The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide for Travellers

The festive season is upon us! Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Perhaps you have a special someone in your life who is always catching flights and seems impossible to buy for. Lucky for you, we have put together The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide for wanderlust travellers.

Whether you’re shopping for a jet-setter, a gadget geek, or someone who dreams of far-off destinations, this guide has something for everyone. Let’s unwrap the best travel-inspired Christmas gifts to make their holidays—and future adventures—truly magical!

Christmas Travel Gifts: Go Walkabout’s Top Picks

These gifts will make the journeys of those who spend more time in the air than on the ground more comfortable and enjoyable. For the business traveller, consider gifts that enhance organisation and efficiency, such as high-quality carry-on luggage or tech accessories. Here are the top Christmas gifts for frequent travellers (in our opinion)!

• Best Budget Christmas Gift: A reusable water bottle with a built-in filter. Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste. Brands like LifeStraw offer eco-friendly options perfect for globetrotters.
• Best Gadget Christmas Gift: Apple AirTags are a game-changer for tracking luggage. Slip one into a suitcase, and you’ll never worry about lost bags again! They’re the perfect gift for a tech-savvy travel lover.
• Best Experience Christmas Gift: Treat your frequent flyers to an experience that means something to them. Maybe it’s airport lounge access, a surf lesson on the East Coast of Australia, or a hot air balloon ride in Marrakech.

Travel Essential Gift Ideas for Frequent Travellers

Every traveller needs a few go-to essentials. These can be practical yet thoughtful gifts that make trips seamless. From saving precious space while packing to having a trusty carry-on, here are some ideas for every budget.

Must-Have Travel Accessories: Packing Cubes, Travel Pillows and More!

• Packing cubes: mesh windows allow easy identification of contents and easy packing. Packing cubes keep a backpacker organised and tidy, perfect for a Gap Year adventure.
• Travel pillow: Travel pillows are essential for comfortable sleeping during long-haul flights, and many ergonomic designs ensure they don’t take up too much space in your luggage. Wrap-around designs, like the trtl travel pillow, are spot on. Alternatively, choose a classic neck pillow with a zip for savvy travellers to store extra clothes instead of the pillow (top travel tip!).
• Passport holder: a stylish accessory to keep travel documents and passports safe, all within easy and quick access. This gift can be personalised with initials or a favourite colour.
• Travel adapter: International travel requires a reliable worldwide travel adapter. Multiple USB ports allow travellers to charge several gadgets at a time.

Travel Bags and Luggage

A reliable travel bag or personalised luggage is another essential travel item that makes a good gift. Perhaps your kids are heading off for a year abroad after Christmas. Have they got their backpacks yet?

Consider a compact toiletry bag about the size of a small book, making it easy to fit into any travel bag without taking up too much space. What about a carry-on rucksack with a laptop sleeve and a durable design? Or a duffel bag that will last a lifetime? We love and recommend Gandys, a brand focused on giving back and designed to see the world.

Are you looking for something on a smaller budget? One of these ideas could be the perfect travel gift for someone’s next trip!

• Personalised luggage tags
• Clear makeup bag for easy carry-on
• Handheld suitcase scale

Travel-Friendly Gadgets For Techy Travellers

For tech-savvy travellers, gadgets are more than just accessories—they’re essential tools that keep adventures running smoothly. A portable power bank is a must-have for anyone who relies on their devices for navigation, translation, or capturing memories on the go. Compact options with fast-charging capabilities ensure their phone or camera never runs out of juice, even during long travel days. Noise-cancelling headphones are another game-changer, transforming noisy flights or bustling train rides into peaceful retreats. Brands like Sony and Bose deliver exceptional sound quality and comfort, making them ideal for long-haul journeys.

