Finding the perfect gift for travelers can be fun, but let's be honest, it can also be overwhelming. Whether to help them sleep, travel light, or make the most of their adventure, our list of ideas will make it easier to find gifts in a range of budgets and spans everything from travel cubes to Tracker Tags.
To Help Them Sleep
It can be hard to fall asleep on planes, and red-eye flights can be extra challenging when you arrive at your destination without getting any proper rest.
Eye mask
Give them the gift of sleep with a quality eye mask, Photo by mtreasure from iStock
By blocking the light, eye masks can help produce sleep-inducing melatonin, which can be helpful when you have to sleep at hours your body isn't used to.
Pro tip: the best eye mask is one that provides full coverage and is made of silk.
Earplugs
Upgrade their foam earplugs to reusable ones, Photo by nicoletaionescu from iStock
A perfect gift for travelers to help them sleep is earplugs. No, we're not talking about the foam disposable kind. Treat your loved one to reusable earplugs, which not only block out noise effectively but are also better for the environment, making it a win-win. They can decide not to wear them if they still want to hear "chicken or beef" when resting their eyes, or they can choose to ignore plane service and their snoring neighbor to maximize their beauty sleep instead. Regardless, having reusable earplugs will definitely come in handy. They're also perfect for trying to focus or sleep in loud hostels and for protecting the eardrums at concerts.
Neck pillow
Offer them extra comfort with a neck pillow, Photo by mihailomilovanovic from iStock
Another classic item travelers need for the perfect plane sleep is a neck pillow. There are many types of neck pillows, but here are popular options:
- Inflatable pillow: Inflatable pillows are a great way to save space, as they can be deflated when not in use.
- Scarf-style pillow: Scarf-style pillows provide more all-around head support than traditional travel pillows and are space-efficient.
- J-shaped pillow: J-shaped pillows are great at supporting the chin in particular.
- U-shaped pillow: U-shaped pillows are a very common type of neck pillow, so you'll get a variety of designs to pick from.
Pro tip: When using a U-shaped traditional pillow, flipping it around might work best to support the chin and stop the head from falling forward.
For the International Jet-setter
These practical tech gifts are perfect for world travelers. Help them stay connected and stress-free while on the go.
International Adapter
Help them keep their devices charged with an adapter, Photo by South_agency from iStock
International adapters ensure devices stay charged by adapting to any international plug. You can choose to pick between:
- A universal travel adapter: This adapter usually has fold-out prongs for multiple regions. It's a great choice since it can be used in various countries. Look for one with multiple USB ports for charging multiple devices.
- A country-specific adapter: If your friend is traveling around one specific region, you might be able to get away with a country-specific adapter. It is often simpler and lighter.
Portable charger
Give them peace of mind with a portable charger, Photo by shisheng ling from iStock
There's nothing worse than having your phone die when you need it most, whether it's to navigate your way around or locate your digital boarding pass. Gifting a portable charger is a great way to help loved ones stay powered up and avoid unnecessary stress.
Pro Tip: Pay attention to its mAh rating. Higher mAh means more power. Smaller banks with a lower mAh rating are better suited for shorter trips, while international jet-setters may need larger banks with a higher mAh rating.
Tracker Tags
Ensure they never wonder where their suitcase is again with a tracker tag, Photo by mihailomilovanovic from iStock
Tracker Tags like AirTags and SmartTags have become a popular way for travelers to keep track of their luggage and stay aware of their location at all times. Here's how it works:
1. Other devices nearby detect the Tag's Bluetooth signal.
2. These devices securely send the Tag's location.
3. You can then see your Tag's location.
Pro Tip: Get them a cute AirTag holder case matching their suitcase color.
An eSIM
Help your friends stay connected on their adventure, Photo by Erdark from iStock
Want to help your friend avoid roaming charges abroad? eSIMs are the way to go. eSIMs are digital SIM cards, which allow travelers to avoid scrambling for a physical SIM card upon arrival.
With Airalo, you can purchase an eSIM and share it with another user as a QR code. Your friend will then be able to use data abroad and share their adventure easily.
To Travel Light
Traveling light is becoming increasingly trendy as more people realise that it's beneficial for various reasons:
- More freedom to move around
- Less time waiting for your checked bag
- More money saved on baggage fees
Here are the best gift ideas for people traveling light.
