Travel-ready gift ideas for globetrotting grads

By Dobrina Zhekova
May 27, 2015
Getty Images
Seniors across the country will soon be bidding adieu to college life and, with diploma in hand, embracing “real life,” a tougher version where spring break only happens if your boss lets you take a few days off.

But don’t let us ruin the moment — graduating from college (or high school) is one of the proudest and most exciting events in a person’s life, and should be celebrated to the fullest.

Chances are you probably know someone who is about to embark on the next chapter of his or her life. It’s becoming more and more common among young people to take some time off before that next chapter and travel the country or, in some lucky instances, the world. So if you are looking for graduation gift ideas for the traveler in your life, we’ve got you covered.

If your grad has decided to do a road trip with friends, he or she will appreciate a functional gift like a sturdy, waterproof backpack or a solar-powered charger. Or you could spoil him or her with a smart carry-on suitcase with a built-in scale, USB chargers, and a location tracker.

We also love the idea of a more sentimental gift, like a delicate necklace or a bracelet that reminds its owner to never stop exploring.

Here, we rounded up 20 unique gifts for graduates who love traveling.
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Beats Solo 2 Headphones

Courtesy of Amazon

These cool headphones deliver perfect sound and don’t take up much space because they’re foldable.

To buy: amazon.com, $200

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National Parks Explorer Map

Courtesy of Seth and Maddy Lucas via Uncommongoods

For the graduate who’s taking the summer off to go on a cross-country road trip, this map will inspire him or her to explore (and chart) the country’s beautiful National Parks.

To buy: uncommongoods.com, $55

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On-the-Go French Coffee Press

Courtesy of Uncommon Goods

Who wouldn’t want a stainless steel travel mug that’s also a coffee press? It’s the perfect gift for anyone who loves functionality and a strong cup of Joe.

To buy: uncommongoods.com, $35

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Solar Powered Charger and Light

Courtesy of Uncommon Goods

This solar-powered charger gives a full phone charge in just two hours, and will come in handy for the camping or hiking lover who likes to spend time off the grid.

To buy: uncommongoods.com, $70

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Bluesmart Carry-On Spinner

Courtesy of eBags

This smart suitcase has a built-in digital scale, location tracker, and two USB chargers among many other things — a must-have for any modern day traveler.

To buy: ebags.com, $449

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Hand Engraved Compass Necklace

Courtesy of Kevin and Deborah Healy via Uncommon Goods

This sterling silver necklace features a working compass that will quite literally help any traveler find their way. The pendant can also have a personalized inscription on the back.

To buy: uncommongoods.com, $140

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Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera

Courtesy of Polaroid

Help them capture exciting moments and print them instantly with this fun, pocket-sized camera.

To buy: amazon.com, $97

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Personalized Leather Travel Journal

Courtesy of RSVPhandcrafted via Etsy

This beautiful handmade journal features a compass stamp on the front and a personalized nametag.

To buy: etsy.com, $40

9 of 21

Classic Specs Lowerre Sunglasses

Courtesy of Classic Specs

Brooklyn-based eyewear company Classic Specs makes its shades in L.A. from quality Italian acetate and has become a favorite of millennials. We’re huge fans of their aviators, because the style is so unisex.

To buy: classicspecs.com, $129

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Altec Lansing Omni Jacket Speaker

Courtesy of Amazon

This wireless Bluetooth speaker is practically indestructible (it’s waterproof, sandproof, shockproof, and it floats) with a battery that lasts for up to 50 hours.

To buy: amazon.com, from $100

11 of 21

Mancro Backback

Courtesy of Amazon

A sturdy backpack is a must for any traveler. This one by Mancro is water-resistant and has a separate laptop compartment and built-in USB charging cable.

To buy: amazon.com, $29

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Leave a Trail Necklace

Courtesy of Kathy Bransfield via Uncommon Goods

This beautiful sterling silver and gold–plated pendant features an inspiring quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

To buy: uncommongoods.com, $97

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Diana Camera

Courtesy of Uncommon Goods

Any creative person (and traveler) will love this old-school film camera that produces dreamy images with saturated colors.

To buy: uncommongoods.com, $49

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Customized Passport Holder

Courtesy of BrambleandBeene via Etsy

She will be happy to have a beautiful, personalized case to keep her passport safe.

To buy: etsy.com, $49

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Apple Watch

Courtesy of Apple

Help your post-grad stay connected without the need to carry a phone. The Apple watch is water-resistant and its battery can last up to 18 hours.

To buy: apple.com, from $269

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Lacoste Sport Bag

Courtesy of Lacoste

This sturdy duffel features plenty of interior and exterior pockets to keep belongings organized and would be perfect for a weekend getaway.

To buy: shopspring.com, $128

17 of 21

GoPro Hero 5 Camera

Courtesy of Amazon

If he or she is an adventure seeker, this durable GoPro camera will easily tag along on upcoming excursions.

To buy: amazon.com, $399

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Scratch World Map

Courtesy of Uncommon Goods

Every world traveler needs a map to document all the faraway places he or she has been to.

To buy: uncommongoods.com, $32

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Fire HD Tablet

Courtesy of Amazon

Amazon’s tablet is a great option for on-the-go traveler who likes to read. It’s small, lightweight, and the 12-hour battery will last through a long-haul flight.

To buy: amazon.com, $120

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Past Present Future Bracelet

Courtesy of Beth Lawrence via Uncommongoods

This delicate bracelet reminds its owner to live in the moment; the three interlocking circles symbolize past, present, and future.

To buy: uncommongoods.com, $52

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TSA Precheck

© ZUMA Press, Inc / Alamy

Very few material possessions inspire the same joy as breezing through security, shoes on. For the frequent flyer, a TSA Precheck membership is a gift that keeps on giving.

To buy: tsa.gov, $85 for five years

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