Travel Gifts for Dad: Practical Picks for the Adventurous Father

If Dad travels with an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods, this Belkin Qi2 travel pad tidies the nightstand with one reliable setup. In our testing, the strong magnetic alignment held the iPhone securely and delivered up to 15W Qi2 fast charging, while powering the watch and earbuds simultaneously. It is bulkier than foldable travel chargers and uses a barrel-jack adapter with no built-in cable management, which adds cord clutter. Still, we found the consistent alignment worth it for stress-free charging on the go.

For the dad who wants dependable internet beyond sketchy hotel Wi-Fi, the pocket-sized Beryl AX brings Wi-Fi 6 speed and a 2.5GbE WAN port in a travel-friendly package. We found setup quick over USB-C power and loved having external antennas for better range. That said, the internal fan and heat are noticeable in quiet rooms, and repeater mode proved less stable with certain networks. Our experience shows you'll get the best performance using wired WAN, though compatibility can vary with some gear.

If Dad hates hunting for outlets, the Anker Prime 20,000mAh is a travel cheat code: it fast-charges phones and can even top off many laptops, then refuels quickly on its 100W base. We appreciated the pocketable size and the color display that shows real-time watts in and out. Early units showed quirky battery-level reporting in our testing, sometimes needing calibration - or an RMA. It's pricier than many 20k packs, and some proprietary phone protocols won't hit max speeds, but overall it's remarkably capable.

If Dad juggles a laptop, phone, and earbuds, this 140W GaN charger is a powerhouse that simplifies his kit. In our testing, a single USB-C port pushed enough juice for fast laptop top-offs, while the second USB-C and USB-A let us charge two smaller devices simultaneously. It does run warm under heavy multi-device loads and we saw occasional hiccups, and it can feel pricey versus basic bricks. For travelers who only need a phone charger, it's overkill; but frequent flyers will appreciate the folding prongs and compact size.

For the dad juggling a laptop and phone on the road, this 140W GaN travel adapter is a tiny power station. During our review, the two USB-C ports sharing up to 140W kept a MacBook and phone humming, and the extra USB-A plus a universal AC outlet let us charge multiple devices at once. It is compact at about 0.62 lb, though we found it can run warm under heavy loads. Note it does not convert voltage and only offers one AC outlet, so plan appliances accordingly.

Long-haul flights get easier with the Trtl Travel Pillow Plus, which kept our heads from bobbing and held the neck in a comfortable position. The fully height-adjustable design lets Dad dial in a custom fit, and the cover is machine-washable for easy care between trips. Keep in mind the fleece can feel too warm for hot sleepers and the price is higher than basic pillows. Fit is personal, so it may not suit every neck shape or preference.

If Dad prefers classic memory foam support, the Cabeau Evolution S3 offers plush contouring with a moisture-wicking, machine-washable cover. We liked the seat strap system during our review because it helps prevent head bobbing by anchoring the pillow to the seat. It is bulkier and less packable than ultralight options, and some users find the foam too soft for firm support. Also note that a carrying case is not always included despite product imagery, so check the package contents.

Long flights get easier when Dad can actually sleep, and the Manta Sleep Mask Pro delivers near-complete blackout once you dial in the fit. We liked the premium fabrics and repositionable eye cups, which let us avoid pressure on the bridge of the nose. Side-sleepers should note the cups can press on eyes and the bulk can rub against pillows, and strap/velcro wear is a reported issue. Our experience shows careful adjustment helps, but it won't suit every sleeping style.

If Dad already loves his Away carry-on, these Insider Packing Cubes slot in neatly and make outfits easy to find. We found the lightweight set packs flat when empty, and the mesh panels give quick visibility without fully unpacking. That said, the material can feel thin and the small zippers are less robust than premium cubes, so long-term durability is a question. The largest cube may be oversized for some loads, but the overall workflow boost is hard to beat.

These ultralight Osprey cubes help Dad keep outfits sorted without weighing down his bag - 40D nylon ripstop stands up to being stuffed and tossed around. We found the three sizes great for separating tees, socks, and travel laundry. Just remember they're organization, not compression: there are no squeeze-zips to shrink volume, and the smallest cube may be too tiny for much more than underwear. Avoid overstuffing, since the small zippers can feel strained when pushed to the limit.

For ultralight dads who count every ounce, these FlatPak bottles save serious space and compress flat in a dopp kit. Our experience shows the 3 oz TSA-friendly capacity is ideal for carry-on, and the screw-top with flip-cap resists accidental openings in transit. However, multiple users report leaks or seam failures over time, and formulas with alcohol can degrade the seals. Some thicker liquids can dry or be tough to clean out, so we suggest using them for simple soaps or shampoos.

We reach for the Peak Design Tech Pouch when Dad wants a grab-and-go hub for cables, chargers, and dongles. During our review, the structured shape stands up on a tray table and the internal pockets and elastic loops made it easy to keep small accessories sorted. The durable exterior inspires confidence, though the interior lining can show wear with braided cables or Velcro ties. Size can be hit-or-miss and it costs more than basic pouches, but the organization payoff is strong.

Help Dad tame cable chaos with Bellroy's Tech Kit, which opens flat so he can see chargers, dongles, and adapters at a glance. During our review, the coated fabric and leather trim felt tough enough for daily travel while still looking sharp. The trade-offs: internal pockets don't zip, so tiny items can migrate, and the boxy shape eats space in slim bags. It's perfect for cords and small chargers, but bulky over-ear headphones won't fit alongside much else.

Gift Dad a carry-on that's easy to zip through terminals with: the Samsonite Voltage DLX's lightweight 100% polypropylene shell and quiet dual spinner wheels make hustling to gates effortless. We found the integrated USB charging port and easy-access battery pocket handy for topping up a phone mid-connection. Just note the shell feels more flexible than premium polycarbonate, and bright colors can show scuffs. During our review, we also saw reports of zipper and hardware hiccups, so a darker color and gentle handling help.

When Dad wants to lock down passports, cash, or a tablet in a hotel room, the Pacsafe Travelsafe 5L GII adds cut-resistant peace of mind. In our testing, it packed flat inside luggage and the stainless steel eXomesh with a Travel Sentry approved combination lock made it simple to tether to a fixture. Be aware the TSA-style lock can be opened with a master key, and there are no interior pockets. It also adds some bulk and weight compared with keeping valuables on person.

For iPhone-using dads, AirTag is the easiest way we found to keep tabs on keys, luggage, or a backpack using Apple's massive Find My network. Precision Finding with the U1 chip gives remarkably accurate directions at close range, and the user-replaceable CR2032 battery lasts about a year with IP67 durability. The catch is that Android support is minimal and there's no built-in keyring hole, so an accessory is required. Privacy concerns exist, but Apple has added mitigations and alerts over time.

Give Dad peace of mind with a four-pack of Tile Pro trackers that are easy to set up and attach to keys, bags, and camera gear. In our testing, the advertised ~400-foot range offered better reach than basic trackers, and the replaceable batteries mean you swap cells instead of the whole tag. The app is straightforward for locating items, but our experience shows connectivity and location updates can be hit or miss in busy areas. Some users also report fragile casing and inconsistent advanced features, so ecosystem fit matters.