21 Brilliant Gifts for Friends Going Abroad
Looking for the best gifts for friends going abroad? This list will give you the inspiration you need to show your loved one how special they are to you, with a carefully thought out present for their travels.
If you have a friend about to embark on an amazing adventure overseas, you’ll want to get them the perfect gift! Travelling is a wonderful experience, but it can also be challenging – especially when it comes to staying connected with loved ones back home, and avoiding occasional homesickness.
So, here’s a list of the best gifts for friends going abroad to help them through any difficult times. These presents are both unique and practical and will help your friend stay connected and comfortable during their travels – they’re all tried and tested!
I’ve tried to include going away gift ideas for a range of budgets, from around a tenner, to a grand – we can dream!
Top gifts for friends going abroad
All the best gifts for someone travelling abroad…
1. High-quality carry-on case
Your friend is going to be doing a lot of travelling, so a high-quality carry-on case is essential. This will help them stay organised and protect their belongings while on the go.
Investing in a good suitcase is always a wise choice, but it’s especially important for someone who travels frequently.
It’s also a nice way to show your friend you’re thinking about their safety and comfort while away.
It’s important to find one that’s the right size for their needs – too big, and it will be difficult to carry, too small, and they won’t be able to fit everything in.
2. A travel journal
Another great gift for a friend who’s going abroad is a travel journal. This way, they can document their experiences in writing and keep track of all the places they visit and people they meet.
They can write about their day-to-day experiences, thoughts, and feelings, and any special moments they want to remember. Travel journals are available in a variety of styles and sizes, so you can find one that’s perfect for your friend’s needs.
This is one of the best gifts for friends going abroad, as you can pick them up for a decent price too.
3. A waterproof camera
If your friend is going on an adventurous trip and you want them to be able to document all their memories, then gifting them a waterproof camera is the best way to go!
This type of camera will enable them to take amazing photos and videos without having to worry about their camera getting wet or damaged. Plus, they’ll be able to capture moments that they may never be able to experience again. So, if you’re looking for a gift to help your friend create lasting memories, then a water-proof camera is perfect.
I have bought cheaper ones in the past, but you really do get what you pay for. I’d recommend the GoPro – I know it’s mega expensive! Even the older ones are still good though, check out eBay or Amazon resales to pick one up for a bit cheaper.
4. GPS drone with 4K camera
If your friend loves photography and tech gadgets, they’ll definitely want a GPS drone with a 4K camera.
A GPS drone with a 4K camera is the perfect way to help them capture all the amazing sights and experiences they’ll encounter. With its high-quality camera, they’ll be able to take stunning photos and videos they can share with friends and family back home. The drone’s GPS capabilities will also come in handy if they want to explore new areas or find their way back to their lodging after a long day of sightseeing.
Best of all, your friend can use the drone to capture memories that will last a lifetime. So if you’re looking for a gift to help your friend make the most of their time abroad, a GPS drone with 4K camera is perfect.
5. Wireless noise-cancelling headphones
If you have a music lover friend who’s always on the go, then a pair of wireless noise-cancelling headphones would be the perfect gift for them!
Not only will they be able to enjoy their music without being disturbed by outside noise, but they’ll also be able to appreciate the quality of the sound thanks to the noise-cancelling technology. And since they’re wireless, they’ll be able to move around freely without worrying about tangled cords.
If you’re looking for a practical and stylish gift for friends going abroad, wireless noise-cancelling headphones are a great choice.
6. Portable hard drive
A portable hard drive is one of the best gifts you can give to a friend who is going abroad. It’ll allow them to easily and quickly store and transport large files, such as photos and videos.
Additionally, it’ll give them the peace of mind of knowing that their data is safe and secure. Portable hard drives are available in a variety of capacities, so you can choose one that meets your friend’s needs. Prices also vary depending on the capacity and features of the drive. Maybe check first, this gift is a bit niche!
This is a great gift for someone going away travelling.
7. Mirror with a map
This is a great gift for your travelling friend, a pocket mirror with a special map on the back.
This personalised map compact pocket mirror can be engraved with a message for that special gift for her. The mirrors are backed with wood, which are bond actual vintage map. You can choose a location from anywhere in the world, no matter how remote or unusual.
It also comes with a linen bag to make it even more special.
8. Mobile hotspot
A mobile hotspot is one of the best gifts you can give to a friend who’s going abroad. It allows them high-speed internet access wherever they go, making it easy to stay connected with family and friends back home. Plus, it’s a great way to stay connected to social media and stay up-to-date on news and events while they’re away. And since it’s compact and portable, they can easily take it with them wherever they go.
There are a few things to consider when choosing a mobile hotspot, such as data usage and speed, but with a little research, you can find the perfect hotspot for your friend’s needs. With a mobile hotspot, your friend will always have the Internet at their fingertips, making it a great gift for anyone who is going abroad.
9. Tech organiser travel case
If your friend is always on the go and needs to take their tech gadgets with them, then a tech organiser travel case is the perfect gift for them!
This going away gift idea is large enough to hold all their essentials, such as their laptop, phone, chargers, and more. Plus, it has a variety of pockets and compartments that make it easy to organise and find everything they need. And since it’s made from durable materials, it will protect their gadgets from bumps and scratches.
The case can be customised to fit their specific needs, making it easier for them to keep track of all their belongings. So if you’re looking for a practical and stylish gift, then a tech organiser travel case is a great choice.
10. Luggage tag
A great gift for a friend going abroad is a luggage tag. It helps your friend to identify their luggage easily, and it also helps to prevent lost luggage.
A good quality luggage tag can also last for many years, making it a very practical gift. There are many different styles of luggage tags available, so you can find one that suits your friend’s personality.
