This list of best travel gifts for a road trip lover is geared toward anyone who loves nothing more than to hit the open road, find adventure, and see as much of the world as possible.
While a lot of these items can be used for any kind of travel, I tailored this guide to particular things that will benefit people who are road trip lovers.
In fact, I personally own many of the items on this list and included them because I like them and find them useful in my travels. There are also many that I have on my own wish list!
There are lots of practical items in this post, but I’ve also included some fun things that can be used to record, remember, and show off their love of travel. The best part is, most of these items can be found on Amazon which makes shopping even easier.
So without further ado, here’s a list of over 70 best travel gift ideas for the road tripper in your life!
Best Travel Gifts For A Road Trip – Packing
1. Packing cubes
It seems everyone knows about packing cubes these days, but they really are a great item to have for road trip travelers. I love to use them for organization within my suitcase so I can just grab a bag instead of throwing stuff all over the place.
The compression kind is even nicer because you can fit so much more in your luggage than you thought possible!
Another bonus: they come in multiple colors so everyone in the family can have their own set and you’ll never get them mixed up.
2. Travel-size liquid containers
Even if you aren’t flying, it is still so much nicer to carry small versions of your toiletries than having all the huge shampoo bottles taking up a lot of room.
These portable travel bottles are leak-proof and come in multiple colors so it’s easier to remember what is in each bottle. They are also the right size for flying, so you can use them for flying too.
I don’t travel with a lot of liquids (I’ve switched to bars for most of my toiletries) but what I do have, I put in these and they work like a charm!
3. Toiletry bag
Keep all of your toiletries in one location with this functional hanging toiletry bag. I love the size and the hook so you can hang this just about anywhere.
4. Jewelry organizer
I’m not much of a jewelry person myself, but I know tons of people are, and one of the biggest struggles of traveling with jewelry is keeping all the items from tangling. This jewelry organizer solves that problem and has plenty of room for all types of jewelry.
5. Luggage tags
Every suitcase, camera bag, and anything else with important items in it should have a luggage tag attached in case it gets lost or forgotten while you are traveling.
There are plenty of options out there. I personally like bright and unique ones so they stand out but you can find any kind you’d like for the travel lovers in your life.
6. Grams28 154 City Pack
If you’re looking for a gift for someone who likes high-end bags, the GRAMS28 154 City Pack is a great choice.
The bag is made for travelers in mind, both male and female, and is designed with an eyeglasses compartment and enough space for a compact camera and small tablet plus your phone and passport.
It’s also a great compact size, not too big or too small, and is made from Italian leather with a lifetime warranty, so it’s incredibly durable and will last for years and years.
Best Travel Gifts For A Road Trip – Car Gear
7. Trunk organizer
Make it easy to find all the important gear and equipment in your trunk with a car organizer. This is a perfect road trip gift for the people in your life who like things to be organized and easy to find.
8. cargo roof bag
If you know someone who never has enough room in their vehicle for all their stuff, a cargo roof bag will be a great road trip gift.
This one is waterproof and tear-proof, and you can use it with or without a roof rack, which means you can put it on practically any vehicle. At 20 cubic feet, you can fit A LOT in it.
9. Portable air compressor
If you notice your tire pressure is low, you can always head to a gas station, but this portable air compressor makes it so much nicer because you can fill up your tire anywhere. This is one of the best road trip gift ideas for those who love to travel to remote areas and off the beaten path – or should I say road!
10. Portable car battery
Jumper cables are nice, assuming there is someone nearby to help you start your car. Having a portable car battery will be a lifesaver when you are in the middle of nowhere and need a jump.
This has been an amazing purchase for us since we live in northern Minnesota and the cold drains our batteries fast. Sam has had to use it a few times and it has been fantastic! I consider this to be a travel essential.
11. Car emergency kit
A roadside emergency kit is a great gift idea for those frequent travelers who are on the road a lot. You never know when you might run into an issue, and this package has a lot of great items in it, like a tool kit, traction rope, and whistle. I especially like the shovel because it has so many functions and not many kits come with one.
12. Car phone mount
Navigating is so much easier and safer with a car mount phone holder. I love mine and use it every time I travel anywhere. No more looking down to see where your next turn is!
13. Power inverter car adapter
I love this so much more than just standard USB ports. This power inverter car adapter still plugs into the cigarette lighter, but you can charge with either USB or 110v AC outlets. This is perfect if you need to charge any of your electronic devices on the go.
14. First aid kit
It’s always a good idea to have a first aid kit with you at all times. Here’s one you can purchase and then leave in the car for when you need it. You could also combine it with other road trip essentials to make a fantastic gift basket.
15. trash can
Do you find empty bottles and crumpled-up wrappers scattered all over the car when you get back from a trip? This car trash can makes it easy to keep all your garbage in one place so you can easily dispose of it when you stop at a gas station or when you get to your destination.
