Last Updated: 12/2/20 | December 2nd, 2020
Travelers can be a fickle group of people to buy gifts for. We’re constantly coming and going, we usually don’t carry a lot of stuff with us, and no two travelers are alike so finding the perfect gift for the traveler in your life can be tricky.
While a plane ticket is never a bad idea (I’m a window seat in case anyone is thinking of getting me one), I’ve put together this ultimate holiday gift guide for travelers as there’s a lot of great travel gear out there these days that helps people travel cheaper and better.
Even me, the gear-adverse traveler, likes a lot of this stuff!
This is stuff I actually think is super useful. No nonsense. No fluff. Just the best gifts for intrepid travelers and globetrotting nomads!
Table of Contents
Gifts Under $25
1. Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are an awesome tool to help you stay organized while you travel. Whether you’re a budget backpacker or traveling with half a dozen suitcases, packing cubes will keep you organized as you travel the world. They come in a variety of sizes, allowing you to store items big and small. If you know a traveler who needs a hand staying organized, this is the gift for them! (If you want something nicer and better quality, check out these ones!)
2. Travel Padlock
This simple item is one of the most important for the budget traveler. Since many hostels have lockers, backpackers need to have their own travel lock when they’re on the road. While you can usually rent them at hostels, those prices add up after a while. I never leave home without a lock because I know it will come in handy.
3. Earplugs
Anyone who has ever stayed in a hostel knows that a quality pair of earplugs is a necessity. From chronic snorers to late-night drinkers to copulating couples in creaking bunks, hostels are known for their less-than-quiet accommodation. Add some earplugs to your shopping list. Because the gift of a good sleep is priceless!
4. DryFox Quick Dry Travel Towel
Unless you’re only staying at hotels or using Airbnb, you’re going to need to bring a towel when you travel. Having a lightweight, quick-drying towel makes a huge difference when you’re on the road since regular towels are too bulky and heavy (and they take a long time to dry). Get a travel towel for your next trip so you can travel light. They’re a compact, quick-drying solution that every backpacker needs. (Use code “nomadicmatt” for 15% off your purchase!)
5. Travel Adapter
Nothing is more tedious than arriving to a new destination only to realize you can’t charge your devices because the electrical outlets are different. That’s why you’ll need a travel adapter. They’re a simple accessory. There’s a million out there but this is one I use as it covers every region of the world and comes with USB ports too. It’s cheap, easy to use, and lightweight. Everything you need in an adapter.
6. Scratch Travel Maps from Landmass
Scratch maps are a fun way to keep track of your past travels while helping you stay inspired as you plan your future trips. You simply scratch off the parts of the world you’ve been. Simple. Easy. Landmass is my favorite company that makes these, though there are plenty of other companies that make them now so you can find them in all sorts of sizes and colors.
7. Passport Holder
A passport holder is a must-have for any avid traveler. Not only does it protect your passport from wear and tear, it makes your travels much more convenient. Most passport holders have slots for your travel credit cards as well as any cash you have, making it a safe and convenient way to keep your valuables secure while you travel. While there are tons of expensive and fancy passport holders out there, a simple one will get the job done and save you money in the process (money you can spend on more travels!).
8. Hand-drawn Food Maps
These are unique, hand-drawn typographic maps of food from Legal Nomads and artist Ella Frances Sanders. They make a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves to eat and travel (and who doesn’t!). They come in a variety of sizes too! Jodi’s maps are the best! (Use the code NOMADICMATT to save 10%)
9. Moleskine Notebook
I never leave home without one of these. They are the perfect notebook for journaling during your trip as well as for writing down travel notes such as directions, contact information, and language tips. I think everyone needs to write more during their travels so they have something to look back on (other than photos).
10. Exploration Journal
If you want a travel journal that isn’t just blank pages (like my boring moleskine) but rather has space for itinerary planning, places to jot notes in the local language, a packing list, and much more (including a map you can fill in as you travel), get the Exploration Journal. It was designed specifically with travelers in mind, so you can take notes and write down stories and reflections during your travels. It’s the perfect gift for the avid traveler.
