The Ultimate Guide to the Best Gifts for Travel Lovers
Are you looking for the best gifts travel lovers? Maybe Christmas is around the corner and it’s time for you to start writing your Christmas shopping list. For me it is always important to make gifts that are either symbolic or practical and prepare them ahead of time. I hate rushing my gifts shopping.
Sometimes I find it hard to think about new gift ideas, but I usually look into the passions that my loved ones have. If they are great cooks and love to experiment with new recipes, I try to give them something like a kitchen gadget or a fun cookbook with interesting recipes for them to try out.
As a wanderlust lover as myself, I will always love and appreciate gifts that are connected to my passion for travel. If you have friends or family members like me, and don’t know what to give them on anniversaries, birthdays or holidays like Christmas, then this article is definitely for you.
I prepared a comprehensive list with the best gifts you can buy for dedicated travelers, that will fit any budget. I encourage you to save this list because there are so many occasions for buying gifts and if you run out of inspiration, this article will come in handy.
Regardless of your budget, in this article you are going to find at least one gift for that travel lover in your life.
Side note: I would love to receive any of these gifts, as a matter of fact I think that I already have all of them :))). But if I don’t…well… you caught me, this is a shameless hint for my husband, because I know that he is going to read this article.
I figured that it will be easier for you to navigate this article if I divide the gifts into categories. Keep in mind that as I mentioned above, I already have most of these recommendations and those I don’t have, I would really like to get them. Thus, you can trust that these recommendations are genuine and come from a travel lover.
Just to let you know… This post (probably) contains affiliate links, including Amazon Associates links, and I may receive a small commission when you click on the links. This is at no extra cost to you and allows me to keep running this website. How cool is that?! I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own.
Tips on how you can buy the best gifts for travel lovers:
- Listen every time they tell you about something they want to buy and write it down (pro tip: follow up on that discussion to make sure that they don’t get it until you do).
- Try to find out their travel preferences, if they go hiking often, prefer to spend time in nature or enjoy exploring cities by foot.
- Sometimes the smallest and apparently the most insignificant idea can become the perfect gift, so you don’t need to think big. You can buy or make something that you know has meaning for your friend (like a photo album gathering all your adventures together).
- If you don’t have an idea for a practical gift, then you can always go with something from the travel inspiration category (like canvas with inspirational quotes, desk globes, wallpapers with bucket list destinations).
Before we get into the list with the best gifts for travel lovers, I figured I could help you out even more, by answering the most common questions that people have regarding this topic.
What to gift someone that loves travel?
I dedicated this entire article to answering this question, but I will give you a summary. The best gifts for travel lovers depend on each person and what type of travel they prefer. For example, if your friend likes to go hiking, and prefers a backpack style of traveling, then you should consider buying him a cool backpack, travel mugs (those that keep the coffee hot), sleeping bags, personalized lanterns or any items that are useful for camping. If your friend enjoys keeping reminders from every trip and has a thing for souvenirs, then you can give him a personalized photo album for storing memories.
However, if you don’t know particularities regarding the person you are buying a gift for, or they just don’t have a preferred way of traveling, then you can’t go wrong with a beautiful Push Pin Map. In this way, our friend can keep track of every past trip and plan for the next one. Also, buying stuff like inspiring traveling books, personalized jewels (like travel personalized charms), noise cancellation headphones and other items that can be used during trips, or for planning new ones are always a good idea.
In this article you are going to find 29 fantastic gift ideas perfect for travel lovers. These items are perfect for any kind of traveler and no matter which one you choose, you are going to impress your friend, this I guarantee.
What do you get to a couple that travels a lot?
Well, depending on their preferred travel style, you can buy useful things like matching backpacks, passport holders or any other item that they can use as a couple during travels. If you have a budget and know that they are passionate about photography and videography, then you can buy a drone or accessories for their camera. If you are on a budget, then you can definitely buy them customized coffee mugs with travel related quotes, scratch maps where they can keep track of their adventures, travel planners, or a custom photo album.
