The Ùltimate Journey To The 50 Best Gifts For Travel Lovers In 2023

By Lara
Last update:
photo with 2022

This post may contain affiliate links. This means that we will earn a commission each time you purchase something from a site we link to. Obviously, this is at no extra cost for you. But it's a great way for us to keep this website going for more awesome gifts! Read the disclosure to find out more.

Are you looking for the best gifts for travel lovers in your life? Look no further! We have curated a list of 50 travel gift ideas that will inspire wanderlust and make any traveler’s journey even more enjoyable.

From practical items like luggage tags and travel adapters to unique experiences like language classes or a hot air balloon ride, there’s something for every budget and interest. Whether you’re shopping for a friend, family member, or your significant other, these gifts are sure to please the wanderlust in your life. So join us on this journey as we explore the best gift ideas for travel lovers.

Are you short on time? Check out the editor’s top three travel lovers gifts by budget.

Save the best gifts for travel lovers

Don’t forget to save these gifts for travelers in case you need more gift ideas later this year!

The 50 best travel gifts for travel lovers

Travel lovers gifts for large budgets

#1 Travel experiences gift card

Tinggly "Experience the world" gift card
Photo courtesy of Tinggly

If you are looking for travel lovers gifts for someone who has a reputation of being hard to shop for, this is a perfect option!

Tinggly offers gift cards for cool experiences around the world. For travel lovers, the “Experience the World” gift card is the best. But they also provide cards for specific occasions, for foodies, for adrenaline seekers, for couples, for newlyweds, and many more. So check out the website to find the gift card that matches the receiver best.

Oh and if you think that gift cards are thoughtless and boring gifts, you should definitely check out these gifting rules everyone should know (I bet it will change your mind).


#2 World map

Scratch ma

Let’s make this a short one. Travelers love maps, so obviously, one of the best gifts for travel lovers is a world map.

You can find my 25 favorite world map designs here, or go for this traditional scratch map that includes the flags too. I actually received this one from my grandmother too and I absolutely love it!


#3 eReader

My e-reader

My eReader is one of my most important travel items, I never travel without it. And if the receiver loves reading as much as I do, I am 100% certain that an eReader is the best gift you can get them.

Personally, I have a PocketBook, but they don’t sell that much globally, which is why I would recommend a different brand to you, and that’s Kobo.

Kobo is one of the best brands for eReaders, and the Libra 2 model is completely waterproof, which makes it an even better eReader for travelers who spend a lot of time at the beach (or for clumsy ones like me).


#4 Portable coffee maker

Mini espresso maker
Mini espresso maker

Is the receiver a big coffee lover?

Then this is the best travel gift for you! A portable espresso maker.

No matter where they are, they can make delicious coffee. They don’t even need electricity, just ground coffee, and their hands.


#5 Travel-themed phone case

Phone case with photos and "wanderlust"
Photo courtesy of Zazzle

Do you need gift ideas for travel lovers who are always on their phones?

Then a travel-themed phone case is an awesome option. I quite like this one from Zazzle because you can add personal images and the receiver’s name.


#6 Wireless earbuds

My Beats Fit Pro

These earbuds by Beats Studio are one of the best gift ideas for travel lovers who love music.

And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love music?

The earbuds are incredibly small, lightweight (this makes them great for travelers), and sweat-resistant. Plus, they have a noise-canceling option and last up to 24 hours!

I’ve honestly tried quite a few different earbuds and they all start hurting after wearing them a few hours in a row. Or they don’t hurt, but they won’t stay when I’m going for a run. The main reason why I love the Fit Pro so much is because of the tine wing tip.

I don’t put the wing tip in my ear shell when I’m lsitting or just strolling so the earbuds don’t hurt my ear. And when I go for a fun, I put the wing tips in so the earbuds stay exactly where they are, even when I’m sprinting and sweating my butt off.

For more affordable travel gifts for music lovers, check out #11.


#7 Mountain range cuff bracelet

Bracelet with mountain range
Photo courtesy of Uncommon Goods

If you need travel gifts for mountaineers, this cuff bracelet with a mountain range is an awesome gift idea.

Or you could check out these 25 mountain gifts for more inspiration.


#8 Board games

Ticket to Ride board game
Ticket to Ride board game

This is one of my favorite gift ideas for travel lovers at home; travel-themed board games. Check out my post to see all 25 games for travelers.

But if you just want my number one recommendation, go for Ticket to Ride.


