15 Travel Gifts for Frequent Business Travelers (From Business Suitcases to Foot Hammocks)

So, you need to buy a gift for a significant other, family member, coworker, or someone on your team.

But you’re not sure what to get for them, because they’re the type of person who already seems to have everything …

However, since they do a lot of traveling for work, you figure that some kind of “travel-related” gift would be perfect.

Well, have no fear.

If there’s one type of person we know intimately here at Engine, it’s the business traveler.

And thankfully, there’s a pretty extensive list of gifts that these types of corporate adventurers tend to favor.

So, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to compile a list to help you buy the perfect gift for the traveler in your life.

Sure, they may be tough to buy for. But armed with this knowledge, you can give them something that they’ll use gratefully for years to come.

Table of Contents

1. A Real Name-Brand Mag Light
2. An Awesome Toiletries Case
3. A World-Class Business Suitcase
4. A Hardy Carry-On Bag
5. Top-Tier Universal Portable Chargers
6. A Set Of High-Quality Packing Cubes
7. A Professional-Grade TSA Lock
8. A Ballistic Nylon Laptop Case
9. A Pro Traveler’s Duffel Bag
10. A Travel Foot Hammock
11. Rain Gear for Inclement Weather
12. A Sturdy Smartphone Case
13. A Cool Travel Backpack
14. A Pair of Noise-Canceling Headphones
15. The Gift of The Century – A GoPro

1. A Real Name-Brand Mag Light

For the traveling worker, nothing beats a tried-and-tested flashlight.

And for the business trip that takes you out into challenging territory, you need something that’ll go the distance.

If you’ve ever laid eyes on a real Mag Light, you know exactly why this is the perfect gift for any traveler:

They’re sturdy, reliable, and awesome.

For best results, go with the LED version.

It’ll hold up better, last longer, and shine brighter.

Are you an operations or travel manager looking for ways to save money on hotels? Learn how Engine can save you up to 60% on lodging for your business travelers!

2. An Awesome Toiletries Case

A toiletries case is a piece of luggage that every traveler needs.

And if you’ve ever dealt with lotion or shampoo leaking all over your suitcase, you’ve learned the hard way that you don’t want to settle for something cheap.

Go with a case that’ll give you a convenient packing space for the important stuff (toothbrushes, deodorant, razors, etc.). But don’t skimp out on quality.

There’s nothing as annoying as opening your suitcase to find toiletries have leaked all over your clothes, or tearing through the zipper on your toiletry case halfway through a trip.

Vasco sells a tough, sturdy toiletry bag that’s perfect for almost any travel situation.

3. A World-Class Business Suitcase

Toss the boring ‘garment bag’ aside — the suitcase is the ‘main event’ as far as travel bags are concerned.

But of course, you don’t want to buy something cheap that’s going to break.

This person travels for a living, so you want the must-have features:

• Double spinner wheels
• Water-resistant casing
• Zippered pockets

You can go with a hardside suitcase made with a polycarbonate shell, but it’s not always necessary.

You may want to look at something like a Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-inch Expandable Spinner. As far as travel luggage goes, it’s about the best suitcase you can get.

It has four trolley wheels instead of the usual two wheels, making it much easier to handle in terms of maneuverability. It’s a softside spinner suitcase, which means that it isn’t a hardshell suitcase. But in terms of spinner luggage and rolling luggage, it’s really top-of-the-line.

And of course, it also has a telescoping handle and several exterior pockets and interior dividers in the main compartment.

There are also a lot of different luggage brands to choose from.

Interested in looking at some different brands?

Try Tumi, Rimowa, or Briggs & Riley.

4. A Hardy Carry-On Bag

Another crucial component to any luggage set is the carry-on bag.

For this, you may actually want to go with a hardside option.

Samsonite sells some of the best carry-on luggage options in the game. Whether your traveling friend is headed for New York, Las Vegas, or even the bayou, a carry-on spinner of this quality level will do the trick.

No cheap gimmicks.

A true traveler will appreciate the real deal.

5. Top-Tier Universal Portable Chargers

In the digital age, everyone needs to charge their devices.

A portable universal charger with enough USB ports to charge all the essentials can really change the game for a traveler.

Imagine this:

You’re in a truck, headed for a worksite in Oklahoma (think gnarly stuff, like a post-tornado dead zone) when you realize that there won’t be any power to charge your phone.

A high-quality portable charger is an invaluable commodity for any traveler.

If you want to go the full distance, pick up a portable solar charger. This waterproof model comes with a built-in solar panel, can charge a range of different devices (cables included), and even comes with a 12-month warranty.

6. A Set Of High-Quality Packing Cubes

Packing cubes make traveling a lot easier.

If your friend is on the go year-round, you can bet they have a packing system down.

They don’t just throw stuff randomly into a tote. Frequent travelers usually organize so that they can find what they need when they need it.

Some high-quality packing cubes can really help with this process.

They make separating things like socks, electronics, accessories, toiletries, and anything else a super simple process. Most even include a laundry bag to make the unpacking process easier as well.

Amazon Basics actually sells some pretty awesome packing cubes, like this set.

Thankfully, packing cubes don’t get torn up as much, since they’re protected by luggage. But, as always, it’s better to have a reliable, high-quality product.