Also, if your friends like going on adventures together, then this gift will be perfect for them. This is an adventure book dedicated to couples with 50 adventures with travel related activities as well.
What do you get someone who is moving across the country?
I think that one of the best gifts to give someone that is moving across the country, is to help them out with whatever they need, packing, shopping list, searching for accommodation and so on. Aside from your help, you can offer to buy them cute luggage, or a symbolic item for good luck. If you traveled together, then you can also buy a nice frame and print your favorite photo together while doing something fun.
What to gift someone that loves travel?
I’m sure that if you surprise your parents with plane tickets or a planned getaway to a romantic location they will be very happy. Also, you can book them an accommodation at an all inclusive hotel that also offers spa services.
I think that the key to buying your parents who love to travel the best gifts is to know their preferences or travel dreams. For example, if you know that one of their dream destinations is Greece, then you can start planning and booking their trip for them. If you are interested in a beautiful destination in Greece, then you can check out Lefkada. I wrote a lot of articles about it, you can read them here. I promise you, Lefkada is going to make a beautiful impression on your parents.
Travel Essentials: Practical and Stylish Gifts for Every Travel Lover
I included in this category obvious things that any traveler is using, but also items that people tend to forget about, but they make such a big difference. No matter your budget you will find something fitting in this category.
Travel Organizers
This is one of the best and most practical gifts for travel lovers. First of all, these travel organizers are very budget-friendly, and there are a lot of options on the market. Second, you are going to revolutionize your friend’s packing game in such an awesome way that he or she will thank you forever.
I feel like this gift isn’t included on many lists for travel lovers, and I don’t know why. This kind of gift is amazing if you want to make the process of packing easier and more enjoyable, especially if you have a friend who travels frequently but dreads the whole packing and unpacking ordeal.
Travel organizers are essentially sets of bags with different sizes and shapes, each designed for a specific purpose. For example, if you buy a set of 10 travel organizers, you’ll have a bag for clothes, one for shoes, one for toiletries, one for dirty laundry, and so on.
Additionally, you can purchase a cable organizer, which is fantastic if your friend is traveling with a lot of electronic gear.
One of my favorite companies for travel organizers is Bagail. You can find their products here.
Special Toiletry Containers for Travel
Just like travel organizers, specialized toiletry containers are an exceptionally practical, creative, and considerate gift for travel lovers. If you’re interested, take a look at this particular set that I personally adore. Not only is the quality top-notch, but the charming and aesthetically pleasing design also makes them incredibly user-friendly. Furthermore, the distinct colors of these containers add a convenient touch, allowing you to easily identify which product is stored in each one.
Travel neck pillow
If your friend flies a lot, especially long distances, a neck pillow to use on the plane can be the perfect gift for them. I didn’t have one when I traveled from Bucharest to Bangkok, and man, how useful it could have been. You can find a lot of option on Amazon.
Recycled water bottle
I feel like this is a must have for any traveler, no matter the way they chose. Hiking, exploring cities by foot or spending relaxing days at the beach, hydration is very important. Having a cute recycled water bottle on hand can be a life saver (a thirst saver to be more precise).
This is something that I need to buy as soon as possible (hint hint honey). Buying new bottles (especially plastic ones) it’s a waste of money, not to mention the negative impact on the environment. Nowadays, traveling sustainably should become a way of living, not just a nice thing to do. Mainly for us, travelers protecting this beautiful planet should be a priority. We love exploring the world and discovering all its wonders and we should do our part in preserving it.
If you have an environmentally friendly traveler in your life, this can be the perfect gift for them. Even if protecting the planet isn’t a goal for them, still this can be the occasion to offer a good example. There are a lot of styles and types of water bottles to chose from, here.
Backpack
A backpack can be the perfect gift for that adventurer junky in your life. Backpacks are very useful when you go hiking and you need to have only essentials like chocolate bars (these are a must during hikes), water bottle, medicine and some changing clothes.
