From headphones and cocktail kits to portable chargers, here are 27 useful travel gifts your dad can take on the go.
When you buy through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more.
If the father figure in your life loves to travel or needs to for work, traditional gifts like a striped tie or a set of shiny cufflinks may not be the best option. Instead, try a more thoughtful approach with a gift he'll be able to use when he's in the air or rushing to a meeting across town. Despite the fact that many of us are still practicing self-isolation and putting a pause on travel as COVID-19 cases continue to spread across the US, these gifts can help dad look forward to a post-pandemic trip. Plus, he'll be able to use these thoughtful items for years to come.
These travel gifts will keep him entertained, connected, and comfortable while on the road or in the air. Treat him to a tasty in-flight cocktail, a Wi-Fi hot spot so you two can always keep in touch, or even a subscription to Disney+ to stay entertained while in the air.
Uncommon Goods
Help bring back great memories you had together or get him excited for an upcoming stay with these rocks glasses etched with maps from major cities across the US. The intricate maps that sprawl across these glasses even include interspersed street names and coordinates for taking a mental stroll.
An e-reader for endless booksAmazon
This waterproof e-reader is great for saving space and taking reading on-the-go. Dad will surely appreciate having endless book options to download the next time he gets delayed on the tarmac.
A stylish portable chargerInstagram/@staycourant
Keep dad's devices charged even when he's on the go. This wireless and portable battery pack from Courant features textured pebble-grain leather and supports fast wireless charging for all Qi-enabled devices. It can also be charged wirelessly or via USB-C when he's able to catch a break at the hotel.
Durable silicone ringsAmazon
If your dad is hesitant about traveling with his wedding band, try gifting a more low-key silicone ring. He'll be able to wear it through airport security, at the hotel gym, and more without worrying about scratching delicate metal or losing it. This one from Enso comes in eight colors to complement his personal style, and the beveled edges are a nice and unexpected touch.
A subscription to Disney PlusAlyssa Powell/Business Insider
Keep your dad entertained with a subscription to Disney+. He can watch thousands of movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and 20th Century Fox for just $6.99 a month or $69.99 a year after a free seven-day trial.
Read everything there is to know about Disney+ over here. And if he needs some binge-spiration, here are all the new movies available to stream.
Comfy kicksAllbirds
These Allbird Wool Runners will take your dad though the terminal, onto the plane, and to the streets of wherever he's headed next in serious comfort and style. The sneakers feature a wool upper, an ultra-soft padded insole, and an incredibly lightweight sole. You can read our full review of the Wool Runners here.
A durable roller bagAway
This hardshell luggage from Away is thoughtfully designed to last a lifetime. It also fits in the overhead bin of most major airlines so dad won't have to go through the hassle of checking his bag. As an added bonus, it comes with a TSA-approved, removable battery for charging a phone so he can always stay connected.
You can read our full guide to the best carry-on suitcases here.
A travel pillow for the plane
Trtl
Every frequent traveler who tends to go on long hauls needs a supportive neck pillow. The super-soft fleece of the Trtl holds the neck and head in an ergonomic position during flight. Best of all, it's lightweight, weighing only about a half a pound so it won't add much to his baggage. Read our full review of the pillow here.
Sturdy waterproof hikersMerrell
For the dad who loves the great outdoors, these mid-height hikers will keep his feet comfy and dry out on the trails. The M Select™ DRY technology seals out water and lets moisture escape so feet stay dry, while the air cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability.
A versatile duffle bagEverlane
If your dad isn't a suitcase kind of man, pick up the practical and versatile Everland Mover Pack. There are three ways he can carry the bag: by the top and bottom haul handles, by the shoulder straps, or by the in-strap handles. The bag also has tons of pockets to hold everything he needs.
A folio for staying organizedBellroy
Help streamline his travel documents with a multipurpose folio. This zippered pick from one of our favorite brands, Bellroy, can fit passports, boarding passes, credit cards, cash, pens, and more so he'll have everything in one place. It also has RFID-blocking technology to stop potential thieves and skimmers.
