Best
Ukulele Travel Guitar
-
Overall: The Instrument's Mechanical Components Are Built To Last Without The Worry Of Rusting.
-
Best Feature: A Combination Of Silver-Plated Copper And Titanium Materials.
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Unique Travel Guitar
-
Overall: The Classical Backpacker Guitar With Nylon Strings Is Set To Hit The Market.
-
Best Feature: A Unique Bridge With Plain Or Ball-End Classic Strings, Producing An Enchanting Sound That's Very Close To A Full-Size Classical Guitar.
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Electric Travel Guitar
-
Overall: Only 38 Inches Long, This Shorty Bass Boasts A 76cm Scale.
-
Best Feature: You'll Be Impressed With The Excellent Construction, Especially Considering The Price Point.
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Taking a buddy along for the ride is great, but having a musical friend on your journey is even better. If you’re planning a road trip, make sure your trusty guitar tags along. A new guitar, made just for travel, ensures you’re ready for any mode of transport, whether jetting through the skies, cruising the rails, or hitting the open road. Imagine strumming your guitar beneath vast skies or along a sunlit path. Why miss out on the chance to create melodies wherever you roam?
However, you’ll want to find the best guitars for travel with you.
A travel guitar acoustic is a compact and portable musical instrument perfect for musicians on the go. Its small size and lightweight design make it easy to carry and play during travels.
Choosing the right travel guitar can be difficult because few people know what features to look for. Because of this, we’ve compiled a detailed guide to the best travel acoustic guitar to help you make the best choice possible.
Let’s start with the most popular type of portable guitar, the acoustic one. The following selection is based on the highest ratings given by customers and expert guitarists.
Top 15 Best Travel Guitars
Looking for the best portable guitar? Look no further! We’ve researched and found some of the best ones for you!
1. Guitalele Ukulele
The Kmise Guitarlele boasts a baritone ukulele size and guitar tuning, making it perfect for travel. The gear is crafted from pure copper, ensuring no rusting.
A mahogany headstock and smooth walnut fretboards adorn the brown and circular instrument. The neck is polished and shaped to provide long-lasting comfort. The six strings, three of which are silver-plated copper and three titanium, offer both corrosion resistance and excellent sound quality.
Customers rave about the instrument’s quality, which features a mahogany satin finish with decorative roping. The Gig Bag package, which includes backpack straps and a sturdy handle, provides ample protection for the instrument.
Additionally, the zippered compartment on the outside is ideal for storing smaller accessories.
Kmise 5-String Tenor Uke

PERFECT FOR: Musicians on-the-go
FEATURES: a combination of silver-plated copper and titanium materials.
OTHER INFO: Crafted with pure copper gears, the instrument's mechanical components are built to last without the worry of rusting.
Kmise 5-String Tenor Uke
- Mahogany satin finish
- Guitarlele headstock
- Well finished fretboard
- Good quality strings
- Metal strap locks
- Protective gig bag
- Great buy for the money
- None
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
2. Martin Steel Backpacker Guitar
The Martin travel guitar is a must-have for any guitar aficionado on the go. Its compact size and sleek design make it a fantastic travel item.
With a solid spruce top and tonewood back and sides, this guitar has received overwhelmingly positive reviews. The unique contour neck shape makes it easy to carry and handle. It boasts a 24-inch scale length and 15 frets.
The guitar comes with reliable and sturdy packaging, including a padded bag. The Martin strings produce phenomenal sound quality.
While the volume may be slightly reduced, the action is perfect and low. This instrument is perfect for travel and one that you won’t want to leave behind.
Martin Steel Backpacker Guitar