11. Travel Books
Few things can inspire you to travel like a good book. They can transport you to new places and keep your wanderlust stoked while you work towards making your own travel dreams a reality. If you’ve got an avid reader who loves to travel on your holiday list (or if you’re just looking for something to read over the holidays), get a travel book. Books are the best gift in the world and on my Amazon page you can get a list of all the best travel books I’ve read over the years.
12. Celiac Travel Cards
My friend Jodi from Legal Nomads created these helpful travel cards for anyone traveling with Celiac disease. They are in-depth resources that communicate your concerns to restaurant staff in a way that allows anyone traveling with the disease to have a worry-free meal. If you or someone you love has Celiac disease, these travel cards are a useful resource! (Use the code NOMADICMATT for 10% off!)
13. Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo is a convenient liquid-free alternative to regular shampoo. It’s a useful minimalist solution for budget travelers who travel carry-on only and an eco-friendly choice as well. Natural dry shampoos absorb the grease and oil in your hair, keeping it clean while you’re on the road — and with minimal effort too. It works for all types of hair and hair lengths as well so you don’t need to shave your head or do anythign drastic either.
14. Ten Years a Nomad
This book is my memoir about my ten years traveling and backpacking the world, my philosophy on travel, and the lessons I learned that can help you travel better. It takes you on a trip around the world from start to finish: getting the bug, the planning, setting off, the highs, the lows, the friends, what happens when you come back — and the lessons and advice that come with all that. People have been really enjoying and connecting with it and I think you or any other traveler would love it!! (Plus, getting it helps support everything we do here!)
15. Donate to Charity!
For the traveler in your life who has everything, why not make a donation to charity on their behalf! FLYTE is an awesome charity that I started back in 2015 to help high school students in underserved communities experience the transformational power of travel. Every year we send a new group of students abroad, but we can’t do it without your help!
16. Get the Books to Get You Outdoors!
If you’ve been following my blog, chances are you’ve noticed I’m not much of a camper. Sure, I love the outdoors but I never sleep well in a tent. That’s where “glamping” — a mix of “glamorous” and “camping” — comes in. My friends Mike and Anne from HoneyTrek wrote the go-to book on glamping in North America. It’s the perfect gift for anyone who likes the outdoors but also appreciates a little extra comfort.
And for more outdoor adventures, my friend Renee wrote an in-depth guide to America’s National Parks called Roaming America. It’s full of detailed itineraries, insider tips, and personal recommendations. It’s a must for any road tripper or nature lover on your shopping list!
Gifts Under $100
17. Menstrual Cup
Menstrual cups are reusable, eco-friednly feminine hygiene products. While I can’t speak to their effectiveness personally, tons of female travelers I know are huge fans. It can be a hassle trying to find the products you need while abroad, making this a simple, effective, and affordable addition to your toiletry kit.
18. Trtl Travel Pillow
Travel pillows are perfect for those long-haul flights, delayed buses, and airport naps. Every traveler needs to have a travel pillow on hand to maximize that downtime and time in transit, and Trtl pillows are the best on the market. They help prevent jetlag and make even the longest, most uncomfortable trip a little more bearable.
19. Suavs shoes
Suavs shoes are super versatile and durable, making them perfect for traveling. Whether you’re just exploring the city or in need of something that looks a bit fancier, these shoes can do it all so you don’t have to pack multiple shoes. They are flexible, light, washable, and breathable. I love them! (They look great too!)
20. Travel Headlamp
This is a handy tool for both backpackers and anyone looking to do any hiking or camping. In a hostel, a headlamp is helpful if you need to check in or out but don’t want to disturb your fellow travelers. For outdoorsy folks, they’re useful for hiking, setting up camp in the dark, and for emergencies.
21. LifeStraw
Environmentally, pollution from single-use plastics is something every traveler has witnessed. And, monetarily, when you’re traveling, continuiously buying water gets expensive. Do your part to help the planet by traveling with a reusable filter. LifeStraw is an awesome brand with a built in water filter. The filters last 5 years so you save money on changing them too.
22. Superstar Blogging
Is there someone on your list looking to start a new career? Why not give them a leg up and enroll them in Superstar Blogging! We offer comprehensive courses on blogging and travel writing that outline everything you need to know to succeed in the travel industry. You’ll learn from me and other top travel experts on how to level up your game, reduce mistakes, and get you heard above the noise!
