32 Fabulous Gifts for Travelers for Every Budget

Last year I created the first Wander Your Way list of gifts for travelers.

And this year I decided to make another one because I want to make this an annual thing.

I personally love looking at this lists as I typically find something new.

So for the list this year, I decided to keep some of the same items on the list — because I love them and believe in them so much.

However, I’ve added some new “must haves.”

You see, the more I travel, the more I find items that make life easier for us travelers.

So if you’re looking for the perfect gift for that special someone who has wanderlust in their heart and who dreams of far off places, keep reading.

Oh, and this year I’ve put an approximate price on each item.

So you’ll find items to fit every budget.

 

Gifts for travelers who need a little help with organization

Eagle Creek Packing Cubes

I can’t say enough about these.

Seriously.

I fu**ing love these packing cubes!

Packing cubes have changed the way I pack and travel.

And Eagle Creek are my favorite brand.

Yes, there are lots of other brands out there – some are less expensive and some might be a bit more.

But the classic Eagle Creek are the ones I bought back in 2005.

And I still use them.

They’re still in superb condition.

I have overstuffed them, thrown them around, stepped on them — and they’re still in perfect condition.

 

The newer compression cubes are fab too.

These work well for packing sweaters or fleece.

You’ll find full size packing cubes, half, quarter and even these little ones that are padded and perfect for jewelry or medicines.

I read that one person uses the tiny cube for her contacts.

Great idea!

These are one of the best gifts for travelers.

Price: $20-$40 for a set of 3

 

BGTREND Cable Organizer Electronic Accessories Travel Bag Case 

This wonderful case has been upgraded since I bought mine in early 2018, but the upgrade looks fantastic!

The cable organizer case is the perfect holiday gift for that traveler who takes all her electronics with her.

I have now taken this case on 2 trips and I swear by it.

It’s amazing!

I keep my charger for my camera batteries in one spot, the cord for my iPhone in another, the cord to attach the camera to the laptop in another place…well, you get the idea.

All my cords and chargers are kept in the same spot in this case so I NEVER worry about forgetting one as I move from one town to the next.

And I know many B&B and guest house owners tell me travelers are always leaving behind charger cords.

So in today’s world where we are all traveling with at least 2 or 3 devices, this is the best thing since sliced bread!

Okay.

An exaggeration, perhaps.

But you get the idea.

Price: $12

 

Nalgene travel sized reusable bottles

I discovered these little treasures before my first international trip in 2005.

And I use them on every trip I take — international or domestic.

They are completely reusable so you don’t have to waste the money on travel sized toiletries.

This not only saves money but, more importantly, reduces your use of plastic and helps the environment.

Simply fill these little guys up with your favorite toiletry items from home and you are set.

These are excellent, inexpensive gifts for travelers and make great stocking stuffers.

Price: $2-$4 depending on size

 

 

Holiday gift ideas for the outdoor adventurer

Swiss Army Knife

I put this underneath the outdoor adventurer but really, this knife is handy for any traveler.

Personally, I don’t go anywhere without this.

Now you can’t take this on the plane if you are a carry-on only traveler.

So this won’t work for you or your traveler friend if this is your style of travel.

But I always check a bag so I tuck this into a pocket in my big bag and have it as I travel.

While I think a Swiss Army knife is a wonderful holiday gift for the outdoor person in your life, I’ve probably used it more in every day situations — cutting a thread on a piece of clothing with the scissors, tightening a screw with the screw driver, cutting a piece of fruit with the knife and opening a bottle of wine with the corkscrew.

Depending on the model you buy you can have all kinds of fun gadgets in one place.

Yup, gotta have the corkscrew!

This really is an excellent holiday gift for anyone, but it’s definitely a must for the outdoor person in your life.

I currently have the Explorer model since I forgot to take the Huntsman model out of my purse when I flew home from Dublin in 2018.

Oops!

Epic fail there.

I put the Explorer to the test on my travels this year and I love it.

A Swiss Army knife is really one of the best gifts for travelers.

Price: $35 for midrange model

 

Nalgene Water Bottle

There are so many water bottles out there now, but I’m a purist.

I started with Nalgene and have gone back to them.

