Do you have a traveler in your life? Do you want to get them a gift that you know they will actually use and love? We have you covered! Below, you’ll find all of our travel essentials that we think the traveler in your life will love!
On this list, Matt & I share most of these items when we are traveling. If you want a Gift List for Men Travelers Click HERE or if you want a Gift List for Women Click HERE! HERE is a link to all our Shopping Lists!
This article may contain affiliate links. This means that when you click on products we recommend through a link, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support! This helps us put out more quality content for you!
Luggage
Luggage is such an important part of any travel experience. With all the options, it can be overwhelming to choose. We have a couple of favorites depending on the situation. Backpacking across multiple countries? THIS one is perfect...
Do you need a travel set for any occasion? Try THIS
How about a foldable duffle bag incase you pack too much and need an extra checked bag? HERE you go!
Luggage Scale
We use this luggage scale on EVERY trip that we are checking luggage. Everyone hates being at the ticket counter trying to check in for your flight and your bag is overweight! Then you’re stuck having to take things out and hold up the line. THIS scale eliminates that headache (and embarrassment)!! 1000% recommend!
Luggage Tags
Luggage tags are SO IMPORTANT! THIS tag should be on EVERY ONE of your bags! In the case that the airline loses your luggage, you accidentally leave it at a restaurant, or any other number of ways your luggage could be misplaced, luggage tags are the only way for anyone to know how to contact you. Always update your cell phone number or the international number that you will have during your travels.
Packing Cubes
We never used them until our trip to Europe (carrying backpacks) and we fell in love with our compression packing cubes! We were able to squeeze 3 weeks worth of clothes into a carry on sized backpack making room for other essentials. This set also includes a laundry bag which is a must when traveling!
Passport Wallet
We use an RFID protected travel wallet that also houses our Passports when traveling. It's super convenient to have everything in one place for travel days. But always make sure it’s in a secure place in case you encounter pickpockets!
Power Adapter
If you are traveling outside of the United States you will need some good adapters. Here is if you prefer the single. We like having a couple of those and one of THESE power strips with the USB adapters! Super convenient and really a must when traveling overseas.
Sleeping on the Go
(Neck Pillow, Ear Plugs, Eye Mask and Blanket)
You can purchase a bundle that includes all of these items, but we have found they are never that good. So, please don’t waste your money! THIS neck pillow is awesome!! We love the fact that it’s so compact and easily storable, and we actually get decent sleep with it! THIS eye mask is AMAZING! THIS blanket is so cozy. THESE ear plugs are really comfortable and really block out sound. We use these in public places like the airplane, airport, or if we’re staying in an Airbnb that’s brighter than we’re used to.
Gift Cards
What traveler wont LOVE a gift card for their travels? We love Airbnb, Hotels.com, Uber, or any airline!
The gift of Experiences
Another great gift idea are experiences. We LOVE using Viator
Tripadvisor or Groupon to book our experiences
Noise Cancelling Headphones
We love to watch movies and listen to music and podcasts when we travel, so headphones are a MUST! We recommend THESE headphones and THESE for sport buds.
Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Imagine having a picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower, or watching the sunset in Big Sur. One way to take your experience up a notch is with your favorite tunes! For this reason, we always bring a small portable bluetooth speaker! Here’s a few that we recommend... The WonderBoom is a great option or the JBL that has a clip!
Cord Organizers
We have so many cords, chargers, external hard drives etc… Everyone needs a place to keep them organized and accessible. THIS is perfect for rolling and if you need more room THIS one is a bit bigger!
Travel First Aid Kit & Medicine Holder
We always travel with THIS compact first aid kit. You never know when you may need first aid, so better safe than sorry! (This kit doesn't come with Neosporin but we add that in instead of buying something more bulky.)
We also use THIS medicine holder for medications that we may need such as motion sickness, diarrhea, benadryl, antacid, antihistamine, pain & fever, sleep aid.
Reusable or Collapsible Water Bottle
If you’re traveling a lot and on the go, you’ll want to pack as light as possible. A collapsible water bottle is perfect to keep in your backpack or purse. We love THESE and use them on every trip! Natalie also swears by her Brita Water Bottle if there is room to pack it!
Toiletry Organizer
THIS toiletry organizer is a MUST! It comes in medium or large and they both fit a lot of product. We like that it has a hook and that you can see everything when you open it.
Toiletry Reusable Containers
Instead of buying travel sized products, we like to use our favorite products in THESE containers. We can’t recommend these enough. We love the variety of bottle sizes. They fit shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, sunscreen, aloe, hair detangler etc.
Smell Good Stuff
These things are important but sometimes overlooked. Poo Pourri is a game changer for small living spaces with only one bathroom! Also THESE Shoe Deodorizers are AMAZING! We walk a lot when we travel so these are necessary!!
Travel Weather Items
It’s always good to prepare for rainy weather even if it says it won't rain. THIS compact umbrella is perfect and doesn’t take up too much space. Also here are our compact rain jackets HIS & HERS!
TSA Approved Tool
THIS is a game changer! It is TSA approved so you will be able to take it on the plane with you but we always try to check it just to be safe. It’s great when you need pliers, scissors etc.
E- Kindle
Natalie loves to read while traveling. The Kindle is easy on the eyes and is way more compact than a stack of books.
International Sims Cards or WiFi Hotspot
We used THIS SIM Card for our Europe trip and it was amazing! We love using International SIM cards because they are so much less expensive than using your service provider. If using Wifi is a concern, try THIS Wifi hotspot.
Perfume or Cologne Travel Sized
Fragrances are expensive and no one wants to spend more money on travel fragrance. THIS is perfect to put your favorite cologne or perfume in and use it traveling or on the go when you are home. It comes with all the tools.
Metal Cables (Multi-purpose)
THESE are great for locking your bags together or to other secure objects at your airbnb or hotel for extra safety. Or you can even lock your purse to a cafe chair if it’s super crowded and you want a little extra peace of mind. It's also great for making sure your GoPro is hooked to something stable in case your magnetic or suction cup mount fail.
MicroFiber Towel
Less time drying and more time exploring! THIS is so great for hikes, hot springs, or any adventure that involves water (or sweat)! You never know when you will find the perfect swimming hole!
Plastic Hair Nets
We know what you are thinking… These are for your shoes!!! THESE keep all the dirt off your clothes especially when you are on the move traveling from city to city.
SPLURGE WORTHY
Travel Camera & Gear
Its always good to capture your travel memories! Check out our GEAR LIST, which includes both of our cameras, Go Pro, Drone, and plenty of accessories.
We hope this Gift Guide was helpful! Let us know your favorite essential travel gifts to give others!