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What do you give someone who loves to travel? 10 original gift ideas

Published: 15 December 2025

Surprising someone who loves to travel with a gift sounds easy, but in reality it can be tricky. You want to give something that’s useful on the road, doesn’t take up unnecessary space, and preferably has personal or meaningful value. Especially when someone is leaving for a longer trip or traveling abroad, the last thing you want is a gift that stays unused in their suitcase.

That’s why you’ll find 10 original gift ideas for travel lovers below. From practical essentials to small and personal gifts. So there’s always something that fits both the traveler and their journey.

What do you give someone who loves to travel?

For someone who loves to travel, practical travel accessories like a power bank, packing cubes or a waterproof phone case are always a safe choice. Personal gifts such as a notebook with a message or an instant camera are also highly appreciated. If you’d rather not give physical items, a travel experience or night away gift offers maximum flexibility, allowing the recipient to choose when and where to use it.

Practical gifts for someone who loves to travel

Practical gifts make traveling more comfortable and ensure the traveler has everything they need on the go. Ideal for both short trips and long journeys.

1. Power bank for traveling

A power bank is essential for almost every traveler. From navigation to digital tickets and photos, nothing works without battery life. A compact power bank easily fits in carry-on luggage.

Power bank charging a smartphone while travelingPower bank charging a smartphone while traveling

2. Packing cubes or travel organizers

Packing cubes help keep clothes and accessories neatly organized. Especially useful for backpackers or travelers visiting multiple destinations.

3. Waterproof phone case

Perfect for beach vacations, rainy destinations or active trips. A waterproof phone case protects smartphones from water, sand and dust.

Waterproof phone case protecting a smartphone while travelingWaterproof phone case protecting a smartphone while traveling

4. Hanging toiletry bag

A toiletry bag with a hook is ideal for small bathrooms, hostels or hotel rooms. Everything stays organized and easily accessible.

5. Neck wallet for money and cards

For extra security while traveling. A neck wallet is worn under clothing and is perfect for passports, cash and important cards.

Small travel gifts

Small travel gifts are perfect because they don’t take up much space and are easy to carry. Ideal as a practical extra for any journey.

6. Travel mug or reusable water bottle

A sturdy travel mug or reusable water bottle is convenient, sustainable and perfect for long travel days or early flights.

Reusable water bottle used during a tripReusable water bottle used during a trip

7. Notebook with a personal message

A notebook is ideal for capturing travel stories, thoughts and plans. Adding a personal message on the first page makes it extra special.

Personal & meaningful farewell gifts

Looking for something with emotional value? Personal farewell gifts that capture memories are a great choice, especially for longer trips.

8. Instant camera for travel memories

An instant camera allows travelers to print photos on the spot. Perfect for sharing memories or adding them to a travel journal.

Instant camera used to capture travel memoriesInstant camera used to capture travel memories

9. Engraved jewelry or accessory

A subtle piece of jewelry or keychain with an engraving is a lasting reminder of home. Small, personal and easy to take along.

The best gift for someone traveling long-term

Looking for a small yet meaningful travel gift? Choose something lightweight and flexible that can be used anytime during or after the trip.

10. Give a travel gift with a hotel stay

If you’re unsure about taste or don’t want to give physical items, experience gifts are becoming increasingly popular. A hotel stay gift is flexible, lightweight and always useful. Whether during the trip or afterward.

With Hotelgiftcard, the recipient can choose a hotel anywhere in the world. This makes it the perfect backpacker gift, city trip gift, or surprise for long-term travelers. No fixed dates, no fixed destination. Just complete freedom for every type of traveler.

Backpackers enjoying a travel experience during their journeyBackpackers enjoying a travel experience during their journey

Why this makes the perfect travel gift

  • Redeemable at thousands of hotels worldwide
  • No luggage space required
  • Suitable for short and long trips
  • Available as a digital, last-minute gift

FAQ – gifts for travel lovers

  1. What do you give someone who loves to travel?
    Give something that’s genuinely useful on the road, such as a power bank, travel organizer or neck wallet. For something more memorable, choose a travel experience like a hotel stay.
     
  2. What is a good gift for someone traveling abroad?
    Focus on comfort, safety and flexibility. Practical travel accessories or a worldwide travel gift from Hotelgiftcard.com work best.
     
  3. What do you give someone who travels for a long time?
    Avoid heavy or bulky items. A personal keepsake or a flexible hotel stay gift allows the traveler to choose when to use it.
     
  4. How do you give someone a travel gift?
    You can give a travel gift in person before departure, at the airport or train station or send it digitally by email, so the recipient receives it instantly, even while traveling.
     
  5. What do you give someone who already has everything?
    Choose a gift that focuses on experiences or freedom of choice, such as an experience gift or a flexible travel gift. If the person is traveling soon, lightweight and practical gifts are ideal. You can also read our blog what do you give someone who has everything for more inspiration without adding extra belongings.
HGC card

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