Rachel’s (Amazingly Festive) List of Fun Travel Gifts

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The Holiday Season is finally here, which means fun travel gifts for everyone.

As most of you already know, I have been traveling for well over seven years now. Seven years. Wow, I still can’t believe it’s been that long. I won’t rant about how old I am (for once). Instead of whining, I’ll spread the upcoming holiday cheer and dive right into the “real content” of this post: fun travel gifts!

Face it. We all know someone who travels. It might be a close friend or another travel influencer, or heck, you miiiiiight even be looking for presents to buy yourself. Not gonna lie. I give myself gifts all the time. I deserve a lovely treat every now and then.

In this post, I decided to break down my fun travel gift guide into smaller chunks to make reading more manageable for everyone. Ultimately it’s the perfect post for giving gifts to travelers like … well, me. I have travel gifts for her, gifts for travel bloggers, best travel books, and on and on and on.

Enjoy!

Practical Gifts for Travelers

1. A Reliable Phone Charger

Always have a spare phone charger packed in your bag. We all carry cell phones, and, without a doubt, we all want them fully powered so it’s easy to call loved ones and tell them magical travel stories. Or at least that we’ve arrived safely at our destination. As you know, your battery drains like crazy if you take pictures on your phone. The last thing you want is for your phone to die. Furthermore you might want to watch different movies or television shows on the plane rather than whatever the airline provides. A portable phone charger will keep you connected 24/7.

2. TSA Approved Liquid Bags

This bottle set and bag includes everything you need packed inside a little TSA approved package. Having a TSA approved liquid bag in your possession will make your life easier, particularly while suffering in long security lines in international airports. You’ll also save money having the gel cups ahead of time. Rather than spend cash on travel sized shampoo bottles, you can fill the bottles with your shampoo from home and take them with you instead. Simple and cheap.

3. A Canon Rebel Camera+Bundle

My favorite camera is my Canon Rebel which I take with me on all my trips around the world. If you buy someone a new camera, it’s cool to be an extra giving friend and ensure they have memory card and wide angle lens, and other great accessories to enhance their travel photos. The Canon Rebel is a “beginners” SLR so no classes are even necessary for understanding how to use the camera. Your Canon Rebel will help your travel memories last forever. Yay!

4. Strong High Quality Luggage

Quality luggage is worth its weight in gold to a traveler. These suitcases last for years on end if you take good care of them. I currently own a Tumi V3 International Expandable Carry-On luggage, and it’s never failed me. This piece of luggage has a TSA-approved lock to keep your belongings safe and sound. Furthermore, the four recessed dual wheels make it simple to move your luggage through big international airports. The Tumi Carry-On fits perfectly into the overhead compartments on planes, meaning you’re able to keep your stuff with you at all times. It’s the best travel investment I have ever made! I even have my initials engraved on mine.

5. Compression Socks

Long haul flights are facts of life for avid travelers. We haven’t invented teleportation yet. Compression socks are designed to boost your circulation, and thus, they prevent blood clots on longer plane rides. Physix gear compression socks come in a variety of colors and are suitable for both men and women.

6. Electronics Travel Organizer

Okay, if you’re anything like me and travel with a boatload of electronics, then purchase an electronics traveler organizer to keep all those random wires straight. As you probably know, travel involves cameras, international plugs, and more odds and ends. I know I always seem to lose a wire or two in my hostels, haha. This pack will keep everything safe and organized.

Unique Travel Gifts for Your Pals

1. A “Scratch Off the World” Map

Keep track of your amazing adventures with a “scratch off the world” map to hang in your home or apartment. Literally scratch off the countries you’ve seen and watch color fill the world. You’re amazing, my friend, and this map makes a super cool and fun travel gift that inspires a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, for domestic US travelers, there are lines for each individual state so you can be super specific about your trips. Show everyone your experiences through your “scratch off the world” map and reminisce.

2. Whiskey Globe Decanter Set

Are you a fan of whiskeys and travel? Then I have the perfect present for you! Buy this whiskey globe decanter set and use it at parties. You can mix your two favorite things together, haha.

3. Camera Lens Coffee Mug

Avid travel photographers will love this fun travel gift: a camera lens coffee mug! Just don’t get confused with this mug and your real lens; otherwise you might be in trouble. I’m a sucker for coffee mugs, and think this one is really super unique.

4. Cork Globe with Pins

Not a fan of the “scratch off map” or have limited space on your walls? Then perhaps check out this cork globe with pins to add to your pre-existing travel decor. Set it on your living room table or near you bed.

Travel Gifts for Her

Yup, I have even more fun travel gifts for you guys. These ones are specifically for female travelers since you wonderful ladies make up the bulk of my audience! Happy reading!

1. Travel Infinity Scarf

A travel infinity scarf is one of the nicest travel gifts for her. I’m dead serious. Scarves brighten any outfit. Plus this item is super practical with its built-in pocket meaning you don’t need to lug around a huge purse. Travel infinity scarves come in many colors, and are versatile enough to coordinate with a variety of outfits. Perfect for the solo female traveler.

2. Patchology Rejuvenating Eye Gels

We all know those pesky international flights leave us jetlagged, meaning puffy exhausted eyes. Rejuvenating eye gels will keep you looking wide awake and energetic in your new destination. Each jar has thirty pairs of eye gels which will keep you stocked throughout the year.

3. Tumi Calais Voyageur Backpack

I rave about my Tumi Calais Voyageur Backpack all the time and for good reason. I take it with me everywhere, on day trips and weekend adventures into the city. It’s not only stylish, but also super practical for all travelers (haha, how many times do I use the phrase “super practical” in this post? I’ve lost count). There’s even a padded space to keep your laptop safe. Splurge on the Tumi Calais backpack for yourself or on a really dear friend who loves to travel as much as you do!

