31 Best Travel Gifts For Women (Unique & Practical Ideas)

As someone who traveled full-time for five years, I know how challenging it can be to shop for someone who loves being on the go. Many travelers prefer making memories over accumulating things, which makes gift-giving tricky.

While experience gifts, such as weekend getaways or covering an aspect of her next trip (e.g., hotel night stay, tour), are always appreciated, thoughtful items that enhance adventures are also welcome.

This guide features the best travel gifts for women that any wanderlust-filled friend will actually use and love. 

From practical essentials that solve real travel problems to stylish accessories that make trips more enjoyable, these gifts will help fuel her passion for exploration.

1. Personalized Passport Cover and Luggage Tag

A personalized passport cover and luggage tag set is the perfect blend of practical and thoughtful. 

I personally love my passport cover because it keeps my most important travel document protected and stylish, and a luggage tag is a must with how disorganized airlines can be these days. 

2. Cadence Capsules

I’ve been using Cadence Capsules for a few years now, and I love how they keep my toiletries organized and leak-free in a compact and stylish way. I also love that they connect magnetically. 

These aren’t cheap, so this is something she might not buy for herself, but they’re very useful once you have them.

3. Cute Packing Cubes

It has taken me a while to come around to using packing cubes in my travels, but now that I do, I finally see what all the fuss is about. They’re so nice for keeping items organized and easy to find in a suitcase or backpack. 

I’ve tested out a bunch in the past, and I do like the Peak Design compression packing cubes, but they’re a little boring. I’ve recently been eyeing these ones from CalPak that are more feminine. I love the pastel colors and cute patterns. 

4. Travel Purse

A good travel purse needs to be secure, versatile, and stylish—long gone are the days of clunky anti-theft bags from a decade ago.

My go-to right now is the Lululemon Belt Bag, which holds my phone, wallet, chapstick, and passport. I wear it as a crossbody with a daypack while exploring. It sits close to your body, making pickpocketing harder while keeping essentials accessible.

For something larger that works as a personal item, the Longchamp Le Pliage is lightweight, folds flat, and has that effortless European style.

I’ve tested A LOT of travel purses. Read my complete guide to my favorite ones here for more ideas. 

5. Travel Skincare Set

Travel can wreak havoc on the skin, so a curated skincare set makes a very nice gift for regular travelers. 

Drunk Elephant’s The Littles 7.0 Set is great for dry skin, and in general, I’ve never tried a Drunk Elephant product that I didn’t like. 

Other good options include the Rhode’s Travel Set and the Summer Fridays Hydration Set (I’m a big fan of Summer Fridays, and this is a good budget-friendly option). 

This is a nice way to spruce up her next trip and allows her to try premium products without a full-size commitment.

6. Hanging Toiletry Bag

Counter space can be nonexistent in many accommodations, so a hanging toiletry bag is a nice addition to anyone’s packing list.

A super popular option right now is Bagsmart’s hanging toiletry bag, which features four compartments that unfold, allowing you to see everything that’s packed while it’s hanging. This one has ample space for travelers who use a lot of skincare, haircare, and makeup products.

Otherwise, the Béis Dopp Kit is perfect for lighter packers. It features a hanging loop so you can still hang it from a hook, as well as a water-resistant bottom, in case you accidentally place it on a wet counter. 

7. Carry-On Suitcase

This is something she’ll likely already have, but if you know she needs an upgrade to something a bit more sleek and stylish, you can’t go wrong with an Away or Monos Carry-On Suitcase.

Many people love Away Suitcases, but I’ve had the Monos Carry-On (in blue haze!) for the past few years, and it has been great for carry-on-only travel. I even convinced my dad, brother, and sister-in-law to get one too! I’ve used it for three-week trips just fine, although I’m a pretty light packer.

Read my complete review of the Monos Carry-On here. 

8. LED Travel Mirror

Hotel bathroom lighting can be terrible, making a travel mirror a nice addition for anyone who likes to do their makeup and hair on the road. 

The Béis’ Light-Up Travel Mirror features a lightweight design and a powerful LED light that mimics professional conditions. The Fancii LED Compact Mirror is a smaller option that features 1X/10X magnification, as well as three different light settings. 

9. Personalized Travel Jewelry Box

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve looked for a necklace I packed, only to realize it’s completely tangled. 

A travel jewelry box is a small gift, but it makes a huge difference in keeping her jewelry organized. Having it personalized is another step up that makes it even more special. 

10. Photo Editing Presets

This gift is specifically for someone who is very into Instagram or travel photography and who already knows how to use Adobe Lightroom.

