For those who love new adventures, it’s an ideal way to make immersive travel experiences easy and exciting.

Giving someone the opportunity to explore the world while supporting local communities with their free time is a special thing.

Let’s talk more about why a HelpStay volunteering membership makes for a great travel gift.

What Is HelpStay Volunteering?

HelpStay is an online platform that has work exchange opportunities available around the world.

It’s a place where locals can connect with travelers, for an exchange of help for free accommodation and sometimes food and activities.

What does HelpStay volunteering entail? It depends on what the host needs.

It could be helping around the house, painting, helping with animals or children, with a tourism business or NGO, language exchange, a farm stay, etc.!

Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links that will cost you nothing extra but offer me a little commission for any purchases made. I was also compensated to create this content by Helpstay, but the opinions and advice are 100% my own.

Why Give A HelpStay Volunteering Membership?

Many people claim that it’s the thought behind the gift that is the most important and with this, I strongly disagree.

Of course, it’s nice that someone was thinking of you, but that doesn’t give an excuse for buying the first thing you see when you walk into a store.

Since I’m living abroad, I don’t have the luxury of collecting lots of items that don’t bring value to my day-to-day life.

Plus, as a society, we have learned the importance of cutting back on unnecessary waste in our lifestyles.

Gift-giving is no different – there are so many eco-friendly travel gifts to choose from nowadays. I hate pointless clutter in my living space.

Having too many gadgets makes me feel a little suffocated so I appreciate when my friends give me gifts that will be helpful to me.

Here are 9 reasons that mindful travelers will love receiving a HelpStay volunteering membership.

1. HelpStay Volunteering Makes Immersive Travel Easy & Exciting

Working your way around the world is a great way to learn more about local cultures, and it’s also a great way to give back authentically.

By joining a work exchange, you get an automatic inside look into what the locals eat and do for fun and plenty of tips for having unique experiences on your time off.

Whether you want to help out on a farm, do a language exchange, or even volunteer in a hostel, HelpStay has these opportunities all in one place.

2. HelpStay Volunteering Can Impact Communities Around The World

Those who exchange help can make an impact. By offering your skills to locals, you’ll get to expand your comfort zone by trying new things.

You get to help people in ways that might not come naturally to you at first but will eventually expand your abilities.

In return, you will have the opportunity to learn more about yourself and others, plus free accommodation.

3. HelpStay Is A Smaller Platform

Okay, I know what you might be thinking… Bigger is better right?

In some cases that is true, but from my experiences of using different work exchange platforms, it’s not.

Though the larger sites do have more opportunities than HelpStay, they also have more users and they significantly outnumber the hosts.

This means there can be steep competition for getting volunteering gigs. As a traveler, it’s common to write a lot of messages to hosts and never get a response.

This is because the hosts are bombarded with exchange requests and they don’t have the time to read and answer all of them. That’s why HelpStay volunteering might be easier to arrange.

If you’re giving a membership like this to your friend, you definitely don’t want to make it harder for them, especially if this type of thing is out of their comfort zone already.

4. It’s Ideal For Cost-Conscious Travelers

Work exchanges are ideal for cost-conscious travelers. Work exchange membership fees are usually less than $60 and help to save money on travel accommodation in the long run.

They help you enjoy the benefits of staying in places longer without paying any travel accommodation fees.

These memberships can even be shared with friends and family, which is more affordable than paying for two single accounts.

Workaway is the largest online work exchange platform. They offer a single account for €49 and the couples/friend account is €59.

HelpStay has competitive pricing at a rate of €42.99 for a single account and €51.99 for a couple/friends account.

5. Improve Foreign Language Skills

Work exchanges allow travelers to be immersed in the local language so they can quickly begin learning how to communicate with the people around them.

Hearing the language spoken all around helps greatly in this process. It aids with accurate pronunciation and proper grammar, which is essential for being understood by native speakers.

If you give your friend or family member a work exchange membership, they can use their time to improve their fluency in foreign languages.

Learning a new language is an invaluable way to learn about the culture of that country and its people.

