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12 Gifts for Every Kind of Traveler – 2021 Holiday Gift Guide

By Jason Barnette | Travel writer and photographer with 15+ years of road tripping experience

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my Affiliate Disclosure here.

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People travel to different kinds of destinations using different modes of getting there, but there are a few things all travelers have in common. Capturing photos of their adventures, taking notes for future reference, staying safe and comfortable, and enjoying some entertainment are a few of those commonalities.

This Holiday Gift Guide is about a few gifts that would be great for every kind of traveler from road trippers to weekend vacationers.

2021 Holiday Gift Guides

Before you can buy the perfect Christmas gift, you have to find it. Each year, I publish a series of Holiday Gift Guides to help you find fantastic travel gear, accessories, unique gifts, and awesome items to put under the tree.

No. 01

Adonit PhotoGrip Qi

Would it be easier to capture hundreds of photos on your next adventure if you could turn your cellphone into a comfortable digital camera? That is exactly what you can do with the Adonit PhotoGrip Qi. The PhotoGrip effectively turns your cellphone into a mirrorless camera with comfortable grip and removable shutter release button.

The spring-loaded grip works on most cellphone sizes and securely grips the phone with rubber pads. The PhotoGrip can be attached to a tripod with a screw mount on the bottom. Press a button, and the built-in battery can wireless charge your Qi-compatible phone while you use it!

No. 02

Nikon Z5 Mirrorless Camera

If you want to take your photography to the next level for higher quality images of your adventures, the Nikon Z5 is one of the best mirrorless cameras on the market. With a 24MP full frame sensor and 4K video recording, you’ll go home with stunning moments to remember forever.

The Nikon Z5 uses a different type of lens mount – the first time in decades Nikon changed the mount. The camera body with mount adapter kit will allow you to use your current lineup of lenses on the new camera body, or you can get the camera body with 24-50mm lens kit.

No. 03

Field Notes Memo Book

Field Notes co-founder Aaron Draplin is an avid collector of vintage memo books once used by farmers. Based in Chicago, Field Notes memo books are entirely made in America and designed for modern-day use. Their lineup includes pocket-sized memo books, national park-themed memo books, and larger notebooks.

Field Notes memo books are perfect for jotting down directions to local attractions, tidbits of information about the destinations you visit, and important information like phone numbers and street addresses. With this handcrafted leather journal cover, you’ll always have a memo book when you need it.

No. 04

Yeti Rambler

Whether you drink water all day or crave those soda fountains at the gas stations, the Yeti Rambler is the perfect way to keep your drink chilled while traveling. The 30-ounce stainless steel vacuum insulated tumbler has a tapered bottom that fits in the cup holders of most cars and features a durable finish that won’t chip after repeatedly use.

The rambler comes with a standard MagSlider Lid – a slider that magnetically catches to prevent it from accidentally opening. Get the optional replacement lid with straw for an easy-to-use cup while traveling down the road.

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No. 05

Sea to Summit Inflatable Neck Pillow

Whether you’re spending hours in the car, flying to your destination, or taking the train, you might need a great travel pillow along the way. The Sea to Summit Inflatable Neck Pillow is perfect for giving your sleepy head support while traveling.  

The inflatable pillow fits in a tiny pouch smaller than your hand, perfect for dropping into a bag or purse. When you’re ready to use it, a few good puffs and the polyester knit pillow is ready to use. Use the clasp to secure it around your neck before nodding off in comfort.

No. 06

Leatherman Multitool

Victorinox may set the standard for the multitool with their Swiss Army knife – first produced in Switzerland in 1891 – but Leatherman sets the standard for an American-made multitool. Since the company’s founding in 1983, Leatherman multitools have been produced in a factory in Portland, Oregon.

The Leatherman Squirt PS4 is pocket-sized at just 2.25-inches long and features 14 useful tools. The Leatherman Wave Plus is one of their best multitools, featuring 18 tools with pliers, knife, screwdrivers, scissors, and bottle opener.

