Gift idea

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

Published: December 15, 2025

Last edited: December 16, 2025

Finding the right gift for someone who loves to travel sounds easy, but it can be surprisingly tricky. The best travel gifts are useful on the road, take up little space, and ideally have personal meaning. Especially when someone is leaving for a long trip or traveling abroad, the last thing you want is a gift that ends up unused at the bottom of a suitcase.

That’s why we’ve put together 10 original gift ideas for travel lovers. From practical essentials to small and personal gifts, there’s always something that fits both the traveler and their journey.
 

What do you give someone who loves to travel?

When shopping for someone who loves to travel, practical 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 handwritten message or an instant camera, are also popular. If you prefer not to give a physical item, a travel experience or overnight stay gift offers maximum flexibility, letting the recipient decide when and where to use it.

Practical gifts for someone who loves to travel

Practical gifts make traveling easier and more comfortable. They help travelers stay organized and prepared, whether they are heading out for a weekend getaway or a long-term adventure.

1. Power bank for traveling

A power bank is essential for almost every traveler. From navigation and digital tickets to photos and communication, a charged phone is a must. A compact power bank easily fits in carry-on luggage and comes in handy on long travel days.

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

2. Packing cubes or travel organizers

Packing cubes make it easy to keep clothes and accessories organized. They are especially useful for backpackers or travelers visiting multiple destinations during one trip.

3. Waterproof phone case

Ideal for beach vacations, rainy destinations, or active trips. A waterproof phone case protects smartphones from water, sand, and dust, so travelers can relax without worrying about their device.

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

4. Hanging toiletry bag

A hanging toiletry bag is perfect for small bathrooms, hostels, or hotel rooms. With everything neatly organized and easy to reach, getting ready on the go becomes much simpler.

5. Neck wallet for money and cards

For added security while traveling, a neck wallet is a smart choice. Worn under clothing, it keeps passports, cash, and important cards safe and close at hand.

Small travel gifts

Small travel gifts are ideal because they are lightweight and easy to carry. They make a thoughtful and practical addition to any trip without taking up valuable luggage space.

6. Travel mug or reusable water bottle

A durable travel mug or reusable water bottle is convenient, eco-friendly, and perfect for long travel days, road trips, 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 great for writing down travel stories, plans, and reflections. Adding a personal message on the first page makes it a meaningful keepsake.

Personal & meaningful farewell gifts

Looking for a gift with emotional value? Personal farewell gifts that capture memories are especially appreciated when someone is heading off on a longer journey.

8. Instant camera for travel memories

An instant camera lets travelers print photos right away. It’s a fun way to capture memories, share moments, or add photos to a travel journal.

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

9. Engraved jewelry or accessory

A small piece of engraved jewelry or a keychain makes a lasting reminder of home. It’s personal, easy to pack, and meaningful long after the trip is over.

The best gift for someone traveling long-term

When choosing a gift for a long-term traveler, it’s best to focus on items that are lightweight, flexible, and easy to use at any point during the trip or afterward.

10. Give a travel gift with a hotel stay

Not sure what to choose or want to avoid physical gifts? Experience gifts are a popular alternative. A hotel stay gift is flexible, practical, and useful both during and after the trip.

With Hotelgiftcard, the recipient can choose from hotels all over the world. This makes it an ideal gift for backpackers, city trips, or long-term travelers. No fixed dates and no fixed destination, just complete freedom to travel.

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 trips and long journeys
  • Available as a digital, last-minute gift
     

FAQ – gifts for travel lovers

  1. What is the best gift for someone who loves to travel?
    The best travel gifts are useful, lightweight, and easy to carry. Items like power banks, travel organizers, or neck wallets work well. For something more memorable, a travel experience such as a hotel stay is a great option.
     
  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 are ideal choices.
     
  3. What do you give someone who travels for a long time?
    Avoid heavy or bulky items. A small personal keepsake or a flexible hotel stay gift allows the traveler to decide when to use it.
     
  4. How do you give someone a travel gift?
    You can give a travel gift in person before departure, for example at the airport or train station, or send it digitally by email so the recipient receives it instantly.
     
  5. What do you give someone who already has everything?
    Experience-based gifts are a great solution. They focus on memories and freedom of choice rather than physical items. If the person is traveling soon, lightweight and practical gifts are always a smart option. For more ideas, read our blog What Do You Give Someone Who Has Everything for extra inspiration without adding more belongings.
HGC pas

Geef een Hotelgiftcard cadeau!