If you have someone in your life who loves to explore new places, getting them a unique travel gifts is guaranteed to put a smile on their face. Whether it’s because Christmas is coming up or because it’s someone’s birthday, you always want to make sure your travel gift ideas are thoughtful and unique.
So what should you get for someone who loves to travel or someone who travels frequently (whether for business or pleasure)? I’ve got you covered with this list of unique travel gifts I’ve curated over the years!
You’ll find that I’ve tried to split the post up to make it as easy as possible for you. I have included links to the products wherever I can. Whether you’re looking for gifts for business travellers, or just fun travel gifts for someone traveling abroad for the first time, I hope you can find some inspiration here.
Personally, I love getting fun and unique travel gifts, as it really shows that the person getting the present knows me. For my birthday after I had quit my 9-5 to become a full-time travel blogger, all my friends got together and bought me a beautiful necklace with the world map to symbolise the journey I was embarking on (and to tell me to never forget them), that I still wear every day! How thoughtful is that?
You’ll find that there are many things you can get for someone who loves travelling, or even someone heading out on a big trip for the first time. Some of these travel gifts are easy to come by, and some more unique and personal.
I love the personalised travel gifts I found when researching this article, and have added a few of them to my own wish list already!
Below you’ll find a table of contents, so you can easily find your way around the post (it ended up being quite long in the end). So, if you are looking for anything in particular, such as travel gifts for women, simply click the link in the table of contents below and it’ll take you right down to that section!
Table of Contents
20 Unique Travel Gifts
I’m quite excited to be writing this post, because there are countless of travel related gifts out there, and I have a tendency to find them when browsing the internet, only to forget about them come Christmas or someone’s birthday (even my own).
I come across them and always think that “this is a great gift for a travel lover, I should write it down“, but then I don’t. Does anyone else do this?
Side note: anyone in my family can consider this my digital wish list.
Without further ado, here are my best suggestions for gifts for someone traveling abroad (or just someone who loves to travel).
#1 Any Variation of a World Map
You can’t write a list of unique travel gifts and travel-related gift ideas without mentioning the map.
Depending on whether the person you are shopping for has their own apartment or house, or they live with others (or even their parents), you’ll be able to find a version of the world map to give them.
Whether it’s a huge wall decal for them to cover their living room wall with, a small poster or one of the popular scratch maps (that allows them to scratch off the countries they have visited), you can’t go wrong with a world map.
Personally I have a scratch map for the world, and one for the USA, where I can scratch off the states I’ve visited. I love them, and they are always a great talking point when I have guests over.
Shop World Map Travel Gifts:
#2 Packing Cubes
Seriously, these are a godsend, and anyone that doesn’t agree hasn’t tried them.
Packing cubes allow you to separate everything in your suitcase into clever cubes, and you can create a whole new system with your luggage once you have these on board.
Personally, I separate my travel items into types, such as underwear, swimsuits and socks, etc, but some savvy travelers actually use their packing cubes to plan and pack entire outfits! How clever is that?
In order to be as clever, simply pack separate outfits (all the way down to the underwear) into each of your packing cubes. Then, when you’re on your trip, just pull out a packing cube with your outfit of the day to get dressed!
I have previously shared my top packing tips and a packing list for winter in Norway, and I’d love to see someone try this tip using packing cubes!
Shop Packing Cubes:
#3 A luggage scale
You don’t understand the importance of one of these until you meet an airline official who won’t ignore that extra kilo of weight in your checked luggage.
Having to either repack everything you own to fit more in your carry-on or pay to check it all is not fun, and is something all travellers learn to avoid.
With a handy luggage scale at home, you never have to sweat and worry your way through the check-in queue again.
This is a unique travel gift because a lot of people don’t think to get travellers something so “simple”, and opt for the more fancy gifts for travelers instead.
But don’t ignore a small travel gift such as the portable luggage scale, as it will make someone very happy.
Shop luggage scales:
#4 Unique Camera Straps
This is a unique travel gift I’m quite excited to recommend!
I get so many compliments on my camera strap (it’s leather, and looks quite vintage-y, and I’ve got ‘Fjords and Beaches’ inscribed in it!), and I would be so happy to get a fun camera strap for Christmas or a birthday!
There are so many unique versions of this travel gift, so whether the person you are shopping for likes flowers or modern patterns, they’ll love this gift!
What’s so great about getting a camera strap as a gift for someone who loves traveling is that the price point is very varied. So, whether you want to spend $10 or $75, you’ll find a strap to fit your budget.
Shop fun camera straps:
#5 An Action Camera (such as the GoPro Hero)
Since we are on the topic of camera straps, another great item to buy someone going travelling (and a great piece of travel gear in general) is a GoPro Hero camera!
I have one myself, and it is one of my favourite things to travel with!
With an action camera you can easily capture any moment, and instantly upload to your social media to show everyone back home. This is a must for anyone who loves adventures, whether that means snorkelling, diving (like me) or bungee jumping.