No. 07

Fenix Flashlight

On the road, in a hotel room, or just looking for a pair of socks buried in a duffel bag, a flashlight comes in very handy while traveling. The Fenix series of flashlights are perfect for travel with an all-metal body, incredible brightness, and durability.

The Fenix E12 features 160 lumens with a 75-yard reach and operates on a single AA battery. Only 3” long, it’s the perfect EDC accessory. The Fenix PD40R is one of the best flashlights for travelers – it features 3000 lumens with a 442-yard reach and utilizes a rechargeable 5200mAh lithium-ion battery.

No. 08

Fossil RFID Wallets and Clutches

Modern credit and debit cards use a small Radio Frequency Identification chip for most transactions. With any new technology comes a new way for thieves to operate – this time, entirely wireless from feet away. RFID-blocking wallets and clutches prevent thieves from stealing credit and debit card information as you walk down the street or through an airport.

Fossil makes wonderful real leather wallets, clutches, purses, and passport holders lined with an RFID-blocking material. The Men’s Minimalist Bifold and Trifold will keep your cards protected from scanning technology. For women, the Logan Tab Clutch and Logan Mini Bifold holds your cards and features a few extra pockets. The Men’s Passport Holder and Women’s Passport Holder can safely hold your passport along with credit and debit cards while traveling abroad, complete with RFID protection.

National Park Week 2024

Learn about the annual celebration of the National Park System and read my travel guides to national park units across the country.

No. 09

Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella

The biggest fear of using an umbrella during a summer thunderstorm is a gust of wind turning it inside out. But with the Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella, that fear can be put to rest. Resin reinforced fiberglass ribs keep the Teflon-coated fabric secure, while a vent at the top allows wind to blow through and keeps the rain out.

The umbrella is less than a foot long, weighs less than a pound, and features a slip-proof handle for carrying. It’s the perfect travel umbrella for your next adventure!

No. 10

eBags Classic Packing Cubes

Packing cubes will change the way you travel forever. Sorting clothing into cubes allows you to pack more in the same size bag, easily find what you’re looking for, and keep everything neat and wrinkle-free during transport. But packing cubes can be a very difficult choice to make – until you’ve tried them for the first time.

eBags Classic Packing Cubes features a starter set with one large, one medium, one small, and three slim packing cubes. The durable nylon material with mesh panels keeps clothing clean, secure, and tidy. The starter set can hold enough clothing for one person for a weekend getaway – and just might be enough to get them hooked on the concept.

No. 11

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Noise Cancelling Headphones

Whether you’re listening to music, your favorite podcast, or watching the latest episode of Chicago Fire, if you’re in public you will need a good pair of noise cancelling headphones. The Sony WH-1000MX4 is inarguably the best set of noise cancelling headphones on the market – but at a whopping $350 price tag.

At just $60, the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Noise Cancelling Headphones are a budget option that performs surprising well. The over-the-ear headphones offer a great balance between quality sound and noise cancelling technology, allowing you to clearly hear what you’re playing.

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No. 12

Anker PowerCore III 10K Power Bank

In a world of mobile devices, endless streaming, and constant data transfers, we need power to our cellphones more than ever. Anker is an industry leader in portable power banks for cellphones, tablets, and laptops, but with their latest power bank they have taken to the next level.

The Anker PowerCore III 10K Power Bank features a Qi charger to wireless charge your cellphone. This allows you to simply place the phone beside the charger in a bag, purse, or flat surface, and the charging begins. With a 10,000mAh lithium-ion battery, you’ll be able to charge your mobile device dozens of times.

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Do you have a question about travel or road trips? Are you a CVB or DMO interested in working with me? I typically respond to emails within 24 hours. Quicker if you include a good riddle.
Do you have a question about travel or road trips? Are you a CVB or DMO interested in working with me? I typically respond to emails within 24 hours. Quicker if you include a good riddle.
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