Holiday Gifts For Travelers- That They Actually Want

As the holidays are fast approaching, now is the perfect time to start thinking of the perfect gifts for your favorite traveler. But what to get someone who lives out a backpack.

When we learned how to pack light, we knew we didn’t need a lot of stuff but there are a few key items for safety, convenience, and fun that are necessary.

Packing everything into a backpack for extended travel isn’t easy. This list includes everything I wish I had when I began traveling more.

By Type of Traveler

Gifts Ideas for Couples who Travel

A Travel Wallet that holds a lot of things. It even has space for two passports.
Moleskin Journal to document all of the experiences. To journal and share the moment as a couple.
Travel Books. I wrote a whole article dedicated to books. They don’t require an internet connection so on the 10-hour plane ride or 8-hour cross country bus ride is a lot more bearable. For the traveler who travels very light (which I HIGHLY recommend), the better option is a kindle e-reader.
Portable WiFi. If your favorite traveler has everything, I would consider gifting them a WiFi hotspot. While it’s not totally necessary because WiFi is available in most places, it makes a really cool gift. You’ll “WOW” them with this one for sure.
A camera that takes good video too. If your favorite traveler is an adventure traveler, consider a Go-Pro that can take a beating out hiking or beach activities. Otherwise, we use the Sony A7II to capture all of our travel memories. It’s expensive but seriously worth it. And that’s coming from someone who is financially responsible (and a little cheap).
Gorilla Pod for better selfies. The reality of traveling is that you’ll have to take a lot of your own pictures. The gorilla pod is the modern version of the dreaded selfie stick. For a more sturdy option, consider the Switch Pod for a tabletop camera stand.

Gift Ideas for Solo Travelers

- Padlock for lockers and hostel rooms that do not have locks. This is a safety item that all travelers shouldn’t leave home without.
- Moleskin Journal to document all of the experiences. As a solo traveler, there is so much time to reflect and journal your experiences. The best thing would be to read them after returning from a trip.
- Travel Books. I wrote a whole article dedicated to books. They don’t require an internet connection so on the 10-hour plane ride or 8-hour cross country bus ride is a lot more bearable. For the traveler who travels very light (which I HIGHLY recommend), the better option is a kindle e-reader.
- Portable WiFi. If your favorite traveler has everything, I would consider gifting them a WiFi hotspot. While it’s not totally necessary because WiFi is available in most places, it makes a really cool gift. You’ll “WOW” them with this one for sure.
- A camera that takes good video too. If your favorite traveler is an adventure traveler, consider a Go-Pro that can take a beating out hiking or beach activities. Otherwise, we use the Sony A7II to capture all of our travel memories. It’s expensive but seriously worth it. And that’s coming from someone who is financially responsible (and a little cheap)
- Gorilla Pod for better selfies. The reality of traveling is that you’ll have to take a lot of your own pictures. The gorilla pod is the modern version of the dreaded selfie stick. For a more sturdy option, consider the Switch Pod for a tabletop camera stand.
- Scratch off World Map. Who doesn’t love showing off their travels?! I do. My house is full of travel memorabilia. Plus, it’s an easy conversation starter. This scratch-off map lets you visually see all of the countries you’ve visited.

Hidden Wallet Inside a Bra. To make sure your favorite traveler is safe and has everything she needs, this is a great gift that often gets forgotten about. Not as sexy as a shiny new camera, but safety is even more important.
Travel Scarf. Scarves serve so many needs while traveling. It amazes me that people travel without scarves. Look for one that is beautiful but also has the ability to cover your shoulders and head.

Gifts for Kids who Love Travel

Travel Adapter with USB ports. For beginners, other countries use different outlets. All international travelers need a way to use their home country plugs in international outlets. This universal one works with a lot of different countries.