Backpacks are also useful in city breaks, if your friends are minimal packers and used to travel with carry-ons only.
If you think that this can be the best gift for your friend, try to find one that is very well compartmentalized so that it can be used at full capacity. I love having a backpack where I can find a place for all my essentials, but without that crowded messy feeling.
This is why this backpack is perfect for my needs and yours. It has a space for everything, but at the same time it looks elegant, nice and easy to carry.
Luggage
This one can be included in the more expensive category. If you have a loved one that usually travels a lot by plane, then you can’t go wrong with good quality luggage. I suggest you find one that is hard to break, because if you know one thing about flights is that the employees give zero care when handling your stuff. I know this from experience, because they broke our luggage this one time and we needed to buy a new one.
Regarding choosing a great luggage, you can’t go wrong with Samsonite.
Passport holder
If you are on a budget, a cute passport holder can be exactly what you are looking for. This is something that’s definitely missing from my life and I really need one. You can’t go wrong here, you can find something colorful and cute, or one with a more serious look. Your friend is going to remember you every time he or she is traveling abroad. I really like this one, because it’s cute and useful, because you can put also cards in there.
Travel eye mask to sleep during flights
If you have a friend that is sensitive to light and can’t sleep in any conditions, then this can be a very thoughtful gift, because it is going to make their sleeping experience during long flights much better. If you are on a budget, then this would be a safe option. This is a practical, useful and cheap travel item. You can find a lot of models on Amazon.
Picnic blanket
I love a cute picnic blanket, especially one that can be easily packed. I have this lovely picnic blanket that is perfect for long weekends in the mountains, or for park trips. I got mine from Jysk and look how cute it is! It’s also very easy to fold and carry-on, but it’s quite big, so a family can have lunch on it. My son had a lot of fun playing on it when we went on our weekend escape.
If you have a friend that loves spending time in nature during their travels, then a picnic blanket is the best gift for them.
I love this one because it looks classy, easy to fold and also it is water resistent. It can be used on the grass and on the beach.
Travel blankets and towels
Just like picnic blankets, this gift idea is both creative and captivating for travel enthusiasts. It’s especially helpful if you’re struggling to decide what to buy for a family member or friend who enjoys spending time at the beach, going on hikes, or camping. Purchasing a delightful beach towel or a cozy and aesthetically pleasing blanket will certainly elevate your gift-giving prowess. These gifts for travel lovers will impress your friends for sure.
I’ve come across some stunning beach towels and blankets that you absolutely must see now:
Tech-Savvy Gifts for Travel Lovers: The Best Travel Gadgets
Travel gadgets tend to be more expensive in general, but you can find a couple items that are more budget friendly.
Camera
Now, this is a hard choice to make by yourself, especially if you don’t know anything about photography or which are the best cameras on the market. I suggest you start to do a little research or ask other friends that already are using one. If your friend already has one in mind, or he actually told you about planning on getting a specific camera, then your job is done (the research part)!
I can also help you out with a recommendation. There are a lot of great cameras on the market and choosing the right one for your friend or family member can be tricky, but it mostly depends on the phase they are on in their photography journey. If she or he is passionate about this, but hasn’t used a camera yet, then you can pick the Canon M50 Mirrorless. In my opinion this one is great for beginners.
This camera is budget friendly, easy to use and takes very good quality pictures. Another important aspect when you are traveling a lot by foot, is to have a camera that is easy to carry on without feeling overwhelmed by tons of luggage and backpacks. The Canon M50 is perfect from this point of view. It’s lightweight, very small and comes with this cute and robust bag. You can find this amazing bundle that includes the camera on Amazon, here.
Camera accessories like spare battery or memory card
While traveling and roaming for hours on end, having a spare battery and a memory card on hand can be a life saver. I often have this bad habit of forgetting to charge my camera or to erase the memory card and I find myself in this wonderful scenery with my battery dying on me or with the camera full of pictures. It’s time to save your friends from these frustrating moments and buy them spare batteries and memory cards, even if they already have them. You never know when your battery dies on you.