These cameras have only gotten better as the years have gone by, and these days you can use it for more than just filming underwater. As an example, I have used my GoPro to take photos of the Northern Lights here in Norway!
Shop GoPro and action cameras:
#6 A Fun Travel Pillow
This one may seem a little silly, but trust me, if you are looking for travel gift ideas, it is an important one.
Most people ignore the importance of a good travel neck pillow, and end up arriving at their destination with a sore neck and tired eyes.
However, once you find the perfect travel pillow (it took me years), you’ll never be able to travel without one.
Mine has a little belt buckle in the front so I can clip it together, and it creates a perfect little haven for my sleepy head on long-haul flights, especially if I’m not travelling business class.
Find a great travel pillow here!
Gifts for business travelers
Are you looking for unique travel gifts for the business traveller in your life? Look no further.
There are many great gifts for business travelers, and knowing that someone travels often (and especially for business) will make it so much easier to shop for them!
You might feel as if you can’t get any fun travel gifts for business travelers, as everything should be convenient and practical.
That may be a little true, but I’m sure you’ll find some items on this list that you’ll love giving, and that will make someone very happy! Even if it might not be as fun as you were hoping.
So instead of scouring the internet for unique gifts for a business traveller, just keep reading as this list gets longer!
#7 A (personalised) Laptop Bag
As someone who travels quite frequently myself, I know the value of a good laptop bag. Anyone who travels for business will agree that this is a must.
How about taking it to the next step by personalising their new laptop bag? There are plenty of shops online where you can get someone’s new laptop bag monogrammed, or even order it with a photo on!
If you’re looking for some nice laptop bags for both men and women, here are some worth considering:
#8 A (home made) Guide Book
Business travellers are often envied because they get to travel so often, but you’ll be surprised to hear how rarely they actually get to explore the destinations they are visiting.
Long days of meetings and conference hotels close to the airport often means that these travellers don’t see much of the destination.
So a great (and fun) gift for business travelers is a guide book that focuses on seeing a place with little time.
This is even something you can create yourself by doing a fair bit of research and asking around if you have friends who have visited a destination!
Then, start creating your own guidebook using a program like Canva (it’s free), and before you know it, your gift is done.
#9 Experiences and travel vouchers
When you travel for business, most of your expenses are covered by the company you work for. Yet, you still have to pay for any experiences or activities you are hoping to join on your trips.
Therefore, even though your food and accommodation is covered, you’ll find that each trip has quite a few expenses linked to them nonetheless.
So, if you are looking for a great gift for a business traveller, why not get them a voucher for an experience in a destination they are visiting?
Sites such as GetYourGuide and Viator will let you book specific experiences for a friend – and I’m sure they’ll love you for such a thoughtful gift!
Travel gifts for women
If the person you are shopping for is a woman, this is the section for you.
There are so many unique gifts for travelers out there, but I’m sure you want to make it truly perfect (especially if you’re shopping for your mom, right?).
These are some of the best gift ideas I could think of when it comes to shopping for a woman who loves to travel, and I hope you find what you need!
Whether you are looking for travel gifts for mom, your sister or your best friend, any of your travel loving friends will love these gift ideas. Include these under the tree to ensure your popularity this Christmas.
Side note: a man might also love some (or all) of these.
#10 Travel journal
Now, I definitely believe that this could be a great gift for men as well as women, but it seems that more women are into journalling at the moment – and so it ended up in this section.
Journalling is a great way to keep yourself on track when it comes to reaching your goals, and remembering current emotions and impressions.
A travel journal can be whatever you want them to be, and you can start off with an empty journal to fill out as you please, or buy a themed travel journal for easy prompts on what to write.
Some of the travel journals that exist today are pre-filled, and prompt you every day (or as often as you like) to write something interesting about your adventures. These are perfect for travellers who want to set goals and stay on track whilst on their trips. Or just someone who wants to get started journalling.
Shop fun travel journals:
#11 Coordinate Bracelets
If you are getting a gift for your best friend, close friend or girlfriend, why not get something personal that signifies a place that’s special for her?
You can get coordinate bracelets for both men and women, and it is such a great and unique thing to get someone who loves to travel!
Pro tip: Have the coordinates of your friend’s home town engraved in the bracelet, so no matter how much she travels, she’ll never forget where she came from! I would have loved receiving a thoughtful gift like that.
The best place to find engraved bracelets is on Etsy. Find options for coordinate bracelets here!
#12 World map necklace
As mentioned, I was given a world map necklace from my friends for my birthday after I quit my 9-5 to become a full-time travel blogger, and it is the most thoughtful and unique travel present I have ever gotten.
My necklace is gold-laced from ByBiehl, but there are loads of budget options out there.
I have worn my necklace since the day I got it (and you’ll easily recognise it on my Instagram stories), and have gotten so many compliments for it! I’ve also had some of my followers buy similar necklaces and tag me on Instagram to show me, and it makes me so happy!
Here are some of my favourite world map necklaces for every budget:
#13 A Fun Beach towel
Seriously, whether you are a frequent traveller, a backpacker or just travel a few times a year to soak up the sun, travelling with your own beach towel is a must.