For many, it’s a dream come true to be able to visit a country that uses a foreign language that they have been putting so much time and effort into learning. 

6. Meet People From All Over The World

One of my favorite things about doing work exchanges is that you are bound to meet people from all over the world.

While helping out, you will likely get some great friendships because you’re spending time with others who also want to help out.

It is nice that people from different cultures can participate and bond by doing a project together.

In fact, one of the main reasons why people choose to go on a work exchange is because they want to interact with their hosts and make new connections with other people doing the same project.

Also, if you love getting out and exploring new places, you’re going to meet more locals and travelers who are nearby (and maybe even get invited along for some fun nights out).

7. HelpStay Volunteering Membership Is A Zero-Waste Gift

You don’t need to worry about material waste for the HelpStay volunteering membership.

There are no environmental impacts from the production of this membership, and it doesn’t have to be physically wrapped or delivered.

8. It’s A Unique Gift For Travel Lovers

Those who love to travel and want to bring a little mindfulness into their lives will appreciate this gift.

Work exchange memberships are unique gifts that keep on giving, offering not only a great experience but also the ability to use it again and again.

Giving a HelpStay volunteering membership is kinda like buying someone an airplane ticket.

Instead of flying them somewhere, you’re giving them a tool to find cool new experiences they can try.

It’s a gift that lasts longer than your typical present and can be used by most people.

Don’t worry about whether your recipient has been abroad before or not, this could spark something in them to make that first trip. Check out these amazing gifts for someone going abroad.

9. HelpStay Volunteering Membership Is A Great Virtual Gift

You won’t have to spend money on postage to send them a physical card since it’s completely virtual.

You can give a HelpStay Volunteering membership year-round and even if your loved ones are across the country or even thousands of miles away.

Final Thoughts

Giving a work exchange membership is a gift that keeps on giving.

The recipient gets to choose their own adventure and save money, while you get to feel good about helping them travel mindfully.

I hope that this guide has helped your search for a unique travel gift. A HelpStay volunteering membership is a great way to make immersive travels more accessible and sustainable.

Help your friends and family connect with people from all over the world to learn and grow exponentially.

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These eco friendly travel gifts will be great if you’re about to embark on a trip, but don’t know what to bring for your friends.

Or you know someone who is going on their own adventure and you’d like to get something for them.

Well, you’re in the right place. After all, it’s not like travelers in your life need another scarf or pair of shoes.

So if you’re looking for sustainable travel gifts that are both thoughtful and practical, look no further than my list of eco friendly travel gifts.

Why Eco Friendly Travel Gifts Are Important

Most of the time an explosion of tourism launches a city or area into overdrive.

This fast development can bring short-term benefits, but also brutal long-term consequences. Travelers need to keep this in mind to try to be more responsible travelers.

Not only will this help our world’s environment and the specific arrival destination, but hopefully you will have more meaningful travel experiences too!

Eco friendly travel gifts can help you and your friends reduce waste by using reusable products and avoiding single-use products.

If you are already abroad, fear not. You can still be sustainable by putting extra revenue into the hands of locals (instead of big corporations) by supporting local businesses as you purchase souvenirs!

Let’s get into it – here are the 21 eco friendly travel gifts you’ve been waiting for.

Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links that will cost you nothing extra but offer me a little commission for any purchases made. These commissions help me continue to offer helpful tips. Thank you so much for your support.

1. Travel Jewelry Case

A travel jewelry case is a great way to keep jewelry organized. It can be used as a go-to storage solution when traveling, or while at home.

There are many different types of travel jewelry cases on the market: some have compartments for favorite pieces, while others come with several interchangeable inserts that organize by color or type of material (gold vs silver).

There’s no wrong answer here—it’s all about what works best and how often the case will be used.

2. Bamboo Utensils

Bamboo is a great choice for an eco-friendly utensil set because it’s renewable, biodegradable, and sustainably harvested.

It is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world and can grow up to 35 feet per year.

In addition to being renewable, bamboo’s versatile nature makes it an excellent sustainable material—it doesn’t require pesticides or fertilizers to grow.

Instead, it harnesses natural resources from its surroundings (i.e., sunlight and water).

