25 Weird But Genius Items For People Who Travel

As an avid traveler that's been around the world over the past two years, I like to think I've become an expert packer. And surprisingly, I've found it's actually the uncommon travel accessories that have made my trips better than most. Speaking from experience, it's the weird gifts for people who travel that turn out to be the most useful. After all, you can bet your traveling friend already has the basic stuff covered.

While I continue to convince myself that I only bring the absolute necessities, there are some things that either make my life easier or grant me a bit of luxury while on the road (and they may seem like weird things to pack to other people). It could be a beauty product that seems overpriced and silly when I'm staying in hostels or sitting between two screaming babies on the plane. Or, it could be a quick drying towel that I can toss into my backpack and not worry about getting everything else wet.

One of my friends brings a hammock with her literally everywhere she goes. And while I may think that's silly, she won't leave home without it. Everyone has their things. And honestly, they make really great gifts for the traveler in your life, despite them being random or weird things to gift.

1. Dog Booster Seat

Kurgo Skybox Dog Booster Seat for Cars, $54, Amazon

If you know someone who loves road trips and will never leave home without their pup, a dog booster seat is a great gift. Let their little guy enjoy the sights while riding in the backseat.

2. A Bug Bivy That Protects Your Sleeping Bag From Water & Mosquitoes

Outdoor Research Bug Bivy, $79, Amazon

If you have a friend who is a big camper, then this bug bivy (or mosquito net) is the perfect gift. It keeps bugs out and also features a waterproof nylon floor, so you can place your sleeping bag on a dry surface

3. A Snail Hydro Gel Mask For Dehydrating Flights

Missha Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Hydro Gel Mask (Five Pieces), $23, Amazon

Long haul flights can be pretty drying. Making sure your skin stays moisturized is super important. That's why a snail hydro gel mask can really brighten up skin and restore moisture in even the most damaging environments.

4. A Mobile Hotspot

Skyroam Mobile Hotspot, $100, Amazon

I've been to places where the WiFi is either terrible or nonexistent. If you're like me, and you need to get work done while traveling, WiFi is a big necessity. So, if you have a digital nomad friend in your life, this mobile hotspot is a perfect gift for them. You pay for WiFi when you need it and never when you don't.

5. A Portable Air Purifier

IonPacific ionbox, $60, Amazon

If you know someone who has terrible airborne allergies but loves to travel, getting them an ionbox is perfect. This little thing is a filterless air purifier that can be charged by USB. It can remove smoke, bacteria, pet odors and dander, dust, and more out of hotel rooms.

6. A Travel Steamer

Travel Smart by Conair Dual Voltage Steamer, $24, Amazon

Most hotels will have irons in the rooms, but I personally prefer to steam my clothes (I'm really bad at ironing). This one is compact, has worldwide dual voltage, and can quickly steam clothes and have you ready for your night out.

7. A Hoodie That Can Carry Everything

AyeGear H13 Hoodie, $105, Amazon

Do you know someone who hates carrying a bag around with them? Well, now they don't have to. This theft-proof hoodie has 13 discreet pockets, some big enough for even a 12-inch laptop. It's perfect for the festival goer or hiker in your life.

8. A Water-Resistant Bluetooth Speaker

Malektronic Rocket Bluetooth Outdoor Speaker, $100, Amazon

This isn't any old bluetooth speaker. You can actually answer phone calls wirelessly from any bluetooth smartphone with this thing. Answer them under a waterfall if you want, because of its highly water-resistant features.

9. A Portable Humidifier

Travel Ultrasonic Humidifier, $30, Amazon

There is nothing worse than getting a bad night of sleep because your room is too dry. That's why packing something as simple as a travel humidifier can make or break your trip. Simply attach a water bottle and get a great sleep, no matter what your bed is that night.

10. A Personal Fridge

Wigan 2577 Personal Fridge, $52, Amazon

If you're family is all about camping or road tripping, but they aren't about expensive rest stops, a great gift would be a personal fridge. It plugs into the car, fits up to nine soda cans or some water bottles, and maintains its temperature for two hours after you unplug it.

11. A Power Inverter For The Car

BESTEK 300W Power Inverter, $30, Amazon

Let's face it, everyone is glued to their phones these days. You use it for keeping in touch, for social media, and for GPS when traveling. Don't let anyone fight over the car charger anymore. This plugs right into the car and can charge up to four devices at once.

12. Luggage Compression Shelves

Valet Luggage Compression Shelves, $16, Amazon

Some people hate unpacking almost as much as packing. Now they can get both done at once. Simply hang up the collapsible shelves, fill them up, and then place them in your suitcase. All you have to do is pick it up from the top when you arrive at your hotel and hang it in the closet. So easy.

