Shopping for your favorite traveler can be hard to do. My wife is constantly guessing what to buy me, so I thought I’d put this list together to give everybody tips on the perfect Christmas present. Here are 29+ awesome travel gift ideas for every budget. This way you can gift an awesome Christmas gift without breaking the bank.
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Awesome travel gift ideas under $50
FTU Online 1-Year Membership ($49)
Frequent Traveler University is one of my favorite travel conferences. They have live, in-person conferences several times a year around the U.S. For those of us who aren’t traveling right now, FTU Online is an easy way to learn from travel pros from the comfort of our homes. The normal price is $129, but it’s on sale for 60% off through December 11th.
The one-year membership includes unlimited online learning, a $49 discount for an in-person event, and free admission at select Travel & Adventure Shows events. Click here to learn more and buy an FTU Online membership for just $49! This is one of the best travel gift ideas because it’s the gift that keeps on giving with how much you can save from the tips you’ll learn.
Read: 5 Takeaways from FTU Seattle 2019
Scratch Off Map of the World ($23)
I love keeping track of all of the countries that I’ve visited with my kids. When we return home from the trip, we talk about our adventures and then scratch another country off the map. It’s a cool reminder of the fun we shared and a good way to think about where to go next. Landmass offers free U.S. shipping and gives 30% off with the promo code “FRIDAY30” through November 29th when you use our referral link.
Simari Water Shoes ($28)
Our family loves water adventures when we travel, and it’s been fun exploring the Tennessee state parks in our backyard. I hate it when my shoes get wet & soggy, so I always pack my Simari water shoes to wear when I know that I’ll be in the water. They’re compact and lightweight, so they’re easy to carry in my suitcase or backpack. Simari offers these water shoes in 29 different colors and styles for both men and women, so pick out your favorite using my referral link.
Sand Cloud Beach Towels ($48)
I love going to the beach, but I hate how the sand can stick to everything. Not only are they resistant to sand, but these towels also dry 3x faster than normal towels. They’re made of 100% Turkish cotton and they get softer and more absorbent with every wash. That’s why I love the Sand Cloud beach towels.
I ordered two of the XL towels for our family. Even if we’re not traveling for a while, this is one of the travel gift ideas because of its versatility. We’ll get plenty of use out of these beach towels at home as picnic blankets for fun family time in the yard. For Black Friday, Sand Cloud is offering 40% off plus free shipping on orders of $100 or more. Use my referral link to get $15 off your first order of $50 or more.
LifeStraw Filtered Water Bottle ($28)
When traveling internationally, drinking the local water can be pretty sketchy. Nobody wants a vacation ruined by Montezuma’s Revenge. That’s why it’s important to have a water filtration system like the LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottles. The reusable bottle is BPA-free and filters the water as you drink.
The award-winning LifeStraw hollow membrane water filter removes bacteria and protozoa from lakes, streams, and public fountains to ensure safe, clean drinking water. Its 2-stage activated carbon filter reduces odor and chlorine while leaving zero aftertaste. LifeStraw bottles come in 19 different colors and are available in 22oz or 1-liter sizes. A two-pack of replacement filters is only $10 on Amazon.
Read: 10 Tips to Maximize Rewards on Black Friday
JBL Waterproof Ultra-Portable Bluetooth Speaker ($30)
Whether you’re in your room, out by the pool, or hiking around, listening to music livens the mood. This waterproof Bluetooth speaker offers 5 hours of playtime and is ultra-portable and waterproof. The JBL waterproof speaker is one of the best travel gift ideas for friends that love the water. You can use it to stream music or as a speakerphone when making calls. It’s available in 12 different colors from Amazon.
mifold Portable Car Seat ($35)
We’ve been using the mifold portable car seats for years. I hated lugging around bulky car seats and booster seats while traveling. We can keep our kids safe by packing the mifold portable car seats in our luggage or carryons. They fold up to a compact shape about the size of a paperback book, then quickly expand when needed in the rental car or Uber.
The mifold portable car seats are easily one of the best investments we’ve made for traveling with kids. For friends with kids, this is one of the best travel gift ideas because they’re compact & light and NHTSA-approved as a safety device. mifold car seats come in a variety of colors, so the kids can pick out their favorites, and this way there’s no fighting over which one is which. Grab yours from Amazon or Target.
earplanes Ear Plugs – Travel Ear Protection ($16)
We love to fly, but the buzzing of the engines and the change in pressure can be too much for kids and some adults. When I learned about earplanes, I had to try them out. They promised to ease the pain of flying and make the experience more enjoyable for both me and my kids. The late-free silicone design is safe, comfortable, and disposable.
