Imagine the excitement of ticking off another destination from your bucket list, the rush of navigating through unfamiliar streets, and the peace that comes from watching a sunset far from home.
Whether you’re a college student gearing up for a semester abroad or planning a backpacking trip with friends, the journey ahead is bound to be an adventure of a lifetime.
I am a seasoned traveler who has journeyed across continents and countries like Turkey, Morocco, and Jamaica. I’m here to help you, or someone you know, make the most of this adventure. I’ve put together a list of the best travel gifts. These aren’t just any gifts; they’re the essentials every traveler should have in their backpack or suitcase. They promise to make your travels not only memorable but also a lot more manageable and fun.
This post is all about the best Gifts for someone travelling abroad.

Best Gifts for Someone Traveling Abroad
Traveling opens up a world of experiences that are as exhilarating as they are enlightening, especially when you’re young and setting off on your own or with friends for the first time. It’s about more than just seeing new places; it’s about discovering who you are in the vast magnificence of the world.
So, if the wanderlust has got you ready to explore, or if you’re looking for the perfect present for a globe-trotting buddy, stick around. These gift ideas are sure to prepare anyone for the exciting road ahead.
For All Travelers
Tech Gadgets
Universal travel adapter
A universal travel adapter is an excellent gift for anyone traveling to different countries. It ensures that electronic devices can be charged no matter the plug type, providing peace of mind and easy access to power in foreign countries.
Portable charger/power bank with USB Ports
Long flights and days of exploration can drain your cell phone’s battery faster than you’d expect. A high-quality portable charger with multiple USB ports is a game-changer. It ensures your phone stays charged, so you can navigate foreign streets, translate languages, and capture memories without worrying about finding the next power outlet.
My personal experience with portable charger while on holiday
When I was in Jamaica, I left my phone on charge all night, thinking it would be fully charged in the morning. By the time I was dressed and ready to leave with my family to go to Dunns river falls, I realized that my phone wasn’t charged at all, turned out it was plugged in but not charging and I didn’t have time to wait for it to charge before leaving. I was totally bummed out and annoyed with myself.
On the journey, when I was searching through my backpack, I realized I had a portable charger in my backpack, I plugged it into my phone, hoping there was enough juice left in it to charge my phone, even if it was just enough for me to take a few photos. To my relief, the portable charger was fully charged; it charged my phone to full, and I spent the whole day taking photos and videos and documenting the most wonderful trip ever. Having a portable charger saved the day.
Portable hard drive
For the old-school digital nomad or any traveler who loves to document their journey extensively through photos and videos (and doesn’t have a cloud subscription), a portable hard drive is a fantastic gift.
It offers a backup solution for all the precious memories captured, without worrying about losing data or running out of space on their devices. It’s a practical gift that offers peace of mind, allowing travelers to capture as many moments as they wish.
Noise-canceling headphones offer an oasis of calm in the midst of crowded airports, noisy planes, and long-haul flights, transforming it into a peaceful journey. They improve sound quality, allowing you to enjoy music, movies, or silence without the extra cost of your peace of mind.
Traveling expert Hayley from the petite traveller recommended the Bose QuietComfort noise-cancelling headphones as one of the items she’s currently loving.
Smart Phones
For those who take their travel photography seriously, you can use your smart phone to represent the perfect balance between the high-quality images and the compact design of point-and-shoots.
They are lightweight, making them ideal for travelers who are always on the move but still wish to capture their experiences in stunning detail. Offering the best of both worlds, it’s a great gift for aspiring photographers wanting to elevate their travel photography game.
Kindle or E-reader
A Kindle or e-reader is not just a tool for passing time; it’s a gateway to endless stories and information, making each waiting period or travel downtime an opportunity for discovery and enjoyment. It’s a thoughtful way to bring the comfort and adventure of reading to a loved one, ensuring they have a lightweight library at their fingertips, ready to accompany them to any destination.
This makes it one of the best travel gifts for avid readers and curious minds alike, offering both convenience and the joy of reading without the extra weight in their luggage.
Travel Essentials
High-quality, durable luggage