I personally love the photo presets I’ve purchased over the years, which help me quickly edit travel photos and create cohesive, dreamy aesthetics without spending hours tweaking settings.

And as a bonus, presets are digital downloads, making them a great last-minute gift. 

Some favorites include presets from The Blonde Abroad, Renee Roaming, and Below the Same Sun.

11. Selfie Stick + Tripod Combo (or GorillaPod)

This is perfect for the Instagrammer or solo traveler who wants photos to remember their trip. I know selfie sticks have a bad reputation, but they’re incredibly useful when you don’t have an extra set of hands to hold your camera.

I’d recommend getting one that includes a tripod for different angles. If she wouldn’t use a selfie stick, Joby GorillaPods have bendable legs that wrap around anything for unique shots—I’ve used them for years.

12. Travel Pants

A good pair of travel pants makes all the difference on long flights and sightseeing days. My go-to recommendations include Lululemon’s Wunder Train leggings with discreet pockets, Vuori Joggers, which are incredibly comfortable for long travel days, and Athleta’s Brooklyn or Pinnacle Pants for lightweight, breathable options. I own all four of these and use them regularly for different trips. 

Black is always the safest choice—it hides stains and goes with everything.

Looking for more options? Read my guide to the best travel pants for women.

13. Hidden Pocket Scrunchies or Scarf

I don’t know anyone my age who uses a money belt, but it’s still smart to keep valuables safe in pickpocket-heavy areas. This hidden pocket scrunchie is genius for stashing emergency cash, or the WAYPOINT GOODS Infinity Travel Scarf has a hidden zipper pocket for phones and passports.

I wish I’d brought the scrunchie to Brazil for Carnival—it would have been perfect for keeping valuables safe during the blocos.

14. Pair of Travel Sneakers

Good travel sneakers are essential for any trip, which is why I’ve tested so many on this website! Allbirds Tree Runners remain one of my favorites, but I just bought the newer Tree Runners Go, which offer more cushion and support, and I think these will be even better for travel. 

For something less sporty, the Vessi Weekend is another favorite I wear frequently. It has less support, but the huge benefit of being waterproof for wetter destinations.

Read my complete guide to the Allbirds Tree Runners here. Or, if you’re looking for more choices, I wrote an article about my favorite 17 travel shoes for women.

15. Teva Sandals

Speaking of shoes, another favorite in the sandal department is Tevas. My friend Kelsey and I basically lived in ours during our two-week trip in Croatia and Italy. 

I own the Originals and the Hurricane XLT2, which is more supportive and better for hikes.

I usually reach for my Originals more for travel because they’re less bulky, but both can be good depending on how active your giftee is. They pack flat, are adjustable, and double as water shoes.

16. Noise-Canceling Headphones or AirPods

I don’t know how I ever flew without noise-canceling headphones—they’re essential for cutting out airplane noise, chatty seatmates, and crying babies. They’ve even helped me sleep on long flights.

My go-to for wrap-around headphones is the Sony WH-1000XM5, which are comfortable and amazing at cutting out sound. I also always bring AirPods Pro as a compact option for non-flying days when I don’t want bulky headphones. Either makes a generous gift for frequent travelers.

17. Travel Water Bottle

My husband is a water bottle aficionado, so we’ve tried many in our household. He’s a Contigo stan through and through, but I personally love Hydro Flask for its higher quality and how well it keeps water cold (plus, it’s a nicer gift, in my opinion). 

I haven’t tried these myself, but travelers also rave about Owala and Larq. 

Owala is apparently one of the few water bottles that doesn’t spray water everywhere when you open it for the first time at cruising altitude. And Larq is a fancy option that features UV-C LED technology that purifies and self-cleans. 

18. Travel Daypack

A good daypack is essential for carrying all the things she’ll need for a full day of exploring. At 13 liters, the Osprey Daylite has been a travel daypack staple for my husband for years, as well as my go-to daypack for hiking. 

For something a little sleeker, the Pacsafe CX Anti-Theft Backpack is stylish and perfect for travel. It features lockable zippers, RFID-blocking technology, and a luggage strap, allowing her to easily attach it to her rolling suitcase.

Looking for more options? Read my guide to the 17 Best Travel Backpacks For Women.

19. Crossbody Water Bottle Bag

The one thing that’s often hard to fit into a travel purse unless you’re carrying a daypack is a water bottle. I take hydration seriously at home and on the road, and this water bottle bag looks like the perfect gift for someone on the go.

This compact bag also has space for a phone, cards, and keys. This could be great for city walking or festivals where you want to stay light and hands-free.

