How to Make a Traveler Happy This Holiday Season
Photo by Erika Marsland Huynh
Updated: 12/12/21
Have some travelers in your life? I have put together a gift guide of ideas in all different budget ranges that will be sure to make your traveler friends and family happy this holiday season.
I have included links for easy access but I do NOT have any affiliate relationships with any of the sources. These are just some of my favorites and possible places to purchase them.
The number one suggestion I have for a gift for a traveler (or anyone) is the gift of travel. I know that our wings were clipped in 2020 and 2021 but, despite recent news of more border closures, the future is looking brighter. There is nothing more valuable in the world than memories and experiences with those you love. Let’s all start planning for some of those again in 2022. Dreaming and planning doesn’t cost anything or hurt anyone. And, if you need help or advice, just reach out and we can dream together.
If you are not ready to plan for 2022 but itching to still see the world, why not give the gift of Virtual Travel Experiences? Many partners in my network around the world are making these available. Give me a shout and I can connect you to the one that might interest you the most.
Next up, my list of favorite travel related books …
Anything at all by Bill Bryson but my absolute favorite is “In a Sunburned Country”. This is a laugh-out-loud tale of his travels around Australia. And I mean true LOL. Find it here.
You know I am all about the experiences and this collection of Bucket List experiences from around the world is one of my favorites. Unlike some other books of 1000 things you must do, “The Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big & Small” is not just a compilation of hotels and other promo information. This is the real deal - amazing bucket list experiences.
If you know (or are) a traveler with severe wanderlust, it is hard to beat Rolf Pott’s “Vagabonding”. This is the handbook for long term travel - taking time out of your every day life to explore the world. Find sources to purchase the book and catch up with the author here.
And right up there for severe wanderlust are the wonderful stories in “Live, Love, Explore”. You may know the author, Leon Logothetis from the Netflix series “The Kindness Diaries”. Well, this is the memoir that started it all. Definitely worth the read. Find it here at one of my favorite indie bookstores in DC.
Many of you have heard how “Out of Africa” inspired some of my travel dreams. Well, I recommend reading “West with the Night”, the inspiring real life story of Beryl Markham, the young friend growing up wild who was featured in the movie. Find it here at another one of my favorite indie booksellers.
In 2021, “World Travel: An irreverent Guide” was published. Using words and musings from the late Anthony Bourdain, along with research and writings from those who knew him, the book takes you around the world, outlining places to eat, things to do, and places to stay that were all Bourdain’s favorites. If you are or know someone who is a Bourdain fan, this is a wonderful gift to share some of his words and feel his passion for world travel.
If someone you know still has clipped wings, why not get them a regional cookbook from a place on their bucket list. What better way to experience a destination than through the food.
Photo by Freestocks on Unsplash
Next, who doesn’t love a gadget???? Here are some of my favorite travel gadgets:
If you know a traveler who also reads, hands down the Kindle Paperwhite is one of the best gifts you can give. Though I love the weight of a real paper book in my hands, when traveling I opt for the Kindle. Especially when I travel long-term. And the Paperwhite reads like a real book. Find it here on Amazon.
If budget is not an issue, noise cancelling headphones are a real treat of a gift! Whether it is the whine of plane engines or different city noises drifting into your hotel room, these headphones can be a real lifesaver when traveling. I love the Bose brand best of all. You can get the large over the ears style here or the smaller earbuds version here.
While traveling, it is not always convenient to find an outlet to charge a phone or tablet. And with our heavy reliance on our phones while traveling - from boarding passes to booking Ubers to messaging home - no one wants a dead battery. The perfect solution is also a great gift! A power bank. There are many on the market. Here is a good one that won’t break the bank.
And when you do finally land and can charge up the devices, this universal adapter is the one I use. It covers the vast majority of countries (but do double check) and does not take up much room.
While not a gadget, this travel tripod will make all you travel photographer friends smile. Small, lightweight, and perfect for all setting, the Gorillapod is the go-to tripod for travel. Find it here.
If you are like me, foreign languages may evade you. If you travel amongst the people of the world and want to communicate, this Poliglu translator device is the perfect gift.
Do you need a gift for a traveler who is also a techie? A personal hotspot may be just the thing for this gift giving time. Here is a good one under $100.
And for the photographer traveler on your list you can not go wrong with a GoPro. Lightweight and waterproof, these are the perfect gift for them to document their travels.