7. A Professional-Grade TSA Lock

When you go through a commercial airport, you’re supposed to secure your luggage with an approved TSA lock.

These combination locks allow TSA agents to unlock any bag with a special key. But, they also prevent just anyone from opening up your bag while it’s in transit.

Cable locks like these are useful in a wide variety of situations and with different types of suiters, bags, and totes.

It’s a must-have for traveling and makes a great gift for any loved one or coworker who flies commercially on a regular basis.

For best results, pick up a multi-pack — they’re surprisingly easy to lose!

8. A Ballistic Nylon Laptop Case

Most travelers carry a laptop with them when they hit the road.

And keeping this crucial piece of equipment safe is obviously a major concern.

Therefore, a high-quality laptop case is an excellent idea for any professional traveler.

We prefer ballistic nylon laptop cases that’ll keep the computer safe if you set it under the seat or stow it away in an overhead bin.

You could go classy and professional with a Delsey or truly rugged with a handmade leather bag. Either way, the person you give it to will love it.

9. A Pro Traveler’s Duffel Bag

Some travelers bring a duffel bag on trips.

A duffel is great for when you need to carry a lot of stuff in a more ‘posable’ container.

It’s also a more rugged and flexible option for workers who aren’t sure where they’re going to end up.

For best results, go with a sturdy, waterproof duffel bag that’ll actually withstand the rigors of the road; an option that won’t get destroyed if you crank it down with tie-down straps.

A seasoned traveler who needs to actually get out and work will shred a cheap duffle in a single trip.

Also, extra points if you choose a bag with a front pocket. It’s really handy for storing things like chargers and USB cables.

10. A Travel Foot Hammock

A foot hammock can be a great option for travelers who regularly ride on busses, planes, and other vehicles that aren’t particularly known for being ‘comfortable.’

For best results, get a flexible, universal foot hammock that’s designed to be used in a variety of situations.

Bonus points if you grab the memory foam version.

11. Rain Gear for Inclement Weather

For the traveling professional who needs to work regardless of what the weather will be like, high-quality rain gear can be a lifesaver.

Here are some options to consider:

• A high-quality raincoat
• An all-weather poncho
• Waterproof winter clothing
• Cold-weather boots that’ll actually keep the water out

Not sure where to start?

It’s tough to beat the all-around utility of a tactical-grade waterproof poncho once the weather turns nasty.

12. A Sturdy Smartphone Case

Your phone is your connection to so many things in life.

Think of all the things your phone helps you do:

• Access GPS software
• Send or receive text messages
• Make, answer, or return important phone calls
• Check your email

But what happens when the traveler in your life needs to head out into really bad conditions with a very breakable mobile phone?

Well, sometimes the worst happens; and they break it.

So, a sturdy smartphone case is always a great option for any professional traveler.

For best results, find a waterproof, shatterproof option that’ll truly render their phone destruction-proof.

13. A Cool Travel Backpack

Not everyone will need a backpack while traveling.

But for most travelers, an awesome, high-quality travel backpack will most definitely find a useful purpose.

For a traveling tradesman, consider a Carhartt Trades Series backpack.

You could also consider something more business/formal-grade, especially if your traveling friend lives, works, and travels in the corporate world.

Is your loved one going to be traveling truly off-grid to parts unknown to most of the civilized world? Then a tactical backpack option may be the best choice.

14. A Pair of Noise-Canceling Headphones

Nobody likes to deal with loud, obnoxious noises while traveling (be they from a van’s engine rumble or talkative nearby guests on the same flight).

Especially while you’re trying to sleep.

That’s why it’s good to have a set of noise-canceling headphones in your bag. Throw them on, fire up some relaxing music or nature sounds, and just allow all of that outside noise to fade away as you relax and settle in for the journey.

For best results, go with something wireless that can also double as a microphone for phone calls, Zoom calls, etc. Sony is one brand that offers some great options for noise-canceling tech.

We want to help you save money on business travel. Learn more about how Engine can give you access to corporate hotel discounts!

15. The Gift of The Century – A GoPro

Some people don’t just travel for the job — they travel because it’s a way of life.

They want to see and experience the full breadth of what the world, in all of its natural wonder, has to offer.

And for these people — the true ‘traveling spirits’ among us — the very best gifts are those that let them capture and enjoy memories, even long after the journey is over. ​

That’s why our favorite gift for the professional traveler is actually something for capturing memories:

A GoPro!

We’ve all heard of GoPros. Odds are good that you’ve watched many videos that’ve been shot with them. You’ve possibly even used them yourself.

If so, then you already know just how awesome they are.

They’re sturdy, reliable, and relatively easy to use — they’re just the real deal.

Consider this as a gift if you’re just not sure what else to get or if your traveling friend truly has everything.

It’s a gift that’ll keep on giving for years to come.

Not sure where to start? Visit the GoPro store on Amazon. It’s one of the best and easiest places to begin your search.

Related: 7 Ways to Stay Productive on a Business Trip

Conclusion

There you have it:

Fifteen gifts that every pro traveler or traveling professional could actually use in their day-to-day lives.

Just remember, it’s the thought that counts.

So now, equipped with this list, you can go forward and buy gifts with confidence!

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