Top 7 Best Gifts for Travelers in 2023

By Judy J. Beasley Last updated Jan 28, 2023

Thoughtful gifts for a variety of budgets

Gifts appreciated by travelers. Photo by Getty Images

For many people, traveling is a way of life. For others it is an aspiration and for some it comes with work. For those who live to travel, when you find a product or service that makes life easier, it’s worth celebrating. During our travels we have tried experiences, tested products and made mistakes and now we can confidently recommend these gifts to make every trip a little easier or a little better for the world explorer.

Tingly

Why we love it: Tinggly is such a special gift that truly suits all travelers. The company’s tagline, “giving stories, not tricks since 2014,” sums it all up. Through Tinggly, you can purchase getaway experiences or gifts that are redeemable globally.

Just pick the “box” you want to gift, select whether you want it delivered virtually or by mail, and the recipient can redeem it on their next adventure. Gifts have no expiration date and are available at different prices, such as Essential Collection which can be used in over 100 countries for fun activities Luxury getawaywhich can be used to book two nights at one of over 100,000 hotels to choose from in over 100 countries.

I found out about Tinggly while researching things to do on my recent trip to the UK, tried the Escapade – 3 Days in 100 Capitals and can confidently recommend Tinggly. The giveaway is so easy to use and ideal for last minute bookings. Thanks to Tinggly, I was able to book a hotel in Glasgow, Scotland two days before my arrival on New Years Eve.

Price: From $10
Or buy: Tingly

Hotel stays (Hotels.com | IHG Hotels)

Holiday Inn Express Dublin City Centre, an IHG hotel. Photo by IHG

Why we love it: Accommodations are expensive so it’s nice to be treated. When looking for accommodation, my highest priority is cost (and then safety). Next come comfort, aesthetics and amenities. I recently stayed in a IHG Hotel in Dublin, Ireland, and I didn’t have to sacrifice any of my priorities. It was affordable, spotlessly clean, conveniently located downtown, and included a delicious breakfast, but I was blown away by the front desk people. They were extremely personable and invested in making my stay positive, including making personalized itinerary recommendations.

Hotels.com offers a simple way to let the recipient choose their preferred hotel. If your beneficiary prefers to stay in more eclectic accommodations, a The Airbnb gift card can be a good option.

Price: From $50 (Hotels.com eGift Card)
Or buy: walmart | IHG Hotels | Amazon–Airbnb

Handbags (A way + Monos)

Why we love it: We love the peace of mind that comes with not checking a bag. It’s always like a risk to check baggage – who knows if it will land at your final destination. It is also a much faster and easier process to continue. You can skip the long lines to check baggage and not have to find a carousel when you arrive.

I tried the Handbag and Monos Carry-On Pro and the secret is out. I have seen these marks all over airports in Canada, the United States and Europe. I get it, both carry-ons are organized on the inside, durable on the outside, and easy to pull. I like to travel with carry-on luggage and a backpack that attaches to the luggage, like the Away Everywhere Zipped Backpack and Monos Metro backpack. That way, when I’m too early for a flight and lugging my stuff around the airport, I can loop my backpack over the luggage and give the old back a rest. Monos is a Canadian brand founded in Vancouver – another plus.

Price: From $306 (Monos Hand LuggageLeast expensive option)
Or buy: A way | Monos

Check in baggage (Solgaard)

Why we love it: If you’re going on a long-haul trip, this take-out closet is a lifesaver. Thanks to the removable and self-supporting shelving system, all you have to do is open your suitcase, reassemble the shelves and you’re done! Unpacked in seconds.

This briefcase is equipped with five shelves, compression straps to maximize storage, and zippered mesh pockets that are perfect for shoes, books, and other items you may not be able to fit in carry-on luggage. .

The case is basically indestructible, made from a polycarbonate shell, waterproof, scratch resistant and backed by a lifetime warranty. Topped with a TSA-approved lock, all you need to worry about is finding the best beach when you arrive.

Price: From $470
Or buy: Solgaard

Foldable backpack (Paravel | Amazon)

Why we love it: A durable backpack, like the ones included above from Away and Monos, is essential for storing extra or delicate items while traveling, but packing a backpack in that backpack is also essential. This bonus backpack is ideal for day trips.

I often live off my luggage abroad and don’t want to unpack my backpack to use for a day of exploring. I also don’t want to bring such a bulky backpack on these day trips. A lightweight, durable and perfectly sized foldable backpack won’t add too much extra weight or take up too much space in your luggage and will prove invaluable for a day at the beach, a quick climb up a mountain or a crossing the streets of the city. Here are two options that are both water resistant, about half a pound, and well rated: Paravel Foldable Backpack and Amazon Ultralight Foldable Backpack.

Price: $28.99 – $110
Or buy: Paravel | Amazon

Lightweight and easy to pack games

6 portable travel play activities. Picture by Amazon

Why we love it: Although traveling is all about exploring places, meeting new people, and trying different foods, there can be a lot of downtime. If you are traveling with someone, games are a great way to spend your free time.

If you’re traveling alone, it’s a great way to build new relationships. I’ve gone too many gameless hours in airports and my patience has gotten really risky. What I would have done for a card game. here is a Notebook of 6 portable travel game activities that could entertain for hours, or a classic card game — but waterproof — perfect for travelling.

Price: From $12.99
Or buy: Amazon – Travel Games | Amazon – Card game

Airalo

Why we love it: Airalo is an eSIM card. It’s affordable and easy to use, as long as your phone is eSIM compatible. All you have to do is download the Airalo app, select the country or region you want data from and choose your plan. I found it so much easier than changing SIM cards.

Airalo is simple to use, just be sure to follow the instructions. I wasn’t sure I was using Airalo and not my personal sim so I pulled out my card and was sure I wouldn’t be charged international roaming rates.

Note that you can only make calls over the internet, via WhatsApp for example, which means that calls to landlines including hotels and other locations are not possible. Maybe this will be fixed in the future, but that won’t stop me from using the handy app.

Price: From $4.50
Or buy: Airalo

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