16. Steering Wheel Cover
If you know someone who likes to personalize their car, a steering wheel cover is a great gift idea. These covers also can keep your hands from slipping and make long stretches of driving more comfortable.
They come in so many fun designs, so you are sure to find one that suits the person you’re shopping for.
17. Road atlas
In this age of technology and GPS, why would you need a road atlas? I personally think it’s important to have a backup navigation method, such as a paper map or atlas, in case your phone breaks or you find yourself in an area with no cell service.
This Rand McNally atlas covers the United States plus Canada and Mexico and would be a great item to keep in your car just in case. I definitely consider this to be one of the essentials everyone should pack for a road trip.
18. Travel safe
Sometimes you might need to leave some of your valuables in your car or hotel room. This travel safe is a great way to ensure those valuables are secure.
19. Air fresheners
Who doesn’t love a nice-smelling car? You can’t go wrong with air fresheners as a stocking stuffer or as part of a road trip gift basket. With so many scents these days, you can choose just about anything.
I personally like the ones that hang from the rearview mirror, but you can also get ones that clip to your vents.
21. Cooler
Bringing food is one of my top travel tips that saves you so much money when you travel because you won’t have to eat out constantly. A car cooler is an item you will need if you want to bring anything perishable and is one of the most practical gifts you could get for just about any type of traveler.
Not sure which one is the right fit? Here are the best cooler options for every road trip and budget!
22. Collapsible tea kettle
This item is going on my own wish list! I may not like coffee, but I love tea, and this collapsible tea kettle is cute and functional! It would be a fun item for a road trip care package.
23. Water bottle with filter
I always carry reusable water bottles with me, but sometimes the only free water available is from the bathrooms at gas stations and rest stops, and who knows how clean it is.
It’s better to be safe than sorry, so get a water bottle with a filter. Then you’ll never have to worry if the tap water is safe to drink!
24. Insulated Tumbler
Sometimes water just doesn’t cut it on an early morning drive. An insulated tumbler or thermos is one of the best road trip gifts for those who love their tea or coffee.
My Yeti travel mug goes with me on every road trip so I can make my own tea on the go. It’s also nice because if you are staying at a hotel or an Airbnb that supplies coffee, you can fill it up on your way out the door and save yourself a few dollars and a few minutes by not having to swing into the nearest Starbucks.
25. Camp cooking stove
Even if you aren’t camping, these are a great option and one of my favorite road trip items to pack.
If you have leftovers and have no access to a microwave when you are stopping for lunch, this camp cooking stove will save the day. It’s also perfect for taking with you on your outdoor activities so you can have a nice hot meal on the go. Ours comes with us on every long road trip.
26. Silicone food storage bags
These silicone storage bags are another top pick for when you pack food on your road trip. They don’t take up much space and you can clean them out and reuse them for the entire trip so no food goes to waste. Plus you also aren’t throwing away dozens of one-use plastic bags.
Best Travel Gifts For A Road Trip – Clothing
28. Wool clothing
I’m a huge advocate for wool clothing. It regulates your body temperature, wicks away moisture, is odor and wrinkle-resistant, and it packs well. Basically, it’s the perfect travel fabric no matter where you are going.
There are a lot of brands out there at all different prices points. I like Woolx and have a few of their shirts and leggings. My husband and I also like Cloudline Apparel for our wool socks.
I highly recommend adding a few pieces of wool clothing to anyone’s wardrobe.
29. Fun road trip shirts
Who doesn’t love a fun t-shirt? There are endless options out there for road trip themed t-shirts, but here are a few I like:
30. Laundry detergent sheets
Laundry detergent sheets are so much nicer to throw into your bag than dragging around a large bottle of the liquid stuff. I always keep a few of these in my suitcase and hiking pack so I don’t have to remember to bring them – they are always on hand. If you’re putting together a road trip care package, these would be a great addition.
31. Flip flops/sandals
No matter if you are camping and need to use public showers, or come across a beach and want to take a stroll, I always pack flip flops or sandals no matter where we go.
32. Compression socks
Compression socks aren’t just useful for a long flight. If you are sitting and driving for long periods of time, your legs can get tired and cramped. These have copper in them which helps with circulation.
Best Travel Gifts For A Road Trip – Entertainment
33. Books
Ahhh, books. I try to minimize what I own and I don’t really collect anything, but my books are my babies. If you never know what to buy me, buy me a book.
There are so many books out there about the best road trips, bucket list trips, what to see in the national parks – and I’d read them all if I could! But here are just a few suggestions of road trip books to help pick your next destination:
34. Games
For anyone tired of hearing, “Are we there yet?”, here are a couple of road trip games that can be played in the car and will keep the family entertained!
