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22 Unique Travel Gifts for Dads Who Are Jet-Setters

Whether he's traveling for work, heading abroad for a big vacation or planning a quick weekend getaway, these ideas are ideal for fathers with wanderlust.

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amazon basics luggage and the gonex compression packing cubes are two good housekeeping picks for best travel gifts for dads

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One of the most notable and universal things about traveling with a dad is the lack of stuff he’ll want to pack. Personally, I prefer just a backpack, even for 10- or 14-day trips, a fact that horrifies my daughters. But there are travel gifts for dads like me that they’ll love, will improve their life on the road and keep them comfortable, entertained and safe.

CHECK OUT OUR ULTIMATE GIFT GUIDE FOR 2024

Most importantly to him, these are travel gifts that won’t take up much space at all. From the best low-price carry-on suitcase to an affordable way to practice self-care on the go, here's a list of the best gifts for dads who travel for work and for fun on planes, trains and automobiles. Keep these travel accessories in mind for Father's Day gifts, birthdays or whenever you need to honor a dad on the go.

Looking for even more great gift ideas for him? Check out some of our top gift guides for dad:

The Best Gift Ideas for Men | Meaningful Gifts for Dad | Clever Last-Minute Father's Day Gifts

Must-Have Gift

Gonex Compression Packing Cubes

Gonex Compression Packing Cubes
Credit: Gonex

There isn’t a Dad on Earth who doesn’t love the challenge of packing the trunk perfectly like a real-life Tetris game. These compression packing cubes will allow him to get the most out of his carry-on luggage and backpack space, too, fitting so much more stuff.

RELATED: The Best Packing Cubes, According to Testing

Useful, Everyday Luggage

Amazon Basics Hardside Carry-On Luggage

Amazon Basics Hardside Carry-On Luggage
Credit: Amazon Basics

What’s the absolute best travel gift for Dad? The ability to carry on all his stuff and never, ever wait around the baggage carousel after landing. This Amazon Basics piece is highly rated by our very own Good Housekeeping Institute pros because the wheels roll smoothly, it doesn’t dent easily and is well under $100.

RELATED: The Best Carry-On Luggage, Tried and Tested

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Keep Him Safe

RFID-Blocking Passport Wallet

RFID-Blocking Passport Wallet
Credit: Zero Grid

Scammers are getting more clever, so help Dad stay one step ahead with this RFID-blocking, pocket-sized wallet for his passport, credit cards, cash and important documents.

RELATED: The Best Passport Holders, According to Travel Enthusiasts

For Dads Going Abroad

Travel Power Strip with UK/EU Adapters

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Travel Power Strip with UK/EU Adapters
Credit: ROOTOMA

If your Dad is anything like me, he has a lot of stuff needing to be charged in each and every hotel room, Airbnb or hostel. With this travel power strip, his Bluetooth earbuds, smartwatch, phone, camera, laptop, tablet, razor and more will always have the juice needed to get to the next destination.

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For Campers

Trek Insect Repellent

Trek Insect Repellent

Formulated with a blend of essential oils like lemongrass, cedarwood and peppermint, Lemongrass Farms' Trek insect repellent will ensure Dad won’t return home with a parade of bug bits up and down his arms and legs.

For Outdoor Dads

Tushy Travel Bidet

Tushy Travel Bidet
Credit: Tushy

If he’s committed to staying super clean even when he’s on the road for work, at the campsite and on his fishing trips, the Tushy Travel Bidet will help Dad keep his "down belows" tidy even when he’s roughing it in nature.

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The Perfect Accessory

Compact Travel Umbrella

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Compact Travel Umbrella

It's not something you think of bringing with you until you're stuck in a rainstorm somewhere. Luckily, this top-rated travel umbrella is so compact, Dad can leave it in his suitcase, and just grab it when he needs it.

RELATED: The Best Travel Umbrellas

For the Road Tripping Dad

Car Phone Holder

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Car Phone Holder

With over 30,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, it's hard to not get this for him, especially if he loves a good road trip. It'll hold Dad's phone perfectly in place to help with directions. Amazon reviewers were impressed by how sturdy it is, even during the bumpiest trips.

RELATED: Best Car Accessories on Amazon

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For Dads Who Love to Eat Healthy

Dash Portable USB Blender

Dash Portable USB Blender
Credit: Dash

This all-in-one travel blender lets Dad keep making his fresh fruit and protein smoothies no matter where he is for work or play this week, from San Diego, California to Santiago, Chile.

