Are you looking for the perfect travel gift for a teenager? Here are the absolute best travel gifts that your teen will love. 

I have three teenagers who love to travel, and my family has traveled extensively in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States—so I know which travel gear and accessories are worth it! 

This list is packed with fun gifts teenagers need (and want!) when they’re traveling. 

I know how hard it can be to choose the best travel gift for a teen. 

You want to foster their sense of adventure and desire to see the world, while giving them something useful that they’ll actually like. 

This list of the best travel gift ideas for teenagers will help you choose the right present. 

This list of unique travel gifts for teenagers contains things my own teens actually have and use. My own teenagers have approved everything on this list!

When exploring new places, it’s important to have the right gear to make travel more enjoyable and comfortable. When teens have the right travel accessories, they’ll be happier, more engaged, and better traveling companions. 

So if you are looking for travel gear for teens taking a road trip in the United States or traveling to Europe for the first time, this list has practical and fun gift ideas any teen is sure to love!

I’ve curated this list of the best travel gifts for teens to help you find the perfect present that your teen will love and use on their next trip. 

Whether you want to know what luggage to buy, you need practical items to make travel easier, or you’re looking for unusual travel gifts, this list of great travel gifts for teens has you covered! 

Best travel gifts for teenagers

The Ultimate List of Travel Gifts for Teens

Best Travel Tech for Teens

1. Bose Noise-Canceling Headphones

These noise-cancelling headphones are quiet and comfortable, and they deliver excellent audio. Your teen will appreciate listening to their favorite music in style.

2. Apple AirPods

One of the essential travel accessories for teens! These are my teenagers’ favorite wireless headphones.

Great sound quality, water and sweat resistant, and up to 30 hours of battery life means they are perfect for travel!

3. AirFly pro

Your teen can plug this amazing little gadget into the headphone jack on the plane and listen to their Air Pods on a long flight, instead of the uncomfortable standard-issue headphones. 

The battery lasts 16 + hours, so you can fly to Australia or New Zealand before recharging!

4. GoPro hero9

The GoPro Hero9 is a good option for any teen traveler who wants to capture high quality video of their adventures. It’s waterproof and can be used for live-streaming.

This gift is a great idea if your teen likes outdoor activities and adventure!

5. DJI Osmo Gimbal

To capture smooth video with an iPhone or Android, give your teen the DJI Oslo Gimbal.

This gadget stabilizes a phone so the video is smooth, not choppy, even if you’re walking around. The gimbal folds up into a small pouch, so it takes up very little room.

5. Tripod and Selfie Stick

This tripod and selfie stick will help your teen capture all their fun adventures, solo or with their friends.

6. Smartphone ring holder

Help your teen keep hold of their smart phone with this smartphone ring holder. It also doubles as a stand, super useful for video chats with your teen when they’re traveling.

7. Fujifilm instax Mini Instant camera

My teens have this Fujifilm Instax Mini instant camera and they love it! It’s perfect for taking retro pictures with friends on the go. And it comes with a carrying case to keep it safe.

8. Canon Powershot Digital camera

A high-quality camera is important travel gear for teens who are serious about documenting their travels.

The Canon Powershot SX70 digital camera is a high-quality full-frame camera with an excellent zoom that will travel with your teen for years to come.

9. Lens kit for Cell phones

A lens kit for a cell phone camera is a great gift idea for teens want to experiment with different photography styles, but aren’t ready for a more expensive camera.

Teens who enjoy taking pictures with their mobile phones and posting them on social media will love trying out the different filters. 

10. Underwater camera

This was one of the most fun travel gifts we bought for our teens. When we went snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef, our teens loved using the underwater camera to take pictures of the corals and fish. 

11. Kodak Portable photo printer

When your teen is meeting new people on their travels, they’ll love being able to leave behind a photo souvenir, thanks to this portable Kodak photo printer.

There’s something special about a printed out photo to tuck in a travel journal or scrapbook.

12. Beginner’s photography book

The National Geographic Photo Basics guide is a great addition to any camera gift you give a teenager.

It’s a good idea for a teen to learn how to take great photos, to capture their unique experience. Practicing their photography skills while traveling is the best way to learn. 