#9 Alcohol from their favorite country

Bottle of Jameson whiskey
Photo courtesy of Total Wine

If you are looking for unique gift ideas for travel lovers who also enjoy alcohol, this is the gift for you; alcoholic beverages from the receiver’s favorite country.

Some examples you can think off include:


#10 Floating sunglasses

Rheos sunglasses
Rheos sunglasses

Rheos’ floating sunglasses are the best gift ideas for travel lovers who spend a lot of time on or near the water. They no longer have to worry about dropping their sunglasses because the glasses will simply stay afloat. And, equally important, the sunglasses look stylish as well.


#11 Portable JBL speaker

JBL GO 3 speaker
JBL GO 3 speaker

JBL is my go-to brand for portable speakers. Especially the GO 3 model is perfect for travelers because of its small size and handy loop. Despite its size, the GO 3 still comes with the great features JBL is known for. Such as amazing bass sounds, sand and waterproof material, and long battery life.


#12 Portable charger

Portable charger
Photo courtesy of Anker

A portable charger is one of the best gifts for techy travelers, no matter what type of traveler the receiver is. No one wants to run out of batteries and miss an opportunity to make great photos (or more practically, navigate their way home).

Anker is one of the most popular brands among travelers. Their products are relatively lightweight given the amazing quality they provide.


#13 US national parks scratch poster

Scratch map of national parks
Photo courtesy of Uncommon Goods

This is one of the best travel lovers gifts for US travelers and nature lovers; a scratch-off poster with all US National Parks!


#14 DIY food kit

DIY Chinese dumplings
Photo courtesy of Uncommon Goods

Are you looking for travel gift ideas for people who love cooking?

Then a DIY food kit is an awesome gift idea, check out these 25 international kits. Or go for the Chinese soup dumpling kit for people obsessed with Chinese food.


#15 World map clock

World map clock
World map clock

What did I say about travelers and maps?

Well, here is another world map gift that travelers will surely love. How do I know? Because I am an avid traveler and this is one of my favorite travel-themed clocks.


#16 Something from their favorite country

French petanque game set
French petanque game set

If you want to show you really put an effort into finding the best gift, then you should go for something that relates to their favorite country. It shows that you remember their preference and went out of your way to find something from their country. (They don’t have to know that all you had to do was head to my destinations page and find the country-specific gift guide there).

For example, for people who love France, this original set of the French game petanque is a fun gift idea.


#17 Rain jacket

Mountain Hardwear rain jacket
Mountain Hardwear rain jacket

No matter what type of traveler the recipient is, a rain jacket will always come in handy. Especially if you go for a high-quality one, such as the stretch Ozonic jacket from Mountain Hardwear.


#18 GoPro action camera

GoPro HERO10
GoPro HERO10

If you have a large budget for this gift, a GoPro is one of the coolest gifts for travel lovers! This action camera allows them to take photos whenever and wherever. Whether they’re swimming, surfing, cycling, running, or hiking in the rain, the GoPro HERO10 is designed to capture every moment.


#19 International kitchenware

Iron cast tagine
Iron cast tagine

Here are a few more cool gift ideas for travel lovers who enjoy cooking; kitchenware from different countries, such as this tagine for people who love Moroccan and Tunisian food.


Travel lovers gifts for mid-budgets

#20 Passport covers

Passport cover with name
Photo courtesy of Zazzle

Are you looking for practical gifts for travel lovers?

Then a passport cover is always a good idea. Head over to Zazzle for over 64,000 different travel-themed options!

Or go for this cute brown one.


#21 Travel gift card

Hotels.com gift card
Photo courtesy of Hotels.com

A gift card is one of the best gift ideas for travelers if you are looking to play it safe. The only thing you need to figure out is which gift card you would like to give. To get some inspiration, check out these 25 gift cards that travelers will love. Or go for a gift card from Hotels.com which gives them access to hotels around the world.

Oh and if you still think gift cards are bad and boring gifts, you surely haven’t tried any of these creative ways to give a gift card.


#22 Street food from around the world

Book titled: My street food kitchen
My street food kitchen

This is another great gift idea for travel lovers who love food; a cookbook with recipes for famous international street food, such as Brazilian churrasco, Mexican tacos, and Sri Lankan roti.


#23 Tripod selfie stick

Phone tripod selfie stick
Phone tripod selfie stick

If the receiver loves taking photos this tripod and selfie stick is a great gift idea.

They can take better selfies (without their arms in the photo) and clearer photos (no more blurry or moved photos because they can use the stick as a tripod).


