51 Unique Gifts for Travelers, for Every Budget

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If you have no clue about what to buy for the traveler in your life, this list of original and unique gifts for travelers that I put together will hopefully help you find great gift ideas from expensive to cheap pieces of traveling gear, gadgets, travel-related home decor, books and anything travel related.

These +51 unique travel gift ideas are based on what I am using in my nomadic life and on my buying list of travel-related gifts that I want to buy for myself.

I always struggle when I have to buy a gift as I am always short of ideas when I need them the most.

If you are the same, I hope these travel items will help you find some inspiration and some of the best travel gift ideas for your wanderlust friend.

From small cheap items like a cute neckless, a towel, or a journal to more expensive (but long-lasting) items such as camera lenses or a suitcase, you will find a ton of gift ideas for the traveler!

So let’s start.

Also find: inspiring travel books ideas for solo travelers

UNIQUE GIFT FOR TRAVELERS

The best gift a travel lover can receive

1) Tinggly travel voucher

If you are short of ideas and most of all if your travel friend is not at easy reach and you can only send a virtual gift, why not send them a precious travel voucher that they can spend anywhere and whenever they want. I bought one for my sister for her wedding and they loved it.

On Tinggly you can choose among many different travel packages of every sort and for any occasion, for solo travelers or couples.

Besides Tinggly is committed to saving the planet and for every box they sell, up to 20 trees will be planted!

This is indeed one of the best travel gifts for people who love to travel with a purpose as well.

But there is more, Tinggly is working towards a cleaner and more sustainable future. From installing trash traps in the rivers of Bali to successfully reducing our carbon footprint by 200%.

They are also committed to removing 11lbs (5 kg) of plastics from the environment for every Tinggly gift box sold – that’s almost 220 plastic bottles.

The next exciting Tinggly steps are the introduction of environmentally friendly packaging and inks, along with the introduction of a far-reaching education program.

It’s a long journey, but we have to start somewhere.

That is why this is one of our favorite travel gifts for women.

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UNIQUE GIFTS FOR TRAVELERS

Practical gifts for travelers: Travel Gear

2) A Backpack

I have to confess that during my 2-year trip around Mexico and part of South America, I realized that I am everything but a backpacker.

So on my subsequent trip, the one I am doing now, I have just bought a normal bag with wheels and it’s soo darn comfortable! my back is happier.

Here I will give you both options though, from my previous trip as well. I loved the Low Alpine brand as much as Osprey and I believe they make practical and fun travel gifts for women who are traveling around the world.

They have so many backpacks of all sizes and gadgets that every traveler loves and in this gift guide, I will include some of them.

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This is somewhat my favorite traveler backpack, especially for the foam padded sidewalls with StraightJacket compression stabilizes, which protects and compresses loads.

However, since I purchased the Mindshift rotation 180º for my camera gear, (see below) I completely changed my carry-on items, because that backpack is huge and can fit lots of stuff.

If I need more space I carry with me a small foldable backpack and a foldable duffle bag, as you can see here below.

This way I am prepared for any change of plans, a three-day getaway, a cruise, or just a day on the beach.

It’s really up to you.

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3) A foldable Duffle Bag

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4) A foldable backpack

 I wished I found out earlier about this precious little tool. A small backpack for your water and valuables is always a convenient item to have.

I found this cheap and neat one on Amazon.com, similar to the one I bought, but a little fancier and with many more functions, including the fact that it can become a small duffle bag as well.

Click here to read more about the amazing multiple ways you can use it. And you can fold it when you are not using it and it saves lots of space.

It really makes a great gift for the practical traveler!

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5) A Duffle Bag or suitcase

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Click on one of the images to read more and check the price.

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Packing Accessories

I love osprey accessories, they are light, fancy, and colorful.

I was actually torn between Osprey Backpack and Alpine Lowe and I chose the second because it came in a bigger size and I still loved the style. (They don’t do my huge backpack anymore).

I was very happy in the end. As for the travel accessories they have amazing items to help you keep your stuff organized in your backpack.

So if your friend is the kind of practical traveler like me, and loves to have everything organized and easy to find the luggage, these below will be the best travel gifts for women and men.

Here below you will find my favorite travel gadgets.

6) Osprey Padded Organizer

I love the flat shape, I find it more practical because you can actually find stuff more easily.

