Want to know a little secret about me? Gift-giving is not my love language. I’m always amazed by the people who know how to pick a thoughtful and beautiful gift that surprises the recipient. They also can make gift wrapping look like an art form. I, on the other hand, am not this type of person. I prefer quality time and acts of service as my chosen love languages. You can’t wrap up the experience of traveling in a box and bow; therefore, shopping for people with a similar love language or lifestyle choice can be challenging.
I’ll assume if you’ve stumbled across this gift ideas for travel lovers post, you’re currently in a similar situation where you’re shopping for a travel enthusiast of some sort in your life. And you’re about this close to pulling your hair out in frustration, trying to decide on a gift. Not to mention, most of the “top gifts for travelers” blog posts on the internet reshare the standard travel-related gifts. Trust me; no one is overly excited about unwrapping a travel toothbrush, packing cubes, or luggage scale. This top gift ideas for travel lovers post outlines various gift ideas for each type of traveler in your life. Below, you’ll find the classic gifts every traveler will enjoy, travel tech gear gifts, and gifts specifically for outdoorsy, luxury, and family travelers. Let’s go shopping!
This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no cost to you.
Classic Travel Gifts Every Jet Setter Will Enjoy
Starting with the tried and true favorites that have captured the hearts of most travelers. These are the presents that almost everyone on your shopping list will utilize and love. No matter the type of trip your jet setter will go on, they will be thrilled to open up one of the gifts below.
Away Bags
There’s a reason why Away is constantly featured as one of the top luggage brands year after year. They create durable, modern suitcases, bags, and accessories that live up to the hype. As someone who owns several Away products, I know from experience that an Away bag would be a well-received gift from this gift ideas for travel lovers post. My top gift recommendations include their carry-on suitcase, everywhere bag, and small everywhere sling bag.
Kindle
While the Kindle may technically fall in the tech category, this is another classic gift anyone boarding a plane would love to have packed in their carry-on. Kindles are ideal for the traveler who also loves a good book. Instead of packing physical guidebooks or leisurely reads for their trip, a Kindle would simplify everything into a slim and portable device. Bonus points if you pre-load the Kindle with one of your favorite books.
Belt Bag
Belt bags are a jet setter’s best friend on a travel day. They’re the most convenient bag since you can wear them across your chest, making all your necessities easy to access in a pinch. Plus, they’re small enough to conveniently store it in your carry-on bag once you’re on the plane. I use the Lululemon Everywhere Bag when I travel and in my day-to-day life, and I’m happy with how well it’s held up over the years.
Hydroflask Water Bottle
This present might be borderline “basic” compared to the others on the gift ideas for travel lovers list, but hear me out. A reusable water bottle is a true travel necessity, and it’s one of those items that people tend to forget to replace or upgrade as time goes on. A brand-new Hydroflask water bottle would make a great holiday stocking stuffer or a fun addition to a travel-related gift bag.
Tripod
Every person with a thirst for travel captures a few of their favorite moments from their trips on their phone or camera during a vacation. Regardless of the person’s photography skills, a tripod is a beneficial tool for taking great photos on your adventures. It can be used as a selfie stick or to capture a picture of yourself or a group of people when no one else is around to take it. Tripods are also great for capturing clear, long exposure shots due to the stability they provide the camera.
Weekender Bag
Weekender bags are exploding in popularity, making fantastic gifts for the traveler in your life. They’re perfect for overnight or weekend trips (hence the name), but they can be used as a carry-on bag in addition to a suitcase for long-haul flights. This would be a great gift for future moms to utilize as their hospital bag (I brought this one with me when Baby B was born). The options are endless!
Vintage Map Print
Do you have a friend who will never stop raving about their favorite travel destination they’ve visited multiple times? Or a family member who had a memorable trip visiting relatives in their home country? Purchasing a vintage map print of that city or country to commemorate those extremely special trips would make a thoughtful gift idea. This Etsy shop sells the most beautiful vintage map prints of various destinations all over the world. I personally have a map of Iceland hung in my home, and it’s one of my favorite decor items.
