Travel Presents For The Holidays
The holidays are almost knocking on our door and I know it’s still October, but trust me, decorations are about to be up any day after Halloween.
Are you thinking of presents already? Because I am. And it’s never an easy job. It takes time, thinking, and money. As much as I don’t care about how much I spend when it comes to making someone smile, I do want to find the best deal and this is not always a piece of cake.
What’s the best part of shopping for holiday presents? Knowing what the person already likes and what would give them joy. It’s so easy to narrow down your choices when you know what kind of hobby the person has.
Today we are going to talk about what holiday present to buy for a traveler! How easy is that? You have so many options and all of them will bring happiness to your receiver, because we, the travelers, need so little to be happy. Usually just something that reminds us of traveling.
1. Airplane ticket
If you know the person well or it’s about your significant other, you can easily come up with a place and surprise them with a ticket to their dream destination. Wait. I once said that there’s no such thing as a dream destination, because there’s always a way to make it happen. So taking my words back. Surprise them with a ticket to their desired destination 🙂
I know tickets are all electronic now, but you can still print out the confirmation of the booking and use it. It never gets old.
2. Voucher/gift card for an experience
What’s better than one more experience added to your list? For me, there’s nothing better than doing something I haven’t done before.
Knowing the person you’re shopping a Holiday present for is an essential part. It’s not just to buy any experience, but to make sure they will really enjoy it. What’s the point of buying a bungee jump experience for someone who’s afraid of heights and doesn’t want to do it?
If you know where the person is traveling to, but you’re not going with them, you can either buy them a gift card for an experience/activity or you can directly book some activity you know they would like. This is my favorite kind of present- it leaves memories for life.
My number one for booking experiences and activities when traveling is Viator. That’s the first source I reach out to when I want to make sure I will find great variety, affordable prices, and guaranteed quality.
3. Luggage pieces
This is one of the first things I would think about when shopping for a traveler. The only flaw of this plan- if your targeted person is a real traveler, they most likely already have a good quality carry-on/checked in suitcase or a backpack that doesn’t need to be replaced. Because a real traveler will never delay that moment 🙂
As much as I would love to receive a present like this though, I also hesitate that someone can get exactly what I want. Some people are really picky and they would hate to get a present they don’t like, because they will feel obligated to use it. That’s why I think the best option for this kind of present is a gift card. This way the traveler can pick the suitcase they like and will love the choice for sure.
4. Travel accessories
Small accessories we use when traveling are the cutest and we can’t help having a few of each. I feel like even if the person you’re shopping for already has a passport cover or a luggage tag, you can always come up with something cool that will come to use. Variety for those little accessories is great and will always remind the person of you while they are traveling.
5. Travel symbols
A globe is one of the things I believe every home should have. There is something super adventurous about seeing a globe in someone’s house- it’s like you already know they are about to embark on a trip any time soon. Having a globe at home comes handy not just for geography purposes, but also for helping with picking up destinations.
6. Travel home decoration
How does the home of a traveler look? Like a souvenir shop? Sometimes. I love bringing home memories from my trips and for sure that’s a big part of my preferred decoration.
If you know that the person you’re shopping for is not a minimalist and they would enjoy decoration like that, feel free to pick something they can put on a wall or a shelf at home- a painting or a photo from a famous travel spot, maybe a frame with a trip pic? What about a painting/photo of a favorite destination? The world map or an inspiring travel quote?
7. Travel photo album
As I’ve said before, there’s nothing in this world that can convince me to stop printing out pictures. No digital album can bring me the cozy feeling of holding a photo album with my own hands, turning pages, and reminding myself of the memories I’m looking at.
A nice big travel photo album is an essential for every passionate traveler. Gathering your wander memories is one of the best ways to enjoy them later, all in one place.
There are hundreds of different options, sizes, and covers. Pick the size of the pictures you’re going to print out first. If you already have them printed out, then just search for the size you already have.