I tried a couple of others, but I love this water bottle.

First of all, taking a water bottle on your travels helps you save money.

Secondly, and most importantly in my book, it keeps you from buying all those plastic bottles that are NOT all going to be recycled.

Seriously folks, let’s try to reduce our use of plastic.

There are other types of water bottles out there that filter your water that are great if you are traveling in developing parts of the world or are camping.

And there are collapsable water bottles that take up less space.

I’m certainly considering trying one of these.

But Nalgene is still around.

And — call me old school — they’re still the best.

I’ve dropped them, thrown them around and watched then roll down hills as I run after them.

Aside from a few scrapes, they’re still in excellent shape.

You can get them in wide mouth or narrow mouth.

Price: $11

 

Osprey Hydration Pack

I’m a huge fan of Osprey backpacks.

I have 3.

For the traveler who loves to hike, this is an awesome holiday gift.

I have the Skimmer 22 which is a women’s specific pack.

This is what I love about Osprey is that they have women specific packs to fit shorter torsos and wider hips.

This is the pack I used as I walked the West Highland Way in Scotland in 2017.

I used it as I hiked in Ireland in 2018.

And it saw a lot of use on my trip this year to Slovenia and the Dolomites of Italy.

I LOT of use!

It’s awesome.

Osprey has updated their packs so now the Skimmer comes in 16, 20 and 28 sizes.

And the men’s equivalent, the Skarab, comes in 22 and 30 sizes and gets great reviews.

Seriously, you can’t go wrong with Osprey packs!!

Price: $100-$150

Buy at Amazon or REI.

 

 

Gifts for travelers who need to stay warm and dry — and keep their feet happy

Patagonia Capilene

If you’re going to head to colder climates for your trip, then I highly recommend taking a base layer.

And I think Patagonia Capilene is the star.

First of all Patagonia products are some of the best made out there so you’ll have these pieces of clothing forever.

Secondly, the Capilene technology does a fabulous job of keeping you warm and wicking the moisture away from your skin for those cold weather high energy activities such as running, cross country skiing and winter hiking.

I bought my first Capilene back in the mid-1990’s and had that base layer top and bottom for 15 years before they wore out — and I wore them a lot!

Now I have a zip neck top that I love for cold weather running and hikes.

And I have a pair of bottom tights that are also fab for these winter activities.

I can wear them on their own or put a pair of pants over the top.

These base layers are superb gifts for travelers who love to be outside and who enjoy the colder climates.

Price: $25-$90

Buy at REI.

 

The North Face 1/4 Zip Glacier Fleece

I have 4 of these.

Yup.

It’s an addiction.

My original one is still in use but is my “wear around the house” fleece as it’s got a couple of stains on it.

TMI?

Sorry!

But it still keeps me warm.

I really love this particular women’s fleece for a few reasons.

Number one is that it really does keep you warm.

Secondly, I think if you choose the right color for you, it can easily replace a sweater when you’re heading out for a casual dinner or drinks or to a movie.

Lastly, it comes at a great price.

I’m not sure if The North Face is going to continue making this, but I hope so.

It used to come in loads of colors.

Now I see fewer colors, but it’s still available.

So grab one soon, just in case they decide NOT to keep these in their fleece line up.

Bonus tip: Buy true to size if you want it to be form fitting.

Size up if you want to have it fit a bit looser.

Price: $45

 

The North Face Venture 2 Rain Jacket

I added the Venture rain jacket to my bag in 2018.

They have since updated to the Venture 2 Rain Jacket.

I’m not sure there’s a big difference between the 2 models.

Typically when they do these upgrades there are minor changes and it seems to affect the colors more than anything.

Anyway…

I really like mine.

It’s lightweight and packs up small.

And, most importantly, it has kept me dry in Ireland, Wales, Italy, Slovenia and Croatia.

This comes in both men’s and women’s and there are an array of color choices.

It’s a brilliant holiday gift for any traveler.

Price: $99

Buy from REI or Amazon

 

Oofos

Otherwise known as “the flip flop that changed my life,” these flip flops, sandals, shoes and boots are a must for any active person.

I put these flip flops on after a run, long walk or hike.