PERFECT FOR: guitar enthusiasts on the go
FEATURES: solid spruce top and tonewood back and sides contribute to its outstanding sound quality
OTHER INFO: The unique contour neck shape makes carrying and handling the guitar a breeze.
Martin Steel Backpacker Guitar
- Great quality and looks
- Solid, natural feel
- Unique contour neck shape
- Solid and sturdy packaging
- Light and easy to carry
- Incredibly easy to play
- Perfect for travel
- No place to anchor due to the small profile
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
3. Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Electric
The ultra-light electric guitar is the ultimate choice for those who love to travel. It’s one of the smallest and lightest full-scale electric guitars made from traditional materials and has key features as an indy tuning system that eliminates the need for a headstock.
Now you can enjoy a full-scale playing experience with a shorter and lighter electric guitar. It’s the perfect solution for traveling guitarists who don’t want to compromise on scale length but need a small and lightweight option for the best travel electric guitar.
This 3/4 guitar easily fits in overhead compartments on buses or airlines and is only 28 inches long, making it effortless to carry.
The one-piece neck-through-body design of the guitar includes a twin-rail humbucker pickup and comes with a gig bag. You can enjoy colossal tone in a compact guitar with a dual-rail high-output humbucker and a modifiable tune-o-Matic style bridge.
Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Electric

PERFECT FOR: traveling guitarists
FEATURES: The one-piece neck-through-body design of the guitar includes a twin-rail humbucker pickup and comes with a gig bag.
OTHER INFO: Now you can enjoy a full-scale playing experience with a shorter and lighter electric guitar.
Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Electric
- Small Compact design and light in weight
- One-piece design
- full-scale playing experience
- Smallest and lightest solution
- The perfect solution for travelling
- Lacks balance while playing
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
4. Luna Safari Muse 3/4
The Luna Safari guitar is an excellent choice for those seeking a small, lightweight, and affordable option. Its slim design and lightweight appeal make it the perfect travel companion.
Whether you’re flying on a plane or hiking or camping, this guitar is sure to impress with its excellent tone and quality. The 3/4 sized guitar body produces pleasant sounds.
Crafted with high-quality materials and impressive artistry, the Luna Safari is one of the best travel guitars available. Its smaller size makes it ideal for beginners and those with smaller hands.
The sounds produced by this cool little guitar are mesmerizing and loud. It’s well-balanced, and the inlay on the frets is beautiful. The etched Celtic laser henna design on the guitar body by Alex Morgan adds a stylish touch.
Luna Safari Muse 3/4

PERFECT FOR: those seeking a small, lightweight, and affordable option
FEATURES: high-quality materials and impressive artistry, the Luna Safari is one of the best travel guitars available.
OTHER INFO: Its slim design and lightweight appeal make it the perfect travel companion.
Luna Safari Muse 3/4
- Mahogany Satin Finish
- Excellent make and quality
- Pleasant full tone in 3/4 sized body
- Reasonable price tag
- Small guitar but big sound
- Travel bag has no padding
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
5. Hofner HCTSHBKO
The Hofner travel guitar is a marvel of modern technology, boasting a cutting-edge tuning mechanism and unparalleled travel capabilities. With a 24.7″ rosewood body, maple neck, and rosewood fingerboard, this guitar is both lightweight and durable.
Designed with traveling guitarists and musicians in mind, the Hofner travel guitar ensures that you can take your instrument with you wherever you go. Despite its compact size, it features a full-scale neck, so you don’t have to compromise on sound quality.
Hofner HCTSHBKO

PERFECT FOR: traveling guitarists and musicians
FEATURES: a 24.7" rosewood body, maple neck, and rosewood fingerboard, this guitar is both lightweight and durable.
OTHER INFO: boasting a cutting-edge tuning mechanism and unparalleled travel capabilities.
Hofner HCTSHBKO
- Tasteful design and exceptional quality
- Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
- Basswood top and back
- Highly portable and fun to play
- Great for easy pick-ups
- Adjusting strings may take some time
- Old and cheap strings
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
6. Orangewood Dana
The Orangewood Dana acoustic guitar is an exceptional option for the best travel guitar. Its mini grand concert body shape and compact, sturdy build make it an ideal choice for traveling musicians.
Crafted with a layered spruce top and mahogany back and sides, this guitar produces excellent tones, thanks to the 80/20 bronze medium light strings. Orangewood guitars are known for their fun and easy playability and are renowned for their quality.
The headstock is beautifully designed, and the guitar comes with an excellent finish. It’s a fantastic guitar that provides you with extra strings. The kit includes a pickguard for installation, a premium gig bag, and adjustment tools.
Orangewood Dana Mini/Travel Acoustic Guitar

