Trying to find a gift for someone who loves to travel? While it’s easy to wrap up a new gadget, I love it when gifts have a little more intent behind them. Whether you’re searching for the perfect present for a birthday, Christmas, anniversary, or just because, here are 10 ideas for meaningful travel-related gifts that will put a smile on any adventurer’s face!
1 – A Family Vacation Photo Album
So many times we come back from trips with phones and cameras full of photos and forget to do anything with them (aside from a quick Facebook post). Use a service such as Shutterfly or Artifact Uprising to create a custom photo book filled with their favorite travel memories. Along similar lines, you can create prints or a canvas of their favorite vacation photos to display around the house.
2 – Personalized Travel Memorabilia
Gift a piece of decor, or a personal item, that reminds them of one of their favorite trips. For example, a print of the Amalfi Coast to remind them of a honeymoon in Italy. An Eiffel Tower ornament inspired by a trip to France. A Disney charm for their Pandora bracelet. If they collect souvenirs from their travels, gift them a shelf or shadowbox where they can display their favorite items (instead of storing them in a closet somewhere).
3 – Photography Supplies
Do you know someone who would love to take more Instagram-worthy vacation photos? Gift them a camera, phone accessories, or even a set of photography lessons so they can improve their skills. You can also offer to cover a photo package for their next trip (very handy for trips to the Disney Parks or a cruise).
4 – A Travel-Inspired Meal
Research one of their favorite dishes from a past trip and learn how to recreate it at home. Make a night of it with themed music and a full menu of travel-inspired recipes. If you’re ambitious, you can purchase or create a cookbook so they can continue to enjoy the new cuisine at home. Another option is to purchase a set of travel-inspired snacks from a specialty food store.
5 – Beautiful Luggage
A gift of unique or personalized luggage can be a gateway to future trips, especially if it can double as décor. Look for vintage travel trunks, themed luggage (e.g. a Minnie Mouse suitcase), or a monogrammed weekender bag. If you know they could use a little more efficiency, consider a complete luggage set or a dedicated bag for a purpose they need, such as a laptop bag or a makeup case.
6 – A Travel Journal
Offer the gift of inspiration and reflection with a keepsake travel journal. Invite them to write down places they’d love to visit, places they have visited, and all of their favorite travel memories. You can package it with some travel guidebooks, adventure novels, or travel magazines (such as National Geographic or Conde Nast Traveler) to spark new interests. As an alternative (if you know they’re not much of a writer), consider a wall map where they can put pins in all of their past travel spots.
7 – A Travel Gift Basket
Build a themed gift basket with a series of travel-inspired activities you can enjoy together. Here are a few quick ideas:
Disney: a Mickey waffle maker, Minnie Mouse headband, themed puzzles, Walt Disney World Monopoly, Mickey Mouse-shaped snacks, and a subscription to Disney+
Italy: a copy of “Under the Tuscan Sun”, a cookbook, a mosaic craft kit, pizza-making supplies, and popcorn for a movie night (Roman Holiday)
8 – Babysitting/Pet-Sitting
If they have young kids or pets, one of the best things you can offer is to help them get a week or weekend away. Gift a coupon for child-care and offer a few options that would work for your schedule (don’t worry, you can always work out the specifics later). Even a night away so they can enjoy a local restaurant can go a long way.
9 – A Passport
Give the gift of freedom with access to a passport. If they’ve never had one, offer to schedule an appointment to apply for one (or offer childcare so they can go themselves). If they already have one, find a personalized passport holder that they can take on their next trip.
10 – A Dream Trip
Of course, one of the best gifts you can give someone who loves travel is a trip itself! Book a trip they’ve been dreaming about for a while, but haven’t yet made time for. It doesn’t matter if you’re going right on the occasion or enjoying the excitement of long-term planning: they’ll just love that you thought of their wish list.
But I challenge you to take it a step further: book the trip through a travel concierge so they don’t have to worry about the details of planning. They’ll get an expert on-hand to make sure every moment of the trip is incredible, and you’ll get all the credit!
Want to take the first step towards planning a trip? I’d love to help. As a travel concierge, I love to help my clients experience their dream vacations without the stress. While I specialize in Disney and Universal destinations, I’m always happy to discuss ideas for one-of-a-kind adventures. Contact me to learn more:
Wishing you and your loved ones a life full of adventures!