Best of all, earplanes offers a money-back guarantee in case they don’t work for you or your child. They come in both adult and children’s sizes and in 1-pack or 3-pack quantities. We always order the 3-pack since it brings down the cost and provides extras for when the kids lose them. Grab them from Amazon using our referral link.
Para’Kito Mosquito Insect & Bug Repellent Wristband ($20)
Mexico and the Caribbean are awesome places to visit, but the bugs can be unbearable at certain times of the year. We’ve tried bunches of different sprays, but they either didn’t work or wore off after jumping in the pool or ocean. The reusable wristbands include two pellets and provide 15 days of protection for each pellet. They work in all climates and are sourced from natural essential oils & ingredients that are DEET-free.
I received a sample of Para’Kito several years ago and tried them during our next vacation. They were amazing! After that trip, I bought extras for Anna and the kids so that we’d all be protected. Plus, they come in 38 cute designs that they love. And the pellet refills are really budget-friendly.
We even wear them around Nashville during the summer to keep the mosquitos away while hiking and attending the kids’ baseball and soccer games. The Para’Kito is one of the best travel gift ideas for people who love visiting tropical destinations, and they’re available at Amazon.
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myCharge Portable Charger Power Bank ($50)
One of my biggest fears while traveling is running out of power for my phone and other devices. If you have kids, you know the drama of a child with a dead iPad. HAHA! To avoid these issues, I always keep a portable charger power bank in my carry-on bag. These devices are so powerful that they can charge multiple devices at a time and recharge them multiple times. Phones can be charged 7 times and iPad devices can be charged 3 times before needing to be plugged in again.
I use the myCharge Portable Charger Power Bank because it has two USB ports to charge multiple devices and it carries 20100 mAh of power. It’s USB-A and USB-C ports can charge tables, MacBooks, cell phones, and other devices. The power bank uses the Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 technology to charge your devices faster. It is available with 4 different charging capacities ranging from 12000 mAh to 24000 mAh. Based on price, the 20100 mAh is one of the best travel gift ideas because it offers the most juice for the price. Get yours from Amazon using my referral link.
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Manta Sleep Mask – 100% Blackout Eye Mask ($30)
I don’t sleep too often on planes, but when I do, I want to block out all of the light. If not, I won’t sleep that well. That means I won’t be refreshed and ready to go as soon as we land. I’ve tried the sleep masks that some airlines provide, but they are flimsy material and the bands are either too loose or so tight that they leave indents in my head.
The Manta Sleep Mask is a refreshing change. They’re adjustable sleep masks that include eyecups that you can customize to your face. They block out 100% of light without putting any pressure on your eyes. The masks are soft, breathable, and durable to be reused over and over again. You can even insert lavender packets for a soothing scent while you sleep. It’s almost like a day spa for your eyes! Grab one of the best travel gift ideas for people who need better sleep at Amazon with my referral link.
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BuddyPhones Volume Limiting Bluetooth Headphones for Kids ($40)
Our kids love playing on their iPads while traveling, but everyone around us hates listening to cartoons or game noises. BuddyPhones eliminate that problem with Bluetooth headsets that offer a 14-hour battery life and connect to any device. With most headphones, kids can easily turn up the volume and damage their hearing. This is why we love BuddyPhones because they offer four listening modes to cap the volume to prevent hearing damage.
We’re not traveling right now, so the kids have started using them during school. They’ve connected the devices to their school laptops so they can listen to the teachers without bothering each other. BuddyPhones comes in many different styles and colors that your kids will love. Grab a pair at Amazon using my referral link.
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TravelBadger TSA-approved travel toiletry kits ($25)
Getting through airport security can be a pain. You have to take out your liquids and keep them in a flimsy ziplock bag that usually won’t stay shut. I started using TravelBadger TSA-approved toiletry kits years ago. They come prepackaged with goodies for men, women, couples, and children. The toiletry kits are clear high-grade plastic with a durable zipper and are hand-packed by the two women that own this local business. As the items inside get used, you can refill them yourself or order a refill from TravelBadger.
