12 Frequent Travelers Must Have Gift Ideas

Travel Gift Ideas Making Bucket List Travel Destinations Easier

Every person who has traveled more than once knows that there are items they must have in their carry on and checked luggage to make the journey more comfortable. My list of frequent travelers must have gift ideas goes beyond the ubiquitous water bottle presenting a group of gifts travelers will love.

The items I love and use — I have personally tested them all — are listed below. Each of these items make wonderful gift ideas for the frequent travelers in your life. AND, it is perfectly okay if you are getting one of these travel gifts for yourself — those are some of the best gifts!

Here’s to enjoying the journey to your next bucket list destination in comfort! Carry On Travel gifts for yourself or gift ideas for your bestie.

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1. Noise Canceling Headphones

This is number one for me. I don’t go anywhere without my Beats Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones. It is easy to connect them with my Audible Books and catch up on my reading. I also use them for soft music when I want to sleep on the plane.

My favorite thing about noise canceling headphones is when my husband complains about the baby crying during the flight. My response, “What baby? I didn’t hear a baby crying.” Pure bliss!

Not inexpensive, these are for your favorite traveler. But who can put a price tag on long haul flights with uninterrupted sleep.

2. Apple AirTag

I just purchased my first set of Apple AirTags. Luckily, I have only had my luggage go missing once on a flight from Zurich to Athens. It was a group ski trip in Interlaken with a side trip to Greece. Everyone’s ski’s, boards, and boots arrived but none of the checked bags — they left an entire cart of luggage on the tarmac in Zurich. Yowza.

For our upcoming trip to South America, I thought it would be a good idea to test them out. Both of our flights have connections, we are transferring to a hotel, then the ship — lots of opportunity for bags to get delayed or go missing. A practical gift idea that could save you time and money.

My sister had one in her car when it was stolen, they got the car back in a few hours. That was the convincing moment for me. Brilliant! One of my tags will certainly be earmarked for my Jeep.

3. Portable Charger

I don’t know what I would do without my Fuel Rods. Even with a new iPhone, I still run out of battery. Taking videos, photos, and using the GPS runs the battery down quickly. It is comforting to know I have a battery boost when I am traveling. The last thing you need is your phone battery to die and you can’t get an uber or the address of your Airbnb is locked in your dead phone. My husband gave me my Fuel Rods, it was a great gift.

4. Multiple Device Charging Stand

A 3 in 1 Wireless Charging Stand multi charger has been part of my travel arsenal for over a year. Travel gadgets come and go. Some stand the test of time and others, not so much. Since I am perpetually packing and unpacking my electronics travel bag, anything that reduces the amount of tangled cords is a blessing.

When I discovered the iLive 3-in-1 Wireless Charger, I knew it would be a favorite travel goodie. There are now several upgraded generations of these 3-in-1 chargers, but mine is still going strong. It is like a mini power bank for my iPhone, Apple Watch, and Ipod bluetooth earbuds.

This charging station handles multiple Apple devices simultaneously while using only a single outlet. It is particularly handy for European hotels and cruising where the outlets (and travel adapter converters) can be somewhat limited. It helps me travel light (lighter) — less cords.

5. RFID Blocking Credit Card And Passport Holder

Thieves are getting more sophisticated and as tourists we need to keep up. When I purchased my new iPhone 14, I bought the ZVE iPhone Case with RFID blocking for everyday use.

For international travel, I wanted something a little more secure. The Fintie Passport Holder is perfect. It holds all my travel documents I need at the airport, then I can tuck it away in my carry on bag and not worry about someone electronically reading my information.

This is one of the best travel gift ideas — it can save you lots of time and headache from not having your identity stolen.

6. Travel Packing Cubes

Everyone talks about travel Packing Cubes. They are well used travel gear in my suitcase. I use them for weekend getaways and extended travel adventures.

