Christmas is just around the corner and everyone knows that there is one thing that a lot of people love: traveling. And since many couldn’t travel as much as they would have liked this year again, there are simply no better gifts than travel items for future travel. Here are our last-minute recommendations for you to offer to the travelers in your life, to put on your own wishlist… or to get from you to you!
We’ve listed 25 travel items under $30 to stay within your budget and to buy through Amazon to make things simpler, but I also list our 20 favorite websites to buy travel items at the end, by popular demand.
If you have a card that earns 5X the points at grocery stores like the American Express Cobalt Card, which has the highest welcome bonus ever seen in Canada on a non-premium card, be sure to stop by your grocery store to buy gift cards and also get 5X the points on your other purchases like at Amazon.
My personal favorites are #2, #3, #6, #11, and all 5 bonus suggestions over $30 we added at the end, because we think they are worth the higher price.
25 gift ideas under $30
Here are the 25 items.
1. World Scratch Map – $28.99
Maybe you miss traveling right now, I know I do and I just got back… So maybe scratching off this map of where you’ve been might help you wait for whenever you’re ready to travel: I recently bought a corkboard world map for similar purposes.
2. Portable Charger – $29.99
A must-have item. I never travel without my portable charger, that way I know I always have my smartphone available for calls and data wherever I go in the world (thanks to cheap local SIM cards of course, not the scam that Canadian providers’ roaming packages are).
3. The Perfect Daypack – $28.99
Everyone needs a little bag to carry around every day during their travels! You should definitely have one. That’s what a daypack is and it’s very useful. If there is only one must-have item on this list, it’s this one. This daypack is foldable, water-resistant … and comes in many different colors! It really does not take up much space (it fits in the small bag on the right-hand side of the image when you don’t need it)! I have it myself (this brand exactly), and despite my many many trips it is still going strong, it is quite durable! I had it with me on each of my 12 international trips in 2019 and I used it every single day!
4. A Bigger Daypack – $29.79
I wanted to share this option that is a little bigger (35L instead of 20L). Honestly, if that size had existed last year when I bought mine, I might have bought this one, who knows. Another option to get organized while traveling!
5. Small Electronics Organizer – $13.59 (was $16.99)
A less glamorous gift… but still so useful. If you’re tired of looking for your chargers, headphones, and all those little items… you’re not the only one. So it makes for a great gift for any traveler.
6. Travel Packing Cubes – $25.53
A great discount. And these are so useful. I was skeptical myself, but since I started using them, they’ve made my life much simpler. These packing cubes allow you to better organize your suitcase or your backpack! It’s not necessarily just the space savings, but above all the convenience of having all your things well separated and easy to find.
7. Eye Mask & Ear Plugs – $12.99
A very basic item, but one I’ve found myself getting used to. To the point where I now always use it on my long flights. It doesn’t take up much space.
8. Premium Neck Pillow – $23.48 (was $25.99)
This new type of neck pillows is pretty popular on Amazon. It’s actually a copy of the premium (and even more popular) TRTL pillow, which is $45 (the original). However, I have not tried it myself, because I travel too light to be weighed down for 3 weeks by something that I’d use for just a few hours.
9. Basic Neck Pillow – $15.99
Many people absolutely need this type of pillow to be able to sleep on a plane, so here is the most common model! A classic. Offer this gift so that your loved ones avoid paying twice this price if they wait to buy it at the airport because they didn’t plan ahead (preparation is the key to traveling for less, as I explained in great detail).
10. Travel Toiletries Kit – $18.99
A set with 8 pieces, including several pretty useful small containers. The kind of thing we don’t often buy for ourselves… but will definitely be used if received as a gift! There is also this toiletry bag that you can hang open which is really nice.
11. Universal Travel Adapter – $28.85
Once again, an essential item for everyone who travels internationally! Great affordable stocking stuffer for travelers. This is the one that Flytrippers’ other co-founder Kevin has and he finds it very practical with its 3 USB ports.
12. Multi-Purpose Travel Mat – $24.99
A convenient item for a lot of situations, it makes a perfect gift that is going to get used for sure. Small and takes up very little space. Perfect for the beach or anywhere outdoors.
13. Microfiber Towels (2-pack) – $21.34
Not necessary for those who only stay in hotels, but for backpackers and all others, it is a must. As it is made of microfiber, it dries quickly. In fact, for everyone who goes to the beach, it is very useful too (and it does not take much space). It is a pack of 2, with a small bag to carry them.
14. Selfie-Stick – $14.99 (was $15.99)
An essential. To take beautiful photos for Instagram, every traveler needs to know how to find beautiful backgrounds… but most importantly, how to use a selfie-stick!
15. Selfie-stick with Tripod and Remote – $26.39 (was $32.99)
If you like to take selfies, do it with this tripod (and do it safely, so you don’t join the hundreds who’ve died while taking selfies).
