Do you have a travel lover in your life? Is your family always asking for gift ideas around the holidays, and you never know what to tell them? We did the legwork for you, compiling our favorite travel related items into one big gift guide for long-term travel lovers.
FYI, if you’ve waited until the last minute and are a member of Amazon Prime, there are 33 items that are Prime eligible (noted in the description), so you still have time to get them before Christmas!
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Under $100
World Map Wall Mural
If you want to be inspired every time you walk into your house/apartment/dorm room, then pony up for this beauty. This 13x9 foot world map mural will have you dreaming of that next big trip every time you see it.
Amazon Prime Eligible
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There is also a dry erase version of the wall mural above that is below in the splurge section .
Chalkboard World Map
It may not be as big as the previous map, but this chalkboard map is still pretty cool. With dimensions of 2'x4', the hand drawn white outline is permanently painted on a pliable chalkboard fabric - draw, write, circle, and envision that next trip, then wipe it off and start again!
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SteriPEN Classic
When traveling in developing countries, the water is often not safe to drink straight from the tap. Sure, you can buy bottled water for a pretty cheap price in most places, but all those bottles add up, and it's simply terrible for the environment. Check out the SteriPEN, a water purification system that is small, compact, and easily portable, even for the long-term traveler (also great for you hikers out there).
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Leatherman
A multi-tool is really nice to have as a traveler - you just never know when and what you're going to need it for. I've always been partial to the Leatherman over the Swiss Army knife, but it's all personal preference. You won't be able to carry this on, so put it in your checked luggage. Amazon Prime Eligible
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Umbrella Stroller
For the family travelers out there, we know that strollers aren't the most functional of travel gear, but if you must bring one, this one is pretty rad. It's small and lightweight and folds up really well - you could even carry it on most planes, and at $73.99, it's also quite cheap. Amazon Prime Eligible
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GoGo Travelmate
As a new parent who has lugged those heavy ass pumpkin seats everywhere, I kicked myself when I first found out about this - for not knowing about it sooner! How much easier would it be to traverse airports with this instead of sweating and cursing your way around because your arms are killing you? Amazon Prime Eligible
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BootsnAll Travel Gift Certificates
Plan on hitting the road in 2015? Have someone in your life who is? Help them with their biggest travel expense - their flights - by purchasing a gift certificate (in any monetary denomination that can be used on both Indie and/or AirTreks.
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Under $50
Satechi Travel Router and Adapter
It wasn't long ago when travelers had to carry a separate bag for plug adapters. This adapter covers plugging in your gadgets in over 150 different countries, with both an AC power port and USB, making in convenient for charging just about any device you'll have with you on the road. Bonus that it doubles as a router with 4 different modes for your wireless networking needs. Great for the traveler and digital nomad. Amazon Prime Eligible
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Silk Sleep Sheet
Some love them. Some find them totally unnecessary. I'm in the love them camp. We used our silk sleep sheets all the time - on buses and trains and in questionable hostel beds - ours got tons of use. They're really lightweight and functional, so I don't leave for a long trip without them anymore.
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Donner Bag (Purse)
Shannon O'Donnell of A Little Adrift uses this as her go-to travel purse (she's been on the road since 2008), saying, 'I searched for years, (three and a half years to be exact) before I found a travel purse I love...the bag is versatile, comfortable, attractive (which is great since you don’t always get functional and pretty), and I can fit an entire outing’s worth of stuff in it (water bottle, my Panasonic camera, notebook, snack, chap-stick and Kindle).'
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1 Voice Headband with Built-in Bluetooth Earbuds
Just because you're traveling doesn't mean you don't have to work out. For the ladies out there who want to keep in shape during their travels, this headband with earbuds and a built in bluetooth will keep the hair out of your face, the wires from getting tangled, and your earbuds from falling out. Amazon Prime Eligible
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Travel Spice Kit
For those traveling cooks out there, this is an awesome little kit. When traveling long-term, it's nice to be able to utilize the hostel kitchen to save a few bucks, but you don't have to resort to crappy, unflavorful pasta dishes, which seems to be the norm. Some basic spices will enhance any meal, and you'll make friends instantly when you bust this out.
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4-Port USB Charger
Another good charger for those of you with lots of gadgets. One plug, 4 USB ports to charge everything at once. Electronics bags should be getting smaller and smaller as technology advances.
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There are plenty of long-term traveling families out there, and while having a stroller is nice, it's not always the most practical when traveling for months. An adjustable sling is the next best thing, and this one is very highly recommended by our community. Amazon Prime Eligible Baby Sling
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Under $30
Scratch off map
Most travel addicts love maps of all kinds, and this one is very unique. It has a top layer that can be scratched off to show where you've been.