I tightly roll like items in various packing cubes. My suitcase is neat, I can find just what I need, and my clothes don’t get too wrinkled. The biggest drawback is you have to open three or four cubes to complete your outfit. However, your suitcase does not burp up clothes all over your room.

Happy bonus, as you go through your clothes, a large packing cube makes a great laundry bag for your dirty clothes.

7. Walking Sticks

I have always had walking sticks. I carabine them to my LL Bean backpack whenever we go hiking. The older ones are fairly long even after you collapse them. They don’t travel well and bounce around sticking out of your backpack.

The new collapsable TREKOLOGY Hiking Poles fold down to an amazing 15 inches. They fit in almost any backpack and would be the perfect gift for someone who is an active traveler and carries travel gear for hiking. I just bought a pair for my upcoming South America adventure and I am a happy self gift recipient!

8. Luggage Tags

Of course, we all know that luggage tags are important. But adding a bright colorful tag to your bag is just one more way to quickly identify what is yours. This fun little personalized tag was a great gift from a good friend. Inexpensive travel gift ideas can sometimes be some of the greatest finds. These little tags would be a great stocking stuffer or hostess gift for someone who loves to travel.

An amazing travel gift idea is the gift of colorful luggage – read why you shouldn’t have the same luggage as everyone else.

9. Travel Journal

As a writer, I always carry a travel journal. I am forever scribbling notes and ideas in my journal. Digital nomads and bucket list adventurers alike need to stay organized. Keeping notes about where you are going, what to see, and where you have been are key to remembering your globe trotter exploits.

As you travel around the world, destinations can blend together a bit. For me, a travel journal helps keep all my adventures in order — I can remember restaurants, churches, and other experiences particular to a certain destination.

10. Cross Body Bag

I absolutely love my new Crossbody Sling Backpack Sling Bag. I have taken it on several trips now and I find it is a perfect size. Having a bag you can keep close and in the front of your body is a travel essential in my book. My RFID blocking holder, phone, hotel room key card, local map, sunglasses, and other necessities fit nicely in this backpack sling bag.

The strap is wide, so it’s comfy to carry and it is nylon so it cleans easily. It is not haute couture, but it is perfect for frequent travelers — male or female.

11. Priority Pass Lounge Access

This one is a little more expensive, however, it can make your airport layovers so much more comfortable. With my credit card, I am entitled to a Priority Pass card. This card gets me into many airport lounges across the world.

Having a clean and comfortable place that offers food and beverage while you wait for your flight is a game changer. Frequent flyers love being able to relax and enjoy a little luxury before embarking on their air travel journey.

12. Compression Socks

Okay, don’t laugh, they do look like granny socks. However, on long haul flights compression socks keep the swelling down. I don’t leave home without them.

I do, however, put them on just before I board. They can be hot when you are walking around the airport waiting for your flight. So they live in my carry on bag until it is time to que up to board.

The Perfect Gift For A Traveler

Whether you are gifting a fellow traveler or getting yourself a little present, these travel gifts will make everyone happy. With this list of frequent travelers must have gift ideas, you can ditch the water bottle pocket and neck pillow gifts. It’s time to explore travel gifts that will make a difference in how we approach travel.

Happy Travels,

Sandi

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PS

Don’t you just hate it when your phone battery is in the dreaded red zone? I always carry Fuel Rods with me. They give me a battery boost, they are rechargeable, and they work with iphones and androids. 

Travel health insurance when you are heading out of the country is an important consideration. Many policies don’t fully cover you outside of the US. I use Safety Wing for my international travels. I use the one-time coverage option for individual trips – luckily I haven’t had to use it, but it’s comforting to know I have it in place. And, if you are traveling in a country that may require you to be airlifted for proper medical attention, Medjet is the best option for evac insurance. 

If you know me, you know I love a glass of wine (or two). My favorite mail order wine company is Naked Wines. I order a case every month or so – no judgment please. I love that they work with small independent winemakers and I get to choose what wine I want and when I want it delivered.