Great Gifts for the Budget Traveler

Low Cost and Cheap Ideas for Travel Presents

Dec 8, 2008 Michelle Snow

The perfect budget travel gift is useful and low cost. Here are some great ideas to suit most tastes.

Stumped on what to give that person who loves to travel?

The following list is sure to make any budget traveler happy on their next trip.

Luggage Tags

Nothing is worse than standing at a luggage carousel watching a hundred black bags spinning around, all looking alike. Make a suitcase stand out with luggage tags.

Many stores sell a variety of tag holders that simply require adding a sheet of paper or business card with the contact information. Plastic ones will start at around $7, with other materials costing more.

Some online travel stores offer customized tag options from $15 on up, or simply make the luggage tags from scratch.

Non-Liquid Toiletry Kits

With all of the various regulations on carrying liquids on board airplanes, why not make it more convenient for the traveler by putting together a non-liquid toiletry kit.

Some stores like Lush offer wonderful solid bar shampoos, conditioners and soaps for under $10.

Flight 001 takes another route with foaming paper versions of these items. Sold in a plastic case, simply remove these paper thin sheets, add water and get instant suds for only $6 a pack.

Travel Alarm Clock

Whether staying at a hotel or camping out in the woods, a travel alarm clock is always welcome. A battery-operated compact clock can be had for $20 or less, both online and in many discount stores.

Travel Safety Alarms

When traveling to dodgy areas or for solo female travelers, a travel alarm is a must. Many hook onto the outer door, and when turned on, emit a loud piercing noise to alert when the door is opened by an intruder.

Decent models can be found online for $15 and up. Add a rubber door stop ($5 or less) to this for added safety.

Portable Camera Tripods

For the camera-loving budget traveler, a portable tripod will be a big hit. Choose a flexible one, like a gorilla pod, or a pole version that allows for the traveler to be in the photos, like the XShot. Expect prices in the $25 to $40 range.

USB Flash Drive

Great for compactly storing photos or other documents while traveling, generic flash drives in 2GB sizes can be had for under $15.

Splurge and get one in plastic cases designed in everything from Lego pieces to Star Wars characters for under $50 on average.

Convertible Pants

Found at most online travel stores, convertible pants are a wonderful present for those who pack light. Made of a non-wrinkle material, they feature the ability to go from full-length pants to shorts by merely unfastening the legs. Some even offer options that include sunblock or insect-repellent material.

Average prices range from $50 to $100 dollars, depending on material and the store, so shop around for the deals.

Solar Small Electronics Charger

If the gift recipient likes to travel off the beaten path a lot, a solar charger for their small electronics may be the perfect gift.

Though a bit of a splurge, at around $100, the Solio Hybrid Charger can power most cellphones or mp3 players after only one hour in the sun. Handy when there’s no electrical outlet nearby and eco-friendly budget travelers will love this, too.

The copyright of the article Great Gifts for the Budget Traveler in Budget Travel is owned by Michelle Snow. Permission to republish Great Gifts for the Budget Traveler in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Solio Hybrid Charger, Solio Solio Hybrid Charger
Convertible Pants, TravelSmith Convertible Pants
Paper Toiletries, Flight 001 Paper Toiletries
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