Travelers may have a reputation for valuing experiences over things, but most travelers I know still love receiving gadgets, clothing, accessories, and decor that relate to their passions for exploration and adventure.
I take gift-giving somewhat seriously, and will spend HOURS hunting for the perfect gift for my husband, sisters, parents, and close friends. I love finding a gift that ties into their hobbies, or is something unique I know they’d never buy for themselves.
But, it can also be exhausting scouring the internet for the perfect gift! So, for those of you who have an avid traveler in your life, I’m making it easy for you this year (and hey, if YOU happen to be the avid traveler and are gift shopping for yourself…no judgment!).
Many of the items in this guide are products that I already own, use, and love, while others are items that I would be thrilled to find under the Christmas tree (hint hint, Santa).
My “Best Gifts for Travelers in 2018” guide is broken down into the following sections; you can either scroll through the whole thing, or use the links in the list below to jump to a specific section.
Travel Jewelry
Gold Plated Globe Earrings – $17.78
I like to keep my jewelry simple and classic 90% of the time (the other 10% I’m allll about big and bold) and these globe earrings definitely fit the bill.
I feel like they’re small enough that most people honestly wouldn’t even notice that they have a world map imprinted on them, but those who do would love them even more!
City Skyline Ring – $99.00
No exaggeration, I think these city skyline rings are among the most unique jewelry pieces I’ve ever seen. And I am OBSESSED!
Options include iconic international destinations like Prague, Rome, and Rio de Janeiro, and even some U.S. cities like Charleston and St. Louis. I’m amazed by all of those little details!
Custom Coordinates Bracelet (in Gold) – $60.00
I’m a big fan of personalized gifts, so it’s no surprise that I’m still obsessed with this coordinates bracelet, years after including it on my first ever gift guide!
There are so many different coordinates you could have engraved on this bracelet – a hometown, university or college, favorite vacation destination, place of engagement, wedding day location…all so, so sweet!
World Map Necklace – $37.00
I love dainty jewelry, like this simple yet eye-catching map necklace. This is totally the kind of piece that could be worn every day…it’s classic, elegant, yet unique and personal, too.
I really like this gold plated style, but it’s also available in silver if that’s more up your friend or family member’s alley. Both are gorgeous!
Compass Cufflinks – $25.00
I know that most of these travel gifts are skewed towards women, but here’s something nice for the guys: travel-themed cufflinks!
Cufflinks are such a fun way to show off your personal style and unique interests, while still looking entirely dapper and event-appropriate. If you happen to be shopping for a special someone, I really love these personalized coordinates cufflinks, too. Such a romantic gift!
Travel Home Decor
National Parks Prints $11.65+
Some of the most majestic, awe-inspiring sights I’ve ever seen have been within America’s National Parks. These gorgeous prints capture that beauty and would look amazing in any room of the house.
There are so many destinations to choose from, like the Everglades, Grand Teton, Joshua Tree, Yosemite, and the Great Smoky Mountains. If you know that your gift recipient has recently visited a certain National Park, or if there’s one that has a special meaning for them, this would make a really thoughtful gift.
Fictional Destination Travel Poster – $18.50+
If your friend or family member is a travel lover and book/movie/TV nerd (*raises hand*), you honestly can’t go wrong with one of these amazing fictional destination travel posters.
Some of my personal favorites are Hogsmeade (from Harry Potter), Stars Hollow (from Gilmore Girls), and Scranton (…okay, this one is actually a real place! But it’s best known as the setting of the The Office).
Departure Destinations Print – $12.00+
As I’m sitting here typing this, I’m just thinking how amazing these posters would look in my kitchen!
It comes with a set of TWO prints, and you can even customize the cities listed for free. Such a steal, even for the larger sizes!
Topographic & City Map Glasses – $25.00+
I am utterly IN LOVE with these fun glasses! You can choose from wine glasses (stemless or stemmed), pint glasses, rocks glasses (like what you’d drink whiskey out of), coffee mugs, and mason jars. I think I even spotted a carafe or two in there.
It’s mostly U.S. destinations, but they have a seriously HUGE assortment. And I did notice at least a few international destinations (like Cuba) as well as some college towns in university colors.
“Let’s Take a Trip” Mug – $18.50
I’m a firm believer that coffee mugs almost always make a great gift. Whether it’s someone who know well or an extended relative or acquaintance, most everyone enjoys coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or some other warm beverage at least once in a while.
This one in particular is so whimsical and sweet – I would gladly use it every single morning!
Whimsical City Prints – $14.26+ (or $33.89+ for a Set of 3)
Oh man, I can’t get enough of the mid-century modern style of these travel prints. I feel like they would have the ability to instantly make any room appear cool and hip!