13. Travel Storage Case For Bras

JAVOedge Flower Pattern Fabric Travel Bra Storage Case, $16, Amazon

Finding the place for bras in a suitcase can be tough. But this storage case eliminates that problem. Bras fit perfectly in the case and there is a little pocket for underwear, as well.

14. A Multifunctional, Dual Voltage Hair Tool

2 in 1 Travel Hair Straightener and Curler, $27, Amazon

If you know someone who just can't live without glamming before they leave their house, buy them a straightener and curling iron. Even better, this one is a 2-in-1 tool and is dual voltage so they can use it wherever they go.

15. A Travel Surge Protector

Belkin 3-Outlet SurgePlus Mini Travel Plug, $18, Amazon

I literally never leave home for a trip without one of these. I don't know how many times I've checked in somewhere that only has one outlet. I'm a blogger, and I have a lot of electronics to charge each night. These things literally save me each time.

16. Silk Travel Sheet

Cocoon Silk TravelSheet, $44-$110, Amazon

Another thing I bring with me wherever I go is packable silk sheets. These little sheets are perfect for so many occasions. Use them camping, use them when you're only given a blanket and no sheets, and use them when you may be a bit irked out by the sheets on the bed you're sleeping on.

17. DoubleNest Hammock

Eagles Nest Outfitters - DoubleNest Hammock, $70, Amazon

This nylon hammock is super lightweight and portable (it's the hammock my friend refuses to leave home). She's strung it up on the porch of a bungalow, between two palm trees, in the woods, and more. Plus, two people can lounge on here.

18. A Water Bottle With A Filter

LifeStraw Go Water Bottle With Integrated 1000-Liter Straw Fliter, $30, Amazon

You never know when you're going to get thirsty. And whether you're traveling through a third world country, you're camping, or you've gone hiking, you can safely drink water with this bottle. The straw's replaceable filter can remove E. Coli, Giardia, and more.

19. A Microfiber Towel

Dock & Bay Microfiber Beach Towel & Pouch, $15-$20, Amazon

Microfiber towels are one of my favorite travel items ever. A lot of my friends thought it was silly that I purchased towels to travel with before I left for backpacking, but the joke was on them. They were lugging around heavy bath towels that took up so much space in their bags and took forever to dry. These dry super quickly and roll up into a tiny pouch for easy storage.

20. Removable iPhone Lens Kit

olloclip 4-IN-1 for iPhone 6/6s/Plus, $80, Amazon

Take professional quality photos with your phone with the help of this four-in-one lens kit. It comes with a fisheye, wide-angle, 10x macro and 15x macro lens and is compatible with all of your apps. Just clip on the iPhone in seconds and start shooting.

21. A Luggage With Built In GPS, Remote Locking, And A Battery Charger

Bluesmart One - Smart Luggage Carry On, $450, Amazon

Now you'll probably look at the price tag and say, "damn, that's one expensive carry on," but then you'll see the features. You can lock and unlock your bag using your smartphone. Plus, you can charge your devices with the two USB charging ports. And you can track your suitcase from your phone with 3G capabilities. It even has a built-in scale in the suitcase handle.

22. Skyrest Travel Pillow

Skyrest Travel Pillow, $30, Amazon

This highly portable travel pillow deflates and inflates in minutes. It'll definitely attract some stares in your direction, but you'll be the one sleeping like a baby on the plane.

23. An Outdoor Oven And Stovetop

Camp Chef Camping Outdoor Oven With Two Burners, $184, Amazon

Do you know someone who loves cooking and going camping? Then why not help them explore their culinary side and the great outdoors at the same time with a propane oven and stovetop.

24. Dream Water

Dream Water Natural Sleep Aid (24-CT), $48, Amazon

Sure, you could just pop a regular sleep aid tablet, but those can take a while to start working. When you're on a long haul flight, you just want to get to bed and this natural, gluten-free, kosher sleep drink is fast-acting. It's a delicious sleep and relaxation shot and it's only 2.5oz, so it complies with TSA regulations.

25. A ZzzBand For Better Sleep

NEW ZzzBand Pilot Created Travel Pillow And Eye Mask, $20, Amazon

This is one of those items that you see someone else using and you're just like, "what?" But the pillow and mask combo was created by a pilot to enhance sleep in economy seating. The strategic adjustable strap that connects to the adjustable headrest on your seat eliminates neck pain and head bobbing, ensuring you get a good rest on your overnight flight.

Images: Fotolia (1); Amazon (25)

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