12 Best Travel Guitars | Portable Options for Travel

For music enthusiasts, creative inspiration can hit you at the strangest times. It could be by the beach or halfway up the mountain. All of us remember the perfect chord or a melody line created while sitting in a beautiful destination. However, it also happens that the most creative ideas strike you when you are far away from the instrument of your choice. Fortunately, there is a solution in the shape of the best travel guitar. 

Right from the small versions of the acoustic guitars and electric guitars to the bespoke guitars that are designed to keep portability at the forefront, travel guitars can fill a specific niche.

Carrying a full-sized travel guitar on your vacation can cause a lot more trouble.

The guitar may be difficult to carry and it will need a lot of effort. You may also have to go through the trouble of carrying it on your flight. This is why it is best to choose travel guitars if you often find yourself traveling.

Let us take a look at the best travel guitars in detail to consider the best one for your next trip.

Best travel guitars to buy right now

1. Martin Backpacker

This unique travel guitar has a solid spruce top and solid mahogany back and sides. It has a select hardwood neck and fingerboard. The acoustic travel guitar has a scale length of 24′. This guitar certainly has a unique shape and coming from a name like Martin, you can be rest assured that the guitar will perform exceptionally.

It has an outstanding projection and volume for its size, thanks to the solid mahogany in the body. This guitar was launched in 1992 and has carved a niche for itself in the world of music. It has an excellent build quality which means it will last for years to come and will be your travel companion for several trips.

The size is perfect for travel and it is light in weight which makes it the best travel guitar. 

Pros of Martin Backpacker

• It is easy to transport
• Loud
• Exceptional tone

Cons of Martin Backpacker

• The shape might not appeal to all

2.  Taylor Baby Taylor

The best travel acoustic guitar has a solid spruce top and a layered Sapele side and back. It has a scale length of 22.75′ and an ebony fingerboard. It comes with 19 frets and a Sapele neck. It has a 3/4th size dreadnought which has the projection and quality you would expect from the best and the biggest acoustic guitars in the industry.

It is the perfect size for travel and you can carry it anywhere without stretching your budget. It is an ideal option as a travel guitar or as a second guitar in your collection. It is certainly the best guitar to travel with.

The guitar has a design that allows it to be easily set aside in the bag and taken across the globe. If you have slightly larger hands, you might feel slightly cramped in getting used to the 22.75′ scale length. However, for most people, this guitar is a great choice.

Pros of Taylor Baby Taylor

• Good build
• Best for the tone

Cons of Taylor Baby Taylor

• Not suitable for large hands

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3.  Hofner Shorty travel guitar

The Hofner Shorty travel guitar is an inexpensive option for all-electric players. It is the best travel electric guitar with a basswood body. It comes with a maple neck, a rosewood fingerboard, and a scale length of 24.7′. Its stylish looks and performance make it the best travel guitar.

This guitar was launched in the 1980s and has been a favorite of the guitarists looking for a portable electric guitar they can travel with. It has a full-scale-length familiarity which is combined with the tiny body to make a unique playing experience.

The humbucker at the brioche is strong enough to blast out your favorite tunes while you will feel immediately at home with the classic rosewood and maple combination of the fingerboard and neck. Well, it may not win any awards when it comes to the tone but it is an affordable way to add portability to the line-up. This is the best travel guitar for many. 

Pros of Hofner Shorty travel guitar

• Small in size
• Affordable
• Decent build quality

Cons of Hofner Shorty travel guitar

• Limited tonally 

4.  Steinberger Spirit GT-Pro Deluxe

This quirky guitar comes with ample charm. Steinberger Spirit GT-Pro Deluxe is an electric guitar with a maple neck and body. It has a rosewood fingerboard and a scale length of 25.5′. The classic guitar comes with a headless design that makes a bold statement. It is much more affordable and functional than the expensive stablemates.

When you choose wood over other composite materials, it will make the guitar a lot more cost-efficient and ideal for traveling. It is the best cheap travel guitar available in the market. The guitar has a scale length of 25.5′ and it makes the play area larger than that of a standard guitar.

It is also very hard to find neck-thru bodies at this cost, which makes it the best travel guitar irrespective of how often you like to use it. 

Pros of Steinberger Spirit GT-Pro Deluxe

• Versatile sound
• Unique looks

Cons of Steinberger Spirit GT-Pro Deluxe

• The fold-out leg rest is very flimsy

5.  Traveler Travelcaster Deluxe

This electric travel guitar has a scale length of 25.5′ and a poplar body. It comes with a maple neck and a catalpa hardwood fingerboard. This travel guitar comes with Stratocaster outlines from the pickguard and has control knobs with three single-coil pickups.

The guitar is so much lighter and shorter than a usual guitar which makes it the first choice for travelers. It weighs only 5lbs and you may need some time to get used to it visually but when you put it to use, it will provide the same experience as any other guitar. It has the same tone versatility and scale length as any other popular guitars. 

Pros of Traveler Travelcaster Deluxe

• Light in weight
• Portable 

Cons of Traveler Travelcaster Deluxe

• Difficulty playing for a long time

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6.  Voyage-Air VAOM-0262

This innovative acoustic travel guitar has a mahogany back and sides with a spruce top. It has a mahogany neck and a laurel fingerboard with a 25.5′ scale length. If you are someone who does not want to compromise on the dimensions or the size in any case, then this guitar is your answer.

Guitars have a slightly awkward shape to travel with due to the neck and Voyage-Air solves your problem with a patented neck hinge that will fold the guitar in half. 

