The Ultimate Gift Guide for the Holiday Traveler

The warm, sunny days of summer and the cool, colorful days of fall are now behind us. In the upcoming weeks, we’ll have more time to spend seeing family, cozying up by the fireplace, and drinking all the hot cocoa you desire. There’s something about this time of year that feels so special. We always feel a little more connected with our loved ones, and the spirit of giving fills the air with joy. We can stay in, curl up on the couch, and watch classic Christmas movies (our guilty pleasure). However, there’s one thing many of us struggle with during the holiday season: finding the perfect gift.

As the ‘gift of experiences’ grows more popular each year, it’s safe to say that gifting a vacation with unforgettable travel memories should be at the top of everyone’s list. If you have a traveler in your life, read on to discover what can help them maximize their adventures. From a Holiday Vacations Gift Card to packing cubes, there’s something to fit every budget.

1. For Traveling In Comfort & Style

– Consider the following items to provide extra comfort and style while seeing the world.

Cocoon Travel Sheets – Uncomfortable in linens that aren’t your own? Solve the problem with travel sheets. They are silky, cocoon-like sheets that slip inside the hotel bed sheets so you can feel at home no matter where you stay.
Travel “Sleep Package” – Have a hard time falling asleep while traveling? Gift a travel “sleep package” to the adventurous insomniac. Consider items such as a mini travel-size sound machine (or sound machine app on a smartphone), ear plugs, and an eye mask with comfortable fabric and a concaved shape. For added comfort, include a neck pillow or a few essential oils to aid in falling asleep.
Comfy and Stylish Masks & Mask Lanyards – There are all kinds of stylish, comfortable, and practical masks available.
Travel Water Bottles – This is a big hit among travelers! Use a filtered travel water bottle to change dull tasting hotel water into fresh tasting filtered water for always keeping yourself hydrated on the go.
Clothes For Traveling – Some great ideas for travel clothing include compression socks, wrinkle-resistant clothes, sunglasses, hats, and a good pair of well-fitting walking or hiking shoes.

2. For Traveling Light

Packing Cubes – Packing cubes are game-changing travel solutions for organization and consolidation. Different sizes of cubes suit different items of clothing, and the ability to close these cubes with compression zippers means you can pack twice the amount of stuff in your suitcase as you could without these handy helpers.
Travel Toiletry Bottles – Why take up more space than necessary in your carry-on or checked luggage? With travel-size toiletry bottles, you only take what you need in TSA-approved sizes. Don’t forget to include a see-through, plastic zip lock bag to store them in for smooth transitions at airport security. You can even decrease the number of bottles you bring by bringing solid shampoo or soap bars.
Reversible Clothing & Travel Laundry Kit – Many hotels include laundry facilities for travelers to use. A travel laundry kit may include travel-sized detergent, dryer sheets, and knit laundry bags for delicates. Consider a powder detergent to decrease the number of liquids you pack, or get a super concentrated detergent. Gift reversible clothing for multiple looks from the same outfit, decreasing how much clothing you pack.
Flat/Packable Cords For Technology or Medical Equipment – Whatever your needs, flat and packable cords help pack light when bringing essential technology on tour.
Packable Backpack – A great way to create more space. A packable backpack can be reduced to a small ball that you pack in a larger bag. When you get to your destination, simply unpack this backpack for carrying extra items.

3. Luggage

– Want a simple but powerful gift idea? Go for some new luggage. Especially if the traveler in your life has been lugging around an old bag for years that could use an upgrade. Luggage is more mobile, lighter than ever, and can make a big difference to the travel experience.

Travel Wallet – For managing foreign currencies, consider a special travel wallet.
Four-Wheel Rolling Suitcases – Suitcases are more comfortable to handle and more damage-proof than ever. It’s a true game-changer for navigating airports.
Soft-Sided Carryon Bag – You may travel with a smaller, soft-sided carry-on bag that you bring with you onboard airplanes and everywhere else. A light yet spacious bag that includes many compartments is a practical choice, and the traveler in your life will be overjoyed in your ability to pick a style that they will love.
Luggage With Locks – Or just a lock for your luggage will do, as long as it’s TSA compliant. Though you’ll be able to keep your luggage locked during your travels, the TSA still needs to have access to the contents of your luggage during security checks.

4. Technology

– Tech is becoming better and more sophisticated than ever, so give the gift of some new travel technology to the adventurer on your list.

Noise-Cancelling Headphones – Make in-transit more comfortable with a pair of quality noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds.
Portable Bluetooth Speaker & Bluetooth Earbuds – Depending on the needs of the traveler on your gift list, a small wireless speaker or earbuds is an extremely useful gift.
Fast-Charging Chargers – A fast-charging, multi-USB outlet comes in handy while traveling, especially for travelers on the go. Some tours are very active, and having the ability to quickly charge will keep you connected without any interruptions.
Adaptors For Different Countries – You’ll want to research what adaptors are used in the countries you’re visiting, so you can charge and use the devices you bring along. If you’re traveling with us, we’ve already done the research for you! This information will be in your tour documents as well as in our digital Travel Hub.
Travel Cameras – The photographer in your life will appreciate a special camera for capturing the many breathtaking views and historic sites they’ll discover on vacation. For instance, GoPro Cameras, the popular action camera, includes its own editing software plus mobile apps. Such cameras capture underwater scenes and panoramic vistas that your phone’s camera cannot. Old fashioned Polaroid cameras serve a different role but are equally as fun. Having that kind of physical photo immediately while on tour is a special moment in the digital age.

5. The Gift Of Travel, The Gift Of Experiences

– Gift the experience and unforgettable travel memories with a Holiday Vacations Gift Card, available in any amount $25 or greater. Help make your loved one’s dream trip a reality this year. They’ll enjoy the luxury of having a worry-free and fully-planned vacation. The gift card can be used towards any tour with Holiday Vacations or other incredible experiences from the Xanterra Travel Collection®. As a bonus, throw in a travel journal, so your loved one can chronical their experiences with pen on paper, and never forget them!