Finding the perfect gift for a travel enthusiast can be challenging, but fear not! This holiday season, step away from the usual and explore untraditional Christmas present ideas for travel lovers in your life. From cutting-edge gadgets to sentimental DIY creations, I’ve curated a list that caters to every type of globetrotter.
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Christmas Present Ideas for Travel Lovers
Gadgets for the Tech-Savvy Traveler:
#1 Airtag
Ensure your loved one’s belongings are always within reach with this innovative tracking device. Airtags are perfect for forgetful travelers who want to keep tabs on their essentials. Dropping an Airtag in one’s suitcase or backpack will minimize the probability of luggage loss, as well as the anxiety that comes with it. There are passport holders that come with Airtag cases, enabling one to track their most valuable travel document. And of course, an Airtag can also come in handy at tracking stolen backpacks, fanny packs, or purses – one of my favorite travel hacks of all time.
#2 Portable WiFi
Portable WiFi devices enable digital nomads to stay connected effortlessly. Ideal for remote destinations or areas with unreliable networks, this gadget ensures a smooth online experience. Aside from brands like GlocalMe and SIMO, you can probably find it at your local telecom providers too.
Practical Gifts for Seamless Travel:
#3 eSIM Plan
Keep your traveler connected on the go with an eSIM plan. It’s 2023, and everyone needs an internet connection to navigate and stay connected with their loved ones – not just digital nomads. No more worrying about changing SIM cards – the eSIM offers convenience and global coverage. And definitely, no need to worry about hefty roaming charges. This is hands down one of the most practical present ideas for travel lovers. The app I usually use is Airalo – check out my full review here, and snatch my 10% discount using this link.
#4 Travel Insurance
Ensure their peace of mind with the gift of travel insurance. It’s a practical and thoughtful gesture that shows you care about their well-being wherever their adventures take them. My personal favorite travel insurance is Nomad Insurance by SafetyWing – here’s my take on it.
Practical Comfort for the Jetsetter:
#5 Merino Wool Garment
Elevate their travel wardrobe with the versatility and comfort of merino wool. A merino wool sweater or beanie is not only stylish but also practical, providing warmth in chilly destinations and breathability in warmer climates. The natural properties of merino wool make it an excellent choice for travelers who value comfort and functionality in their clothing – they’re anti-odor and they save packing space. My go-to brand for Merino wool apparel is Unbound Merino. They have a variety of functional garments to choose from, and if you can’t make up your mind, you can get one of their gift cards and let your loved one choose instead.
#6 Pickpocket-Proof Travel Hoodie
The Travel Hoodie by Curls en Route – THE SHOP is one of the best present ideas for travel lovers as it merges fashion with functionality. The pickpocket-proof travel hoodie has a hidden zipper pocket in its front pouch. This ensures your loved one’s valuables would stay safe while exploring new destinations.
Experiences and Memberships for the Adventurous Soul:
#7 Tinggly Travel Experience
Gifting an experience is one of the most meaningful present ideas for travel lovers, especially if they have something specific on their bucket list. You can gift them the joy of choice with a Tinggly eVoucher or gift box. Aside from the endless options, Tinggly also offers specially curated experience gifts for the holidays – check out their Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday, and Merry & Bright gift vouchers, offering thousands of experiences. Your travel buddy can choose from a diverse range of activities worldwide, creating memories that last a lifetime.
#8 Book a Tour
Take the hassle out of planning by booking a guided tour for their next destination – a thoughtful gift they’ll appreciate. Whether it’s a historical walk or an adventurous excursion, this gift ensures an unforgettable experience. Explore Viator and Klook for inspiration.
#9 WayAway Plus Membership
Elevate their travel planning with exclusive access to travel content and perks. A WayAway Plus membership is a gift that keeps on giving throughout the year! Cashback on flight tickets, cashback on hotel reservations and other travel services, 24/7 access to travel experts, curated collections of hidden gems and insightful travel tips by locals from all over the world, and more. Learn more about the travel perks they’d be getting here – don’t forget to snatch my 10% discount.
#10 Travel-Themed Card Game
Combine the joy of travel with the thrill of gaming. My very own Roam Syndrome offers a unique way to reminisce about past adventures and dream up new ones with friends and family. Not only that, but it’s also great for trip entertainment, especially if your loved one’s a solo traveler – it’s the perfect ice-breaker. Learn more about Roam Syndrome here.
#11 Travel Cookbook
If you’re loved one loves cooking just as much as traveling, then help them recreate their favorite travel experiences from the comfort of their own home. Bring the flavors of the world to their kitchen with a travel cookbook and let them explore global cuisines and recreate their favorite dishes.
DIY Gifts for the Sentimental Traveler:
#12 Scrapbook of Travel Memorabilia
On a tight budget? Some of the best present ideas for travel lovers are handmade. If you have access to your loved one’s travel memorabilia, create a personalized journey through memories by compiling a scrapbook filled with tickets, postcards, and souvenirs from their travels.
#13 Shadowbox of Travel Memorabilia
This is another crafty gift idea that gives their cherished travel items a spotlight. A shadowbox is an elegant way to display tokens from different destinations, turning memories into art. If you’ve traveled together before, you can make it extra special by highlighting that special memory you share together. Add a polaroid of the two of you to the trinkets to make it more personalized.
This holiday season, step away from the ordinary and surprise your travel-loving friends and family with gifts that resonate with their adventurous spirit. From tech-savvy gadgets to heartfelt DIY creations, these untraditional Christmas present ideas for travel lovers are sure to make their holiday season even more memorable.
Booking a trip soon? Here are some useful travel resources:
- Book your flight with Skyscanner, Kiwi, CheapOair, or WayAway.
- Book your hostel with Hostelworld.
- Book your hotel with Booking.com or Agoda.
- Get your travel insurance with SafetyWing.
- Hire a car with Skyscanner, Discover Cars, Rentalcars, or AutoEurope.
- Book your tours with Viator or Klook.
- Download an eSIM from Airalo or Jetpac.
- Check out my trip planning tools for more travel resources.
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You might also like:
- Christmas in Europe: The Ultimate Guide for Solo Travelers
- Nomad Insurance: 6 Reasons Why Travel Insurance Is Essential
- Why You Must Download a Global eSIM on Your Next Solo Trip
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Nadine is an Egyptian curly-head who decided to quit the norm because it just doesn’t suit her. She ditched her 9-5 as a magazine editor to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time digital nomad and to inspire aspiring travelers to embark on their own solo adventures.
We don’t travel without our Airtags anymore….and our girls are getting some for Christmas!
Awesome choice for a gift!!
Some great ideas here! I’ll send this to my
husband as a big hint!!
Dropping hints is the way to go 😉 Hope you got what you wanted!
What a great list! I’m a big fan of experiences and sentimental gifts, so I really
appreciate these ideas. I’m going to check out your game too, congratulations on
publishing it!
Thanks a lot!! Hope to hear your feedback soon 🙂