The 19 Best Travel Gifts for Rookies: What Every New Globetrotter Needs to Pack

This post is all about the best travel gifts.

As the holiday season approaches (faster every year, it seems!), I’m often asked, “What’s on your wish list?” Our family has gradually shifted from accumulating “stuff” to investing in experiences. As a result, our birthday and Christmas gifts have become more practical, focusing on travel essentials that enhance our adventures. So, what are considered the best travel gifts?

In this curated guide, you’ll find my favorite travel must-haves, along with a few items still on my personal wish list for future trips. Whether you know a new traveler just starting out or a seasoned adventurer looking to upgrade their gear, these thoughtful gift ideas are perfect for anyone who loves to wander.

Best Travel Gifts Table of Contents:

1. Travel Journal

A travel journal is the perfect gift for any adventurer on your list. There are everything from blank-page notebooks to journals filled with writing prompts and memento storage. I love the Kunitsa Co. Travel Journal for planning trips, documenting the details, and keeping mementos. But I’d recommend a more portable journal to pack along for a trip, like these TWONE pocket notebooks. They are a great value, and you can choose blank or lined pages, making them the best travel gifts for your roaming artist or writer!

2. Trtl Pillow

Many people have told me they swear by this Trtl travel pillow. It’s still on my wish list, and I hope to have one on my next long-haul flight. I’ve tried every neck pillow out there and still can’t sleep on a plane, so even with the hefty price tag, I will try this one out next. I think it would be the best travel gift because it’s something I don’t really want to buy for myself.

3. Amazon Kindle

The Kindle lets avid readers bring all their favorite books along for the journey. I absolutely love my Kindle Paperwhite and never travel without it. It holds a charge for months! Not only can you read countless books, but you can also download magazines and newspapers. This is the perfect upgrade gift if someone on your Christmas list has an older Kindle they’ve been using. It took me 10 years to replace my last Kindle since they seem to work forever.

4. Airfly Pro

The AirFly Pro Bluetooth Transmitter lets your traveler connect to the in-flight entertainment system without worrying about wires. It pairs with two wireless headphones, so two people can easily watch the same in-flight movie. This makes a world of difference in airplane comfort. It also has a long battery life (25+ hours), making it a convenient travel tool and a must-have for all travelers.

5. Apple AirPods

6. Noise Canceling Over-Ear Headphones

If peace and quiet were a gift, it would definitely come wrapped in a pair of Bose QuietComfort Headphones. Whether you’re drowning out airplane noise or just the chatter of your kids (we’ve all been there), these are the ultimate travel must-have. They’re on my Christmas list (hint, hint!), and I’m hoping to snag a pair before my next flight. Because let’s be honest, travel just isn’t the same without a personal soundtrack or the blissful silence these headphones offer.

7. Luggage

In my opinion, quality luggage is a must-have for any trip—but let’s be honest, it’s not the most exciting thing to splurge on. This makes luggage a great travel gift for any traveler. My favorite luggage brands are Monos and Away. You can’t go wrong with either one. These brands approach the high-end price range but are totally worth it. Both companies offer a lifetime warranty, so you’ll feel confident in your purchase.

I’ll share my referral links here:

8. Packing Cubes

I’m a firm believer that packing cubes are an absolute travel game-changer. Having tried multiple brands, I’ve found them all super helpful—so you really can’t go wrong. Whether you buy them directly from your luggage brand or snag an inexpensive set from Amazon, they’re a must-have for keeping things organized on the go. Plus, packing and unpacking is a breeze. Just pop your cubes into the hotel or Airbnb drawers—your clothes stay neatly packed, and you don’t have to worry about them touching the drawers. Clean, simple, and efficient!

9. Power Bank/Portable Charger

All travelers should carry at least two portable chargers. Nowadays, with so many battery-powered electronics, most people need to charge multiple things simultaneously. I travel with the Veger Portable Charger, which has built-in cables and plugs directly into the wall to recharge. I also pack the Charmast Power Bank with built-in cables. Both brands have worked great for us, and I recommend gifting these to all newbies. They will be grateful for such an incredible travel gift!

