30 Gifts Every Budget Traveller Needs in Their Life

If you thought shopping for the person who has everything was hard, what do you get for the person who wants next to nothing? Budget travellers are a minimalist sort. Each item packed for a trip must be worthy of its space. So what should make the cut?

No matter how light you pack, there are travel items that save time and money. Here's the perfect wish list for that frugal traveller in your life!


Savvy stocking stuffers

[easyazon_image align=”none” identifier=”B00GN5U0QK” locale=”US” src=”https://thriftynomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/51NMTRUHGqL.SL160.jpg” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]
[easyazon_image align=”none” identifier=”B005X1Y7I2″ locale=”US” src=”https://thriftynomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/bleu-charger-300×300.jpg” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]
[easyazon_image align=”none” identifier=”8867326155″ locale=”US” src=”https://thriftynomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Moleskine-voyageur-150×150.jpg” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]
[easyazon_image align=”none” identifier=”B01AMIFQIA” locale=”US” src=”https://thriftynomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/keychain-opener-300×300.jpg” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]
[easyazon_image align=”none” identifier=”B00O8PNW6M” locale=”US” src=”https://thriftynomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/scratch-map-poster-150×150.jpg” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]

  • A [easyazon_link identifier=”B00GN5U0QK” locale=”US” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]pack of playing cards[/easyazon_link] can quickly turn strangers into friends, and make lengthy bus rides go by just a bit further.
  • Even if racking up your country count isn't your main travel goal, a [easyazon_link identifier=”B00O8PNW6M” locale=”US” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]travel scratch map[/easyazon_link] is a satisfying way to track your travels.
  • A [easyazon_link identifier=”B005X1Y7I2″ locale=”US” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]compact portable charger[/easyazon_link] can save your electronics when you need it – whether for a GPS location or an urgent phone call.
  • A [easyazon_link identifier=”8867326155″ locale=”US” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]travel notebook[/easyazon_link] is great to have on hand, whether for quick notes when you don't want to flash a phone, or to journal your experiences.
  • Be the hostel hero with a [easyazon_link identifier=”B01AMIFQIA” locale=”US” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]keychain bottle opener[/easyazon_link] and open beer at a moment's notice anywhere.

Practical pieces

[easyazon_image align=”none” identifier=”B00HHBR02G” locale=”US” src=”https://thriftynomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Screen-Shot-2016-11-29-at-5.20.24-pm-300×300.png” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]
[easyazon_image align=”none” identifier=”B00NW62PCA” locale=”US” src=”https://thriftynomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/luggage-scale-300×300.jpg” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]
[easyazon_image align=”none” identifier=”B00B2VLMPI” locale=”US” src=”https://thriftynomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/luggage-tag-298×300.jpg” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]
[easyazon_image align=”none” identifier=”B015TA6BL2″ locale=”US” src=”https://thriftynomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/TSA-locks-300×300.jpg” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]
[easyazon_image align=”none” identifier=”B01K47MLEQ” locale=”US” src=”https://thriftynomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/travel-umbrella-yellow-150×150.jpg” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]

  • [easyazon_link identifier=”B015TA6BL2″ locale=”US” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]Luggage locks[/easyazon_link] are great for use with checked bags, hostel lockers, and even to secure items overnight when staying in dorms to prevent theft. Label your bags with a [easyazon_link identifier=”B00B2VLMPI” locale=”US” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]luggage tag[/easyazon_link] should they get lost.
  • [easyazon_link identifier=”B00HHBR02G” locale=”US” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]Packing cubes[/easyazon_link] are the traveller's equivalent of dresser drawers. This is a Thrifty Nomads favourite!
  • A [easyazon_link identifier=”B00NW62PCA” locale=”US” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]luggage scale[/easyazon_link] prevents costly miscalculations when it comes to baggage weight when flying (sadly an error that we've personally made!).
  • A compact, sturdy [easyazon_link identifier=”B01K47MLEQ” locale=”US” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]travel umbrella[/easyazon_link] is perfect for keeping dry on a moment's notice and avoiding buying over-priced, low-quality umbrellas.