For the Aching Feet

Dionis Goat Milk Foot Therapy

Dionis Goat Milk Foot Therapy

After he’s done mowing the lawn or walking miles on his travels, Dionis Sole Keeper and Sole Soother goat’s milk foot care treatment is exactly what Dad needs to relax and recharge to go again tomorrow.

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Unique Travel Gift

The Adventure Challenge Solo Edition

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The Adventure Challenge Solo Edition

Make his trips more engaging, fun, and adventurous, with this clever book of scratch-off challenges and games, with space to store his thoughts and memories. This is one of the most unique travel gifts for dads you can buy right now, and the budget-friendly price is perfect. In addition to a solo edition, there's a couples edition and a family edition, among others.

Grooming Gift

Philips Norelco OneBlade 360

Philips Norelco OneBlade 360

Maybe he can leave home for a day or two without thinking about his beard and ‘stache, but anything longer, and he’ll need a travel gift like the Philips Norelco OneBlade 360 to edge, trim, and shave his facial hair so that he looks great in front of the client and in his travel selfies on social media.

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Great Tech Gift for Travelers

Roku 4K/HD Streaming Stick

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Roku 4K/HD Streaming Stick

Whether he's hitting the road solo or with the kids, this is the perfect portable streaming device to turn almost any TV into a home entertainment system. He'll be able to watch his favorite movies, TV shows, Roku Originals and 400+ live TV channels, plus access a dedicated kids and family channel.

He Really Needs This

Shiatsu Massager

Shiatsu Massager
Credit: Blue Elf

I’ve been traveling the world and wearing myself out making my book, Street Cats and Where To Find Them. Travel takes a massive toll on the human body, especially an older Dad’s bones and muscles. A massager he can pack to relieve pain in his back, shoulder and neck is a genius travel gift for Dad.

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Comes in Four Colors

Sitka Radiant UPF Hoodie

Sitka Radiant UPF Hoodie
Credit: SITKA

I own this hoodie and I wear it like second skin when traveling. In hot weather and when it’s chilly, and in sunny or shady conditions, this hoodie is breathable, comfortable and protects skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Plus, the thumbholes are so rad!

Let Him Take His Books

Kobo Libra Colour

Kobo Libra Colour

Finally, with no glare and most importantly, absolutely no distracting pop-up notifications, the brand-new, full-color Kobo Libra eReader lets Dad take his favorite books, magazines and audiobooks with him wherever he goes. This waterproof and sturdy eReader is also a journal for note-taking, with easy access to borrowed ebooks, Google Drive and Dropbox.

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Just a Little Something

Noodle & Boo VitaSea Mineral Sunscreen Stick

Noodle & Boo VitaSea Mineral Sunscreen Stick
Credit: Noodle & Boo

Applying sunscreen is a PITA, but not with this sunscreen stick that works just like deodorant. Give Dad all-day sun protection while he's traveling with ingredients like vitamin A, vitamin C and zinc oxide.

Keep Him Hydrated

BrüMate Paragon Hydration Pack

BrüMate Paragon Hydration Pack
Credit: BrüMate

Whether he’s hiking the Grand Canyon or kicking it with his favorite bands at a music festival for the weekend, make sure Dad always has cold water to stay hydrated. This durable, leakproof 40-ounce insulated reservoir will keep his water chill for over 24 hours.

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Upgrade His Dopp Kit

Manscaped Men's Travel Hygiene Kit

Manscaped Men's Travel Hygiene Kit
Credit: Manscaped

Four travel-sized and TSA-friendly manly self-care cleaning essentials in a handsome bag at a great sale price make a superb travel gift for any dad who is no stranger to hotel bathrooms.

Keep the Sun Out of His Eyes

Kin Corduroy Bucket Hat

Kin Corduroy Bucket Hat

Satin-lined on the inside and rich corduroy on the outside make this bucket hat designed for big heads and big hair the perfect travel accessory for any Dad.

Headshot of Jeff Bogle
Jeff Bogle
Freelance Writer

Jeff is a dad of two daughters, an avid traveler, a photographer, an author and a freelance writer who lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia with his wife and their cats. In addition to Good Housekeeping, he's written for Parents, Fodor's, Food and Wine, Real Simple and Reader’s Digest, among other print and online publications. Jeff is the publisher of the quarterly literary magazine, Stanchion, and his book, Streets Cats and Where to Find Them, will be published by Running Press in the Summer of 2025.

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