As a passionate traveller myself, I know the excitement that comes with planning new adventures and exploring different parts of the world. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or loved one, finding the perfect gift for people who travel can be a joyous experience.
Here are my top picks for anyone wanting to buy some cool travel gifts for someone travelling abroad.
1. Access to an Airport Lounge:
One of the best travel gifts is to set the mood for an upcoming trip by providing someone who is travelling, access to an airport lounge. As a traveller, I’ve found that having access to an airport lounge can make a significant difference in the overall travel experience.
Other than a place to grab a snack and totally relax before your journey, many lounges also offer shower facilities, which can be a game-changer for those with long layovers or connecting flights. You can gift your traveller a day pass either before their trip begins or at their point of transit. It’s a gift that sets the tone for a relaxing and enjoyable journey.
I have gifted lounge passes to a few of my friends and it added a different sort of excitement to their trip.
A lounge pass also takes the edge off any travellers who may suffer from travel anxiety. It acts a calm and safe place for them amongst the chaos we sometimes see in airports – particularly when in transit.
Here’s an example and what it will set you back:
Tullamarine Airport, Melbourne Australia:
The House by Aspire Lounge: Cost: AUD $75
2. Meet and Greet Service:
When it comes to adding an extra touch of luxury and convenience to a traveller’s journey, a meet and greet service is a fantastic addition to your gift list. This service, often offered at airports, provides a personal airport concierge who meets your traveller upon their arrival, assists with airport procedures, and ensures a seamless and stress-free passage through the airport.
A meet and greet service can include fast-track security and immigration clearance, assistance with luggage, and access to an airport lounge, making the entire airport experience much more enjoyable and efficient.
By including a meet and greet service in your gift selection, you’re not only reducing the stress and hassles associated with air travel but also making your traveller feel like a VIP. It’s a thoughtful gesture that adds a touch of luxury to their journey and demonstrates your thoughtfulness to their comfort and convenience. It is a great gift for senior travellers, Single mums travelling with kids, and even solo travellers who feel anxious when travelling.
Here’s an example:
Dubai International Airport:
Marhaba Meet & Greet Services: Cost AUD$88.00
(includes meet and greet and fast track through transfer formalities, Buggy Car transfers, escort to boarding gate)
*You can create your own service and personalise it through the Marhaba website. For example, you can add a lounge pass for 4 hours for around AUD$94.60
3. Private Car Transfer to and from the Airport:
For travellers who appreciate a seamless and stress-free transition to and from the airport, a private car transfer service is an invaluable addition to your gift selection. This service provides your traveller with a private vehicle and a professional driver who ensures a comfortable and efficient journey to their destination.
Whether arriving at their destination or returning home, a private car transfer offers a level of convenience and luxury that can’t be matched by traditional transportation methods. Your traveller won’t need to worry about navigating public transportation, hauling luggage, or waiting in long taxi lines. Instead, they’ll be met by a chauffeur who will whisk them away in style.
Cost will depend on where the starting point is and the distance from the airport. I generally pay around AUD$130 for a one-way journey of around 1 hr and 15-minute drive.
4. Upgrade with Extra Points:
As a traveller, I’m always on the lookout for opportunities to score an upgrade on flights or accommodations. In fact I have mastered the art of travelling business and first class for free. If you happen to have extra points or miles from a rewards program, or points that are expiring that you will not be using, consider using them to upgrade your loved one’s travel experience. Upgrading to a higher class on a long-haul flight or securing a more luxurious hotel room can turn an ordinary trip into an extraordinary one.
In my own travels, I’ve been fortunate enough to experience the added comfort and amenities that come with an upgrade, and it can truly be a game-changer. It’s a thoughtful gift that allows your traveller to enjoy a touch of luxury during their journey.
If you don’t have points to gift them, then give them valuable information. For instance if they are travelling on a Qantas flight, let them know of the T80 rule that could give them the opportunity to secure highly sought after seats. Even just letting them know about airline preferred seating can be beneficial.
I have gifted points on a couple of occasions and enabled friends and family to upgrade one of their sectors from Economy to Business Class. I had friends travelling with Emirates and upgraded them on their 5-hour sector.
