Best Gifts for Travelers: 17 Things I Actually Use (+ 2 I’d Skip)
Best Gifts for Travelers: 17 Things I Actually Use (+ 2 I’d Skip)
I’ve visited over 100 countries, mostly on my own. I also travel full-time and since I don’t have much space, I’m really picky about what I carry. My rule for this list is simple: I only recommend things I’ve used myself, which is also why two things on it are things I’d skip. If you’re shopping for someone who travels solo, or for a woman who travels a lot, everything here works.
My quick picks
- Best splurge: Insta360 camera
- Best for any trip: Osprey 40L backpack
- Best under $25: tiny power bank, water shoes or a luggage scale
- Best gift that isn’t a thing: Preply language lessons
Gear
- Osprey 40L backpack
I’ve been roughing it with mine for years. The logo has faded, but it still works perfectly. It’s the right size to be a carry-on and also fine to check in if you stuff it a bit, so it suits almost any trip. - Water hiking shoes
They’re good for water and good for hikes, which makes them more useful than they look. These are really affordable and I’m on my second pair. The first pair lasted 3 years and I use them regularly. - A packable jacket
I have a cheap jacket from Amazon, and with layers it works really well. The reason I bought this one is because it has a packing cube so it doesn’t take up much space. I’ve used this during fall and even in the Sahara desert at night. - Tripod
I’m a solo traveler and I like to record and take pics of myself. This is the tripod I use. It’s not the sturdiest one but I’ve dropped it a million times and it does the job well. Plus it’s really easy to pack. I’ve had this one for a few years.
- Osprey 40L backpack
Tech
- Insta360 action camera
It’s waterproof, it survived the iron ore train, and it’s the tiniest action camera I know of. - Tiny power bank
It’s small enough to forget it’s in your daypack, and I didn’t have it taken away from me when I was in China (they’re really strict about power banks there). - E-book reader
I love reading and I basically stopped because I couldn’t carry books with me. I’m still a physical book person at heart, but I also have to think about convenience. I got a Kindle as a gift earlier this year. Happy to say that I’ve already read over 35 books this year (and counting!). I guess all I needed was an e-book reader. - AirTag (or the Android version)
Sh!t happens and bags get delayed or misplaced. If you don’t have an AirTag already, you should. If airlines try to gaslight you into thinking your bag is in another place, you can always pull out your phone and show it to them.
If you use an Android, you can use a tracker from Tile. I have both and they work well. The one from Tile run out of power recently. It lasted over 3 years and I got notifications regularly about the power running low.
- Tiny curling and straightening iron
It’s small enough for a carry-on. I got tired of looking like a mess so it’s nice to know I can fix my hair on the go.
For planning and learning
- Where to Go When by Lonely Planet
I’m obsessed with this book. I like to think that I’m well-traveled and this book always surprises me with its recommendations, many of which I would never think of. It shows prices, culture, adventure and best times to go. Perfect for travel inspo, especially if you want to go off-the-beaten path. I’ve actually gifted a few of these myself! It’s great for a coffee table. - Preply language lessons
I keep up with my languages (5 and counting!) with Preply. Classes are really affordable and for all levels. They don’t have gift cards so you’d have to create and fill up an account for the person you’re giving it to. They can change the password later. You can get 50% off your first lesson here!
Affordable gifts (most under $25)
- Infinity loop scarf
It has a hidden zipper where I can keep valuables, and I use it to cover my head in more conservative countries. - Luggage scale
It’s small, and it saves you from paying overweight baggage fees or repacking at the check-in desk. This is a lifesaver if you’re on the go often. - Resistance bands
I don’t always have a gym at hand so resistance bands help me keep in shape while traveling. - One Line a Day Journal
My obsession. I’ve been journaling since the year 2000 (I know, time flies!) so I do like to think I’m a journaling connoisseur. This tiny book here is the easiest way I know to keep the build AND keep the habit. You write one line a day, and one book covers 5 years of writing.
I’ve already had two, meaning I’m on year NINE now. It’s an amazing gift for a traveler, because years later they can look back on where they were or what they were doing. Or YOU can if you want to start journaling!
- Water bottle with a filter (Brita)
It improves the taste of tap water and cuts down on buying plastic bottles. Keep in mind that a filter like this won’t make unsafe water safe to drink, so don’t rely on it where the water isn’t safe. For that you need a purifier. - Quick-dry travel towel
It dries fast and packs small, so it’s good for hostels, beaches and hikes.
What I’d skip
A gimbal. I bought one and sold it within a few months. Phone cameras are so good now, with built-in stabilization, that I stopped using it. If you want stabilized footage, a small action camera does the job with less to carry.
A travel pillow. Someone gave me one once and I hated it. Neck pillows are very personal, and the wrong one is just something bulky to carry. Only buy one if the person can try it first, or if you can return it easily. Otherwise pick something from this list that doesn’t depend on fit.
Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you buy through them I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Hope you find some good gifts for your loved ones, or even for yourself if you’re an avid traveler like me!
Check Out My Other solo travel Guides
30 Best & Safest Destinations for Solo Female Travel (2027): Best Places to Explore in 2026
Solo Female Travel Safety Tips: How to Stay Safe Anywhere
Scared to Travel Alone? Solo Travel Made Easy: Start Here!
Egypt: A Solo Female Traveler’s Guide: Safety, Tips & What to Expect
Hey there, and welcome to Go Global with Sibu! I’m a global citizen that has been living and traveling around the world since 2005 – all through budget travel, scholarships, study/work and living abroad opportunities. I share everything I’ve learned over the years here – to prove to you that you don’t need money or privilege to enjoy everything that this world has to offer.