15 Best Travel Gifts Under $50

Whether it’s for business or pleasure, travel is a part of life in this day and age. Frequenting airports, hailing ride shares, living out of weekender bags and briefcases – these are the realities of the world we live in circa 2017. Here’s the thing, though. It doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right preparation and gear to get you through the inevitable awkwardness of sharing some personal space with a stranger on a Boeing 737, cross-continental travel can, in fact, be a breeze – even downright enjoyable at times.

That’s why we put our heads together – pulling from our own experience of contemporary travel – to offer up a handful of options that barely put a dent in your own travel budget while helping you gift that Jetsetter something useful for their next journey. It’s a win-win don’t you think? Little more coin your pocket, and a smiling face to boot. Plus these are gifts of utility – so rest assured they’ll see some travel time and not a collection of dust.

Victorinox Concealed Security Pouch

Boasting RFID blocking technology, two zippered pockets of small loose items, a zipper closure, and large compartment ideal for passports, travel documents, and currency, the Victorinox Concealed Security Pouch is an ideal theft-proof travel essential.

Purchase: $16

Moment Photo Case

Aside from a beautiful construction – upping your phone’s aesthetic in its own right – the Moment Photo Case hosts their own lens interface so you can quickly attach one of their lenses at a moment’s notice.

Purchase: $24

Carry On Cocktail Kit

Don’t settle for less than desirable airline cocktails. Instead, set yourself up for success with any one of these Carry-On Cocktail Kits. Each kit comes equipped with everything you need to make a bar-worthy drink at 30,000 ft. Just add the booze of your choice.

Purchase: $24

Ursa Major Essential Face Wipes

Get a little refreshment after that long flight and wipe the jet lag away with these Essential Face Wipes. Each bamboo face wipe is infused with a generous dose of their 4-in-1 Essential Tonic formula leaving the skin refreshed, firm and alive.

Purchase: $24

Airbnb Gift Cards

Ideal for the wandering nomad who’s not quite sure what the next move may be, Airbnb Gift Cards are a great option, are accepted worldwide, and are delivered via email.

Purchase: $25

Anker Wall Charger

Highly recommended for today’s globetrotter, this portable wall charger combines PowerIQ and VoltageBoost to provide up to 8 amps or 2.4 amps per portal. Needless to say, you’ll be able to keep any and all tech charged and ready for flight.

Purchase: $26

Audio-Technica Professional Monitor Headphones

Block out the annoying ambient noise or crying child on the aircraft with a little help from these Audio Technical headphones. Each pair is designed for studio tracking and mixing, comes complete with 40mm drivers with rare earth magnets, and boasts an excellent sound isolation in loud environments.

Purchase: $39

Cargo Works iPhone EDC Note Case

Ideal for both the traveler and commuter, this miniature carry pouch can house a phone, the contents of a wallet, a passport, and any other handy EDC items you may need at the ready. There’s also a 2×2 front and 2×6 back MOLLE grid for extra assistance.

Purchase: $40

Ultra Rugged Lightning Battery Cable

Up your charging game with this rugged lightening battery cable. Here, this option from Nomad hosts an exterior crafted from military-grade 1000D ballistic weave nylon and is built to withstand over 10,000 flexions.

Purchase: $40

Aesop Jet Set Kit

Keep clean in a germ-filled, potentially unsanitary environment with a little help from Aesop’s Jet Set Kit. Each pack contains an assortment of the formulations to help maintain an impeccable appearance and upkeep over the course of any extended globetrotting journey.

Purchase: $41

Anker PowerCore

Weighing in at less than 12.5 ounces, this powerful power bank boasts enough juice to charge an iPhone 7 up to seven times. It utilizes high-speed charging technology to get the job done in spectacular fashion, can recharge itself in under 10 hours, and is certified safe compliments of Anker’s MultiProtect safety system.

Purchase: $42

Tumi Packing Cube

Remaining organized isn’t only important in day to day life, this extends two-fold in the world of travel. Fortunately, Tumi’s Packing Cube keeps any delicates separate from heavier items or even helps you organize daily outfits with ease.

Purchase: $45

AER Dopp Kit

This is a no-brainer. We all need Dopp kits when we travel. Luckily, AER’s sleek option boasts a 2.9-liter 1680D ballistic nylon construction, a water-resistant interior liner, and an external toothbrush pocket/stand to keep it off the questionable hotel counter.

Purchase: $45

Nomadic Homes

Need some inspiration before hitting the road? Nomadic Homes is a well-designed and thoughtful coffee table book that contains some of the most remarkable examples of homes on the move. From Airstream homes to superyachts and everything in-between, it’s all here.

Purchase: $48

Matador Pocket Duffel

Perfect for weekend getaways, duffel bags are easy and relatively low maintenance carry items in the luggage world. This option from Matador, boasts a 30-liter capacity, a waterproof and puncture resistant construction, and folds down to the size of a beer and is stored in its own bag.

Purchase: $49