Amanda’s 2022 Holiday Gift Guide for Travelers and Travel Lovers

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Amanda’s 2022 Holiday Gift Guide for Travelers and Travel Lovers


Some posts on this website include affiliate hyperlinks, that means for those who guide or purchase one thing by way of one among these hyperlinks, I could earn a small fee. Read the total disclosure coverage right here.


Here’s a enjoyable reality about me: I LOVE Christmas, and particularly love choosing out the right presents for all of the folks in my life. I store year-round for the folks I really like, and often have a stash of “oh, this would be perfect for [insert family member name here]” presents come Christmas time. (Tell me I’m not alone right here?)

If you’ve got acquired a choosy traveler or travel-lover in your life (or for those who’re like me and by no means appear to want or need something particular across the holidays), this reward information might enable you discover the right current.

This listing is filled with objects that I personally use and love, and that I feel different vacationers and travel-lovers will get pleasure from, too. Most of them are issues I’ve bought with my very own cash – no one has paid me to incorporate an merchandise right here, so you’ll be able to belief that the suggestions are actual!

So, with out additional ado, I provide the 2022 version of Amanda’s Holiday Gift Guide for Travelers (and Travel-Lovers)!

USEFUL TRAVEL GIFTS

Here are a few of my favourite issues which can be helpful each at dwelling and on the street:

1. Speakeasy hidden pocket journey scarf

Hidden pocket travel scarf

It’s true: I’m a liiiiiittle bit obsessive about these hidden pocket infinity scarves from Speakeasy Travel Supply. Not solely do they arrive in tender materials and cute patterns, however in addition they come full with a hidden zippered pocket that is the right measurement for a passport, bank card(s), and a few money.

These are excellent for journey days – simply put the whole lot essential in your scarf, put on it like regular, and skip the half the place you are worried about your necessities getting stolen in-transit.

And once you’re not touring? Well, these scarves are nonetheless extremely cute and comfortable! I’ve 4 or 5 in numerous patterns, and put on them from fall into early spring.

Buy a hidden pocket scarf right here!

**And save 10% once you use the promo code DANGEROUSBUSINESS.

2. Convertible Pacsafe backpack

For the previous a number of years, I’ve been touring with this convertible backpack/purse from Pacsafe – and I by no means fail to get compliments on it from different vacationers! The bag is made with Pacsafe’s signature slash-proof materials, has lockable zippers to make it pretty theft-proof, and I really like that it could simply remodel from this cute daypack to an over-the-shoulder purse.

I’ve an embarrassingly great amount of baggage in my closet, however this one has change into my go-to when I’m touring. (I additionally love this convertible cross-body purse of theirs.)

Buy a Pacsafe bag right here!

3. Packing cubes

No reward information or packing listing of mine could be full and not using a point out of packing cubes. I take advantage of packing cubes to prepare no matter bag I’m touring with, be it a carry-on-sized backpack, or a bigger suitcase.

I often use about 3 cubes: one for tops, one for bottoms, and one for miscellaneous issues like sweaters or attire. This makes choosing out an outfit SO a lot simpler, because you don’t must dig by way of each article of clothes in your bag.

I additionally generally use my cubes to assist preserve my clear and soiled garments separate on a visit, they usually may even double as small laundry luggage in a pinch!

Buy packing cubes right here!

4. Personalized passport cowl

Custom passport covers

Just a little private contact can go a good distance. And a simple reward to get a travel-lover that’s assured to be the fitting match is a customized passport cowl. These hand-made leather-based passport covers may be stamped with a journey quote, and the one you love’s title or initials. They are available common or pockets variations, and may be paired with matching baggage tags.

This definitely is not one thing each traveler would buy for themselves, however that is why it will make an important reward! (For the report, I really like my very own passport holder; it holds my passport, Yellow Fever (and now COVID) vaccination certificates, further passport images, and my journey insurance coverage data for each journey!)

Buy a leather-based passport holder right here!

5. Belt bag / hip pack

Amanda with DC cherry blossoms
Me with my Pacsafe sling pack

The fanny pack/bum bag is again in type, of us! (Except now they’re being marketed as “belt bags,” “hip packs,” and “sling bags” to make them sound barely cooler. Regardless, I’ve gotta say that I’m a fan!

