What to Get a Travel Lover for Christmas

 

Frequent travelers, backpackers, and digital nomads can be difficult to shop for. They just don’t have the space to carry, or time to use, most physical gifts! Living out of a backpack or suitcase for extended periods of time can make it nearly impossible to bring Christmas gifts with you on your next trip. However, there are a number of items that will make life easier for your travel loving friends and family. I guarantee they will appreciate it!

 

Camera Gear

Whether your travel lover is a photographer, blogger, vlogger, or simply an avid traveler, new camera gear is always appreciated. Camera companies, like cell phones, are constantly coming out with new and improved designs and products.

The camera I currently use is a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80 compact camera. It’s a tiny compact camera that can fit easily in a jacket pocket or day bag and shoots great quality images and video for the price. It even has a flip screen for vlogging!

Every traveler also needs an action camera. GoPro makes the best action cameras around: waterproof, durable, and compact. There are tons of different styles of GoPro cameras and gear. I use the GoPro HERO5 Session. It’s the smallest camera available, and is waterproof and shockproof without any additional housing on the camera.

 

Check out GoPro’s site for a full list of stabilizers, mounts, filters, and cameras!

Other travelers may appreciate a drone camera for a chance to get different views and angles of their trip. The Mavic Pro is the most compact drone available right now, but others such as a Parrot Bebop is a more budget-friendly option for beginners.

Other gear such as external microphones and wind mufflers for sound, ring lights for good lighting, and mounts such as tripods and camera sticks can help drastically improve picture and video quality. Just be sure to get the correct mount sizes and microphones for the type of camera they have!

Backpacking Gear

Being compact and able to travel with only a carry on is essential for many travelers. I use an Osprey Lumina 45L women’s travel backpack, and absolutely love it. Look into carry-on friendly backpacks and luggage for your traveler! Travel cubes will also help keep their items organized and compact in their bags.

 

Toiletries can be a hassle while traveling. I use solid toiletries whenever possible to help prevent an unwanted mess and to get past TSA with enough shampoo, conditioner, and body wash for a long trip. Check out Naples Soap Company for solid toiletry bars! They are a local company here in Southern Florida, and their products are eco-friendly and compact.

Other Electronics

Portable wifi is a must when backpacking. Skyroam mobile hotspots allow you to access wifi from nearly everywhere, and users pay by day for usage instead of monthly or yearly like other programs. Power converters are also needed for those going abroad, as not every country uses the same power outlets. A portable power bank will always be appreciated, for traveling phones, cameras, and other devices when outlets are not always available.

Flights and Trips

The best possible gift for a travel lover would be, of course, a ticket to somewhere they have never been. Check out my article on how to find cheap flights. For those who are nervous about booking an exact date or place and purchasing a ticket as a gift, consider gifting a paid subscription to Scott’s Cheap Flights or Next Vacay. Both of these companies are dedicated to finding discount and mistake airfare and sending the deals straight to your email inbox. I use both companies, and have scored some major deals because of them!

Groups like EF Ultimate Break have incredible group tours that you can give as a gift. EF Ultimate Break is aimed at younger travelers (ages 18-29) that go to amazing destinations. Flights, accommodation, and some meals are included with the fee. I traveled with EF Ultimate Break to Belize and Guatemala in 2017. Check out my experience here! Use my name, Stacia Mintner, as a reference for an additional discount.

 

Misc and Gag Gifts

Everyone loves a good gag gift, especially useful ones. For female travelers, a Go Girl will get a great laugh, and I assure you they will bring it on their next hiking trip! The device allows women to pee while standing, keeping them from having to strip down or squat while hiking. For all genders, a TravelJohn will help with bathroom emergencies as well! I received a box of these biodegradable bags for my birthday and thought they were hilarious. I always have them in my car and backpack, just in case!

 

Travel first aid kits and sewing kits are compact, useful, and always appreciated. Items such as travel blankets, pillows, and towels are always needed. Just remember: the more compact, the better! Other great stocking stuffers are compression socks, eco-friendly reusable straws, or just a fresh pair of flip flops for those gross hostel bathrooms.

One of my favorite gifts that I gave to a fellow traveler was a scratch-off map. It’s not practical to take it with you on trips, but she absolutely adores it! Each country and US state is outlined, and you are able to scratch off the paint to reveal the color underneath. The more you travel, the more colorful your map becomes! I have one, and absolutely love it.

 

Whatever gift you decide to give your travel lover, they will love it. The thought that goes behind gifts that inspire wanderlust or even make their next backpacking trip slightly easier will mean the world to them.

Feel free to message me or leave a comment with any questions on these products. Happy Holidays!