Gifts For Someone Moving Abroad (or any Travel Lover)
Every time I’m asked what I’d like for my birthday or Christmas I can never think of anything. There’s really nothing I need. š¤·āāļø And with my recent desire to Marie Kondo my home, the last thing I’d like is to fill it back up with a bunch of unnecessary “things.” Well, the traveler in me thought long and hard and came up with a few suggestions on gifts for someone moving abroad (or any travel lover), even when they say they don’t need anything. š
A few disclaimers: The traveler in *me* is a backpacker (as opposed to a business traveler, luxury traveler, etc). So many of my ideas tend to swing in the direction of my fellow backpackers. I’d also like to leave this list as “timeless” as possible. That being said, I won’t be providing any links to specific items I mention. I give this list with the hope that it gives you some ideas to look into and find the perfect version of the items/suggestion for the traveler in *your* life.
So without further ado… My list of ideas on gifts for someone moving abroad (or any travel lover).
Packing Cubes
To help keep backpacks and suitcases a little more organized.
Dry Bags
Items placed in these bags stay totally dry even in torrential weather. Perfect for outdoor trips and being prepared for unexpected weather.
Quick Dry Towel
Many hostels don’t provide free towels. A travel friendly quick dry towel is a great little item to have on hand.
Shampoo Bars
For the eco friendly traveler get shampoo bars to avoid the use of plastic or hassle of taking liquids through security.
Shoe Bag
Some sort of bag (nicer and more reusable than a plastic bag) to keep shoes in so they don’t dirty up everything else in the backpack or suitcase.
Passport Holder/Protector
You know, something a little more stylish and, most importantly, protective than a plastic baggy. (Not that that’s what *I* use or anything….. š)
Backpack/Luggage/Day Pack
Ask the the traveler in your life how their backpack/luggage is holding up. After multiple trips around the world and seams that have been handsewn back together, wheels that hardly roll anymore, etc, it might be time for a replacement…
Shoes
Always check on the status of the shoe situation. How are they holding up? Do they need new walking shoes? Hiking shoes? Water sandals? Etc.
Down Jacket
My down jacket is hands down one of the BEST pieces of travel friendly clothing I own. Itās insanely warm, lightweight, and squishes up into the tiniest little bag for easy space saving packing. *Make sure itās a REAL down jacket. Itās a little pricey but itās worth EVERY penny*
T-shirt Quilt
Does the traveler in your life have a number of T-shirts they’ve aquired from their various travels? Have them sewn into a quilt to keep as both a memory and practical gift.
Globe
Yes. A plain old decorative globe. I have one on my dresser and it might just be my most favorite decoration in my room. š
Scratch Off Maps/Destinations
Find a scratch off map of the US, the world, or travel goals such as national parks or bucket lists.
Travel Theme/Inspiration Books
Iām a huge fan of Lonely Planet. And they have some GREAT compilation books of travel ideas within the US, world, bike trips, bucket list trips, road trips, etc, etc.
Exercise Equipment/Program Subscription
Elastic bands, training bands, and subscriptions to on demand workout streaming services are great for keeping healthy on the go.
Upcoming Trip Supplies
Ask where your traveler is going next and if they have everything they need for that trip. Do they need a sleeping bag? Quick dry clothing? Visa for the country theyāre visiting? Cold weather gear? Etc.
A “Nice” Hotel
Know of an upcoming trip the traveler has planned? Why not treat them to a night or two in a nice hotel. A hotel with a private room and hot shower goes a long way when youāve been traveling for weeks or months and staying only in hostels.
General Electronics
Think chargers, adapters, external batteries, and unique charging solutions like an all-in-one surge protected contraption with multiple outlets and USB ports. (BEST travel electronic I own)
Tablet
Think broadly on all types of tablets and specific functions the traveler would use it for. Kindle for reading? Tablet computer for blogging and photo editing? iPad for all the things iPads do? Etc.
Nice Pair of Headphones
āNiceā is relative of courseā¦ But maybe your traveler would appreciate some quality headphones for those long flights, bus and train rides, and nights at the ho(s)tel.
Portable WiFi Hotspot
The ability to have wifi access anytime anywhere in the world? What a dream.
Cameras and Gear
Check if thereās any camera that needs replaced or updated, or if they could use any new types of lenses.
Editing Presets
Presets are all the rage these days. For a photo enthusiast editing presets (photo filters) may be the perfect thing to make their travel photos and Instagram feeds pop. (My personal favorites and the ones I personally have and use are by @katieoneapp and @doyoutravelpresets)
National Park Pass
Gift a year of unlimited entry to all the national parks in the US.
Global Entry or TSA Pre Check
Theyāre good for a few years and allow travelers to move more quickly through security and customs.
Priority Pass/Airport Lounge Access
For long layovers and hours spent at the airport how great would it be to have access to a nice airport lounge for a light meal, wifi, and a comfy chair to take a snooze in?
Donation in Honor of Traveler
When I came home from India Iām pretty sure I didnāt buy anything for a year. I became strikingly aware of how much I have and how blessed I am. I had no desire whatsoever to buy anything unnecessary. Consider making a donation to a charity or organization in honor of your traveler whoās heart isnāt ready for anything material.
Quality Time
When someone has everything they need sometimes the best gift you could give them is that of time. Find a shared experience to enjoy together. Be intentional about it. Go for a bike ride, hike, dinner, day trip adventure, etc. The possibilities are endless.
And thatās everything I thought of! I hope this has given you some inspiration on gifts for someone moving abroad or for a travel enthusiast in your life. Let me know if you think of anything I should add. š
Happy shopping and safe travels friends!
CE