3. Reusable Straws

Reusable straws are great eco friendly travel gifts. They can be used when traveling and can reduce waste while radventuring.

These straws are small items that can be kept in a purse or backpack while out exploring. It comes with a cute little brush making it easy to clean too.

4. Bamboo Toothbrush & Zero Waste Toothpaste

A bamboo toothbrush is biodegradable and compostable.

The handle is made from a renewable resource, making it a good alternative to plastic toothbrushes that will land in a landfill for years to come.

It’s also a good alternative to plastic toothpaste brushes, which typically come in wasteful packaging.

Bamboo is actually an incredibly strong and durable material that can be used for anything from flooring to furniture.

This makes it the perfect material for any sustainable product you might want to give as an eco friendly travel gift.

A nice addition would be to also include some zero-waste toothpaste!

5. Shampoo Bar & Soap Bar

Shampoo bars and soap bars are two of the most popular eco-friendly travel gifts. They are also great for those who have all types of hair.

Shampoo bars come in a variety of sizes, scents, and colors. They can be used for long periods since they last a long time too.

They are great for travelers because they’re small enough to fit into any bag or luggage compartment.

They also don’t take up space in your liquids bag at the airport. If you’re like me, I never can fit all of my products in that small plastic bag.

The bars won’t melt if left out in hot conditions so they are good for even extreme environments.

Showering with soap might seem strange at first, but it’s easy to get used to.

6. Silicone Refillable Travel Bottles

Silicone refillable travel bottles are a convenient, eco-friendly gift for any travel lover.

They are made from food-grade silicone, which means they’re not only reusable but also dishwasher-safe.

These lightweight bottles can be filled with any liquids needed like shampoo, conditioner, lotion sunscreen, etc. They come in plenty of colors to match any traveler’s style.

The silicone material is durable so you don’t have to worry about these bottles cracking or breaking in transit if they are accidentally dropped at the airport.

7. Reusable Collapsable Cup With A Lid

Reusable collapsable cups are a great idea for traveling.

They’re lightweight and compact, so they can fit in a backpack or suitcase easily.

The lid snaps into place over the cup, and you can fill them with ice to keep drinks cool. They are even dishwasher-safe.

To make cleaning easier, include one of these awesome silicone brushes that will get into tiny nooks and crannies.

8. Reusable Water Bottle & Water Filter

To reduce my plastic consumption, I always travel with a reusable water bottle.

Nalgene water bottles are my favorite because they are lightweight, practically indestructible and come in lots of different colors.

Depending on your friend’s travel destination, drinking water from the tap might not be safe though.

In these situations, they might have to buy bottled water. Sometimes filtering your own water is a good option.

It’s not practical to carry around a large filter system of course so a reusable filter bottle can help solve this issue.

LifeStraw water bottles are my favorite for this, it’s a high-quality brand.

9. No-Waste Travel Kit

A no-waste travel kit is a great gift for anyone who wants to make giving sustainable travel gifts easy.

These kits have a variety of different bottles and containers that your friend will be able to fill with their favorite products.

They are a great option if you have someone that is a little picky because they can customize it how they would like.

It is also good to get a leakproof kit so they can put it in their suitcase without worrying about getting the contents wet by accident while traveling by air or sea!

10. Silicone Bags & Wax Wraps

If you’re looking for a gift that will do more than one thing, look no further.

Silicone bags are reusable and waterproof, making them perfect for storing food or keeping electronics dry.

They can be washed in the dishwasher and reused again and again.

The silicone bags also come in handy when traveling by train or plane, since they help prevent your belongings from getting wet during heavy rainstorms.

Include some wax wraps too which work well as a replacement for single-use aluminum foil or plastic wrap.

11. Travel Towel & Washcloth

Travel towels and washcloths are perfect for those who travel light.

They take up less space in a bag, dry faster than regular towels, and are biodegradable so they don’t add to the problem of microfibers polluting the environment.

Travel towels can also be used as beach towels if you find yourself with no other options.

12. Tote Bag

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly travel gift that screams sustainability, one of the best things you can give is a sustainable tote bag.

