22 Best Gifts for Friends Going Abroad: Ideas for Everyone

The first time I went abroad to Ireland to study acting for a month in high school, my family gifted me new luggage.

I’d always wanted to travel, and they assumed correctly that this would be the first trip of many.

Then, when I moved to New York, my friends gave me a camera, so that I could take photos to remember my time there. 

I’ve never forgotten how meaningful it was to receive such sweet gifts prior to a life-changing trip. 

Now I consider it good karma to give something small (and occasionally large) to family and friends as they travel overseas for extended periods of time.

If you want to give your friends something thoughtful before their big trip, check out this mega-list of ideas for gifts for friends going abroad.

I’ve even included a section with gifts for kids going abroad, just in case you want to give your pal’s kids something cute.

I’ve organized it into small and large ticket items so that you can find something no matter what your budget is!

Small Gifts For Friends Going Abroad (under $60)

Peak Design Tech Pouch

I’m ashamed to say for years I was traveling with all my tech cords and chargers thrown in an old designer shoe bag.

Then one magical day, the Peak Design Tech Pouch was gifted to me and my life was changed forever.

I’ve never been so organized in my life!

Trust me, any friends who travel with lots of tech will be equally as in love with it.

In fact, my mom was so obsessed with mine, that now she’s getting one for Christmas (shhh…don’t tell her!).

Leather Travel Journal

Journaling is one of my favorite things to do anytime I travel.

They’re also one of my go-to gifts for friends traveling abroad. 

It’s something I especially love doing while traveling solo because it gives me something to do while at dinner alone.

I also really like being able to look back years later to see where I was at in life.

Packing Cubes

If your bestie doesn’t own packing cubes, you need to get them some ASAP. 

Everyone needs packing cubes in their lives. They’re a major game-changer in organizing your suitcase.

Plus, I always manage to fit way more into my suitcase because of them. Every over-packer needs these in their lives.

Babble Language Learning App

Is your bestie traveling to a country where they speak a different language?

With Babbel, they’ll be speaking like a local in time!

It offers courses in 14 different languages. Plus, they can download it on a laptop and phone so that they can practice on whichever device is handy. 

Anker Portable Charger

It’s the worst being in a new country and having the navigation on your phone taken away in an instant when the battery dies.

Now that I carry the Anker Power Charger, I don’t have to stress. I just plug in my phone and wait for it to power up.

It’s fairly lightweight, has high speeding charging, and comes with a travel pouch.

Your friends will love this little device so much that they’ll never leave home without it. 

TRTL Travel Pillow

I’ll be the first to admit that TRTL (pronounced turtle) Pillow isn’t the most inspired name for a travel pillow. 

When my dad first told me he bought one, I assumed it was a cute turtle-shaped pillow for my nephew.

Now that I’ve seen it, and borrowed it from my dad for a flight, I get why he’s in love with it.

It’s super comfy, easy to pack, and its machine washable. 

Your friends may laugh at you when you give it to them, but after they use it, they’ll be singing its praises!

Slipwell Sleep Mask

Anyone who has tried to sleep on a plane knows how tough it can be to block out light from the surrounding screens.

Having a sleep mask on hand is a game-changer, I bring mine everywhere.

I’m partial to a silk one because it’s extra soft, cool, and helps prevent wrinkles.

This sleep mask may be your buddy’s new best friend by the time their trip ends.

SABRE Door Wedge Alarm

Anyone traveling solo needs this little (but loud) safety device from SABRE.

It’s one of the few portable alarms that make noise and actively stops an intruder from entering through the door. 

All your friend has to do is put this wedge in front of the door of where they’re staying. If anyone tries to break in a loud alarm will go off waking you and anyone else in the area. 

Large Gifts For Friends Going Abroad

The Away Bigger Carry-On

If you really want to wow your best bud or family member with a going away gift, get them some new luggage.

I’m partial to the Away Bigger Carry-On Bag as my larger carry-on item. It fits a ton and is totally Instagrammable!

