Almost the same question comes to my head: What is the best gift I could give people around me to make them happy? And for years, I always asked the question, “Do you prefer an experience or a thing ? Which would make you happy?”.

I feel like experiences are the best gifts (at least for me), and if you would be interested, I could also prepare a list like this with ideas on how to give something unique and memorable to your loved ones – leave a comment if you would like to see this one.

But today I’m presenting you the THINGS list. Because usually, we travel-souls buy those things ourselves – but how nice it is to get something that enriches your passion from someone who loves you!

Links are just a suggestion and also sometimes come from Austrian pages or a place where I found it now; feel free to use them or not. I can say that I have and use 90% of the list. Not from the same companies, but the type of thing is the same. Below each, I explain why I think it is a good gift or why the person who loves to travel would like to get them from you. Some gifts combined can make a fun Travel Starter Pack – some separately could make your fellow traveler happy.

Best Travel Gifts to €20

Compression Packing Cubes

Honestly, when I first got them, I thought it was a cool gadget, but I didn’t know much about it also; everyone else was buying them. I got mine 6 years ago, and I always use them to pack until today. It is clearer to me where things are, but it also makes it easier when you move around a lot between a hotel and hostels while traveling. I believe that everyone can use it. It doesn’t matter if they travel a lot or just a bit; it makes it more accessible.

Here you can find it on Amazon
Here you can find it on AliExpress

Thin Travel Bedsheets

This gift I got at one of the conferences, and I wasn’t sure why I would need it, but right now, when traveling more and sometimes in not the cleanest hostels – this is a lifesaver. So very thin is it a pack does not take a lot of space. If your traveler likes adventurous places, they will appreciate it.

Here you can find it in Decathlon.

 

Foldable Travel Bag

Whenever I travel, I always take a small bag with me, especially if I plan to buy gifts and maybe some souvenirs from the place where I was. This especially comes in handy when you take just hand luggage, and on the way back, you can pay an additional fee to have this bag with you. Mine comes from the 90s, and I couldn’t find the same one, but you get the point you basically can use a zipper and make it small and use it whenever you need.

Here you can find it on Amazon.

Passport Cover

I think it’s always a good idea to have your documents on a cover give this additional layer of security because there is nothing worse than damaging your passport or travel documents when you’re far away from home. Right now, online you can find so many cool designs I bought mine in South Korea and every time I look at it I remind myself about this trip.

Here you can find it on Amazon

International Plug Adapter

It’s always good to check if the country you are going to has the same electricity plugs as you do at home. Because if not and you realize too late you will have to buy a plug-in at the airport or later waste time to look for one on the spot. This gift always comes in handy and each traveler should have at least one.

Here you can find it on Amazon

Unique Travel Notebook

Some take pictures, and they’re those who like to put their memories on paper and what is a better way than their own unique travel notebook. Imagine filling it out with tickets, small pieces of maps, memories, Polaroid pictures, and in a few years it’s the best travel diary ever.

Here you can find it on Amazon

Portable Scale for Luggage

Before entering the airport, I have a question: Is it 10 kg or 8 of hand luggage or maybe I overpacked again? So that is why a portable scale is just the best just for my peace of mind and making sure that if I have too many things I can just put them on myself without having to stress or trying to convince the airport crew.

Here you can find it on Amazon

Portable Travel Jewelry Box

I will be honest I have one, but I do not use it too often especially when I’m backpacking, I do not need it. But I do take it when I’m traveling somewhere fancier or to the conference or maybe my friends’ wedding. There is nothing more annoying than taking out your necklace, which is tangled with many other things, and here in this box, it’s not happening.

Here you can find it on Amazon

Microfiber Quickdry Towel

I think this is one of the most popular travel gadgets everywhere, but maybe your favorite traveler doesn’t have one yet? Not only it does dry quickly but it’s very easy to transport and does not take much space. I usually travel with two of them, one for showering and the second one for the beach/pool.

Here you can find it on Amazon
Here you can find it in Decathlon

Electronic Organizer Bag

Sometimes I am amazed at how many cables do I need while traveling but at the same time I really do use them all. Same logic as with tangled and lost jewelry this is a lifesaver.

Here you can find it on Amazon

Travel Size Shampoo Bar

For around 3 years I’m only using bar shampoo during my travels. This is because it’s such a space-saving solution, with no plastic and additionally, you do not have to worry about 100ml fluids at the airport. I tried a few brands, and the one I’m always coming back to is the one from Lush. You can also get the conditioner in the same form from natural ingredients.