Tech essentials

[easyazon_image align=”none” identifier=”B00UV3MCK2″ locale=”US” src=”https://thriftynomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/headphone-splitter-e1480548613294-150×150.jpg” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]
[easyazon_image align=”none” identifier=”B00CSJ50LA” locale=”US” src=”https://thriftynomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Smartphone-lenses-300×300.jpg” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]
[easyazon_image align=”none” identifier=”B00UV3MCK2″ locale=”US” src=”https://thriftynomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/selfie-stick-300×300.jpg” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]
[easyazon_image align=”none” identifier=”B00ZV9PXP2″ locale=”US” src=”https://thriftynomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Kindle-300×300.jpg” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]
[easyazon_image align=”none” identifier=”B005JRAZC2″ locale=”US” src=”https://thriftynomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/laptop-lock-300×300.jpg” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]

  • Skype credit is great for when travellers want to make calls but don't have reliable wifi to do so.
  • [easyazon_link identifier=”B00MXN9ZQM” locale=”US” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]Headphone splitters[/easyazon_link] allows travellers to share tunes or watch a movie together whether from a laptop, smartphone or tablet.
  • [easyazon_link identifier=”B00CSJ50LA” locale=”US” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]Smart phone lenses[/easyazon_link] allow wide angle, macro, and even zoom shots with just a small set of lens attachments for a smartphone or tablet.
  • A tamper-proof [easyazon_link identifier=”B005JRAZC2″ locale=”US” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]laptop/smartphone lock[/easyazon_link] keeps a laptop or electronics safe. Simply attach and anchor to any surface (e.g. bed post, desk, etc.).
  • A [easyazon_link identifier=”B00UV3MCK2″ locale=”US” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]selfie stick[/easyazon_link] is a shameless must-have. Because sometimes there's just no one around when you need that epic shot!
  • An [easyazon_link identifier=”B00ZV9PXP2″ locale=”US” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]eReader[/easyazon_link] saves space and weight from books, while offering compact reading anywhere you want. Be sure to get a cover to protect the screen.

Camping & hiking must-have's

[easyazon_image align=”none” identifier=”B00M3SOJIG” locale=”US” src=”https://thriftynomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Steripen-300×300.jpg” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]
[easyazon_image align=”none” identifier=”B01CKOS0XC” locale=”US” src=”https://thriftynomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/goTenna-150×150.jpg” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]
[easyazon_image align=”none” identifier=”B01GZCUDH6″ locale=”US” src=”https://thriftynomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Earth-Pak-150×150.jpg” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]
[easyazon_image align=”none” identifier=”B000J2Q0T4″ locale=”US” src=”https://thriftynomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/portable-shower-150×150.jpg” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]
[easyazon_image align=”none” identifier=”B00BUI7HFC” locale=”US” src=”https://thriftynomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/washbag-150×150.jpg” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]

  • No cell coverage or wifi? No problem. With [easyazon_link identifier=”B01CKOS0XC” locale=”US” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]GoTenna[/easyazon_link] you can send texts to another GoTenna and get GPS even without wifi or cell coverage up to several miles. It works like a Walkie Talkie (units are sold in pairs).
  • Prevent waterborne illness by using a [easyazon_link identifier=”B00M3SOJIG” locale=”US” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]Steripen water purifier[/easyazon_link].
  • Keep precious valuable dry with an [easyazon_link identifier=”B01GZCUDH6″ locale=”US” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]Earthpak Waterproof Dry Bag[/easyazon_link]. Perfect for hikers, kayakers, and campers.
  • Long hike? Remote camping trip? A [easyazon_link identifier=”B000J2Q0T4″ locale=”US” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]portable shower[/easyazon_link] solves the issue of hygiene & even gives warm water thanks to its solar panels.
  • A [easyazon_link identifier=”B00BUI7HFC” locale=”US” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]portable washing bag[/easyazon_link] is perfect for serious hikers & campers. With its internal washboard and bag design you can do laundry anywhere!

