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Best Friend Essential Gear For Men For Women Going Away Moving Abroad

10 Things to Buy Before Studying Abroad

So you’re getting ready for your very first study abroad experience? Congratulations! While we are sure you’ve got your study abroad packing list ready with all the necessary items, there are always a few essentials that get overlooked. So, with suggestions from those who have studied abroad before, we’re covering a list of things to buy before studying abroad so you’re ready for anything!

Things to buy before studying abroad

1. Specific Hair Products

There are certain items that are simply smart things to get before studying abroad – your specific hair products are some of these items. Why? Because hair products are different around the globe. If you have a particular item that is tried and true for YOU, you will miss it when you’re caught in a more humid, or more dry, or more wet climate without your fav hair gel/spray/oil/etc. Why take the time to figure out what local products will work for you, when you already have a trusted product you can bring along. 

2. Deodorant

When you study abroad, it can take time to figure out which stores to shop in and what products to buy. Or maybe you are studying abroad in a more remote location where certain “luxury” items will be hard to find. That’s why you don’t want to leave the US without ensuring you have enough quantity of crucial items to last you at least your first month. An example of one of the most crucial items to buy: DEODORANT! 

3. A Breathable Rain Jacket

You will likely come across different weather patterns during your time abroad, but you don’t have the space to pack a variety of coats and jackets for each temperature. So pick something versatile like a breathable rain jacket. It can be worn for windy days, cool evenings, rainy weather, or even layered over heavier sweaters and jackets as needed. 

» Columbia Jacket for Women // Men

4. A Durable Backpack and Daypack

Rolling luggage items aren’t always suited for a study abroad trip. Often you’ll be going on different excursions or weekend trips to make the most of your time abroad. That’s why a very essential thing to buy before study abroad is a durable backpack, plus a smaller daypack to carry important items with you instead of leaving them in the hostel. 

» Check out our list of great backpacks for study abroad, too!

5. Host Family Gifts

If you will be staying with a host family or have a specific academic advisor you’ll be assigned to, American themed gifts that you can bring with you are smart things to get before studying abroad. You’ll want to share with them a bit of your home country as well, and offer a token of your appreciation for all that they’ve done for you.   *link to article about host family gifts?

Don’t forget a goodbye gift for your host family, too!

6. A pair of comfy and versatile shoes/sandals

A study abroad packing list is not complete without having a solid pair of versatile and comfy shoes or sandals (or both). We aren’t talking about a good pair for walking, another good pair for nights out, another good pair for the beach. We are talking about one or two pairs of shoes or sandals that will cover all of the above! Especially needed for those weekend getaways. 

» Chacos are great, and so are Tevas

7. A pack (or two) of face/body wipes

Let’s face it, when you travel, you get dirty. Falling asleep on planes, using the window as a pillow on trains, overnights in cabins with barely clean water supply….you’re going to want a way to keep your face and hands (and maybe even body) clean! Make sure to buy your favorite face wipes, hand wipes, body wipes, whatever wipes you need to help you stay hygienic while you travel. 

8. Clothing you can layer

When you live in a different county, you can never be sure about the weather and how you will adjust to it. If you don’t already have clothes you can easily layer, now’s the time to get some. Leggings (or thermal underwear if you’re going somewhere cold!), tanks, tees, button or zip up sweaters, and at least one good hoodie are all things you need before studying abroad. 

9. Other specific toiletries you can’t imagine going weeks without 

Really think about this. What would you cry over if you land in a place and the local supermarkets or corner stores don’t stock your needed toiletries? These are the other crucial items to buy. Typically the list might include feminine hygiene products (especially tampons), medicated products, products for sensitive skin, or even toilet paper.

10. A comfort item

Homesickness is a bit inevitable wherever you go. No matter how much fun you are having, there will always be a few nights where you are missing the comforts of your own home. So bring a comfort with you – maybe a very American food item or sweet, your go-to movie or book, a small photo album of your favorite people — anything that can cheer you up like a good familiar hug would. 

Your study abroad packing list is just getting started!

Besides your standard packing list, we hope we helped you figure out all the essential and overlooked things you need before studying abroad! And who knows, you may even find some new favorite items in your host city or town that you’ll want to bring back. So make sure to leave a little space in your luggage for the return trip home 😉

To recap, here’s our list of things to buy before studying abroad:

  1. Specific Hair Products
  2. Deodorant
  3. A Breathable Rain Jacket
  4. A Durable Backpack and Daypack
  5. Host Family Gifts
  6. A pair of comfy and versatile shoes/sandals
  7. A pack (or two) of face/body wipes
  8. Clothing you can layer
  9. Other specific toiletries you can’t imagine going weeks without
  10. A comfort item

» Shop more essential study abroad gear

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Anytime Best Friend For Men For Women

9 Truly Unique Travel Gifts

Does someone in your life have an exciting trip coming up?! You may be wondering what you can give them to make their travels a little bit easier, the long flights more comfortable, or their packing a whole lot smarter and light. We’ve got you covered with unique travel gifts any traveller will appreciate.

These tried and true gifts may be just the thing they need for an even more enjoyable excursion (beyond the typical gifts your friend’s mom is probably already buying them!).

The most unique travel gifts

1. Anything Merino Wool, Like this Buff

Buff Lightweight Merino Wool Sports-Headbands

If you don’t yet know about Merino wool, you should! Merino wool has many benefits for a traveler. It helps control body temperature so it can be used in both hot and cold weather, it helps reduce wetness keeping you more dry, and it reduces odor so it will last longer without smells. Anything Merino wool makes great travel gift ideas, like this 100% Merino wool Buff. Lightweight and wearable in 10 different ways no matter the season, location, or activity!

2. Kindle 

All-new Kindle - Now with a Built-in Front Light - Black - Includes Special Offers

Your book loving friend can not possibly manage to carry all that heavy weight during an upcoming backpacking trip. Kindles are lightweight and compact, so very easy to carry wherever you go, and can be stored with thousands of books and audiobooks. The Kindle is a well known travel based gift for anyone who enjoys a good read on the plane, at the beach, in the hotel room, at the local coffee shop…pretty much anywhere!

3. Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones

JLab Audio JBuds Air True Wireless Signature Bluetooth Earbuds

Sometimes even when you’re out on the road you just want to block out the noise around you. Think crowded planes, buses, and trains when travellers want to chill and enjoy the sights (or sleep). These wireless bluetooth earbuds are a unique travel gift for your friend or loved one who appreciates good quality sound at their fingertips. The earbuds come in a compact charging case that can fit inside coat pockets, and are sweat resistant to hold up during any activity. 

4. Spotify Gift Card

Spotify Gift Card

Thinking about a gift combo? A spotify gift card can go perfectly with the noise cancelling earbuds! This gift card is good for a year long spotify premium subscription at $20 less than the normal price. Spotify is filled with millions of songs that can be made into personalized playlists OR can determine customized playlists to match your taste. A premium account gives worldwide access so he can listen to Flamenco in Spain or Bollywood hits in India without missing a beat. 