However, it’s important to remember that some bags are better than others.

For example, gift them a durable bag like this one that can be used for a wide range of things.

Getting something versatile means they will need to purchase fewer items in the long run.

This is great for someone pursuing a minimalistic lifestyle. Alternatively, if your friend loves to hike, get her or him an Osprey hiking backpack—one they’ll use again and again.

Look for lightweight bags with multiple compartments so they can carry all of their stuff around in style.

13. Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are one of the most useful organizational tools for travelers.

They reduce the effort of packing and repacking when you’re on the road, as well as reducing wrinkles and keeping clothes from getting lost and messy in suitcases.

Packing cubes are also great for saving space in luggage since they can be compressed more than conventional bags or containers.

This means that your friend will have room for more items in their bag, which will make traveling easier (and less stressful).

Additionally, when not being used for travel purposes, packing cubes make excellent storage items—they take up very little space on shelves or under beds when empty!

Though packing cubes aren’t usually made of sustainable material, they will help to organize and compress items, which should help to eliminate the need for many different suitcases.

14. Alternative Laundry Soap

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly gift for the traveler in your life, look no further than their laundry needs.

Laundry detergents and fabric softeners can be toxic to aquatic life, so load up on a biodegradable travel laundry soap that won’t pollute the water supply.

For clothes that have been exposed to dirt or germs during travel, a specific wash bag will keep dirty clothes separate from clean ones.

15. Books About The Destination

One of the best things you can give your friend is a tool to educate themselves about their upcoming destination.

There are so many books available that can teach about local history and traditions, wildlife, flora, etc.

Personally, I love physical books but as a traveler, I really appreciate having digital content to consume instead.

It takes so much weight off of my shoulders – literally from my backpack, books are heavy!

If you want something that’s eco and travel friendly, ebooks and audiobooks are the way to go for sure!

16. Travel Insurance

Purchasing travel insurance is important for everyone so they are covered in case of emergency.

Purchasing this eco friendly travel gift is a great way to ensure that your loved one stays fully covered in case their travels don’t go as planned.

If a trip gets canceled, interrupted, or lost entirely due to an unforeseen circumstance, your recipient will be covered.

There is no paper or packaging involved because it’s completely digital, so it’s a great zero waste that’s thoughtful and practical.

I recommend using SafetyWing for the most affordable coverage!

17. Travel Art Prints, Sketches, Calendars From Local Artists

If you want to give a gift that truly supports your friend’s eco-friendly lifestyle, consider something like travel art prints, sketches, or calendars from local artists.

It’s a great way to support their love for the local environment and economy.

Plus, most people treasure artwork that reminds them of special moments in their lives, so it’s sure to be appreciated.

Check out Etsy’s marketplace, it’s filled with beautiful prints made by independent artists using sustainable materials like recycled paper stock or soy ink inks (which are better for our bodies than traditional petroleum-based inks).

18. House Sitting Membership

Get your friends an eco friendly travel gift without any waste involved. A house-sitting membership is the best of both worlds.

You’re giving your friends the ability to stay for free in cool travel destinations all around the world, while at the same time providing them with a totally digital experience.

I recommend gifting a membership from the largest, most reliable online platform, TrustedHousesitters.

19. Work Exchange Membership

A Work Exchange membership is a great gift because you’re giving your friend the ability to exchange their help for free travel accommodation (and sometimes food & activities).

There is no paper or packaging; this gift is completely digital.

Work exchange platforms list different hosts and what they are looking for in exchange for their help.

Your friend will be connected to work exchange hosts that they can help while traveling or living overseas.

They will get access to thousands of exchange opportunities, complete with real-time ratings and reviews.

Your recipient can use the site to book their next trip! You can get a work exchange gift membership here on Workaway and Helpstay.

If you want to get one through Worldpackers, you will have to set up the account on your friends’ behalf because they don’t have a gift membership option.

How To Pick Sustainable Travel Gifts Abroad

Buying local products is an easy way to support local economies, reduce the carbon footprint of your trip, and help keep waste out of landfills.