13. Travel Cable organizer

Cables and chargers and adapters, oh my! Your teen will need this travel cable organizer to keep up with all the electronics accessories they’ll bring with them on their adventures!

14. Drone

Your teen will love having a birds-eye view with footage from this easy-to-use drone.

15. Apple watch Ultra

The Apple Watch is the perfect gift to give your teen if they are traveling or hiking in remote areas. It’s also perfect if they just have a terrible sense of direction.

These features make it great for travel:

• Precision GPS
• Fitness tracker
• Extra-long battery life
• Compass allows you to mark your location
• Cellular in every model works overseas with international roaming
• Get directions from Maps
• Siren that can be heard from up to 600 feet away

16. Kindle Paperwhite

The Kindle Paperwhite is lightweight, waterproof, and automatically lit. Perfect for any teen who loves to read but needs to pack light.

17. Portable charger

A power bank for charging various electronic devices on the go is essential for travelers today. You don’t want your teen’s phone, tablet, or laptop to run out of power while stuck in an airport when a flight is cancelled or delayed. 

18. Nintendo switch

Whether you have young children or older kids, everyone loves a Nintendo Switch. They’re fun for passing the time on flights or long train rides. This is guaranteed to be a hit with your teen.

19. Portable Bluetooth speaker

This waterproof, portable bluetooth speaker will let your teen enjoy their music anywhere. For up to 10 hours, it will wirelessly stream music.

It comes in a variety of colors and has a carabiner to easily hook onto a backpack, so it’s harder to lose.

20. Apple airtags

Trust me, you want to know where your teen’s luggage is. Buy these AirTags!

Put one in your teen’s suitcase, carry-on, backpack, and purse. Being able to locate lost (or stolen!) luggage can be so helpful. AirTags are really just peace of mind in tiny disc form.

21. International adapter Kit

Your teen will need a world travel adapter kit when traveling outside the United States.

Universal adapters are an easy way for a teen to charge all their devices at once.

I like this one because it comes with six adapter attachments, for almost anywhere in the world. It also has two USB charger outlets.

22. Headlamp

A great headlamp is one of the camping travel essentials, of course. But headlamps come in handy for any type of traveler. 

If your teen plans to hike, camp, stay in hostels, or travel in remote areas, a headlamp would make a great gift.

23. Binoculars

Binoculars are an excellent gift for inquisitive teens. There’s no better way to get an up-close look at architectural details or far-away animals. 

24. Apple Ipad

An Apple iPad is lighter, smaller, more portable than a laptop. If your teen is traveling with a school program, they’ll need a laptop. Otherwise a tablet will do. 

They can watch Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+ on their flights, use it play audiobooks or read digital books, play games, draw, email, and check socials.

There’s a WiFi-only option, so your teen won’t have to worry about accidentally turning on cellular and having roaming charges.

25. iPad cover

Don’t forget a cover to protect the iPad. Your teen will appreciate a protective case for the iPad, as it gets tossed in a backpack and hauled around the world.

26. Inflight phone holder

Having this phone holder on the plane means teens don’t have to hold their phone the whole flight or worry about dropping it if they fall asleep. 

Even though airlines offer a variety of movies on their in-flight entertainment center, your teen might not want to watch them.

Many teens prefer to watch things they already downloaded on their phones. This airplane phone holder makes it easy to do.

Best Luggage and Bags for Teens

27. Coolife Luggage

We love this luggage because it has a hardshell, sturdy wheels, and comes in all different colors. I recommend one of the bright colors, but anything other than standard black would be a great choice. 

28. Duffle bag

Duffle bags come in all different sizes, but we like this duffle bag because it holds pretty much everything your teen will need when traveling. 

This duffel bag is foldable, water resistant, and has six separate pockets. It has a shoulder strap and side straps, so it’s easy to carry, even if it’s heavy.

29. Weekender/Overnight bag

This weekender or overnight bag has plenty of room for a few days worth of clothing and a spare pair of shoes. There’s an extra pocket for wet swimsuits or clothes.

30. Swiss Gear Carry-on suitcase

This hardshell expandable carry-on suitcase from Swiss Gear is durable and sturdy. It has a telescoping handle, 360 degree spinner wheels, and a cupholder so you don’t have to juggle your drink, along with all your stuff.

