Best Gifts for the Budget Traveler
For some people, traveling is one big endless splurge on fancy restaurants, hotels, or experiential packages. The budget traveler is different. These folks like to save their pennies. They're a bit more practical and no-nonsense. They're more likely to appreciate a good bargain than an indulgent escape. If this is you or someone you know, check out these ideal gifts for the budget traveler in your life.
1. Gadget: 4-in- 1 Travel Adaptor
The perfect balance of price, functionality, and primary colors, this interlocking adaptor can help you convert electronic juice and navigate over 150 countries. The gadget is so chic it's actually sold at the Museum of Modern Art. Buy: Momastore.org, $25
2. Cosmetic: Flint Reusable Lint Roller
What if Apple designed lint rollers? This is what we imagine it'd look like. Become a little more polished and presentable on your next extended excursion with this portable and retractable device, which comes with 30 adhesive sheets. Buy: Amazon.com, $10
3. Travel Bag: iFLY Admiral Carry-On
A lightweight hard side with a TSA-accepted lock, laptop sleeve, 360-degree wheels, laundry bag and USB port for under a hundred bucks? Even the most economical traveler would give this her stamp of approval. Buy: iFLYLuggage.com, $99
4. Book: How to Travel the World on $50 a Day
There's a reason Matt Kepnes' book is now on its third edition: it's loaded with value. Packed with interviews, actionable advice and tales of his own experiences jetting around for over a decade, this could become your new bible. Buy: Amazon.com, $13
5. Accessory: Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Vest
Everyone knows the secret to traveling light is a monochromatic wardrobe. The other secret? Squishable articles of clothing, like this vest from the favorite Japanese retailer, that are both extremely warm and take up zero room in your duffel. Buy: Uniqlo.com, $60
6. Comfort: Muji Non-Itchy Wool Rib Beanie
Winter's not coming. It's already here! This wool-and- cotton blend won't make your head itch, which is great, because you've got more important things to think about, like finding the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant in the world. Buy: Muji.us, $24
7. Subscription: Globe In Artisan Box
Help support local artisans with this subscription box that delivers one hand-picked, fair trade good every month. If you're the type that always returns from a trip regretting something you didn't buy, these gorgeous baskets, ceramics and jewelry might fill the void. Buy: GlobeIn.com, $10/month
8. Gift Card: Headspace
Perfect for navigating airports and Uber delays, this popular meditation app might just be the cure for every major travel woe. There are special meditation packs for stress, anxiety, work and much more, making it a small investment with a big payoff. Buy: Headspace.com, $96
9. Random: Artifact Uprising Wood Calendar
Surprise your travel buddy by grabbing a few of their best Instagrams and turning them into a handsome handcrafted calendar. They can relive global memories — and get inspiration for new trips — with each passing month. Buy: ArtifactUprising.com, $30
10. Charity: Kiva Card
This gift starts a chain reaction of supporting international entrepreneurs. Your recipient can choose to whom they want to loan money, from a farmer in Tanzania to a grocer in India. When the loan is repaid, they can lend the funds again. Maybe the most selfless present of all. Buy: Kiva.org, $25+
Prices accurate as of publication date. Check out more TPG gift guides here and the TPG guide on the best cards to use for holiday shopping.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.