Earplugs for getting quality sleep on planes, busses, and trains – really any mode of transportation.
Portable WiFi. If your favorite traveler has everything, I would consider gifting them a WiFi hotspot. While it’s not totally necessary because WiFi is available in most places, it makes a really cool gift. You’ll “WOW” them with this one for sure.
Packing Cubes. Are a non-negotiable for me. They save space in my backpack but also aid in the organization. I have a separate packing cube for my shirts, my pants, underwear, accessories. That way, I can easily tell where everything goes when its time to pack up.
3pcs TSA Approved Toiletry Bag. All travelers will have to bring some toiletries, and if they’re liquid, they will have to be TSA compliant.
Reusable Water Bottle. A reusable water bottle is another necessity. It’s sustainable for the environment and allows you to be

Gift Ideas for Digital Nomads

Travel Adapter with USB ports. For beginners, other countries use different outlets. All international travelers need a way to use their home country plugs in international outlets. This universal one works with a lot of different countries.

Laptop Stand. For anyone planning to bring a laptop, a laptop stand is so important. Laptops aren’t comfortable or ergonomically correct. To prevent strain on your neck, I use and highly recommend a laptop stand. This one is admittedly pretty expensive but some key features make it worth it compared to its cheaper competitors.

Keyboard and Mouse for Mac. Similarly to the laptop stand, you’ll need a keyboard too. The image above is my exact setup.
A camera that takes good video too. If your favorite traveler is an adventure traveler, consider a Go-Pro that can take a beating out hiking or beach activities. Otherwise, we use the Sony A7II to capture all of our travel memories. It’s expensive but seriously worth it. And that’s coming from someone who is financially responsible (and a little cheap)
Gorilla Pod for better selfies. The reality of traveling is that you’ll have to take a lot of your own pictures. The gorilla pod is the modern version of the dreaded selfie stick. For a more sturdy option, consider the Switch Pod for a tabletop camera stand.
Photo Storage. With all of the thousands of new pictures, they’ll need a way to store them. The upgraded version of USB sticks. (showing my age). Plus, a 5-star rating from 20,000 people is hard to argue with.
Portable WiFi. If your favorite traveler has everything, I would consider gifting them a WiFi hotspot. While it’s not totally necessary because WiFi is available in most places, it makes a really cool gift. You’ll “WOW” them with this one for sure.
Travel-Friendly fitness items. This can be a jump rope, exercise bands, or foldable yoga mat. Traveling and NOT gaining weight is no easy feat between inexpensive street food, pasta, and wine. But possible. If your traveler has fitness and travel goals, consider gifting them these travel-friendly fitness items and check out this article on how to travel and stay in shape.

Gift Ideas for Beginner Travelers

- A Reliable Backpack. Hands-down, the best backpack for travelers is the Osprey Farpoint 40. I fit 6 months worth of travel gear (that includes most of the items on this list) in this bag.
- Padlock for lockers and hostel rooms that do not have locks. This is a safety item that all travelers shouldn’t leave home without.
- Earplugs for getting quality sleep on planes, busses, and trains – really any mode of transportation.
- Packing Cubes. Are a non-negotiable for me. They save space in my backpack but also aid in the organization. I have a separate packing cube for my shirts, my pants, underwear, accessories. That way, I can easily tell where everything goes when its time to pack up.
- 3pcs TSA Approved Toiletry Bag. All travelers will have to bring some toiletries, and if they’re liquid, they will have to be TSA compliant.
- Scratch off World Map. Who doesn’t love showing off their travels?! I do. My house is full of travel memorabilia. Plus, it’s an easy conversation starter. This scratch-off map lets you visually see all of the countries you’ve visited.

Gift Ideas that Every Traveler Will Love

A Reliable Backpack. Hands-down, the best backpack for travelers is the Osprey Farpoint 40. I fit 6 months worth of travel gear (that includes most of the items on this list) in this bag.
A Travel Wallet that holds a lot of things.
Moleskin Journal to document all of the experiences.
Padlock for lockers and hostel rooms that do not have locks. This is a safety item that all travelers shouldn’t leave home without.
Earplugs for getting quality sleep on planes, busses, and trains – really any mode of transportation.
Quick-Dry Towel. Not every hostel or Airbnb includes towels. Why? I don’t know but it’s true. In Patagonia, I was very happy that I had my own towel that dried quickly for fast storage.
Travel Adapter with USB ports. For beginners, other countries use different outlets. All international travelers need a way to use their home country plugs in international outlets. This universal one works with a lot of different countries.