8. Counting destinations present
Every passionate traveler has a different way to count the countries they have visited. The scratch world map is one of the most original things I’ve seen when it comes to keeping track of your travel history. Every time you visit a country you just scratch out the surface of its territory on the map. Pretty much like scratching a lottery ticket, but you already know you have won 🙂
Another cool idea to keep track of the countries you have visited is a pinnable world globe. The receiver of your present gets to enjoy not just the way to mark them, but also the weird shapes they sometimes come in.
9. Jewelry with a travel charm
If you’re lucky to buy a travel present for a woman (I say lucky because female options are more than the male ones), you for sure have to consider jewelry. Maybe a necklace with something destination-related? Or travel symbols/items as charms?
The bracelets of Pandora are definitely my favorite travel related jewelry. They have a great variety of travel charms and they often have unique charms, depending on the location. That means you can only get it from this specific place and it’s a limited edition! And let’s admit it- we love having something that not everyone has.
You can put the charms on any bracelet or necklace, you don’t even have to use Pandora items if you don’t want to.
10. Hiking gear
Hiking gear is a great present for someone who loves conquering the mountains or enjoys outdoor activities that require this kind of equipment.
Either a high quality water bottle, sleeping bag, tent, hiking shoes, camping press or any apparel- there are always things that need to be replaced or people miss in their equipment, so this is a great option with many opportunities.
11. Packing items
Packing is a big part of traveling and, I would say, a really important one. Packing the right things guarantees that you will have everything you need and you won’t have to buy it when you arrive. But packing the right way guarantees you that you can take more stuff or have more room on your way back.
• Travel size items set
In order for you to pack better and smarter, you should always use different travel size items. A set of them is a nice present for someone who often travels just with a carry-on.
• Packing cubes
Packing cubes are perfect for messy people or for exactly the opposite- the ones who want to stay organized. They help you find things faster once you open your suitcase!
• Shoe bags
Shoes bags are a great way to keep your clothes clean. I prefer to use soft ones, because they save more room and it’s easier to fold them. Sometimes though I pack my shoe pairs separately, because I need more space, but in case I keep them together I always put them in a shoe bag (or a plastic one).
• Cosmetic bag
Ladies would definitely appreciate a good cosmetic bag, where they can gather all the essentials they bring on vacation. I like transparent cosmetic bags, because I don’t have to search for my stuff for too long, I just take a look and I see where everything is.
12. Ticket for an event
If a person loves traveling, most likely they will like attending live events as well. Not just at their vacation destination, but also back home.
If the person you’re Holiday shopping for is one of them, buying a ticket for an event as a present is a perfect way to say “Happy Holidays”. Concerts, festivals, exhibitions, museums, sport activities are just some of the options that will leave an amazing memory long after the holidays have passed.
13. Travel journal
Some people love writing down different details and thoughts while traveling. Some people like describing their experience once they’re back from a vacation. Others put together small things that remind them of the trip. In all cases, a travel journal is something that would bring real joy to a passionate traveler.
I’ve shared before that I like keeping little things from my vacations- simple items like napkins from a restaurant, admission tickets from museums, paper tickets from public transport, and everything that reminds me of this trip and it’s collectable. I used to put them in plastic zip lock bags, but I’ve recently discovered The Folio Book that makes the whole thing look much better and organized.
14. Capture-the-memories tools
If the person you are shopping for loves taking pictures or being taking pictures of, it’s good to consider some kind of camera equipment. By knowing the person, you will decide if they would enjoy a selfie stick (people who usually like taking selfies already have one) or a tripod. I personally love tripods, because you can still take pictures of yourself, but at least you don’t do it yourself (well, at least not completely).
If you are willing to spend more money you can always consider a new camera, instant camera, go pro, or anything that would make taking pictures better and more enjoyable.
15. Make-my-airport-stay-and-flight-better presents
Being at the airport and on a plane is a nightmare for some people. I am not one of those people, but I for sure love making my life easier with some items.
• Headphones
A set of good headphones is a good investment- it helps you spend the long hours on the plane entertaining yourself with either music or anything else that requires listening.