#24 Travel-themed tumbler

Travel mug with map of the world
Photo courtesy of Zazzle

A travel mug is a very practical gift for travelers who love takeout coffee and who care about the environment. Instead of using disposable cups, they can reuse their cool travel-themed mug.

Head over to Zazzle for different designs, or go for this colorful one with a world map.


#25 Scarf with hidden pockets

Scraf with hidden pockets

For those of you who would like to find practical gifts for travel lovers, this infinity scarf is a cool option.

The scarf comes with two hidden pockets, so the receiver can safely store their passport and money when traveling.

For more gifts to help the receiver travel safely, check out these safety gifts.


#26 Travel document organizer

Document organizer
Document organizer

A travel document organizer is a super practical wallet for travelers. It’s a wallet that allows them to store their money, cards, passport, and tickets all in one place. It’s one of the best gifts for travel lovers who are not the most organized (that’s certainly me).

If you have a larger budget, you can go for a personalized travel wallet, but if not, the leather one on Amazon is also a beautiful option.


#27 Dry bag

Earth pak dry bag
Earth Pak dry bag

Dry bags always come in handy, whether the receiver spends a lot of time near the water or not. This bag will make sure their most valuable items stay dry when they’re caught in the rain.


#28 World map jigsaw puzzle

Jigsaw puzzle of the world map
Jigsaw puzzle

I am just going to repeat myself. Travelers love maps. So if you are looking for a fun activity gift for travelers, a jigsaw puzzle of the map of the world is a great gift idea.

This is a 1000-piece puzzle, so it’s relatively easy. For more (difficult) travel-themed puzzles, check out the puzzle gift guide.


#29 Insulated water bottle

Insulated water bottle
Insulated water bottle

All travelers need to stay hydrated, which is why a water bottle is such as practical gift, especially insulated water bottles. They are great to keep drinks cold for travelers who love sunny destinations, and they prevent water from getting frozen for winter lovers.


#30 Online language class

italki gift card
Photo courtesy of italki

Are you looking for gift ideas for travel lovers who are currently trying to learn a new language? Or who would love to start learning a new language?

Then a gift card to italki is a great option. Italki is an online platform where students can find real language teachers and take one-on-one classes online.

The only downside of this gift is that you need to sign up for italki in order to buy a gift card. (Not the most clever sales strategy if you ask me, but it doesn’t take away the fact that it’s a great gift).

Alternatively, check out these awesome gift ideas for language learners.


#31 Travel-themed photo frame

Photo frame with quote
Photo frame with quote

For travelers who are currently not traveling or who recently bought a house, something for their home is a great gift idea. For example, this photo frame with a travel quote.


#32 Inspirational travel books

Book titled: Destinations of a lifetime
Destinations of a lifetime

One thing travelers love to do when they’re not traveling is to plan their next trip. And for that a beautiful inspirational book such as Destinations of a Lifetime by National Geographic is perfect.

You can literally find inspirational travel books for all types of travelers:


#33 Travel subscriptions

Netflix sign
Photo by Thibault Penin on Unsplash

Besides gift cards, membership subscriptions can also be really practical gifts.

Some subscriptions that are great for travelers include:

  • Netflix
  • Kindle
  • HBO
  • Disney Plus

#34 Jewelry box with initial

Velvet jewelry box
Velvet jewelry box

Did you know that people tend to keep personalized gifts longer than generic ones?

So if you would like your gift to last longer, go for a personalized option, such as this velvet jewelry box with the receiver’s initial.

Or check out the other personalized travel gifts here.


#35 Travel photography course

Women taking photos
Me trying to capture the beauty of Uganda

Looking back at your old travel photos is one of the best ways to relive that journey. And it’s even greater if those pictures resemble the actual beauty of that destination (something my pictures often lack, unfortunately).

So one of the most unique and cool gift ideas for travel lovers is this complete travel photography course to help them capture their adventures in photos.

As you can see in the photo, this is something I would also benefit from.


#36 Hanging toiletry bag

Hanging toiletry bag
Hanging toiletry bag

This hanging and water-resistant toiletry bag is one of the most practical travel lovers gifts. It’s available in six different colors and can fit all of your toiletries in one bag.


Travel lovers gifts for small budgets

#37 Travel piggy bank

Travel fund
Travel fund

Traveling is an expensive hobby, so anything that will help a traveler to save money is an excellent gift. This is why travel-themed piggy banks are great gifts for travel lovers. A specific (and beautiful) piggy bank will surely motivate them to save more money and resist the urge to take out cash for other causes.

