Hydro Flask Style Reusable Water Bottle
Insulated and durable for staying hydrated, this water bottle is eco-friendly and easy to carry.
Recommended Product: Rustic Pathways Poco Waterbottle (Blue)
Use the guide below to find the best gift for traveling teens. Our team of travel experts with decades of combined experience traveling with teens has put together personal recommendations on the gifts a traveling teen in your life is sure to love.
69 Travel Gifts for Teen Travelers
No Affiliate Links Here
We believe in providing honest recommendations. None of the products on this page are affiliate links, and we do not receive compensation for non-Rustic Pathways merchandise. These are unbiased suggestions chosen with care for young travelers.
Essential Travel Gifts for Teens
Quick-Dry Towel
Often the best travel gift ideas are the most practical. On your next trip, make sure to bring a recycled polyester quick-dry towel. It’s perfect for water activities and easy to pack.
Recommended Product: Rainleaf Microfiber Towel
Luxe Towel
For those with more space in your bags, a plush luxe cotton towel cannot be beat.
Recommended Product: Rustic Pathways Yucatan Turtle Beach Towel
Hooded Neck Pillow
This neck pillow with a hood is perfect for long flights, car rides or bus journeys across Thailand with your new friends. A practical gift for any teen traveler.
Recommended Product: BCOZZY Travel Pillow with Hoodie
Blue IKEA Tote
The iconic blue IKEA tote might not be one of your typical travel gifts, but it is an essential in a hostel or hotel room. They can be used as an essential carry-on bag or beach bag and be folded away when not in use.
Recommended Product: IKEA FRAKTA Shopping Bag
Sleeping Bag
A cozy sleeping bag, ideal for camping trips, sleepovers or budget accommodations. Great for camping outdoors.
Recommended Product: REDCAMP Ultra Lightweight Sleeping Bag
Travel Hammock
A portable hammock suitable for camping trips, the beach or backyard relaxation. Perfect for young travelers who love the great outdoors.
Recommended Travel Hammock: Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock
Inflatable Lounger
An inflatable lounger that provides a comfortable spot for relaxing at the beach or campsite. A cool gift idea for teens.
Recommended Inflatable Lounger: WEKAPO Inflatable Lounger
Travel Slippers
Lightweight slippers, ideal for hostels or long flights. Adds a personal touch to teen travel essentials.
Recommended Travel Slippers: RockDove Original Two-Tone Memory Foam Slipper (Womens | Mens)
Travel Flip Flops
Get yourself a pair of Havianas. Don’t overthink it.
Recommended Flip Flops: Havaianas Unisex Top Flip Flop
Travel Socks
Stay comfortable and express your smell-f in fun, cozy socks for comfort during flights or car rides.
Recommended Travel Socks: Wanderlust Travel Compression Socks
Resistance Bands
Workout gear is a great gift for young adults who love fitness.
Recommended Resistance Bands: Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands
Eye Mask
An eye mask ensures restful sleep by blocking light and sound during long journeys. A great travel gift idea.
Recommended Eye Mask: Rustic Pathways Travel Eye Mask (Tribal Orange)
Jewelry Travel Organizer
You may have a special occasion to celebrate on your travel. For teens, a small organizer is to keep jewelry untangled and secure. Teenage girls and boys can store travel jewelry and important documents.
Recommended Jewelry Travel Organizer: ProCase Large Travel Jewelry Organizer Case
Luggage Tag
Easily identify bags with a personalized luggage tag. Skilled at crafts? Make a personalized one for an extra special touch.
Recommended Luggage Tag: Shacke Personalized Luggage Tags
Star Wars Travel Accessories
Fun themed accessories for fans of Star Wars.
Recommended Star Wars Travel Accessory: Star Wars Passport Cover
Tech and Gadgets Travel Gifts for Teens
Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Blocks out distractions, perfect for long flights. Noise-canceling headphones are an essential for a young traveler. While I love my Apple Airpods, wireless earbuds are often less practical when you’re in and out of more unfamiliar places. I go for an over-the-head style when I’m on the road.
Recommended Headphones: Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Apple AirTag
Helps keep track of important belongings. Perfect for avoiding extra cost from needing to replace everything.
Recommended AirTag: Apple AirTag
Audible Subscription
Access to thousands of audiobooks, perfect for long trips and an educational and fun way to stay entertained.
Recommended Subscription: Audible Subscription
Bluetooth Portable Speaker
Portable and waterproof, perfect for teens who enjoy music while getting ready or relaxing. Great for listening to favorite music. Compact and great for sharing music while traveling. Perfect for outdoor gifts and fun times with friends.
Recommended Speaker: JBL Clip 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Kindle Paperwhite
An e-reader that saves space and is ideal for book-loving teens. A great idea for capturing memories through books.
Recommended Kindle: Kindle Paperwhite
Portable Charger
A backup battery keeps devices charged during travel. A great travel gift for staying connected.