10. Universal Travel Adapters

The best travel gift is one that a new traveler may not even realize they’ll need. Get them prepared for worldwide travel with a universal travel adapter. This category has two stand-outs: the EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter and the TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter. You can’t go wrong with either choice, and you can catch one on sale for potentially less than $20. Makes a great stocking stuffer for a travel enthusiast!

11. Apple AirTags

Another must-have for any traveler is an Apple AirTag in each bag or piece of luggage. This makes it easier to find lost or stolen items. The best deal is to buy AirTags in a 4-pack. Amazon and Walmart tend to be the cheapest places to buy these. You should also pick up some inexpensive keychain-style AirTag holders to easily secure them to different items. Don’t skip out on this important travel essential.

12. Refillable/Packable Water Bottle

Every globetrotter needs a packable water bottle. Sure, we all love those 40-oz Stanleys, but who’s got room for such a thing in a carry-on?! I swear by my Nefeeko Collapsible Water Bottle. It holds up to 26oz of water, and once emptied, you can easily pack it away or clip it onto a backpack so it can be refilled when needed. This bottle, in particular, is very inexpensive, so it can be replaced if lost while on adventures.

13. Compression Socks

CHARMKING Compression Socks for Women & Men are a sneaky good travel gift! Any new traveler will thank you for these little lifesavers. Long flights? No problem. These socks keep the blood flowing, reduce leg swelling, and help dodge that dreaded “heavy leg” feeling. Plus, they’re cozy, stylish (tons of different options), and budget-friendly. It’s like giving the gift of fresh legs and endless energy, perfect for hitting the ground running (literally or metaphorically) once they land!

14. Travel Purse

15. Compact First Aid Kit

The KeepGoing GoKit is a thoughtful, practical gift for travelers, especially those new to the adventure scene. It’s lightweight, easy to pack, and includes essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and other minor fixes for travel mishaps. Whether it’s a blister from exploring city streets or a small scrape on a hiking trail, a first aid kit can be a real lifesaver and give travelers peace of mind. It’s like gifting a mini emergency toolkit—always handy but hopefully not often needed!

16. Quick Drying Towel

Sand Cloud towels are the ideal best travel gifts with both style and purpose! These towels are ultra-light, quick-drying, and packable—perfect for any traveler who needs to save space. Plus, with 10% of profits going toward marine conservation, they’re a gift that gives back. Sand Cloud regularly teams up for fun collabs with brands like Harry Potter, Disney, and Star Wars, to mention a few. Versatile enough to double as a travel blanket, they’re the ultimate blend of functionality and personality, sure to be a favorite on any adventure!

17. Packable Backpack

Sometimes, you really need an extra bag while traveling, but who has the space? Enter the packable backpack! We’ve taken the 4Monster Hiking Daypack on countless trips, and it’s become a must-have. This pocket-sized bag unfolds into a roomy, water-resistant backpack, perfect for those “just in case” adventures like a last-minute hike or spontaneous day trip. It’s sturdy enough for daily travel needs, keeping things safe and dry. A gift that’s ultra-practical and pack-friendly for every traveler!

18. Personalized Luggage Tags

Personalized luggage tags are a classic, stylish travel gift that’s both fun and functional. They make any bag easy to spot on the carousel, sparing your traveler from mistaking someone else’s luggage for theirs. Adding a name, favorite color, or quirky design makes these acrylic tags unique and memorable. For those who prefer a touch of luxury, a monogrammed leather option brings a bit of class. Durable, easy to spot, and perfectly customizable, these tags add a little personality to every adventure!

19. Gift Cards

Still unsure what your traveler needs or wants? Then go with Old Faithful, a gift card. It’s a flexible choice that lets them pick exactly what they want, whether it’s gear, gadgets, or some trip essentials they’re eyeing. Plus, it’s easy to pack!

Best Travel Gifts…

Looking for the best travel gifts? This guide covers everything from trendy, personalized luggage tags to practical packable backpacks and even classic gift cards! Packed with thoughtful and fun ideas for both new and seasoned travelers, this list will help you find gifts that add comfort, convenience, and a splash of style to any adventure. These gifts make exploring the world easier, more memorable, and—let’s face it—a little more Instagram-worthy!