The 18 Best Gifts for International Travelers

Why we like it: It’s a power adapter, extension cord, and power strip in one.

The MOGICS Super Bagel does many things, none of which have anything to do with cream cheese. However, just because it doesn’t go in a toaster doesn’t mean they won’t be satisfied with its performance. The shape resembles a bagel, with five sockets around the exterior, an extension cord tucked inside, and a travel adapter in the middle that’s compatible with U.K., AU, and EU sockets. If you’re looking for a gift for a friend or family member who needs to charge a ton of devices while they’re abroad, this is the travel adapter for them!

Why we like it: They can use it as a tracker or as a business card.

The Rolling Square AirCard slides perfectly into most wallets. You might be wondering how they’ll load their financial information onto it—well, they don’t. The AirCard is a tracking device, so they can find their wallet should they lose it. Or, load it into the ID window of their rolling luggage to ensure they always know where it is. The device is compatible with Apple’s Find My Network, meaning it has better connectivity worldwide, though that’s especially true in the United States, where more people have Apple devices. If someone finds the card, they can scan the QR code or tap the NFC tag to get their contact information. This isn’t perfect, as not all good samaritans know how to use QR codes or NFC tags; however, this is a solid gift for somebody constantly losing their wallet!

Why we like it: It works for their Nintendo Switch and charging other devices.

Are you shopping for someone who never leaves the house without their Nintendo Switch? Well, we’ve got a gift for them. The Genki Covert Dock Mini turns any outlet into a Nintendo Switch dock, so your loved one can play their games on almost any TV. This thing is a fraction of the size of the standard Nintendo Switch dock and can be used to charge other devices when the Switch isn’t in use. Plus, it can handle 4K video, so there isn’t any loss in quality. It is the perfect gift for a gamer on the go, enabling them to play Zelda, Smash, or Harvest Moon on the big screen anywhere.

Why we like it: It attaches to the back of their phone, so it is out of the way when not in use.

The Peak Design Mobile Tripod is perfect for meetings on the go, snapping a long exposure photo with their phone, or setting up a family photo. They can use it with any MagSafe-compatible iPhone, a phone using the Peak Design Case, or anything attached to Peak Design’s universal mount. If you’re shopping for someone who doesn’t have any of those three things, this isn’t a good bet unless you want to buy a phone case or universal mount while you’re at it. The legs are easy to set up, and the tripod stays attached to their phone when they aren’t using it, so it’s hard to lose. Plus, they can use it horizontally or vertically, which is handy for everything from photos to Zoom calls.

Why we like it: It’s fully submersible, so they don’t have to worry about it near water.

Space is one of the most common reasons people don’t take Bluetooth speakers on an international trip. After all, most Bluetooth speakers are at least the size of an ornamental vintage ashtray you’d find at a secondhand store in Amsterdam. The Altec Lansing Mini H2O Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker might be the money spot. It’s tiny—so small that it’ll fit into the palm of their hand. It has enough volume to be worth packing and features an IP67 rating to survive submersion. It’s small enough to fit, loud enough to start a party, and durable enough to take a beating. If that isn’t an excellent gift, what is?

Why we like it: It’s highly durable, so it’ll last for years.

We know what you might be thinking. A flashlight? Seriously? Well, yes! Whereas the advent of smartphone flashlights is helpful, being stuck with one of those alone when an emergency strikes is problematic. The NITECORE TINI 2 is incredibly powerful, packing 500 lumens, yet easy to hold in the palm of their hand. In high-power mode, the battery will last just 45 minutes; however, lower modes will allow the light to last for weeks, which makes it a high-quality travel companion. Plus, the exterior is metal, not plastic, so whoever you gift this to can use it for years to come.

Why we like it: It is pretty skinny when folded up, so it’ll fit in most backpacks.

We’ve been high on the Roost V3 Laptop Stand for years and have shown no signs of descending from the astronomical height this stand allows them to keep their laptop at. It is an excellent gift for anyone who works on their computer for extended hours, as it is more ergonomic than leaving their laptop on the table in front of them. Plus, it packs into a tiny case. It’s long when folded away; however, it’s so skinny that it easily fits into travel backpacks, daypacks, and even some slings. With seven adjustment levels, this gift is perfect for laptops and humans of all shapes and sizes.

Why we like it: It fits in their pocket and works for meetings, watching videos, photography, and taking steady videos.

The JOBY GripTight ONE Micro Stand ticks a lot of boxes when shopping for the holidays. First, it’s small enough to fit into a stocking. Considering it fits into every pants pocket we’ve tried, a stocking above the fireplace is no problem. Second, it works with almost all modern cell phones, so you can get it for anyone. Well, not Uncle Larry, because he’s been using a Motorola Razr since 2004. Third, they can separate the two pieces, giving the device more functionality. The phone grip can be attached to a tripod for a better angle or shooting video, and they can use the stand for a point-and-shoot camera. The JOBY GripTight ONE Micro Stand is a solid gift idea for anyone interested in phone photography, taking meetings on the go, operating hands-free, and watching videos easily.

Why we like it: They’re small, comfortable, and easy to use.

No, these aren’t Bluetooth headphones. No, seriously, stop asking us about sound quality in the comments on our review on YouTube. They’re earplugs, not headphones! Now that we’ve got that disclaimer out of the way, why should you purchase the Loop Quiet Earplugs for an international traveler? Well, most well-traveled adventurers have a pair of earplugs or have thought about getting some. In our experience, these are the best ones on the market, as they’re easy to put in, don’t fall out, and have different size plugs to fit all ear types. Plus, they’re easy to clean and come with a case, making them harder to lose than others we’ve tested. They don’t offer the protection they’d want for an active construction site; however, they’re more than adequate for most travel uses.