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Headlamp
A good headlamp is something all travelers should have in their basic kit. Once you have one, you'll wonder how you went so long without one. I've had several brands and types over the years, and while this one is a bit more expensive, it's by far the best one I've used. Amazon Prime Eligible
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Skyrest Travel Pillow
I'm one of those people who can't sleep upright, so it's difficult to sleep on planes, trains, and buses, which sucks when you're traveling RTW. A friend suggested this item and raves about it, so I'm honestly hoping someone I love is reading this, cause it sure would make a great gift this year (you hear that, Mom?). Amazon Prime Eligible
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Microfiber Towel
I'm torn on these towels. I brought one on our year-long trip and used it nearly everyday, but I didn't really like how it felt on my body. It is small and super lightweight though, and if you plan on hosteling it around the world, you won't be getting towels most of the time, and carrying a traditional towel doesn't make sense because of the space and weight. Amazon Prime Eligible
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Travel High Chair
For traveling families with babies, this is a pretty sweet item. It's only 8 ounces, folds up and gets stored in a tiny fabric bag, and can go on virtually any chair you come across. I challenge you to find anything smaller, lighter, and more functional for meal time.
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Phone case with built in storage
For those who don't like money belts, this is a great alternative. A case that protects your phone and has storage for money and credit cards. Amazon Prime Eligible
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Packing Envelope
The packing cubes cousin, this envelope is nice for clothes that are a bit nicer - it keeps them fairly wrinkle free, and if you have bulkier items like jeans, these work well to compress them a bit, too. Amazon Prime Eligible
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Lightweight Utensil Set
These probably don't make sense for a one or two week vacation (unless you're camping), but for the long-term traveler, having a set of eating utensils will come in handy more times that you'd think. We used ours all the time, and they are a must-pack when going on any type of trip now. Amazon Prime Eligible
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Under $20
The World's Cheapest Destinations
Another great book for anyone wanting to plan a big trip but is afraid of the perceived high costs of travel. Friend of BootsnAll Tim Leffel outlines 21 countries where your money is worth a fortune. (Note: This book is under $10 if you get the Kindle version) Paperback version is Amazon Prime Eligible
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The Rough Guide to First-Time Around the World
You really can't go wrong with any of these last three books, but the Rough Guides is definitely geared towards the novice world traveler. If this is your first time planning a trip longer than a few weeks, this book has invaluable tips and advice that will put your mind at ease. (Note: This book is also under $10 if you go with the Kindle version) Paperback version is Amazon Prime Eligible
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World Map Shower Curtain
Travel addicts are constantly thinking about travel no matter what they're doing. Might as well be envisioning your trip when on the pot or in the shower, and with this quirky world map shower curtain, you can! Amazon Prime Eligible
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Lightweight Monopod
Whether you're a solo, couple, or family traveler, everyone loves a good selfie, and this monopod makes it a hell of a lot easier to get more than just an extreme close up of your beautiful mug. Amazon Prime Eligible
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Mini Travel Charger Surge Protector
In today's world, most of us have multiple gadgets that need charging, and this bad boy is great for those of you who are sick of lugging around 15 different chargers for all your devices. Amazon Prime Eligible
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Bluetooth Keyboard
If you're traveling with a tablet and want a keyboard, they make plenty of small, lightweight, and functional ones - not to mention affordable! This is one of our faves. Amazon Prime Eligible
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Mini Portable Speakers
Some people (like me) can't envision life without music, and these tiny, lightweight (1 pound) speakers do the trick for travel and music lovers.
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Road Trip Board Game
What better way to get the kids excited about the next trip? Or to spend your next game night with friends by bringing an original board game that no one else has played?
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Grid-It Organizer
One of the more frustrating parts of long-term travel is packing, unpacking, and keeping everything organized. This little organizer is awesome for all the little stuff - chargers, phone, pens, headphones, iPod, lipstick, memory stick - the possibilities are endless. Amazon Prime Eligible
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Moleskin Classic Notebook
It doesn't matter if you're a writer or not, you're going to want some type of notebook with you - to record your spending, write down email addresses, names, addresses, phone numbers, websites - a variety of different things. Any notebook will do, but it will get beat up, so something sturdy is certainly nice to have. Amazon Prime Eligible
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Waterproof Dry Sack
Unless you spend all your time in the desert, you will get rained on at some point, and you will have all your gear with you, so having something to keep your most important stuff dry is essential. This dry sack works and is super durable, not to mention lightweight, which is the long-term traveler's best friend.