31. Fjällräven Carry-on backpack

The Fjällräven Raven backpack makes the perfect airplane carry-on backpack. It has plenty of room for all your essentials, including a laptop.

Also, it’s stylish and won’t stand out on the streets of any European city.

32. Kelty Asher Travel backpack

The Kelty Asher backpack is the classic trekking backpack. For the teen who can’t be bothered with a suitcase on wheels or any traditional luggage, this is the go-to backpack.

If your adventurous teen is going to be backpacking around the world (or only in a few countries), you want to be sure they have a sturdy, good quality backpack that won’t beak half-way through their trip. 

The Kelty Asher travel backpack will hold everything they need for trekking–sleeping bag, water bottle, clothes, etc. It’s comfortable and beloved by backpackers around the world.

33. Osprey Day pack 

Your teen will use the Osprey Daylite Daypack on short hikes or all-day sight-seeing trips. It’s perfect for a first aid kit, lunch, extra water, or a change of clothes.

This Osprey daypack is good quality and light weight. It will be a reliable travel bag for your teen. Also, it comes in lots of colors!

34. Sling bag

This simple sling pack by Cotopaxi is one of the best travel items for teens. It’s small and lightweight, but holds all the essentials for venturing around a new city. 

35. Small travel crossbody bag

The adorable crossbody purse looks like a mini North Face backpack! It’s a great choice for the girl who doesn’t want a backpack or big purse.

It’s very small and practical, with an adjustable crossbody strap and water resistant nylon. It comes in several different patterns and colors.

36. Drawstring bag

If your teen is looking for a simple, lightweight backpack, then this drawstring backpack is the way to go. There’s a zippered outside pocket and several inside pockets.

This back pack can store all your teen will need for a day trip, overnight trip, or day hikes. As with most of my picks, you have lots of colors to choose from, so your teen is really happy with the style.

37. Herschel Hip pack

The Herschel Hip Pack fits more than you might think. It will hold your teen’s phone, wallet, keys, lip balm, and gum.

This is the perfect pack for walking around town, keeping personal things very close, and having their hands free.

38. Tote bag

This soft tote bag will hold everything your teen needs while exploring a new city. Plus, it’s large enough to double as a shopping bag.

39. Luggage tags

Luggage tags are an often overlooked travel accessory for teens, especially first-time flyers. These colorful luggage tags will help their luggage stand out from everyone else’s on the luggage carousel.

40. Compression Packing cubes 

Compression packing cubes are practical travel gifts for teen girls and boys alike. I am always amazed by how much they help my teens organize their suitcase.

My teens traveled with packing cubes when we took our family sabbatical and traveled to New Zealand and Australia. They’ve also taken them on family vacations and when studying abroad.

41. Jewelry case

This tiny jewelry case holds all the jewelry your teen will want to take with her on her adventures, without taking up much space. It’s so small, you’ll be amazed at how much jewelry it can hold.

42. dopp kit

This lightweight Dopp kit is perfect for any teen guy. It’s water resistant, has a handle so is easy to carry, and is water resistant.

This Dopp kit has three zippered compartments, so it’s easy to keep all the toiletries organized.

43. VW Bus Toiletries bag

I love this fun toiletries bag. With its whimsical style, this bag will make your teen smile. It’s big enough to hold all their toiletries.

Also, if you have a teenage daughter who enjoys wearing makeup, she’ll appreciate using this as a makeup bag. It has internal pockets to keep everything organized.

44. Silicone Toiletries bottles

These portable silicone travel bottles hold 3 ounces of product. You can use them for shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, hair product, or hand sanitizer. They are leak proof and BPA free.

45. Dry Bag

A dry bag is incredibly handy to have when traveling. If your teen will be traveling in a rainy climate or participating in any water adventures, like canoeing, kayaking or fishing, a dry bag can be a lifesaver.

This dry bag comes in different sizes. So someone going on a weekend canoeing trip would need the larger size.

And someone who just needs to keep a wet swimsuit separate from their dry clothes would need the smaller size.

46. Luggage scale

A luggage scale is one of those essential travel items you don’t think you need until you do! If you anticipate that your teen will return with lots of new clothing or souvenirs, send them one a luggage scale!

