A Gift Guide For Travelers

What do you gift to those who have been around the world and appreciate functional gifts? Well, I fall into that category. That’s why I decided to share this gift guide for travelers. I travel often, live in a small city home, and love useful gifts. Practical items and beautiful experiences are at the top of my list. My goal was to curate a gift guide including traditional and not so traditional gifts that appeal to you, the Dining Traveler. 

Traveler Beauty Gifts

Lately, I have really been into essential oils. Something as simple as a scent can make you feel relaxed and invigorated. Mevei is a luxury line of essential oil blends. Although the bottle is tiny, it packs a punch: highly recommend the Victory scent for your frequent traveler. A massage with this essential oil will perk you up after jet lag…

Gift for good: SoapBox is a line of soaps and shampoos that make a global impact. They work with organizations around the world on a one for one donation program. You buy one of their products and a bar of soap or a month of clean water is donated. What to gift? Their Coconut and Sandalwood bundle, a sampling of their favorite products for $29.95.

A great beauty gift for the frequent traveler is hand cream. In the winter my skin gets super dry and I cannot have enough travel sized tubes of cream. One of my favorite hand creams is from L’Occitane. This holiday season they are offering “Shea Butter Hugs and Kisses” a fabulous gift set hand cream and lip balm for $20. 

Bags & Luggage

Luggage: I find that luggage is an afterthought for many people. We all know that person who has been traveling for over a decade with the same crappy bag. Surprise the person you love with a new suitcase. The Samsonite Stryde suitcase comes in a variety of sizes: from those who are strictly carry-on to those who have to pack the whole house! Here’s our full review.

I am all about a good tote when I travel. However, the lack of compartments can be a challenge when traveling. A great travel gift idea is the Zalia Bailhandle from Samsonite. It has many compartments where you can securely pack your laptop, charger cables, beauty products, and wallet. Also, it’s multifunctional: it translates well from travel to day to day life.

Gifts for the Outdoor Traveler

When people ask me about gifts for men, wallets are usually on top of my list. Men like items that are multi-purpose. Trayvax wallets are minimalist in design but super functional. You can slip your ID card, credit cards, and bills into this stylish compact wallet.

Do you like hiking with your loved one? How about gifting them a new pair of hiking boots? Chaco makes very stylish hiking boots. I am currently in love with my Sierra Waterproof boots. Chaco has both men and women styles. Buy a pair: one for you and one for your honey and propose a hiking trip!

Do you have a loved one who loves the outdoors? Why not plan a hiking escape for them and include a new piece of outdoor clothing? I love the selection from Toad & Co. The Airvoyant Puff Jacket will make that outdoorsy person in your life happy!

A functional water bottle is an affordable and practical gift. It’s the ideal stocking stuffer for your favorite traveler. The Nomader collapsible water bottle works for the great outdoors AND you can easily fit it in your carry-on. It sells for $21.95.

For the Virtual Travelers

Sometimes you just want to curl up with a book and get travel inspiration. Earlier this year I received “Why LA? Pourquoi Paris?” and fell in love with this beautifully illustrated book which highlights the beauty of Paris and Los Angeles by Diane Ratican.

If you know a fan of Scandinavia, consider gifting them a copy of “Lagom: The Swedish Secret of Living Well” by Lola A. Åkerström. This international travel writer based in Stockholm gives you a snapshot of how to live a good life… the Swedish way.

For the anglophiles… Acorn TV is a streaming service which offers a wide selection of British TV shows. From new original programs like Loch Ness to classics like Agatha Christie, it gives you a virtual trip to the British Isles.

Decadent Travel Experiences

I’ll put that out there: if anyone wants to gift me this experience… you will forever be in my good graces! Imagine staying in a cottage on a private island in the Bahamas where you can go fishing and explore on your own private boat? At the end of the day have your catch prepared for you by a chef. That’s what Deep Water Cay Adventure package offers. Sign me up!

Nothing says I love you as a getaway at one of my favorite hotel brands, Mandarin Oriental. The One More Night package at many of the Mandarin Oriental sounds like my type of gift. Stay a minimum of three, four or five nights, depending on the property selected, and receive a complimentary night.

If you love horses, wine, and spa, Salamander Resort & Spa is the place for you. Just an hour away from DC in Middleburg, VA, this property is classic luxury. Explore the many wineries in Loudoun County, go for a horseback ride, or simply indulge at their award-winning spa. Makes the perfect escape.

For the Traveling Man

If you’re looking for the perfect travel blazer or pants for men, Bluffworks is your answer. The Dutchman has roadtested both their blazers and trousers and they are great to travel with because they are wrinkle-free. Bonus: is the man in your life tall? Mine is. At 6’9″ the Dutchman has a hard time finding stylish, slim-fitting items that work for him. He ordered the items online and didn’t even have to tailor! That’s very rare for him.

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Samsonite but as always, opinions are my own.