Christmas gifts for travel lovers: ideas for every kind of traveller

Think about the traveller. Someone who packs light may value one compact item they can use every time. A weekend-break regular might get more from a smart bag than another gadget. And the person who turns every flight into quiet time may care most about comfort or audio.

Before you choose, think about their habits. Do they travel with one small bag? Are they always borrowing a charger? Do they keep the same suitcase until it gives up? Those details can steer you towards something that feels considered.

Now match the gift to the traveller.

For the person whose suitcase has a place for everything, (or would benefit from one), practical organisers can be an easy win.

Start with the parts of travel they handle most.

Size matters too. Someone who rarely checks a bag may prefer slim, lightweight pieces that don't take over their cabin allowance. A traveller who takes longer trips may appreciate something roomier.

Colour and design can make a practical gift feel more personal, but function comes first. Look for strong zips, wipe-clean materials and a shape that fits easily into the kind of bag they already use.

Think about what they already own before adding another organiser. A new piece is more useful when it fills a gap in their setup rather than doubling up on something they pack already.

Tom's pick: a timeless classic, this Carl Friedrik Eaton Passport Holder adds a dash of panache to the most organised of travellers' repartoire.

If their favourite part of the journey is putting the world on mute, think beyond generic ‘travel comfort’. The best present should fit the way they already relax.

For someone who listens to music, films or podcasts on the move, audio can be a strong choice. Rather than choosing on price alone, look at the features they value: compact size, noise reduction, simple controls or easy pairing with the devices they own.

Already well covered for headphones? A sleep mask or another small comfort accessory may be more useful. The point isn't to replace something they like just because a newer version exists.

Gifting also gives you a chance to think about the useful extras people rarely buy for themselves. A protective case, an accessory for their usual tech or a small comfort item can all feel thoughtful when they fit the recipient’s routine.

Tom's pick: for something a little different, the Therabody SleepMask offers a deeper, more restorative rest for the weary traveller, with its soothing vibrations and app-based sound therapy.

If you're buying for a long-haul flyer, the Long-haul flight survival guide goes deeper on what to take on board.

Some travel gifts work hard and still feel special to unwrap. Luggage, weekend bags and premium accessories sit neatly in that space.

Start with the trip they take most often. A cabin case may suit regular city breaks or work travel. A larger suitcase may be better for longer holidays. A weekend bag can work for short rail journeys, road trips or one-night stays.

Then look at the details they'll notice every time they use it. Weight, handle height, wheel movement, pockets and how a bag opens can all matter more than a fashionable finish. If they already own a full luggage set, a premium accessory such as an Aspinal of London Loop Keyring may be the better choice. You can check out the full range of Avios shop luggage to see what works best.

This is also a natural place to use Avios towards a higher-value present. On selected Avios Shop products, Avios can form part of the payment, so you can decide how much of your balance you want to use.

Tom's pick: part of the premium Carl Friedrik luggage range, this classic Silver & Cognac carry-on will have heads turning as they roll down the aisle.

Tech and electricals can make a great Christmas gift because it often travels far beyond the airport. The best choice is the one that fits into what they already use. And for higher price-point items, using part-payment with your Avios can help during this expensive time of year.

AirPods or other earbuds may suit someone who wants audio without much bulk. A smartwatch can be handy for trips and everyday life. A tablet can give them one screen for reading, streaming and browsing. A portable charger may be less glamorous, but it can become one of the most-used items in their bag.

First, check what the gift needs to work with. Find out which phone, tablet or laptop they use and which charging connection it takes. For a smartwatch or premium audio, choosing something that works well with their current phone can make setup much simpler.

Also think about how much kit they really want to carry. A frequent business traveller may value something compact and quick to use. Someone heading off on a longer holiday may care more about battery life or a larger screen.

Tom's pick: for up to seven days battery life, the Garmin vívosmart® 5 has everything the avid traveller would want to track on the move - from stress levels to step-count.

A gift for a travel lover doesn't have to leave the house. Sometimes the most welcome reminder of being away is part of an everyday ritual at home.

Think about the moments they talk about after a trip. Maybe it's the first coffee of the morning in a new city, the calm of a good hotel room or a long dinner that seemed to last all evening. Those details can point you towards a present with a real connection to travel, without putting another accessory in their suitcase.

Tom's pick: a gift which never goes to waste, this Molton Brown Orange & Bergamot Signature Candle is an uplifting and evocative scent for the traveller who wants to be taken back.

Keep the link personal. The strongest gift is the one that reminds you of something they genuinely enjoy about being away.