The holiday season is officially here, and it’s time to start working on your shopping list. While gift-giving is fantastic, it can also be quite stressful. To help you, I’ve created a list of 15 practical and thoughtful gift ideas for yourself and other travel lovers. Happy shopping!

Luggage & Essential Travel Items

1. Luggage Set

A solid luggage set is a must-have for any traveler. I love my Rockland Luggage Melbourne 3-piece set. It is affordable and high quality. I’ve used every piece at least twice, but the carry-on is what I use the most. It’s survived trips to over 10 countries over the last three years and is still strong! Purchase it here.

2. Packing Cubes Set

If you read my article about how I packed over 45 clothing items in my carry-on luggage, you already know that packing cubes are my “not-so-secret” ingredients. This is a necessity for keeping your luggage organized. Gone are the days when you have no clue where anything is in your luggage. Now, you can have a cube for tops, bottoms, and anything else. I bought the Bagail 4-set packing cubes that come with a laundry bag. Purchase it here.

3. Luggage Scale

I wasn’t always an expert packer. When I first started traveling, I was a serial over-packer. My Camry Luggage scale was a life-saver on many occasions. This is one item any over-packer would greatly appreciate having. Purchase it here.

4. Travel Pillow 

This past year was filled with really long flights and road trips. Having a travel pillow during these long rides has been a saving grace. I will upgrade my current travel pillow to a Cabeau Evolution Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow. I like that this pillow comes with a travel bag (you probably don’t realize how often it touches the ground and other germ-infested spots), and it has earplugs (a nice bonus). It has raised side support and a flat back cushion, which is excellent for neck pain. Purchase it here.

5. Sleeping Mask

Sleeping masks are great gifts for travelers, especially sensitive sleepers. The Alaska Bear sleep mask is 100% silk on both sides! Great sleep during traveling awaits you! Purchase it here.

6. Waterproof Phone Case 

A few years ago, I visited Thailand and Cambodia, where my friends and I visited the most beautiful beaches and waterfalls. My friend had a waterproof phone case, and it was awesome because she was able to bring her phone into the water with her with no issues, and she captured great pictures. My Instagram feed was very thankful for her case. Naturally, after that trip, I bought my waterproof case. Purchase it here.

7. Multi-USB Charger

Nowadays, one USB port is never enough. Getting a multi-USB charger allows you to charge multiple devices at once. Also, it can be used as a great way to make a friend because sometimes available charging posts at airports are hard to find. Purchase it here.

8. Portable Charger

I have an iPhone 6s with an “ok” battery life. My portable charger has been super handy when I’m out sightseeing for an extended period. The Anker Powercore mini is a high-speed ultra-compact charger. Mini chargers are excellent because they don’t take up much space in your bag. Purchase it here.

Must-Have Cameras

9. Polaroid Camera

Polaroid cameras are a great way to have a hard copy of a memory instantly. If you make friends with the locals during a trip, you can gift them with a photo. In many parts of the world, people won’t be able to see the digital selfie you took together. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Film Camera is a fun way to make this happen. Purchase it here.

10. Go Pro Hero

The GoPro HERO is something on my holiday wish list. A few friends have this camera, and they capture amazing photos and videos. The best part is that it is easy to use, can be attached anywhere, and is wifi-enabled. Purchase it here.

Journal

11. Travel Journal

My travel journal comes along on all of my journeys. I like to use it to write down my experiences so I won’t forget them. I use this Belle City Gifts’ Travel journal. It’s a functional size, has lined paper, and inspirational quotes on the front and back. Purchase it here.

Travel Preparation Essentials

12. Air BnB Voucher

Air BnB has saved me a lot of money on travel accommodations. These days, it is common for people to stay in an Airbnb rather than a hotel. Air BnB also offers gift vouchers. Purchase it here.

13. Amazon Prime Membership

There have been many times when I needed last-minute items for a trip but didn’t have the time to go to the store. Amazon Prime is a gift that keeps giving. You can receive your shipments in 1-2 days! You can gift someone a  3-month or yearly membership. Purchase it here.

14. Rosetta Stone

Rosetta Stone is a perfect gift for someone interested in learning a language. One license provides you with access to up to 5 people. You can even make it into a group learning experience. Learning key phrases before you travel to a foreign country is always a good idea, but conversing in the native language fully is even better. Purchase it here.

15. Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel Guide

Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travel guide lists their top 500 places to see. This is an excellent present for any wanderluster constantly planning their next move. Purchase it here.

There you have it 15 gift ideas for the travel lover!

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