5. Solar Powered Phone Charge Bank

Solar Charger 26800mAh, Portable Solar Power Bank USB C PD 18W Fast Charger with Ultra Bright 2 Flashlights and 60 LEDs Panel Light, External Battery Pack for Camping Outdoor

Clearly a unique travel based gift for the outdoorsy traveler should include solar power!  No matter if they will be camping full time or spending some days out on the trails, a solar powered phone charger will come in handy. This high efficiency power bank can charge 3 devices at once and has 2 emergency flashlights and 1 panel light built in. 

6. Lightweight Packable Rain Jacket

Columbia Women's Arcadia Ii Waterproof Breathable Jacket With Packable Hood

An all-weather jacket is a high valued necessity amongst travelers. This trusty Columbia rain jacket is a unique gift for travelers because not only is it a lightweight and waterproof jacket, it can actually be folded into its own pocket! Talk about convenience and easy packing. Whether it’s protecting her from wind or rain, the nylon outer layer will keep her dry while the mesh polyester inner layer will keep her warm and comfortable.

7. Silk Sleeping Bag Liner

Vumos Sleeping Bag Liner and Camping Sheet – Silk Like Material for Travel - Has Full Length Zipper

Camping just got better for your travel lover with this sleeping bag liner. The silk like material is lightweight, soft, and breathable for a comfortable sleep. Can be used in cold weather for added warmth, or can be expanded into a large sheet for solo use on warmer nights. A unique travel gift that not only works with sleeping bags, but also adds protection in any questionable place while traveling (like sleeper buses and trains). 

8. Turkish Travel Towels

Cacala 2 Pieces Pestemal Turkish Towel Set - 1 Bath Towel

Bulky towels are never a good idea when packing for travel. That’s why long lasting, light weight, and easy-to-pack towels are a great travel gift idea. Turkish towels are known for their high quality cotton which is super absorbent and dries quickly. This towel set comes with a large body towel and a small hand towel. They are versatile towels and take up little space in luggage, which is highly valued for travelers! 

9. Cork Travel Globe

Globe Trekkers - Mini Cork Globe with 50 Red Colored Push Pins & Durable Steel Base | Great for Mapping Travels & Educational Purposes

A cute mini table top cork globe makes a unique travel gift for the travel fiend in your life! No matter if he is just starting out on his first of many trips, or if she already has 10 countries under her belt, this cork globe will be a hit. It comes with 50 red push pins to map out their travels or visualize their travel goals. 

What good gifts for people who travel did we miss?

While it may seem daunting to find the right gift for the traveler in your life, we hope our list of unique travel gifts made the process easier! Now you can focus on other things to do before they go  – like making their favorite homemade dish or writing a list of all the things you will miss about them while they are away. They will be filled with love from these gifts and warm gestures as they go out into the world 🙂

Here is a recap of our truly unique travel gifts:

  1. Anything Merino Wool, Like this Buff
  2. Kindle
  3. Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones
  4. Spotify Gift Card
  5. Solar Powered Phone Charge Bank
  6. Lightweight Packable Rain Jacket
  7. Silk Sleeping Bag Liner
  8. Turkish Travel Towels
  9. Cork Travel Globe

Keep shopping unique travel gifts »

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Anytime Best Friend Exchange Student For Men For Women

9 Small Travel Gifts They’ll Love

We know that shopping for thoughtful, affordable, and small travel gifts (ya know, the packable kind) is no easy feat. You want to celebrate their adventurous lifestyle or next getaway, but you’re ballin’ on a budget and still need to buy them dozen of drinks at their going away party.

That’s why are thrilled to make shopping for small travel gifts easier for you. If you don’t know what to get for your friend or family member who is traveling abroad soon, then I would suggest you take a look at this list of 9 small travel gifts.

We have chosen the best travel gifts under $25, and even some of the best travel gifts under $10 (you’re a budget master!).

The best small travel gifts

1. Packing Cubes

JJ POWER Travel Packing Cubes, Luggage Organizers with Shoe Bag

Packing and unpacking is the worst part of traveling. Your friend probably hates it too. But what can you do to make the packing process more fun and simple for them? You can get them these cute packing cubes. They are multifunctional and come in different sizes and colors. These packing cubes are a must-have in order to solve all the packing problems. Your friend will know where their favorite shirt is, without having to make any mess. They will love this gift because it will save them a lot of time while packing for their next trip. 

2. Noise Cancelling Ear Buds

Noise Cancelling Ear Buds

Music is a big part of a trip. When your friend is on the plane or the bus, they need to have a good pair of headphones to block the noise that comes from other passengers. In the small travel gifts list,, we have put these noise-canceling earbuds that you can buy for them. They are pretty useful and very affordable too. They have powerful noise isolation and they will become their number one companion. Your friend won’t get bothered by anyone. This way they will be able to enjoy their flight.

3. Canvas Classics from Toms

TOMS Canvas Classics

Do you know that saying: “Good shoes take you to good places”? Well, these shoes sure they do. A good pair of comfortable shoes will make it easier for your friend to have a better time while exploring the streets of that country they are traveling to. They have gotten the attention of our inexpensive travel gifts radar. You cannot go wrong with this gift, because it is something that everyone will like and will find useful. 

4. Power Bank

small travel gifts like power banks

Do you know how annoying it can be when your phone’s battery dies just when you are about to visit an amazing place? This probably happened to your friend, at least once. But it won’t happen anymore, because you are going to get the perfect gift for them; a power bank. A power bank is one of the best small travel gifts that you can get. It is also one of the best cheap travel gifts that you can find. A Power Bank is better than anything else if your friend likes to always take photos and videos with their phones. Because we know how phones are nowadays. Their battery just dies out of nowhere. 

5. Herschel Passport Holder

Herschel Raynor Passport Holder, One Size

Luggage? Check. Phone? Check. Passport? Check. Everything is good to go. But wait. What if I told you that there is this cute gift that you can get for your friend or family member so that they can customize their passport a little bit? It is called the Herschel Passport holder, and I think it is one amazing gift that you can give to someone who travels often. With this gift, they will be reminded of you every time they go on a trip, and be so happy that they have a friend like you. 

6. Travel Scarf with Hidden Zippers

Travel Scarf with Hidden Zippers

Another great gift in the small travel gifts section is this travel scarf with hidden zippers. I am not saying that your friend needs to hide anything in these pockets with hidden zippers, but they can be useful when they need to have their essential things near them all time. Your friend can use this scarf to put their phone, passport, or money inside of it. This way they don’t need to take a bag full of things with them when they are exploring a place. It is also pretty comfortable too! 

