Best Christmas Gifts for People who Love to Travel

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The holiday season is fast approaching and now is the best time to think of your favourite traveler in your life and what they might love as a present this Christmas. From gift cards to power converters, guide books, packing cubes you name it there are many great gift ideas that are perfect for any traveler. My list below includes items that I love and use myself or are things that I am looking for on my own Christmas wish list this year. Hint, hint.

Gift Cards

Perfect for when you aren’t quite sure what to get someone or when you can’t afford the big ticket item they wish for but would like to contribute in some way. Personally I love a good gift card and one of my favourites being for iTunes so I can download music to listen to on my travels or get the latest and greatest social media app on my phone or game to keep me occupied on long journeys.

Other great giftcards are also available for places like Flight Centre that sell flights, hotels, tours, and vacation packages or even for sites like Amazon.com where almost every gift imaginable is available.

Power Convertor

A multi plug compact power adapter with a USB input is ideal and for a flashpacker like me that travels with a bunch of electronics (phone, camera, computer, etc.) I always carry at least two of these with me as I travel. Another great accessory to go with the adapter is a mini power bar for when power outlets are few and far between.

Suggestions:

Targus World Power Travel Adapter

Belkin Travel Charger Surge Protector with Dual USB Ports

 

 

A scarf or two

As I travel I always have a scarf or two in my bag or I pick up one somewhere as a memorable souvenir. Scarfs are perfect to travel with because they don’t take up much space, they can cover your shoulders in churches, protect you from the wind and dust and other weather elements and they are also just a great accessory to pull an outfit together.

One scarf in particular that I love is made by friends and fellow travel bloggers Bethany and Randy, they make the Speakeasy Travel Scarf which is a perfect infinity scarf and is especially great for traveling because it contains a hidden pocket great for stashing your passport, extra money and other things that you want to keep hidden or at the very least easily accessible. Check out their Etsy store to see the many selections available.

 

A Map of the World

Every traveler loves maps and a great idea is to get them a globe or a map of the world for their wall. One of the coolest wall maps that I have seen is the Luckies of London Scratch Map where you can scratch the map like a lottery ticket to unveil each new country you visit. It is a great visual way to me reminded of your travels and it is also extremely satisfying to scratch off a new country each time you return home.

A Portable Phone Charger

When I travel my Mophie is one of my most important things with me. I am constantly on my phone sharing my travels on social media, answering emails and taking photos and I can run through my phones battery by lunchtime. However with my Mophie I can charge my phone on the go without needing to worry about finding a plug. Mophie’s come in various shapes and sizes and colours. I prefer the Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation over the Mophie iPhone Case as it keeps my phone lighter but then with the Juice Pack you also need to have a cord with you so it really depends on your preference on what works best for you. Either way the Mophie is a mega lifesaver in my opinion.

A Travel Journal

With such a connected world it is nice sometimes to pick up a pen and write out my thoughts or jot down a quick note on a piece of paper rather then staring into a glowing screen. My favourite notebooks have always been by Moleskine. The Moleskine Classic Notebook is available in various sizes and colours, plain or with lines or grids these notebooks are great for journaling and doodling, keeping secrets and recording your adventures. Also you can never have enough good notebooks.

A Selfie Stick

Come on, everyone’s doing it, everyone is taking selfies, get on the selfie train. As a solo traveler I actually had a “selfie stick” before that term was coined. I was/am a solo traveler and stumbled upon the XShot Camera Extender and found it to be a very useful tool for filming myself on my travels. Aside from just taking selfies with them they are a great tool for solo traveler and they can also help you take unique pictures and videos from different angles that you might not of thought of before.

 

 

Travel Themed Jewellery

Especially perfect for the lady traveler in your life. Etsy is full of awesome travel pieces and crafts. My favourite is this World Map Necklace.

 

Make a Donation on their Behalf

As I travel and see more and more of the world I learn more about different organizations, groups, people, animals, not for profits and more that need help. There are so many and with barely much money of my own it is hard to decide which ones to give too. Here are a few of my favourites that a fellow traveler might also love to help out.

Our Horn Is Not Medicine – Helping to save rhinoceroses in South Africa from poaching.

The Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica – Protecting and saving sloths in Costa Rica harmed by humans and the increasing population and loss of habitat. They are also the leaders in studying to learn more about this adorable creatures.

Passports with a Purpose – A travel blogger fundraiser now in it’s 7th year. They have built wells, libraries and schools and now the funds raised in 2014 will go to helping families in Honduras learn how to farm sustainably.

 

Buy the traveler in your life (or yourself) at least one of these items and you are sure to have a happy camper.

What other travel gift ideas do you have? I’d love to hear them in the comments below!

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