Photo by Cindy Lauren

Do you know someone that loves to travel? Or is planning a trip somewhere fabulous soon? Perhaps you are stumped for ideas on what to get that die hard traveler that seems to have all the gear they need.

It can be challenging giving travel gifts because you want to give something lightweight, easy to pack and useful; yet fun to give too. Here are some ideas that are all of these things and within a reasonable budget to boot. Enjoy!

This is the best price I’ve seen for a stainless steel water bottle.  Such fun colors and a carabiner and loop hole for easy transport.  Plus, it’s stainless steel so it’s durable and you won’t be ingesting leached chemical plastic.

2.  Customized  iTunes Playlist ($10 – $35)

Listening to music on the road is a must for most travelers.  Hearing a favorite song from back home can cheer a lonely traveler up in no time.  You can create a list of songs they’d love and iTunes will send them a link allowing them to download them right onto their computer.  So cool!  You can also give them as a print out.  I love someone who makes me music.

3.  Portable Art Kit ($10)

I simply love these tiny kits and the price is unbeatable.  What’s better than doodling or drawing while on a long trip to pass the time and indulge your creative side?  Choose from crayons, colored pencils, watercolors or markers.

4.  Moleskin Journals ($10 – $25)

These simple, timeless beauties will beg you to write in them whether you want to or not.   They are slim, easy to pack and essential for any traveler wanting to journal or doodle.  Great with the art kit!

5. Reversible Travel Yoga Mat ($30)

For the yoga buffs out there, this mat is lightweight and easy to pack.   For the non-yoga buffs, it also doubles as seating for wet or cold ground.

6.  Letter or e-mail upon arrival

Letter writing is a lost art so whenever I receive a handwritten note, it really touches me.   Send a letter or  an e-mail to their destination for them to open upon their arrival.  There’s nothing like a personal message from someone back home to cheer you up.  If you send a letter, throw in a paid calling card.  These are a gem to have on the road.

7.  Travel Candle ($6)

Scent is incredibly mood changing.  A scented travel candle is a great way to freshen up that not so fresh hotel room and set a more relaxing mood.  I love these hand poured, soy wax ones from Travel Tin.

8.  Flip Ultra Camcorder ($150)

This way cool, compact camcorder is easy to use, affordable and perfect for traveling.  It holds 60 minutes of continuous footage and easily plugs right into your computer for quick downloading, no cables.  Genius!

9.  Destination Activity/Adventure

If you want to splurge a little, purchase an activity or adventure at their destination.   Examples might include a cooking class for two if they love to cook, a snorkeling tour of their favorite island or even a simple  dinner for two at that famous local dive in town.  Give it to them right before they leave so that it’s a surprise but yet they can also work it into their trip schedule once they’ve arrived.

10.  Travel Blanket ($25)

Lightweight yet warm and easy to pack, this blanket is a must have for serious travelers.  This comes in five fun colors  and a compact nylon bag.  Much better than those grungy, overused ones that come on the plane.

11.  Homemade Flight Survival Kit

Pack some  aspirin, ear plugs, gum, mouthwash, breath mints, hand wipes, pen, and whatever else they might need in a funky cosmetic bag.   If you want to give something slightly bigger you can also pack a healthy snack such as a granola bar, dried fruit, nuts, a magazine or book, and games.

12.  A Massage (~$60)

Travel can be stressful.  A gift certificate for a massage when they return is a great way to gently transition back into the ‘real world’.  I would absolutely love this as a gift.

13. Noise Canceling Earbuds ($70)

These cancel out noisy airplane and machinery noise yet allow you to fully enjoy music and movies.  You can sleep with ease in these.  They really work!

14.  Packing Compressors ($20)

These compression sacs from Eagle Creek are not terribly unique, but a must have.  My dad gave me some of these one year and I scoffed slightly as if they were socks.   Now, I never leave home without them.  Get up to 80% more space.  More room for clothes and souvenirs!

15.  Books

A book about your fellow traveler’s  favorite destination is a great gift.   Even if they don’t travel with them, they are great to read beforehand or to copy pages out of for a lighter load.   I love the book  ‘1,000 Places to See Before You Die’.  Perfect for anyone with wanderlust.

16.  Traveler ‘Business Cards’

These can be as simple as their name and e-mail or travel blog web address.  Perfect for when you meet someone on the road and want to keep in touch.  Just whip one of these out to stay connected.  You can get these cheap at any Kinko’s or similar store.  A friend of mine bought some for a recent long term trip and loves them.  I thought they were a great idea and will be getting some myself for my big trip next year.

I hope these ideas were helpful.  I had a blast making this list and am asking Santa  for a few myself!

Are there other travel gifts that you enjoy giving? Please share!< -->

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