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10 Unique Travel Gifts Under $50 – Christmas 2018
Can you believe how fast the year has gone by? Christmas season is here again and it’s time to start thinking about that special gift to give your friend or partner. Hey, and don’t forget yourself! Whether you’re looking for a gift that inspires or something useful for the journey, these 10 unique travel gifts are great for any traveler and they are all under $50.
(post updated for 2018)
Ultimate Journeys For Two
If you’re a glutton for travel inspiration, this book is a must-have. Trotting seven continents over six years, Mike and Anne Howard are the world’s longest honeymooners and this book chronicles many of their experiences. What’s unique about this book is that it goes beyond the framework of a traditional travel guide and focuses on how to truly experience a destination and have the journey of a lifetime. Since the Howards are extended honeymooners, you’ll also find loads of tips on how to travel successfully as a couple.
Ultimate Journeys for Two is the perfect gift to give that friend or family member who loves to see the world, yourself, or especially that couple who dreams to see the world together. Each page is full of beauty, inspiration and practical tips to make their (or your own) ultimate journey.
Buy Ultimate Journeys for Two on Amazon.
Want a signed copy? Order directly from the HoneyTrek website.
Scout Plus 1 Foldable Travel Bag
I actually recieved one of these from Scout back in February for the purpose of a review. Since recieving it, I have taken it on nearly every trip! I really love this 2-in-1 bag because of how practical it is. While I have grown to appreciate packing light, I have not outgrown my tendency to come home from a trip with lots of goodies. It’s got plenty of space but small enough to carry on and it’s lightweight.
My favorite feature is that it folds up into that tiny bag you see there in the photo. Just pack it up in your suitcase and when you’re ready to come home, just unfold and voila! You have a whole carryon size bag to fill with all the things you’ve collected including a supply of that one snack you can only get in that one place.
It also works really well as a beach or pool bag and the small bag can be used to stow personal items such as phones and wallets. It’s also durable. So far this year, my Scout Plus 1 has traveled through 5 countries and 17 US states and it’s still going strong. My bag is Midnight in Paris , but you can choose from several patterns. Check out more patterns or purchase the Scout Plus 1 Foldable Travel Bag.
Read my full review of the Scout Plus 1 Foldable Travel Bag
Apple SD card reader

$29.00
Let’s face it, we live in a mobile world and sharing photos is a must. This little gem bridges the gap between SLR and all those precious social media accounts. It’s also a simple way to get photos from phone to computer and backed up properly and safely. Order the Apple SD Card Reader on Amazon
The Trtl Pillow

$29.99
This little travel pillow is how I got to sleep despite being stuck in the dreaded middle seat on a long flight home from Amsterdam. I recieved one of my own as a Christmas gift last year and it has served me well.
The uniqueness of the Trtl is exactly why it deserves a spot on the list of unique travel gifts. It’s half the size of a normal travel pillow, scientifically proven to support even through those long flights, and the soft fleece wraps around your neck to keep you cozy. The Trtl is definitely for the traveler in your life!
Purchase the Trtl Pillow on Amazon.
Read about my favorite side trip from Amsterdam.
Scratch Off World Map


A traveler is typically very proud of exactly how much of the world they have discovered and have every intention to see more. This Scratch of World Map is a fun way to track your travel and inspire more journeys. Order now!
Bodum Stainless Steel Travel Press
This 15 oz portable coffee press/mug was made for the on the go caffeine fiend. Whether you love french press, pour over or loose leaf tea, this mug will brew it and keep it hot for up to 6 hours. Just pour in the grounds, pop on the lid and get on your way. After 4 minutes, plunge and it’s ready to drink at your convenience!
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Infinity Travel Scarf
We can never have too many scarves! Scarves are a fun, versatile, and warm way to accessorize an outfit. In this case, a scarf is also a safe place to store small valuables instead of lugging around a bag or worrying about pick pockets.
The hidden zipper pocket is large enough to store your phone, passport, keys and cash. Know a traveler? This scarf is the perfect mix of practical and stylish. Choose from a variety of colors!
Leather Money Belt

