11 TPG-Approved Travel Gifts for Your High School Graduate
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
They threw their caps in the air and now summer is in full swing for high school graduates. Someday soon, they will likely be traveling — perhaps for vacation or off to a college dorm. Here's a compilation of TPG-approved travel gifts — both practical and trendy — that your teen will totally appreciate.
Beis Check-In Roller
This simplistic suitcase just debuted from actress Shay Mitchell's travel brand. It has a versatile design that goes with everything, and its thoughtful features set it apart from other luggage on the market. With a weight-limit indicator, an optional expander, compression flaps and a TSA-approved combination lock, this bag has everything you could possibly need when jetting off.
Buy: Beis Travel, $258

Apple AirPods
Rather than suggesting a pair of our beloved noise-cancellation headphones, we think a more appropriate gift for a recent graduate is a pair of AirPods. Apple's cult-favorite earphones are useful in flight and in everyday life. They embody convenience and comfort.
Buy: Apple, $159 — $199

TSA Precheck
This thoughtful gift allows you to speed through airport security — no worries about removing your shoes or belt. It's the best fast-pass a traveler could have, especially for a teen who struggles with staying on schedule. Plus, the membership lasts five years.
Buy: TSA, $85

Compression Packing Cubes
It may be years, but sooner or later high school graduates will move out of the house, stuffing all of their belongings into a suitcase. These highly rated packing cubes compress clothes and other items into an almost airtight space. TPG's all about maximizing, whether it's credit card points or luggage space.
Buy: Amazon

The Points Guy Plane Hair Hat
Few things beat being a frequent flyer, but one thing that does is letting people know that you're a frequent flyer. This hat (fresh from the TPG shop) lets people know that you're no novice traveler, all while hiding that messy plane 'do. Gift it while it's hot.
Buy: The Points Guy Shop, $25

I AM GIA Pixie Coat
This coat blew up the Internet; every Gen Z-er has it or wants it in their closet. It makes for the perfect boarding outfit that screams: "Don't talk to me when my AirPods are in. Or do. Regardless, I'm very cool." All of this to say, while it's a definite statement piece, it's also a really safe gift choice.
Buy: I AM GIA, $76

Spotify Premium or Apple Music Subscription
Travels require ambience, and ambience requires a music subscription. Those are just the facts. Any recent graduate would appreciate ad-free music and the opportunity to listen offline in the sky. Plus, both of these options offer discounts for college students. Score.
Buy: Spotify, (for students) $0.99 for the first 3 months, then $4.99/month
Buy: Apple, (for students) $4.99/month

MUJI Neck Cushion
MUJI has crafted the perfect neck pillow. It's low profile, completely plush and best of all, it's Martha Stewart-approved as per Brian Kelly's recent Talking Points podcast episode.
Buy: MUJI, $25 $13

Make Them an Authorized User
Chances are, recent graduates will opt for a basic economy fare when they're given the choice, but the gift of an authorized user account on your premium card can completely revamp their airport experience.
For example, becoming an authorized user on a The Platinum Card® from American Express can mean exceptional lounge access. And most important, this card can help young people build their credit — a priceless gift.
Here's our breakdown of the best credit cards for authorized users.

Cathy's Concept Monogram Tech Travel Case
This tech travel case seems to be one of those "I didn't know I needed it, and now I can't live without it" types of gifts. This faux-leather case keeps cords from becoming tangled and it sections off electronics while keeping them in the same place. It's the perfect gift that transitions a young traveler seamlessly into adulthood.
Buy: Nordstrom, $60

Away Travel Backpack
Even though recent grads are out of the classroom, at least for the summer, a nice backpack will take them into their latest and greatest journey ... and then maybe right back into school next fall. The sleek exterior fits pretty much anyone's style, but the backpack also has a roomy interior with pockets and a strap on the back so you can slide in your luggage handle.
Buy: Away Travel, $195

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Cons
- The card requires significant spending to earn the welcome offer.
- Another drawback is that the annual travel credit can only be used on bookings made through Capital One Business Travel.
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn up to 400K bonus miles: 200K miles when you spend $30K in the first 3 months, and an additional 200k miles when you spend $150k in the first 6 months
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- Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel
- With no preset spending limit, enjoy big purchasing power that adapts so you can spend more and earn more rewards
- Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
- Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Every year, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. Enjoy access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month
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Rewards Rate
| 2X miles | 2 miles per dollar on every purchase |
| 5X miles | 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel |
| 10X miles | 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel |
Intro Offer
Earn 200K miles when you spend $30K in the first 3 months, and an additional 200K miles when you spend $150K in the first 6 monthsLIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn up to 400K bonus milesAnnual Fee
$395Recommended 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.740-850Excellent
Why We Chose It
The Capital One Venture X Business Card has all the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has to offer and more. It offers an incredible welcome bonus and requires an equally impressive spend to qualify. In addition, the card comes with premium travel perks like annual travel credit. (Partner offer)Pros
- The Capital One Venture X business card has a very lucrative welcome offer.
- In addition, the card comes with many premium travel perks such as an annual $300 credit for bookings through Capital One Business Travel.
- Business owners are also able to add employee cards for free.
Cons
- The card requires significant spending to earn the welcome offer.
- Another drawback is that the annual travel credit can only be used on bookings made through Capital One Business Travel.
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn up to 400K bonus miles: 200K miles when you spend $30K in the first 3 months, and an additional 200k miles when you spend $150k in the first 6 months
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
- Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel
- With no preset spending limit, enjoy big purchasing power that adapts so you can spend more and earn more rewards
- Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
- Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Every year, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. Enjoy access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month
- Top rated mobile app

