Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Globetrotters: 13 Affordable Travel Gifts Under $30
December is here, and Christmas is right around the corner! For the third year running, I've curated a thoughtful gift guide for the travel enthusiast in your life. These 13 handpicked ideas, mostly under $30, cater to globetrotters but also suit family and friends who love unique finds. As a seasoned traveler, I've selected items I use and recommend based on real-world experience.
Don't miss my previous guides—many favorites like the secret-pocket scarf, pickpocket-proof underwear, scratchable world map, and Airport Tag merchandise remain staples for frequent flyers:
- My Holiday Gift Guide For Globetrotters: 2015 Edition
- My Holiday Gift Guide For Globetrotters: 2014 Edition
To sweeten the holidays, I've included past giveaways and discounts (note: promotions expired in 2016, but products endure).
1. Off Track Planet’s Travel Guide for the Young, Sexy, and Broke
While I adore my Kindle, nothing beats a physical book with tactile pages and striking design. This guide stands out for young budget travelers—20-somethings, students, and hipsters—focusing on offbeat spots like street art, nightlife, extreme sports, and tattoos in destinations such as Iceland, Peru, New York, Belfast, Thailand, and Portugal. Divided into 'Get Inspired,' 'Get Your Shit Together,' and 'Make Yourself Useful,' it covers oddities, logistics, work, study, and volunteer ops. They've expanded to city guides like Brooklyn and San Francisco.
Price: $11.55
For visual appeal, consider coffee table books like:
- One Planet by Lonely Planet
- National Geographic’s Journeys Of A Lifetime Series
- Off the Beaten Path
- National Geographic’s Rarely Seen
- The National Parks: America’s Best Idea
Price: $10–$40
2. 'Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost' Tote Bag
This J.R.R. Tolkien-inspired tote, gifted to me last year, has journeyed everywhere. Made in the U.S. from heavy canvas with durable handles, it withstands heavy use effortlessly.
Price: $25
3. Tinggly Gift Box (Experience Voucher)
Tinggly delivers unforgettable experiences over stuff: bungee jumping in Australia, hot air ballooning in Goa, diving in the Caribbean, pizza classes in Italy, or wine tasting in Paris. Choose from Essential ($79), Premium ($119), or Ultimate ($279) boxes; recipient picks within 24 months. Ideal for upcoming trips.
Price: From $79
Note: Past giveaway closed 12/25/2016; worldwide entry.
4. I Was Here: A Travel Journal for the Curious Minded
I always pack a journal. This one includes spots for blood type, emergencies, allergies, checklists, packing lists, tips, notes, memories, tickets—perfect for any trip mishap. Alternatives: Travel Stub Diary ($10.38) or Condé Nast Traveler's top picks.
Price: $15

5. Minx Winter Apparel
Brooklyn-based Minx crafts cozy winter essentials: scarves (some with phone pockets), socks, beanies. Favorites: shea butter-infused sweater slipper socks and slouchy knit beanie. Past discount: GLOBETROTTERGIRLS10 (expired 12/25/2016).
Price: From $24.99
Note: Past U.S.-only giveaway closed 12/25/2016.
6. Travel Duffel Bag
I favor duffels over rollers for shoulder carry on cobblestones, stairs, or subways. This South Korean-made carry-on-sized bag with world map print fits weekend getaways perfectly.
Price: $31.99 (plus shipping)
7. PicTrip Destination Photoshoot
Great solo/couple travel photos are tough without pros. PicTrip pairs you with local photographers worldwide—no hassle. Packages: 30-min (GBP150) to 3-hour (GBP420). Honeymoon or trip essential.
Price: From GBP150
Note: Past worldwide giveaway closed 12/25/2016.

8. Food Maps
Hand-drawn maps outline countries like Mexico, encircled by iconic dishes. By my friend Jodi Ettenberg (Legal Nomads). Also on totes/T-shirts for Japan, Italy, Thailand, Vietnam, Portugal.
Price: $24
9. Travel-Themed Jewelry
Popular: silver world map necklace. My picks: vintage world map watch ($29.99), golden globe necklace. Etsy overflows with options; country-specific on Amazon.
Price: $21.90–$31.50
10. Passport Cover
Protect that passport—lesson learned after Indonesia denied my worn one. 'Keep Calm and Travel On' or Etsy/Amazon designs with quotes.
Price: $12.95
11. Anywhere Travel Guide: 75 Cards for Discovering the Unexpected
75 task cards like 'Ask a local for their favorite street' push you off the beaten path—fun, immersive, comfort-zone-busting. Under $10!
Price: $9.57
12. Heat Holders Gloves
Engineered for extreme cold: thermal yarn traps heat, wicks moisture. Ideal for skiing, Iceland, Lapland. Fingerless gloves with mitt caps for phone use; matching socks/base layers available.
Price: From $15.99
13. Chatbooks Photobook
Quick custom photo books from camera roll/Instagram—in minutes! Sorted by trip; perfect shared-travel gift or inspiration piece. App-based.
Price: From $8 (+$2 for extras)
Happy Holidays from a Fellow Globetrotter!
Disclosure: Some links are affiliates; I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting GlobetrotterGirls!


