The Ultimate Gift Guide for Frequent Travellers
The Ultimate Gift Guide for the Travellers in Your Life
Thoughtful, practical, and joy-giving ideas for people who are always on the move.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through for more information, or to make a purchase, it may result in a small commission coming my way. Please note that there is no extra cost to you associated with this. Thank you so much for supporting my site.
Buying gifts for frequent travellers can be tricky. They live light. They value practicality. And often, what they cherish most are the little comforts that make life on the road feel like home. If you have a loved one who is always setting off on their next adventure, whether it’s a slow-travel sabbatical, a monthly work trip, or long-term wandering, this guide gathers thoughtful ideas they’ll actually use (and delight in).
Gifts That Make Travel Easier
These are the practical things that simplify the journey. They are clever, packable items that smooth airport queues, bus rides, and long-haul flights.
Compact power bank – Lightweight but powerful enough to recharge multiple devices. I never travel without my power bank. Being connected is vital for problem-free travel these days (what on earth did we do before the internet?😕), so having a reliable power bank is essential. I prefer one that can recharge itself through a built-in solar panel. We took this Vikeri Solar Power Bank on our recent trip to South America. It proved invaluable, especially when we were away from mains power for a few days.
Universal travel adapter – One small cube that works in nearly every country. I have this universal travel adaptor that works almost everywhere in the world.
For my forthcoming trip to India and Nepal, though, I have bought this one that has the necessary three round pins.
Packing cubes – A classic for a reason; they keep everything tidy and accessible. Since I started using packing cubes a few years ago, I've never looked back! They are so useful for keeping your stuff organised and accessible. It means that you don't have to unpack your entire case or bag to find one item. A set like this one would make the perfect gift.
Fold-flat water bottle – Saves space, reduces plastic, and keeps travellers hydrated. This is the one I always travel with.
Luggage tracker – A small device that offers big peace of mind on chaotic travel days. This is a great gift idea for someone who travels. If you're not sure whether the person has an iPhone or an Android, buy them this one, which is compatible with both systems.
Gifts That Bring Comfort on the Road
A little comfort goes a long way when someone’s far from home.
Soft, compact travel blanket – Ideal for planes, night buses, and chilly hostels. If I don't take one of these with me, I invariably end up buying one while I'm away! I like this one because it folds up into a pillow.
Ergonomic travel pillow – Something small but supportive for better sleep on the move. This is a very personal thing, so I would check with the person before buying. Personally, having tried many different travel pillows over the years, I've decided I just can't get on with them! If I need a pillow, I use my blanket (see above), or a rolled-up jacket or jumper. Having said this, if you do want to buy one, this pillow is recommended by some of my travelling friends.
Shampoo and conditioner bars – Space-saving, eco-friendly treats that feel like a moment of self-care. Again, this is probably a personal choice, so check with the intended recipient. My choice is always KinKind.
Noise-cancelling earbuds or headphones – For travellers who need quiet while they roam. I'm far too nosy to use these - like to know what's going on around me😂! However, I do appreciate that we're not all alike. On our South America trip, one of our fellow passengers used them all the time and said they were the best thing he had ever bought. These headphones come recommended.
Gifts for Mindful & Slow Travellers
If your traveller loves wandering at a gentle pace, diving deep into local life, and savouring handmade experiences, these gifts embrace that spirit.
Travel journal – A beautiful place to capture moments, sketches, and stories from the road. I never go anywhere without a journal or notebook. I prefer an A5 book with ribbon markers, a pen holder, an inner pocket to store tickets, etc., and an elastic fastening like this one.
Portable craft kit – Perfect for creative travellers: slow stitching, embroidery, or watercolour mini-sets. I always have some small hand-stitching projects with me when I travel. My current passion is Sashiko, a Japanese slow-stitching technique. Something like this kit would suit me down to the ground 😊. Find out what your friend or relative enjoys, and buy them something suitable.
Handmade fabric pouch or organiser – Keeps little treasures safe and adds a personal touch.
