The Best Gifts to Give People Who Love to Travel
Updated: Nov 16, 2021
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We've all been there at one point or another: stressing at the last minute because we don't know what to buy someone as a present. Whatever time of the year it is, gift-giving can be quite stressful, especially if you're having to buy for multiple people. But it doesn't have to be like that. There are so many unique gifts to give people who love to travel out there, you just need to make your way through the overdone ones first. I personally love coming across travel accessories and travel gear that are unique and take on a new twist from their predecessors. Over the past year or so I've found a number of interesting travel brands which I think have great gift ideas for someone going travelling, and they're all not necessarily "travel gifts for her" either.
Whether you're on the hunt for road trip gifts, gifts for adventure lovers, or simply gifts for travel lovers, I've come up with an incredible list of unique brands and accessories that will be great gifts for people who love to travel. Keep reading to make your next gift-giving experience a simpler one!
*If you're thinking of sending gifts abroad this year, you can save 10% off all shipping orders with Eurosender using the code "EXPLORER10" at the checkout. They ship anything you need, including suitcases if you're planning a move!*
Gifts to Give People Who Love to Travel
The Brick by Cartwright
First and foremost, when you’re travelling you want to know that what’s most important to you stays nice and safe. This is where The Brick comes in by Cartwright. The two-digit combination drop-lock makes sure that whatever you’re carrying, whether that be your passport, medicines, or jewellery, is secure. I take The Brick with me on all of my travels since it’s easy to use, has the added security you want while you’re travelling, is very easy to wipe down and clean, and has a lot of space inside of it. Basically, if you don’t travel with Cartwright, you’re really missing out! The bag comes wrapped in a beautifully designed box, tied with a ribbon - the perfect gift for anyone who loves to travel (or for yourself). Recently Cartwright has produced and donated over 10 000 KN95 masks to help the front-line healthcare workers in the US - so let’s give them a big round of applause!
Shipping: Cartwright ships worldwide, with free US shipping promotions available.
Price: $88.00 USD
Pakt One by Pakt
If you’re like me, then you probably have too many travel bags to count. But do you have one that “packs like a suitcase, carries like a duffel, and travels like a pro”? I’m going to go out on a whim here and say no. That’s why the Pakt One is the perfect gift for people who love to travel. Since receiving it in the mail earlier this year, I have taken it on numerous trips because it’s so handy to use. The zip allows you to open the duffel and lay it down like you would an ordinary suitcase, and it has multiple compartments to allow for easy organization. There are even front pockets that enable you to grab your passport and toiletries with ease as you make your way through security at the airport. Most duffel bags aren't equipped to safely transport a laptop, but the Pakt One has a padded laptop compartment that you can access either from the inside or from a zip on the top - easy accessibility! Its premium, durable materials make it the perfect travel companion for those road trips or long-haul flights, and best of all you don’t need to let it out of your sight because it’s carry-on approved. Pakt sends all of their products in plastic-free packaging, using earth-friendly materials, so no more unnecessary Styrofoam or plastic bags!
Shipping: Pakt ships to a large number of countries outside of the US, click here for a full list.
Price: $275.00 USD
Discount: $232.00 USD ON SALE NOW
Calina Women's Watch & Zócalo Men's Watch by Holzkern
Does your watch make you want to go outdoors and spend more time in nature? Holzkern wants to inspire its customers to do just that with their beautifully crafted wood and stone watches - two materials that have been used by every civilization throughout history. Whether you’re at home or travelling the world, their watches are a constant reminder to take time for yourself and enjoy the natural world around you. You can check out Holzkern’s blog about spending more time in nature for some inspiration. My watch ties back to my home country of Canada so I personally haven’t taken the watch off except to sleep. Holzkern’s watches are a great gift to give to someone who loves to travel!