35. Audible/audiobooks
My favorite thing to listen to on long car rides is a good audiobook. When I can get engrossed in a great story, time flies by and I’m at my destination before I know it.
An Audible subscription is a great gift option for those who love to listen to books in the car.
There’s also a new subscription out there called Scribd. I haven’t tried it myself yet, but it looks like a fantastic option to consider as well.
36. Kindle
As much as I love my physical books, my Kindle has been amazing when I travel. I don’t have to worry about running out of things to read and it takes up no space at all.
I like my Kindle Fire because it doubles as a tablet, but my mom loves her Paperwhite. Any Kindle is a fantastic option for the book-loving adventurer.
37. Adult coloring book
Sometimes you just need to take some time and unwind after a long day on your road trip. Coloring books are great for this, and this one is road trip-themed, which is even better!
Best Travel Gifts For A Road Trip – Electronics
38. Power bank
A power bank or portable charger is practically a necessity for travel these days. If your traveler doesn’t have one, this would be a fantastic gift option.
I personally love my Anker one but there are plenty out there to choose at different price points. However, in my experience, the cheaper ones are not as good, don’t hold a charge as well, and don’t last long.
40. Gorilla pod
My GorillaPod goes with me on every single trip. It’s lightweight and hardly takes up any room, and you can use it just about anywhere so you can get the perfect shot.
I use this with both my GoPro and my professional camera. When I’m on the road, this is the tripod I use the most.
41. Bluetooth tracker
If you know someone who misplaces their keys, bags, or phone frequently, these Bluetooth trackers are for them.
These days, it’s also nice to throw them in your luggage for international travel in case it gets lost at the airport or stolen. If your friend or family member has an iPhone, AirTags are the best choice for this scenario since you can find your item practically anywhere in the world.
42. Walkie Talkies
When you take a road trip with a large group or even just one other car, walkie-talkies can come in handy for quick and simple communication, especially in places with limited phone service.
To help you narrow down, here are the best walkie-talkie options for a road trip.
Best Travel Gifts For A Road Trip – Comfort
43. Earplugs & Sleep mask
I’m a terrible sleeper and always have been. If I don’t have white noise and a dark room, I probably won’t sleep.
That’s why I always travel with my earplugs and a sleep mask. If you or your road tripping friends are anything like me, these have made sleeping on vacation so much better. I can’t travel without them now and wouldn’t want to.
44. Car Seat cushion
Does your butt ever get numb from sitting in the car too long? Or is that just me?
Anywho, if you can’t take long hours in the car because it becomes uncomfortable, this seat cushion might be just what you need to make road trips more enjoyable.
45. Lumbar Support Pillow
When I was pregnant, I had to take several road trips and was really worried about my back hurting on the super long drive days.
In preparation, I bought this lumbar support pillow and was SO glad I did. It helped a ton and really did keep my back in good shape.
Even if you aren’t pregnant, this pillow is a great buy for those who have bad backs or tend to get backaches when driving. I use it even now that I’m no longer pregnant, I like it that much!
46. Inflatable travel pillow
I like these for camping, but inflatable pillows are also a great option for those of you who are gifted in being able to sleep in a vehicle. Lucky!
48. Puffle Camping quilt
My husband and I LOVE our Puffles. They are essentially a sleeping bag, but they snap together instead of zip, which means you can also unsnap them to become a blanket in about 2 seconds.
We also use them as under quilts in our hammocks when we do some colder weather camping. We have one underneath and one that we sleep in inside the hammocks. We’ve been very happy with them. My husband even keeps one at his work for his long night shifts.
Puffles are a great versatile travel quilt in that they pack down quite small but are very warm and come in a variety of colors and warmth ratings.
49. Day pack
It’s always a good idea to have a day pack with you when you travel. Whether it’s to throw all your kids’ stuff into it or to pack along lunches for a hike, it makes it so much easier to have a designated bag that is used exclusively for your day excursions.
I like having a pack with back and hip support and the space for a hydration pack or laptop.
50. Scrubba Portable Wash Bag
Being able to do laundry on the go is wonderful, especially if you have kids. If your outdoor-loving friend or family member is big into rustic camping or backpacking, the Scrubba portable wash bag is perfect for them.
It’s basically a dry bag that doubles as a manual washing machine. You only need a little bit of water and detergent and bam! You’ve got clean clothes anywhere!
51. Quick-dry towel
Whether you’re camping or swimming, these quick-dry towels are a fantastic option for road trippers. They have so many uses and take up very little room.
52. Fold up camping chairs
Even if you aren’t camping, bringing along folding chairs is a nice addition when you’re on a road trip. You can use them to eat lunch at a rest stop or pull over and enjoy a sunrise or sunset.
53. Drybag
We have used drybags on so many of our trips.
They come in handy when camping or hiking in case you get caught in a downpour. I’ve used them in theme parks when riding any of the water rides. We also use them for food storage and hang them so the critters can’t get into our food stash.
