For the frequent traveler in your life, the perfect gift isn’t just about style-it’s about enhancing every journey with practicality, comfort, and a touch of adventure. From smart packing cubes that transform suitcase chaos into order, to portable gadgets that keep them connected and cozy on the go, discover gifts that turn travel hassles into seamless experiences and make every trip unforgettable.
We’ve rounded up some gifts that can make travel more exciting and relaxing, letting the frequent traveler in your life unwind or use the travel time to be productive. Better yet, these gift ideas don’t lose their utility once they arrive at their destination; each recommendation is useful during everyday life, even when you aren’t set to board a plane, train, or automobile.
Steam Deck
The Steam Deck is an excellent gift for frequent travelers who love gaming, offering the ability to play AAA and indie games anywhere, from flights to hotel rooms. Since its release, it has transformed portable gaming by combining the power of a PC with the convenience of a handheld device, starting at $349. While it has some drawbacks like battery life and weight, its versatility as a Linux-based PC allows travelers to use it for gaming and basic computing tasks. Accessories like portable docks enhance its functionality, making it easy to connect to external displays and peripherals on the go. Its compact size fits well in backpacks, making it a practical companion for long journeys and layovers, providing entertainment and a way to unwind during travel.
Valve’s Steam Deck is currently the ultimate gaming device you can bring on your travels. The portable gaming PC can store and play made-for-PC games, many of which support cloud saves that can sync with PC when you’d rather play on a larger screen. It’s great for games that require fast reflexes, like Neon White, and it’s just powerful enough to run one of 2023’s hit games, Baldur’s Gate 3. The battery life is serviceable, and it’s easy to keep charged through its USB-C port, so long as you have access to a wall plug or a powerful and portable battery (we’ve included one of those further down on this list, by the way).
Steam Deck
$297$39926% off $297 $297 at Valve (64 GB)$399 at Valve (256 GB)$382 at Valve (512 GB)
A Shy Guy plushie
For the frequent traveler who appreciates a touch of whimsy and comfort, the Shy Guy plushie makes an adorable and thoughtful gift. This soft, cuddly companion is perfect for long flights, train rides, or hotel stays, offering a bit of familiar charm and a cozy presence wherever the journey takes them. Its compact size makes it easy to pack, and its charming design is sure to bring a smile after a busy day of exploring new destinations.
In need of a travel buddy? Shy Guy from the Super Mario games makes an excellent plus one. Fair warning, Shy Guy does take up a fair amount of space, so this gift is more suitable for those who aren’t as concerned about spare real estate in their luggage. His vacant stare makes it all worth it, however.
Club Mocchi Mocchi Shy Guy plushie
$35 $35 $35 at Amazon
A powerful, portable battery
For travelers who are always on the move, a powerful, portable battery is an essential companion. Modern power banks, like the Anker 523 PowerCore Slim or the INIU 65W 20K Power Bank, combine high-capacity charging with lightweight, compact designs-ensuring your devices stay powered through long flights, layovers, or remote adventures. Many top models offer fast-charging USB-C ports and enough capacity to recharge smartphones multiple times or even top up laptops, making them ideal for digital nomads and frequent flyers alike. Rugged options with dustproof and waterproof features add durability for those venturing off the beaten path, while sleek, ultra-thin designs slip easily into a pocket or backpack without adding bulk. With a reliable portable battery, your favorite traveler never has to worry about losing power when it matters most.
If there’s one thing that most devices have in common with each other, it’s that their batteries die a little faster than we’d like. So, it’s smart to be equipped with a solution in the form of something like this Anker portable external battery. If you remember to keep it fully charged before a trip, it can save your hide by recharging phones, tablets, portable gaming consoles, and more.
Anker Prime 20,000 mAh power bank
$130 $130 $130 at Anker$130 at Amazon
Augmented reality glasses
Augmented reality glasses are an exceptional gift for frequent travelers, offering a seamless blend of entertainment, productivity, and convenience on the go. Models like the Xreal One Pro provide sharp, immersive displays with spatial computing capabilities, allowing users to enjoy a virtual ultrawide screen anchored in mid-air, perfect for work or leisure during long journeys. Lightweight and portable, these glasses enhance experiences from gaming to movie-watching without the need for bulky equipment. Other options, such as the RayNeo Air 3s, focus on delivering vivid visuals and clear sound at an affordable price, ideal for travelers seeking comfort and quality without the high cost. Premium choices like the Viture Pro XR combine ultra-bright displays with advanced AR software for the ultimate immersive experience. With features like real-time translation, hands-free controls, and AI-driven assistance, AR glasses transform travel by keeping users connected and entertained wherever they go.