Gifts Over $100
23. Travel Backpack
If you’ve got a budget traveler on your holiday list, a travel backpack is the gift that keeps on giving. A well-made bag will last for years and through dozens of adventures. Having a reliable travel backpack is one of the most important items for a traveler.
My favorite bag is the Flash 45 from REI but other companies worth checking out for high-quality bags are Osprey, Nomatic, and MEC (for Canadians).
Some bags worth checking out are:
- Men’s Osprey Farpoint 40
- Women’s Osprey Fairview 40
- Pacsafe Venturesafe X40 Anti-Theft Adventure Travel Pack
(For a different backpack, check out my guide finding the right backpack for more options!)
24. Versatile Travel Clothing from Unbound Merino
These travel clothes are some of the most versatile on the market. Made from merino wool, Unbound offers clothing that can be worn daily for weeks (and months!) without getting smelly. They are perfect for the traveler who wants to pack lighter. I really love the material, they’re comfortable, they hardly ever need a wash, and they last forever!
25. Eco-friendly Luggage from Samsonite
If you’re in need of proper luggage, Samsonite has been a go-to brand for durable, reliable luggage for ages. Now, I’m a backpack guy but I love this new luggage set. It’s made from 100% recycled plastic! Every little part of it! I can get behind something that environmentally friendly. It also comes with a limited 10 year warranty too in case something goes wrong.
26. MacBook Air
This is my favorite travel computer. It’s light, it’s powerful enough for regular use, and the battery life lasts a long time. While an iPad might be another potential travel choice, I find the Air much more versatile — especially with their new M1 chip. You can just do a lot more with it. When I’m on the road, this is the laptop I travel with.
27. iPhone
While not a cheap phone, the iPhone 12 has such a high-tech camera that you don’t need to take a traditonal camera with you when you travel. It has a solid battery life, a grat lens, beautiful screen, and, is overall, just awesome. True, I’m an Apple fanboy so I might be biased but hey, it’s my list!
For a less-expensive phone with an equally awesome camera, check out the Google Pixel. It’s less than half the price and has an excellent camera.
28. Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
These are ideal for those long flights or bus trips as they block out background noise so you can read, work, or sleep without being disturbed. The wireless Bose QuietComfort 35 headphones are fan favorites and my go-to brand. They are comfortable, rechargable, and do an amazing job at removing background noise. If you’re on a budget, consider the QuietComfort 25 instead.
29. Mophie External Battery
These days, we all travel with numerous electronic devices like phones and tablets. It can be hard to keep them all charged. An external battery solves that problem. Two high-output USB ports make this external battery incredibly convenient, and it can charge up to 100 hours of battery in one go.
30. Kindle
While I personally prefer to read physical books, I can’t argue against the convenience and simplicity of the Kindle. Hauling around physical books is a pain if you’re traveling often. With a Kindle, you can pack over 1,000 books into a single device and many versions can also use apps and access the internet. It’s a wonderful gift for the avid reader.
31. GoPro Hero 9 Black
Every traveler needs a camera, and few are as versatile and durable as the GoPro. They’re incredible for photos and video no matter the climate. They’re waterproof and are perfect for both everyday city exploring as well as more extreme and adventurous activities. They’re just awesome. If the Hero 9 is too pricey, grab the 8. It’s just as good and a bit cheaper!
32. Fashionable Travel Wear from Bluffworks
For fashionable travel and work clothing, check out Bluffworks. Their versatile travelwear is perfect for business trips, romantic getaways, or for any trip where you want to look your best. Their clothing balances comfort and style, making them the perfect choice for the fashionable traveler. Best of all, they donate a portion of their profits to our charity FLYTE!
Whether you’re searching for the perfect holiday gift for a traveler in your life or just looking for some holiday inspiration for yourself, this list will help you find an awesome gift for the holidays. No matter your budget, there is something here for you that will help you level up your travels or the travels of a loved one.
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- SafetyWing (best for nomads)
- World Nomads (most comprehensive)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
- Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)
Ready to Book Your Trip?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.