This handy device will save your teen from being surprised by hefty fees for luggage that exceeds the weight limit!

Personal Travel Accessories for Teenagers

47. Passport holder

Teens and young adults traveling independently will need to keep up with their own passport. This passport holder protects the passport from getting damaged.

In this passport holder there’s also room for a vaccine card and credit cards, in addition to a passport.

48. Passport wallet

This passport wallet makes it extra easy for your teen to keep all their important papers together. This nylon wallet has a place for a passport, photo ID, credit cards, and a pocket for cash.

It has a zip closure and RFID blocking for extra security.

49. RFID-blocking wallet

Give your teen an RFID-blocking wallet to protect their credit/debit cards from theft. These small wallets by Thread will let your teen stash cards and cash in this wallet with RFID-blocking.

The wallet is slim enough to fit in a pocket, or your teen can stash it in a backpack. Either way, the credit cards will be safe.

50. RFID-Blocking Carbon fiber wallet

Your teen might prefer a carbon fiber wallet with aluminum to hold cash, cards, and ID. This one has RFID-blocking protection as well.

This wallet is very slim and can fit in a backpack or a pocket. It’s a minimalist look, but it holds all the basics–cash, cards, and ID.

51. eye mask

This eye mask is super soft, with memory foam for a comfortable fit while blocking out light. It has an adjustable strap with a buckle, so it stays put, even if the wearer moves.

52. tRTL Neck pillow

Anyone trying to sleep on a long flight will appreciate one of the trtl neck pillows. 

What I like best about this pillow is that it has a chin support to keep the wearer’s head from dipping forward while falling asleep.

The pillow wraps around the wearer’s neck to provide actual support, much more so than most airplane neck pillows do.

53. Travel blanket

This cozy microplush travel blanket is super soft and warm. It comes with a carrying case that conveniently clips to the outside of a backpack or carry-on.

Thin, lightweight travel blankets are handy to have on flights, long car rides, or bus trips. Your teen will also appreciate this blanket in a chilly hotel room when they need an extra layer. 

54. Owala Water bottle 

Owala water bottles are a teen favorite! These insulated water bottles keep drinks cold for 24 hours. They can sip or swig, and the bottles don’t leak!

A refillable water bottle is an essential travel accessory. This one comes in several colors, so there’s a great pick for all the teens on your list.

55. Waterproof phone holder

This waterproof phone pouch is a great gift for a teen who loves to participate in water sports. It’s also great for a teen traveling to the beach or a lake.

56. Travel size umbrella

Give your teen a small umbrella so they’ll be prepared for rainy weather. This model is windproof, very compact, and comes in a variety of colors. 

57. North Face Rain jacket

Rain jackets take up almost no space, but they’re a travel necessity. This lightweight, waterproof jacket from North Face will keep your teen dry on all sorts of rainy adventures.

58. Ugg Slippers

Ugg slippers make a great, unexpected gift for traveling teens, especially those who are going to study a broad.

In many countries, people take off their shoes and wear slippers in their homes. Also, your teen might find that household temperatures are cooler than they’re used to.

Giving your teen their own slippers will make them more comfortable in a foreign place. 

59. Robe

A robe is a travel essential if your teen will be sharing a bathroom! If your teen has to share a bathroom down the hall, either in someone’s house or at a hostel, having a robe will make them more comfortable. 

This robe is lightweight, comfortable, and stylish enough for any teen!

60. Microfiber towel

A microfiber towel is an absolute necessity for teens traveling independently. Your teen will need a towel at hostels, or have to pay extra to borrow a towel.

At the beach, sand won’t stick to this microfiber towel. It can double as a mattress cover or a yoga mat.

This microfiber towel absorbs a lot of water and dries quickly. It comes with a travel case or bag.

61. Microfiber Hair towel

This microfiber hair towel is a must for any teen with long hair.

In many places your teen might travel, hairdryers aren’t used as commonly as they are in the US. This microfiber hair towel will absorb a lot of moisture, so your teen’s hair will air-dry more quickly.

62. Laundry detergent Sheets 

If your teen will be doing laundry while traveling (and I bet you sure hope they do!), these laundry sheets are perfect.

