Detour

7 Father’s Day gifts for the dad who loves travel

A father and child walk hand-in-hand down a tree laden road.
A father and child walk hand-in-hand down a tree laden road. Photo courtesy of Anete Lusina, Pexels.

Whether for work or leisure, dad could always use a little help preparing for a trip. With Father’s Day on Sunday and you’re in a bind because you haven’t found a gift we’ve got you covered. Here are our top picks for Father’s Day gifts for the traveling dad.

Hammacher Schlemmer - The Rolling Leather Laptop Carry On

A rolling carry-on suitcase in brown leather? This thing is almost as handsome as dad. It boasts one main compartment for clothing, toiletries, and the like, a padded laptop compartment, a front pocket for other odds and ends, and additional inner pockets to hold smartphones, gadgets, and cables. It’s sturdy and long-lasting, and backed by a lifetime guarantee, so it will be sure to keep up with your old man.

The Rolling Leather Laptop Carry On by Hammacher Schlemmer.
The Rolling Leather Laptop Carry On by Hammacher Schlemmer. Photo courtesy of Hammacher Schlemmer.

w&p Carry On Cocktail Kit - The Frequent Flyer

There’s something satisfying about sipping a cocktail at 35,000 feet. But some airline options just do not cut it and they are expensive. The w&p cocktail kit contains premium ingredients for two decadent cocktails per kit, and The Frequent Flyer contains kits for five different cocktails. Just bring your own mini spirits in your carry-on luggage or buy them from the flight attendant, and viola–bar-worthy drinks at your fingertips. Be sure to tell him to toast to himself for his part in making you who you are today, a person of great gift-giving capabilities. For the sober dad, consider the Seedlip Recipe Bundle for checked luggage. It’s to be enjoyed after landing.

The Frequent Flyer Carry-on Cocktail Kit by w&p.
The Frequent Flyer Carry-on Cocktail Kit by w&p. Photo courtesy of w&p.

Welly - Human Repair Kit

For the dad who laments having to leave his toolkit at home: there’s the Human Repair Kit because “one can never be too prepared,” said every dad ever. Great for the man who’s prone to cuts and scrapes while doing perpetual handiwork and even more apropos if he’s traveling with kids. Plus, it comes in a tin that will no doubt remind him of the good old days of collecting marbles, or whatever old men did in their heyday.

The Human Repair Kit by Welly.
The Human Repair Kit by Welly. Photo courtesy of Welly.

mophie - snap + juice pack mini wallet

Every man who prides himself on practicality can appreciate this magnetic charger and wallet duo. It fits and works with any Qi-enabled smartphone, and holds up to three cards for a truly convenient combo. Now he can leave his wallet in his hotel room and have one less thing to worry about knowing that his phone battery will last all day. Well done, offspring.

The snap + juice pack mini wallet by mophie.
The snap + juice pack mini wallet by mophie. Photo courtesy of mophie.

TRTL - Travel Pillow

Help pops catch some Zs with this super supportive and comfortable neck pillow. It’s fully adjustable for either side of the neck or under the chin, supported by strengthened ribs, and lined with foam and fleece. The latter allows for cozy sleep in a seated position. Especially helpful for dads who nod off in their TV chairs after dinner (we see you).

The Travel Pillow by TRTL.
The Travel Pillow by TRTL. Photo courtesy of TRTL.

Apple - Watch Ultra

If your dad loves gadgets, it doesn’t get much cooler than the Apple Watch Ultra. It’s swim and shower proof; tracks everything from cardio fitness and alerts to altitude; provides direction; and the current ultraviolet index for those long hikes and camping trips. Plus, it supports talk and text like the iPhone. If the Ultra seems a bit overwhelming, go for the Series 8 for similar abilities.

The Apple Watch Ultra by Apple.
The Apple Watch Ultra by Apple. Photo courtesy of Apple.

Vagabonding by Rolf Potts

Rolf Potts’ Vagabonding details methods to traveling more often and working with any budget. From choosing a destination, to financing a trip, and even working while on the go - this book covers it all. It’s full of inspiring ideas to make all of dad’s travel dreams a reality. A must-read for any wanderlust papa!

Vagabonding by Rolf Potts.
Vagabonding by Rolf Potts. Photo courtesy of Rolf Potts.



Kayra Raecke is a proud brown queer Los Angeles-born neurodivergent with a predilection for syntax, mild cat obsession, and a collection of odd hobbies.

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This story was originally published June 15, 2023 at 6:30 PM.

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