AmazonBasics Travel Organizer Packing Cubes Set ($22)
Packing can be a chore. No matter how big your suitcase is, you usually end up stuffing the last few items in. With packing cubes, packing is easier because everything is organized and folded nice and neat. Plus, delicate items can be protected against other items in your suitcase. Order a set of travel cubes from Amazon before your next trip. You’ll be amazed at how much easier it is to pack and be out the door.
CGear Nylon Sand Free Beach Tote ($40)
Traveling to the beach is awesome, but bringing all of that sand home with you is not. No matter how careful you are, some of the sand will inevitably end up in your bag. With the CGear Nylon Sand Free Beach Tote, you can bring all of your goodies to the beach without worrying about your bag filling up with sand.
Its patented technology offers a double-weave pattern that allows for a sand-free experience. Sand will sift out, but will not come back in. The bag is water-resistant, high-grade nylon with sturdy construction and reinforced stitches. It features a zippered main enclosure and two external pockets that can be secured with buttons. The CGear bag comes in three colors and is available at Amazon.
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Books on travel (various)
There are countless books on travel. As you think about your friend or family member, pick a book focused on a destination they love or one that they want to go to. We’re planning to visit Disney World next year, so I’ve been ordering lots of Disney books lately. A few of my recent favorites are Walt Disney World Hacks, The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World, The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, and Disney World Hacks: 2020 Edition.
Depending on your budget and which books you select, you can pick up a handful of awesome books to surprise your favorite traveler.
The best Christmas gift ideas for travelers under $100
Global Entry ($100) or TSA Precheck ($85) Membership
One of the best travel gifts you can give someone is the gift of time. A membership in Global Entry or TSA Precheck will save them time at airport security for the next five years. Yes, they’ll need to schedule the interview, but the benefits are totally worth it once you have the membership. Applying for Global Entry is so easy, even a baby can do it. Scarlett has had hers since she was 1 year old.
One of the tricks I use is paying for these application fees with a credit card that reimburses your fees. When you use the Global Entry & TSA Precheck reimbursement from one of these cards, it is one of the best travel gift ideas that doesn’t cost you extra money!
Loungaroo Hoodie ($80)
Winter is coming, so you need to stay warm. The Loungaroo hoodie was designed with the traveler in mind. It features a double-layered, oversized hoodie and thumb cuffs for those cold, winter days. The pockets have multiple zippers and compartments to keep your valuables safe. One of them even has RFID blocking to keep hackers away. And when you’re not using the Loungaroo, the hoodie easily folds up and turns into a travel pillow. Loungaroo hoodies are available in black, grey, and navy and sizes from small to XXL. They’re so awesome that you’ll want to order one for yourself too!
Priority Pass Membership ($99)
Hanging out in airport lounges is one of my favorite things to do while traveling. It is way more comfortable than sitting next to the gate and you get plenty of free goodies every time you visit. Most Priority Pass lounges include free drinks & snacks and complimentary WiFi, and some include other amenities like showers and conference rooms. You can spread out and relax with your travel buddies before your flight.
Many travel credit cards provide a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership. If you don’t have one of those, you can still buy a Priority Pass membership to have access to over 1,200 airport lounges around the world. Priority Pass has three tiers of membership ranging from $99 to $429. But, now through December 7th, you’ll receive up to 40% off and memberships start at just $59!
Re:move Sustainable Duffel Bag ($65)
Not only are these bags from Solo NY stylish and functional, they’re good for the environment too. The Re:move Sustainable Duffel Bag is a heathered-grey material that is made from recycled PET bottles. The bag is available for $65 and offers free shipping within the continental U.S.
And while this travel bag is eco-friendly, it also features everything you need for a weekend getaway or for use as your airplane carry-on. The interior is large enough to fit clothes for several days and there are two zippered pouches in front for easy access. On the backside, there is a pocket that converts into a panel that slides over your suitcase handle.
LIVSN Flex Canvas Pants ($99)
I recently ordered a pair of LIVSN Flex Canvas Pants. They’re incredibly durable, yet super comfortable. LIVSN added a bunch of features into the pants to keep them looking good for years to come – gusseted crotch, articulated knees, and reinforcements at all of the stress points. These pants even come with zippered pockets and discrete EDC pockets to protect your goodies.
I love how they have a distinctive cotton feel, but also contain recycled polyester to strengthen the fabric and help it dry faster. I had to hem the legs a couple of inches at a local tailor to get my exact size, but the added cost was well worth it.
