2023 Business Traveler Gift Guide: The 15 Best Travel Gifts
What makes a good gift? It's a popular dilemma this time of year, and every store or lifestyle magazine has its own must-have list. But what about gifts for those in your life who travel frequently (either for work or pleasure)?
A few quick pointers can help you head in the right direction. The best gifts fall into three types, including gifts for business travelers:
- Gifts that solve a problem
- Gifts that are practical and durable
- Gifts that give an experience and make them feel good
Get ready! We've scoured the skies (and trains and planes) and found travelers' favorite travel gifts.
Great gifts for travel tech
1. Portable power bank
Pick up this charging device as a gift for someone who is always on the go. It's an excellent gift for someone who travels a lot at the last minute (or has a lot of devices). Whether they travel alone or with a group of coworkers, it will save the day, no question. This gadget is a great gift for social media managers, salespeople or long-distance travelers. Look for one with fast charging and a one-year warranty. Lightweight options weigh 8 oz. or less and won't weigh down a backpack or purse.
2. International SIM card
Give the gift of easy communication and a worry-free phone plan. Who wants to worry about data plans? Next-generation SIM cards are easy to use and allow you to access data networks like a local. There are even eSIMs that work digitally with most up-to-date phones without inserting a card.
Travelers who spend a lot of time on their phones, uploading photos and video or mapping to different locations will appreciate this gift and so will their CFOs if they are on the road for business. Global SIM and Airalo are a few examples of popular travel SIM cards.
3. Folding keyboard
A folding Bluetooth keyboard easily fits into any travel bag, unfolding to a full-size keyboard. They don't need it, but that's why it's an ideal gift. Let them connect seamlessly to smartphones and tablets, wherever the trip takes them or along the way. It's a great gift for productivity champions and people who prefer the convenience of packing light.
4. Smart luggage tracker
Haven't you heard? A luggage tracker is essential for stress-free travel, especially business trips. Help secure that all-important luggage with trusted tech like AirTag or Tile, and choose one that is compatible with the gift recipient's smartphone. Honestly, this is a good one for all travelers. Better pick up one for a gift and one for yourself.
5. White noise machine
A small soothing sleep aid that comes in a variety of prices and sizes. Some even fit in the palm of your hand. The best kind uses a rechargeable battery and a helpful timer. Keep reading below for more snooze-worthy gifts. Perfect for those who have trouble with jet lag or parents with small kids.
Optimal organization gifts for business travelers
6. Tech organiser
Everyone carries a lot of tech these days, but what do you do with it all? Pick out a small, multi-pocket organizer that fits into a travel bag. It's like a toiletry bag for your devices. Choose soft-shell or roll-up ones to keep a lot of tiny items. Hard-shell organizers do the job well for any delicate or expensive gear.
Some organizers have clear or mesh sections, which helps you see if you've remembered to pack everything in a second.
7. Packing cubes
Have you ever tried packing cubes? Whether you fold, roll or layer your clothes when packing, these lightweight pouches can help you stay organized during packing and in the hotel room. They come in various sizes and materials; having a few different ones is recommended for multi-city trips or keeping dirty laundry separate.
Just got to the hotel? It's easy to organize your travel wardrobe by hanging up a few items and popping smaller packing cubes straight into a drawer.
8. Digital luggage scale
Did someone say stocking stuffers? A handheld scale for luggage is a tiny tool that's also a great gift. Surprisingly, not everyone has one of these. It's way more accurate than standing on a bathroom scale with a suitcase, and it's portable, too. Take it with you to check your luggage before you head home. If you're not traveling this holiday season, use it to weigh your packages.
9. Quality travel backpack
Gift a bag that fits all the essentials for the day without creating back pain. Commuter backpacks have gotten more sleek and stylish over the years, with materials like leather and waterproof fabrics in a variety of neutrals that whisper "quiet luxury." They can stand up to the grind of travel and work well with other items on this list, like the tech organizer and packing cubes. Get a bag and a travel pillow for someone going on their first business trip. They'll be glad you did.
10. Hanging toiletry bag
Unpack quickly in seconds with a hanging toiletry bag and keep your bathroom items organized and at your fingertips. It's the fast track from chaos to calm! Like the tech organizers we love, the ones with clear pockets are the best. Perfect for organization aficionados and that friend who swears by a 12-step skincare routine.
Little luxuries for the hotel room
11. Travel humidifier
You know the feeling of waking up in a hotel room, uncomfortable with a stuffy or dry nose? Look for a mini-size humidifier for another useful gift idea. Hotel rooms with overactive heat or air conditioning systems can be harsh and dry. Breathing easy is the ultimate gift with a travel-size humidifier that weighs less than a pound.
Use it in dry climates or older cities with air conditioning. The best ones clip into a standard plastic water bottle and come with a travel adapter plug.
12. Portable coffee maker
Coffee is life, or that's what some people say (us included). Whether you like espresso or filter coffee, there's a lot of coffee travel gear, from the simple Aeropress (good for camping) to the Wacaco portable espresso maker.
Portable coffee makers are the perfect gear for coffee geeks or people who like to start their morning routine earlier than the locals. Early birds, we’re looking at you.
13. Portable clothes steamer
No one likes ironing, right? Give the gift of looking good without the hassle. A portable steamer erases wrinkles like magic. No ironing board is required. The newest options just use tap water to make all your lovely layers crease-free. Ideal for business formal dress codes and travelers going to special events. Don't let them show up to the award show looking sloppy!
14. Foldable valet tray
Travel luxury items should be gifts that they wouldn't buy for themselves. The kind of thing that once you try, you'll never go back. A tray keeps all the important little bits together, like jewelry, keys and credit cards. It's a hit for the stylish and fashion-obsessed traveler on your list. Who wouldn't want their own pocket-sized butler?
15. Silk sleep mask or pillowcases
For the whole luxury sleep experience, silk pillowcases let you sleep like a cloud. There's less chance of waking up with frizzy hair or creases on your face from inferior linens. These silky surprises are perfect for those living the luxury life, even in dreamland.
Bonus Tip for Business Trips
Want to make business trips even easier? One more thing that makes all the difference is not having to stress about the details. Corporate Traveler is the go-to provider for making business travel simpler, faster and easier.
Booking, approvals and reporting are all in one place and simple to use with Melon. What's easier than that? Want to learn more or check out a demo of our online platform?
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