PERFECT FOR: traveling musicians
FEATURES: Crafted with a layered spruce top and mahogany back and sides, this guitar produces excellent tones, thanks to the 80/20 bronze medium light strings.
OTHER INFO: The kit includes a pickguard for installation, a premium gig bag, and adjustment tools.
Orangewood Dana Mini/Travel Acoustic Guitar
- Great shape and size
- Accessible and affordable
- Small and transportable
- Natural satin finish
- instrument
- Professional setup of orangewood instruments
- Inexpensive travel guitar
- Tuner a bit finicky
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
7. Vongoa 3/4 Electric Acoustic Guitar
The electric acoustic travel guitar is a worthy contender among the best acoustic travel guitars on this list. Its superior tonal qualities and well-balanced sound make it a popular choice among musicians.
Crafted with a spruce top and Sapele back and sides, this 3/4 size acoustic guitar features high-quality steel strings. The built-in truss rod balances the tension of strings and adjusts to any temperature change. The adjustable guitar neck allows for comfortable handling, and the cutaway design provides easy access to the upper frets.
The guitar also includes a built-in tuner, allowing you to record a clear sound without the need for an extra mic.
This Vangoa product comes with a zipped padded bag, extra strings, an adjustable guitar strap, and a truss rod Allen key and capo.
Vongoa 3/4 Electric Acoustic Guitar

PERFECT FOR: Musicians On-the-Go
FEATURES: Crafted with a spruce top and Sapele back and sides, this 3/4 size acoustic guitar features high-quality steel strings.
OTHER INFO: The built-in truss rod balances the tension of strings and adjusts to any temperature change.
Vongoa 3/4 Electric Acoustic Guitar
- Great for beginners
- Top-notch tonal qualities
- Easy to play
- Adjustable guitar neck
- Record a sound without a mic
- Excellent customer service
- Superb packaging
- Strings are very high
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
8. JJ Jin Di Long Classical Travel Guitar
This classical guitar is a perfect choice for both beginners and travelers due to its compact size. The guitar kit includes a waterproof bag, capo, strings, and three guitar picks. The bag features a sturdy nylon strap with a leather end.
The six steel strings are durable and produce excellent tones. The fully enclosed steel string and button provide a sealing performance, and the high-precision string knob is easy to play.
Crafted with solid rosewood and mahogany, this guitar is a trustworthy travel companion for enjoying your music. The high-quality craftsmanship and outstanding quality of the guitar are hard to ignore.
You can purchase this high-quality guitar without breaking the bank. The one-year warranty card provides peace of mind that you’re purchasing a great product.
JJ Jin Di Long Classical Travel Guitar

PERFECT FOR: both beginners and travelers due to its compact size.
FEATURES: a sturdy nylon strap with a leather end.
OTHER INFO: The fully enclosed steel string and button provide a sealing performance, and the high-precision string knob is easy to play.
JJ Jin Di Long Classical Travel Guitar
- Well-constructed sturdy body
- Outstanding quality
- High-quality craftsmanship
- One year warranty
- Low on price
- None
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
9. Shop4Omni Backpacker Travel Guitar
The Shop4Omn guitar is an excellent choice for a traveler’s guitar. This low-cost instrument is perfect for beginners who want to take their music on the go.
Crafted with quality wood and just the right dimensions and weight, it’s super easy to handle and use while travelling. Take it along on camping trips, music festivals, road trips, and more.
The 15-fret fingerboard is geared for tuning pegs and produces excellent tune and sound quality. This backpacker’s guitar is both fun and practical.
The accessory kit is packaged in a brown box and includes an extra set of strings, a nylon gig bag, a strap, and three guitar picks.
Shop4Omni Backpacker Travel Guitar

