Are you looking for the perfect travel gifts for mom? This comprehensive list has everything from practical gadgets to memory-making experiences, guaranteed to delight and inspire moms with wanderlust all year round.
Moms. Where would we be without them? Probably still stuck in our rooms trying to figure out how to fold a fitted sheet. While Mother’s Day is a great excuse to shower your travel-loving mom with gifts, why limit the love to just one Sunday in May? For all of the hours she was in labor and after living through your teen years, your mom certainly deserves to be appreciated all year long.
So whether it’s her birthday, the holidays, or a random Wednesday, here is an amazing list of gift ideas for moms who’ve been bitten by the travel bug. From practical to personalized, high-tech to memory-making, these gifts will make your mom want to pack her bags and embark on an adventure she’ll never forget! And hey, maybe she’ll even take you along for the ride (if you promise to fold your own fitted sheets).
1. Compression Packing Cubes, Suitcase Magicians for Space-Saving Sorcery
You’ve probably heard of packing cubes, those handy little bags masquerading as mini dressers that keep your underwear from hooking up with your shirts in your suitcase. But let me introduce you to their way cooler and more efficient cousin: compression packing cubes!
These nifty gadgets take organization to the next level. Available in three sizes, these compression packing cubes don’t just keep clothes organized, they allow you to pack so much more stuff into your bag that it feels like the travel fairy has waved a magic wand over your suitcase.
Sage Advice: Are you a travel loving Mom looking for the perfect gift for your offspring? These are the best travel gifts for teens.
2. Passport Holder: The Jet-Setting Mom’s Essential Accessory
For moms with a passion for international travel, a passport holder is the perfect travel gift. From a sleek, black leather passport holder by Kate Spade, complete with slots for her driver’s license and credit cards, to a passport and vaccine card holder combo designed for a post-pandemic world, a passport cover will not only protect her most important travel document but will also make it easier to locate in her handbag or backpack.
One of the biggest perks of using a passport holder is the added digital security it can provide. Before gifting your mom a passport holder, make sure it includes an RFID blocker. This feature will keep her sensitive information safe from digital thieves, giving her peace of mind as she roams the globe.
3. Cincha Travel Belt, A Luggage-Wrangling Maestro for Effortless Travel Tango
Help mom take a load off with a Cincha travel belt. Like a big, reassuring hug, this handy luggage band makes securing a personal bag to a carry-on or checked luggage a snap. And by managing her luggage with just one hand, Mom’s other hand is free to call you to let you know she’s arrived at her destination.
But in addition to helping Mom travel smoothly, your gift makes a difference in the lives of others. With each Cincha travel belt purchase, the company donates 100 airline miles to Miles4Migrants, a non-profit charity organization that uses frequent flyer miles to safely relocate refugees displaced by war, persecution, or natural disaster.
4. Travel Pillow, The Ultimate Dream-Supporting Sidekick for Weary Wanderers
Let’s face it, getting some sleep while traveling can be a challenge, especially on a long-haul flight. Or one with an unhappy infant in the row next to you. Fortunately, the Rollink travel pillow can save the day (and night) for your mom’s next journey. And you can always pair it with earplugs if Mom still hasn’t mastered the fine art of tuning out all children that are not hers.
Made with ergonomic memory foam, this comfortable travel pillow is perfect for napping on the go. Its unique design adapts to your mom’s neck and head, providing much-needed support for a mid-flight snooze. In addition to that, it’s machine washable, lightweight, and portable. It even comes with a compact storage bag, making it a breeze to pack and carry.
5. Sleep Mask, Sandman's Secret Weapon for Uninterrupted Zzz's
If your mom is serious about catching some quality z’s while traveling, a sleep mask is an absolute must-have for creating an instant oasis of darkness and ensuring that she can drift off to dreamland in no time. With its contoured design, this sleep mask doesn’t put any pressure on her sleeping peepers while also protecting her mascara and eyelashes. And this weighted sleep mask works overtime. Not only is it a mulberry silk sleep mask with an adjustable strap, but it also has a removable eye pillow that can be chilled to provide soothing comfort after a late-night or early-morning flight.
6. Essential Oil Carrying Bag, A Compact Carryall for Scent-sational Sojourns
An essential oil carrying bag is the perfect travel companion for moms who love the restorative powers of essential oils. Compact, stylish, and able to hold six 10- or 15-ml essential oil bottles, it is designed to keep her favorite oils organized, protected, and within easy reach.
