From high end to low end, whatever your budget is, these are the best gifts for any travelers in your life. Whether you are shopping for yourself or an avid traveler, these gadgets make great gifts for just about anyone. Traveling can be a lot of fun (I think we would all agree there!) but it is even more fun when you have shiny new toys to play with.
And just a heads up – this is not a sponsored post. I have purchased all of these products myself.
Alright… let’s get to it! The first gadget on the list is..
DJI OM 5 Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer
Let’s talk Gimbal. You might be thinking.. Say what?! If you or someone you know creates any sort of video or photography content, a gimbal is a MUST. It makes your video look incredibly smooth and professional.
The latest and greatest gimbal on the market is the DJI OM 5, which has a magnetic phone clamp design & supports additional modes like Flashlight mode and CloneMe.
One of my favorite features is the ability to take a multiple angle time-lapse video (see below!) You can also quickly rotate your iPhone (or any smartphone) from landscape to portrait with one click of a button. You can also zoom your camera in and out using the scrolling dial.
If you prefer photography, you can also use this gimbal to take different types of panoramic photos and timed shots. The 3×3 panoramic photos are next level.
You simply set your Gimbal up, and it automatically takes 9 different photos from different angles and pieces them together to create 1 image. Gesture control allows your camera to follow and track you, which is SO awesome.
The entire device holds up into a small package so you can easily throw it into a backpack or handbag. Check out some of the footage I captured from my last trip in Zihuatenajo. Highly recommend the DJI OM 5 for travel or content creators.
Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic
I don’t know anything more fun than taking pics with Instax cameras. Do you remember when polaroid cameras were big back in high school? For me, that was around 2005 and I had to go to the local Walgreens to get my photos printed. There is just something so gratifying about taking a Instax picture and seeing it come to life within seconds.
I personally use the Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic because it has more features than the basic models.
Different modes like Party Mode and Kids Mode (aka pets mode for me) allow you to have more control over your shots.
You can rotate the dial to switch modes and functions, while looking through the viewfinder to frame the perfect shot. Flash, brightness control and the ability to shoot a double exposure are some of the other features this Instax has over other models.
Let’s not forget that there are a ton of different ways you can save and display all of your little photos. Instead of saving them in an envelope or ziplock bag, check out this unique photo album or hang them using string lights.
DJI Air 2S
On the other end of the gadget spectrum brings me to DRONES. And they are all the rage these days. I was never a big drone fan honestly. They seemed very daunting and I wasn’t confident I could learn how to fly one. But I took the plunge when I found out about the DJI Mavic Mini, my very first drone.
Because the DJI Mavic Mini is small and lightweight, you don’t need a license to fly it. It was the perfect drone for me for a few years, as I was a beginner. And honestly, I would recommend it for anyone that wants a drone, but doesn’t want to feel overwhelmed learning it. It’s very easy to use and not crazy expensive (starts at $399 for the bundle).
Now that it’s been a few years, I’ve sold my Mavic Mini and upgraded to the DJI Air 2S. It has a few advanced features that I wanted like obstacle avoidance and can shoot in 5.4K video. This would also be an amazing, higher-end gift if you’re really looking to treat someone or yourself. Shooting aerial videos and photos is next level.
I always buy the “Fly More” bundle which includes extra batteries, spare propellers, charging station for the batteries and more.
Buying these items individually would cost more than buying them in a bundle, so that’s why I choose to spend a little extra and get the complete package.
Joby GorillaPod for Smartphones/Action Cameras
Lastly, a tripod. Tried and true. If you travel solo, this tripod is flexible so you can prop up your iPhone to capture a good shot. Or if you travel with friends or family and want to snap a cute family photo, this will definitely do the trick!
Joby is the brand that I love the most because they have a ton of different tripod options and make compatible accessories like microphones, lights etc
Mophie Powerstation Plus XL
An external battery pack is absolutely a necessity when I travel. From watching movies on the plane, to reading some digital self-development book or just scrolling through the gram.. A smartphone battery pack is essential.
I carry this Mophie Powerstation Plus XL with me because it has a Lightning and Micro USB cable built-in. I like this one specifically because it supports Qi wireless charging and also has a USB port.
This one portable charger can charge all the devices above! Highly recommend every traveler to have one of these in their bag.
Joby Beamo Mini LED Light
One of the most underrated travel accessories is an external light source. This Joby Mini LED can attach to many different tripods (not just to Joby ones). It’s magnetic, waterproof and you it’s compatible with the Joby App, so you can change settings like brightness.
This small light is powerful and really makes a difference when you’re shooting videos, taking selfies, or find yourself in low-light situations.
GoPro Hero 10
I really wasn’t sold on a GoPro for the longest time. I never thought I would use it and now, it goes everywhere with me! Because of its compact design, it’s convenient to travel with and I love the fact that it’s an action camera. This means, you’ll be able to capture all sorts of different photos/videos in many unique environments. Check out this video that I took in Hawaii…
I have the GoPro Hero 10, which is the newest one and offers 23MP photos, 5K video, 8X slow mo and more. I also recommend the bundle which includes a few accessories and an extra battery.
There you have it! Your guide to the best gifts for travelers. Any of these gifts are perfect for any traveler, whether that’s you or anyone in your life. Just a few more months until we ring in 2023! Hopefully we will all be able to get out and explore even more next year!
Let me know in the comments if you have any travel tech recommendations – I’d love to check them out!
…I never thought I’d say this but you’re making me want to get a drone–those photos are stunning! Nice to know that you don’t need a license to fly that one either! I’ll add it to my wishlist and maybe someday… *-*
Thanks Farrah – yes, the Mavic Mini drone has been my new favorite toy. I just went to Arizona this past weekend and got some good shots. Look out for a post on that soon!
I really enjoyed this post!! I would love to get my hands on one of those drones but they r so expensive…I have promised myself that if I ever monetize my blog, the first thing I will buy is a drone 🙂
Yeah that’s a great goal to have! Drones can be very expensive (upwards for $1500+) but I decided to go for the Mavic Mini because it was significantly less expensive ($500). Still pricey no doubt, but it’s great for a beginner like me.
I love my Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic!
Those Instax cameras are so fun!
Great tips! I’ll definitely look into them
Thanks Georgie – by the way, I love your blog name! It’s super catchy and awesome blog in general!
Oooh it is good to hear that you love the DJI Mavic Mini. My husband and I have been considering getting one of those (if we receive our visa to stay in Canada). I love the idea of using it at the top of mountains to get a slightly better view…
Have you found it easy to fly?
Josy – I LOVE my Mavic Mini for a few simple reasons – it’s very small and portable (easy to travel with/put inside a backpack), it takes high quality photos/videos and what surprises most people is that it is very easy to use. There are a lot of preset modes that you just tap a button and the drone does all the work for you. You can see a few of the different ways I used it in this blog but if you check out my IG @boutiqueorbusted you can see a few more videos/photos there. And I do think the “Fly More” package is worth it – you get additional accessories that would be more expensive if you bought them alone. Highly recommend! It’s my new favorite toy for sure.
Great tips – I really need to invest in a tripod! I could use a few of these items on here – adding them to my list!
Yes, tripods make it so much easier when you are traveling and they are relatively inexpensive these days!
Totally agree – smart phones are life when abroad! I would be lost without mine as it literally does everything for me! I don’t even take a camera anymore haha