Nocs Provisions Waterproof Binoculars ($90)
Whether you’re at the game or exploring nature, having a quality set of binoculars is key to seeing all of the action. The Nocs Standard Issue 8×25 is the ultimate compact binocular. These binocs offer 8x magnification, which is the equivalent of a 400mm camera lens. They’re even designed so you can take a smartphone photo through the eyepiece!
They are waterproof down to 1 meter, fogproof thanks to nitrogen injection, and designed to fit in the palm of your hand. Nocs is so sure that you’ll love them, they offer a lifetime warranty and a 30-day return policy. The Nocs Standard Issue 8×25 is available in 8 different colors for $90 each. Plus, there’s free shipping in the U.S.
Loctote Theft Resistant Drawstring Backpack ($95)
Hanging by the pool all day on vacation is a fun way to pass the time, but I’m always worried about our phones or wallets getting stolen. When I found the Loctote Theft Resistant Drawstring Backpack, I knew I had the answer to my problems. These backpacks are the world’s toughest anti-theft bags.
The Flak Sack Sport is a lightweight theft-resistant drawstring backpack. It features double-steel reinforced locking straps, lightweight slash-resistant material, and a water resistant exterior coating. The bag has a 12-liter capacity that can fit a MacBook Pro 13″ and is available in four different colors at Amazon.
I have the Flak Sack II ($169), which is made from virtually slash-proof fabric and features a double-steel reinforced locking strap and a heavy-duty combination lock so your valuables will stay safe. It has a 13-liter capacity, which is large enough to fit a MacBook Pro 13″. The bag even has a large fleece-lined interior RFID-blocking pocket which shields against unwanted scanning.
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Samsonite Carry-on Spinner ($80)
Having a reliable suitcase that protects your clothing while rolling easily is essential. I’ve purchased other suitcases in the past, and they always failed me at some point. My Samsonite suitcases have never let me down. That’s why I recently bought my kids their own carry-on spinner suitcases. It was time to upgrade from their kid suitcases to one that they can use from now until college.
Samsonite has 28 suitcases available ranging from $80 to $100. Many of these suitcases were originally priced at $300 or more, so this is a huge savings!
For a limited time, you can use the promo code “TRAVEL” to save up to 40% off. And, you can save another 15% on top of that when you buy 2 or more suitcases with the code “EXTRA15“. These promo codes stack, so you can use both when purchasing through my Samsonite referral link.
Nord VPN 1-Year Subscription ($59)
You can’t be too careful when using public WiFi. Hackers are looking to plant malware on your device and steal your personal information. Using a VPN protects your personal information and stops hackers from stealing your data. And, as a bonus, VPNs allow you to “change” your location so that you can shop for better deals or watch streaming content when traveling internationally.
NordVPN is the largest and fastest VPN provider on the market. And they have a verified no-logs policy, which means that they don’t track, collect, or share your private data. You can protect up to six devices with one subscription and receive a 100% money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied within 30 days. Buy yourself or someone you love an annual subscription to Nord VPN to protect their internet usage. You can save even more by purchasing a 2-year plan for only $89, which includes an extra 3 months for free. A VPN subscription is one of the best travel gift ideas because protecting your privacy and personal data is invaluable.
Read: Use a VPN to protect your data
Travel gift ideas for frequent travelers under $150
Vessi Waterproof Knit Shoes ($135)
Although I often carry my Simari water shoes (above) with me when I travel, sometimes I want to pack light and not have to carry extra footwear. The Vessi knit shoes are stylish, comfortable, and waterproof. When bad weather or an impromptu visit to the beach or lake happens, you’re ready to go. Vessi has several styles and colors of lace-up and slip-on shoes for both men and women.
Personally, I can’t make up my mind between the Men’s Everyday Marine Blue, Mist Grey, or All Black.
Right now, Vessi’s Black Friday sale means that you can save 25% off one pair or 35% off two or more pairs. Plus, every order gets a $30 gift certificate towards their next pair of shoes! You’ll receive free shipping within the U.S. and can qualify for 0% interest with Quadpay.
Bluffworks Sports Coat ($145) and Slacks ($70)
I’ve been wearing Bluffworks sports coats and slacks for many years. They are awesome because they’re designed with the traveler in mind. Everything is machine washable and does not require ironing to stay wrinkle-free. Liquids and dirt wipe right off and each piece of clothing has special pockets to protect your valuables, like a cell phone, wallet, or passport.
