As a lifelong traveler, I know firsthand giving a travel-inspired gift is a surefire way to warm hearts and win gratitude. Pairing a passion like travel with a gift designed to kindle wanderlust will always hit the mark. Since getting the right gift can be difficult, you may prefer to give a portable gift of money. However, this can feel impersonal.
To make it less so, I share nine clever ideas that pair giving money with a travel-themed item. These memorable options combine thoughtfulness with practicality. They will charm the travelers in your life. And give them something special they can unwrap and use as inspiration for what they love most.
Want to shop directly from my curated travel gift, hiking, and destination-based reading lists? Visit my Amazon and Bookshop.org stores.
1. Build pre-trip excitement.
Buy a physical guidebook to help build excitement for an upcoming adventure. Get one or two for the destination your traveler plans to visit next or hopes to see. Look for country-specific or niche guides that offer practical advice for trip planning. These guides include recommendations on where to stay and what to do. They also provide insights into local culture. Consider looking for lesser-known books that will introduce your traveler to off-the-beaten-track sights and experiences.
For example, get a reliable classic like Rick Steves Pocket Paris for an upcoming trip to Paris. Combine it with a more unique option, like Sundays in Paris: An Insider’s Guide to the Best Places to Eat, Drink and Explore – and Every Other Day of the Week. Add a Visa gift card or cash. Include a thoughtful note. Write something like, “For exploring and souvenirs on your next trip.”
Looking for the perfect guidebook? Check out this comparison of the 15 best travel guidebooks to find the right fit for your traveler.
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2. Gift access to luxe comfort.
Few things enhance the transit part of traveling more than gaining access to the comfort of a private airport lounge. It offers a calm, well-stocked oasis and respite from the noise and busyness of the terminals. Since lounge memberships can be pricey, giving one as a gift is a luxurious gesture that any traveler would appreciate. For those who fly internationally, consider gifting an annual Priority Pass membership, which offers access to over 1,600 lounges worldwide.
However, since Priority Pass is less beneficial in the U.S., where many domestic lounges limit access, you may want to look for alternatives. For travelers who primarily fly out of a specific airport, a membership to their hometown airline’s lounge might be a better fit. For instance, a United Club membership is ideal for someone in Chicago who often travels from O’Hare. American Airlines Admirals Club memberships are not directly giftable. However, you can use accrued airline miles to gift status and its perks. These perks may include club access. Learn more about gifting American Airlines status here.
To complete the gift, pair a lounge membership with a high-quality, personalized luggage tag engraved with contact information. Include a note that might say, “For a first-class experience wherever your travels take you.” This thoughtful combination of luxe comfort and personalized practicality will be a welcome gift that gets used on every trip.
3. Feed their hunger to explore.
If you know the destination your traveler plans to visit next, treat them to a top-rated dining experience. Research the best restaurants and purchase a gift card for one you think they will love. This gesture will add a special touch to their trip. It will also take care of their what-to-do-for-dinner plan for at least one evening.
I’ve personally given restaurant gift cards for several popular vacation destinations in the U.S., like Scottsdale, Boulder, and Sonoma. When a restaurant doesn’t offer gift cards, consider giving a Visa card or check. Enhance your gift by making a placeholder reservation, especially for in-demand places. A pre-set booking at a sought-after restaurant will build even more excitement for an upcoming trip.
To complete the gift, include a regional culinary item. This could be a spice set, olive oils, or a cookbook. Consider a bottle of wine connected to the destination. For international travel, look for country-themed spice sets (e.g., Mediterranean, Italian, or African) or check options on Google or Amazon by searching “[destination country] spice set.”
A country-specific cookbook is another excellent option to inspire them pre- and post-journey. To find the perfect pick, look at this curated global cookbook list with nearly 30 recommendations from frequent travelers. A note with this bundled gift set might say, “For a taste of [destination]. Enjoy discovering new flavors and this meal on us!”
