1
1
Ultra-compact power bank with built-in USB-C cable
Anker Nano Power Bank (10,000mAh)
4.7
28,940 reviewsPrimeIn StockThe Good
- Built-in cable
- 30W fast charging
- Pocket-sized
The Bad
- 10,000mAh only
Gift Guide
Bon Voyage Gifts
Someone special is about to embark on an adventure. Whether it's a friend moving abroad, a colleague's sabbatical, or a loved one's dream trip, these thoughtful gifts say 'safe travels' perfectly.
Updated February 2026
9 min read
By Sally Gallagher
Disclosure: We earn commissions from qualifying purchases through Amazon Associates. Learn more
The tradition of bon voyage gifts dates back centuries - friends and family would bring farewell presents to loved ones departing on ocean voyages. Today, the sentiment is the same: you want to show someone you care about their upcoming adventure and wish them well on their journey.
But here's the thing most gift guides won't tell you: the worst bon voyage gifts are the ones that create more packing stress. That beautiful hardcover travel journal? It weighs a pound. That luxury toiletry set? Half of it can't get through TSA. The best send-off gifts are the ones that solve a real travel problem while being compact enough to actually bring along.
We've curated this list based on what frequent travelers actually use and appreciate. Every item here is carry-on friendly, genuinely useful, and available with fast shipping so you're not scrambling before their departure.
Our Top Bon Voyage Picks
Universally appreciated gifts that any traveler will love, regardless of their destination or travel style.
2
2
3D contoured eye mask with 100% light blocking
MZOO Sleep Eye Mask
4.5
89,340 reviewsPrimeIn StockThe Good
- 100% light blocking
- 3D contoured
- Memory foam
3
3
Memory foam travel pillow with snap loop
MLVOC Travel Pillow
4.4
28,940 reviewsPrimeIn StockThe Good
- Memory foam
- Snap loop
- Washable cover
Why these three?
A portable charger, sleep mask, and travel pillow cover the three biggest complaints travelers have: dead phone batteries, inability to sleep on flights, and bright cabin lights. Together they cost under $60 and fit in any carry-on. It's a practical trio that experienced travelers swear by.
How to Choose a Bon Voyage Gift
The key to a great send-off gift is matching the item to the type of trip. A weekend getaway calls for something different than a year-long backpacking adventure. Here's how to think about it:
Consider the Trip Type
Short Trips (1-5 days)
Compact comfort items: sleep masks, neck pillows, small power banks. Nothing they'd need to unpack or set up.
Long-haul Flights
In-flight comfort is king: quality travel pillows, noise-canceling earbuds, compression socks for flights over 4 hours.
International Travel
Problem-solvers: universal travel adapters, luggage trackers, portable chargers with large capacity for long transit days.
Extended Trips (Months+)
Durability matters: quality packing cubes, reliable power banks, luggage trackers. Avoid consumables that run out quickly.
Consider the Traveler
- • Frequent flyers: They probably own the basics. Go for premium upgrades like noise-canceling headphones or a high-end travel pillow.
- • First-time travelers: Practical essentials they might not think to buy - packing cubes, a luggage tag, and a portable charger make an ideal starter kit.
- • Business travelers: Tech-forward gifts like fast-charging power banks, laptop-compatible chargers, or AirTags for checked luggage.
- • Adventure travelers: Durable and lightweight items. Skip the luxury goods - they need things that survive backpacks and hostels.
The Golden Rule
If it doesn't fit in a carry-on, don't give it. Travelers are already stressed about packing. The best bon voyage gifts add zero packing anxiety. Every item on this page weighs under 12 oz and fits in a backpack pocket.
All Bon Voyage Gift Ideas
Practical, thoughtful gifts at every price point - each one tested and recommended by our team.
