Need a birthday, Christmas, anniversary, no reason whatsoever gift for the traveler in your life? Every year, when I ask for anything for any of these occasions, I pretty much always make it travel-related. While this list is by no means exclusive, these are things I wouldn’t be caught traveling without, and therefore, are my top recommendations of helpful travel gifts for those bitten with wanderlust in your life!
1. Compression Bags
Compression bags are a lifesaver for me. At the rate airlines are losing bags these days, it’s worth limiting yourself to a carry-on. That doesn’t mean you have to pack light, though. With compression bags, you can pack A LOT of stuff. Just put all of your fashionable pieces in the bag, sit on top and get that air out, roll them up, and you’d be surprised by how vacuum-sealed these things get. For context, I traveled through the Middle East for 10 days, with tons of long dresses, scarfs, cover-ups, pants, etc., and was able to fit all of it in a compression bag, keeping my luggage to just a carry-on.
2. Travel Tripod
Pictures or it didn’t happen! One of the most common questions I receive is, “How do you take all of your pictures?” since I primarily travel alone. My travel tripod is also known as my Instagram boyfriend, and let me tell ya, he has gotten some sick photos of me, myself, and I. Simply connect your phone, GoPro, Canon, whatever, set a timer or use a remote, and snap away. Sure, you’ll probably draw a decent amount of attention, but who cares? It’s your trip, baby, own it. Tripods are also great if traveling with friends and you want to get a photo together without asking anyone to take an awkwardly angled picture.
3. GoPro Hero 9
My friends jokingly refer to my GoPro as my third arm when I’m traveling and, well, they are correct. I am never NOT holding my GoPro when traveling because it just takes the best action shots, whether I’m diving in the Great Barrier Reef, road-tripping in New Zealand, or riding a motorbike in the Philippines. I highly recommend the GoPro for those who love adventure travel and need to catch movement on camera/film. It’s not as great for portraits as it’s a wide angle lens, but there’s a reason just about every traveler under the sun loves their GoPro.
4. Universal Travel Adapter
There are fewer things more annoying than arriving to a new destination only to realize you have no way to charge your devices. While this has only happened to me once (oops), it is a stressful situation, especially when traveling alone. As soon as I made this silly mistake, I knew I needed to buy a universal charger and bring that with me for all of my trips, so that’s what I did! This is the exact same one that I have, and at only $22, I’ve had it for years and never travel without it.
5. Travel Journal
When I went on my six-month backpacking trip back in 2019, I’d bring my turquoise travel journal with me everywhere. Restaurants, cafes, bars, public transportation, even hikes: you name it, my travel journal was there with me. You never know what you’re going to see while out exploring, and having a journal and a pen on you at all times will guarantee that you can jot things down that you want to remember. I read it back when I’m missing travel, and I am SO grateful for each entry: like, I apparently ate a saffron salmon dish on my first flight with Emirates on my way to Dubai, which I casually forgot, but upon reading it, I could almost taste it again. I also use it to write down ALL of my information: flight number, hotel name and address, dates I’m traveling, how I’m getting from point A to point B, etc. I know most people rely on their phone, but my phone has broken several times, and even worst, you could accidentally lose or misplace your phone (or even WORST it could get stolen), so it’s always wise to have an itinerary physically written down.
6. Snorkeling Gear
Yet another thing I pretty much would never leave for a trip without is my snorkeling gear. I bought it in Australia after getting scuba-certified, because I’ve always found that the gear organized tours provide is cheap plastic and, low key, kind of gross. If I’m going to put a snorkel in my mouth and goggles around my face, I’m happy knowing that primarily only my germs are the ones that have touched it. It’s well worth it to invest a little bit and have your own if you’re a water baby like me. And, of course, I’m recommending a pink one, because why get a boring color when you could get PINK? Fun fact: I tried to follow a turtle when I was getting scuba certified in The Great Barrier Reef, and the instructor knew it was me (even though I was far away) because I was the only one with a pink snorkel.
7. Power Bank
Staying connected, especially while traveling, is essential. This rings true for all travelers, but it’s particularly important for solo travelers. It’s always wise to let friends and/or family know that you’re okay, even if it’s just a quick, “Hi, I’m about to lose WiFi, but I’m good!” text on WhatsApp. I always carry a Power Bank with me when I’m on the road for this very reason. Like my snorkeling suggestion, this compact pink one will do the trick and not take up a ton of space.
Some really nice and utilitarian info on this website, also I believe the style and design has got wonderful features.