The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Travelers: Practical Picks and Unique Finds

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Today, I’m sharing a holiday gift guide for travelers, packed with thoughtful ideas to make their next adventure even more special. Whether you’re looking for practical tools to make travel easier, clever gadgets to improve their experience, or unique souvenirs to help them relive their favorite moments, I’ve got you covered.
And these aren’t your run-of-the-mill suggestions. Many of the items on this list are things I personally use and love or have seen make a big impact on the trips I’ve led. So grab a cup of tea, your holiday shopping list, and let’s dive into the ultimate gift guide for the travel enthusiasts in your life!

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Transcript

Welcome to The World Vegan Travel Podcast, where we explore the world through a vegan lens. I am Brighde, co-founder of World Vegan Travel Tours. Our mission is to inspire and guide you on how to explore the world as a vegan.

We bring you a diverse range of episodes, from sharing our personal vegan travel experiences to showcasing the journeys of others. We also conduct interviews with passionate individuals and organizations who are dedicated to promoting veganism and protecting the rights of animals, both human and non-human, in travel destinations across the globe.

Get ready to be inspired to embark on your own vegan travel adventure with us. Let's dive right in!

Today, we are forgoing our normal interview type podcast and doing something a bit different.
With the holiday season just around the corner, many of us are searching for that perfect gift for the travel lovers in our lives. But let’s face it—choosing a meaningful, practical, and exciting gift for someone who’s always on the go can feel like a bit of a challenge.
Today, I’m sharing a holiday gift guide for travelers, packed with thoughtful ideas to make their next adventure even more special. Whether you’re looking for practical tools to make travel easier, clever gadgets to improve their experience, or unique souvenirs to help them relive their favorite moments, I’ve got you covered.
And these aren’t your run-of-the-mill suggestions. Many of the items on this list are things I personally use and love or have seen make a big impact on the trips I’ve led. So grab a cup of tea, your holiday shopping list, and let’s dive into the ultimate gift guide for the travel enthusiasts in your life!
Before we dive into the holiday gift guide, I wanted to give you a quick update on what’s been happening behind the scenes at World Vegan Travel. As I record this, I’m sitting in Zurich, waiting for my flight home after an incredible, whirlwind six weeks of travel, leading not one, not two, but three amazing trips in Africa.
We kicked things off with two back-to-back trips to Botswana, where we had the chance to explore one of the most stunning wildlife destinations on the planet. The first trip was particularly special because we were joined by a dear friend, Heather, which made it even more memorable.
Between the Botswana and Rwanda trips, Seb and I had originally planned to fly home to check in on Pinky, our much-loved cat, and Seb’s dad, Benoit, who has been unwell. Thankfully, both were doing well and stable, so we decided to stay in Africa instead. During that time, we visited our friends’ incredible new lodge in the Greater Kruger area. It’s nearly 100% vegan, and it was a dream—a perfect mix of safari adventure and wellness. We absolutely loved it.

From there, we headed to Rwanda for our fourth-ever trip to this beautiful country but we were so lucky in Joburg airport where we had a few hours in transit, we were able to meet IRL Rochelle who kindly came to the airport to see us! Who is Rochelle? Well Rochelle is another WVT team member. She does so much for us. She has been a huge part of the podcast process. She edits the podcast and does a huge amount of podcast producing like reaching out to potential guests, creating the show notes, dealing with the scheduling of the podcast. She has also recently taken the responsibility of collecting information from travelers like passports. It was so wonderful to see her and meet her family in real life after just having the odd zoom call. Of course Rochelle, I know you are listening to this… Thank you for everything that you do!
It was, as always, unforgettable. The mountain gorillas left us in awe, the hotels were jaw-dropping, and the experiences we shared with our travelers were truly magical. We were also able to bring our dear friend and WVT team member Chi. Chi lives in Vietnam and has worked with us in various ways for the past 18 years and had always wanted to go to Africa. Seeing her joy for this destination just made our hearts sing and she also did some Rwanda hotel inspections for a new project we hope to release soon. We are excited to be working with Chi more and more in 2025. 
At the time of writing this, you can pre register for our Rwanda trip in 2026. We also have a Botswana trip that is open for bookings. We just have 3 rooms left. We are also inspired to do a greater Kruger trip as well, but that might take a while to get ready.
Now, I’m thrilled to be heading home for a well-deserved break—a whole two months and one week! Seb and I are really looking forward to spending some quality time with our family before we gear up for what’s to come in 2025. And don’t worry—there’s so much to reflect on and share about this year’s travels, so stay tuned for an upcoming episode where I’ll be doing a full round-up of everything we’ve experienced in 2024.
OK… Drum roll… Here are my top ten holiday gifts for travelers.
Item 1: Lanyard for Your Phone
Here’s a gift that’s not only practical but truly a game-changer: a lanyard for your phone. I bought one in 2024, and I can confidently say it’s one of the best travel accessories I own. In fact, I use it so much, I wear it even when I’m at home doing the cleaning. Mine is from Casetify which is crazy expensive for what it is but it is very durable.
Let me explain why I think this is a must-have for travelers:
Prevents You from Leaving It Behind
 We’ve all had that moment of panic—did I leave my phone at the restaurant? At airport security? A phone lanyard keeps it securely on your person, so you’re far less likely to misplace it.