Top features:

✔ Nylon

✔ The StraightJacket compression system allows the organizer to become compressed when extra space is not being utilized

✔Foam padding keeps items extra protected

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7) Osprey Ultralight Roll Organizer

Top features:

✔ Nylon

✔ A large secure pocket holds bulkier items and toiletries

✔ A multiple-pocketing system ensures dedicated space for certain items

✔ The hanging clip loop allows the organizer to hang from bathroom hooks or tree branches

✔ An added mirror makes sure you look good or can help start a fire Pockets: 4 interior

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8) Travel Space-Saver Bags

The Ziploc space bags are the best gift for travelers if you don’t have a big budget and yet you want to give a valuable item.

This is one of the best gifts for travelers who are strangers to packing light. As it will compress their clothes and create more space.

The optimum would be vacuum seal bags, but, since you won’t be bringing with you your vacuum cleaner around the world, these compression bags for travel would do the job.

These Ziploc space bags in fact don’t need a vacuum or pump to lock them just pack, zip and roll. The air will exit from the valves at the bottom of the bag by just squeezing them with your hands.

Transparent see-through ensures speedy security checks of your luggage at airports.

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9) Packing Cubes and Travel Organizers

These travel organizers are some of the best gifts for travelers that are not so expensive but they are still thoughtful travel gift ideas.

A little more stylish than the Ziplock they have the same function to make more room in your bag by squeezing out the air and compacting your clothes together.

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UNIQUE GIFTS FOR TRAVELERS

Gifts for the photography obsessed – Photography Gear

What I am sharing here is my own gear, which I love very much

I love photography although I am not a pro, traveling without my photography equipment is like not traveling at all. That’s how much it matters to me.

So here below I am sharing the photography gear that I cannot live without and a couple of lenses that I am planning to buy soon.

10) Mindshift Gear 180 Rotation

This is one of the best camera bags on the market and although expensive it really makes one of the best travel gifts for photographers.

Besides being very stylish, it’s super spacious and practical, for the lower camera pocket rotating 180º to the front without you having to take your bag out. 

This feature only is absolutely priceless for me, especially when you are on a hike and want to take a picture but don’t want the group to stop and wait for you.

I know it’s a bit expensive and probably overpriced, but I believe if you are a professional photographer or a wannabe pro (like me) it’s worth the effort.

And it’s a product that will last forever. 

Pros: extremely roomy, versatile, functional, and stylish. Perfect for hiking.

Cons: pricey, bulky.

Read also my Camera gear review: how to find the perfect camera bag for you

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11) Tenba DNA 16 Pro Messenger bag

My second favorite after the rotation one! I am using this bag all the time even when I am not carrying my camera. It’s super convenient with lots of pockets and zips.

Other features

✔ Excellent weather-proof coverage at the corners

✔ Removable and reversible WeatherWrap cover

✔ The adjustable security strap connects to D-rings on the back of the bag which anchors it in position behind you.

✔ Fidlock patented magnetic clips allow blind, 

✔ Fits a professional DSLR with 2-3 lenses, flash, and audio gear. It will fit a DSLR with an attached 70-200mm 2.8 lens.

✔ There are two padded interior sleeves: one for a laptop up to 15 inches, and another for an iPad

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12) DSRL Camera Canon 6D – Full Frame

Here is the first semi-professional camera I bought! I didn’t go anywhere without it.

Of course, it’s not one of the most professional, and there are many other great cameras but this is what I love and it’s a great piece if you are starting to understand photography and want to play with a semi-professional camera!

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13) DSRL Canon Mark III 5D full frame

I just upgrade to the Canon Mark III 5D and I couldn’t be happier. A full-frame camera with a sturdy body perfect if you go to humid places very much more water-resistant than the 6D but much heavier.

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14) Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens

This particular lens is perfect when you do portraits and when you are doing street photography as well, especially in poor neighborhoods where you don’t want to carry a bulky camera.

Big lenses can intimidate people.

Also If you want to try Macro Photography and you don’t want to spend too much on a lens, you can use extension tubes for this lens and it works great.

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15) Macro Lens Tube Extention

16)Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM Lens

I love, love, love this lens. It’s expensive but worth every single penny. This is one of the best travel gifts for photography lovers.

It’s made for love landscape photography, with its amazing wide-angle, especially used in the Canon D6 and D5 mentioned above which are full-frame cameras.

It’s the best combination to shoot spectacular landscape pictures.

I have the previous version (the II), but it’s still great. However, since you are buying a new one, it’s better to get the latest model.

All my landscape photos in this blog are taken with this lens.