Photo by Kira auf der Heide
Whether your traveler brings everything just in case or the bare minimum, all things packing are always a welcome gift …. Here are some of my favorites:
A good suitcase makes travel so much easier and safer and just all the good things. My absolute favorite are the Away bags. I love the shell, the simple storage, the TSA lock and built in power bank (that can be removed before the flight if you check your bag). The four 360-degree wheels always move smoothly. And with a lifetime warranty, you can rest easy that they back their products. I have gone up to 10 days on the expanded carry-on size, my constant go-to bag.
I don’t know about you but somehow I usually come home with more than when I left. This tote bag is perfect if your traveler is anything like me. When not in use, it folds up small and weighs nothing. If you come home with some memories or art or whatever, this nylon duffle can accommodate a fair amount and still counts as a carry-on.
Packing cubes were the packing game changer for me. They keep you organized and allow you to compress your clothes (so you can pack more). And if you are traveling through various climates or temperatures, they are an indispensable aid to the unpack/repack issues those trips bring. There are many on the market but I like these and these.
An addition to my travel gear in 2021, I can not say enough about the Lon & Sons canvas tote. Roomy, with a separate compartment underneath for shoes or wet things, this was my carry on for some of my far flung travels this year. And it still looks brand new. It is also a great weekend bag.
For your family and friends who hit vineyards in their travels, these safe travel wine bags from VinoLock are a must. They will safely carry bottles back in a checked bag without losing that lovely red all over your packed clothes.
To round the list out, these are just some really good things that are great gifts for a traveler …
Whether I travel by plane, train or automobile, I always pack my cashmere wrap. I have had one for a very long time and don’t even remember where I purchased it. Lightweight and lovely, these wraps are great AS you travel (I always freeze on planes) as well as being a great for evenings if it gets a little chilly once the sun goes down. Here is a lovely choice.
If your traveler goes to places where the water might be a little iffy, a re-usable water bottle with a filter system is invaluable. It can be used anywhere with little to no impact on the environment. But if you are traveling to places like Africa, India and SE Asia, this is a must! The Contiki bottle is my favorite.
If your traveler is a writer and documenter too, this travel journal is the perfect gift! Complete with a scratch off map, room for planning and memories.
Travel pillows always seemed like a waste of luggage space for me until I found the Trtl Travel Pillow. It is compact, fitting into hand luggage so easily. Just wrap it around your neck and nap away!
A passport wallet is such a lovely gift. As precious personal information is usually stored in these wallets, make sure they are RFID protected. I absolutely love these (though they are a little pricey) and this one is a good quality one also.
For your loved ones who go to far flung places, a good pair of compression socks is a must for long haul flights. My favorites are from Bombas. And this company donates a pair to a homeless shelter for every pair you purchase. The gift that keeps on giving!
Conquest Maps have come out with so many cool designs for their wall maps. And they all come with pins for your loved ones to mark their travels. Check them out here.
A gift I gave to myself and some friends years ago are these keychains. Every time you travel to a new state or country, you can add a ring. Small and stylish, these are one of my all-time favorites to remember where I have been.
Dry skin is a thing when traveling, whether it is a long flight or a change in climate, skin takes a hit. Beauty products are a truly great gift for your traveler. I won’t go into recommendation as everyone’s skin is different … but Laniege Lip Mask is good for everyone! I use it each night but it gets tucked into my carry on for that flight. It feels so good!
And if you really want to make your traveler happy, spring for any one of these memberships. They will truly love and appreciate you and think of you anytime they travel. I promise! My first choice would always be Global Entry. At $100 for five years, it makes navigating passport control a dream. And don’t bother with TSA Pre-check if they are an international traveler. It is already included in Global Entry. And even faster way to clear security lines is with the Clear membership. It uses face recognition technology and whizzes you past everyone else - even the TSA Pre-Check people! If your traveler goes to out of the way places, I highly recommend an annual membership to MedJet. It is not expensive (under $300/year) and provides medical evacuation out of anywhere in the world. This one you can get through me and I can explain it all to you. And last, but not least, Priority Pass. Their lounges are located around the globe and can give your traveler a quiet place to work or rest while traveling.
I hope you have found this list, along with the 2021 update, helpful. Please feel free to enter a comment if you have any questions or want more information. Or just give me a shout!
Wishing you all a safe and wonderful holiday season!