4. Enable restful travel.
Long flights and hectic travel days take a toll, so consider giving your traveler a gift of rest. Pair a packable neck pillow with a full-coverage sleep mask to make any journey more comfortable.
Add a Hotels.com, Airbnb, or Visa gift card to cover a night’s stay to complete the gift and its theme of restful sleep. This thoughtful pairing of comfort and lodging will help them rest better and save on a stay. Include a note with this gift that might say, “For a restful trip and a night’s stay on us.”
5. Inspire novel (or non-fiction) fun.
Fuel your traveler’s pre-trip excitement by gifting them novels or travel memoirs set in their upcoming destination. Stories rooted in a specific place will help them experience the character, culture, and history before they arrive. Check out my curated lists featuring book recommendations. Or search “best books set in [destination]” for location-specific ideas.
Pair these books with a Viator (Global Experiences card) or Get Your Guide gift card to elevate their journey with curated experiences. Doing this will help them step into real-life locations mentioned in the stories by going on tours, joining cooking classes, or learning about local history. Print out details for an experience you think they’ll love. This could be a walking tour of historical sites or a market-to-table cooking class. Wrap it with the books, gift card, and a note that might say, “To bring [destination] to life, both in pages and in person,” for a thoughtful and inspiring gift.
6. Help them get jet-set ready.
One essential that many travelers like to squeeze in before a trip is a fresh manicure or pedicure for a polished, travel-ready look. Give them a certificate to their favorite nail salon. It’s a generous and thoughtful gesture to help them feel ready for adventure.
To complete the gift, pair it with a sturdy, unisex travel nail kit. This will give them the tools they need to maintain their grooming on the go. Plus, it will be handy on long trips, keeping them fresh and prepared wherever they land. Include a note that might say, “Here’s to starting your next trip polished and ready for adventure.”
7. Outfit them in (organized) style.
Help your traveler stay organized and stylish with compression packing cubes, which make packing—and unpacking—a breeze. Our family uses these versatile cubes to keep essentials neatly separated, making it easier to pack. They also help us quickly find any item and bring more stuff.
Then, pair the packing cubes with a gift card to an outfitter. Consider my preferred outdoor brand for men and women—KÜHL. Or options like REI and Athleta. With ready funds, your traveler can update essential gear, like weather-resistant jackets or hiking boots. Or pick up a new travel outfit. To complete the gift, include a note that might say, “Here’s to packing with ease and going on another adventure!”
8. Encourage memory-making.
Support your traveler’s adventures by giving them a personalized travel journal to capture memories, reflections, and stories. Go with a traditional leather-bound one, or one covered in wanderlust-worthy old world maps. Pair the journal with a high-quality personalized pen. This way, you give them the just-right tools to jot down their experiences. And ones they likely would not splurge on themselves.
Match these with an envelope containing funds for souvenirs and a note that might say, “For moments that will help make your next trip unforgettable.” They’ll feel your support and encouragement while they shop and write on their travels.
9. Keep them powered up and connected.
Give your travelers the latest quick-charge portable power banks to help them stay charged and connected. This practical addition to their travel gear will keep their devices powered up on long travel days. Along with the power bank, enhance the gift theme. Include an envelope labeled “For coffee” or “For snacks.” Add gift cards or cash to fuel an energy boost on their next trip.
For international travelers, pair the power bank with a travel plug adapter. Add an Apple or Google Play gift card to use toward buying an eSIM plan. Alternatively, provide cash to buy international mobile access. Doing this will help them stay connected and avoid roaming charges. Bundle the gift cards or cash with the items. Include a note that might say, “For adventures near and far! Here’s to fueling more travels!” to round out the gift.
More gift ideas.
Are you looking for more gift ideas for travelers? Check out these travel gift guides for inspiration. You can also shop directly from my curated gift lists on my Amazon and Bookshop.org stores.
- 65 Brilliant Gift Ideas Travelers Will Love
- Gifts for Travelers Who Love to Read
- Moms Who Love National Parks: Best Gifts
- 27 Best Global Cookbooks Travelers Will Love
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