Depending on what you are looking for, you can choose from multiple memory cards on Amazon.
GoPro
If you have adrenaline junkies in your life, then buying them a GoPro is the perfect choice of a gift. With this miracle gadget they can catch the best moments while biking, hiking, skiing or so on. The best part? With a GoPro they are going to capture authentic and unfiltered moments that will make the best memories.
Drone
Drones are amazing travel gadgets that will give you all those panoramic views. Probably you already are following travel influencers that post those breathtaking reels on Instagram where they offer the best overviews of a certain location. Having a drone with you while traveling will make your experiences unforgettable and more fun. You will find a lot of options on Amazon.
Camera tripod
I didn’t include this one on the list above because this is not considered a must or something essential for a camera, in my opinion, of course. A tripod is useful for someone who takes their time while capturing the best photos. It is perfect for solo traveling and couples traveling if they want to catch those romantic shots in the best scenery possible, especially if there is no one around.
If this is the perfect gift for your friends, then try to find one that is travel friendly, which means that it is small (or easy to fold) and portable. I’m sure you can find a proper camera tripod on Amazon, they have a lot of models, here.
Polaroid
This is such a nice and cute gift to offer to your loved ones. A polaroid camera is small and easy to carry during travels and it’s great to have on you when you are looking to document insta moments. Polaroid photos can be collected and put in a special album or add them to a memory board. In my opinion these photos capture authentic experiences and heartly memories that will be a beautiful reminder from every trip.
Polaroid photos are an amazing addition to any travel addiction. I know that when I received this gift from a friend it brought me a lot of happiness.
Also, I find that Polaroid cameras are so cute, I mean just look at this one for example!
Kindle Paperwhite / Oasis
If you have a friend or a family member that is a passionate traveler and a bookworm, then buying a Kindle Paperwhite can be the dream gift for her or him. You can take my word on this. If you have the budget for it (because it’s expensive) and know that your friend’s travel experiences are lacking a portable reader with access to endless book titles, then you won’t go wrong in choosing Kindle Paperwhite or the newer and more expensive model, Kindle Oasis.
I’m obsessed with reading. If it was up to me I would spend my days in bed, with a cup of coffee and my kindle or a physical book (the house would look like a mess and we would probably eat takeout for the rest of our lives). It’s relaxing for me to read on a plane or while laying on the beach, but it’s difficult to carry a physical book every time (most of my books are hardcover and over 700 pages). Taking my kindle with me it’s so easy, because it takes up so little space in my backpack that it’s almost invisible.
This is why when my husband gifted me a Kindle Paperwhite for my birthday a few years ago, I just jolted with happiness. It was the perfect gift for me! Now my Kindle is traveling the world with me.
Wireless noise canceling headphones
If you have a loved one that likes to listen to music, podcasts or audible books while traveling, then surprising them with wireless noise canceling headphones is perfect. A good pair of wireless headphones can be very useful in airports, especially in those long waiting hours before you board the plane or between connecting flights.
Try to find a pair that has at least a decent noise canceling option, because airplanes are very noisy.
In this category, I have two recommendations (to be honest these are my husband’s recommendations, but shhh): Sony WXM5 (these are the ones that he has at the moment) and Bose 700.
Scratch/Push Pin Maps: Perfect Gifts for Globetrotting Record Keepers
In my opinion this kind of gift needs to have its own category. For sure I could’ve included this in the travel inspiration or planning category (mentioned in this article), but I think that this amazing and creative item deserves a special spot in this article.
Scratch maps or push pin maps are definitely the best gift you could surprise that adventurer in your life. There are a lot of styles or designs you can choose from and depending on the style of the person you are buying for, you can search for a certain theme or color.
Why scratch maps or push pin maps are the best gifts for travel lovers?
