Buying gifts, especially thoughtful and useful gifts — is always a little daunting. However, when your intended gift is for someone who loves to travel, you’ve got loads of options that will be sure to please.
Traveling well takes planning and preparation, and savvy travelers know that packing the right way in the right luggage means you won’t be caught off guard. Being well-traveled isn’t just a brag sheet on where you have been, it’s knowing how to be prepared for anything.
Since traveling requires luggage, gear, planning and supplies there are plenty of practical gifting options. We’ve scoured the market and found the best travel bags, travel accessories, travel gift cards and travel experience gifts sure to thrill any travel enthusiast. Here are the best gifts for travelers in 2024.
EDITORS’ TOP PICKS
Curious to learn more about the products we featured? Keep reading the details for each product selected are listed below.
Best Overall: Hotel Booking with Hotels.com
What It Is: On Hotels.com, you can find beautiful stays located all around the word ranging from simple to luxurious. If there’s an explorer on your gifting list this year, get them a stay somewhere they love going or have always wanted to check out!
Why the Traveler in Your Life Will Love It: We love a good deal more than anything and now through Dec. 31, you can use our RMN exclusive code RMNHOTELDEC7 to take 7% off your stay. Plus, a hotel booking is the ultimate experience gift. You’re gifting someone special a memory that will last a lifetime, so they will always have you to thank. The best part? This is a great last minute or belated holiday gift because you don’t have to worry about any pesky shipping dates. Choose the destination and book a dreamy stay for one of your favorite people!
Cost: Prices vary at Hotels.com
Best for Hot Beverages: YETI Rambler 20 oz. Travel Mug with Stronghold Lid
What It Is: This well-sized 20-oz. travel mug is a new leak-resistant Stronghold lid (which uses dual-slider magnet technology) and can be adjusted for both right- and left-handed users. The handle and cup are finished with a No Sweat design that resists sweat, keeping your hands dry. Available in 10 colorways including basics like black, gray and white as well as brighter options like yellow, blue and green.
Why the Traveler in Your Life Will Love It: This is our choice for the best travel coffee mug, which the traveler in your life will love because it helps save money when traveling. With 10 different colors to choose from we love that this cup fits easily into car cup holders. Another great feature is the Rambler has an option to purchase an alternate straw lid, so this can be your travel warm and cold beverage cup.
Cost: $38 at Dick’s Sporting Goods
Best Travel Backpack: Lululemon Everywhere Backpack 22LTech Canvas
What It Is: This classic Everywhere Backpack 22LTech Canvas is designed with water-repellent fabric and offers an easy to reach exterior water bottle holder. There is an interior padded pocket which will fit a 16” laptop, as well as interior pockets to hold additional items. Available in two colorways: Black and Poolside.
Why the Traveler in Your Life Will Love It: This is our choice for the best travel backpack because it’s both stylish and functional. The traveler in your life will appreciate that it’s big enough to hold their laptop — but understated enough to tote around walking around the city.
Cost: $78 at Lululemon
Best Travel Pillow: Trtl Neck Support Travel Pillow
What It Is: This unique travel pillow uses an internal neck support system and an external soft fleece scarf design. You can use this travel pillow on either side of your neck or under your chin. The internal support can be removed, allowing you to machine wash the fleece pillow.
Why the Traveler in Your Life Will Love It: This is our pick for the best travel neck pillow, the traveler in your life will love that they can steal a nap on their journey. While most U-Shaped travel neck pillows look comfortable, they aren’t designed with airplane (or train) seats in mind. This unique design allows the user to utilize the airline chair while also providing adaptable one-sided neck support. I recently bought this pillow for a long-haul red-eye flight, the Trtl allowed me to catch some much needed sleep.
Cost: $64.99 at Amazon
Best Sleep Mask: Alaska Bear Silk Sleep Mask
What It Is: The Alaska Bear Silk Sleep Mask is made from all natural materials — a Grade 5A 100 percent organic mulberry silk fabric with cotton padding inside. The design is gender neutral and is offered in a variety of colors and prints, although the least expensive colorway is their classic solid black colorway. The strap is made with latex-free nylon elastic and adjusts to your preferred width.
Why the Traveler in Your Life Will Love It: Your traveler will love being able to catch naps easier while traveling or blocking out light in their final destination — making jet lag easier to combat. I’ve used these for years and find them very comfortable (impossibly soft with adjustable straps) and quite frankly even luxurious feeling, which is impressive for the price. These make a great affordable gift, maybe pick a pair up for yourself as well.
Cost: $9.99 (orig. $19.99) at Amazon
Best Toiletry Bag: Lermende 3-Piece TSA Approved Toiletry Bag
What It Is: The Lermende 3-Piece Set is a simple set of clear, strong PVC-zippered bags. Designed with TSA approval, these allow airport security handlers to easily see the contents, without the need of opening. They can be easily cleaned for reuse. Each bag measures 7.9 x 5.9 x 2.4 inches.
Why the Traveler in Your Life Will Love It: If the traveler in your life engages in a lot of air travel specifically, they will love this practical gift. Not only does the clear design make it easy for you to find your toiletry items — in the case their bag is searched by airport security they are TSA approved.
Cost: $12.59 (orig. $13.99) at Amazon
Best Packing Cubes: Bagail 8-Set Packing Cubes
What It Is: The Bagail eight-piece packing cube set is constructed with lightweight nylon fabric. Available in 14 colorways, you will get three packing cubes with see-through mesh (M, L and XL), one packing cube designed for bras and underwear, one double-layer toiletry bag, one shoe bag, one drawstring laundry bag and one flat bag for accessories such as socks/keys/cards/phone or cables.