16. Lonely Planet Travel Guides – $23.80 (was $25.99)
Very convenient travel guides that are highly rated… and of course there are many other types of books on specific destinations that will please many travelers! We don’t often pay for books ourselves since all the information is available online for free, but it is a very pleasant gift to receive!
17. Tracker to find keys – $24.49 (was $34.99)
Losing your keys, passport case, or cell phone while traveling is quite a hassle. This Bluetooth tracking tool will locate the item precisely. Perfect for those who love tech stuff!
18. Luggage padlock – $19.98 (was $20.99)
Another gift more practical than fancy, but useful in any traveler’s kit, especially for travelers who sometimes stay in hostels to travel more!
19. Passport Case – $15.99 (was $19.99)
A passport case doesn’t have to be ugly! This one is rather classy… and extremely convenient to stay organized on a trip! Several colors are available! And if you prefer, this standard one is a safe bet too!
20. Reusable Storage Bags – $17.99
These are theoretically made for produce, but many travel pros use them to protect whatever they bring on their trips. These bags are amongst the best-sellers in the travel category in fact.
21. Emergency Reusable Ponchos – $26.99
Rain is inconvenient at home and it’s even worse when traveling. Especially when you are not prepared. So this little gift will be very useful for travelers. Another item that is more practical than fancy, but it could complement another gift very well!
22. Security Pouch – $19.99 (was $24.99)
It’s a super-thin RFID security pouch with bonus RFID sleeves. Comes in a few other colors. Another wallet that is $6 more looks nice too.
23. Suitcase Protection – $27.00
For those who travel with a traditional suitcase and want to protect it, this covers it (and makes it easier to spot when it’s time to waste time at the baggage carousel). Comes in many sizes and colors.
24. Luggage Tags – $3.99 and over
Tags are a necessity for those traveling with luggage. But they do not need to be boring or cliché like a Canadian flag (although the flag is very convenient, no one wants to be mistaken for an American when traveling). There are plenty of options, from pizzas to owls… or more standard options too, if you want a gift that can fit the recipient’s personality.
25. Portable Luggage Scale – $13.98 (was $15.99)
Traveling light is the way to go, but even with just a backpack/carry-on, some airlines have stricter weight rules to keep in mind.
Bonus: Phone Lens Kit – $20.99
Before even getting to the 5 items that are over $30, Flytrippers likes to give you more for your money so we have a tradition of always giving a bonus listing in all our “Top X” posts. Here it is, a small practical gadget to take better pictures with a cell phone because not everyone wants to explore the world with an expensive (and bulky) camera.
5 additional items that aren’t under $30
As mentioned, we are budget-travel enthusiasts and we always want to help you save money, because it’s saving money that allows you to travel more often (which is something most people say they want to do).
So we believe that these ideas above are perfect because they are very original gifts for travelers… and very inexpensive so you’ll still keep your hard-earned money to spend on more experiences instead of material possessions (that will make you happier, it’s scientifically proven).
But here are 5 more items that we think are still worth it despite not being under $30.
1. Travel Credit Card: Welcome Bonus gives you ≈ $537 in free travel
Okay, we cheated a little, just for the first item on this list. This card costs $120, but gives you a welcome bonus of ≈ $657 in free hotel nights (or even a lot more).
That gives you ≈ $537 net in free travel with the Welcome Bonus alone. And then each year, you’ll get a certificate for a free luxury night worth 2 times more than $120, or even 4 times more if you use it well (like for an overwater bungalow in Fiji like Kevin did).
You obviously can’t offer it as a gift, but you can talk to your loved ones and help them discover the world of travel rewards, that would be the best and most lucrative gift for them.
It’s a gift that will give them hundreds of dollars in free travel every year if they learn about it. Hard to beat that in terms of awesome gifts (our upcoming webinar in January will help learn all about this for free).
I selected this card because it is the one that literally all travelers should have, regardless of their income (as long as you have good credit). It will give you 23 free nights in specific hotels if you and your travel buddy get it, or 11 nights if you travel solo. An amazing deal.
And it gives you free insurance coverage so you won’t have to complain that the airline won’t pay for your hotel or meals during a weather delay (it’s normal that they don’t, they don’t owe you anything because they can’t control the weather… and it’s inevitable that a weather delay will happen to you if you travel somewhat often). This card will give you $500 for meals and a hotel. And car rental insurance.
But there are also 6 other amazing offers currently that all give you over $532+ with the welcome bonus alone (the best one gives you over $1157!!!).
