Here are great gift ideas for your globetrotting friends.
We all have friends (or are the friends) that are constantly hopping on a plane to a new destination. Whether you decide to treat yo’self or are looking to get a gift, we’ve put together a list of perfect gifts for globetrotters (ranging from $7 to $1000 depending on how much you want to spend).
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Last Updated: December 14, 2023
25 Best Travel Gift Ideas for the Globetrotter
Learn more about how we select gifts for our gift guides and our methodology here.
1. Global Entry →
This has been the best travel investment we’ve ever made! While our friend was stuck in a 2-hour customs line returning to the US, we were through in 10 minutes. I’m also always torn talking about this.
I love sharing about it because it’s been so amazing for us, but I also know that more people getting it means more people in the Global Entry line. Maybe they’ll add more global entry lines?
See More: These Are the Best Stocking Stuffers for Travelers
2. Pivo Auto Tracking Tripod →
For anyone traveling solo, the Pivo Auto Tracking Tripod is perfect to get the shots you need. It’s able to track your movement and follow you while shooting video. Plus, it has a bunch of other fun features.
3. Bestek International Converter Travel Adapter →
When we used to travel with a single converter, we would always fight over whose turn it was to charge. With the Bestek, you get a converter with all the plug types and power strip in one, and we can keep our phones, cameras, and computers all charged.
4. Compact Travel Hair Dryer →
I never used to travel with one thinking there will always be one handy for me, but I’ve learned over time that it’s always good to be prepared. I love this compact hair dryer because it doesn’t take up extra space but still works well. This is what it looks like next to my iPhone (not plus).
5. Subtl bEAUTY STACK →
Subtl Beauty offers a convenient, stackable makeup solution ideal for those on the go. Each Subtl Stak has a built-in makeup brush and a mirror on the ends, and you can customize the middle part with your favorite makeup essentials. Subtl Staks are vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, and refillable to help reduce waste.
My personalized stak includes concealer, cream highlighter, lip & cheek, eyeshadow, bronzer, and an extra lid for keeping some staks at home when I want to go even more minimal. The left side shows all my previous makeup items that you can replace with Subtl Staks on your right.
7. 3-1-1 TSA Compliant Toiletry Bag →
This is such a great, practical gift that makes traveling easier (and creates less waste).
8. Tumi Voyageur Monaco Travel Kit →
This one was a bit of a splurge for me, but I love how much I can put in this thing. I know it’s mainly made for makeup and toiletries, but I even put my bras, underwear, and jewelry in here!
9. Packtowl →
A packtowl is always a good idea for anyone on the go. They dry quickly and are perfect for travel or outdoor adventures. If you’re looking for something even more compact, check out these Lightload Towels we just discovered.
See More: Recap of Our Endless Caravan
10. Kindle →
For book lovers, a Kindle is a great way to carry hundreds of books wherever they roam. Yes, we get that they’re not the same feel as getting to turn the pages, but it’s really hard to beat how much more lightweight and compact it is.
Plus, if you download Libby, you can check out free kindle books from your library.
11. SSD External Hard Drive →
Most of us are shooting a bunch of photos and videos while traveling and we need a way to back up the files. An SSD External Hard Drive is the perfect companion because they’re small and durable.
See More: 15 Wanderful Ways to Track Your Travels
12. Peak Design iPhone Case →
The folks at Peak Design have done it again. They created an entire ecosystem for your phone. Peak Design Mobile has accessories for all aspects of your life. We’re especially stoked about the tripod!
13. Language Learning Apps →
We always do our best to learn the basics of any place we’re visiting, but if you want to help your traveling friend step up their game, a language-learning app is the perfect way to learn. I’ve taught myself Spanish and now I just need a language buddy!
See More: 9 Best Language Apps for Travel to Download Before Your Next Trip
14. Travel Yoga Mat →
Any who loves traveling but staying in shape will need this Travel Yoga Mat. It folds up small making it easy to pack, but still has a solid rubber base to keep it from slipping around. Plus, it’s machine washable and vegan/earth friendly. We went with the Galaxy Aurora design and they have plenty of others to choose from.
15. Carry On Luggage →
We’re all about packing light. We typically never check anything in, which means finding the right carry-on suitcase is very important. We recently picked up this Samsonite carry on luggage that is lightweight and has built-in organization. I also got this smaller one for myself.
I previously used a Samsonite. We had been looking for the perfect 17 in a carry-on for me, and last year a friend of mine gifted one to me that she found while traveling in Europe. They don’t make them like that anymore, and if I ever come across one in the US, you will know!
Local Tip: Have fun!
See More: The Best Carry On Luggage + How to Pick the Right Suitcase For You
16. Luggage Scale →
This is for your friends who love to shop when they travel or can’t seem to leave home without taking everything but the kitchen sink. Help them make sure they don’t get stuck with overage charges by gifting them this compact luggage scale.
17. Packing Cubes →
We love our packing cubes. These are really practical gifts to help your globetrotter friend pack lighter and be more organized. Plus they have a clean and dirty side.
18. Wandrd Prvke Backpack →
This one is for the photographer who likes to go on adventures. The WANDRD PRVKE Bag is our go to for traveling. We’re able to pack all the camera gear we need, some of our personal items, and our laptop. They came out with a smaller version too!
See More: The Best Travel Backpacks You Need To Check Out
19. Portable Charger →
Keep your phone charged with this portable charger. Also since there are two ports, we can both charge without fighting over it. Check out this one if you need a more rugged one that’s waterproof, drop proof, and crush proof.
20. Camera →
A trip is a perfect opportunity for someone to get into photography. Coming from photography backgrounds, we like to try out and use a lot of different gear. Our favorite point and shoots are the Canon G7X and Sony Rx100 (for slow-mo video). Our current favorite setup is our Canon Mirrorless with our 24-70mm.
21. Travel Water Bottle →
We have a couple of go-to travel water bottles depending on what we’re doing. These are the best to keep liquids hot or cold, while this one is best for traveling light.
See More: 7+ Best Travel Water Bottles Tested On the Road
22. Scratch Map →
There’s something really satisfying about scratch-offs. This extra-large scratch-off map helps you keep track of what countries you’ve been to.
23. DJI Mavic Drone →
We finally added a drone to our camera gear a couple years ago and love it. Just be sure you’re flying responsibly!
24. Larq Self Cleaning Water Bottle →
You never know what your water situation is going to be like when you’re traveling the world, but one thing is always for sure, you need to stay hydrated. The LARQ Water Bottle uses UV-C light to clean your water and your bottle!
25. Travel-Friendly Clothes →
We’ve been discovering a lot of new travel-friendly clothes lately! Clothes that function well, make us look good, and serve more than one purpose. Check out the rest of our travel-friendly recommendations.
See More: The Best Travel Pants For Both Comfort and Style
Which of these travel gift ideas would you most likely use?
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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.
Follow on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.