7. A Nice Sleep Mask

A Nice Sleep Mask

Sleeping on the plane can be a tough process for your friend. A nice sleep mask will sure help them. This eye mask is made out of cotton and will give your friend a perfect light blockout. It is soft and comfortable thanks to the padding inside of it. Your friend can adjust it, in order to fit their head without tangling their hair or feeling tight. It is a nice gift which they will surely appreciate that you got it for them. 

8. Travel Jewelry Organizer

Travel Jewelry Organizer

My friend is a huge jewelry freak and she takes almost all of her jewelry collection when she goes on a trip. But here is the thing; she cannot stop complaining when it comes to packing the jewelry. If you have a friend like me, then I found the thing that they need to make their traveling better; a jewelry organizer. This gift is the one for them. They can organize their necklaces, rings, earrings, and bracelets without making a big tangled mess. I’m telling you. This gift is their lifesaver!

9. Custom Luggage Tags

Custom Luggage Tags

The last gift idea we have for your friend or a family member are these custom luggage tags. They make a great gift for everyone who travels often. You can personalize these gifts for them, by engraving their names. It is a cute and affordable gift, which will make them happy. Thanks to you, they won’t lose their luggage ever again.

What great inexpensive travel gifts did we miss? 

Which one of these gifts will you be getting for your friend soon? I can assure you that no matter which one of these you choose, they will love it for sure. 

To recap, here is our go-to list for the best small travel gifts:

Keep reading »

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Best Friend For Men For Women Moving Abroad

12 Good Going Away Gifts

Is your friend or a family member going away soon? They always get you something when they visit you and you are probably thinking about what some good going away gifts there are. We’ve got your back, my friend. We have done the research for you and found 12 amazing gifts for someone moving abroad. Choose for yourself, which is the best one that fits your friend or family member. 

Really good going away gifts

1. Photo Frame with Customizable Letters

MELANNCO Customizable Letter Board with 8-Opening Photo Collage, 19-Inch-by-17-Inch, Black

When it comes to moving away gifts, something customizable and affordable is better than something very expensive. This photo frame with customizable letters lets you add a message for your friend or family member which makes it more personal. You can find the best pictures you have together and add an inside joke that only you two understand. Hats down, this is one of many great farewell gift ideas for friends. 

2. A New Travel Backpack

Osprey Porter 46 Travel Backpack

Travelling can sometimes be very expensive. Traveling equipment can be too. If you know that your friend is traveling on a budget, why not get him or her a very nice new travel backpack. This way you get them a thoughtful gift which helps them out a little bit. The bag will remind them everywhere they are, that they have a good friend to always come back to. 

3. Pimped Out Air Travel Sleep Kit

Pimped Out Air Travel Sleep Kit

This gift is the perfect gift for friend going abroad for studies. They have a long flight ahead of them and they need to get some good sleep before they land on their new place. The pimped out air travel sleep kit doesn’t only have a neck pillow, but eye masks and earplugs as well. This travel sleep kit will help them travel more comfortably and they will be so thankful for it. 

4. Apple AirPods

Apple AirPods with Wired Charging Case

We cannot leave Apple Airpods out of our good going away gifts list. It’s time for your friend to replace their old headphones with their new just received gift. Apple Airpods can be one of the best gifts for someone moving abroad. This gift will make their day, every day! They can listen to music on the go, and even call you on the move. You don’t want to miss the expression on their face when they get this gift. So, what are you waiting for? 

5. A Turkish Travel Towel

A Turkish Travel Towel

Your friend will probably visit the beach while they are traveling. If not the beach, then they can use this gift when going to the hotel’s pool, sauna, or yoga class. I am talking about this beautiful Turkish travel towel which is 100 % cotton and has a very unique design. Because it is very thin, it doesn’t take up space in your friend’s luggage. They will have something to remember you by and also something very beautiful to use daily. 

6. Airbnb Gift Card

Airbnb Gift Card

An Airbnb gift card is one of the best good going away gifts. It is a perfect gift for any occasion. Your friend will be so glad that you saved them a little bit of money, because like I said earlier, traveling can sometimes be expensive. 

7. Fujifilm Instant Camera

Fujifilm Instant Camera

All those beautiful places that your friend is going to visit have the right to be always remembered. Taking pictures has become so easy lately. We just grab our phones and snap! But how often do we look at them, except for the ones we post online? Not quite often. Buying your friend a Fujifilm instant camera will help them save their best travel memories forever, even when they forget their iCloud password. 

8. Spotify Subscription

Spotify Subscription

Everyone deserves to listen to their favorite music when traveling. This gift is just the thing that your friend needs. A Spotify Subscription will make their travels more fun and exciting. This way they will never get bored on a plane, train or bus because they have their music with them. 

9. Travel Slippers

Snoozies Skinnies & Travel Pouch | Purse Slippers for Women | Travel Flats with Pouch | Womens Slippers On The Go

After a long day of traveling and exploring their new place, your friend will need this next gift from our good going away gifts list. Travel slippers will make everyone happy. They are a very affordable gift, but very thoughtful at the same time. They are very comfortable and come in different colors. Your friend doesn’t have to worry if they get dirty, because they are fully machine washable and won’t shrink! 

10. Tripod Selfie Stick with Bluetooth Remote

Tripod Selfie Stick with Bluetooth Remote

If you ever traveled somewhere, you know it is hard to find someone to take a good picture of you. This is one of the biggest problems that someone who travels faces. Your friend can’t just take selfies all time. A selfie won’t capture the entire view, so this tripod selfie stick is the best gift for someone who loves taking pictures while traveling.  It has a Bluetooth remote, which you can connect to different devices. 

11. Packing Cubes

AmazonBasics 4 Piece Packing Travel Organizer Cubes Set - 2 Medium and 2 Large, Blue

Packing becomes so messy. Your friend doesn’t know what to take and what not to take with them. They probably have lots of stuff which they need to separate in different areas. I think these packing cubes will help them out. They are affordable and a great gift for someone who is traveling somewhere for a long time, and they need more stuff than usual. With these packing cubes, their things won’t get messy, and your friend will appreciate it. 

12. Custom Pint Glasses

Can Glass Set - Rocky Mountain National Park Topographic Map

At the end of a long traveling day, your friend will need a drink. These custom pint glasses will come in handy. They are a stunning hand printed set of glasses that feature a section of Rocky Mountain National Park. If they visited this park, even better! They won’t only have something to remind you of, but it is also a great memory for their visit to this park!

What other farewell gift ideas for friends did we miss? 

What do you think about these 12 gift ideas for your friend or family member who is going to travel soon? Which one of these are you going to choose? To be honest, they are all great gifts, and I am sure that they will love whatever you choose for them. 

