Person holds a gift covered in candy cane wrapping paper

Travel Tips

50+ Perfect Gifts for Travelers

November 27, 2023

5 min read

Table of Contents

Don’t stress over what to get the globetrotters in your life. Here are more than 50 great gift ideas, mostly $50 or less, for every type of traveler.

Gifts to keep them comfortable on long-haul flights

A silk mask for luxurious shut-eye

Eye masks are practical for ensuring you can get some shut-eye on a flight even if your neighbor insists on keeping their overhead light on. The cheapest versions will do the trick, but swap the usual cotton fabric for silk, and an eye mask becomes a lot more luxe. They’re more expensive than the basic varieties, at about $50–$75, but it’s a small price for some first-class comfort.

The perfect travel pillow to help them sleep

There’s no shortage of styles of travel pillow on the market, from the classic around-the-neck half-donut to the brace-like Trtl pillow. For comfort in a variety of positions, the Travelrest is a solid choice that ticks all the boxes: It’s inflatable so you can adjust the firmness, and it doesn’t take up a lot of room when deflated; you can lean against it in a window seat or while more upright in the middle or aisle; and for a few bucks more you can buy a velvety soft cover. Bonus: It’s under $30.

A blanket to keep them cozy in-flight

Sure, airlines typically pass out travel-sized pillows and blankets for long-haul flights. And while we're eternally grateful for the added comfort, the gauzy covers can leave a lot to be desired. For cold travelers—or those who just like a little extra plushness—Lovesac's Footsac blanket may be just the trick. Outfitted with the brand's signature foot pocket to keep their feet extra warm, the waffle weave option keeps the blanket extra-light so it's easy to bring on-the-go.

Memory foam seat cushion for pressure relief

Premium seats may have it better, but if they've opted for economy, they'll be thanking you if you gift them with a something a little more... cushy for their tushy. CushionLab's seat cushion may be designed for car usage, but it works just fine for an airplane! Available in a number of both fun and neutral colors, the memory foam cushion was designed by ergonomists to more evenly distribute body weight between the hips and thighs, while removing pressure on the back.

Face masks, hydrating spray, or a luxe toiletry kit for hydrated skin

Airplanes are notoriously dry places. Help the travelers on your list give their skin some love with a travel-size tube of Innisfree green tea moisturizing mist. Aesop offers a full kit stocked with travel-sized versions of seven products including mouthwash, lip balm, and facial hydration spray.

Compression socks for better circulation

No one likes deplaning from a long-haul flight feeling like their ankles and calves are the size of watermelons, but swollen legs and feet can be more than uncomfortable; if a clot forms, it can be quite dangerous. Compression socks help beat the bloat by increasing circulation. While there are dozens of styles and varying levels of compression available, Bombas' stand up to the test. And for the holidays, they're offering a Compression Sock + Gripper Slipper pack (available for men and women). The socks help on those long flights, and the slippers (which come with a packable travel bag) come in handy for those questionable hotel or hostel floors, so your feet will be taken care of for the entirety of your trip.

Meditation app gift cards

Traveling is stressful. Help them stay calm with apps designed to relieve stress, help them focus, and ground them even when they're at 30,000 feet. Headspace is a great option, offering guided meditations, science-backed sleepcasts, and mindfulness tools to help them even after they've returned home.

"I've been gifted meditation app gift cards from friends while I was traveling (and had limited space for anyone to give me physical gifts)." - Sydney, Going Lifecycle Marketing Manager

Travel gifts for all sorts of adventures

Water bottle with built-in filter, or a water bottle holder for hydration on the go

Bringing your own water bottle is good for the environment and helps reduce plastic waste. Bringing your own water bottle with a built-in filter helps keep you from getting sick. For about $40, the Lifestraw Go bottle is sturdy, BPA-free, and removes 99.9% of bacteria, parasites, and microplastics. And help them go hands-free with this water bottle holder from Calpak.

A travel hammock to sleep anywhere

Anyone who takes frequent camping trips will appreciate a hammock designed to pack down into something portable, but camping hammocks can come in handy for other kinds of trips, too. Adventure lovers on a budget may need to bring their own bed (hammock) for some river boat trips in South America or Southeast Asia, for instance. Packable hammocks range in size, weight, and price, from about $30 for a solo hammock to $100 for two to lounge together.