- They are a source of inspiration and a daily reminder for a traveler to plan more trips or get hyped for the next adventure
- They can be used to track travels and have an overall view of the number of places That you already visited and those that are still waiting for you to explore them
- They make an amazing art for your wall, depending on the overall thematic of your house, you can find a map that is actually part of the whole home aesthetic
- This kind of map can be used as a dream board that will get you excited about your travel goals every day.
The fun part is that you can buy one representing the world, or just a certain continent or country. For example, I have a worldwide and one with Romania, my country. You can choose a push pin map and select different design pins that can represent past adventures and yet to explore. Scratch maps are also amazing, because you can buy them in one color, but as you erase each visited country you will reveal a different color or theme, which I find very exciting.
I know there are a lot of designs and today I want to share with you two designs that I fell in love with. At this moment I have a scratch map, but I’m thinking of buying a new one for my future home.
I’m obsessed with push pin maps and I found several that are amazing! I even wrote an entire article about them. You can find it here.
I can assure you one thing, you can’t go wrong with this kind of gift, especially if you don’t have any other ideas. Also, pin or scratch maps can be found in any budget and can fit any pockets.
Just have a look at these gorgeous styles from Conquest Maps and Enjoy The Wood.
Gifts to Inspire Wanderlust: Travel Inspiration for Your Loved Ones
In this category I included any item that can inspire travelers to seek new adventures, try a different style of traveling or discover new amazing bucket list destinations.
Books with top destinations around the world or travel experiences
These books are amazing, especially for people that prefer researching using books and not the internet. Books with top destinations are perfect for travel lovers to discover new places and expand their travel bucket list. Whenever I flip my books I get this excitement to explore more of this amazing world. Maybe it’s just me, but travel books are the best. Not to mention that they usually have a beautiful design that can fit perfectly in every library.
You can find different types of books, depending on how adventurous the people you are buying for are. For example, there is a book with top haunted places to visit. Oh, I would really like to have this one. I’m a sucker for horror stories.
There are so many amazing books that you can choose from here. Also, below you can see some of my favorite ones!
Books with amazing travel stories
If you have a friend that loves traveling and reading, then a book with an inspiring travel story can be the best gift. One of my favorite books that speaks about the inside and outside journey in life is “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. You can do a little research and find something that suits the person you are planning this gift for.
Custom photo album
If you are looking for a gift that is more symbolic and also can serve as a reminder of your adventures together, a custom photo album can be the answer. You can pick your favorite photos from the trips you took together, print them and add them in the album.
Hint: I suggest you leave empty pages that can be filled later with your next adventures that you take together. This gift will inspire you to plan more trips with your friend.
There are so many beautiful photo albums for travelers, that it’s impossible for me to pick just one, I want them all! You can see for yourself on this page.
Puzzle with a bucket list destination
This is a fun inspiring gift you can surprise your loved one with. I find puzzles so therapeutic and relaxing, and if the resulting image is travel related, it’s perfect. After finishing it, it can be put on a wall and serve as part of a vision board.
Bonus point: if you are surprising your friend for Christmas time, try to find a puzzle that has the image of a dreamy destination during winter.
You can pick your favorite one from here.
Gifts for Pre-Trip Preparations: Enhance Their Travel Planning
In this category I included gifts that can be used in travel planning for making the process much easier, especially for people that don’t like to spend a lot of time preparing for a trip.
Travel journal
Raise your hand if you are one of those people that have tons of notebooks, but you can’t resist buying new ones every time you get a chance! Yep, this is me! I’m a notebook hoarder. I I can’t say no to a cute agenda or planner. I’m sure someday I will find a purpose for each and every one of them.
Anyway…No matter what your relationship with planners or notebooks, you need to know that a travel journal is crucial for a travel junky that is like me and likes to write things down. I have multiple planning apps in my phone, but I don’t use them. For me, for planning or documenting a trip I need to do it in the old fashion way, with pen and paper. I love journals that are especially designed for trip planning, with spaces for lists, daily itinerary and other notes. And if you add a cute hardcover, it’s a winner for me.