They carry all the detergent needed for a full load of laundry without the weight or mess or liquid detergent.

These “laundry leaves” take up almost no space, plus they are hypoallergenic and more earth friendly than traditional detergents.

63. Mini makeup Palette

If you have a teen who wouldn’t want to travel without a bit of makeup, make it easy for them to choose what to take.

This Mini Face Palette has eyeshadow, bronzer, blusher, and highlighters. Add a favorite lipstick and mascara, and your teen is good to go!

64. Heatless curling set

This heatless curling set is all the rage right now with teens. It’s particularly great for teens who are traveling. This curling set is much lighter than an electric curling iron and doesn’t require electricity.

65. First aid kit

A first aid kit is something that your teen might not be all that excited about when they receive it, but they’ll sure be grateful when they need some ibuprofen or a bandaid!

66. Mosquito-repellant Bracelets

These mosquito repellant bracelets are absolutely essential for teens traveling in areas with lots of mosquitos. If your teen will be camping, hiking, or spending a lot of time near water, they will need these bands.

We first learned about mosquito-repellant bands when we were taking a family sabbatical in Australia, and now our teens always use them.

These bands can be worn on hair, backpacks, or shoes, as well as wrists. They are much safer than using DEET-based repellants.

67. Personal Safety Alarm

Buy your teen this personal safety alarm by She’s Birdie. This personal safety alarm has a loud siren and flashing strobe light, and its easy to activate.

Safety accessories are a practical travel gift your teen will be glad to have when they’re somewhere they don’t feel safe.

Travel Fashion for Teens

68. Packable puffer coat

Your teen will love this lightweight and warm packable puffer jacket. It’s easy to stuff in a suitcase or backpack, but will keep your teen warm and cozy on chilly days.

69. Ray-Ban Sunglasses

High quality sunglasses are at the top of my list of travel accessories for teens. Many teenagers underestimate the importance of protecting their eyes from the sun or sunglare off ice. 

These Ray-Ban Classic Aviator Sunglasses are polarized to protect your teen’s eyes while looking great!

70. Infinity scarf with pocket

This Infinity scarf with a zippered pocket is so incredibly useful when traveling. The roomy pocket can hold money, a phone, or a passport. It’s perfect for a teen girl who doesn’t want to deal with a purse.

This scarf is made from a soft, durable fabric, so it will provide warmth in cold climates.

(Read about why I love travel scarves.)

71. Sarong

A sarong is a very versatile fashion accessory. Teens can wear it as a skirt or swim coverup.

It can be used to cover their shoulders or head, which is a requirement for entering temples or churches in many countries.

A sarong will also work as a light blanket. They’re versatile and don’t take up much space. 

72. Bandana wrap

These bandana wraps are really versatile tubes of stretchable microfiber. Your teen can wear it as a neck gaiter, headband, cap, mask, wristband, hairband, or scrunchy.

These are really great for teens who will be doing a lot of hiking, cycling, running, or other sporty activities while traveling.

73. HOKA Sneakers

Teens love HOKA sneakers. These shoes are so comfortable. They’re perfect for teens who will be on their feet exploring foreign cities and towns or traipsing across the countryside.

74. Chacos

Chacos are the best water shoes and the best sandals for walking. The molded footbed is comfortable and the straps keep the shoes on your feet.

These Chacos are a must for any teen who will be going white water rafting or hanging out on on rocky beaches.

75. flipflops

Flipflops are a classic shoe for travelers. They are necessary at the beach and in any hostel shower!

Choose a sturdy pair for your teen, like these Sanuk flip-flops, with a yoga mat footbed.

76. Hiking shoes

The right footwear is a travel essential for any active teenager.

If your teen is going to be doing a lot of rigorous backpacking or back-country hiking, I recommend really good sturdy hiking boots, like these (men’s) or these (women’s).

If your teen is going to be hiking occasionally, then good-quality, lightweight hiking shoes will do the trick. These Merrell hiking shoes have sturdy rubber soles, feature cushioning for stability, and are lightweight.

My daughters have Merrell hiking shoes, and they’ve used them on hiking trails around the world. They also adapt just fine to a day of sightseeing and walking miles on city sidewalks.

