types avoid knots and tangles. This pillowcase is made from 100% Mulberry Silk, so that it’s moisturising and hypo-allergenic, and has a hidden zipper to keep the pillowcase snugly in place.
18. Turkish Towel
A lightweight, quick-drying towel is a must-have for any traveller heading to beaches, hostels, or hiking adventures. I’ve tried all the ones usually recommended for travellers but, honestly, I find microfibre towels to be seriously lacking – and I really hate how they feel on my skin. I’m not sure if that’s a neurospicy thing. But it’s definitely a me thing.
Instead, I got myself a Turkish towel. It’s made of buttery soft cotton, comes with a discreet zipped pocket to store valuables and is SO versatile! I wear it as a scarf for travelling, as a blanket on the plane or under chilly air-con, as a sarong, or towel to sit on at the beach…plus, of course, it’s great for drying off without giving me the ick. The actual one I have was sadly discontinued, but the closest equivalent is this.
19. Jewellery Organiser
Say goodbye to tangled necklaces and misplaced earrings with a travel jewellery organiser. With dedicated sections for rings, necklaces, bracelets, and more, this sleek and compact accessory ensures that your jewellery stays safe and untangled during transit. A must-have for stylish travellers, it’s the perfect blend of elegance and functionality.
20. Secret Cash Pouch
For solo female travellers, having somewhere to discreetly store some cash and/ or a key is a great little safety hack in case the worst happens and your bag gets stolen. I use this RIFD bra wallet and a zippered scrunchie (usually not at the same time).
Whether you’re looking for something practical, thoughtful, or a little indulgent, these gifts go beyond the ordinary to make travelling easier, more organised, and more enjoyable. By choosing something that aligns with their adventures, you’re not just giving them a gift – you’re enhancing their journey in a meaningful way. With the right tools and a touch of thoughtfulness, you’ll remind them that every great trip starts with the little things
Have you received a travel gift that’s enhanced your travels? Let us know in the comments!
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Disclosure: A few of the travel gifts links above are affiliate links; at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase. You know I’ll only recommend products I genuinely love and use myself. But, please only purchase the product if you feel it will make for a great gift for yourself or someone else. There are many options out there, these are just the ones I use personally.