Local craft vouchers – Workshops in sashiko, pottery, weaving, or batik that they can book while travelling. I love taking classes and courses when I'm travelling. Even if your loved one isn't into crafts, these vouchers from Get Your Guide will allow them to book walks, tours, tickets, and other amazing experiences while they are away.
Gifts That Connect Them to Home
Being away so often can tug at the heart. These gifts feel like a warm hug from afar.
Digital photo frame loaded with family photos or handwritten notes. If your loved one is away for a long time, this would be the perfect gift. This one comes recommended by a friend who is posted overseas for three or six-month stints.
Tiny keepsake jewellery or keyring – Something symbolic but small enough for a minimalist packer. I love this keyring 😊.
Subscription to their favourite magazine or audiobook service – A familiar voice wherever they are.
Gifts for Long-Term Travellers & Nomads
These are ideal for those who may be gone for months (or years!) at a time.
Ultralight towel – Quick-drying and easy to pack. Some travellers like the microfibre travel towels. I have used them in the past, but now I prefer to take a Turkish or Egyptian cotton lightweight towel that doubles up as a bed cover, a sarong, or even a picnic blanket on the beach!
Mini home comforts such as reusable cutlery, a collapsible bowl, or a small spice kit. This cutlery set would make a perfect gift.
eSIM credit – Digital data they can use anywhere without faff. Companies like Yesim offer this service. Just make sure that your loved one has a compatible phone before making a purchase.
Travel-friendly laundry tools – A compact wash bag or biodegradable travel soap. These wash bags can save your loved one a fortune in laundry bills.
Gift cards for accommodation platforms – Always appreciated, always useful.
Budget-Friendly Gifts That Still Feel Thoughtful
Small doesn’t mean insignificant — sometimes the most loved travel gifts cost under £20.
Beautiful luggage tags - these luggage tags and matching straps will make any bags easily locatable on the carousel.
Cable organisers - this useful organiser bag is lightweight and will keep all a traveller's cables tangle-free, and provide safe storage for a hard drive and power bank.
Travel-sized reusable toiletry bottles (bonus points if you fill them with their favourite products!). This set is compact and useful.
A handwritten travel blessing or quote tucked into their passport holder
Luxury Gifts for the Traveller You Want to Spoil
For big occasions, milestone birthdays, or “just because they deserve it” moments:
Lightweight premium luggage - Due to our advancing years, Mark and I switched from backpacks a few years ago! I now use an Eastpak soft case with wheels, which is lightweight and durable. It has already served me well on a nine-month trip around Africa and six months in South America, and I'm about to take it to India with me.
High-quality camera or phone lens kit - whilst many travellers (me included!) no longer want to carry cumbersome cameras with them, this phone lens kit makes taking incredible photos with your mobile so much easier.
Travel-friendly laptop or tablet - this Lenovo slim laptop offers great functionality while being sufficiently lightweight for on-the-go use.
Airline lounge passes or membership
A weekend retreat or slow-travel experience — something to savour rather than collect. Find the perfect break through Booking.com
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Final Tips for Choosing the Perfect Traveller’s Gift
When in doubt, ask yourself three things:
Will it lighten their load?
Will it bring comfort or joy when they’re far from home?
Does it fit their travel style — slow, adventurous, minimalist, creative?
If the answer is yes to even one of those, you’ve found a winner 😊.
If you’re travelling soon, please use these links!
Are you travelling soon? Use these links when making your bookings. These are the companies we use. It won’t cost you any extra, but we will earn a few pennies to help keep Happy Days Travel Blog going. Thank you!!
Book your travel insurance with World Nomads. If you are a digital nomad or long-term traveller, try the specialist provider SafetyWing. (Never leave home without protecting yourself, your trip and your belongings!)
Book your flight with Skyscanner
Book your accommodation with Booking.com
Book a tour with Tour Radar
Book city tours and activities with Viator or Get Your Guide
Check out my Resource Page for more companies I recommend.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through for more information, or to make a purchase, it may result in a small commission coming my way. Please note that there is no extra cost to you associated with this. Thank you so much for supporting my site.