Pros of Voyage-Air VAOM-0262

• Packs down well
• Gives proper projection from the guitar 

Cons of Voyage-Air VAOM-0262

• Feels strange folding up the guitar 

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7.  Traveler Escape Mark III

The Traveler Escape Mark III is an electro-acoustic guitar with a maple neck and an alder body. It has a scale length of 25.5′ and a black walnut fingerboard. This is one guitar that will fulfil all your needs and is the best travel guitar.

It is equipped with a lot in terms of tools and is shorter and lighter than a regular guitar.

This extraordinary guitar has tuning pegs in the body, which means you will not need a headstock. It also has onboard electronics which is useful and extensive.

Additionally, the guitar comes with an under-saddle pixel system, aux-in, tuner, and a headphone which makes it a comprehensive setup for a traveler. This is the best travel guitar if you are a professional guitarist. 

Pros of Traveler Escape Mark III 

• Superior quality material
• Good electronics 
• Great amplified sound 

Cons of Traveler Escape Mark III 

• Expensive 

See Related: Best Travel Backpacks

8.  Traveler Guitar TB-4P Electric travel bass

This guitar makes the perfect light instrument and is an easy pick for the best travel guitar. It is designed to feel a lot like a standard bass but light in weight. This guitar is well designed and well-reviewed.

It is 25% lighter than a standard guitar which you will love while traveling and is also shorter than a standard design. You can carry it across the seven continents with ease.

The travel guitar has volume controls, standard electronics, and tone control to get the bass rigged upto any pedal you need. It has a 1/8 inch headphone jack which is a cool side-perk. The sound will be nice but not as great as a standard bass. This is a smart travel guitar and offers value for money. If lightweight is what you need, this is it. 

Pros of Traveler Guitar TB-4P Electric travel bass

• Lighter and shorter than a standard guitar
• Great sound
• Excellent design

Cons of Traveler Guitar TB-4P Electric travel bass

• Expensive 
• Balance could be an issue for many

9. Journey Instruments OF660M Carbon Fiber Acoustic Guitar

A perfect folding guitar with outstanding quality, the Journey Instruments OF660M Carbon Fiber Acoustic Guitar Matte is the best carbon fiber travel guitar you will find. It has an impressive make and packs up easily. But this means you will be paying slightly higher than the other guitars.

If budget is not a problem and you do not want to compromise on the sound, this is a guitar that will become your primary guitar in every manner. It is made from carbon fiber and has a bright, super warm, and rich tone. Plus, it is very versatile. You might not like the new design or carbon fiber make but it is an amazing material for any type of guitar and is perfect for travelers. 

Pros of Journey Instruments OF660M Carbon Fiber Acoustic Guitar 

• The perfect guitar in the market
• Best sound
• The guitar is super durable with the carbon fiber

Cons of Journey Instruments OF660M Carbon Fiber Acoustic Guitar

• Expensive
• Costs much more than other guitars in the market. 

While on travel, it is also best to bring your favorite hoodie to keep you warm during cold weather.

10. Fender CT-60S

This is a compact guitar with the top features. It has a 23.5′ scale length making it ideal for travel. It is a good size to pack up and carry on the plane. The guitar has an auditorium shape and a slightly narrow waist.

It is equipped with a solid spruce top and a scalloped X-bracing which is a great material for a small guitar. It is paired with laminated mahogany and a glossy finish.

The design provides comfort for beginners who are trying to get a grip on the chords as well as experienced guitarists who enjoy a smooth playing experience. For the cost, this guitar packs a punch.

The combination of mahogany and spruce leads to a warm and balanced tone that works well for different styles. It has good projection and a pleasing tone. The playability, design, and sound are ideal for a budget guitar. 

Pros of Fender CT-60S

• Excellent build
• The sound packs a punch

Cons of Fender CT-60S

• The nuts are made of plastic
• Does not come with a gig bag

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11. Cordoba Mini II MH

Cordoba released the Mini II Series in 2018 and introduced three new models. This is a handsome instrument with a black ABS binding on the top, a satin and rosette finish, and an abalone-style soundhole.

This is one sophisticated piece you will not be embarrassed to pull out of your bag.

It has a scale length of 22.8′ and a mahogany neck. There is layered mahogany used on the top, sides, and back. You will see a set of open geared tuning machines with a GraphTech NuBone nut.

Any classical guitarist will be happy to take this guitar on their trip. It has elegant looks, a strong build, and Greta playability. It is the best mini travel acoustic guitar. 

Pros of Cordoba Mini II MH

• Good warmth 
• Well balanced tone
• Affordable 

Cons of Cordoba Mini II MH

• Suitable for practice and small performances

You must be so excited to bring your guitar along with you on a trip. But don’t forget to bring your travel essentials and accessories.

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12. Yamaha JR 1

The Yamaha JR 1 will prove that small guitars rock. They might not be the loudest or the easiest to play, but they are very practical and useful. The guitar is simple and small in size. It will give a nice balance while being large enough to play comfortably but small enough to travel with.

It has a 3/4 scale hence, can get a little cramped for players who have large hands. But it works well for beginners.

The guitar has spruce as the top and meranti on the back and sides. It has a black body binding and a standard neck. The neck is comfortable and solid with a rosewood fretboard having 20 frets. The shape and build deliver a good tone. 

Pros of Yamaha JR 1

• Compact size
• Good tune

Cons of Yamaha JR 1

• The body is average as compared to other guitars
• An average set of open geared tuning machines

Travel guitar is a practical solution to an old problem. Traveling with a full-sized guitar can become a headache and could cause a lot of trouble.

This is where the compact, lightweight guitars work best. Choose the best travel guitar from the ones listed here. They are all high-quality guitars that serve different types of guitarists.

Most importantly, they are all lightweight, compact, and perform exceptionally well.

Also, a travel guitar is a great idea for a practical gift to give to your loved one who is a travel buff and likes music.

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