If you’re wary about fellow travelers sneaking a peek at your device screens, there’s a clever (and futuristic) workaround that we love. The Xreal Air augmented reality glasses plug into your devices, beaming their content straight to your eyes. They work with mobile devices, Nintendo Switch, and Steam Deck – any devices that can output video via USB-C will work. These glasses will whisk their wearer away to a personal virtual theater.
Xreal Air augmented reality glasses
$379 $379 $379 at Amazon
MyArcade Pocket Player Gaming Handheld S/2 Pac-Man & Ms. Pac-Man
$80 $80
Take the fun with you when you’re on the go with these Pocket Players. Enjoy playing Pac-Man games while your friend plays Ms Pac-Man – then switch for even more fun! From MyArcade. (From our sponsor.)
Read More $80 at QVC
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is an ideal gift for frequent travelers thanks to its portability and versatile gaming options. Its compact design, especially the Switch Lite, makes it easy to pack and carry on the go, while the standard Switch offers a handy kickstand for comfortable play on tray tables during flights or train rides. With a long battery life of up to nine hours on the V2 model and a wide library of games, it provides both solo entertainment and social gaming experiences anywhere. Essential travel accessories like protective carrying cases, adjustable stands, and reliable chargers further enhance its convenience for travelers, making the Switch a perfect companion for journeys of any length.
The Nintendo Switch is a great travel companion, and has been since it debuted in 2017. Its small size still sets it apart as the most compact portable console to stow in a bag, especially next to the tank that is the Steam Deck. If you’re looking for a travel-friendly gaming handheld, the Nintendo Switch is one of our favorites, thanks to its slim form factor and robust library of games for kids and adults.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Switch bundle
$299 $299
This bundle includes a Nintendo Switch with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and a free three-month trial for Nintendo Switch Online.
Read More $299 at Amazon$300 at Best Buy
Backbone One controller
The Backbone One controller is an exceptional accessory for frequent travelers who enjoy gaming on the go. Designed to clip around your smartphone with a secure fit, it connects via Lightning for iPhones or USB-C for Android devices and newer iPhones, ensuring low latency and a console-quality experience without the hassle of Bluetooth pairing. Its ergonomic design includes responsive analog triggers, precision thumbsticks, a tactile D-pad, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and pass-through charging, making it perfect for extended gaming sessions anywhere. The controller supports a wide range of games and streaming services like PlayStation Remote Play, Xbox Remote Play, and Steam Link, and pairs seamlessly with the Backbone app for social features and gameplay capture. The 2nd generation model further improves comfort and compatibility, including magnetic adapters for use with phone cases, making it a top-tier gift for travelers who want to game effortlessly on their smartphones.
If you’d like to play games on your phone, but prefer console-like controls, you might want to check out the Backbone One. The Backbone One is a snap-on controller that transforms your phone into a little console where you can easily snipe your opponents and navigate rough terrain without dragging your fingers and furiously tapping on its screen. It works for Android and Apple devices that have a USB-C port. Backbone also makes an option that supports the Lightning connector used on older iPhones.
Backbone One USB-C phone controller
$100 $100
Whether you have an iPhone 15 or the latest Android phone, the Backbone One is the best gaming controller you can buy for it. It stretches around your phone without taking away your charging and audio port.
Read More $100 at Amazon$100 at Best Buy
Apple TV 4K
The Apple TV 4K is an excellent gift for frequent travelers who want to enjoy their favorite shows and movies anywhere they go. It delivers stunning 4K HDR picture quality with Dolby Vision and immersive Dolby Atmos sound, creating a cinematic experience on the go. The device integrates seamlessly with Apple’s ecosystem, allowing users to access Apple Originals, Apple Music, Apple Arcade games, and even FaceTime on the big screen. Thanks to recent updates, it can connect to hotel Wi-Fi networks that require additional sign-in steps, making it easier to use in hotels and Airbnbs when paired with an iPhone. Its fast performance, Siri voice control, and support for multiple gaming controllers add versatility, making it a compact entertainment hub that fits perfectly in a traveler’s bag.
Most hotels don’t have smart TVs, let alone good TVs at all. If you can’t go anywhere without your favorite TV shows and movies (and if you prefer the big screen over something more portable), it’s a good idea to bring along an Apple TV 4K so you can access specific workout, streaming, and entertainment apps that may be otherwise inaccessible on older TVs. It’s fairly compact and easy to connect via an HDMI cable to a TV.