Sage Advice: Be Mom’s favorite child by filling the bag with the best essential oils for travel, including lavender, lemon, sage, peppermint, and immune strength.
7. Crossbody Bag, A Trusty Hands-Free Hero for Moms on the Move
A crossbody bag is a perfect gift for moms who want to wander the world while keeping their hands free for snapping photos of the sights. Whether you spoil her with a designer bag or opt for something more budget friendly, a fashionable crossbody bag will keep her valuables close and secure from pesky pickpockets while she explores.
If your mom is a minimalist, consider a crossbody phone bag instead. At approximately four inches wide and seven inches tall, these adorable bags are just the right size to hold your mom’s cell phone and passport. Plus, they come with plenty of slots for cash, coins, and credit cards, making it easy for her to keep everything within reach.
8. SPIbelt, A Modern Take on the '90s Classic for Sleek Storage
Give your mom a blast from the past with a fresh twist with a SPIbelt. Unlike the bulky fanny pack she may have strapped on in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s while rocking out to a big hair band on her Walkman, the SPIbelt looks like the love child of a fanny pack and crossbody bag. Chic and sleek, the SPIbelt is made with soft, stretchy fabric and a sturdy adjustable strap, making it the perfect size for a key fob, cash, credit card, and smartphone without adding extra bulk.
9. Wander Wet Bag, A Waterproof Wonder for Damp Dilemmas
We’ve all been there – the dreaded post-pool dilemma of dealing with a soggy swimsuit. Enter the Wander Wet Bag from Wander & Perch! It’s the perfect travel accessory for moms who love to make a splash. Made from high-quality, waterproof fabric, the Wander Wet Bag separates wet swimsuits from the rest of Mom’s luggage, ensuring that everything stays dry and smells fresh. No more stuffing a damp or sandy swimsuit into a flimsy grocery bag before tossing it into a suitcase and hoping for the best.
Sage Advice: The Wander Wet Bag isn’t just for stowing saturated swimwear. Your mom can also use it for drenched workout clothes, damp towels, or even muddy leggings after a surprise rainshower on her hike.
10. Infuser Bottle, A Tea-Lover's Traveling Treasure for On-the-Go Sipping
If your mom is a tea enthusiast who loves sipping her favorite cuppa on the go, this tea infuser bottle is the perfect gift. Stylish yet practical, this insulated, leakproof container lets her enjoy her favorite hot or cold tea easily, whether traveling or just going about her daily routine. With interchangeable infuser sieves, Mom can steep her favorite loose-leaf tea, sip fruit-infused water, or even brew coffee on the go.
11. Travel Mug: A Stylish Sip Companion for Moms on the Move
For moms who can’t function without their morning cup of coffee, a travel mug is an indispensable accessory that will keep her favorite beverage hot (or cold) while she’s out and about, ensuring that she stays refreshed and energized. And not only do travel mugs provide a convenient and spill-proof way to enjoy her drinks on the go, but they also help reduce waste by eliminating disposable cups.
From sleek stainless-steel options like the Yeti Rambler, known for its exceptional insulation and durability, to vibrant and eco-friendly choices like the Stojo collapsible silicone mug that saves space in her bag, there’s a travel mug to suit every mom’s style and needs.
12. Toiletry Travel Dispenser, A Shower Sidekick for Compact Convenience
Many travelers can relate to the challenge of fitting all their toiletries into their carry-on luggage under the TSA’s latest rules for liquids and gels. That’s where this space-saving, TSA-approved refillable travel toiletry dispenser comes in handy. This ingenious dispenser allows your mom to carry all her shower essentials in one compact container – think shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. And there’s room for her other must-have toiletries, like body lotion, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Say goodbye to the hassle of packing multiple bulky bottles plus the worry that something will leak, and hello to a streamlined, leak-proof travel routine!
Sage Advice: Speaking of the TSA, here’s how to get TSA PreCheck for free.
13. Travel Journal, The Wanderlust Writer's Best Friend for Preserving Memories
For the mom who loves to document her travel experiences and preserve her memories in prose, a travel journal is a perfect gift. Whether you select a bucket list journal to inspire her adventures or a vegan leather-bound notebook she can write in daily while on the road, a travel journal is a thoughtful gift. It allows Mom to jot down her thoughts, feelings, and observations as she explores new places, ensuring that she captures every precious moment and creates a treasure trove of memories that she can visit time and time again.