However, if you’re not careful about what you’re buying, it can be a lot more harmful than helpful.

For example, don’t buy souvenirs – typical ones that is. This might seem obvious but many people don’t realize it.

They can support local communities by buying things like coffee beans or herbs instead of trinkets that will end up at the bottom of their drawers.

The truth is those small purchases add up over time and will have a bigger impact than just one big item bought once in a while.

Try to focus on quality over quantity. If nothing else, this practice will help a home to feel less cluttery and more welcoming when friends come over. 

20. Easy-To-Pack Food Products

Dry ingredients like coffee beans, tea, dried herbs, spices, etc. are easy to pack because they don’t take up much space and don’t weigh that much.

You can even buy them in bulk so that you have enough to last months or years!

The best part? Most spice blends are made with local ingredients and fair trade ingredients, meaning that you are supporting small businesses when buying these products.

This makes them a perfect gift for those who want their purchases to help out communities around the world.

PS some countries do not like travelers bringing back organic matter (food, dirt, sand, etc) from other places because it can spread diseases to agriculture or natural environments. The US is well known for this so please keep that in mind.

21. Locally Made Souvenirs

The best souvenirs are the ones that support artisanal craftsmanship, fair wages, and small businesses.

Locally made souvenirs can also be eco-friendly if they use recycled materials or can be easily broken down into compostable items like paper or fabric.

In addition to being great souvenirs and supporting local economies, this type of gift can also help travelers feel more connected with their destination.

Final Thoughts On Sustainable Travel Gifts

Hopefully, these ideas have helped you find the perfect eco friendly travel gifts for your friends.

I’m sure they will appreciate anything that you end up giving. Which of these sustainable travel gifts was your favorite? Let me know in the comments.

If you’re looking for more gift inspiration, make sure to check out these amazing gifts for van life or road-tripping.

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For the adventurous person in your life, whether they are your friend traveling abroad for an extended time or someone moving abroad permanently, your gift should be something that will help them on their journey.

It’s best to get them travel-related items like luggage or headphones, while also keeping in mind that the item should be lightweight.

If they’re going camping, hiking or backpacking, you can give them even some practical things like a raincoat or hiking sandals. Here are 20 amazing gifts for someone going abroad!

Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links that will cost you nothing extra but offer me a little commission for any purchases made. This helps me continue to offer helpful tips and information. Thank you so much for your support.

Affordable Gifts For Someone Going Abroad

Picking the right gift means you need to think about the person and your relationship with them and what you know about them.

What do they like or dislike? Do they have any specific hobbies? Have they mentioned that they need any particular item for their journey?

How close are you to them? This last one is essential because it will most likely dictate how much money and time you want to spend picking a gift for them.

Here are some smaller, more affordable presents that would be a good option for someone who is more of an acquaintance or work friend.

1. Sustainable Tote Bag And Compact Towel

What’s a better gift than one that keeps on giving? A reusable tote bag is a great choice for friends or family going abroad because it can be used in a variety of ways.

Perhaps they’d like a tote bag to carry their groceries home or equipment for work.

You could choose to give your friend or family member a compact towel along with the reusable bag – because who doesn’t want to dry off their hair quickly after stepping out of the shower?

It’s perfect for travel because it dries quickly and doesn’t take up much space.

2. Journals Or Sketchbooks

Travel journals or sketchbooks are great gifts for someone going abroad because they give people the opportunity to record their thoughts, feelings and observations.

When you go on vacation or travel somewhere new, it can be hard to remember what you’ve done and seen when you get home.

If the person receiving this gift loves to write down their thoughts in journals then they will be able to have a really enjoyable experience writing about their trip while they’re still experiencing it!

There are many different kinds of journals that you can buy that help with this goal.

Some have blank pages where people can write any kind of text – others come with different categories such as “what I learned today” and so on.

Some even come with special illustrations inside them (such as animal sketches) which may inspire creativity even further.

My favorite kind are vintage leather style journals like this one and this one.

If your friend enjoys art or sketching then maybe consider getting them one of these creative sketchbooks – there’s nothing better than seeing an artist’s mind at work through their artwork.