Best credit card offers
(December 2024)
Min. income (card):
Min. spend (bonus): $12k in 12 mos. (incl. $7.5k in 180 days)†
WELCOME BONUS
(
VALUATION)
Rewards: ≈ $791
Annual fee: $0 $139
Best for: Valuable Aeroplan pts
and travel benefits
like free bags on AC
Min. income (card):
Min. spend (bonus): $5k in 6 months
WELCOME BONUS
( VALUATION)
Rewards: $1025
Annual fee: $0 $139
Best for: Among highest
offers for simple points
use for any trip
Min. income (card):
Min. spend (bonus): $7.5k in 12 mos. (or $1k for lower bonus)
WELCOME BONUS
( VALUATION)
Rewards: $825
Card fee: $0 $120
Best for: Very good
travel insurance
and earn rate
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card
Min. income (card):
Min. spend (bonus): no min. spend
WELCOME BONUS
( VALUATION)
apply now
Rewards: ≈ $525
Card fee: $120
Best for: Lucrative rewards
w/ unlim. value
great if you're flexible
American Express® Gold Rewards Card
Min. income (card):
Min. spend (bonus): $1k/month for 12 months
WELCOME BONUS
( VALUATION)
Rewards: ≈ $1180
Card fee: $250
Best for: Valuable rewards
and 4
airport lounge passes
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.
Best credit card offers
(December 2024)WELCOME BONUS
( VALUATION)Best
for
and travel benefits
offers for simple points
travel insurance
w/ unlim. value
apply now
and 4
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.
You can see our ranking of the best credit cards in Canada for December and again, our upcoming free webinar will help you understand this complex but lucrative world.
2. Travel Backpack – $92.99 (was $102.93)
If you want to try backpacking, or you know someone who wants to, this bag is perfect. Or even for those who already have a backpack that may be a little worn out. Sure, there are $300 bags, and they may be great, but this one does the trick.
This is the Amazon brand. Sorry to tell you that most people do not care one bit if your bag has a well-known logo on it or not. This one has great reviews and is perfect because it is very affordable (it leaves you more money for actual travel). It is made of a material that repels water, has very good back support, and lots of very useful compartments. There are 2 sizes available: 65L or 75L.
3. BOSE QuietComfort Wireless Headphones – $355.87
One of the best items by far, these noise-canceling headphones are the ones I have myself. There’s a reason why you see so many frequent fliers with these onboard planes: they really are great to eliminate the noise.
I basically never spend big amounts on material things, this was one of the only exceptions in the last years. These Bose headphones are amazing and I wouldn’t fly without them, and I recommend them even if you don’t average 70+ flights a year as I do.
4. Action Camera With Waterproof Case – $69.00 (was $89.99)
Flytrippers’ other co-founder Kevin has this model and he is very satisfied. Cheaper than a real GoPro like this one at $519.00 and perfect for capturing great travel memories without necessarily being a professional videographer.
5. Airport Lounge Access – US$49 or C$64 (50% Off)
Christmas gifts are great to spoil your loved ones. And nothing is better than an airport lounge to spoil a traveler. Airport lounges make all trips infinitely better. You can read the detailed article on how it is inside airport lounges but to summarize: it’s pretty awesome.
There is an interesting discount on Priority Pass memberships, a network of more than 1,300 lounges all over the world…. but you should NOT buy it.
It would make an original gift that would definitely be appreciated by those who travel often, but at the risk of repeating myself, it is better to get them to learn about travel rewards because some credit cards give free lounge access (in addition to hundreds of dollars in free travel simply by getting the card of course).
Talk to the person you want to spoil and his gift will be learning that travel rewards cards can make their airport experience better for free (and you can buy them a different gift).
If you do want to pay for the membership and offer it as a gift instead of getting one of the many cards that offer it for lounge passes for free, you can take advantage of the current highest-ever 50% discount and buy the membership for US$49 (C$64).
But the member still needs to pay the discounted US$32 per visit, which is why the cards are so much more interesting.
20 websites to find travel items
Here are our favorite sites to buy everything you need to travel.
1. Amazon
All of these items above are on Amazon because it’s our favorite site to find everything in one place for cheap.
2. Decathlon
Sporting goods at ridiculously low prices.
3. SportChek
For more sporting goods that aren’t as affordable.
4. Bentley
The luggage and backpack specialists.
5. Best Buy
For electronic items.
6. The Source
Another alternative for electronics.
7. Walmart
For great prices on lots of things.
8. Indigo / Chapters
For travel books mostly, but also accessories.
9. Herschel Supply Co.
A Canadian company with beloved accessories.
10. Hurley
A brand I like.
11. Oakley
Another popular brand.
12. Ray-Ban
An iconic brand.
13. WANDRD
Bags specifically for travelers.
14. Tropicfeel
Accessories and clothing made for travelers.
15. Pakt
For minimalist accessories.
16. NOMATIC
Another brand of accessories for travelers, by travelers.
17. CLIQ
For a folding chair the size of a bottle!
18. Belkin
For phone cases and travel chargers.
19. AliExpress
A site with a ton of varied items.
20. Atmosphere
Another outdoor brand.
Want to get more content for Canadian travelers?
Summary
Here are some gift ideas for travelers! And with all 25 being under $30, you will not break the bank to please the travelers in your life (or to spoil yourself).
What would you like to know about these gift ideas for travelers? Tell us in the comments below.
See the deals we spot: Cheap flights
Explore awesome destinations: Travel inspiration
Learn pro tricks: Travel tips
Discover free travel: Travel rewards
Featured image: gift ideas (photo credit: Amazon)
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