The Calina Women’s Watch is made of leadwood and marble, and gets its name from the dusty haze that sets over southern Spain, mainly during the summer months. The unique colour combination of the Calina represents a mixture of the mid-day Spanish sun and the grey misty clouds which form the hazy atmosphere. But hey, Holzkern has men's watches too! Their Zócalo Men’s Watch is made from the wood of the Koa tree, and is named after one of the largest city squares in the world - Plaza de la Constitución in Mexico City. The area was also the centre of the Aztec Empire, so the watch serves as a reminder to its wearer to always stay in motion and live in harmony with other human beings. It's a beautiful luxury "travel gift for him". All of Holzkern's watches have interesting stories which inspired their creation, so you'll have no problems finding the perfect match for that person who loves to travel in your life.
Shipping: Holzkern offers worldwide shipping - so no countries are excluded!
Price: Calina €249.00, Zócalo €399.00
Discount: kristmas13 for 13% off all orders (valid until December 24th, 2020).
Travel Art Prints by Fox Burrow Designs
They say the best way to preserve a memory is through pictures. But sometimes, a print-off of a travel photo you’ve taken just isn’t going to cut it when you want to give someone that all important travel related gift. A fantastic alternative to simply printing your own photos is to order a one-of-a-kind piece of travel artwork. Fox Burrow Designs is the best place to go for travel art prints, and with such a wide variety of cities and landmarks across the globe to choose from, you really can’t go wrong. I have my own Iceland travel print nicely framed in my bedroom, as a reminder of one of my all-time favourite trips. Fox Burrow Designs also has prints dedicated to popular movies, TV shows, and books which are beautifully designed too. They also use completely sustainable packaging, right down to their stickers. A travel art print is probably one of the best gifts you can give to someone who loves to travel, and you’ll be giving them a gift that holds a special place in their hearts. I'm sure you'll be grabbing one for yourself at checkout time - and I don't blame you!
Shipping: Fox Burrow Designs is based in the US and ships worldwide.
Price: Starting at $13.99
Discount: Travel20 for 20% off all orders.
Banhoek Chilli Oil
Missing the taste of South Africa? Or maybe, like me, you haven’t had a chance to visit this beautiful part of the world yet. With Banhoek Chilli Oil you can bring the tasty heat of South Africa right to your plate, without having to step outside your door! This handcrafted, premium, all natural chilli oil comes from the Cape in South Africa, and is both halal and vegan certified. They use a high-quality, non-GMO rapeseed oil and gently infuse it with hand crushed Bird’s Eye chilis to produce the perfect balance of heat and flavour. I personally use a small amount to drizzle on my pizza, or to add a bit of extra kick to a stir-fry. There are tonnes of recipes available on their website to choose from as well. Banhoek Chilli Oil is a “Great Taste 2019 Award Winner”, and when purchasing from them they give you the option of receiving their bottles wrapped in a beautifully presented paper as well.
Shipping: Banhoek Chilli Oil is available in the UK through Amazon or thefoodmarket.com. You can also see a list of stockists on their website for local pickup.
Price: £8.50 unwrapped or £9.50 wrapped
Vienna Toiletry Bag by Rareform
If you’re looking to add a bit of colour to your travel accessories, or think someone else needs some colour in their life, then you need to check out Rareform and their Vienna Toiletry Bag. Toiletry bags are essential for every traveller, and this one comes with no exceptions. The bag’s hanging feature and zip-around enclosure means that all of your essential toiletries are easily accessible and perfectly organized. The Vienna Toiletry Bag comes in a variety of different colours as well, and each design is one-of-a-kind made from repurposed billboard vinyl, hand-cut in California. Now you can give the perfect recycled gift to whoever you know that loves to travel (and help the planet at the same time).
Shipping: Rareform ships to all countries, and shipping fees are calculated at checkout.
Price: $48.00 USD
Discount: explorer15 for 15% off all orders.
WeeBox
Whether you’ve been to Scotland and fallen in love with the country, or are dreaming of visiting it one day, you can now get a little piece of Scotland sent directly to your home. WeeBox sends out gorgeous monthly subscription boxes with a minimum of 5 exclusive gifts inside that you can’t buy outside of Scotland, many of which come from small, local Scottish businesses. The theme changes each month, which means every time you open up your subscription box you’ll be happily surprised. For example, November marks their “Traditional Scottish Christmas” WeeBox, and December is their “Scottish Winter Festivals” WeeBox. It’s a fantastic gift to give someone who loves to travel, especially if they’re unable to hop on a plane right now. You can also add a personalized card inside the box with a special message, which they provide as a complimentary service. My first ever WeeBox was based on a famous artist from Glasgow, and included one of my favourite things about Scotland - shortbread. You never know what you’re going to get inside your monthly WeeBox!
