Do you have a travel lover in your family? Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and graduation are all coming up soon. Perhaps Mom is going on a cruise to the Bahamas or your college graduate is spending the summer backpacking through Europe. If so, here are some of the best gifts for travelers under $100.
Travel Alarm Clock
Have you ever stayed in a hotel where you can’t get the alarm clock to work or it goes off at 3am? It’s not fun, trust me. Cell phones can be unreliable, especially in foreign countries. It’s best to have a backup so you don’t miss any important events. Travel alarm clocks
Universal Travel Adapter
You might want to tell your college grad that her hair straighter is probably not going to work in Europe without an outlet adapter. If you’re a long-term traveler jet-setting around the world, then it’s best to purchase a universal travel adapter to ensure you can charge all your gadgets in any country. Universal travel adapter
Olloclip
DSLR cameras are expensive and can be cumbersome when traveling. Luckily, you can take beautiful photos on your iPhone (or any smartphone) these days with new technology. Olloclip is a lens system that fits on your iPhone that allows you to take your photography skills to the next level! Olloclip ranges from about $70-$99. If you don’t have an iPhone, Photojojo offers lens systems for other phones ranging from $50-$99.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance may not be a “fun” gift, but it is certainly practical, especially for the young traveler. Travel insurance can cover anything from missing baggage to covering health and excavation costs in case of emergency. Shop around for the best quotes and prices vary depending on length of travel.
Guide Books
Guide books are a great way to begin planning your adventures. Some of the more popular guide books are Lonely Planet, Rick Steves, and Fodor’s. Guide books are useful in planning where you sleep, eat, and play. They also provide maps and other historical and cultural tidbits about where you’re visiting. Guide books generally cost about $25.
Headlamp or Flashlight
You’d be surprised, but having a headlamp and/or flashlight on your travels can be a great help. What if the power goes out or you have to maneuver around a hostel dorm room to the bathroom? Headlamps are great for outside adventures as well, such as night hiking and cave tubing. Headlamps
Journal
A journal is a great gift for someone who wants to write about their adventures and experiences to remember in years come. Journals are also a great place to stick postcards, emergency information, and your flight and trip itinerary. You can buy a cheap notebook at any box store or buy a fancy leather-bound travel journey on many Esty shops online. Prices range from a few dollars up to about $40.
Push-Pin Map
Any traveler, whether a first-timer or a seasoned veteran, loves to track their travel adventures. What better way than a push-pin map hanging on the wall? Not only does it double as a piece of art, but also as a fun way to chart your next globetrotting adventure. Push-pin maps can easily be handmade under $30 or you can purchase a framed one that goes for about $120.
Money or Gift Cards
Money is the ultimate practical gift for any traveler. Depending where you travel, it’s always good to have cash with you. Cash can be exchanged in country and be used to purchase food, lodging, and/or fun! Gift cards to hotels, airlines, and other stores are also good to help defray the costs of travel. Costs vary on what you’re willing to give.
Airline Miles
Do you have airline miles that you want to donate or gift to your loved one? Flights are expensive and miles can help defray the costs of getting to and from your destination. You can even travel for free just by using miles. Most airlines allow you to donate or gift your miles to someone else or you can purchase miles as a gift to someone as well. Costs vary from free to as much as you want to pay.
There are plenty of gifts for your favorite traveler under $100. Of course, you always buy him (or her) an all-expense paid vacation to Bora Bora! Better yet, take that for yourself!