Apple TV 4K
$129 $129 $130 at Best Buy (64 GB)$129 at Walmart (64 GB)$150 at Best Buy (128 GB)
Bose QuietComfort noise-canceling headphones
Bose QuietComfort noise-canceling headphones are an excellent gift for frequent travelers, offering world-class active noise cancellation that effectively blocks out ambient sounds like airplane engines and busy airport chatter. They feature a lightweight, comfortable design with plush protein leather ear cushions and a secure headband, making them ideal for long listening sessions on the go. With up to 24 hours of battery life, customizable EQ settings via the Bose app, and multiple listening modes including Quiet and Aware for situational awareness, these headphones provide a premium audio experience tailored to the traveler’s needs. Additionally, they come with a sturdy carrying case and support both wireless Bluetooth and wired connections, ensuring versatility and convenience during any journey.
Peace of mind can be a difficult thing to achieve when traveling, but a set of good noise-canceling headphones can help. We like the Bose QuietComfort headphones in particular because they can be folded up for easy storage. Of course, their biggest selling point is the noise cancellation itself, which can block out crying babies, snoring, and most airplane engine sounds.
Bose QuietComfort wireless noise-canceling headphones
$249$34929% off $249 $249 at Amazon
Lovisia Pokémon face mask
For the frequent traveler who loves a touch of whimsy and self-care, the Lovisia Pokémon Face Mask set is a standout gift. Each set features five sheet masks adorned with beloved Pokémon characters like Pikachu, Eevee, Psyduck, Mew, and Ditto, making skincare both fun and Instagram-worthy. Beyond the adorable packaging, these masks are packed with skin-loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and collagen, providing deep hydration and a soothing boost after long flights or busy days on the road. Lightweight and easy to slip into any carry-on, this collectible set is perfect for keeping skin refreshed-and spirits high-wherever your travels take you.
It’s important to stay moisturized – and cute – during hectic travels. There’s no shame in slapping on a face mask during a long plane ride. Of course, what’s on your face mask matters. For the Pokémon fans out there, try these face masks covered with Pikachu, Eevee, Psyduck, or Mew.
Lovisia Pokemon face masks
$6 $6 $6 at TokTok Beauty$6 at Palace Beauty
Genki Covert Dock Mini
The Genki Covert Dock Mini is a game-changer for travelers who want big-screen gaming without the bulk. About the size of a standard phone charger, this ultra-compact dock lets you connect a Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, or any USB-C device to a TV or monitor via HDMI, supporting up to 4K output for crystal-clear visuals. Despite its tiny footprint-easily slipping into a pocket or travel pouch-it delivers 20W of power and fast USB-C PD charging, making it ideal for both gaming and productivity on the go. While it drops the USB-A port found on its larger sibling, the trade-off means less weight and clutter, perfect for those who value portability above all else. Whether you’re gaming in a hotel room or presenting from your laptop, the Covert Dock Mini is a versatile, must-have accessory for any frequent traveler.
In case you’ve ever tried to travel with the dock that Nintendo includes with each Switch, you don’t need me to tell you that it’s pretty big. Genki makes the Covert Dock Mini, which is a miniaturized device that performs the same functions. It can work with other devices, too, like laptops, tablets, and the Steam Deck. Whether you want to put your devices on the big screen or just keep them charged, the Covert Dock Mini is a clever gadget to stick in your travel bag.
Genki Covert Dock Mini
$50 $50 $50 at Walmart$50 at Genki
A personal Wi-Fi hotspot
A personal Wi-Fi hotspot is an essential gift for the frequent traveler who often finds themselves in places with unreliable or limited internet access. These portable devices provide fast, secure, and reliable internet connectivity on the go, supporting multiple devices simultaneously. Modern hotspots, like the GlocalMe Numen Air 5G or Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro, offer 5G speeds, long battery life, and global coverage with virtual SIM technology, making them perfect for international travel. They enable travelers to stay connected for work, navigation, or entertainment without relying on public Wi-Fi networks, enhancing convenience and security during their journeys.
If the person you’re buying for happens to travel to a lot of places with unreliable internet connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot could be the gift that keeps on giving. This one boasts a lifetime 4G LTE data plan for around $150, and you can connect up to 10 devices to it at once. And, best of all, it doesn’t require a SIM card, nor do you have to enroll in a cellular contract – it just works.
Simo Solis Lite 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
$136$16015% off $136 $136 at Amazon
A fan for your phone
For the frequent traveler, a mini fan that plugs directly into your phone offers a compact and convenient way to stay cool on the go. These USB-powered fans are lightweight, portable, and easy to use, making them ideal companions for hot airports, crowded trains, or outdoor adventures. Many models now come with Type-C adapters compatible with Android and iPhone devices, ensuring broad usability. Beyond just cooling, some portable fans also double as power banks or flashlights, adding extra functionality without bulk. Whether clipped onto your phone or slipped into a pocket, these fans provide a refreshing breeze wherever your travels take you.