For those who love to share music or podcasts on the road, a travel-sized Bluetooth speaker like the JBL Clip is a perfect gift. Its lightweight design and waterproof features make it ideal for beach days, camping trips, or simply unwinding in a hotel room. And let’s not forget the already mentioned Apple AirTags, a small but mighty device that every traveller will appreciate. AirTags offers peace of mind by helping travellers quickly locate their belongings through the Find My app, whether attached to a suitcase, backpack, or camera bag.

Travel Guides for the Constant Dreamer

Travel guides and books offer endless inspiration for those who spend their days dreaming of distant horizons. Lonely Planet destination books remain a timeless favourite, packed with expert tips and stunning photography that can transport readers to vibrant markets, serene beaches, and bustling cityscapes—all from the comfort of their armchairs. Pair this with a travel journal to help them turn their adventures into stories, jotting down memories, sketches, and itineraries as they go.

For a touch of whimsy and a visual record of their wanderlust, a scratch-off map is a delightful gift. Watching the map transform as they uncover new destinations adds an element of fun and pride to their travels. If they love combining décor with discovery, a travel-themed coffee table book, such as National Geographic Destinations of a Lifetime, can be a source of inspiration and a beautiful centrepiece.

These thoughtful Christmas gifts cater to dreamers and planners, helping them plot their next adventure or relive their favourite travel memories with wonder and excitement.

Experiences That Last Longer Than Christmas

The best gifts aren’t things—they’re unforgettable experiences that create lifelong memories. Treat the traveller in your life to a guided tour or excursion, like a sunrise safari, a scenic hike, or a local food tour that offers a taste of a destination’s authentic flavours. For a more immersive experience, consider gifting a cultural workshop—perhaps a traditional cooking class or an artisan craft session that deepens their connection to the places they visit.

If they’re foodies at heart, a food and wine tour will delight them, allowing them to savour regional specialities and learn about local culinary traditions. For those who prefer surprises, a travel subscription box delivers themed items from around the world straight to their door, sparking wanderlust with every unboxing.

Gifting a practical yet meaningful travel insurance policy ensures peace of mind for their next adventure. Alternatively, a travel membership with perks like exclusive discounts or airport lounge access adds more comfort to their journeys. These experiences and services go beyond material gifts, making their travels more memorable and enjoyable.

Stocking Fillers for Last-Minute Gifts

Sometimes, the smallest gifts bring the biggest smiles. Stocking fillers for travellers are all about compact, practical, and fun items that make their journeys a little brighter. Perfect for quick gifts or to complement larger presents, these ideas are thoughtful, budget-friendly, and universally appreciated.

• Travel-Sized Games: Mini versions of classic games like chess, playing cards, or a travel trivia set are perfect for long flights, train rides, or hostel hangouts.
• Portable Snacks: Treat them to energy-boosting options like trail mix, protein bars, or travel-sized packs of their favourite treats—ideal for a quick pick-me-up.
• Travel Essentials Kit: A pre-packed kit with mini toiletries, hand sanitiser, wet wipes, and a compact first-aid kit is practical and thoughtful.

For those who love functional but stylish accessories, a few extras are sure to delight:

• Luggage Locks: Choose colourful or uniquely designed locks to keep their belongings safe and easy to spot.
• Microfiber Towel: Lightweight, quick-drying, and compact, it’s a lifesaver for beach trips or unexpected spills.
• Reusable Utensils or Straws: Eco-conscious travellers will appreciate portable, sustainable dining tools.

Lastly, a gift card for a travel-related purchase—whether for their favourite airline, a rideshare service like Uber, or accommodation via Airbnb—offers flexibility and freedom to personalise their travel plans.

These stocking fillers may be minor, but they pack a big punch in usefulness and charm. Whether practical, playful, or just plain clever, they’ll bring a smile to any traveller’s face this Christmas morning.

Wrap It Up!

Surely now you have found the ideal gift for every traveller on your list. Whether it’s a practical gadget, an inspiring book, or an unforgettable experience, your thoughtful choice will spark joy this Christmas—and beyond!