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These gifts for frequent travelers are all items we own or have given as gifts to fellow travelers (or would buy if we didn’t have a similar item).

1. Daypack

This daypack folds into a really small bag and takes up hardly any space in a suitcase, but it is so valuable when you arrive at a destination and want a backpack to put things in while you explore.

2. Noise-canceling headphones

If you don’t want to be disturbed by crying babies, noisy toddlers or people with loud voices on a plane, noise canceling headphones are what you need. This is what Piers uses. He was very glad he had them when someone in the Delta lounge on a recent trip carried on a cellphone conversation straight behind where he was sitting.

If you prefer over the ear headphones, these are really good.

3. A carry-on suitcase that will fit in most planes

Piers and I both have Timbukt2 suitcases. The Small size will fit in overhead bins. It is also accepted on most European flights. Even though it is small, you can fit a surprising amount in it.

4. Compression Bags

A while ago Piers went on a trip where he had to take a pillow and blanket with him. He wanted to stick to a carry-on suiitcase. Compression bags saved the day! It was incredible how small his pillow and blanket could be squished to.

5. Packing cubes

Most frequent travelers swear by packing cubes – and we have just got our first set to try out. They allow one to organize one’s clothing and fit more into a suitcase.

6. An e-reader

Piers loves his Kindle. I use an iPad. Admittedly, his is much lighter than mine, but I use the games on mine too. ALthough I still love reading books I can hold in my hands, I couldn’t imagine going back to the days when I had to carry them all over the world with me!

7. Luggage tags / straps

It seems that everyone has black luggage! If the frequent traveler in your life has black or navy luggage, help them identify it quickly with a colorful luggage tag or luggage strap.

8. Travel Umbrella

On our last trip it rained as we ended up buying a cheap umbrella. Of course it stopped raining as soon as we bought it.

But a few years ago the same thing happened in Paris and I bought one from a street vendor – and within 15 minutes it had flipped inside out and was unusable.

So – learn from us, and gift someone a good umbrella that comes highly rated.

9. Travel Adapter

This is the item on the list I have given as a gift recently to 4 different people. It is a really nice adapter that folds up compactly and has lots of options! And it looks nice too and its blue color makes it easy to spot in a hotel room (ie it might actually make it home!)

10. External Battery

I have had an external battery for a while now, and Piers started borrowing mine on this past trip and now he understands how useful they are. I have the one shown below and I can charge my phone a few times from it, or I can charge my iPad.

11. Travel Power Strip

Have you ever found a seat at an airport, and realized the power point is too far away. This power strip will not only make it easier to plug in, but it also allows you to charge more than one device at a time.

12. Travel Pillow

For people who struggle to sleep on long flights, a travel pillow makes a great gift!

13. Travel books

I gave this to my husband for his birthday. It is a very beautiful book with lots of ideas of places to travel and what to do when you get there.

And I have just bought Honeytrek’s newest book to gift him for his next birthday.

14. Travel-related gift cards

Here are some ideas. Please note, the links will take you to the physical cards, but you can also fine the versions that can be sent via email on Amazon. And those allow you to choose the value you want.

Any more ideas? Let us know in the comments.