Shipping: WeeBox ships worldwide - no country is off limits! Due to current global shipping delays, WeeBox gives you the option of printing a beautiful card from their website to pop into your loved ones Christmas card, to let them know that their WeeBox is on its way.
Price: Starting at £35.00 for one month. Click here to see more subscription options and prices.
Push Pin Map by Pin Adventure Map
I think every person who loves to travel has bought at least one scratch map to keep track of the countries they’ve visited. But now it’s time for an upgrade - the push pin map. I came across Pin Adventure Map a while ago, and fell in love with their beautifully designed World Push Pin Travel Map on Canvas. They have a lot of different styles and colours to choose from, and you have the option of a world, European, or USA map to stick some pins in. The designers work closely with a cartographer, using GIS technologies, so that the content is up to date and of the highest quality. It’s a great travel gift for kids too, so you can start planning your upcoming trip, educate them about new places, and get them excited to travel! Pin Adventure Map are also part of 1% For the Planet, meaning that they donate 1% of their yearly income to organizations helping the planet.
I have recently written a blog post for Pin Adventure Map as well, covering some of the top travel destinations in Europe.
Shipping: Pin Adventure Map offers worldwide shipping.
Price: Starting at €78.00
Globetrotter Gift Hamper by Chasing Threads
Have you ever thought of stitching where you’ve been on a map before? Even if you aren’t the best at stitching (like me), or have never even given it a go, Chasing Threads makes it incredibly easy with small markings on the map showing you exactly where to put the needle and thread. I’ve had my Stitch Passport Cover for a couple of years now and it’s still in perfect condition despite all of my travelling. Chasing Threads have now launched a Globetrotter Gift Hamper (I’m tempted to get it for myself), which contains a bundle of beautiful stitch travel accessories such as their popular passport cover, luggage tag, notebook, tote bag, and their very stylish golden skull embroidery scissors. If this isn’t the best collection of gifts to give someone who loves to travel then I don’t know what is, as it also comes with rainbow threads and is packed in a luxury gift box. Even if you aren’t travelling at the moment, it’s the perfect way to keep busy on a little project and makes the perfect travel gift basket!
Shipping: Chasing Threads ships internationally, delivery times will vary based on location.
Price: £100.00
Discount: KRISTA for 10% off all orders.
Panglao 55L Backpack by SunDrift
Backpacking is a very popular way of travelling around the world, so it’s important that you have the very best backpack, and one that will hold months worth of clothing and accessories. Cue Sundrift and their Panglao 55L Backpack. This Irish company makes incredibly comfortable sustainable backpacks, with adjustable straps and a breathable back frame, making it much easier for it to fit the female body (but men love them too). They’re 40% lighter than other 55L backpacks, with a built-in rain cover, safety whistle, and lots of hidden pockets. Best of all, it opens like a suitcase, making it that much easier for you to pack and unpack, and is made from regenerated ocean waste materials. I’ve taken this backpack across England and southern Spain with me, on various hikes and multi-day trips, and can honestly say I didn’t expect such a large backpack to be so comfortable. It feels like you’re carrying half of the weight you really are, and the breathable back frame is a lifesaver. Why not give that person you know who loves to travel a colourful, eco-friendly addition to their travel ensemble? They’ll be thanking you for years to come. It really is one of the best gifts for backpackers you can find!
Shipping: Sundrift offers free shipping on orders over €100, and ships to these countries.
