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Shopping for someone with a serious case of wanderlust? Don’t worry—you don’t need a boarding pass to find the perfect gift! Travelers are a special breed, always chasing their next adventure and collecting stories like souvenirs. The good news? They’re also super fun to shop for.
Whether you want to make their bus trips more comfy, help them capture epic memories, or just fuel their love to adventure, there are endless ways to show you’ve got their back (and their carry-on). Plus, with Wanderu making it easier than ever to book bus and train travel across North America and Europe, these gifts are the perfect complement to their next big trip.
So let’s uncover some fantastic travel hacks, gadgets, and gifts for the travel lover in your life!
Gifts to Make Luggage & Packing More Efficient
While buses and trains tend to have more lenient luggage policies than airlines, packing efficiently for a trip is the cornerstone of stress-free travel. Whether the travel lover in your life is a chronic over-packer, likes to coordinate every outfit, or can make do with a single pair of shorts for a week, this section will optimize their luggage space.
Slim laptop backpack
No one wants to be “that guy” who holds up the line of onboarding passengers while they desperately try to cram an overstuffed bag into storage. To maximize your carry-on, consider a slim, narrow backpack. Plenty of space for a laptop, a book or two, and a stash of snacks while still easily sliding into cramped spaces, like the overhead compartment on a bus.
Compression Bags
Use compression bags in various sizes to save space. Simply expand them, pack them, and compress them nice and snug. Just remember to fold the clothes before compressing to prevent wrinkles!
Packing cubes
One of the best ways to stay organized on the go is with packing cubes. They allow you to separate your outfits by day, type of clothes, or simply give a barrier between your clean and dirty items.
Hidden Pocket Jacket
You can never have enough pockets – especially if they’re difficult for pickpockets to reach! The SCOTTeVEST jacket has 19 hidden pockets, is lightweight and water-repellent, and can house all sorts of gadgets and snacks for a long bus trip. And it never hurts to have a layer or two.
Expandable Pet Carrier
An expandable pet carrier is perfect for traveling with a dog on a train. It starts the size of a normal backpack but has an expandable section to let your pet stretch out and lay down comfortably. Remember to check that Fido or Luna is allowed onboard beforehand!
Collapsible Duffel Bag
Can your travel lover resist a vacay shopping spree? With a collapsible duffle, they don’t need to! Since buses and trains have more relaxed policies on how much luggage you can bring, it’s easy to bring an extra bag to store all the goodies and souvenirs without overstuffing a carry-on.
Gifts to Bring Extra Comfort to Their Trip
Traveling can be exhilarating, but it can also be tiring, especially during overnight bus journeys or cross-country train rides. That’s where comfort essentials come in handy! These items are designed to keep your loved one cozy and relaxed, helping them enjoy every moment of their adventure – and remember who’s taking care of them a hundred miles away 😉
Compression Socks
Give the gift of happy feet! Compression socks aren’t just socks—they’re a traveler’s best friend. Whether it’s a long-haul train trip or endless sightseeing, these miracle socks keep legs energized, swelling at bay, and comfort on point. Plus, they come in a variety of styles, colors, and fits to match anyone’s needs (or vibe).
Travel Pillow
If your traveler is still using the clunk U-shaped travel pillow, it’s time to gift them an upgrade. These pillows offer more support, comfort, and convenience while taking up the same (or less) space as a traditional travel pillow.
Cabeau Travel Pillow
The Cabeau is the most similar to the typical travel pillow with one huge advantage: you can attach it to your headrest so that it actually provides support. No more dosing off on a stranger’s shoulder!
Turtl Travel Pillow
The Tutrl is the most compact option, but can take a bit of getting used to. This nifty pillow wraps around your neck and has a slim but firm brace you can rest your head against.
J Pillow
The J pillow is another take on the classic U-shaped pillow but is (as the name suggests) shaped like a J. This provides better neck and head support while still being a nice, soft pillow. It comes with its own travel bag, but the shape does make it a little more awkward to pack.