To recap, here is our go-to list for gifts for someone moving abroad:

  1. Photo Frame with Customizable Letters
  2. A New Travel Backpack
  3. Pimped Out Air Travel Sleep Kit
  4. Apple AirPods
  5. A Turkish Travel Towel
  6. Airbnb Gift Card
  7. Fujifilm Instant Camera
  8. Spotify Subscription
  9. Travel Slippers
  10. Tripod Selfie Stick with Bluetooth Remote
  11. Packing Cubes
  12. Custom Pint Glasses

Keep reading »

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Anytime Best Friend For Men For Women

7 Great Gifts for Couples Who Travel

So your coworker and her boo are travel addicts. Or maybe your friend likes to surprise his partner with spontaneous trips. As hard as it may be, you know the right thing is not to get jealous, but rather to celebrate their combined love for adventure! Whether they have a planned trip coming up or you want to inspire their next excursion, we’ve got a list of 7 great gifts for couples who travel together.

The best gifts for couples who travel

1. Personalized Luggage Tags

Personalized Luggage Tags

Help make their luggage stand out in the crowd. These luggage tags are perfect wedding or anniversary gifts for couples who like to travel. Can choose between 3 styles of personalized engraving, customized with the couples names. And it comes in 12 different color combos, so you can cater to the couple’s color personality. 

2. A Headphone Splitter

Headphone Splitter

No longer do they have to fight over headphones while traveling, or try to watch a movie with only one earbud each. With this high quality and universal compatibility headphone splitter, they will be able to share movies, music, games and more while on their 12 hour international flight or using their interrail pass. I’m sure you can imagine why this is one of the best gifts for couples who travel!

3. A Pair of Travel Coffee Mugs

Pair of Travel Coffee Mugs

When your body is adjusting to time changes, you may need coffee at any odd hour of the day. These travel coffee mugs have vacuum insulated stainless steel for lasting freshness and autoseal lids to prevent spills. Since it comes as a 2- pack in 9 different color combos, it’s an excellent gift for couples who like to travel. 

4. A Set (or Two) of Packing Cubes

Packing Cubes

Try packing for two in one suitcase. Now try packing for two with a set of packing cubes. It makes a huge difference! Hands down one of the best gifts for couples who travel, this 7 piece set of packing cubes makes organizing and squeeeeezing in every last item a breeze. They are made of strong double layer material to withstand the wear and tear of multiple travels.

5. A Luxurious Stay

Airbnb Gift Cards

Hello choices! If your favorite couple has a unique taste of their own, then take the pressure off yourself and let them pick their next home away from home with an Airbnb gift card. As simple as they are, Airbnb gift cards are always great gifts for traveling couples since they can be used in a last minute pinch or to book on a budget. 

6. Upgraded Travel Backpacks

Osprey Porter 46 Travel Backpack

Backpacking adventures are always a good relationship test for couples both new and old. Help them have one less challenge by gifting them tried and true travel backpacks. Tortuga is a well known travel brand and makes quality backpacks with the smart traveler in mind. Comfortable and convenient, these backpacks make great gifts for traveling couples so they can stress less about their luggage and enjoy more of the travel experience. 

7. A USA Photo Map

USA Photo Map

Have the lovebirds just returned from a US road trip? Or do you think it’s about time they took one? This 50 states travel map tops our gifts for couples who like to travel. They’ll get to customize each state with photos from their fav places, and can use “blank” states to add future sights they’d like to see. Maybe you can even fill some in for them to get it started! 

What gifts for couples who travel did we miss?

We think we covered the spectrum of best gifts for couples who travel. No matter if their traveling style is romantic, relaxing, or rugged, all of these gifts can be suited to match! The perfect couple will have the perfect journey ahead 🙂

Here’s a recap of our great gifts for couples who travel!

» Keep shopping

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Anytime Best Friend For Men For Women

7 Great Gifts for Travel Lovers

So your friend is preparing for his/her next adventure and you are looking for a selection of perfect gifts for travel lovers. Well, look no further. As travel lovers ourselves, we’ve compiled a list of 7 sure-to-be-used gifts for people who love to travel. From books, to gear, to gadgets, these unique gift ideas will have your friend saying, “this is exactly what I’ve been wanting/looking for” – or at least – “what I didn’t even know I needed!”  

As an added bonus, these gifts will be appreciated both while they’re out on the road and when they are safely back home. Now the question isn’t what should you buy, but which one should you buy for your traveling friend. We’ll do our best to help you decide…

The best gifts for travel lovers

1. The Bucket List

The Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big & Small

No matter if it’s your friend’s very first trip abroad or 10th plane ride to somewhere exotic, a book of 1,000 things to do and see is sure to entice them. Especially if they have a heart for seeking adventures and unique experiences, this is one of the best gifts for travel lovers. The book is roughly 500 pages and the bucket list is categorized by longitude (interesting!), including both well-known sights and localized activities. 

2. Travel Stub Diary

Travel Stub Diary

Anyone who has spent time traveling knows their suitcase quickly fills with brochures, maps, and ticket stubs – usually with a plan to make a scrapbook, but often ending up in the trash can. This travel diary is the perfect gift for someone who loves to travel but who may not be good at staying organized. Protective sleeves preserve photos, postcards, and other memorabilia, while margins leave room for notes and favorite local sayings. At the end of her trip, she’ll be happy to show off her neatly kept memories. 

3. Setout Travel Backpack from Tortuga

Setout Travel Backpack Men's Fit: 45L Maximum-Sized Carry On Backpack

For the smart (or wanna-be-smart) packer, a travel backpack is JUST the thing they need. If you’re looking for gifts for people who love to travel without the inconvenience of heavy luggage and baggage fees, this 45L carry-on size backpack will do the trick. It wears like a backpack but opens like a suitcase and includes laptop and zipper compartments. Plus it’s durable and flexible so you’ll be amazed by how much can fit inside! 

4. GoPro Hero 8

GoPro HERO8

Who doesn’t want a GoPro these days? So when thinking of gifts for travel lovers, who have the chance to take some amazing shots around the world, a GoPro is a clear choice. If your friend is entering the travel blogging/vlogging world, they will need a superior camera to compete with the rest. With wide views and smooth views, the Hero 8 has many features for filming and live-streaming – seriously, you’ll need to click the link cuz it’s too long for us to list!

5. Sony Noise Canceling Headphones

Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones

For a more unique gift idea for a travel lover, try these noise canceling headphones. Your friends will not know they need them, but they absolutely do. Whether they need to take work calls while on the road or need to fall asleep in noisy planes and cities, they will want to take these headphones everywhere they go. Perks include quick charging, 30 hour battery life, endless comfort, premium quality, and easily adjustable volume. 

6. Watercolor Scratch Off Map

Scratch Off Map of The World

A way to show off the world’s beauty while showing off your beautiful travels! This is a creative and artsy gift for someone who loves to travel. Your friend will be able to scratch off her completed destinations to reveal a watercolor design, while searching the map for her next journey. It comes with a scratching tool and memory stickers, and it’s large size and vibrant  colors make it an excellent wall decoration. 