The Lululemon Belt Bag could also be all the craze, however my favourite is definitely the Pacsafe Go Anti-Theft Sling Pack, which is barely bigger and may match the whole lot I would like on journey days (cellphone, pockets, energy financial institution, sun shades, hand sanitizer, perhaps a granola bar, and so on.).

It’s acquired all of Pacsafe’s security options like a lockable zipper and slashproof materials (and RFIDsafe™ blocking pockets), too, and you may put on it both as a hip/belt bag or as a sling pack. And it even is available in a cute pink shade in addition to black and grey.

Buy a Pacsafe sling bag right here!

WEARABLES FOR TRAVEL OR HOME

Just a few issues I’m loving to lounge round in, however that will even be good as presents this yr.

1. Merino layers

Amanda looking at an erupting volcano
Watching a volcano in Unbound Merino

Merino clothes has change into a journey packing important for each my husband Elliot and I within the final yr. Merino is a light-weight sort of wool that is tremendous tender, extraordinarily breathable, and immune to each wrinkles AND odors. Meaning it is excellent for journey!

Unbound Merino is a more moderen model within the merino journey clothes house. They make all of the fundamentals to make use of both as base layers, or simply common garments. Their merino is gentle and breathable, and has no logos or different markings on it. And these garments actually CAN be worn for days on finish without having washed!

I’ve a pair long-sleeved tops and a pair of girls’s leggings, and Elliot loves their t-shirts and henley-style tops. They promote reward bundles, too!

Shop Unbound Merino right here.

And observe: They’re working an unimaginable sale proper now of as much as 40% off the whole lot! This is the time to put money into some merino items.

2. SUAVS sneakers

Amanda in SUAVS shoes in Portugal
Me sporting some pink SUAVS in Portugal

I’m at all times looking out for my subsequent excellent journey shoe. I’ve discovered flats that I really like, and now have go-to strolling sandals. And now I FINALLY have a pair of sneakers that I am keen on. (So a lot in order that I at the moment have 4 totally different pairs of SUAVS in my closet…)

SUAVS makes sneakers that really feel and match extra like socks. My SUAVS sneakers are tender, breathable, and versatile. I can throw them within the washer in the event that they get soiled or smelly, they usually take up mainly no room in a suitcase.

I additionally love that the corporate is predicated within the US and run by ladies, which is an added bonus in my guide! (They additionally supply these similar sneakers in males’s sizes – my husband has two pairs of his personal!)

Buy your SUAVS right here!

SUAVS will more than likely run a Black Friday sale, however I even have a reduction you should use year-round! Use code DB15 to avoid wasting 15% off.

3. Cozy slipper socks

Azerbajani Socks

I’m a giant fan of cozy socks and slippers – and never simply at dwelling! I usually pack slipper socks after I journey, too. They’re nice on planes and in resort rooms, and customarily do not take up an entire lot of house in a suitcase or carry-on.

I like my slipper socks to have a semi-solid backside, and found these knit slipper socks from Azerbaijani Socks and fell in love! They’re referred to as jorab, and have been part of Azerbaijani tradition for hundreds of years. These are knitted with Azerbaijani patterns by ladies in rural Azerbaijan, that means your buy helps preserve a singular custom alive.

They have all kinds of patterns and types to select from (I’ve the yellow ones pictured above!); test them out on Etsy right here, or go to their web site.

Order Azerbajani Socks right here!

4. Coordinates bracelet or rings

Coordinates rings

Jewelry is at all times an important reward concept, and why not make it customized? You can order a reasonably bracelet or set of rings with customized map coordinates on them; excellent for a travel-lover, or anybody who has moved round rather a lot.

I’ve a set of coordinate rings with the coordinates of the place I grew up, and of Wellington, New Zealand, the place I lived for some time throughout faculty. They’re nice for stacking!

Here are some Etsy listings that I really like:

5. Map jewellery

World map bracelet

Can you name your self a travel-lover for those who do not additionally love maps? There are so many beautiful map-related presents on the market. I actually like this silver world map bracelet, and this world map necklace.