They were on my feet every day I finished a section of the West Highland Way in Scotland in 2017.

They are pillows for my feet.

I love these.

And I wore the cute slip on shoes on my travels this year.

They are amazeballs!

Okay.

I hear you saying, “But they’re kind of pricey, Lynne!”

And I don’t disagree with you.

But, they are so worth it.

They are über comfortable, well-made and will last.

I have had my flip flops for 3 years and wear them all the time in warm weather — home and when I travel.

And they still look awesome.

The other reason they’re so incredible is that Oofos are very lightweight.

So they make excellent gifts for travelers.

Seriously, for that active person in your life who needs to take care of his feet, these will be his favorite gift!

PS I have battled plantar fasciitis over the years and these are seriously the most comfortable shoes I own outside of my sneakers.

Price: $50-$130

 

 

Holiday gifts for Women — Women’s Clothing

prAna Halle Pants

So remember the book (and maybe the movie) Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants?

Well, these 4 young ladies — all about to graduate high school and all different sizes — had this 1 pair of jeans that they shared.

This magical pair of jeans fit each of them.

I kind of feel like the Halle pants are like this.

It doesn’t matter what your shape is, these pants will fit you.

I was turned onto the Halle pant from other female travel bloggers who raved about them.

So I bought a pair earlier this year and traveled with them.

Love them!

I hiked in them and went out to dinner in them.

These pants are comfortable, lightweight and have lots of little pockets.

There are enough colors to choose from and the big bonus is they come in both short and tall lengths as well as regular.

For a shorty like me, this racks up major points.

The Halle pant is really one of the best gifts for the traveling woman in your life.

Or perhaps they’ll make a wonderful gift to yourself!

And for those of you who like your straight leg pants, the Halle also comes in this style.

Price: $60-$90

Buy at REI or Amazon.

 

Darn Tough socks for women

These socks rock!

I have a few pair of these.

I wore them as I walked the 96 mile West Highland Way in Scotland.

And I’ve worn them simply to keep my feet warm as I walked to the pub in Ireland.

There are different types — merino wool, coolmax, basic crew, 1/4 crew, no show.

I guarantee Darn Tough has a sock for that person on your holiday gift giving list.

They may cost just a wee bit more than other socks, but they are “darn tough.”

Plus, they come in all kinds of colors and patterns making them fun.

Even if your pants are covering them, you’ll know your feet are having a party.

Price: $18-$25

Buy at REI or Amazon.

 

Holiday Gifts for Men — Men’s Clothing

prAna Zion Pant

This is the men’s equivalent of the Halle pant.

And these pants get great reviews.

The Zion pant will go easily from the trail to dinner.

They’re lightweight, have just the right amount of pockets and come in 5 colors.

Just like the Halle, the Zion also comes in a straight leg style.

Price:

Buy at REI or Amazon.

 

Darn Tough socks for men

As I stated in the women’s section, these socks rock!

But I’ll repeat myself here.

I have a few pair of these.

I wore them as I walked the 96 mile West Highland Way in Scotland.

And I’ve worn them simply to keep my feet warm as I walked to the pub in Ireland.

There are different types — merino wool, coolmax, basic crew, 1/4 crew, no show.

I guarantee Darn Tough has a sock for that person on your holiday gift giving list.

They may cost just a wee bit more than other socks, but they are “darn tough.”

Plus, they come in all kinds of colors and patterns making them fun.

Even if your pants are covering them, you’ll know your feet are having a party.

Price:

Buy at REI or Amazon.

 

Gifts for travelers who can’t live without their techie gadgets

Anker PowerCore 10000 Power Bank

If you’re like me you can’t live without your tech gadgets — phone, latptop, tablet.

And when you’re out for a long hike or are going to be on a long bus ride, sometimes there’s a concern your phone’s battery will die.

So having a portable power source is a must.

Anker is definitely one of the best out there.

I really like this model as it’s compact enough, yet still has enough power to charge my iPhone.

Truly one of the best gifts for travelers.

Price: $26

 

Action Camera 4K by FLUID + FORM

I bought this little GoPro-like action video camera in early 2018.

It’s awesome!

I’ve used it on my travels and really like the results.

