The perfect travel-inspired gifts for your favorite wanderluster
Your like-minded travel-loving friends and family have had a bad go of it this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t lift their spirits and get them excited for the adventures to come.
We’ve picked a few of our favorite travel-inspired gifts that will help soothe your loved ones’ wanderlust or inspire it for the year to come. Although our first idea is also a gift from us to you!
Portico iOS App
Yes, you read that right. Our iOS app is live! You can manage all your Portico trips in the app and save new ideas to your trips via the iOS share extension! More features are already in the works, so stay tuned as our app evolves into the ultimate travel organizer you know and love on the web. We’re so grateful you’ve embarked on this adventure with us.
Candles
Scents can truly take us away to another time and place. Thankfully, there are some candlemakers who specialize in transporting us to far-off destinations!
Archipelago
Not only do Archipelago candles boast scents like Black Forest, Charleston, Dubai, Tulum, and Lanai, they also come in handy travel tins so you can take them with you on your next trip.
Waypoint Goods
Waypoint candles were created “as the vessel for invoking travel memories, both existing and yet to be made.†Indulge in scents like Havana, Paris, and Denver—or purchase all three to save.
Books
Books that whisk the reader away to a different country or time period—like those we wrote about in our post, Novels that Transport You—are the perfect remedy for the stay-at-home blues.
We’ve created a collection of these very novels on Bookshop.org which supports local, independent bookstores by either having you designate the shop you want to support or putting profits in an earning pool that will be evenly distributed among multiple stores.
Multi-Purpose Travel Items
Items that can be used for travel and at home make for great gifts, especially right now when we’re not exactly sure when travel as we know it will return.
Portable Speakers
Portable speakers are great for use at home and while on the road—in your car, at a picnic, in the bathroom, while working outdoors, and more. Some of our favorites include the Lexon Mino line and the waterproof UE Boom.Â
Portable Chargers
Because you never know when your device is going to run out of juice. Perfect for when you’re traveling but also for carrying around in your purse or pocket in everyday situations. Our personal favorite is the Anker Powercore Mini.
Gear Ties
Admittedly not the sexiest, but gear ties are so essential for everyday and travel life and make for great stocking stuffers.
Travel Pillow Beds for Pets
Since we’re all about road trips these days, why not treat your favorite four-legged friend to a soft travel bed. Use it in your car’s back seat, then stuff it into its sack for easy storage. Don’t forget your e-collar so you can explore those great hiking trails.
Gift Cards
When in doubt, gift cards are always a great choice. Especially since we’re anticipating a return to travel now more than ever, this may be the perfect gift this holiday season. Here are our top travel-related picks.
Pack Up + Go
Pack Up + Go is a company that curates trips around the US. All you have to do is set your budget and fill out a quick survey, and they take care of the travel and accommodation arrangements—all while keeping your destination a surprise. Minimum trip budgets are as follows: Staycations $400, Road Trips $800, Solo Traveler Plane/Train Trip $1,000, and 2+ Travelers Plane/Train Trip $1,300. Purchase a gift card to give any amount you like and it will go toward the recipient’s trip. Portico members get a special discount on Pack Up + Go surprise picks (learn more here).
Getaway
Getaway offers simple escapes to tiny cabins nestled in nature. Travelers choose an outpost, cabin size, and dates, and upon booking are sent the exact address of the cabin, the cabin name, and keycode. You can purchase a gift card in any amount or can cover the cost of a weekend night, 2-night weekday stay, etc.Â
VAWAA
VAWAA, Vacation With An Artist, is a mini-apprenticeship with a curated master artist or craftsman, tailored to your skill level. You can purchase a gift card for an immersive, 3-7 day long private apprenticeship for your loved ones. Thankfully, these gift cards are valid for five years. You can also purchase a VAWAA Online Pass which allows the user to attend talks, expert demos, and interactive sessions with artists and makers around the world virtually.
Avital
If who you’re buying for is more culinary-inclined, booking a virtual event for them via Avital is a great idea. This company hosts live, interactive virtual events with chefs, mixologists, Master Sommeliers, and more. The best thing about it? All the ingredients are sent to your door beforehand.
Note: The Portico team helps you better organize ideas for travel. All of our picks are independently selected. If you buy something we link to, we may earn commission from qualifying purchases.