I reeeeeally love this Bangkok set of 3 (those tuk tuks!!)…actually, all the sets of 3! How cute are NYC and Italy? They do come as single prints too, though.
Travel Accessories
Leather Compass Passport Cover – $52.99
For many travelers, their passport is their most prized possession. Not only does it allow them to embark on their adventures in the first place, but it’s also a record of the places they’ve visited over the years.
I absolutely love this leather passport cover, with the compass branded onto the front. I know it’s a bit masculine, but I actually really enjoy the way it looks; it just makes me imagine going on a grand adventure!
Animal Sleep Mask – $25.00+
A cute sleep mask is one of those things that I would probably never buy for myself, but I’ve been gifted one in the past and got SO much use out of it! Airplanes, hostels, eastern-facing hotel rooms…I’ve even used it at home when I wanted to be really sure I would get a solid night’s rest.
And this one is ADORABLE!! My favorites are a tossup between the unicorn and the cloud.
Travel Wallet + Organizer -$66.55+
Raise your hand if you’re guilty of shoving all of your carry-on belongings (including your passport or ID) into various zippered pockets and pouches of your backpack, forcing yourself to rummage through the clutter every time you need something? Well, you can put your hand down now!
Guys, I need this in my life. NEED. You can easily stash your boarding pass, money, passport, phone, iPad or kindle, sunglasses, and headphones in one ultra-organized, zippered wallet. And it’s gorgeous!
Waxed Canvas Backpack – $90.48 (on sale from $120.65!)
I’m alllll about a nice canvas backpack. They’re just so effortlessly stylish and cool, and give off that vibe of, “why yes I DO jet off to fabulous locations around the globe on the regular, why do you ask?”
Because of the muted, neutral colors, this is a nice unisex gift that any male or female traveler is sure to love. Perfect for stashing all of their most essential belongings on-the-go!
Practical Travel Gifts
Samsonite Mightlight Luggage – $199.99
This is my go-to luggage! It’s small enough to be used as a carry-on or checked luggage, so I use it for literally every single trip. Honestly, I rarely use anything else these days.
The multidirectional wheels make it super easy for navigating around the airport (which I love), and while I personally adore this grape color, it does also come in blue and black. Highly recommend if you’re shopping for new luggage that your family member will love!
Kindle Paperwhite – $129.99
No joke, my Kindle is one of the best gifts I’ve ever received. It has gotten me through SO many long, boring flights and is so much easier than lugging around multiple physical books (as much as I still love those, they’re better for enjoying at home).
There are a few different models/versions to choose from, but I highly recommend opting for one with a built-in light, so you can still read in a dimly lit airplane. This newest model is also waterproof!
Universal Power Adaptor – $19.99
Yet another incredibly useful gift! I received this travel power adaptor a few years ago, and have used it more times than I can count.
There are a lot of alternative brands and products to choose from, but I personally love this one because it’s super compact and portable, and covers 150+ countries. You can plug USBs straight into it, too.
Zhiyun Smooth Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer – $119.00
I know, it’s a mouthful! I actually just learned what a gimbal was earlier this year, and now I’m obsessed with mine. It’s for stabilizing your camera (or in this case, smartphone) so you can capture smoother, more professional-quality videos. No more shakiness while panning or walking!
Even though I’m not really into video editing, it’s still nice to be able to take better quality videos of my travels, even just for personal use. Video can capture so much more than photos! This particular gimbal is compatible with most iPhones (I use it with an 8+) as well as Androids…but double check to make sure your (or your recipient’s) phone IS compatible before purchasing.
Packing Cubes – $24.99
I purchased this exact set of packing cubes more than 3 years ago, before my backpacking trip through Central America. And I still use them every time I travel, even for short weekend trips!
I’m always surprised to hear that so many people have never used packing cubes, but they’re seriously life-changing. Someone will be very pleased to received these as a gift this year!
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And that’s a wrap on my guide to the best gifts for travelers in 2018! If you’re a travel lover, what are you hoping to receive for Christmas this year?
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Oh man, I am totally getting one of those fictional city posters for my sister-in-law! Awesome idea!
Emily recently posted…Life Lately | Goodbye, October
I’m pretty sure that’s my favorite thing on this list!! I’m obsessed with them hahah
Those departure posters look so cool.
I had no idea they existed. Thanks for sharing.
You are so welcome! 🙂 I think those are adorable too.
Kelly | The Wandering Blonde recently posted…The Best Gifts for Travelers in 2018
I love these ideas, especially the gift cycle! I see great deals all the time, but think I should just wait for whatever reason.