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17) Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L is II USM Lens

This is my dream lens, it’s not in my hands yet, but I trust one of the next father Christmas to bring me one.  It’s just an amazing lens if you love to shoot wildlife.

It’s not the best one of course, because the super pros use bigger and more sophisticated lenses but I would be happy with it. If your friend or family loves to shoot wildlife this is the perfect present.

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18) Vanguard VEO 235AB Aluminum Travel Tripod

A photographer and friend of mine suggested I should buy this and I now love it. A little heavy but very stable and firm.

Among the main features

✔ Exclusive rapid column rotation for compact transportation and instant set-up and high loading performance (maximum load capacity 13.2 pounds)

✔ Includes a multi-action TBH-50 ball head with a large ergonomic main locking knob, bubble level, and arca-swiss quick release plate

✔ 5 sections 23mm aluminum alloy legs with 3 different leg angle options and feet that convert from rubber to spiked

✔ Extra-low angle photography option (low angle adaptor included) and soft rubber handle provides an unbeatable grip in any weather

✔ Strong stainless steel quick flip leg locks with adjustable tension technology. Folded height: 14.8″. Extended height: 57.1″. Weight: 3.3 pounds

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19) GO PRO 10

It doesn’t really need a description, photography and adventure lovers will be fascinated by the new GO PRO 10 with its enhanced features, including better resolution, improved stability, and resistance.

GoPro 10 features

✔ Revolutionary Processor: Faster. Smoother. Better.

✔ High-Res Photos plus Videos, High Frame Rate: Step up to the sharpest-shooting GoPro ever. Upgraded to incredible 23MP photos and 5.3K video resolution at 60fps, HERO10 offers double the frame rate for amazingly smooth motion.

✔ Unbelievable Image Quality: Shoot with fine detail, realistic textures, and stunning contrast, even in low light.

✔ HyperSmooth 4.0: HyperSmooth has never been smoother, and it’s easy to dial in the best stabilization at all times. Unparalleled low-light performance.

✔ Fast, Reliable Connectivity: Super easy, super fast. Just plug in your camera when connected to your home Wi-Fi and the camera does the rest.

If the GOPRO is out of your budget, worry not! The Akaso V5 Pro is much more affordable and yet has great reviews about its performance. So you may want to take a look and show up with a great useful gift for a traveler with a passion for videos!

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20) DJI Mini 2

The absolute best gifts for travelers, that will make your friend love you forever.

I have bought myself this mini drone and I find it incredibly amazing for aerial view pictures of all the magical places around the world.

If you have a traveler in your life who loves photography and loves to try new toys this is one of the perfect gift ideas.

Besides, it’s ultra-light and small to carry around.

Here below are some examples of pictures taken with my drone DJI mini 2

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UNIQUE GIFTS FOR TRAVELERS

Other practical accessories that would make great travel gift ideas

21) Ultralight Dry Sack

This is one of the most convenient and handy travel gift ideas for us solo travelers.

Think about being on a beach alone. You want to go for a swim but you don’t know where to leave your valuables.

Well. Right in there!

And this is why you have to get a good quality one, to make sure it doesn’t leak and keeps your stuff dry.

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22) Cable and docs organizer

Here is an item that is one of the smartest travel gifts. A small pouch where you can keep all your cables and travel documents organized in one place.

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23) Microfiber Towel

4 reasons why this is one of the best gift ideas for travelers:

✔ 100% microfiber high-quality microfiber made it totally smooth and compact, softer on your skin. Eco-friendly, no faded, no smell.

✔ 4 SIZES & MULTI-USE exercising, backpacking, travel, camping, swimming, yoga, golf, gym, ect, Good for bath towels; On the beach, etc…

✔ Lightweight, compact, easy to carry

✔ Fast drying ultra-absorbent

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24) Headlamp Flashlight 

Flashlight main features:

✔ 160 Lumen, up to 30 Hours of Constant Light on a Single Charge

✔ Super Bright White Led + Red Light

✔ Compact, Easy to Use

✔ Headlight for Camping & Running

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25) Reusable water bottle 

Water bottle’s main features

I have got myself the pink one and it fits perfectly in my Mindshift 180 external pocket.

