All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
It can be hard to find the best travel gifts for the person who seems to always be planning their next adventure, but it doesn't have to be. You already know what they like to do — Explore! See the world! — and chances are you've spent enough time with them to know exactly what's missing from their travel getup. (And no, it's probably not a luggage tag or a travel pillow.)
If it's your older brother whose luggage has seen better days, it wouldn't be too hard to convince your parents to help you splurge on a new carry-on he'll use all the time. If your bestie is big into music or photography, they're probably hoping someone will surprise them with some noise-canceling headphones, a professional camera, or, if you're not chipping in on a big group gift, a new instant camera to capture all the memories.
Whether you're shopping for a loved one prepping for their first study abroad semester or a recent graduate planning a year-long sabbatical, check out 41 of the best travel gifts of 2022. From beach-ready accessories to beauty minis, packing hacks, and even reading essentials, this gift guide will get you inspired and ready for a trip.
Beauty minis
TSA-friendly beauty supplies are a must for anyone who loves traveling. Who can say no to their favorite products in miniature form? These TikTok-approved beauty brands are a great place to start if you are looking to gift travel-friendly skin care or makeup, no matter how involved or minimalist your giftee's current regimen is.
Toiletry bags
If you are hopping around the world with your travel minis, you'll need a place to store them all!
Reading essentials
Your favorite travel buddy who gets all their reading recs from #BookTok will be thrilled with a Kindle. It's the best, most efficient way for traveling with multiple books without actually needing to physically carry them all. If they prefer rifling through physical paper, a copy of a new bestseller, like Emily Henry's Book Lovers, will also do the trick.
High-quality luggage
If they're budget travelers, they probably don't want to be springing for checked baggage. Away's lightweight suitcases make organizing easy and will see them through many trips abroad and holiday weekends back home. A new Fjällraven travel backpack will keep their snacks safe and readily accessible for when hunger strikes during the four-hour layover.
Versatile travel bags
Passport holder? Check. Credit card slot? Check. Room for boarding passes and the biggest iPhone? Check, check, and check. Globetrotters only need one of these slim crossbodies to store all their travel essentials and breeze through security. It doesn’t hurt that these little guys are cute enough to wear at their destination, too.
Instant camera
Say cheese! A classic graduation or best friend gift, an instant camera is perfect for capturing those candid wanderlust memories and ideal to have when their phone battery life reaches the dangerous red bar. Complete your gift with a few packs of extra (and colorful) film so they'll be set for several trips.
Camera equipment
A high-tech camera they'll use for years to come? A Leica is a perfect gift for photography enthusiasts hoping to turn their passion into a side hustle or career. If you don't have any friends or family to split the cost with, an underwater phone case is just as cool and ideal for any beach or island getaways they might be going on.
Organization sets
Notorious over-packers may just change their ways with Calpak's packing cubes. The five-piece set can be used for short or long-haul flights and can live in their suitcase or duffel when not in use. Aurate's luxe travel pouch on the other hand is great for your friend whose jewelry motto is “more is more.”
Tech travel accessories
If they're going to be traveling with a heavy laptop, they may as well house it in a cute protective sleeve. Baggu makes some of the coolest ones, like this zodiac-themed one which comes in different colors depending on their star sign. A portable charger is a no-brainer if they forget their adapter or are going to be off the grid.
Hair refresh kits
Help them keep their hair care routine on point with these essentials, from Olaplex's repair system that's perfect for colored or damaged hair to Eva Nyc's mini travel blow dryer that's cute and 10x more powerful than the gadgets they'll probably find in their hotel room.
Packable hats
They may already have a bucket hat they love, but it's probably not one of these knit cuties.
Travel journals
They'll need to write down their thoughts somewhere. Bonus points for checking colored pens off of their back-to-school supplies list.
Destination-ready 'fits
The trendsetter of the family always plans their outfits ahead of time. Be one step ahead of them with these downright cool (and wrinkle-resistant!) picks.
Jewelry keepsakes
Sparkly things to wear always and remember you when they do.
Wear-everywhere shoes
No matter where they're headed, comfy footwear is a must for frequent travelers. Staud's new collab with Birkenstocks is a great gift idea for the person who lives in double-buckled Arizona slides at the first sign of summer. Got more of a Nike stan on your hands? The sporty Margiela vibes of the Rift Breathe's split-toe shoes are primed for a TikTok unboxing.
Beach-appropriate accessories
Just a few things they can wear on and off the beach — including slick Y2K-inspired shades from a Missoma and Le Specs collab, and the cutest campy necklace from an indie label Hailey Bieber has cosigned.
Reusable staples
Bye Hydro Flask, hello Stanley Thirst Quencher. If they're all set on stainless steel water bottles (who isn't?), Cadence is a cool new brand they'll love. Its magnetic capsules are perfect for storing skin-care products, shampoo, body wash, or medicine — no more impossible-to-fill drugstore bottles. The lids can be customized, too!
Entertainment anywhere
Okay, we'll bite: TikTokers of all stripes have vouched for the AirPods Max, so if you're going in on a group gift, these should be a solid contender. Mario Kart and Zelda players will love also an extension to their Nintendo membership, just saying.
Travel gift cards
No explanation is needed.
Wall calendars
So they can count down the days for their next getaway! Extra points if it's travel-themed!
Let us slide into your DMs. Sign up for the Teen Vogue daily email.
Want more from Teen Vogue? Check this out:
- 19 Best Jewelry Brands to Shop if You Love Mejuri
- Do You Really Need a Skin Care Fridge?
- 17 Subscription Boxes Gift Ideas Every Teen Will Love\