My 2024 Gift Guide: 10 Best Travel Gifts + 1 To Give Yourself

My 10 Favorite Travel Gifts To Give and Receive

I didn’t intend to publish a 2024 travel gift guide. However, I’ve decided to copy my gift suggestions from this month’s newsletter here to not only save them for perpetutity but also to help last minute shoppers. If you’re stressing about what to get the traveler on your list who insists they don’t need anything other than experiences, I’ve got you!

As someone who just got back from nearly a month in Europe, I can assure you that all these suggestions have all been vetted for usefulness and durability. These are items that even the lightest packer will prioritize finding space for.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Shopping!

1) Pela Phone Grip

Pela – Collapsible Phone Grip & Stand for Phones and Tablets, Black – Comfortable Universal Smartphone Adjustable Loop Handle with Kickstand – Made from Plants

Phone snatching is at an all time high in Europe, especially in London. While I initially got my Pela phone grip to simply make it easier to hold my phone while taking photos and navigating, an added bonus is that the grip makes it that much harder to pull the phone out of my hand. I love that it’s made from plants and biodegradable.

2) Xylitol nasal spray

Xlear Nasal Spray with Xylitol, 1.5 fl oz (Pack of 1)

I’ve long been a fan of hydration, sleep, and Emergen-C to stay healthy while traveling, but I recently added Xlear Nasal Spray to my travel wellness routine and I think it really works. At just 1.5 ounces, I recommend keeping this in your carry-on bag!

3) Dansko Daisie Boots

Dansko Daisie Chelsea Boot for Women – Waterproof Leather and Construction with Rubber Outsole and Leather Stacked Heel for Long-Lasting Style in Any Weather Black Tumbled 5.5-6 M US

If you’ve read any of my packing lists, you know I recommend a pair of low-heel black boots for urban European travels. My Dansko Daisie boots proved their mettle on my recent (and sometimes rainy) travels through Paris and the Christmas markets.

4) Summer Fridays Travel Kit

Summer Fridays Limited Edition The Signature Travel Skincare Set – Lip Balm – Hydration Serum – Mask – Cleanser – Set of 4

I love Summer Fridays’ lip butter balm and always have a couple mini-sized tubes stashed in my purses. Their travel skincare set makes a perfect gift, especially for someone with some long haul flights in their future.

5) Pacsafe Anti-Theft Convertible Backpack

Pacsafe Women’s Citysafe CX Anti Theft Convertible Backpack-Fits 11″ Tablet, ECONYL Rose

Speaking of purses, I’m still in love with my Pacsafe Anti-Theft Convertible crossbody/backpack bag. I felt very secure with it even on the crowded Paris metro.

6) Suitcase cover

Travelkin Luggage Covers For Suitcase Tsa Approved,Suitcase Cover Protector Fit 18-32 Inch Luggage

If you just shelled out big bucks on a new piece of hard-sided luggage, the last thing you want is for that suitcase to come back covered in scuffs the first time you check it.

It’s no secret that baggage is handled pretty roughly. A fabric suitcase cover is a cheap and easy way to keep your luggage as pristine as the day you got it. It’s also a fun way to personalized an older piece of luggage.

7) Silicone Individual Coffee Pour-Over

Attsky Collapsible Pour Over Coffee Dripper for Camp Coffee, Reusable Silicone Coffee Filter Holder for Camping Red

If you’re a North American used to a brewed cup of coffee each morning, there are only so many Americanos you can endure before you’ve had it. I reached my limited with boiling hot watered down espressos on my recent trip to Normandy.

I decided to take matters into my own hands with this collapsible, lightweight coffee pour-over set up when I headed to the European Christmas markets. Basically every European hotel room is equipped with a hot pot, so it’s easy to make a cup of coffee each morning. 

Just don’t forget to pack a handful of #2 filters!  This makes a perfect travel gift when paired with some locally roasted beans. (I like Duluth‘s Alakef Coffee.) 

8) Thrifty Traveler Premium subscription

Every traveler wants to know about flight and hotel deals. Help the traveler on your list score some travel deals and also stay on top of travel industry news with a Thrifty Traveler premium subscription.

9) Calm app subscription

I love this mindfulness app whether I’m at home or on the road. In fact, I originally downloaded it to use their sleep stories on an overnight flight. At the end of a long travel day, I love popping in my Airpods for a guided meditation.

10) Airline gift cards 

No traveler is ever going to say no to a little extra travel cash. Figure out the main airline in your traveler’s home airport and grab a gift card from them. Trust me, any amount will be greatly appreciated!

+ A Gift for You: Global Entry

It might be a little tricky to gift Global Entry, but if you travel internationally with any frequency, I highly recommend you give yourself the gift of Global Entry . Even with the price increase to $120, I think this is a screaming deal that gives you five years of speedy (and I mean, like seconds) trips through customs. It also gets you TSA Precheck.

If you have a travel credit card like a Delta AmEx or a Chase Sapphire, these cards will cover Global Entry fees with a statement credit.