20. Travel Scarf

A travel scarf is a must for any trip because they’re incredibly versatile—a blanket on flights, a pillow in airports, a cover-up for religious sites, or a stylish accessory. 

I’m a fan of Quince’s Featherweight Cashmere Silk Scarf since it’s soft, packable, and has a luxe feel. Go for a neutral color that’ll work with everything. 

21. Door Stopper

When I travel as a solo female, I always have safety in mind. I’ve never used one of these myself when I was traveling solo regularly, but this would have given me a lot of peace of mind. There were many times I put a chair against the door at night just to feel safer. 

Portable door stoppers make a difference in feeling safer in hotels or even Airbnbs. This one has an alarm as well, which helps to alert anyone nearby and will likely scare off the intruder.

22. Roll-On Perfumes

I first discovered the beauty of roll-on perfumes when my friend Kelsey brought a few for our trip to Croatia, and I was sold.

If your giftee wears perfume regularly, consider getting her favorite perfume (or a similar one) to wear while traveling. You’ll find quite a few options to choose from on Amazon. 

23. Travel-Sized Makeup Set

Having a good makeup set or palette that’s small and portable is a great gift for someone who enjoys wearing makeup on the road. 

A quality eye palette goes a long way, or you could opt for one of Sephora’s pre-made makeup kits, which include a selection of travel-sized favorites. Benefit also has a Mini Kit Builder.

24. Mini Travel Steamer

I travel with wrinkle-resistant clothing as much as possible, but unfortunately, some of the most breathable fabrics, like linen and silk, wrinkle easily. If I’m going on a trip where I’ll be bringing some outfits that are prone to wrinkles, it’s nice to pack a compact steamer. Hotels sometimes have them, but it’s not always a guarantee. 

I’ve been seeing so many Instagram ads recently for the Nori Press, and I plan to try it out soon.

25. Patagonia Nano Puff

Packable puffers are essential for unpredictable weather, and the Patagonia Nano Puff is one of the best on the market. The Nano Puff compresses into a small bag and weighs only 10 oz, yet provides a nice windproof layer when temperatures drop. It’s versatile enough for cities and the outdoors, especially if you go for the black color. 

If you’re looking for a more budget alternative, the Quince Down Packable Puffer Jacket is a decent dupe that I own.

26. Quality Travel Sleep Set

If your giftee is in their 30s, this is a fantastic gift for quality sleep. When I was in my 20s, I used to book 20-bed dorms and sleep through the night. That’s laughable now in my 30s, and it feels like I need even more sleep to function the next day. 

I don’t go on any trip without my eye mask, Loop earplugs, and a white noise machine now. Loops are a recent discovery for me, and they’re much nicer than those cheap foam ones, as they actually stay in your ears and are comfortable. 

27. Kindle 

Kindles have completely changed how many books you can take with you on a trip, and this is another item I never go without. 

It’s great to have one of these for long flights, travel days, and beach days. If I’m traveling solo, I also enjoy reading a Kindle while out to dinner by myself. 

As a bonus, it’s super lightweight and waterproof. This is one of those must-haves for any traveler who enjoys reading. Make sure to also get a cute case if you’re giving this as a gift. 

28. Travel Themed Clothing

Etsy has a ton of great gift ideas, and travel-themed clothing is perfect for friends with a wanderlust spirit. From cute map sweaters to t-shirts with popular travel sayings, there’s something for every aesthetic. I find Etsy clothing to be of decent quality, and you get to support small businesses.

29. Travel Themed Candle

Travel-themed candles bring the essence of a destination home. Talented candlemakers create scents inspired by travel or places, which is a great way to reminisce about a favorite trip. 

30. Travel Journal

I’ve been an on-and-off journaler over the years, particularly when traveling. It’s the best way to remember a place and your perspective as you travel. 

I’m a big fan of classic Moleskine journals, but there are also so many beautiful travel journals out there that come with built-in prompts if your giftee appreciates more guidance.  

31. Travel Memoirs Written By Women 

When I was traveling full-time, I read a ton of memoirs from other solo female travelers to get inspiration for my own trips and to feel a connection to other writers who “got” my lifestyle. 

Travel memoirs are fun to read if you’re a regular traveler, whether you’re daydreaming about your next trip or you’re on one. 

Some of my favorites over the years include “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed and “The Good Girl’s Guide to Getting Lost” by Rachel Friedman. 

I also loved reading “Swimming to Antarctica” in high school. Not a travel memoir per se, but an inspiring book about what you can accomplish as a woman when you face your fears and work towards achieving something people say is impossible. 

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