Food-wise pieces

[easyazon_image align=”none” identifier=”B002EQDP96″ locale=”US” src=”https://thriftynomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Platypus-water-bottle-150×150.jpg” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]
[easyazon_image align=”none” identifier=”B00EZQQEU0″ locale=”US” src=”https://thriftynomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Collapsible-tonctainer-150×150.jpg” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]
[easyazon_image align=”none” identifier=”B0018RY8H0″ locale=”US” src=”https://thriftynomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Aeropress-150×150.jpg” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]
[easyazon_image align=”none” identifier=”B013R3Q7B2″ locale=”US” src=”https://thriftynomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Coffee-grinder-150×150.jpg” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]
[easyazon_image align=”none” identifier=”B000FXWLA4″ locale=”US” src=”https://thriftynomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/portable-spice-rack-503×500.jpg” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]

  • Kiss instant coffee goodbye for a fresh brew with the portable [easyazon_link identifier=”B0018RY8H0″ locale=”US” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]Aeropress coffee maker[/easyazon_link]. Serious java lovers should grab a [easyazon_link identifier=”B013R3Q7B2″ locale=”US” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]portable bean grinder[/easyazon_link] too.
  • A [easyazon_link identifier=”B002EQDP96″ locale=”US” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]collapsible water bottle[/easyazon_link] is a space-wise, cost-effective item for staying hydrated while travelling.
  • [easyazon_link identifier=”B00EZQQEU0″ locale=”US” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]Collapsible food containers[/easyazon_link] make it easy to pack your own snacks and meals anytime.
  • For cooking while camping (or even in hostels), a [easyazon_link identifier=”B000FXWLA4″ locale=”US” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]portable spice container[/easyazon_link] is a great way to have the seasonings you love handy.
  • Eat anywhere on the go with a [easyazon_link identifier=”B00JJQOTAS” locale=”US” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]spork[/easyazon_link]. Saves on plastic cutlery waste too!

Trendy & tidy

[easyazon_image align=”none” identifier=”B010M9K6O8″ locale=”US” src=”https://thriftynomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/travel-bottles-150×150.jpg” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]
[easyazon_image align=”none” identifier=”B00FI7L1EY” locale=”US” src=”https://thriftynomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/LUSH-bar-300×300.jpg” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]
[easyazon_image align=”none” identifier=”B0045U707M” locale=”US” src=”https://thriftynomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/tangle-tease-brush-150×150.jpg” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]
[easyazon_image align=”none” identifier=”B00NQ6XXOK” locale=”US” src=”https://thriftynomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Deodorant-stick-300×300.jpg” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]
[easyazon_image align=”none” identifier=”B00MGGXJ90″ locale=”US” src=”https://thriftynomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Travel-towel-298×300.jpg” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]

  • [easyazon_link identifier=”B010M9K6O8″ locale=”US” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]Refillable travel bottles[/easyazon_link] are great for lotions and washing gels. If <100mL these can be taken as carry-on which is perfect to freshen up during long layovers.
  • [easyazon_link identifier=”B00FI7L1EY” locale=”US” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]LUSH shampoo bars[/easyazon_link] smell amazing and save on space. The ingredients are all natural, and each bar is customized to hair needs (e.g. dryness, oily, etc.). Be sure to get the [easyazon_link identifier=”B0016OB1UC” locale=”US” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]tin[/easyazon_link] to keep it mess-free.
  • Keep those locks silky smooth with a [easyazon_link identifier=”B0045U707M” locale=”US” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]portable detangling brush[/easyazon_link]. Its cover ensure it won't get caught on items in your bag.
  • [easyazon_link identifier=”B0016O5PRW” locale=”US” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]LUSH deodorant sticks[/easyazon_link] are an all natural, chemical-free alternative to regular deodorants for travellers. Much smaller than regular deodorant too!
  • [easyazon_link identifier=”B00MGGXJ90″ locale=”US” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]Fast-dry travel towels[/easyazon_link] are space smart and eliminate the damp, stinky towel problem. We recommend at least XL size for a “normal” towel size.
  • A [easyazon_link identifier=”B00WAVDO78″ locale=”US” tag=”thrinoma0c-20″]peg-less clothesline[/easyazon_link] is perfect for drying wet clothing on a moment's notice. Simply hook and hang up anywhere!