Microfiber towels for drying off quickly

A quick-drying towel that packs up small comes in handy for a variety of adventures, from camping trips and beach days to staying in hostels where the provided towels may be lacking in quality. Travel towels are not only super absorbent (especially for how thin they are), they’re extremely soft and dry quickly so you can re-pack and be on your way. Smaller towels start around $10, while beach-sized towels cost about $40.

A handy tool to keep itchy bug bites at bay

As seen on Shark Tank (and beloved by at least a few Going employees), Bug Bite Thing is an Amazon Choice product for insect bite relief with nearly 60,000 reviews. It makes a great stocking stuffer for anyone who loves to travel. The easy-to-use suction tool effectively extracts insect saliva/venom from under the skin to eliminate the itching, stinging, and swelling caused by insect bites and stings. Retailing for under $10 plus shipping, the award-winning product is chemical-free, reusable, and safe to use on children of all ages and adults. Available in several colors, the lightweight insect bite relief tool fits on a keychain, easily in your pocket, or in your carry-on luggage.

Handwarmers or a fan so they're good no matter the temps

This mini rechargeable fan folds easily into your pocket or bag. Travelers can bring it everywhere, and with two speeds, it comes in handy in the summer or anywhere you know you'll be dancing a lot (concerts, music festivals, weddings). For cold places, this handheld electric hand warmer fits into your pocket or purse—and even doubles as a portable charger.

A beach towel that repels sand

Upgrade your favorite beach lover’s game with more than a basic travel towel—get the beach towel that actually repels sand. Tesalate’s beach towels come in two sizes ($59 for a solo towel or $99 for a “Towel for Two”) that are made of a high-tech fabric that simultaneously is able to absorb a great deal of water and slough off the sand. They’re more compact for traveling than your average towel and they dry faster, too.

For the true beach bums, you can even throw in toys like packable inflatable floaties or a packable cooler.

Travel yoga mat

For the traveler that wants to keep up their yoga routine while on the road, a travel yoga mat can come in handy. There are tons of options out there, but this non-slip option packs up tight, with a carry bag to keep it compact and away from clothing.

A headlamp to light up the dark

A handy source of light is always a good idea when traveling, and a headlamp provides a perfectly directed light source that leaves hands free. Headlamps are a must for camping trips, but they’re handy for other reasons, too—including mundane things like reading in bed without disturbing your partner. Headlamps can range in price from $12–$200, with the tried-and-true Petzl LED headlamp coming in at $30. Models that have a red light feature are especially nice since the light is easier on the eyes for other people nearby.

A door stop for safety and peace of mind

Falling asleep in an unfamiliar room can be difficult, especially if safety is a concern. Frog & Co’s Door Stop Alarm (under $15) not only makes it harder for someone to get through the door, the built-in alarm will also alert you to the unwelcome intrusion.

Travel gifts to keep them looking good on the fly

Passport cover for stylish protection

Spruce up your traveler’s suitcase situation with a fashionable leather passport cover. Choose a color that matches the rest of their luggage, or pick one that stands out so it’s easy to find in a flash when going through immigration at the airport. Portland Leather has some nice ones that are typically under $50.

Luggage tags for easy identification

Being able to identify your luggage easily on the carousel is important, especially when everyone else on the plane also has black or navy bags of roughly the same size and shape. A durable leather luggage tag in a bright color—like these from Leatherology ($40)—will help your traveler spot their suitcase from the other side of the room. Add a monogram for even more personality.

And of course, Apple AirTags can help them find their luggage if it gets lost.

Jewelry organizer or watch case for accessory organization

A jewelry roll with zippered pockets and ring storage that snaps is a convenient and space-conscious way to keep shiny things organized and tangle-free. For watches, these storage rolls from Hodinkee protect four or six watches ($120).

Travel shoes for walking miles in style

Comfortable shoes can be worth their weight in gold, and there are countless options these days to suit any style.

Tieks (starting at $185) make ballet flats with extra-cushioned soles that are flattering, comfortable for all-day wear, and small enough to fold up and stick in a purse. Rothy’s flats and slip-ons (starting at $99) are made from recycled plastic bottles and are machine washable for easy care. Allbirds (starting at $90) uses sustainable materials like wool and sugarcane in its stylish and comfortable sneakers. And Vessi’s lightweight knit sneakers (starting at $125) are 100% waterproof.