GIFTS FOR THE ECO-CONSCIOUS TRAVELER

Looking for methods to make use of much less plastic at dwelling AND whilst you journey? Here are my favourite eco-friendly objects that additionally make nice presents.

1. Camelbak MultiBev bottle

Camelbak MultiBev

I’m a giant fan of CamelBak, and personal a number of totally different types of their water bottles that I take advantage of for the whole lot from touring to understanding. They launched a brand new bottle final yr that I personally acquired as a Christmas reward: the MultiBev, which might function each a to-go espresso cup AND a water bottle.

This insulated bottle/mug combo is available in two totally different sizes and some totally different shade combos. This would make an important reward this yr, too. (Mine traveled with me on just a few totally different journeys in 2022!)

Buy a MultiBev from CamelBak.

2. Reusable straws

While many eating places all over the world are switching over to biodegradable straw choices, you continue to discover a LOT of plastic straws on the market. I discover plastic straws to be one of the vital pointless sorts of single-use plastic, just because there are many higher choices on the market!

I’ve a pleasant set of reusable stainless-steel straws, and often tuck not less than one into my bag earlier than a visit (together with my fork-spoon-knife combo).

But this fold-up ingesting straw would make a good higher reward! It comes with a bit carrying case and a brush for cleansing. Great for a stocking stuffer.

3. Solid shampoo/conditioner

For varied causes (together with eager to waste much less plastic and preserve my baggage lighter), I’ve began touring with stable shampoo and conditioner on a few of my longer journeys. Shampoo/conditioner bars take up far much less house in a suitcase, and are not topic to the liquid guidelines that common bottles of the stuff are.

The ones made by Ethique are my present favorites and get the job performed – I like this shampoo bar and this stable conditioner. They additionally promote sampler packs of shampoo, conditioner, and physique soaps like this one that will make nice presents!

Buy a sampler pack right here!

TRAVEL TECH YOU CAN AFFORD

1. Kindle Paperwhite

I do not go ANYwhere with out my Kindle today. And the Kindle Paperwhite, for my part, is the perfect Kindle on the market. It has a built-in backlight excellent for studying on planes, will not damage your eyes with display glare, and has a battery that lasts for weeks. The latest model of the Paperwhite is waterproof, too, making studying on the seaside, by the pool, or in a elaborate resort tub even higher.

And in fact my Kindle will get a variety of use at dwelling, too! I learn most nights earlier than mattress, and have breezed by way of dozens of books over the last two years.

Buy a Kindle Paperwhite right here!

Note: The Paperwhite is at the moment on sale, too!

2. Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro True Wireless Earbuds

I’m actually, actually choosy on the subject of wi-fi headphones. In reality, I did not use ear buds for YEARS as a result of I may by no means discover any that felt snug inside my small ears. After a variety of trial and error, although, I’ve lastly found that the Anker Soundcore Liberty earbuds work for me!

The Liberty 2 Pro earbuds are literally an older era, however they really have higher critiques than the most recent model – AND since they’re one era previous, it means you will get an excellent deal on them.

If you’ve got been eager to strive wi-fi earbuds for journey, I can extremely advocate these!

Buy some Anker earbuds right here!

3. AirFly Pro

I found this helpful little gadget this yr, and it is now a must-pack for me! The AirFly Pro mainly means that you can use your wi-fi headphones/earbuds with airplane TVs! (There are different makes use of for this, too, as all it does is change a wired headphone connection to a wi-fi one, however for vacationers it is most helpful to make use of with seatback leisure.)

You merely plug this into a daily headphone jack, flip it on, after which join your bluetooth headphones to it such as you would every other wi-fi bluetooth system. I used this on a number of flights in 2022, and my seatmates at all times ask me about it! It would make a incredible reward for anybody who travels rather a lot.

Buy an AirFly Pro right here!

4. AirTags / Tiles

Speaking of frequent fliers… the baggage woes of 2022 journey satisfied lots of people to journey carry-on solely, and to position monitoring gadgets like Apple AirTags of their luggage in the event that they needed to test them. Putting an AirTag in your baggage will not forestall it from getting misplaced, in fact; but when it DOES get left behind someplace, not less than you may know the place.

