Travelers are notoriously hard to buy gifts for. Trust me, I know. Especially for a minimalist like me. I’m discerning about my choices in gear, and no two travelers are alike, so finding the perfect gift for the traveler in your life can be tricky.

While the gift of travel is priceless, some inspiration or gear to make life easier on the road is certainly appreciated. I’ve put together this ultimate holiday gift guide for travelers as there’s a lot of great travel gear I use or love that helps people travel better and smarter.

I love gear and gadgets even though I always aim to pack light

This is travel gear I have used over the years or think is super helpful. Here are the best gifts for intrepid travelers of all ages!

Gifts Under $25

Travel Books that Inspire

I’ve used Lonely Planet Travel Guides my whole life and used them many times this year. Their upcoming sale is too tempting to resist.

My friends, and like minded travelers, Anne & Mike Howard, aka @Honeytrek, have written the first glamping guide to North America. It is a beautiful book and I was so happy to pre-order it. It’s conscientiously written and inspiring.

Eagle Creek Compression Sac

Eagle Creek Compression Sacs are essential for packing a carry-on. A game changer. I use them for fleece, down jackets, anything bulky or puffy, etc… Bring one in your bag empty and it’s the best laundry bag on the market. I’ve used mine for ages they are much better than the compression bags for home use because they have nylon woven thru the plastic. This makes them flexible. No vacuum required.

Airport Tag Travel Kisch Products

I love the Airport Tag brand. They make all sorts of travel kitsch products and I love every one I’ve received. If you love the golden age of travel or are an av geek, check out these unique gifts for the traveler.

Light My Fire Bio Kit

I’m a huge fan of the Swedish Company Light My Fire. They make products that connect us with nature and help us travel more sustainably. I never leave home without this kit. I use the cup for storage and the reusable spork and straw are clutch all over the world.

Moleskine Classic Notebook

The Moleskine Classic Notebook is something I bring on every single trip. It has a storied past used by artists and thinkers over the past two centuries, such as Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, and Bruce Chatwin. I have a library full of them from previous trips. There is nothing I like more than sitting down at the end of a travel day and writing down my thoughts and observation

Gifts for Travelers Under $50

1000 Places to See Before You Die

Patricia Schultz 1000 Places to See Before You Die is an inspiration to all of us. I’m very lucky to call her a friend and colleague. I’ve been a fan for a long time and my family still has the 1st edition of her game changing book.

Eagle Creek Packing Cubes

I honestly don’t know how to pack any other way. Anything you fold & roll, T shirts, work out clothes, base layers, shorts, trousers, goes in these packing cubes. The cool thing about these cubes is that they compress and help you pack more. These Eagle Creek packing cubes are one of the best gifts you can give your favorite traveler.

Hydroflask Water Bottle

Nobody should go bankrupt buying water at the airport. With the climate crisis currently happening, I think we should all be traveling with our own bottle to eliminate plastic usage. Hydroflask is my go to bottle because it’s BPA free, double wall insulated, so it keeps things at a perfect temperature, and very durable since it’s made from stainless steal.

They also make this cool size

• Hydroflask 10 oz Cup I use it to minimize my use of disposable coffee cups. I also used it to make soup every day on the Trans-Siberian.

SteriPen Water Purifier

If you have a SteriPen, you will never have to buy a bottle of water in your life. This product really took off during use after Hurricane Katrina. The SteriPEN destroys over 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. It purifies the equivalent of up to 15,000 liters of water.

Wacaco Minipresso Portable Espresso Machine

If you follow my adventures, you know I love coffee. The Waco Minipresso Espresso Machine is definitely on my list.

Gifts for Travelers Under $100

Portable Battery Charger

Bring an extra charger with you so you don’t have to huddle around a socket. I like GOAL ZERO Venture 30 7800mAh Waterproof Power Bank, Dual 2.4A USB Ports. It can charge your device several times. You can make a friend as it also charges 2 devices at once. I never leave home without it. It’s very rugged and withstands lots of abuse.

Eagle Creek Migrate Duffel

This is my go-to Duffel. I’ve been using it for over a year now and it’s been all over the world. It has backpack straps and the material is waterproof. You can feel good about buying this product since Eagle Creek makes this duffel by recycling car windshields.

Gifts for Travelers Over $100

Bric’s Luggage

Italian luggage brand Brics is known for affordable luxury. This new line, BY By Brics, is fashionable and has all of the features that make great luggage. It’s surprisingly inexpensive but definitely ultra-durable. I’ve used this check in size several times and took it on 11 flights in Asia in 3 weeks.

Other luggage worth checking out

• BY by Bric’s Ulisses 22″ Carry-On
• Bric’s Bellagio 22″ Carry-On

Eagle Creek ORV Trunk

I’ve had this Eagle Creek ORV Trunk rolling duffel for a couple years now and its an absolute tank. Possibly the most reliable piece of gear I’ve ever had, it has taken constant abuse by the airlines and still holds up. The material is abrasion resistant and weather resistant. Even if something does happen, The Eagle Creek No Matter Warranty has got me covered.

Go Pro Hero 8

I’ve never met a traveler who doesn’t love their GoPro. The new Go Pro Hero 8 has just been released so if you don’t have one, now is the time. There are few as versatile and durable as the GoPro. They’re incredible for photos and video under any climate, terrain, or type of adventure. They’re small and waterproof which makes it perfect for both everyday city exploring or extreme and adventurous activities.

Allianz Travel Insurance

Okay this isn’t the sexiest travel gift, but what value do you put on peace of mind? I have the annual travel insurance policy because I travel so much. I also love their Travel Smart app which makes dealing with them super easy. Get Travel Protection Whether You’re Traveling Alone Or With Family.

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Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links and, at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use, absolutely love and meet my ethical and sustainable standards. The income from these links helps me travel and keeps this site supported and ad free. It doesn’t matter to me if you get them through those links or not or shop local. Either way, these are still the products I recommend.

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