The best gift for a traveller makes the journey more comfortable and the trip more vivid. Such gifts get used on every trip and recall the giver each time. Here are gift ideas for people who love to travel: packing and travel essentials, gadgets, outdoor gear, experiences and keepsakes, plus what to avoid. For more ideas, see gifts for car lovers.
Pick compact, light items they'll actually take along.
Packing and travel essentials
A quality suitcase or backpack lasts for years. Packing cubes, a waterproof toiletry bag, a passport and document cover, a travel pillow with an eye mask, a universal plug adapter, a power bank and a travel mug are also useful. They may not look impressive, but travellers value them most.
Gadgets and outdoor gear
For photographers and filmmakers, an action camera or gimbal. For long flights, noise-cancelling headphones and an e-reader. A luggage tracker means no worries about bags. Hikers will appreciate a head torch, a flask, a lightweight tent, trekking poles or a compact camping stove.
Gifts by type of traveller
Hikers: a head torch, a flask, a lightweight sleeping bag or hammock, a waterproof phone pouch.
City breakers: a compact cabin backpack, packing cubes, a universal adapter, a power bank.
Beach lovers: a quick-dry towel, a tote, a waterproof speaker, travel-size SPF.
Families on the road: travel games, a tablet holder, a snack kit for the journey.
Travel photographers: a travel tripod, an instant camera, a travel photo album.
Travellers love things linked to their trips: a scratch-off world map, a photo book from their last journey, a route poster, a box for magnets or coins from different countries, a travel journal. Gifts like these take up no room in a suitcase but bring back adventures every time.
Experiences and keepsakes
A scratch-off world map, a travel journal, a photo book of past trips or a travel voucher inspire new routes. Before departure or after returning, a bouquet is a lovely way to say bon voyage or welcome home. Budget ideas are in gifts under 500 UAH.
What not to give a traveller
Avoid bulky, heavy items, dust-collecting souvenirs, cheap suitcases that break on the first trip and large bottles of liquid that won't pass hand-luggage rules. Ideas for travelling friends are in gifts for a male friend and our gift ideas section.
Bon voyage and welcome-home bouquets
See off or welcome back a traveller with flowers: we deliver a bright bouquet or a sweet basket across Kyiv at the right time.
A suitcase or backpack, packing cubes, a travel pillow, an adapter, a power bank, a scratch map or a travel voucher.
What is a cheap gift for a traveller?
A passport cover, packing cubes, a travel mug, an eye mask or a scratch map.
Which gadgets suit a traveller?
Noise-cancelling headphones, an action camera, an e-reader or a luggage tracker.
What should I not give a traveller?
Bulky items, dust-collecting souvenirs, cheap suitcases and large bottles of liquid.
Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
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Hydrangeas