3. Travel Book On Their Destination Or Mode Of Transport

Good travel books are perfect gifts for someone going abroad and who also loves to read.

You can find travel books at any major bookstore, or you can order one online with just a few clicks of your mouse.

Make sure to check out these inspirational slow travel books that I carefully picked out for those who love slow traveling. 

Save some time searching by jumping directly to a search based on your friend’s destination:

• Books for traveling Africa
• Books for traveling Europe
• Books for traveling the Middle East
• Books for traveling Asia
• Books for traveling Australia/Oceania
• Books for traveling North America
• Books for traveling Central America
• Books for traveling South America
• Books for traveling the Caribbean

4. Portable Water Purifier

Having a portable water purifier/filter means that you can clean so many liters/gallons of water per cartridge.

They are usually small enough to fit in your pocket or backpack, so your friend can use it while traveling.

When hiking or camping, just fill up the bottle with water from a stream and use the portable water purifier and filter to make sure it’s safe for drinking.

This greatly reduces the risk of getting sick while camping.

5. Earplugs, Eye Mask, Travel Pillow

There’s nothing worse than trying to sleep when you’re traveling.

Sometimes it’s tough to find a comfortable position, and if even if that can be managed, there are usually people talking in the background.

If your friend is going abroad for any length of time, consider getting him or her some eye masks and earplugs to make sure they get quality rest wherever they are.

A good travel pillow should help with neck support while sleeping on airplanes or buses.

It should be nice and soft so it doesn’t create pressure points that would wake up your friend when they shift positions during the night.

A travel pillow like this one works well because it has a memory foam core as well as adjustable.

Personally, I love this inflatable pillow because it takes up less space and weighs way less than a traditional foam neck pillow.

I’ve been using a similar one for 6 years – it has seen so many flights and bus journeys but it’s lasted all that time.

The best eye masks come in different colors so there’s something for everyone – from those who enjoy bright colors (like me) all the way down to those who prefer something more subtle like black.

Here’s one of my favorites, you can get it in black, gray, or a cute shade of pink. If you are looking for a combination of all three, check out this complete rest kit.

6. Passport Holder

A classic leather passport holder is a stylish way to keep a passport, money, credit cards, and other important documents safe while traveling abroad.

It can be clipped onto a backpack or purse so there are no worries about losing it.

It’s also a plus to buy one because your passport is not always recognizable with a cover on it, which could protect it by keeping it a little incognito.

If you’re looking for a holder with cute designs, check this one out and this one.

7. Compact Reusable Utensils, Coffee Mug, etc.

If your friend or loved one is moving abroad, they’re going to be somewhere new and unfamiliar.

It’s good to have a few items that make life easier wherever you go. The best tools are the ones that are small, lightweight, and can be used for multiple purposes.

• Compact reusable utensils: You never know where you might find yourself eating a meal with friends or family when living as a foreigner! This stainless steel set from Finum includes fork, spoon, knife and chopsticks—all in one little case that takes up very little space in your bag.
• Eco reusable coffee mug: If they love coffee as much as I do, then this portable travel coffee mug will be a welcome gift on their journey overseas!
• Ultra-durable water bottle: The Nalgene brand of water bottles are BPA-free, almost indestructible, and leakproof. Though they aren’t fancy (not insulated whatsoever), they are good for someone who needs something simple, long-lasting, and can brave all elements!

8. Compact House Decorations

If your friend is following a nomadic lifestyle, they won’t want extra items weighing them down.

But if your friend is going to live abroad for an extended period of time, it might be nice to give them some house decorations that they can use once they settle in.

However, if they are going abroad and settling in one place for a while, it might be difficult because you don’t want to give them anything large or heavy because it will be harder to transport.

Both fairy lights, posters, scratch-off world maps are great gifts for someone going abroad because they can easily be put up and are lightweight and easy to pack.

This is my favorite scratch-off map, I always take it when I move to a new country.

If you purchase some specialty, handmade throw pillowcases, they can be packed easily and then filled with pillow stuffing when they arrive at their destination.