7. AirBnB Gift Card

Airbnb Gift Cards

For a more practical gift for people who love to travel, pick something to help them as they go. AirBnB is a heavily used source for stays around the world, so a gift card can come in handy at any time. Even if your friend is typically a hostel-staying traveler, having a night with a private bed and bathroom in an AirBnB rental may be just the treat they need. 

What other gifts for travel lovers did we miss?

We hope you found what you were looking for in our list of 7 best gifts for travel lovers. From encouraging, to professional, to decorative, to practical – any of these gifts are sure to please people who love to travel. The only thing you’ll need to worry about now is how to hint that they should take you with them next time! 😉

Here’s a recap of our great gifts for travel lovers!

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Anytime Best Friend For Men For Women

11 Creative Gifts for Someone Studying Abroad

As the family member or friend of a lucky student about to study abroad, you want to do what you can to make their experience a great one! The internet is littered with helpful must-haves for every traveler—but what about gifts that will help your loved one feel more at home, wherever they are in the world?

Besides the gift of you visiting (which is not always feasible, womp), the most thoughtful gifts for someone studying abroad is one that will help make their new living space an oasis of calm and source of inspiration in a foreign land. 

Read on for the eleven creative gifts for someone studying abroad, all in the form of wall decor that is light, practical, and attractive! The bonus is, once your gift is on their wall, it will always inspire them to think of you, too! You wouldn’t want them to forget you on their grand adventure, would you? 

Gifts for someone studying abroad they’ll love

What makes a great travel gift for a student studying abroad? We decided you can arm them either with great stuff to take on their adventure or ways to commemorate their experiences in their dorm rooms once they make it back.

1. Scratch off world map

scratch off world map

This fun map is quickly becoming a must-have for any wanderer, making it one of the best gifts for travelers this year! It’s easy, helps keep track of all the adventures—and it’s an ever-changing decoration! This Scratch The World Travel Map by Maps International is highly detailed, and includes many major cities, for increased accuracy. This is the best gift for a student traveling abroad—it is a beautiful piece that any person seeing the world needs on their wall. 

2. Portable Bluetooth Speaker

portable blue tooth for travel

When you arm your study abroad student with their favorite playlists // Spotify account, they’re invincible! Give them the gift of sharing their music with friends at the pool, on the trails, at the mountain top, and more—this portable bluetooth speaker is one of the best gifts for college students studying abroad.

3. Portable printer 

polaroid printer

For anyone who tends to take pictures on their phones—which is everyone, especially a student exploring the world!—this Wireless Mobile Photo Mini Printer from Polaroid is a genius way to make sure those memories are preserved and displayed. If your student tends to panic-delete every time they try to take a photo (if you know, you know), this gadget is especially for them. Small, lightweight, portable, this printer connects directly to both Android and iOs devices, making printing those phone images a breeze—and making snapping those shots stress-free!

4. City map 

city maps

Although one of the best gifts for a student studying abroad is access to Google Maps, this City Map Art Print from Modern Map Art comes in at a tie. There is nothing like an old-fashioned map for helping one get the lay of the land—and for when that precious phone battery is running low! These gorgeous and useful maps come in a variety of cities, so you can personalize it to whatever fabulous place your loved one is studying. Or, you can even give your student a map of their home city, as a nice reminder that home will be waiting when they’re ready to come back. 

5. Turkish towel 

turkish towel

One of the best travel hacks out there is to take a Turkish towel instead of one of those designed-for-travel microfiber towels, which, let’s be real, do not get the job done. Light and breathable, Turkish towels travel wonderfully, dry quickly, and get softer with every wash. The Turkish towel from DoKa Home comes in a variety of cool and pretty designs, meaning the towel can double as a wall hanging when not in use. Multi-use items are one of the best gifts for students studying abroad—there is only so much you can squeeze into a suitcase, after all!

6. Push pin map 

push pin map gifts for someone studying abroad

A close cousin of the scratch-off travel map is this World Map Poster with Pins from Pin Adventure Maps. The beauty of the push pin is that you can get very precise with where you have visited—and even color-code in whatever category pleases your little organized heart. Let’s be real…every country deserves more than one scratch-off…or, um, trip. 

7. Apple iPad

apple ipad for study abroad

For the student studying abroad that doesn’t want to deal with the hassle of a map poster, this beautiful tapestry by Jinmi Handicrafts comes in a variety of map designs and would be a great addition to any dorm room. It can also double as a privacy-maker—which everyone needs at some point, no matter how nice the roommate!

8. Hanging travel organizer 

hanging travel organizer

Hanging travel organizers are a necessity for any traveler—and this doubles for a student potentially sharing bathroom space!  Unfortunately the market is saturated with organizers that are poorly made, meaning they will start leaking at the worst possible moment. Look no further than this foldable wet pack and toiletry bag by Drakensberg, made from canvas and leather. It’s sturdy, attractive, and will look great on any wall. This bag is an investment that is sure to benefit your traveler wherever they go. 

9. Instax Mini Camera

instax mini for study abroad

One of the best ways to make friends in a new country is to buy them a fun and friendly camera. To really solidify your new friendship, hand them a ready-made copy of your adorable new pic!

10. Tortuga Travel Backpack

tortuga backpack gifts for someone studying abroad

The best of the best, this travel backpack from Tortuga Backpacks will not only keep their stuff safe from the elements, but will keep them looking stylish, too. This 45 liter pack comes in three colors and packs like a suitcase (clam shell luggage for the win!). The best part? This roomy pack is still carry-on friendly, so you’ll save your study abroad student hundreds of dollars in unnecessary check-in fees! It’s one of the most practical gifts for college students studying abroad.

11. Camera Lens Kit

camera lens kit for study abroad

This list of the best gifts for travelers wouldn’t be complete without these incredible add-on camera kits for your everyday smart phone! Who doesn’t want to come back from their trip abroad with hoards of photos to add to their iCloud?

Buy the best gift for someone studying abroad

There you have it! Eleven incredibly creative gifts for someone studying abroad—because the best thing you can do is to make sure their new living spaces are homey and organized. Since you can’t actually be there yourself, these gifts will ensure your loved one is living in a pretty and organized space where they can plan their new adventures, learn how to get around their new city, keep track of where they’ve been, and relax when they’re homesick! 

Tell us—which one do you think is the best gift for a student traveling abroad? 

amy mcmahon

Authored by Amy McMahon

Amy McMahon has lived all over the world, from China to Czechia, teaching and telling stories along the way. She currently lives in Montana with her husband and baby daughter, where she is an emerging writer. She has been published on Medium, Listverse, HerStry, Intrepid Times, and in several travel anthologies. You can find her online at amyandthegreatworld.com or @amygreatworld (Instagram & Twitter).

Categories
Anytime Best Friend

15 Affordable Gifts for Study Abroad

Travel, like many other facets of life, is one of those sought-after, coveted, talked about life experiences. Travel brings opportunities to explore and experience new things, as well as the (unfortunate) collective dread of anyone who’s ever had to hustle to get to the airport on time. Study abroad programs in particular offer the opportunity to live and learn while immersed in a new culture, language, and way of living, and we think they’re great. That said, it can be hard to find affordable gifts for those about to travel, so here’s a collection of gifts for study abroad that will make your travel experience easier and your friends jealous! 