A puffer for inclement days

When a cold-weather holiday is on the horizon, a coat or puffer is a necessity. And for travelers trying to save a buck, this (often spendy) purchase can put a damper on preparations. Luckily, effective overwear doesn't have to break the bank. For instance, this puffer is less than $60; it's also light-weight, can be packed down into a drawstring travel pouch, and has a removable hood so they can make it work for whatever the weather.

Plane pants for chic comfort

Just because the days of dressing up to get on a plane are long gone doesn’t mean we should all give up entirely on looking decent for a flight. Thankfully, your favorite sweats have gotten an upgrade, and now they’re called “joggers.” A slimmer leg creates a more fashionable silhouette, and basic black looks chic and hides stains. For the most luxe option, there's cashmere from Nadaam, though you can also find more affordable options at places like Gap and Target.

"This is the year I finally splurged on a Vuori matching set for my sister (and myself!), and I don’t know why I waited so long. It’s the perfect gift, super lightweight for packing, and ensures we’ll be comfy and cozy wherever our travels take us." - Lori, Director of Customer Marketing

Travel gifts to feed their wanderlust at home

A scratch off map or cork globe for marking where they’ve been

Looking forward to the next trip is great, but so is remembering the adventures you’ve already had. The Scratch Off Map ($26) helps you favorite globetrotter track where they’ve been and mark off progress toward their travel goals. If they prefer old-school methods of seeing where they’ve been, these maps (starting at $169) come with colorful push pins (including several that look like flags) and a personalized plaque.

For those who eschew maps for 3D models, there’s the World Traveler’s Cork Globe (starting at $80). It provides the same pleasure of plotting adventures—past or future—by dotting the planet with different push pins.

A framed map to remind them of a place they love

Maps are utilitarian when you’re on the road and trying to navigate, but they can also be beautiful and inspirational pieces to add travel flair to your home decor. You can find stylized maps of nearly any region, country, or city on Allposters, from realistic or historical maps to fanciful maps indicating what foods are popular in what areas. Etsy is another great resource for frame-able maps, some of which can also be personalized.

Travel books for armchair adventures

Travelers who are also readers can get lost in another world reading stories set in a place they’ve already been to and love or about a place that’s next on their wish list. Browse the virtual aisles of Powell’s travel section for fiction and nonfiction (used and new copies) to find the perfect story—or pick up a guidebook for wherever they’re headed next.

A journal to record their memories

Rediscovering the romance of keeping a travel journal is easier when the journal is a work of art. Shinola makes beautiful hard-bound journals with linen covers (starting around $30) that are sturdy and come in several colors. The paper is acid-free, and you can get the cover monogrammed for added personalization.

Travel tokens to commemorate all those amazing trips

Let your busy traveler carry their travels with them, literally. These engraved travel tokens and handmade clip-on carriers from The Wander Club are the perfect traveler’s memento. They offer a wide variety of collections featuring countries, US states, national parks, continents, and more.

A currency album to organize foreign bills

Many popular destinations accept credit and debit, but traveling far and wide to places that don't always accept cash can mean coming home with a few foreign bills and coins. Instead of stuffing them in the back of their junk draw, never to be seen again, a currency album can help them organize and display foreign currencies—and know exactly where to find that leftover change if they decide to revisit a destination. Two options include this large-capacity album and this collector's album with a waterproof cover.

Travel gift cards and memberships so they can make their own plans

Going membership

Delight your favorite travel enthusiast with the gift of adventure by gifting one, two, or five years of Going's Premium or Elite membership. With a Going gift card, you’re not just giving a present—you’re opening the door to unforgettable travel experiences for years to come. Going gift cards are discounted at 25% off all holiday season long, November 12 through December 30. Purchase yours here.

National Parks pass

An America the Beautiful National Parks Pass allows free entry for one car/RV (or entry for up to 4 adults at places where entry fees are per person) at more than 2,000 parks and sites around the US for one year, all for $80.

CLEAR membership

Gift a 6-month or 12-month CLEAR membership to help your traveler speed through airport security.

Flight gift cards

Not sure where your traveler wants to go or what airline they want to fly, but you want to help them get there? Flightgift.com allows you to give a gift card that can be redeemed with more than 400 different airlines for any amount and currency you choose.