Seldom thought of, but a super handy way to safely carry cash while traveling. I first came across leather money belts while researching for our trip to Italy last year. A standard money belt works great as well, but this is a stylish option if you don’t feel like wearing one of those.
If the traveler in your life enjoys a bit of style on the road, a leather money belt is the perfect gift. View on amazon.
After spending 2 weeks in Italy, these are some of our favorite photos!
Phone Charging Passport Holder
Stay organized and powered up with this phone charging passport holder. The removable power bank included will help keep your phone charged while the RFID will keep your passport and credit cards secure.
This handy travel wallet comes in 8 different variations. Pick your favorite color here.
Tile Mate (Finder)
Do you know someone who has a hard time keeping up with things? This tracker is perfect! You can attach it to your key ring, bag or anything else you don’t want to lose. Can’t find your phone? Just press the button on the tile you attached to your keyring. The connected app will ring even if your phone is on silent.
A friend turned me on to this product a while back and it has been a life saver. You can buy a single Tile Mate or a pack of four for under $50. Get the Tile Mate here.
70 comments
Love the ideas on this … 🙂
Great ideas ! Thanks for sharing, will definitely keep them in mind!
These are great ideas I LOVE the scratch off map of the world I think I might get myself one for Christmas!
Awesome! That one is my favorite too!
You should! They’re fantastic!
Great Ideas!
I have the Bose headphones you mentioned and love them. For travelers, another great gift could be a solar backpack.
Awsome ideas!O will keep them in mind !
Great list of gifts — definitely items the travelers can benefit from. Love it.
Fantastic ideas. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Please tell Santa that I’ve been a good(ish) girl this year and want the globe ??
I have sent the message back with Fred(our elf on the shelf)! ?
Perfect gifts for travelers! ❤️?❤️
I want to try the Olloclip Active Lens!
Great ideas. There are some things on the list I would love.
Fabulous ideas, I love that scratch off map, it would be so fun to have.
I want every one of these things!
These are great ideas! I love the idea of getting a camera. 🙂
Love this gift list! I definitely have a GoPro on my list!
I travel a lot and have a lot of these, but love the cork globe, which I do not have. Great ideas!
Wow, these are some nice gifts!
Love the Apple SD card reader !!
The Apple SD Card Reader and Cork Globe are super cool ideas, and I don’t even travel that much!
We have the Hero 6 and love it! I totally recommend a Karma stick to go with it, as the stabilization in the photos and video is amazing with the Karma. I also just gifted myself a Nikon DLSR camera for Christmas. However, my husband thinks he is laying claim and has literally been going around our house and our woods taking photos because he amazes himself with his “skills” LOL.
HAHA! Oh, hubbies… Gotta love them! I’ll have to check out the karma stick!
I love traveling. I can’t believe I’ve never seen the turtle pillow. Great for those long flights or bus rides
This is a nice list! I’d really like a Go Pro. I just bought a Nikon D3400 this summer, and I really like it, although I’m still trying to learn how to use all the features.
Congrats on the new camera!
These ideas helped with a few people that I had no clue what to buy for them! I may add a few to my Christmas List!
I hope you do! Come back and let me know how you like them if you do!
There are so many great things on this list! Love it!
I love this list; my favorite is the scratchoff map! I have never seen anything like that! Thanks for sharing!
I don’t travel as much as I’d like, but these are great suggestions. The Apple SD card reader? SO convenient for IG!
That pillow is genius!
Great tips! I think I need that pillow for myself.
Love the cork globe! Thanks for finding and sharing! 🙂
I love the foldable bag.
It’s pretty great! I love my scout bag. 🙂
Awesome ideas, really love the coffee press and that money belt is really smart too! Both are new to me! Thanks 🙂
Great ideas! Since my hubby travels 250+ days a year finding travel gadgets for him is always a chore. I have the scratch off map and love it especially when we get to scratch something off! I love the phone charging passport holder I may need to check that out
Great Ideas!
As a seasoned traveler, I want all of these. great list! super staff happy holidays
Great list! The book looks awesome!!
The book and this couple are both amazing. Let me know what you think if you order it!
These are amazing gift ideas! I may have to buy one or two just for myself 🙂
I need that Tile Mate! These are great ideas!
You nailed it! The infinity scarf is on my list, and I love my scratch off map!!
Aren’t they fun?!
Great gift ideas! I need some for myself!
The Trtl pillow sounds awesome!
Adding Ultimate Journeys for Two book to my reading list. I have been looking for a map to track our adventures. The scratch off map is exactly what I was looking for! Thanks for sharing!
I’m so happy to hear that! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
ah travel pillows. That one looks so nice! Great for road trips. I always sleep the majority of the time! My poor fiance ha.
Sleeping on planes is the worst. That little Trtl pillow sounds interesting, though! So does the scratch off map! Thanks for sharing!!
I loved the book! But all the ideas were amazing as well!
Thank you!
Great ideas! I love the scratch off map. Thanks!
You might have solved a couple of our gift dilemmas! Thank you!
I want most of these things! Thanks for the ideas.
There are great ideas. I love scarves also. The one with the zipper in it is a great idea.
love these great ideas. I have one of t he scratch off maps and I love it
Love the foldable bag. Thanks for sharing!
Yup I definitely need that travel pillow. Great post!
I love the scratch off world map. We’ve mostly stayed on the east coast, but have big plans ahead! Of course I think my kids would just enjoy scratching them off regardless if we’ve been or not lol
Oh, I saw a lot of things on this list I want to add to mine!
Awesome gifts ideas! i really love that french press. Going to get me one of those!
I love the idea of a scratch off map! This is such a wonderful idea to commemorate wonderful times!
Wow, you have so many great gifts on here! I especially love the Ultimate Journeys for Two book. Great post!
Great ideas! Thank you for sharing!
As soon as I start traveling, I am SO getting one of those scratch-off maps! They’re so cool!