Gift giving can be stressful (& expensive, especially for travelers). Let's face it! We totally get it, & we're here to help with 12 practical and affordable ideas under $50.
There were a few routes we could take here. Sure, some of these aren't the most aesthetically exciting, but boy do they come in handy when you need them. I can fully attest to this, without shame! Lookin' at those compression socks... but that's a story for another time.
These are perfect as a stocking stuffer, or inspiration. Know someone going on a big trip soon? Maybe that person is yourself. Cough cough, just sayin' from personal experience. Didn't just add that air tag to my cart of anything... anyways!
There's still a little bit of time to shop before the holidays, so let's jump in.
Portable Fan
Travel can sometimes mean long days in a car, train, airplane or bus. This also means having no control over the temperature or air flow! We've all been there, and having a portable fan can keep you comfortable in transit.
Our Central America, Southeast Asia, Morocco & Egypt trips can encounter warm climates with heavier travel days. This is a great solution just in case you need it. I've also used it when I feel carsick on some trips, and it helps tremendously!
We love this one on Amazon, and it doubles as a USB charger and is super compact.
Amazon Handheld Mini Fan, $14 USD
Hanging Toiletry Bag
The beauty of travel is that no day is the same, and you're on an adventure! This sometimes means that you don't know what the bathroom/sink situation will look like. When you have limited counterspace, or several roomates, this can be a great option. Honestly, even with counterspace and a room to yourself, this is brilliant!
Introducing my personal favorite, the hanging toiletry bag! REI has several of these, but this one on Amazon is the most affordable and can fit a loooot of goodies! This is a universal great gift for any traveler, domestic or international. I personally keep this in my "under the seat" carry on and then use it on the plane before landing, or in the airport when I need to freshen up after flying for 6,000 hours.
Amazon Hanging Toiletry Bag, $22 USD
Compression Socks
Remember when we mentioned that some of these aren't the most aesthetically exciting? Well, we're here - but these are very important for long flights and an essential in my opinion.
On longer flights, these socks help prevent blood clots, ankle and foot swelling, and push blood flow up to your heart. They are tighter than normal socks and extend over your calves. There's nothing worse than swollen ankles on a trip (SMH, me in Thailand). Add these to your friend, family, or travel buddy's stocking!
Passport Holder
There are a lot of options in terms of which passport holder you can buy, and honestly, preference is a big part of it. I have two from Amazon, and love them both! These protect your passport from radiation, water, extreme temperatures - and keep it secure.
Depending on where you or your traveler friends keep their passports, there's lots of options. I personally keep it in my fanny pack at all times, so I use this one which fits my passport, global entry card, and credit cards (everything in one spot!). If you need more space, I have enjoyed this one as well which can hold documents like visa paperwork.
Totally depends on preference, but no matter where in the world you're traveling, you definitely won't want to skip this travel item!
Amazon Passport Holders, Under $50
Reusable Water Bottle
Being eco-friendly and limiting single use plastics is a big value of ours! On all trips, you'll want a way to keep water with you. You can buy filtered water and transfer it to your bottle, or fill it from the water source if you're in a country where it's safe to drink.
These are also just great for life at home to encourage hydration - similar to a Hydroflask or Stanley cup. Here's a link to some of our more affordable favorites!
Amazon Reusable Water Bottles, Under $50
Packing Cubes
Talk about a game changer. This is for all of our organizers out there, major PSA! Whether you're using a travel backpack (this is what I recommend as someone that never checks a bag) or a suitcase, packing cubes are your new BFF.
Hack the system and organize your clothes in compression cubes. Not only will you save space, but you'll feel organized and have an easier time finding things. I've found these to be extremely helpful when staying in overnight trains or hostels with little space.
Amazon Packing Cubes, Under $50
Universal Travel Adapter
Regardless of where in the world you're traveling, you should definitely have one of these! This is my personal favorite, because it has USB ports for 2 chords so you can dual charge your phone and one more electronic. The prongs push out depending on what country you're in. Just plug in the USB end of your phone charger, and wa-la!
HUGE FAN. Likely the most practical and useful gift ever!
Amazon Universal Travel Adapter, $17
Home Travel Map
This is a great option for a travel-lovers home! There are many options, but the most affordable is this scratch off map of the world. Track your world travels at home with this decor piece. I have something similar and love seeing all of the places I've been to! It inspires me to keep going.
Amazon Scratch Travel Map, $20
Apple Air Tag
Introducing a fan-favorite and the most genius product ever! You can put this in any piece of luggage (I put it in my fanny pack with my passport since I use carry on for everything) and track the location on your phone.
If you or someone you're gifting to checks bags frequently while traveling, look no further! However, even as someone that does carry on, it's a pretty solid route.
Apple Air Tag, Starting at $29
Power Bank
Going hand in hand with the Universal Charger, this keeps your electronics charged on days here you might not have access to a power outlet. Example, long car or train rides, boat trips, etc.
This helps me keep my phone charged even if I'm just walking around a new city and want battery power for videos or to FaceTime my boyfriend back home! I keep it in my fanny pack or day pack and boom - always have a charger! We like this one on Amazon, but all of them will do!
Die with Zero by Bill Perkins
This is one of my favorite books, and has inspired me to keep traveling as aggressively as I choose to do. A fabulous read for inspired travelers or people seeking adventure, but feeling torn with the financial pressures of saving.
Die with Zero presents a startling new and provocative philosophy as well as practical guide on how to get the most out of your money—and out of your life. It’s intended for those who place lifelong memorable experiences far ahead of simply making and accumulating money for one’s so-called “golden years.”
Millennial Travel Guidebook by Matt Wilson
Regardless of your generation, this is a steal and applies to Genz too! Our very own CEO and co-Founder wrote a book about personal freedom and living the life you know you're capable of.
In The Millennial Travel Guidebook: Escape More, Spend Less, & Make Travel a Priority in Your Life, you will find the answers to the questions that eluded your parents and grandparents.
U30X Travel Gift Card
Travel is expensive, there's no way around it. A U30X gift card is an excellent option for anyone who loves to travel. Explore trips here.
Help your loved on with a gift card! You can put down their deposit, or gift them credits of any amount. It's up to you.
Let us know what questions you have, we are here for you! You can also explore trips!
Need help? Email us at info@under30experiences.com.