It set me back 30,000 Skywards Miles per passenger.
5. Book a Tour at Their Destination:
Exploring a new destination is the heart of every traveller’s adventure. You can make your loved one’s trip even more special by arranging a tour or activity at their destination. Whether it’s a guided city tour, a scenic hike, a cooking class, or an adventurous excursion, there are countless options to choose from.
Booking a tour not only saves your traveller time and effort in planning but also ensures they have a memorable experience. Many tour operators offer a variety of options to cater to different interests and preferences. You can surprise them with this gift by presenting them with the tour details and tickets before their departure, or you can keep it as a secret and reveal it when they arrive at their destination. It’s a gift that adds an extra layer of excitement to their trip.
I have done this once! I booked a desert safari tour for friends who were transiting in dubai for 24 hours. Cost: AUD$200 per person
6. Personalized Passport Holder with Relevant Currencies:
A personalized passport holder is a thoughtful and practical gift for any traveller. You can make it even more special by including a surprise inside – relevant currencies from the countries they’re planning to visit. This not only adds a personal touch but also serves as a practical gesture to get them started on their journey.
A passport holder helps keep important documents organized and secure, and a customized one adds a unique element. The best part is when they open it and discover the foreign currencies.
I have done this twice! Cost: AUD$50 passport holder and AUD$50 spread out amongst various currencies.
7. Birthday Cake on Board the Aircraft:
If your traveller’s birthday falls during their trip, or even within a day before or after it, you can arrange for a birthday cake to be delivered to them on board the aircraft. Many airlines offer this service for passengers celebrating special occasions.
Surprising your loved one with a birthday cake at 30,000 feet in the air is a truly memorable experience. It shows them that you’re thinking of them, even when they’re far away from home. Be sure to notify the airline well in advance about the special occasion and any dietary preferences or restrictions.
Singapore Airlines for example requests a booking reference number and the full name of the passenger who is travelling (who has the birthday). This service is provided for free irrespective of the class of travel. You simply email them at: sq_social@singaporeair.com.sg – just ensure you do it well in advance.
In my own travels, I’ve seen the joy on passengers’ faces when they receive a birthday cake on a plane. It’s a heart-warming gesture that can turn a regular flight into a celebration.
8. Apple AirTags:
Keeping track of belongings is a constant concern for travellers, and Apple Air Tags can be a game-changer in this regard. These compact tracking devices can be attached to keys, luggage, or any other valuable items. They are great for parents who are travelling with kids and a great way to keep them safe in the event they go astray.
Using your smartphone, you can easily locate them through the Find My app. As a traveller, I’ve found peace of mind knowing that my essentials are just a ping away, and that’s why Air Tags are a fantastic gift. You can even customize them with a personal touch, making them a thoughtful and practical addition to any traveller’s toolkit.
I have gifted these once! Cost AUD$49.00
9. Toiletry Kit:
A well-organized mens or womens toiletry kit is an essential travel companion. It keeps all the necessary hygiene and grooming items in one place, making packing and unpacking a breeze. You can select a stylish and compact toiletry bag with multiple compartments to hold toiletries, cosmetics, and even travel-sized essentials. Consider including travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and other grooming products as part of the gift to save your traveller the hassle of purchasing these items on the go.
By gifting a toiletry kit, you’re not only helping your traveller stay organized but also ensuring they have the essentials they need for a comfortable and refreshed journey. It’s a practical and thoughtful gift that every traveller will appreciate, and it’s one less thing for them to worry about when preparing for a trip.
10. Battery Pack:
Staying connected on the go is essential and part of travel safety. A portable battery pack is a fantastic gift for travellers, ensuring that their devices never run out of power when they need them most. These handy gadgets come in various sizes and capacities, allowing your traveller to charge their smartphones, tablets, and even other devices like cameras and e-readers.
While exploring new destinations, taking photos, and using navigation apps can drain a smartphone’s battery quickly. A reliable battery pack provides peace of mind, especially during long journeys or when outlets are scarce. Look for a compact and high-capacity battery pack that can be easily carried in a backpack or purse.