Travel Pet Carrier
Do you have a friend who loves to travel with their pet? If yes, then gifting them a travel pet carrier would be a great idea. There are many options available in the market that vary in size, features, and price. For air travel, this carrier would be perfect, while for car travel, this one would be more suitable.
Travel Gift Card
We all have that one friend or family member who is difficult to shop for. They might have specific taste or style preferences that take time to find. Or maybe you’re short on time to go out and buy a physical gift. In such cases, a travel-related gift card is a great option that any jet setter would appreciate. You can choose from gift cards for specific airlines, major hotel chains, Booking.com, Airbnb, Vrbo, or even rental car companies for the road trippers in your life. By giving them a travel gift card, you’ll be helping fund their future adventures!
If you need a comprehensive packing list for all your travel needs, I’ve got you covered! I created the ultimate packing list for your upcoming adventures, including carry-on essentials, toiletries, clothing, and location-specific items.
Travel Tech Gear
The next section of this gift ideas for travel lovers post features potential presents for those who love technology and traveling. There are numerous electronic gadgets available that are specifically designed for people who enjoy exploring new places. These items would make great gifts for any occasion throughout the year.
iPad
If you want to go all out on a gift, an iPad is the way to go. They are fantastic to have with you on a flight since you can watch movies, read a book, play games, or do some work. The options are endless. Given that iPads are on the pricier side, I recommend reserving this gift for a special occasion like a milestone birthday, anniversary, or a major holiday.
Over-the-Ear Headphones
Another fan-favorite travel tech gear item from the gift ideas for travel lovers list is the over-the-ear headphones. Rather than sitting uncomfortably in your ear, this headphone style is much more comfortable, especially when sitting on a long flight. Plus, most are noise canceling, which is an added bonus if the gift receiver prefers peace and quiet when traveling. This pair is one of the most popular on the market, and this pair also receives rave reviews.
CALPAK Luggage Tag & Portable Charger
CALPAK is widely known for its fantastic travel products, including carry-on bags, suitcases, backpacks, and packing cubes. One of their lesser-known products is their compact battery charger, which is cleverly hidden inside a luggage tag. This stylish tag is perfect in a pinch when you need to quickly recharge your phone while on the go.
Twelve South AirFly Pro Bluetooth Transmitter
This nifty little device allows travelers to utilize Bluetooth headphones when there’s a wired jack and no Bluetooth connectivity on a flight. You can also pair two sets of headphones to the transmitter so you can watch and listen to a movie together at the same time. It’s an innovative, unexpected gift that would be a big hit with the frequent fliers in your life.
Drone
Does the jet setter in your life enjoy taking epic photos? While this tech item is another splurge, it would be an extraordinary gift to give to an aspiring aerial photographer. This drone is a great starting point if the gift recipient is just getting into drone photography and using it for personal travels. Plus, it’s safe to say you would go down as friend or family of the year with a gift like this.
Air Tags
An inexpensive gift idea is the Apple Air Tag. While this may seem like a boring option in this gift ideas for travel lovers post, these trackers come in handy when traveling. If the jet setter you’re shopping for worries about losing their luggage, they can stick one of these tags in their checked back to ensure that it arrives at the final destination safely.
Travel Adapter and Converter
Do you have a friend jetting off on their first international trip? If so, a great tech gift is a travel adapter and converter since they will definitely need one for their upcoming adventure. This would make a wonderful addition to a travel gift basket, including a travel guidebook, a neck pillow, and an eye mask.
Outdoorsy Travelers
The next section of the gift ideas for travel lovers post is dedicated to the people in your life who love spending time in the great outdoors. For those who enjoy hiking, camping, and everything in between, I have curated a list of gifts perfect for their next adventure.
Day Pack
As a hiker and outdoor enthusiast myself, a new day pack would be a welcome gift for any occasion. Day packs are obviously extremely helpful while on a hike, but you can utilize them outside of outdoor activities as well. They make convenient carry-on bags, beach bags, or just simple day-to-day backpacks. I recently purchased this one for our trip to the Pacific Northwest, and I love its size and the various compartments.
