Not only is solo travel becoming more common, but solo female travel is also a rapidly growing industry segment. For many women, wanderlust isn’t just restricted to dreamy thoughts. It’s also the spark that results in planning bucket list vacations.
As my travel story is beginning to take shape, I’ve kept mental notes of the items I can’t live without. Here’s my gift guide for those women in your life with wanderlust. This collection of globetrotting-inspired items are economical and small enough for those traveling light. Also, for planning their long-term travel itinerary, I’ve included some gifts to keep the travel bug alive and buzzing.
Travel Gifts for Women
Blanket Scarf
A good travel scarf is essential–and not always for the reason you might think. Yes, as a fashionable neck warmer for those cold climate destinations, a scarf can be a wonderful addition to your attire. However, a blanket scarf is also a multi-functional piece for long flights, including as a blanket (obviously), pillow, shawl, or belted sweater. If you find yourself in a particularly windy town, your blanket scarf can also protect your ears and head from the elements. For those backpacking or traveling very light, this scarf can easily be used every day.
Globes
For your travel-loving loved one, exploring the world is still their life when at home. Having a globe to spin, squish, or even poke keeps travel planning at their fingertips. This push-pin, cork map, provides a useful geography lesson, while also serving as a continuous reminder of destinations visited and soon-to-be explored.
Scratch Off Map
Following the same concept of having a globe at home, these scratch off maps are the ultimate visual aid to document your travels. Once the scratching begins, how can you possibly stop until you’ve uncovered the whole world?!
Leather Bound Travel Journal
We’re constantly documenting our travels digitally. It’s incredibly refreshing to ditch the screens and write, doodle, or draw your story with tangible tools. The pen, the paper, they become the physical extension of you–your story can live forever on the pages, waiting for new or repeat visitors to share the journey.
This leather-bound travel journal is excellent quality and has refillable pages. Check out all the gorgeous journals available at The Wanderers Way.
Pretty Pens and Pencils
The right pen or pencil can inspire a story on its own, and I can never have too many. Holding the favored pencils of artists like Chuck Jones, or even my grandfather who I never met, adds new character to any story.
Travel Aromatherapy
Imagine standing in line at an airport; everyone around you is stressed. Inclement weather and tight schedules have created a sea of frustration. From your travel bag, you pull out Tata Harper’s Aromatic Irritability Treatment and dot a couple of drops on your wrists. Within moments, the tension in your muscles melts, and the racing thoughts slow to a comfortable, productive pace.
This gift set of aromatic treatments include recipes to combat stress and irritability, one for bedtime, and one to boost energy.
I am not usually one to suggest hijacking anyone’s personal scent space. However, introducing a light, calming aroma to a stressful environment can be a game changer for travel. Always consider others–you never know if the person next to you has asthma, allergies, or scent-induced migraines.
Destination Inspired Jewelry
Reveka Rose is an online jewelry shop with earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets made by Mexican artisans. Each piece combines Mexican silver, semiprecious stones, and culturally inspired designs to give any travel lover the feeling of wearing their wanderlust like a treasure.
Resin rings are becoming more and more intricate. The mini worlds created by Secret Woods are fantastic. I love staring into the mountain peaks and imagining where my next adventure will take me. Right now, I’ve got my eye on a jungle waterfall!
Beauty Box Subscription
Getting monthly subscription boxes is fun regardless of the theme: clothing, food, beauty products, etc. But, when it comes to travel, having all these sample-sized products is ideal. I love packing samples of makeup, face treatments, and bath products to use while away from home. Plus, most are TSA friendly sizes. For the best box to give this season, take a look at Macy’s Beauty Box!
An important part of preparing for your journey–solo or with a companion–is finding the right travel gear and accessories. It’s not only a fun way to personalize your travel adventure, but you’ll also develop the organizational skills needed when you’re exploring on your own. While forgetting an important toiletry item or article of clothing can be annoying, lugging around unnecessary items can be just as frustrating.
Which lucky lady has you looking for travel gifts for women?
Jaclyn Anne says
Thanks for all these great gift ideas – I am trying to think of what to get my friend who is always traveling and now I think I know what to get her — a blanket scarf and a nice journal.
Kathy Eyre says
Love to travel, love the cork globe!! Might be a nice addition to the living room, thanks for the ideas.