77. Sun hat

Teens traveling the world need protection from the sun, so a hat is the ultimate travel accessory. This Tilley bucket hat is perfect for a guy or girl. And there are several colors to choose from.

Tilley hats are exceptionally well made. My teens have owned several, and they last a long time.

78. Wetsuit

If your teen’s travel is going to involve a lot of time at the beach, snorkeling, or scuba diving, consider getting them their own wetsuit.

Wetsuits can make cold water tolerable and protect from the harmful sun’s rays.

79. Period underwear

Having protection from period leaks is really important all the time, and especially when your teen is traveling. Period underwear is an essential item that equals peace of mind.

80. Touchscreen gloves

Touchscreen gloves are perfect for the teen who’ll be traveling in a cold climate or during wintertime. Their fingers will stay warm, but they’ll still be able to scroll their phone. Priorities, right?

Best Teen Travel Gear for Hanging Out

81. Inflatable lounger Air Sofa 

Your teen or young adult will absolutely love this on-trend inflatable lounger. It’s like a hammock, couch, and compression sack all in one.

Your teen won’t need a pump to inflate it, and it only weighs about two pounds. So it’s easy to use, wherever your teen wants to travel to!

It’s ideal for camping, music festivals, lazy days at the lake, or anywhere else your teen plans to go.

82. Eno Hammock

Every teen I know loves to chill in a hammock whenever they have some free time. These are perfect for any nature-loving teen. 

Give your teen an ENO DoubleNest hammock to take on their travel adventures. (Bonus: they can also take it with them when they go to college!)

83. Sleeping bag

A sleeping bag is key equipment for any teen who will be camping or staying in hostels. Marmot sleeping bags are some of the best.

They stay warm even in wet weather and have a built in stash pocket to keep valuables tucked away.

84. Beach towel chair clips

This is perhaps one of the most fun travel accessories for teens!

Your teen will love these cute beach towel clips. They keep a beach towel from sliding off of a beach chair or from blowing away on a windy day!

85. snorkeling set

A snorkeling set is the perfect gift for the teen who loves being in the water or plans to be a marine biologist. This is a great choice for a teen traveling to the beach!

86. flying disc

This flying disc is small, soft, foldable, and easy to catch. So it’s perfect for your teen to toss in a backpacking take on their travels.

Being able to play with friends while traveling is well worth the tiny amount of space this disc will take in luggage.

87. Bamboo flatware

This bamboo travel utensils set is perfect for any eco-minded teen traveler who doesn’t want to use disposable plastic utensils.

The set contains a spoon, fork, and knife, as well as chopsticks, a straw, and brush to clean the straw.

88. Collapsible tumbler

This collapsible silicone travel cup will let your teen take their coffee, tea, or cocoa on the go. But when not it use, it collapses down to a tiny circle.

Another perfect gift for the teen who cares about the environment and packaging waste!

89. Silicone straws

These reusable silicone straws are a great gift for teens who want to protect the environment and animals where they travel.

Using silicone straws will help keep dangerous disposable plastic straws away from animals, particularly marine animals.

90. Collapsible dinnerware

This collapsible dinnerware set comes with a plate, bowl, and cup. When not in use, the dishes nest inside each other and store in a flat zippered pouch for easy packing.

Because they’re made of food grade silicone, they weigh less than metal dishes.

This dinnerware is a great gift for teens who will be camping or making their own food while they travel.

91. Travel games

Teens love games. My teens’ favorite travel games are fun, lightweight, and easy to pack. Here are some that they recommend:

92. Air Deck cards

Card games are a travel classic! Air Deck cards take up almost no space in your luggage, becuase they’re even smaller than regular decks of cards. They’re also waterproof!

There’s usually someone in a group who can teach everyone else how to play a new game!

93. Around the World Coloring book

The Around the World In 50 Pages coloring book is a perfect gift for a traveling teen who likes to color. It also makes a good choice for a teen who is anticipating or has recently returned from traveling.

Fifty beautiful travel destinations from around the world are ready for your artistic teen to bring them to life!

Travel Souvenirs for teens

94. Travel journal

A keepsake travel journal has to be on any great list of the best travel gifts for teens. Having a place to write down travel memories is truly priceless. 

