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52 Travel Gift Ideas for the Person in Your Life Who's Always Skipping Town

Maybe get something for yourself, too?

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Can I admit something real quick? Without any judgment? Even though I shop for a living, gift-giving can still be really freaking hard sometimes. Especially when the person I'm shopping for already has everything under the sun. When that happens, I try to hone in on one of their interests or hobbies and pick a present from there, that way I know they'll definitely use it. Case in point: I love getting travel-inspired gifts for my globe-trotting friends and family members.

Have a frequent flyer in your own life? You're in the right place, because I found 52 travel gift ideas that will royally spoil any vacation lover. These picks were designed to make every part of the travel journey easier, chicer, and a whole lot more comfortable—and trust me, they're anything but basic. Between life-changing accessories, leveled-up airport 'fits, and sweet ways to store travel memories, these finds are as unique as the person you're gifting them to.

So, with that in mind, pick up some wrapping paper and start scrolling on through, below. Aaand maybe even pick up a lil somethin’ for yourself, while you're at it (you have a trip coming up too, right!?).

1
this convenient sling bag

Monos Metro Sling

Metro Sling
Credit: Monos

This leather sling bag is ideal for those who like to keep their essentials close while traveling. It fits so much more than you'd ever believe, and has several zippered pockets to keep pickpocketers at bay.

2
this headphone gadget

Twelve South AirFly Pro

AirFly Pro
Credit: Amazon

There's nothing more frustrating than not being able to use the airplane entertainment system because your AirPods aren't compatible with it. Enter: this handy dandy transmitter, which can connect Bluetooth headphones or earbuds to the screen.

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3
this pouch for tech schtuff

Bevegekos Small Cable Organizer Bag

Amazon’s Choice
Small Cable Organizer Bag
Credit: Amazon

Tech accessories and chargers need a home too! This organizer has a spot for allll the adapters and cords.

4
these waterproof sandals

Teva Midform Universal Canvas Sandal

Midform Universal Canvas Sandal
Credit: Teva

True story: I pack my Tevas for every vacation, because they're ideal for leisure and adventure. They're waterproof, float in water, and dry unbelievably quickly, so you can wear them through rocky beaches and rainforests. They're also super supportive, comfy, and breezy, so long distances won't leave your feet sweaty and exhausted. Can you tell I'm obsessed?

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Packing cubes can change your life, especially if you tend to be a little unorganized while traveling. This set features three clothing bags in different sizes, two cosmetic pouches, a shoe bag, an underwear bag, and a drawstring laundry bag for dirty clothes.

Compression socks are a must-have for long plane rides, because they help boost circulation while you’re sitting for extended periods of time. A lot of options on the market are…well, less than cute. But these ones from Bombas are worth showing off.

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If you're traveling overseas, you need one of these power adapters to keep all your devices charged. It features several prongs that’ll fit different electrical outlets from around the world (over 150 countries, actually!). It also has a USB-C port, three USB ports, and a built-in smart chip that helps charge your devices faster.

This hair-styling wand is about the size of a tube of lip gloss, so it's easy to pop into any bag you take on the go. The taming brush helps smooth down frizz and can pull your strands into a slicked-back moment—aka the perfect style for a day of playing tourist. A buncha Cosmo editors tested it recently and were head over heels (no really, you can read their reviews here).

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Velvet Minimergency Kit
Credit: Amazon

Filled with 17 lifesavers for those beauty and/or fashion emergencies—think: a tampon, deodorant, clear nail polish, a safety pin, and more—this kit has all the essentials you might not think to pack.

Anyone who plans to be in or around a pool on vacation will appreciate this waterproof phone pouch. You can still take pictures and send messages when you're using it, but without the fear of water damage from soggy fingers!

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If a smart suitcase is out of your budget, cop this luggage tag instead. It has a hidden rechargeable battery pack with a USB outlet, so your phone can still juice up while sitting pretty on your carry-on—but for a fraction of the price.

Diaper Backpack With Laptop Sleeve
Credit: Calpak

Perfect for jet-setting parents, this wearable diaper bag—complete with multiple bottle holders and waterproof material—is as cute as it is functional. Pair it with this matching changing pad clutch for the ultimate on-the-go gift set.

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13
this luggage scale

Luxebell Digital Luggage Scale

Digital Luggage Scale
Credit: Amazon

The greatest gift of all? Never being shamed at the baggage counter ever again. Trust me, the peace of mind is glorious.

14
these helpful Airtags

Apple AirTag (Pack of 4)

On Sale
AirTag (Pack of 4)
Now 35% Off
Credit: Amazon

Hate to say it, but you're bound to lose something at some point if you're a frequent flier. Even if you have your shit together, it doesn't hurt to throw one of these little trackers in your suitcase. You know, just in case.

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On Sale
Strawberries and Cream Soothing Raw Juice Mask
$5AmazonAlso Consider
Credit: Amazon

Between the dry air on the plane and not having your entire skincare routine on hand, these nourishing sheet masks (which yes, are shaped like adorable juice bottles!) will come in handy on or after a flight.

16
these plane-ready joggers

Cozy Earth Bamboo Jogger Pant

Bamboo Jogger Pant
Now 55% Off
Credit: Cozy Earth

Legit everyone will love receiving a piece of high-quality loungewear for traveling—and Cozy Earth knows how to do it best. These joggers look like chic sweatpants, but feel like your favorite pair of pajamas.

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We all know someone who tries to take giant bottles of shampoo and lotion on the plane Every! Single! Time! Save them from themselves with this cute toiletry travel kit.

18
a pair of comfy kicks

New Balance 574 Core

574 Core
Credit: New Balance

Odds are you have a friend who walks everywhere while traveling (couldn't be me!). Their feet will thank you for these comfy sneakers.

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If your old duffel bag always ends up in a jumbled mess, here's a lightweight option that can help you stay organized. It features a padded sleeve large enough to hold a 16-inch laptop, an air mesh pouch, a water bottle pocket, a key leash, and a shoe bag. And it even has a trolley sleeve, so it's easy to plop on top of your suitcase.

Surprise your giftee with a cozy three-night stay that they can book for whenever they’d like at any Getaway outpost. The brand has luxe campground sites all over the U.S. for some true R&R.

Headshot of Daisy Maldonado
Daisy Maldonado
Weekend Editor

Daisy Maldonado is an editor who covers everything from the latest fashion news to deeper looks at beauty culture and the internet’s most talked-about pop culture moments. She’s especially interested in the intersection of style and digital culture, and loves exploring what the trends we follow say about us. When she’s not writing, she’s probably four pages deep on The RealReal searching for vintage designer pieces or planning her next trip abroad (she lived in Paris for a year and hasn’t stopped talking about it since). Her work has appeared in Vogue, Bustle, Allure, and many more.

Headshot of Hannah Chubb
Hannah Chubb
Lifestyle Editor
Hannah Chubb is the lifestyle editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things home, travel, food, health, career, and more. She spends pretty much every hour of every day curating the internet for the best new products, trends, and travel destinations. You can typically find her looking for houses she can't afford on Zillow or Airbnb, planning her next meal before she gets to the restaurant, or taking all of the Justin Bieber classes over and over and over again on Peloton. Follow her on Instagram.
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