With Christmas right around the corner, it’s time to think of gifts for those people special to us in life. In 2020, we may not be able to visit friends and family as normal over the holidays so it may take some extra thoughtfulness this season. While, according to the World Economic Forum, the average American spends nearly $1,000 on holiday shopping, many of us in the traveler world are less keen on expensive “things” and would rather receive functional items, or better yet the gift of an experience!

Here are 12 of the best gifts for travelers:

1. Reusable Water Bottle / Filter

Low-impact, single-use plastic free is the way of travel now and the future. Check out Hydro Flask for amazing water bottles or better yet, go a step further and consider the Grayl water bottle which safely filters tap or stream water. 

2. Great Travel Books

There’s nothing like a good book to fuel travels! Check out this list of inspiring travel reads or go country-specific for Morocco, Vietnam or Peru. See all our travel read recommendations here.

3. Online Language Learning

Consider an online language class and work on the language before you travel!

4. Digital Accessories

In the world of mobile phones and tablets, a good world outlet adapter and battery pack is a must. Here’s a best-of list to choose from.

5. Healing self-care

Gift a massage, either post-travel or cash for one on the road during their next trip. Travel is good for the soul but can be tough on the body!

Or consider a quality yoga kit, our favorite traveling yoga mat, or the perfect meditation cushion to calm both your body and mind!

6. For the Writers

A beautiful, physical journal to write down those travel memories. Our favorite is the well-thought-out and designed Monk Manual.

7. A sleep kit

Make the perfect sleep kit with a sleeping mask, earplugs, cozy sleeping liner, travel pillow, & aromatherapy like lavender, rose geranium, or Roman chamomile.

8. Natural care

Make a Natural Remedies kit with herbs & supplements to support immunity & digestion. Check these best natural travel remedies and pick up Dr. Singha’s Travel Tonic before your next flight.

9. Ancestry Research kit

More and more people enjoy traveling to the places in their family tree. Consider a 23andMe or Ancestry.com kit and then plan a heritage trip!

10. Responsible Travel

Purchase a carbon offset for someone, or plant a tree!

11. Inspiration all year round

Sign them up for a real, physical travel magazine such as UnEarth Women or Conscious Connection.

12. Gift a Trip

For the ultimate gift, forgo the typical spending and splurge on an actual trip for or with someone. Or, commit to saving a doable sum each month in for next year's holiday. Even $100 per month throughout the year can go a long way towards an incredible trip!

Happy holidays and happy gifting!

Interested in impact-focused, responsible travel? Check out our small-group departures, self-guided options and custom itineraries that will get you out exploring the world!

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