Welcome to my first ever gift guide for travel girls here on The Daydreamer Next Door! I can’t believe I haven’t written one of these yet, but after the success of my Camino de Santiago Female Packing List, I figured it was time to share some of my general favorite travel items. These are things that female travelers in your life would actually want, need, and use. I think that’s the sweet spot of gift giving: something practical (and hopefully cute) that they wouldn’t think to buy for themselves but would get a ton of use out of.
I’m going to split this up into categories: my holy grail travel essentials, favorite clothing brands for travel, best vacation reads, and my top picks for shoes, beauty, packing, electronics, and more. I’m sure you will find something in this gift guide for travel girls that will be perfect for a birthday, Christmas, or even a pre-trip treat! Let’s get this party started 🙂
Things I Never Travel Without, Like Ever
I wanted to start this gift guide for travel girls with the items that get used on every single trip I take. The things I will never travel without, no matter what kind of trip I’m on. Beach in the Bahamas? Backpacking around Europe? Hiking Yosemite? Visiting friends for a long weekend? These things are always with me, so I think any other travel lovers would also appreciate having these for their own adventures.
1. Clinique Pep Start Daily UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 50
My beauty routine during travel is extremely minimal, but I always want to have sunscreen on my face at the very least. I’ve tried SO many sunscreens during my years of travel, but this one from Clinique has yet to be topped. It can be brought in a carry on, it doesn’t leave a white cast, it has all mineral ingredients, it works well under make up, and it never burns my eyes. If you’re making a little travel-themed gift basket, this would be the perfect item to throw in and would get used every day!
2. The Best Eye Mask
I feel like my life was forever changed when I found this eye mask. It’s helped my quality of sleep so much, at home and on the road. It’s silk so it feels amazing. The velcro helps keep it exactly where you want it (and as tight or loose as you want it), and the fact that it can cover your ears helps block out some noise. Every travel girlie needs a good eye mask. There are so many situations where you want to sleep but it might not be dark enough… on planes, during jet lag, in shared hostel rooms, the list goes on. Being well rested on your travels makes everything 100x better!
3. Merino Wool Bra
If the travel girl in your life hasn’t gotten into merino wool yet, she needs to! I have a handful of merino wool bras now (and socks). They are so comfortable and durable and don’t get smelly due to the fabric. They are perfect for travel when you need to stretch laundry days a bit further. And they’re versatile! I wear mine with everything–under athletic outfits or more dressed up. There are so many brands that make them, but I have ones from REI.
4. Packing Cubes
These are a must-have to stay organized while traveling. And once you get them, you’ll never be able to go back to not using them! No matter what bag I’m using, either my Osprey backpack or a hard shell suitcase, these are with me. I have used a few random brands over the years, so I don’t have a specific recommendation. The ones from Beis look nice. And there’s a company started by full time travelers called Tripped Travel Gear that sell some you can find on Amazon!
5. Kindle
I am a physical book lover and fought getting a Kindle for so long. But you cannot deny the convenience, especially when you’re traveling and don’t want to lug around ten pounds of books. Plus, a kindle truly is a solo traveler’s best friend–reading in a cafe or out to dinner or in the park is so lovely. I also recommend renting e-books from the library for free using the Libby App. Pay for the Kindle but then never have to buy books for it!
6. Tote Bag
I never go anywhere without my canvas tote bag. It’s the perfect, cutest option if I need more space than my small crossbody purse. Souvenir shopping, picking up a few groceries, heading to the beach or farmers market, etc. etc. etc. I use it on every single trip I take. I bought mine in Japan from a brand called ROOTOTE. You can search online for “medium printed canvas tote bag” and find a design you like! I’m sure Etsy, Free People, and Anthropologie would have cute options.
7. Warby Parker Sunglasses
I’m a person who wears glasses every day because contacts irritate my eyes. Even when I’m traveling I rarely wear contacts, so I need cute prescription sunglasses. Warby Parker has been my favorite brand because they have so many styles to choose from, and if you have a current prescription from your eye doctor, you can easily get prescription sunnies custom made for you (and they take insurance). Even a gift card would be such a nice gift to receive so your travel girl can pick out a pair she loves. And if you don’t need them to be prescription, even easier!
**I think this pair is super cute and versatile. They don’t have my exact frames and color available anymore.**
8. Owala Water Bottle
I always travel with a reusable water bottle, and the ones from Owala are so satisfying to drink from. Plus there’s so many cute color options! You can find these in person at Target and online on Amazon. Another item that gets used every single day, even when I’m not traveling.
9. Made By Mary Jewelry
If you want to gift jewelry, I love this brand for when you’re also keeping travel in mind. The price point is right to not be worried about losing something, but all the pieces are so cute and are comfortable enough to be worn on a daily basis. I always bring Made By Mary necklaces and earrings with me on trips. A few accessories can really jazz up an outfit and don’t take up space in luggage.
**Here’s my go-to necklace for travel.**
Favorite Clothing Brands for Travel
Now that you know the essentials, let’s move into things I love for travel but don’t necessarily work for every single type of trip. When thinking about clothing for this gift guide for travel girls, I wanted to share the brands that get packed in my luggage the most to give you a starting point to do your own browsing!
10. Madewell
This is the brand I shop from the most for their timeless styles at a good price. These are staples in my closet that I get use out of year after year, no matter what’s considered trendy at the time. Their classic pieces can work in all sorts of environments and can be mixed and matched many ways, which is exactly what you need to build a good travel wardrobe. The key is being able to mix and match to make different outfits out of fewer items. Pretty much all my jeans and pants are from Madewell, plus I have dresses, tops, and accessories (their brown crossbody purse is the one I’ve been traveling with for years). Think about the travel girl you’re buying for and what sort of trips she likes to take and shop with that in mind.
**Or browse inspo photos on their website here.**
11. Free People
I absolutely love a matching set for travel, and Free People knows how to do matching sets (I have two from them that come on pretty much every trip I take and that I use as “airport outfits”). I love this brand in general, but if you’re looking for a more specific recommendation, search “matching set” on the website and go from there. Since things go in and out of stock, the link I’ll share for my current favorite set might not work forever.
**Their Free-est collection has good options for a travel wardrobe (beachy, casual vibes).**
**The matching set I’m currently obsessed with (but my sea foam color isn’t available anymore).**
12. Show Me Your Mumu
Beware of following this brand’s Instagram because it will cause you to spend way more money on clothes than you ever wanted to. lol. But they look so damn good on vacation! I love the way their clothes fit as well– they know how to design for actual women’s bodies. I most recently shopped with them in advance of my trip to Croatia… I found so many things that just needed to be worn next to the Mediterranean Sea! Can you blame me?!
Their collections sell out and don’t always restock. Here are some things from them I love: Happy Halter Mini Crochet Dress and Georgia Overalls (the denim color I have aren’t available).
13. You Swim
I know you’re probably thinking I’m crazy for recommending a bathing suit… who wants to gift that and get the sizing wrong? Well that’s where You Swim comes in. Their suits are one size and work for a range of bodies. My bathing suit from them has lasted me YEARS and comes with me whenever I need one for a trip. I’m really wanting to purchase a second set from them, maybe a two-piece this time. Highly recommend this brand.
**My favorite travel bathing suit**
14. Packable Down Jacket
I can’t even remember why I bought this jacket in the first place, but it has quickly become a staple in my travel wardrobe. I love how compact it is–anything that saves space in my luggage while still being super warm is a win in my eyes! (Who has room to carry around a massive coat if you aren’t in Antarctica?) I’ve worn this in really cold temperatures and it’s kept me toasty but also in slightly chilly weather and it doesn’t make me overheat either. So versatile and affordable! I even bought one for my boyfriend to take on our trips.
**Such a good jacket for travel**
15. Columbia PFG Freezer III Dress
I can’t write a gift guide for travel girls without including my pick for the best “little black dress.” This one from Columbia is a traveler’s dream. You can dress it up for a nice dinner, wear it casually during the day, wear it as pjs, wear it as a beach/pool cover up, hand wash it in the sink, fold it into nothing. I got so much use out of this when I walked 100 miles of the Camino de Santiago, but what’s surprised me most is how much I’ve worn it since! This is a must have item for anyone planning long term travel. Or for those planning a hiking trip who want to bring a nicer option for dinners in town that won’t take up sacred luggage space. Or for anyone who likes packing minimally for any trip.
**Shop the little black dress here**
16. Kuhl
I wanted to shout out this brand for anyone shopping for an adventurous, outdoorsy trip. Their water resistant leggings are my go-to’s for hiking. From Yosemite to Spain to Utah–these perform incredibly well for active travelers.
**Shop the Transcendr leggings**
Gift Guide for Travel Girls: Best Vacation Reads
Let’s take a break from clothing before we get into shoes and talk books! If you’re buying a present for someone who loves to travel and read, I feel confident that she will love these options. There is nothing better than having time on vacation to sink into a good book.
You Might Also Like some of my recommendations in this post —> How BookTok is Reinvigorating This Travel Trend
17. A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas
If your favorite travel girlie was into Harry Potter but maybe hasn’t dipped her toes in fantasy since, she needs to read A Court of Thorns and Roses! This romantasy series is highly entertaining with thoughtful character development and impressive world building. I am so jealous of people who get to read this for the first time, especially if they’re on vacation while doing so!
**Buy Book 1 here (5 out at time of writing)**
18. The Neapolitan Quartet by Elena Ferrante
There are four books in this series by a mysterious author who goes by the pen name Elena Ferrante. The fact that no one knows who this writer is intrigues me to no end, and it’s also crazy that multiple books in this series were on the New York Times list of Best Books of the 21st Century! So fascinating to be so successful yet so anonymous. Anyways, the four novels follow two best friends from a poor neighborhood in Italy through out their lives. It’s a sweeping portrayal of the complexities, complications, and transformation of their friendship and also Italy. The writing is incredible and will suck you in.
**Buy Book 1 here: My Brilliant Friend**
19. Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
This novel is slow in the best way and absolutely delicious. It’s one of my favorite reads of 2023, but beware… the urge to visit/buy a cherry farm in Michigan will be real! I’ve been thinking about this book ever since I read it last year–the highest praise.
20. Shark Heart: A Love Story by Emily Habeck
This is one of the most unique books I’ve ever read. It’s strange and fast-paced and deeply moving. Plus the cover is so beautiful! It needs to be read next to a body of water.
**Buy it here (or at least look at the gorgeous cover art)**
21. Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman
This book literally changed my life, and I think it will deeply resonate with those of us who make travel a priority. Time is a limited resource and what you do with it matters. This is not a productivity book, quite the opposite actually. It shares philosophies about time and puts our time here on Earth into perspective. I think I’ll be reading this once a year going forward.
**Change your life here lol but really**
22. The Idea of You by Robinne Lee
I read this back in 2021 on the Greek Island of Naxos. And I couldn’t have picked a better vacation read if I tried. It’s sexy and fun while also being so realistic and heart breaking. Must read! It was just made into a movie but read the book first 🙂
23. What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding: A Memoir by Kristin Newman
My final book recommendation on this gift guide for travel girls has to be my favorite travel memoir of all time! I think this book would resonate the most for travelers in their 20s, if that’s the age range you’re buying for. I felt so inspired to live my own life of adventures after reading this one (while also wondering if I could ever write something similar about my decade of travels).
**Find the best travel memoir here**
My Favorite Shoes for Travel
Shoes can make or break the art of packing well. Finding the perfect shoes for travel really does change the game. Shoes that are functional, comfortable, versatile, and don’t scream tourist. Here are four options that I always rely on.
24. Huarache Sandals
These sandals are soooo cute, are such high quality, match with so many different outfits, can be dressed up or down, and are comfortable enough to walk miles in (they are leather and do need to be broken in a bit first). I am obsessed with them. They come in many different styles and color options, but I’ll link the ones I have below.
25. VEJA
Every travel girl needs a good sneaker. Something stylish that can be worn with everything and are good for walking. My current favorites are from the European brand, VEJA. Cute and international–double win! I actually have two pairs, but I’ll link the ones I get the most use out of.
26. Teva
For any outdoorsy/backpacker/beachy trip, I will have my Tevas with me. I love how comfortable and supportive they are–so much so you can even wear them hiking. And the fact that you can get them wet makes them really versatile for all sorts of trips. They’re also cute enough to wear into town with joggers or jean shorts. I get way more use out of these than I ever thought I would when I first bought them. Highly recommend. I can’t find my exact color available, but I’ll link the style I have.
**The active sandal every travel girl needs**
27. Havaiana
The Havaiana Slim Flip Flop is a necessity for all travelers. I might not pack these for every vacation, but when I’m capital T traveling, they’re with me. You just never know when you’ll need a shower shoe or slippers that can also function as more than that. I end up wearing them out to dinner or to the beach as well. This is one of those items I always think I can leave behind, panic and pack last minute, then use every single day of a trip.
**The travel essential flip flop**
Gift Guide for Travel Girls: Beauty Awards
My quarantine hobby was watching make up tutorials and learning how to do make up, so I’ve been consumed by beauty ads for years at this point. And I’ve spent a lot of money in this category. Here’s what I think is actually worth it and what I actually bring with me on my travels. A LOT didn’t make the cut.
28. Olive and June Press On Nails
I’ve been loving press on nails lately, especially for a weekend trip. I don’t want to spend the time or money to get my nails done for a short vacation, but I still want to feel cute. Press ons are the perfect solution. I love the design options and how the ones from Olive and June look when they’re on.
**Match your nails to your trip**
29. Ambient Lighting Palette from Hourglass
These palettes are pricey, but they are sooooo luxurious and would make a FANTASTIC gift. The packaging is top-tier and so beautiful to look at (and is sturdy enough to travel well), the quality is very high end, the finishes are gorgeous, I could go on and on. But the biggest compliment is that I travel with this compact on 99% of my trips because it’s so versatile. You have 6 shades of blushes and bronzers and finishing powders to choose from. You can do different looks depending on what blush you use or how you use the powders as eyeshadow.
This palette will help you achieve that perfectly minimal travel make up look, without needing to pack multiple items. Hourglass releases three new limited edition palettes each fall in advance of the holidays– one for light skin tones, one for medium, and one for deep. So you also can’t go wrong choosing a color. This might be my favorite item on this whole gift guide for travel girls!
**Shop these gorgeous palettes here before they sell out for the season**
30. Sol de Janeiro sampler set
This is another brand that releases limited edition sets for the holidays. Last year I purchased a set with 4 mini perfume mists, and I am shocked by how much I’ve used them since. First of all, they are so unique and smell amazing. I love that I can pick one based on vibes or the season. Secondly, they are less than 100 mls so you can travel with them so easily. This would make a wonderful gift for the traveler in your life!
**Cheirosa Perfume Travel Set**
31. Ravie Beauty Effortless Lips
One of my favorite beauty YouTubers started her own make up brand last year (!!), and I ended up purchasing her newest lip colors. The formula is perfect for travelers because it’s comfortable enough to wear all day in a sheer amount, but you can also build it up for night time looks. I struggle picking out the perfect lip colors. How do I know which nude or red or pop of color would suit me? She took out the guessing game with this lip set. You have everything you could need for a variety of different skin tones.
**Shop the Signature Trio here**
32. Milani Make It Last SPF Setting Spray
We all know you’re supposed to reapply your sunscreen every two hours, but how do we actually do that when we have layers of make up on and are out and about exploring? I’ve been testing a number of different SPF face sprays in the hopes to solve this riddle once and for all. And I’ve finally found a winner– a spray that doesn’t alter the make up you already have on and a spray that doesn’t burn your eyes! This is now in my bag on basically every trip.
**Shop it here**
33. Travel Mirror
As we transition out of the make up section of this gift guide for travel girls and into electronics, I thought a travel mirror would be the perfect segue. I cannot believe how late to the game I am with this one–I got my first travel mirror only a few months ago! I do not know how I’ve been going without it now that I have one. It’s compact, you can set it up on any flat surface, the lighting is amazing, you even have a magnifying section. These mirrors are perfect for spaces that only have one bathroom or really anywhere you don’t have good lighting. I bought mine for a sailing trip in Croatia where the mirror in the bathroom on the boat was small (plus it was being shared by 4 girls getting ready to go out every night lol).
Electronic Items Every Travel Girl Needs
Alright, time to share some ideas for the tech lover in your life!
34. Air Tag
Ever since airlines started losing exponential amounts of luggage post-Covid, I decided it was finally time to invest in an Air Tag. It just gives you that extra peace of mind when you do have to check a bag, especially during international travel. You can jazz this gift up by pairing it with a really cute (and maybe personalized) Air Tag holder!
**Apple Air Tag**
35. Travel Sound Machine
I bought myself one of these last year and have gotten so much use out of it! I obviously wouldn’t recommend this for any trips where you’re sharing a sleeping space with strangers, but I love having it when I have my own room. I’ve become such a sensitive sleeper as I get older and having this with me ensures I get restful nights while away. I love how compact this one is and how long the battery lasts.
**Yogasleep Travel Noise Machine**
36. Travel Charger
This is one of those things that everyone needs for travel. You’re out and about so much, using data for maps and research and your phone camera to document everything. Your battery drains much more quickly than at home. I won’t link the one I have because it’s super old at this point, but I like how compact it is and how many charges you can get out of it. Make sure you get one that’s compatible with your travel girlie’s phone.
Gift Guide For Travel Girls: PACKING!
As a caveat to this section, I will say I’m sure anyone would love to receive luggage from Away or Beis or Dagne Dover. So check out those brands if you’re looking for actual luggage. Here, I’d like to share specific items that aren’t from super well known brands. These are things I use a lot or have on my own wish list 🙂
37. Travel Locks
Let’s start with a boring one lol. If the travel lover in your life doesn’t already have locks, it would be a great add-on item to any gift. I use my travel locks on pretty much every trip. I’ll link the ones I use.
38. Allie Glines Pink Classic Bag Collection
The same creator of Ravie Beauty mentioned above also has a make up bag brand that I love! While I’m home I use these bags to organize and store my make up, but I’ve found that they’re the perfect little bags to travel with as well. Depending on how much I’m bringing I might use the outer bag and throw everything in there. Or if I’m packing more minimally I’ll just use one of the smaller bags. They hold their shape and travel really well. And they’re cute!
**Buy the bags here before they sell out**
39. Hanging Toiletry Bag
Ok, I can’t in good faith call this one cute lol, but it is SO practical. I seem to favor bringing this one for more adventurous trips whether that be backpacking or hiking. It somehow fits soooo much stuff, and it’s really convenient that you can hang it up and access it that way (especially in a shared bathroom situation).
**best bag for hostel or hiking trips**
40. Fanny Pack
Wearing a “fanny pack” across my chest is my preferred purse for travel at the moment. It’s just so small, doesn’t get in the way, is secure from theft, all the things you want. The one I have from Jansport works for city trips since it’s compact and black as well as hiking trips (perfectly fits my phone, sunscreen, and sunglasses for quick access). Let me share the one I have as well as a fancier one that’s on my wish list 🙂
**Jansport Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack (only $15!)**
**Lo and Sons Waverly 2 Bag (can be worn 4 ways, on my wish list but kind of pricey)**
For The Traveler At Home
Unfortunately we can’t always be on vacation. I’m going to close this gift guide for travel girls by bringing it home. I think anyone with a travel loving soul would find joy in these gifts.
41. Hotel Lobby Candle
The premise behind this brand is so smart, and I really appreciate how much time is put into getting the scents right (I love following the owner on Instagram for more insights and to watch her travels inspire her products). This candle brand started with the idea of making a candle smell like a luxury hotel lobby. Genius– transportation through smell with a focus on travel. They’ve since expanded the range, so there’s a lot to choose from. I couldn’t resist getting myself the Napa Valley Edition. They also do hand soaps now. I have the New York one, and it is sooo lux leaving your hands super soft and lightly fragranced. What a treat a gift from this brand would be.
**Shop their candles and hand soaps here**
42. Deck of Cards with Instructions
Every serious traveler can whip out a pack of cards and teach a group how to play some games. I absolutely love meeting random people on trips and playing cards together. I also have very fond memories of a summer trip spent playing cards in English pubs with my cousin and a new friend. I’m always so impressed by the person who knows the rules by heart and can get a game going. You can invoke that same spirit at home with friends or family. Then when you do go on the road you can bring a pack and teach everyone a new game you’ve mastered!
43. Fancy Matcha
If your favorite travel girlie loves matcha, this brand is sourced from a family farm in Japan and tastes like the real deal you’d get in a traditional ceremony. I love how it tastes, it’s simple to make, and it totally transports me to another place when I’m enjoying it. Most people won’t splurge on matcha for themselves so it makes an excellent gift.
**Nekohama Ceremonial Matcha**
44. Five Year Journal
Those of us who deeply love travel think about it, write about it, and reflect on it often. It speaks to our souls and leaves its mark. Journaling is such a great way to honor the transformations that occur when we travel and put ourselves outside our comfort zones. I love journaling on trips and about them long after I return. I want to up my journaling habit and get this Five Year Journal to start in 2025. How cool would it be to have daily life and travel life documented so well to look back on?? Plus there’s not many lines for each day, so it’s not like you have to sit down and write pages at a time. I cannot wait to get this and start next year–such a good gift for Christmas right before the fresh start of a new year, especially if that person has a special trip coming up in the year. Also how satisfying is the idea of using a different color pen for each year?? lol.
45. Disposable Camera and Photo Album
Let’s end with a gift that brings it all together. Something your travel girl can use on a trip that will result in memories she can cherish at home. I think a little gift bundle of a disposable camera (Kodak or Fujifilm single use cameras cost about $20 each) and a photo album for the printed pictures would be so thoughtful and cute. This would also be such a nice Christmas idea even if there’s no upcoming travel plans. It could be fun to document life at home in a new year, too! With how much we take photos on our phones then never print them or look at them again, I love the idea of snapping pics here and there on a trip (or in real life) where you can’t stress about if you got the right shot. And then when you get them printed, its a sweet surprise.
**Kodak disposable camera on Amazon**
Gift Guide for Travel Girls Conclusion
So there you have it! I hope you got at least a few new ideas from this list for the travel lover in your life! Happy shopping and happy holidays if you found this post around that time 🙂