Gift guide: 12 of the most thoughtful travel gifts for women

travel gifts for women

A quick note that some links in this post are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them.

There’s usually one type of gift that makes me light up: something that inspires the next trip or makes travel feel a little more special.

Travel-inspired presents are some of the best gifts for women who love exploring new places. But with so many options out there, which ones to pick? I’ve already shared my main travel gift guide and a collection of the best travel gifts for men, which leaves one more to complete the set: the best travel gifts for women.

This list brings together some of the best gifts for female travellers, from practical travel essentials for friends setting off on new adventures to meaningful keepsakes for family members celebrating birthdays or Christmas.

Whether it’s for a female friend, sister, or mother, I hope you’ll find some inspiration for great travel gifts for her here…

The best travel gifts for women

Joie: A Parisian’s Guide to Celebrating the Good Life by Ajiri Aki

 
 

See on Amazon

Joie is one of the best travel book gifts for women who… adore travel, thoughtful living, and the effortless beauty of Paris.

Written by Ajiri Aki, who made Paris her home, this gorgeous book invites readers to slow down and embrace the art of everyday pleasure. Through stories, rituals, and reflections, she captures what it truly means to live with intention and elegance, the Parisian way.

It’s a travel-inspired coffee table book that doesn’t just look stunning but also reminds us that joy isn’t found in constant movement, but in how we choose to live, wherever we are.

Joie

National Forest soy candle

 
 

See on Etsy

This outdoors candle is one of the best travel gifts for women who… find comfort in nature’s quiet and the scent of adventure.

Hand-crafted with all-natural soy wax, this candle captures the fresh, grounding aroma of forest air that reminds you of campfires, mountain trails, and long, peaceful walks. It’s part of a charming travel-themed collection that also includes scents like Scottish Highlands, Tropical Beach, and Parisian Café, which pairs beautifully with reading Joie.

Travel desk calendar 2026

 
 

See on Etsy

This 2026 Travel Desk Calendar is a pretty travel-inspired gift for women who… adore art, wanderlust, and everyday beauty.

Featuring vibrant acrylic paintings by Amber Davenport, each month reveals a new destination, from the golden autumn streets of New York City to the dazzling blue domes of Santorini. It’s more than a way to mark the days; it’s a mini gallery of places to dream about.

When the year ends, the artwork can be reused, framed as wall art or gifted to friends, making it meaningful and versatile. A perfect addition to any desk, it brings a touch of travel joy to your daily routine.

Collapsible travel cup

See on Amazon

A collapsible travel cup is one of the most practical travel gifts for women who… love their tea or coffee while away from home.

Lightweight yet durable, it doubles as a toothbrush cup in hotels, a reusable coffee cup at the airport, a collapsible camping cup, or a trusty everyday travel cup. Once empty, it folds flat, making it easy to slip into a carry-on or day bag.

Wide-brimmed linen summer hat

 
 

See on Etsy

This linen summer hat with wide brims is one of the best travel gifts for a woman who… loves timeless style and the feeling of sunlight without the glare.

Handmade from breathable linen, it’s lightweight, packable, and effortlessly elegant. Perfect for beach strolls, countryside picnics, or cafe mornings in a new city, the soft, natural fabric gives it a relaxed charm that works just as well with travel dresses as it does with everyday outfits.

If you’re looking for a gift that’s practical yet refined, this hat is a lovely way to bring comfort, protection, and understated style to her travels.

Tartan wool scarf

 
 

See on Amazon

A tartan wool scarf is one of the best travel gifts for travellers who… appreciate staying warm in a classic style.

This Irish lambswool scarf blends softness, warmth, and a timeless tartan pattern that never really goes out of style. The size is good for wrapping around the neck, knotting neatly, or draping as a subtle accent to any outfit.

Lightweight enough to tuck into a day bag yet warm enough to rely on, it’s a nice comfort on chilly flights, windy ferry decks, early-morning city walks.

She’s Birdie personal safety alarm

 
 

See on Amazon

The She’s Birdie personal safety alarm is one of the best gifts for female travellers who… value independence, peace of mind, and the confidence to explore freely.

Instead of defensive tools like pepper spray that aren’t allowed in carry-ons, this compact alarm offers a non-violent way to stay safe. With a simple pull of the top pin, it emits a loud alarm and flashing light designed to deter unwanted attention and attract help.

Designed by women for women, the Birdie alarm is a travel companion that provides reassurance wherever her adventures lead.

Circe Care pee cloth infused with silver-ions

 
 

See on Amazon

The silver-infused pee cloth is one of the best travel gifts for… adventurous women drawn to hiking, camping, or spending time off-grid – and still care about comfort, hygiene, and zero waste.

This reusable antimicrobial pee cloth is made for women who prefer sustainable and sanitary solutions when nature calls. The silver infusion helps reduce odour and bacteria, while the soft, quick-drying fabric feels gentle on the skin. It’s easy to clip onto a backpack or fold away discreetly, making it perfect for long trails or minimalist trips.

It’s practical, eco-friendly, and admittedly a little unusual – but once you’ve tried it, it just makes sense.

Travel watercolour paint kit

 
 

See on Uncommon Goods

This travel watercolour paint kit is one of the best travel gifts for… creative souls who love painting little moments from their journeys, without the mess of traditional paint sets.

Created by Aditya Vadgaonkar, this compact kit includes vibrant colour sheets, a refillable sketchbook, and a water brush, all neatly packed for easy portability. It’s a beautiful way to paint on the go, wherever inspiration strikes.

A delightful companion for artists, travellers, and dreamers who see the world in colour.

Inkless instant photo printer

 
 

See on Uncommon Goods

The inkless instant photo printer is one of the best travel gifts for her if… she loves turning digital moments into keepsakes she can hold.

Compact and rechargeable via micro-USB, this clever little printer connects to your smartphone, letting you edit and print photos or labels wherever you are. The prints come out in soft, vintage tones – not HD, but charmingly imperfect, like snapshots from an old travel journal.

It’s a thoughtful gift for anyone who enjoys journaling, decorating travel diaries, or adding a touch of analogue beauty to modern adventures.

Personalised leather travel journal

 
 

See on Etsy

This personalised leather travel journal is one of the best travel gifts for a woman who… loves documenting their journeys and staying organised in style.

Handcrafted from full-grain cow leather, this elegant organiser holds everything she needs for the journey ahead – passport, boarding pass, tickets, notes, cards, pen, and a bit of cash. An inner pocket keeps essentials secure, while the refillable notebook invites her to jot down reflections and memories along the way.

It’s a beautifully made piece that only grows better with time, and a lovely gift for anyone who treasures the art of slow, intentional travel.

Engraved brass compass necklace

 
 

See on Amazon

This engraved brass compass necklace is one of the best travel accessories to gift… an adventurous woman with a fondness for vintage design and meaningful detail.

A working compass encased in aged brass, it’s both elegant and functional, a quiet reminder of direction and discovery wherever her journey leads.

For an added personal touch, it can be custom engraved with initials, coordinates, or a short message, turning it into a one-of-a-kind keepsake that carries sentimental value.

For more thoughtful gift ideas, you might also like my collections of…


 

Similar Posts

 
Joanne Tai

An adventurer, and former seafarer.

Previous
Previous

The Woman in Cabin 10, and the version of ship life I know

Next
Next

Gift guide: 12 of the best travel gifts for men