✔ Lend a Hand – Easy one-handed drinking with no lids to remove or lose

✔ Cleaner Drinking – Protective spout cover helps keep out gross dirt and germs

✔ Seal It In – Leak-proof lid (when closed) for on-the-go convenience

✔ Lock it Up – Button lock for added peace of mind

✔Carry On – Clip on handle attaches to bags, gear, keys and more

✔ Perfect Fit – Fits most car cup-holders

✔ Eco Friendly

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26) Camelback for the backpack

Main features

✔ BPA-, phthalates-, and lead-free durable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) construction is both flexible and resilient. Made with certified food-safe materials in accordance with FDA and EU regulations. 

✔ A magnetic clip attaches the hose to the sternum strap. 

✔ Flexible ¼ in. hose that’s kink resistant and allows for a faster flow. 

✔ Open slider hook works with webbing loops for efficient upright hanging in your pack’s reservoir sleeve. 

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27) Kindle Paperwhite

For as much as we love paperback books, the kindle is light and small and it can hold thousands of books that you can carry around the world for minimum weight and space.

6 reasons why the kindle paperwhite is indeed one of the best travel gift ideas:

✔ Now available in black or white

✔ Higher resolution display (300 ppi) – with twice as many pixels

✔ Built-in adjustable light – read day and night

✔ No screen glare, even in bright sunlight, unlike tablets

✔ A single battery charge lasts weeks, not hours

✔ Prime members read free with unlimited access to over a thousand titles

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28) Beach towel

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29) Travel Journals

Despite the practicality of technology, I always like to have my notebook and take written notes while sitting in cafes in a new place. It makes me feel like a real writer.

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30) A battery charger

A portable power bank is always needed, especially for iPhone owners. But for anyone who is all the time taking pictures or being on social media I am not suggesting this brand particularly.

Any brand would work. Just make sure you check the reviews.

On a recent trip, I was looking for the perfect photo spots in NYC and I found myself with a dead phone I couldn’t really afford that as I needed it to find my way around.

Luckily I found a Best Buy shop and I bought exactly this brand. I paid more for it in the shop.

So make sure you’ll buy it online before traveling.

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31) Pocket Knife

A swiss army can always turn out useful in any situation, to open a bottle of wine or peal some fruit…you just never know.

Swiss knife features

✔ Features 33 functions to equip you for everyday adventures – including 2.45″ large blade, scissors, bottle opener with large screwdriver, pliers, and corkscrew (See product description for full list of features)

✔ Stainless steel construction encased in polished red ABS scales provides sleek durability

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32) Travel Security Belt with Hidden Money Pocket

I just found out about this and I am going to buy one for myself right away! It’s not what you call fancy but it really serves the purpose and you’ve got to be practical when you travel.

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33) Money and passport belt

This MONEY AND DOCUMENT HOLDER is very practical too if you like to travel light. I always use my photography bag as a document holder because I bring it always with me. But this would be a great compliment.

34) Infinity-look scarf with hidden zipper pocket

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35) Cute accessories decorated with food maps

These beautiful creations are made by Jodi from Legal Nomad blog. Jodi has been a travel blogger forever, one of the first and most established bloggers that I have been following when I was starting with my own. She was such an inspiration to me and I couldn’t believe when I heard in 2017 that she had a spinal leak which caused her permanent disability.

She’s not able to travel anymore and it’s hard for her even to sit and work. Despite of that, she was able to put together and create this beautiful digital artwork that she is selling in her new online shop.

You can follow her on Instagram and check out her beautiful shop.

36)Travel insurance

Why not! Travel insurance can be expensive in the long run, so it can become one of the greatest gift ideas for travelers.

The only thing it cannot be a surprise but still, I am sure very much appreciated.

 I recommend Safetywing Insurance which covers you wherever you go.

Travel insurance is super important when you travel especially for the long term. Ho matter how careful you might be, you never know what can happen along the way.

I am using Safety Wing because I love their website they have very clear information on their policy, and they include Covid-related issues.

Whatever insurance you choose, always make sure you read the policy clauses before signing up. If you are still undecided, these posts on the reasons why you should get Travel Insurance and how to choose the best travel insurance will help you.

37) Portable Bluetooth speaker

A great travel gift idea for your friend who loves to carry her music around and listen to it on speaker whether on a road trip or in her apartment.

JBL Clip 3 is tiny and very portable!

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38) Laundry bag

Who doesn’t need a laundry bag?

Here is a very comfortable lightweight one to carry around the world for some of the cheapest and most practical travel gift ideas!

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UNIQUE GIFTS FOR TRAVELERS

Hiking gear and outfit

39)Hiking boots

I have to confess, even if it’s not so glamorous I always use hiking boots even when I am not hiking and, yes, even when I am in a beach destination unless I am actually going to the beach.