Traveling to a toasty region? You’ll need to stay cool, and this affordable, portable fan that you can attach to a phone’s charging port can help out in a pinch. It may not make you feel like you’re on cloud nine, but any bit of cooling can help to keep it together as you push through hot weather.
Sokelinn-six portable fan for phones
$6 $6 $6 at Amazon
My Arcade Pocket Player Pro (Super Street Fighter II)
$60 $60
Are you ready to join the World Warrior Tournament? Get ready to take on the toughest fighters from around the globe with the Super Street Fighter II Pocket Player Pro from My Arcade. This officially licensed Capcom product includes Super Street Fighter II: The New Challengers and Street Fighter II: Special Champion Edition, bringing the ultimate arcade fighting experience to your pocket. From My Arcade. (From our sponsor.)
Read More $60 at QVC
What innovative travel gadgets will make their trips unforgettable
Innovative travel gadgets that will make trips unforgettable include:
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Smart Luggage: Equipped with GPS tracking, USB charging ports, weight sensors, and remote locks, smart luggage offers convenience and security, making travel smoother and more organized.
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Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot: Enables reliable internet access anywhere, crucial for staying connected, working remotely, or sharing travel moments without relying on public Wi-Fi.
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Action Cameras: Compact and rugged, these cameras capture high-quality photos and videos of adventures, from underwater exploration to extreme sports.
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Solar-Powered Chargers: Perfect for off-grid charging, these eco-friendly devices keep gadgets powered without access to traditional outlets.
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Portable Language Translators: Break down language barriers instantly, enhancing communication in foreign countries.
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Foldable Drones: Capture stunning aerial photos and videos, adding a new perspective to travel memories.
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Wearable Sleep Aids: Help improve sleep quality during flights or in unfamiliar environments, reducing travel fatigue.
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AirFly Wireless Converter: Allows use of Bluetooth earbuds with airplane entertainment systems, eliminating tangled wires and enhancing in-flight audio experiences.
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Anker Power Banks and USB-C Chargers: Provide fast, reliable charging for multiple devices on the go, essential for long travel days and limited outlet access.
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Universal Travel Adapters: Ensure compatibility with various international power outlets, allowing travelers to charge devices safely worldwide.
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Perilogics Universal In-Flight Phone Holder: A compact, versatile phone mount that secures devices for hands-free viewing during flights and other travel moments.
These gadgets combine cutting-edge technology with practical benefits to solve common travel challenges, making journeys more comfortable, connected, and memorable.
Which travel gadgets in 2025 are best for capturing adventures underwater
For capturing underwater adventures in 2025, the top travel gadgets are specialized waterproof cameras that combine high-quality imaging with rugged durability:
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Insta360 X5: The best overall underwater camera, offering cinematic 8K 360º video, next-gen stabilization, and excellent low-light performance. It is waterproof to 49ft (15m) out of the box, and with an invisible dive case, it can go as deep as 197ft (60m). Its 360º PureVideo mode enhances footage in dark or deep-water conditions, making it ideal for professional and casual underwater creators alike.
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Insta360 Ace Pro 2: Tailored for fishing and rugged water conditions, this camera delivers stunning 8K footage with a Leica SUMMARIT lens and dual AI chip system. It is waterproof and built to withstand freezing and rough environments, with 4K60fps video optimized for low-light underwater shooting. It’s perfect for anglers and those who want pro-level underwater shots with hands-free controls.
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Insta360 X4 and X3: Excellent beginner-friendly options with 8K 360º video (X4) and 5.7K 360º video (X3), waterproof to 33ft (10m) and extendable to 164ft (50m) with a dive case. These cameras offer intuitive AI-powered editing and long battery life, ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, and underwater exploration without the complexity of professional rigs.
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GoPro HERO 13 Black: A widely trusted action camera for underwater use, offering a wide field of view and robust shooting modes such as photo, video, timelapse, and slow motion. It is waterproof and versatile for various underwater conditions, favored by recreational divers.
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OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7: A compact, indestructible camera with an IP68 rating, waterproof up to 50ft without additional housing. It excels in durability against drops, shocks, and cold temperatures, offering 12MP photos and 4K video, making it a strong choice for adventure travelers prioritizing ruggedness alongside underwater capability.
These cameras stand out for their combination of waterproof depth rating, image quality, stabilization, and user-friendly features, ensuring unforgettable underwater footage for every type of traveler and adventurer in 2025.