Tent
Shopping for a friend or family member who loves camping? If so, a new tent could be the perfect gift from the gift ideas for travel lovers list! There are a variety of tents that vary in size and features, which can make selecting the right one overwhelming. This one would be ideal for two people, this one would be great for a family trip outdoors, or this one would be useful for the more extreme campers in your life.
Merino Wool Socks
Merino wool socks are the ultimate gift for your outdoorsy friends and family. They’re the best socks for hiking and other outdoor activities or wearing around the house. In addition to keeping your feet warm, they’re odor-resistant and don’t retain moisture like cotton. I personally own several pairs, and I get a ton of use out of them year-round. My brand of choice is SmartWool since their quality is top-notch. A few of my favorites include this pair for day-to-day wear, this pair for hikes, and this pair for cold weather hikes and for getting cozy at home.
America the Beautiful National Park Pass
The US is home to some of the most beautiful national parks in the entire world. With the America the Beautiful pass, your outdoorsy loved ones can experience over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all 63 national parks. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving!
Leggings
Every outdoorsy gal I know has a solid leggings collection for their travels and lounging around. Thankfully, you can never have too many pairs of leggings, and a new pair is a lovely wardrobe refresh. The Lululemon fast and free leggings are the best for hiking, and the align leggings are perfect for yoga or lounging. Zella makes a super comfortable, more affordable everyday legging option as well.
AeroPress Coffee Maker
If you’re shopping for someone who loves camping and coffee, an AeroPress would make an excellent gift. This easy-to-use and portable coffee maker is a fan favorite amongst those who enjoy overnight stays in the great outdoors. It makes a flavorful brew, it’s compact, and it’s easy to use.
Inflatable Paddle Board
An unexpected gift for your outdoorsy loved ones would be an inflatable paddle board. These boards are awesome to have in your pack when hiking to a destination with a lake at the trail’s end. They range in price depending on size, weight, and features; this one is a more affordable option, and this one is a bit of a splurge.
Patagonia Fleece
Patagonia makes some of the best fleece layers on the market for outdoor travel and adventures. They keep you warm while exploring, in addition to being stylish and flattering. It’s precisely why they would make the perfect gift for the jet setter in your life. My top choices in the gift ideas for travel lovers post include this quarter zip and this pullover.
Teva Sandals
Another extremely popular brand beloved by outdoor enthusiasts around the world is Teva. They make casual and comfortable outdoor sandals often found in any hiking pack. Tevas serve multiple purposes, including water crossing shoes on trails, camp shoes, or just simple day-to-day footwear. Plus, they’re a gift price point and won’t break the bank.
Luxury Travelers
Are you shopping for a loved one who enjoys the finer things in life and travel-related items? Get out your credit card and prepare to splurge with the top gift ideas for travel lovers for the luxury jet setters on your shopping list.
Luxury Luggage
Starting with the ultimate gift for your luxury traveler, a new set of beautiful luggage. Luxury luggage not only makes your travel experience more manageable but also more stylish. There are a handful of well-known brands that make stunning luggage, including Briggs & Riley, Tumi, Rimowa, and Paravel. Each brand and suitcase style has unique features and looks great while walking down the airport concourse.
Designer Belt Bag
As mentioned above, belt bags are a traveler’s best friend on a busy travel day. They hold all the necessities at your fingertips and can easily be stored in a larger carry-on. That’s why a designer belt bag would be a fantastic luxury jet setter gift! If I were picking out a designer belt bag as a gift, I would opt for this gorgeous Saint Laurent belt bag or this more affordable but equally stylish Tory Burch option.
Tumi Backpack
Tumi makes some of the most beautiful and well-designed travel backpacks on the market. I personally own an older backpack from their Voyager collection, and it’s held up incredibly well over the years. Tumi has a wide offering of backpacks that vary in size, material, features, and style. The three things they have in common are that they are durable, well worth the investment, and will make a thoughtful gift that any luxury traveler would adore.
Luxe Cashmere Travel Set
Does the gift recipient you’re shopping for enjoy getting extra warm and cozy on a flight? If so, a cashmere travel set is a dreamy gift that would bring a smile to their face. This set comes with a pair of socks, an eye mask, a throw blanket, and a zipper bag to carry the contents in.
