Travelers are discerning in their adventures. Those with true wanderlust appreciate the paths that uncharted territories take, the possibility of the unknown, and the beauty of an exquisite photograph captured at just the right moment. They find delight in unique accommodations, beautiful scenery, and historic attractions. But they also enjoy the little luxuries, like their must-have carry-on luggage, travel pillow, noise-canceling headphones, or eye mask for long flights.
For those in your life who spend most of their time traveling, these are some things they probably already have. So what can you gift them?
We put this list of the best travel-themed of the best gifts they didn’t know to ask for — items and experiences that are both useful and stylish. Think of it as a gift guide for our guided-tour and travel-gadget loving friends. All TSA-approved, of course.
1. Passport Holder
For the global traveler who spends most of their time planning their next European vacation, a chic travel accessory makes a smart and sensible gift idea. If they tend to use a battered accessory whose better days are long gone, then surprising them with a sleek and immaculately designed wallet from Holtz Leather Co., adds some luxury to their next trip (even if it’s just to a backpackers). Or consider a “cities of the world” travel-themed passport holder for your loved one.
2. Smartphone Case
The average phone case just won’t do for the intrepid traveler who spends the majority of their time on the go. Something high quality, that’s designed to withstand the rigors of constant movement, like the cases in the LifeProof® FRĒ® collection, is a much more suitable option. These cases repel water and dirt, and even when dropped you’ll never have to worry about your phone during backpacking excursions.
Easy to bring along in a daypack, they’re also available in dozens of fun design options to suit anyone’s tastes. If you want something a bit more personal, opt for a custom case:
Personalized Watercolor Map Phone Case
Cost: $31.65. Available in dozens of Apple and Samsung sizes, this is a unique travel-themed gift that they’ll actually use. Personalize it with your travel-lover’s name so it won’t get lost.
3. Portable Battery Charger
Ask anyone who has left behind a charger — it’s a globetrotter’s worst nightmare! Wirelesss chargers resolve the problem and may leave your favorite adventurer wondering how they ever lived without them. These packable little companions fit neatly into anything from a purse to a carry-on, and they’re designed to charge multiple devices at once. The best models work quickly and have long battery lives.
Cost: $59.95. Anyone who has ever sat at their gate with a 10% battery knows that portable chargers are worth their weight in gold. This charging station will remind your travel buddy to be a happy camper, thanks to their fully-charged iPhone.
4. Dining Experiences
Part of the joy of traveling is experiencing new cuisines and trying new foods. But it’s not always easy finding the best of the best — and sometimes there isn’t time for that, either. Consider a gift card that will give them something they will be talking about for years to come. Give the gift of total stomach satisfaction, and an Instagram-worthy meal of their choosing.
Cost: $75+. This gift card is valid for a full year and applies to any of the brand’s more than 4,000 events, which include global dining experiences in Paris, Barcelona, Rome, and London, to name just a few.
5. Luggage Tag
Odds are that your favorite traveler’s luggage tag has seen better days. Why not address the situation by surprising them with a unique gift? The good news is there are thousands of options for everybody on your list: the girly girl, the Harry Potter devotee, the comedian, and so many more. These eye-catching tags include stylish leather luggage straps and resist moisture to ensure they stay safe for years to come. And we’re partial to the travel (and nostalgic) themed ones:
Cost: $11.60. Talk about a perfect stocking stuffer. This luggage tag is customizable with contact details, so even if the luggage gets lost, all hope doesn’t.
6. Toiletry Bag
A toiletry bag means everything to the man who needs a safe and supportive place to store his toiletries. Featuring heather grey color with a tan leather strap and patch, easy zipper. The convenient hanger makes it easy to suspend in a hotel bathroom and help prevent counter clutter. The right bag makes for the best travel companion.
Heather Grey Mens Toiletry Bag
Cost: $14.98. This toiletry bag boasts multi-storage pockets and detachable zippered pouch. Add their initials to make it a more personalized gift.
7. Give Experiences
Planning the next vacation is often the most challenging — and fun — part of the process. The best travel gift is one where they get to choose their next adventure! Open your favorite nomad up to an entirely new world of opportunities by presenting them with a Tinggly gift box. Each box contains countless experiences for your recipient to consider for a trip within the next five years.
They select one, hop online, and book the excursion! With more than 100 countries in the mix (including Europe!), it’s a great way to help them experience something unforgettable.
Cost: $89+. These Christmas gift sets can be for one person or sent as a couples gift. Choose from an instant e-voucher, or ground shipping, which takes 1-5 business days to deliver the eco-friendly box.
8. Airbnb Gift Card
If you know someone likes to stay in more independent digs rather than racking up hotel points, consider an Airbnb gift card. If they’re the spontaneous type, always booking weekend trips away, gift them with accommodation! It’s the perfect gift for a travel-obsessed buddy (and hey, they might even bring you along!)
Cost: $25+. This is a great gift for your hard-to-shop-for friend. It’s easy for them to redeem and book their next vacation, on you!
9. Packing Cubes
Frequent travelers who live out of their suitcases for days at a time know the struggle of packing, unpacking, re-packing—and then unpacking again to find that one missing sock. Enter packing cubes. Think of these like nesting dolls inside your travel bag. With everything in its own compartment, it’s easy to find anything you’re looking for without throwing clothes all over your hotel room. It’s our favorite stress-preventing travel gift idea.
Cost: $19.99. A gift the organized traveler wants, and the unorganized traveler needs. These packing cubes are water resistant and lightweight, for big suitcases, duffel bags and carry-ons.
From Weddings to Tech, our Zazzle Contributors are experts on a wide variety of topics and information. We hope their advice and ideas will help you be inspired!
It would be amazing to surprise a friend with a picture of their favorite vacation spot on something they can take on their travels! I’m planning on gifting someone a local beach resort and this article has given me the idea to put a photo of the location on a luggage tag! It’ll be fun to give them a physical representation of their gift!