14. Air Tag: A Tiny Guardian for Mom’s Belongings
If your mom tends to misplace her keys or wants to keep tabs on her checked luggage, an Apple AirTag is the perfect solution. This coin-sized gadget developed by Apple acts like a guardian angel, watching over Mom’s belongings and giving her peace of mind. The AirTag connects to her iPhone using Bluetooth technology, allowing her to quickly locate any attached item through the Find My app. She can even make the AirTag play a sound if her article is hiding nearby!
Sage Advice: For moms toting Android phones, check out Tile Mate or SmartTag as alternative solutions to the same travel challenges.
15. Portable Power Bank, A Lifeline for Juice-Deprived Devices
As Mom explores a new city, using her phone to navigate from sight to sight and then snapping amazing photos, the dreaded low-battery warning will likely pop up. A high-quality portable charger will keep your mom’s smartphone, tablet, camera, or other devices energized while out and about.
Go old school with this plug-in power bank with enough battery power to fully charge an iPhone or Android phone more than four times. Or consider buying Mom this solar power bank that uses the sun’s rays to recharge. Either way, you will keep her devices charged and ready for action.
16. Cord and Cable Organizer, A Tangle Tamer for a Knot-Free Life
Nobody enjoys diving into the depths of their carry-on only to find a jumbled mess of charging cables for their laptop, tablet, phone, and camera. Save your mom from this chaotic cable situation with a handy solution. This cable organizer is waterproof and includes plenty of pouches for additional items like USB drives, camera batteries, earbuds, and more. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors beyond basic black. With all her cables and accessories organized and easily accessible, your mom will feel like the queen of cord control, and she’ll thank you every time she can easily retrieve the right cable from her bag without having to unravel a nest of cords.
17. Kindle: the Digital Library Sidekick for Book-Loving Moms
For moms who can’t resist getting lost in a good book, even on the go, a Kindle or e-reader is the ultimate travel companion. These magical electronic devices allow your mom to carry an entire library of her favorite titles, all packed into a slim, lightweight gadget that fits easily in her carry-on. With an eReader, your mom can dive into her favorite novels, travel guides, or magazines anytime, anywhere – on a long-haul flight, on a beachside chaise lounge, or in a cozy hotel room. Plus, she’ll no longer have to worry about lugging around heavy books or running out of reading material during her trip.
Whether she’s an Amazon devotee who’d adore the latest Kindle Paperwhite with a glare-free display that reads like real paper, or an open-format fan who’d prefer a versatile eReader like the Kobo Clara, there’s a digital reading device that’ll suit her taste and needs perfectly.
18. An Audible Subscription, Bringing Books to Life
Looking for a gift that’ll transport your mom to far-off lands, even when she’s stuck in traffic or busy with errands? Whether it’s a mental escape from everyday life or a way to minimize the number of times she’s asked, “Are we there yet?” on a family road trip, moms who love to travel will enjoy the gift of an Audible subscription. Help her travel to Paris or befriend an octopus via an audiobook. Or dive into a family-friendly series, like The 39 Clues series with the whole gang.
Sage Advice: Compare Audible subscription options to choose the perfect plan for your mom.
19. Noise Canceling Headphones, Providing Peace to Serenity Seekers
Most moms have mastered the art of selectively tuning out sounds, honing in only on their children’s voices. But that doesn’t mean your mom won’t adore a pair of wireless headphones to give her some extra peace and quiet while traveling. Spoil her with a high-end option, like Sony wireless noise-canceling headphones featuring Alexa voice control, or treat her to a pair of stylish Beats over-ear headphones. If you’re looking for an impressive gift without breaking the bank, check out these budget-friendly noise-canceling headphones with up to 40 hours of non-stop playtime. Whatever you choose, these serenity superheroes will help your mom drown out the hustle and bustle of airports, noisy planes, or chatty fellow passengers, allowing her to fully enjoy her favorite tunes, podcasts, or audiobooks in blissful solitude.
20. Wireless Earbuds: A Sleek Sound Sidekick for On-the-Go Moms
For moms who prefer a more compact and discreet audio option, wireless earbuds are a perfect gift. These tiny earpieces will provide your mom with high-quality sound and convenience without the bulk of traditional headphones. Apple AirPods are known for their sleek design, impressive audio quality, and seamless pairing with Apple devices. But many other options are available, making finding the perfect fit for any budget easy.