Bluffwords has expanded its product line quite a bit since I started wearing them. They now have a variety of clothing for both men and women. Men can choose from suits, blazers, pants, and shirts, while women have options in blouses, dresses, pants, and blazers. The Grammercy Blazer and Slack are currently 50% off! Shop now for the best selection at Bluffworks.
Scottevest RFID Travel Vest ($149)
Speaking of pockets to protect your valuables, Scottevest vests and jackets have more pockets than you have stuff. The RFID Travel Vest for Men has 26 pockets and can fit up to a 9.7″ tablet! There’s even an RFID-blocking pocket to protect against scanners. It’s designed for spring, summer, and fall weather by itself, or as an extra layer to stay warm during the winter.
Scottevest has a full array of travel clothing from cargo pants and TEC shirts to jackets and jammies. Both men’s and women’s clothing is available, and there’s an outlet section for those of us who are trying to stick to a budget. Check out all of the latest styles using my referral link.
Deckers X Lab KO-Z SNPR Shoes ($150)
These shoes are perfect for the traveler who loves cold weather. They blend the relaxed coziness of a house slipper with the street performance of your favorite sneakers. The KO-Z SNPR comes in five colors to fit your personal style. I like the funkiness of the Antler Orange.
The KO-Z SNPRs are made with EcoTan sheepskin and EcoTan cow suede leather, along with recycled Looped Wool. These materials are natural thermoregulators, which means that your toes will be comfortable in both hot and cold weather. And, as the father of a young girl, I love that Deckers is partnering with HERproject to support, educate, and empower women in the workplace.
Amazing travel gift ideas for travelers $150+
CLEAR Membership ($179)
Global Entry and TSA Precheck are awesome, but even those expedited security lanes can be backed up during peak travel periods. That’s why I use CLEAR. CLEAR’s biometric approach identifies me using hands-free so that I can move to the front of the line at airports, stadiums, and concert venues. There are more than 50 locations with CLEAR today and many more are on their way!
After signing up online, you can finish your enrollment within minutes at the airport. With over 55 million individual verifications, you can be assured that your data is safe, private, and secure. Get a two-month free trial using my referral link. If you’re ready to sign up now, get $60 off a yearly subscription with code “CYBER119” or save $80 on Cyber Monday with code “CYBER99” (Nov 30th).
Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Noise-Cancelling Headphones ($199)
Traveling can be noisy. Whether you’re trying to get work done on the plane or just want to listen to some tunes, you need a quality set of headphones. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II wireless Bluetooth headphones offer three levels of noise cancellation with Alexa voice controls built-in. These headphones feature hassle-free Bluetooth pairing, personalized settings, and access to future updates through the Bose mobile app. Many Bose headphones cost several hundred dollars, but you can get these for less than $200 from Amazon.
GoPro Hero9 Black Bundle ($350)
My GoPro is several years old and the technology is so far behind that I bit the bullet and upgraded this year. GoPro is having a killer Black Friday promotion where you can save $200 on a Hero9 bundle that includes a magnetic swivel clip, floating hand grip, spare battery, a 32GB SD card, and a camera case. I also added a chest harness, LED light, and directional mic so that I’m ready to create more videos in 2021.
The Hero9 Black features a front display, 30% more battery life, and a detachable lens. Plus, it is waterproof up to 33 feet so you can swim and snorkel without any problems. You can shoot stunning 5K video, capture 14.7 megapixel frame grabs, and take crisp 20 megapixel photos. This is a serious camera for capturing all of your travel moments. Check out the latest GoPro pricing and features.
The Bald Thoughts
Shopping for your favorite traveler doesn’t have to be difficult… or expensive. With these 29+ travel gift ideas for Christmas, you have many different options no matter what your budget is.
I purposefully chose more gift ideas at the low end of the budget for this year’s list because I know that many people are struggling right now due to the effects of coronavirus shutdowns, job losses, and reduced hours at work. You can still buy an awesome gift for not a lot of money.
What are your favorite Christmas gifts for travelers? Were you able to get some money-saving coupons for Black Friday or Cyber Monday? Share them in the comment section below.
Pretty helpful article. I’ll try to buy some of these items as gifts, along with what I have already thought for my friends and family. I hope they like them.
Nice blog post!