PERFECT FOR: beginners who want to take their music on the go
FEATURES: The 15-fret fingerboard is geared for tuning pegs and produces excellent tune and sound quality.
OTHER INFO: Crafted with quality wood and just the right dimensions and weight, it's super easy to handle and use while travelling.
Shop4Omni Backpacker Travel Guitar
- Low-cost instrument
- Three guitar picks.
- A backpacker’s guitar
- Stays in tune
- Intonation is good
- Need to install one more fret
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
10. Cordoba Mini M
The Cordoba guitar is a dedicated travel guitar that many consider the ultimate traveler guitar around. Its compact, lightweight body, crafted with a spruce top and mahogany back and sides, is visually stunning and impressive.
The U-shaped neck is comfortable to hold, and the guitar comes strung with Cordoba Mini Strings. The Cordoba brand caters to all needs, making this guitar the perfect companion for your vacation or long road trip.
Despite its miniature appearance, this nylon-string guitar offers full-size feel and playability. The smaller body produces a more vibrant and balanced tone than a full-size classical guitar. The lightweight body of the guitar is encased in a custom Cordoba gig bag.
Cordoba Mini M

PERFECT FOR: your vacation or long road trip.
FEATURES: The U-shaped neck is comfortable to hold, and the guitar comes strung with Cordoba Mini Strings.
OTHER INFO: Despite its miniature appearance, this nylon-string guitar offers full-size feel and playability.
Cordoba Mini M
- Natural satin finish
- Shaped neck and Cordoba Mini Strings
- Impressively loud voice
- Richer and balanced tone
- Gig back is a bit too short
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
11. Cordoba Mini II M
The Mini II MH is a fresh and innovative take on the best travel guitar, crafted with nylon strings. With a new scale length, Cordoba has introduced this travel guitar in three exciting tone-wood options.
The famous Mini travel-size guitar is both comfortable to handle and sturdy for travel. With standard tuning, you can enjoy a soft and balanced voice with this 1/2 size travel acoustic guitar.
The exotic look of the guitar, with its mahogany top, back, and sides, matches its beautiful voice and top-quality sound. The small-bodied instrument features a profile mahogany neck with nylon strings to create those classical sounds.
The lovely satin finish of this incredible instrument is built to a specific price point and is well worth the investment.
Cordoba Mini II M

PERFECT FOR: travel
FEATURES: mahogany top, back, and sides, matches its beautiful voice and top-quality sound.
OTHER INFO: The small-bodied instrument features a profile mahogany neck with nylon strings to create those classical sounds.
Cordoba Mini II M
- Small and very light
- All-mahogany woods
- Soft and balanced tone
- Polyurethane body and neck finish
- Good harmonics
- Recommend an amplifier
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
12. SX Portable Travel Guitar 3/4
The SX 1 travel guitar is an affordable option that offers optimized travel abilities. This delightful portable guitar boasts a solid spruce top and is renowned for its crystal-clear and impressive sound.
Crafted with top Mahogany back and sides and an adjustable rod neck, this inexpensive guitar is sure to blow you away with its performance and looks.
It also features a truss rod adjustable neck and comes with a padded gig bag and shoulder strap for easy transport. The beautiful shape of this guitar is sure to grab everyone’s attention.
You would have no worries about the damages because of solid construction. It’s fun to play and can be carried anywhere.
SX Portable Travel Guitar 3/4