Price: €179.00
Discount: krista10 for 10% off all orders.
iNeck air2 by Breo
I don’t know about you, but when I’m travelling I always feel like I need a neck massage. I probably sit in a bad position on the plane, or I’m usually unlucky enough to get very flat pillows at a hotel. So I was beyond grateful to learn about Breo and their iNeck air2. Unlike regular travel pillows, the iNeck air2 inflates and deflates at the touch of a button, and has a handy self-heating mechanism built-in. Oh, I almost forgot to mention, it also massages you at the same time. No, not like a vibrating massage (which I find very unhelpful). The iNeck air2 has two multi-node massage heads built in which mimic the kneading power of a professional massage therapist, and at the same time the neck pillow heats up to soothe your muscles. It’s perfect for taking on a plane too, as it makes very little noise so it won’t disturb those around you and is very easy to fold after it deflates. Or, if you aren’t travelling, you could use it at home as you kick back and dream about your next trip. Either way, it’s great for helping to improve your posture and helps to promote neck health. If you love to travel, or need a gift for a fellow travel lover, you’re going to want to get one of these.
Shipping: Breo offers USA shipping only. Alternative international websites available.
Price: $149.00 USD
Discount: KRISTAONTHEGO for 20% off all orders.
Scalp Mini with Base by Breo
Who doesn’t love the feeling of a head massage? The Scalp Mini with Base is one of Breo's most popular products, and delivers a no-frills scalp and full-body massage. Its small size makes it the perfect travel companion, and it helps to reduce muscle pain and circulate blood flow, which is important if you’re travelling and need your body to recover quickly. The Scalp Mini is multi-directional too, so it targets different parts of the muscle at the same time, helping to relieve the stress and tension that has built up. It’s also water resistant so you can use it in the shower, or use it to calm yourself down when you find out that your trip is going to be spoiled by rain (this happens to me more than you’d think). For someone who loves to travel, giving them the gift of a massage on the go is going to be the best thing they’ve ever received.
Shipping: Breo offers USA shipping only. Alternative international websites available.
Price: $89.99 USD
Discount: KRISTAONTHEGO for 20% off all orders.
Tropesa
Everyone loves a trip to the beach, but not everyone loves bringing all of the sand back home with them. I know it’s a big annoyance for me whenever I visit the beach, and I’m sure a lot of you can relate. That’s where Tropesa comes in to solve all of your problems. This French company produces beautifully designed beach towels which are sand-free, quick-drying, and very absorbent. So whether you’re heading to the beach or to the poolside, their towels have got you covered. Each of their towels contains 20 recycled plastic bottles, and although it’s a large sized towel, it folds away to become very compact and easy to travel with. It’s the perfect gift to give someone who loves to travel and spend time near the water, or for backpackers who need a fast drying towel while they’re on the go, hopping between hostels or camping sites. Tropesa’s unique designs make their towels a one-of-a-kind gift that’s sure to put a smile on anyone’s face.
Shipping: Tropesa offers worldwide shipping, with express shipping available within Europe.
Price: €49.00
Discount: explorer20 for 20% off all orders.
Bowler Bag by Torrain
When you’re travelling you want to make sure that the bag you’re using is not only going to fit a lot in it, but is also very sturdy. I love using duffel bags, which is why I was so pleased to come across Torrain and their recycled bags. They’re based out of the state of Oregon, and use old hazardous materials to create beautiful and vibrant products. They also donate $1 of every item sold to support sustainable practices and healthy communities worldwide. Torrain’s beautiful Bowler Bags are the ideal mini duffel to take with you either on your travels, to the gym, or as a diaper bag while you’re on the go. The liner is made from plastic bottles, making it very easy to wipe down, and it has both an adjustable shoulder strap and shorter tote straps so you can wear it how you want! The inside is very roomy and fits a lot more than you'd think, and comes with a series of inside and outside pockets to use as well. The Bowler Bag also comes in 5 different patterns to choose from, so it really is one of the best gifts you can give to someone who loves to travel. If you're looking for beach trip gifts, it's ideal for that too!
Shipping: Torrain ships worldwide and offers free shipping on orders over $60.
Price: $48.00 USD
Discount: explorer20 for 20% off all orders.