Recommended Portable Charger: Anker 622 Magnetic Battery (MagGo), 5,000mAh Foldable Magnetic Wireless Portable Charger
5-Port USB Wall Charger
Charges multiple devices simultaneously. A practical gift for long trips.
Recommended Wall Charger: Anker 5-Port USB Wall Charger
Solar-Powered Backpack
Charges devices using solar power, an eco-friendly option. Ideal for planning future adventures.
Recommended Backpack: Voltaic Systems Array Solar Backpack
Travel Adapter
A universal travel adapter is an essential and practical gift.
Recommended Adapter: EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter
Ring Light for Smartphones
Perfect for creating well-lit selfies. A fun way to document travel adventures.
Recommended Ring Light: QIAYA Selfie Ring Light
Selfie Stick
Make mobile photography easy with the perfect for capturing group shots and scenic backgrounds during trips.
Recommended Selfie Stick: ATUMTEK Selfie Stick
Pocket-Sized Drone
Captures stunning aerial shots while traveling. Great for teens into mobile photography.
Recommended Drone: DJI Mavic Mini
Nintendo Switch Lite
Portable gaming console, perfect for entertainment during long journeys. A perfect present for young adults.
Recommended Console: Nintendo Switch Lite
Instax Camera
The Fuji Instax instant camera is ideal for fun memories of yourself and your new friends.
Recommended Camera: Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera
Digital Camera
Captures high-quality travel moments for creative teens. A versatile action camera alternative.
Recommended Camera: Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
GoPro
Captures adventurous experiences, ideal for action shots. A versatile action camera is a great gift for capturing memories and action shots.
Recommended GoPro: GoPro HERO9 Black
Phone Holder for Airplane
Keeps phones hands-free during flights. A practical gift for convenience.
Recommended Phone Holder: Ugreen Airplane Phone Holder
Organization and Packing Travel Gifts for Teens
Travel Backpack
A durable and spacious backpack designed for travel, offering multiple compartments for organization and comfort during long journeys.
Recommended Travel Backpack: Rustic Pathways BR Backpack
Daypack
A small backpack for day trips or excursions. Great for the next adventure.
Recommended Daypack: Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack
Hanging Toiletry Bag
Keeps toiletries organized and easily accessible. A practical travel gift for teens.
Recommended Hanging Toiletry Bag: BAGSMART Toiletry Bag Travel Bag
Packing Cubes
Helps organize clothes and maximizes luggage space. Essential for any young traveler to stay organized.
Recommended Packing Cubes: Shacke Pak – 5 Set Packing Cubes
Mini Storage Case for Cables
Handy for organizing small gadgets and cables. Keeps tech gadgets tidy.
Recommended Mini Storage Case for Cables: BAGSMART Electronic Organizer
Laundry Bag
A compact bag for keeping dirty clothes organized. Perfect for long journeys and packing efficiency.
Recommended Laundry Bag: Miamica Travel Laundry Bag
Portable Wash Bag
Perfect for backpacking teens to wash clothes on the go. Essential for budget accommodations.
Recommended Portable Wash Bag: Scrubba Portable Wash Bag
Reusable Travel Cutlery
An eco-conscious choice for meals on the go. A cool gift for young travelers who care about sustainability.
Recommended Reusable Travel Cutlery: DEVICO Portable Utensils with Case
Adventure and Outdoor Travel Gifts for Teens
Reusable Waterproof Pouch
Protects electronics during water activities. Essential for keeping devices safe.
Recommended Reusable Waterproof Pouch: JOTO Universal Waterproof Phone Pouch
Snorkel Set
Great for exploring underwater life during tropical vacations. A fun way to enjoy adventures.
Recommended Snorkel Set: Cressi Palau Mask Fin Snorkel Set
Binoculars
Ideal for wildlife spotting, concerts, or sporting events. A great travel gift for young adventurers.
Recommended Binoculars: Nikon Aculon A211 8×42 Binoculars
Lightweight Rain Jacket
Compact and easy to carry for unexpected weather. Perfect for camping outdoors.
Recommended Lightweight Rain Jacket: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket
Fun Travel Inspiration Gifts for teens
Travel Activity Book
Engaging questions and activities to keep teens entertained during trips. A fun way to pass time.
Recommended Travel Activity Book: OMG I’m So Bored ! The Activity Book for Teens
Scratch-Off World Map
Let teens track their travels and dream of future destinations. Encourages them to plan future adventures.
Recommended Map: Landmass Goods Scratch-Off World Map Poster
Star Map
Identifies constellations while stargazing during outdoor adventures. Great for memorable moments under the stars.
Recommended Star Map: Celeston Sky Map
Teen Travel Sketch Pad and Colored Pencils
Encourage creativity during travel. A perfect gift for artistic teens.
Recommended Sketch Pad: Strathmore 400 Series Sketch Pad
Recommended Colored Pencils: Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils
Decks of Cards
Pocket-sized sets of travel games for fun make great travel gifts.