21. Touch Screen Cleaner Kit: A Smudge-Busting Superstar
Whether she’s running around town or trekking far from home, mom’s electronics will pick up a few fingerprints and smudges along the way. Help her save her touch screen from grime and grit with this screen cleaner kit and microfiber cloth. This handy duo will help your mom keep her touch screens sparkling clean and smudge free, no matter where her travels take her.
22. Fitness Watch: The Activity-Tracking Ally for Health-Conscious Moms
For moms who love staying active, even while traveling, a fitness watch is an unbeatable gift. Whether she’s exploring a new city on foot, taking a scenic hike, or squeezing in a quick workout at the hotel gym, a fitness watch will help your mom keep an eye on her fitness goals. From the feature-packed Apple Watch, perfect for iPhone enthusiasts, to the sleek and stylish Fitbit Versa 3 with built-in GPS and voice assistant capabilities, there’s a fitness watch to suit every mom’s preferences and needs.
23. Luggage Tags: A Bag Buddy for Moms with Style
For moms who like to add a personal touch to their travel gear, there’s no better gift than personalized luggage tags. Choose from elegant monogrammed leather tags that showcase her initials to vibrant and quirky designs featuring her favorite colors, patterns, or quotes. You can even opt for tags with a photo of her beloved pet or a special family portrait, making her travel gear genuinely one-of-a-kind. Personalized luggage tags help your mom quickly identify her bags and serve as a subtle reminder of the love and thoughtfulness that went into selecting her gift. And, in the rare event that her bags go astray, these tags can provide essential contact information to help reunite her with her belongings.
24. Photo Album: A Memory-Keeping Masterpiece for Sentimental Moms
A photo album is the ultimate personalized gift for moms who adore reminiscing about their travels and cherishing the memories made. A beautifully curated photo book filled with snapshots from her favorite trips will remind her of special moments and experiences and serve as a cherished keepsake she can treasure for many years.
Whether you opt for a classic, leather-bound album filled with printed photos or a modern, custom-printed photo book with sleek, high-quality pages, there are countless ways to create the perfect memory-keeping masterpiece for your mom. Include pictures of family vacations, solo adventures, or unforgettable experiences she’s shared with her friends – the choice is yours.
25. Digital Photo Frame: An Ever-Changing Gallery for Tech-Savvy Moms
A digital photo frame is a perfect solution for moms who love to showcase their travel memories but can’t decide which pictures to display. This modern and versatile solution lets her enjoy a rotating gallery of her favorite travel moments, bringing a touch of wanderlust to her home or office.
With a digital photo frame, your mom can easily upload her favorite snapshots, either via USB, SD card, or wirelessly, and the frame will display them in a slideshow or as a dynamic collage. She can even customize the display settings, such as transition effects and interval times, to create the perfect viewing experience tailored to her preferences.
26. Travel-Inspired Home Decor Gifts: Bring the World to Mom
For moms who love to surround themselves with reminders of their favorite destinations and adventures, travel-inspired home decor gifts are the perfect way to bring the world to her doorstep. These unique and stylish pieces will add character to her home and spark memories of her wanderlust-filled journeys every time she sees them.
Consider gifting Mom a scratch-off world map where she can mark off the countries she’s visited and dream up future adventures. Or how about this large wooden wall art piece that allows her to incorporate framed photos from her travels?
27. A Gift from Mom’s Favorite Travel Destination, Bringing the World to Her Doorstep
From coffee table books to cookbooks, you can bring your mom’s favorite destination to her doorstep with a gift inspired by her favorite travel destination. Let’s say Mom’s favorite destination is Paris. After all, what’s not to love about the iconic Eiffel Tower, the tree-lined boulevards, and the food? (Mmmmmmm, fresh croissants!)
Here are a few specific examples that Mom may like:
- Tasting the World…One Country at a Time — a cookbook with recipes from 192 countries
- My Mexico City Kitchen — 150 simple and sophisticated Mexican recipes
- Around the World in 80 Recipes — filled with the best recipes from each continent
- The Rainbow Atlas: A Guide to the World’s Most Colorful Places — tour 500 of the most eye-popping destinations in the world
- Journeys of a Lifetime — a National Geographic book spotlighting 500 of the world’s greatest trips
- Capital Cities — a journey around the world through 118 capital cities
28. A Taste of the World, For the Globetrotting Gastronom
For the mom who loves to savor the flavors of the globe, delight her taste buds with a collection of exquisite food gifts. From gourmet coffee beans to tempting teas and delectable chocolates, these epicurean treasures will satisfy her culinary cravings and keep her wanderlust spirit alive.
