Gift Guide: 17 Gifts for Indie Travelers

Search a Multi-Stop Route

The holiday season is here, and if you have an avid traveler on your list, you’re no doubt scouring the internet trying to find the perfect gift. The right gift can be dependent on what type of traveler you’re buying for, where they’re going, and how they like to travel. But what if your traveler can’t be put into just one type, or doesn’t have a specific travel style? Part adventure traveler, part savvy jetsetter, they might be trekking at Machu Picchu one trip and hunting for fashion finds in Berlin the next.

The gifts below could appeal to any indie traveler, no matter where they’re going this year, how much gear they already have, and how they like to travel. In fact, many can be put to good use at home as well, while others can help feed the wanderlust of your favorite traveler.

Maps, art and home decor

Many travelers have a penchant for maps, art and wall decor that showcase world geography and international destinations. Globes, maps, and vintage travel posters are always a hit with these travelers: we’ve rounded up a few standout options.

Chalkboard World Map
The hand drawn white outline is permanently painted on a pliable chalkboard fabric that hangs between two wooden dowels, $85, from Etsy.

Illuminated City Map
Use lighted pegs to map your travels, $249, from Rand McNally

Neighborhood Posters
20 locations in the US, Canada and Europe, $22, from Ork

Scratch-Off Map
Another fun way to mark off your travels, $24, Uncommon Goods

Travel-centric jewelry for her

Let your world explorer show off her love of travel with travel-themed necklaces.

World Links Necklace
In silver or gold, $60, from Uncommon Goods, which offers several great map themed travel gifts

City Skyline Necklace
11 cities to choose from, $30, from Plastique

Custom Map Pendant
Pick the exact coordinates of your map and give your traveler a bit of home to take with her, $155, from Uncommon Goods

Tech for every traveler

Lens Accessories for iPhone
Fisheye, telephoto and macro/wide angle lenses, $49 for all three, from Photojojo

DigiDudes Keychain Camera Tripod
Expands from a pocket-sized keychain to mount point and shoot cameras, $14.99, on Amazon

Theory of Relativity Kindle/iPad Cover
Disguise your tech as an old-school book, $50-$70 (on sale at time of publishing – November 2012 – for $19.99), from Uncommon Goods

For the traveling epicure

Keep your favorite traveling foodie satisfied on the road, or help them bring some international flavor into their home kitchen.

Mini Travel Bar
Everything you need for cocktails on the go, $59.50, from Uncommon Goods

Mobile Foodie Survival Kit
12 spices in convenient, reusable containers, $26, from Uncommon Goods

Cocktail recipes from around the world
Around the World in 80 Bars book, from $4.40, on Amazon

TSA-friendly toiletries

While every traveler has had to deal with the 3-1-1 rules for liquids, many still rely on buying travel-sized versions of their favorite products. Make their packing task easier with products and tools to help them comply with the rules without leaving their favorite toiletries at home.

Travalo Refillable Perfume Spray
Bring your favorite scent in a TSA-approved size, $11.94 on Amazon

Humangear GoToobs
3-pack set of 3-ounce refillable toiletry tubes, $22.12, on Amazon

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