Photo credit: Nick Hubbard
Holiday shopping for a world traveler can be frustrating and expensive. Every gift you give an intrepid traveler must be compact, useful (or even essential), and it should make their travel lifestyle easier or more affordable. These five must-have travel gadgets under $20 are guaranteed to be appreciated, and they can still be wrapped and placed under the tree (unlike that Target gift card you were just considering).
Etekcity Digital Luggage Scale
Travelers get tired of asking hotel workers to weigh their bags, but if they don't, they could be confronted by budget-breaking overweight baggage fees at the airline check-in counter. This compact and affordable (it's just $8.39 on Amazon) digital luggage scale accurately weighs luggage up to 110 pounds from the comfort of your hotel room.
MOCREO International Travel Adapter
Most international travelers know the feeling of arriving at a destination and noticing their smartphone, tablet or laptop charger won't fit in the wall socket. This MOCREO travel adapter features three charging ports to charge three device at once, dual USB ports and smart charging technology that understands your devices' optimal recharging speeds. More than just your average travel adapter, it can be used in more than 150 countries and sells for only $15.90 on Amazon.
Nalgene Travel Bottle Kit
A travel bottle kit probably doesn't sound exciting to anyone who doesn't take to the skies often. But for travelers consistently dealing with TSA, especially during the ultra-hectic holiday travel season, this Nalgene Travel Bottle Kit can be a major time and money saver. One of the most trusted names in water bottles and containers, Nalgene created this set of four bottles and two jars for travelers who don't want to have to buy everything they already own in travel size before flying. Be sure to purchase the Small Travel Kit (available for $7.99) to ensure every container is TSA-ready.
Dynex Selfie Stick
They say an incredible feat isn't proven unless there's a photo, and for many solo travelers, it's impossible to prove they're actually standing on the Great Wall of China or about to snowboard down a double black diamond at Whistler. The Dynex Selfie Stick, available for $14.99 at Best Buy, means your favorite traveler will never have to ask a stranger to take his or her photo again. A maximum extension of 40-inches, wide range of smartphone compatibility, and a wired design for simple operation make this one of the most versatile and reliable selfie sticks available for less than $20.
Victorinox Swiss Army Jetsetter 3
Swiss Army knives make travel easier, but many travelers refuse to carry one in fear of being hassled by TSA. This Victorinox Swiss Army Jetsetter 3 was designed specifically for anyone who has reached their destination and wished they had a bottle opener for that first Corona (or a screwdriver, scissors, toothpick, tweezers or wire stripper). Because this made-in-Switzerland multi tool doesn't include a blade, it passes through TSA safely every time. And for just $18.07 on Amazon, it makes the perfect budget-friendly gift for any traveler.