You can use Apple AirTags to trace issues apart from baggage, too (I’ve pals who put them on automobile keys, in studying glasses instances, and even on pet collars), however I purchased some myself this yr to place in my luggage.

If you already use Apple merchandise, it is easy to arrange your AirTags and join them to your Find My app in your iPhone. If you are an Android consumer, although, there are comparable non-Apple merchandise on the market that work the identical approach, like those made by Tile.

Buy Apple AirTags right here and Tiles right here.

5. Anker energy financial institution

While batteries are lasting longer today, I nonetheless discover that my cellphone usually runs out of juice after an extended journey day of utilizing maps and posting to Instagram Stories (and, okay, scrolling a variety of TikTok). For this purpose, I at all times journey with a small energy financial institution for backup battery energy.

I just like the Anker PowerCore Essential 20000mAh as a result of it is pretty small (that means straightforward to throw into my purse or day pack), however mighty – it can cost my cellphone 4-5 occasions earlier than needing to be charged itself.

This has saved me on multiple event, like that one time I used to be in Istanbul making an attempt to verify my dad and I may discover our approach again to our resort, and my cellphone inconveniently determined to die after we had been nonetheless a couple of 20-minute stroll away. Luckily I had my energy financial institution and charging wire in my bag, and easily plugged in and saved strolling.

Buy an influence financial institution right here!

6. World journey adapter

While touring with a voltage adapter is not obligatory for most individuals today (until you’ve got a hair dryer or curling iron that is not dual-voltage), you DO nonetheless must journey with outlet adapters for those who’re touring internationally.

This world journey adapter is without doubt one of the cooler ones I’ve seen, because it doubles as a surge protector AND has built-in USB ports. If you are from the US and know you may must cost numerous gadgets every night time, this adapter could be tremendous helpful.

(If you are from someplace outdoors the US or desire your adapters to be all-in-one, I additionally nonetheless love my SKROSS adapter that I’ve had for years.)

But a journey adapter right here!

TRAVEL-INSPIRED GIFTS FOR THE HOME

1. Scratch-off map

I like discovering artistic methods to carry my travels into my on a regular basis life – and that features in my dwelling adorning! I really like these scratch-off journey maps not solely as a result of it is enjoyable to disclose all of the locations you’ve got been, but in addition as a result of they make for an important dialog piece up on the wall!

I particularly like this one from Landmass Goods as a result of it contains all of the flags of the world so that you can scratch off, too.

Buy a scratch-off map right here!

2. Custom map presents

Custom maps

When I purchase presents, I attempt to make them personalised after I can. It simply provides that particular further contact. And a very enjoyable choice for a travel-lover is a customized map!

I like these personalised map prints, which might be nice to commemorate a particular large journey. (A pal of mine acquired one made after a honeymoon street journey, for instance.)

I additionally love this store for stunning watercolor maps of various US states and areas – I would want to purchase the Great Lakes one for myself!

3. Adventure fund jar

Adventure fund jar

Looking for one thing small however cute and really travel-centric? This “Adventure Fund” coin financial institution makes an important reward (and this bigger model can also be cool!). Elliot and I’ve had a coin jar on the desk in our entryway since we first moved in collectively, and you would be stunned how shortly all that free change can add up!

Order an Adventure Fund jar right here!

4. Digital picture body

This one does not must be nearly journey, however could be a great way to share and show your favourite journey images!

I really used to have a digital picture body a couple of decade in the past, again once they had been clunky and also you needed to load images onto an SD card. These days, digital picture frames look rather a lot higher, AND are a lot higher-tech. Now, you’ll be able to ship new photographs to a body over wifi or by way of e mail, and it’s also possible to arrange them by way of apps and web sites.

Buy a digital picture body right here.

5. Custom View Master

Viewmaster

Speaking of distinctive methods to show journey images, this one is a enjoyable one! You can reward a Viewmaster with a customized reel of memorable images (sure, a Viewmaster like those you used to play with as a child!).