Otherwise, when I am exploring, hiking boots are a must. I feel more comfortable and safe as they keep your feet away from ants (the killer red ones) and other insects, especially if you are in the tropics and walking in the jungle.

Also, they are more practical than flip-flops if you have to drive.  I have tried all the below brands and I found the Merrel softer and more comfortable. But all of them were great and durable. At present I am wearing the Columbia, they are ok but a bit stiffer.

I have tried the keen and they feet well, they are soft and seemed comfortable but I couldn’t find my number so I opted for the Columbia.

These are gifts for travelers that love adventure and outdoor activities. They will thank you forever!

Click on the image to check the price and choose the size!

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40) Hiking pants

Also when it comes to pants, I am all for comfort. Not a fashionista, right? I do love to dress up on certain occasions, trust me, but when I am exploring I chose comfort over fancy.

I love to sit anywhere or kneel down if I had to shoot a particular photo and don’t worry about getting dirty.

I also love to have zipped pockets and the fact that I can turn them into shorts.

Luckily there are many hiking pants that also look good on us.

Here are some of my favorite hiking pants. Click on the image to read more and make the purchase on Amazon.

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UNIQUE GIFTS FOR TRAVELERS

Travel-themed home decor

41) Artsy World Map for your nice home decor

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42) Black and white travel-themed wall prints

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43) Money-Saving Jar

A lovely Jar as a beautiful decor for your home to remind you about saving some money for your next trip!

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44) Travel Quote Pillows

I love my nomadic life but sometimes I wished I had a home just to buy these cute items for my home decor.

So just for fun, I love to browse through this creative stuff and dream about my home.

Here are some of my favorite Travel Quote Pillows.

► Every Day is an Adventure – a cute white cushion with a bright fun design and a great reminder that if you cannot travel you can really make every day an adventure. The ball is always in your court.

► Explore  Elegant black and white design and a simple quote to remind you that you can explore anywhere you are, even in your own hometown.

►Not all who Wander are Lost – Beautiful colorful world map and a compass with a quote that even if we are constantly on the road it doesn’t mean that we are lost, we just love exploring new places

►Life’s a Journey – That is the quote I live by and doesn’t really need explanation.

► To travel is to live – Also for some of us, traveling is a natural part of who we are and what makes us alive.

I am sure one of these pillows will make a beautiful gift for travel lovers.

45) Scratch map

Among all the types of scratch maps I have seen, I loved this one for its artistic flair and minimalist design. It really makes a beautiful work of art for your home wall and inspires your wanderlust.

As you scratch the places you’ve visited it reveals a gorgeous map underneath in beautiful watercolor paint.

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UNIQUE GIFTS FOR TRAVELERS

Travel-themed Jewelry

Unique travel gifts for women don’t have to be expensive to impress. This cute travel-themed Jewelry can be worn either at home or during a trip.

They are small, light, and not flashy, and yet they make a cute and fancy accessory to match your outfit.

46) Adventure Awaits wish Bracelet

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47) Travel Necklace

48) Travel bracelet with pendants

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GIFTS FOR TRAVELERS

Travel-related books

Travelers are usually good readers as well, and if not, they will still love to receive a travel guide to inspire them for their next adventures.

Although there are many blogs that are a good and better substitute for travel guides for being more personal and up to date, we have to admit that physical travel guides such as the Lonely Planet never get old.

And we also love to see a collection of them on our bookshelves. Or am I the only one?

Here below I am going to share some of the top Lonely Planet destinations but also other travel-related books that I loved or have on my list.

49) Lonely Planet guides

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50) Travel-related novels and essays

You can also check my great list of books for solo travelers and mindset books.

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UNIQUE GIFTS FOR TRAVELERS

Travel-related gifts for foodists

There is nothing like a new taste completely different from our eating habits, that make you discover a whole new world. That’s one of the million things I love about traveling. And when we are at home we love to experiment with our cooking skills and try to replicate that specific recipe, which, of course, we forgot to ask.

Worry not, these amazing international cooking books will fix that.

51) Recipes books from the world

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52) Cooking Class Gift Card

If you know your beloved foodist friend is taking a trip somewhere in the world, you can surprise them with a cooking class gift card that they can use during their trip. Make sure you pick one of the cities in their itinerary.

👉 Get your cooking class gift card on Cookly