The 45 Best Travel Gifts | 2024 Picks

If you’re shopping for the friend or family member who’s always responding to the group chat from some far-flung destination, you’ve come to the right place. Avid travelers don’t want or need average presents (a.k.a. stuff that will sit at home)—the best travel gifts are ones that’ll help them do what they love: get away from it all.

To narrow down your options, we’ve rounded up fun, practical picks that’ll help your giftee fly or road trip in comfort while documenting their adventures. Shop our favorites below.

For more present picks, check out all of the best gift ideas of 2024 here.

Calpak Packing Cubes Set

These cubes, which have breathable mesh panels and label holders (for the extremely organized among us), will help your giftee streamline their packing process. There’s even a waterproof pouch to keep their wet swimsuits and dirty clothes contained on their way home.

Manta Sleep Mask

This is the eye mask to end all eye masks—and your bud will thank you for it on their next red eye. Adjustable eye cups keep the Manta from putting pressure on their eyelids and lashes (and are still comfortable for side sleepers, thanks to their shape).

Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

This adjustable memory foam travel pillow puts thin, squishy, horseshoe ones to shame. It’s “the only solution that actually allows me to pass out at 30,000 feet…in coach,” one SELF writer explained in her review. The sides are tall and firm enough to comfortably lean against, and since they’re asymmetric, your giftee can easily change up the level of head tilt. The soft modal cover is also washable—a major plus for anything that’s getting dragged through an airport.

Original photo by SELF writer Kells McPhillips

Aesop Departure Travel Set

This set of luxe travel-sized toiletries includes a rinse-free hand wash, hand cream, moisturizing face mask, hydrating face mist, lip balm, mouthwash, and toothpaste. It’s everything they’ll need to feel fresh on a long flight.

Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack

This is one SELF writer’s favorite backpack to travel with, thanks to its stretchy (but durable) neoprene fabric and Mary Poppins-esque size. “It holds so much more than I’d expect it to. I can fit my laptop, two toiletry bags, a book, hair tools, sunglasses and a tiny purse inside,” she says. The bag has a luggage handle sleeve, a laptop sleeve, two internal zippered pockets, two side pockets, and a front pocket with internal organization. Seriously, this thing has storage galore—and it’s cute.

Away The Carry-On

This chic suitcase is built to last, says one SELF writer and frequent traveler. She’s had hers for years, and the hard shell exterior, zippers, and wheels have held up surprisingly well. It has a lock, a handy internal compression system that creates more room for stuff inside, and handles on three sides that make it easy to pull out of overhead bins.

Cadence Bestseller Set

These containers magnetize to each other and can hold your loved one’s medication and vitamins (or their favorite shampoo, conditioner, body wash, cleanser, and moisturizer). This set comes with a variety of sizes and tiny, swappable cap labels that will make their life “significantly easier,” as SELF’s editor in chief puts it—she’s a big fan.

Herschel Supply Co. Novel Duffle Bag

This Herschel duffle (which has two vegan leather handles and a removable, padded over-the-shoulder strap) can hold a shocking amount of stuff. The internal pockets, waterproof zipper, and shoe compartment all make it a must-have for frequent vacationers.

Mark & Graham Travel Jewelry Zipper Case

Your giftee will never have to waste time untangling their necklaces again with this jewelry organizer. It has loops to keep chains separated, a zippered pocket for bracelets, and tabs to hold rings and studs. For $15 more, you can even customize it with their initials.

Jaybird Vista 2 True Wireless Sport Bluetooth Headphones

These are the most comfortable wireless in-ear headphones, according to one SELF writer. “I’ve tested a ton of earbuds, and these are one of very few pairs that don’t hurt my ears or fall out,” she says. “They come with multiple tips so you can get the right fit, and the noise cancellation and sound quality, which you can adjust via an app, is excellent.”

HydroJug Traveler

“I’m obsessed with this water bottle,” one SELF writer says. “I love drinking out of a straw, and this flip one is actually easy to clean.” The stainless steel bottle is huge, with a handle and a grippy rubber base, but still fits in most cup holders.

“I get asked about it all the time because it’s pretty much exactly what people are looking for,” she adds. “It’s held up so well over the years, and it never leaks. I take it everywhere—it’s my emotional support water bottle—but it’s particularly good for staying hydrated on road trips.”

FP Movement Quilted Carryall Bag

This adorable, slouchy tote bag has two external zippered pockets and a spacious interior to hold all the stuff they want easy access to on their trip. “It’s my airplane bag and it fits everything I need for a flight,” one FP Movement reviewer wrote. “If I’m going somewhere for just one night, it easily holds a change of clothes. I have bought two additional as gifts, and multiple people have stopped me in airports to compliment me on it. Buy it!”