Travel backpack
Backpacks are a great gift for travelers wanting to save space, Photo by Everste from iStock
Travel backpacks often feature multiple compartments to store belongings efficiently. Backpacks also offer more hands-free convenience, which is a great bonus for many travelers. If your budget allows, they make for a great gift for travelers.
Here is a helpful way to choose a size:
- 25-35L: This size is perfect for day or weekend trips.
- 35-40L: This is typically a suitable size for travelers looking to replace their carry-on suitcase with a bag.
- 40L+: Bags of this size are usually for long-term travelers or adventurers packing all their essentials for a hiking or camping trip. These might need to be checked, but they can hold more items.
Packing cubes
Gift them packing cubes for efficient organizing, Photo by StefaNikolic from iStock
Want to help your travel friends make extra room in their luggage? Packing cubes are a great addition to any traveler's arsenal. They can also help keep items more organized, as you can separate items into categories. Think of them as drawers inside your suitcase. Treat your type A friend to cute, colourful packing cubes for them to enjoy on their next trip.
A Microfiber towel
Microfiber towels are a game-changer for the beach, Photo by Roberta Sant'Anna from Unsplash
Consider a microfiber towel as a gift: they dry quickly and take up less space than traditional towels, are easy to roll up and pack in a backpack or suitcase, and are convenient to have for drying off after a plunge in the ocean or a shower.
For the Cozy Traveler
This section is for the cozy traveler, that friend who romanticizes life and their trip.
Water bottle
Help your loved ones stay hydrated with this gift, Photo by gahsoon from iStock
Did you know that airplane cabins have low humidity, which causes moisture to evaporate from your skin? This means taking extra precautions to stay hydrated on flights is crucial. Help friends combat dry cabin air with a refreshing water bottle. Water bottles are also ideal for hiking, city adventures, beach trips, road trips, or any other prolonged day out.
Pro tip: Consider insulated materials that keep their liquids warm or cold, as desired. The best water bottles are made of stainless steel as they're a healthier choice for humans and the environment.
A big scarf
Help any travel lover stay warm with this gift, Photo by FreshSplash from iStock
Keep your travel friends warm and classy by gifting them a scarf. A scarf is both a cute accessory and can double up as a blanket on a cold flight. Ensure it's wide enough to cover them and prioritize soft, high-quality materials.
Pro tip: A sarong can also work as a scarf if you're going somewhere warm but tend to feel cold on flights.
Relaxing Activities
Make any cozy traveler happy with wholesome activities to enjoy during and after their trip. Here are our top suggestions:
- A travel notebook: Give them a small notebook to use as a journal for their trip. They can glue tickets from places they visit, write about their experience, or use them to map out their itinerary.
- Activity books: Activity books with crosswords, Sudoku, and other games are perfect for helping them pass the time on a long flight or when winding down after a day of exploring.
- Coloring books: Gift them a coloring book related to something they love or the trip they're taking. It's a great way to stay occupied and build excitement.
- Scratch map: Scratch maps are maps covered in a scratchable material that allow you to scratch out visited countries. Travelers can reminisce on the places they've gone to and use them as home decor.
Extra Tips
Before you select a gift for your favorite traveler, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Set a budget. This will help you stay on track and narrow down your options.
- Do some investigating. Don't settle for the first option you see. Take your time to research the best choice for the type of travel gift you intend to purchase.
- Put yourself in their shoes. Think like a traveler. Review our Ultimate Vacation Packing List and try to imagine what you'd want if you were taking a trip like theirs.
- Customize your gift. Showing your loved ones you've put thought into their gift is essential. Pick a colour you know they like, get their initials monogrammed, or write a heartfelt note to go with it.
You're now all set to become everyone's favourite gift-giver. Happy shopping!
FAQ
What are good gift ideas for people traveling?
Most travelers need the basics, such as eye masks, packing cubes, or portable chargers, but depending on who you're shopping for, you can also consider a travel backpack, coloring books, or a scrapbook.
What are some unique gifts for travel lovers?
If you're looking for a more unique travel gift, scratch maps and coloring books are great options to keep travelers engaged during and after their trip.
What are some good luxury travel gifts?
To elevate your gift-giving, we recommend prioritizing high-quality brands and materials for a luxurious feel. A cashmere scarf is a great gift to keep them warm on their journey or use as a blanket on a flight.
