It's that time of the year when everyone is scrambling to buy presents for their loved ones. And if you know there is someone on your Christmas list who loves to travel, then you're in luck because there are so many great gifts in this category, which makes it easy to check them off and move on to the other difficult people in your life.
Think about what type of traveler you're buying for, and use these gift ideas to make a speedy purchase — and one that the recipient will appreciate.
FOR THE AVERAGE TRAVELER
Fun Luggage Tags or Passport Covers
These options might seem really basic, but what I love about them is the fact that you can buy ANY type of luggage tag or passport cover. Pick a design (like a pineapple) that matches who will be receiving the gift. You can also customize them to make the present more personal!
FOR THE "I'M ALWAYS USING MY PHONE" TRAVELER
Portable Charger
Everyone nowadays probably needs a portable charger, but believe it or not, it's the one thing that I find most people lack, especially on vacation! A portable charger is likely something we all tell ourselves to buy but forget to until it's too late and our phones die while we're trying to take a video or picture of the new places we're exploring. It's a practical purchase but also a much-needed one.
FOR THE CONTEMPLATIVE TRAVELER
Travel Journal
Before I left on my 5-month trip to Australia, my sister gave me a travel journal. And being someone who loves to write about and reread memories, I filled it up before coming home. There are many types of journals to choose from: a typical notebook that's lined, one that provides prompts and questions to answer, and others that include fun stickers, planning sections or unique facts about certain locations.
FOR THE BUDGET TRAVELER
Hotel/Airbnb/Airline Gift Card
Gift cards might seem too easy, but really, who doesn’t like receiving them? You can't go wrong with this route. Money, specifically for a hotel, Airbnb stay or flight, allows travelers the chance to plan their own adventure while keeping costs down.
FOR THE GOAL-SETTING TRAVELER
Wall Map
I am 100% a goal-setting traveler, and I do own a map that I am obsessed with from Holy Cow Canvas. I went with this brand because it has vintage-looking selections that use push pins, and they're canvas so they don't make extra holes in the walls as some paper ones do. But there are more brands and styles to sift through for your special someone: scratch-off maps; U.S. state maps that hold printed photos; wooden, canvas or paper maps for push pins; etc. Overall, a wall map is not the cheapest option, but I can tell you that it's one of my favorite things I own!
*Use KARLEE11 for 11% off your Holy Cow Canvas purchase.
FOR THE "I DON'T LOVE THE TRAVELING PART OF TRAVEL" TRAVELER
Noise-Canceling Headphones
It amazes me that there are travelers out there who don't like the traveling part. (I guess have a weird love for airports/flying and even car rides with friends/family.) But with these types of people, it's always best to make sure they are comfortable, and part of that is occupying their ears. Noise-canceling headphones are the way to go. They can block sounds from the transportation and people around them, likely helping create a happier travel companion.
FOR THE STYLISH TRAVELER
Portable Jewelry Box
I actually bought a portable jewelry box for my mother-in-law one Christmas because she was missing travel and always looks cute when she goes somewhere. (Hopefully, she likes it!) In my opinion, this is an averagely priced present that's practical but also stylish and sometimes customizable. For example, on Etsy, you can add the person's initials or full name to many of the portable jewelry boxes.
FOR THE OUTDOOR TRAVELER
National Park Pass
A family member gave my husband and me a National Park Pass a few years ago! It’s the perfect gift for those who enjoy hiking, camping, etc. And with parking and entrance fees, you’d probably be surprised how much someone can save with it. Passes cost $80 a year and include an ID-type card to show for entry and a car tag to park for free.
FOR THE "I LIKE TO READ ABOUT OTHER PLACES" TRAVELER
Travel Book or Magazine Subscription
A quick Google search would likely bring up all the options you need when finding a book about travel that your recipient would love, whether it's an autobiography about someone's journey or a listicle of the top places in a certain country or state. One book I'm anxious to buy and read is National Geographic Bucket List Family Travel.
When it comes to magazines, there are the big names, like National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler or AFAR. But, there are also more niche travel magazines, though choosing one of those might depend on how well you know the individual.
FOR THE "I HAVE EVERYTHING" TRAVELER
Plan a Trip for Both of you!
If the gift receiver already owns everything they need and you have the financial means, give your traveler the gift of a trip with you. It doesn't have to be a long one or even an expensive one. You could make it a surprise vacation/day trip or let them know where you're taking them and have them plan it with you. Traveling is always better when you get to do it with the people you care about and enjoy making memories with.