For travel lovers embarking on their first trip or seasoned digital nomads, high-quality, durable luggage is more than a convenience—it’s a necessity.
It ranks among the best travel gift ideas, offering water-resistant protection, ample space, and the kind of durability that can handle the hustle of train stations and long journeys, making every adventure more seamless and enjoyable.
Carry-On Bag with Durable Design
A carry-on bag with a durable design and thoughtful compartments is a lifesaver for frequent flyers and business travelers. It ensures that all travel essentials and important documents are within arm’s reach, providing a seamless airport experience.
Opt for one with a built-in USB port for charging electronic devices, making it a perfect travel gift for those who need to stay connected.
Fanny Packs

Fanny packs have made a fashionable comeback and are incredibly practical for travelers. They allow easy access to essentials like cell phones, passports, and credit cards, all while keeping hands free for taking photos or holding a gelato in Rome. With different styles and colors, it’s a fun and functional gift that ensures valuables are safe and accessible.
Packing cubes and organizers

Packing cubes are a huge help in keeping your luggage organized and maximizing much-needed space. For frequent travelers, these are a great way to compartmentalize clothes, electronics, and travel essentials, making packing and unpacking a breeze.
Travel pillow and eye mask set
A travel pillow and eye mask set allow you to sleep comfortably anywhere.
The combination of a supportive travel pillow and a soft eye mask can make a huge difference in resting well during flights or train rides. They’re essential for arriving at your destination refreshed and ready to explore.
Water bottle
Hydration is key, especially during long haul flights and road trips. A foldable water bottle is not only a sustainable choice, but its compact design and durability make it a perfect travel companion, ensuring you have easy access to water wherever you go.
Portable luggage scale

A portable luggage scale is an ideal gift for avid travelers and frequent flyers, serving as a game changer in managing luggage weight before international flights.
Its compact size, ease of use, and accuracy make it a great stocking stuffer, ensuring travelers can avoid excess baggage fees and have more space for bringing back unique travel gifts from new countries, and even better, it can save someone from the stress of repacking at the airport.
Safety and Security
Anti-theft backpacks or bags
An anti-theft backpack or bag is a critical investment for any world traveler, combining high-quality, water-resistant materials with innovative security features to protect valuables from theft.
This makes it not just a good idea, but a necessary one for frequent flyers and international adventurers, ensuring peace of mind as they explore new cities and landscapes, and solidifying its place on the list of the best gifts for travelers.
Travel insurance voucher
Gifting a travel insurance voucher is the best way to show care for a loved one’s safety during international travel, offering them peace of mind with coverage for unexpected incidents, from lost luggage to medical emergencies, making it an essential and thoughtful present for any frequent flyer.
Portable door lock or safety alarm
A portable door lock or safety alarm is a must-have for any traveler’s peace of mind, offering an extra layer of security in hotel rooms or rentals making it a high-quality, thoughtful gift that ensures the safety and comfort of your favorite globetrotters, regardless of where their adventures take them.
RFID-blocking wallet
In today’s digital age, protecting one’s identity is paramount. An RFID-blocking wallet is not just a thoughtful gift; it’s a necessary safeguard against digital theft. It protects credit cards and passports from unauthorized scans, ensuring all important documents are safe.
This is especially crucial in foreign countries, where travelers are often targeted. It’s a small investment that can save a huge amount of trouble, making it a great travel gift idea for peace of mind.
Passport holder and Luggage tags
A chic passport holder keeps important travel documents organized and easily accessible, which is crucial in busy airports and new cities. Pair it with a stylish luggage tag for a perfect gift combo that adds a personal touch to their travel gear.
Comfort and Convenience
Compact travel umbrella

Investing in a high-quality, compact travel umbrella is a smart choice for any avid traveler, as its water-resistant design and easy portability make it an essential accessory for staying comfortable and dry, whether navigating the unpredictable weather of a new country or dashing from the hotel room to the nearest cafe.
Lightweight, quick-dry towel