Ranging from practical to entertaining, these gifts will provide a variety of options that charm, aid, and brighten the experiences of any studying abroad. And who knows; some of these affordable gifts might just make it onto your personal travel roster! 

15 cheap gifts for study abroad

We’ve all been there. Stressful lines, crowded seats, having to pack, unpack and then re-pack your clothes into a suitcase just to get everything to fit; sometimes traveling is just plain stressful.

Here are some affordable gifts for study abroad that will help make travel easier, regardless of where you’re going, or how you’re getting there.  

1. Collins Gem Language Phrasebooks 

collins gem language phrasebooks for study abroad

These wonderful little dictionary phrasebooks are slim, lightweight, and fit perfectly inside the carry on or backpack of any traveler going abroad. Packed full of essential phrases and starting words you might need to know while on the go, they’re a nice reference or refresher book if you’re traveling somewhere where English isn’t as readily known. 

A Good Alternative: These Dover Language Guides also come in paperback for easy traveling, and offer similar ease of use and application. You can also find the German, French, Italian, and Russian guides online. 

2. Canway Travel Duffel Bags

How you pack is almost as important as what you pack, and if you’re looking to branch away from bulky roller bags and towards a lightweight, easy-to-store carry-on, this Canway Travel Duffel bag might be for you. 

With a HUGE amount (65 liters!) of storage space inside, this ~$25 duffel bag is more than equipped for the heavy lifting you might need on a longer study abroad trip. Although it likely won’t fit underneath your airplane seat, they’re a good size for a carry on, and can be rolled and folded up when not in use. 

3. An RFID Protected Wallet 

This leather Bi-fold wallet comes in 14 different colors, with lots of cool patterns and colors. With 8 card slots, and RFID protection built into the wallet layers itself, it’s a good way to get a sleek, efficient wallet that will keep your money safe when you travel. After all, nobody wants to eat into their time abroad worrying about the safety of their belongings. 

At less than $20 on Amazon, it’s a quality investment, and a good, practical gift for study abroad—with lots of pockets! 

4. Epicka Universal Travel Adapter 

epicka travel adapter

One of the most essential tools in any well-versed travel kit is an international travel adapter. Useful for both the safety (and usability) of your devices overseas, one of these multipurpose cubes will net you ~$20 and come with a built-in surge protector and 12 month limited warranty. Another perk of this design is that it supports use of both the AC and USB ports simultaneously; so you can plug in both your computer and phone for faster charging. 

A word of caution: although this does offer a convenient, all-in-one solution to trying to find adapter ports for each county you travel to, what it won’t do is act as a converter for local power coming through the device itself. You’ll want to make sure that any devices you travel with are compatible with local use. Or, to avoid any stress, you can pick up a voltage converter like this Bonazza converter, which will both convert power and provide a way to plug in all of your equipment—handy! 

5. Portable Phone Charger

portable charger for study abroad

Let’s be real, we’ve all had those moments when we realize that we need to charge our phones, but don’t have a charger on hand. Thankfully Anker has us covered, with these dual-pack portable phone chargers, compatible with iPhones, Google Pixels, and Samsung Galaxy phones.

Whether you’re venturing off the grid or staying in a hostel where outlets are hotly contested territory, portable chargers can be a real lifesaver. Each battery pack carries a charge of 10,000 mAh, which means 2-3 full phone charges, in a nice, small package. This is a particularly cost effective gift, and a smart idea for anyone traveling abroad—or who might just want some extra screen time.  

6. A Hanging Toiletry Bag 

Hanging toiletry bags for study abroad

Figuring out how to pack and store all your toiletries can be a pain, especially for the longer stays that study abroad trips can bring. Inevitably, it seems like we pack things up for the flight there, only to end up re-packing everything the moment we arrive – and then doing it all over again for the return trip. 

Rather than having to cart around a boring, catch-all bag of disorganized toiletries (spilled shampoo anyone? Ew!), we recommend these super cute hanging travel bags! With zipped pockets and a variety of compartments, these great little bags fold up for storage, and can be hung on the wall or near the shower. Best of all? They’re waterproof, and come in  both patterns or solid colors. For around ~$10, they’re easily one of the most affordable toiletry bags we’ve seen—and their utility makes them a perfect addition to our list of gifts for study abroad . 

7. A Leather Travel Journal 

leather travel journal

Whether you like to draw, sketch, or just write about your experiences on the go, a good travel journal is the perfect study abroad gift for the more creative traveler! 

This leather bound travel journal, sold by leather making company KomalC, is small enough to be stored in a purse or carryon bag, sturdy enough to be used on the go, and handmade for superior quality. It’s pages are unlined, so it’s good for both drawing and writing, and frankly, the leather wrap-around design is nicer than a lot of other options that can be found online. 

For ~$16, it’s an affordable and surprisingly high quality option, and we’re a little in love. 

A fun (non-leather) alternative—these awesome travel journals sold by Compoco, that feature an embossed design and light, pastel colors. Variations can be found here and here

8. Scarves with Hidden Pockets  

It seems just about every travel list wouldn’t be complete without a variation of the money belt.  Simultaneously popping up on almost every essential travel list, but never really getting that combination of practical and fashionable down, love em or hate em, they’re here to stay. For your safety-focused travelers, (or anyone who enjoys feeling like a fashionable spy) these colorful scarves are the perfect variation, with a hidden pocket that easily fits a phone, passport, and some money. At just ~$12 online, the reviews highlight soft fabric, a surprisingly large pocket, and cute designs. 

If you’re not feeling like draping yourself in bright, frilly patterns, these travel scarves have you covered. With a small range of colors, they offer neutrals in gray, black, and white, as well as some less vibrant patterns (to cover all the fashion bases).

Aside from the basics that make traveling easier, here are some more affordable gifts for study abroad designed to liven up an outfit, brighten your day, or just make traveling more fun! After all, half the point in going on any trip across the world is to experience new things, and to enjoy the fact that you’re alive and kicking. 

9. A Stylish Travel Watch 

travel watch for study abroad

How cute is this travel watch? Featuring plenty of wanderlust-inspiring images from around the globe, it’s modern, stylish, and versatile, and the watch band itself can be customized with a variety of colors. 

At ~$50, this is a good statement piece, and a more upscale (but still affordable!) gift if you’re looking to splurge and purchase something nice. 

10. Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera 

instax mini for travel and study abroad

One of the best gifts for study abroad are those that help you remember and enjoy your experiences. The Fujifilm Instax Mini offers a lightweight, portable polaroid camera, to help capture those moments you don’t want to forget. With a range of colors, these nostalgic cameras are sold by a variety of suppliers, and range between ~$45 and $55, on average. Good as a fun investment to your photography array, this is a gift that will continue to have use even after your study abroad experience! You can purchase the camera pre-paired with Polaroid film here

11. Custom Camera Straps – Art Tribute 

study abroad camera strap

For the aspiring photography savant, why not add a little flair to your equipment with a custom camera strap?  This bright, patterned strap comes in a variety of colors, and is compatible with DSLR, polaroid, and point-and-shoot cameras. We recommend this both for the trendy, jet setting traveler looking to customize their gear, and for anyone who feels like adding a more personal touch to their equipment. 

12.World Card Series: Continent Playing Cards

continent playing cards for travelers

For a classic travel gift that transcends language barriers, a deck of cool cards is a versatile and affordable option. These continent decks each feature custom designs, and include a range of countries and capitals found on each continent. 

An added cool factor? The cards all have fun facts about the countries they feature, so you can use them to play a game, and simultaneously learn more about where you are studying abroad. 

While the full set (with all 7 continents, including Antarctica) will put you back ~$75, each individual continent deck can be bought for ~$11-$18 online. We love the geometric design, interesting facts, and the fact that each deck focuses on a different continent around the world. This is definitely a modern uptake on a classic item, and perfect inclusion on our list of gifts for study abroad! 

13. A Scratch-off World Map to Hang on the Wall 

scratch world travel map for study abroad

Most study abroad students and travelers we know enjoy a way to keep track of where they’ve been, and this scratch-off world map is a creative way to do so! Perfect in a dorm room, office, or just on the wall in a traveler’s apartment, this ~$25 poster adds an air of sophistication to any living space, and would look right at home surrounded by postcards and travel mementos. 

A nice alternative: This version includes the maps of countries around the world in a fun border at the bottom of the design. It’s a little brighter, a little more colorful, and nice if you’re looking for an INTENSE rainbow as opposed to the more classic, vintage/faded look from the map above. As a set, it also comes with a smaller map, some cute memory stickers, and some tools to help make the scratch-off part that much easier. 

14. Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel Coloring Book

lonely planet coloring book

Adult coloring books—it seems like lately they’re all the rage, popping up on college campuses, in bookstores, and on blogs. Whether you subscribe to the idea that meticulously coloring in each section can be a kind of meditation in itself, or are just looking for a way to get your mind off of airplane turbulence, this cheeky swear coloring book is a fun gift for anyone studying abroad. 

15. Travel Themed Silly Socks 

travel socks for study abroad

These travel-themed socks are silly and fun, and feature a variety of cities around the world. They range in design from skylines, specific travel attractions, and abstract travel-themed patterns (if you’ve ever wanted socks with a geometric print of travel visa stamps, this one’s for you). These are a fun and colorful nod to the spirit of adventure, and available for both men and women.

Perfect as cheap—but still functional—gifts for study abroad, they’re a great addition for anyone who wants to wear their heart on their sleeve (and their destination on their feet).

Make sure your gifts for study abroad are affordable! 

Whether you’re looking for something practical, something silly, or something a little bit in-between, these gifts for study abroad all have one thing in common, and that’s people about to embark on potentially life-changing travel experiences. 

From functional pieces of clothing, to cool travel journals, we hope our list of 15 affordable gifts for study abroad helps to inspire and entertain — or at least cover the bases if you’re scrambling for gift ideas.

nicole kornblith

Authored by Nicole Kornblith

Nicole Kornblith is a freelance filmmaker and writer, with a passion for travel (and all the shenanigans therein) and design. She occasionally posts about cool places she’s been to on her instagram, and can otherwise be found working in the Production film world.

Categories
Anytime Best Friend

11 Gift Ideas for Overseas Friends

The allure of living in another country is the opportunity to learn a new language, experience a different culture, and the chance to see the world. It’s no wonder your friend packed up their bags and hit the road—whether for that fanciful job or to study abroad.

You’re a tad jealous, but you’re mostly excited for them—that’s why you’ve been seeking gift ideas for overseas friends. You don’t want them to miss the comforts of home (or you) tooooo much, right? Just enough to want to come back to hang out with you from time to time. 😉

Keep reading to uncover great gifts for overseas friends.

The definitive list of the best gift ideas for friends abroad

1. Noise canceling headphones

noise canceling headphones

Traveling overseas means hours spent at airports, long flights, and noise, unless you have a good pair of noise canceling headphones. If the headphones are wireless and portable, even better for easy carry-on packing. Either the in-ear Apple AirPods Pro or Bose Quiet Comfort 20s are great options for Apple users to reduce noise but also be able to control calls. With the press of a button you won’t miss important flight announcements. 

Other great gifts to send abroad can help them shut out the world with over the ear fit headphones, like Bose Noise Cancelling Wireless Bluetooth Headphones 700 or the considerably cheaper COWIN E7 headphones.

2. Adventure camera

go pro for friends overseas

Although most students use their phones to take pictures, adventure cameras can help them capture all the memories of their time abroad. The waterproof GoPro Hero 8, or for less than $200, the older model GoPro Hero 7 Silver will help your student document their new adventures. The difference between these two is that the 8 has a front screen and records with smooth video stabilization.

3. International power adapters 

bestek universal adapter

There’s nothing worse than getting to your destination and realizing you have the wrong adapter to charge your electronics. BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter with three AC sockets and four USB ports will ensure re-charging needs for laptops, phones, and tablets are being met.

4. Travel journal

leather travel journal

A Maleden leather journal or Moleskine Voyageur Notebook are great gift ideas for overseas friends to keep a written record of their travels. Journals make great gifts for travelers to jot down their thoughts, special memories, and impressions about the places they visit. The Voyageur even has sections for budgeting, keeping daily schedules, and creating packing lists for that student who loves to be organized.

5. Comfortable sleep masks

sleep mask for friends overseas

Getting the essential sleep you need can be difficult when traveling. Sleep masks help us catch up on rest by blocking out the light on airplanes and trains. It is the perfect gift for the student whose roommate is up late studying. When choosing a sleep mask, you want to look for one that contours to the face like, for example, Sleep Mask by Bedtime Bliss. Another excellent option is the Mavogel Cotton Mask with side wings. The Mavogel puts less pressure on the eyes than other masks and is designed to block light coming from under the nose area. Both come with a carry pouch, great for travel.

6. A taste of home

frito lay gift basket

What types of snacks is your friend missing most from back home? Consider making a DIY gift basket full of their favorite treats, or going all-in on a pre-made one. Who doesn’t love receiving food gifts for friends abroad?!

We like the salty option from Frito Lay, the lighter option here full of healthy snacks, or these delightful, picture-perfect macarons.

7. Kindle

kindle

Amazon has the most digital books available in the e-reader market, so a Kindle is the ideal choice. Pack light with a Kindle Oasis or its cheaper version, Kindle Paperwhite.

