Everyone has that one jetsetter in their life – the person who seems to be perpetually on an airplane destined for some far-flung corner of the world. In many ways, they can be the most difficult person to shop for during the holiday season.
Because traveling requires a lot of moving and manoeuvring, you don’t want to get them anything bulky. That large hardcover book and outsized coffee mug are impractical. You also don’t want to get them something they already have. Most avid travelers already have their basics covered: the suitcase, the neck pillow and the packing cubes. The best gifts are the ones they never even knew they needed.
Sure, it’s still early, and you have plenty of time to think about the perfect gift. But to give you a head start, here are four of the greatest items you can get the traveler in your life.
Merino Wool Travel Clothing
Merino wool travel clothing has been a poorly kept secret in the travel community for some time. Most avid travelers already know about its attractive benefits, but not many own their own merino wool wardrobe.
Since merino wool is both breathable and insulating, it holds up in a variety of climates. Its wrinkle-resistance makes it ideal for bundling up into a suitcase. And, perhaps the best quality of merino wool is that it’s antimicrobial, meaning that travelers can wear it for days (even weeks) on end without it smelling. Check out this ultimate guide to merino wool for more information.
A Portable Charger
When you’re out and about in a foreign country, it can be challenging to find an outlet to charge your phone. But you need that phone – it’s your map, your guidebook and your lifeline in cases of emergency.
To ensure that the traveler in your life always has a charged phone, get them a portable charger. These slim devices store caches of energy so that you can charge your phone (or tablet or e-reader) wherever you are. Plus, they fit neatly in your pocket.

A DNA Ancestry Kit
A DNA ancestry kit might seem like a strange choice but think of it as inspiration. A popular reason people travel is to see their ancestral land – to be among their people.
Your loved one might not know that they have 20% Norwegian in them. But with that information, they may want to book a flight to Oslo and get in touch with their roots.
Noise Canceling Headphones
Finally, if it’s peace of mind you want to give this holiday season, consider noise-cancelling headphones. The din of an airplane, the cacophony of a train or the hub-bub of a downtown hotel can be distracting and frustrating.
Noise-cancelling headphones will allow your loved ones to travel in peace, without any aggravating noise distracting them from their magical experience abroad.
This holiday season, don’t settle for the same old gifts. Think outside the suitcase and get the travel-lover in your life something they never knew they needed!