Recommended Decks of Cards: Hoyle Waterproof Playing Cards
Travel Journal
In a world of digital, an analog travel journal is a good way for teens to document travel adventures and capture memories of past trips, document current ones and plan future adventures.
Recommended Travel Journal: Moleskine Passion Travel Journal
💡 Travel Tip: Here are travel journal tips and ideas to get your teen started with their new travel journal.
Financial, Safety and Security Gifts for teens
Travel Wallet
Securely stores passports and travel documents and is perfect for keeping important documents safe.
Recommended Travel Wallet: Zero Grid Travel Neck Wallet with RFID Blocking
Travel Debit Card
Capital One 360 or Charles Schwab Card are international fee-free. It’s what’s in my wallet.
Recommended Travel Debit Card: Capital One 360 Debit Card | Charles Schwab Card
Anti-Theft Purse
A crossbody purse with anti-theft features, ideal for solo travelers. Great for extra security.
Recommended Anti-Theft Purse: Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Crossbody Bag
Fanny Pack
A lightweight, crossbody fanny pack, perfect for keeping essentials accessible. Stay organized with this travel wallet alternative.
Recommended Fanny Pack: JanSport Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack
Money Belt
Keeps travel documents safe and secure. A must-have for any teen traveler.
Recommended Money Belt: DAITET Money Belt Passport Holder
Aluminum Wallet
Provides RFID protection for credit cards. Ensures safety for important documents.
Recommended Aluminum Wallet: The Ridge Minimalist Slim Wallet
Passport Holder
Keep passports safe and express your personal style with a passport holder.
Recommended Passport Holder: Zoppen Multi-purpose RFID Blocking Travel Passport Wallet
💡 Passport Tip: For an extra helping hand, here are our tips to keep your passport safe while traveling.
Personalized Passport Cover
A stylish way to protect passports. Great for adding a personal touch to travels.
Recommended Personalized Passport Cover: Etsy
RFID-Blocking Wallet
Keeps money and cards safe from digital theft. Essential for keeping important documents secure.
Recommended RFID-Blocking Wallet: Bellroy Hide & Seek Wallet
Compact First Aid Kit
Essential for minor injuries while traveling. Practical for any adventurous teen.
Recommended Compact First Aid Kit: Adventure Medical Kits AMK Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit
Luggage Lock
TSA-approved lock to keep belongings safe. Ensures extra security for luggage.
Recommended Luggage Lock: Master Lock 4688D
Travel Insurance
This is not one of the cool gifts, but it offers peace of mind for both teens and their parents while traveling.
Recommended Travel Insurance: World Nomads Travel Insurance
Mini Hand Sanitizer
Keeps hands clean on the go. Essential for maintaining hygiene while traveling.
Recommended Mini Hand Sanitizer: Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer Gel, Travel Size
Sun Protection Travel gifts for teens
Sunglasses
Polarized lenses for sun protection during outdoor activities make cool travel gifts for young travelers.
Recommended Sunglasses: Rustic Pathways Hongdae Sunglasses
Baseball Cap
Provides sun protection and keeps hair covered. Great for outdoor adventures.
Recommended Baseball Cap: Rustic Pathways Cap in Black/White
Hooded Sweatshirt
For cool evenings, long flights or at the beach.
Recommended Hooded Sweatshirt: Florence Airtex Long Sleeve Hooded Shirt
Sunscreen
Travel-sized sunscreen for effective UV protection.
Recommended Sunscreen: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 50
SPF Lip Balm
Protects lips from sun damage while traveling.
Recommended SPF Lip Balm: Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What gift should I give to a traveling teen?
A: The best gift for traveling teens is something practical and inspiring. Consider items that will improve their travel experience, like durable water bottles, noise-canceling headphones, compact travel gear, or journals to document their adventures.
Q: How to gift a trip for Christmas?
A: The easiest way to gift a trip for Christmas is to purchase a pre-packaged travel experience from a trusted travel provider. Select a program that matches your teen’s interests, such as cultural immersion, outdoor adventures, or service learning. You can make the gift feel extra special by wrapping a travel journal or itinerary with a handwritten note about their upcoming adventure.
To help you get started, request a catalog of Rustic Pathway’s award-winning programs, or learn more about the cost of summer travel programs, the best destinations, and the types of programs available.
Q: Why is travel the best gift?
A: Travel is the best gift because it provides life-changing experiences that shape teens’ perspectives, build confidence, and create lasting memories. It opens their minds to new cultures, encourages independence, and teaches essential life skills.
Rustic Pathways Teen Traveler Parent Dee Dee Olsen calls it “the greatest gift someone can give to their child – the chance to go abroad.” Olsen, who was initially reluctant to send her 15-year-old son on a Rustic Pathways trip to Tanzania, shared, “After this once-in-a-lifetime trip, his perspective has changed. His priorities have changed. His outlook on life has changed—his whole life has changed.”