A lightweight, quick-dry towel is an indispensable travel companion for the international traveler. Offering a compact, high-quality solution for space-saving packing and ensuring you always have a dry towel, whether after a swim in the sea or a shower in a hostel, making it one of the best gift ideas for adventurers who value practicality and efficiency.
Travel journal or diary

Encourage your favorite traveler to document their experiences in a travel journal. It’s not just a way to preserve memories but also a means to reflect on their adventures. It’s a unique travel gift that becomes more valuable with time.
Toiletry bag and Quality travel-sized toiletries kit
A toiletry bag with a compact design is a must-have for any traveler. It offers easy access to personal care items, helping travelers stay organized and fresh, even on long-haul flights or in cramped hotel rooms. Opt for one made from water-resistant materials for extra durability and protection against spills.
Compression Socks

Compression socks are a great choice for frequent flyers.
For those long flights, compression socks are a lifesaver. They help reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and leg swelling, making them a great gift for any international traveler.
Gifts for Her
Fashion and Comfort
Stylish yet comfortable walking shoes
Investing in stylish yet comfortable walking shoes is a game changer for travelers, blending form and function to ensure long days of exploration are done in comfort and style, making it a perfect gift for those who wish to traverse new cities and landscapes without sacrificing their look or well-being.
Versatile scarf or pashmina that can double as a blanket
A versatile scarf or pashmina that doubles as a blanket is an ingenious travel accessory, offering both style and practicality by providing warmth during long flights or unexpected chills, making it a high-quality, space-saving gift appreciated by any traveler looking to pack smart and stay comfortable.
Compact jewelry organizer for travel
A compact jewelry organizer for travel is a relatable essential, keeping your cherished pieces untangled and accessible, ensuring you look your best in all those social media travel snaps, and proving itself as a thoughtful, space-efficient gift for those who love to accessorize on the go.
Merino Wool Layers
Traveling through different climates requires versatile clothing options. Merino wool layers are perfect as they regulate body temperature, are naturally odor-resistant, and wick moisture away, making them ideal for long flights or unexpected weather changes. This makes merino wool garments a great travel gift for those heading to destinations with varying climates.
Beauty and Wellness
Portable skincare mini fridge
A portable skincare mini fridge is the ultimate luxury gift for travelers, offering a cool haven for skincare products to remain effective and refreshing, a delightful comfort for those long trips (maybe not for international travellers), and a way to maintain a piece of their daily ritual, no matter where in the world they are.
Travel-sized luxury skincare and beauty products
Travel-sized luxury skincare and beauty products are not just practical, fitting easily into any travel bag, but also a way to bring a touch of indulgence and self-care to the travel experience, making them a perfect gift to help travelers feel pampered and refreshed, even on the go.
Compact hair dryer with international voltage
A compact hair dryer with international voltage compatibility is a must-have for any traveler wanting to look their best, providing the convenience of quick styling anywhere in the world and making it an excellent gift for those who value both practicality and maintaining their style across different countries.
Lip Balm and Skincare Products
The dry, recycled air on planes can take a toll on the skin. Lip balm and travel-sized skincare products are not just thoughtful; they’re essential for maintaining hydration and preventing discomfort on long flights. Opt for natural, nourishing ingredients to ensure they’re gentle on the skin and suitable for different climates.
Personalization
Customized travel itinerary planner
A customized travel itinerary planner is a thoughtful gift that takes the stress out of planning, allowing travelers to focus on the excitement of exploration and making every moment count, especially in those long-awaited destinations, making it an ideal choice for those who cherish organization and seamless adventures.
Engraved jewelry with a travel-themed design
Engraved jewelry with a travel-themed design serves as a deeply personal and cherished gift, capturing memories of adventures past and dreams of journeys to come, making it a perfect keepsake for any traveler to carry a piece of their wanderlust with them wherever they go.
Scratch-Off World Map
For the traveler who dreams of seeing every corner of the globe, a scratch-off world map is not just a gift; it’s a source of inspiration. It allows them to visually track their travels, scratching off each country or city as they go. It’s a fun, interactive gift that adds a decorative element to their space and serves as a conversation starter about their adventures.