Why we like it: It attaches to their keys, so they don’t have to add something else to your tech pouch.

While traveling, most people try to use their phones less to enjoy the moment. Still, in the modern era, our entire lives are on our devices, so ensuring they’ve got a way to stay charged is essential. The Rolling Square TAU doesn’t take up much room and fits onto their keys, so they can juice up at a moment’s notice. Plus, it has cables built into the case, so they don’t have to bring extras. It’s a perfect gift for someone who wants to stay charged up without having to lug tech around so they can enjoy their trip. Or, for somebody who loves doohickeys. Honestly, who doesn’t, though?

Why we like it: There are multiple sizes and colorways, so they can find something for every kind of traveler.

Buying the Heroclip Hybrid Carabiner Clip for someone as a gift usually goes one of two ways. The first option is that they’re blown away by it and can’t believe they didn’t already have it. The design offers an ingenious way to ensure their backpack doesn’t have to sit on dirty or wet floors, turning any ledge into a hanging device. The second option is that they already have one, love it, and are happy they’ve got another, just in case the first one breaks or goes missing. The clip is lightweight, fits into the palm of their hand, and comes in multiple sizes to work with almost any bag or sling. Plus, some fun colorways are available, so you can find one that fits the vibe of the person you’re shopping for.

Why we like it: They can charge a standard phone almost five times over.

The NITECORE Carbo 20000 has enough juice to charge a standard iPhone over four times, has a USB-A and USB-C port, and can charge up to 20W for fast charging. Even with all that juice and extra features, it doesn’t take up a ton of space in their tech pouch or sling. We wish it had two USB-C ports like the new NITECORE NB10000; however, the USB-A port isn’t a complete deal breaker. If you’re looking for a gift for a heavy tech user who likes to stay charged up, the NITECORE Carbo 20000 is a great shout.

Why we like it: The locking device is easy to use and doesn’t take much extra time to engage.

A carabiner is a handy tool while traveling for several reasons, and the Nite Ize S-Biner SlideLock takes things to a whole new level. It has two clips, so they don’t have to fiddle with fitting two things into the same side and getting tangled. Plus, each side has a mini locking device that’s easy to use and ensures neither side pops open when they don’t want it to. We’ve lost the locking tab in the past; however, if they keep an eye on it when engaging it, there shouldn’t be an issue. There are a ton of colorways and sizes available, so you can get your giftee a color that matches their vibe and a size that works best for their needs. Or, get them an assortment of both. They’ll find a use for them!

Why we like it: It’s comfortable, holds their pants up, and shouldn’t have to come off at the airport.

The Arcade Atlas Belt might seem like a strange gift at first glance, but let us sell it to you before you pass judgment. First, it’s crafted from recycled REPREVE polyester, which is stretchy enough to be comfortable on all kinds of journeys and strong enough to keep their pants up all day long. Second, the belt has no metal, so they can wear it through airport security. Some agents may request that they remove it; however, we find this typically only happens if they tuck in their shirt or they can see it. Third, it retails for less than $40, which is a solid shout for something that your friend or family member will use every day, all day. Hopefully, if you’re still passing judgment after all that, it’s because you love this thing and can’t wait to get one for yourself and your loved one!

Why we like it: They can use it at home, at work, or while traveling.

A Pack Hacker Pro Member once pointed out something about bidets that completely changed our thinking. If you were walking the dog and accidentally got doo-doo anywhere on your skin, would you wipe it off with a paper towel or wash it with water? Whether they have a bidet at home or not, the TUSHY Travel Portable Bidet is a solid tool for staying clean and comfortable while traveling. This gift works in two ways. First, it’s convenient and works well. Second, it seems like a gag gift and usually gets a laugh. What’s better than a gag gift that’s actually helpful?

Why we like it: There are multiple sizes and accessories to make it worthwhile everywhere from the taxi to the airport to the hotel room or campsite.

The MODL Outdoors Infinity Tool 2.0 checks a lot of boxes, from making a fashion statement to use as a camping tool. The bands come in multiple sizes and colors and are stretchy, making it easier to wrap around things. They can use it as a makeshift sternum strap, to hold onto multiple grocery bags at once, or to wrap around a tree to hold a garbage bag. Various attachments, like hooks and studs, are handy for hanging things and adding style to the strap when wearing it as a bracelet. Plus, some models glow in the dark, which is fun and makes them easier to see at night.

Why we like it: They can connect two devices, so they can easily watch a movie with their friend or partner without trying to hit play on two screens simultaneously.

The Twelve South AirFly Pro Deluxe turns any 3.5mm headphone jack into a receiver for a Bluetooth signal, making it easy to turn a long flight into a more comfortable experience or enabling them to watch TV without the audio waking their friends or partner if they’re jetlagged or can’t miss the big game while abroad. There are four versions of the AirFly, so you can get the version with the battery life, connectivity, and auxiliary ports that make sense for the person you’re shopping for. The AirFly Pro and Duo have the most features; however, the Duo and SE will work for some travelers and are more budget-friendly. The Duo and Pro enable them to connect two devices, which is a better option for people who travel in pairs.

Why we like it: It’s so packable that they can bring it with them almost anywhere.

Alright, seriously? Pack Hacker, we were with you for everything else on this list, but a hat? Why am I buying a hat for someone? Well, this isn’t any ordinary hat; it’s magic! Jokes aside, this thing is pretty special. This cap is lightweight, foldable, and quick-drying, making it a solid travel companion for people who like to get after it, whether on the trail, in the city, or on the beach. They can easily stow it inside most medium-sized slings, and it’s comfortable enough to wear on runs. There are a ton of unique colorways available, so they can get one that matches the vibes of the person they're shopping for.