Here you can find it at Lush.com
I always buy the one called – “Honey I Washed My Hair“

Headlamp

I’m actually using this one the most during music festivals when I need to reach my tent in the darkness, but it also came in handy while staying on Sahara during the night, and on many order occasions. Simple gadget bad allows you to have free hands especially if you need to do something in your tent or when you’re hiking and it’s getting dark too soon.

You can find it here on Amazon

Travel Icon T-shirt

I know that sometimes we assume that almost everyone speaks English when we travel, and it shouldn’t be that hard. But the truth is that when you start traveling to places that are way less touristic, you might encounter communication problems that not even Google translate could solve. And here comes the “Show me the way T-shirt,” which works like this: you are rude and if you met someone who does not speak the same language or do you have difficulties communicating with your point towards the icon which represents what you’re looking for. I do not have one yet mainly because I really hate most of the designs but I think next time I will be traveling to less-traveled spots – I will get one, always wanted one!

Here you can find it on Amazon

Phone Tripod with Bluetooth Remote

The best is the one (in my opinion) which can be stretched to match your height. This way you avoid weird angles of the picture. I ordered mine a long time ago from Aliexpress, especially when I had to travel light and alone. It is pretty stable and essential when you take pictures, and you don’t want blurry. Additionally, thanks to the remote, you can control more what will be in the picture.

Here is the one I have from Aliexpress
Here you can find one on Amazon

Travel Scarf with a Hidden Pocket

This one I found this while preparing this blog post. I feel if you are in a place or maybe you do not feel too safe, and you want to make sure you’re most essential documents stay close to you and not in the most obvious place, this scarf could be the way. Typical travel belly bags or fanny packs are too well known, both to you and the person who might want to steal things from you.

Find it here on Amazon

Chipolo for forgetful ones

That Bluetooth chips remind you when you leave your wallet or keys behind you or help you find them with a sound when you think you lost them. You put a card like this into your wallet and connect it with the mobile app (do the same with your keys). I have one on my keys, and it’s saved me many times. I am sure they’ll silently thank you every time they find their keys, wallet, or phone while being abroad.

You can order it here

See-Through Cosmetic Bag

I have at least 10 of them in different sizes and it’s the best thing ever and let me tell you why. When you travel and always have to pack and unpack, it’s comfortable to see through this bag and know exactly what you packed. Additionally, I was allowed to use this as my hand luggage bag with fluid quite a few times because it’s see-through and it had the correct size. It looks simple, but trust me, you will not go back to the ones with prints once you get one like this.

You can find it here on Amazon

Travel Perfume Containers

I have one like this for a few years now, and I use it during every travel I take. If you don’t know how it works, you basically press perfume from your big bottle into the small container, so then during travel, you have this tiny version of your perfume with you, everywhere. It’s easy to refill, and you can also use it daily for your bag.

You can find it here on Amazon

Travel Hammock

Perfect gadget for weekend picnic trips or even short hikes around your town. Not to forget, what an amazing thing to have while camping. We have one and it’s very comfortable and easy to attach to the trees.

You can find it here on Amazon

Best Travel Gifts Above €20

Travel Size Iron

I recently realized I might need one during my travels, especially because not every Hostel provides them or they are in terrible shape, burned, and I wouldn’t want to use it on my clothes. I usually try to pack things that I do not need to iron, but sometimes there is a need with a dress or something fancier. So this might come in handy for someone who needs to take care of their clothes during their trips.

You can find it here on Amazon

LifeStraw Filtered Water Bottle

The perfect bottle for all those hikers and adventures travelers. Thanks to the special straw – it removes at least 99.9999% of water-borne bacteria. And one LifeStraw filters up to 1,000 liters of contaminated water without using iodine, chlorine, or other chemicals. Until now, I didn’t need one, but I know going on a more adventurous trip or some crazy camping would be my choice.

You can find it here on Amazon

Airplane Tickets Vouchers

If you still cannot decide, I think the flight vouchers are the gifts that will make anyone happy! I’m almost sure most of the big airlines are offering similar things; here I found one from Ryanair and one from a company offering different flights.

 

 

5 Minute Journal

This guided journal you do for five minutes a day around three minutes in the morning and two minutes at night. I feel like it’s a perfect gift for someone who has a busy life, maybe works or travels a lot, many things are happening and this allows to pause and reflect and see the bright moments. Including great travel memories. If the person you think about likes to keep their memories written down I know they will love this one.

You can find it here on Amazon

Knee-High Compression Socks

During the long flight – it is a must! Compression socks help increase circulation and reduce swelling and soreness when sitting for long periods. At least one pair it’s something each traveler should have and it’s also not the first thing people think about. You can be the one taking care of the health of your friend.

You can find it here on Amazon

Power bank with a min. of 20000mAh

For daily life, 10000mAh should be enough, but when you travel and maybe for longer periods you’re away from electricity, 20,000 is recommended size for a power bank. And with that many connected devices needing daily charging this is something which anyone would be happy to have.

