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Traveling in your twenties and thirties is all about adventure, connection, and creating lasting memories. If you’re searching for the best gift ideas for travel lovers, you’ve landed in the right spot!
We're not just travel enthusiasts — we're currently on a year-long world trip, exploring over 20 countries with our backpacks. Our firsthand experience on the road has given us unique insights into the perfect travel gifts. From handy gadgets to essential travel accessories, we know exactly what travelers need to make their journeys more comfortable and memorable. Here’s a deeper dive into the top 10 gift ideas for travel lovers.
In this article:
1 | Engaging Travel Games
Nothing bonds travelers like a good game. Choose something lightweight and easy to play. Whether it's a card game that challenges travel knowledge or a compact board game themed around world exploration, it's a great way to make new friends and make great memories.
Here are a few of our favorite games on the road:
Monopoly Deal (for ages 8+ and from 2 players)
Birthday Burglary, An Escape Room in your Pocket (for ages 13+ and from 1 player)
Jungle Speed (for ages 7+ and from 2 players)
Our Favorite: Skull King (for ages 8+ and from 2 players)
2 | Inspirational Travel Books
Select a book that speaks to the heart of a traveler. From captivating travel memoirs that detail adventures across the globe to practical guides on how to backpack or travel on a budget filled with practical tips and tricks, these books are a great source of inspiration that will make readers want to plan their next journey immediately.
Our recommendation: Get them a Kindle and let them choose the books themselves
3 | Experience Vouchers
Whether it's a voucher for a hot air balloon ride, a diving course, or a cooking class in a foreign country, these gifts offer unforgettable experiences and the opportunity to create new stories.
I highly recommend checking GetYourGuide gift cards for great ideas of day trips, activities, food tours, and more! We received one ourselves and used it super quickly, highly recommend it.
4 | Travel Tech
For the tech-savvy traveler, gadgets that make the journey smoother are a must. Think about items like a high-capacity portable charger, a durable and compact camera, or a mini drone for those epic landscape shots. They're perfect for capturing and sharing moments.
Our Daily Camera: Sony A7C
Our action camera: Insta360 X3
Our microphone: Sony ECMW2BT
Our drone: Dji Mini
Check out our full tech stack in our packing video on YouTube:
5 | A Good Quality Travel Towel
To save space in your bags you might want to go for an ultra-thin microfiber towel in case you end up in accommodations that do not provide a towel or where the state of cleanliness of those items is not reassuring. Every microfiber towel is not the same quality, doing a lot of research on the best travel gear and on this topic specifically (because I hate the smell of a damp towel in a bag) I decided to go for the brand Sea to Summit and I do not regret it at all, they have many colors and sizes to choose from, dry very quickly and weight very little.
Our Top Pick: Sea-to-summit compact towel (take XL)
6 | Eco-Friendly Travel Hygiene
Environmentally conscious travelers will appreciate eco-friendly hygiene products. Compact, biodegradable toiletries, or a set of reusable travel bottles for their favorite products, show that you care about their travel needs and the planet.
7 | Portable Cooking Gear for Foodies
For the traveler who loves to cook and/or camp, portable cooking tools can be a great option. We did not bring a camping stove with us but made sure to grab foldable silicone containers with a fork/spoon hidden in the lid, very versatile also to store fruits or other unwrapped items so you will never have a smashed banana in your bag ever again. The coffee addict I am did not want to go without a collapsible silicone coffee mug.
8 | Travel-themed Home Decor
Help them keep their travel memories alive with decor. A stylish scratch-off world map to track their travels or a set of beautifully designed travel posters can be great gift ideas for travel addicts amongst your friends and family.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
9 | Travel Safety Essentials
For peace of mind, consider safety-focused gifts. A compact first-aid kit, good locks or a subscription to a travel safety app can be thoughtful and practical gifts for someone who loves to go on adventures and solo travels.
10 | Noise Cancelling Headphones
Bringing noise-canceling headphones when you travel is a smart move and will be useful in various situations, especially in transportation. Long story short, you will not be afraid next time you see a baby on your long hall flight. They also help you focus better, whether you're working, reading, or trying to sleep, by putting you in your own little bubble. Additionally, they enhance your entertainment experience, offering better sound quality for music, movies, and podcasts. By allowing you to listen at lower volumes, they protect your ears and reduce fatigue. Versatile and beneficial in many situations, noise-canceling headphones can make your travels much more comfortable and enjoyable.
