10 Gadgets and Gift Ideas for the Traveling Dad
Mother's Day might get a lot of fanfare, but dads are pretty amazing, too. Whether they're trick-or-treating on airplanes, bonding at national parks or dozing before takeoff, traveling dads everywhere deserve a little extra love this Father's Day, so why not get them one of these great travel-related gadgets?
1. SMARTPHONE TRIPOD MOUNT & STAND
If your dad is like most of us, he probably uses his smartphone constantly while traveling — it's not just a phone, it's a computer and camera, too, after all. This adjustable tripod mount will allow him to attach his phone to any standard tripod, turning it into a more stable point-and-shoot camera for crisp, shake-proof photos. It also works as a small stand to help prop up his phone for an easier way to watch videos, read books or scan the news. From $30.
2. 3-IN-1 LENS CAMERA KIT FOR SMARTPHONES
This camera kit comes with three lenses — wide, macro and fish-eye — that can be mounted on the camera of most standard smartphones and tablets. The set is easy to use: just clip the mount onto the phone or tablet, screw on the lens and snap away. And while these won't exactly give you SLR-quality photos, they're a great tool for the amateur travel photographer interested in better capturing a scenic landscape or sending some funny, morphed selfies back home. And unlike an SLR, the lenses are light, extremely portable and dirt cheap.
3. Men's Bug-Free Long-Sleeve T-Shirt
For the avid outdoorsmen, this long-sleeve t-shirt will help protect against both bugs and sun. The lightweight fabric is treated with an odorless insect repellent that repels mosquitoes, flies and ticks and lasts for up to 70 washes. Not to mention, the intricate fabrication process also means it can better protect skin against harsh ultraviolet sun rays than standard clothing. Whether Dad is hiking in the Amazon, on a safari in Kenya or camping in Big Bend, you'll know he'll be protected. From $23.
4. 360-DEGREE SPHERICAL PANORAMA CAMERA
While standard panoramic photos capture just a single line of view, this spherical panorama camera captures an entire space — great for breathtaking views and jaw-dropping hotels. It fits in the palm of your hand, can be mounted on a tripod and best of all, you can control it with your smartphone. With a 360-degree image or video, Dad will be able to share moments from all angles.
5. DIGITAL LUGGAGE SCALE
Some dads have a superhuman ability to estimate the weight of your luggage before heading to the airport. Others need a little more help. This digital scale can measure the weight of luggage up to 110 pounds, ensuring that Dad never has to pay extra fees for his overstuffed suitcase. And unlike a lot of other luggage scales, this one isn't bulky or awkward, but small enough to fit easily in the palm of your hand or front luggage pocket, making it easy to carry along on trips.
6. SOUND-ISOLATING EARPHONES
These sound-isolating earphones are a great gift for an audiophile dad on the go. The in-ear buds are soft and comfortable — even after wearing them for extended periods — and the cord is durable enough to withstand the frequent wrapping and unwrapping that accompanies travel. In addition to great sound quality, these earphones also block up to 37 decibels of ambient noise, making it a little easier to hear that podcast at 35,000 feet.
7. MINI BLUETOOTH/GPS TRACKER
These small trackers are easy to use and handy for traveling dads. Simply attach one to an item like a suitcase or wallet, and if it gets lost, you can see on your phone where it was last detected or, if you're close by, it'll play a sound to help you find it. An "anti-lost" mode will also alert you when you're getting too far away from the item — an especially great feature if your dad is prone to leaving his keys or wallet behind. Bonus: Unlike other trackers, the battery is replaceable, meaning you don't have to buy a new one when the battery gets too low.
8. PORTABLE CHARGER
This portable charger has enough juice to recharge multiple devices, multiple times — making it great for long-haul flights or multi-day trips with limited access to power. Best of all, it comes with two USB ports and an LED display that lets you see what percentage of the battery is left on the charger. While it's a little larger than some portable power banks, it still fits fine in a suit jacket or carry-on pocket.
9. POCKET MULTI-TOOL
This pocket multi-tool was made for dads who scoff at calling a handyman and believe no home is complete without a toolbox. Despite being the size of a standard house key, this tool can serve the purpose of 20 devices, including four different types of screwdrivers, a wire stripper and — of course — a bottle opener. Best of all, it is TSA approved, so Dad can take it with him anywhere he goes.
10. HIDDEN TRAVEL BELT WALLET
Let's face it, fanny packs aren't doing anyone any favors. But what do you do when Dad wants to keep sensitive things like passports and cash close while traveling? This hidden travel wallet clips to your belt and hides under your clothes to keep personal items safe and out of reach from pickpockets. Unlike a lot of travel wallets, it's made with soft, breathable fabric that is comfortable, even in hot weather. Its three distinct pockets are big enough to carry a passport, several credit cards and some cash, yet still easy to access when you need to. Bonus: The wallet is also equipped with RFID-blocking material, giving Dad some extra peace of mind.
What travel-related gifts will you be giving Dad this year? Sound off, below.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.