PERFECT FOR: Musicians On-the-Go
FEATURES: top Mahogany back and sides and an adjustable rod neck, this inexpensive guitar is sure to blow you away with its performance and looks.
OTHER INFO: It also features a truss rod adjustable neck and comes with a padded gig bag and shoulder strap for easy transport.
SX Portable Travel Guitar 3/4
- Solidly constructed
- Crystal clear sounds
- Rod adjustable neck
- Well worth the price
- Not a full-sized acoustic in sound
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
13. Hofner HCT-SHB-BK-O
The Hofner electric guitar is a noteworthy option for those seeking an acoustic travel guitar. Its compact body size and full-scale neck make it ideal for traveling pursuits. At only 38 inches long, this shorty bass boasts a 76cm scale.
You’ll be impressed with the excellent construction, especially considering the price point. It’s easy to adjust the intonation and tune it up accurately.
This electric guitar comes with a protective gig bag included and is comfortable and well-balanced to hold and play.
Hofner HCT-SHB-BK-O

PERFECT FOR: traveling pursuits
FEATURES: You'll be impressed with the excellent construction, especially considering the price point.
OTHER INFO: only 38 inches long, this shorty bass boasts a 76cm scale.
Hofner HCT-SHB-BK-O
- Compact body size
- Good round wound strings
- Great little practice instrument
- Worth the price
- Comfortable to play
- Not ideal for a performance
- Awkward to play without a strap
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
14. Martin Backpacker Nylon String
Martin is renowned for crafting some exceptional acoustic guitars in a wide range of price points. The classical backpacker guitar with nylon strings is set to hit the market.
Don’t be fooled by its small size or lightweight construction, as it boasts a solid neck, back, and sides lined with mahogany and tonewood. It features a unique bridge with plain or ball-end classic strings, producing an enchanting sound that’s very close to a full-size classical guitar.
This guitar weighs less than 2-1/2 lb, including the gig bag. There’s no disputing that no one can make guitars better than Martin, and the company has done an excellent job setting up this instrument. It’s easy to set up, carry, and fun to play.
Martin Backpacker Nylon String

PERFECT FOR: Travel
FEATURES: a unique bridge with plain or ball-end classic strings, producing an enchanting sound that's very close to a full-size classical guitar.
OTHER INFO: The classical backpacker guitar with nylon strings is set to hit the market.
Martin Backpacker Nylon String
- Small size and lightweight
- Unmistakable Martin quality and craftsmanship
- Quality sound and tones
- Unplayable for novice
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
15. Hofner HCT-SH-BL-O Blue
This Hofner electric guitar, with its attractive electric blue finish, delivers on its promises. Hofner continues to excel in crafting the best compact travel electric guitars.
Featuring a full-scale neck and hot humbucking pickup, this guitar boasts innovative features and unique dimensions. It’s easy to set up and tunes well.
Now you can practice while waiting for your flight and store it safely in the overhead cabin once on the plane.
Perfect for travelers, this guitar doesn’t take up too much space and offers pure enjoyment. Customers are impressed with the quality, as the action is right, and the sound quality is simply enjoyable.
Hofner HCT-SH-BL-O Blue

PERFECT FOR: travelers
FEATURES: a full-scale neck and hot humbucking pickup, this guitar boasts innovative features and unique dimensions.
OTHER INFO: this guitar doesn't take up too much space and offers pure enjoyment
Hofner HCT-SH-BL-O Blue
- Tasteful design for travel practically
- Great-sounding Hofner
- Nice clean tone
- Easy to set up and tune
- Very light and easy to carry
- Fantastic finish
- Frustrating to balance this guitar in lap
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Factors To Look For When Buying The Best Travel Guitar
You can find a wide selection of high-quality portable guitars on the market. The problem is that having too many options can make things more confusing, and it can be especially challenging to make the right choice if you are unfamiliar with the purchasing process.
Some things to keep in mind when shopping for a portable guitar:
1. Portability

The guitar’s portability is determined by its size and weight. Therefore, the guitar you pick should be lightweight and small enough to fit in a carry-on bag or a backpack.
Don’t forget about the scale. Playing the guitar can be challenging for those with large hands and fingers if the instrument is too small.
2. Build And Quality
The next thing to consider is the standard of the guitar’s construction materials. Insist on using high-quality laminated wood that will last through all kinds of climate changes.
Guitars typically use laminated wood rather than solid wood. On the other hand, a guitar with laminated sides and a solid wood top is your best bet for quality.
In contrast to Rosewood’s high response rate, Maple’s is quite low. The sound produced by mahogany is deep and full.
3. Full-Sized Or Reduced Size Fretboard

