Since 2017, I have been traveling. First, it was a move to Thailand, then living in Europe for six months, which caused me to become a tour director and live in an unsettled way. Every Christmas, someone would say, “If you had a house, I could buy you more things,” or “I never know what to get you because you are homeless,” and better yet, “You are the hardest person to buy for.”
In reality, I didn’t need a house to receive a nice gift; the person giving the gift didn’t understand my lifestyle or even understand me. Living minimalistic is hard for people to wrap their minds around, and being this way makes people think outside the box regarding holidays.
For many years, I have wanted to make a list for people who don’t know how to buy for their traveling family members. I own or have owned everything on the list. I find value in each item and its usefulness as a full-time traveler. I am not an affiliate marketer and get nothing from sharing this list. Other than the satisfaction that maybe one traveler will receive something nice, thoughtful, and useful from their family this year for Christmas.
Away suitcase
https://www.awaytravel.com/
TJ Maxx has always been my go-to place to buy luggage. Their products always worked for me until I started traveling full-time. The beating a suitcase takes its toll after just a few months or a year. Finally, I leaped to purchase the Away Suitcase. You must mentally prepare yourself to make such an expensive purchase, but it has been well worth it. There is a lifetime warranty, the hard shell covering is durable, and the zipper moves and bends with the suitcase. The wheels move like they are greased all of the time. In the XL Carryon, I have been able to pack for two weeks’ worth of travel.
Airline gift card
https://www.ryanair.com/us/en/lp/travel-extras/gift-cards
Gift cards are wonderful. Easy to carry and easy to pack. Do you have someone traveling to Europe? A gift card to Ryanair would mean the world to your traveler. This is a budget airline where you can fly from Germany to Italy for less than $75…believe me, I have done it. Some flights are as little as $10.
If you have a traveler staying stateside, find out which airline they fly the most and go from there.
REI Gift Card
https://www.ryanair.com/us/en/lp/travel-extras/gift-cards
You can never go wrong with an REI Gift Card for your outdoor enthusiast. They have everything from hiking to biking. Send your traveler off into the wilderness prepared for their next adventure.
National Parks Pass
https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
Did you know there are National Park Passes? Each park costs money to enter. Depending on the park, it could cost as little as $10 to $75. Saving is key to traveling. This would be a major money saver if your adventurer plans to visit the Southwest National Parks. Most people visit these parks as a circuit so that you will save them hundreds of dollars.
Travel Journal
Amazon -search Travel Journal or buy one locally made
One of the most common comments is, “I live vicariously through you.” My thoughts on this are usually, well, that’s nice. Because I know the reality of solo travel, it gets lonely. 90% of my travel time is spent alone. Having a travel journal can help with the loneliness.
Travel Blanket
Being comfy and cozy is key, especially on long flights. A travel blanket can be bulky for someone to carry, but I will take mine anywhere because I know I will need it. The most recent trip was from South Carolina to Tanzania, Africa. If you have a budget traveler in your life, they may be staying in Hostels. In some hostels, they give you a sheet. Having a blanket makes sleeping so much easier.
Waist pouch, aka fanny pack
Amazon -search Waist Pouch or find one locally made
Don’t knock it ’til you try it. You would have thought fanny packs would have gone out of style at the end of the 90s, but there is a resurgence. I love mine. Safety is my number one concern when traveling. I have been a victim of theft while traveling…a few times. Now, I keep my important items close to me. A waist pouch can be fashionable and useful at the same time. Parents, make sure you get one that is nice and functional.
Universal charger
Everything we own today needs to be charged. A universal charger is necessary. When purchasing, ensure you get the correct charger for the country your traveler is going to.
Puffer jacket/raincoat combo
https://www.thenorthface.com/en-us
Packing light isn’t always easy. One way to save room is to find a packable and foldable coat. Most of these are puffer jackets. A raincoat is also necessary because your traveler will run into the rain at some point in the journey.
Waterproof Hiking boots
The wrong footwear will make a trip miserable. A good pair of waterproof hiking boots will last for years and many miles. I prefer the hightop boot as it protects ankles. Talk to your adventurer to see which ones they prefer. This gift item doesn’t come at a cheap price. This could be the main gift and coupled with a nice pair of wool socks.
Headlamp or mini flashlight
I could have cried when my headlamp died while camping in the bush on safari. This headlamp has been with me for so many years. I forgot to change the battery before leaving…my bad. A headlamp or mini flashlight will make the darkness easier to navigate. It’s also great in hostel situations where you can’t turn on the overhead light to not bother other guests.
Air pods or any listening device
I use my AirPods from the plane to touch down and all places in between. They are necessary for everyone.
Apple Watch
I purchased my Apple watch last year. It has been a great investment. The reason I bought it was for work. As a Tour Director, I sometimes don’t know where I am going. I could be leading a tour in a destination I have never been to, but I don’t want my guests to know this. I set the directions on my phone, and the directions go to my watch.
I can easily look down at my watch when I am unsure. This can also help a traveler navigate places they don’t know. This goes back to safety. As a traveler, you don’t ever want to look lost. You need to be confident as you move. Having the watch will help with this.
Backpack that will hold a laptop or iPad
If your adventurer is in their 20s or 30s, I bet you a million dollars they will travel with a computer or tablet. They will need something to carry those things in. Before buying a backpack, talk to them about their needs because a backpack must be comfortable yet functional.
First aid kit/sewing kit
Blisters, broken dress straps, missing buttons…having a first aid kit and sewing kit will be so helpful for those random moments when you need it most.
Gift bundles
For women's gift bag: Hair ties, scarf, sunglasses, sunscreen, Tylenol, fem. hygiene prod, hand-held alarm travel size perfume visa gift card, chapstick, razor
For men gift bag: Sunglasses, Tylenol, visa gift card, comfy t-shirts, chapstick, sunscreen, razor
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