I really like this as a present concept, since it is not one thing an individual is probably going to purchase for themselves. Plus, the flexibility to decide on which images go on the true makes it an important personalised reward. I gave Elliot one among these a number of years in the past for our anniversary, and he beloved it!

Order your customized Viewmaster right here.

6. Mini picture printer

Or, for those who’d quite have bodily copies of a few of your journey images (or any of the opposite images you are taking in your cellphone), a mini picture printer like this one from Canon or this one from Kodak would make a very cute reward.

Almost the whole lot is digital today, however I dunno… I like having bodily images generally, too! And these mini picture printers print good-quality photographs in only a minute or two. Some of them even print on sticky-backed paper so you’ll be able to put your images in your planner, on a calendar, or wherever else.

Buy a mini picture printer right here!

FOR THE OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST

1. GRAYL air purifier bottle

Have an outside journey fanatic in your life? Then a GRAYL Geopress would make an important reward. These water bottles are additionally purifiers, nice for backpacking and mountain climbing since they permit you safely drink water from any water supply, be it a stream or waterfall.

I’ve usually traveled with a bottle like this, which additionally works to make faucet water secure to drink all all over the world by filtering out viruses, micro organism, pesticides, heavy metals, and microplastics.

They have an “ultralight” model of this bottle, too, however I desire the bigger Geopress one, because it’s simpler to make use of.

Buy a GRAYL bottle right here.

2. Hiking poles

Dad hiking in Iceland
My Dad with one among his mountain climbing poles in Iceland

Have you or the one you love picked up mountain climbing as a pastime lately? Lots of individuals have! In that case, a set of good mountain climbing poles could be an important reward for Christmas.

(And, earlier than you inform me that they are dorky, mountain climbing poles are an *glorious* piece of drugs to personal. They may also help enhance your steadiness, shield your knees, and even encourage you to choose up the tempo on a hike.)

I purchased my dad a pair of mountain climbing poles a pair years in the past for his lengthy walks along with his canine, and he is introduced them on all our journeys since! (And sure, you’ll be able to journey with these; purchase the collapsible type, and pack them in your checked baggage.)

Buy some mountain climbing poles right here.

3. Packable solar hat

Amanda in Morocco
Me in a Wallaroo hat in Morocco

Sun safety is not any joke, folks. I’ve been on a quest for the previous couple of years to discover a packable solar hat that I really like. And I’ve lastly discovered some! I actually love the hats made by the Wallaroo Hat Company, which aren’t solely cute solar hats, but in addition efficient – a lot of them have UPF safety constructed proper in.

I up to now have the Victoria Fedora, the Naples Fedora, and the wider-brimmed Montecito, and love all of them! The Victoria may be folded up and packed (although you may need to unfold it as a lot as you’ll be able to).

These hats aren’t low cost, however are good high quality and final a very long time – making them an important reward.

Buy a Wallaroo solar hat right here!

FOR THOSE WHO JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN

Looking for one thing enjoyable to reward the game-loving traveler in your life? Here are some enjoyable and interactive reward concepts.

1. Lonely Planet Everyday Adventures

Lonely Planet is often recognized for its journey guidebooks, however lately they launched a brand new “guide” referred to as Everyday Adventures, which goals to offer folks new concepts of the way to discover locations nearer to dwelling. I’m a giant fan of hometown journey, and suppose this might make a enjoyable reward.

Buy Everyday Adventures right here!

2. Travel-themed board video games

In our home, we’re large followers of board video games. (Any fellow Betrayal at House on the Hill followers on the market? It’s a present favourite of ours.) But do not assume that board video games solely imply Monopoly and Clue. There are SO many nice video games on the market.

For those that need to weave a little bit of journey into their board video games, test these out:

FOR THOSE WHO DON’T WANT “STUFF”

I personally get pleasure from shopping for folks bodily presents to open on Christmas Day, however it may be actually robust to search out issues which can be each considerate AND helpful. Sometimes, extra “stuff” simply is not the reply.