Malin + Goetz Essentials Set

If your giftee isn’t the type to fill and label little bottles with their products from home (no shame), they’ll probably appreciate this set, which includes a travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion, face wash, and moisturizer. You really can’t beat Malin + Goetz’s scents (like bergamot, grapefruit, peppermint, and cilantro) either.

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L

A hip pack or crossbody bag (this one can be either) is essential for long days spent hiking or sightseeing. Your giftee can keep their must-haves (passport, lip balm, earbuds, gum, phone) out of their bigger bags and readily available with this cute fanny pack, which has external and internal pockets for even more organization.

Kindle Paperwhite

SELF’s senior commerce editor loves her Paperwhite for its simple design and impressive battery life—plus, the screen emits very little blue light to keep headaches at bay. Your giftee will love having reading material at the ready, no matter where they are, without compromising packing space.

Away Large Toiletry Bag

This bag has a water-resistant nylon exterior (so spills won’t immediately leak through), a durable interior that’s easy to clean, a central zippered compartment for big items, and separate transparent and mesh interior pockets for smaller bits and bobs.

JBL Clip 5

They can use this tiny but mighty Bluetooth speaker in their Airbnb or on outings like picnics, beach days, and boat tours. It’s waterproof, dust-proof, and has a built-in carabiner clip that can easily attach to a bag strap.

Away The Luggage Tag

A luggage tag is one of those things that might seem silly, until your airline loses a bag full of your favorite clothes and souvenirs. We highly recommend getting one that’s a bright, contrasting color that’ll stick out against their suitcase and be easy to find on the baggage carousel. This one comes in 10 different colors and is made of soft pebbled leather.

Mark & Graham Leather Passport Case

Help them keep their passport safe and protected from spills with this leather holder, which they can also slide important documents (like boarding passes) inside. You can personalize the cover with their initials too.

Anker Portable Charger

Make sure their phone never dies on a long flight or bus ride with this portable charger, which can keep USB-A and USB-C devices juiced up for hours.

Theragun Mini Handheld Electric Massage Gun

This mini massage gun won’t take up much space, but it’ll have a major impact on their trips. After long flights, tough hikes, and nights spent on hostel beds, they can work out their kinks with this Home Fitness Award-winning percussive massager.

Papier Sand Dunes Travel Journal

With this cute journal, your loved one can write down their destination wishlist, transportation and accommodation details, budgets, packing lists, itinerary notes, and reflections on their trips. There are even some travel-themed games they can play at the end, like airport bingo and word searches.

GoPro HERO11 Black Mini

Your pal can take their vacation posts to the next level with this durable, waterproof camera from GoPro. It can be mounted on helmets to capture adventures hand-free and automatically creates highlight reels of their best moments.

Gravel Travel Layover Travel Blanket

This 3.3-by-5.5-foot puffy blanket packs down to just 8 by 5 inches, so it’s small enough to fit in most backpacks or carry-ons. It can snap around their neck to create a cape, and various pouches throughout provide all kinds of ways to cover up, stay warm, and keep snacks handy.

NUME Styling Starter Set Mini Tools

Your giftee won’t have to sacrifice their styling routine when they travel with this set of mini hair tools, which comes with a tiny blow dryer (and two attachments), a straightener, a curler, a small brush, some clips, and a microfiber hair wrap.

Steamery Cirrus 3 Travel Steamer

Any frequent flier understands how frustrating it is to arrive at your destination with a pile of wrinkled clothes. With this compact steamer, they can return their outfits to their pre-packed condition quickly.

Canopy Portable Humidifier

If your giftee frequently travels to the mountains, they could probably use this TSA-approved portable humidifier, which measures just 3 inches long, 7 inches tall, and 3 inches wide. It has an 11-hour run time and can also be used as an essential oil diffuser to scent their hotel room.

Vuori Halo Essential Wide Leg

Having a cute, comfy travel uniform makes navigating the airport so much easier. Gift your loved one some high-quality sweats, like this pair from Vuori, to upgrade their overnight flight outfit.

Vuori Halo Cardigan

Complete the set with this cozy Vuori cardigan that one reviewer calls “incredibly soft and comfortable.” A matching set makes getting dressed on vacation a no-brainer.

Hikerkind Packable Down Puffer 01

Taking a trip to a cold weather destination can be a pain when coats and sweaters take up so much precious suitcase real estate. That’s why having a jacket that looks just as good with jeans as it does with athletic gear is a major bonus—and this one certainly fits the bill. Even better, it packs down into a travel pillow, will keep them exceptionally warm, has a stowable insulated hood, is water-resistant, and has five deep pockets. It’s the versatile, works-with-everything clothing staple every outdoorsy adventurer needs.

Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask

Long flights can really dry out your skin, which is why so many folks use sheet masks on red eyes to lock in moisture. Get your pal these viral jelly masks that are meant to be used overnight. They’ll leave them with soft, plump, glowy skin post-travel.