Passport Holder. At the bare minimum, to travel we all need a passport. A cute travel passport holder is a nice addition for all travelers.

Travel Books. I wrote a whole article dedicated to books. They don’t require an internet connection so on the 10-hour plane ride or 8-hour cross country bus ride is a lot more bearable. For the traveler who travels very light (which I HIGHLY recommend), the better option is a kindle e-reader.

Headlamps are needed when staying in a hostel and you don’t want to wake your roommates. Instead of turning on every light, a small headlamp is necessary.
Travel Pillow. I’ll admit that I don’t particularly like travel pillows. But my friends swear by this one. Maybe, the traveler in your life will love it too. ( 23,000 reviews is hard to beat)
Laptop Stand. For anyone planning to bring a laptop, a laptop stand is so important. Laptops aren’t comfortable or ergonomically correct. To prevent strain on your neck, I use and highly recommend a laptop stand. This one is admittedly pretty expensive but some key features make it worth it compared to its cheaper competitors.

Keyboard and Mouse for Mac. Similarly to the laptop stand, you’ll need a keyboard too. The image above is my exact setup.
A camera that takes good video too. If your favorite traveler is an adventure traveler, consider a Go-Pro that can take a beating out hiking or beach activities. Otherwise, we use the Sony A7II to capture all of our travel memories. It’s expensive but seriously worth it. And that’s coming from someone who is financially responsible (and a little cheap)
Gorilla Pod for better selfies. The reality of traveling is that you’ll have to take a lot of your own pictures. The gorilla pod is the modern version of the dreaded selfie stick. For a more sturdy option, consider the Switch Pod for a tabletop camera stand.
Photo Storage. With all of the thousands of new pictures, they’ll need a way to store them. The upgraded version of USB sticks. (showing my age). Plus, a 5-star rating from 20,000 people is hard to argue with.
Portable WiFi. If your favorite traveler has everything, I would consider gifting them a WiFi hotspot. While it’s not totally necessary because WiFi is available in most places, it makes a really cool gift. You’ll “WOW” them with this one for sure.
Scratch off World Map. Who doesn’t love showing off their travels?! I do. My house is full of travel memorabilia. Plus, it’s an easy conversation starter. This scratch-off map lets you visually see all of the countries you’ve visited.

Portable Photo Printer. We all could do better with printing photos. This small photo printer allows just that.
Packing Cubes. Are a non-negotiable for me. They save space in my backpack but also aid in the organization. I have a separate packing cube for my shirts, my pants, underwear, accessories. That way, I can easily tell where everything goes when its time to pack up.
3pcs TSA Approved Toiletry Bag. All travelers will have to bring some toiletries, and if they’re liquid, they will have to be TSA compliant.
Reusable Water Bottle. A reusable water bottle is another necessity. It’s sustainable for the environment and allows you to be
Travel-Friendly fitness items. This can be a jump rope, exercise bands, or foldable yoga mat. Traveling and NOT gaining weight is no easy feat between inexpensive street food, pasta, and wine. But possible. If your traveler has fitness and travel goals, consider gifting them these travel-friendly fitness items and check out this article on how to travel and stay in shape.
Hidden Wallet Inside a Bra. To make sure your favorite traveler is safe and has everything she needs, this is a great gift that often gets forgotten about. Not as sexy as a shiny new camera, but safety is even more important.
Travel Scarf. Scarves serve so many needs while traveling. It amazes me that people travel without scarves. Look for one that is beautiful but also has the ability to cover your shoulders and head.

We want to hear from you!

For every kind of traveler in your life, you are sure to find something special and meaningful this holiday season. I’m sure they will love it. If you’ve received some really awesome travel-related gifts, leave me a comment below.

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Holiday Gifts For Travelers – That They Actually Want