If you want $20 off your Away Luggage purchase, use my referral link. You’ll save some money, and I’ll get a credit toward my next luggage purchase.

Peak Design 30L Travel Backpack

This is one gift that’s served me so well over the last year of traveling around Europe, Asia, and South America.

Peak Design has become one of my favorite go-to brands, thanks to their thoughtfully designed products.

I especially love this backpack because it expands a bit, making it perfect for squeezing in a bit of shopping which inevitably happens while traveling.

Floyd Cabin Luggage

Is your friend someone who is always ahead of the curve on trends?

Then consider gifting them this retro carry-on luggage by Floyd.

It comes in a rainbow of colors and is so under-the-radar cool, that I can almost guarantee they won’t see another person at the airport sporting this unique bag.

Away Everywhere Bag

Speaking of new luggage, everyone could use a bag to replace their backpack or purse.

The Away Everywhere Bag fits a ton and keeps everything really organized while being small enough to fit under the seat.

Plus, it has a strap that easily attaches it to the top of your rolling bag, making getting through the airport without the typical shoulder pain of lugging a purse or backpack.

It’s a bit of an investment piece, but seriously the best carry-on bag that I’ve ever used. 

If it’s a bag you’re interested in, feel free to use my referral link. You’ll get a delightful gift for your friend (or yourself) plus $20 off and I’ll get a small referral credit to help with my new Away shopping obsession. It’s a win-win!

Kindle Oasis

A year ago a very special someone gifted me a Kindle Oasis, and it was a total game-changer, especially for travel. 

It’s amazing how much easier it is to travel with one Kindle instead of the multiple books and plays that I would cram into my carry-on bag. 

If your friend has yet to jump on the Kindle train, gifting them one will change their lives!

Peak Design Mobile Tripod

No joke, I go everywhere with this mobile tripod from Peak Design.

It’s the perfect gift for the solo traveler in your life, because it makes taking photos and videos of yourself a breeze!

Plus, it’s so slim and not super heavy, meaning it doesn’t add a lot of weight to carry while you’re on the go.

Express VPN Service

I didn’t really get what the point of a VPN service was until I began traveling.

Basically, using a VPN lets you change your digital location in order to stream from networks like Hulu, which only works in certain countries.

If your friend is trying to stream a sports game, special event, or TV show that doesn’t air in their new location, this little purchase will save the day.

Airport Priority Pass

This is a gift that keeps on giving!

With the airport Priority Pass, your pal will gain access to airport lounges in over 148 countries. 

I’m a member and am truly obsessed with how much nicer it’s made my time in the airport.

Peak Design Travel Tripod

Full disclaimer, I only just received this as a gift, and am so excited about it.

My friends who own one have been raving for the last year about what an amazing tripod Peak Design has, so this is one gift I’m taking their word on.

I’ve not had time to shoot with mine yet, but I will say, despite being a bit heavier than I imagined, this is one sleek tripod that photography enthusiasts are sure to love!

Peak Design Universal Bar Mount

This was another gift that has served me so well while on the road.

Over the last few months, I’ve used this handy little bar mount to secure my phone in spots all over the world to snag cute photos and videos of myself.

Places I’ve used it include, scootering around Malta, exploring the ancient city of Pompeii in Italy, running around Napoli, biking down the boardwalk in Nice, and even on a boat to catch video of my wakeboarding.

It’s easy to pack, and sure to please one of your travel addicted friends this holiday season!

TodayTix Gift Certificate

As an absolute theater addict, I’d be thrilled to receive a gift certificate to catch a show while I’m abroad.

Obviously, you need to make sure your friends are heading to a city where TodayTix offers shows. The good news, they work with productions in major cities all over the world!

Wrapping It Up

I love giving gifts to friends anytime one of them is moving abroad or planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip overseas.

It’s always rewarding to send them off with something useful, or occasionally a reminder of home.

No matter what gift you give, just remember it’s the thought that counts.

Though, I’m sure they’ll enjoy anything on this list just as much as my friends and I have. 

Let me know in the comments below what gift you’re eying for your loved one!