The most important thing to keep in mind is whether the gift is lightweight, easily packed, and unique enough to be worth transporting around the world.

For unique, handmade items made by local artisans, check out the online store Etsy, they have fabulous stuff.

Higher Priced Gifts For Someone Going Abroad

If you are closer to someone going abroad, you might want to get a more expensive gift for them.

There are so many present options for a friend moving abroad or someone traveling abroad, it might be hard to pick.

Here are some ideas for durable, high-quality gifts for someone going abroad.

9. Long-Lasting Outdoor Gear

If you’re looking for something that’s compact, lightweight and durable, look no further than long-lasting outdoor gear.

These items can be used in any weather and are perfect for cycling, hiking, camping or backpacking.

Examples of long-lasting outdoor gear include:

• Lightweight umbrella
• Waterproof boots – for the city or for hiking
• All-terrain hiking sandals – Chaco brand is the best!
• Waterproof raincoat – Berhaus brand is extremely good quality
• Backpacking/hiking/day trip bag – nothing can compete with the Osprey brand 

10. Power Bank

A portable power bank is a must-have for any traveler, especially long-term ones.

With a power bank, your friend can charge a phone and other devices on the go without having to worry about finding an outlet or charging station.

Power banks come in various capacities—so you need to choose one that works for the length of their trip and the type of device(s) they’ll be using it with (e.g., smartwatch, tablet).

Make sure before buying a power bank that it’s compatible with both their phone and other electronics!

11. Portable Wifi Hot Spot

You know when you’re traveling, or even just out and about, and you have to keep checking your phone for important texts or emails?

Well, that’s annoying. And if you’re abroad and don’t have access to a stable connection, it can be downright impossible.

A portable wifi hotspot is a small device that connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth or USB and extends its mobile data signal—your friend will never have trouble staying connected again.

Portable wifi hot spots are small enough to fit in a pocket or purse and weigh only a few ounces at most.

They’re also much cheaper than data plans from a mobile carrier ($10-$30 per day for unlimited 4G LTE service).

Most models even come with an app so the battery life can be tracked.

12. Portable Translator

It’s a good idea to learn even just a little bit of the local language before traveling to a new place. It helps with making friends and getting around easier!

Of course, becoming fluent overnight is impossible so don’t underestimate the power of Google Translate to help.

Many people use it to translate signs, menus, and websites. That’s great for more common languages because it can be pretty accurate.

Unfortunately, it needs to have a stable data connection or alternatively have pre-downloaded an app that has offline translation.

It gets a bit trickier if translation is needed for a language that is not as common because online translators won’t do very well at those.

Living in Albania means that I found out quickly how bad google translate is for Albanian.

Getting a portable translator will make your friend’s life so much easier.

Instead of worrying about data connection, offline downloads, and just general translation reliability, they can focus on enjoying their time and being present in their surroundings.

A translator can be a little expensive, which is why many people opt to just struggle with other subpar alternatives.

But this is exactly why it makes a great gift – it’s something that someone could really use but wouldn’t necessarily buy for themselves.

13. Noise-Canceling Headphones

Noise-canceling headphones are a great gift because they can be used to block out the noise of an airplane, train, or bus ride.

They can also be used to sleep soundly in a hotel room if the hotel is too loud with their guests, or construction workers outside.

They’re also great for focusing during work or while sharing a living space with others.

14. Luggage Set And Luggage Scale

Though it’s a more expensive gift, they will really appreciate having a sturdy set of bags to transport their belongings to their new home or homes.

I highly recommend the Briggs and Riley brand. I own a set myself and they last forever.

They are extremely high quality and one of the only luggage brands to give you a lifetime guarantee.

If any of your bags break, they will fix it or replace them if fixing isn’t an option. Purchasing a Briggs and Riley suitcase is a meaningful investment for your friend going abroad.

If you want to get only one bag, that would still be helpful and you can always include a lightweight luggage scale so they can always make sure they adhere to the different weight requirements of international airlines.

I have this one, it has worked well for years now.

Digital Gifts For Someone Going Abroad

The best way to ensure that your gift for someone going abroad will be useful to them is to make it take up zero space in their suitcase.