• Portable charger/Power bank
A portable charger/power bank is a must have travel item and I highly doubt your targeted traveler doesn’t have one. But in case they don’t- go buy them one. There are many different options- multiple wire outlets, different milliampere hour (mAh) as well.
• Luggage scale
This one is such an underestimated tool that I love and think everyone who travels often needs. It just gives you this secure feeling when you head to the airport, knowing that you’re going to put this baby on the scale in front of the airline member and they’re going to be like “Allright, you’re all set!” Best feeling ever!
Luggage scales are small, light, but do an important job and can save you the headache of having to open your suitcase and taking stuff out.
• Travel wallet to fit boarding passes, cards, money, passport
This item is contradicting for some people- as much as they like to have everything in one place, they also don’t like the idea of losing everything at once if, God forbid, something happens.
I personally think that no matter at one place or not, you have to be careful with your belongings anyway. So I don’t think it’s a scary thing to keep them in the same wallet, as long as you have it closer and keep an eye on it.
• Coffee cup holder
Coffee or tea, juice or water, we always drink something at the airport. In all cases we end up having one more item to carry and we all know- the list of things to carry at the airport is not short. So why don’t you get a coffee cup holder, place it on your carry-on, and get rid of one item (at least for a little bit or while you’re walking from gate to gate).
• Luggage case
If your suitcase is near and dear to your heart and your soul hurts from the thought of scratching it, you definitely need a luggage case. Yes, I know, it changes the whole look of the suitcase, but at least it’s going to keep it from minor scratches. If you think your receiver feels the same- go for it and give them one, so they don’t have to bother about their luggage being damaged.
• Travel neck pillow
Another must have travel item that most likely is already part of your targeted traveler’s arsenal. There’s always an option to upgrade to a better travel pillow, so check if they already need one.
• Laptop sleeve
Some backpacks and carry-ons have a designated compartment for laptops, but if you know that your receiver has neither of them, it’s a good idea to get them one (especially if they often have to bring their electronics on the road for work).
16. Travel to be
Let this traveling be! Saving for your next trip? Exploring and planning? Looking forward to a vacation is half of the pleasure from traveling. Why not give someone this pleasure to look at daily while thinking of their next trip?
A funny piggy bank for saving travel money is a cool present with a purpose. A map is always useful, even if it’s old fashioned. The real travelers will appreciate it.
17. Mini, mini, mini
I am a fan of them, so packing for me became more enjoyable literally after I started using mini items.
Despite the travel size toiletries that everyone uses, travel size appliances are also a good idea, especially for the ladies. Some cool options are a mini hair straightener or a mini steamer, so your clothes are never wrinkled and you are never pissed off from ironing (hate doing it!)
18. Travel basket
Putting together a basket with travel items is another great idea that I can’t wait for someone to realize I’m ready to get as a Christmas present! You can put so many different things and you can combine them in so many different ways. This makes the gift unique and super useful!
You can always add more of the items above and come up with any combination you like!
19. Travel book / Destination book
Knowing where your targeted person is going next is ideal for this type of present, because you can get them a book or a guide of the country they’re headed to. There’s no such thing as too much information, especially when you’re traveling. Having a book or a guide for your destination can save you a lot of time and headache if you’re the type of traveler who goes without a plan.
20. Christmas/decoration ornaments
Christmas tree ornaments are cute and special, you also only get to bring them out once per year and that’s why you are going to appreciate them more than other presents. The usage is pretty limited, but the amount of joy they are going to bring you is huge (well, if you appreciate the small things in life as most travelers).
Bonus US idea:
A map with all the states and sticker-photos from them is an amazing present for someone who has been there. It’s perfect for people who live in the US or travel frequently from state to state.
I personally think picking up a present for a person who loves traveling is super easy. We are just going to love anything even slightly related to traveling or adventure!
Pin this idea for later:
What’s the best travel related present you have ever received? Was it for your birthday or for a holiday? Let me know in the comments below!
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