1
1
Ultra-compact power bank with built-in USB-C cable
Anker Nano Power Bank (10,000mAh)
4.7
28,940 reviewsPrimeIn StockThe Good
- Built-in cable
- 30W fast charging
- Pocket-sized
The Bad
- 10,000mAh only
2
2
3D contoured eye mask with 100% light blocking
MZOO Sleep Eye Mask
4.5
89,340 reviewsPrimeIn StockThe Good
- 100% light blocking
- 3D contoured
- Memory foam
3
3
Memory foam travel pillow with snap loop
MLVOC Travel Pillow
4.4
28,940 reviewsPrimeIn StockThe Good
- Memory foam
- Snap loop
- Washable cover
4
4
Durable luggage tags with privacy flap
Lewis N. Clark Luggage Tags (3-Pack)
4.5
14,280 reviewsPrimeIn StockThe Good
- Privacy cover
- Bright colors
- Durable material
5
5
Premium packing cubes with internal compression
Peak Design Packing Cubes
4.7
2,840 reviewsPrimeIn StockThe Good
- Premium weatherproof
- Internal compression
- Integrates with bags
The Bad
- Expensive
- Specific colors
6
6
Premium GPS luggage tracker for iPhone users
Apple AirTag (4-Pack)
4.7
142,800 reviewsPrimeIn StockThe Good
- Precision Finding
- Global Find My network
- Replaceable battery
The Bad
- Requires iPhone
- No hole for attachment
Bon Voyage Gift Ideas by Occasion
For a Friend Moving Abroad
Moving overseas is exciting but stressful. The most appreciated gifts are ones that ease the transition and help them feel connected.
- • Universal travel adapter: They'll use it every single day in their new country. This is the #1 gift for expats.
- • Portable charger: Essential for exploring a new city when you don't know where the next outlet is.
- • Luggage tracker (AirTag): International moves mean checked bags on long flights. Peace of mind is invaluable.
- • Packing cubes: Moving abroad means packing your life into suitcases. Organization makes it manageable.
For a Colleague's Sabbatical
Sabbaticals often involve slow travel with a mix of work and exploration. Think productivity meets comfort.
- • Quality travel pillow: Comfort for long flights between destinations.
- • High-capacity power bank: Remote work requires keeping laptops and phones charged all day.
- • Noise-canceling headphones: Work from cafes, co-working spaces, and planes without distraction.
- • Packing cubes: Stay organized when living out of a suitcase for months.
For a Dream Vacation
This is about enhancing the experience. They've been planning this trip for months - give them something that makes it even better.
- • Sleep mask: Rest well on red-eye flights so they arrive ready to explore, not exhausted.
- • Luggage tracker: Nothing ruins a dream vacation faster than lost luggage. Give them peace of mind.
- • Portable charger: All-day sightseeing drains batteries fast. Keep maps and cameras powered.
For a Study Abroad Student
Students need practical, durable gear on a budget. They're likely packing light and traveling frequently on weekends.
- • Universal travel adapter: A must-have for European or Asian semesters.
- • Compact power bank: Keeps phones charged during long days on campus and weekend trips.
- • Luggage tags: Budget-friendly but practical. Bright colors help spot bags on hostel luggage racks.
Last-Minute Gift Ideas
Forgot until the farewell dinner? These all ship quickly with Amazon Prime, or you can grab them at most airports.
- • Amazon gift card: They can order what they need and have it delivered before their flight.
- • Airline gift card: Upgrade their flight or put it toward the next adventure.
- • Travel-sized comfort kit: A sleep mask + earplugs combo from any airport shop works in a pinch.
Bon Voyage Gifts by Budget
Under $15 - Thoughtful Tokens
Perfect for coworkers, acquaintances, or adding to a card.
- • Luggage tags ($9-12) - practical and personal
- • Sleep mask ($10-15) - small but genuinely useful
- • Compression socks ($12-17) - great for long-haul travelers
$15-30 - The Sweet Spot
Best range for friends and family. Practical without feeling impersonal.