Embark on a caffeinated journey by gifting her a selection of gourmet coffee beans from around the world, like this world coffee tour gift box. Mom will relish the opportunity to sample whole coffee beans from Brazil, Guatemala, and beyond, each with its distinct aroma and flavor profile.
If mom prefers a cuppa to coffee, she’ll love this carefully curated tea sampler from Korea’s Jeju Island. She’ll appreciate exploring unique blends – like canola flower and honey – while dreaming of far-off lands with each sip. Or sweeten her day with a box of international chocolates like delicious Belgian chocolates or Mexican stone ground chocolate in flavors like Guajillo chili and cinnamon.
And there are also plenty of delicious flavors stateside, from Hatch green chiles from New Mexico, huckleberry goodies from Montana, and delicious Wisconsin cheese
29. Language Lessons, The Gift of Gab
Is your mom always eager to learn some of the local language before jetting off to her next adventure? Look no further than Babbel. This online language system will give her the skills to chat with locals, order confidently at restaurants, and navigate foreign cities like a seasoned globetrotter. Babbel is an innovative language-learning platform that offers 14 languages to choose from, including Spanish, French, Italian, and many more. What sets Babbel apart is its practical, real-life approach to language learning, focusing on conversations and phrases that travelers will actually use. With its bite-sized lessons, mom can fit in her language practice anytime, anywhere – making it the perfect gift for busy moms on the go.
30. Priority Wine Pass, A Grape-Tastic Experience for Wine-Loving Moms
For the mother who relishes a divine glass of wine, treat her to a Priority Wine Pass. Designed for wine enthusiasts venturing to the West Coast, this pass uncorks exclusive deals and experiences at over 400 wineries across California, Oregon, and Washington.
Priority Wine Pass goes beyond the ordinary wine-tasting excursion, offering personalized itineraries, delightful tasting room discounts, and much more. Your mom will savor every sip as she swirls, sniffs, and savors her way through the vineyards of the most renowned wine regions.
Sage Advice: Take advantage of a $20 discount off the annual Priority Wine Pass. Purchase it online using the code WANDERER and toast to a year of fabulous wine-tasting memories for your mom.
31. A Thoughtful Subscription: Remind Her You Love Her All Year Long
Give your mom a gift that keeps on giving with a subscription. Cratejoy offers a wide range of options, and you’re sure to find the perfect match for your mom’s interests and passions, whether it’s a box filled with travel essentials or one that explores the world’s flavors through gourmet snacks. Each month, your mom will be delighted with a new surprise at her doorstep, reminding her of your love and appreciation.
For the wine-loving mom, a subscription to the Cellars Wine Club is a fantastic option. With a variety of club levels to choose from, she’ll receive a hand-picked selection of premium wines from around the globe, curated to match her taste preferences. This thoughtful gift will help her discover new favorites and elevate her at-home wine-tasting experiences.
32. A Trip: The Ultimate Memory-Making Gift
What could be a better gift for your travel-loving mom than a trip? Whether it’s a weekend getaway near home or a bucket list adventure to a far-off destination, the memories and experiences she’ll create are priceless.
If you’re planning a more extensive trip, consider using Baboo. This travel planning site uses local experts to provide concierge-level service that takes the headache out of the planning. Just answer a few questions to help your guide understand your travel style, and they’ll take it from there, delivering an itinerary with the best accommodations, attractions, and experiences to make your mom’s trip truly unforgettable.
What Are Your Favorite Gifts for Moms Who Love to Travel?
Do you have a travel-gift-for-Mom suggestion to add to this list? Any additional tips and tricks to pass along? Share your experiences in the comments section below.
Ready to Go?
Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!
- Find low fares with airfarewatchdog and Skyscanner
- Book your plane ticket with Expedia or Kayak
- Or take the scenic route on an epic road trip in a rental car or an RV from Outdoorsy
- From hotels to private homes, find the perfect accommodation with Hotels.com or Vrbo
- Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from eBags
- Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with CityPASS, Tiqets, and Viator
- Don’t leave home without travel insurance from AXA
- Discover the sights, history, and culture of your destination with an interactive scavenger hunt
- Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners. Happy wandering!
Such great tips! Thanks to this, I now have a complete list of gift ideas for this upcoming Christmas! I also ordered the SPIbelt, a modern take on the ’90s classic for sleek storage, for me and my friends because we love traveling. Thank you, this is a big help for everyone! I highly recommend this.
I love mine! I pretty much never leave home without it!