Veronika Primm
Love how you included also Jodi’s food maps! 🙂 I’ve been thinking about LifeStraw and might give it a go soon!
Ron P.T.
Lifestraw doesn’t work on virus. So, it’s essentially worthless in developing countries. Real travelers need purifiers, not filters.
NomadicMatt
LifeStraw actually does make a couple versions that filter viruses.
Karen
I personally travel with a SteriPen over a LifeStraw. Both have their merits but with a SteriPen I can clean water for other people which I do all the time, more money and fewer plastic bottles in the world! Plus when I’m hiking/backpacking I can clean water for cooking without having to boil it first.
Karen
I LOVE merino wool tops and was thrilled to find out there’s another company out there. Sadly though that’s just for the guys, they have exactly 1 top for women, in 1 color. Lots of choices for men, I don’t know why it’s so much harder to make more stuff for women.
Sunny Morris
Another brand that works the same way is Ably. Check them out. They have alot of women’s clothing.
Joanna Meaden
Also Icebreaker, Macpac
Dave Bruneau
Matt,
Love the site, and I most certainly have enjoyed the great content. I’ve been itching to go somewhere and escape the Canadian winter, but no matter what Amsterdam is where it will start, just love that city!
Just wanted to say, the simplest little things can trigger emotions from past trips, encounters with other travelers etc. and going through this list and I saw the Alchemist. A fellow traveler gave me that book and I read it on a bus in Ireland. That book moved me deeply and forever changed my outlook on many aspects of my life. So, in a long-winded way, I guess I’m saying, thanks.
For some reason, it always amazes me how the experiences we have while exploring this amazing planet can forever change us. Keep up the good work and the world can be small, hope to cross paths somewhere along the way!
Priscilla
Why are most items listed with links to purchase through Amazon and not directly through the company websites themselves? Is it because you are using affiliate links and get a kickback? I ask because I try to shop local where possible or directly from vendors rather than feed the monopoly when possible. I do love Amazon for free shipping Prime when time is of the essence or when my local shop is out of an item and I can’t find it on the manufacturer’s website – handy because someone usually has it online in Amazon. Just curious and not judging Matt… ?
NomadicMatt
Yeah, these are affiliate links. There’s a disclaimer at the bottom. It doesn’t matter to me if you get them through those links or not. Shop local. Either way, these are still the products I recommend. The affiliate links generate some commission that help us stay ad free.
Sherry
I have never heard of toothpaste bites! Mind blown! Now I need to try those since we travel a lot. Ear plugs are a must. Lots of great ideas!
Gloria Jackson
Have you ever tried a Sterpen? Makes water anywhere safe to drink. Small, easy to use, no more throwing away plastic water bottles. I have had mine for 5 years and would not travel without it.
Ioana Stoica
Great list! I didn’t even know toothpaste bites existed! I’m traveling for 4 months in January and will look into getting the bites and the water filtration, those seem really helpful while on the road. Blows my mind how many things we have available these days to ease travel.
Marca Taylor
Love the site! Travel pillows are a must! Cant get on the plane without it…We mostly RV travel but great items here..
Alek Zayas-Dorchak
Toothpaste bites were new to me. Must be part of the new trend of finding alternatives to liquids, like sunscreen sticks. Really cool list! I’m getting some great ideas for my girlfriend from here.
Carrie Campbell
Love this list! Toothpaste bites are also new to me. May have to try that for our trip to Southern Africa next summer.
Gary Francis
My noise-cancelling headphones broke in September so am hoping for a replacement set for Christmas. They really are a necessity for me now, especially on long haul flights. I can’t do without them.
Hannah Jones
I would definitely go for the travel adapter, packing cubes, and toothpaste bites for those that are under $25 and Trtl Travel Pillow which is under $100. These will be very useful to me and can be go-to gifts to my friends and family as we all love to travel. I’m gonna go order them so that I’ll be more prepared for our 2021 travel adventures. Thank you for this blog!
Sharika
I just love those No Drought Dry Shampoo from Lush. Was just quickly scrolling through but stopped by seeing the shampoo. Thanks for sharing the list.
Traveling or not, just going to keep one for myself handy.