- • Travel pillow ($18-30) - a gift they'll use on every flight
- • Portable charger ($18-30) - solves a universal travel problem
- • Packing cubes ($20-28) - life-changing for organization
$50-100 - Milestone Trips
For close friends, family, or once-in-a-lifetime departures.
- • Apple AirTag 4-pack ($89) - premium luggage protection
- • Noise-canceling earbuds ($50-80) - transformative for flights
- • Gift bundle: pillow + charger + packing cubes ($65-80) - the ultimate starter kit
What NOT to Give as a Bon Voyage Gift
Well-intentioned gifts can sometimes add stress instead of relieving it. Here are common mistakes to avoid:
Bulky Items
Hardcover books, large toiletry sets, oversized blankets. If it won't fit in a carry-on, it becomes a packing problem.
Liquids Over 3.4 oz
Perfume, full-size sunscreen, water bottles with liquid. TSA will confiscate them at security if they're in a carry-on.
Fragile Items
Glass photo frames, ceramic mugs, delicate souvenirs. Luggage handling is rough - these won't survive the trip.
Destination-Specific Guides
Physical guidebooks are heavy and outdated by publication. A Google Maps offline download is more useful than any book.
How to Present a Bon Voyage Gift
The presentation can make even a simple gift feel special. Here are a few ideas:
- • The Travel Kit Approach: Combine 2-3 smaller items (sleep mask + earplugs + luggage tag) in a small packing cube. It's a gift and a useful organizer in one.
- • The Countdown Gift: Give each item separately in the days leading up to departure - one gift per day for a week-long countdown.
- • The "Open on the Plane" Package: Wrap a comfort kit (pillow, snacks, mask) with a note that says "Don't open until takeoff." It gives them something to look forward to.
- • Include a handwritten note: A heartfelt message means more than the gift itself. Write something specific about their trip and why you're excited for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good bon voyage gift?
The best bon voyage gifts are practical items the traveler will actually use on their trip. Top choices include a quality travel pillow for long flights, a portable charger to keep devices powered, packing cubes for organization, or a luggage tracker for peace of mind. Avoid bulky items they'd have to pack - the best send-off gifts are compact and useful.
How much should you spend on a bon voyage gift?
Most bon voyage gifts fall in the $15-50 range. A thoughtful $20 gift like a sleep mask or packing cubes can mean more than an expensive item that doesn't suit the trip. For close friends or family on milestone trips (honeymoons, gap years, study abroad), $50-100 is appropriate. The thought matters more than the price tag.
What do you give someone who is traveling internationally?
For international travelers, the most useful gifts solve real travel problems: a universal travel adapter (essential in foreign countries), a portable charger for long transit days, an Apple AirTag for luggage tracking, or a travel pillow for overnight flights. A good pair of packing cubes is also universally appreciated since international trips tend to be longer.
What is a traditional bon voyage gift?
Traditional bon voyage gifts include travel journals, luggage tags, neck pillows, and small comfort items for the journey. The tradition dates back to when ocean travel was common - friends would bring gifts to the departing ship. Modern bon voyage gifts focus on practical travel gear rather than purely sentimental items, though a heartfelt card alongside a useful gift is the perfect combination.
What should you not give as a bon voyage gift?
Avoid giving bulky items that take up luggage space, fragile items that could break in transit, heavy books (suggest an e-reader instead), or anything with liquids over 3.4 oz that can't pass through airport security. Also skip generic gift cards for stores that may not exist at the destination. Instead, focus on compact, durable, and practical travel gear.
When should you give a bon voyage gift?
Give bon voyage gifts 1-2 weeks before the trip so the traveler has time to pack and use the items. If you're giving a luggage tracker like an AirTag, earlier is better so they can set it up. For surprise farewell parties, the night before departure works well. Avoid giving gifts at the airport - the traveler may not have room to pack them.
Not sure what to get?
Take our quiz for personalized gift recommendations based on the traveler's style.
Take the Gift Finder Quiz