Travel gifts for wandering foodies

A world tour of amazing coffee to inspire their next trip

From Papua New Guinea to Peru, Burundi to Brazil: Upgrade their morning coffee routine to a daily adventure with a Coffee World Tour Gift Subscription from Atlas Coffee Club (from $60). For 3, 6, or 12 months, they'll get to discover a new single-origin coffee from a new country each month, along with a picturesque postcard and more. Even the coffee bags are designed to spark wanderlust, with each country's unique, vibrant bag inspired by local landscapes, textiles, and wildlife.

Another option for traveling coffee lovers: their own stash so they can drink well wherever they go.

"I don't go anywhere without this travel French press/mug and some coffee grounds." - Sydney, Going Lifecycle Marketing Manager

A wine suitcase to bring bottles home safely

It’s a bummer to return from a wine-tasting trip and find a bottle didn’t make it home in your luggage in one piece. Serious oenophiles need a more reliable solution than simply nesting bottles in with their laundry and hoping for the best. Enter VinGardeValise (starting at $249), which makes hard-sided suitcases with cushioned inserts designed to transport up to a dozen wine bottles safely.

Try the World subscription box to give them a taste of the globe

Bring world cuisine to your favorite traveling food lover with a subscription box from Try the World ($30–$60 per month). Every month, they’ll get a selection of goodies, including snacks, beverages, and spices from all over the world to whet their appetite for dinner—and their next trip.

Carry-on Cocktail Kit for better in-flight drinks

Level up their in-flight beverage game with a Carry On Cocktail Kit ($24). Choose from several classic drinks, including an old fashioned or gin and tonic. Each tin comes with the ingredients and tools they’ll need (except the booze, that is) to make two high-quality cocktails on the plane.

Travel gifts to help them carry-on or carry it all

Packing cubes to keep them organized

Even the fanciest suitcase can turn into utter chaos after a few days of travel. Packing cubes make keeping bags organized an easy task. Better yet, these lightweight options from Eagle Creek ($50) do more than just organize—they compress rolled or folded clothing so you can pack more and worry less about your bag busting at the seams.

Beyond packing cubes, Eagle Creek is offering a ton of gift options this holiday season, from gear pouches and luggage tags under $100 to duffel bags that make for the perfect pièce de résistance of gift giving. Shop the Eagle Creek Holiday Collection for all gifts travel-related.

"I don’t know how I survived before packing cubes. You can fit so much more, and it’s finally helped me break up with my checked luggage. I love the Eagle Creek brand—they are really durable and compress well, giving you much more space in your carry-ons to work with." - Hunter, Going Product Marketing Manager

The perfect suitcase for their travel style

Luggage takes a serious beating when we travel, so investing in a quality suitcase is money well spent. These bags have perks beyond their ability to simply carry your stuff. Away makes a hard-sided carry-on bag ($325) with the option of adding a battery pack so you can stay charged on the go. Calpak’s hard-sided carry-on bags ($165) expand up to two inches for the souvenirs picked up along the way.

A digital scale to avoid overweight fees

When you’ve gotten a great deal on an airline ticket, you don’t want to end up spending all that money saved on fees for overweight bags. Keeping track of how much a suitcase weighs is easy with a portable digital scale. There are dozens of options available, including the popular Etekcity Digital Hanging Luggage Scale ($13.99). The compact scale can switch between pounds and kilograms for converting on the fly, and it has a capacity of 110 pounds.

A Kindle for voracious readers who pack light

Bringing your whole library with you when you travel used to be unthinkable, but Amazon’s Kindle ($89.99–$249.99) changed all that. Literature-loving travelers can tuck a Kindle in their carry-on and never run out of reading material—no matter how long the flight is.

A toiletry case to keep it all together

Every traveler needs a toiletry kit, so getting one that’s designed to last longer than the plastic bag they’ve probably been using is never a bad idea. Herschel’s Chapter Travel Kit ($38) comes in a variety of colors and prints and has a waterproof interior in case anything leaks en route; MUMI offers another water-resistant option. Cuyana makes a sleek Leather Travel Case Set ($168) that features two zippered bags—one for toiletries and a smaller one that’s ideal for make-up or jewelry.