Including a battery pack in your gift selection is a practical choice that any traveller will appreciate. It ensures they stay connected, capture memories, and navigate unfamiliar places without worrying about running out of power. This gift keeps them powered up and ready for any adventure that comes their way.
11. Noise-Cancelling Headphones:
As a traveller, I know how valuable a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones can be. These headphones, particularly the Bose Over-the-Head models, are designed to provide a haven of tranquillity in the midst of noisy airports and crowded flights.
The active noise-cancellation technology in Bose headphones reduces ambient noise significantly, allowing a traveller to immerse themselves in their music, podcasts, or simply enjoy some peace and quiet during their journey. These headphones are comfortable for long-term wear and offer impressive sound quality, making them ideal for both in-flight entertainment and relaxing while on a long layover.
I have not gifted these yet, but I have been the recipient of this gift. I take them with me on every single trip. Are they better than the standard Airpods? They offer a different experience and if you travel as far as we do from Australia, you would appreciate the comfort and cushioning of the over the head headphones as opposed to the in-ear ones for flights that generally take 21 hours to get to Europe.
12. Money Belt:
For travellers who value security and peace of mind, a money belt is an essential accessory. These discreet and lightweight belts are designed to keep important documents, cash, and valuables safe while exploring new destinations. Worn beneath clothing, a money belt provides a hidden pocket that’s ideal for storing passports, credit cards, and extra currency.
While I appreciate the convenience of a stylish wallet or purse, there are times when a money belt is a more secure choice. It’s particularly useful when navigating crowded markets, bustling tourist spots, or in regions where pickpocketing is a concern.
I have gifted this item once before: Cost approx. AUD$30
13. Car Phone Holder Mount and USB Cable with Lighter Adaptor:
If your friend is planning to rent a car during their journeys, having a reliable navigation system and a way to keep their devices charged is essential. A car phone holder mount and a USB cable with a lighter adaptor are two indispensable items that can greatly enhance the road-trip experience. I wish I had known about these two items earlier in my travelling days! I don’t leave home without them now. In fact in my recent trip to Amorgos in Greece, I rented a car to explore the island. Having a phone mount in the car together with a compatible phone charging cable was crucial. Here’s why:
The car phone holder mount securely holds the smartphone in place, making it easy to follow GPS directions without taking their eyes off the road. This ensures safe and convenient navigation, especially in unfamiliar territories.
A USB cable with a lighter adaptor allows the traveller to keep their devices charged while on the go. Whether they need to charge their phone, tablet, or other gadgets, this set-up ensures they won’t run out of battery during a scenic drive or while exploring new places. Your phone is your lifeline in so many aspects.
Including a car phone holder mount and a USB cable with a lighter adaptor in your gift selection caters to the needs of travellers who plan to explore their destinations by car. It’s a practical gift that enhances safety and convenience.
I have gifted this once! Cost AUD$59.00
14. Universal In Flight Phone Mount
This ingenious device effortlessly attaches to the back of airplane seats, providing a hands-free solution for watching movies, video chatting, or following maps during flights. In fact some aircrafts like LATAM A320 have the connectivity just above the foot rests – between the seats; so its pretty much charge your device whilst you watch! Beyond air travel, it easily clamps onto various surfaces, including kitchen countertops, cabinets, tray tables, luggage, and gym equipment, offering users the flexibility to secure their smartphones for optimal viewing angles. Whether it’s a cozy in-flight entertainment setup or a practical solution for hands-free access in diverse environments, this universal phone mount adds a touch of convenience to the on-the-go lifestyle of a modern traveler.
I have not gifted this yet! Cost AUD$10.00
Conclusion
In conclusion, this carefully curated list of 14 gifts for travellers, encompasses a wide range of essentials and luxuries, ensuring that your loved one’s journey is not only smooth but also unforgettable. Each item serves a specific purpose, making their travels more comfortable, secure, and enjoyable.
Don’t forget to teach them the art of packing light and print them out a packing list that will ensure they have everything with them. It includes things they would never have thought of and it’s FREE!
