Gifts for travellers: What to buy for the jet-setter in your life

Stuck for present ideas? Our guide to the best gifts for travellers has got your back.

gifts for travellers
(Image credit: Getty)

Let’s be honest, 2020 did not turn out to be the year for big travel plans. Holidays might be halted, passports might be gathering dust in the drawer, but even a pesky pandemic can’t put a stop to wanderlust.

Helping you tick a couple of tricky customers off your Christmas list, our gifts for travellers guide is jam-packed with perfect presents for the adventurous. Whether that’s an inflatable kayak to supercharge their staycation, some hand luggage sized essentials for their next big trip or a guide book to help them plan it. We’ve got something for all ages, genders and budgets. 

Next stop, happy faces on Christmas morning. 

Best gifts for travellers 2020

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Luckies Scratch Map Travel Edition

(Image credit: John Lewis)

Luckies Scratch Map Travel Edition

Specifications

Price: £9.99

What could be better than a scratch map to record your adventures? One that’s travel-size, that’s what. This mini version rolls up nice and neatly to avoid taking up too much space in your rucksack.

Lonely Planet Epic Runs of the World Book

(Image credit: Lonely Planet)

Lonely Planet Epic Runs of the World Book

Specifications

Price: £24.99

Whether you’re a fairweather jogger or a committed marathon runner, this book has routes to suit all abilities. It covers everything from lunchtime friendly city runs to challenging cross-country trails. 

Aspinal of London Passport Cover

(Image credit: Aspinal of London)

Aspinal of London Passport Cover

Specifications

Price: £65

Available in pretty much every colour imaginable, this case will make sure your passport is the best dressed at the departure gate. These covers can be personalised too, making this an extra special gift for a newlywed, adorned with their new initials.

Yogamatters Eco Travel Yoga Mat

(Image credit: Yogamatters)

Yogamatters Eco Travel Yoga Mat

Specifications

Price: £35

This yoga mat is super light and extra thin - perfect for keeping up with your sun salutations when you’re away from home. Good for both the yogi and the planet, it’s made from sustainably sourced natural tree rubber for extra grip. 

Theodora Ware St Christopher Pendant Necklace, £150

(Image credit: Theodora Ware)

Theodora Ware St Christopher Pendant Necklace

Specifications

Price: £150

Whether you’re religious or not, a St Christopher necklace is a thoughtful gift for any globe-trotter. He’s the patron saint of travellers, and believed to protect people when they’re away from home. It doesn’t hurt that this pendant is gorgeous too.

Moleskine Traveller’s Journal

(Image credit: Moleskine)

Moleskine Traveller’s Journal

Specifications

Price: £27

Put your camera phone away and jot down the most important memories of your next trip in this leather-bound journal instead. It’ll be a lovely thing to look back on in years to come too. 

The White Company Cashmere Bed Socks

(Image credit: The White Company)

The White Company Cashmere Bed Socks

Specifications

Price: £36

Keep out the chill on long haul flights (or any flight for that matter) with the help of these  ridiculously soft, extra snuggly socks. Remember, even if you’re roughing it on your trip, we all deserve a little bit of luxury. 

Foamie Shake Your Coconuts Shampoo Bar, £6.99

(Image credit: ASOS)

Foamie Shake Your Coconuts Shampoo Bar

Specifications

Price: £6.99

A sensible stocking filler if ever we saw one, by using solid shampoo instead of liquid, you’ll never have to worry about it leaking in your case ever again. It smells gorgeous too. 

Desmond & Dempsey Cotton Luxe Soleia Leopard Print Eye Mask, £20

(Image credit: Desmond & Dempsey)

Desmond & Dempsey Cotton Luxe Soleia Leopard Print Eye Mask

Specifications

Price: £20

Block out the light (and unwanted conversation) by popping this printed mask over your peepers. The premium cotton is oh-so-soft, with the stretchy back band guaranteeing a comfortable fit. 

Go Travel 2 Memory Dreamer Pillow, £19.99

(Image credit: John Lewis)

Go Travel 2 Memory Dreamer Pillow

Specifications

Price: £19.99

We all remember how we like to get comfortable, and now your neck pillow will too. Using deluxe memory foam, this is the next best thing to getting into your own bed. Clip onto your rucksack and carry with you everywhere. 

Away The Carry-On, £215

(Image credit: Away)

Away The Carry-On

Specifications

Price: £215

Perfectly sized to slot into the overhead compartment of most airlines, this small but mighty case is the creme de la creme of luggage. 360° spinner wheels ensure you’ll glide to the gate, while the combination lock gives you extra peace of mind. Even better, it has a separate compartment for dirty laundry and a compression system to help you squeeze more in. 

Airbnb Gift Card

(Image credit: Airbnb)

Airbnb Gift Card

Specifications

Price: Up to you!

Treat your loved one to a night away they haven’t had to pay for with an Airbnb gift card. Redeemable at thousands of properties around the world, they’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to spending it. 

ITIWIT Inflatable Cruising Kayak, £249.99

(Image credit: Decathlon)

ITIWIT Inflatable Cruising Kayak

Specifications

Price: £249.99

A summer of staycations saw sales of inflatable kayaks boom, making them a must-buy gift for Christmas 2020. This can be used by solo or tandem kayakers, with two raised adult-sized seats.  

Patagonia Tamangito Pack 20L, £70

(Image credit: Patagonia)

Patagonia Tamangito Pack 20L

Specifications

Price: £70

Every traveller needs a decent rucksack, and this is ticking all our boxes when it comes to appearance and durability. Coated with a water repellent finish, it’ll keep your essentials dry in unexpected downpours, while the breathable mesh panel and shoulder harness makes for comfortable carrying. 

Jess Beech

Jess Beech is an experienced fashion and beauty editor, with more than eight years experience in the publishing industry. She has written for woman&home, GoodtoKnow, Now, Woman, Woman’s Weekly, Woman’s Own and Chat, and is a former Deputy Fashion & Beauty Editor at Future PLC. A beauty obsessive, Jess has tried everything from cryotherapy to chemical peels (minus the Samantha in Sex and The City-worthy redness) and interviewed experts including Jo Malone and Trinny Woodall.