Travel books
Gifting travel books to adventurers not only fuels their wanderlust with inspiration and invaluable insights into new destinations but also serves as a high-quality, portable companion for long journeys, making it a thoughtful present that enriches the travel experience and broadens horizons.
Gifts for Him
Gear these gifts towards practicality and efficiency, with a touch of sophistication for the male traveler.
Tech and Gadgets
High-end travel drone
Owning a high-end travel drone transforms any trip by capturing breathtaking, bird’s-eye views of destinations, making it a coveted gift for travelers eager to share unique perspectives and stunning visuals of their journeys on social media, elevating their travel documentation to extraordinary levels.
Smart travel watch with fitness tracking
A smart travel watch with fitness tracking is not just a stylish accessory but a practical tool for travelers to stay connected and monitor their health on the go, making it an excellent gift for those who prioritize both their fitness and their adventures, ensuring they never miss a step, no matter where in the world they are.
Portable espresso maker for coffee enthusiasts
A portable espresso maker is a dream come true for coffee enthusiasts who travel, allowing them to enjoy a high-quality cup of coffee. Making it a perfect gift for those who cherish their coffee ritual and want to ensure they start every day of their adventure with the perfect brew. I wouldn’t recommend taking it with your internationally though.
Adventure and Outdoors
Lightweight, packable down jacket
A lightweight, packable down jacket is essential for travelers, offering warmth without the bulk and fitting easily into any bag, making it an excellent gift for those who want to stay comfortable in varying climates while saving space for other travel essentials.
Multi-tool
A high-quality stainless steel multi-tool is the ultimate companion for any traveler, providing a versatile solution for unexpected repairs and tasks on the go, making it a practical and cherished gift for those who love being prepared for anything their adventure throws at them.
Waterproof portable Bluetooth speaker
A waterproof portable Bluetooth speaker is an ideal travel accessory, offering high-quality sound and durability for music lovers who want to soundtrack their adventures, from beach parties to mountain retreats, making it a great gift that enhances every moment with their favorite tunes, rain or shine.
Luxury and Style
Designer leather passport cover
A designer leather passport cover not only adds a touch of elegance and personality to a traveler’s most important document but also offers durable, water-resistant protection, making it a perfect gift for those who appreciate both style and practicality in their travel essentials.
Premium noise-canceling wireless earbuds
Premium noise-canceling wireless earbuds are a travel must-have, transforming long flights and noisy environments into oases of calm and focus, making them an invaluable gift for any traveler looking to enjoy their favorite music or podcasts without interruption, enhancing every journey.
Sophisticated cologne travel set
A sophisticated cologne travel set not only ensures travelers can carry their favorite scents in convenient, travel-sized bottles, but it also offers a simple way to feel polished and confident, no matter the destination, making it an ideal gift for those who appreciate the power of a great fragrance to make every meeting and exploration more memorable.
Traveling is about more than just the destinations; it’s about the experiences, the growth, and the memories created along the way. The gifts we choose for travelers should enhance these experiences, offering comfort, security, and the ability to capture and share their memories with those they care about.
Final Thoughts on the Best Gifts for someone Traveling abroad
The best travel gifts offer a blend of practicality, comfort, and a touch of luxury, enhancing the travel experience without adding unnecessary bulk. Whether it’s for a road trip, long flights, or exploring foreign cities, these items cater to the needs and whims of any young adult setting out on their first international journey.
Each product mentioned here not only serves a purpose but also enriches the travel experience, making them great ideas for holiday season gifts or as a way to celebrate a new adventure.
Remember, the best part of travel is the experience itself—the people you meet, the places you discover, and the memories you create. These gifts are merely tools to ensure those experiences are as rich and hassle-free as possible.
So, whether you’re shopping for a family member, a friend, or treating yourself, consider these great travel gifts as a way to say, “Here’s to your next adventure—may it be everything you’ve hoped for and more.
Check back to my blog for more helpful content to help young adults find fun travel gifts. Share your recommendations and experience with travel gifts in the comments sections below.
This post was all about the best gifts for someone travelling abroad.
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