Nowadays there are so many digital gifts that you can give. Unfortunately, many people don’t think of them right away.

It is sort of a newer idea and also some of the joy of gift-giving is physically opening a present.

But, if it’s up to me, I would prefer to get something that someone can actually use, rather than a present that they will have to donate or give away because they don’t have space for it.

15. Online Travel Magazine Or Audio Book Subscription

A subscription to an online travel magazine like Condé Nast Traveler is also ideal if you don’t want to give a physical item.

It’s easier than ever before to get magazines through your email inbox every month.

Audiobook subscriptions like Audible are another option if you don’t want to give anything physical at all.

It’s a great way to be learning something new while taking transport to the next destination.

16. House-Sitting Membership

House sitting is a great way to “travel for free” aka, saving money on travel accommodation.

If you get a house-sitting membership as a gift for your friend going abroad, it means that can find house sits in many countries around the world.

It’s a great way to meet locals and learn about the culture. They don’t have to be an expert at gardening or painting walls.

Just maintain the place as if it were their own home, take care of any pets, feed any fish and water plants.

An individual doesn’t need a lot of experience to become a house sitter – read more about what exactly a house sitter does.

If you want to jump straight to purchasing a memmbership, I recommend going with the largest, most reliable house-sitting website, Trustedhousesitters.com.

17. Work Exchange Membership

What is a work exchange? The main gist is that someone swaps their time for free accommodation and food and sometimes other perks too.

A work exchange membership is another great gift for anyone who wants to travel affordably while also making a difference in the world.

It allows a traveler to swap their time for free accommodation, food, and other expenses.

But how does it work? You can purchase a gift membership on one of the many websites that offer work exchanges.

Your friend that is going traveling would then create a profile that describes where they would like to go, when, and what kind of help exchange they are looking for.

Then they would message hosts from all over the world to inquire about the volunteer opportunity.

With a yearly membership, your friend can send unlimited messages to hosts or other work exchangers.

For example, I helped at an eco-tourism villa in Montenegro for 1 month, volunteered at a hostel in Budapest, Hungary, and helped with a language exchange in Tunisia.

A lot of people want longer periods such as 6 months or 1 year but many want shorter ones like 2 weeks at a vineyard or helping out in a hostel.

There are many options so this is great if your friend is very open-minded and adventurous.

The best work exchange platform for beginners is Worldpackers, use my code ‘MAPTREKKING’ or this link to get $10 off.

They don’t have a specific gift membership option but you can always purchase it under your friend’s name. 

18. The Gift Of Language (Rosetta Stone)

Having a portable translator is best for convenience and portability.

However, if your friend is moving abroad and settling permanently in one place, then learning the language fully is the best option.

Rosetta Stone is a program that helps a person learn a language quickly. It is available on a lot of different devices, including computers and phones.

This means that your friends can use it to learn a new language even if they are traveling with just their phone.

It’s also a good option for taking up zero space in the suitcase—one less thing to worry about packing!

19. Spotify Or Netflix Gift Card

Spotify and Netflix gift cards are great gifts for someone going abroad.

Both are good entertainment options for people who love to travel, especially if they’re going somewhere with limited internet access.

You can choose from a three-month subscription or even a year-long membership, depending on how long you think your friend will be traveling for.

If you want to give them some specially curated music, use Spotify to create some playlists with all their favorite songs.

And if you want to give them something fun while they’re going abroad, Netflix has tons of movies and TV shows that can be pre-downloaded on a device.

20. Amazon Gift Card

If you’ve made it this far and still haven’t found something suitable, well you might as well just give up!

Just kidding, when in doubt, you can always get your friend an Amazon gift card so they can choose.

Honestly, some people are incredibly picky, so there’s no shame in letting them pick what they want.

Final Thoughts

I hope these gifts for someone going abroad have inspired you! Hopefully, it helped you find the perfect gift.

No matter what you end up choosing, I’m sure they will appreciate it and know that you are wishing them all the best on their exciting new journey.

Check out these practical gifts for road trip lovers in your life – ps all of them are under $40!

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