Julie and I travel a lot, and we enjoy it. Many people have asked about our favorite travel gear. As we discussed this, Julie and I realized that the items we value the most cost very little. Whether you are purchasing gifts for travel lovers or yourself, you do not have to break the bank to make a big impact.
Here are affordable gift ideas for those who love to travel that we regularly use and recommend.
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Waterproof Phone Pouch
Protect your phone from rain, snow, sand, and other threatening elements. A waterproof phone pouch is one of the best purchases we have made. We used phone pouches in the pouring rain, on the Maid of the Mist boat ride at Niagara Falls, kayaking, and at the beach, and our phones were safe and dry. Best of all, the transparent cover allows you to take quality photos and videos.
Neck Pillow
Do you have trouble napping on a plane or in a car? Even if you can catch some rest, you may awake with a stiff neck. Rest comfortably on the road and in the air with a neck pillow. Julie takes hers everywhere and swears by it.
Packing Cubes
Julie prides herself on maximizing the space in our bags. She views it as a puzzle. One of her secrets is to use packing cubes. Now, you can organize your packing, squeezing more items into the same space. You may be surprised at how much of a difference it makes.
Portable Charger
Travelers can be very dependent on their gear, like laptops and phones. Unfortunately, the batteries can quickly drain as we take photos, shoot videos, and share our adventures on social media. A portable charger on the road or trail can be a lifesaver. This item has saved us many times! We take it on every trip.
Power Strip Cube
Turn one outlet into multiple power hubs with a power strip cube. Some accommodations have many outlets, including USB, but others do not. With a power strip cube, you never have to worry about it. Whether on a cruise or a road trip, we pack ours to ensure we can charge all our devices. This model includes 3 AC outlets and 3 USB charging ports (1 USB-C and 2 USB-A).
Universal Power Adapter
Having the correct power adapter for your devices is critical. A compact universal adapter with multiple ports is easy to pack, ensures usage in any country, and charges multiple devices simultaneously. It is a must-have device for any globetrotter. We found this quite handy when cruising or traveling abroad.
Backpack
Julie and I love our Venture Pal backpack . It is lightweight yet durable, perfect for day hikes. We even use it at theme parks, walking tours, and various outings to carry clothing layers and needed items. The versatile pack has multiple compartments, including a wet pocket. It comes in different colors, including green like ours.
Laptop Backpack
We always travel with our laptops since we are travel content creators. They are tools of the trade. We need something to protect our laptops that is also easy to carry. Julie and I each use a laptop backpack for this. We love our bags. Each has plenty of space for other items and provides a secure spot for a laptop. Julie uses a pink quilted women’s laptop backpack, while I have a black men’s laptop backpack.
Toiletry Bag
Every traveler should own a toiletry bag to store essentials like toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, and soap. It is perfect for keeping hygiene items in one place while on the road.
Passport Holder
Few items, if any, are more vital than a passport when traveling. Protect your passport from wear and tear with a passport holder. You can choose from various colors to fit your style and help you quickly locate it within your bag.
Water Bottle
Whether you are hiking trails or touring a city, it is vital to stay hydrated. A portable water bottle is affordable, convenient, and refillable, and nearly every traveler can use one.
Flashlight
We love the COAST flashlight so much that we have two. Although small, it emits a bright beam. Because they take up so little space, we always carry flashlights in our backpacks. We have used them on many adventures, including evening hikes, cave exploring, night beach walks, and hiking the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail.
Binoculars
If the adventurer in your life enjoys birdwatching, observing wildlife, or hiking, binoculars are a must. As we started traveling more, we began to enjoy birdwatching. We quickly realized that we needed quality binoculars as a tool of the trade. Then, we started using them for whale watching, stargazing, and more. So, I carry them in my backpack wherever we go. You never know when a special moment will happen.
Pocket Binoculars
We love binoculars but found that special moments can quickly pass with only one of us seeing that moment. So, we purchased another pair of binoculars. With two pairs, Julie and I can now observe wildlife in the distance before the moment passes. To save space in our backpack, we went with pocket binoculars for our second set. The pocket binoculars are easy to pack, and the quality is nearly as good as our other binoculars.
Birds of North America Field Guide
A birding field guide is a perfect gift for those who hike and seek nature’s solitude. You can easily stow the handy reference in your daypack. The field guide is an excellent tool since Julie and I are novice birders. It allows us to identify birds quickly and learn more about them while exploring. Even expert birdwatchers will appreciate a field guide covering all North American bird species.
Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Julie and I have often visited Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. I cannot tell you how frequently Julie gets asked for advice on planning a Disney trip. The biggest secret to her success is this book. It covers everything from which direction to go when you enter a park to what attractions to ride first to where to eat and stay. The book is updated annually to keep current with all events and attractions. It is full of tips to save you time and money. If someone you know is planning a trip to Disney, the unofficial guide is a must.
Unofficial Guide to Disneyland
Make the most of your Disneyland vacation with secrets, shortcuts, and bargains. This guide is loaded with tips and tricks for saving time and money at the iconic theme park. While Julie and I have not visited Disneyland nearly as much as Disney World, the guide helped us plan our trips.
Travel Gift Cards
When in doubt, go with travel gift cards. Travelers face many expenses on the road, such as gas, accommodations, and food. Gift cards are always appreciated regardless of the type of adventures your travel lover enjoys.
Wrap-Up: Gifts for Travel Lovers
Travelers seek adventure and new experiences. You can help make their trips more comfortable or efficient using our guide to thoughtful gifts for travel lovers. Whether your favorite voyager strives to relax with a glass of wine in the Finger Lakes or hike in Yosemite National Park, our shopping guide has something to enhance the journey. Never stop exploring!
Featured image credit: Miles with McConkey