You can find it here on Amazon

1,000 Perfect Weekends: Great Getaways Around the Globe

I am actually thinking about getting this one says from 2020 until today short weekends trips seem to be more reasonable than long travels away (also more possible). You don’t always need to travel for weeks to really enjoy the trip and discover something new. If the person you’re searching for a perfect gift for, and they are someone who cannot sit in one place, (like me) they will like this book for sure.

You can find it here on Amazon

5-Year Journal Q&A

I wasn’t planning to post this one, but I got three questions right before publishing this blog post because I used to talk about it on my Instagram stories. This diary asks you a question every day for a year about different topics. When you finish the book, you return to the beginning and start another paragraph with another year answering the same question, but you’re a year wiser. I think it’s a great gift for travelers and everyone. I’m already on my 2nd year. It’s so interesting to see how your life is changing so fast and sometimes we forget to notice.

Best Travel Gifts Above €50

Rains City Backpack

I see those backpacks more and more on the streets and I am thinking of getting one too. A very nice style of city backpack that also can hold a lot of valuable items while sightseeing. The backpack is a true Rains classic made from a water-resistant fabric with a matte finish. Fully lined, this minimalistic has an inside laptop pocket, a spacious main compartment, and a hidden phone pocket on the backside.

You can find it here on the Rains website

Travel Steamer

One of the best things I own! I take it on every conference or a trip where I need to look fancier. But, again, a steamer can also refresh your clothes depending on what you need during your travels.

You can find it here on Amazon

Airbag Couch | Inflatable Lounger

Another gadget always goes with us on each camping trip, hike, or even on the beach/lake day. You just run around a bit to fill it with air and then you can relax on the nice couch with any view you want. It does not take my space and the material lasts a long time.

You can find it here on Amazon

Multitool

The thing which also always comes in handy. Multitool can save your ass while camping but also it can be useful in most random moments while traveling, you never know. One thing is for sure never keep it in your hand luggage because they will take it away. Otherwise, I cannot think of a reason why it wouldn’t be a perfect gift for adventurers.

You can find it here on Amazon

Quick Dry Poncho

This is something which never leaves my suitcase. It not only covers you from the rain, but you can also put it on yourself and cover your camera or backpack because it’s so big. If you’re in a country where traveling with a scooter it’s more popular this is also a perfect solution. Not to forget to mention you can always use it to sit on when the grass is wet.

You can find it here on Amazon

Instax

We all have phones with abilities to take amazing pictures but there is something about printed instantly Polaroid which you can hang on your wall later which holds the moment from a trip just differently. So here I’m presenting you one of the models I am considering getting one that prints the Polaroid and keeps a digital copy of a picture to later store it on my computer.

You can find it here on Amazon

Airbnb Gift Card

Usually, not the flights, but accommodation is the most expensive thing while traveling. So why not make it a bit easier and lighter on the pocket for your traveler? One of my ideas is to give them AirBnB voucher which they can use during their next adventures.

You can find it here on AirBnB

Travel Sandals

I know I know not everyone is a big fan of sandals and honestly when I was buying the first ones I had big reservations. But after many years of buying cheap nice looking shoes and having my feet suffer I decided it’s time to the universe in something which will serve me for years but also will be comfortable and breathing. I bought myself travel sandals in the decathlon and I have them since 2019 and they serve me very well. Right now I’m also considering the Teva option (so recommended this year by many) which looks just way better and I think it’s a cool option for city sightseeing in summer.

You can find Teva sandals here
You can find travel sandals here

Best Travel Gifts Above €100

Backpack for Everything

This recommendation comes from my partner who is using one of their backpacks for the last three years. The backpack not only works perfectly as a daily one but also because it’s modular and you can build up on it and add other parts you can use it on the trips too. Easy to just to your needs https://www.boundarysupply.com/collections/all 

International Snack Boxes

We all know how difficult it is to travel right now, but maybe sometimes you don’t need to leave your home to travel. How about gifting your friend snacks from all around the world? Many subscriptions send to your home snacks, for example, from Japan or order countries, and I found this option with multiple countries combined. If your traveler is also a foodie, they will for sure appreciate this one.

You can find it here

Ebook Reader

I don’t think I have to explain much here very easy to carry waterproof you can read whenever you want it’s just a perfect gift for someone who likes to travel light and still take all his favorite books with him/her.

Find the Kindle Paperwhite here
Find the PocketBook here

Good  Travel shoes

Imagine that you’re going to have one pair of shoes right now you can use to walk around the city, go to the meetings, and use in water and forest. I am still ahead of buying my own. One pair of shoes that not only looks good but adapts to the outside environment and keeps my feet comfortable – this is something that I want to go for. I found two recommended brands and pop on my feed a lot, have a look; maybe you will find something for yourself.