If your friend is anything like me, then buying them a travel journal is the perfect gift (no matter how many they already have). At this time, I have two travel journals that I absolutely love, one from my husband and one from a dear friend. One it’s a themed Witcher notebook that ‘s very easy to carry-on and keep in my backpack and I love the leather style (thank you again honey!). The other one is a National Geographic travel journal that has custom pages like lists, itineraries, notes and free pages for photos. This one can be used for travel planning and for travel documentation on the road, if you are a travel blogger.
You can find the links bellow:
Travel sheets/check lists
If handcrafts are your type of gift or you are on a budget, then this idea is perfect for you. I know that all of us have that friend in our life that hates organizing, researching or planning a trip. You can help them out by making custom travel sheets and checklists that can be reusable. For this I recommend you use Canva. You can design your sheets without paying a dime, because they have lots of free templates that will inspire you. Also, Canva has a generous stock of free photos that will make your work look even more unique and special. If you don’t want to use their photos, you can use personal ones. If you have travel photos of your friend, you can include them in your sheets and make them look even more captivating.
Before you start designing your sheets, do some research and make sure you include all the essential information for trip planning. You can make several checklists, with items like: all the documents you need while traveling, what to pack, must-have things.
Hint: make them printable, I find that pen and paper will always remain the best way of planning.
Bring the World to Their Home: Travel-Inspired Home Decor Gifts
I made a separate category for home décor items that are travel related even though all of these can be considered inspiration for planning more trips.
Canvas with travel quotes or images with bucket list destinations
Who doesn’t love having a nice art on their walls, that is reminding them daily of new adventures that await for them. If you know what dreamy destination your loved one has in mind, then use that. You know which one, when they constantly are speaking about it day in and day out (like I do about Japan). Find a stunning picture from that place, or something representing that experience and make a custom canvas out of it.
If you don’t have enough knowledge about their preferences, you can always pick a canvas with an inspiring travel quote printed on it.
Desk globe
This is a pretty cool gift, it’s a travel related item that can also be a nice office decor. There are a lot of styles and color themes for you to pick from. It would be great if you find something that complements your friend’s home or office.
Again, so many to pick from, it’s hard for me to choose just one. Here is where you can be inspired by amazing desk globes.
Custom mug with travel quotes or images
If your friend or family member is a coffee or tea lover, then a custom mug with a beautiful travel related print can be the best gift for them (I looove mugs so much, I think that I already have dozens of them, but still I wouldn’t be mad to receive more 😂 ).
I find this set perfect for couples that usually go on adventures together.
Booking a stay at a charming accommodation or buy plane tickets
In my opinion, this is one of the best gifts you could give to a travel lover. This is perfect for couples that love traveling, or for that solo traveling friend. The problem is that it can be a little tricky to actually do it, but not impossible. Ask around your entourage and conspire with them to find out the perfect day or period you can book your gift. Your friend is going to be ecstatic, believe me!
You can check flight tickets below! Or search for the perfect place to stay, here.
Take your friend out to explore your hometown (pay for tickets to a great museum or other important landmark)
Spending a weekend or a day with your friend to celebrate their birthday or Christmas or another holiday can become one of your best memories together. You can plan ahead and book tickets to museums or other landmarks in your own hometown. You can start your day at a cute cafe, continue with visiting a museum, going to lunch or brunch and relaxing in a garden or park. Depending on your tastes, you can book several activities like painting in an art cafe. Dress up, take your camera and surprise your friend with a cute and cozy day.
Based on the city you are in, if this is the perfect gift you chose for you travel lover friend, then you should check this link and set up a dreamy date!
I hope this article makes your gift hunting for Christmas or other holidays/anniversaries easier. You can use this long list as your personal shop assistant and I’m sure you are going to make your family and friends very happy! Ah, and please don’t forget about yourself, you don’t need a special occasion to buy yourself a great gift.