It’s small, comes with loads of brackets and attachment gizmos, a waterproof case and 2 batteries.

You do have to buy the memory card separately which is not that big of a deal as you can easily get the proper card size for your needs.

I’ve just posted one or 2 videos with it, mostly due to time constraints of learning the video editing software.

But if you have someone on your list that wants an action camera but you don’t want to pay too much, then this is the perfect holiday gift.

Price: $70

 

iPhone 11 Pro

I just bought this and, so far, I am loving it!

I know it’s got a high price tag.

But for a traveler who loves to use just her phone to take pics or to shoot video, this is a marvelous gift.

I wanted the camera as well as a good amount of memory for pics, video and all my favorite apps.

And having a battery that lasts longer than my old 7 is helpful.

Price: from $1000

Buy iPhone 11 Pro

 

iPhone 11 Pro phone case

So maybe you can’t afford to give the gift of an iPhone 11 Pro.

But you know someone who just bought his own.

Then how about the awesome gift of a really cool case?

Amazon has a plethora of these but below are 2 that I think make fabulous gifts for travelers.

Price: $10

 

Gifts for travelers who need a place to put everything

Osprey Sojourn

So this has been my go to travel bag for 9 years.

It has 2 wheels yet it can become a backpack if need be.

It’s lightweight compared to regular wheelie bags.

Now because I have my beloved tech pack on my back with my work gear, I don’t use it as a backpack.

But I’ve converted it that way a time or 2 just to see how it feels.

And it works!

For me, keeping it as a wheelie bag is best.

I have the 25inch bag which seems to not be on the market right now.

However, you will find it in 22inch and 28inch sizes.

The 22inch will fit most carry-on specs, but maybe not all.

You’ll definitely be checking the 28inch.

Regardless, as I’ve said about Osprey — they make outstanding bags and packs.

And they guarantee them.

I can’t recommend this bag or even another one of their travel bags enough!

Price: $300-$350

 

Lowepro Fastpack BP 250 AW II

I have an older version of this and am enviously eyeing this one.

I’ve been a good girl (mostly 😉), Santa!

This is one of the best gifts for travelers who still love their DSLR or mirrorless “big” camera and want to pack a laptop as well.

It’s well-padded and not too big.

There is space for other “non-tech” items in the top part with your camera gear going into the bottom.

I love how it’s separated.

And it’s reasonably priced.

I find that Lowepro makes some really nice camera bags so you know it’s a gift that will last.

Mine is 9 years old and still in excellent condition.

Price: $90

 

Holiday gifts for those who want to speak another language

Fluenz

This is THE BEST language program out there.

Sonia Gil and her team have created this awesome language program that really works.

I have both the Italian and French programs.

While I’m just getting into the French program, I’ve worked through 2 levels of the Italian program.

It’s outstanding.

As I made a third trip to Italy in 2012, I was amazed that I could understand bits and pieces of what the Italians were saying to me and I could answer back — to a certain degree.

If you stick with it, and practice on a regular basis as is recommended, you’ll be able to have some conversations in another language as you travel.

I know it’s a bit more expensive.

But you get so much with it and the Fluenz approach really works!

Truly one of the best gifts for travelers is to give them the gift of being able to communicate with the locals.

Price: $187-$378

 

Lonely Planet Language Guides

The Lonely Planet Language guides are perfect for that person who wants to have a language guide with her as she travels.

Lonely Planet has been creating these guides for years and they really are filled with the most useful words and phrases you need as a traveler.

I personally love the pocket sized books as I’m still a fan of having a real paper book.

While there are loads of apps out there, sometime it’s peace of mind to carry a small phrasebook with you.

And the Lonely Planet Language guides are perfect.

Price: $4-7

Buy at Lonely Planet or Amazon.

 

 

Gifts for travelers who love to read about travel

Geography of Bliss

This is one of my favorite books from Eric Weiner.

He travels the world looking for the world’s happiest place.

Does this place even exist?

Does where we live determine how happy we are?

It’s a great read for those who have a bit of wanderlust in their heart.

PS I’d also recommend Eric’s other book called Man Seeks God for those who want something philosophical on religion.