Deters or Prevents Phone Snatchers
 Unfortunately, phone theft can be a real concern, especially in busy markets or crowded urban areas. With a lanyard, your phone is much harder to grab, giving you peace of mind as you explore.


Perfect for Safaris or Adventures
 Picture this: you’re bouncing along in a jeep on a safari, excitedly taking photos of elephants or lions. Without a lanyard, your phone could easily slip out of your hand or pocket—and good luck finding it in the tall grass! A lanyard keeps it safe but still accessible for snapping photos at a moment’s notice.


Essential for Water-Based Activities
You know that many phones are now waterproof? This is fantastic, but it doesn’t help if you lose your phone entirely. Take my husband Seb’s experience as a cautionary tale: in November 2023, while we were on the Khao Sok River, he dropped his phone into the water. It was gone forever despite a lot of efforts to retrieve it. Had he been using a lanyard, he could have easily kept it secure—even in the middle of a river.


I’ve started recommending this to our travelers, and so many people have come back to tell me it’s changed the way they carry their phone. There are lots of different types out there. It’s simple, affordable, and incredibly effective—a perfect stocking stuffer or small gift for the travel enthusiast in your life.
Item 2: A Quality Pair of Binoculars
If you’re shopping for someone who loves travel and nature, a good pair of binoculars is an amazing gift. Many travelers, especially those heading out on safaris or wildlife-focused trips, bring binoculars—but unfortunately, most of them settle for a very cheap pair. The problem? They’re often disappointing in terms of quality and clarity, and that can take away from the experience.
This gift isn’t just for safaris, though. A great pair of binoculars is perfect for any kind of wildlife viewing, whether you’re in a national park, at the beach, or even at home. You can use them to spot birds from your backyard or watch wildlife right from your window—it’s a gift that keeps giving long after the trip is over.
One model I highly recommend is the Zeiss Terra ED 10x42. It’s excellent value for money, offering great clarity and performance without being prohibitively expensive. It’s also relatively lightweight, which makes it ideal for travel. On a recent safari in Botswana, our guides were impressed when they tried these binoculars—they were blown away by the quality.
Whether your gift recipient is an avid traveler, a wildlife enthusiast, or someone who enjoys exploring their local area, a good pair of binoculars will make their adventures even more rewarding.
Item 3: See-Through Zipped Bags for Tech and Beyond
Let’s talk about a simple yet incredibly useful gift idea: see-through zipped bags. I purchased a collection of these recently, and they’ve completely changed the way I organize my travel essentials, especially my tech items, cords, and chargers.
Here’s why I think they’re a must-have:
Easy to Find What You Need
 When your bag is packed with cables, adapters, and chargers, it’s easy to lose track of what’s where. With see-through bags, you don’t have to rummage around. You can instantly spot what you need, saving time and reducing stress.


Perfect for Airport Security
 These bags make airport security a breeze. Instead of digging through your carry-on, you can quickly show what’s inside without unpacking everything.