Travel guides: Lonely Planet travel guidebooks offer city specific guides with first-hand tips, plus great maps to navigate a new destination.

8. A local experience from Airbnb

airbnb for friends overseas

Consider purchasing a local experience as a gift idea for overseas friends. What’s better than getting to learn about a new culture than from a native? Give an Airbnb experience, it’s not just for accommodations, Airbnb has cultural immersion classes, tours, and adventure activities, there’s something for everyone. 

9. Netflix Subscription

netflix subscription

Yes—living abroad IS an adventure and yes, we hope your friend is spending more time exploring their new destination than watching TV, but… sometimes you need a night (or two) in, and when those needs arise, Netflix can be a great companion. It’s one of our favorite, oft-overlooked gifts to “send abroad.”

10. Laundry bag

laundry bags

No need to throw dirty clothes on the floor, this Two-piece travel laundry bag is a great way to stash a few loads of dirty laundry and makes transport to and from the laundry room or local laundromat easier.

11. LED photo clip display

string lights photo decorations

Gift a bit of home to your student and help them brighten up their room decor with a light clip photo display. They can bring their photos to light and hang pictures of friends and family in their bedroom. Betus 10 foot 20 LED Photo Clip is battery powered with white twinkling lights, it has two light settings and a one-year free replacement warranty. Looking for a more colorful option, get this Magnoloran Multicolored 50 Photo Clip set. It comes with a remote control that has eight lighting modes.

Make their day with these gift ideas for overseas friends 

We’re just scratching the surface with these gift ideas for overseas friends. What do you love to do together? What might they be missing the most from home? What reminds you most of them? Customize your gift to make it really meaningful, and don’t forget to make sure you buy gifts for friends abroad that mean something to you, too.

Written by Gina Duncan

Gina Duncan

Gina Duncan is a writer who loves to travel and share her adventures on My Rooftop Stories. She started traveling in college. Since then, she has been sharing her passion for travel by planning and leading teen trips through Europe and the United States. She is now focusing full time on travel, content writing, ghostwriting, and copy editing for blogs and websites. Check out her travel photos on Instagram.

Her current bucket list includes Rome, Tuscany, Mumbai, Cantabria, Reykjavik, Porto, Vietnam, Budapest, Amsterdam, and the Isle of Skye. She writes short stories and enjoy practicing yoga and meditation, journaling, taking dance classes, and watching T.V.  She’s a bit of a television aficionado, she even put her honeymoon on pause to watch her favorite show.

Categories
Best Friend Birthday

10 Awesome Birthday Gifts for Study Abroad Students

Studying abroad can be a thrilling and life-changing experience. It gives students a chance to interact with a new culture, meet people from all over the world, and grow out of their comfort zone in more ways than one. Perhaps you’re getting your bags ready for your own experience abroad? Or maybe you’re searching for inspired gifts for study abroad students in your life? 

If you’re hoping to find that perfect piece of equipment to gift to your adventurous loved one, this list of gifts for study abroad students is for you.

10 gifts for study abroad students

1. A sturdy backpack that can double as a travel bag

sturdy backpack for study abroad students

A trustworthy backpack is essential for any student who takes their education seriously (and for any traveler who wants to pack light and be ready for adventure at a moment’s notice). This bag will be your travel abroad student’s best friend, offering a comfortable fit, a rugged style, compartments to keep their belongings in order, and a durable body that will survive the heavy burden of books and binders as they run to their next class.

2. A travel adaptor to keep you plugged in

plug adaptor for study abroad

This small item can be a life-saver abroad, especially if your friend / student is planning to do some additional travel while abroad. It fits all types of plugs and allows you to charge via USB directly. It is an essential item for all globetrotters, no matter the destination.

3. A Kindle so they can magically pack their library

kindle for study abroad

Yes, nothing beats that fresh book smell, but let’s be realistic. Books take up space and are heavy. However, if your traveler is a bookworm, a Kindle will become their best friend during their time abroad, allowing them to carry their library in a single device. You can even complement it with an Amazon gift card so they can start picking some new reads right away.

4. A pair of noise-canceling headphones

noise canceling headphones for study abroad

Whether it’s a long layover at the airport or a long night camping in the library for finals, a good pair of noise-canceling headphones is a study abroad student’s best friend. The noise-canceling feature will be more than welcome when they don’t feel like listening to anything, but also don’t want the outside world to distract them! For noisy libraries or crowded commutes, this can be a game-changer as a gift for a friend going abroad for studies.

5. A battery pack to charge their devices

portable charger for study abroad

Staying connected is everything these days, and a battery pack is key to doing just that. It can be a life-saver when you’re doing airport layovers, long buses or trains, or when you head for camping adventures.

6. A world map to track their adventures

world map for study abroad adventure tracking

Nothing beats a bit of decor to give their new (and possibly generic-looking dorm room) a homey feel. Plus, this scratch-off map lets them keep track of all the amazing places you’ve visited during their time as a globetrotter, and might motivate them to see even more of the world!

7. A handy buff

buff for study abroad

A buff is a versatile piece of fabric that can act as a scarf, a sports accessory, or even an eye mask during a long trip, making it one of the more practical gifts for study abroad students. It packs light, and the variety of colors and designs means that you will surely find the perfect one to match your student’s style and personality.

8. A nice reusable water bottle

hydro flask water bottle for study abroad

A good reusable bottle is a must-have for anyone who cares about saving the environment and staying hydrated. It’ll be a trusty companion during those long nights at the library or those impromptu adventures that you’re bound to have as a study abroad student. Our pick, the Hydro Flask, gets extra points for its insulation, which helps keep their cold drinks cold and their warm drinks warm for longer.

9. A phone lens to help you capture special moments

camera lens kit for study abroad

Pictures help us keep memories alive—which is why we couldn’t pass up recommending this lens kit as a great gift for a friend going abroad for studies. This lens kit can be easily attached to their phone. It includes a wide-angle lens that is perfect to capture large ranges, such as landscapes and groups of people, as well as a macro lens that will let you zoom into those little details that make life worth living.

10. A portable Bluetooth Speaker

a portable bluetooth speaker for study abroad

A portable Bluetooth speaker can be an excellent companion for a student going abroad. Need to feel at home in a new place? Need to get a party started with people you’ve just met? Throwing an impromptu get together and need some tunes? This waterproof speaker packs a punch, packs light, and can help bring people together in any situation.

Make your gift one to remember!

Finding gifts for study abroad students can be a challenge, but this list of essentials will surely give you some inspiration. Remember to look for something that matches your loved one’s travel lifestyle and personality. They will surely appreciate having a piece of home with them as they explore the world!

Authored by Valentina Bravo

Valentina Bravo is a globetrotter and wordsmith on a mission to see as much of the world as possible. She is currently traveling around SE Asia in search of new friends, new foods, and the wisdom of ancient cultures. While she’s on the road, she works as an editor, translator, and content creator.