4. An Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag

Safety is a priority for solo female travelers (and well, all travelers). You want to keep your belongings protected from pickpockets and other unsavory types on your adventures. Travelon makes great anti-theft crossbody bags that do the job well. Watch out, pickpockets!

5. Cute Cosmetic Bag

Ahhhh, no travel gift guide would be complete without including an adorable travel cosmetics bag into the mix. Effectively stop your toiletries and cosmetics from making a big mess inside your backpack and instead keep them inside a useful bag, such as this one.

6. Minimal Travel Make Up

I prefer wearing minimal travel make up when I go sightseeing or board public transportation to my next destination. Check out the linked post to see some of my favorite minimal cosmetics. You’ll perfect your casual travel look with these great items.

Best Books for Travelers

We all know I’m a crazy literary traveler so this gift post wouldn’t be complete without a section dedicated to books. Without further ado, here are some of my own recommendations to share with you.

1. “A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail” — Bill Bryson

Bill Bryson weaves together comedy and travel writing in his memoir A Walk in the Woods. Bryson’s epic journey on the Appalachian Trail depicts travel writing at its best with its history of the trail and cast of hilarious characters. You can purchase A Walk in the Woods in paperback or for your device.

2. “You Are a Bad Ass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life” — Jen Sincero

As a traveler, “never doubt your own greatness” and live the life of your dreams. We’re only on this earth once. Make the time worth it. Jen Sincero’s book You Are a Bad Ass will give you step-by-step advice to pursue your dreams and trust the universe. Go after your best life and love yourself along the way! Nothing is stopping you!

3. “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond the Fear” — Elizabeth Gilbert

Big Magic is the perfect book for anyone seeking to live a more creative and entrepreneurial lifestyle. Even if you hated Eat, Pray, Love, you should still give Big Magic a try, especially if you desire to create a business that co-exists with your travel lifestyle. It’s so very possible.

4. “Wild” — Cheryl Strayed

Similar to a Walk in the Woods, Wild is another travel memoir that involves a great deal of hiking, this time on the Pacific Crest Trail. Cheryl Strayed is a magnificent storyteller who tells readers about how she set out on the trail to finally conquer the emotional demons that have tormented her since her mother’s death.Wild is essential reading for all solo female travelers.

5. A Beautiful Travel Journal

I advocate writing a travel journal on all your trips. Your memory is wonderful, I’m sure, but you’ll want to cherish the small details of your adventures by the time you’ve returned home. Purchase a unique travel journal to write all your stories and cherish them forever.

6. The Brand New Kindle Paperwhite

One of the most fun travel gifts you can buy! I’m serious. Just … eeeee, you guys, I’m totally fangirling the new Kindle device that was released this month (November 2018). I wish I would’ve waited until this year to buy one! Now the paperwhite Kindle is waterproof, which is perfect for those pool and beach destinations. Furthermore, you can pair your Kindle with Audible and listen to audiobooks on your travels. I’d immediately invest in a Kindle paperwhite if I hadn’t just bought one in June. You won’t regret it. It’s the best device for travelers who love books.

More Fun Travel Gifts: The Best Gifts for Travel Bloggers

Finally travel bloggers are a special breed who not only need fun travel gifts, but resources to run their websites. They love exploring the world so much that they create travel content for the masses. Help them out!

1. Superstar Blogging Course

I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of the Superstar Blogging Course. This class is outstanding for new and intermediate bloggers. Learn all about creating a quality blog with wordpress, maximizing your social media reach, building your audience, implementing SEO tactics, and much more. Plus you’ll be part of a supportive Facebook group where you’ll make connections with other travel influencers. Join today!

Purchase the Superstar Blogging Course for your blogger friends.

2. Siteground Hosting

As a travel blogger, you need a hosting plan which you trust to take care of your baby, erm, I mean, your blog. Siteground is very affordable and provides high quality service to bloggers. Their support is always super duper friendly and willing to solve any problem. And if you’re like me and break things a lot, then you’ll want to invest in Siteground due to their great service alone.

Purchase a Hosting Plan with Siteground.

3. Working With Brands and Tourism Boards Course

Okay, let’s be real here. A lot of travel bloggers hope to work with their favorite brands and tourism boards one day in the future. Amanda, who writers at A Dangerous Business, has a fantastic course about this very subject! Her online class called “Working With Brands and Tourism Boards” will teach how not to send cringy pitches and what to expect on press trips with tourism boards. Her pitching templates are worth their weight in gold!

Purchase the Working with Brands and Tourism Boards Course.

4. Affiliate Marketing Course

Want to earn more money on your travel blog, but aren’t sure where to begin? Then Amanda’s Affiliate Marketing for Travel Bloggers: A Beginner’s Guide course will help you get started on that goal!

Purchase Amanda’s Affiliate Marketing Course and Earn Money Now

5. Tailwind Account

Tailwind is the best scheduling tool for Pinterest. I saw a great boost in traffic after signing up for a Tailwind account. To succeed on Pinterest, you need to pin multiple times a day at optimal hours, and these peak times vary from person to person. Tailwind takes all the hard work out of this task! Woo! Purchase Tailwind for your travel blogging pal.

6. Smugmug Account

Crisp travel photos are essential for running a top notch travel blog. One of the best fun travel gifts for an influencer would be a Smugmug Account. Smugmug is my favorite image hosting service. Not only do you have space for your images, but you can also sell them if you feel inclined to do so! Win/win for travel bloggers.

What are some fun travel gifts that you can buy for someone going traveling? As always, share your ideas in the comments.