Keeps Everything Organized
 These bags aren’t just for tech. I keep one in my handbag with hand sanitizer, lip balm, tissues, mouthwash, and all those small items that would otherwise float around loosely. It keeps my bag neat and makes it so much easier to find things quickly.


Great for On the Plane
 I also use one of these on the plane. It’s a personal alternative to those wasteful amenity kits that airlines sometimes provide. I pack my own reusable essentials—things like a toothbrush, face wipes, and moisturizer—so I can feel refreshed without generating unnecessary waste.


Durable, Lightweight, and Versatile
 These bags are durable but lightweight, so they don’t add bulk to your luggage. They’re water-resistant too, making them great for toiletries, snacks, or even small clothing items.
These see-through zipped bags may seem like a small item, but they’re truly a travel game-changer. Whether for cords, cosmetics, or everyday essentials, they make the perfect gift for anyone who values organization.
Item 4: Smart Tags for Travel
Smart tags are one of those travel essentials that, once you start using them, you’ll wonder how you ever traveled without them. We currently have about 10 smart tags, and they’ve become a vital part of our travel routine.
Here’s how we use them:
Tracking Checked Luggage
 We place a smart tag in each of our large checked bags. This is especially useful when bags are delayed or misplaced. Instead of standing anxiously by the baggage carousel wondering if your luggage made it, you can check the app and know immediately whether your bag is at the airport—or still at your departure city.


Securing Important Items
 We also keep smart tags in our passport wallets and what we call our office in a bag—a pouch with all our important documents and tech essentials. Knowing where these critical items are at all times brings real peace of mind.


Travel Preparation Made Easy
 Before every trip, we take a few moments to ensure all our smart tags have enough battery. It’s a small but important part of our travel prep, and it’s always worth it.


Deterrent for Thieves
 Smart tags can even help protect against theft. While we don’t do this ourselves, some travelers use a clever trick: they place a visible fake or old smart tag on the outside of their bag. This acts as a decoy, hoping a thief removes it without realizing there’s a working tag hidden in a little crevice of the bag.


Additional Uses
 Beyond luggage, smart tags are handy for everyday life. Attach one to your keys, pet collar, or even your bike to keep track of things at home. They’re a versatile tool for staying organized and reducing stress.


Smart tags make a fantastic gift for any traveler. They’re small, practical, and incredibly useful—not to mention, they could save someone from the nightmare of lost luggage.
Item 5: Headphones for Every Travel Scenario
Headphones are an absolute travel essential, and I never leave home without at least three pairs. Yes, three! Let me explain why.
Over-Ear Headphones for Noise Cancellation
 My over-ear Sony headphones are my go-to for flights, especially the popular Sony noise-canceling ones I use. These are a game-changer on planes, drowning out engine noise, crying babies, or chatty passengers. They create a bubble of calm, perfect for watching movies, listening to music, or even just enjoying the silence.


In-Ear Headphones for Convenience
 I also bring two sets of in-ear headphones with me. Why two? Because I always want to have a charged pair ready to go. These are great for when I’m on the move—whether it’s walking through a city, hiking, or just lounging by the pool.


Flexibility and Backup
 Having multiple types of headphones ensures I’m covered for any situation. Over-ear headphones might be bulky to carry around on a casual outing, so I’ll opt for my in-ear ones instead. And having a backup pair has saved me more than once when a battery died at the worst possible moment.


Privacy and Focus
 Headphones aren’t just about entertainment. They’re a fantastic way to carve out a little personal space while traveling. Whether you’re in a crowded airport or sharing a hotel room, they can help you focus on work, relax with a podcast, or block out noise when you need to concentrate.


Language Learning or Guided Tours
 Many travelers use headphones for language apps, guided tours, or even to play white noise to help them sleep in a noisy environment.


Great for Fitness or Outdoor Adventures
 For those who like to stay active on their travels, headphones are perfect for workout playlists, guided runs, or even audio maps during a hike.