"This Sea to Summit toiletry bag is a game changer. I love all the pockets but never fully appreciated the stowable hanging hook until I found myself on a trip that featured bathrooms with zero counter space (balancing tiny bottles on the back of a toilet is a risky move!). Hang it on the door hook or even in the shower. I'll never travel without this bag again." - Lori, Going Director of Customer Marketing

A duffel or weekender bag for shorter trips

Different bags serve different purposes. For quick overnight or weekend trips, you probably don’t need your full-sized suitcase; that’s when a weekender bag comes in handy. Peak Design’s 35L Travel Duffel ($139) is weatherproof and can be carried like a duffel, over one shoulder, or as a backpack. The Catalina Deluxe from Lo & Sons ($215) has a separate zippered compartment on the bottom for shoes, and the sleeve on the back of the bag slips over the handle of a suitcase. And Dagne Dover's backpacks and carryalls are favorites among the Going team.

A makeup case perfect for travel

Help your traveler take everything they need without taking up a lot of space with this lay-flat organizer from Sephora or this waterproof one with a 2-liter capacity from Matador. And if they've been really good, you can even add in the flat-pack toiletry containers.

"I've tried virtually every makeup bag on the planet, and this box style is by far my favorite." - Audrey Ann, Going Software Engineer

Travel gifts for techies

Noise cancelling headphones to keep it quiet

Travel can be an assault on the senses—from the drone-like noise of an airplane to the cacophony of public transit—and sometimes you just need a break. Noise cancelling headphones offer a little respite. The classic Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones (starting at $349) are still popular, though the company makes smaller earbud-style models as well. Apple’s new AirPods Pro ($249) come with active noise cancellation, and they also have a “transparency” mode to easily switch noise cancellation on and off. Sony's version ($399), while unable to fold like their predecessors, offer top-tier noise cancelling functionality, so when traveling in loud spaces, like through a city, the headphones will adjust so travelers can still hear what's going on around them.

"Noise cancelling headphones for flights. Bulky, but worth it." - Rob, Going Director of Member Success

A portable charger so they never run out of juice

We all know how much we rely on our phones these days, and that’s true when we’re traveling, too. From entertainment to navigation, our phones get a lot of use—and charging options aren’t always plentiful. (This one doesn't even need a cord.)

"I love this portable charger. It's a bit hefty but lasts forever, and you can plug it directly into an outlet without a cord." - Sydney, Going Lifecycle Marketing Manager

Plug adapters for power no matter where they go

Traveling with electronics sometimes means traveling with a plug adapter and an electrical converter so you don’t fry your equipment (or start any fires). EPICKA makes a universal adapter and converter ($22.99) that covers the plugs in more than 150 countries and even has four USB ports.

Cord organizers to keep them tangle-free

Another byproduct of traveling with so much electronic gear is the tangle of cords that goes with it. Not only is that jumbled mess annoying, but too much tugging on cables can cause damage to them over time. Keep your cords organized with this tech kit from bellroy.

A point-and-shoot digital camera for retro shots

When the average iPhone or Android photo is just a little too...polished...this digital camera can be a fun alternative. Durable, compact, and light-weight, the camera is small enough to fit in most pockets, and when photos are developed, they have a retro feel. All without taking your photo out of your pocket or bag.

A tripod to snap the perfect shot

Selfie sticks may be nearly ubiquitous these days, but a good travel tripod allows truly hands-free photography. JOBY's flexible tripods (starting at $16.95) have arms you can bend in all directions, wrap around a tree branch, or keep your camera level on uneven ground. They’re lightweight and portable, and there’s a model to fit every camera (or camera phone).

A phone harness for hands-free access

This phone harness lets travelers keep their phone close while hiking, sightseeing, or simply strolling a city without having to dig in their pockets or purse when they need it. And for travelers heading to cold or hot destinations, a temperature controlling pouch from Phoozy ensures the phone keeps working no matter the temps.

AirFly converter for wireless sound

We all love being plugged in when we’re traveling, whether it’s catching up on podcasts, watching a downloaded TV show, or tuning into an in-flight movie. The cable tethering you to your phone, tablet, or the seat-back screen is less fabulous, however, when you’re already dealing with a cramped space. AirFly ($39.99–$64.99) cleans up the cable mess by converting a wired connection into a wireless connection. Plug the AirFly into a device (or the seat-back screen), connect Bluetooth headphones, and it’s good to go.

A spare set of chargers so they never leave home unprepared

The more items a traveler needs to pack before a trip, the more they have a chance to forget. Give your connected traveler a stash of spares—such as spare plugs, charging cables, and car adapters—they can keep in their luggage. There are countless options for chargers and cables available online, including several that have extra-durable exterior coatings to make them less susceptible to damage.