CloudTouch Blanket by Voited
If you’re someone who loves to be outdoors, or know someone that does, it’s important to have the right equipment that’s both durable and you know you can rely on. That’s why Voited is a great company to purchase your outdoor blankets from, and they make great gifts for RV travellers too. I own their navy CloudTouch Blanket, made from recycled plastic bottles on the top and recycled polyester fibre on the opposite side, which makes it feel like real sheep’s wool but without the heavy weight. It’s a great blanket to use for a picnic as it’s stain resistant and machine washable, which also makes it perfect for use in a tent or inside your van. Its luxurious materials means you’ll keep nice and warm on those cooler nights (or even from the comfort of your own home), and if you have other Voited blankets you can attach them to each other too! Their blankets also snap into a hands-free cape, turn into a sleeping bag, or can be used rolled up as a pillow. The CloudTouch Blanket is extremely comfortable, and packs down to a much smaller size meaning it’s easy to pack on a trip without it being too bulky and hard to carry. I can’t wait to use mine on my next road trip, that’s for sure.
Shipping: Voited currently ship to the USA and Europe using two separate websites.
Price: $124.90 USD or €124.90
Discount: EXPLORER20 for 20% off all orders.
BlendJet One by BlendJet
This may not be the first thing you think of when looking to buy a gift for someone who loves to travel, but how handy would it be to be able to blend a smoothie or even some baby food on the go? Not to mention, you’d have the ability to concoct a pretty nice margarita too. Welcome to BlendJet - the world’s most powerful portable blender. Its small size makes it really easy to take with you on the go, and it fits in most cup holders too. Despite its size, it’s extremely powerful and its long battery life means it can blend 8-12 drinks on one full charge, and it comes with a built-in strainer so you don’t drink any unwanted chunks. And when you’re done with your drink, simply pop some soap and water into it and turn it on - clean in no time. The company is based in California, but the blender uses a USB cable so it’s easy to charge wherever you are in the world. It's a great gift for friends going travelling since it takes up hardly any room and is lightweight. I'm excited to take my BlendJet on my next trip - no more spending my travel budget on expensive smoothies!
Shipping: BlendJet offers free expedited and tracked shipping internationally.
Price: €34.95
Discount: Visit BlendJet's website for the latest offers.
Map Poster by Mapiful
Chances are you’ve come across Mapiful at least once while browsing social media. This popular Swedish company allows you to design your own printed poster map, whether that be of your hometown or somewhere that you fell in love with while travelling. With Mapiful, you’re no longer stuck with only finding city maps of popular destinations such as Paris and New York - now you’re in control! I was so impressed with their Classic Map last year, that I’ve bought another one quite recently in the Playroom style, which is a collaboration Mapiful have done with a local artist. There are plenty of styles to choose from, and they are adding new ones all the time. Mapiful gives you all of the tools to design your own map, by allowing you to choose how zoomed in you want it, which labels are along the bottom, the location, the appearance, and the size. You can also create zodiac and star maps, as well as text art prints which look really nice! If you’re looking for a gift for someone who loves to travel, why not start with one of these priceless and personalized travel maps?
Shipping: Mapiful ships worldwide.
Price: Starting at €49
Discount: Updated discounts shown on Mapiful website.
VIVIR Tequila Blanco by VIVIR Tequila
If you know somebody who loves mixing a margarita now and again, you’re going to want to get them this luxurious bottle of Tequila Blanco by VIVIR Tequila. This award-winning tequila is made from Weber Blue Agave grown in Jalisco, Mexico and through traditional production creates an easy to drink, floral spirit. This may come as a surprise to you, but VIVIR Tequila are based in the UK! It took 2 friends 4 years to perfect their tequila, and it was the first independent premium British Tequila brand with an entire range. Their goal was to change people’s perception that tequila had to be taken followed by salt and lime - and their hard work has been rewarded! The distillery they partner with in Mexico has a strong focus on sustainability as well, allowing part of the Agave plants to flower which helps to benefit the insects and wildlife. VIVIR Tequila has quite the story, and its global connections make it the perfect gift for someone who loves to travel, and of course loves a dash of tequila now and again as well!
Shipping: