Travel Gifts for the Holidays

A holiday gift guide for travelers

It’s that time of year again – we’re looking for the perfect gifts for our loved ones. What do you get for the person in your life that loves to travel? Keep reading for a list of my favorite travel gifts that I’ve received in years past.

Note: This article may contain affiliate links so that I may earn compensation for qualifying puchases as part of the Amazon Affiliate program.

Electronic Gifts for Travel

• A Bluetooth headphone adaptor for long-haul flights is perfect for those wanting to use their own headphones on the plane. This is actually something on my personal wish list!
• If your loved one enjoys taking photos of their travels, consider the following items:
  • A backup memory card for their camera
  • A memory card transfer device, to allow immediate image transfer to their phone. This particular device also allows transfer from phone to card or flash drive to save storage space.
• I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – a portable charger is one of my all-time travel essentials. I try to keep more than one on me as well, so I’d never be mad at receiving this as a gift.
• If the person you’re shopping for has the camera for it, Polaroid or Instax film is a useful gift to document their travels.

Gifts for the Solo Traveler

• A travel-sized tripod is great for capturing pictures and videos while on their own.
• My sister gifted me a travel door lock for Christmas last year. This is a wonderful option to give your solo traveler some added security when traveling alone.

Gifts for International Travel

• I recently bought these steam eye masks for an upcoming long-haul flight, as recommended by a TikTok video. They’re individually packaged and meant to help relax and keep your eyes hydrated.
• I swear by this universal travel adapter – it not only allows to adapt from various plugs, but also has a USB and USB-C port for electronics charging. Since it can be used with most outlets, this is a great gift for anyone that travels frequently to international destinations.
• Since different countries and regions often have different voltages, I asked for this dual voltage hair straightener last year for Christmas. This was the perfect travel gift as someone with long, curly hair who worries about frying their hair accessories.
• If they don’t already have it, paying for one’s global entry application (or giving money towards it) is a perfect travel gift for anyone US-based that frequently travels abroad.
• I love my LifeStraw reusable water bottle and take it with me on every international trip. This is an ideal gift for anyone that travels to locations that may not have drinkable water. You can also pair it with replacement filters!

Miscellaneous Travel Gifts

• This light-weight, quick-dry microfiber towel is great for folks that stay places without linens. It’s also great for those with curly hair, or looking for a lighter beach towel they can bring from place to place.
• When I travel, I try to read a book set in or about my destination. It’s the perfect gift for any reader that travels.
• I always bring my Loops earplugs with me. I clip them right to my wallet and they’re great for blocking out noise on the airplane when trying to sleep, or staying in shared spaces.

Travel Packing Gifts

• I love my compression packing cubes so much to organize my luggage that I’ve in turn gifted them to other travelers in my life.
• This year, I also asked for a packable neck pillow for airplane comfort and space saving.
• Mini toiletry items and non-liquid toiletries are my favorite stocking stuffers. As someone that frequently travels carry-on only, they’re the best small gift. Some of my favorites are:
  • Poo-pourri toilet spray, for shared accommodations
  • Sun Bum sunscreen stick for reef-safe protection for warm and tropical destinations
  • Repellant sticks or wipes for mosquito-heavy locations
  • Amika leave-in conditioner (a savior for curly hair and foreign water!)

Travel Gifts for the Minimalist Traveler

• Spending money for their next trip, whether foreign or domestic currency, can certainly go a long way. My loved ones usually know where I’m going next, and I love receiving this as a gift so I can splurge on something I may not have bought otherwise.
• Booking a tour or activity (or a certificate for a tour or activity) is a great gift for a traveler who values experiences over items.
• Airline miles are a great travel gift for anyone with a preferred airline. They help with travel goals without taking up any space.

There’s a Travel Gift for Anyone

Whoever you’re shopping for, there’s a perfect travel gift out there for them. Hopefully this list is a useful jumping off point for your holiday shopping. When in doubt, ask your traveling loved one; I’m sure they have ideas of their own as well!