Make sure that the tag is durable and will not fall off easily. Also, you need to choose a tag that is easy to read. And finally, you need to choose a tag that will stand out from other luggage tags.
This is one of the best value gifts for friends going abroad, and you can easily customise it to make it more personal too.
11. Portable Charger
A portable charger is another must-have item for anyone travelling abroad – they make for a great farewell gift for a friend.
With so many electronic devices these days, it’s essential to have a backup way to charge them when there’s no outlet available. A portable charger will come in handy countless times during your friend’s travels, whether they’re trying to snap a photo of that stunning sunset or simply need to call a taxi. There are many different types and sizes of portable chargers on the market, so you’ll be sure to find one that’s perfect for your friend.
12. Luggage straps
Travel can be a freeing and exhilarating experience, but it can also be stressful. One of the best ways to reduce stress while travelling is to be organised, and luggage straps are a great way to keep everything in its place.
Whether your friend is going on a short trip or a round-the-world adventure, these straps will help them keep their belongings secure and prevent lost items. They also make it easier to identify your luggage, which can be a lifesaver when you’re trying to find it on a busy baggage carousel. Straps come in a variety of colours and designs, so you can find a set that your friend will love. They’re an essential item for any traveller, and they make a great gift for anyone who is about to embark on an international adventure.
13. Vouchers for a local activity
Or, how about a local activity?
14. Tinggly gift voucher
You can’t go wrong with a Tinggly experience gift voucher. Literally hundreds of bucket-list experiences to choose from, all over the world. It’s perfect for travellers, or just a weekend when there’s nothing to do. And so easy to use: a few clicks and a stylish gift box is winging its way to your partner, or you can email the voucher (with a personalised note of course) if you’re really short on time.
Half the fun with Tinggly is deciding what to do: a romantic hotel stay? A soothing spa day? An exciting skydive? Or something you can share as a couple? And the other half, it’s the memories you get afterwards.
This is a great gift for lovers of the great outdoors.
15. Travel pillow
A travel pillow is a must-have item for anyone who’ll spend a lot of time on airplanes or in airports. It’s important to be comfortable when you’re travelling, and a good travel pillow can make all the difference.
The pillow can be easily folded up and stored in their carry-on luggage, and it will be a great way for them to relax and get some rest while they are away from home. If you know that your friend is going to be spending a lot of time on the plane or in the airport, this is the perfect gift for them.
16. Vacuum-insulated stainless steel travel mug
A vacuum-insulated stainless steel travel mug is a great gift for anyone who travels frequently. This type of mug will keep their drinks hot or cold for hours, and it’s also very durable. The mug is also lightweight and easy to carry, making it the perfect choice for someone who is always on the go.
Additionally, the vacuum-insulated design means that the mug won’t sweat, making it a great choice for use in hot or humid climates. If you know someone who is always on the go, this is the perfect gift for them.
17. Kindle
The Kindle makes for the perfect going-away present when your best friend is leaving for a long trip abroad. It is extremely light and portable, making it easy to carry around while travelling.
The Kindle also has a built-in light, so you can read in low-light conditions without straining your eyes. In addition, the Kindle has a huge selection of books, which means your friend will always have something new to read while on their trip. And if they run out of space on their Kindle, they can always use Amazon’s cloud storage to keep more books stored online.
Overall, the Kindle is an ideal gift for any friend who loves to read and is planning on going abroad.
18. Digital luggage scale
A digital luggage scale is a must-have item for any traveller, making it a great gift for your friend who’s going abroad. This handy device will help them weigh their bags before heading to the airport, ensuring they don’t get hit with overweight baggage fees.
The scale is small and compact, so it can easily be tucked into a carry-on bag. And it comes with a built-in LCD screen, so they can easily see the weight of their luggage.
Whether your friend is headed to Europe or Asia, this gift will help them start their trip on the right foot!
19. A Swiss Army Knife
This is one of the more niche travel gifts on the list, as it’s not always appropriate for travel to some countries or places, and doesn’t always have a use unless your travel plans involve camping or surrounding yourself with absolute wilderness on the open road. Nonetheless, as a multi-purpose gift for travel lovers, it goes a long way in terms of potential usefulness.
The Swiss army knife has plenty of purpose, with inbuilt scissors, nail files, a knife, a can opener, toothpicks and pliers – which are particularly helpful for pulling out splinters and the like. The exact tools will depend on the model of the knife, but a good quality Swiss army knife always makes a perfect and appropriate gift for any seasoned traveller.
Find your Swiss Army Knives here on Amazon, from £30.
20. Travel board games
The best travel board games are a a great idea as a gift for travel lovers. My personal favourite is Monopoly Deal, but if you click that link there are loads more great ones to choose from!
If you’re looking for some really unique travel gifts, then these travel board games are perfect for you!
21. Flip Flops
Don’t just get any old flip flop, take a look at Gandys flip flops. The guys who created these, Rob and Paul, were caught up in the tsunami in Sri Lanka on Boxing Day 2004, along with their parents. Their mum and dad managed to get their younger siblings up high before both parents were washed away by the waves.
At 13 Rob managed to pull Paul, 11, out of the way and the four children survived.
It was the last time they saw their mum and dad.
They wanted to create something to help other people affected by that day and set up the Gandys social enterprise. I met Paul at a conference and he was a really sound guy who just wanted to help the charities they’ve gone on to support.
Forget the Havaiana flipflops, give the gift of Gandys this Christmas and not only will you make someone flippy floppy happy when they open them, you’ll also make someone’s life better when the money clears.
Gifts for friends going abroad
These are just a few of the best gifts you can give to your friends who are going abroad. Whether they’re headed to Europe or Asia, these unique and practical farewell gifts for friends will help them make the most of their trip.
Do you have a friend who is going abroad? What are you planning on getting them as a going away present? Let me know in the comments below!