This travel journal has space to record dates and locations. It includes prompts for recording memories and plenty of pages for writing stories and notes. There are also spaces for photos.

95. Travel stickers

Travel stickers featuring different places your teen will travel to (or has already been) is a really fun gift! This set features cities and landmarks from around the world.

96. Travel patches

Travel patches are a fun way for a teen to make their backpack stand out from all the others. 

My teens love these travel patches because they can choose exactly which patch is important to them. There are so. many. choices! Choose the travel patch that matches your teen’s travel destination.

97. Travel pins

These fun, retro, enamel travel pins can be swapped with fellow travelers or kept as souvenirs. Your teen will love being able to personalize a backpack or jacket with these travel pins.

98. Scratch-off map

This scratch-off world map is a gift your teen traveler will leave at home. And when they return from their adventures, they can scratch off the destinations they’ve visited.

99. Cork globe

Your teen will love being able to see where they’ve traveled by looking at this cork globe.

Your traveling teen will use push pins to mark their travel destinations. It’s sure to bring back good memories of their adventures.

100. Charm bracelet 

Charm bracelets are eternally popular. This bangle charm bracelet is a sweet travel gift for teenage girls.

On an adjustable wire bangle, there are four charms: a camera, globe, airplane an passport.

101. Going Places Travel necklace

This dainty travel necklace features a compass and a globe. It’s the perfect gift to remind your teenage daughter, niece, or friend that even when she’s “going places, ” you’re there supporting her!

Special souvenir necklaces are unique gifts. Choose a tiny Eiffel Tower to commemorate a first trip to Paris or a sea turtle to mark an adventure in Costa Rica. 

102. City Coordinates Necklace

If your teen prefers a more subtle travel message in her jewelry, buy her one of these lovely city coordinates bar necklaces. Featured cities include Paris and London!

103. Travel t-shirt

This cute travel T-shirt will capture your teen’s spirt of adventure as they take to the road or the skies!

104. Retro travel prints

Retro travel prints are great ideas for travelers who want a long-lasting souvenir from their travels. They’re perfect for teens heading to college and looking for dorm decor to help them remember their travels. 

Bonus points for this gift, because you can buy it before or after your teen travels!

105. Homesick candle

Scent is one of the many different ways travel memories come back. These candles perfectly capture the signature scents of different locations around the world.

Buy your teen the Homesick Candle that means the most to them!

106. Favorite Place Zippered pouch

A destination-specific zippered pouch is a fun and practical way to send off a teen to a new locale!

There are currently only United States destinations featured. So if your teen is traveling within the US, you can buy a bag that features their destination.

Or, if your teen is traveling overseas, buy a bag with your teen’s home destination as a memento to take with them as they travel.

Best Travel Books for Teens

If you buy actual books for your teen, keep them at home, don’t schlep them on your travels. Instead download books and travel guides onto a Kindle Paperwhite or other device. 

Look for novels set in the city or country where your teen will be traveling. Also look for destination-specific guides, like this very cool comic book guide to Japan, that will help your teen learn about different cultures.

107. National Geographic Journeys of a Lifetime

Journeys of a Lifetime highlights travel designations on every continent. This book is sure to inspire your teen to travel to little known places and seek new adventures!

108. The Pocket Scavenger

The Pocket Scavenger is unlike any other scavenger hunt book. It’s a fun way to encourage teens to look closely at the world around them when they’re traveling.

109. Lonely Planet Guidebooks

Reading a guidebook before a trip is a great way for teens to learn what they might see in different countries or cities.

Lonely Planet guidebooks are my favorite. They cover destinations in a comprehensive way and offer helpful travel tips.

I strongly recommend taking a physical copy of the book on a trip, so your teen won’t be at the mercy of spotty cell or Wi-Fi service when they’re trying to figure out where to go!

110. Lonely Planet Phrasebooks

These Lonely Planet phrasebooks will be a useful gift for any teen traveler, no matter how many years of high school language classes they’ve had.

I highly recommend one of these phrasebooks for any teen traveling abroad and speaking a foreign language!

Best Subscription Gifts for Traveling Teens

111. Book and Audiobook subscriptions

Another great gift for teens is a subscription for books and audiobooks. The two best are Audible and Kindle Unlimited.

