55 Thoughtful Gifts for Men Who Love to Travel

The holiday season will be here before we know it, which means it’s time to start thinking about gifts for the ones you love. When you’re shopping for a special guy in your life this year, skip the things he doesn’t actually need and go straight for the ones that count: thoughtful pieces he’ll put to good use on his next trip, upgrades to his everyday essentials, and a few small luxuries that make being on the road that much better. The best gifts for men, after all, aren’t necessarily the flashiest—they’re the ones that become part of his routine, whether that means packing them in a carry-on or enjoying them on a quiet Sunday morning at home.I’ve hand-selected over 50 gift ideas for men who love to travel, featuring many talked-about favorites with a few less expected additions too. From a timeless leather weekender that’s perfect for a quick getaway to at-home accessories that will enrich any guy’s space, I've got you covered with plenty of options he’ll love. Read on for all of the best travel gifts for men or jump straight to the section you think will interest him most.For the frequent flierFor the gadget geekFor his closetFor the outdoors enthusiastFor the self-care newbieFor the foodieFor the homebodyFor the frequent flierAt Condé Nast Traveler, editors spend a lot of time debating, researching, testing, and re-testing all things travel accessories and luggage. If you’re looking for the best suitcase to buy your guy this holiday season, look here. But if you want something a little unique that will absolutely rock his travel routine for years to come, check out some of the gift ideas below. To make his next long-haul flight more comfortable, consider gifting him a comfy neck pillow, sleep mask, or a pair of compression socks. A ludicrously capacious leather weekender or a luxurious Italian notebook are smart upgrades he’ll cherish forever. And in case of emergencies, a good ol' fashioned flask will more than do the trick.Carl FriedrikAluminium Carry-OnBuffalo JacksonJefferson leather duffleSatchel and PageCounselor briefcaseOstrichpillowGo memory foam travel pillowBombasEveryday compression socksBasic ConceptsAirplane foot hammockEttingerCapra leather bound flaskFor the gadget geekHere’s the thing about men: There’s a part of us that will always relish having a new toy to play with. This category is for those who will appreciate a wild card gift and savor the element of surprise. A perfect pair of travel-sized binoculars made from the best optical-grade crystal in the world? Jackpot! The latest generation of AirPods with top-notch noise-canceling technology? Bingo! A smart watch that can track his steps on the go? Perfect!MetaMeta Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglassesCourantMag:3 charger trayAcpotelDigital tape measureSwarovskiOptik Curio 7x21 binocularsFor his closetClothes are a tough gift for the holidays. Everybody is different, every body is different, and a lot of guys are just downright picky when it comes to what they get dressed in everyday. That being said, there are a few tricks of the trade to consider here—when gifting clothes, don’t go too big, too outré, or too outlandish. The secret is to select timeless, quintessential pieces that travel well, age well, and can be styled into any wardrobe: a Barbour jacket, a crisp white shirt, or a navy suit that packs nicely into a suitcase. When in doubt, a pair of high-quality sunglasses in a classic silhouette is generally a win too.BarbourPowell quilted jacketNaadamThe Original cashmere sweaterGreysonMontauk single-breasted peak lapel blazerSunspelCotton poplin shirtTodd SnyderNomad Chelsea bootFor the outdoors enthusiastLovers of the great outdoors are a funny bunch to shop for. They typically have all of their most treasured gear ready to go already, so this is a demographic for whom you need to be on your A-game. Gifts for outdoorsy types need to be the newest of the new with smart details, category-leading engineering, and unassailable durability. Think a lightweight Norwegian cooler that keeps drinks cold without any ice (that’s right—no ice), or a comfortable running shoe that can handle endless wear and tear. Outdoorsy folks will say that they can never have too many puffy layer-type things—so go ahead and consider a thick blanket or the iconic Arc’teryx Atom insulated hoodie. And if all else fails you can get them a beautiful Stanley bottle to keep their favorite soups and beverages warm in even the most wintry conditions.Arc'teryxAtom insulated hoodieBrooksGhost Max 3 running shoeBreeoY Series portable smokeless firepitAeropressOriginal coffee makerStanley 1913Classic thermal bottleThermacellRechargeable mosquito repellerFor the self-care newbieI hate to stereotype the genders—but a lot of self-care products out there are marketed more heavily toward women, leaving the average guy in the lurch. He may not know the benefits of investing in a Dr. Barbara Sturm skincare regimen, or how an Omnilux LED mask can help slow visible signs of aging. There’s a whole world of self-care products out there! Here, I’ve gathered some of the best items to kick-start his journey—sometimes all it takes is Dr. Dennis Gross’ miracle-working peel pads.Dr. Barbara SturmMen’s Essentials setDr. Dennis GrossExtra strength daily peel padsFor the foodieFood is one of my favorite ways to experience travel. If you’re not quite ready to gift someone a trip to sample authentic panettone straight from the oven in Italy, the good news is that the marvels of modern packing and shipping have made some of the world’s tastiest foods closer than ever. A sampler of high-quality spices will upgrade his at-home cooking. A $60 bag of beans is the perfectly fun gift for a coffee snob who might not buy it for himself. And a perfectly unassailable upgrade to his go-to sauté pan (if he even has one), or the investment of a proper stand mixer, are foolproof.KitchenAidArtisan Series 5 mixerFrinj CoffeeCalifornia dark roastGoldbellyOlivieri 1882 Classic PanettoneNew York ShukBest Sellers gift boxMeaterPro Smart bluetooth wireless meat thermometerFor the homebodyNo matter what the recipient’s sense of style is, there are certain upgrades that are likely to fit into most any home. Beautiful linen sheets are always welcome, as is a great bathrobe or pair of slippers to remind him of a luxury hotel. When in doubt, the flourish of a Flamingo Estate candle hits just the right notes.BrooklinenWashed European Linen Core Sheet SetChappywrapHarborview Herringbone blanketCoyuchiOrganic waffle robeFlamingo EstateDouglas Fir vetiver candleThis article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.