It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Sa'id al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Charity is not lawful for a wealthy person, apart from one who is in the path of Allah, and a traveller, or a neighbour of yours who is poor, who was given charity and gives you a gift."
If this is authentic, then what is meant, and Allah knows best, is a traveller who is wealthy in his own land but in need during his journey. The hadith of Ata bin Yasar from Abu Sa'id has a more authentic chain, and it does not mention the traveller. And Allah knows best.
Hadith Referenceالسنن الكبرى للبيهقي / كتاب قسم الصدقات / 13202