Here's our review of Bellroy so you can check out the brand's quality and other items we love.
An eco-friendly way to keep him hydratedHydro Flask
Make sure he stays hydrated on the plane and during all his travels with the Hydro Flask, one of the hottest (coolest?) water bottles around.
You can up the ante by customizing the classic version, splurging on the Hydro Flask Starter Kit for $100.75, or even choosing the other styles the Insider Reviews team loves and uses every day.
A travel-sized body-care setSaks Fifth Avenue
Aesop's unisex grooming set includes everything he needs to stay clean and fresh while on the road. The kit contains four TSA-approved mini bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and body lotion suitable for normal to dry skin types.
A backpack that'll keep his stuff safe
Amazon
Give your dad peace of mind with the Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Backpack. Thieves won't be able to grab your dad's valuables when he uses the backpack's locking pockets. The organizer compartment even has an RFID-blocking pocket for extra security.
A pair of comfy boat shoesCole Haan
If your dad plans to vacation anywhere near water, these comfy boat shoes are just the trick. Plus, the slip-on style makes going through security an easy task for your dad without sacrificing style. These traditional boat shoes feature a mesh and cork footbed so he'll be comfortable while on the go.
A tracking deviceAmazon
He can keep an eye on his belongings by attaching one of these Tile Pro trackers to his keys, suitcase, and more. They sync up to his phone via Bluetooth so if he ever misplaces something, he can track it easily.
A way to keep his cords organizedMark & Graham
Help your dad stay organized with a Mark and Graham leather roll-up pouch. The supple leather roll up features three separate pockets to hold all his cables, chargers, and tech accessories. Plus, you can get it monogrammed for free.
A portable coffee makerAmazon
One of the drawbacks of waking up in far-off places is not having your favorite coffee to sip on in the morning. The AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker is a portable solution for the dad who likes his cup just so.
A mobile Wi-Fi hot spotAmazon
No matter where your dad goes, he'll be able to stay in touch with friends, family, and the office with his own mobile Wi-Fi hot spot. The hot spot can be utilized with a variety of Wi-Fi-enabled devices, including his laptop, smartphone, tablet, and even video game consoles.
A travel-sized cocktail kitUncommon Goods
Forget about Dad sipping on a simple beer or glass of wine. Up his mid-flight beverage game with a carry-on cocktail kit like this one.
All he needs is a mini bottle of alcohol and he'll be able to mix up everything from an Old Fashioned to a Moscow Mule from his own seat mid-flight.
A luxurious leather dopp kitMark & Graham
The pebbled leather of this Mark and Graham travel pouch screams luxury, though the price is actually quite reasonable for something of this quality. The foil-embossed monogram also adds more classic charm to this thoughtful gift.
A better way to packeBags
If your dad is always having trouble squeezing everything into his suitcases because he insists on carrying three pairs of pants and five shirts for a weekend trip, a good set of packing cubes can help him stay organized. The pop-up design of the eBags Hyperlite Packing Cubes means these lightweight packing cubes fit nicely in any suitcase and are easy to fill.
Read our full guide to the best packing cubes here.
A way to keep all his toiletries in orderL.L. Bean
This sturdy personal toiletry bag by L.L. Bean is not only handsome but happens to be very handy as well. The pack conveniently hangs on bathroom hooks for easy access to all his toiletries without taking up precious bathroom counter space.
A down travel pillow for the hotelThe Company Store
If your dad complains about the uncomfortable hotel pillows, then you can help him out with the gift of a comfy down travel pillow.
Noise cancelling headphonesBose
Bose headphones are renowned for their amazing noise cancellation and superior audio quality. The Bose Quiet Comfort 35 even comes with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa built right in so he's ready to be entertained in peace.
A portable speakerBest Buy
This particular speaker has a built-in carabiner so he can hang it anywhere in the hotel room with ease. The long battery also supports play for up to ten hours per charge.
A way to keep track of his travelsUncommon Goods
Provide your dad with a whimsical way to keep track of his travels with this scratch-off map of the world. It's a fun way to recall and keep track of all his global adventures.