One option Tropicfeel shoes: https://shop.tropicfeel.com/collections/allterrainsneakers
Secon option – Suavs shoes: https://www.suavshoes.com/collections/women

Most of the people in reviews say: “They are flexible, light, washable, and breathable. I love them”

Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones

The perfect thing for loud airplanes or sitting in any transportation (not to mention crying or loud passengers).  I cannot even count how many times (because of migraines I have) I had to use headphones like this to call myself down and let my head heal. That is why this is something I’m always traveling with. I can recommend Sony headphones myself I am using the 3rd generation, but the 4th one can connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, for example, your phone and your computer, which is such a better solution.

You can find them here on Amazon

Good Hiking Shoes

Those who treat their adventures more seriously and know that the comfort of walking is essential – will be happy with great hiking shoes. But, of course, many companies provide professional equipment for hiking and mountain climbing. I found one which looks interesting, so have a look at it.

Option 1: https://www.on-running.com/en-at/explore/womens/shoes/hiking
Option 2: https://www.on-running.com/en-at/explore/mens/shoes/hiking?page=last

International Travel Insurance

This is an important one and I must say I would be so happy if someone would get me one like this. We often forget how stressful it is to get injured or worse while traveling when you don’t speak your language when you don’t know the rules and on top of that you have to worry about the costs. If you know that your friend is planning to travel a lot between many countries, this gift can save their lives and decrease worries.

• https://ektatraveling.com/
• https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance/ This one was recommended to me by my friend @Joyoushapes. She just moved to Bali and is using exactly this one; it also covers C*19 cases.

Travel Vaccination Expenses

It’s a weird proposition right to pay for someone’s vaccination expenses? But honestly, if I would be traveling right now to Asia, I would have to spend a lot of money on vaccinations that I’m missing and are required there. It would be such a help if someone could support me with this and I feel many travelers would prefer to save their money on expenses during the trip.

Just so you know, the CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for travelers to East and Southeast Asia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, and polio.

I don’t think our gift cards for that, but you get the point!

Portable Wireless Waterproof Speaker

So many use cases for this one, beach party, maybe a long hike with friends, or maybe some surprise party in a hostel. The waterproof speaker can liven up a day and be a big part of the daily routine of travelers – you know, those who cannot live without music.

Here you can find one on Amazon

Solid Travel Backpack

Your friends and their bags will say big thank you when you gift them with a perfectly adjusted backpack for travelers’ needs. This year we did Greek island hopping and I was constantly carrying my backpack, and I cannot recommend it enough. It opens like luggage, and it’s also very comfortable to wear and even in horrible hot water it was a perfect bag.

Here you can find the backpack I use and the “male” version.

Paddleboard

I do not have one, but I think this would make a lot of my friends happy, especially Doors who like to spend their weekends actively or travel with their big cars a lot (so they have a place to pack it). Paddleboards have been very popular last few years and are pretty easy to use so if your friends are thinking about it, why not get them for them as a present.

You can find it here on Amazon

Gifts for Travelers’ Home Base

Wooden World Map

I see it increasingly in many flats, but I still think it’s such a nice decoration if someone wants any map in their flat. It is easy to mount to the wall, and it gives there’s nice effect combined with other things in the flat.

You can find it here: https://enjoythewood.com/

Here Polish page: https://www.sikorka.net/produkt/drewniana-mapa-swiata-dekoracja-na-sciane/ 

Poster with favorite city

In my flat, I have two one of Vienne, where I live right now, and one of my hometown – Gdańsk. I think it’s such a nice addition to the flat and it also gives this travel vibe in small spaces. If you have time to wait you can order them easily on AliExpress and that’s what I did but I also found one on Amazon.

Here you can find it on Amazon

Scratch Travel Maps

I think we sell it all but still for beginner travel letters I think it’s such a nice gift. I am still keeping a small size version in my role and every time I discover a new country it’s such a pleasure just scratch it off.

Here you can find it on Amazon

Electronic Photo Frame

One of our favorite things in our flat is the electronic photo frame. We have an ancient version, but it still works perfectly, which only shows that this investment is worth it. Since I am taking a lot of pictures we always have a footage to put there and it’s so nice to see all the travel memories popping randomly during the day.

Here you can find it on Amazon

🙌🏼 If you feel like you will use one of the ideas, comment below to let me know which one was your favorite. Thank you

This post is constantly updated…

That is all for now, but I plan to continuously update this post whenever I come up with new ideas or solutions, so to keep an eye on the changes, better save it for yourself.

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