112. Music subscriptions

I can’t imagine a teen going anywhere without their music. If your teens don’t already have a subscription to iTunes, Spotify, or Apple Music, give them one before they set off on their adventure.

Best Destination Travel Experience Gifts for Teens 

The best part of travel is doing all kinds of cool things in different places.

Treat your teen to any of these travel experiences. (If possible, be extra generous and buy an extra ticket so they can invite a friend.)

113. Concert tickets

Look for concerts in the city your teen will be visiting.

114. Cooking class

There might not be a better way to learn about a country than through its food. Treat your teen to a cooking class!

115. Sightseeing Tour

Give your teen a guided sightseeing tour in the destination of their choice. Having a local tell you all the ins and outs of their city is a great experience that will make your teen’s trip more memorable.

116. Admission tickets

Treat your teen to museum tickets, zoo tickets, aquarium tickets, botanical gardens tickets and so many more cool experiences.

Pro tip: If there’s a place you really think your teen should see, prepay their admission so they’ll have no reason not to go!

117. Sporting event tickets

Any teen will enjoy going to a sporting event when they travel. It’s always really fun to see a game/match/event that you can’t watch in your home country.

118. Walking tour

Exploring on foot is a great way to get to know a city! Give your teen a walking tour to help them get acquainted with their new home away from home!

119. City bus tour

City bus tours give teens an easy, safe overview of a new city. Some bus tours offer day-long sight-seeing, and others allow for on-and-off service so teens can explore at their own paces.

Some popular options combine a bus tour with special activities, like food tastings or destinations.

Best Tips for Choosing Teen Travel Gifts

Choosing travel gifts and accessories that teens will love can be a bit tricky. Here are some tips to find the perfect gift for traveling teenagers!

What’s the mode of transportation for your teen’s travel?

If your teen is going backpacking in Europe, they’re going to want tiny, lightweight things. 

If they’re going on a cross-country road trip, they’ll be able to take bulkier gear. 

What are the teen’s interests?

Despite all the stereotypes, every teenager is unique! Try to choose a gift that aligns with your teen’s personal passions. 

Does your teen love art and photography? Buy this camera.

Is fashion super important to your teen? Buy these sunglasses.

Do they love nothing more than the great outdoors? Buy a sleeping bag.

What things will your teen do when traveling?

Your teen will need different things if they’re seeing European capitals or backpacking in Peru. Buy a gift to suit to the trip’s itinerary. 

Will they be at the beach? Buy snorkeling gear. 

Will they be sightseeing? Buy shoes they can walk in all day. 

Are they going on an educational trip? Buy a travel journal.

Does your teen have much travel experience? 

This is a good time to think about the practical elements of travel. 

If your teen has never traveled before, they could need practical things like luggage, a portable charger, or a microfiber towel. 

If your teen has lots of travel experience, they might appreciate a new backpack or an upgraded camera. 

What type of trip is your teen taking? 

If your teen is going on a family vacation, taking an educational school trip, or traveling for a gap year, they’ll need different things. 

Also consider if you’re buying gifts for a summer trip, a winter vacation, or year-round use.

Choose quality

Travel can be tough on gear and accessories. It’s worth choosing high-quality, reliable, and durable products.

When you’re purchasing gifts for teenage travelers, the last thing you want is for the item to break or stop working when the teen is traveling abroad!

Final Thoughts on the Best Gifts for Traveling Teens

This comprehensive guide to the best travel gear for teens will help you find the perfect gift for a traveling teen. 

Using this guide, you’ll find plenty of ideas for gifts to foster your teen’s love of travel!

Whether it’s fashionable travel apparel, travel tech gadgets, durable luggage, or travel accessories to make their journey more comfortable, you’ll find a travel gift perfect for your teen!

Ultimately, the best travel gift for a teenager will depend on their specific needs and interests.

Take time to consider each teen’s preferences and habits, so you can choose the perfect gift to make your teen’s trip easier, fun, and memorable. 

No matter what type of trip your teen is taking, where they’re going, or what they’ll do, there is a gift on this list that your teen will love.

They will appreciate you giving them a gift to boost their interest in travel, explore the world in comfort, and make unforgettable memories!

Your teen will be thrilled with any of the awesome travel gifts listed here!