Travel

by Ashley Alberghini

Finding the perfect gift for a passionate globetrotter isn’t easy. What do you give someone who lives for learning new cultures, is open to going anywhere, and doesn’t stay still for long? Your best bet is to give them gifts that spark memories of their adventures, make their travels smoother, and help them share their stories with others.  

Commemorative Gifts

Travelers love talking about what they saw and learned while abroad. These gift ideas help commemorate their experiences and allow them to share their memories.

Scratch maps: Physical maps hold a special place in every traveler's heart. Scratching off countries or regions they’ve visited is a fun way to document a trip and start a conversation. There are stories and memories behind each scratched-off location. Some style options include Landmass Goods, which offers detailed geographic maps, and Waypoint Wanders, which uses whimsical, artistic designs.

Reflective journals: Educational institutions and study abroad providers now integrate reflective journaling into their programs because it helps travelers better organize, understand, and process their travel experiences. I like journals with guiding prompts that expand creative and learning boundaries. Papier’s journals have a classic style with many cover options. The Everywhere You Go journal guides you to see, notice, and capture experiences. And journaling isn’t just for adults! I Was Here is a kid-friendly option with illustrations and activities to inspire young travelers.

Memory boxes: Memory boxes turn keepsakes and photos into visual art. I always pick up small trinkets on each trip, from local currency to market finds. Putting these keepsakes into memory boxes is a creative way to preserve travel memories. Artist Katherine Jones has great tips to inspire your collection. 

Practical Gifts

There are always new gadgets to help make the travel experience more comfortable and enjoyable. 

Zippered Travel Wallet: Help your traveler keep their essential documents, local currency, and passport safe with a travel wallet. When juggling luggage, ID, and travel information through a customs checkpoint, it’s a relief to know they are secure and easily accessible. 

Packing cubes: I’m obsessed with my packing cube set. They give me more luggage space and make it a lot easier to find specific items. When traveling to places where the weather changes rapidly, these are a game-changer! They’re great for camping or backpacking, too. 

Foldable luggage: It’s easy to see why these bags are popular. The fold-flat design maximizes space and helps avoid luggage fees. The Luhxe bag is the most well-known, with both classic and roller options. However, there are many others to suit your needs, including some with built-in garment bags.

TSA PreCheck®: For frequent travelers, PreCheck® is a worthwhile investment. It offers five years of shorter security lines and fewer restrictive measures for both domestic and international travel for less than $85. While the recipient does need to complete the application themselves, this is a great way to make travel easier.

Shared Experiences

You can’t always travel with your loved one, but you can gift and share experiences that bring their favorite destinations closer to home. 

Cookbooks: Anthony Bourdain famously said, “If I’m an advocate for anything, it’s to move. Walk in someone else’s shoes or at least eat their food.” Learning global cuisines expands the mind and palette. Seek out cookbooks that feature menus from a favorite destination or somewhere on their travel list.  Trying new foods is one of my favorite parts of traveling, and recreating those dishes at home allows me to share a piece of my experience with my loved ones – right in my own kitchen.

Global movie night: Get together with some popcorn or country-specific theatre snacks for an immersive movie night! Whether it’s a beloved classic or an independent film, there’s bound to be a movie from somewhere in the world that captures the spirit of a location. If your traveler is a language lover, movies are a fantastic way to learn and practice another language. 

International concerts: Take advantage of a world tour and go to a concert or event by an internationally famous artist. Or check out local artists. Music, theatre, and comedy can open your eyes to the world and give you new perspectives. Whether revisiting a favorite or checking out a new style, tickets are a wonderful experiential gift for globetrotters. 

What are some of your favorite travel-inspired gifts?

Ashley Alberghini is a freelance writer and international education specialist with over a decade of experience bringing global learning stories to life. A seasoned grants manager and former editor of IIENetworker magazine, she earned two Gold MarCom Awards for excellence in association communications. Ashley holds an M.A. (Hons.) and MLitt from the University of St Andrews and is a passionate advocate for expanding access to international learning and career-building experiences.

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