GHD Travel Blow Dryer
The jet setter in your life who enjoys international travel has likely run into one or both of these issues: packing their favorite hot tools and struggling with the voltage conversion from country to country. Or arriving at their hotel to find no blow dryer or one that barely works. Not ideal. The GHD travel blow dryer is one of the lightest weight yet most powerful blow dryers around. The best part? This blow dryer has dual voltage functionality, which makes it perfect for international travel—another great gift option for a luxury traveler.
Barefoot Dreams Cardigan
There’s nothing better than feeling comfortable and warm on a long-haul flight. Speaking from experience, it’s often a rare combination. That’s where the brand Barefoot Dreams comes into the mix. They are known for making products with the most luxurious, stylish, and warm material that you never want to take off. That’s why a Barefoot Dreams cardigan would be a terrific gift for the jet setter on your list.
Family Travelers
Last but certainly not least are the top gift ideas for the family travel lovers in your life. Let’s face it: traveling with kids can be a little more challenging, and parents must come prepared to have a smooth experience. The gifts I have selected below would make wonderful presents and enhance their travel experience.
Compact Stroller
For those traveling with younger kids, a compact stroller is a must-have item on any trip. A standard stroller is great for home use but is usually too big and challenging to bring on a flight. Compact strollers are more lightweight and can fold down for easy storage. Some even fit under cabin seats or in overhead bins, eliminating the need to check yet another item. I personally own and love this one.
Jetkids by Stokke BedBox Suitcase
Another innovative gift for family travelers who enjoy flying with their kids is the Ride-On Carry-On Suitcase by Jetkids. While walking around the airport, kids ages 3-7 can ride on the suitcase instead of carrying it around. While on the plane, the suitcase converts into a leg rest or in-flight bed so the kids can get some much-needed shut-eye. There’s also interior storage for all the necessities you want close by on the flight.
Child Carrier Hiking Pack
Shopping for a family that enjoys spending time in the great outdoors? I don’t blame them! Hiking is a wonderful family activity, and a child carrier hiking pack makes the experience much easier. These packs have a built-in space for a child to comfortably relax in while exploring. These carriers often have unique features like a built-in sunshade, kickstand, and extra storage. Many brands offer child carrier hiking packs, but Deuter and Osprey make two of the most well-known and well-loved carriers on the market.
Kids Tablet
This next recommendation on my top gift ideas for travel lovers list might be a little polarizing, so bear with me. However, some parents swear by traveling with a tablet for their kiddos, which would make it an excellent gift. Tablets offer kids a well-needed distraction on hectic travel days, making it an easier experience for the parents. There are various tablet options out there, including iPads, Lenovo tablets, and Amazon Fire for kids. If the cost is too steep, consider purchasing new tablet covers and kid-friendly headphones as a gift instead.
Baby Wrap or Carrier
A baby wrap or carrier would be an excellent gift for the new parents on your shopping list. Young babies enjoy being extra close to mom and dad during the first year. Many parents swear by wearing their kids around their home, out shopping, or while traveling. There are baby wraps that are lightweight, less structured, and keep your baby super snug against your chest. Talk about cozy! Baby carriers are more structured and often a little more expensive than the wraps. Both would be perfect for the jet-setter family members in your life.
Travel Pack and Play & SlumberPod
When traveling with young kids, one of the biggest complaints is that the hotel or accommodation doesn’t provide a pack-and-play or the best window treatments. As adults, most of us can sleep on a standard bed and deal with a little light peeking through the blinds without impacting our sleep. For kids, this can be a deal breaker and cause them to stay awake longer or wake up earlier. A travel pack-and-play would be excellent for family travelers who need a place for their kids to rest their heads. The SlumberPod creates an ideal sleeping environment since it blocks out the light and creates a cozy environment. This would be a winning duo of a gift idea for travel lovers!
Final Thoughts
Shopping for the traveler in your life can be a little daunting, especially since they would rather prioritize experiences over tangible gifts. However, with this 37 of the top gift ideas for travel lovers post, I hope you found the perfect present to give the jet setter in your life for whatever special occasion you’re celebrating.
What is your favorite travel-related gift you have ever received? Tell me in the comments!
Leave a Reply