Travel Blanket
A good travel blanket only needs to be two things: comfy and convenient. You can make a DIY version by pairing any blanket with the compression bags mentioned above, or opt for one designed to be folded neatly away to make train rides through snowy mountains cozier than ever.
Foot Hammock
Tall people get all the attention for lack of legroom, but on buses and trains, there can almost be too much space – leaving shorties to dangle their feet. Foot hammocks are the answer for shorter travelers or those who want to get comfy! It simply attaches to the seat in front of you and then folds neatly into its travel bag.
Gifts to Stay Entertained & Connected on the Go
Shopping for someone who never leaves their tech behind? These entertainment and electronic must-haves will turn any trip into a smooth, connected, and fun adventure. From travel-friendly games to organizational lifesavers, here are some essentials for staying entertained and powered up on the go!
Portable Games
Even long trips fly by when you’ve got the right games to keep boredom at bay. These compact, quiet, and packable options are perfect for travelers who love a little competition, providing plenty of entertainment while staying small enough to be played on a bus or train tray table.
Hive: 2 players
This waterproof, board-free game is like a simplified version of chess, but way easier to learn. It’s perfect for strategy fans of all ages and comes with 22 durable tiles and a travel pouch. Simple, addictive, and portable.
Pass the Pigs: 2 to 6 players
Think dice games, but cuter—because the dice are foam pigs! Toss them, rack up points based on how they land, and let the hilarity ensue. This lighthearted game comes with a scorecard and a handy travel bag.
Bananagrams: 1-8 players
If your traveler loves word games, this Scrabble-inspired game will be a hit. It’s fast-paced, requires no board, and comes in an adorable banana-shaped pouch that’s perfect for peeling – er, packing.
Left Right Center: 3+ players
This tiny dice game is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to learn and super portable. Roll the dice to pass chips around, and whoever holds the last chip wins! It’s small enough to fit in your pocket but can entertain an infinite number of players.
Noise-canceling headphones
Noise-canceling headphones are an absolute game changer for any and every type of traveler. Is there a baby screaming two rows behind you? You wouldn’t know, you’re grooving in your own music video! If your friend or loved one doesn’t already have a pair, you’re about to be their favorite person.
Back-of-seat Phone Holder
Trains and buses don’t typically have screens available on the back of the seat, but in a world where we’re all carrying a TV in our pocket, they’re not really needed anymore. With a back-of-seat phone holder, your traveler can watch or stream their shows without getting a 90-degree crick in their neck. Bonus gift: give them a few recommendations of your favorite shows or movies to download before they go!
Combo Charger & Powerbank
Buses and trains almost always have outlets available, but a single plug might not be enough for the techies with a phone, smartwatch, earbuds, iPad, and who knows what else. The Anker PowerCore Fusion does double duty as a wall charger and a portable power bank. Turn one outlet into several to charge all of your devices, or charge up the bank for power on the go!
Phone Privacy Screen
A privacy protector doesn’t have to be expensive or fancy to be functional! This cheap, shatterproof privacy screen is perfect for keeping prying eyes at bay, so your personal life doesn’t become onboard entertainment.
Electronics Organizer
If your adventure lover tends to bring their army of devices on the go, this is a must-have to prevent a tangled mass of cords, chargers, and wires at the bottom of the bag! This nifty organizer makes it easy for even the most organizationally challenged to keep track of their chargers, cables, and cubes.
Kindle or e-Reader
Physical books are great, but lugging them around? Not so much. Save your loved one from a broken back with an e-reader that lets them carry hundreds of titles in one lightweight device. Plus, it’s perfect for reading in dim lighting or at night without disturbing fellow passengers.