Whether for noise cancellation, convenience, or just pure enjoyment, an extra set of headphones are an amazing gift for travelers. 
Item 6: Zippered Compression Bags and Shoe Bags
If you’re shopping for someone who loves to stay organized while traveling, zippered compression bags and shoe bags are absolute winners. I use ones from Peak Design, and they’ve completely changed the way I pack.
Here’s why I swear by them:
Compression for Maximum Space-Saving
 I’ve always been a fan of packing cubes, and yes, I get it—it’s kind of like packing twice. But the compression feature on many modern packing cubes, like the ones I use, is a game-changer. It genuinely compacts your clothing down, giving you more room in your suitcase or bag. Sometimes, if I can’t zip up the compression cube right away, I wait an hour or so, and the fabric settles enough for it to close with no problem. It’s such a simple trick, but it works every time.


Keeping Shoes Separate
 Shoe bags are another essential for me. They keep your shoes from dirtying up your clothes and help you stay organized. Plus, they’re perfect for those moments when you need to stash muddy hiking boots or sandy beach sandals after an adventure.


Streamlining Your Packing Process
 With compression bags, everything has its place. I can separate my outfits, undergarments, work out gear and accessories into different cubes, making it easy to grab what I need without rummaging through my suitcase. This is especially handy if you’re living out of your bag during a multi-stop trip.


Durability and Longevity
 The Peak Design bags I use are incredibly well-made. They’re durable enough to withstand frequent travel and keep everything secure and they compress really wekk, even on rough journeys.


These bags might not seem like the flashiest gift, but they’re incredibly practical and if you get the Peak Design ones, it would certainly be considered a generous gift - I have no idea why they are so expensive. If you’re shopping for someone who loves efficiency and organization—or if they just tend to overpack—zippered compression bags and shoe bags are gifts they’ll appreciate every time they travel.
Item 7: A Buff
Next up is an incredibly versatile and practical item for any traveler: a buff. It’s lightweight, easy to pack, and can be used in so many ways. I take mine everywhere, and it has proven useful in situations I didn’t even anticipate.
Here’s why I think a buff is an amazing travel accessory:
Keeps Your Hair Out of the Way
 Whether you’re hiking, sightseeing, or just dealing with a windy day, a buff is perfect for keeping your hair under control. No need for clips or ties—just slip it on, and you’re good to go.


Covers Greasy Hair
 Let’s face it, travel days can be long, and sometimes washing your hair just isn’t an option. A buff is a stylish and easy way to cover up when your hair isn’t at its freshest, letting you push that wash day a little further.


Adds Warmth in Cold Weather
 When it’s chilly, a buff can double as a lightweight scarf, adding a bit of extra warmth around your neck or ears. It’s a simple but effective layer.


Cooling in Hot Weather
 Here’s where a buff really shines. When it’s hot, soak your buff in cold water and wear it around your neck. As it dries, it keeps you cool. On a recent safari, we took this to the next level by dunking our buffs in the icebox that was keeping our drinks cold. It made such a difference during those hot afternoon drives! When it started to warm up, we’d refresh it with another quick dunk. It was a lifesaver.


A buff is an ideal gift for any traveler. It’s small, lightweight, and endlessly useful—whether you’re trekking through the mountains, lounging on a beach, or exploring a new city. It’s one of those items you’ll find yourself reaching for over and over again.
Item 8: A Small Light for Better Nighttime Photos and Videos
If you’ve ever tried to take a photo or video in a dimly lit restaurant or at night, you’ll know how frustrating it can be. The lighting is almost always terrible, and if you’re like me—constantly photographing food or capturing moments for social media—you need a solution.
That’s where the Anautin Selfie Light comes in, and it’s been a game-changer for me.
Here’s why I love it:
Improves Nighttime Content
 This small, portable light attaches right to your phone, instantly brightening up your photos and videos. Whether it’s a beautifully plated dinner at a restaurant or a spontaneous moment on a nighttime stroll, this light ensures everything looks great.


Customizable Lighting
 The light comes with a diffuser, which softens the brightness for a more natural look. Plus, you can adjust the tone from a cool white light to a warm yellow light, depending on the atmosphere you want to create.


Affordable and Compact
 At only $26 CAD, it’s incredibly budget-friendly. It’s small enough to slip into your bag or pocket, making it perfect for travel or everyday use.


Doubles as a Torch
 Another handy feature? It doubles as a torch, so you’ll always have a light source on hand, whether you’re navigating a dark hotel room or exploring an evening market.