 

The Alchemist

Paolo Coelho’s masterpiece is another wonderful read for those who have itchy feet.

This tale of Santiago, a shepherd boy from the Andalucía region of Spain, intertwines magic, mysticism, and finding one’s path in life.

It follows Santiago across far off lands as he follows his dreams.

This has always been one of my favorite books and is one I like to re-read from time to time.

 

A Year in Provence

The late Peter Mayle’s classic recounting of living out the dream of buying a farmhouse in Provence is one of my favorites.

He learns to deal with the changing seasons, the crazy locals and to love the food and the pace of life.

It’s a witty, humorous and heart-felt read that is an excellent gift for anyone who loves France or dreams of rural life in any European country.

 

Under the Tuscan Sun

This is another fun book about buying a house in another country and learning to adapt to a new culture.

Frances Mayes buys and renovates a house in Tuscany, Italy.

And, since this is Italy, there are the typical trials of getting the work done in a timely manner.

It’s funny and filled with the love of a place that I can totally relate to.

This part of Italy really captures your heart and soul.

Yes, there is the movie with Diane Lane.

But the book is very different and, to me, so much better.

 

The Dublin Saga: Princes of Ireland and The Dublin Saga: The Rebels of Ireland

Edward Rutherford writes amazing, in-depth historical fiction.

His books are long, but they are captivating — if you love history.

These 2 books on Ireland are phenomenal.

For anyone who really wants to dive into Irish history then these books are a must.

He also has a fabulous book on Paris that I’ve read.

And he has many others.

Edward Rutherford’s books are superb gifts for the history buff who also loves to travel — or at least dreams about it!

 

The Lost Girls of Paris

I love historical fiction especially stories that take place in Europe and around WWII or WWI.

And this novel by Pam Jenoff has been one of my favorites I’ve read this year.

It’s about a ring of secret agents who are all female and who all sent to Occupied Europe during WWII.

If you or a loved one enjoyed The Nightingale (one of my all time favorite reads), then this is the perfect book.

 

Lonely Planet Guidebooks

These are my go to guidebooks when I’m planning a trip.

And they have been for 15 years.

They give you an overall sense of what destinations to travel to, sites to see, places to stay and how to get there.

These guides make an amazing holiday gift for that special someone who is planning a trip for 2020 or even dreaming of a future trip.

The great thing is you can buy an actual book or you can buy the digital format.

Lonely Planet guides are definitely one of the best gifts for travelers.

Price: varies on guide and format

Location Inspiration Guide: A Journey Through Italy

If you’ve got someone on your list who is dreaming of going to Italy, then why not give them this ebook written by yours truly?

This guide is packed with destinations to inspire you to travel to Italy — places that are more off the tourist trail.

It covers all 20 regions and offers up 4-7 spots in each region that you may have never heard of, but are destinations that are worthy of spending some time in.

And it’s just $7.99!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Planning Your Trip To Europe: The Best Tips, Tricks and How-To’s

This e-guide was released late last year and it’s a must for the special someone who is planning a trip to Europe.

Planning Your Trip To Europe is jam-packed with all kinds of tips to help you plan and manage your trip.

You’ll learn how to plan out your itinerary, manage money and credit cards, navigate the trains and buses and find the best ways to visit the sites.

And all for just $9.99!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Slice Of Ireland: Guide to Clifden & Connemara

I am so pleased to add this to the list!

This book was released earlier this year and I’m very proud of it.

Clifden is one of my favorite Irish towns and Connemara is one of my absolute favorite areas.

In this guide you’ll get all of my on the ground information on where to go and what to do to truly experience this stunning part of Ireland.

A lot of what you’ll see in here is NOT in other guides.

And it’s just $6.99.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So there you have it, some great holiday gifts for travelers.

Maybe you’ve even found a little something for yourself.

But the best gift of all?

The Gift of Travel.

Happy Holidays!!

 

Disclaimer: As an affiliate with Amazon, REI, Lonely Planet and Patagonia I will earn a commission – at no extra cost to you — if you click on the link and purchase anything from these trusted companies. It helps Wander Your Way, a small business, stay in business. Thanks for your support!

 

Pin It!