You can’t go wrong with bringing a few of these along on your road trip.
55. paracord
Paracord is another one of those items that is great to travel with just in case. There are so many uses for it, like tying up food in trees to keep out of the reach of animals, using it to hang wet clothes, or even to keep fish on when you go fishing in a river in Wyoming (not that I have a personal example of anything).
This set has multiple colors that you can designate for different things if you’d like, and it even comes with buckles that you can use for projects.
56. Picnic blanket
I absolutely love this picnic blanket. It has a waterproof backing so you can lay it down on the wet ground and not have to worry about getting soaked. Plus it’s large enough for a family and rolls up nice and neat.
57. Car Air Mattress
For those friends who like to car camp, a car air mattress is a great gift idea. They will probably have a much better night’s sleep than being crammed in the backseat without one and having the seatbelts jam into their sides all night.
58. Headlamp
Headlamps are better than flashlights when it comes to road-tripping. That’s just my opinion, but you’ve got to admit it makes walking around at night carrying your luggage or toiletries or food so much easier when you’ve got both hands.
This is the one we have and have been very happy with it so far.
Best Travel Gifts For A Road Trip – For Kids
59. Back Seat Organizer
Don’t let your family suffer through another round of, “I can’t find my…!” This back seat organizer will (hopefully) keep all your little road warriors’ items in one place that is also easily accessible for them.
60. Car Headrest Mount Holder
If you know someone with kids who like to watch shows while on a road trip, this car headrest mount holder will hold the tablet in place so they don’t have to sit it on their lap.
It’s also nice because you don’t have to worry about the kiddos dropping the tablet or accidentally pushing buttons they shouldn’t.
61. Tablet For Kids
If you know kids who like to play games, a tablet made specifically for them is a great choice. This one is durable and has a 2-year warranty, so if it does break, they will replace it for free. It’s super easy to use too so kids can figure it out very quickly.
62. Headphones
No one wants to hear everyone else’s games and movies, so consider getting a pair of headphones for everyone in your family.
These come in a variety of colors, are comfortable for little heads, and are very reasonably priced.
63. Activity Packs
When the kids need some time away from the screens, look into getting them some activity packs to keep them entertained.
There are so many choices out there, but I like this one because it includes activity sheets, crayons and markers, blank drawing sheets, and a traveling case.
64. Kid Camera
For the budding photographers, a camera for kids is a great gift for long road trips.
Encourage them to document their adventures from their point of view, and have a slideshow at the end of the trip to showcase their art!
Best Travel Gifts For A Road Trip – Memberships
65. Sam’s club or Costco membership
A membership to Sam’s Club or Costco is a great option for anyone who road trips a lot. You can buy lots of items you’ll take along in bulk and that will save you more money that you can use towards your travels.
Plus, Costco Travel often has fantastic car rental and travel deals for its members, which could save you even more.
66. AAA membership
This is another membership program that has a lot to offer. AAA not only gives roadside assistance but also offers a lot of travel discounts and special events.
Best Travel Gifts For A Road Trip – Memories
67. Scratch-off map
I absolutely love using my scratch-off map to mark the places I’ve been. It’s in my office and is a fun way to visually see where I’ve traveled.
This is the perfect gift for any avid traveler.
69. Digital picture frame
If you have limited room to showcase photos, or if you like to update them frequently, a digital picture frame fits the bill perfectly.
We got one for my grandparents so we can send them photos of JR as he grows and they love it.
70. planning workbook & Journal
I created a complete 35-page road trip planning workbook & travel journal to keep track of everything from planning the trip to keeping track of my budget to writing down a summary of each day. I’m super proud of it and know it will help any road-trippers plan their adventures.
Miscellaneous Road Trip Travel Gifts
71. National park pass
If the traveler in your life is planning to visit a bunch of national parks this coming year, the America The Beautiful Pass is the way to go. You can visit any of the parks for free for a year, and if you visit 2-3 parks, it will have already saved you money vs paying for them all individually.
72. Gift cards
If all else fails, you can never go wrong with a gift card.
There are all sorts of options for travelers, like Airbnb, Groupon, or Get Your Guide.
A gas gift card is also a fantastic choice since gas is one of the most expensive parts of a road trip.
Conclusion: Best Road Trip Travel Gift Ideas
No matter your price point, you can easily find something on this list for your road-tripping travel friend or family member, or maybe even for yourself!
Which item on this list would you love to have? Or do you have an idea that I missed?
Shoot me an email and let me know!
Thinking about planning your next road trip adventure? Take a look at these itineraries for some inspiration!
3 Best Road Trips From Idaho to California
5 Perfect Michigan to California Road Trips
30 Best Stops On A Los Angeles To Big Sur Road Trip
Want to save this for later? Pin it!