If you are searching for some non-material issues to purchase the traveler in your life this yr, right here just a few issues to think about:

1. Flytographer session

Amanda in Forsyth Park in Savannah

Whether you are touring solo, with a accomplice, or as a whole household, it could generally be actually tough to get good images of your self. I usually journey with a tripod to get the photographs I would like, however others often simply depend on the goodwill and pictures abilities of strangers – which everyone knows often results in completely horrible images.

If you need to be sure your folks and family members get really stunning trip photographs to take dwelling, why not reward them with a Flytographer session?

The approach Flytographer works is fairly easy: you select the town, select a photographer, select the size of your session (60 minutes might be sufficient), after which guide! And then you definitely go have a enjoyable skilled picture shoot and get just a few dozen edited images to maintain.

Flytographer operates in additional than 300 cities all all over the world, and you may even purchase a present card that by no means expires.

Learn extra about Flytographer right here!

2. GetYourGuide reward card

I’ve been reserving a variety of day journeys and excursions lately by way of the GetYourGuide platform. I discover this reserving platform very easy to make use of (they actually have a helpful app to maintain observe of all of your tickets for you), and recognize what number of consumer critiques there are to learn for many excursions.

GetYourGuide has hundreds of excursions and experiences to select from all all over the world, from cruises to day journeys to meals excursions. I’ve booked issues like an island tour of Aruba, wine tasting within the Douro Valley in Portugal, a day journey to Essaouira in Morocco, sightseeing in Istanbul, and extra by way of GetYourGuide.

You can buy a GetYourGuide reward card for any quantity and reward it to a pal of beloved one. Gift playing cards are good for 18 months, and can be utilized to guide any expertise or tour on the positioning.

3. Scott’s Cheap Flights subscription

Flight offers are again, child, and there isn’t any higher approach to study one of the best ones than with a subscription to Scott’s Cheap Flights. This flight deal e-newsletter does have a free model, however you get so many extra flight deal alerts with their Premium membership.

Premium plans often value $49 for the yr (which, truthfully continues to be very cheap), however proper now they’re working a deal the place it can save you $25!

Sign up for Scott’s Cheap Flights right here!

4. Bookings for future journey

Amanda at Abu Simbel in Egypt
Trip to Egypt, anybody?

While journey nonetheless is not all the way in which “back” but, the journey business as an entire is in a significantly better place than it was. People are planning journeys prematurely once more, and there are many offers to reap the benefits of (both for you or a beloved one) this time of yr.

Some corporations providing nice gross sales proper now embrace:

  • Intrepid Travel – My favourite tour firm is as soon as once more doing a Cyber Sale, providing as much as 25% off excursions for 2023. They have a versatile reserving coverage, with no change charges as much as 56 days earlier than you journey.
  • Booking.com – The resort reserving website (that I personally use more often than not) is providing as much as 30% off resort bookings. Many resorts on Booking supply free cancelation, so it is a deal price making the most of for those who’re pondering of planning a visit quickly.

5. Plot of land in Scotland

Glencoe in Scotland
Who would not need to personal a tiny plot of land right here?

Okay, this one could appear a bit bizarre or foolish, however that is what we purchased my in-laws final yr for Christmas they usually LOVED IT.

Highland Titles is an organization that sells memento plots of land in Scotland, together with a title like Laird, Lord or Lady of Glencoe. If you order far sufficient prematurely, they’re going to ship you a stunning reward package deal with certificates and playing cards with GPS coordinates denoting the place your land is.

Because sure, you are *really* shopping for a tiny plot of land inside a chosen nature reserve in Scotland. You may even go go to your plot in actual life, which I simply suppose is pleasant.

This is a very enjoyable and personalised reward, and who is aware of, perhaps it will immediate a visit to Scotland sometime, too!

(We purchased the “couples plot,” which is 2 1-square-foot plots subsequent to at least one one other. You should buy wherever from 1 to 100 sq. toes. And no, this is not sponsored; I simply suppose it is such a enjoyable reward concept.)

Learn extra about Highland Titles right here!


So there you’ve got it – one other yr, one other reward information!

Which of these things would you want Santa to carry YOU this yr?

Pin it for later:

Holiday gift guide for travel lovers

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