Some travel guitars have regular-sized fretboards, playing just like your regular instrument. Even if you reduce the size of the guitar’s body, you can keep the fretboard at the same size. This is a great option if portability is less of a priority than having a full-sized fretboard.
The smaller fretboard may please some guitarists, but these instruments are different from standard guitars.
4. Acoustic Or Electric Travel Guitars
Choosing between an acoustic and an electric travel guitar can be challenging for some guitarists. A mini-amp or headphones is a huge plus when playing an electric guitar. If you want to practise in peace, consider getting an acoustic electric guitar with a piezo bridge.
However, those who would rather their guitar look and feel like a regular guitar tend to favour acoustic travel models.
5. Quality Of Sound And Tone

Think about how the guitar sounds and feels when packing for a trip. After all, you can’t expect the same level of performance on a smaller guitar as you would on a stage.
Pay close attention to the nut width, neck, scale, and string length. Travel guitars with shorter scale lengths are indeed easier to play, but the sound volume and tone quality may suffer as a result.
While the travel guitars claim to have full-scale acoustics with no loss of sound quality, the reality is that their smaller bodies cannot produce the same level of resonance as their full-sized counterparts.
Best Guitars For Travel
Summary
If you want to take your guitar with you everywhere you go, giving value to portability, you’ll need to find the right option. You might have been confused before doing a quick search, but not anymore!
This article gives you a deeper understanding of what constitutes the ideal travel guitar. If you invest in a good one, you won’t have to worry about leaving your guitar at home while you travel.
Get yourself a well-respected travel guitar from the brands we recommended above. You can play your favourite music collection even when you’re away from home.!
Wait, there’s more!!!
Looking for a great acoustic guitar that won’t break the bank? Check out our list of the 18 Amazing Acoustic Guitars Under 500!
FAQ's
What makes a travel guitar different from a ‘normal guitar’? A travel guitar is typically smaller than a regular guitar, making it easier to transport and store. They are also designed to be lightweight and durable, with features such as a collapsible neck or detachable body.
While travel guitars may not have the same full-bodied sound as a regular guitar, many models are designed with high-quality materials and construction to produce a decent sound. However, the sound quality can vary depending on the specific model and brand.
Travel guitars are also known as portable guitars, mini guitars, or compact guitars. Some popular brands of travel guitars include Martin, Taylor, and Yamaha.
The main difference between a travel guitar and a regular guitar is the size and portability. Travel guitars are designed to be smaller and more compact, making them easier to carry. They may also have features such as a collapsible neck or detachable body to make them even more portable. However, this smaller size can also affect the instrument’s sound quality.
Has anyone considered the quantum mechanics of the vibrations produced by these travel guitars? It’s fascinating to think about how the size and composition of these instruments might alter the wave-particle duality nature of sound. Particularly, the Hofner models – with their unique body structures – could theoretically produce a resonance that’s both practically and quantumly different from traditional guitars.
While the list Lewis Turner put together is quite comprehensive, I believe there’s a significant aspect missing when assessing travel guitars – their resilience to varying climates. Instruments, especially wooden ones, can react dramatically to changes in humidity and temperature. It would be beneficial for potential buyers to know which of these guitars are more resistant to such changes, considering travel often involves moving through different environments.
gotta say, the Martin Steel Backpacker Guitar is a dream for folks like us, absolutely love how it sounds around a campfire
Couldn’t agree more! The Backpacker’s vibe is unbeatable in the great outdoors.
Hey there, I’m kinda torn between the acoustic and electric travel guitars mentioned by Lewis Turner. Does the Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Electric feel too different from playing a regular electric? Just wondering how it stacks up, especially in terms of playability and sound quality. Cheers!