This travel fund is one of the most affordable and cute piggy banks, but for more options, check out these piggy banks for travelers.


#38 Sleeping masks

Silk sleeping masks
Silk sleeping masks

I know, sleeping masks are not really the most exciting gifts for travel lovers. But I promise you, they are quite essential, so the receiver will actually end up using them quite a lot.

If you do want to give a unique sleeping mask, go for the one with built-in headphones. It can connect to the receiver’s phone by Bluetooth, so they can listen to music while they’re trying to fall asleep.


#39 Coloring book for adults

Ultimate travel coloring book
Ultimate travel coloring book

Coloring books for adults are great for stress relief. So if you are looking for the best gifts for travel lovers who seem a bit stressed out, the Lonely Planet ultimate travel coloring book is perfect.


#40 Cute necklace

Necklace with world map
Necklace with world map

This is one of the cutest travel lovers gifts for women. A necklace with pendants of a globe and a compass.


#41 Travel-sized games

Spot it or Dobble game

If you are looking for gift ideas for travel lovers who (like me) love games, then travel-sized games are perfect!

Because they are travel-sized, travelers can take them anywhere. And when I say anywhere, I mean really mean anywhere. My friends and I actually took Spot it (Or Dobble in Dutch) up to the Mont Blanc and played it at an altitude of 12,582 feet (about 3,835 meters)!

The aim of Spot It is to spot the matching symbols between cards as fast as possible, it’s a nerve-racking game that requires quick reflexes.


#42 Laundry bag with world map

World map laundry bag
World map laundry bag

Yet another world map gift. This time it’s a laundry bag with a cool print. Their laundry may be dirty, but at least they’ll store it in style.


#43 Language-themed puzzle book

The language lover's puzzle book
The language lover’s puzzle book

This might just be one of my favorite gift ideas for travel lovers. It combines two of my favorite things (languages and puzzles), so I might be slightly biased.

But for any traveler who loves activity books or languages, this fun little book with language-related brain teasers is perfect.


#44 Travel-themed ring

Ring with airplane and globe
Ring with airplane and globe

This is another cute piece of jewelry for female travelers. I love the simplicity of this ring, with just a small globe and airplane that make the entire ring. It’s available in six different colors.


#45 Travel-themed tote bag

Tote bag with text "happy camper"
Photo courtesy of Zazzle

Are you looking for the best travel gift ideas for sustainable travelers? Then a tote bag is a great idea. It’s small, light, and most importantly durable so it outlasts any plastic bag.

For camping lovers, check out the cute “Happy Camper” bag. For others, head over to Zazzle for more designs.


#46 Fanny packs

Black fanny pack
Black fanny pack

Fanny packs are one of the safest bags for travelers. And now that fanny packs are actually back in fashion, you can now find them in all sorts of designs. Though, if you are looking for simple gifts for travel lovers, this black one might be a better option.

But if the receiver loves fashion, check out Amazon for more stylish fanny packs.


#47 Luggage tags

Luggage tag with mountains
Photo courtesy of Zazzle

Do you need small gift ideas for travel lovers?

Then luggage tags are a great idea. You can literally find them in any theme, color, print, or design, such as this one with mountains.

But for other designs, head over to Zazzle.


#48 Travel journal

Travel journal with pockets
Photo courtesy of Uncommon Goods

A travel journal is a traveler’s best friend if they want to remember all the funny moments of their trip. And for travelers who love saving tickets, foreign currencies, and other random keepsake things, this stub diary with clear sleeves is perfect.

For people who prefer to write about their experiences, check out these 25 travel journals.


#49 Fast-drying towels

Fast-drying towel
Fast-drying towel

I will be the first to admit that fast-drying towels are not the most unique gifts for travel lovers. They are, however, one of the most practical. They are lightweight and dry fast, which is exactly what travelers need.


#50 Hiking socks with quote

Hiking sock
Hiking sock

Do you need gifts for travel lovers who love walking and hiking?

But do you want something slightly more original than regular hiking socks?

Then these socks by Columbia with “Adventure” are the gift you need. They are still super practical, but just a little more unique and more fun to give.


Save the best gifts for travel lovers

Did you save these travel gift ideas on Pinterest yet?

The 50 best travel gifts for travel lovers

Final note on gifts for travel lovers

Alright, I hope that you were able to find the perfect gift for your receiver. If not, you can always shoot me a message and we can brainstorm together. Or perhaps my personal top 3 can help you decide.