Why the Traveler in Your Life Will Love It: The traveler in your life will love the chance to upgrade their packing process and protect their clothes. The best packing cubes allow you to separate and organize different items of clothing which help keep items clean and wrinkle free. We love that they remembered the need for a laundry bag.
Cost: $19.99 (orig. $22.99) at Amazon
Best Wet Bag: Rolling Nomad Small Wet Bag
What It Is: Rolling Nomad wet bags are made from 100 percent waterproof Tyvek, and are a great way to separate wet items in your luggage. The compact size bag is reversible, fun print on one side, solid color on the back. They are machine washable, hang to dry and measure 8.5” Wide x 1.75” Deep x 6.5” Tall.
Why the Traveler in Your Life Will Love It: The traveler in your life will love that you thought about their trip enough to plan a special spot for their wet bathing suit. It’s something most people overlook — but very practical to separate any wet items from the rest of your luggage.
Cost: $17.99 on sale from $20.09 at Amazon
Best Ear Plugs: Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs 50 Pair
What It Is: Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs are highly rated by Amazon customers, made in the U.S. and doctor recommended. With a pack of 50 pairs these will last for many travels.
Why the Traveler in Your Life Will Love It: The traveler in your life will love having these in their luggage to ensure the best rest and naps no matter where they end up. If you are a light sleeper or suffering from jet lag, blocking out noise can be a life-saver for helping you fall asleep in a new place.
Cost: $14.97 at Amazon
Best Carry On Luggage: Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Luggage
What It Is: Samsonite Freeform Hardside Spinner is very highly rated (and a best seller) because it provides a lightweight, easy to roll suitcase option perfect for air travel. The 21-inch spinner weighs 6.5 pounds, offers a telescoping handle and four double spinner wheels allowing you to pivot in any direction easily.
Why the Traveler in Your Life Will Love It: Travelers love new suitcases, and the jet-set will be thrilled with this practical, highly rated gift. You can gift classic colors or something a little different (14 colors are available) including orange, red or blue.
Cost: $153.39 (orig. $189.99) at Amazon
Best Travel Experience Gift: Travelocity Things to Do
What It Is: Travelocity offers a wide variety of experiences. Search by destination and then explore all the activities available. Some experiences include sightseeing, tours, entry to landmarks, shopping excursions, day trips, concerts and shows. Every activity clearly states the refund or change policy so you can decide before you buy.
Why the Traveler in Your Life Will Love It: Every travel lover knows that the more experiences you have during each trip – the bigger and better the memories. This gift shows you value their love of travel.
Cost: $10+ at Travelocity
Best for Splurging: Luxury Escapes Gift Card
What It Is: This Australian travel company offers luxury trips including hotels, cars, flights, experiences and more. You must register as a member of Luxury Escapes on the Website before a Gift Card may be redeemed. Choose from the world’s best hotels and resorts, including exclusive 5-star properties.
Why the Traveler in Your Life Will Love It: It might be safe to say everyone would enjoy a luxury vacation. Give the gift of travel that works with their schedule, the Luxury Escapes Gift Card can be used for 3 years from the date of issue.
Cost: $50 – $2,000 at Luxuryescapes.com
Best for Flexibility: Hotels.com Gift Card
What It Is: Hotels.com, part of the Expedia Group, is a popular online platform that allows users to search for, compare, and book accommodations worldwide. It offers a wide range of lodging options, including hotels, resorts, vacation rentals, and more, in destinations around the globe. The platform provides detailed information, customer reviews, and pricing comparisons to help travelers find the perfect place to stay.
Why the Traveler in Your Life Will Love It: Give the gift of endless possibilities with a Hotels.com Gift Card, perfect for any special occasion. Unlock access to hundreds of thousands of places to stay worldwide. Available in denominations from $10 to $2,000 these gift cards have no expiration dates or fees.
Cost: $10+ at Hotels.com
Best for Surprise 4-Star Hotels: Hotwire Hot Rate Hotel Rooms
What It Is: Hotwire.com is an online travel booking platform that offers discounted rates on hotels, flights, rental cars, and vacation packages. The site is known for its “Hot Rate” deals, where travelers can book deeply discounted accommodations without knowing the exact name of the hotel until after the booking is complete. This model allows Hotwire to offer significant savings on high-quality hotels. In addition to hotels, Hotwire also provides discounts on flights and car rentals, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers looking to score great deals on their travel needs.
Why the Traveler in Your Life Will Love It: Travel lovers thrive on the unexpected. With a Hot Rate deal, there’s an element of surprise, but you can still choose your favorite neighborhood within the city before locking in your Hot Rate hotel.
Cost: $30+ at Hotwire.com
Best for Rewards Perks: Orbitz
What It Is: Orbitz is a well-known online travel booking platform that offers travel services, including flights, hotels, vacation packages, car rentals, and activities. It’s particularly recognized for its user-friendly website and mobile app, which allow travelers to compare prices, book accommodations, and manage their travel plans all in one place. Orbitz is known for its rewards program, Orbitz Rewards, where customers can earn “Orbucks” on bookings that can be redeemed for future travel. When you gift Orbitz as a Rewards member you can earn Orbucks and Gold or Platinum level members can unlock even more perks, like free TSA PreCheck.
Why the Traveler in Your Life Will Love It: Orbitz provides travelers with a wide range of options, from flights and hotels to vacation packages and activities. No matter what you’re looking for, Orbitz has something for everyone!
Cost: $25+ at Orbitz
Related: Looking for a new travel duffel bag? Check out our list of the best travel duffels here.
The post The Best Gifts for Travelers in 2024 appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
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