If you’re someone who loves documenting your travels—or if you’re shopping for a content creator in your life—this little gadget is a fantastic gift. It’s practical, versatile, and makes all the difference in creating high-quality photos and videos, even in low light.
Item 9: A Proper Passport Holder
If you’re like me, your passport holder is one of the most important travel accessories you own. It holds some of your most critical documents, so it needs to be functional and reliable. Recently, I upgraded to the Dayday® Passport Holder, and it has been a huge improvement over my previous one and of course I keep an Airtag in there..
Here’s what makes it stand out:
Secure Zipper Closure
 One major upgrade is that this holder completely zips up. My old one didn’t, and I always worried about things slipping out. With the zippered design, everything stays secure, even if it’s tossed into a bag or carried loosely.


Convenient Handle Design
 One of my favorite features is the little handle attached to the spine. It’s tightly secured and allows me to slip my hand through, so the holder is always attached to me when I’m walking through the airport yet I have to produce my boarding pass and passport a million times. No more fumbling around in my bag or worrying about dropping it


Plenty of Useful Pockets
 This holder also has a variety of pockets to organize your documents, cards, and even a pen for those annoying customs forms. It’s a thoughtful design that keeps everything in one place and easy to access when you need it.


A proper passport holder like this makes traveling so much smoother. Whether you’re buying it as a gift or for yourself, it’s one of those small investments that pays off trip after trip.
Item 10: A Unique Souvenir to Remember Your Travels
Not all gifts have to be practical or for use on your next trip. Sometimes, the best gift is something that brings back memories of an incredible journey. That’s why my final suggestion is a unique travel souvenir—a keepsake that helps you relive your adventures every day.
There are so many creative options out there, especially on Etsy. If you search for “travel souvenirs,” you’ll find a treasure trove of personalized and thoughtful ideas, like:
Personalized Scratch-Off Maps
 Mark your travels by scratching off destinations as you visit them. It’s a fun, interactive way to keep track of where you’ve been—and to inspire your next adventure.


Push-Pin Maps
 These come with colorful pins so you can mark every place you’ve visited. They look stunning framed on a wall and become a conversation piece.


Keychains with Charms
 Add a charm for every country or city you’ve been to. It’s a small, portable reminder of your travels that you can carry with you everywhere.


Retro Art Posters
 Bring your favorite destinations to life on your walls. Create a gallery of retro-style posters from your most-loved places.


Custom Fridge Magnets
 Take a favorite travel photo and turn it into a fridge magnet. It’s an affordable and creative way to showcase your adventures.


Your Trip on a Map
 You can have your itinerary turned into a beautifully designed map, showing the journey you took.


At World Vegan Travel, we’ve embraced the idea of creating unique souvenirs for our travelers. We design keepsakes with the itinerary drawn on them like coffee cups for our Safaris, water bottles in Rwanda, wine cups in Italy, Bento boxes in Japan, and this year, we introduced custom luggage tags as well. They’ve been such a hit! These items become cherished mementos that travelers can use and display with pride.
Take it from me: people love having something special to remind them of a trip. Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned traveler or someone who just got back from their first big adventure, a personalized souvenir is a heartfelt and meaningful gift.

CONCLUSION
And that wraps up our holiday gift guide for travelers! I hope this list has inspired you with ideas for the travel lovers in your life—or maybe even for yourself. From practical tools like phone lanyards and smart tags to meaningful keepsakes like personalized souvenirs, there’s something here for every kind of traveler.
Remember, the best gifts are the ones that make journeys more enjoyable, memorable, or stress-free. Whether you’re helping someone stay organized, capture amazing moments, or simply remember the trip of a lifetime, thoughtful travel gifts are always appreciated.
If you’ve found any of these ideas helpful, I’d love to hear about it! Drop me a message or share this episode with someone who might be looking for the perfect gift. And if you have your own go-to travel essentials or souvenir ideas, let me know—I’m always looking for inspiration, too.
Thank you so much for listening, and I hope your holiday season is filled with love, laughter, and maybe even a little travel. Happy gifting, and I’ll see you in the next episode!