Many hotels don’t offer towels to use on the beach on a complimentary basis, and I have found (more than once) that I have had to buy a towel at a destination, only to throw it out when it’s time to head home.
Not great for the environment, or your wallet.
Luckily there are loads of handy beach towel options out there that you can travel with! I have this one in microfiber, and it wraps up to take up no space at all in its little container, and dries super quick!
Travel gifts for men
If you are specifically looking for traveling gifts for him and travel gifts for men, I have some great tips for you ahead.
There are loads of gift ideas for travelers out there, yet it can be especially hard to find great and unique travel gifts for him. I actually think shopping for my brother and dad to be the hardest thing every Christmas or birthday. If you are anything like me, I hope this is helpful.
I split this post into several sections to make it easier for you to sort through all the best travel gifts there are, and find the perfect gift for whoever you’re shopping for.
So, whether you are looking for a present for your dad or your friend this year, I hope you’ll find the perfect idea on this list.
#14 Luggage
You may feel that giving luggage for Christmas or birthdays is a little dull, but it doesn’t have to be.
Luggage is so much more than the dreary black suitcase you used to lug around, and can be quite a unique gift if you put in a bit of effort.
Whether the man you are shopping for is a backpack kinda guy, or more of a ‘briefcase and checked luggage’-style traveller, you can’t go wrong with buying luggage as a fun travel gift for any man!
#15 A stylish (travel) watch
Have you seen the number of cool watches out there these days?
Some are classic, with leather details or monochrome, whilst others have world maps and different time zones in them!
The latter is the perfect gift for a man who loves to travel, and there are so many to chose from. Buying a watch doesn’t have to break the bank either, as there are countless options out there. Here are some of my favourites:
Personalised travel gifts
This is my favourite section of the post!
Shopping for unique travel gifts is always fun, regardless of you are looking for presents for him or her. And nothing beats a personalised travel gift, and so these are my absolute best tips for travel-themed presents!
What I also love is how you don’t have to break the bank in order to get a personalised travel gift, which is contrary to what most people believe.
It’s the thought that counts, of course, and with these you are truly showing the person you are shopping for that you went out of your way to get something personal, while also honoring their love for travel!
#16 Coordinate glasses
This is a great gift for anyone who loves to travel, and one I would especially recommend for Valentine’s Day!
There are loads of sellers on Etsy offering this service, and it’s both simple and brilliant at the same time. Basically, they engrave your chosen coordinates into anything made of glass, and you can chose from wine glasses, whiskey glasses, and even glass bottles.
Whether the coordinate is the place you met your significant other, your favourite holiday destination, or something else, this travel-themed gift will hit right home!
Find loads of different sellers who engrave glasses with coordinates on Etsy!
#17 Fridge Magnets with Photos
I have ordered a bunch of fridge magnets from Lalalab, which is a super simple and easy to use App for your phone! Use your own memories and photos to order cute fridge magnets for your friends who love to travel (and who hopefully were with you in the photos).
In addition to magnets, you can order books, posters and most kinds of prints with your own photos.
Bonus: Use my code PGTI24YM to get €5 off your first Lalalab order!
#18 A personalised colouring book
I didn’t even know this was a thing before I started researching this post!
Imagine getting a colouring book made up of your own holiday photos? How cool is that?! This is the perfect gift to give someone you have traveled on holiday with in the past.
I’ve officially added this to my list, and I think that whether you are an adult or a child, you’ll find some joy in this truly unique travel gift.
You can make one online here!
#19 Personalised Makeup Pouch or Case
I love using makeup bags and pouches of various sizes to help me get organised when packing for a trip, and use them for more than just toiletries. I put chargers, chords, and more in various makeup pouches, and think you can never have enough of them.
So if you want a gift that’s super convenient and personal at the same time, why not consider a personalised makeup case? There are plenty of sellers on Etsy that can monogram and engrave pouches and bags, and you can find a bunch of them right here.
#20 Customised Passport Holder
The passport holder may seem like a ‘used up’ present for travellers, but by personalising it you can make it the favourite gift under the tree this year!
Consider having the person’s name engraved into a classic leather passport holder, or even having a photo from their favourite trip printed on it. There are plenty of great ideas for personalised passport holders, and so this doesn’t have to be a boring present.
More Travel Gift Ideas
There you have some of my top tips for travel gifts for anyone who is traveling abroad or who just love to travel. Now, there were a few that didn’t quite make the cut (I wanted to keep this list to the top 20 only).
However, I won’t keep them from you, so here they are:
- A Universal travel adapter (maybe a little boring, but always handy)
- A Filtered water bottle
- Or any kind of fun water bottle
- A Personal water filter
- A Portable power bank
- Luggage tags
As a constant wanderluster myself, any of these presents would make me incredibly happy! Of course, there are lots of other unique travel gifts that could be added to the list, and I do intend to continuously update it as I think of them. If you have any suggestions, why not add them in the comments below?
