Father's Day is around the corner, and it's time to think about gifts for dads who like to travel. This might be your father, your son, someone who's been like a father to you, or hey...are you a dad? Then, yep! Gifts for you, too. 🎁
Here's your Father's Day Gift Guide with some of the best gift ideas for a traveling dad. I've tried to include ideas for every budget, with costs ranging from $25 to $140—so hopefully, there are perfect travel gifts for all the dads on your list.
Gifts for Dads Who Like to Travel
A Digital Picture Frame
This isn't a gift to use on a trip, but a thoughtful gift that will keep on giving. With a digital picture frame, the dad in your life can enjoy photos from prior trips and other special occasions every day. It’s as easy as plugging it in, connecting to Wi-Fi, and emailing photos to a free email address.
Before you give it to him, activate Gift Mode. This lets you preload and personalize the frame without unboxing it, so it will be ready to enjoy as soon as he opens it.
Secrid's Slim, RFID-Blocking Wallet
The Secrid wallet is a modern, slim cardholder that protects cards against RFID and NFC skimming (meaning no identity theft). It's just a tiny bit larger than a credit card, yet it can hold four credit cards and some emergency bills.
The leather-covered aluminum case protects everything against bending and breaking, and it has a cool pop-up feature that lets you quickly remove a card. It’s small enough to be carried in the front pocket, which is where it belongs to be protected from pickpockets. Malcolm’s carried one for years.
Wellow Compression Socks
Although not that exciting at first blush, compression socks are one of the best gifts for a travel-loving dad. And they get way more exciting once you realize that they help protect against deep vein thrombosis (DVT). These life-threatening blood clots can happen when people sit for a long time (like in an airplane!)
In addition to lowering the risk of blood clots, compression socks also help relieve fatigue when people are on their feet sightseeing all day. Suddenly socks are looking a bit more exciting, right? Anyone with a major illness should, of course, see their doctor for guidance.
Men’s socks come in black as well as a number of subtle and not-so-subtle colors and patterns.
Portable Phone Charger
Nothing’s worse than having your cell phone run out of power while traveling. And thanks to juice-jacking, public charging stations are not to be trusted.
The Anker Portable USB-C charger is a great choice to keep Dad on the go. It will charge an average mobile phone to about 50% in just 30 minutes. I just got mine last year, and I love it!
Personalized Luggage Tags
Nothing snazzes up luggage like a personal luggage tag. Plus, there's no confusion about whose suitcase belongs to who when deplaning.
I always recommend this type with a flap. It allows you to hide personal information from casual eyes, yet airport personnel can open it to get your contact details if your luggage has been lost in transit.
To foil bad actors, put initials on the outside rather than a full name. On the inside, include name, primary phone number including country code (that’s +1 for the US), and a secondary email address. Leave off the home address and primary email address.
Alpaka Modular Sling Bag
This bag is perfect to carry on the plane. Just note that it will count as a carry-on unless it's tucked inside another bag. It's also great for keeping valuables safe in areas with pickpockets.
This modular sling has many great features. It’s waterproof and RFID-blocking and can hold a passport, battery pack, or a pen and small notebook. The outside pocket makes it easy to grab a mobile phone when needed. It can be worn cross-body or attached to straps if wearing a backpack.
Mr. Green Manicure Set
The Mr. Green manicure set has some of the highest-quality tools available today, all made of stainless steel. It includes three different types of clippers, a glass nail file, an ear pick, scissors, an eyebrow tweezer, and a blackhead removal tool. The set is compact and folds up nicely to tuck in the corner of a suitcase. We don't go anywhere without Mr. Green as our travel companion.
Tom Bihn Side Hustle
Everyone needs an everyday carry bag while on a trip, and this travel bag by Tom Bihn is perfect for the job. It can be a crossbody shoulder bag, a sling bag, or a waist pack, so it's useful as a carry-on bag if flying.
Another great idea is to use it as a packing cube for clothes while traveling. Once your dad reaches his destination, he can unpack his clothes and use it as a carry bag during the day. It's the perfect size for the job and comes in a range of colors.
Manta Sleep Mask
The best way to sleep on the plane or in an unfamiliar hotel is with zero light, and this sleep mask blocks 100% of light. The cool thing about it is that it blocks the light with zero pressure on your eyes, making it super comfortable. And it can be adjusted so it work whether you're sleeping on your side or back. It's Malcolm's favorite for travel.
Pendleton Backgammon Game
If the dad in your life likes playing games, he’s sure to appreciate this lightweight, space-saving travel game. Playing a game is a great way to occupy time on a long flight or relax in the evening. Hotel rooms can get old after a bit, and we've been known to take a small game set to the hotel lobby. It's a great way to get a new view and meet locals and other travelers at the same time.
Apple AirTag
No one wants to leave their bag behind, especially when traveling! Apple AirTags sync with your phone and alert you if a bag has been left behind. They work with both Apple and Android devices.
You need one tag for each piece of luggage and one for anything else you’re liable to lose or leave behind, like a classy leather toiletry bag.
I also suggest you get some AirTag holders to secure the airtag inside the luggage. $15.99 for a pack of 2.
Make Your Own Toiletry Kit
If you want to give your dad a unique gift, make it yourself. Start with a small toiletry bag like this lightweight one from Sea to Summit. Add some travel-sized containers to hold your dad's favorite products, or pack a few solid toiletries he might like. Solid toiletries like sunscreen, toothpaste, deodorant, cologne, and insect repellent can be packed in luggage, which will save space in his 3-1-1 bag/ And solid toiletries typically weigh less than their liquid cousins.
Passport Holder With Neck Strap
An essential travel item is a passport holder with a neck strap. After a long international flight, most people aren’t thinking as clearly as they might otherwise be. A passport holder with a neckstrap means your dad will always know where his passport is. It's the perfect gift for his next adventure.
This holder comes in a variety of colors. Stay away from black because black makes it easy to leave the holder behind in the hotel safe. I've got a story for you on this one, but let me just say that my passport holder is now red.
Conclusion
I hope you've enjoyed this curated collection of Father's Day travel-themed gifts and that it's helped spark ideas. What do you think? Please leave your ideas for gifts for traveling dads in the comments below.
p.s. I've got a few more gift ideas for you buried in these posts:
Top Travel Tech Gadgets: Gear Up for Your Next Trip
Rightsize Your Travel Toiletries: Best Solutions for 2024
Solid Toiletries: A Proven Gamechanger for Travel
And then you can find some more ideas here in My Favorites.
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Peggy is a retired entrepreneur and world traveler, now happily traveling in the second half of life. She’s flown over 2 million miles and spent time in 48 states and 50+ countries, much of this since she turned 50. Read the About page to learn more about Peggy and why she started The Smart Travel Guide 10 years after retiring. If you want to send Peggy a brief message, visit her contact page.
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