Katadyn BeFree 1 L Water Filter Bottle

This bottle will possibly be a lifesaver (literally) if they backpack a lot. The filter in the cap removes most bacteria and other harmful organisms from any water source, so they can sip with a much lower likelihood of getting sick. Since it’s a soft flask, it’s also easy to pack down and won’t take up space when it’s empty.

Tushy Travel Bidet

If you have the type of relationship that can withstand a bidet as a gift, your bud will wonder how they ever lived without this thing. At SELF, we’re big fans of Tushy and bidets in general—but there wasn’t a way to take one on the go, until now. Your giftee can bring this collapsible bidet just about anywhere, and actually feel fresh and clean on the airplane, while camping, or anywhere in between.

On Cloud 5 Shoes

A comfy, supportive, lightweight pair of sneakers is essential for long days exploring new cities or running to catch a flight. These breathable kicks from On can be slipped on and off, which makes them the perfect airport security shoe too.

CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

It can be hard to find sunscreen in travel-sized bottles, and adding another liquid to your toiletries isn’t always ideal. This tiny twist-up bar solves those problems: Your giftee can easily throw it in their bag or backpack to reapply mid-hike or walking tour without missing a beat.

AIRAID KF94 Masks

Travel always exposes you to tons of germs, and wearing masks can help your giftee avoid getting sick. These KF94 masks sit away from their nose and mouth, which makes them more comfortable to wear on long flights.

Ben’s Tick and Insect Repellent Wipes

Insect repellent isn’t easy to pack—it often comes in large spray canisters that can’t be opened to dispense the product in a smaller, travel-sized bottle. These wipes make it easy to take bug protection on the go, which can be important if your giftee is traveling to parts of the world where tick and mosquito-borne illnesses are prevalent.

Womanizer Liberty 2

Vacation sex and masturbation are kind of the best, but traveling with a toy can be stressful. This waterproof clit sucker is one of the most compact options on the market. Plus, the cover disguises it well (it honestly looks like a little avocado), and it has a travel lock, so they won’t have to worry about it making noise in their luggage.

Vionic Rejuvenate Recovery Sandal

These SELF editor-approved slides also earned an American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) seal of acceptance, which means they’re designed to support tired feet (which travelers know well). The molded foam footbed, oversized sidewalls, deep heel cup, and ample cushioning should help your giftee feel supported all day long.

Hydrant Hydration Electrolyte Powder Stick Packets

Staying hydrated while you travel can be a struggle. It’s easier when your water tastes good and is packed with electrolytes. These single-serving sticks will make it easy for your giftee to pack one for each day they’re gone without taking up a ton of space. They’re SELF-approved too: “The blood orange flavor is light and refreshing,” our senior commerce editor says. “Plus, it doesn’t contain any stevia (a must for me).”

Speck iPad 11-inch Pro Balance Folio

If your giftee has an iPad, they’ll appreciate this cover that provides four-foot drop protection. The multi-angle stand allows them to comfortably watch shows, work, or play games on the plane.

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

Your giftee can use this adapter to charge six different devices at once, and it will work in more than 150 countries. With four USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and one AC socket, they can get all their devices powered up without having to buy and pack individual adapters for each trip.

Otterbox Defender Series Pro for Magsafe

Everyone needs a phone case—but anyone who’s rushing around airports, adventuring through cities, and taking on epic hikes needs a heavy duty one. This grippy one offers three layers of protection and has significantly raised edges around the screen and camera lenses, plus port covers to block dust and dirt. Bonus: It can handle seven times as many drops as military standard, meaning it can be dropped from four feet 182 times and still protect their device.

Moft Snap Phone Tripod Stand MOVAS

If your giftee loves to document their travels but isn’t the type to use a selfie stick, get them this genius phone stand that folds down and snaps onto the back of Magsafe phone cases. It can hold their phone vertically or horizontally at three different heights. This minimalist stand will make it way easier for them to snap photos and videos, especially if they’re a solo traveler.

DJI Mini 3 Drone

This is a must-buy for your adventurous traveler friend who’s always sharing epic nature shots. The drone can shoot in portrait or landscape in 4K, can fly for 38 minutes, and has excellent wind resistance, so your bud can easily get stable footage of the beautiful places they visit.

How We Picked These Products

To round up the very best gifts for travelers, we started by gathering recommendations from staffers and tracking down travel-friendly products that have won SELF awards in the past. Then, we browsed some of our favorite brands like Amazon, Away, Dagne Dover, and Mark & Graham (among others) to find the latest bestsellers that we think would make great presents. Our final list includes items we love and use every day, plus some new gadgets and comfy athleisure that we think any jet-setter would be thrilled to receive.

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