Gifts to Look & Feel Their Best While Traveling
Traveling doesn’t mean leaving self-care behind. For the beauty-loving globetrotter in your life, the right toiletries and beauty tools can make all the difference. Whether they’re jetting off to a bustling city or escaping to a serene retreat, these thoughtful gifts will keep them feeling fresh, organized, and ready to shine—no matter where their adventures take them.
Travel Toiletry Bottles
Travel-sized toiletries might be convenient to pack, but someone who travels often (or has a lot of hair) will have to buy a new bottle for every trip. With some reusable containers, however, they can bring along their favorite shampoo, lotions, sunscreen, or whatever else they don’t want to live without while off on adventures.
Mini Ring Light
Have you ever noticed how every hotel seems to use the same incredibly unflattering bathroom lights? Luckily, a mini-ring light solves that problem! It’s a great gift for anyone who loves looking their best, whether for doing makeup, shaving, or taking professional selfies.
Laundry Soap Sheets
Laundry soap sheets are so easy to pack and are perfect for doing laundry on the go. The best part? With no wasted plastic, they’re more eco-friendly than pods or detergent while often smelling even better.
Hanging Toiletry Bag
A hanging toiletry bag is perfect for anyone who wants to stay organized without having to constantly be unpacking and repacking. It simply hangs from any hook or rod and easily displays everything inside, making it easy to find makeup, skin care, jewelry, and whatever else your traveler likes to bring along.
Travel Humidifier
While this won’t be needed on every trip, a travel humidifier is an absolute must for trips to dry climates – especially if you’re coming from somewhere humid! While bodies will naturally adjust to the dryness over time, why not skip the nose bleeds and dry skin altogether?
Portable White Noise Machine
Whether it’s noisy neighbors or busy streets, a white noise machine can help your light sleeper get a good night’s rest anywhere.
Gifts to Keep Your Adventure-Lover Healthy & Safe
When it comes to travel, staying healthy and safe is just as important as having fun. For the globetrotter who’s always on the go, these practical gifts offer peace of mind and convenience, no matter where their adventures take them. From handy hygiene essentials to travel security must-haves, these items ensure their journey is smooth, clean, and worry-free.
Soap tablets
Other than toilet paper, the worst thing to not have handy is soap. These tablets start as small, dry pieces of soap that are incredibly easy to pack (you can easily slip one in a pocket). Once you expose them to water, they lather up and clean like liquid soap.
Filtered Water Bottle
A water bottle with a built-in filter is a thoughtful gift that ensures clean, fresh-tasting water wherever your traveler refills. Whether they’re filling up at the airport, in a new city, or straight out of the bathroom sink, this handy gadget makes staying hydrated easy and worry-free.
Door Jam Alarm
Safety first! A portable door-stop alarm offers an extra layer of security for travelers, especially those venturing solo. This nifty gadget prevents unwanted entry and sounds an alarm if someone tries to force the door open, providing peace of mind and a good night’s sleep – for you and your love one.
Travel-Size OTC Medications
Equip your favorite traveler with travel-sized packs of over-the-counter medications. These handy kits include pain relievers, allergy meds, and other essentials, ensuring they’re prepared for anything on the road. It’s a small gesture, but they’ll be eternally grateful when a headache starts halfway through an 8-hour journey!
Mini First-Aid Kit
It might feel weird buying something you hope they never use, but accidents happen – even on vacation. This compact kit is packed with essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic cream, and more all stored in a portable case that’s easy to toss into any bag.
Whether your favorite traveler is a seasoned globetrotter or a casual explorer, picking the perfect gift can make their journeys even more memorable. From practical gadgets that keep them connected, to comfort essentials ensuring a cozy trip, each gift brings a touch of thoughtfulness and joy.
And when they’re ready to take off on their next adventure, we’ve got their back! Remind them to book on Wanderu.com or with the Wanderu app for affordable bus and train tickets across the US to make their next adventure affordable (and more fun than ever with their new gifts).
Happy shopping and may your gift-giving journey be as exciting as the travels that inspired it!