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Money Belt
Everyone has their own opinions on what to do with money/passport/credit cards/valuables. I've always preferred this moneybelt myself as it's not cumbersome and fits right underneath my belt, making it virtually impossible to be pickpocketed. Amazon Prime Eligible
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Travel Alarm Clock
Many travelers simply use a phone as an alarm clock, but I still like to have a backup, just in case, and this little guy is perfect. Super small, super lightweight. Amazon Prime Eligible
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Under $10
Many of these items below make perfect stocking stuffers or great “Secret Santa” gifts for the travel lover in your office or family.
Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel
This book inspired a whole new generation of backpackers and long-term indie travelers by the Voice of Generation X and Y traveler, Rolf Potts. Most of the content is not “how to” – which is commonplace on the web today, but philosophical and helps would be AND experienced travelers with the stuff that goes on in your head. Available for Kindle.
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Volunteer Traveler's Handbook
Trying to decipher all the information out there about volunteering can be exhausting. Enter The Volunteer Traveler's Handbook, written by Friend of BootsnAll Shannon O'Donnell, who is an expert in the field of volunteering. Available for Kindle, and the paperback version is Amazon Prime Eligible
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How to Travel the World on $50 Per Day
Matt Kepnes, better known to the travel world as Nomadic Matt, offers tips and advice for those who want to travel the world but don't have a trust fund to help them do it. Matt has traveled the world off and on since 2006, and he knows what he's talking about when it comes to budget travel. Available for Kindle, and the paperback version is Amazon Prime Eligible
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Gorillapod Flexible Tripod
As you can see in the picture, this is a pretty versatile tripod that is small, lightweight, and even works with smaller DSLR cameras. Amazon Prime Eligible
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Packing Cube (large)
Packing cubes are a Godsend to those who like to stay organized (or can't see to figure out how). Gone are the days of emptying your entire pack to find that last pair of clean underwear. There are also smaller sized cubes and packing envelopes for your nicer clothes. Amazon Prime Eligible
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Packing Cube (small)
This cube is half the size of the one above, and we've found that having a variety of different shaped and sized cubes works best for optimal organization (see above in the $30 section for the cousin of the packing cubes - the envelope). Amazon Prime Eligible
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Luggage Tags
We've all been at the airport baggage claim area, waiting for our bags to come, when we suddenly realize that 95% of the other passengers on your flight have the same black suitcase. Make yours stand out with these colorful and original luggage tags - 2 of them for under $10! Amazon Prime Eligible
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Sure, you could just use some string and clothespins, but for $6, you can get this beauty that has nice velcro straps to connect to anything, has suction cups to utilize, and hold clothes on it without the need for clothespins. Amazon Prime Eligible Latex Clothesline
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Splurge
Tortuga Travel Backpack
We've all been there as long-term travelers. Shopping for a certain item, like the perfect pack, and not being able to find it. The creators of Tortuga Backpacks were in the same situation, so they decided to make their own. The result is the perfect pack for those wanting to travel light and not check a bag.
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This wall map is the exact same as the item in the under $100 section, except the surface is dry erase, so you can write on it again and again. The price doubles, but it's a pretty cool feature. Might as well go big or go home. Amazon Prime Eligible
World Map Wall Mural (Dry Erase)
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Scottevest
This vest was Rolf Potts' savior during his no baggage challenge - a RTW trip that he took without a single bag. While it's not necessary to be that extreme, this vest is great for those of you who like to stay organized. Amazon Prime Eligible
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Canon Powershot
If you're looking for a nice, solid camera to bring with you but don't want to lug around a big DSLR, we've had lots of luck with this little guy. Currently on our second version (first one was dropped and broken), this is our go-to point and shoot camera. Takes really good photos, is super small and lightweight, and won't break the bank ($110). Amazon Prime Eligible
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Bose Noise Canceling Headphones
Definitely a big slurge, but you'll make the travel lover in your life extremely happy with these bad boys. These are the first in-ear noise canceling headphones from Bose, making them very travel-friendly compared to the big, clunky noise canceling headphones of yore. Never again will the traveler owning these headphones be bothered on a bus, train, or by loud, drunken hostel-mates as long as he has these in his ears.
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Rosetta Stone
Being able to speak the language of a place you are visiting opens up so many more doors than if you only know your native tongue. Yes, Rosetta Stone is pricey, but it does work, and if immersing yourself in a culture is what you want out of travel, it's worth the high cost.
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Have anything to add? Comment below, and we may add them to the list!
Check out some of our older gift guides and recommended travel gear: