Here are 5 things travel lovers (who AREN’T influencers) actually want for Christmas!

But for the large majority of travelers, we are just that. Travelers. It isn’t our first time and for the most part, we travel because we love it – not because it is our job. We already have the basics of suitcases and chargers, and most of don’t need the extra frills and whistles for full time influencers or content creators.

For reference, no I am not a full time influencer or travel writer. I work a non-remote 9-5 job and travel using PTO. I’m going to let you in on a little secret – frequent travelers don’t need THINGS. They don’t want things. If they did, they would buy those things instead of spending all our money on travel. So here are the ACTUAL gifts I would love to receive as a frequent traveler, and what I gift to my other traveler friends!

Airline Gift Cards

If you really want to wow your travel friends, you can never go wrong with an airline gift card. I would bet my bottom dollar that your travel friends probably spend their spare time looking up travel deals. I know, because that’s what I do. Flights are usually one of the most expensive parts of travel, so an airline gift card is the perfect way to help make their favorite activity a little more accessible. If you can, try to get them a gift card to their favorite airline – that’s how you can make a gift card extremely thoughtful!

If they don’t have a favorite airline, you can pick from some of the most general American airlines such as, well, American Airlines as well as airlines such as Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, and Alaska Airlines.

House Cleaning Services

This is a golden gift for anyone, but ESPECIALLY travelers. Packing for travel can be extremely stressful, and in the week or two leading up to the vacation, a lot of travelers are busy tying up loose ends at work in between getting their nails done, hair done, planning their travel itinerary, and rummaging through their closet to make sure they stay clothed during the trip.

There’s not too much free time on the books to actually tidy up around the house.

Whether they prefer to have their house cleaned before they leave or when they get back, it’s always reassuring to know they have a house cleaning gift to lean on and help take the weight off.

Babysitting/Pet sitting offers

Of course you can travel with your kids and/or pets, but sometimes it’s nice to get away and focus on yourself or your partner. If you are able, a great gift would be to offer to baby sit or pet sit so your friends can have the much needed getaway without needing to worry about child/pet care.

It seems like a basic gift, but it’s actually one of the hardest to come by and one of the most stressful aspects for travelers. But if their kids or pets are staying with you, they can enjoy their vacation with the peace of mind their most loved ones are with someone they trust and care about. Plus, you can continue to improve your relationship with their kids/pets!

Local Experiences

You know, just because your traveling friend isn’t actively traveling doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy activities they do while they travel at home. If your friend enjoys visiting museums and cultural exhibits while they travel, gift them a membership to one of their home museums. Look up unique tours or experiences available in their home town and sign them up for it – bonus points if you can also join!

Another fun idea would be to plan (and sponsor) a staycation for them! So often, many of us who love travel never actually prioritize exploring our own backyards. Who knows, maybe they’ll stick around (and hang out with you) more often if they fall in love with their own city.

Family/Friend Trip

Last, but CERTAINLY, not least, if you want to gift the perfect present to a travel lover….gift the gift of travel, but with you included! This might take some coordination, especially with the hectic schedules most of us live now, but planning a trip for and with your loved ones is such a caring display. Not only are you getting something you know they would love, but you’re also gifting them the most precious thing of all.

Quality time.

Depending on how many people this trip will include, and the varies travel styles and interests everyone has, the safest bet is to book a cruise. They are fairly affordable, accessible to various physical and mobility levels, and offer numerous activities and excursions that are suitable for all ages!